My Favorite Things

There are products that I tell friends about over and over again because they are just SO good that I want to share them with the world. Most of "my favorite things" I have shared on the blog before, but in case you missed them, I thought I would write a quick summary post.

Printstagram/Print Studio Mini Books- I make these little books with photos of the Mini Fashionista twice a year, Christmas and Mother's Day. They make a perfect gift for grandparents, aunts and other family members. You choose the photos directly from your Instagram account.

Printstagram/Print Studio Poster- I use the poster as a scrapbook for the Mini. I make them once a year and have the poster framed in her room. She likes looking at the old photos as much as I do. 

Blinc Mascara- If you're looking for a no-hassle, no-smudge mascara that you can take throughout your day with no re-application, blinc mascara is your answer. Instead of painting your lashes like conventional mascaras, blinc mascara forms tiny no-smudge, water-resistant "tubes" around your lashes. Once applied, these mascara tubes bind to your lashes and cannot run, smudge, clump, or flake, even if you cry or rub your eyes.

Angela Caputi Resin Bracelet- It's no secret that both Katie and I love these bracelets. We wear them with everything.

Yum Box- This lunch box works perfectly for the Mini Fashionista. It's leak proof, easy for her to open and close and dishwasher safe! They even make adult boxes now!

Merin Bags-  If you don't have one of these bags yet, what are you waiting for? I have 3! I take them everywhere with me....to the gym, on the airplane, car trips. You name it, my Merin bags have been there.

The Wet Brush- As far as I am concerned, there is no better brush for wet hair. I love it. The mini Fashionista loves it. You need one.

Trader Joe's Honey Mango Cream Shave-  Nothing fancy here. Just good, well priced shaving cream that doesn't require an extra stop at Target or a drug store.

And lastly, in honor of Easter this weekend...

Cadbury Royal Dark Chocolate Mini Eggs- I've nearly given up all holiday related candy, candy corn, candy canes, etc. But, these are just so good that I can't go through the Easter season without buying at least one bag. After over a month of temptation, earlier this week, I finally succumb and bought a bag. They are worth every calorie.

Makeup Makeover

When we went to the White House Correspondents Dinner last month (recap here), I got my makeup done before the event. I'm not a big makeup person, in fact, as you might have read here if it doesn't come from the drug store (with a few exceptions), it probably isn't going on my face. 

But after having a professional work her magic, I realized it was probably time for a refresh.  So I made the investment and went home with Laura Mercier foundation primer, eye basics, nude smoky eye palette, mosaic shimmer bloc, second skin cheek color, and a cheek colour brush. The only things I wanted to stick with in my routine were Missha M Perfect Cover B.B. Cream, which is a tinted moisturizer with SPF 42 from Korea (it's amazing), and Blinc mascara (both products get two enthusiastic thumbs up). 

And while I may have had a professional do my makeup once and I'm armed with all the right products, I'm by no means an expert. For me, the eyes are the toughest part. Thankfully the interwebs are there to help me out. Bobbi Brown has a great everyday eye tutorial. 

And now that I've made the investment, I should probably be better about cleaning my brushes. According to Real Simple, which is a legit source in my book, you should use a spray to clean them weekly, and do a more thorough cleaning monthly....let's just say I'm due since I haven't cleaned the brushes since I bought them over a month ago (I literally ordered a spray off Amazon in the midst of typing this post). 

And one last thing, I keep all my makeup in this handy acrylic organizer from The Container Store (the OCD in me gets excited just saying the name, The Container Store). 

It's super convenient for trips to the gym or car travel. I don't have to pack everything up into a cosmetic bag - just grab and go. 

How much do you spend on your morning makeup routine? Any good tips or products I should know about?

Random Musings

Blogging is a lot of work. And sometimes full sentences just don't come together. So here are a few things I just want to share with you.

These barrettes are AH-MAZING. Color block cuteness.

Have you seen this video from Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg on why we have too few women leaders? She is a rock star. Watch it.

Are you in the market for new mascara that doesn't smudge? Regan and I use Blinc and IT IS THE BEST!

R. Nichols note cards are a favorite of mine. They have an assortment of simple and sophisticated designs. I love the Washington Monument! I think I need a dog.

These clutches from American Apparel are the best.

While browsing on Pinterest I recently stumbled upon Sir Jack's and this Nantucket Red Duffle Bag. An overnight is in order so I can buy this. Deductive reasoning at its finest.