Fall 2017 Favorites
It's coming to the end of another season, and that means I've had exactly 2ish months to fall in love with another handful of products. Fall this year to me means candles (always), growing my hair out, gold accents, switching up my skincare, wedding planning, and attempting to embrace booties (I've never been a fan, but always have wanted to be one. Yeah I know I don't know what's wrong with me). So, after pacing around my apartment, and rounding all these goodies up, I've sat down and am prepared to give you the deets. I would also like to take this time, in my opening paragraph, to give a moment to some honorable mentions that did not make it in this post: Taco Bell black bean crunchy tacos, fuzzy socks, my Hydro Flask, and those baby fruit squeeze pouches.
Let's begin with the collaboration of the century: Magnolia x Target = Hearth & Hand. Honestly what more perfect pair than these two? I drug Chad opening morning, had a look around, and even he was impressed (He didn't exactly tell me this, but I could see it in his eyes). I walked away with a couple things; kitchen table candle centerpiece thingy, green plaid wrapping paper, gold wire picture frame, and the Christmas scented candle to rule them all. I am a HUGE fan of all things "pine" "birch" "Christmas tree" scented things, so when I saw this I knew I had to have it. Also, on top of EVERYTHING, it's a soy candle. I know, be still my heart. I've had this candle for around two or so weeks, and I'd say I burn it every other night, and it's still going strong. My only complaint is it's not burning as evenly as I would like, but nonetheless the scent is my perfect holiday pick me up. Notes described as: sugar, woodsy, apple, and eucalyptus. Retails for $12.99.
As most of you may know, at the beginning of the summer I chopped my hair off. Again. I'm convinced it was mostly an impulse decision, fueled by the heat of the sun. With that being said, I think it's getting to be the time to retire the short hair for awhile. It has been a part of me for almost three years, but your girl is ready for messy buns again. With growing your hair out, it's important to treat your hair and scalp kindly, and show it extra love when needed. That leads me to my go to shampoo, the Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo ($8.95). Cruelty free, formulated without parabens and GMO-free. This shampoo promotes hair growth, helps prevent dandruff and flakiness, soothes any irritations, can be used daily, and leaves your hair feeling smooth and no stripped. Most other Tea Tree Shampoos I use leave my hair feeling dry, staticky, and are typically to be used only every so often. Highly highly recommend!
Honestly, these next two products are probably my top favorites. Let's start with the Eminence Red Currant Balancing Concentrate ($58), and my discovery of the skincare line in general. As I've mentioned in previous posts, about two years ago I began dealing with the worst skin issues I've ever dealt with. Acne, texture, redness, you name it. Since then, my acne has definitely calmed down, but I was still dealing with some scarring and definite redness. About a month ago I decided to get a massage and facial at a local spa, and saw this skincare line in the waiting room. I was in the market for a new serum, and the receptionist said I needed to try this. I can honestly say this is a product I will continue to repurchase until further notice. The texture alone is almost bouncy and soft to the touch, it's incredible. After about a month of using it, I can honestly say my redness has toned down, and my skin is more balanced in terms of oily-ness. If there's one thing in my favorites list you treat yourself to this holiday season, let it be this product!
Now on the brows. I'm going to keep this short and sweet. Kind of like how my brows were before using this serum, minus the sweet-ness. Ingrid Nilsen (YouTuber) recommended this product, GrandeBrow Brow Enhancing Serum ($80), so I obviously did was she told me to do. When I hit my twenties, my browns decided to get very patchy, and I always had one bald spot in the front of my right one. I know this product is expensive, but I started seeing little baby hairs growing after using this serum for only week. I'm. Literally. Not. Joking. I could get in to all the nitty gritty details of why (writing what it says on Sephora's website), but just take my advice, and get yourself this serum if you want to grow your brows. It's life altering.
Let's talk about weddings and wedding planning. If you don't know already, Chad and I got engaged at the beginning of October (!!!!!). Of course I promptly went in to planning mode, practicing my soon to be new signature, and looking at all things with H's on them. About 4/5 years ago a had an Erin Condren Yearly Planner, and loved it, so I knew one of the first things I wanted to get was a personalized Wedding Planner ($55). I love this because it gives me a splace to write down appointments, budgeting goals, guest lists, etc., all while being super cute lol. I even opted for the gold coil as well :)
Another thing I've been loving, even before getting engaged, are ring holders or dishes. One of my BIGGEST pet peeves is putting lotion on when I have rings on. The thought of lotion getting inside the groves and around my diamond now especially, it just hurts to think about lol. So, that being said, I love to keep one of these around my kitchen sink, on my bedside table, and now also in my bathroom (shout to Shaffer for getting me another one that says Mrs. Harvey!). I'll link to the personalized one I got off of Etsy here!
Last, but not least, let's talk a little fashion. First I want to write a small disclaimer: I am aware these boots are made of leather, and I was aware when I purchased them. I have tried to find good quality vegan leather boots that I know will last me for years, and I have struggled with finding any. If you know of any brands, please let me know! That being said, these Topshop Barley Chelsea Boots ($75) are exactly what I've been looking for. They are the perfect warm brown shade, with a great heel height. Another thing I love is the little lip in the back that make taking on and off the boots super easy.
I hope you guys enjoyed this seasons favorites list, because I had so much making it! These next couple of month are going to be insane. With the holidays coming up, a trip to New York (!!!!), work getting busier and more and more wedding planning, I hope to keep you all up to date. If you can, leave me a comment below with YOUR fall favorites! Until next time, have a great Thanksgiving!