Thank You, Next

With each new year I take some time to reflect on the things I’ve done, the places I’ve been, and what I’ve learned. This story is inspired by my friend Karissa. I want to give you a brief history of some significant relationships in my life that I’ve had with women and with men, which were all important to me so here goes.

Also, if this is the first time you’re hearing about me dating women it’s because I don’t go around talking about my love life and generally in life my sexual orientation doesn’t come up. I mean who goes around asking, “So, what you into?”. And two, privacy. But if you ask me I’ll tell you, I fall in love with a person. I don’t see gender I see character, I see integrity, I see love, and I see who I am when I’m with them. I see who they are when they’re with me and I fall in love with a person’s spirit, not their body parts. Though, those are nice too.

FIRST LOVE
Corrine’s father, my first everything. We met in High School, I was 14 and nerdy, he was in my grade, popular and confident. He made me feel seen when I didn’t feel seen in the world at all. Your teenage years are difficult and we navigated those years together. Getting pregnant, getting married, and then getting divorced. I grew up with him but I had a lot of growing up to do.

What he taught me: how to love. At one point in life, we truly loved each other. He taught me a lot about control. Self control and that you can’t control someone else, you have power over yourself and that’s about it. I lost myself in him which was beautiful and terrible. Love is tricky always but especially tricky when you’re not emotionally mature. I’ll forever be grateful to you for Corrine. The very best of the both of us lives in her, thank you for that R.

Song that reminds me of him:  Mariah Carey’s ‘When I Saw You’ came out when we met and I used to play it on repeat and dream about lunch time with him when we wouldn’t actually eat lunch but instead make out for 30 minutes near the cafeteria. Oh young ones.

Favorite memory: He’d drive me to school and we’d blast rap music so loudly (lots of Too Short and Baby Bash) that my ears would ring for the first half of the day and then we’d pass notes to each other during shop class. I still have the first note he ever wrote me. Next,

THE LOVER
my first real girlfriend. I started kissing girls in the 8th grade when I realized I liked them (way to go 12 year old me, live yo life), but this was different. She held my hand in public, she was a young mom like me, and I loved the way she handled herself, very composed. We’d listen to music together and dance around the living room when the kids were in bed and drink whiskey. Thank you for my love of whiskey and singing country music with me L. 

What she taught me: Have fun outside of being a mom, it’s necessary. Make time for the relationships you want to last, relationships take effort and friendships are relationships.

Song that reminds me of her: Pink anything. We listened to Pink all day.

Favorite memory: Diner dates. We’d go to a diner and talk about life over coffee and waffles and whipped cream. Next,

THE MENTOR
we met when ‘cruising’ was cool. He rode motorcycles and was detailed and intelligent. He took care of us in a time when I had nothing and was working two jobs to keep it together while everything was falling apart. He helped me get back on my feet and encouraged me to go to college. He taught me the true meaning of being independent. I traveled, went out with friends, and found my passions again because he gave me the freedom to. I’ll forever love motorcycles, fast cars, and my boobs, thank you G. 

What he taught me: How to be aware of my surroundings, be a more defensive driver, P.O. Boxes forever, and to stand up for myself. He was in law enforcement so being paranoid in a good way was good. Still is. I always have an ‘out’ no matter where in public I go.

Song that reminds me of him: ‘Nobody’ by Keith Sweat

Favorite memory: late night motorcycle rides through the canyons. He’d wake me up in the middle of the night to hike me around windy roads with cool breezes and star chasing. Next,

THE NURSE
we met in college. She was in my 6am English class and wore a hoodie like nobody’s business. Her makeup was dark and in private moments she was sweet and laughed easily. She was driven. She wanted to be a nurse and the first in her family to get a degree. And she did it. I helped her get out of an abusive relationship and she helped me realize my love for taking care of and helping others. She was selfless and fiery. You always called me out on my shit and made me feel safe to talk about things that hurt, thank you for that M. 

What she taught me: you must first be able to count on yourself before you can count on anyone else. Never break promises to yourself. That my intuition is always right. And that letting go is a good thing.

Song that reminds me of her: The Pussycat Dolls ‘Watcha Think About That’

Favorite memory: She’d walk me to my Psych class on Tuesdays and Thursdays before she had to go into work and we’d just stroll around campus with breakfast burritos and hot cheetos talking about everything and nothing. She always smelled amazing. Next,

THE WIFE
we met when I was married to my first husband. We were just friends then and remained friends after my divorce, always following one another’s lives and supporting each other. Our friendship turned into something more years later and I was in love with her in such a way, we even talked about marriage. She was smart, witty and SO funny! She was never embarrassed to show me affection in public and we remained friends after our breakup and still follow one another’s lives and support each other. You were my first real girlfriend long before you were my real girlfriend. Thank you G. 

What she taught me: To be beautiful it just takes a genuine smile, some heart, and some silliness.

Song that reminds me of her: We listened to the 90’s a lot together, that whole era brings back great memories.

Favorite memory: one of the first memories I have with her was being in a car and feeling frazzled for some reason. I was still married then. She knelt down and looked at me in my eyes, she touched my arm in a serious but tender way and said, “it’s going to be okay, you’re strong and you have friends and I’m one of them.”
_______________________________________________________________________________

So there it is. Do you like stories like this? Let me know in the comments <3 Revisiting each of the loves of my life through this short-not-so-short-story really allowed me to look at each of them with gratitude. So your turn, thank you Karissa for this! Here’s the template she gave me:

One word to sum up your significant other:
A brief description of your relationship (focus on gratitude):
Lessons you learned:
Song that reminds you of them:
Favorite memory:

I hope you do this, it’s so interesting to me what loves make up our past and present. They’re all so significant if you really think about it. And not from a negative space but to focus on gratitude as she suggests. I actually teared up writing this! Your turn!

 

 

Everything Nice With Banhez

I hate to see you go, but I love to watch you sip your drink as you walk away… that’s the saying right? Awww this is the final episode in our holiday cocktail series with Banhez Mezcal and I saved the best for last. AKA I love a spicy sip and this is so adequately named Everything Nice… with sugar and SPICE! A lil kick of heat at the tip of your tongue as you enjoy this drink, it’s my favorite.

The Everything Nice!

1.5 oz charred poblano-infused Banhez Ensemble*

1 oz fresh pineapple juice (fresh juice is preferred)

1/4 oz lime juice

1/4 oz agave

Pinch of salt

*Charred Poblano-infused Banhez:

Use 1 poblano per every 1.5 cups of Banhez.

Warm a pan or cast iron skillet to medium-low heat and place the poblano pepper in, turning every few minutes until the skin of the pepper is charred and cracked in places. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Finely chop the poblano- remove the seeds and ribs if you don’t want it too spicy, leave them in if you like the heat like I do. Make sure to wash your hands after handling the peppers, or opt for gloves… and don’t touch your eyes. I learned the hard way.  

Place the diced pepper + 1.5 cup of Banhez in a mason jar, seal, and shake the ingredients to incorporate. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, checking periodically to make sure the level of spice is to your liking. Strain out the solids through a sieve. This will hold indefinitely and can be stored in your pantry in a sealed jar.

Banhez pro tip: if poblanos aren’t an option in their market, any pepper works! Jalapeños are great, as are green bell peppers. 

Lastly, to build the drink: Combine all ingredients together in a shaker tin, shake with ice for around 20 seconds, or until the outside of the tins are very cold. Double strain liquid out of tin into a rocks glass with ice in it. Garnish and enjoy. Here’s a video of me making the drink live with you!

A lil spice and a lot nice, this cocktail is a crowd pleaser for sure! Make it for your holiday gathering this weekend and if you’d prefer more heat, allow the peppers to brew longer before straining it into a mason jar!

Try all three of these cocktails and let me know how you love them and which one is your favorite! Don’t forget to enter my giveaway, I can’t wait for one of you to receive this awesomeness. You’ll get a 1L of Banhez Mezcal and this entire cocktail creating kit as seen here!

Giveaway Entry Rules:

– must be 21+ years old to enter
– winner will be selected at random
– enter as many times as you like, the more you enter, the more chances you have to win!
– an ‘entry’ is a comment on all 3 Banhez Mezcal cocktail articles here on the blog, here’s part 1 and part 2! Be sure to enter on ALL 3 blog articles!
– stumped on what comment to leave? Tell me a fun fact about yourself or what your plans are for the holidays! I love learning more about you guys!
– and drink responsibly as always please and thank you <3
, love Mama Lizama

Be sure to follow Banhez for exciting things happening in 2019 here’s their links: BANHEZ IG , BANHEZ FB, and you can purchase a bottle of Banhez Mezcal for yourself and as a gift HERE! <3 

I want to give Banhez a big huge thank you for sponsoring this giveaway and to you for your support always <3 I hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday and I’ll see you in the new year! Happy holidays from my family to yours, 2019 here we come!

 

 

 

Santa’s Helper Pt2 With Banhez Mezcal Epi 2 GIVEAWAY

Happy Friday!!! Today I’m back with another installment of our holiday cocktail series featuring my favorite smokey beverage, Banhez Mezcal! This is Santa’s Helper Pt 2, the follow up to Episode 1 and in this recipe we sweeten with agave instead of our homemade cranberry syrup and I love the addition of cranberry bitters! So if you’re pressed for time and need to whip together something fancy and fast, this is for you!

Don’t forget I’m hosting an exciting GIVEAWAY with Banhez which includes the entire cocktail creating kit you see in this video! PLUS a 1L bottle of Banhez Mezcal so now you can make these cocktails at home! All you have to do to enter is comment on this post and the other two episodes by Monday and I’ll pick the winner next week! To purchase a bottle of Banhez for yourself and a friend (ahem this makes the perfect gift) I’ll link you HERE!

Santa’s Helper #2

2 oz Banhez Ensemble

1/4 oz agave

2 dashes Fee Brother’s Old Fashioned Bitters

2-4 dashes Fee Brother’s Cranberry Bitters (modify for how much of that cranberry flavor you want)

Stir in Japanese stirring glass (or pint glass) with a long spoon until you can easily move the spoon through the ice. Strain into a rocks glass with ice, garnish with orange zest and a rosemary sprig.

Banhez Pro Tip: this recipe is easy to batch but given how spirit-forward it is, it can lose flavor the longer it sits in ice, so keep that in mind 😉 

Tada! It’s sweet and tangy, light yet flavorful, and the smokiness of the Banhez Mezcal won’t go unnoticed! This is one of my favorites because of how quickly you can stir together the ingredients given most of them are already in your pantry!

Give this a try and let me know what you think, I know you’re gonna want to batch this! P.S. did you hear that I’m hosting a giveaway featuring this beautiful set below?! Enter in the comments, good luck <3

Giveaway Entry Rules:
– must be 21+ years old to enter
– winner will be selected at random
– enter as many times as you like, the more you enter, the more chances you have to win!
– an ‘entry’ is a comment on all 3 of my Banhez Mezcal cocktail recipes that’s here on my blog. Here’s Epi 1 and Epi 3 for you, be sure to comment on all 3 articles and good luck!
– stumped on what comment to leave? Tell me a fun fact about yourself or what your plans are for the holidays!
– and drink responsibly always please and thank you <3
, love Mama Lizama

Interested in learning more about Banhez? I’ve linked you here: BANHEZ IG: @banhezmezcalartesanal, BANHEZ FB: https://www.facebook.com/banhezmezcalartesanal

 

 

 

 

How To Blow Dry Your Hair – Add The Volume Minus The Frizz!

This post is sponsored by Revlon Hair Tools as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

You may be surprised to know that someone like me who’s had fine, pin straight hair her entire life exclusively styles with a blow dryer. Yes, even on my ‘pageant queen’ hair days when locks are large and in charge, I first give myself a blow out and then add in the curls. So I wanted to share with you my go-to, 3-step, straighten-style-volumize routine, featuring the Revlon Pro Collection Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizing Styler.

Creating a quick, easy, and low maintenance routine was important to me as this style is the base style I launch with each and every day. I knew when I chose a one-step dryer that I wanted it to 1) save me time … hello hair dryer + oval brush in ONE 2) improve my haircare routine aka save me time and 3) be easy enough for me to do all on my own but still have those salon results. I mean, am I the only one that can deadlift 110 lbs but still believes that holding a round brush over my head while blow drying my hair seems unreasonable? How does that become so heavy!

Luckily for me this Revlon hair tool does all 3 things in 1 easy step, so let me explain what I use the three different heat settings for and then I’ll walk you through each step of my hair drying and styling routine. I utilize the cool setting for drying my hair after a workout, on days I don’t want to wash my hair and just need to mach 5 to make it through the day.

For drying my hair after washing it, for events, and for special occasions I dry my hair with the two heat settings, switching between the low and high settings. Here’s why: this Revlon hair tool has an easy grip with its ergonomic design, maximum drying power as the air is distributed evenly through its airflow vents in every direction, and you get high shine and fewer frizzes with the tufted bristles with boar technology. Now that’s a lot of technology! And here’s what I do:


Step one: Your hair’s wet, now what?

Begin with damp hair, allow your hair to air dry 60% and then use this Revlon Hair Tool to achieve that salon look, this will ensure that the least amount of damage is being done to your hair. I usually do my makeup, allowing my hair to air dry for ten minutes and then blow dry and style it.

 

Step two: Just flipping your head over and blow drying your hair isn’t going to cut it.

Section out your hair, this makes it easier to style pieces more a more manageable way and keeps tangles at bay.  

 

Step three: You got this!

Blow dry and style! I start with the hair at the nape of my neck, on the high setting grabbing a section of hair, allow the brush to sit in your hair for an extra moment, just long enough for heat to be evenly distributed, and then slow drag the oval brush down and through your hair. I always flick my wrist on the ends of my hair, giving that piece a nice polished, curled look and just continue to twist and comb the hair through the brush until each section is dry.

Moving on to each section, the last section I do is on my bangs where I blow dry them forwards and then push them back for a nice voluminous, polished look.

Lastly, I give my entire head one more pass with the Revlon Pro Collection Salon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizing Styler to eliminate an extra moisture left behind, and then BOOM! Just like that, your hair is dry, it’s shiny, and ready for the day!


Here’s how: the Revlon Pro Collection One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer is now available at Ulta.com in an exclusive holiday color and retails at $59.99 so snag yours before the time is up!

I hope you enjoy this video I created, sharing with you the visual step by step process to achieve this look.

 

What is your daily go-to hairstyle? Have you ever used a Revlon Hair Tool before?

 

 

 

Santa’s Helper With Banhez – Holiday Cocktail Series Starts Here!

‘Tis the season for sharing your favorite recipes and sweet treats with the people you love, and today I’m sharing with you a very special series! I’m teaming up with Banhez Mezcal to bring you some holiday themed cocktails just in time for your next party or festive gathering.

Today’s installment, jovially named Santa’s Helper, is the first of three that will all be launching here this week. During the video where I make this drink live with you, you’ll hear me refer to the ‘Banhez ensemble’ and I say that because Mezcal is made from 100% agave, but this one is a blend of two, which creates a very mixable spirit, perfect for cocktails!

Before we jump into the recipe I want to tell you why I chose to partner with Banhez. They’re the only mezcal that is Farm Family (37 and growing) owned (co-operative in Oaxaca Mexico) and they believe that a strong foundation comes from a strong community. So closely related to my own brand ethos, community building and story sharing is so important to me. I love that they’re filled with heritage which is so often celebrated, and that honoring the land is such a huge part of the Banhez mission.

So to continue with this theme of gratitude and community, I’m hosting a giveaway with Banhez just for YOU! Today through the 21st you’ll be able to enter my Banhez Mezcal giveaway, right here just by commenting below! So I hope you follow along and enter each step of the way, you’ll have multiple chances to win and the prize is valued at over $250! Entry details are below, following the recipe <3

Santa’s Helper: 

  • 2 oz Banhez Ensemble
  • 3/4 oz Cranberry syrup**
  • 2 dashes Fee Brother’s Old Fashioned Bitters
  • Orange zest
  • Sprig of rosemary

Begin by preparing the Cranberry Syrup and then begin to build the yumminess!

**Cranberry Syrup:
1 can of cranberry sauce, any consistency will work
1 cup of water
1/2 cup of sugar
2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
Dashes of whatever spice you’d like- I used 1/4 tsp of cinnamon and 1/4 tsp of nutmeg

1) To prepare the cranberry syrup simply put all the ingredients together in a Japanese stirring glass (or pint glass) and mix until smooth. Double strain solids through a sieve and bottle the remaining syrup in a mason jar or air tight container. If you’d like to make this recipe in bulk simply double or triple the recipe and it should last in your refrigerator for about two weeks.

2) Now for the cocktail part, in a large shake tin combine together the Banhez ensemble, cranberry syrup that you just made, and bitters over ice. Shake shake shake and then strain into a rocks glass with ice, garnish with orange zest and a rosemary sprig.

I truly hope you give this cocktail a taste and let me know what you think! Banhez Mezcal is best when enjoyed with friends as it’s made with the spirit of community, and is meant to be shared with yours. I’m so happy to support a brand that has so much heart and that’s where my excitement to share this series with you comes from.

As I mentioned before, I have two more holiday themed cocktails featuring Banhez coming your way this week so stay tuned and don’t forget to enter the GIVEAWAY below in the comments section! The lucky winner will receive this gift here, featuring a 1 Liter bottle of Banhez Mezcal and this entire beautiful cocktail creating set!So enter enter enter this is a good one!

I hope you know I love hearing from you all so you’ll have to tell me if you’ve tried Banhez Mezcal before. Is there a recipe I should make for myself and share with everyone? Sharing is caring, tell me all the things! Thank you for being a part of this series with me, to purchase Banhez Mezcal for yourself or as a gift (yay they’ll ship before Christmas if you order now!) you can order HERE! I chose to feature Banhez because it’s special to me as is my platform. Especially because they’re proudly Mexican, full of heart and heritage, made up of cocktails and artisanal dreams, and built by the spirit of community. What’s not to love, look at these smiles!

Giveaway Entry Rules:

– must be 21+ years old to enter
– winner will be selected at random
– enter as many times as you like, the more you enter, the more chances you have to win!
– an ‘entry’ is a comment on all 3 Banhez Mezcal cocktail articles here on the blog, here’s Epi 2 and Epi 3! Be sure to enter on ALL 3 blog articles!
– stumped on what comment to leave? Tell me a fun fact about yourself or what your plans are for the holidays! I love learning more about you guys!
– and drink responsibly as always please and thank you <3
, love Mama Lizama

Feel free to send this to a friend who would like to enter as well, the more the merrier! Tis the season of sharing so cheers to you and yours from me and mine <3

Interested in learning more about Banhez? I’ve linked you here: 

BANHEZ IG: @banhezmezcalartesanal

BANHEZ FB: https://www.facebook.com/banhezmezcalartesanal

 

 

 

 

 

For The Fitness Babe

The grand finale. I saved my last gift guide of this holiday season for one of my most dearest … this is for the fitness babe.

You badass, strong, fierce, resilient, beautiful humans inspire me every day and this list is after my own heart. You fit foxes, if your friends are fellow health/wellness lovers this is for them too. To choose from everything I use daily and narrow them down to my top six choices to share with you was really difficult, but there’s a reason I chose each of them. So here we go.

 

Alo Yoga Stow Backpack • This backpack is perfect for all my yogis out there, it has bungee straps at the bottom to hold your yoga mat! Hands free baby! It’s also water resistant and features a laptop sleeve because you’re a boss babe on the move! I personally love the padded back because ‘shweatttty’, and it comes with a small pouch that hooks to the interior so you don’t have to go fishing around for your lip balm or keys… all the littles easily get stowed in the pouch that you can easily locate by feeling for the clip, yaaaas! #clawhand #ilizashlesinger P.S. I think this also makes for a really awesome diaper bag for you active mamas <3

Fre Skincare • Created for skin that sweats! That me! That’s you! Eeeek! I’ve been using Fre since last year and it’s the ONLY skincare product that won’t break me out if I apply it before my sweat sesh. I stand behind this one. It doesn’t burn when you sweat your face off (and all of your skincare) into your eyeballs, the sunscreen doesn’t leave a white cast on your skin, and the serum is like buttah. You get 25% off your order with the code JESSLIZAMA so I hope you give it a try and if you don’t love it you can return it. Love that policy.

Amethyst Gem Glass Bottle • Placing a beautiful gem with a meaningful message inside of a glass bottle that’s also eco friendly… they had me at hello. The crystal infuses the water with its powerful energy and I’m here for it. They have different crystals to choose from so lean into your woo woo and tell your friends to too! Woohooo! 

Bootayyyy Bands • Biti Bands and Training Guide with Rebecca! This one I’m especially excited to share with you because I’ve known Rebecca for a few years now and she’s a genuine person who’s created a genuine brand. I love supporting my friends and I’d love it if you supported her too! Check out her Biti Band guide, one of the options comes WITH the bands! She’s a walking billboard for her program, goals Rebecca, just goals! Swoon. Check her out and get your booty lifted ¶ and shifted ¶ higher than the ceiling ¶

SPANX Faux Leather Moto Leggings • Also for the booty! I love these leggings, I purchased 2 more pairs for myself during cyber week. They’re ultra comfortable, the compression doesn’t make you feel like you’re a muffin, and they’re squat proof! I tested them during our last Lacey Stone Fitness bootcamp and they’ll keep your bits protected don’t you worry. They also transition from bootcamp to brunch really easily with their chic, stylish design. Throw on a clean top, a top knot, and some sunnies and you’re ready to go! 

APL Training Shoes • I mean, they’re rose gold! Well they come in rose gold which is my all time favorite color. I love that they’re exceptionally comfortable (even for my wide feet), breathable, and they’re designed to strategically to support your movements. She needs these. You need these. We all scream for ice cream. *sorry I just blacked out

 

And that’s all she wrote! I hope you’ve had fun scrolling through each of my gift guides, I truly enjoy putting these together for you and sharing with you the things I own or want need to own. Now that I have all of the gifting out of my system what shall we talk about next?

Did I miss anything? Was there something you would’ve loved to have seen on these lists? Share them with me! Happy holidays and safe travels babes <3

 

 

 

Stocking Stuffers For Her

For my babes on a budget this is for you! Here are my top picks for stocking stuffers for her under $25 <3

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, digging through my stocking is more exciting to me than unwrapping gifts, I think because it feels like an Easter egg hunt. Stay with me here, I just mean that most things in the stocking aren’t wrapped, they’re just in this shell ‘wrapping’ which is the stocking.. ya know, kinda like hidden treasures in the shell of an Easter egg!

Please say you get my reference haha Enjoy these stocking stuffers for her, they’re fun ones!

Glossier Body Hero • Glossier really has it together with their marketing strategy man, I tell ya. Everything they launch I feel like I have to have… maybe I don’t have an impulsive shopping addiction so much as I just fall victim to really good advertisements? Sure, we’ll go with that. This Body Hero lotion you guys, it was used on my legs during a shoot and I instantly took a picture of the packaging and purchased it in the car ride home. It’s silky smooth, ultra hydrating, has think pink iridescent glow to it so your skin looks toned and glowy but never glittery. The scent is light enough to layer under your favorite fragrance and if you sign up for their emails you get a discount on your purchase. Lil smarties. They got me again.

Herbivore Face Toner • Toners and serums are probably the two products I talk about the most. It’s because these two products have the power to elevate your skincare routine…they help your skincare products help you help the perpetual helpers that we seek in the beauty aisle. I love this one because green tea all the things.

Make Dew Pot • I love a cream blush during the winter months because my skin is already stressin’ from the drier air, the gustier winds (halllo I live in L.A. what even am I talking about rn), and sleeping ON my face WITH makeup on. Thank God for my silk pillow, oh hey did you see my gift guide that includes a silk pillow? 😉 This color can double as a lip and cheek tint, has vitamins C and E which will condition your skin. Make is always fresh and never tested on animals <3

Chunky Small Hoops • People may think I don’t actually use or purchase these things but I promise I do! I just gifted one of my favorite people these small chunky hoops because they’re so versatile and you can wear them with anything. Anything. Yes, think of an outfit, now imagine them with these hoops. So good, I know!

Mini Notebook • A lot of times I just type out ideas and thoughts into the notes on my phone or onto a text edit. Yes a text edit, who am I, my mother? So I started carrying around a mini notebook, tbh it’s not this cute either, this one is caaauuute! Perfect for when you’re sitting around and need to doodle. Am I the only one that still doodles? I am my mother.

Chic Incense Holder • Chic is one of my favorite words can you tell? I need to find a new word. Elegant… these incense holders are elegant and sophisticated. Thank you synonyms page. Corrine loves to burn incense that makes my nose itch but I love that damn lil lady so I let her burn all the incense until I can’t breathe. Now she can be chic while doing it and I can be chic while coughing on air.

Told you these would be cute! They’re so fun and I hope you love these lil gift guides I’ve been creating. They’re for you and for me. And for Joe too. Hi Joe! These are the things I’d like for Christmas baby!

 

Feel free to send these guides over to your family and friends sort of a PSA of what one would get one who wanted such things. 

 

 

 

For The Beauty Lover!

Dear Santa, I created this gift guide for the beauty lovers out there and hi I’m one of them. I would very much like to find these under the tree on Christmas morning please and thank you. I’ve been a good girl just ask Joe. Actually don’t ask Joe, ask my puppers Luna and Ace 😉

These are easily my top six picks for this season’s beauty faves! A lil something for hair, skin, and over all glow, the beauty lover in your life will appreciate any of these gifts. I really wanted to include splurge worthy items because there’s so many products to choose from, if you’re gonna spend the pretty penny, spend it on these pretties!

La Mer Crème • One of the most luxurious brands on the market, I’d genuinely take anything from La Mer… oh a sample you say? I’ll have it! lol It’s so rich and hydrating, never irritates my skin, and this set for $150 will give you some of the most coveted La Mer skincare essentials. Say bye to dryness and uneven texture, oh and to parabens and sulfates too. 

Huda Eyeshadow Palette • How pretty and festive is this palette! With its ultra pigmented pinks and nudes, and sparkles too! 18 shades, you can’t go wrong with this one. It’s such a timeless collection of colors that you’ll be able to dip into it long after the holidays. Investment piece! 

Nurse Jamie Uplift Massaging Beauty Roller • I’m kind of loving obsessed with lymph drainage videos and how different beauty tools can aid your skincare to create lasting results. I have two beauty rollers (would you like a video on this?), a rose quartz one that I keep in the fridge to apply serums and creams, and this Nurse Jamie one that I keep on my nightstand. Not to mention it feels so relaxing to have a mini massager rolled all over your face, give it a try! 

Oribe • Oribe anything! When people hug me if they mention how my hair smells it’s probably this guy right here. Oribe is one of my go-to hair care brands because it just does the job. It smells clean and fresh, vamps up my hair when it’s drab, and the packaging is something out of marketing dreams lol This shampoo has caffeine it it which rejuvenates your hair follicles and salicyclic acid which will oh so gently exfoliate your scalp, it’s a wonderful clarifying product. Lookin’ at all my dry shampoo addicts out there!

Tatcha Gold Beauty Oil • Oh so fancy! Put gold in cow manure and tell me it’s great for my skin and I’d probs slab it all over my face. I’m a monster I know. This is a ‘does all the things’ kind of beauty oil with 23-karat gold that you can literally put anywhere. Your skin, your hair, your cuticles, put it everywhere! I especially love this oil for my dry skin and to combat fine lines, but it was created for all skin types, so this. is. for. you. And your beauty babe too! 

Slip silk pillow case • My NUMBER ONE beauty tip for you is to invest in a silk pillow case. For you, for your beauty guru bestie, for your mother in law, for your significant other. It’s my lil gem of a beauty secret, not that it’s any secret, but this silk pillow case is anti-aging, anti face-squishing and creasing, anti-bed head, and PRO YOUTH magicalness. Get one for her, and two for you 😉 

 

 

This guide and the for ‘the fitness babes’ guide which is up next have been my most favorite to compile for you <3

 

Do you have someone in mind that would love to open one of these babies up for Christmas? Ahem, you totally count if you want to gift yourself and say it’s from Santa. You ARE Santa <3

 

 

 

 

 

Amour Holiday Palette

I’m feeling like a big ol’ shiny cranberry with this look so I’ll call it the ‘Cranberry Crush’! I’ve been loving all the Beauty Brand x Influencer collaborations happening with palettes and lipsticks and this one did not disappoint. This Amour Amour eyeshadow palette by Estee Lauder x Violette La Dangereuse is gorgeous! I used five of the eight colors to create this holiday look when I headed out to Joe’s company holiday party and it’s pigmented and not chalky at all. It has sparkle to it but not like you’ve dumped glitter onto your eyelids … which by the way I’m totally not opposed to, I think that’ll be my next tutorial! Quick tip ≈ it’s way more colorful if you add a few layers, the camera really picked up on the color but in person I could’ve gone for another layer 😉

Scroll down for a quick video of the full look, would you like a break down of it? Step by step?

 

Tell me what your favorite collaborations have been so I can try them out and play in color! Oh and also if you’d like a step by step of this <3 Get out there and shine baby, this is a sparkly one! xx