more makeup

Above is some of the Sonia Kashuk makeup that my two big girls found in their stocking. (Even Santa shops at Target.) I love her colors and her packaging. I had lots of fun practicing the smokey eye on the girls. The kit comes with everything including step by step illustrations. Last night before heading out to a dinner party I decided to try it on myself. Let's just say that some things are better saved for youth.

makeup

Please excuse my dearth of blogging lately. I have had a wonderful and relaxing time at home attempting to clean out closets etc. This Christmas was especially fun because I got to buy for little girls and big girls. My older girls are 11 and 13 and are in the clothing and makeup stage. I can still remember the Christmas when I got an Estee Lauder make up kit that I loved. I bought them each one of these books from Bobbi Brown. It is a fun read and I learned a few new tips.

tradition...christmas books

Auntie Claus

The year of the Perfect Christmas Tree

Alabaster's Song

The Crippled Lamb

Why Christmas trees aren't perfect

I love family traditions. One of our family's favorites takes place every night between Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have been doing it for years. We all go into our living room and one child gets to light a candle, pick the Christmas story and then blow out the candle. Above are some of the books that get chosen over and over.

addictions...

Every 2 years I splurge on new make up from Trish McEvoy. Lip gloss is another story. I frequently love to try out new lip glosses (usually from wallgreens). I always choose basically the same color (a natural sheer pink) and here are some of my favorites.

1. kiehl's lip gloss "pink rider"

2. neutrogena tinted lip balm fresh

3. benetint lip balm spf 15

4. loreal colour juice watermelon crush

5. neutrogena moisture shine gloss color first blush

5. nivia pink glossy lip care

the little things

I am far from a wine connoisseur but I usually choose red. (A remnant from a brief encounter with the south beach diet) Most of the reds that I drink are in the under $20 category and Root 1 is my absolute favorite. I also love the price...$10.

etsy children's find..hasenpfeffer

I love these dolls from hasenpfeffer via etsy, and they will do custom work.

Breakfast

Like yesterday's recipe this is also from Sakoutis via Domino. I tried it a few months ago and have been eating it ever sense. My 15 year old even requested it for breakfast.



For The Pudding:
Yields 2 cups (8 servings)
4 bananas, peeled and sliced
1 avocado, sliced
4 or 5 pitted Medjool dates
To Serve:
1 loaf manna bread
raw almond butter
blueberries and sliced strawberries
To make pudding, combine bananas, avocado slices and dates in a food processor, and pulse until pureed. For each serving, cut two 1/3"-thick slices of bread, spread each with a thin layer of almond butter and about 2 tablespoons of pudding. Top with a few blueberries and sliced strawberries. (Pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Press plastic wrap onto the surface to prevent discoloration.)

food:crudites with sesame dip

I try not to eat anything that isn't really yummy. I do stay away from processed foods but I enjoy foods from health food cook books to my favorite homemade chocolate chip cookies. This recipe is from Sakoutis (of Blueprint Cleanse) a raw food-ist via Domino Magazine. It is so delicious that I just made some to bring to the office for lunch tomorrow and I can't stop eating it.

Ingredients:
Yields 1 Cup (4 servings)
6 tbsp. raw almond butter
5 tbsp. raw sesame butter or halvah
2 tbsp. cold-pressed olive oil, plus additional if serving as a dressing
5 tbsp. Bragg liquid aminos or nama shoyu (raw soy sauce)
2 tbsp. raw apple-cider vinegar
1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped
pinch of cayenne
crudités: celery sticks, cucumber sticks, radishes

Combine almond and sesame butters, oil, liquid aminos, vinegar, garlic and cayenne in a food processor; pulse to a thick puree. Serve with raw vegetables.

fall wardrobe

After 12 years of being pregnant or nursing I am enjoying being able to purchase clothing that I know I can wear next year. (Yes I am done having babies) This fall I was able to get a few things that I love.

1. Horn cuff from my web site.

2. Ruffle dress also from my web site.

3. A comfy pair of jeans from Lucky that remind me of the Levi's I wore in college. (I wear them a little looser than the photo)

4. One of the many bags I loved from J Crew.

5. Boots from pons quintana. Definitely a splurge but they are so comfortable and have a 2 inch heal so I can wear them with all of my tall jeans.

Forever21

I am a huge fan of Forever 21 so I headed there for some Christmas goodies. Above are some of my favorites. I got the bracelet for myself and a girl friend and I got the navy trench coat for my daughter Sophie (lucky for me we are the same size).

feather trees

I have always loved feather trees. I have a pair that I bought from Martha Stewart years ago. The first is from the feather tree co, and the next two are from Christmas Traditions.

love...

I am loving these pillows from judy ross. I have a pale pink couch in my office that is longing for two graphic pillows.

about to explode

This is my favorite time of year. The morning after Thanksgiving we always go buy our Christmas trees and unload all things Christmas from the attic. I am about to explode with ideas of things to make. I am on hunt for anything that I can cover with glitter. I just discovered D.Blumchen and Co. They have reproduction and vintage supplies, ornaments and more.

charming

Reading Melodie's blog reminded me how much I love charm bracelets. Above are some that I hope Santa brings her from charm co.

If I was heading to the tropics for thanksgiving...

I would be tempted to pick up these deals on the Kate Spade web site. They are at least 50% off the original price.