Thoughtful Thanksgiving

 Hello Everyone!

It's almost Turkey Day! Well at my house we're skipping the turkey breast again this year and having ham.

For the last 10 years or so I've helped my mom prepare Thanksgiving Dinner. Even before then I always helped my mom. I remember being a little girl and I would always want to help her so she would give me tasks such as writing her Thanksgiving grocery list, going shopping with her, and setting the table. It used to be so much fun for me lol. I was helping my mom even if I wasn't actually cooking. I felt so responsible 🙂

Now that I'm grown I truly see all that goes into preparing for Thanksgiving. Even if we're having a small gathering, there's still a lot that goes into preparing for Thanksgiving. 

Since this is the season to give, I thought it would be a good idea to give the Thanksgiving host a thoughtful pre gift to help prepare. This Thanksgiving as you give thanks, don't forget the person (people) that prepared your meal. Like I said it can takes a lot to prepare for Thanksgiving. Time, patience, energy, focus is needed to get through the holidays in general. I came up with a breakfast basket idea you can give someone in advance to help them get ready for the big day! 

It doesn't have to be costly, just a few items to say I'm thinking about you and thank you. I know me personally last year I drove to 3 different Mc Donald's on Thanksgiving morning in search of coffee. This year I'm skipping a coffee search and making a cup at home! Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Don't forget to check out My Thankful Thoughts for Turning 36 Next Month Post

Thankful Thoughts for Turning 36 Next Month

 Hello Everyone, 

Wow as I type this I still can't believe that I'm about to turn 36 years old on Christmas. Of course Christmas is over a month away, but I do want to share a few of my thankful thoughts today.

Obviously this year isn't over yet, but it has been quite a year so far. This Summer I took time off my blog. I needed a break. At the time I was going through some things and I wasn't able to focus much on my content. I realized that's okay to take a step back. I think it's very important to prioritize mental health. Since the pandemic began last year I began making my self care more of a priority. 

There have been times in my life that I have felt my faith being tested. Part of this year was one of those times. In life things may not turn out the way you plan, but you ultimately have control on how you react. Sometimes things throw you by surprise, but I've learned I can handle things better if I remain calm.

Despite a few setbacks I have so much to be thankful for. I try to focus on the good in life instead of the bad. I feel blessed that I have a loving mother who encourages and supports me in my endeavors. I'm blessed and thankful to have a home and basic necessities. During these times it's so important to be thankful not just for Thanksgiving, but everyday. I'm thankful for the brands that see my hard work ethic as a smaller influencer.

I always mention in my inspirational based posts that my religious belief are my own. As we near the holiday season and the end of the year I pray for the world. I pray for those who seek peace and happiness. I pray you have a wonderful ending to this year, and look forward to a bight and prosperous future.  

Christmas at Bath & Body Works

 Hello Everyone!

It's about that time of year that I try to post my Christmas at Bath & Body Works post! I didn't purchase any candles, but I did a few candle and body care exchanges and took a few pictures while I was in the store. I haven't purchased candles from Bath & Body Works in a very long time. I usually just trade off candles that I'm not using and exchange them for candles I really like. 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas 🎄 

A few holidays classic body care items returning this year. 

Aromatherapy 

Pure Wonder. This is a new scent. I meant to smell this scent, but I forgot lol. The packaging is really pretty.

I typically like to go to the White Barn Section of Bath & Body Works. I remember when this Bath & Body Works finally added White Barn Store in Summer 2017.

If I'm not mistaken I remember years ago I saw a snow globe similar this snow globe candle holder. It's so beautiful and it plays music. 

Bath & Body Works has so many cute candle holders this year. How pretty is the Christmas Tree Candle holder?!

So many holiday candles!

Merry Cookie is another of my favorite holiday candles. 

Snowman candle holders are popular this year. The snowman candle holder in the case is so cute. 

The right side of this candle display is full of nostalgia with Frosted Cranberry and Marshmallow Fireside. I haven't had a Marshmallow Fireside Candle in about 4 years. I love the scent, but it's so strong it started giving me headaches. I still burn Frosted Cranberry. 

What are your favorite products from Bath & Body Works during the holidays. 

These are the 2021 Christmas Bags.

Holiday Gift Guide 2021: Part 2

 Hello Everyone!

Today I bring you part 2 of my Holiday Gift Guide. To see my Holiday Gift Guide Part 2021: Part 1, CLICK HERE

Makeup Holiday Gift Ideas

First on this holiday gift guide, I want to focus on a few makeup products. I included a few drugstore products as well as a few high end products.

Drugstore Makeup

Every year I include some of my favorite drugstore makeup products. Pacifica Vegan Collagen Fluffy Lash Thickening & Lengthening Mascara. This is one of my Holy Grail Mascaras and the packaging is gorgeous! This mascara is perfect for thickening and lengthening my lashes without clumping. It stays on for most of the day and the mascara is easy to remove. Maybelline Color Sensational Ultimatte Slim Lipstick is one of the best drugstore lipsticks I've ever used. The formula feels creamy with a soft matte texture. It's very comfortable to wear on the lips and the colors are so pigmented. I cam wear this lipstick for hours without having to reapply. I've been Ardell Lashes for over 3 years. These are some of my favorite lashes! They're easy to apply and affordable. 

Moda Brushes

I've been using Moda Brushes for years and their quality never disappoints me. Moda has a large variety of options and colors. These are some of the most affordable brushes I own in my makeup brush collection. You can find the makeup brush sets pictured above exclusively at Walmart.

Pixi Beauty Makeup

Since it's the holiday season, Pixi's Eyelift Max Liquid Eyeshadows are absolutely stunning and add sparkle to makeup looks. 

- Pixie × Louise Roe Cream Rouge Palette

- Pixi × Tina Yong Tones & Textures

- Pixi × Makeup by Denise Mind Your Own Glow 

- Pixi × Promise Shapeshifter Palette

Earlier this year Pixi released 4 new palette with a few influencers. These palettes are affordable and I like how there is a variety of palettes that can meet the needs to makeup lovers or even beginners. All the palettes have amazing quality. If you know a Pixi Beauty lover these palettes are definitely worth gifting.

Tarte Tartelette Juicy Amazonian Clay Palette and Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation 

This has been my go to palette this year. The rosy neutral tones are simply beautiful. The eyeshadows are so pigmented and there is minor fallout. You can create so many different looks with this palette. Now that Fall is here and Winter is coming, I like to use Full Coverage Foundations. This foundation feels a little thick upon applying, but once I start blending it doesn't feel heavy on my face. This foundation is easy to blend, long last lasting and over a great full coverage foundation. 

Urban Decay Naked Wild West Palette 

Urban Decay  has released many Naked Palettes over the years. Naked Wild West is a nice addition to the Naked Collection. If Naked 2 and Naked Smoky had a baby it would be Naked Wild West. You have neutrals and darker tones. You can wear a classic smoky eye or you can create a classic neutral eye.

Skincare Holiday Gift Ideas

Now I want to focus on a few skincare products that would make great holiday gifts. 

Dr. Zenovia Skincare 

Since I started using Dr. Zenovia Skincare, I've noticed an improvement with my skin when I'm having acne problems. This brand made my list year as well. Here are a few of my favorite products. The Vitamin C Brightening Toner is my go to product to prevent and improve acne. The Essentials Collection in general is so good! The Clear Complexion Collection also keeps my skin acne free and healthy.

 Replenix Skincare 

I mentioned a few mini Replenix Skincare Products in my Holiday Gift Guide Part 1. I wanted to focus this post on a few more products that are larger sized. The GLY-SAL 5-2 Deep Pore Cleanser is the first product I tried from Replenix. This cleanser is great for removing dead skin off my face especially when I'm having allergy issues. I really like that Replenix offers various types of skincare products that include discoloration, sensitive, and anti aging products.

Pixi Beauty 

Pixi released a few new mask this year that are amazing! You can use this mask separately or you can mix and match them to meet your skin's needs. Pixi is an affordable brand that offers so many great skincare products in addition makeup products.

Vanity Planet Aira

This steamer is amazing and it doesn't feel harsh on my face. It's the perfect alternative if you want to have an at home spa experience. My skin was glowing after I used this steamer.

Have you started Christmas Shopping? What are your favorite gifts to give and receive? Don't forget to check out Holiday Gift Guide 2021: Part 1

Holiday Gift Guide 2021: Part 1

 Hello Everyone!

*Disclaimer: This post contains PR Samples and affiliate links. I may earn money from some of the companies mentioned in this post. I would like to thank the brands for sending these products. All opinions are 100% my own. Product information, courtesy of the websites linked.

The holidays are nearing and today I wanted to start on my holiday gift guides for 2021. (Don't worry I will have Thanksgiving related posts).

*The Original MakeUp Eraser 

I just started using some of MakeUp Eraser products a few months ago. I love the eco friendliness and quality of this brand. You can find these puffs and other MakeUp Eraser Products on 

makeuperaser.com #sponsoredpost #MakeUpEraser

The Original MakeUp Eraser The PUFF (5 pack)

These soft puffs exfoliate my skin well and they're washable! These puffs make a great gift for others or yourself! Not to mention that eco friendly products are good for the environment. 

The Original MakeUp Eraser Toner PUFF (7 pack)

These are the other puffs from The Original MakeUp Eraser, The Toner PUFF. Just like The Puff, these toners puffs are eco-friendly. I like how these puffs absorb toner so I don't have to use numerous puffs. These puffs feel so soft on my face! 

*DERMA E New Releases

If you read my blog, you probably know that DERMA E has been one of my favorite affordable skincare brands since I started using the brand in 2017. Here are a few of their new product releases. You can find these products and other DERMA E Products on dermae.com

*DERMA E Holiday Gift Sets 2021

Last year DERMA E released their Holiday Gift Sets, and I was glad to see that this year DERMA E released more gift sets. You can find these products and other DERMA E Products on dermae.com

DERMA E Hydrate & Go

DERMA E 's Hydrating Skincare Collection works so well for my skin. This collection is good for maintaining hydrated skin and preventing dry skin.

DERMA E Essentials on the Go

The Essentials are another great collection from DERMA E.  There's a glow oil, scrub, and enzyme peel to give you healthy glowing skin for the holiday season (and in general 🙂)

DERMA E Clean Beauty Trio

The Beauty Trio Set has skincare products that will hydrate, exfoliate, and help with hyper pigmentation issues. The Vitamin C Collection is another collection that I like from DERMA E. The Vitamin C has help reduce dark spots on my skin.

*Spa Sciences Accessories 

Last year I shared a few of my Spa Sciences Skincare Devices, so this year I wanted to share a few of the replacement accessories that go with the devices I have. You can check out the some of the skincare devices that I posted last year HERE. You can find these products and other Spa Sciences Products on spasciences.com

*Replenix Skincare

I wanted to include Replenix in this stocking stuffers/small gift guide because this brand is really good. I've been using Replenix since the beginning of the year and I've been pleased with the results for my skin. Some of the products are regular sized and some are mini products. (I'll be including other Replenix products in another gift guide so stay tuned for that post). You can find these products and other Replenix Products on replenix.com

Have you started Christmas Shopping? What are your favorite stocking stuffers to give and receive?