My Favorite Coats for Fall and Winter

(CLICK IMAGES ABOVE FOR PRODUCT LINKS AND INFO)

Hi, guys. I realize I'm going a bit crazy with all of these fashion and beauty roundup posts. But I'm just in that mood!

I rid my closet of about 75% of its contents, and now I'm on the hunt for classic, well-made pieces that I can keep forever—or at least a decade, and feel good about still wearing them. You feel me? Is this what adulting looks like?

Today we are talking about gorgeous and classic coats for fall and winter. Even though I live in Southern California, I cannot get coats off my brain. So, I thought I'd share some of my favorites I have saved in my wish lists.

J.Crew Factory City Coat. I'm getting it in the Heather Stone color, and pairing it with this beautiful ivory turtleneck sweater. Classic and clean.

J.Crew Factory Trench Coat. Do you know how hard it is to find the perfect trench? Either the length is slightly off,  the beige color isn't right, it's too boxy, or the collar looks funny. This hits all my checkmarks for being trench coat gold!

ASOS Pink Cocoon Coat. It's on my bucket list to buy a pink coat this year. It's one of those odd neutral colors that you can actually wear with a lot of different items. I like how soft this color is.

J.Crew Hooded Toggle Coat in Plaid. When I was in 9th grade, I bought my first plaid coat from PacSun. It was short, and had fur on the hood. I wore it EVERYWHERE, for about five years until the zipper broke. And it wasn't a fixable zipper break. That thing straight up ripped off the grid and I had to toss the entire coat. I'm still a little bitter about it, and I feel like this J.Crew coat is a nice adult alternative. And bonus! There are no zippers.

H&M Wool Blend Beige Coat. This is a beautifully structured wool coat for under $80. I've had good experiences with the H&M coats I've purchased in the past. They fit well, but I usually have to size up one size.

H&M Wool Blend Red Coat. Every girl needs a red coat in their closet. This one has a classic cut, and the color is beautiful. I'm picturing this coat paired with a chunky plaid scarf and pom beanie while walking around to see Christmas lights, or to pick out your Christmas tree. (Can you see the twinkle lights?!)

Cole Haan Quilted Down Coat. Aside from a classic trench, you need a quilted down coat in your closet. It's one of those chic, timeless pieces that actually keeps you warm, especially if you live in blizzard territory. I once saw an insanely stylish woman wearing one with her Nikes, and wanted to follow her around to see exactly what she bought. Needless to say, you WILL be that woman if you get this coat. This particular coat is also an amazing price for the brand and quality.

H&M Wool Blend Pink Coat. This is my other contender for a pink coat. It feels very Audrey Hepburn, doesn't it? I specifically like the three-quarter length sleeve. Feels very mod and feminine in the blush hue.

Maison Scotch Bonded Wool Coat in Cool Check. This is my splurge coat on the list. It's trendy, it's designer, and it is just really cool. (Aptly named!) I love anything in a large check print, and the blend of ivory and red seems fun, and oddly enough, like a great neutral that can be styled with multiple colors and looks!

My Everyday Makeup Routine

(CLICK ON THE PRODUCT LINKS ABOVE  FOR DETAILS)

You know when you have a wonderful makeup day where your skin looks flawless and you just feel "on"? I personally think it's better than a good hair day, because nothing says, "I am FAB-U-LOUS" like a glowy face.

After 28 long, arduous years of trying and failing with hundreds of cosmetics, I finally found my groove. (Look for my Amazon #1 best seller, How Abbey Got Her Groove Back, which is coming to major retailers soon.) Clearly, that demands a post sharing my everyday makeup routine. So let's get to it!

1. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer. After my skin is washed and moisturized, I use my fingers to blend this onto blemishes, under eyes, and in the red creases of my nose.

2. Revlon Age Defy Foundation. Next, I apply my foundation with my beauty blender. People, GET A BEAUTY BLENDER. I'm convinced this is the key to dewy, luminous skin. I've tried low end to high end foundations, and this Revlon one is by far my favorite. It's light, has great coverage, and looks soft and silky. Translation: it's not gross and cakey, and doesn't get stuck in wrinkles.

3. Too Faced Brow Envy Kit. Time for eyebrows. Did you know I didn't start filling in my brows until two years ago? I went over a decade missing that step in my makeup routine and it's crucial. Not only does it frame your face, but it helps make your eyes look bigger. Now, I've tried the whole monster eyebrow trend with the Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade, and I'm not a huge fan. I prefer structured, bold brows that still look normal. That's where this kit comes in. I received it in a POPSUGAR Must Have box and will never use anything ever again. I use the the brown shade (there's also a blonde shade for all you towheads!) with the angled brush included in the kit. Then I apply the pink highlighter directly under my brows, using a thin concealer brush.

4. MAC Eyeshadow in Saddle. Now it's time for some light shadow. This shade is a perfect neutral for pretty much any coloring. I use a large eyeshadow brush and just make a windshield wiper motion back and forth until it looks blended and soft.

5. Maybelline Rocket Volum Mascara. If I'm feeling fancy, I'll use liquid liner, but most days I go straight to the mascara after applying my shadow. It looks natural and pretty that way, in my opinion. Again, I've used low end to high end mascaras, and I always come back to this Maybelline stuff. It stays on all day without flaking and gives great volume (hence the name). I like to apply two coats on top to get dark, dramatic lashes, and one coat on my bottom lashes.

6. MAC Prep and Prime Highlighter in Radiant Rose. Are you ready for the one makeup product that will change your life? (My name is Abbey, and I have a testimony of Prep and Prime Highlighter.) This tiny bottle of magic will truly transform your face into a glowy beacon of beauty. Seriously, if they ever discontinue it, I will break down into hysterics. All you do is dab it under your eyes, on the bridge of your nose, the middle of your forehead, and your cupid's bow (that divot above your upper lip.) Blend it in with this MAC face brush. If you buy anything from this list, BUY THIS. You're welcome in advance.

7. MAC Powder Blush in Well Dressed. We're almost to the end! I apply this blush with a fat blush brush onto the apples of my cheeks. The best technique for this is to do one of those cheeky, close-mouthed smiles Tyra Banks would be proud of, to define the apples of your cheeks. Then blend in lightly.

8. NARS Lipstick in Dolce Vita. This lipstick is the perfect everyday shade. It's goes well with every complexion and gives the right amount of color to your lips without looking intense. Basically, if you're afraid of lipstick, start out with this one.

And we're done! I realize that the total sum of these products is about $200, but they are completely worth it. Not only are the pigments and quality top notch, but they really do last me over a year. The foundation and mascara are the things I have to replace every few months, but they are the cheapies on the list! You see what I did there?

This is an extremely well-thought out makeup arsenal, and like I said, it's taken me years to get it right. So I just want to share all the must-haves you should definitely splurge on. They will be worth every penny.

Let me know if you buy any of them and how you like them!

The Best Fall Floral Dress

Greetings, loved ones! Happy fall!

I hope you're indulging in big, fat cups of pumpkin whatevers, and jumping into all the leaf piles. While wearing your boots and plaid scarves, of course. (Let your basic flag fllllyyyy!)

I've been complaining about enjoying the 80 degree weather that refuses to let go of summer. The sun is in denial about the seasons. It's like that girlfriend or boyfriend who just will not admit that it is OVER. EL FIN. KAPUT.

I think I found a way to compromise with this California inferno when all I want to do is wear beanies and waffle-knit pajamas. And it comes in the form of this Old Navy dress.  Consider this my PSA that this is the most cozy, soft, and feminine fall floral dress. It's flowy, it's showy, and I will not be taking it off. Oh, and it's under $30 right now. Winning!

Buy the dress here. And those amazing thermal jammies I was talking about here—I bought the striped pink. Oh, and if you are looking for a pair of gorgeous investment booties you will just want to hold and caress, buy these Free People booties. I've already tried them on FIVE times and I'm finally taking the plunge. Yahoo!

The Butter Half Shop!

Hi friends! How's it going?

Life has been BIZ-AY! I've been burning the midnight oil, literally and figuratively, over at The Butter Half. Between creating and testing recipes, working on shoots and my new shop, my schedule is full. And so is my heart and soul! I love working on projects and tackling goals.

I met one of my first huge goals and finally launched my Butter Half shop! I sell punny food tees and totes, because those are my main loves in life (beside my family and Netflix).



Aren't they cuuuute? It's a good everyday tee with a little extra summin' summin' and the totes are perfect for your farmer's market hauls this summer.

Would love for you to go check out the shop! Use code MISOHAPPY10 for 10% off your entire purchase. Code valid through Wednesday at 11:59pm PST.

Happy shopping!

Homemade Hydrating Face And Body Scrub

Raise your hand if your skin is excessively dry with the cold, wintery weather upon us! I know my face and legs are personally taking a beating, so I've been moisturizing incessantly.

Remember how I talked about dealing with hormonal acne a few weeks ago? Exfoliation and moisturizing are a key component of great skin, so I wanted to share a little homemade recipe I've been using.

It's a hydrating face and body scrub, and it smells like a tropical paradise. Just close your eyes when using it in the shower and you will instantly transport to Bora Bora, where you will be greeted by a glistening cabana boy who brings ever-flowing (virgin) piña coladas and a platter of heart shaped fruits. Yes, it's that good.

The face and body scrub contains three ingredients, which takes only a minute to whip up.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions and how to use:

1. Mix the brown sugar (which is a great natural exfoliant) and baking soda (an excellent natural cleanser) into the moisturizer. It will be an oily consistency. Pour into a jar.

2. When in the shower, rub the scrub into your arms, legs and face. Rinse off, and pat dry.

Your skin will be so soft and delicious! I've been using this scrub as an exfoliating moisturizer for my face, and it gives it such a dewy, soft glow. Not to mention that I smell delicious. The Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer comes in three scents, but I recommend Refreshing Coconut Oil. And if you aren't into the whole scrub thing and are looking for a good moisturizer to keep your skin smooth and silky during these horridly cold and dry months, this goodness is for you! You simply apply it to wet skin after showering and then pat dry. It absorbs instantly and locks in all that moisture. Please and thank you!

I've been using Jergens products since my sister introduced me back in my awkward years of puberty, so I sincerely recommend this one. Here is a coupon for $2 off for any 10 oz bottle of of Jergens® Wet Skin ™ Moisturizer so you can make this body scrub. Or having luminous skin. They're both awesome. Choose from Refreshing Coconut Oil, Calming Green Tea Oil and Nourishing Monoi Oil. The coupon is on a first come, first served basis, so you better snag it before it runs out.

Happy moisturizing!

Disclosure: Sponsored by JERGENS® Skincare through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer, all opinions are my own.

How To Get Rid Of Hormonal Acne

I never thought I'd be dealing with acne at age 27. I was under the false impression that acne was merely for teenagers in the oily throes of puberty. Funny enough, I didn't have acne at all as a teenager. I'd get the occasional pimple, but I really did have great skin. That's definitely not the case anymore.

My jawline is beginning to look like the moon—the bloodmoon in fact. (Did you see it last night?! Magnificent! Zany! Astronomical!) It's always inflamed, blotchy, and there are always at least four large and red pimples. Not fun, my friends. At. All.



(LUSH is my happy place! Bath bombs for life. Also, this graphic made me smile while I was in there the other day.)

I realized it was for sure hormonal acne a few months ago after observing my breakout zones and the timing. My breakouts get worse when I am ovulating and right before my period. And they are always on my jaw, lower cheeks and chin! HORMONES. And stomach issues.

This is not a good thing. Clearly. I have hypothyroidism, so there's that to factor in with wonky hormonal imbalances. I am also a mother of young kids, and I SWEAR my body is still adjusting to the hormone shifts of bearing children. However, I've arrived to the conclusion that a lot of it relates to what is going on inside my body. Specifically my stomach and digestive system.

I've been diagnosed with every bowel disease out there—IBS, Celiac's, ulcers... I'm waiting for the day the gastroenterologist tells me I have colitis or Crohn's disease. Each year I get tested and then the results change, and I am re-diagnosed with a new gastrointestinal issue. It's frustrating, and I am starting to see its unfortunate effects on my face. When the gut's not happy, ain't nobody happy!

And now here is a no filter iPhone photo of my bare, sweaty face after I scrubbed the floor so you can see exactly what I'm talking about. Even here it doesn't look as bad as it does up close and in the flesh.

I thought I'd try a few natural remedies for getting rid of hormonal acne to see if they made a difference in the quality of my skin and in my gut health. They go as follows (and not in order of importance, just in order of my shoddy memory):

1. Epsom salt baths. This helps draw out excess toxins in the body, and also doubles as a fake spa day after wrangling kids for hours. I've been lighting an apple spice candle and listening to Elizabeth Gilbert's Magic Lessons podcast. I highly recommend! Which leads me to my next thing...

2. Decreasing stress. Baths and candles and an inspirational podcast will absolutely aid in reducing stress in your life. Yoga, meditating and exercise is another one I like to do. Exercise is good for the skin because it also helps release toxins and gets proper blood flow to the skin.

3. Cutting out dairy, sugar, and eating more leafy greens. This one is preposterous to me. A world without cheese, butter, ice cream, and sugar is no world worth living in! Obviously, I still eat these, but I am trying to cut back on the excessive amount. Also, eating all the green foods is MAGIC for your skin. Liz Gilbert needs to add a segment in her podcast about that. One green smoothie a day keeps the acne away!

4. Sleep. It's 11:32 pm right now, and I am obviously not following my own rules. Aaaaannndd I ate a swirl ice cream sundae for dinner. And the closest I got to having green in my meal was the green logo on my napkin. Oops. Do as I say, not as I do, people! But really, sleep is the number one thing for having great skin. Pretend this is tip number one, okay?

5. Drinking tons of water. Alright, so I think this is actually the number one tip for glowing, radiant skin. The recommended amount of water per day is 64 ounces. That is at least eight glasses of water. Whenever I am diligent about my water intake, my skin starts behaving like its old self and clears up. Water is the real dermal elixir, really. My cousin's wife's mom has the most beautiful, flawless, hardly-wrinkled skin and she is in her 60's. It's gorgeous to the point where you are mesmerized by her face and ask upon meeting her for the first time, "What are your beauty secretz?!" Her answer: "WATER! Drink gallons of it, darling." Done.

5. Exfoliating. This is my weak spot. I hate exfoliating. I feel like I am abusing my skin, but all the skin experts always tell me to do this. They are always right. If you are fancy, you might have one of those Clarisonic brushes. If you are frugal (cheap) like me, you resort to a washcloth and this exfoliating scrub. The combination of the two works well for me. I also like to apply a Bentonite clay mask once a week. It looks scary and you feel like your face is melting as you wash it off, but your skin will be so smoooooth afterward.

6. Taking probiotics and vitamins. My gut feels so much better now that I have been taking probiotics to help with bacteria balance in there. I take Vitamin D, a B-complex vitamin, and Omega-3 fish oil as well. Oh, and I also drink apple cider vinegar tea first thing in the morning. It's full of that crunchy mother earth juju that gives your body superpowers. And if I'm not drinking that, I drink a bottle of kombucha. I swear on my life it helps get rid of the candida (yeast) and restores everything to its proper place. The result? Glowing skin. There is a reason that hippie guy selling you granola at the organic, raw farmer's market has eyes as radiant as sapphires and skin like a Greek god. I'm jumping body and soul onto that bandwagon.

I also really like this infographic as a guide:

I am obviously not a doctor (although I am really good at meandering my way through WebMD) and these are not proven results for getting rid of hormonal acne. These are simply remedies that have helped me clear up some of my acne. The trouble for me is staying on track with all of them simultaneously. However, the one time I have managed to follow the rules (rare, but it happens on occasion), I was very pleased and relieved to know there is a solution for hormonal acne out there.

If you are dealing with the same issues, I feel your pain, and I hope these tips help! And send your tips my way, too!

Infographic image source

The Most Flattering Swimsuits For A Mom

Praise the high heavens because this mama finally found herself a flattering swimsuit!

Working out and doing the Bikini Body Guide has helped tone up my body, which obviously helps things fit better, but the cut of this suit is made for pulling in and sitting at all the right places. It is the Retro Ruched One-Piece Swimsuit in Midnight Black Stripe from Garnet Hill. I cannot recommend it enough should you be on the hunt for a flattering one piece. I have some junk in the trunk, and it doesn't cut in on my booty either.

I am thinking about getting the floral or blue paisley one, too. And they are on sale for $78 right now. It is worth every penny, and I think you get a 15% off coupon for signing up for their emails.
Also, this rose floral tankini looks like a winner.

Hope this helps if you are looking for a cute suit that helps out that post-baby body! Happy shopping!

Cute And Colorful Summer Outfit Ideas For Little Boys

Three years ago when we found out we were having our first boy, some of the initial fears and concerns that played through my mind were, Boy clothes are ugly! What in the crap do I dress him in?! There are, like, only three things boys can wear. 

I am kind of rolling my eyes as I write this, but it was true. I am a girl, therefore I was only familiar with girl clothing and fashion. (Give me all the pink, ruffles and florals!) And I honestly think that is part of the million reasons it is fun being a mother to little ladies. Although, I can give you a billion reasons why being a mom to boys is even better ;)

Anyway, it turns out that boy clothes aren't just dinosaurs, trucks and cars. Imagine that! There are plenty of adorable places to shop for man child clothes. (See this hilarious meme—I'm sorry, but I started crying from laughing so hard when I saw it for the first time. I also just spent the last 10 minutes searching for it. You're welcome).

My favorite places to shop for Luke and Wesley's clothes are Gap, H&M, Old Navy, Target and Zara. They are actually the only places I shop and I hit the jackpot every time without breaking the bank.

These three cute and colorful summer outfits for a little boy above are all from Zara. They are high-quality and survive the beatings boy clothes go through—and they make great hand-me-downs, which we believe in. Now that I have two boys, I have realized the little fellas really don't need that many clothes either. Really. Boys are simple, and boys are messy, and it's easier to dress them if there aren't too many options to choose from.

Here are the basics of what you need for a little boy summer wardrobe:

• A few tee shirts. It's good to have some printed and graphic ones, as well as a couple of plain basics.
• A couple pairs of shorts. Again, one solid and one with a fun print, or overalls.
• Basic pair of pants or denim. Gray denim pants are my favorite. They go with everything.
• A light sweatshirt or jacket. I've found that picking a vibrant color can actually pair well with most things.
• A pair of sandals, a pair of sneakers (red is also a color that looks awesome with most things), and a pair of docksiders for dressier occasions.

And there you have it! Maybe get them a cute baseball cap or some shades to accessorize and you have a stylish little dude on your hands.

Giraffe Tee | Overalls | Sandals

Sweatshirt | Shorts | Docksiders

Happy Boy Tee | Gray Denim | Sneakers

Fresh Tangerine Jewelry Giveaway!

Well, hello there! How goes it? The weekend was long but in a really, really good way. We spent it camping by the beach and eating all the marshmallows in sight. (Er, that was really Luke, but we will just pretend it was all of us.)

I kinda sorta had a case of the #mondaze this morning but it turned out to be a wonderful day. I gussied up my face with a set of lash extensions. If you live in San Diego or Southern OC, Ciao Bella is the place to go! It would make a perfect Mother's Day gift to yourself or a mama you know in need of some girl time. 

I painted out all of my laziness and angsty feelings toward this week as well. Aren't those succulents so cute? They are inspired by my newest plants. Someone asked if I could make this baby painting a print available for download, and I just might be able to make that a reality. I aim to please, guys. I aim to please!

Last, but not least, this Monday is ending on a grand high noted because I am also giving away a set of stacking rings from Fresh Tangerine! 

This is their studio. Isn't it adorable? I automatically love them because they are based in Seattle, and that PNW is in my blood. Man, I miss living there. I swear creativity rises from the pavement and seeps out of the walls. Such a cool place. Oh, and you should check out Love City Love if you are wanting to meet some fellow creative kindred spirits. Simply watching their dance parties makes me giddy. So much goodness all around!

Here are the amazing women of Fresh Tangerine themselves! How do I snuggle in on that couch? And that rug? Gimme, gimme! Anyway, it's a great company, the jewelry is beautiful, delicate and incredibly well-made—also another great Mother's Day gift idea. (Hint, hint, Matt!)

Be sure to come enter the giveaway on my Instagram here! It ends tomorrow night (Tuesday, April 29)! Good luck, my friends!

DIY Body Scrub For Sore Muscles (And A Giveaway!)

I am officially starting Week 3 of the BBG! Honestly, I cannot believe how quickly the time is going, but I have the sore muscles to prove it. They yell at me on a daily basis—especially the ones in my glutes. Oy!

Next week I will be posting my Week 4 progress pictures, but in the meantime, I wanted to share with you my body scrub I have been using to rehabilitate from all of those burpees and mountain climbers, AKA workouts from hell. No pain, no gain, right?


I have been using the bath salt crystals from Relax Spa and Bath to soak after a hard workout (which has been pretty much every single day since starting my fitness journey). The one pictured is their Recover crystals from their range of salts specifically made for athletic soak therapy.



To make the body scrub, simply add 2 tablespoons of bath crystals and about 1 teaspoon of water to a small container and mix it into a paste. Draw yourself a steamy, warm bath and scrub yourself down in all those achy places. As you soak for a few minutes, it starts to tingle all over and the relief is A-MAZING.

You lucky ducks get to enter to win a pack of eight of their aromatherapy crystals! The salts are all-natural and contain a mixture of Dead Sea salt, epsom salt, essentials oils, anti-inflammatories, vitamins, and minerals. I like to use mine in the bath because they help pull out all of those yucky toxins and moisturize my skin, but you can use them in a humidifier or in the laundry too! So many good uses and the scents are delicious.

This eight-pack includes (from left to right in the picture):

• Tropical Rain to refresh
• Dream Love Potion to set the mood, if you know what I mean... 
• Recover for sore muscles (the one I used above and absolutely recommend)
• Verbena Lime Coconut to awaken the senses
• Warm French Vanilla for a comforting soak
• Green Tea to invigorate
• Eucalyptus Mint to stimulate (it smells so good and is awesome in the humidifier to clear out congestion!)
• Lavender Palmarosa to calm and relax

Don't you just want to go light some candles and take a nice, long soak in the tub now? I do! I use these as a reward for doing my daily workouts. My inner dialogue sounds something like this... Abbey, 20 more minutes and you get to take an aromatherapy bath! Lavender Palmarosa is just around the bend! Ten more lunges and it's Warm French Vanilla time!

A fit girl's gotta do what a fit girl's gotta do to stay motivated! Now, go enter to win this set in the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.S. If you are into making your own natural health and beauty products, check out my whipped body butter, lavender facial cleanser, facial exfoliant scrub, insect repellent, and homemade powdered blush!

A Random Thing Or Two-sday

Sheinside Embroidered Dress
Target Sandals

1. I love a good embroidered dress, especially one from Free People. Buuuutttt, those are a little pricey, and I heard a tip from a fellow friend and blogger about how Sheinside basically makes the knock-off versions. Naturally, I thought I'd try it out to see if it was worth it because I am always down for a deal! Here are my two cents: The dress photographs beautifully and is great for a few wears, but the quality is not that great. The material is cheap and I had to trim loose threads on almost all of the embroidered flowers. (Yeah, that's like, 150 flowers.) I have a Free People embroidered dress to which I am comparing it (and I got mine for a steal at TJ Maxx) and I would definitely say save up your pennies for the real deal if you are wanting one for spring and summer, and you plan on wearing it more than four or five times. But, the cheaper version might work for you if you want it for family photos or for a specific occasion. Either way, you will have to twirl in it, because what's a dress good for if it doesn't have twirling capabilities?

2. Fact: The odds of having twins are 1 in 33. The odds of delivering triplets or other multiples shoot up to 1 in 539 (source). Call me crazy, but I would LOVE twins.

3. I've been thinking about emojis a lot lately. (I know, such a deep and complex thing to ponder!) Mostly I have just been thinking how it is time they released a whole new arsenal of emojis. Emoji makers, if you are reading this, please include my wishlist for consideration: unicorn, fingers crossed, middle finger, cupcake, pregnant lady, more clothing and shoe options in general, running girl, bacon, hot dog, CHEESE, a legitimate high five, and a Netflix one for good measure.

4. Yesterday I saw a lady wreck a brand new Lexus. A brand new Lexus that she was TEST DRIVING. She literally was about to make a left-hand turn back into the dealership and then basically totalled the whole front left side of the car. Thankfully nobody was hurt (besides that poor car). But could you imagine? That is always the one thing I have always freaked over in my mind when test driving a car. What if I crash it?! Will I have to pay for it? Will they make me answer phones until it is paid off?! Honestly, though. Would you have to pay for it, or does your insurance cover it? Or does the dealership have insurance? I don't know these things, but I suppose I should educate myself on the matter. Be safe while driving, folks!

5. Would you rather have cotton candy for hair or have licorice-dispensing fingertips?

How To Make Your Own Natural Powdered Blush

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and All You® and Real Simple® but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #SpringintoMeTime http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

My latest homemade, natural beauty creation is powdered blush. I am kind of a blush hoarder. I honestly have about 15 different blushes and cannot stop buying them! It was high time I made my own, and I am pleased as a peach with the results!

This natural powdered blush was inspired by the lovely cover of this month's Real Simple magazine and all of their amazing anti-aging tips. I've been a little burnt out in the mommy department lately, as I shared last week, and thought this simple beauty DIY would make for some good "me time." I picked up a copy on my weekly Target run and read it while drawing a nice bath with some chocolate, and I soaked up all the the inspiration. By the way, you can save $2 off any purchase of Real Simple®, All You®, or PEOPLE® magazine now through March 28, while supplies last. Oh, and you get another 15% off select magazines if you use the Cartwheel app through April 17, while supplies last. (Gosh, I love that app with all my heart. I am that lady holding up the line with all my coupons and deals! Ha. Sorrrry!)

This homemade powdered blush has only three natural and delicious ingredients. Yes, you better believe I taste tested it! I was this close to throwing some in a smoothie and drinking it. And isn't that always such a grand feeling, knowing that the products you are using on your skin are natural and safe? I think so, too!

Homemade Natural Powdered Blush

Ingredients:

Beet root powder

Arrowroot powder

Ginger powder

Directions:

1. In a small tin container or empty makeup container (I used an old Altoid mini tin—high five for recycling!), put 2 tablespoons of beet root powder. (FYI, if you find your beet root powder is a bit coarse or has crystals in it, run it through a food processor so it is an extra fine powder.) Mix in 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder and about 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder. 

2. To make it a lighter tint, keep adding arrowroot powder. Conversely, if you would like it darker, add more beet root powder and less arrowroot powder. The ginger powder gives it some shimmer so feel free to adjust that based on the amount of glimmer you like in your blush. I personally like my blush a REALLY light pink so I added almost an equal amount of arrowroot powder. Also, my beet root powder was a bit grainy so I added a dab of water to my brush to break open the crystals for a more saturated color. 

3. Grab your blush brush and swipe it onto the apples of your cheeks. The beet root powder base creates a beautiful, rosy shade, which looks wonderful on various skin types. All you have to do is adjust your tint! Enjoy, my beautiful friends!

If you love natural, homemade beauty products, be sure to check out my facial cleanser, exfoliating scrub, whipped body butter, and insect repellent!

Antelope Shoes Giveaway!

Hooray! Today is the day for long-awaited Antelope Shoes giveaway!

You have probably seen their boots lining the shelves of Anthropologie and I am here to vouch that they are AMAZING. The quality, the design, the brand—all of it. I give them five gold stars!

Today one of you lucky gals is going to win a pair of boots or shoes of your choice! Any pair!! I had a hard time choosing between my clog ankle booties, and these leather ankle booties with the beautiful cutout, so good luck on deciding which ones are your favorite ;) In a dream world, I would like one of everything, but I think I am going to treat myself to a pair of these platform wedges for the spring and summer. (Also, you can see how I styled my clog booties last week for a boho look!)

If you can't wait for the giveaway to end and you absolutely must have a pair of boots or shoes immediately, be sure to sign up for their newsletter at the bottom left of the Antelope Shoes homepage and you will get 5% off your order. Oh, and they have free shipping which is another reason to love them.

Okay, go enter the giveaway in the widget below! I'm crossing my fingers for you! Good luck!

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Cara Hansen Dress Giveaway

Cara Hansen Royal Blue Bateau Dress c/o
Perry Street Abby Necklace in Blue via Rocksbox c/o
Gorjana Twist Cuff via Rocksbox c/o
Women's Mossimo Gail Ankle Strap Open Pump

I have been waiting weeks to launch this giveaway, and the day is finally here! Wahoo! Allow me to introduce you to a new line of amazing dresses from Cara Hansen. (FYI, the full site can currently only be viewed from a desktop or laptop, but it is in the works of becoming mobile-friendly!) They started in 2012 with the goal to provide women classic and tailored dresses that are modest AND well-made—all at an affordable price point.

Now, I have received my fair share of dresses from all different clothing lines, boutiques and shops and when I opened my dress in the mail I was incredibly impressed. The fabric is thick, but not bulky, and is durable. None of that junky, flimsy polyester or knit that will peel. It is honest to goodness high quality. And the structure and make of the dress is flawless. I can see all of the love and detail put into this dress, and to top it off, all of the dresses are made in the USA.

Each dress is mindfully designed to be modest, yet flattering to the feminine figure, so they are great for church, an event, or to wear to work. This is a go-to church look for me personally, but Matt said I would make an excellent politician's wife in this outfit as well. I take that as a compliment. (Hashtag classy.)

K, so now here is the fun part! One of you lucky gals will win a Cara Hansen dress of your choice! Simply enter in the Rafflecopter widget below. Also, be sure to head over to the shop and snag yourself a dress for Valentine's Day if you can't wait! It's absolutely worth it and they are listed at an amazing price based on the quality. It will be one of those staple dresses hanging in your closet for the next decade. Cross my heart. Good luck!

(P.S. You can sign up to receive a free month of Rocksbox jewelry using code 'abbeyxoxo1'. There were some glitches for a few of you who initially signed up, but everything is fixed and that code is good to go! Just make sure you add in your billing info when you set up your profile. And no, don't worry, you won't get charged— it's just a part of the sign-up process.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway