Winter Essentials Nov2014

The thought of winter being upon us makes me want to hibernate until spring. Luckily, there are some bits and bobs that make the cold weather more tolerable.

These are my must have products for battling Old Man Winter:

Bigelow Orange & Spice and Twinings Lemon & Ginger teas both are so good....not fruity, not too herbally...just perfect for the season Ugg boots Maybe not the most fashionable but the warmest, coziest boots for subzero temps. A must for runny errands or even around the house. I have them in chocolate brown. Body oil Can be used on body right after bath/shower or poured in bath. Also can be used on hair.  This one smells amazing and I typically dislike vanilla and gardenia scents but his one is a joy to use.  Fish oil This really makes a difference in the condition of my skin and overall health throughout the winter. I cannot take fish oil capsules as they make me burp up fish all day (ugh) but this liquid version from Carlson actually tastes like lemon and does not make me taste fish all day. Plus it's nice in a homemade salad dressing! Hand cream Cold & flu season means frequent washing and dry hands so I slather on hand cream all day long. Of all the hand creams I've tried both drugstore and high end (and I've tried a lot) this one is heaven. Beautiful delicate scent, not sticky, absorbs quickly and actually moisturizes my hands.

What are your winter must haves?

Spring Wish List

Spring is finally  here! Atleast on the calendar anyway. Here in frozen MN it's still in the 20's and we are all extremely ready for some warm weather. Talk about cabin fever!
In anticipation for the warmer temperatures to arrive I've compiled a "wish list" of the things on my
radar for Spring 2014 (in no particular order).

Buxom Lip Cream in White Russian

Zara boyfriend jeans

Madewell Tote

M.A.C. Costa Chic

Madewell sandals

Madewell Military Jacket

Zara blazer

Algenist Anti-Aging Lotion

Watermelon nail polish by Essie

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Review! Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream

If you are a fan of celebrity gossip then you have probably already heard about Kate Somerville. Apart from being the facialist to the stars, blah blah blah, she is also a very knowledgeable skin specialist. A few years back I read her book "Complexion Perfection" and was intrigued. Then I read multiple rave reviews on her products from Caroline Hirons on her blog Beauty Mouth and decided to take the plunge. By the way, if you don't know Caroline Hirons is a UK skincare specialist and if she recommends something people listen. I highly recommend her blog.
On to the review!!!
Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream

The first thing I'm going to say is that this is my 2nd tub of this cream which says a lot. I typically bounce from one miracle product to the next and am never 100% satisfied.

I have a normal/combination skin type that is extremely acne prone and battled adult acne for many years. I need a cream that will not block my pores, that is moisturizing and makes me look like I've slept more that the few hours my 3 month old allows. This cream does all of the above.

Now some specifics.
The texture of this cream is nice and light and it imparts a nice glow onto the skin.
No detectable scent.
The packaging is an ingenious airtight tub that releases product when you press down on the top.
Like this

1.7oz/50ml of product

$55 USD

The price may be high for some but you only need a half a pump to cover your entire face. 

Unfortunately I threw away the box already so I can't show you the ingredients but they are really good; it does actually have goat milk in it which has been used for centuries as a skin treatment. 

In conclusion I highly recommend this cream. I do feel I need a serum layered underneath in the dead of winter in MN but for any other season it is a great moisturizer. Since using this cream I have had no breakouts and my skin has a glow to it. 

I've just received her Quench Oil-Free Hydrating Serum and will be posting a review on it after a few weeks of using it. 

And Kate Somerville products are not tested on animals! 

This product is available at Sephora or on KateSomerville.com

Seduced by gelato

I had a meltdown! I was doing so well with eating healthy, exercising and overall wellness until I spotted THIS while doing boring household shopping at Target.

I have one word to say AMAZING! If Nutella made ice cream this would be it. I will gladly let this pint of heaven seduce me into veering out of green smoothie land. We have all been there you know who you are. Don't judge me while I snuggle up with my gelato. Tomorrow is another day!

An Invitation

Hi Readers! Welcome to my blog! My name is Emilia and I am currently living outside of Minneapolis, MN with my husband, baby and 2 big dogs. Besides my passion for travel I enjoy all things food related, a good cup of coffee, hot yoga and of course.....WINE!
Join me as I share my experiences and opinions in the world of beauty, food and travel and anything else that catches my interest.