1. Tocca Cleopatra Candela Luxe ($54)
Kind of a sucker over here! Yep, I’m a sucker for fancy candles, and this one is from Tocca, the makers of Bianca, which is one of my premiere most perfect perfumes of all time. Candela Luxe is a new collection of luxury candles inspired by their fragrances, and each one comes in a gorgeous glass you can repurpose. They’re also rated to burn for 60 hours (!).
The one I have is the Cleopatra, which fills my immediate vicinity with the aromas of clean, crisp cucumber and sweet grapefruit.
Ahh… 🙂
2. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Nailcolor ($9.99)
These dynamic nail polish duos have twin tips! One end has a colorful base shade, and the other end has a (very lightly) tinted top coat. The idea is that you can skip an additional base coat, and just use one of these with its accompanying top coat.
They come in a variety of colors (I’ve been wearing them a lot in videos). I’ve tested a creamy light blue shade called Endless Sky and a creamy taupe called Timeless Taupe, and Endless Sky chipped on me pretty quickly (like within a day!), but Timeless Taupe made it about five days before the first chips appeared at the edges, which isn’t bad for me, considering the heck I put my nails through every day, all day.
I’m going to try Always A Lady next, which is a dark reddish brown… I guess I’m in the mood for fall!
3. Trader Joe’s Sour Gummies ($1.99)
ERHMAHGOSH! There’s a key lime sour gummy!
I think I may have mentioned that I’ve been all about sour flavors lately (especially lime), and that’s why I put this in my shopping cart the other day.
Man, oh, man! — I’m so glad I did. They’re delicious. They’re gummier and firmer (furmier? LOL!) than regular sour gummies… They also stick to my teeth worse/more, which isn’t ideal, but I can overlook that on account of them being so tasty.
The flavors are lemon, grapefruit (YUM), lime and tangerine, and they’re all in little “T” or “J” shapes.
I WILL be getting another bag on my next trip to Trader Joe’s.
4. Taco Night
My friend, if you can, marry a man who will make you bomb-@ss tacos.
I wanted them one night, but I didn’t want to make them, and El Hub leaped into action! I don’t know how we made it so long in our relationship without me knowing that this man can MAKE SOME TACOS.
Like, he really can’t cook anything else, in general, other than the few dishes that kept him alive during his bachelor days (grilled cheese, scrambled eggs and toast, pork and bean sandwiches, that kind of thing), so I don’t always trust him to feed us properly, but the few things he can make, he makes really, REALLY well.
And one of those things are tacos.
This week we had a Taco Tuesday and a Taco Wednesday because the tacos were so good that I wanted them two nights in a row. They’re pretty basic — diced tomatoes, shredded iceberg lettuce, ground beef (or ground veggie-burger), shredded cheddar cheese, full-fat sour cream, diced black olives and crispy corn taco shells from Trader Joe’s — but daaaayum! So good.
5. Mossimo MB Printed Tank Top from Target ($22.99)
Hello, new favorite top! 🙂
I think it looks pricier than it actually is. I found it while shopping for pajamas at Target, and it was so cute that I involuntarily dropped it in my cart.
Mine is a little different than the one shown here. It’s solid black (I got the last one in the store!), but I think this printed one is cute too.
I love the detailing around the neckline and the shoulders, and how it drapes around the torso without looking messy or too baggy. The fabric also holds up well without becoming a mass of wrinkles.
I like wearing it with skinnies or leggings, and with either oversized stud earrings or hoops and a bracelet.
How about you? What are 5 things you’ve been loving lately?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Lulle says
Oh that candle looks so pretty. That engraved lid!
So what I’ve been loving lately:
– our shorts. You know which ones I’m talking about 😛 I’ve been wearing them a lot for the past month or so!
– my Sanuk Yoga Mat Flip Flops. Those flip flops are the comfiest ever, the sole is so cushy!
– YSL Pop Water Glossy Stain. I’ve been wearing it in Eau de Corail at least 3 times a week for the past month and a half. Moisturizing, glossy and it wear really long too.
– tzatziki. It’s cucumber in yogurt, tzatziki is the Greek name and cacik the Turkish name for it. I make it myself, it’s super easy, and deliciously refreshing in the heat!
– white beers. I’m usually more of a wine person, but it was so hot in the past few weeks that a cold beer was always more tempting than a glass of Bourgogne! White beers have always been my faves, they’re light and sweet with very little bitterness. My top 2: Hoegaarden (imported from Belgium) and Blue Moon (domestic creaft). Icy cold with a slice of lemon please!
Karen says
I looove the lid. I was wondering if anyone would notice it. 🙂
And lol, “our shorts”! It’s so true though.
Was it hot there today? It was comfy and cool here in Nor Cal!
anusha says
Oooh the tacos look yummmyy! I love the brown printed top..u should get it if it’s available. .
Hmmmm 5 things i’m loving lately. .
1.my super moisturizing lipstick-ysl rouge volupte shine corail incandescent. In fact, i wore it once or twice last week at home as a lip balm..lol!
2.cupcakes with coffee flavour butter cream frosting. .delicious! !
3.revlon tuscan sun nail polish-orangey brick red..suits me a lot
4.bodysuits of my new born daughter from m&s
5.all john green novels-amazing hilarious books.. (went on an amazon shopping spree)
What novels have u been reading lately karen?
Karen says
Hi Anusha,
Ahh, that’s cool that you went on a book spree! I’ve read a couple of his books, Fault In Our Stars and Looking for Alaska and enjoyed them both. Let’s see, earlier this summer I really enjoyed Beatriz William’s The Secret Life of Violet Grant, although if you do read this, you have to read A Hundred Summers first. Both are excellent books.
Those cupcakes with the coffee frosting sound AMAZING by the way. Did you make them?!
anusha says
Ohh..thank you so much for the book suggestions..i’m always on the lookout for new authors to read..will definitely check them out..
Nah! I didn’t make the cupcakes..i wish! My hubby got them for me from a local bakery bcoz i’ve got my hands full looking after my toddler n newborn and sleepless nights..
But i can bake good chocolate n walnut brownies and chocolate cake.. 🙂
Holly says
Happy Friday to you! I love your list this week; I like the challenge of coming up with the things that I love because then it puts me in a happy mood. 😀
In no particular order, here are the five things I’m loving right now:
1. Becca’s Beach Tint Souffle in Lychee/Opal; a real splurge for me but I’ve been craving it for months! I love the feel & the look & the other day, I used it on my lids (with a pewter eyeliner) as well as on my cheeks. Such a lovely flushed look!
2. InStyle’s September issue, the giant fall edition; I spent an inordinate amount of time perusing it yesterday. I may not dress as if I have any fashion sense, but I really do! And I love seeing the forecasted trends & then tracking them through the upcoming months.
3. Love Buzz Organic Fair Trade coffee; I picked up a package on sale at Central Market which is like a more affordable Whole Foods. The coffee is smooth & rich, not bitter at all, and I feel good about drinking something that is not exploitative & is organic.
4. EcoTools smoothing hairbrush; I have fine straight hair and I have a lot of it. This brush smoothes the flyaways, making my hair soft & shiny & it’s made from recycled materials.
5. Lay’s gyro-flavored potato chips; they definitely taste like gyros! Sometimes flavored chips don’t live up to their hype but these do & they satisfy late-night cravings when Gyro Heroes is closed!
I hope you have a lovely weekend! I’m watching my nieces for a few hours tomorrow while my sister-in-law participates in a mud-run & I might hang out with one of my friends on Sunday.
Jennifer says
I love Becca Beach Tint Souffle too. But I haven’t tried the Lychee color yet. It lasts forever.
That Love Buzz Organic Fair Trade coffee is one of my most favorite coffees ever. They sell it at my natural foods store but I love it when they brew a pot. So, so, so good.
anusha says
I didn’t realize it ..but the challenge of thinking of the 5 things did put me in a good mood! makes me grateful for what i have.. i was in a not so good mood due to some issues..but this this post definitely perked me up… Thanks again karen! 🙂
Jennifer says
There are few things in life as satisfying as a plate of tacos, ultimate comfort food I say and even better if someone else has made them. I would add slices of avocado and a sprinkling of cilantro.
My five things, hmmm, I wasn’t expecting to have to think of this tonight:
1. the novelist Deborah Harkness. She wrote the All Souls Trilogy. I just started reading the third novel, which is called The Book of Life. It’s seriously probably the best novels I’ve ever read and I’ve read a lot.
2. Bar Food for dinner. We just got back from a local place where I made a meal of fried mushrooms with horseradish dipping sauce and a cold frosty one. Delish.
3. The Yoga By Candace App, it’s convenient and seeing it on my phone is a reminder to practice
4. Icy cans of San Pellegrino in grapefruit or lemon
5. Leopard print–it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, which thrills me. This week I’ve found leopard print belts, purses and shoes that I need.
Linda says
Jennifer, are tastes are so similar it’s scary!
Linda says
Wow, gotta check out the YSL lippies! And Jennifer is right, the All Souls trilogy is a great read, especially the first book.
My current 5, in no particular order:
1. A dress I got in a white leopard pattern, I’ve worn it several times, dressed up and down
2. Kate Bosworth boots with star studs I splurged on, but they are so comfortable and add a cool vibe to everything.
3. Smores
4. Working out at the gym (Smores, you know)
5. And I love, love this blog! Just got the Chanel Stylo for tight lining and Karen, it absolutely works as well as you said it would!
Kwmechelle says
1. Becca Champaign Pop- guess who now is certifiably addicted to highlighters? This oily combo skin girl right here.
2. Daisy Dukes- yes, short shorts. I bought a pair from a consignment shop the other day to wear to the beach. I also tried on a pair at Target today. So, yeah, although summer is nearly over, I’m working short shorts. Whodathinkit?
3. Candy- I have a sweet tooth & I ain’t ashamed to admit it.
4. Gel nail polish- any color 🙂
5. Ray Ban sunnies – I got a pair from Guess & they’re white rimmed & bad a$$.
6. Candy flavored popcorn. See number 3 above.
7. Undercut- I’ve been keeping mine cut every other week. And get many compliments with it. It only reinforces the bad a$$ I already feel like based on number 5 ?
Maggie says
1. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society audio book. It’s adorable, entertaining, and funny–but there is a tiny bit of bleakness to balance things out. The narrators did an excellent job with the voices–the characters come to life!
2. Chipotle (the restaurant chain–not the pepper). I just recently discovered that they make quesadillas! Soooo yummy!
3. Pocky.
4. A cream eyelet tank from Banana Republic.
5. The local library. I recently rediscovered it and now check out at least 10 things at a time. The librarians always have great recommendations. It’s also quite gorgeous–looks out at our local marina. I hang out there during my breaks.
LindaLibraLoca says
Hm, five things:
1. My MaxFactor baked blush-so pretty.
2. One (just one) glass of cold Coke Zero in the evening
3. Picking tomatoes from our balcony with my daughter
4. Having the weekend off (as this week, yay)
5. Driving to work while the sun rises.
Michaela says
Karen you are a lucky woman to have El Hub make you tacos – two nights in a row! If I’m lucky and my husband wakes up early on a Saturday morning, he’ll make omlettes, french toast, and strong coffee!
Rachel R. says
Hello! That candle is really pretty. It sounds like it smells divine. My husband loves scented candles and incense.
Lately I’m all about COLOR, even more so than usual. It makes me happy.
1) Nyx Prismatic Shadow in Mermaid. I’ve only had it a few days, but I’m obsessed. I’ve tried it by itself (sheer), over white base, and over black base. Next I’m going to try it with glitter glue primer.
2) Bright colored mascaras on my lower lashes. I got a bunch of Jordana and Nyx colors and I’m having a blast. I’m not allergic to any yet. (Knock on wood.)
3) UD Electric Palette. I use mine quite a lot, but this past month I’ve been super “into” it. It makes me happy. And it goes well with the mascaras.
4) My magenta-red hair. I was only planning on it for the summer for fun, and then I was going to go back to auburn. Now I love it so much and get so many compliments on it, I’m going to keep it long-term.
5) Liquid lipsticks, because I don’t have to worry about them melting in my purse in this horrible heat.
Erin says
I love that top! I wonder if it comes in other colors!
Aditi says
I love that top and that candle! Oh everything is so good 😀