#Shelfie

I cant tell you how much money I have saved since I discovered Kate Somerville products thanks to one of my favorite bloggers, Sabrina at The Beauty Look Book. In the past I'd try a new wash/toner/lotion, find it to be mediocre, or decent at best, and a few weeks later, I would move it over to my husband's side of the bathroom shelf to finish, as I had lost interest.

I am 35, oily mixed with dry patches, mixed with occasional acne. (As you read this, I'm driving to New York (for the 4th time this month!) for a work meeting, so add to that I have huge under-eye bags.) The joy of finding the right products, ugh. But, I'm pretty sure I can now say I've found my holy grail. The best wash I have ever used to date is the Eradikate wash, which by some magic, dries up acne but does not dry out my skin. I follow with the clarifying toner at night, and then an Origins night cream that I don't think I can live without. The prices are reasonable for quality skin care (the wash is $38 and lasts forever, while the night cream is $44 with similar jar longevity since you only need a small amount). On two separate occasions recently, people I don't know have complimented my skin. The first time I chalked it up to my Tarte foundation, but the second time was after the gym and I was of course sans-makeup. So I think this new lineup is working magic for me.

Holiday Insta-Round Up

gingerbread house workshop with my #1 bud

casual fall weekend wear

Bloody Marys are the best!

Welly Bear's first haircut!

Friendsgiving cocktails with some amazing friends who happen to be neighbors

happy kids table on Thanksgiving

Tucker made me do this....

the extent of my #cybermonday splurge this year

Christmas cheer brought to you by Tucker

Weeknight charity event

Closet Staples

I will not be buying 'holiday' pieces this year, but my calendar is still full of some fun events over the next few weeks. So I picked my favorite basics- a J.Crew cotton cashmere tunic (at least 3 years old) and a pair of J.Crew black Pixie pants (I'm not sure they still make this, but its likely some of you own it from several years ago, or some other version of a black legging style pant). Target has some great pairs too. Change the shoes, the necklace, the lip color, add a scarf, some earrings. You get the point. I've worn this look already one time to the baptism of my best friends baby last weekend (bow flats and plum lipstick) , and have it in the queue for next week's mom's dinner and a movie. Nothing says 'happy holidays' like not having to shop for a new outfit!