Have you crossed off everyone on your list? I've put together some of my favorite pieces that feel, smell and look luxury without the luxe price tag. If you're looking for ideas for moms, sisters or girlfriends, any of these would be perfect.
Heavenly Body Products Moroccanoil
Use this Body Buff on damp skin in circular motions until absorbed and rinse for buttery soft skin. I pair this with theBody Souffléafter, in the same scent. The Fragrance Originale has been a longtime favorite for me, I was excited to recently discover the Fleur D'Oranger and Fleur de Rose that smell unbelievably delicious. These are great gifts for anyone on your list.
This is a great gifting scent. It's floral and fresh without being overpowering. Notes of grapefruit, blood orange, jasmine, cedar, iris. Everyone I know that has smelt this, has fallen in love.
I've always loved discovering new products from brands and am excited to share five that I've been using the past couple months. Buying new products can add up fast. I hope my reviews help you decide what is best for your routine.
MOROCCANOIL BODY POLISHING SCRUB If you've been following me for a while, you know I'm huge MOROCCANOIL fan and adore their signature scent. Their Body Polishing Scrub did not disappoint. It's a gel-based scrub that exfoliates away dead skin using argan shell powder and lava stone pumice. Your skin will feel super smooth and it does have the signature scent : ) I use it about every four days prior to applying my self tanner. If I don't have self tanner on, I'll use it every other day.
AMOREPACIFIC Time Response Eye Reserve Cream This is hands down my new favorite eye cream. I started using it for anti-aging and fine lines around my eyes, but it also helps with dryness, puffiness and dark spots. You can feel how luxurious it is the first time you put it on. It applies extremely smooth and smells amazing. Jared used half of my jar, so it's time for another. It is on the pricier side of skincare products I've used, but worthy of the splurge.
GIORGIO ARMANI Maestro UV Skin Defense Primer Sunscreen SPF 50 After falling in love with the Armani Luminous Silk foundation, I was curious about the Maestro UV Primer. I've always used a sunscreen or moisturizer with sunscreen, never prime with SPF in it. This primer glides on very smooth and gives and extra glow no matter which foundation I'm wearing. I did notice it made my make-up last longer, too. I have combination skin (more on the dry side) If you're combo or dry skin I'd definitely recommend this, and would buy it again. If you're on the more oily side, I think this may wind up creating a little bit too much shine.
I've been wanting to introduce a hyaluronic acid into my skincare routine for a while now. I know that hyaluronic acid had so many benefits like plumping, moisturizing, and making skin more firm and elastic, but wasn't sure which brand to choose. When L'Oreal came out with an affordable option, I couldn't wait to try it. This REVITALIFT Hyaluronic Acid only $22 and adds so much moisture to my face. It really refreshes my skin. I'm less dry and my skin really does feel more youthful every time I use it. I'll apply this to my face and neck each night after my other serum and before my cream moisturizer and eye cream.
SKINMEDICA AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser This is a product that was recommended to me by my dermatologist to remove dead skin, reduce fine lines and pore size. I thought a cleaner over $40 sounded crazy, but gave it a try and absolutely love it. First off, the bottle will last you several months. I've been using this for three months and still have more than half left. A tiny bit goes a very long way. This sloughs my dry skin right off which makes my makeup go on so much smoother, giving a more flawless finish. This cleanser also helps even out skin tone. The scent is a very light citrus, which I love. I would recommend this to anyone.
I would love to hear your thoughts and results if you try any of these products. Have a great rest fo the week. xo, Crystal Marie
I like to shop early, so in case you do too, I'm getting started on my gift guides earlier this year. A lot of these goodies were either gifts or something I've bought for Winston that he's loved. I'm excited to share a bunch of his favorites with you. So many of these are great from the infant stage through ages 4+. Winston is two and a half for reference. Happy Shopping!
We have the Gekko version at our house. Winston loves that it lights up, shoots a weapon and he can remove and replace the Gekko character. Such a fun toy.
Are these the cutest boots or what? Probably best suited for a little princess but could easily be a boy shoe since they are a neutral color. They are beyond comfortable and warm. I gift some adult pairs of these last year and need to get myself a pair this year : )
Waterproof, lightweight and not bulky. We bought them last year and they are great quality. Even after wearing several times in the snow, they still look brand. new.
Such a good deal. Under $30 and your kids will love it. Winston is either sliding down it or sliding his toys down it. This was a great present for him last year that he can continue to grow into.
Winston has an outdoor balance bike, but we like to keep this one inside. It's either scorching hot here in Utah or cold like the Arctic, so we like to have plenty of indoor toys, too. With a quick twist, you can turn the seat of this bike back and forth between a scooter and balance bike. Also comes in pink or yellow.
This toy is UH-Mazing! I first discovered the Curiosity Activity Table working with Baby Einstein on a campaign. I can say, this is one toy that does NOT go untouched. With so many buttons and sounds, Winston stays entertained for a long time. I love the you can remove the legs for the infant stage and add the legs as they start to stand. The voice that says numbers, colors etc. is in English, Spanish and French. While it is a little more expensive than the average toy, it will grow with your baby/todder. I believe it's absolutely worth every penny and would reccommed it to everyone!
Winston received these for his birthday and won't put them down. He's either lining them up, putting them down his slide or carrying them around. They are a hit, I promise.
We've tried every toothbrush on the planet to get Winston excited about brushing his teeth daily. The FOREO Baby Electric Toothbrush is what does the trick, and turns it into an activity rather than work. It's the only baby electric toothbrush to combines silicone bristles with gentle sonic pulsations. I like that that the brush is smaller than most, so we can get his to his little teeth from all angles.
I started making this chili recipe last year and am made it again for Halloween last night. It's a great meal for colder weather, and heats up great for lunches or leftovers the next day. This recipe includes no beans and is a great paleo recipe if you're following that type of diet. If you're doing Keto, be sure to leave out the carrots. Happy Cooking!
Chili Ingredients
1.5 -2 lbs ground beef
2-3 gloves minced garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 largeyellow onion diced (about 1.5 cups)
1 cup chopped celery
1.5 cups chopped carrots chopped/peel
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 zucchini diced
15 oz can tomato sauce
2 - 15 oz diced tomatoes
2 avacados
Shredded cheese
Instructions
1. Use a large pan to combine & brown the oil, beef & onion.
2. After beef is cooked, add all remaining ingredients.
3. Cover with a lid & cook on low for 45 min-1 hour.
4. Top with your shredded cheese & diced avacado. I like Mozzarella for this dish.
My go-to outfit lately has been a good sweater and booties. I'm loving this white tunic sweater and white booties because they are cozy, comfortable and easy to throw together for a polished look. They're what I've been reaching for every time I leave the house.
This sweater is the perfect oversized fit that looks great over skirts, leggings, jeans and even tucked in. I'm wearing an xs, which is true to size for this brand. If you want to pull it off as a dress with OTK boots, I'd size up one size for extra length. The sweater comes in more than 10 colors!
So many of you have picked up these white booties after I posted about them the last two weeks. They are THE perfect two-inch comfortable heel. I also love a good round toe. This is my second pair of white booties in this brand, and the white sells out every year. If you're considering, snag them while they're still in stock.
It's a proud mom moment when I see him reaching for the "good stuff." Winston is two and has always been a good eater. But, like a lot of toddlers can get picky sometimes when it comes to food. Beech-Nut® Naturals was the first pureed and solid food we gave him as a baby, and it's Beech-Nut® that he continues to grab for while we're at the store shopping or when he heads into the pantry to grab a snack. It's more like him motioning me to grab it from the shelf than actually getting it himself, but you get my point : )
This post is in partnership with Beech-Nut® Naturals. All opinions are my own.
Winston is becoming a little influencer of his own. It's only natural that he promotes baby and toddler food that he eats himself and loves. Make sure to sign up for the Beech-Nut® Family. You can win prizes for sharing your #Infantfluencers story. Sign up here!
1. Ingredients - Beech-Nut® Naturals puree is baby food made with real ingredients, gently cooked over indirect heat to preserve color, flavor and nutrients. It's made with natural fruits and veggies and never anything artificial.
2. Nutrition - Raw fruits and veggies aren't always a hit because of the tough texture. Beech-Nut®Naturals are 100% natural and made with real fruits and vegetables, so we know he's getting the nutrients he needs.
3. Taste & Comfort - You've heard the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Winston loves the taste of Beech-Nut® Naturals purees and snack packs , and they've been a part of his routine for so long.
I really like that Beech-Nut® Naturals offers both natural and organic products that are free from artificial perservatives, colors and flavors. Beech-Nut® Naturals is real food for babies. It's real ingredients, gently cooked. Love that!
If you have a toddler, the Beech-Nut®snack bars are great in between meals and on the go. Winston is a huge banana fan, so I always have the Fruity Oat Bar in banana or the Quinoa Crispies bar in banana & cocoa in my purse or diaper bag. The Fruity Oat Bars also come in strawberry.
Let me know if you try these out at home or on the go. I always love hearing your thoughts.
