I like to send sweet packages to my family on fun holidays like Valentine’s Day. This year, I paired a card with “kisses” from Minted with Sephora’s “Give Me Some New Lip” kit. The ladies in my life are going to love these! xo

I am a candle lover and there’s no doubt winter is a great season for warm, inviting and comforting scents within the home.

THE SHOWSTOPPER:
Maison Louis Marie No. 4 Bois de Balincourt

I attended a work social event in San Francisco when an acquaintance of mine walked past me wearing this scent. I stopped her in her tracks to find out what she was wearing. Turns out it was this little known scent by perfumer Maison Louis Marie. When I returned home, I immediately purchased it (in candle and perfume oil form!) online. This scent is exotic and seductive. The aromas are hard to place, but lovely and intoxicating. You might light this candle for a date night or special occasion. (Or, pretty much any time because you will be seduced by the smell.)

According to Maison Louis Marie:  “Balincourt is the family home which is surrounded by an ancient mysterious forest where long walks on the magical trail called Lover’s Lane was a favorite activity of multiple generations. This scent is a sandalwood fragrance with a dominant cedarwood & sandalwood accord supplemented by a spicy cinnamon nutmeg complex with an earthy vetiver note.” 

Long walks on Lover’s Lane surrounded by a mysterious forest? Umm, amazing. This is also a steal at $34 for 8.5 oz with 60 hours burn time!

THE SEASONAL FAVORITE:
Diptyque Feu De Bois

During the winter, I always choose a woodsy candle to herald in the season. This familiar brand nailed the cozy-by-the-fireplace scent. We lit this one throughout the holiday season and beyond. Caroling party? Yes. Movie night on the couch under a blanket? Yes. Snow days when school is canceled? Yes. There is nothing like a crisp but comforting candle to get you through the winter…

According to Diptyque:  “This sophisticated blend of rare woods recalls the crackling of an open fire. Warm and familiar during the winter days.” 

THE CLASSIC:
True Grace Rosemary and Eucalyptus Candle

I love burning this candle when my home is clean and when company is about come over. It is fresh – but not flowery – and inviting. It has a hint of warm spice that is noticeable but not overpowering. The fragrance fills the room and the candle has solid burn time. The glass vessel with a pretty printed pattern is an added bonus.

According to True Grace:  “A classic herbal mixture of woody rosemary with earthy and fresh eucalyptus. A touch of frankincense, camphor and cardamom add to this exhilarating fragrance.” 

In case you haven’t noticed, Anthropologie’s beauty section is growing larger by the day! I love scoping out the selection online and learning about all of the new Indie beauty labels. Here are 10 things in my Anthro virtual shopping cart.

I’ve rounded up my favorite (and by default most used) beauty products in 2017. Some of the items on this list are not big surprises. Most – if not all – of these items work on a variety of complexions and skin tones and I would recommend trying them! The one thing that caught me off guard when compiling this list is that there is little to no skincare items noted! That is definitely going to change in 2018 as I reprioritize my health and my skin. I already have some favorites for January and February.