Hi!
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends! We drove to Pennsylvanian to be with my in laws for the holiday. As always, it was a great time with amazing food. My mother-in-law and I did our annual Black Friday shopping. We were in no rush so we didn't leave the house till about 10:30 (btw, I do not support these 6pm openings on Thursday, it should stick to Friday mornings- thats the whole point of Black Friday) which caused us to miss some of the great deals we wanted to pick up, but it wasn't the end of the world. We had a great time as always. But now it's time for my favorite holiday of the year and I CAN NOT wait to get all of my decorations out. And pick up some new ones- I die for Targets selection this year!

Since I still have one day of November left, I wanted to tell you about what I received in my November Play! by Sephora subscription box. If you haven't heard about this yet I'll give you a quick run down. Sephora started their own monthly subscription box. It's $10 a month (plus tax), you also receive 10 BI/VIB/Rouge points with ever box purchase. They have a waiting list right now but click here and you can put in your email address. Once a spot becomes open they'll let you know and you can sign up.

I will say, this beauty subscription box might just be my most favorite subscription box and I love this month! It's called The Exclusives. Everything they included can only be purchased at Sephora. As always, everything was a deluxe size sample- but I'm totally okay with that.  

I posted an unboxing video and you can watch that below for my thoughts and opinions on everything. But I'll go over everything briefly below.

The first product I received was Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer (here). I've heard great things about this primer (and the other steps too) and I'm so happy I now get the chance to try it out. I've been using it for a about a week and I have to say, I really love it. My foundation has been going on great and staying on for hours. I'd totally recommend this primer if you are looking for something to hydrate your skin while not letting your foundation to seep into your pours and fine lines.

Next up is Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Rhubarb (here). I have only owned one product from Bite Beauty and it's a lip gloss. I like it, but I have a hard time getting past the smell. Thankfully this lip pencil has no scent and the color is gorgeous. It is a perfect dusty rose mauve that would look great on anyone.

Following one lip product with another is BUXOM Full-On Lip Cream in Dolly (here). This might possible be my most favorite lip gloss. It is a plumper, but it doesn't hurt like some lip plumper's do. This actually feels like that cooling sensation you get when you have chapped lips and you use Carmex lip balm. No what I'm talking about? No? Yes? Maybe? ;) I don't know that it actaully plumped my lips but the color is a beautiful neutral that just adds a nice shine to your lips or over a lipstick. I highly recommend the Full-On Lip Creams.

Next is Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil in 29 Boyfriend's Jeans (here). This is an electric blue and is waterproof. Really waterproof. This is a great color to just have on hand for a day you feel like adding a pop of color on your eye. It's great on the waterline or put some on your eyelid and smudge it out. Adding a pop of color seems to be on trend at the moment and this really is a pretty blue. I won't be wearing it every day, but I'm glad to have it in my collection now.

Second to last is Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil (here). If you ever have to have one beauty product, it really needs to be this. I have used Josie Maran on and off for about 2 years. Every time I start using it again I wonder why I ever stopped. The uses for this oil are endless, but I use it mostly in replacement of a night time cream. It hydrates and balances out any skin issues I might be having. This is a holy grail skin care product for me. I really can not say enough good things about this oil.

And lastly, is Stella McCartney in Stella Parfum (here). Umm, yea... I don't like this. It has a rose scent and I'm not a fan of rose scented things. I truly believe you can not go by what other people's opinions are on perfumes because everyone has their own favorite scents. When you think you might not like it by their description you might surprise yourself and really enjoy it. I personally, do not like this. But you might, so if you get the chance to smell it I would. 

And that is it. Here is my YouTube video:

                    

I loved everything I received for November (minus the perfume). I recommend getting your name on this list and trying it out for a few months. Let me know if you have every tried any of these products and what you think about them. I'm definitely adding a few of these to my shopping cart for my next purchase at Sephora.

 Thanks for taking a timeout with me! I hope you have a wonderful week and I'll talk to you soon!!

  XO,
  Nikki

October Play! by Sephora Box

Hey, hey, heeyyy!

      Hope you had a lovely weekend! Today is turning out to be a pretty gorgeous fall day. Which is nice, considering it's been in the 70's all week and I keep having to remind myself that it really is November in New England. What is the deal with this crazy weather? I think Mother Nature needs to lay off the spiked Caramel Apple Cider.  Although I'm not totally complaining about the higher temps and spiked caramel apple cider is really good.

    I know I'm behind and it's November, but lets talk about the goodies I received in my October Play! by Sephora box. If you still haven't heard, its Sephora's monthly subscription box. When I got the initial email they said they were opening up to certain areas to test it out. I don't know how true that still is, but you can click here and put your name on a waiting list if you want to try this out. It's $10 a month (plus tax) and you get about 5-6 items.  You also get 10 beauty insider (VIB/Rouge) points with every box. Pretty awesome way to build up your points if you ask me! Plus, if you bring your play card into the store you get an extra 50 points with your purchase. Even more awesome! I'm just saying, I really don't think you can go wrong with at least trying this box out.

    Let me start off by saying I LOVED this box. I loved everything about it, with the exception of the perfume. Although, that should come as no surprise if you read my post about the September box and watched the video. This boxes theme was "Secrets to Dewy Skin". For me, I would say these products hit the nail on the head for "dewy" skin. My skin felt great, looked fresh and bright. It still feels great, in fact. Although thanks to some foundation I used my skin currently looks like it's under attack. :(  Thankfully it's under control now but I'm a picker and will be dealing with these things for a few more weeks. But anyways, lets jump into these products and what they are all about.

   First items I received and played with were the Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser and the Charcoal Konjac sponge. At first I was a little intimidated by this. Yes it's just a sponge but it's rock hard and this face wash comes out in a black gel. I wasn't sure how my skin would react to both things. The sponge softens up dramatically when you soak it in water for a few minutes (which is what you are suppose to do). It's also gentile enough that you can use it around your eye area- that in itself should speak volumes. I noticed a difference in the texture of my skin within 2 days of using this. I do not own a Clarisonic and if you don't either, I would say this is a semi-decent alternative. The cleanser is not harsh at all and in fact I really love using it every day. Depending on how my skin does after I run out (I still use and swear by First Aid Beauty face wash- holy grail for me) I may just purchase this. The cleanser (here) runs for $28 and the sponge (here) is $15. I really love the sponge and until I can get a Clarisonic I'll be buying this little guy for an extra scrub on my face.

   Next up is the Sephora Pearl mask. I have not used this mask yet, but I have used one of these types of masks in the past and I'm a big fan. I have to say, I've never used a lot of Sephora brand products but the more I do the more I'm really impressed with the quality. The pearl mask is intended to brighten and hydrate. Again, I'm not sure if it really does that, but once I try it out I'll let you know. A cool tip they tell you is to put the mask in the refrigerator for an hour prior to using it and it will help de-puff skin and it helps for redness-prone skin. I've done this with under eye masks and it feels amazing.  These masks are $6 a piece, but Sephora has a special for buy 4 get 1 free. Just use the code MASKLOVE at checkout. I will add this warning though, when wearing this mask you may pee your pants from laughing hysterical at how ridiculous you look and the looks on your kids faces' when you scare the crap out of them. The later may or may not have happened in my house. ;)

   The next product is the Dr. Jart+ Ceramidian day tint with SPF 15. To me, this is like a BB or CC cream. It's light weight, tinted, and helps even out skin tone. The difference for me between this cream and most BB or CC creams is that I didn't break out from it and I actually felt like it made my skin look natural, bright, and healthy. I didn't feel like I was wearing anything and it didn't look like I was wearing anything.  Now if like me, you have no idea what Ceramidian is I'll tell you what Sephora says: Ceramides are "molecules that exist naturally in our bodies and decrease as we age. When this happens, our skin tends to become dry and sensitive." So that makes sense as to why this cream helps make your skin feel softer, brighter, and evens out our skin tone. This product can not be replaced as a foundation, but for those days you don't want to do your makeup but also don't want to look like a zombie, this is it. This cream runs for $48, but I feel like its worth it. I plan to buy this. Not only has it made some of my mornings getting ready shorter but I think this will be a perfect staple for summer.

   Fourth on the list is the Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Instant Infusion Treatment Toner. This lovely toner runs at $48 and I'm still on the fence about it. I do like it, in fact I probably only have about another day or two left of it. My hang up is I don't know how I feel about toners. You hear they are good to use but not necessary. I don't know that I've ever really seen a difference using them before. And with using this one, I can't say I've seen any drastic changes. But I like it. Ugh... So this toner is suppose to "refine the appearance of pores while moisturizing and protection from pollutants and other environmental damage." Maybe I'm not seeing a total difference because I'm using a cotton pad and rubbing at around my face (which is what the box says) instead of using my fingers and lightly pressing/patting with my fingertips (what Sephora says to do). I'll try Sephora's way the next couple of days and see how it goes. I'm not sure I'll be picking this one up, but if I get the opportunity to pick up a sample I just might to keep in my travel bag.  

   Second to last item is belif: The True Cream Aqua Bomb. Let me just start off by saying this stuff feels amazing on the skin and I'm so overly impressed with this. I'm not sure I've ever used anything like it. It's a gel like look and consistence but it feels like a cream when your rub it in. It's cooling and instantly hydrating without any greasy feeling left behind. It says to put it on right after you've washed your face or steped out of the shower so you skin doesn't have time to dry and tighten up. But if it does this will instantly re-hydrate. It also says that you can put this on over your makeup for a refreshing glow- I don't think I'll be doing that at any point, but if you try it out let me know. This little bottle of amazingness runs for $38 for 1.68 oz or $22 for 0.84 oz. A little goes a long way so I'm not sure when I'll be picking this up but I can tell you that I will be.

   And lastly is Atelier Cologne: Collection Azure- Mandarine Glaciale. So the scent is inspired by Calabria, Italy. It's a fresh citrus scent that balances cool notes with hints of ginger and heart of vetiver. It smells nice but it's not my thing.  The way this cologne is made, it can be worn by both mean and women. Also, not my thing. I prefer to wear perfumes that are distinctly meant for women. Just my thing, no judgement at all for any women who enjoy these kinds of perfumes/colognes. So my opinion on this is honestly based on my personal preferences for perfumes. I feel like you can never give a true review on a perfume or cologne. Everyone has such different tastes and you really have to smell it yourself and see how your body takes to that smell. This is a no go for me, but whos to say you wont love it.

   And so that is everything I received in my October Play! box. Again, I loved this box. I got to try out skin care products that I probably would have never touched had I not received this. Now I know of a few new products that I love and think will become a staple in my skin care routine.

 If you received this box let me know what your thoughts are on everything. Now it's on to making my list for the Sephora VIB sale. I can not wait for Friday!! I'll be posting everything I bought either this weekend or next week. Let me know what you're picking up and if you have any recommendations.

    Thanks for taking a timeout with me! I'll talk to you soon!!

  XO,
   Nikki

PS. My adult Caramel Apple Cider: Get a fancy glass, some ice, any Caramel flavored vodka and some apple cider and Bam! Enjoy!  :)

  








 

Happy Monday and Play! by Sephora

Well Hello Monday!
   Hope you had a great weekend! Ours was non-eventful, but I got some small things accomplished. Like the mound of laundry washed, folded, AND put away (watch for pigs flying out the window)!! Did some online Christmas shopping (SO proud of myself for starting so early). Old Navy was having amazing sales this weekend! I also got a vanity/desk from a friend so that went into my room last night. And the Hubby and I cleaned out his side of the garage so he can put his car in for the winter. The temps decided to drop below 30 last night so we decided it was time to get it cleaned out and get his car in. New England is getting cold fast and I'm not entirely sure that I love it. Today was super cold! 35 degrees on our walk to school!!! I would have drove but Hubby needed my truck and the only car seats we have for the girls went with him. So we bundled up and off we went! It was kind of refreshing, but still too cold for my liking this early on. It's suppose to be in the 60's for the rest of the week so hopefully no need for gloves like we wore this morning. I just love fall and I don't want to see it go away before it even got here! Okay, I'll stop complaining about the New England weather now. Next year at this time, we most likely wont even be living in a place that gets colder than 60 in the winters. For the record, I'm very okay with that.

   I know this is late and not my conventional subscription box post, but I got this box almost a month ago and I really wanted to share it with you. It's the Play! by Sephora monthly subscription box. If you haven't heard about it, it's okay. It is brand new and they were only testing out to a few cities. Boston was one of them and since I live just outside of Boston I got an email back in August to sign up. Click here to read more about it and enter your email address if your are interested. They will let you know when it becomes available. It's $10 (+tax) a month and I'm thinking you will get about 6 items every month. I'll have a better idea in a couple of weeks when I get my October box.

    I really enjoyed this box and I also love that its from Sephora. I'm pretty positive these are all 100 point perks, possibly 250 point perks. I read a few comments about how people weren't happy about that, but it doesn't bother me. Honestly, what exactly did they expect for $10 from Sephora? I think this box could potentially be better than so many other subscription boxes. But I say that because what I got from September is really just about everything I've ever wanted from a beauty subscription service. Watch the video to see everything and to hear my opinions on it all.


                     

    Let me know if you also got the box and what you thought about it. Also let me know if you were able to sign up and don't live in the few cities they selected. I'm still kind of confused about that. 
  
    Well, my timeout is over and now I have to go adult. Ugh.... haha! I hope you have an amazing day! Stay warm and thanks for taking a timeout with me! I'll talk to you soon!

XO,
   Nikki
   

Crockpot Tuesday: Nicole's Corn Chowder

     Hello October!! I hope your October has started out great! It's been one heck of a week and a half here. So much going on between birthdays, weddings, traveling, and a mud race (yes, you read that right- it was SO much fun!!). It's nice to know that we aren't doing any traveling for almost the whole month of October but we are going to be having some visitors. And than its Halloween! I love Halloween! It's so much fun to dress up and I love getting the girls all dressed up. Lilly wants to be Bat Girl and I think Zoeis going to be a kitty cat. Still a little on the fence with that, but I have to make up my mind very soon.

   Well, it's that time of week: Crockpot Tuesday! And today I am making 'Nicole's Corn Chowder'. Although the name is very fitting and this is one of my favorite cold weather meals, I can not take any credit for it. I found it on Pinterest (of course), but all the credit must go to The Crockin' Girls.  Click here for the actual recipe. I don't stray much from the actual recipe, but instead of using canned corn I usually use frozen corn. Today is the first time I'm using canned corn in mine. Also, this is great for left over ham. I buy the center cut ham steak, but if you just made a ham this is a great options to use up some of those left overs.

Everything you need:

• Potatoes - peeled and diced. I used 5 because mine were small. 
• 1 Can cream corn
• 1 Can whole kernel corn - drain the water out of the can
• 2 Cups chicken broth
• 1 Center Ham Steak - cut into cubes
• 1 Cup diced onions - I used one whole yellow onion
• 1/4 Cup butter
• 2 Cups half and half 

What to do:

• Add the potatoes and everything down to the onions into the crock pot. Cook on low for about 7 hours (this will actually cook for about 6 1/2 hours for me). 
• 30 minutes before serving mash up the potatoes in the crockpot and add in the butter and half and half. Crank the temp up to high for 30 minutes.

   I'm making some Pillsbury croissants  rolls to go with this. Cornbread is another great option. You don't have to make bread with it, but I like to dip it into the corn chowder.

   And that's it. This meal is perfect for cold fall and winter nights. It's hearty and will hit the spot for a warm comforting dinner. The left overs are amazing too!

   I've actually never checked out The Crockin' Girls website before, but I think I'll need to be checking them out. Let me know if you try this out and what you think. Do you have your own version of Corn Chowder that's amazing? If so share it with me!

   Thanks so much for taking a timeout with me! I'll talk to you soon!

XO,
 Nikki

Crockpot Tuesday: Beef Stoganoff

Hi!!

  I hope you had a fantastic weekend! It was a very nice weekend here in New England. Super hot on Saturday, but a beautiful fall Sunday. We didn't do much of anything, just took care of somethings around the house. A typical weekend for us. Sunday Football was semi good to us. Our Giants lost (boo), but I won my one fantasy football league. I'm 0-2 in my other :( But it's still early in the season and I have some time to make a come back. :)

   It's Crockpot Tuesday and I'm making Beef Stroganoff. I found this recipe about 2 years ago on Pinterest and it has been my go to ever since. It's from The Crockstar. Her recipe calls for double of everything, but I cut this in half (literally) and it feeds all four of us with left overs for one (most of the time). There wont be a follow up tomorrow on this because this is a staple in my house and I can tell you right now that it is amazing. You will not regret eating this! And if my two little picky eaters will eat this than you know its good. :)


Here's what you need:

• 1 pound cubed stew meat (I just buy a package and use the whole thing, so sometimes its just under a pound and half)
• 1 can Condensed Golden Mushroom Soup (this will be located by the cream of mushroom soup- I had a hard time finding it at first)
• 1/2 largish onion diced
• 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon of Garlic Salt ( I don't have any, so its garlic powder and salt for me)
• couple dashes of Hot Paprika (I have never been able to find this, so I just had a couple shacks of regular paprika)
•  4 oz of cream cheese (Sometimes I use the whole 8oz block, just depends on the mood I'm in)
• bag of egg noodles 

 Now, add everything to the crockpot EXCEPT the meat and the cream cheese. Stir it all up, add the meat, and stir again. Cook this on low for about 6-8 hours. I usually go for about 6 hours so the meat doesn't get to dry. Before serving cut of the cream cheese into cubes and mix it in until its all melted. If you need too you can put the lid back on the crockpot to let the cream cheese melt some more. Once it's all combined put it on top of your egg noodles and you are ready to eat. :)

   One thing, I've had my cream cheese melt seamlessly into the liquid and other times it's kind of chunked up. I'm not sure why the cream cheese does that or how to fix it. I've tried cranking up the heat and seeing if it will melt. But it has always tasted exactly the same now matter how the the cream cheese has melted in. If you know how to make it so the cream cheese doesn't chunk up, please let me know. Although it tastes the same, I'd prefer not to have the chunks.

Mix everything without the meat first than add it. It smells SO good already!!

   I hope you try out this meal, I'm positive you will love it! If you do let me know what you think. It's honestly such an easy and tasty meal to make. It's also a nice change from everything chicken. Don't forget to send me some of your favorite crockpot recieps, I'm always looking for new dinner ideas. :)

   Thanks for taking a timeout! I'll talk to you next time!


 Xo,
  Nikki 

Friday Favorites: BP. Double Stud Crossbody Bag

Hi!

 Happy Friday!!! I hope your week was fantastic! It was super busy for this family, but a great week none the less. Lilly finished and survived her first full week of Kindergarten. Well, we still need to make it through today. But she's loving it so far and can't wait to go back on Monday. I think she's ready to just relax this weekend though. She's not use to this constant go-go-go. I'm getting in the groove of having just one kid at home and figuring out a schedule. Thankfully Zoe still takes a nap so I'm able to get so much more done around the house than I'm use to being able to do. I actually get to have a full on Mommy Timeout. ;)

   Since its Friday I wanted to do a 'Friday Favorite'. I'm sharing one thing today that I have been looking for, for what feels like years to find. A Crossbody Bag. I know, I know, " Nikki, really a purse?!"  Yes really. And you will thank me later for this. :) 

                         

   Since having kids the funds to support my Coach, Michale Kors, and Kate Spade purse love has virtually disappeared. I just don't have the extra money nor can I justify a purchase like that when I know we have more important things to buy. So when I found this purse I was so beyond thrilled. I'm talking about the BP. Double Stud Crossbody Bag.

   Now, it's not your typical "Mom Purse". Clearly it is not huge and honestly can not hold a great deal of things, but it can most certainly hold what I need. And it has helped me keep the junk out of my bag that normally builds up and turns a normal purse into a 50lb weight. It's also amazingly light and not bulky that it gets in the way when I'm holding Zoe.

That cup fit in my bag too. :)

 I have been wanting a crossbody bag for the longest time. I mean, probably about a year and a half. I've been over the bulky bag and diaper bag thing since before Zoe was even born. I want convenience, practicality, and something easy. And now with Zoe being 2, I honestly don't need a big bulky bag for a trip to the store.

   When I came across this BP. crossbody bag on the Nordstrom website I KNEW I had to check it out. It reminds me a lot of a Rebecca Minkoff, but literally a fraction of the price.  When I got to the store and saw it in person I knew I had to have it. The quality is so much better than I expected. The faux-leather looks a lot like real leather and it isn't stiff at all. The Cognac color and the gold chains are right up there in the style I've been wanting. It goes with everything and is so perfect for fall and winter. I love the zip pocket on the outside (perfect for my iPhone). There is a zipper on the inside and two pockets for your phone and pens or lipgloss. And there is still plenty of room in the actual bag even with those extras. And the price point is AMAZING! It's only $32!!!! Oh yes my friends, you read that right. I was just as surprised at that price as you are. I love this so much that I'm contemplating buying it in black. This one really has gone with everything I've worn, but it's always good to have a go to black bag.

   So, what am I able to fit in this 'small' crossbody bag you ask? So much more than you would even think! Now I can not fit my normal wallet. If I had an envelop wallet I'm sure I could, but I don't. So I use my LV card hold for my id's and credit cards. And I carry around my check book (yes I still use checks, I'm sort of old fashioned in that I still like to write out checks upon occasion), keys, lipstick and lipgloss, my too faced translucent powder compact, tissues, a pen, and a couple of granola bars for when my girls start whining that they are hungry in the middle of the store. 

This is what's currently in my bag

   Now I can't fit a diaper and wipes with all that. I mean, I can shove it in there, but I'm not looking to break this bag. But I'm to the point with Zoe that I'm not out long enough to need to carry those things on hand. I actually keep extra diapers and wipes in a bag in my car. If we go to a zoo or something than I bust out the trusty diaper bag. But I don't need all those extra things right on hand anymore. Maybe wipes though, I never realized how handy wipes really are until I had kids. 

   I really can not say any more good things about this bag. If you have been on the hunt for a great quality crossbody, I highly recommend this bag. It's on trend, great price point (for maybe $5-$10 more than what you'd pay for a bag at target), and it really has more room than you might think. 

   If you don't have a Nordstrom near you, click the link up top to look at the bag online. Shipping is free and returns are free if you're not happy with it. Can't bet that kind of customer service! Let me know if you decided to pick this crossbody up! I'd love to hear what you think. 

Thanks for taking a timeout with me and I hope you have a fantastic weekend!! Talk you soon!!

Xo,
  Nikki 

my Mom and I at a zoo. This bag is so great!

    P.S. This is not sponsored in any way. I bought this bag with my own money :)

   

The vedict for Crockpot Tuesday is...

Hi!
   So I know you have been dying to know how dinner was last night! Okay, I'm sure it wasn't a top priority for you, but I'm going to pretend it was in your top 10 things you had to know when you woke up.  ;)

   Well, here was the final product.

   I put the zucchini and chicken over rice (about a 1/2 cup of cooked rice) and topped it off with some shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. The girls didn't get to try any of this. Hubby was home and just made them something else when we got home. He didn't know my plan of wanting to give them a little. But thats okay. We have left overs so they will get some tonight. Hubby didn't complain but he didn't rave about the dinner. But since he didn't rave about it, I'm pretty sure he thought it was just so-so. I personally thought it was good, nothing very exciting, but good.

   I feel like it ended up with more of a chili taste than Italian. Hubby kept saying it too. I'm not entirely sure what caused that flavor. I really don't think it was the one Jalapeno I added. It wasn't a bad flavor, but not what I had anticipated. After a few hours of cooking I took a taste test and I did have to add more salt. I know salt is personal preference, but I would recommend adding maybe 1/2 a teaspoon of salt and not just a pinch or two. 

   All and all, it was a good meal. I don't think this will be a constant meal on rotation though. But I have so much zucchini that it will be a good meal to add in every once and a while to mix things up. It also made some left overs. So I put a severing in the fridge and froze another serving. Id say it made about 4 servings all together.

   Let me know if you plan to try this meal out. It was good, but it didn't wow me to the point of feeling like I have to make it again next week. Know what I mean? Not a complete lose in the cooking department, so I'll call this a win. :)

   Next week is the family favorite, Beef Stroganoff! I can't wait to share it. 

  Thanks for taking a timeout with me! Talk to you soon!!

XO,
  Nikki