THE GIFT OF REST

I am convinced that the best gift you could give any woman on Mother's Day is rest. Rest is a undoubtedly a luxury for me in this busy season of motherhood and at the top of my wish list, but sometimes when I have the opportunity to try and rest I don't know how. That might sound crazy, but it's true. So, that's why gifting items from The White Company is an amazing idea. Their high quality, timeless home and beauty products are everything you need to feel pampered and rested.

The box I received from The White Company was the most beautiful box I had ever laid eyes on. The attention to detail is impeccable. And then you open it, and it's like peeling back layers of a rose petal starting with the warmest, personal welcome from The White Company, crisp cotton pillowcases, and a silver picture frame.

When I opened the second layer I discovered an oversized terry cloth robe, a candle that smells like a bouquet of flowers and 100% cashmere socks and a throw. Just lighting a candle and wrapping myself up in all of that pretty would put me into the deepest sleep.

It only got better though when I reached the third layer. Waiting for me was the finest face and body products. Face wash, moisturizer, oil and cream all work together to make your skin feel so soft and smell delightful.

The unboxing experience was a gift alone. However, the rest that came when I shut my bedroom doors, turned on some soft music, showered and applied it all...Well, that was exactly what I was missing in my life - true pampering and rest.

The White Company is coming across the pond from Britain to the U.S. next month and opening their first store in New York City. If you're in the area, be sure to visit. And if not, you can order it all online, at The White Company. I’m excited to be working with them on some upcoming projects as well, so stay tuned for that!

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

New Beauty Product Loves

Why does it always seem that when ever you need a new tube of mascara you find yourself running out of face wash, concealer, lotion, etc. too? Anyone else seem to have that pattern? Last weekend, I made a trip to ULTA to stock up on my usual beauty essentials, but I decided to try some new things instead.

I've talked before about how much I like Maybelline's Lash Stiletto Mascara. Well, they were all out of the regular blackest black mascara, so I decided to try the "voluptuous" formula instead. I like it EVEN better! It stays on longer and the brush is easier to use. Try it out!

I also decided to trade in my COVERGIRL Perfect Point Plus Eye Liner for a much cheaper one. RIMMEL's Soft Kohl Liner was recommended to me by a makeup artist I recently worked with. Since it was less than my usual go-to liner, I decided to take a chance on it. I love it! It stays, but it's also smudge-able.

Lastly, I tried out Yes to Blueberry Brightening Facial Towelettes. I have tried their Cucumber ones, and I loved them. However, the price is usually a lot higher than the Clean and Clear Towelettes. This time the Blueberry version was cheaper than my usual choice, so I took a chance on the the brightening wipes. The smell is SO YUMMY!

You might be wondering why I spend money on the towelettes over regular face wash. I really like the ability of seeing my makeup coming off and knowing that I'm not drying my face with a dirty hand towel. With all of my acne issues it's important that my face is extra, extra clean.

Photo Sources: Chic Style 21, Fabuless Beauty, Yes to Carrots

Ulta Beauty Products

Maybe you're like me, and whenever you go into an Ulta store you don't even give Ulta's beauty products the time of day. I usually check out the buy one get one free deals in the drugstore cosmetics section, scan the the higher-end beauty product prices and get a couple of hair goodies from the back.

Well, the other week they didn't have any good deals with Revlon, Cover Girl, etc., and I needed a new eyeliner before heading out on a trip. I glanced over at the Ulta beauty product section and saw they were having a special. I tested their eye liners on the back of my hand, and decided to try out their Automatic Eye Liner. I pulled out a shiny lip gloss for my freebie, and crossed my fingers in hopes that I didn't waste my money.

I am happy to report that I am VERY satisfied with the results. I'm saying good-bye to M.A.C.'s eye liner and hello to Ulta's because it's cheaper (it's on sale for $1.00!!!!) and I get the same results. Plus, their Super Shiny Lip Gloss is wonderful. It's not gummy AT ALL. It's shiny, very moisturizing and smells delightful. They are on sale for only $4.00 right now!!!

$5.00 for two new beauty products. How awesome is that?!

M.A.C. Paint Pot

A while ago I did a beauty product review of the M.A.C. Shadestick, and I have been an evangelist for that product since I tried it. Well, I decided to forgo the Shadestick this time and give the Paint Pot a whirl.

It's the same product as the stick but you use either your finger or a brush to apply it. Well, ladies, the pot has won me over. Why?....

After awhile the Shadestick would get hard and not apply the product smoothly on my eyelid. The pot, however, maintains a creamy texture.

What these products do: The paint pot and shadestick are best known for keeping your eye shadow from creasing and helping the color stay vibrant throughout the day.

Application: Gently swirl your finger inside the pot and apply the creamy shadow all over your lids with your finger. Brush your eyeshadow over the base like normal.

You will want to choose a nude or pale color for a base if you want your eye shadow's color to stay true. Obviously, you can have a lot of fun blending and creating new colors when combining deeper bases and lighter shadows. If you need to rush out the door but want long lasting shimmer on your eyes, just sweep this across your lids and jet.

Cost: $16.50

Lifespan: Should last you at least three months if you use the product once a day.