Holiday Gift Sets And Nostalgia!

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This post was sponsored by Britney Spears Fragrances as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. All opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Can you believe the holiday season has gone by so quickly! In only SEVEN more sleeps it’ll be Christmas morning, and believe it or not, a lot of people (myself included) have not begun gift shopping yet! I mean, it kind of just crept up on us this year am I right?!

Since I don’t want any of us to end up on YouTube as one of those crazy-last-minute-cart-pushing-bahhumbuggy holiday shoppers, I want to share with you what I’m gifting my Corriney, my bestie from college, and my niece who’s 16!

For starters, hands in the air if you were like me in the 90’s and lived all things Britney Spears! I mean, I made my mom crochet me that infamous crop top she wore in “Don’t Let Me Be The Last To Know“, you know the one! The beach scene! Ugh I swooned for love stories and her songs were LOVE STORIES! And then she came out with her own fragrances and I knew what all my girlfriends were wearing because I was wearing it too! Can I get a hayyyoooo from everyone who wore Fantasy?! It’s sultry and sweet, you knew instantly when someone walked by with it on … it’s sexy!

So of course I’m gifting my Corriney (and fellow Britney obsessed babe) with the Britney Spears holiday fragrance gift set <3 Since she loves options, I’m gifting her the Fantasy + VIP Private Show scents. Girl loves her options! It’ll also be nostalgic for her to smell it since I wore it when it released in 2014 haha ohhh for my daughter to consider anything I do nostalgic! They’re both so different that if when I steal them from her, I’ll wear the Fantasy during the day and VIP Private Show at night. Just a personal preference on occasion, but to me Fantasy is unexpected and charming and VIP Private Show says glamourous and sexy!



Am I the only one who wears a different scent for different occasions, seasons, moods?! I love sharing products I’m excited about with the people I love, gets them excited with me! I hope this inspires you to take something you’ve enjoyed and regift the fun because, tis the season! But wait there’s more! To one-up the last minute madness, I’m gifting THREE readers this holiday set each including a set of two (2) Britney Spears fragrances and a $50 Kohl’s gift card! The dates to enter are December 8th through December 22nd, 2017! I-C will randomly select 3 winners from all qualifying program entries and will facilitate fulfillment of the winning prizes. Good luck!

Britney Spears Fragrances Giveaway


If you feel so inspired to gift someone this holiday season with this beautiful gift set, you can find the Britney Spears Fragrances here at Kohls.com!

A post shared by Jess Lizama (@jess_lizama) on


Have you done any of your holiday shopping yet? What’s something you love that you plan on gifting to a friend or loved one?

Happy holidays to you all and safe travels babes!

 

 

 

 

 

EASY VALENTINE’S DAY DIY – INCENSE HOLDERS! LOVE, CORRINE

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Happy Valentine’s Day! If you’re a last minute gift giver . . . ahem it’s TODAY, than this DIY will not only save you time and money, but it’s also personalized and super unique! AKA it will cover up your last-minute-DAY OF-gift-giving tendencies LOL! All will be forgiven!

So whether you’re making it for your special one or with your ladies for Galentine’s Day festivities, it’s a lot of fun and super minimal. Don’t be afraid to get messy and make some mistakes, that’s where all the fun is at! All you’ll need is the polymer clay of your choice, an x-acto knife or mold, and gold paint. Before you begin, set the mood with this Valentine’s playlist I created just for you!

Directions:

1. Roll your polymer clay into a ball. I used beige because it resembled more of a light pink to me. Once you’ve rolled it into a ball, flatten it out with a rolling pin (can also be done with a cup or jar! )

2. Now that it’s flattened out, use your x-acto knife and/or mold to shape your clay. (For the circle, I used the rim of a candleholder) Don’t be afraid to get creative and make all kinds of wacky shapes!


3. Now that you have the shape you want, poke a hole in the middle of the clay with an incense stick, just enough so that it can wiggle around a bit.

4. It’s time to bake! Preset your oven to 275°F and let your creations bake for 15 minutes.


5. Once they are done baking, let them cool. When finished cooling, grab your gold paint and begin painting the sides and around the outer rim. Imperfections and uneven lines will make it look even more authentic and effortless, so have fun with it! You can also paint the entire thing gold or create a pattern on it. You’ll most likely have some extra clay sitting around, so you can make more to give to your friends and loved ones. ?

Altogether, the supplies for this tutorial cost me a grand total of $10 and I made almost a dozen holders! They’re the perfect gift for your bestie, room decor, or housewarming present and are super sweet!


I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and high five for saving the day <3

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

Love, C

 

FROM ME, TO ME – A VALENTINE’S PLAYLIST, LOVE CORRINE

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Now that we’re mid February and Valentine’s Day is inching nearer and nearer, aka TOMORROW, it’s time to get in the groove of being appreciative, generous and loving not to just those around us — but also to ourselves <3 I think we can all agree that self love is among the best types of love out there, and is something that just isn’t promoted enough to young women.

When I’m feeling down and out, I’ll throw on the dreamiest tunes I can think of and groove the blues away, which is exactly what you can do with ‘From Me, To Me’. To start, I incorporated “Try” by Molly Burch because it creates this aura of ethereal weightlessness whenever I hear it. To add a bit of playfulness, “Lovely One” by Ty Segall follows with it’s rugged, garage rock sound that’s bound to get you movin and groovin. Up next is “Teenage Girl” by Cherry Glazerr which cleverly confronts the frustrations of societal standards with the lyric, “internalize so much but so little, don’t make us feel belittled, World,” which is a feeling we definitely have all experienced at one point or another.

I feel like no playlist is ever complete without a little Angel Olsen sprinkled in, because her music is powerful and emotional, and it’s easy to be introspective while listening to her. You’ll hear her serenade you with “You Are Song” which will definitely get you feeling some type of way. To finish, “Everything is You” by Empress Of is a dancy uptempo tune from her album “Me” which sums up the theme of this playlist perfectly.

So as you listen, think of each song as a little gift. Something to dedicate to yourself in the process of your journey to radical self-love. CLICK HERE to give From Me, To Me a listen. If you’d like to create a fun Valentine’s Day DIY click over to this post for some personalized and super unique incense holders!

Here is the tracklist:

1. Try by Molly Burch

2. Lovely One by Ty Segall

3. Teenage Girl by Cherry Glazerr

4. Cosmic Dancer by T. Rex

5. You Are Song by Angel Olsen

6. Lovelier Girl by Beach House

7. She’s So Bad by TOPS

8. You Are The Right One by Sports

9. Theme for a Taiwanese Woman in Lime Green by Devendra Banhart

10. Tears of Joy by Slow Club

11. Teenage Years by Sui Zhen

12. Everything is You by Empress Of

Your funny lil valentine,

C

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFTS – UNDER $25!

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For all you procrastinators out there, myself included, this post will save you a trip to the mall of madness the night before Christmas! Here is a peek into my favorite last minute Christmas gifts under $25! Yes under 25 bucks and great for your boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend, co-workers, and in laws!

These make for perfect stocking stuffers but also they’re nice enough to wrap up and place under the tree. If you’re participating in a Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchange, these fall right under that $25 limit!


I had to unwrap these to take photos for you, so here’s to hoping my family doesn’t read this post until after Christmas 😉 I bought these gifts this weekend, the weekend before Christmas and it’s already mayhem. I also purchased the PTR masks for myself because they’re the best deal you’ll find all season! Go get ’em now, trust me, they’re just now back in stock!

Peter Thomas Roth (PTR) mask sampler kit – hands down my favorite masks this year! Yes that’s a pretty bold statement but let me tell ya why! After China my skin developed these little bumps and I found out were hydration bumps. My skin wasn’t receiving enough moisture so I needed to up my exfoliation and hydration game. This sampler kit comes with PTR’s most popular masks designed to brighten dullness, hydrate dryness, and detoxify clogged pores. It polishes, it smoothes, it soothes! I’m a walking billboard for these I swear! I love all 6 of them so I purchased 3 of these just for myself. $25 at Sephora when they’re usually $44, go buy them up! Best investment all year, I promise!


Wooden snowman ornament – my mother in law loves snowmen, they’re so festive and jolly! Each year I try to find a cute snowman item to gift her and since she puts up the most beautiful Christmas tree, I thought a personal addition to it would be perfect!

Nest holiday scented candle – a go to for any gift, who doesn’t love candles?! They’re thoughtful, they’re warming, and this particular one smells exactly like Christmas! A legit pine, fresh, snowy kind of scent.



Duke Cannon working man’s face wash – if your man is like my man who is like most men, than they probably use your shampoo to wash their hair, body, and face! LOL I try and leave products in and around the shower in the hopes that Joe will be enticed enough to start using them. I think most men get sexier as they age, and I think it’s because they start to look more rugged. But I definitely want Joe to take care of his skin, so I got him this Duke Cannon face wash. It’s frothy, smells like “productivity” (that is just hilarious to me), and has vitamin C to brighten up the skin. A big reason why I adore this company is because a portion of each sale benefits US Veterans. As an Army Brat I love this so much and it’ll help Joe take better care of his skin so I love it even more!

So just a quick guide on last minute Christmas gift ideas, I think a pretty card with a thoughtful handwritten note works just as nicely. But you’d better get started now, the malls are already giving me anxiety 😉

Are you ready for Christmas? Did you do all of your holiday shopping months ago, or are you like me and you wait until the night before?! 

Happy Holidays from my family to yours, I wish you a beautiful one!

 

 

 

 

 

BEAUTY CORNER: MUST TRY SKIN CARE PRODUCTS!

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There’s one thing we can thank 2016 for, upping its makeup game! Thanks to Instagram videos, trend upon trend, and each of our inner makeup artists, we now have “highlighting on fleek” and weird tools to apply contour with . . . like hand mixers 😉

I’m pretty adventurous when it comes to trying the new ‘it’ look, but using kitchen utensils during my makeup application is where I draw the line! LOL I’ve also tried a lot of different skincare regimens this year and the products featured today are on my must try list!


Ole Henriksen’s Feel the Difference perfecting face mask – perfect for those monthly breakouts! See what I did there 😉 It’s rich in antioxidants, goes on cool, and the borage & linseed oil help to repair

Glossier Priming Moisturizer – containing hyaluronic acid, you know it’s immediately one of my favorites!  This super light cream allows for you to build up to the amount of moisture you need without it becoming heavy

Glossier Super Bounce – again with the hyaluronic acid! I love this ingredient because it’s the plumping agent in your skin that transforms the cells from raisins to big ol’ grapes! This serum is the key to perfect makeup application

Algenist 360 eye serum – free of sulfates and parabens, you can apply this eye serum around your ENTIRE eye! Ground breaking if you have hooded eyes like me! Most eye creams intend to thicken up the skin under your eyes as this is where it’s the thinnest, hence we age there there quickest booo! But not this one, it’s brightening, hydrating, and should be renamed to ‘bags be gone’ haha



Colleen Rothschild Extreme Recovery Cream – this has easily become one of my holy grail products. For dry, dehydrated skin, this silky moisturizer offers that deep hydration it really needs. It feels rich but is never heavy, goes on creamy and is absorbed quickly. It’s created with anti-aging properties, wrinkle fighting ingredients, and is free of parabens and sulfates. What’s not to love!

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm – this lil pot of magic heats from a balm to an oil in the palm of your hand. It removes all makeup, dirt, and oil lickety split! You won’t even need to cleanse your skin once more after removing it with a warm cloth or cotton round. And if you’re wondering if it leaves behind any residue or greasy traces, I’m happy to report that the answer is no

I’ll continue to try out all the latest and greatest products and report back on what I love, what I believe works, and things I recommend for you. So let me know what you’d like for me to review next <3

 

GET READY WITH ME – YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY LOOK!

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‘Tis the season and it’s my most favorite time of year! With all of the holiday gatherings, ugly sweater parties, white elephant gift exchanges, and office celebrations, I thought I’d share my favorite holiday look with you! It’s super easy and I hope you like this glittery creation!

This is my video tutorial, step by step. Do you like these fast paced tutorials or would you prefer a real-time version with voice over instructions? Let me know in the comments 😀

Featuring these products in order of appearance:

Sephora makeup primer, NARS foundation, Beauty blender, Maybelline concealer, Sephora contour pen, Besame setting powder, Brow Gal brow palette, Brow Gal brow gel, Pop Magnetic setting mist, Kevin Aucoin eye lash curler, Stila liquid eyeliner, IT Cosmetics mascara, Ciate + Olivia Palermo palette, Lit glitter set, Makeup Forever pencil liner, Milani blush, Sephora lip liner, Ciate lipstick, Becca highlighter in Opal 

Happy holidays and please follow along on my YouTube channel for #Vlogmas! We video blog every day until Christmas!

 

Are you Christmas ready? Have you done all of your gift shopping? I haven’t even started eeeek! 

 

LABOR DAY SALE – MAXIMIZE YOUR BASICS!

by with No Comment fall fashionfashionget the lookholidaysstyle

I hope everyone’s been enjoying the long weekend and Labor day festivities! I’m falling in line here with all the “sale posts” because who doesn’t love a good sale from one of your top brands and usual suspects!

So today is all about the Labor Day sales happening and how to capitalize on them so that your top 3 fashion essentials carry over to every piece in your wardrobe. Maximize your basics for that pazazzzz baby!

1) High waisted jeans! You’ve seen this trend before, I mean did it ever even leave? Trust, high waisted jeans are a staple for all the seasons. They’re simple, they’re casual JUST enough, and they can be accessorized in a way that takes a even the shyest of denim and gives it that “I’m casual, modern, and fashion forward ” kind of feel. SALE NOW AT: EXPRESS and NASTYGAL!
Free People booties, Urban Outfitters high waisted black jeans, UO flannel, grey fringed satchel, gold bangles, black and gold choker, Free People bralette

2) Accessorize! Until the wheels fall off, whatever that means! I’m telling you, take even an old band tee, some distressed jeans, slip on kicks, and kick it up a notch just by adding some baddy accessories! It’ll give even the most disheveled outfit that “I’m trendy and cute without even trying (but you’re totally trying!)” look! SALE NOW AT: URBAN OUTFITTERS, EXPRESS,

 Accessorizing the pumps (what does that even mean Jess) off of my Nasty Gal robe romper with these Steve Madden white lace up heels, chain link clutch, and long slinky necklace

3) Boots! And booties! Fall is approaching and we all know this because candy corn, costumes, and booties are being placed on shelves … ALREADY! But booties are you new bestie this coming season because you can dress them up, dress them down, and it’ll give even the most casual ensemble, that ‘pulled together and collected’ vibe! SALE NOW AT DSW!

Express denim romper, Jeffrey Campbell booties, fringe crossbody, choker, stud earrings, white lace bralette

And there you have it! Maximize those sales and implement key staple pieces into your wardrobe that’ll make each outfit timeless and trendy!

What are your top 3 go-to capsule pieces in YOUR closet? 

 

GIFT GUIDE: FATHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS!

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I want to wish all the dad’s out there a very HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! For us, today we get to celebrate how incredible Joe is and what an amazing man and influence he is in Corrine’s life and in mine. Today we’re making him breakfast in bed and spending some quality time as a family and I can’t wait to share with you what we did today!

I hope you’re able to celebrate that special man in your life today and if you’re scrambling for some last minute gift ideas, here are my favorites!
1. Camping gear– if he’s an outdoors kind of man, he will love anything you gift him to use on his next camping adventure! There is always a need for more stuff whether it be a bigger tent, a portable kitchen, or hiking gear! Top it off with a note saying where you’re taking him on his next camping trip!

2. Fishing kit– when I was little my dad’s favorite thing to do was to go fishing! I think something you can get dad this holiday is some new fishing equipment and a mini kit for the kiddos so they can enjoy his favorite sport with him! My favorite thing was putting the bait on the hook for my dad, sounds gross but I felt like a warrior doing it lol

3. Grooming kit– whether he’s a burly man or enjoys a close shave, one of my go to’s is an all in one grooming kit. Dad will appreciate the upgraded razors, the nice smelling after shave, and even if he doesn’t admit it- he also likes the nifty bag that it all comes in!

4. Gin kit– wine, beer, spirits, whatever his choice of liquor is, dad will really appreciate his next sip of his favorite drink thanks to this home brewing kit! Home brewing kits are quickly becoming the next ‘it’ gift because they come in so many forms and flavors. Dad’s a hands on, mr fix it, guys’ guy and he can totally get down with brewing his own beverage!

5. IOU- you can’t go wrong with a special iou! Whether you write it out or get a fun coupon book that you and the kiddos fill out for him, giving him free passes to 1) not do the dishes tonight 2) a man cave time out or 3) a ‘family washes the car’ day, you’re sure to put a smile on his face when he reads all of the special things you and your family want to do for him to show your love and appreciation for the father that he is.

Father’s Day is a day to show dad how much you love him and how special he is to you and your family, and that doesn’t always necessarily have to be in gift form. Gifts are wonderful, but acts of love like family time, him time, and breakfast in bed, all make one of a kind gifts.

What are you doing for Father’s Day! I hope your weekend is beautiful and Happy Father’s Day! 

 

BEST CINCO DE MAYO RECIPES – MARGARITAS AND CHURROS!

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READ TIME: Less than 2 minutes or LISTEN above!

Happy Cinco De Mayo everyone!!! Today is a day for celebration, music, and culture … and FOOD! Today I’m sharing with you the BEST Cinco De Mayo recipes including a Spicy Watermelon Coronarita and homemade Churros!!!

Hold on to your chonies because these are crazy delicious!

SPICY WATERMELON MARGARITA – CORONARITA



In a blender mix 2 shots (per serving, yes this is strong like bull) of tequila, a shot of orange liqueur (I used Bahama Mama’s peach slushy from Ralph’s), the juice of a teeny lemon wedge, 1 tablespoon of jalapeno juice  (straight from the jar baby), and a handful of watermelon wedges (frozen for extra slush!). Once blended, pour into a TALL glass but not before rimming it with salt, and top it with half a Corona (or the whole thing get wild!), and drink with responsibility. <—- disclosure because I’m a mom so I’m everyone’s mom.

This is truly one of the BEST coronaritas I’ve ever had! Yes this was the first one I’ve ever made, but it won’t be my last 😀

HOMEMADE CHURROS – IN FIVE MINUTES OR LESS!


I got this recipe from Pinterest and she’s brilliant because it took me all of 3 minutes to make these and they’re DELICIOUS! Crispy, sweet, cinnamon-y, and buttery!


This is SO easy and you’ll be nomming on these in minutes! I thawed out some frozen Sara Lee frozen food cakes, cubed them and then fried them up! Immediately after, I tossed them around in a sugar and cinnamon mixture (1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup cinnamon) and then didn’t even wait for them to cool off before DEVOURING them! So so so good!

I hope you have a happy and safe holiday weekend, please TAG me when you make these scrumdillyumptious recipes and let me know what your Cinco De Mayo plans are!

One of my favorite holidays, I love learning about the history, the culture, and the stories behind some of my most coveted recipes!

Watch me make these LIVE here on my channel!