GIFT GUIDE: BEAUTY EDITION

 

This gift guide is a compilation of my beauty favorites right now. I use each of these daily or weekly, and would recommend them to anyone (guys or girls with any skin or hair type). Please feel free to ask questions if you interested in something but are not sure before purchasing.

FOREO BEAR - Facial Toning Device

This is one of the newest products from FOREO and I'm obsessed. The BEAR a full-facial toning device with advanced microcurrents to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. My skin truly does feel firmer after using daily for about four weeks straight. Splurge-worthy for sure!!! P.s., there is also a mini version great for travel.

Micheal Todd Dermaplaning Tool

This tool will help exfoliate your skin, remove peach fuzz and leave your skin feeling silky smooth. I use mine about once every two weeks. I can tell a big difference after using it not just with the feel of my skin, but with how flawless my foundation goes on. Each tool comes with 10 blades. 

Almond Shower Oil

The smell of this shower oil is incredible. There's a reason why it's a bestseller and one is purchased every minute worldwide. Perfect for anyone in the family. Jared was the first person to start using this, and now I love it too. 

Moroccanoil Hand Cream

The ultimate luxury hand cream. It's one of my favorite scents ever. Truly a steal at $24 for a 2-pack right now. 

BECCA Highlighter

This is a highlighter that will make you glow without having any glitter or too much shimmer. A little goes a long way and there are a few color options. Champagne Pop is my shade. 

Collagen Mask

I try to use this once a week. Nothing makes my skin softer and my pores smaller than this mask. 

NARS Mini Afterglow Lip Balm Set

I have the Afterglow Lip Balm in several colors now. It's a pop of color with a sheer texture that is very hydrating. In the past I've had to use a lip primer before using color, but I don't have to with the Afterglow Lip Balm. You'll want to put one in every purse, I promise!

Olaplex Set  

If you've been following me for a while, you know I'm an avid Olaplex user. I use these products weekly to repair the damage I've done with bleach and heat, and to strengthen my hair. Bonus, these make my hair softer and feel thicker!

Caudalie Elixir Spray 

This spray makes me feel like I'm at a spa. It's smells great, moisturizes and sets my make-up. 

Rose Quartz Roller

On my wishlist. This roller is supposed to relax your face and give it a radiant glow. I'm definitely getting one this season and can't wait to try it out. 

xo, Crystal Marie

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GIFT GUIDE: BABY EDITION

 

This gift guide includes so many products I'm already using with Gwen, and a few additional items that are on my list. Two products we use a lot, are the Baby Bjorn Bouncer and the Wood Activity Gym. These are both really great gifts for someone with a baby. They'll be able to use it from the newborn stage up to two-years-old. Bird Rock Baby Mocassins have been a family favorite ever since Winston was born. They have so many cute colors for boys and girls. Happy Holiday Shopping! 

Cuddle + Kind Sebastian Knit Stuffed Animal 

Amazing Animals Book

Pastel Wood Rainbow

Hooded Sherpa Pram

Softzone Climb and Slide

Snuggle Doll

Colorblock Wood Rattle

Baby Bjorn Rocker

Moonjax Teether

BirdRock Baby Moccasins

Baby Activity Gym 

xo, Crystal Marie

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GIFT GUIDE: TODDLER EDITION

 

Winston is three and a half now, and we are so excited for him to not only understand the reason for the season, but also be able to open his own presents and help decorate the tree. Last year he still didn't completely understand, and would start to unwrap something and stop halfway. We're looking forward to seeing his eyes light up when he opens a few of these presents. I hope this gift guide helps you shop for your little one. 

Piano Dance Mat

Water Bottles 

Guitar 

Remote Control Excavator 

Magnetic Blocks

Wooden Play Kitchen

Blues Clues & You Dance A-Long Blue

Mess Free Baby Shark Coloring Pages

Sweet Mop Set

Xo, Crystal Marie

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Gwen's Nursery

 

Gwen was born a week early, so the final touches on her nursery were put on hold for awhile. I have to say, this is one of my all-time favorite posts. The nursery is done, and it just might be my favorite room in the house. Everything is linked, and I hope you love it as much as we do!

I fell in love with these boho decals from Urban Walls, and knew we were going to reuse Winston's crib, so that's how I got started and decorated the room around those. A little boho glam is what I was going for. I have the full set of decals.

Acrylic and gold dresser knobs are Hamilton Bowes.

I've listed all parts purchased to assemble the hanging racks below. The only item I couldn't link, was the wood. I bought 36-inch long cherry oak boards, and cut them to fit my space. I chose the cherry oak, because it's super strong and won't crack as you drill into the wood. The boards are one inch thick and 12 inches deep. We cut each board to about 30 inches to fit the wall and allow a few inches on each side and a few inches in between the board. You can really used any wood. Don't feel like you have to use cherry oak. I'd steer clear of pine since it's so fragile and splits easily. It's worth the extra money for quality wood. 

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Hanging Racks

I hope this gives new moms or anyone decorating a nursery a little bit of inspiration. 

xo, Crystal Marie

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MODERN MOM

 

Stroller Fan 

I keep our fan in the bottom of the stroller in the back of the car. It comes with a charging cord you can use in the car and runs several hours without being charged. Comes in four great color options. 

Lollipop Portable Camera 

I recommend this portable camera to every mom. If Gwen falls asleep in a spot that I don't have a camera, I just set up the Lollipop and have a camera wherever I need it. Perfect for at home or traveling. The camera alerts you when there's noise or crying (even if your phone is on silent or closed), which is amazing. 

Monte Design Rockwell Bassinet

This bassinet is probably the prettiest piece of furniture in our home. It's not only beautiful, but also comfortable for Gwen and easy to clean. The mattress is waterproof, and comes with two 100% organic cotton sheets. I love that the basket fabric is easy to unzip and remove (it's machine washable). Because this bassinet is very lightweight, I'm able to easily move it around for her to sleep, nap or hang out in. It goes from our room where she sleeps, to the bathroom when big brother is bathing and downstairs in my office while I work. I couldn't be happier with our bassinet choice.

Pacifier Sanitizer 

This portable sanitizer fits in my diaper bag and sanitizes baby girl's pacifiers in under a minute. 

Wipeable Changing Mat

Finding cute wipeable covers for changing mats is tough. I love this modern looking changing pad because it's a nice color and is wipeable. I was worried it be cold on Gwen's skin but was happy to find the material is more foam-like (not plastic), so it doesn't get cold. We use it without the mobile, but that can be easily reattached if we want to use it in the future. 

Happ Brand Diaper Bag

I did a lot of research on diaper bags this time around. This diaper bag is such pretty design and color (comes in two other colors), and fits so much. With the wide design, I find myself finding things so much quicker than previous diaper bags. No more digging. It can be worn as a backpack or over the shoulder. Love!

Baby Carrier

This carrier is made of really nice material, and is really easy to get Gwen in and out of. There are magnets on the top straps to make things easier (a feature I've never seen before on a carrier) and pockets to fit a diaper or two and wipes (such a good idea). They do have solid colors, but I think the on trend leopard print is so fun! 

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Postpartum Favorites

 

1. Kimono Robe - I brought this soft robe to the hospital and have been wearing it everyday since I got home with baby girl. 

2. Nursing Dress - This nightgown dress is so easy to slip on and wear to bed and around the house. I pair it with he kimono robe and wear it all day inside : ) The material is super soft. 

3. Oversized Tee - An oversized tee is a must when you get back home for lounging and throwing over a pair of sweats or leggings. I prefer this style because it's long enough in the back to cover my bum. 

4. Biker Short 2-pc Set - This is a such a great biker set, I'm shocked it's so affordable. The shorts are knee length and the material is very soft. Some biker sets can be an investment ($$), so I was happy to find a comfy set that I could purchase in a larger size that I may only wear a couple months, without spending a lot. 

5. Soft Tunic - By far the softest top I've bought from this brand, and comes in several colors. The shape is so flattering.

6. Oversized Long Sleeve Tee - I love a good long-sleeve tee while lounging in the A/C. This one, just like the Tee above I mentioned covers your bum, too. 

7. Recovery Underwear - These undies have just enough compression to hold you in place but are no suffocating. I bought two sizes to wear as my belly starts to shrink. 

8. Under Bump/Belly Undies - This undies pack is a must for post baby, but are great when you're pregnant, too. 

9. Cooling Pads - These cooling pads are better than the circle pads offered in the hospital and at the grocery store. The rectangle shape covers more to get the most cooling possible. They are a few more dollars than the other options, but worth it in my opinion. 

10. Silhouette Underwear - Trust me, you want these disposable undies for the hospital and post hospital. They are a great alternative to the ginormous hospital pads. 

11. Upside Down Peri Bottle - The hospital will give you a traditional spray bottle, but I found this bottle to be more functional. 

12. Soft Sleep Shirt - I brought this sleep shirt to the hospital to wear and have been living in it at home. The material is such great quality and gets softer with each wash. 

13. Compression Tank (Nursing) - I had this tank with Winston, and kept it because I liked it so much. It's nursing friendly and has the perfect amount of compression to hold you in place without being TOO tight. It's lined with removable cups. 

14. Leggings - Compression leggings are a must for after the baby. These make it easy to throw on with an oversized top and look put together. 

xo, Crystal Marie

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INFANT FAVORITES

With so many baby products out there, it can be hard to choose what you really need, what you want to splurge on and what you'll actually use. Below are a few of my favorites. I used everything on here with Winston, except for the beautiful bassinet. After using it for a week, I wish I would've ordered one years ago for when Winston was a newborn. 

1 // DockATot - This baby lounger is perfect for playing, lounging, napping and changing your babe. For baby girl, I bought the pink and the pink/multi covers to have on rotation this time around. We used our DockATot everyday and every night with Winston, so it was a no brainer we'd have Gwen in the DockATot once she was born. 

2 // Soft Jammies - Peregrine Kidswear is my favorite baby and toddler shop to get soft gowns, footed zipper onesies and blankets. This hot air balloon footed sleeper is from Peregrine Kidswear, and just like everything else they sell, is super soft. They have great two piece jammies for toddlers, too. For infants I also love LouLou Company and Spearmint Love. 

3 // Pacifier Clip - This clip is a teether and clip in one and comes in some really cute colors. I can never so no to marble : )

4 // Teether - Winston loved this silicone and wood teether. 

5 // Sleep Sack / Wearable Blanket - Winston loved to throw his arms, so the blanket swaddles didn't always work for him. These HALO Sleepsacks are out favorite and great to keep your baby warm without a loose blanket in the crib. Also, just a few days ago I tried out this swaddle by Happiest Baby, and love it. Gwen likes to be swaddled tight, but is also a strong little turkey and manages to wiggle out of the blankets sometimes, so this one is a great solution and very convenient since it's such a quick wrap and unwrap process. 

6 // Owlet - The Owlet Smart Sock is a must-have for your peace of mind. This tiny sock monitors heart rate and oxygen levels while they sleep. If the levels go outside of the safe zone, you'll get notified your baby needs you.

7 // Monte Design Bassinet - I discovered Monte Design after I found out I was pregnant with Gwen and knew I had to have this modern bassinet. It's so beautiful and looks amazing anywhere in the house. The Rockwell Bassinet in blush velvet and rose gold frame is one of two limited edition color options right  now. You can also get the velvet in navy and the rose gold frame in white. Other fabrics in several other shades are available, too. The bassinet mattress is waterproof (love that), and comes with two fitted 100% cotton mattress sheets. The assembly was super quick and we are loving using it all over the house (it's super lightweight and easy to carry). When we're done with the bassinet, we're going to use the cute basket for baby storage. Sooo pretty!

8 // Wipe Warmer - We were gifted a wipe warmer the first time around and immediately fell in love. No baby likes a cold wipe, haha. This one is my favorite because it's also a nightlight. 

9 // Baby Bjorn Bouncer - This bouncer is definitely on our must-have list. There are three recline position options, which is maybe the best feature. The seat is comfy and gives great support. Also, it folds up flat, so it's easy to store or travel with. 

10 // Soothe n' Glow Seahorse - An inexpensive plush stuffed animal that plays lullabies and soothing ocean sounds. With a soft squeeze, the music and glowing belly are activated. 

11 // Fisher Price Swing - We love the Fisher Price Cradle 'n Swing. We've tried several brands and this one is by far our favorite. The seat is super plush with a 5-point harness and comes with removable body and head inserts for extra support. Some fun features are the songs and animal sounds. You also get two swinging motion options (side-to-side or head-to-toe).

12 // Milk Snob Cover - The Milk Snob Cover works great as a car seat cover, nursing cover and even as a high chair or grocery cart cover. The material is beyond soft and washes so well. 

xo, Crystal Marie

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Latest Beauty Favorites

I'm constantly trying new beauty products, but over the past couple months I've purchased some of what are my new favorite products, and I had to share these staples with you. 

Makeup Primer + SPF 

I've been using the Supergoop Glow Screen for just over two months now. I have combo/dry skin and this make-up primer is both hydrating and has SPF 40. Bonus: it also has blue light protection and leaves my skin with a dewy glow (not shiny or greasy). When I don't wear makeup, I still always put this on, and love having the protection with a pearlescent finish. I cannot recommend it enough. 

Coral Lip Balm 

I've had this Afterglow Lip Balm for months in the color orgasm and loved it so much, I decided to try out a coral shade. This one is the perfect Summer shade. The color is Torrid. 

Sleeping Mask 

This Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleeping Mask has been on my list to try for so long. I actually received this in a PR package, and tried immediately after opening. All I can say is, SOFT SKIN.  This is a lightweight mask with a gel consistency, so with my dry skin I didn't expect immediate or dramatic results. I was wrong. I put a layer on my skin at night and wake up with THE SOFTEST SKIN. Extra perks: delivers essential vitamins, contains anti-inflammatory properties to sooth irritation. 

Purple Shampoo 

I've used Joico purple shampoo for years and years. While I have tried other brands, I always come back to Joico to brighten and cool my blonde. The last couple years I used this one, which works amazing. But, Joico just came out with a this new option for cool blondes that works even better for bright white blonde hair. 

Nude Lipstick 

I've been on the hunt for a true nude lipstick without any pink or brown hues, and I've found it. The color is Belle De Jour and is such a great everyday lipstick. 

Let me know if you try any of these. I always love hearing your opinions. 

xo, Crystal Marie

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Before/During/After Pregnancy Top + Favorite Maternity Jeans

I feel like it's a big win when you find a top you know is going to be perfect if you're prego or not. This flowy tank is something I'd wear before pregnancy, fits now, and is definitely something I'll wear after baby girl gets here. I go between xs and small in this brand and decided on an xs. The fit is oversized and the arm holes are a little oversized, too. It looks great with this bralette. 

If you're pregnant and looking or maternity jeans, this pair is a must-have. They are stretchy, distressed and have a nice raw hem. This particular pair is considered cropped, but I'm 5"4' and they hit the perfect length for me, right at the ankle. When I wear booties, I do an inch or two half fold up so I can see my shoes but still see the raw hem. 

Five colors options in this tank. 

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Booties: Free Bird 

Rings are: Ana Luisa

xo, 

Crystal Marie

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