Holiday Haul

Happy Holidays!
I spent my holiday with great people, great food, and nice new things. If you recall, last year I also did a Holiday Haul, so I figured I should continue the tradition. I plan to do some after-Christmas-shopping in about a week, so that may be a separate post.

My mother has always gotten us Christmas pajamas - so of course, we continued that tradition.

My sister got me this cute tape dispenser that I can't wait to use!

This year, my "big item" from Santa was this beautiful tan faux leather Kenneth Cole jacket. I really liked all the small details - silver hardware, the asymmetrical zipper, studs, the double-wrap belt, and quilted arms and shoulders - I knew I had to have it! My favorite stocking stuffer was this chocolate make up kit. Santa knows me so well and combined my two favorite things!

My sweet boyfriend, Brad, spoiled me (as usual!) and got all the items that were at the top of my wishlist. I'm so excited to have my hands on the NAKED 3 palette and not to mention nail polish for DAYS! He also got me my first Ronaldo jewelry piece - the Etched in Time bracelet and managed to score this hard-to-find Alice+Olivia Starbucks mug.

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It's better to give than to receive.

Along with a few other things, I got Brad a three-month subscription to Birchbox Man. Since I'm a long-time subscriber to the Woman's box, I've been eyeing Birchbox Man for awhile. I knew my dad wouldn't use the products. I'm not sure Brad will either, but I know he'll try anything once. Unlike the Woman's Birchbox, Birchbox Man also comes with STUFF (socks, boxers, t-shirts) other than just grooming products. I'm excited to see what is in the months to come!

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Wishlist

"This was the easiest Christmas ever!" - my mother.  This is because I told her (and Brad) exactly what I wanted. I've been using Amazon wishlist for a long time - mostly for my own personal shopping reminder. This year, I decided to send my wishlist link out. My wishlist ranged from a $5 tape dispenser to a $4000 purse, and there was plenty in-between. I was able to provide exactly what I wanted, a picture, a link, the size/color I needed, and the item priority. I installed the Amazon wishlist browser button, which makes it super easy to bookmark an item from any web page (even items NOT on Amazon.) For the first Christmas in as long as I can remember, I have ZERO returns because of the wrong size or me just not liking the item - and it's extremely nice! If you're not already using Amazon Wishlist... I highly recommend it.

All of these items were received as gifts.

naughty or nice,
-Kaitlyn

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November Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."

MAC Cleanse Off Oil
This is one my all-time favorite make-up removers. I use this 2-3 times a week and notice a much deeper clean and softer skin. 

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
With all of the hype of the new Naked 3 palette, I decided to start using my Naked 2 palette again. (I quit using it just because it's so bulky to travel with.) I've mostly been using drugstore eye shadows over the past few months; the quality of my drugstore eyeshadows doesn't even compare to the Naked 2 palette. I can't believe I put this palette in the back of my vanity drawer! (Naked 3 is definitely on my wishlist!)

Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover
I've raved one too many times about this nail polish remover. I just repurchased another bottle, so I feel like it's worth another mention. It's so easy to use, gets off tough nail polish, smells great, and makes my nails seem a bit stronger.

cleaning out my vanity drawer,
-Kaitlyn


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October Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."

I've rediscovered two favorites this month. The first one is Burt's Bees Soothing Lip Balm with Eucalyptus & Menthol. I used an entire tube of this, bought another one (and lost it) so I switched to a few other balms that just weren't cutting it. Mid-October, I picked up another Burt's Bees Soothing. I hope to use this one up completely, as well. It provides immediate relief and leaves a tingling sensation behind - it just feels like it's working!

My other favorite is L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara. I haven't used this mascara in over year; I forgot how much I like it. It's definitely an "oldie but goodie" in my book. I never have any clumps with this mascara and I always get super long, volumized lashes with just a few coats.

oldies but goodies,
-Kaitlyn

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September Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."

Oddly, I haven't given a lot of thought to makeup this month. (I didn't buy a single new product!) However, I did buy a few replacement items that I was out of or about to be out of; I have raved about Joico K-Pack conditioner and Macadamia Deep Repair Masque one too many times, so I'll spare this post but I still highly recommend both of them!

I've really been loving the dark nail trend on myself and everyone else... It screams fall is near! I didn't have one specific color I reached for all month. OPI My Private Jet, Zoya Raven, and Germanicure by OPI are few of my go-to fall shades.

vampy nails & conditioned hair,
-Kaitlyn

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August Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."

Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain in Honey Love
If you're a fan of Clinique Chubby Sticks & Revlon Kissable Balm Stains, you'll definitely like these!  The Jordana ones are more sheer, smell/taste better, and are a lot cheaper.  Honey Love is a wearable, pretty pink shade.

Sinful Colors Leather Loose Nail Polish
I saw this on Nouveau Cheap's site and I immediately had to have it.  Advertising as nail polish with "patent leather accents" seemed a little gimmicky to me, at first.  But the matte finish with a little shimmer does remind me of patent leather.  This color is pretty unique and feels cool, too.  For only $2, it's definitely a winner in my book. (*Extra bonus - this week, (9/1-9/7) Sinful Colors polishes are only .99 cents at Walgreens!)

I made quite a few repurchases this month. So here are a two "oldies but goodies" that I haven't raved about in awhile:

It's a 10 Miracle Leave in Product
This product is a 10-in-1.  I mostly use it when my hair is feeling extra dry and/or tangled... it does a great job and smells great, too.  I finally just invested in the 10oz bottle, which I should've done a long time ago!

Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express
This has been my go-to mascara for the past few months. I've tried others but I keep coming back to this one. The volume is great, it lengthens quite a bit, too.  Best of all - it doesn't smudge and it's pretty easy to get off at night.

leather nails,
-Kaitlyn

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