SO a funny thing happened today. I was randomly clicking around on my blog seeing if links still worked, changing up banner ads, etc. The things I never actually do on my blog (or at least haven’t for years). And I clicked on the Bloglovin’ follow button. At first I thought maybe the site was defunct as most old platforms I used are. But it ended up being more like a walk down memory lane. I was reminded of some of the first blogs I followed. And I was surprised by how many of you read my recent blog post via their service. Sadly, I don’t follow my blog analytics much anymore so didn’t even know that some of you are still following along that way. By the way, you can follow me on Bloglovin’ here.

In recent years, I have put 99.9% of my energy into social media. Particularly Instagram…which apparently was a fruitless endeavor (is that even a saying?!?). But as the saying goes…doing the same thing over and over expecting change is the definition of insanity. Or am I getting that wrong too? Well, you know what I mean. But no matter what I do, I am losing followers like nobody’s business. It’s hard to not take it personally but the people who are unfollowing are pretty much ghost followers anyway. And by that I mean, that they do not engage with my posts at all.

There isn’t really a point to this story except for the fact that maybe I should be focusing more on creating content here. Just thinking out loud really. Which was the whole reason I started this blog in the first place…

OUTFIT DETAILS:

My faux fur jacket and wide leg pants are both from Swirl Boutique. My nail polish is “Wicked” by Essie.My top and heels are sold out but you can find similar options here and here.

Would you believe I’ve had this teddy bear jacket since 2015? With as popular as they are right now, you would’ve thought they were a new trend! You can see how I’ve worn it previously here and here. I guess I called it a “sherpa” coat before they got the cute teddy bear coat name.

Truth be told, I’m not a huge fan of this jacket. It feels a little too bulky for my body. And the color is just a little too close to my skin color! But I found it at Old Navy of all places YEARS ago so you know the price couldn’t be beat.

I’ve had this leather skirt since 2012. I remember it was probably once of the first leather pieces of clothing I had ever purchased (other than a leather jacket). I felt VERY Kris Jenner at the time. You can see how I wore it on the blog here. LOL.

My scarf was a gift from my brother & his wife this past Christmas. It’s been SO cold lately. I know…us Californians are big babies when it drops below 65 degrees! I’ve been wearing it non-stop.

So what do you guys think of the teddy bear jacket trend? Would you wear one? I’m sharing some of my favorites below (click on image to shop):

Do you guys remember when I used to do Birchbox reviews with you each month? I was a subscriber for close to five years (you can click here to read all of them)! And then I decided to take a break when I realized I was beginning to hoard beauty products and could barely open my beauty junk drawer! But it was SO hard to do. Because let’s be honest…for only $10/mo, what beauty product junkie doesn’t want a surprise in their mailbox each month?!?

At the time, I was also pretty much blogging full-time and could barely keep up with all of the free product being sent my way. So I can’t even tell you how happy it made my heart when I was asked to collaborate with Birchbox again SO many years later. BTW…this blog post is not sponsored but having recently worked with them, I felt compelled to share. Just in case YOU have never heard of Birchbox. Also, if you have a beauty product junkie on your holiday shopping list…GET THEM A SUBSCRIPTION! The perfect easy last minute gift idea is at your fingertips! I was gifted a 6 month subscription and I am BEYOND excited to start getting my Birchbox each month!

My December Birchbox included several “new to me” products as well as a few tried & true brands I know and love. Get the low down on each product below:

KLORANE Eye Patches: Whenever we’re the least bit sleep-deprived, stressed out, dehydrated, or run down, our eyes show it. These soothing under-eye patches are just the little white lie our exhausted eyes need: Each is packed with fast-acting botanicals that make fine lines, dark circles, annoying puffiness, and signs of whatever last night (or last week) was like, fade away.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Brightening Serum: This serum takes its name from the ingredients it’s formulated with—vitamin C, vitamin E, and a blend of antioxidants—but also truly lives up to its C.E.O. title, working like a boss to brighten, tighten, and plump your complexion. With a potent 15% dose of an oil-soluble version of the brightening savior called tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (a derivative of vitamin C), it addresses signs of aging and gives you a more even-toned complexion. In this format, it can penetrate deep and fast into your skin, so you get instant radiance. And it doesn’t just make your skin look more refined and clearer thanks to saccharide isomerate extract and glycolic acid, it also reduces any redness or irritation with the help of phytosterols, so even sensitive types can use it.

MAC Cosmetics Strobe Cream: Constantly being followed around by a lighting crew to mimic the perfect strobe effect isn’t ideal—a girl can dream, though, right? This skincare-meets-makeup cream helps tired and dull skin look more luminous and achieve that coveted glow—no heavy equipment required. In fact, the vitamin-, green tea-, and botanical-enriched formula is so lightweight that it blends like a dream to give skin a subtle lit-from-within radiance. When worn under makeup, it creates a base for all the products layered on afterward. On days when you’re feeling a little bit more low-maintenance, it can double as your moisturizer or you can layer over your favorite one for a soft luminescence.

Beachwaver Co. Great Barrier Heat Protectant Spray: This hairspray provides a light, flexible hold that’s suitable for all hair types. It’s also formulated with proprietary technology to strengthen strands and create a protective barrier against heat and environmental factors.

Stila Cosmetics HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara: This mascara lengthens, curls, volumizes, and adds rich color without weighing down your lashes. The curved brush mimics your eye shape so it’s easy to grab every lash with a single swipe.

To learn more about Birchbox and/or to sign up, click here.

If you are a LONG LONG LONGTIME reader (like 2013), you might remember when I found the affordable dupe (sold out, sorry) of the ever popular Rag & Bone Harrow booties.  I wore the HECK out of those booties and still have them to this day. But they are starting to show their age (and lack of quality) so I finally took the plunge and snagged the real deal during Shopbop‘s last sale.

Speaking of sales…Shopbop just announced their biggest sale of the year! You can save up to 25% off your entire purchase with code MORE18. Some brand restrictions do apply so check out the full list here. Now is the perfect time to stock up on those big ticket items like boots/booties, jackets & holiday gifts!

Outfit Details: Topshop Dress (similar), Madewell Oversized Denim Jacket (I am wearing an XS), Rag & Bone Booties, Madewell Bag (similar), Madewell Necklace & Bracelet, Madewell Baby Tee & Brixton Hat (similar)

SHOP SOME OF MY SHOPBOP FAVES BELOW (click on image to shop):

Recently I noticed that I have developed quite the nighttime beauty routine. Of course I still use my tried and true beauty tools (NuFace and Microderm360) and the occasional eye/face sheet mask. BUT… as I’ve gotten older, my skin is even drier than usual. Especially in the Fall/Winter months. So every night, I pretty much slather my face & body in these serums, lotions & potions!

1. Timeless Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum: If you are not using a vitamin C serum yet…WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Ladies, nothing works better for lightening brown spots and brightening your skin in general. Well, nothing short of medical intervention/lasers, etc. I’ve been using it for several years now (remember when I started with this? Ahhh…something about mixing it in with your lotion is very satisfying to me for some reason! I kind of want it again! HA!). But I currently alternate between this one and this one. Both are around the same price and both work fantastic.

2. Nature’s Truth Hyaluronic Acid Serum: This is a new one for me. I currently use a hyaluronic acid eye cream daily but now I slather this on my face before I apply the vitamin C serum at night. I came across this product on a random CVS run and threw it in my cart. I like that it comes in a glass jar just like my vitamin c serum.

3. Moroccan Oil Night Body Serum: I started using this a few weeks ago. I’ve been slathering it on my arms and legs and so far I’ve noticed the biggest improvement on the crepey skin above my knees. This product was gifted to me…just fyi. But I like that it absorbs quickly and does not leave your skin feeling oily.

4. Neutrogena Hand Cream: This one was also gifted to me several months ago. But I have had a girlfriend since high school that SWEARS by this stuff. I’ve never been a fan of lotion (I hate feeling sticky!) so when I was MUCH younger, I thought this stuff was too thick. But now that I am older (ahem) and wiser…this hand cream is JUST what my dry skin needs. BTW, I also recently bought moisture enhancing gloves to wear at night but I haven’t tried them yet. LOL!

5. Aquaphor Healing Ointment: I am not going to lie. I have the WORLD’S roughest feet. Which is 100% NOT FAIR. Because I literally NEVER walk barefoot. I always have on socks when walking around my house. I use a pumice stone almost daily and I always get the callous remover treatment with pedicures! I’ve even tried the Baby Foot treatment (which is AMAZING btw…you can read my review here). Thank goodness for Aquaphor because it really helps with softening my feet!

Do you have a nighttime beauty routine?!?! Have any recommendations for me? Please let me know in the comments!

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