One of My Favorites: Energy Bubbles

Every day around 2 or 3pm, I hit a major wall.  And I mean MAJOR.  I need a jump start but there is really not an easy solution.  I cannot have coffee that late in the day or I won't be able to sleep and I am just not a soda drinker so that is out of the question. 

At the SPACE.NK event I was introduced to Energy Bubbles by David Kirsch, an alternative to caffeine for that afternoon pick-me-up.  Each packet consists of yerba mate, taurine, ginseng, potassium, and B vitamins and you simple mix with a 16 oz. bottle of water.  I was a little skeptical when I first tried it but could not believe how well it worked.  It felt like I had just had a big cup of coffee but did not give me the after effects of caffeine and did not keep me up all night.  Exactly what I needed.  I now keep a packet on hand at all times for that afternoon slump.  They are a definite must for anyone who needs a pick-me-up at the end of the day (isn't that all of us??). 

One Of My Favorites: Frye Boots

I became a major fan of Frye boots back in 2005 when I made my first purchase of the Harness boot.

Over the past 6 years, these boots have been through a lot and STILL look like I just bought them.  Then last year, I open up these beauties on Christmas morning.

These Celia Over the Knee Boots are insane.  They look amazing over skinny jeans or leggings and I cannot wait for the weather to cool down to pull these out again.

This year, I now have my eye on the Billy Short Boot.  

I really want to get a pair of causal short boots and I love the light color of these.  They would be such a fabulous addition to my closet and will definitely be going on my Christmas list this year.

One of My Favorites: L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes

I have two major issues with mascara.

1. I have long lashes and no matter what I use (waterproof or not), my lashes touch my eyelid and they leave marks.

2. It takes about 50 cotton balls and 1/2 a bottle of eye makeup remover (perhaps exaggerating a bit...) to take off mascara from the lashes, under the lids and then again in the morning when more seems to appear.

I have tried numerous mascaras from Maybelline to Dior and NOTHING has solved these two problems.  I mentioned these issues to my sister and she recommended L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes.

This stuff is fantastic.  It makes my lashes look insane (even longer than they are if that is possible), does not leave any marks on my eyelids AND, since they are tubes, they simply slide right off when washing my face with NO residue.  And as if that was not enough, you cannot beat the price!  FABULOUS!

One of My Favorites: Dr. Perricone Moisturizers

Face Moisturizers are a big deal to me.  This is for a number of reasons.

1. I have very sensitive skin

2. I have lived my life in the sun 

3. I do not need any additional fine lines than I already have

4. I HATE oily, thick lotions

After spending countless years testing different moisturizers, I have finally found two that I will never veer away from.  The first is Dr. Perricone Face Finishing Moisturizer

I absolutely love this.  It is lightweight, works amazing under makeup and has never made me breakout.  Not only that, it smooths fine lines and, I think, has made my skin look so much better.  Incredible.

Because I live in Orange County, sunscreen is also a HUGE deal around here.  I never leave the house without it on.  My go-to facial sunscreen is Dr. Perricone More than Moisture SPF 30.

It provides amazing daily protection, and just like the Face Finishing, is extremely lightweight and works incredibly well under my makeup.

Depending on the weather I will sometimes use both lotions, Face Finishing first, followed by the SPF.  On a typical day though, I will trade out the face finishing for the SPF to ensure I have protection all day long.

If you remember this post, you will have now probably guessed that I am a big Dr. Perricone fan.  If you are looking for a new skin care line, I highly recommend checking it out.  Each product I have added to me regimen continues to impress me.  You can find it all here.

One of My Favorites: Capes

Yes, I know I live in Southern California.  Yes, I understand that in this climate you do not need much more than a sweater or light weight jacket to make it through winter.  But you know what?  I don't care and it does not stop me from embracing winter wardrobes as if I lived in New York in the middle of December.  My favorite of the winter wardrobes are capes.  I ADORE.  I asked my husband for a cape last Christmas and even though he looked at me like I was insane, he still delivered this Burberry Brit beauty Christmas morning.

Truth be told, he actually delivered a different Burberry cape that morning and I just had to make quick trip to the store for the one I really wanted.  That is besides the point though.  I am obsessed with it and the photos just do not do it justice.  Have I worn it a ton?  No, but I pull it out whenever the weather allows.  

I was so excited to open up the September issue of InStyle and see that capes are back for another season and there are some gorgeous ones out there.  From Net-a-Porter to Zara, they are everywhere.  Here is this year's Burberry Brit cape that I am loving but am trying to see how I can justify having two (black and grey are different right?  And what about buttons and toggles?  Totally different)....

Burberry Horn Toggle Wool Cape

One of My Favorites: Laura Mercier

I am a true Laura Mercier follower.  The first product I ever purchased was the Tinted Moisturizer in "Sand" back in college.  It was perfection in a tube and I was sold.  That began an addiction that has yet to slow down.  It is not very often I venture out to other makeup lines because, well, if it works, why would I?  The majority of my face makeup is made up of the line.  Here are some of my absolute favorites that you would be silly not to try.

Mineral Pressed Powder with SPF 15

I don't walk out of the house without this on.  Not only does it even out my "not so even-toned" skin, it also has SPF.  Double whammy.  And it is extremely light so you do not feel like you have anything on.

"Creme Smooth" Foundation

Night out on the town?  Social gathering?  This is your man.  To be complete vain, whenever I know I am going to be photographed I wear this (obviously no paparazzi as I am no "real" housewife, just friends with cameras hidden in their clutches).  You barely need any and it covers EVERYTHING.  It makes your face look completely flawless and photographs amazingly well.

Tightline Cake Eyeliner

This is the perfect eyeliner.  It is fabulous to wear under the top lashes for day but is so much fun to play with for a more dramatic look at night.  I swear by this and have it in black ebony, bleu marine and forest green.

Creme Brulee Honey Bath

I love bubble bathes and the smell of this is incredibly decadent.  It is a fabulous gift for a friend or something that you could keep selfishly for yourself.  

One of My Favorites: Being Green

Before I begin this post, I must confess.  I drive a Yukon.  YES, I understand my carbon footprint.  I get it. Should I be driving it?  No.  Do I love it?  Absolutely.  Am I perfect?  Nope.  So, moving on.

Besides my beast of a car, I actually do make a HUGE effort to be more green and earth friendly when it comes to what my family eats, how we clean and the products I use on the little ones.  I have tested numerous products and have developed some absolute favorites.  Here is my quick list of what you all need to go out and try, especially if you drive an SUV like me....

RuMe Bags

AMAZING reusable shopping bags.  Fabulous prints, carry a TON and are machine washable.  RuMe has a ton of products available but these are my favorite.

   Mrs. Meyers Baby Blossom Lotion and Shampoo

There is no greater smell than a baby washed in Mrs. Meyers Baby Blossom Shampoo and them smothered in the lotion.  YUMMY!  I actually think the entire Mrs. Meyers Baby Blossom line is fantastic and continue to use it for Baby Girl.

Ecover Dishwasher Tablets

I have found that these tablets work better than other green products for the dishwasher.  Believe me, I have tried a TON.

BabyGanics Dish Dazzler

I used this soap to wash all of Baby Girl's bottles and continue to use it for her pacificers.  Cleans them well, smells good and does not leave a filmy residue on anything.  

Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes

I probably go through a tub of these a week due to my children having the amazing ability to spill EVERYTHING.  I use them to wipe up every mess and to disinfect all of our toys.  They are my right hand man.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

I adore our local CSA program and if you have not heard about it, go to the above link and check it out.  Each week you pick up a basket from a local farm filled with organic fruits and vegetables that were picked only days (if not a day) before.  You never know what you are going to get, but that is what makes it fun as you try things you would never pick out yourself at the store.  It also leads to a ton of variety and supports local agriculture.  As an additional note, the price you pay is VERY reasonable vs. what you would spend for the exact same organic produce at your local Whole Foods.

One of My Favorites: Timi and Leslie

Who doesn't love a diaper bag that looks nothing like a diaper bag?  Thanks to my sister, I was introduced to the Charlie bag by Timi and Leslie.  Though not one store in Orange County carried this bag, I was able to track it down it here and have it the next day (LOVE diapers.com).  The Charlie has all the compartments you can imagine, stroller straps, bottle holder, a clutch for your things and most importantly, it looks like a fabulous handbag.  This bag allows me to carry all the gear I need for three children without making it look like I am carrying my entire house with me (which, I usually am).  And, as a side note, it doubles as a fantastic carry on bag for my "mommy needs to getaway" trips.

One of My Favorites: Soft Joie Redmond Mini Stripe Long Skirt

Love, love this Soft Joie Redmond Mini Stripe Long Skirt.  Love the stripes, love how soft it is and love the length.  It is a recent purchase I made once realizing it will actually touch the ground on my 6 ft. frame.  It is extremely comfortable and can be dressed up or down.  Perfect for Spring.  And who knew Joie had a second line?  I didn't, but will definitely be keeping an eye out now. 

One of My Favorites: Tory Burch Five Pocket Denim Legging

There is only one thing I need to say about these Tory Burch Five Pocket Denim Leggings.  BEST JEANS EVER.  They are the perfect combination of fitting like a legging but still looking like a jean.  They are extremely slimming and are snug in all the right places.  I am currently contemplating a second pair just in case TB decides to discontinue them.  The only problem now is that I have given up wearing any of my other jeans in favor of these ones.  LOVE.