1. Pears
Mmm… Sweet green, juicy pears. I love them so much right meow! I got a huge bag of organic pears at Trader Joe’s last Sunday, and most of them have already managed to find their way into my tum. 🙂 I might be on the verge of a full-on pear obsession.
I get that way sometimes about certain foods, where I ravenously crave them every day, over and over for weeks or months, and it’s starting to happen with pears.
I still haven’t succumbed to the temptation to “borrow” any from the huge pear tree I pass every day on my walk, but today may be the day… We’ll know by around 7 o’clock tonight.
2. Tocca scents
I keep a bunch of perfumes on this cake stand display on top of my dresser, but the only one I’ve been wearing lately is Byredo Gypsy Water, and I’ve been wearing it for months.
Hmm… This might be a good time to try a different scent every day with a scent of the day series on Instagram! That might be fun.
In the process of sniffing some of these today I discovered that a couple of them had gone sour. 🙁 The ancient bottle of Estée Lauder Private Collection perfume I’ve had forever smelled like moonshine, OMG!
It broke my heart to ditch it because it was a gift, but in the process of test sniffing these, I rediscovered some old faves, like, basically, EVERYTHING from Tocca.
Why did I ever stop wearing Tocca?? Their scents, while delicate, still have such presence, and whenever I wear one I just feel…chipper and glad. And, hello! — they last all day long too.
Today I’m wearing Violette, which I really like (but I like Bianca and Graciella even more).
3. Aveda Clove Color Conditioner
I have caramel highlights in my hair from about the mid-shaft to the ends, and I’ve been using and LOVING this Aveda Clove Color Conditioner ($21) to keep ’em looking vibrant and fresh.
All I do is wash my hair, then use Clove instead of my regular conditioner, and I leave it in for a few minutes before rinsing it out. I think it makes my highlights much richer (Clove in place of my regular conditioner once a week is enough to keep the highlights poppin’), and it has a fresh, very Aveda-esque herbal scent that I like. The only thing is…it’s kind of pain to keep the shower stall clean when you use it because it’s pigmented, so it’ll leave a stain in the tub if you’re not careful.
That’s why I bring a scrub brush with me into the shower, and after I rinse my hair, I’ll quickly scrub the shower walls to remove any spots or smears.
4. Rita Hazan Root Concealer in Dark Brown/Black
Dude, I am SO over my roots…
My next hair appointment isn’t until the end of the month, and the only thing currently saving me from walking around with a raspberry beret 24/7 is this Root Concealer by Rita Hazan ($25). It’s a pigmented spray to cover up gray hairs and/or roots, and it washes out with shampoo. So basically it’s like concealer for your hair, and it comes in a bunch of different colors (I have it in Dark Brown/Black).
It conceals everything, and I’m talking EVERYTHING, and doesn’t make my scalp itchy, dry or uncomfortable. The pigment also stays where it belongs (on your head), so there isn’t any transferring onto pillows or clothing. All that, plus, it’s easy to wash out and doesn’t have a funky scent either.
It’s GREAT stuff. I love it so much that I actually got a bottle for my dad, LOL!
5. Messy buns and/or ponytails for fourth-day hair
I am currently on fourth-day hair today, so it’s up in a ponytail, and ponytails (and/or buns) are THE BEST when I just can’t take it anymore, but I’m still not quite ready to deal with washing my hair and styling it.
It’s times like these that I spray a bunch of Klorane Dry Shampoo on my scalp to take away the funk and absorb excess oil. Then I run a brush through my hair, and put it up into a pony or bun.
So it looks like this list turned into “The Hair Edition,” haha!
What are some things you’ve been loving lately?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Two things: first yes to an instagram scent series!
second: I used to use Aveda Clove way back in the day when I was still a brunette (hah) and Loved It. The scent is the best but I do remember it being stainy.
My five things right now:
1. Swedish Fish gum, Trident, I think. If they’d come up with this years ago I’d be wearing pants two sizes smaller.
2. Gladiolas, they are such an elegant flower and I got some gorgeous ones at a roadside stand last week. I love the name and the shorthand name, Glads, it sounds like an ancient woman.
3. I’ve got to include the Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up book again. I kon-maried my closet last week and I just can’t get over how wonderful it’s been. I feel like a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Plus, getting dressed in the morning is a joy instead of a headache.
4. Toaster ovens, so good for toasting up a few snacks when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen by turning the oven on. We were rocking another 90 degree day in Maine!
5. the new Makeup Forever HD foundation–can’t remember the name. I feel so much more beautiful with it on 🙂
That’s so sad about your EL Private Collection! I just got a small bottle from my mom for a birthdays a couple months back and it’s so lovely. I also have a mini bottle of Tocca Cleopatra that I love too.
So 5 things!
1) The Man From UNCLE. I saw this twice last month. I might see it again, it’s that good and Armie Hammer and Henry Cavill are so dreamy! It’s a fab little 60s spy movie with lots of action and some comedy and eye candy!
2) Haus of Gloi, a little online vegan perfumery and bath product company based in Oregon. They just released their fall collection and I ordered three perfumes! I’m going to smell like pumpkins and marshmallows and all things fall.
3) Skinny Cow ice cream bars and sandwiches, it’s so yummy!
4) Becca’s Champagne Pop highlighter, ahhh so pretty! My first Becca purchase and I’m in love.
5) Adult coloring books! I have one called Enchanted Forest by Johanna Basford. It’s really intricate and a nice way to relax.
That’s an adorable picture of you and Tabs–you seem to have each other’s complete attention. He allows himself to be walked?
Thanks so much for introducing the Root Concealer. I’m going to have to get some.
5 Things I’be Been Loving Lately
1. I have to mention this audio book again: Eat Cake by Jeanne Ray. I’ve got the most awful craving for cakes. Seriously, it’s NEVER been this bad! I haven’t made a scratch cake in almost two decades (apparently, as a kid, I was a much better baker) but I’m tempted to start now.
2. Pears are also my go-to fruit. There’s just something about eating pears that makes the day feel right. It makes my cake craving go away–until I start listening to the audio book again.
3. I second the book Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I’ve never been so satisfied to look at my drawers.
4. My local library. Seriously, it’s been super wonderful there. I can satisfy my book-shopping tendencies without actually accumulating books! Before, I would buy books on a whim and end up with boxes of books I’ve forgotten about. Now, I can read and just enjoy being around stacks of books–rather than being overwhelmed by them.
5. Paula’s Choice 8% AHA Gel: I’ve seen a HUGE difference in the texture of my skin during the week I’ve been using it. Amazing.
Yay! Another faves list!
1. I am loving the cooler weather & the rain we’ve had for the past week up here in Washington State! I’m such a Washingtonian at heart that I prefer the damp to the heat pretty much 95% of the time.
2. Wet’n’Wild’s Lip Stain “Lady and the Vamp–it’s a deep berry hue & a super inexpensive way for me to even see if darker lip colrs look good on me. I’m pretty impressed with the color & the staying power from a $2 product. I put it on dark & then blot so it “stains” & the stain remains for several hours, wearing off gradually & not weirdly. Still jonesing for the NARS Janet like you recommended, though!
3. Almonds. I love almonds: raw for snacking, unsalted dry roasted bits in curried chicken salad, slivered on top of casseroles, oven roasted in a little butter & some za’atar, & of course almond butter smeared on well-toasted English muffins.
4. Tom’s of Maine toothpaste. I’ve always bought whatever toothpaste is on sale & never paid it much attention but I found a tube of Tom’s on clearance. I think I’m converted! The toothpaste is pepperminty without being overpowering & I love what the company stands for.
5. My owl-pattened fleece blankies! I like my room to be on the downright cold side as I’m always hot & since the nights are getting cooler, I’d rather nest in a pile of blankets rather than turn on the heat.
1. Oreo cookies- it’s all i’ve been snacking since my delivery 8weeks ago..heck! I started having my solid food after c-section with oreos n milk..ha!
2.’last vegas’ and ‘parental guidance’..2 completely different movies but awesome comedies.. must watch ..can even cure mild depression! jus’ kidding.. I was laughing out loud like anything. .
3.the novel ‘just one day’ by gayle foreman that i got as a gift..can’t wait to read it..
4.the novel ‘mutton’ by indian knight that i gifted myself..lol! Yeah..i’m a book worm! 🙂
5.the aloe vera moisturizer by nature republic.. it smells great..feels so cool on the skin.. just love it! Feels good to massage it on my legs and arms when i want to pamper myself..
I love these posts, Karen!
Here is my list:
1) My friends. That counts, right?
2) New red bag.
3) Gel manicure that lasts for weeks.
4) Music late at night.
5) My Dior sunglasses.
Pears are my favorite fruit.
I even invented an amazing and easy pear cocktail.
Get a can of pears and a fresh pear. Pour some of the syrup from the can in a cocktail glass. Pour vodka on top. Slice fresh pear and put on rim, garnish with fresh mint leaf.
Favourite things lately…
1. MY bed. It’s getting pretty cool at night in Calgary and I’m that person that never closes my windows because I love the fresh air. I currently have not one, but two feather beds under my super thick flannel sheets with my big fluffy duvet on top. It’s like sleeping in the most perfect cozy marshmallow. I don’t think I’ve been to work on time once in the last couple weeks!
2. Books. A couple weeks ago I was home to Ontario to visit my family and forgot my hard drive and laptop cord when I came home. Duh! So while I’m waiting for those to be shipped back to me, I’ve been reading constantly. I tried watching tv but the commercials made me so mad!
3. Sweet Cherry Tomatoes. I know that’s kinda random but I just can’t seem to get enough. They’re so good.
4. Smirnoff Ice Peach Bellini. Now before you think I’m an alcoholic, I’m not but these are so yummy. I actually grabbed one as I was going out the door the other day then remember these have vodka in them so probably not the best thing to drink while driving. I don’t actually taste the vodka so much but am loving the peach soda side of these.
5. Eucerin and Coconut Oil. This is something I started doing a couple months ago. My face is super oily but the skin on my body seems to always be so dry. After trying the obscene amount of body lotion I had in my house, I decided that the Eucerin line is the only thing that actually works for me. I started adding a bit of coconut oil to the mix because it smells super yummy and gives your skin the most beautiful healthy glow but absorbs in so it doesn’t leave me feeling greasy. You only need a tiny amount of the coconut oil. And the best part about using just the Eucerin is that it’s fragrance free so it doesn’t interfere with any perfume.
Oooh, this makes me want pears!
1. Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet has become my favorite perfume as of late (Sorry Chanel Chance Eau Tendre!) So good, lightweight, decent longevity. It’s very much in the same category as my other favorite perfumes, but a bit different. My long discontinued Dior Addict Shine stays around because I bought it in Paris and the bottle is pretty, but it’s gone off a bit.
2. Dresses! I haven’t worn pants in ages (except for shorts and working out). This is partially because I’ve gained some weight though.
3. CeraVe skin renewing cream serum! A pretty weak retinol that smooths out my skin.
4. Granola! Namely Chex Honey Nut gluten free granola
5. Our new place! We’re finally all done moving and the condo we moved to is so much better than the house we were living in.
I love pears.
My five:
1) Notoriously Morbid eyeshadow in Autumn Flower. I was obsessed last fall. I got a sample and wrote them and stalked their website till it became permanent last winter. They actually wrote me because it went online earlier than expected because I was such a fan of it. That’s customer service! I’m going to be wearing it like crazy this fall, too, along with their other gorgeous reds and purples.
2) Wild Berry incense sticks. The root beer scent is amazing.
3) e.l.f. Studio Mad for Matte Eyeshadow Palette. The best all-matte drugstore palette I’ve ever used. It beats out a lot of higher-end mattes, for that matter.
4) ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in Dr. M. The best deep teal lip shade EVER. I got six colors of Ultra Mattes, and they’re a mixed bag quality-wise, but this shade is a winner. I wore it out while doing my errands yesterday. It didn’t budge, even when I ate and drank.
5) Fresh seafood. I went the Oregon Coast (Newport, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay) for a few days for my anniversary, so I ate fresh seafood at almost every meal. I got spoiled and now I’m missing it. 😉
LOVE anything buy Aveda!!
Some of the things I have been loving..
1. Salmon, I’ve been on a health food kick lately!
2. Netflix, always! But right now, Scandal Season 4!
3. Long weekends, I’ve had a few recently and another coming this weekend!
4. My Laura Mercier lipstick in Antique Pink.
5. BLT’s with Avocado! Yum!
1. Bite Frozen Berries Lipstick in Plum
2. King Salmon, on sale a Whole Foods for 2 weeks now!
3. Bananas! Been getting muscle cramps and these are helping
4. Rain, it’s been raining in WA and it smells soooo good!
5. Light weight cardis. Helllllllooooo Fall!
Aveda is the best! I just went back to them for my shampoo (the volumizing one) and now I’m kicking myself for trying to make do with drugstore. But speaking of drugstore, I’m loving Shea Moisture’s 10-in-1 renewal hair masque. It smells like fruity candy and makes my hair so happy!
1. Pepper and olive oil Triscuits, they have a slight lemony flavor. If I am not careful I will
eat the entire box in one setting!
2. Colin Farrell, whoops I mean his movies 🙂 really, need I say more?
3. Too Faced LOVE palette. At first glance, I was not that thrilled but wow, once you put
them then on your eyes, it simply looks amazing!
4. Chanel Le Lift eye and mouth cremes. They are super expensive but worth it.
5. My kitty, Bob, she is such a sweetie
Oh I love Tocca!! Bianca is my absolute favorite, my big bottle is almost gone, and I’m ready to pick up the next one. I love the little sets they come out with around the holidays. Great way to try all the scents. I picked up Tocca Meet the Girls last year and its such an adorable tin can that its housed in. Came with 10 diff ones, my favs being Liliana, Violette and Giulietta. Can’t wait to see what they come up with this year!