Review: Murad Pore Reform Skin Smoothing Polish

Murad's Pore Reform Skin Smoothing Polish ($30 for 3.5 oz.) is a creamy polishing scrub ideal for reviving dull skin. Made with witch hazel + cinnamon extract to tighten pores and balance oil production, and starflower extract to leave skin soft, this rich scrub works to relieve congestion without stripping the skin.

I picked up this scrub per Hallie of Coral + Cognacs recommendation and I am so glad I did. I've seen major improvement with the size of my pores around my nose and my skin is always left with a healthy and noticeable glow after using this, especially in the morning.

If you're craving a little skin pick-me-up, I'd definitely give this a try!

Four Under $40: Lovely Lingerie

Topshop Racerback Bralette // Fleur't Failling in Love Lace Camisole & Shorts // Honeydew Intimates Mia Lace Bralette // Free People Boy Shorts Set

One of the biggest trends of lately has been exposed bralettes and other lacy numbers. These are just a few picks to be worn in and out of the bedroom.

Beauty Sales Week of December 27th

Gilt:

• Luxe Hair Tools feat. GHD (Sale begins Noon ET 12/28)

HauteLook:

• Pixi Beauty, Tangle Angel Detangling Brush (Sales begin 8am PT 12/27)
• Royale USA Hair Tools Up to 90% Off (Sale begins 4pm PT 12/27)
• #ManiMonday: Deborah Lippmann, Designer Fragrances for Men & Women, TAO Clean: The World's Cleanest Toothbrush (Sales begin 8am PT 12/28)
• Professional Beauty Cases, ProSonic Cleaning Brush System, Terre Mere Organic Vegan Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 12/29)
• Flirty Eyes Mink Lashes, Mirenesse Australia, Patchology: Targeted Patch Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 12/30)
• Billion Dollar Brows, CROC Hair Tools, LORAC Exclusives (Sales begin 8am PT 12/31)
• Manic Panic, Morphe Brushes, Simply Spoiled Supplements, Swissco Beauty Tools (Sales begin 8am PT 1/1)
• Korean Cosmetics: Peripera, ORA Dermal Roller System (Sales begin 8am PT 1/2)

MYHABIT:

• Scent Appeal: Fragrance for Her & Him (Sale begins 9am PT 12/27)
• More is Better: Makeup Sets feat. Mally (Sale begins 9am PT 12/28)
• Clarins (Sale begins 9am PT 1/1)
• Infinite & Botanifique Skincare (Sale begins 9am PT 1/2)

Rue La La:

• Save Face: Skincare by StriVectin & More (Sale begins 11am ET 12/28)
• Pamper Yourself: Panier Des Sens & More (Sale begins 11am ET 12/31)

Link Love: December 20-26

Etiquette and Fashion Events [Huff Post Style]

Hot Chocolate Peppermint Gingerbread Cookies With Dunkin' Donuts [Aww, Sam]

How To Have An Adult Apartment (& Life!) In 2016 [Refinery 29]

Meet Josilin Torrano- Facebook [Career Contessa]

Science Says Eating With Your Coworkers Will Improve Performance [My Domaine]

Skin-Care Rules to Always Follow When You Travel [Allure Daily Beauty Reporter]

The Working Girl's Guide to Holiday Entertaining [Levo League]

Review: December 2015 Birchbox

(MALIN + GOETZ) Clarifying Clay Mask: This exfoliating clay mask treats oiliness and pesky blemishes - all in less than 10 minutes a week.

amika Nourishing Mask: Paraben-free treatment that conditions and repairs with super fruit sea buckthorn berry.

Christian Siriano Silhouette Eau de Parfum: Inspired by a dress from his Spring 2013 collection, this scent has the same light, glamorous, and feminine feeling.

Coastal Scents styleEYES Eyeshadow Palette 'formalEYES': A bold, beautiful eye shadow palette in always-fashionable pinks and mauves.

stila Stay All Day 'Venezia' Liquid Lipstick: This creamy formula glides on like a gloss yet lasts and (and lasts and lasts) like a stain.

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers Under $50

kate spade new york 'One in a Million' Business Card Holder // Tory Burch Holiday Cracker // Madewell Cara Metal Necklace // Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong (3-Pack) // MASON SHAKER Pineapple Tumbler // diptyque 'Tubereuse' Scented Candle // Starbucks Peace Demi Mug // Fresh Sugar Fig Lip Treatment

Need a couple of last minute stocking stuffers or little gifts to give to someone unexpected? All of these gifts are under $50 and will make the perfect surprise this season.

Beauty Sales Week of December 20th

Gilt:

• Beauty Best Sellers (Sale begins 9pm ET 12/20)
• Baby Quasar (Sale begins Noon ET 12/21)
• Up to 80% Off: Beauty Essentials (Sale begins Noon ET 12/23)
• Gilt City Presents: Blissworld.com (Sale begins Noon ET 12/24)

HauteLook:

• Deep Sea Cosmetics, White with Style Teeth Whitening (Sales begin 8am PT 12/20)
• Beauty Blowout, Brilliance New York Hair Tools Up to 90% Off (Sales begin 4pm PT 12/20)
• Korean Cosmetics: IPKN New York, KORRES (Sales begin 8am PT 12/22)
• Lord & Berry Cosmetics, Sibu Beauty, Tanda Light Therapy (Sales begin 8am PT 12/23)
• Arya Essentials All-Natural Luxury Skincare, Edward Bess Cosmetics, Martinni Skin Care Masks, Sprig Bath & Body (Sales begin 8am PT 12/24)
• Aesthetica Cosmetics, Dermatologic Cosmetic Laboratories, Fragrances $25 & Under, NEST Candles (Sales begin 8am PT 12/25)
• Blend Mineral Cosmetics, D'OR 24K Luxury Skincare, Pinook Massagers & Heat Pads (Sales begin 8am PT 12/26)

MYHABIT:

• Luxury Beauty: Lancôme, Kèrastase & More, Vivo Per Lei Diamond Skincare (Sales begin 9am PT 12/22)
• Skincare by Deep Sea Cosmetics, Up to 70%: Beauty and Grooming (Sales begin 9am PT 12/23)
• $99 & Under: Fragrance for Him & Her, Royale (Sales begin 9am PT 12/24)
• Up to 70% Off: Beauty & Grooming (Sale begins 9am PT 12/25)
• $9 & Up: Makeup, Skincare & More, Jolie Femme Cosmetics (Sales begin 9am PT 12/26)

Rue La La:

• The Beauty Bar: Essentials for Prettifying at Home (Sale begins 11am ET 12/23)

Link Love: December 13-19

13 Cities That Should Be On Everyone's Radar in 2016 [House Beautiful]

Everything Christmas Films Lied to Us About [Refinery 29]

Glitter Party Details [Subtle Revelry]

How to Social Network Your Way to a Job Offer [Levo League]

Let's Talk About Advertising [Cupcakes & Cashmere]

The Six Food Apps Every Career Woman Must Download [Career Contessa]

Vegan Butternut Squash 'Carbonara' with Coconut Bacon + Crispy Sage [Top With Cinnamon]

Winter Hair Repair

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Night Cap Overnight Perfector // Drybar Mudslide Nourishing Hair Mask // Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Conditioner // Peter Thomas Roth Hair To Die For Treatment // Agave Vapor Infusion // Phyto Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Brilliance Mask

The holidays are over, so it's officially recovery mode for me. I'm ready to get back into my normal routine for both mind and body, so it's time to end this year with pampering before getting into 2016. These are a few of the masks, conditioners, and treatments on the top of my wish list [hello holiday gift cards!] that are sure to kick your hair back into high gear.

Gift Guide: For Your Bay Stater

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Travel Kit // McCrea's Classic Vanilla Caramel Tube // Jojo's Silver Shade Bling Earrings // Apotheker's Kitchen Cashew & Sea Salt Chocolate // Fresh Beauty Skincare Affair Gift Set // Bonnie's Jams Three Jar Honey Collection // Sophie Hughes Jewelry Verge Ring 

I've fallen in love with the city of Boston more and more each day over the past several months and absolutely love that I can call this place my home. With each time I visit a new little boutique, artisanal coffee shop or unique restaurant, my smile grows more and more.

Here are a few of my favorite gift ideas from Boston born and bred companies that are perfect if you want to give a little piece of the city to someone this season.

Beauty Sales Week of December 13th

Gilt:

• NuFace (Sale begins Noon ET 12/15)
• Beauty Best Sellers (Sale begins Noon ET 12/18)

HauteLook:

• #ManiMonday: MAVALA, DERMAdoctor Skincare, Koh Gen Do (Sales begin 8am PT 12/14)
• ActivaDerm DEP Patch, Brilliance New York Cosmetics, Infinique Organic Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 12/15)
• AVIVA Hair Revitalizer, NUXE Skincare, PMD Personal Microderm, Stila (Sales begin 8am PT 12/16)
• Gorgeous Cosmetics, NuMe Style Hair Tools, Skin Chemists (Sales begin 8am PT 12/17)
• Fromm Beauty Must-Haves, Kurious Natural Lip Gloss Tattoos, MEDIHEAL Korean Skincare, Nature's Shea Butter (Sales begin 8am PT 12/18)
• Donna Bella 24K & Caviar Skincare, JUARA Skincare, Sugar Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 12/19)

MYHABIT:

• D'Or 24k Gold Luxury Skincare (Sale begins 9am PT 12/14)
• Clarins (Sale begins 9am PT 12/15)
• Get Great Hair: Deva, Davines & Mizani (Sale begins 9am PT 12/16)
• Great Gifts: Beauty Gadgets & More (Sale begins 9am PT 12/18)

Rue La La:

• Crabtree & Evelyn (Sale begins 11am ET 12/17)
• The Scents of Winter: Penhaligon's & More, Treat Your Skin with bliss & More (Sales begin 11am ET 12/18)
• Pretty Talk: Makeup Featuring Isaac Mizrahi (Sale begins 11am ET 12/19)

Link Love: December 6-12

15 Tips for Surviving a Long Airplane Flight [A Cup of Jo]

A Celebrity Personal Assistant's Top Time-Management Tips [My Domaine]

End Blackheads With These Genius Tricks [Refinery 29]

NY's First Micro-Apartments Actually Look Kinda Comfortable [Wired]

Peppermint Mochi [Two Red Bowls]

Stay Focused on Your Goals Not Your Critics [Both Sides of the Table]

Why You Need a Digital Detox and How to Start One [The Every Girl]

Products I've Used Up #13

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Powder: This is my all time favorite setting powder, and I recently purchased it in pressed form and am enjoying it even more. 

Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara: This is what I use to finish off my brows every day and they always stay in place!

Wet n Wild Max Volume Mascara: This is a pretty good mascara but I wouldn't purchase it. 

Bare Minerals Prime Time Primer: I used this for years but the yellow color was often discoloring my BB cream. 

L'Oreal Fair Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream: This is my every day face product and something I can't go without. 

ChapStick Candy Cane: I've had this since around this time last year so it was definitely time for it to go. 

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Primer: I did like this for a while but it took way too long to set to apply BB cream on top of. 

Maybelline Baby Skin Primer: This is an awesome primer that creates a clean and pore less base for your BB cream or foundation of choice. 

L'Anza Keratin Healing Oil: I used this for far too long and came to the realization that I don't love using oils in my hair but prefer a cream product. 

Degree Motion Sense Fresh Energy Deodorant: This is an awesome deodorant and really gets the job done, I love it!

Bath & Body Works Sensual Black Currant & Vanilla Body Wash: I don't love heavily scented body washes so this was a little heavy for every day but was nice every once in a while. 

Tree Hut Tropical Mango Shea Moisturizing Body Lotion: This is an awesome body lotion, it's super hydrating without feeling heavy. 

CVS Strengthening Nail Polish Remover: This is a great polish remover, it doesn't leave my nails feeling weak or brittle and easily removes my polish.

C.O. Bigelow Lavender & Peppermint Conditioner: This wasn't my favorite, it just wasn't thick enough to handle my hair although the scent was nice!

Bath & Body Works Vanilla Cupcake Candle: This is a few years old and was one of the last candles I had in my parents house that I finished up last time I was there. 

Actifirm Renovation Serum: I am seriously obsessed with this serum. It's light and sinks in nicely and does a great job of balancing out my skin.

DDF Brightening Cleanser: I've been using this for years but I think it's time for a change, I definitely need something more clinical.

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Cleanser: This was a great sample and is definitely in the running for being a new cleanser for me.

bliss Micro Magic Exfoliant: I really liked this exfoliator for a while but have recently found a new one I love even more! Stay tuned soon for a review.

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes: These definitely aren't as good as the Kirkland ones below, but they always get the job done.

Kirkland Facial Towelettes: I love these makeup remover wipes, they are thick and remove almost all of my makeup.

Gift Guide: For Your Mother

Jo Malone 'Peony & Blush Suede' Scented Candle // Kennebunk Home Camelot Throw // Kate Spade New York Cedar Street Stacy Wallet // Living Proof Happy Hair Days Kit // Salad Love // White + Warren Cashmere Rib Trim Glove // DKNY Parsons Watch // diptyque 'Eau Rose' Eau de Toilette // Jonathan Adler 'Marseilles' Porcelain Coasters

Especially during the holidays and on special occasions, I love pampering my mom. I'm so lucky to be so close to her and while gifts don't make up for the teenage years I put her through, hopefully, these gifts make her smile just a little bit bigger.

Beauty Sales Week of December 6th

Gilt:

• Beauty Gifts: Sets & Fragrances (Sale begins 9pm ET 12/9)

HauteLook:

• Arade Organics: Argan & Prickly Pear Seed Cosmetics, Baby Quasar, POP Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 12/8)
• DKNY Fragrances, Pulsaderm Beauty Tools, The Body Shop (Sales begin 8am PT 12/9)
• L'Reve Luxury Skincare, Penhaligon's London & L'Artisan Parfumeur, Posh Brushes & Beauty Tools (Sales begin 8am PT 12/10)

MYHABIT:

• A Relaxing Bath: Panier des Sens & More (Sale begins 9am PT 12/8)
• Holiday-Ready Hair feat. Living Proof, New & Notable: Le' Royal 24K Gold Collection (Sales begin 9am PT 12/9)

Rue La La:

• Men's Grooming Musts: Clean Up Nice (Sale begins 11am ET 12/11)

Link Love: November 29-December 5

8 Investments You Should Make in Yourself Before You're 30 [Career Contessa]

9 Easy Ways to Declutter Your Schedule [Refinery 29]

Hiding in Plain Sight: Camouflage Your Storage [Apartment Therapy]

MR Round Table: That Elusive Work/Life Balance [Man Repeller]

Pomegranate & Thyme Baked Camembert [The Merrythought]

Reality Stars have Ruined the Birkin [NY Post]

The Everygirl 30 Day Challenge: Ditch the Bad Habits [The Everygirl]

Instagram Roundup: November 2015

Enjoying the view of 200 Clarendon from the South End // Shopping at Kit & Ace on Newbury Street // Rocking my favorite fall skirt from Primark // Spending the afternoon at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum with my best friend Savannah

Loving my new computer case // Gracenote Coffee is an amazing new spot in the city // Spent the day in Hyannis with my best friend Liza // Beech Tree Cantina in Hyannis was so good

Tatte is seriously my favorite coffee shop in Boston // Making donut puns // Visiting the JFK Memorial on the anniversary of his assassination // Being a hair model for the day at the Living Proof HQ

Celebrating Thanksgiving with my sister by my side // Enjoying my favorite new pastime // Can't believe this is the view from my sister's dorm // Breakfast at Buvette in NYC

Gift Guide: For Your Best Friend

Kate Spade New York Eat Cake For Breakfast Journal // Victoria's Secret The Dreamer Henley Pajama Set // Too Faced Melted Kisses & Sweet Cheeks Set // Tory Burch Logo Flower Resin Stud Earring // Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong 5 Pack // Le Specs Jealous Games Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses // Design Darling Pineapple Jars // Voluspa 'Branche Vermeil' Corta Maison Candle // TOCCA 'Eau de Parfum Viaggio' Travel Fragrance Set

It's that time of year again, holiday shopping time. I love picking out the perfect gift for each and every person in my life, so I'm kicking off this years gift guide collection with my selection of gifts for your best friend. 

Beauty Sales Week of November 29th

Gilt:

• Sisley (Sale begins Noon ET 12/2)

HauteLook:

• Hairdo Hair Extensions: Up to 75% Off, KareCo Shears: Up to 80% Off (Sales begin 8am PT 11/29)
• Beauty Blowout: Up to 80% Off, Le Angelique Hair Tools Blowout: Up to 80% Off (Sales begin 4pm PT 11/29)
• #ManiMonday: ORLY Nails Starting at $3.50, Lime Crime: Up to 65% Off, Perricone MD (Sales begin 8am PT 11/30)
• Golden Door Spa Skincare, HighTech Cosmetics, Macadamia Natural Oil Haircare (Sales begin 8am PT 12/1)
• Clarisonic, MEDYSKIN, Morphe Brushes (Sales begin 8am PT 12/2)
• Brazabra Beauty Solutions, ghd: Good Hair Every Day, Hempz Hair & Bodycare (Sales begin 8am PT 12/3)
• Aquareveal: Luxe Korean Exfoliators, Japonesque Cosmetics, Tweezerman (Sales begin 8am PT 12/4)
• Allegresse 24K Gold Skincare, Start Pure Teeth Whitening, Trophy Skin Anti-Aging Beauty Tools (Sales begin 8am PT 12/5)

MYHABIT:

• Best of Beauty (Sale begins 9am PT 11/29)
• Haircare feat. Kérastase (Sale begins 4pm PT 11/29)
• Lancôme, Clarins & More (Sale begins 9am PT 11/30)
• Under $30: Presents for Primping (Sale begins 9am PT 12/2)
• New Markdowns: Beauty & Grooming, Perfectly Coiffed: Hair Tools (Sales begin 9am PT 12/3)
• Gifts to Impress: Fragrance (Sale begins 4pm PT 12/3)

Rue La La:

• Stocking Stuffers: Beauty Edition, The Beauty Bar: Prettify with Christian Dior & More, The Blowout Bar: Essentials for Salon-Perfect Locks (Sales begin 11am ET 11/30)
• What's Your Fragrance Type? Free-Spirited to Glam (Sale begins 11am ET 12/4)

Link Love: November 22-28

101 Cheap Ways to Relax [Levo League]

A Picture-Perfect Thanksgiving Salad [Apartment 34]

DIY Disco Ball Christmas Tree [Studio DIY]

How to Host an Instagram-Worthy Italian Dinner Party [ELLE]

How Two Religious Women Shattered Stereotypes About Dressing Modestly [Huff Post Style]

Sweet and Savory Holiday Recipes [Cupcakes & Cashmere]

These Millennial Women Are Defining "Homemaker" On Their Own Terms [Refinery 29]

Review: November 2015 Birchbox

Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil: Best-selling blend of six nourishing oils that smooths, strengthens, defrizzes and boosts shine.

Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare Complete Clarity Daily Facial Exfoliating Polish: The aloe and glycerin-infused creamy formula is gentle, yet packs a revitalizing punch to refine skin's texture.

LOC One & Done 'Impress Me' Shadow Stick: From Birchbox's new brand- a creaseless, waterproof shadow with shades curated by YouTube beauty star Tati Westbrook.

MAKE Face Gloss: With minimal effort, this colorless, vitamin-rich formula refreshes dull skin.

Temple Spa La La Lagoon AromaticBath & Shower Gel: Infused with mint, peppermint, and basil, this gel cleanser helps soothe stress while softening and smoothing skin.

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things: November 2015

Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader // Murad Pore Reform Skin Smoothing Polish // Living Proof Flex Shaping Hairspray // Archipelago Coconut Hand Crème // Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette // Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate Mix // Secret Paris: Color Your Way to Calm

Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader: How have I never heard this song before this month? It's so catchy and fun to sing along to!

Murad Pore Reform Skin Smoothing Polish: This is one of my favorite recent purchases, definitely expect a full review on it later in December!

Living Proof Flex Shaping Hairspray: I've only been using this for a few weeks, but I'm seriously in love with it. It's super lightweight and holds my straight hair in place all day long.

Archipelago Coconut Hand Crème: This smells amazing and is super nourishing, which is awesome because my hands have been super dry due to the changing weather lately.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette: I've been into wearing less and less face makeup as the year has continued and same goes for my eye makeup.

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate Mix: It's that time of year again, and I can't get enough of this. There's something very satisfying about a cup of hot chocolate at the end of the day.

Secret Paris: Color Your Way to Calm: This has been extremely relaxing to do before bed and something I genuinely look forward to at the end of each day.

My friend Liza and I rented a Zipcar one Saturday this month and headed to the Cape, because we had both never been! Check out my full outfit post and more about what we did here.

Beauty Sales Week of November 22nd

Gilt:

• Indulgent Beauty Gifts (Sale begins Noon ET 11/24)
• Up to 80% Off: Designer Fragrances, Up to 80% Off: Luxe Beauty (Sale begins Noon ET 11/26)

HauteLook:

• Aesthetica Cosmetics, European Soaps, Giftable Scents: Penhaligon's London, Pink Sugar Fragrances (Sales begin 8am PT 11/24)
• Bliss, Giftable Scents: L'Artisan Parfumeur, Stila, Travalo Atomizers & Rollerballs, Tova Beverly Hills (Sales begin 8am PT 11/25)
• BECCA Cosmetics, Giftable Scents: DKNY Fragrances, Nth Degree Haircare & Hair Tools, Vanity Planet Beauty Tools (Sales begin 8am PT 11/26)
• Estee Lauder Skincare Sets, Giftable Scents: Designer Fragrances for Men & Women, Lilly Lashes by Lilly Ghalichi (Sales begin 8am PT 11/27)
• Brilliance New York Hair Tools Up to 90% Off (Sale begins 1pm PT 11/27)
• Crabtree & Evelyn $19 & Under, Giftable Scents: Designer Fragrances Up to 75% Off, VIOlife Up to 60% Off, Verseo Beauty & Wellness Up to 70% Off (Sales begin 8am PT 11/28)

MYHABIT:

• $7 & Up: Skincare, Makeup & More (Sale begins 9am PT 11/24)
• $10 & Up: Haircare, Bodycare & More (Sale begins 9am PT 11/25)
• Up to 70% Off Beauty (Sale begins 4pm PT 11/25)
• Up to 70% Off: Skincare & More (Sale begins 9am PT 11/27)
• Treat Yourself: Mediterranean Beauty (Sale begins 9am PT 11/28)

Rue La La:

• BeautyArmy, NuMe Hairstyling Tools (Sales begin 11am ET 11/25)

Link Love: November 15-21

8 Travel Hacks You Need to Know This Season [Refinery 29]

Here's What Happens When an Instagram Celebrity Shares What Really Goes Into Her Beauty Routine [Allure]

Pumpkin Cheesecake Lasagna Is the Dessert That's Calling Your Name [House Beautiful]

Sloan's Holiday Wardrobe [Cupcakes & Cashmere]

Your Guide to Classic Holiday Cocktails [coco+kelley]

Your Guide To The Best Street Eats in NYC [Guest of a Guest]

Why You Need an "Emergency Fund" - and How to Rack It Up Fast [Levo]

Cookbook Wish List

French Comfort Food // New England Open-House // Chelsea Market // Baking with Less Sugar // Better On Toast // Plenty More

I still consider my apartment to be new, uncharted territory, even though I've been living here for almost three months. I'm having lots of fun cooking and decorating and have turned to many a design and food blog for inspiration, but there's something special about a cookbook. 

I come from a family of foodies, with both grandfathers, my mother, and my father in the food industry, so it's no surprise that I too, love to cook. As a little girl, I attended cooking camp, watched Emeril Lagasse regularly and thumbed through cookbooks as fervently as I did the latest Harry Potter novel.

Here are a couple of the latest cookbooks I've been lusting after. 

Outfit: Cape Cod Day

Timberland Jacket (℅) // Banana Republic Dress // Zara Blanket Scarf // Steve Madden Boots

My best friend Liza and I decided to take a day trip to Cape Cod because neither of us had ever been. I know, I know, I've lived in Boston for 2.5 years and had yet to have gone to the Cape before this past Saturday, but now I can at least check it off my list of places I want to visit!

We had fun taking pictures on the beach in Hyannis and shopping on Main Street, and of course stopping to get something to eat. We tried out Beech Tree Cantina which was so good! The Pork Tacos and Chicken Tostadas were the perfect lunch before we headed to Chatham for more exploring. 

Beauty Sales Week of November 15th

Gilt:

• The Beauty Boutique (Sale begins Noon ET 11/17)

HauteLook:

• Epilady Hair Removal & Facial Tools, Inifinique Organic Skincare, Measurable Difference Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 11/17)
• Ardency Inn Cosmetics, Burberry Fragrances, Runway Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 11/18)
• Laura Geller Holiday Must-Haves, T3 Hair Tools (Sales begin 8am PT 11/19)
• LightStim LED Light Therapy, Medpeel Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 11/20)
• Gift & Get: Crown Brush (Sales begin 1pm PT 11/20)

MYHABIT:

• The Playful Side: Fragrances (Sale begins 9am PT 11/17)
• Party Essential: Holiday Beauty (Sale begins 4pm PT 11/17)
• New & Notable: La Mer Skincare, Up to 90% Off: Caviar-Infused Skincare (Sales begin 9am PT 11/18)

Rue La La:

• Makeup Brushes & Sets: Upgrade Your Beauty Routine (Sale begins 11am ET 11/17)

Link Love: November 8-14

5 Super Easy Fall Makeup Trends [Apartment 34]

10-Minute Rituals to Start Your Day Stress-Free [My Domaine]

Julia Child's House in France Is for Sale [House Beautiful]

Makeup mogul Bobbi Brown: Contouring madness has to stop [New York Post]

Social Media Vs. Real Life [Cupcakes & Cashmere]

The Most Instagram-Worthy Spots in Paris [wit & whimsy]

Twice Baked Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower [Dashing Dish]

Sephora Sale Picks

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration // NEST Midnight Fleur // Fresh Sugar Lip Delight // Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Night Cap Overnight Perfector // Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter // Marc Jacobs Fragrance Daisy Rollerball Trio // Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

If you're a VIB Rouge member, than you were lucky enough to have already shopped the sale, but if you're just a VIB, your time is coming. Starting tomorrow, VIB's will receive 20% off through November 16th with the code VIB20 online and in stores.

I think you can make best use of the sale by purchasing holiday gifts for friends and family, and essentials for yourself- such as your favorite moisturizer and perfume.

Blogging Business: Stuck in a Rut

I've been in a major blogging rut lately. I've been feeling un-inspired and generally lack luster with the content I've been producing. I know this is mostly due to the amount of school work I have currently and the amount of hours I've been putting in at my job, but I just haven't been feeling very motivated.

Any tips for when you're stuck in a blog rut? I'd love to hear them!

Beauty Sales Week of November 8th

Gilt:

• StriVectin (Sale begins 9pm ET 11/8)
• Gilt City Presents: $30 off Estée Lauder (Sale begins Noon ET 11/11)

HauteLook:

• Beauty Blowout: TARINA TARANTINO Up to 70% Off, Hair Tools Blowout: Cortex Up to 90% Off (Sales begin 4pm PT 11/8)
• #ManiMonday: Nails Inc London, Dermatouch, NovaLash (Sales begin 8am PT 11/9)
• Silk'n Hair Removal, Tiziana Terenzi Luxury Fragrance & Candle, Whiter Image Teeth Whitening (Sales begin 8am PT 11/10)
• Eyelashi Luxe Mink Lashes, MEDIHEAL Korean Skincare, tarte Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 11/11)
• Anthony for Men, Avani Dead Sea Skincare, THEORIE Professional Haircare & Hair Tools (Sales begin 8am PT 11/12)
• Eyeko London, NuFACE Facial Toning Device, Patchology: Targeted Patch Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 11/13)

MYHABIT:

• Macadamia Natural Oil, More is More: Nail Polish Sets (Sales begin 9am PT 11/9)
• Luxe for Less: Beauty Favorites (Sale begins 4pm PT 11/10)
• Decleor & Sisley, Soft & Smooth: Skincare feat. Basq (Sales begin 9am PT 11/11)

Rue La La:

• Marc by Marc Jacobs Handbags, Perfume, & More (Sale begins 11am ET 11/9)
• The Beauty Bar: Prettify with La Prairie & More,  (Sale begins 11am ET 11/11)
• Quench Dry Skin: Beauty Picks Featuring L'OCCITANE (Sale begins 11am ET 11/12)
• Razors, Brushes, & More for a Closer Shave (Sale begins 11am ET 11/13)

Link Love: November 1-7

10 Small-Space-Living Secrets I Wish I'd Known In My 20s [Refinery 29]

13 Breathtaking Real-Life Spaces That Inspired Disney Movies [Country Living]

Dinner Party for First-Timers [Camille Styles]

How to Save Money When You're Young, Dumb, and Broke [VICE]

Long Day, Long Pour. But Does Alcohol Calm or Cause Anxiety? [Career Contessa]

'Scandal' Costume Designer Lyn Paolo on What It Takes to Dress Kerry Washington [Levo League]

Spinach + Feta Quiche [Cupcakes & Cashmere]

All Things Pretty: Mini Bag Madness

Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote // ZAC Zac Posen Eartha Top Handle Mini Cross Body Bag // Candy Cookie Mini Satchel

There's something about mini bags for fall that I love. Granted, I tend to carry far more in the fall than in any other season, I love the look of mini structured bags with layered sweaters, scarves and boots. What's your favorite way to style a mini bag?

Instagram Roundup: October 2015

Enjoying Halloween-inspired latte art at Ogawa coffee // Stopping by the European Wax Center activation at Her Campus College Fashion Week // Sailing on a fall fashion cruise with Cambridgeside Galleria // Missing London mornings

Enjoying pumpkins at a South End market // So happy to be a Timberland Brand Ambassador // Spending a weekend at home with my family // Shopping at the most darling home store

Channeling my inner Olivia Pope // Obsessed with Niche Urban Garden Supply in the South End // Embracing Halloween with a day trip to Salem // Enjoying an afternoon at Cafe Madeleine

Beauty Sales Week of November 1st

HauteLook:

• DermaMD, TOWELDRY Men's Haircare (Sales begin 8am PT 11/3)
• Illamasqua, Men's Designer Fragrances, SPAfrica Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 11/4)
• Arganicare Argan Oil Hair Care, FHI Heat Hair Tools, Mirenesse Australia (Sales begin 8am PT 11/5)
• Joey New York Skin Care, PUR Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 11/6)

MYHABIT:

• Stocking Stuffers: Little Beauty Luxuries (Sale begins 9am PT 11/3)
• $12 & Up: Bath & Body Indulgences, Up to 70% Off: Skincare Best Sellers (Sales begin 9am PT 11/4)

Rue La La:

• Lancome (Sale begins 11am ET 11/4)
• Your Antiaging Beauty Routine: Stop the Clock (Sale begins 11am ET 11/6)

Link Love: October 25-31

15 Simple Accessories Minimalists Will Love [Refinery 29]

15 Ways to Start Living a More Organized Life [Levo League]

Google's App Now Puts All The Cheese Knowledge In Your Pocket [Huff Post Taste]

Last Second Pumpkin DIY That's Scary Good [Apartment 34]

My Morning Routine [Cupcakes & Cashmere]

Trick or Treat? Salty or Sweet? [College Prepster]

These Podcasts Will Take Your Commute to the Next Level [Career Contessa]

Minimal Lifestyle Tips

I've begun to embrace a more minimalistic lifestyle over the past few months and am here to share with you a few tips that have helped me along the way to simplifying my life.

This lifestyle change is probably due to two main things:

1. I have absolutely no free time and need to make things as easy as possible day to day. I rarely have more than an hour or two without something to do, so I need to streamline everything as much as possible.
2. I'm living in the smallest space I've ever had. I moved into a new apartment at the beginning of September and my room is the smallest room I've ever had. It's made me very conscious of what I bring in and out and how the space is laid out.

Here's what I've been doing to simplify my life and a few tips on how you can do the same:

1. Throw Out: Seriously, throw everything out that you don't use. I made two massive trash bags earlier this week of things I just didn't need and haven't looked back since.
2. Donate: As for my clothes, accessories, and a few home pieces I wasn't using, I headed to Goodwill with several bags. Drop it off and walk out feeling much better.
3. Light: My apartment has great natural lighting thanks to an abundance of windows, and my furniture being all white and my room generally having a softer environment is extremely relaxing and helps me breath easier.
4. Meal Prep: This has been a major change for me. I absolutely love cooking but I really don't have time to cook dinner each day during the week, so on Mondays, I meal prep. I cook up lots of veggies, protein, and a carbohydrate option so I can mix and match throughout the week before heading to work or school each day. 
5. Walking: I've been taking a lot of late-night walks which help me clear my mind before jumping into bed without staring at a computer screen or phone before I sleep. This has really improved my sleeping each night. 

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things: October 2015

Spotify 'Have a Great Day' Playlist // Fresh Seaberry Nourishing Hand Cream // iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion // Archer Farms Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cookie Snack Bites // Meal Prep // Rifle Paper Co Notebook Sets // Cupcakes and Cashmere at Home by Emily Schuman

Spotify 'Have a Great Day' Playlist: This is an awesome playlist and seriously makes my day better!

Fresh Seaberry Nourishing Hand Cream (℅): Infused with anti-oxidant rich seaberry oil, this is a rich and pampering hand cream perfect for the cooler months.

iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion: I've been using this for a few weeks and it has really helped balance out my skin to the perfect combination.

Archer Farms Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cookie Snack Bites: These little bites are so addicting but so satisfying, so I only pack two or three to keep myself from eating the whole bag!

Meal Prep: I rarely have time to actually cook dinner each night, so meal prepping has been a major help. Typically, I cook a ton of veggies, a few chicken breasts, and rice or pasta once a week and divvy it up throughout the week. It cuts down on cooking time each night and generally makes my weeks a lot easier.

Rifle Paper Co Notebook Sets: I recently picked up a few sets of these beautiful notebooks and at least one comes everywhere with me.

Cupcakes and Cashmere at Home by Emily Schuman: The latest book from one of my favorite bloggers that has inspired me to do some sprucing in our apartment.

Timberland Student Brand Ambassador Program

As you probably gathered from my Instagram and Twitter over the past month, I have served as the Timberland SBA for Emerson College. This was such a great opportunity to promote a brand that has done some serious re-branding and has a fall collection filled with pieces that I'm seriously obsessed with (i.e. this classic trench, this leather and suede tote, these booties).

Beauty Sales Week of October 25th

HauteLook:

• Pro Hair Must-Haves: Fromm Brushes & Shears, Pro Hair Must-Haves: InStyler,  Pro Hair Must-Haves: Macadamia Hair, Pro Hair Must-Haves: Royale USA Remy Hair Extensions (Sales begin 8am PT 10/25)
• Brilliance New York Hair Tools Blowout: Up to 90% Off (Sale begins 4pm PT 10/25)
• #ManiMonday: Lauren B. Beauty, Botanifique Skincare, Laura Geller Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 10/26)
• Designer Fragrances for Men & Women, Edward Bess Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 10/27)
• Mario Badescu, Terre Merre Organic-Vegan Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 10/28)
• CROC Hair Tools, Crown Brush, NutraLuxeMD Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 10/29)

MYHABIT:

• Last Chance: Beauty Best Sellers (Sale begins 9am PT 10/25)
• The New Classics: Bond No. 9 Creed & More, Up to 90% Off: Diamond & Gold Infused Skin Care (Sales begin 9am PT 10/26)
• Best Face Forward: Laura Mercier & More, Up to 85% Off: Donna Bella Luxury Skincare (Sales begin 9am PT 10/27)
• Hit the Right Note: Designer Fragrance (Sale begins 9am PT 10/30)

Rue La La:

• The Beauty Bar: Prettify with Living Proof & More (Sale begins 11am ET 10/25)