Current Favorites
“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” — Anthony J. D'Angelo
Hey, hi, hello! A little delayed here (OK, a lot delayed since it’s the middle of December already) but I have some things to share with y’all that I loved last month. It’s absolutely crazy to me that in less than a month, we’ll be in 2019. Like WTF. How is it that we’re closer to 2020 than we are to 2014? I still feel like that was last year… Crazy how time flies before our eyes. Just a reminder to slow down, be present + make the most of our time spending it with loved ones + pursuing our passions.
With that said, I have some things I’ve indulged in this month. Since this is my first “favorites” post though, I’m actually sharing what I’ve been loving for a while.
Fashion + Beauty
hair goals dry shampoo by tarte
I’m one of those people that washes their hair two or three times a week so I rely heavily on dry shampoo. I need it to absorb oil, have a clean scent + add volume to my hair. I’ve tried so many products from high-end to drugstore + wasn’t ever super impressed with any... Until I found Hair Goals by Tarte. I was like “HALLELUJAH!” This dry shampoo lifts oil from my hair, has the most heavenly scent + doesn’t leave any residue behind. It’s a little more on the pricier side, retailing at $19 but a little goes a long way with this product. I don’t mind spending money on high-end hair care if I know it’s actually effective + will truly extend the life of my hair. The cool thing about Tarte’s dry shampoo is that they use the natural thickening ingredients from their iconic mascaras to lift roots and boost volume.
Hoola matte bronzer by benefit
Yes, I know I’m probably the last one on the planet to jump on this bandwagon but I honestly didn’t use bronzer for the longest time. I was unaware of the magic of it until my old roommate did my makeup once. I was like “Wow, I look like a sun-kissed goddess!” No I didn’t really say that but I was truly impressed by this secret weapon. Since then, I’ve played around with liquid, stick + cream bronzers. I decided to test out the cult favorite, Hoola Matte Bronzer by Benefit + wow, I get the hype now. This bronzer delivers a healthy + effortless glow without leaving behind any shine or shimmer. I like to dust it all over my face to give a warm complexion to the skin like I just got back from the beach.
Bombshell fragrance by victoria’s secret
This one is an oldie but a goodie. I’ve been loving Victoria’s Secrets body products since I’ve been a little girl. I always use to slather on all the body lotions my mom had in her bathroom. Their products have pheromones in them so can you blame me? I rediscovered my love for their body lotions + perfumes but specifically the Bombshell Mist in the travel size. I throw this in my bag + give myself a few spritz as I’m on-the-go. The scent is incredible. It makes you feel sexy + refreshed. This would also make a perfect stocking stuffer!
Tv + Books
the final table on netflix
This one comes as a recommendation from my cousin, Gaby. The Final Table is a culinary competition where 24 chefs from all over the world team up to create dishes from various countries. In each episode, the chefs must cook a specific dish that resonates with the selected country. Three teams then go into a challenge round where they must cook with a specific ingredient from that country. Culinary food critics + chefs from that selected country then come in to judge the best + worst dish. At the end, there are four chefs that go head to head to sit at The Final Table with all the other world-renowned chefs. It’s captivating, dramatic + gives you so much respect for the creativity + passion that chefs carry.
murder mysteries
I haven’t read an actual book in quite some time but while at Target last month, I decided to check out what they had in the book aisle. I picked up It Takes One by Kate Kessler + I haven’t been able to put it down since. Criminal psychologist, Audrey Harte, goes back to her small hometown in Maine. The first night she’s home, she has an encounter with her old best friend, Maggie, who then gets murdered 24 hours later + Audrey becomes the prime suspect. I absolutely love getting lost in a story + this book does a really good job of transporting you into another world. I’m looking forward to curling up on the couch + reading more murder mysteries throughout the season with a cup of…
food + drink
earl grey tea
…Tea! Earl Grey tea to be precise. I’m still a coffee drinker + love indulging in a Starbucks latte from time to time BUT I’ve been loving Earl Grey tea for my morning buzz lately. Coffee tends to give me a “wired” buzz + I usually find myself crashing mid-afternoon, yearning for another cup. Tea, however, gives me a sustained feeling of energy that I can carry throughout the entire work day. Add a splash of milk, honey + vanilla extract + holy cow, it’s heaven in a cup.
Love + light,
Cris