10 Beauty + Hair Items to Try

I am a creature of habit when it comes to make-up.  I find something I love and I stick with it.  I rarely buy new make-up. However,  this year I decided it was time to try out some new products.  These are a few of my new favorites.

ONE \\ NARS BRONZER IN LAGUNA

I have actually used this before and I really feel like it is the best bronzer out there.  It is not too orange or gold and gives the perfect hint of color.  I use this daily instead of blush.

TWO \\ MAKE-UP FOREVER AQUA EYES EYELINER

I have a difficult time with eyeliner.  I used to love the two faced 3 way eyeliner and I still like how it goes on but mine was drying up the same month I bought it and that ain't cool.  As far as pencils go this is one of my favorites because it doesn't smear.  It goes on easily for a precise line.

THREE \\ JO MALONE PEONIES AND BLUSH PERFUME

This is the most gorgeous smelling perfume.  I smelled a sample of it in a magazine and knew I had to have it.  I recently wore this to a baby shower and several people commented how nice I smelled.  I do recommend buying the lotion too- I think the fragrance lasts longer when you layer the two together.  The great thing about Jo Malone is you can buy these small 1 ounce bottles. So you don't have to spend a fortune.  

FOUR \\ NARS LIPSTICK IN GYPSY

My mom had this lipstick and I borrowed it while I was home and fell in love with it.  It is the perfect amount of color.  It is a great neutral red.

FIVE \\ LOREAL VOLUMINOUS MASCARA

I am still loving this cheapie mascara.  I find it goes on well and makes my lashes look great.  A steal for the price.

SIX \\ NARS EYESHADOW IN BELLISIMA

Confession, previous this to this eyeshadow I had been using my NAKED palette for three years.  How gross is that?  I finally tossed it and picked up these new colors.  You can wear them day and night which I really like.  They are a great neutral combo for anyone.

SEVEN // ORIBE TEXTURIZING SPRAY

I am not a big hair products person.  Most hair products make my hair either greasy or stiff and I hate that feeling.  This spray is on the pricey side- $40 but lasts forever,  I have had mine for 2 years now.  I use it as a dry shampoo to fluff up my hair when I don't want to wash it and it smells amazing. It is also great to use when you are styling your hair to help hold curl as well.

EIGHT \\ BASS BOARS BRISTLE BRUSH

I know you have all heard of the Mason Pearson hair brush and I won't lie I used my moms and it is amazing.  But this Bass version is totally equal I swear, and a fraction of the price.  I found mine at TJMaxx so check there for one.  It is made with the same boars hair bristles and really adds volume to your hair.

NINE \\ FREDERICK FEKKAI SHEA BUTTER SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

This stuff works miracles on my dry over processed hair.  It conditions really well and leaves my hair soft and sleek.  It also smells really fresh!  My hair can last several days without washing when I use this shampoo and conditioner.

TEN \\ GOLD HAIRBRUSH

Another TJMaxx score,  I use this brush on my wet hair to detangle it.  I wish I knew the brand on this one but if you see it buy it!

Saturdays Steals and Splurges

I hope you all are enjoying your Saturday.  We are having a leisurely day over here til our dinner out tonight!

I wanted to share my new favorite outfit.  I decided to bust out my white jeans (gasp before Easter)!  Although I feel like that is an old wives tale not til wear white til after Easter, I feel like now anything goes. I have tried a million pairs of white jeans and didn't own a pair til last year because I couldn't find a pair that didn't make me look like a cow.  It is hard to find flattering white jeans.  These Rag and Bone Skinny white jeans are the perfect white jean.  They are higher waisted, not too tight,  not see thru, and super flattering.  I promise you the best white jeans around.

Rag and Bone Skinny White Jeans | Nicole Tank | Dolce Vita Sandals

The tank I am wearing is also Rag and Bone and it has quickly become my favorite piece for Spring/Summer.  I have been wearing it under my leather jackets and blazer and now that the weather is warmer alone.  It is so soft.  The back is the best part.  It also comes in a great blue color too.

\\ Nicole Tank

The shoes are the Dolce Vita Daffdols.  I have been wearing mine non-stop!  They are a real steal for the price!

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Kate Spade is having their Friends and Family sale.  Use code to get 25% off all purchases.

Shop Here and use code S14FFUS.

I am loving this cute stripe dress.

 Also digging these pave studs.  Such a great everyday earring.

These bow flats are so adorable and come in 4 great colors!

Totally in love with this nude Claremont purse. The perfect nude shade for everyday!

 Happy Saturday and Happy Shopping!

Thoughts For Friday

Yay for the weekend!  Anyone have great plans?  We have a fun dinner out Saturday with my brother and his wife trying out the new Beirgarten and then Sunday we are celebrating my nephews first Birthday!  I can not believe it has been a year since he was born, I still remember sitting and waiting in the hospital for the news that he had arrived.  Such a special day I will never forget seeing my sister become a mom for the first time.

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So, I have yet to write about this but lets discuss the Conscious Uncoupling of Gwyneth and Chris.  I have to admit when I first read of their split I was sad but not surprised.  I liked that they kept their relationship private for the most part which led me to believe they were happy.  I appreciate that they seem to be remaining friends which I think is so important when kids are involved.  It just makes me sad for all Hollywood marriages it seems none can survive.  I was outraged by the comment Gwyneth made about her job as an actress being harder than a regular working mom- read this article if you have not.  This lady's response was awesome.  I still like Gwyneth but I do think some of the things she says are really egotistical and bone headed. 

I do kind of look forward to seeing who they both date next.

Next lets chat about Southern Charm. I have gotten several emails and instagram comments wanting to know my thoughts on the show.  One word its bad- but yes I am still watching it.  I have this problem where I can't stop watching bad reality TV shows.  I find it odd that the none of the cast are real friends it seems they just threw them all together for the sake of the show.  Cameron and Shepp seem the most real and down to earth.  TRav just embarrasses me- I mean hasn't he done enough damage to his name, I have no idea why he would chose to do this show other then to get his name out to run for political office ( and our state is backward enough we will probably elect him).  I have no idea why Jenna is even on the show other than to showcase someone who is not your typical Southerner.  and how the heck does she afford that huge house? I have to say Whitney's mom is my favorite to watch.  I love her life of leisure just sitting in caftans all day having drinks brought to her:)  and how many people work at her house just to take care of her??  What do ya'll think?

Lately I have been all about some tie dye.  I am thinking about adding this Joie Sweater or this Equipment tee to my closet.  The Joie sweater is part of the Bloomingdales Friends and Family so it is a forerunner.

I am on mascara two of my great mascara search.  Currently, I am trying out Benefit They are Real.  I have to be honest it is not much better then the Loreal Illuminous which is way cheaper.  Both have been way better than the Maybelline I was using.  I think Chanel and Josie Maran are next on my list.

Ignore my nails- I never have time for a mani these days!

I am having a hard time dropping my last 5 pounds of baby weight so I have been trying to eat cleaner because lets be real I can't cut out my wine!  Any tips for dropping the last 5-10 pounds?   I made this for lunch the other day and it was fabulous.  It is provolone, turkey, and avocado plus the Tuscan Kale Salad.

Now that the weather is warmer I am finally able to dress Frances in some of the cute Summer outfits we have.   I swear for the first few months she lived in the same 5 onesies and pants so it is fun to dress her now that she is getting a little bigger.  I just want to freeze time I love this age so much.

Gap Dress \\ Rikshaw Jumper

 

Baublebar and Nordstrom just launched an awesome collection together.  They were sweet enough to send me a package with some of the new jewelry and other goodies. You can check out the whole collection over at Nordstrom.

This is Sterling patiently waiting for the confetti and lollipops.

These earrings were part of my gift and I just love them- even better in person.  I can't wait to wear them to a wedding we have in a few weeks.

\\ Crystal Drop Earrings

Have a great weekend!

NDM Style : Summer Loving

Can I get a hallejuh for the warm temps finally.  

I finally was able to bust out some shorts.  I have been wanting the Rag and Bone Boyfriend distressed shorts, but man they are expensive so when my friend Mandy told me to check out the Madewell version I was all over it.

They fit great and are super cute for less than half the price.

Equipment Blouse (same print different style on major sale ) similar| Madewell Boyfriend Shorts | Hammit Clutch | Isola Sandals |

Ray Ban Aviators (on sale!)

I love Equipment Blouses so much.  They are easy to throw on for a casual look like this or you could dress it up easily.  I fell in love with the floral print on this blouse. I am all about florals for the Summer.  It is on sale right now so snag it while you can.  It looks awesome with white jeans too.

Same print different style on major sale

and love this new floral pattern too

\\ Equipment Riley Tee 

But back to the shorts.  I went down a size because I wanted mine a bit more fitted.  Otherwise they run true to size if you want a loose true boyfriend fit short.  They sit higher up on your waist too which is nice to suck in the muffin top.

\\ Madewell Boyfriend Shorts

I can't forget the jewelry.  I have been obsessed with this JCrew bracelet.  It is grear alone or layered.  

JCrew Bracelet (on sale) |  Hammit Clutch | John Hardy Ring (similar)

Brownie Points Essie Nail Polish

I recently found this great brand of sandals called Isola.  My version is old because I found them at TJMaxx but they carry them at Nordstroms and they aren't too expensive and they are super comfortable.

This is the closest version to my shoes. I also love this version too.

\\Isola Evana Sandal

The outfit is Frances Moon approved- especially my moon necklace- which my parents just brought me back from Aruba, I love it!

 
You can shop the whole look below!

Whole Wheat Greek CousCous Salad

There is nothing I love more than a good salad for lunch.  I made this a few weeks ago and gobbled it up.  I love the whole wheat Trader Joes Israeli couscous, that is what I used for this but you could use plain couscous too.  Greek ingredients are my favorite so this was pretty much a spin on my Greek Salad but with couscous instead.  It is the perfect healthy, light lunch.

Enjoy!

||  G R E E K  C O U S C O U S ||

- 1 bag or box whole wheat couscous

- diced cherry tomatoes

- diced kalamata olives

- diced English cucumber

- thinly sliced spinach

- diced red bell pepper

- diced red onion

- feta crumbled

- 1/2 cup olive oil

- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

- juice of half a lemon

- 1 garlic clove minced

- salt and pepper

Cook Couscous according to box.

Chop all veggies and place in large mixing bowl.  Add cooled couscous to veggies.  Mis together olive oil and next 4 ingredients.  Pour over couscous mixture.  Add feta and toss all together.  Best served room temperature. 

Feel free to double dressing if you think you salad needs more.

A Few Noteworthy Sales

Rebecca Taylor just marked down a bunch of her Spring styles.

Really love this short sleeve blouse and its a steal at $90! Also love this tiger top.

You can shop the whole sale here

\\ Crepe Blouse

Bloomingdales is having their Friends and Family Event thru Saturday. 

A few of my favorites from the site.  Use code FF14 to get 20% off your order.

Piperlime is having 25% off select spring merchandise. Use code SPRING.

I love this Monrow tank Dress.  Such a great staple.

Shop the whole sale here

\\ Monrow Dress

Love the fun bright pattern on this Hive and Honey Maxi too.

\\ Hive and Honey Maxi

and this Free People tank is such a great basic.

\\ Free People Tank 

Obsessions

|| JOIE DIVITRI BLOUSE ||

I tried this blouse on while I was home at Nordstrom and fell in love with it.  The floral print is so gorgeous and perfect for summer.  Would look so good with white jeans.

|| TORY BURCH CALITA DRESS ||

I am all about embroidered dresses and shirts for the Summer. This cute Tory Burch version is great for the beach!

|| CLAIRE VIVIER FOLDOVER CLUTCH ||

I still really want a Claire V Clutch, love this one with the stripes.

|| REBECCA MINKOFF FRONT HOOP EARRINGS ||

These are the cutest earrings.  Perfect for everyday wear!  They come in silver too.

|| RACHEL ZOE LIVING IN STYLE ||

I just picked up Rachel Zoe's new book and I love it.  It is filled with such great personal and home style advice.

|| MARA HOFFMAN EASY DRESS ||

Mara Hoffman never disappoints.  I always love her patterns.  This is a great casual Summer dress.

|| TORTOISE HURRICANE ||

I love the idea of this filled with fresh flowers on a bedside table or coffee table.

||SURF GYPSY TASSLE PULLOVER ||

This stripe cover-up is too cute with the tassel details and a great price!  Use code FF14 to take additional 20 % off!

 || BAUBLEBAR BRACELETS ||

The new Baublebar and Nordstorm collection is live and its so good!  Love these stacked bracelets.  The tortoise pave one is my favorite!

|| TORY BURCH PHOEBE SANDAL ||

Tory Burch always comes out with the best summer sandals.  These come in black, ivory, and tan.  All great nuetrals but I am always partial to tan.