Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Tuesday Ten: Gifts Under $75

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While I put together this super affordable gift guide last week, this week I wanted to share another guide for people who are a little more special and you spend a little more money on so each of the gifts pictured here cost $75 or less.  Two of my favorite things to give as gifts are these super cozy pjs (I really love the gray ones pictured here that are covered with champagne bottles!) and my absolute favorite panties (the perfect gift for your friends!).  One of my favorite things to receive is luxe beauty products like this body crème set or this cult favorite body scrub.  Two other things I think would make the cutest gifts is this gorgeous laptop sleeve (one of the prettiest ones I've ever seen) and this sparkly portable phone charger.  There's a few other items on the list that will also make for amazing gifts, no matter which of these gifts you pick though it is sure to make someone very happy!


SHOP THE POST HERE:

K

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Welcome to Tutu Tuesdays a linkup with The Blush Blonde and The Fairy Princess Diaries!  Linkup whatever you'd like and make sure to do a little mingling - our goal here is to create a community of bloggers where we can all connect, find new blogs, and support one another.  We love new friends, supporting other blogs, and meeting fellow girl bosses!

There are just a few rules we ask you follow to join in on Tutu Tuesdays:

1. Please follow both Jordyn and me, your lovely hosts, on Instagram and/or Bloglovin.
Kristin: The Blush Blonde  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram
2. Link to your specific post, not your blog's main page.
3. Grab our super cute button or share a link to Tutu Tuesdays in the post you are linking up so everyone can know about the party!
4. Have fun and mingle with other bloggers that have linked up!  Like I said we want everyone to make new friends!
“The




Saturday, December 10, 2016

Smell Your Best with R¿iddle Oil

In my opinion smelling good is as important as looking good.  I mean have you ever seen someone that looks amazing, but then smells not so amazing?  It instantly ruins the look.  Did you know though that alcohol based scents (which most perfumes are) can easily evaporate, dry out skin, and cause skin irritations?  Did you also know that there is an alternative to conventional alcohol based scents?

R¿ddle Oil is a company based in California that creates scents that are made from essential oils and flower essences and are produced using a distillation process.  The scents they create are cruelty free, vegan, free of harmful chemicals and contain no carrier oils.  Their scented oils last longer, have a longer shelf life, are more moisturizing, and have fewer ingredients than alcohol based scents.  In addition to this, R¿ddle Oil's scents are hypoallergenic and safe for people who are sensitive and typically have allergic responses to perfume.

The sweet people over at R¿ddle Oil sent me several of their wonderful products to sample.  I've had so much fun over the last few weeks testing out their scents and even sharing them with my Mom to try too.  My Mom has difficulty holding a scent with traditional alcohol based perfumes and strongly prefers to use oils because they last significantly longer for her, so she was super excited to get to play with all the different R¿ddle Oil scents.  Below I am breaking down each scent for you.

Their original scent is non-scent, scent that enhances your natural scent for a smell that is "your skin, but better."  It is is made from amber resins and musky base notes and works with your body's heat and chemistry to create a scent unique to you.  In my opinion this scent is warm, inviting, and perfect for both people who love or don't love perfume.

This scent is spicy, sexy, and comforting.  It is subtle, but memorable at the same time.  It is rich yet delicate, and spicy cardamom, amber, sandalwood, orchid oil, mango blossom, strawberries and vanilla come together to create this inviting scent.

This woody and green scent has a very clean feeling to it.  It is luxe and rich, while staying fresh at the same time.  This special blend contains green tea, lemon, bergamot, black tea, jasmine, hay, tonka bean, and sandalwood oils.

This is a floral is less overpowering than typical flowery perfumes.  I personally struggle with allergies when it comes to flower perfumes, however this does not irritate my sensitive nose at all.  It is both fresh and floral, and grass, fern, lemon, gardenia, red jasmine, musk and clove combine for an unexpectedly sweet scent.

Like with Eden, this oil is a floral scent that is less overpowering than typical flowery perfumes.  It also doesn't bother my allergies and actually comes together to create a bit of a fruity smell with a touch of flowers.  The notes in this oil are white peony, jasmine, tuberose, tamarind, arum lily, incense, sandalwood, and amber.

This is my absolute favorite scent in the collection and I tried this in a lotion, as well as the oil.  This sweet and fruity scent reminds me of a tropical getaway.  The fresh peach, pineapple, papaya, coconut milk, lilies and wild freesia come together to make everyday smell like you're on vacation.

I tried each scent in oil form and North Wind in the Spray Lotion too.  R¿ddle Oil lotion is made with nourishing organic aloe, emollient rich coconut and grapeseed oils, and moisture locking vegetable glycerin.  It deeply moisturizes, but is not greasy and leaves a lovely scent on your skin.  It is also important to layer the lotion under the oil in order to make the scent last even longer!  In addition to their oils and lotions, R¿ddle Oil has scents for men and a botanicals skincare line too.

Any of R¿ddle Oil's products would make a great gift (for friends, family, or even yourself!) and the lovely people at R¿ddle Oil were kind enough to give me a coupon code to share with all of you.  Just enter THEBLUSHBLONDE at checkout for 10% off your order and if you order before December 24th you'll be entered to win a $75 gift card!

*I was given the R¿ddle Oil products mentioned in this post to facilitate my review, however, as always opinions of these products are all my own!

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Tuesday Ten: Gifts Under $30 + Life Update

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Each of these adorable presents cost $30 or less, making them perfect gifts for just about anyone on your list.  These are great for coworkers, friends, or anyone else you want to give a little something special too.  They are a sweet way to show your love and appreciation without spending a ton.  I love everything on this list, but I cannot get over how adorable this water bottle is!  I'm also on a big slipper kick right now and think these look so cute and cozy (and they're on sale!). No matter which ones you love any of these picks will make for a fun gift and are sure to make a big hit!

SHOP THE POST HERE:

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At the beginning of last month I gave a little glimpse into what has been going on in my life here.  Before ending today's post I wanted to share a little update on what is going on with me since I've still been posting a little more sporadically then I would like to.  Since that last post I have unfortunately been diagnosed with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders, which is more commonly known as TMJ (if you're curious you can read more about what that is here).  This developed as a combination from two things, the first was that I developed a nasty sinus infection, which caused me to grind my teeth while I was sleeping (I didn't even know this was going on).  The second was that I had an upper endoscopy and the way my mouth was open combined with the length of how long it was open furthered the problem that began with the sinus infection.

I had this awful pain in my jaw (by my ears) and it got to the point where I could barely talk or eat.  I have a pretty high tolerance for pain due to the chronic pain condition I have (check out this post for more on that), but the fact that I couldn't really eat, talk, or smile was making me miserable.  At this point I broke down and went to the doctor (which was an ENT, I thought the dentist, but my Dad said an ENT and was right) and was diagnosed.

To treat the TMJ the doctor put me on a soft food diet (hello lots of pasta!) and sent me to physical therapy.  Now I had no clue that "mouth physical therapy" (as I call it) was a thing.  I have been going to PT twice a week for the last three and a half weeks and have seen a great improvement in the pain.  Unfortunately this week I am having a little setback, but am still pushing through.  This issue combined with all of the health problems I already have has been really taking a physical toll on me, which is why I've been on here a little less than usual.  I'm hoping that soon this TMJ will be gone though and that I can get back on here four to five days a week.

Thank you so much to everyone who comes here and for all of your support.  It truly means the world to me and helps me to continue pushing through every health issue I encounter.

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Welcome to Tutu Tuesdays a linkup with The Blush Blonde and The Fairy Princess Diaries!  Linkup whatever you'd like and make sure to do a little mingling - our goal here is to create a community of bloggers where we can all connect, find new blogs, and support one another.  We love new friends, supporting other blogs, and meeting fellow girl bosses!

There are just a few rules we ask you follow to join in on Tutu Tuesdays:

1. Please follow both Jordyn and me, your lovely hosts, on Instagram and/or Bloglovin.
Kristin: The Blush Blonde  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram
2. Link to your specific post, not your blog's main page.
3. Grab our super cute button or share a link to Tutu Tuesdays in the post you are linking up so everyone can know about the party!


4. Have fun and mingle with other bloggers that have linked up!  Like I said we want everyone to make new friends!
“The




Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Lea Black Beauty Gift Guide

When you give someone skincare products for Christmas you are helping to give them the gift of clear skin.  I personally love receiving beauty items (especially skincare) as presents because it is a great way to try new products.  One of my favorite beauty brands right now is Lea Black Beauty.  If you've seen my previous posts on this brand (here and here) then you know that the brand's namesake, Lea Black, is an author, business entrepreneur, philanthropist, and star on the Bravo series The Real Housewives of Miami.  Lea has over twenty years of experience in the beauty industry and her products were created with the goals of helping people to take care of their skin and to combat many of today's skincare problems.  Today I'm sharing with you a few of my favorite products from the brand all of which would make great gifts for the holidays! (Also make sure to read through to the end of the post for a special discount code just for you!)

This kit gives you a noninvasive, instant face lift.  This was the first item in Lea Black's skincare line over twenty years ago and is still one of their best selling products.  I love how you mix the Facial Contour Lift Gel and Facial Contour Lift Powder to create the mask yourself.  The mask helps to reduce the signs of aging, minimize enlarged pores, and to treat blemishes, among other benefits.  After leaving this on for twenty minutes you (or the lucky person you gifted this to) will have firmer, lifted, tightened, and more toned skin.

This is hands down my favorite product in the Lea Black Beauty line and you can read my full review on it here.  This is a combination product that contains both chemical and physical exfoliants to help give you the best exfoliation possible.  The chemical exfoliant in this product is lactic acid, which is often praised for it's ability to effectively exfoliate skin without causing irritation and tiny beads are used as the physical exfoliant, which will help to gently remove dead skin cells.  Other ingredients include a natural extract complex of Aloe Vera, Grapefruit, Licorice, Cucumber, Green and White Tea, essential oils, Sunflower, Jojoba, Vitamin E, and Hyaluronic Acid.  All the ingredients come together to not only exfoliate, but to encourage cell regeneration, remove impurities, and refine skin's texture to reveal skin's natural radiance.

This rich cream is my second favorite product in the line and you can read my full review on it here.  This luxe facial cream features a concentrated formula that is an ultra-rich, anti-aging, antioxidant moisturizing, and hydrating.  It advances skin's water retention abilities, deeply hydrates, smooths wrinkles, plumps skin, and improves firmness.  It is so powerful that in just two days it increases skin moisturization by 500%.


This serum is meant to be  used in conjunction with the Intensive Moisture Renewal Créme or Everyday Moisture Lotion Face and Hydrating Eye Créme.  With just a few drops (a little goes a long way with this!) applied to skin this works to strengthen, renew, and revitalize skin.  It features "a proprietary blend of fruit extracts that enables higher performance from the retinol without the irritation," and boosts the formation of collagen fibers.  Apply this under either of the aforementioned moisturizers for radiant skin.

The mild facial cleanser contains real pearl extracts and marine minerals to help to gently exfoliate skin without drying it out.  It also contains a powerful anti-aging complex with ingredients such as vitamin C and grape seed oil.  This can be used both morning and night to gently cleanse your skin and reveal clean, moisturized, soft, and brightened skin.

This is a lightweight hydrating lotion that is easily absorbed by the skin.  It is "is infused with a natural extract complex made up of Aloe Vera, Grapefruit, Licorice, Cucumber, Green Tea and infused with Vitamin A and E, Mango Seed, Cocoa and Shea Butters and a-Lipoic and Hyaluronic Acid."  These ingredients work to fight the visible signs of aging, promote firmness, and moisturize.  Using this will leave your skin hydrated, soft, and glowy!

The people over a Lea Black Beauty were kind enough to give me a code to share with all of you that will give you 20% off all of their products!  That means that you will be getting a discount on any holiday presents you purchase from Lea Black Beauty!  Enter this code at checkout for your special discount:

20LBB04

*I was given these Lea Black Beauty Products by Lea Black to facilitate my post, however opinions of these products are all my own.  Thank you for supporting the brands that support The Blush Blonde!

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Must Haves

I got a deluxe sample of this in my October PLAY! by Sephora box and am totally loving it.  I've talked about my love of facial mists and this spray on here countless times so it's not really surprising that I'm loving this new one.  This spray contains glycerin to moisturize skin, essential oils to energize, Horsetail juice that contains vitamin C and antioxidants, and Echinacea GreenEnvy™, which inhibits enzymes that breakdown collagen.  I like to spritz this on before applying a moisturizer to really lock in its benefits.

I have talked about these pads so many times because they are so amazing.  They literally make my skin glow and I can see a huge difference in my skin if I forget to use them one night.  These pads use lactic and glycolic acids to gently exfoliate, and lemon peel and licorice root to brighten skin. If you only try one beauty product from my blog this is the one you need to get!

I'm a big fan of BB and CC creams because they combine makeup and skincare.  I'm a skincare fanatic and do not like to wear a ton of makeup, which makes BB and CC creams perfect for me.  I had been using this BB Water, but was not happy with the results so I decided to try the It Cosmetics CC Cream after hearing so many wonderful reviews.  I am so glad I gave this a try because I love how it works.  It covers up any skin issues while still looking natural and a little goes a long way.  Another bonus is the smell, it has a citrusy scent to it, which I love!

I talked about this last week in a post that I did about my nighttime beauty routine.  This oil is a retinoid oil that moisturizes, shrinks pores, reduces wrinkles, calms redness, and improves skin smoothness.  I've noticed a huge difference in my skin since I started using it and I recommend checking it out (Pro Tip: Go to Sephora and ask for a sample of it!).

I discussed this in the same post as the Luna Sleeping Oil.  This is a pharmaceutical-grade, lactic-acid-based treatment that works to exfoliate, plump fine lines, reduce hyperpigmentation, increase circulation, and firm skin for instant radiance.  I layer Good Genes on top of the Luna Sleeping Oil for seriously amazing skin.  I also love how this works with the previously mentioned facial pads to give me glowing, blemish free skin.

It is very important to not brush your wet hair because wet hair is more elastic and prone to breakage then dry hair is.  The Wet Brush has super flexible bristle that are gentle on hair and make it the perfect tool to brush through wet hair.  I've had mine for a couple of months now and love it so much that I've got my Mom and sister hooked on them too!  This is something that is important for everyone to use in order to keep hair healthy and prevent breakage.

I got this as a deluxe size sample from a Sephora Beauty Rewards kit and had great results from it.  I am big on micellar water, especially in the morning to wash my face, and I typically use this one, but now I am loving the more luxe version that Caudalíe makes.  I like this one so much though that I just ordered a full size bottle of it yesterday!

My hair can be a little tricky to take care of because of its color.  I've never dyed my hair before and my hair tends to hold the color of anything that touches it (like mascara and face paint).  I usually like shampoos formulated for blondes because they help to keep the color of my hair natural and care for its special needs.  Recently I've loved the cool blonde hair color that has been all the rage and was very excited when I came across this shampoo, it's a violet shampoo that works to reduce brassiness and neutralize yellow tones in all hair colors.  I've used this a few times and am hooked.  I will admit that it can be a little on the drying side, but I've been using my #10 must have to help with that.

My best friend sent me an article from InStyle about this mascara and how amazing it is.  In the article it explained that it is so popular that some Sephora's have trouble keeping it in stock.  After reading all about it I knew I had to try this mascara and am so glad I did!  It does an amazing job on my lashes, it makes them longer and more volumized, but it never clumps.  I'm still only on my first tube of this, but I plan on purchasing it again in the future. 

I did this post on this hair masque a while back.  It is a really thick mask (which I love!) that brings your hair back to life and really moisturizes it.  Like I explained my previous post it is rich in rice amino acids that replicate the keratin structure of human hair.  It works to seal cuticles, repair damage, balance pH, and restore resilience.  It also smoothes hair and helps to make it more manageable.  It works to strengthen hair from the inside out and since it doesn't contain harsh ingredients it is safe for everyday use.

What are your must haves this month?

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Welcome to Tutu Tuesdays a linkup with The Blush Blonde and The Fairy Princess Diaries!  Linkup whatever you'd like and make sure to do a little mingling - our goal here is to create a community of bloggers where we can all connect, find new blogs, and support one another.  We love new friends, supporting other blogs, and meeting fellow girl bosses!

There are just a few rules we ask you follow to join in on Tutu Tuesdays:

1. Please follow both Jordyn and me, your lovely hosts, on Instagram and/or Bloglovin.
Kristin: The Blush Blonde  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram
2. Link to your specific post, not your blog's main page.
3. Grab our super cute button or share a link to Tutu Tuesdays in the post you are linking up so everyone can know about the party!

4. Have fun and mingle with other bloggers that have linked up!  Like I said we want everyone to make new friends!
“The




f