Christmas Wish List: Makeup

What girly girl doesn't love makeup?  Here are some fun gift sets that are perfect for your best friend, mom, sister, mother in law, & any other lady in your life!

1. Benefit How To Look The Best At Everything Lately I have been all about Benefit, their products are just so great!  This is a fun little kit that combines everything you would need to create a flawless complexion. 2. Smashbox Try It Kit This kit is so fun as it is all 'try me' sample size products.  It includes 5 of Smashbox's best selling products. 3. Stila Color Me Glossy Lip Glaze Set The neat thing about this set is that the 9 lip glosses are packaged in 3 different sets, meaning you can give them all to one person or break it up into multiple presents! 4. Make Up Forever HD Complexion Starter Kit Make Up Forever makes some of the best face makeup around, their 3 best products are packaged into this kit to give the recipient the perfect high definition complexion. 5. Urban Decay Naked Palette So many of my friends are obsessed with this & there is no wonder why.  This palette is packed with pretty neutral shadows that are universally flattering, meaning that no matter who you give it to it will work for them! 6. Too Faced All I Want For Christmas I love that this was put together specifically for Christmas.  It features products for a full face in one package. 7. Stila Artist Essential Set This set is chock full of products that makeup artists have deemed as 'must haves'.  Bonus: it includes an instruction card! 8. Dior Holiday Couture Collection Another set created just for the holidays!  This deluxe palette is perfect for travel. 9. Sephora Collection Prestige Luxe Brush Set Every makeup maven needs the tools of the trade to create a stunning look, & this high quality brush set will do just that. 10. M.A.C Stroke of Midnight - Pink Lip & Cheek Set This set is meant for New Year's Eve (hence the Stroke of Midnight title!), it includes 2 different lip options & a blush for the big night. 11. Estee Lauder Holiday 2013 This is a steal as it is filled with over $375 worth of products for just a small fraction of that price.  Aside from all the great makeup it contains, it comes with a super luxe travel makeup case. Bonus: Benefit Custom Makeup Kit This is the perfect gift for the girl in your life who is obsessed with makeup.  You get to create your own kit by picking 5 different products from Benefit's vast collection.  This gift is super personal & the recipient will know that you put a lot of thought into their gift!
Will any of these make your wish list?

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Black Friday

1. 

Thanksgiving

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I'm a little bummed that my favorite holiday is over, but am so excited for Christmas, which is a close second.  I loved being able to reflect on all I am blessed with & all that I am thankful for, make sure to check it all out over here!

Also here are some shots of the yummy food I had!

The recipe for this Cinnamon Chip Cheesecake is coming soon!

2.

Friday's Celebrity Outfit of the Week

Taylor Swift in Reem Acra at the Winter Whites Gala in London.

I am in love with this gown, from the silver lacy top to the flowing white bottom it it is just perfection.  It goes so well with the winter white theme, I feel like it is a gown for a Snow Princess.  If anyone has a holiday ball or gala to attend they need to copy this look from head to toe.  I seriously cannot say enough things about how gorgeous it is!

3.

Black Friday & Christmas Wish Lists

I have a confession: Black Friday scares the hell out of me.  You will never find me hitting the stores the day after Thanksgiving, I just cannot handle all that craziness.  Also I don't like playing into all the hype because I feel like it is way over done.  For the past week (specifically yesterday) we have all been bombarded with email & text message ads all about Black Friday, it's insane!  I also cannot believe how many stores open on Thanksgiving, it really kills the holiday.  I'm really much more of a Cyber Monday girl!  Hello shopping in my pjs!

Speaking of Christmas shopping I have been having a blast creating & posting all sorts of Christmas Wish Lists!  I posted a few of them earlier in the week & will keep them coming.  The time to shop for gifts is getting smaller & I'm hoping these lists will help when you're shopping for presents or putting together your own Christmas list.  So far I've done skincare, bath & body, & hair lists, but look for upcoming ones that will feature fashion, beauty, cooking, & crafting present ideas!  What's on your wish list this year?  I love suggestions!

4.

Holiday Lipsticks

The holidays are a fun time to experiment with bright lips.  Red is the most expected color, but a bright pink looks gorgeous, so I recommend trying it out this season!  Here are some of the prettiest shades of both colors:

Top: Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Betsey / Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Matte in Nylon / M.A.C. Lipstick in Show Orchid 

Bottom: Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 001 / NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl / Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Infrared Matte

5.

#backthatazzupfriday

Since Thanksgiving is over it's time to break out the Christmas music!  Here's one of my favorite Christmas songs:

Have a great day & enjoy the rest of this lovely long weekend!

What I Am Thankful For

Today is my favorite holiday!  You can read here, about why I feel that Thanksgiving is the forgotten holiday.  Thanksgiving is an amazing time to remember how lucky we all are & to be thankful for all the blessings we have.  Since I love lists so much I decided it would be fun to do a list of what I am especially thankful for!
1. My Mom My Mom is the most amazing person I know.  She is selfless, giving, caring, & so much more.  She is honestly the best Mom in the world, & I am so thankful that she is my Mom.  I don't know how I got so lucky.

2. My Dad I am also lucky to have a really great Dad.  My Dad & I have really grown closer in the past few years & he comes to visit me at school often.  We both share a love of Villanova sports & it's so fun when we get to go to the games together.

3. My Sister It's such a great thing to have a sibling because you are never alone.  It's been so nice having my sister close by this year so we can hang out more often!

4. Coco Chanel Having a dog is one of the best parts of my life.  Coco is sweet, playful, & gives unconditional love.  I am so thankful to have this little nugget in my life because she always makes me so happy.

5. Friends I have the most kind & amazing friends anyone could ask for.  I am so thankful for each & every one of them.

6. Home Home is where the heart is.

7. School Everyday I am thankful that I made the best decision of my life to go to Villanova University.  It is one of the best places in the whole world!

8. Here I am so thankful for starting a blog.  It has grown to be something that I love & have met so many great people through.  I really love the blogosphere!

I am so blessed to have all these things in my life & so much more.  Enjoy the day with your family & reflecting on all the blessings in your life.  Have an amazing day everyone!

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tumblr.

I just created a tumblr. for Crumbs & Curls!  I will be posting pictures from posts, sneak peaks of posts, & other things that I find interesting.  I would love it if you all checked it out at crumbsandcurls.tumblr.com!

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Christmas Wish List: Hair

Who doesn't have a girl in their life who takes serious pride in their glossy locks?  Whether it's a family member, friend, or yourself any of these will make amazing gifts for the hair obsessed in your life!

1. Bumble and bumble. Creme de Coco Masque Made from a trio of tropical butters this masque will repair your hair & leave it smelling delicious. 2. Living proof. Restore Mask Treatment Jennifer Aniston co-owns the company that makes this deep conditioning mask, which in my opinion is enough said.  However, I will point out that it helps to rebuild the protective  barrier that hair loses from everyday styling wear & tear; Sephora's website explains that "after 5 uses [...] hair is nine times more resistant to breakage." 3. Mason Pearson Popular Mix Brush The mecca of all hair brushes will make a great gift for anyone in your life that loves their tresses, & wants to treat them with the utmost care.  4. Harry Josh Pro Tools Pro Dryer 2000 Very new to the market this already has a strong celebrity following that includes Blake Lively (who doesn't want her hair?!).  The benefits that this light weight tool offers are too extensive to list, but know that it is well worth the price & would make a great gift for anyone looking to cut their drying time & improve the look & texture of their hair! 5. SARAHPOTEMPA 'Beachwaver' Styling Iron Beachy waves make for perfect 'undone' hair style, Nordstrom explains that this iron was created to "give you glamorous, red-carpet waves with the touch of a button."  Any girl that covets the beach wave look knows it can be so difficult to create with a basic curling iron or wand (hello ringlets), which will make this a much loved present.  6. CHI Air 1" Flat Iron Chi is known for making some of the best flat iron's out there, take that up a notch with the pretty design & matching thermal case, & you have one amazing gift! 7. Sephora Collection Deck the Halls with Bobbies I love fun bobby pins (these are sparkly!), I feel like they add a little something extra.  I especially love these bobby pins because they come in this cute little ornament, which will make for such a fun gift!  They also have ornaments with hair ties & headbands! 8. Hershesons The Chunky Braided Headband I found this gem through people.com!  Braids are so big right now & this helps to achieve the look of a braided headband minus all the work.  I'm kind of obsessed with this one & the chic look it creates. 9. Tasha Dance Flash Head Wrap Headbands make for such a fun gift (stocking stuffer anyone?) & are a great way to accessorize.  This one comes in a variety of colors, plays into the braid trend, & has a little sparkle with the woven chain.  A big plus is that it is a soft headband so it will not leave you with a headache. 10. Tasha Crystal Sand Bow Clip I love bows, they are just so pretty & feminine.  This one is extra special because it is made from shimmering crystals.  It's a fun present that will add some sparkle to an outfit. Bonus: drybar Blowout In A Box drybar, a salon that focuses solely on blowouts is all the rage right now.  With locations all around the country & reasonable pricing ($40 for a wash & dry, no matter your hair type or length) it's no wonder they are so popular.  For a girl that doesn't have a drybar near them (or doesn't want to go there every time they dry their hair) this kit makes for the perfect gift.  The set includes 'Buttercup' the hairdryer (it's also their mascot!), a round brush, shampoo, conditioner, anti frizz serum, & shine cream, which will help the recipient to create a drybar worthy blowout at home!  (Tip: If you live close to a drybar location get a gift card for someone!  Who doesn't love having their hair done for them?!)

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Christmas Wish List: Bath & Body

1. Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish One of Fresh's most buzzed about products, this yummy lemon & sugar scented scrub is sure to buff away dead skin while leaving light moisturizing oils behind. 2. Philosophy Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath Philosophy makes the most incredible smelling body washes, get into the holiday spirit with this delectable cookie scent. 3. Lush Dreamwash This 'Shower Smoothie' will soothe your driest, itchiest skin.  It's packed with aloe, lavender, & chamomile among other things to gently cleanse your skin.   4. Laura Mercier Créme Brûlée Honey Bath This bubble bath smells amazing.  Scoop some into a bath & sink into your tub dreaming of French pastries. 5. Lush Butterball Bath Bomb This is an old fashioned bath bomb: drop it in your tub & allow it to fizz & release it's intoxicating scent.  It's filled with super moisturizing ingredients to prevent drying out skin, which baths can sometimes do. 6. Bath & Body Works Coconut Lime Breeze Body Lotion I love the way this lotion smells!  It leaves a light tropical scent, while moisturizing your skin. 7. The Body Shop Mango Body Butter This very thick & rich body butter is super fragrant. 8. Kiehl's Creme de Corps This cult favorite is worth the price, Bergdorf's website explains that it is "enriched with the finest ingredients known to Kiehl's, for a rich, elegant skin texture," and that "continued use for 10 days will provide a skin texture heretofore unattainable." 9. Fresh Sugar Ultra-Nourishing Body Oil This blend of oils makes for an intense yet lightweight moisturizer.  To lock in the maximum amount of moisture apply after showering. 10. L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream A best-seller, this will cure cracked winter hands & leave a light scent.  It makes for a great stocking-stuffer (I've used it as one before!)! 11. Sephora Collection Spa Gloves Slip these on to intensify the moisturizing action of hand cream.  Pair with #10 for a gift set! 12. L'Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream This will not only add great moisture to parched feet, it will also soothe & relieve tired toes. 13. Sephora Collection Spa Socks Slip these on to enhance the moisturizing properties in foot cream.  Pair with #12 to create a treat for feet, pair with #10, #11, & #12 to create a hand & foot spa set! Bonus: Looking for a bigger gift for the glamorous girl in your life?  Get a gift card to Bliss Spa!  There are locations all around the country (& the world) so no matter where she is I'm sure there's one near by.  For a body treatment at Bliss I recommend The Carrot & Sesame Body Buff, it's one of their most popular treatments!
Each of these make great gifts whether you're giving or receiving!  Which will be on your wish list?

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Christmas Wish List: Skincare

With Christmas approaching quickly, the time to shop for gifts is rapidly shrinking.  Leading up to the holidays I am going to be brining you fashion, beauty, cooking, & crafting Christmas Wish Lists, that will hopefully help you when you're out doing your shopping or putting together your own Christmas List.  I am going to start off with a skincare wish list that is filled with items that will work to give you radiant skin all year round.  The items range from an affordable facial cleansing brush to more luxe items that are maybe not something you would typically buy for yourself.   These 12 dreamy items are all things I would love to have in my medicine cabinet.

1. Dr. Dennis Gross Steamer Solutions Steamers are an essential part of a spa facial, this at home steamer will help to open pores & deliver deep hydration to skin.  Sephora's website explains that "it works to infuse hydration, clear the complexion, enhance product penetration, & soothe & promote relaxation."   2. Olay Professional Holiday-Ready Radiance Kit This is a less expensive alternative to the much raved about Clarisonic brush.  Aside from the price difference you can also change the batteries on the Olay version, which in my book is a major bonus. 3. Philosophy Purity Made Simple A best seller at Sephora, this cleanser will deeply cleanse your skin, without drying it out. 4. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Original Formula This two step system delivers a powerful at home facial peel.  Sephora.com says that this much buzzed about system works to "reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pore size, create a more even skintone, and brighten the complexion," giving you a gorgeous glow. 5. StriVectin-EV Get Even Dark Circle Corrector  StriVectin is well known for their potent formulas & this eye cream is known to really get rid of dark under eye circles, that we would all like to disappear. 6. GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment A much loved face mask, this will work to fight most common skin concerns including whiteheads, blackheads, & discoloration.  GlamGlow's special Activated-X Charcoal works to pull out all impurities leaving skin incredibly clean. 7. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster This serum is packed with the powerful antioxidant Vitamin C that will work to brighten your skin & deliver other amazing benefits.  8. Josie Maran 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil Light This is a lighter version of the original 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil.  When applied regularly it will work to reduce sebum production while moisturizing skin. 9. Philosophy Hope in a Jar Sephora explains that this is "A cult-favorite moisturizer that gently hydrates, exfoliates, and protects the skin."  Is there really anything more to say? 10. Murad. Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30+++ A perfect day time lotion, the Vitamin C it contains gives an extra boost to the SPF in the formula.  This will work to moisturize your skin throughout the day & to really protect it from the environmental irritants our skin faces on a daily basis.  11. Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder SPF 45 This powder formula is much more accommodating for everyday wear then thick & sticky traditional sunscreen.  Wear this all year round (no matter the season!) to really protect your skin from harmful & damaging sun rays. Bonus: AmorePacific Moisture Bound Spa Kit Sephora has such fun 'Value Packs' for everything from makeup to skincare.  This kit basically has everything you need for an at home facial that will work to deliver intense moisture and reveal radiant skin.
All of these skincare goodies will make greats presents, whether it's for someone special or yourself!  Any of these products will work to give you gorgeous skin.  Which product is on your wish list?

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Celebrity Outfit Inspiration for the Holidays

So I was really looking forward to doing another Five on Friday yesterday, but I had a medical emergency on Thursday that spilled into Friday & it snatched up all of my blogging time & energy.  I would further explain, but I'm still not completely sure I understand what's going on, there's nothing dangerous though, which is very good!  Well now that that explains why I wasn't around yesterday, let's get down to some of what I was going to talk about: this week's best dressed celebs.  I know you're shocked!  Here's another shocker: I couldn't decide on my favorite, so you're stuck with three.  At least I narrowed it down a little bit...

-Shay Mitchell at the CNN Heroes tribute in New York City. -Kate Bosworth in Fendi at the "Homefront" premiere in Las Vegas. -Olivia Palermo in Whistles at the Marie Claire Prix de la Moda Awards in Madrid, Spain.
Other then being my favorite outfits from this week, this can also serve as your holiday look guide.  We've got the perfect fit & flare LBD, a gem encrusted mini, a sequined top/skirt combo, ankle strap peep toes, metallic pumps, & animal pumps, all the holiday party outfit essentials!  I'm just enamored with each of these looks, & how pretty they are.  Their hair styles can also serve for inspiration, we've got dreamy relaxed waves, a sexy undone ponytail, & an elegant crown plait.  I know that I will be using this when I get dressed this holiday season & I recommend you do too!
Bonus: Makeup Inspiration

Red lips are so expected for the holidays, instead allow your hair & dress to shine by doing a simple makeup look inspired by Victoria's Secret Angel Doutzen Kroes.  It's much more low maintenance & you won't leave a trail of lipstick stains in your path.  Plus kissing under the mistletoe is much better without all the mess that comes from a bold lip look!   Well, that's all I have in me for now.  What's your favorite celeb look from this week?

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Alphabet Fun

I stole this fun little game from the lovely Erin.  It was a pretty fun game to play.  I hope you enjoy!

A: Attached or Single? Single lady!

B: Best Friend? I have a few, but my bestest & longest is Shannon.

C: Cake or pie? Cake, preferably cupcakes, even more preferably gluten free.

Or a cake shaped like Hello Kitty...

D: Day of choice? Sunday, it's always been my favorite day to relax, hang out, grab brunch or lunch, have a family dinner, & other fun things!

E: Essential item? When I'm at school my iPhone it's my camera, to do list, email, way to stay in touch with my family, & so much more.  When I'm at home it's my little dog Coco.

F: Favorite color? Pink, almost everything I have is pink!

G: Gummy bears or worms? Gummy bears--there's this all natural brand that makes the only gummy candy (gummy bears) that I can have. 

H: Hometown? Spring Lake Heights, NJ aka Mayberry.

I: Favorite indulgence? Breyer's Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream, & french fries.

J: January or July? January, it's my birthday month, & I like the winter.

K: Kids? None, but I would love to have them someday, after I'm done with college.

L: Life isn’t complete without? Family, friends, puppies, & good food.

M: Marriage date? Non existent.

N: Number of brothers/sisters? One, & she's the prettiest little sister you'll ever see.

O: Oranges or Apples? This is an odd one...well, I'm allergic to apples, & I don't actually eat oranges, but I love orange juice.

P: Phobias/Fears? I'm terrified of heights & something happening to my family.

Q: Quotes? I have 3 favorites: “What does not kill me, makes me stronger.” Friedrich Nietzsche, "A girl should be two things: classy & fabulous." Coco Chanel, & "I believe in manicures.  I believe in overdressing.  I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick.  I believe in pink.  I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner.  I believe in kissing, kissing a lot.  I believe in being strong when everything else seems to be going wrong.  I believe that happiest girls are the prettiest girls.  I believe tomorrow is another day.  I believe in miracles." Audrey Hepburn

R: Reasons to smile? Life, love, & laughter.

S: Season of choice? Fall, its the best time of the year.

T: Tag 5 People. I'll tag some lovelies I've met since I started blogging: Erin, Meghan, Kristen, Areeba, & Catalyn.

U: Unknown fact about me? The first day of classes still makes me nervous.

V: Vegetable? I love vegetables, but my favorite is brussel sprouts, which I know is weird.

W: Worst habit? Mixing alcohol always.

X: Xray or Ultrasound? Hmm I guess I'd have to go with Xray because ultrasound gel makes me itchy.

Y: Your favorite food?  This is hard, but right now I would have to say eggplant parm, I'm always switching it up though.

Z: Zodiac sign? 
Age of Aquarius

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