Friday Favorites – October 12th, 2018

Happy Friday!  It has been quite the week over here. It has been an exhausting but fulfilling week.  Work kept me challenged in the best way this week but things on the home front left me exhausted.  Katie has a pretty bad cold that has kept both of us up for at least two hours each night. We saw her pediatrician yesterday for her 15 month check-up and he confirmed that it is a bad cold. Unfortunately, at this age there aren’t many things you can give infants to help with the cough and post nasal drip so all we can do is comfort and continue to push fluids and give Ibuprofen or Tylenol in addition to the natural chest rub and cough syrup we are using.  Luckily, we don’t have any plans this weekend other than a casual date night in Brooklyn tonight. Since cooler weather has finally arrived, I think we’ll get into the fall spirit by buying some pumpkins, baking and spending a lot of time outside. Hopefully the fresh air will help Katie feel better!

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Now, let’s dive into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, including recipes, articles, posts and other things that caught my eye this week.

  • I picked up the ingredients for this healthy white chicken chili at the grocery store yesterday. Filled with mushrooms, beans and ground chicken, this healthy white chicken chili recipe has a ton of flavor and is always a favorite in our household.
  • Did you know that baking is one of my favorite ways to relax? I’m hoping to find time to bake pumpkin bread and these soft pumpkin cookies. I mean how can you go wrong when a recipe promises chewy pumpkin cookies with salted maple frosting?
  • Since I left my favorite Fresh lip balm on the airplane last week, I took that as a sign to order two new tints for the season – spice and petal.
  • I’m focused on improving my mental game in advance of next week’s half marathon. Therefore, I’m spending my spare time reading Deena Kastor’s memoir, Let Your Mind Run and reading multiple race recaps from inspirational running friends like Charlie and Janae.
  • Just when I needed something to make me smile earlier this week, my friend Leslie shared this homecoming video on Facebook. Holy heck this dance team is incredible! I love the theme and the fact that everyone was cheering and clearly in awe.
  • Last week during my brother’s wedding weekend, I received multiple compliments on not only the dress but also my eyelashes aka mascara. As many of you know, I have very short, stubby lashes and have rarely found a mascara that will both lengthen and provide ooomph without making me look like a crazy lady. This L’Oreal mascara goes on easily, without clumps, and miraculously comes off when I wash my face. I’ve tried many mascaras that are double and triple the cost but this one is my favorite since it adds length and volume with a perfect consistency.

I’m hoping to hop back on here later this weekend to share a few of my favorite wardrobe items for fall as well as tips for traveling with a 15-month old. But now, it’s time to shutdown my computer and say hello to the weekend! Have a wonderful weekend friends!

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My Daily Beauty Routine

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Like many women, I love beauty products. I love trying the newest trends and products, to see whether they live up to their hype. Regardless how much I love beauty, it has taken me years to find my unique style and the products that work best with my skin tone and complexion. After years of experimenting, these are the products I rely on each day to go from “just rolled out of bed” to office ready.

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As you can see from the array of products, I fully embrace the splurge/save mentality. Certain products, such as moisturizer and foundation, I find are worth investing more whereas I tend to save on dry shampoo, lip balm, and mascara.

BASE

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation – I start my morning routine with this oil-free, lightweight moisturizer.  My skin feels hydrated and looks vibrant within minutes of applying. I love that this moisturizer absorbs quickly and serves as a perfect base for my makeup.

Olay Total Effects Dark Circle Minimizing Brush -  Next I apply a few swipes of this cream under my eyes to minimize fine lines, bags or circles. Even though I sleep eight hours most nights, I appreciate the camouflage this provides.

HAIR

Morrocan Oil Hair Treatment – Next, while blow drying my hair or styling it, I put a small amount of this nutrient filled oil on the ends of my hair. It helps smooth my hair and provide just a bit of shine. A little bit goes a long way so even the small bottle will last weeks.

Batiste Dry Shampoo – I discovered this dry shampoo the first weekend I stayed with Charlie. She swore by it even though it isn’t brown, which I always thought was a requirement for us brunettes. The fresh scent and light formula can take my “just a bit oily at the roots” hair to fresh and full of body in just a few sprays. I spray a bit along my roots and then come through on days when I don’t have time to hop in the shower.

FACE

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Ochre – Once my hair is done, I focus once again on my face. My mom and I are both loyal fans of this tinted moisturizer. It gives me a refreshing glow while providing sun protection and moisturizing benefits.

Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder Rich Vanilla – Since my skin tends to get a bit oily, especially in my t-zone, I lightly apply this powder that helps set my moisturizer and keep everything in place. I do find that I need two different shades, one for winter, and another, darker one for summer as my complexion changes so much during the year.

Laura Mercier Pink Bronze Duo – After using NARS Orgasm combo for years, I was introduced to this last Spring as a lighter option. Using a large makeup brush, I apply a mix of both colors to my cheeks each morning for a little extra pop of color.

EYES

Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner – Since trying liquid liner three years ago, I’ve never looked back. I love that it gives my look just a little more polish while helping my eyes pop. The narrow, pen applicator allows even clumsy hands to apply a perfect line.

Smashbox Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow – After applying my eyeliner, I add a few swipes of this nude shadow. While many would probably wear it as a base, I like the hint of color it adds to my eyelids while diminishing any veins or darkness.

Dior Show Maximizer Lash Primer – Unfortunately, I have short, stubby eyelashes. There is no denying it. Over the years, I’ve tried everything from nightly growth serum to artificial lashes in hopes of making them appear longer and fuller. Who knew that a small tube of primer could give me better results any of my previous experiments? I received this from Sephora two months ago and have been a believer ever since! After using it, co-workers and friends thought I’d invested in false eyelashes! If “Mrs.. Stubby Lashes” is getting this question, it’s clear that this primer works!

Cover Girl Full Lash Bloom Mascara – Another drugstore favorite is Cover Girl mascara. I’ve worn their mascara since they introduced lash blast a few years ago. Their latest formula provides both length and fullness, something that has paired perfectly with my eyelash needs. Made with natural beeswax, I like that this mascara doesn’t clump or leave my lashes feeling soft and brittle.

LIPS

Clinique Pop Lip Color + Primer – A new item in my makeup bag, I stocked up on this new Clinique lipstick when I was home in March. I couldn’t decide on one color, instead splurging on three. The neutral, Bare Pop, has become my everyday lip color as it’s a warm nude with just a hint of shimmer – perfect for my complexion. Even though it is lightweight, the formula is super hydrating and lasts longer than most nude lipsticks.

Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment – I wear this when I don’t feel like dealing with lipstick. The tinted lip balm is perfect for any day of the week and provides moisture and just a hint of color.

DOLCE&GABBANA Lipgloss Intense Color Lipgloss in Secret – When I want more color, this gloss is my favorite option. It is easy to apply, has a vibrant shine and the vibrant coral adds some fun to my otherwise neutral face.

DOLCE&GABBANA Light Blue Fragrance Pen – After working in the beauty and fragrance industry for six years, fragrance is something I can’t leave home without applying. While I rotate between four or five fragrances, Light Blue is my perennial favorite during the warmer months. A light, crisp, citrusy fragrance it isn’t overpowering and lasts longer than most of my fragrances.   

To see other items I’ve included in my beauty routine previously, check out these two posts:

Disclosure: This post contains ShopStyle links affiliate links, but as you can tell from the post, that doesn’t have any influence the products I featured! Also, Cover Girl and Dolce&Gabbana are brands owned by my employer, Procter & Gamble.

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2013 Favorite Things Giveaway

This year, more than ever, I am thankful for my blog. This blog has brought new friends into my life in both Geneva and London, which has helped tremendously with the adjustment. In addition, you all have helped me train for one marathon, two half marathon, a 10k race, and a 5k race three of which were personal records. Your emails, comments and interactions on social media have helped me discover new cities, countries, workouts, recipes, and inspire me on a daily basis. Therefore, similar to last year, I want to thank you all through a Favorite Things Giveaway.

2013 Favorite things

This year, there will be 5 lucky winners, each of whom have a chance to win one of the above gifts.  I will use Random Integer to choose a winner number for each prize. This contest is open to US and UK residents.

There are 2 ways to enter:

1) Leave a comment letting me know what you want to see more of on the blog in 2014. More training? Workouts? Fashion? Beauty? Travel?

2) Share via Twitter: I want to win @healthyhappier Favorite Things Giveaway including @yurbuds @kindle @baublebar! http://goo.gl/Zt5Xe4 (Leave a comment letting me know you shared via Twitter)

The giveaway will end at 11pm on Tuesday night. I will contact all winners via email and if I do not have a response within 48 hours I will choose another winner. 

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