Thursday, November 26, 2015

Shop Shop Shop

Gossip Girl

Hope you all are having a great Thanksgiving! Ted is golfing and once he is home we'll be heading to my parents house for dinner. In the meantime, I've been rounding up all the sales for you. I may or may not be going to the mall tonight... my mom and I always say we won't go but then think, why not? Then we regret it.

Sephora has some great $10 deals each year on Black Friday. You can see a preview here. Looks like the links are already live (but showing unavailable). My picks: Tarte Easy Glowing Deluxe Cheek SetClarisonic Luxe Contour Brush Head.

But let's get right to it... here's the list of sales going on.

ANTHROPOLOGIE
25% OFF EVERYTHING // SHOPTOIT
What don't I want? My top gift picks: Limited Edition Golden Monogram Mug, Capri Blue Volcano Candles


RAG & BONE
25% OFF EVERYTHING + 2 DAY SHIPPING'
The time to get a pair of booties! They are almost always excluded from Friends and Family sales at department stores. My pick: Harrow Boot


TUCKERNUCK
15% OFF EVERYTHING CODE: CYBER-15 // 20% OFF $200+ CODE: CYBER-20 // 25% OFF $500+ CODE CYBER-25
Barbour on sale.... what more do I need to say! My picks: Barbour Beadnell Wax Jacket, Asha Novella Earrings

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AG ADRIANO GOLDSCHMIED
30% PURCHASE // CODE: AGTHIRTY
The Legging Ankle, my favorite jeans!

ANN TAYLOR
50% OFF EVERYTHING // CODE: CELEBRATE

ANN TAYLOR LOFT
50% OFF EVERYTHING // CODE: CORNY (ENDS 11/27 3AM EST)

ASOS
30% OFF EVERYTHING // BLESSED
ATTENTION MOMS-TO BE: I've been checking their maternity section non-stop for new arrivals. I have this basic grey t-shirt dress for everyday (great to layer under a long cardigan) and this off the shoulder dress for the holidays. For sizing, I am typically an XS/2 and go with size 4. 

GAP
50% OFF EVERYTHING // CODE: BLKFRIDAY

J. CREW
30% OFF FULL PRICE, 40% OFF SALE // CODE: HOLIDAY

MADEWELL
25% OFF // CODE: CALMDOWN

REBECCA MINKOFF
25% OFF + FREE SHIPPING

SAM EDELMAN
30% OFF // SAMGIVING

SHOPBOP
15% OFF $250+, 20% OFF $500+, 25% $1,000+ // CODE: GOBIG15

TORY BURCH
30% OFF PURCHASE OF $250+ // CODE: THANKS

Happy Shopping!
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Monday, November 23, 2015

Tailgate Gender Reveal: It's a ....


This weekend Ted and I traveled to Bethlehem for my alma mater's rivalry football game, Lehigh vs. Lafayette. In case you're new here, I went to Lehigh, the better school. I've been back for this game just about every year since I graduated. And when I say for the game.... I mean tailgate. I am usually the only one of my friends that actually buys tickets... this year I didn't even step foot into the stadium. 

We had our anatomy ultrasound on Friday morning and finally found out the gender. It seems like I was waiting FOREVER! I could barely go to sleep the night before because I was so anxious to find out. I decided earlier in the week it would be fun to do a gender reveal with my college girlfriends since we would all be together. Thankfully my mom was onboard to make my favorite Funfetti cupcakes once she heard the news on Friday morning. She had both pink and blue frosting ready to go for the injector.

I almost slipped a few times that morning and it didn't help that some of my friends were trying to trick me. My favorite try from a friend's husband: "Lindsay, nice Barbour jacket. Are you going to get one for your little guy?"


Amanda outfitted Roxy in Lehigh gear.


Pick your guess!


Counting down as the guys look on...


Go!



Pink frosting!

Scarf: Zara (similar on Etsy - try searching tartan blanket scarf)

I asked Ted right before the ultrasound tech entered the room for his final guess. He had been saying girl all along unconvincingly... but finally told me he actually thought boy. I said boy for sure. When the tech said "I can tell you it's a girl" right away at the beginning of the appointment our mouths dropped! When the doctor came in to review the scan with us I asked again to make sure, specifically that nothing was going to pop out and surprise us, and she said for certain it was a girl.

Either way I would be happy and pray for a healthy baby. I am absolutely thrilled to be this little girl's mommy! Ted foresees the LPGA in her future.

Sugar, spice and everything nice. I'm 20 weeks along today... halfway there to meeting baby girl!

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Thursday, November 19, 2015

Pregnancy Skincare



Since planning my pregnancy I've made it my mission to be more conscious of what I'm putting on my skin. It's not the first time I'm visiting this topic or sharing my favorite paraben-free products. Regardless if you are expecting, these are products to check out!

I wish I could say my skin was in perfect glowing condition... but it wasn't pre-pregnancy so I definitely don't expect it to be now. I go through phases. However, investing in quality products and treating myself to a facial now and then seems to be keeping things in check. Eating healthy and drinking lots of water are just as important.

Now onto the goods. Back in the spring a friend gave me a bunch of Beautycounter samples to try and I decided that once I was finished with some of my other products I would order. I splurged on the Countertime Collection and have been very happy the past few months. I'm not a consultant but thinking about becoming one since I'm an advocate for their toxin-free stance on skincare (not to mention the packaging is on point).

Another line I would recommend trying out is Tata Harper. Her products smell great and I've loved every sample I've tried to date.

Face
Avene Eau Thermal Spring Water - I've been hooked on this since my trip to Paris last fall. After I wash my face I spritz this on and wipe any excess off with a cotton swab.
Beautycounter Countertime Soothing Face Wash - Typically my morning cleanser. (Note: This cleanser was discontinued... I have linked to the next best thing that I am currently using.)
Avene Cleanance Gel Soapless Cleanser - Typically my evening cleanser. I like to switch it up! (Thanks to Courtney at Refined Fashion for the tip on this one - see more of her suggestions here.)
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask - Most of the masks that I used prior to my pregnancy have active ingredients that aren't safe to use now. I was excited to try this natural one and love the way my skin feels after. Splurgeworthy.
Clarisonic - A skincare must have. I'll be honest I don't use mine as often as I should.... but it's key for exfoliation and getting the most out of your serums and lotions!
Beautycounter Countertime Uplifting Day Cream - One of my favorite Beautycounter products.
Beautycounter Countertime Radiance Firming Complex - I use this after I cleanse and before my moisturizer both day and night (a step I admit I sometimes skip.... depends on my mood).
Beautycounter Countertime Restorative Night Cream - Since I occasionally use some topical gels that dry out my skin its crucial I use a nightly moisturizer so my skin doesn't dry out.
Beautycounter Vibrant Eye Perfector - Don't forget about those peepers!

Body
Bio-Oil - I occasionally used body oils before I was pregnant but quickly got into the routine once I found out I was expecting. It's not necessary right away but it takes me time to form a new habit. Better sooner than later.
Mustela Stretch Marks Double Action - I haven't tried this yet but let's hope it works. The reviews are great.
Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant - I have tried a few natural deodorants over the years and this has been my favorite (Vanilla Lemon scent). I still use an antiperspirant before working out.
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula - Since I go through body lotion quickly I wanted to find a drugstore brand that was paraben free.... warning you will smell like a cupcake but I have only gotten compliments on it. I noticed my supply was depleting quickly and turns out Ted has been using it too! I also have a jar of their tummy butter that I use in place of oil sometimes.

In additional to the list above, there are still some topical gels prescribed by my dermatologist that I use during any breakouts. Unfortunately I don't think they are that effective. (I don't know if still using these makes me a hypocrite like RHOBH Shannon? She flip flops on her natural stance all the time.) I consulted with my doctor about what products I needed to ditch while pregnant/breastfeeding - benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinoids are no-nos!



What are your favorite natural products?


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Monday, November 16, 2015

Weekend Wear


My weekend day uniform has been leggings, a loose t-shirt, Patagonia's Better Sweater Jacket and these Nikes. I could say I just want to be comfortable while I am pregnant (today marks week 19).... but even if I wasn't I'd still be living in this look while I am running errands. I had been searching for a casual Nike without a bright white sole and a friend suggested I try these. They are so comfortable and I love the knit design.

The black Ray Bans were on my wish list for a long time. They are versatile and never go out of style. I finally got them during a recent friends and family sale.

Finally, the Spiritual Gangster gear and bkr water bottle are things I have somehow managed to avoid purchasing on my way in and out of the gym. Santa, take note.
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Friday, November 13, 2015

Loveknot Links


Isn't this arrangement gorgeous? I've never hosted Thanksgiving, but someday when I take that on I envision this centerpiece on my table. It will detract from any recipes gone wrong.

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Unbelievably I have only purchased one thing for Baby B so far... this grey and white striped Solly Baby Wrap as seen on Pink Peonies. In a week I'll know whether to go pink or blue!

Sephora's VIB sale starts today... I placed my order first thing this morning. I posted my picks yesterday in case you missed it.

These heels.

Town & Country 1-year subscription for just $5 directly from the publisher here. That's less than the price of one at cover price. If I had to pick one print magazine it would be this one and it makes a great gift. Amazon is also offering $5 rates for some titles.

Already dreading winter? Ted found this article and we've made a pact to make the most of the season and complain less. We'll see how that goes...

20% off home items at Anthroplogie this weekend (code GUESTPREP). My picks: Limited Edition Monogram Mug, Capri Blue Volcano candles, Hobnail Pitcher, Ruffled Rim plates and bowls.

Have a great weekend!

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Thursday, November 12, 2015

Sephora VIB

It's almost here... the Sephora VIB sale starts tomorrow. So if you've been shopping all year and reached VIB status you can finally get that 20% discount.

Here's a snapshot of my favorite everyday products from Sephora. I'm running low on a few, it's time to restock. If you've been reading for awhile you've likely seen me post about them before. I'm set in my ways.

Benefit Boi-Ing Full Coverage Concealer - I've been using this for years... nothing beats the coverage. I use this over my foundation under my eyes. Since it's thick make sure to blend well.
Nars Blush in Orgasm - Cult favorite.
Benefit Hoola Bronzer - A matte bronzer that is great for contouring.
Buxon Full-On Lip Cream - This pinkish nude (no shimmer) lip gloss is my favorite for everyday.
Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Bone - My base shadow.
Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil in Soft Brown - I alternate between this pencil and the Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade. The pencil is faster for me to use especially when I'm in a rush to get ready.
Too Faced Shadow Insurance - I always regret when I skip eyeshadow primer and it disappears by noon. Another favorite of mine is blinc Life Proof Eye Shadow Primer. I alternate between the two.


See, I told you that base shadow was the first to go. I was taking inventory to see what products were almost empty. (I can't recommend a clear makeup organizer enough, less products go to waste because I know what I have. Sephora offers this one. I bought mine on Amazon.)


Since everyday makeup can get a little boring... I bought these Dior Addict Lipsticks in Power (red) and Riviera (red-orange) recently for weekend wear. Riviera is perfect for some punch during the day without looking overdone. I knew that the sale was coming but couldn't hold out.

Finally, whether you're a VIB member or not, there are some great value gift sets. Here are some of my top holiday picks.


Happy Shopping!

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Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Holiday Gift Guide: Victoria's Secret


It's the most wonderful time of the year... let the gift guides commence. The Victoria's Secret holiday catalog was one of the first to hit my mailbox. VS is one of my favorite places to buy gifts for friends... and myself.

If you are traveling around the holidays be on the lookout for their stores in the airport (JFK terminal 4) - they have a different selection of cosmetic cases and travel accessories. 

Naughty or nice?
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Monday, November 2, 2015

Boo! Baby On The Way

Shirt worn as dress: Amazon (wearing a medium). Boots: Stuart Weitzman.

I'm excited to share the news that Ted and I are expecting! "Baby B" is due in April. I can't even put into words my excitement to become a mommy.

Thanks to my Instagram friends for their sweet comments after we posted the picture! I wasn't exactly planning a skeleton themed social media reveal... instead I was going to avoid any pics of my stomach until Thanksgiving and have a bump reveal closer to the holiday. I bought my shirt on Amazon (that ended up fitting like a dress) last minute to wear to work on Friday and decided to get something coordinating for Ted to wear to a party in the city Saturday. It was much more comfortable than squeezing into my German beer maid getup.

I am 17 weeks along today. I was extremely exhausted during my first trimester but my energy levels have started to climb back up recently.  Thankfully I didn't suffer from any morning sickness. I was prepared with saltines and ginger candy but it never hit. If I don't eat breakfast within an hour of waking up I start to feel queasy but that has been easily avoided. As for cravings nothing new, bring on the (pasteurized) cheese. Overall, I'm feeling good! 

My workout routine has been the biggest change so far during my pregnancy. I really miss taking cardio classes that rev up my heart rate. Instead I have been going to barre class and supplementing with walking on the treadmill or using the elliptical. I recently started a prenatal yoga series and love that I'm not the only one in the class modifying moves. I've cut back on the number of days I workout but have set some new goals to keep me moving.

We'll find out the gender at our next appointment, it can't come soon enough. I have a feeling it's a boy.... Ted thinks it's a girl but I catch him saying "he" and "him" every so often. Either way, we are thrilled and feeling blessed!

More Baby B updates to come!
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