2016 was not an easy year. I lost my uncle, my grandmother, and my job all in one month. We lost two very close family friends and my great aunt. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. My dad had several eye surgeries. In the midst of it all, I started concentrating on my own business and trying to make a living off of doing what I love. I've met some great people and I've loved my experience of being an Etsy seller and trying to blog on a regular basis. However, I have struggled to stay positive some days. I'm thankful that God has been with me through it all in 2016 and I'm looking forward to see what He has planned for 2017.
Let's kick this New Year off with a new Friday Favorites for 2017! Here's a look at what caught my eye and made me swoon this week.
1. Alice + Olivia dress
I was in Charlotte this week and this Alice + Olivia dress caught my eye at Neiman Marcus. I love the timeless and classic shape of the dress. The lipstick and mascara bottles give it a fun retro look. Pair it with some black pumps and it could totally take the place of a little black dress!
2. Mugs at Anthropologie
How cute are these icon mugs at Anthro?! I saw them at South Park Mall on Thursday and I was so tempted to get them all! Hey, if I can't have a real French Bulldog or Corgi, at least I could have one on my coffee mug, right? They even have a typewriter one on their website. Adorable!
3. Blinc mascara
My mom always gives me the best makeup sets for Christmas! This year, one of the sets was filled with different mascaras. This week was the first time I had used Blinc mascara. I was pleased with how smooth the wand distributed the mascara. However, I was totally in shock when I washed my face that evening! I had no idea the mascara had a tubular effect and wraps each lash with mascara. Therefore, when you wash it off, tubes that look like your eyelashes, come off so easy without tons of black residue. It's the craziest thing! If you haven't tried it, you need to! Just be aware that it will look like your eyelashes just came off in your washcloth. I might have had a minor heart attack! haha!
4. Fresh Sugar
This Fresh Sugar lip balm kit was also part of my Christmas from my awesome mom. (It's no longer available on Sephora's website, but it might be available at Sephora locations). There are so many great colors in this kit! I've never been able to wear very dark shades of lipstick, but there are great sheer shades of pinks and wine colors that layer perfectly. The Fig color is actually one of my favorites and surprisingly it isn't overly dark! Plus, it feels like I'm doing my lips a favor with the hydrating and lip protection that's built right in!
5. Messy Bun Beanie Hats
I started seeing these Messy Bun Beanie Hats all over social media before Christmas. So, I decided to give it a try with my crochet skills. These hats were selling like crazy and I couldn't make them fast enough for people to buy and give as Christmas gifts! They're super cute and cozy! The perfect accessory for winter! Check them out on my Etsy shop!
6. Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
One of the things I really want to concentrate on this year is skincare. This year will be a big birthday for me... (I'd rather not discuss that). But, I feel like I really need to start a great skincare regime. I got a sample of this Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask and I've been using it a couple of nights a week. It smells wonderful and I feel like I can really tell a difference in my skin the next day. My face feels and looks more vibrant and healthy! You should definitely give it a try!
