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Fashion, Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Friendship, Gifts, Gratitude, Laughter, Makeup

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – APRIL GUEST EDITION

Meet Cindy Baden! I’ve known Cindy for years and she is still one of my favorite friends to laugh with. Her impersonations are so hilarious, she could easily make one of the Queen’s Royal Guards chuckle. In the decade+ since we’ve been friends, I’ve never seen her look less than perfect. Just when her graceful beauty gets cruelly unfair, she balances it with her kind heart and sweet smile. I’ve never known another person who can put her own eyelash extensions on perfectly…seriously?! Cindy and her husband Jon have a precious family that she manages with love and ease, complete with a handsome teenage son and two beautiful daughters. She is a Realtor here in Waco, Texas and enjoys helping others, whether its finding them their next home or willingly sharing her beauty tips and secrets! Enjoy Cindy and her favorite things!

The Hot Mess Ice Roller

This is the best ice roller that I have ever had! There are so many benefits to ice rolling: reducing redness, inflammation, improving circulation and helping to drain your lymphatic system. I like to keep mine in the freezer, but this beauty feels cold even after sitting out all day. Love it! 

Botianic Tree Face Wash

Botanic Tree Glycolic Face Wash is the prefect exfoliating cleanser that exfoliates WITHOUT that nasty gritty “apricot shell” feeling that we have all be told is the only way to exfoliate. Well, I’m here to tell you that this does it’s job, doesn’t damage my skin and smells amazing! 

Supergoop Vitamin C + SPF Serum

Sunscreen is a MUST!  Sun damage is not only dangerous, but it causes the appearance of aging and who in the world wants that?! I love this brand for the whole family.  I use their product “Play” everyday sunscreen for my kids.  It feels good, goes on light and is water resistant.  I also use their “Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF Serum” every day.  It feels hydrating on the skin and gives a nice glow for those no-makeup days.  I also use it under my makeup as my primer. Glow, vitamin c, primer and most importantly SUN PROTECTION!  

Backpack Purse

I love this bag more than I thought I would.  Soft durable faux leather that is waterproof and looks great!  It is large enough for my iPad, frees up my hand and has access that fits up against your back so that you know your belonging are safe! 

Pura Smart Home Diffuser

I never knew that I needed this product until I got it!  Controlled by your phone, long lasting with a variety of amazing scents to choose from!  I personally can’t get enough of the Capri Blue Volcano fragrance.  Give it a try! 

Jo Malone Fragrance

I love that you can layer these fragrances to create your own signature scent.  I personally love Peony & Blush Suede.  New to their line is a solid scent palette (shown above) that is perfect for travel without the fear of liquid leaking in your favorite handbag.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Feels amazing! Light scent! Wake up with lips that are ready to face the day! 

LCN Foot Balm

This is an amazing product and super easy to use!  Apply it before bed or before you walk out of the house, WHENEVER, and let it do it’s job. Get those heels summer ready! 

Drunk Elephant

I am a BIG fan of this brand, but if I had to tell you to start with one product, this would be it! Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum.  Refine and resurface your skin while you sleep to achieve that radiant glow you were looking for! Quick tip: A little goes a long way! 

Bytox: The Hangover Patch

Before you judge, let me say that weather you are a lightweight or a seasoned pro when it comes to your adult beverages, this is a LIFE SAVER!  Put this bad boy on your bum before a night out and when you wake up to next morning your head will say THANK YOU! Quick Tip: we all know vitamins can have unique fragrance, slap it on, wash yours hands and move on! 😉 

Mind Your Business Planner

“You are who you plan to be. Whether you’re a creator, creative, entrepreneur or student, this planner is designed to help you Mind Your Business. Set goals, track your habits and plan your months, weeks and days down to the last hour.”

How fun was that? The ice roller is the absolute BEST!! I always follow all of her recommendations on skin care, as long as Cindy promises I’ll look like her when I wake up. 🙂

Happy April Friends!

Brooke

Family, Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Gifts, Organization, Parenting, What is saving your life

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – August Guest Edition

To know Beka Gross, is to absolutely adore her! Beka is a literal walking-talking-smiling-giving-loving-beating-heart ANGEL on earth. There are zero people that would dispute this. She is the kindest, most caring friend who thinks of everything and does anything to make her people feel seen and loved. She loves to connect with people by hosting ALL the parties, whether at home or camping in the country! She is the definition of Happy Homemaker, her favorite role of all. She manages her family with great love and complete adoration of her husband and two precious children. If she sounds like a fairytale character, it’s only because she is….enjoy getting to know Beka and her favorite things!

We will call this Favorite Things “A Day in the Life of a Mama of Littles”, starting with the most important sidekick. COFFEE. Waco friends, do not sleep on this piece of information. Common Grounds bottles and sells their secret sauce. Change your life. Don’t worry, I still drive through and get iced coffee in the afternoon, but in the morning, this baby stays right by my coffee pot. 

Now that I am alive and functioning, time to get “ready” for the day. You know, Mom ready. Do you have a part of your body that gets more attention from you than another? I do. My lips. If you know me, you know I always have something on my lips. No color, just moisture. These two I will take to my grave. 

I also sometimes have irrational fears. One of those being that Blistex will stop making DCT. You all know how you feel when your favorite beauty product gets discontinued. Anxiety level a billion to find another product that will live up. Before the days of our glorious Amazon, I would go into CVS and Walgreens and buy out the entire stock of this stuff. True story, on so many occasions. I keep at least 30 jars in my bathroom *just in case*. 

Want to add a little sparkle? I HIGHLY recommend Beauty Counter Beyond Gloss. I love, love, LOVE it! This is the only color I wear… Quartz Shimmer.

Going somewhere today? Gotta put on a bra. This True & Co. Bra will make you feel like you aren’t wearing one. Try it, I promise you won’t ever feel like you have to throw off your bra when you get home!

Before I leave the house to do anything, I have to go check on my flock (chickens, not children) and check on the garden. I absolutely am the crazy chicken lady. I was gifted this egg stamp when my girls started laying and I just adore it. When I gift fresh eggs, I use this stamp for the cutest touch. It can be found on Etsy

Where are my gardeners at? Anyone? Bueller? Here are 3 things I must have related to my garden. First, Modern Sprout pruning shears. Second, the Bounty Basket. Collecting the fresh fruit and veggies with my two littles NEVER gets old. And lastly, custom made stickers (Etsy) for whatever we are making with our haul. Most often, it’s fresh pickles or salsa. 

Y’all, we are finally ready to leave the house. Here are a couple of my tricks to keep my two sweethearts busy on long car rides or on the airplane. We got back from Colorado last night and every flight attendant there and back commented on their snackle boxes. Such an awesome way to keep them busy and not HANGRY. Total life savers. 

Can be purchased @DotsandDashesbyDani on Instagram


We made it through the day. Time for wine. I’m in no way picky about that… find one and pop it open, girls! We did it! 

See Friends? I knew you’d love her instantly.

Wishing you all love, light, and laughter for the remainder of your summer!

Brooke

Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Friendship, Makeup

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES…June Guest Edition

Meet my very first “Polly Pocket” friend, Shannon Senn Trammell, tiny enough to fit in my hip pocket. Shannon is a real life cowgirl – the prettiest that you’ll ever meet, inside and out. She is the hardest worker, always on a horse, pulling a trailer of horses or cows behind her enormous truck, rescuing farm animals (raccoons) and raising the most adorable family. Shannon is married to Toby, has the most precious son Case, and the funniest/spiciest daughter, Steely. She is the perfect blend of a Tomboy Fashionista, and one of the sweetest friends you could find. When I’m in search of something to wear, she is the gal who directs me. She has an account on the Like to Know It website/app where she shares her amazing finds weekly! Give her a follow here. I’m so thrilled to have her share some of her favorite finds this month!

CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash

Beauty products are huge for me.  For a girl who damages her skin on the daily, I need a lot of help for my skin. My first go to is my CerAve facial cleanser.  I have extremely dry skin and have seen a big difference since I switched to this brand many years back.  

Circadia Moisturizer with SPF 37

I can’t live without is Circadia SPF 37 for every day moisturizer.  Luckily you can purchase this locally (to Waco) through Brandy Draper at Birch.  

Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream

My evening facial moisturizer is extremely hydrating for dry skin. I have used Egyptian Magic for many, many years.  It is a very clean and super hydrating product.

Nutiva Organic Cold-Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil

After every shower/bath, I use this organic coconut oil before getting out. Since starting this, I have not bought lotion for almost 10 years.  

Beautifive Lighted Makeup Mirror

As much as we travel, I have to have a mirror that is compact enough for suitcases but still has magnifying and led lights. I have gone through many and this one is by far my favorite. 

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

Nars tinted moisturizer SPF 35 is by far my favorite go-to almost daily… I have very sensitive skin and this is safe. Being in wind, cold, sun and heat everyday having extra SPF on top of my moisturizer is amazing.

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Shape tape concealer is by far my second favorite product ever!  For a mom, this is a God given gift because is sure hides the dark circles!

IT Cosmetics Lash Blowout Volumizing Mascara

I literally have 7 favorite mascaras but I narrowed down to just 2. Ha! My first favorite is IT Lash Blow Out.  It gives such great volume.  

Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara

Benefit Roller Lash is a huge second place, it’s not as volumizing but gives great length to your lashes.

Framar Detangling Brush

Steely and I have naturally, thin, crappy, knotted hair….. how fun is that?! So, when the Wet brush came out I thought it was miracle until I found this new one on Amazon.  We lose far less hair when tearing through our knots. 

Rewined Rose Fragrance Candle

I am obsessed over this Rewined Candle in Rose, it smells heavenly! 

Fragrance Sachet

These Kirkland Sachets are life savers to make small areas smell better (closets, vehicles, tractors…). I buy multiple, put them in freezer bags and pull out to exchange them.  HEB is also selling these, so I’m stocked up!

St. Tropez Tanning Mousse

My favorite tanning mousse. It doesn’t turn you orange and last longer than any other I have tried 

Mellanni Bed Sheet Set

I’ve used these sheets about 8 years maybe longer. We love them and they are cheap!   

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil

Currently OBSESSED with this body moisturizer/shimmer!  

And that is a wrap on Shannon’s favorite things! Thank you so much for sharing with us!

Sending you all Love & Light,

Brooke