December 2014 | Page 3 of 4 | Life's Candy Jar

Holiday Gift Guide: for the Beauty Queen

December 10, 2014 by Rachel Barkules

Dior Eyeshadow Palette / Philosophy ‘Holiday Wishes’ Duo / YSL ‘Gloss Volupte’ Trio / Fresh Skincare Set / Clarisonic Mia 2 / GlamGlow Mask Set / Bite Beauty Lipstick Minis / Dior Glittering Nail Lacquer / Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette / Anastasia Brow Kit / Buxom ‘Winner Takes All’ Lip Set / NARS Cheek Palette / Kiehl’s ‘Greatest Hits’ Collection / Cosmetic Case / Philosophy Rollerball Trio

This was my absolute favorite gift guide to put together. I had so much fun picking out everything. I am such a skincare, makeup, anything beauty related junkie. Any of these gifts would make any Queen of Beauty happy this Christmas. I made this gift guide over the weekend, then last night found TONS more amazing beauty gifts. I couldn’t leave them out, so I added them on the Beauty Queen Holiday Shopping page. Hope you are having a great week!

Holiday Gift Guide: Under $50

December 9, 2014 by Rachel Barkules

NARS Lipgloss Set / Baublebar Pearl Earrings / Cake Stand / ASOS Scarf / Gloves / Initial Mug / Hand Mirror / Candle / PJ Bottoms / Snowman Socks / Slipper Booties / iPhone Case / Red Beanie

I have to admit I haven’t bought 1 Christmas present yet. I’ve been so busy that I haven’t had time to do any shopping. Today I sat down and thought about some great gifts under $50 that I could get for my friends, sister, mom or even things I would like to get as gifts. I think working on this gift guide has put me in the mood to start my shopping :)

I started a Holiday shopping guide on my blog. View more gifts under $50 here and stand by for more gift guides to be posted. I will be adding more gifts to my online guides daily!

Dressing up Casual + Green Monday Sales

December 8, 2014 by Rachel Barkules

Sweater: Eight Sixty (on sale)
Jeans: Current Elliott (on sale)
Shoes: SJP Fawn Pump
Leather Jacket: BCBG (sold out) similar here
Bag: Daniell Nicole, also avaialable in cobalt, wine, nude, grey wool and larger size
Lip: Bite Beauty ‘Cava’

I could die over this adorable small bag. Honestly, so cute! This floral sweater and jeans is very casual on it’s own. I wore flats all day while I ran errands, then put on pumps and a leather jacket to get some drinks with my hubby. So my weather is getting colder, but I don’t want to dress like it’s winter yet. I was totally freezing during these pictures. I don’t know what I’m going to do these next few months.

It’s Green Monday!!! SO many sales are going on!!! It’s the perfect time to do some holiday shopping and have it shipped right to your door. Here are my faves that you need to check out:

Nordstrom: up to 40% off with new markdowns
Baublebar: 30% off with code ‘INSTAGLAM’
Anthropologie: 30% off additional sale items
Piperlime: 30% off select with code ‘CELEBRATE’
Amazon: TONS of sales in every department
Kate Spade: 25% off with code ‘JACKPOT’
ASOS: 20% off select
Cusp: 33% off regular prices

Sweater at Sunset

December 7, 2014 by Rachel Barkules

Sweater: Hinge
Tee: J. Crew
Faux Leather Leggings: Tildon
Boots: Sam Edelman
Hat: Anthropologie
Bag: Randall Loeffler (sold out) love this & this
Lip: Bite Beauty ‘Quince’

We had some warmer weather yesterday… I think it hit 40. It was nice to shed my coat and wear a warm sweater. We had a busy day running around with so many things to do. And this outfit is the most comfortable way to stay fashionable. We were able to catch the last bit of sunlight to get these photos just before we went to dinner. Have a great Sunday!

Tips & Tricks #13

December 5, 2014 by Rachel Barkules

If you have not started Elf on a Shelf– don’t! It will ruin your life! On the other hand, you can manipulate your kids into being good because the Elf will tell Santa. So it’s really a toss up :)
To reduce swelling in your eye area, including brow bone, under eye area, between the eyes use a therapeutic cold eye mask. Keep it in the freezer in a ziplock bag, then apply it to the eye area for 10-15 minutes.
To make your wine taste so much better use an aerator or decanter. This will increase the flavor of your wine significantly.
Some nights I can’t stand washing wine glasses, so I use stemless wine glasses. I put them in the dishwasher, so much easier!
If you are throwing a party, your guests care more about having fun than anything else. Not about the decorations, your house being clean, what you are wearing, or whether the food is hot or even tastes that good. So do your best, take a deep breath, have a drink and have fun!