review: kate spade andee tote

did you check out the kate spade 75% off sale? i sure did, and scored a great deal on this bag i had been eyeing for quite a while. this tote is simple, practical and perfect now that i'm carrying a few more things around than i used to.

the bag is heavy, make no mistake about it. it's heavier than i thought it would be. the leather is thick, but not structured. the bag will slouch when empty or when not filled adequately, which according to other reviews online, was a disappointment for some. but it doesn't bother me, especially since i fill it enough that it doesn't slouch too much. instead of a zipper, the bag features a magnetic closure. so technically, your bag isn't completely sealed up.

i like this tote because it's definitely large enough to fit books, an ipad, water bottles, etc. in addition to my regular items. i can throw things in here and go. it's not a black hole of a bag either - the striped lining does make it simple to find things inside, and i find that the shape of the bag sort of keeps my things in place. in addition, the bag features two zippers on the side that allow for some extra room to be created this. if i unzip both, i can fit a laptop in this bag. though i wouldn't recommend it solely as a laptop bag because it's so heavy already.

i'm looking forward to using this bag because it's very versatile and easy. i guess i'm bag lazy, these days? don't get me wrong, i love a good top handle, but there's something so much more pleasant about slinging something on your shoulder and being done with it. this bag is practical and perfect for just that.

holiday gift ideas for her {2013}

01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09.

now, i know everybody's got a holiday gift guide up, but i couldn't help myself. has anyone finished their christmas shopping? i know i haven't. i'll probably still be shopping on christmas eve. so, for those who don't plan ahead like me, here are a few last minute ideas to pop into someone's stocking!

current obsessions {volume 4}

 01. revlon lip butters - i just picked up 'red velvet' & 'sweet tart'. these colors are fantastic! so moisturizing & pigmented. i've used revlon lip butters in the past, but now that i'm trying to get back into lip color, i've fallen in love with these again because they're so effortless.

 02. j. crew factory crystal feather necklace - this necklace is perfect, goes with everything, and adds just a hint of glam. love! i got it on sale, too, and i've worn it a ton already.

03. anthropologie monogram mug in gold - isn't everyone in love with these? when i saw it online i had to have it. gold + monogram = perfection. and it's' only $10!

mexican hot chocolate

-cough- so, i've been sick. all last week i was struggling to breathe & keep my eyes open. i've finally gotten over the worst and i'm functional now. is it thanksgiving yet? can i just fast forward? something about turkey & family sounds awesome right now.

i was reminded of the lovely combination that is chocolate and chipotle when i recalled a dessert i had at the wonderful el barrio in birmingham. it was a chocolate creme with, you guessed it, a chipotle kick. i fell in love with the flavor. this might even be good if you drank it cold!

• 1 package hot chocolate mix (make it with milk, not water!)
• 2-3 pinches chipotle powder
• 2-3 pinches cinnamon
• 1-2 pinches nutmeg
• whipped cream

recipe adapted from real simple.

ps; do you like my little cheap silver target tree in the background? i sure do.

review: too faced milk chocolate soleil bronzer

i sort of feel like i'm writing about food, because i do in fact know what this product tastes like. don't ask. i'm lying, ask away.

but i'll get to that later. to sum it up, too faced's milk chocolate soleil bronzer is the light, shimmer-free bronzer. as someone who is not a fan of glitter face, this is perfect. the powder is fine and light, but very pigmented and easy to blend. it's very buildable. in addition, i find it lasts all day - it's the only bronzer i've sampled that i haven't had to reapply. for those with lighter skin tones, i highly recommend this. don't let the word "bronzer" intimidate you - it is natural, forgiving and easy to blend. oh, and the packaging is gorgeous!

now, on to the chocolate part. the chocolate scent is strong. i don't smell it on my face throughout the day - not that strong, thank goodness. but there is a scent as you're applying it. i will admit: some strange twist of fate allowed some of this product to get in my mouth at some point - and it tasted sweet. like, i didn't spit it out. i was just kind of like, "hmm. ok." but no, i wouldn't recommend eating it. just know that when they say chocolate, they really aren't kidding. if you can get past this, try it out!

in my opinion, a drugstore dupe for this product is nyc's 'sunny' bronzer - though the lasting power on 'sunny' is not as great as milk chocolate soleil's.

i've really enjoyed this product and will likely repurchase it if i don't get the curiosity to try out other bronzers. i'm a creature of habit!