Raised by Design

Month: December 2014

6 Beauty Splurges You Deserve for The New Year

At year’s end, and after a busy holiday season I usually like to reward myself with a small luxury; like splurging on a new beauty item for my daily routine. Here is a list of my current favorites that are totally worth it and will make you feel like a million bucks. I’m normally a major cheapskate when it comes to beauty products so these guys only make it into my makeup bag after a ridiculous amount of hemming and hawing. So at least you know, they’ve all been pre-hemmed and hawed.

beauty splurges for the new year

  1. Nars Blush in Orgasm – Universally flattering on any complexion, in any season, this blush was introduced to me by my effortlessly gorg friend who did my wedding makeup and I’ve never looked back.
  2. Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer – This little guy packs a powerful punch and you can feel it instantly working on those puffy eyes after you’ve had a few too many dirty martinis.
  3. It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer – Of all the under-eye concealers in the land my makeup bag (and there may be at least 10) this one is by far my favorite. The creamy formula – which you only need a tiny dot of – smooths, stays, moisturizes and covers. In the winter when my skin is more pale and a bit dry I use it to cover other blemishes and dark spots too.
  4. Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment by Fresh – Best. Ever. Lip stuff. There’s enough color in this baby to skip lipstick or gloss, it moisturizes like a chapstick, it’s not goopy or sticky and the shade works well all year ’round for a fresh faced look. I’ve been using it for years and I don’t think I’ll ever stop.
  5. Butter London La Moss Nail Lacquer – A deep, wine red for fingers in the cold months and toes in the warm months. Goes on in thin coats and doesn’t chip for days – even if you use your hands like a short order cook.
  6. Oribe Supershine Light – I discovered this hair treatment at my salon and was initially hooked by the smell. You know how your stylist sneaks products into your hair while you blab on about your boyfriend? The light, fresh aroma of this one stopped me mid-blab and I walked out with a tube that day. I really love it because it’s formulated for fine hair – a leave in treatment that won’t make my hair stick to my forehead like Gollum! I use it after I wash my hair to keep things from getting too frizzy and since you only need a small amount the tube lasts me about the whole year.

The New Year is upon us, and I’m hoping most of you have some glitzy plans to ring ‘er on in. Me? I’ll be cementing my pregnant ass on the couch with some Chinese takeout and queuing up a movie marathon with my newly earned sausage fingers. I’m totally looking forward to it.

What are your favorite beauty splurges? And what about them New Year’s plans!?

Loveyoubye, Mags

Our Thanksgiving

raised by design thanksgiving holiday table setting

This was our third year hosting Thanksgiving at Lil’ Spot and each year I feel like we get better at juggling all of the happy chaos. Here in New York it was a day filled with snowfall, turkey basting, pie eating and baby bump rubbing.

My two sweet sisters and brother-in-law were up from DC which made my day extra special. I can’t get enough of the times when the three of us are together. #reunitedanditfeelssogood

While I pampered the turkey and set the house up for guests, James worked hard shoveling snow and making a path for Grammy’s wheelchair. She arrived with Mom early in the day for hors d’oeuvres (cheese ring is fancy enough to qualify as an hors d’oeuvres, right?). We snapped pictures and compared outfits and after a few hours of fun she headed home, tuckered out and filled with love from her ‘grand-babies’, as she calls us.

3-grammy

Dinner was centered around our big ol’ turkey, of course, and conversation about music technology (from The Beatles vs. The Beach Boys to T-Pain and Auto-Tune). My Dad had just found an article about the Grateful Dead shows he produced back in the early 70’s and how they changed live music forever. (He’s pictured but not mentioned.)

After we filled our bellies with Mo’s Mac N’ Cheese and Dad’s Sausage Stuffing, James’ family arrived for dessert and aperitifs and things got cray-balls. We played a bazillion rounds of Heads Up (best free download ever!) and opened a dozen or so bottles of wine, including a special bottle of port from our wedding. Perfectly suited for this occasion.

It took a few days of movie watching and leftover turkey sandwiches to come down from the high of family, food and fun. We have a lot to be thankful for this year. Here are some snaps of the scene at our house.

raised by design thanksgiving holiday table setting

letters

china

raised by design thanksgiving holiday table setting

table-angle

raised by design thanksgiving holiday table setting

raised by design thanksgiving table setting holiday

happy hosts
Happy Hosts with an extra turkey in the oven this year!

I hope you all had a fantastic holiday weekend too! Onto the next one!

Loveyoubye, Maggie