my favorite skincare 2015

I'm a bit obsessed with taking care of my skin and whenever my friends ask me what I use for my skin, I'm a tad embarrassed about the multitude of products I use.  This year I did manage to streamline my routines (day/night) so I thought I would list out my favorite/most used products.

Now before I get into actual products - in order to properly nurture and protect my skin thoroughly - I know I can't simply rely on slathering products on my face.  I still have to eat well, exercise consistently and drink plenty of water.  Sunblock everyday is a must.  And obviously smoking and/or doing drugs will not help the situation.  When I was younger I was able to get away with eating lots of junk food and drinking lots of alcohol without any effect on my face or body, but age is a bitch and it has finally caught up with me.  With that being said, here are my favorite skincare products of 2015.

my after-christmas shopping plan

It's no secret that I love to shop.  Generally, my two favorite shopping days are (i) the day after Thanksgiving and (ii) the day after Christmas.  I know most people despise the crowds and craziness, but (while I have no love for lines), I do enjoy all the decorations, sales and general excitement.

I normally do not really have a "strategy" for Black Friday shopping since that is driven by where I am spending Thanksgiving and what Christmas presents I have left to buy.  Usually I'm about 75% done with Christmas shopping by Thanksgiving since I shop all year long for Christmas.  However, I have developed somewhat of a strategy for the day after Christmas over the last 10 years or so.

What is my strategy?

loving these battery-operated lights for christmas decorating!

Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday of the year!  I love everything about it - the festivities, the decorations, the gift giving, and the general atmosphere of joy and goodwill!

DIY - I created a bouquet of silk flowers and branches that I can move around in the house.

Throughout the years I've tried to add to my collection of Christmas decor - especially at After Christmas sales when holiday decor will be 50-75% off.  This year I couldn't wait and decided to 'splurge' and get some battery-operated led lights so I could add some sparkle around and outside of the house without worrying about the accessibility of outlets and extension cords.  I decided to get some from Amazon - see link - and I absolutely love them!  They were only around $11 (compared to the more expensive, albeit fancier, ones at Anthropologie for $32).

Perfect for adding a bit of sparkle to any centerpiece.

If they go on sale after Christmas, I am totally stocking up!