Favorite Purchases of 2014

I know January is almost over BUT I have to share these purchases with you guys! These are my favorite purchases from this past year and I think any of these would make great gifts or the perfect little pick me up for yourself. We all need to treat ourselves every once in a while right?!

CLARASONIC / I cannot say enough good things about this gem. I had been on the fence for the past year...should I purchase?? Well I finally bit the bullet and it has definitely changed my skin for the better. Less breakouts, smaller pores, cleaner skin...and that is just with a month use! I love this baby! For reference, I have the Mia 2.

WOODWICK CANDLES / I brought this all the way to Poland from the states...it is that good. My favorite scent is Fireside and as soon as you light it up, it sounds like you are snuggled up by the cozy fire. The wick burns while making a crackling noise and putting off the best smell.

PLAID SCARF / I have worn this scarf almost everyday this winter. Thanks to the colors, it stands out with my black winter jacket and it goes with so much of wardrobe. Not to mention it keeps the chill away, I stay so very warm when wearing this. There are many different sellers out there, but I got mine from good ole' Target.

EYE-FI MEMORY CARD / This memory card for your camera is genius. I got it right as the year was coming to an end and it might just be my favorite purchase.Take pictures on your camera and then through wifi it is downloaded right to your phone. So then you are able to share higher quality pictures through social media, instead of phone pics. I can't wait to put this more to use...especially on our next trip!

ALEX AND ANI BANGLES / I actually got a few of these bracelets as gifts from my mother-in-law and man she hit the jackpot! I wear these almost every day...well on the days I actually get ready ;) They come in gold and silver and with many different charm options. They are the perfect accessory.

What are some of you favorite purchases from last year? I would love to hear!

{Thank Katie and Hello Happiness for this post idea!}

This Week's Favorites

Hello ladies and hello Friday!

We have a relaxing weekend ahead of us...a basketball game, probably a movie and possibly horse riding (?), random but fun!

A pretty uneventful week here, but here are a few of my favorites from this week...

O N E
Favorite Quote. Still going strong on the current She Reads Truth Study {Hospitality}. A favorite quote from this week...

This is my first study to do with them and the Lord is teaching me in so many ways through it! If you need a free, challenging study, I highly recommend this one!

T W O
Favorite Song{and video}. This song is so beautiful in itself and then the video came out. Oh my... stunning. I get chills every single time. 

T H R E E
Favorite Moment. We went to a Handball game one night this week. It is very popular here and I like to describe it as soccer but with your hands. Ha. I am very knowledgeable, if you can't tell. These ladies were tough and so impressive. It was a really fun {and different} night out! Another favorite moment was a weekend trip to Warsaw with my handsome husband, check out this beautiful city here!

F O U R
Favorite Recipe. Does this not look delicious? It is not very "fall" but I think it would make a great dinner side dish!

F I V E
Favorite Pin. One of my best friends is coming to visit in December and we are going to meet in London. I seriously cannot contain my excitement! This is a place I have wanted to always visit. So this post was very helpful. But, I need your help too! Have you been to London?? I need all kinds of recommendations! Especially hotels. We are trying to stay on a budget which is pretty hard to do in London. So if you have tips, please share!

I hope you each have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to hearing any and all suggestions!

Happy Friday!

Linking up with Oh Hey Friday, Meet at the Barre, Five on Friday, Lauren and Jennie.

Friday Favorties

Happy Friday, friends! Can you believe it is already the weekend? I swear the weeks are flying by.We are soaking up the rest of our time in Nuremberg (less than 2 months!) but are also so excited for the summer and to be reunited with family and friends! There is lots to look forward to in the coming months! This week we enjoyed getting back to a daily routine and also went on the prettiest walk in an area we have never explored. We have lived here for almost 9 months and we are still finding hidden gems- I just love it. So it was a great week here in Germany- how was yours?!

Now on to some Friday fun. This week I want to share some favorites of mine! They are things that I use all the time and wanted to share with you all because I think they are that great!

{ONE}
The Wet Brush. My mom bought this brush for me and gave it to me over her visit. And man, it is wonderful! I never brush my hair when it is wet, I only use a comb because I fear of breakage. But it takes me forever to comb out. So when I tried this brush on my wet hair, I was a little worried my hair would be breaking left and right. But not at all! It is the best detangling tool I have ever used. And the best part? I have noticed no breakage AND my hair is completely brushed out with just a few strokes. It is awesome!

{TWO}
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. So I have used this for a couple of years now and I am convinced it is the absolute best. I have tried cheaper brands, I used a cheaper brand over here for a few months because I ran out. And I could tell a total difference in my skin. This moisturizer keeps my skin so soft. My skin is never dry but also never oily when I use it. It works wonders for my skin and I am a huge fan. Needing a new moisturizer? Try this one!

{THREE}
Nestea peach tea. They have it all over here and I am sure they would in the states too. Obviously water is always better but since I gave up my diet cokes, I need a little something different every once in a while. And this is it! It is so tasty. I am not a fan of sweet tea, but like this stuff because it is not super sweet, just very refreshing.

{FOUR}
Bath salts. As I have said before I really enjoy a nice bath. It is something that is just so relaxing to me. Bubble baths are wonderful but I also really love a bath with a good bath salt. I recently got some bath salts from a company called Manufaktura- I got rose, mojito and lavender scents. My favorite scent right now is the lavender by far...it is so realxing and calming. And if you are in the states one of my favorite bath salt brands is Zum Jujucuzzi. If you are in Lubbock, I get it at Market Street!

{FIVE}
And for this last favorite, I need your help! I need a favorite self tanner. I have never used a self tanner at home but am really wanting to try one this year. I want one that is just the right color, looks natural and does not make me look orange! What have you used? Have you heard of a brand that is suppose to be great?

So, so glad you stopped by on this Friday! I hope you all have a fabulous weekend full of lots of fun! 

Linking up with the wonderful Natasha, Darci, April & Christina and Lauren Elizabeth.

***This is not a sponsored post. These are products that I love and it is my personal opinion***

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Christmas Gifts for the Man in your Life

Sometimes shopping for the man in your life is not so easy. But with the help of Rob, some online browsing and store browsing I have found a few items that I think would be great for your special someone!

 

One: A scarf. I bought Rob a very similar one to this at a store here downtown and he loved it (we did a few gifts early this year due to the chilly weather)! The one pictured is from Nordstrom and there are tons of other good looking options out there, any department store will have tons of varieties.

Two: Zip Up Sweater. I think these sweaters are so handsome and look great on. Robert is a big fan as well...you can dress it up with a plaid collar shirt underneath and khakis or go a little more casual with a plain color tee under and jeans. This one from L.L. Bean looks great and they have tall sizes which is a must for Roberto. Once again tons of stores are carrying these...very easy to find!

Three: Board Game. One of our favorite things to do as a couple is play board games. We especially love Settlers of Catan. Buy a game that fits you as a couple...one you know you would have a blast with. This present is sure to promise a good time!

Four: Fun Socks. This was a suggestions and personal request from the husband. He wanted some fun socks so I was on the hunt! I found these at a department store here in Nuremberg. I also got him this pair...fun but not too crazy!

Five: Multi Tool. This is a gift I actually got Rob for his birthday back in August. It was a want of his and it has been so useful (and fun) to him. His is a Leatherman Wingman Multi Tool. He says it's one of the best gifts he has ever gotten...oh boys and there toys:) 

Six: Beanie. I got this beanie from North Face for Robert and it fits great! He also says it comfortable. Beanies are a great gift...it will keep your man warm and stylin'.

Seven: Key Chain. This is a fun and sentimental gift. I thought it was such a sweet idea from this great Etsy Shop.

Eight: Camcorder. This is an investment gift but so worth it. We received one similar to this Sony one as a wedding gift and it has been so amazing to have. Not only do I love it but Rob thinks it is soo great, he probably uses it more than I do! Such a fun gift and one that will capture precious memories!

More...Don't forget about other fun things like Movies, tickets to one of his favorite events, magazine subscription, cologne, ect. And last but not least create a gift for him! Yes buying him things is wonderful but also try the DIY route! Make a coupon book, write letters to him, a book of pictures, a jar of memories (put a memory on slips of paper...360 (memories and slips of paper)...from the past year. Now he can read a memory a day for the next year!), any gift you make will be the perfect gift for the man in your life. 

Happy Shopping or Creating! 

Have fun!

Fall Favorites

 

Hello Weekend!

On our agenda this weekend...
+basketball game!
+grocery shopping
+sleeping in
+wine and pizza date night
+watching some modern family 
+reading Harry Potter (I was the one who never thought I would like the series, now I love it...just started the seventh book!)
+a little baking

So not only are we glad it is the weekend over here but we are also very excited for Fall!

I think every season is my favorite and right now I am so glad it is fall, so much fun in a season. Here are some of my Fall Favorites that I have to share!

 

 

 

 

 

:1: Doesn't this blanket look so comfy?! A blanket is essential for me whenever I am relaxing around the house (even in the summer) and now with the cooler weather, it is perfect and cozy! I have a very similar one to this that a friend gave me and it is fabulous...big and soft!

 

:2: Chai tea. I do not like coffee (crazy I know, I know) so this is the perfect warm drink for me. Delicious and not to mention smells heavenly. I really enjoyed Starbucks chai on all our wifi trips. I also want to try making some of my own...maybe this recipe??

 

:3: I am a big fan of riding boots. I wear them every most days during the fall/winter. They keep my feet warm and add style to tons of outfits! These above are super cute, I have some similar and find this brand hold up much better than the cheaper brands I have bought before! This pair looks great as well.

 

:4: Taco Soup! One of my favorite fall recipes. This recipe from the picture above is from a blog full of wonderful recipes and this one looks delicious. My mom also makes an AMAZING taco soup. I will post that recipe soon!

 

:5: Scarves are a huge hit for most during the fall. They add flare to any outfit! I have a leopard scarf that I got back in Lubbock at Hodgepodge and just love it! The one pictured is very similar!

 

:6: So I am ghostly pale. That summer glow is for sure gone. But this bronzer is great and helps add a little color! Not the wow your face is a different color than your neck color but a radiant, just enough glow for fall color.

 

:7: I am a big fan of red nail polish. And now that there is warmer weather I wanted to find a darker red and this OPI one looks perfect!

 

:8: What is the ideal dessert for fall? Pumpkin! My personal favorite is Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, this recipe looks amazing. Sadly I have not found pumpkin to bake with here so for now I will have to stare at the picture and let my mouth water.

 

:9: Lastly, a favorite of mine as long as I can remember...Pillsbury Halloween Cookies! You can find these babies at your local grocery store, I promise they will not disappoint.

 

 

Other favorites? The crisp, cool air, pumpkin carving, leaves changing...so much fun! What are some of your fall favorites?

Enjoy your weekend!!