December Beauty Product Reviews!

sally hansen hard as wraps + essie polish + insta dri // my new hack to getting tough, shellac-like nails that don't chip for a few days! seriously, it works great and with two coats of any color/brand polish. i never used to pick a base coat, but it makes all the difference in the world. 

sally knows her nail polish, gals.

revlon super lustrous lip gloss in raisin rage & fatal apple // i wanted some gloss to go over some of my favorite lips shades for the holidays for ultimate shine and lasting power.  i had perfect lasting & shiny color through multiple adult beverages! they are not very bright on their own, but paired with my bright/dark red lipsticks, it was a perfect look.

murad clarifying cleanser & clarifying toner // for the harsh winter time, i wanted to make sure i had a skin care regimen that could combat the combination skin without over-drying.  i use the murad cleanser daily with my clarisonic, followed by the toner and I have definitely noticed a difference in clarity & even skin tone. 

it's a 10 leave-in treatment // i heard raves and raves on this product online, and I finally bought a small size to try it out.  i have since re-purchased because i love the way it makes my ends silky and smooth! it also smells like something from my childhood that i can't quite pinpoint, but i love the scent. (seriously, if you know the answer, you have to tell me.)

 i also bought the shampoo/conditioner from the line, but i haven't tried it out yet. 

 these are my favorite beauty product purchases from december! i cannot believe that we are a matter of days away from 2014.  any products out there that i need to try & review? 

is there a cure for post-christmas funk? time to detox!

don't forget to enter the mi-me beauty & bath product giveaway before it's too late!

merry christmas & happy holidays

merry, merry christmas to all of my little chickens.

i hope you all enjoy your families, friends, and loved ones & some good food and happy times.

lots of love from me to you!!

xo

Mi-Me Bath & Beauty Products GIVEAWAY!

Happy Monday!  I know it is super happy because tomorrow starts the Christmas festivities :)

This morning I am thrilled to be a part of a giveaway of over $200 worth of beauty products from a Memphis based company, Mi-Me!

Laura of Walking In Memphis In High Heels is one of my favorite bloggers and thankfully, she is my in real life friend & fellow fashionista!  She asked me to be a part by also hosting the giveaway on my blog, and I am thrilled to offer a chance to enter for all my little chickens.

Here's a little bit about the company and the products being given away:

Mi-Me is a handmade bath & body company based in Memphis, TN & Miami, FL.  Founded by friends Gil & Liz, Mi-Me came about as a result of our desire to create affordable, luxurious bath and body products made with natural ingredients you can actually pronounce.  More than just a high concentration of natural ingredients, our love, friendship, tenacity, and passion go into every product we create.

Enter through the Rafflecopter below and enter for a chance get your hands on these products:

Best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Three Years

leggings: c/o dots // boots: ugg australia // scarf & tunic: target // 

denim jacket: jc penney (similar, on sale)

Grabbing that denim jacket out of the back of the closet again!  Truthfully, it is normally a last resort, a not too cold day option last seen here, but I need to reach for it more.  I love the cropped style, but I really do wish that it was a darker wash.  Maybe one of these days I will throw it in the washer with a RIT denim kit and try to get a more indigo denim look.

That's a big maybe.

I realized the other day (11-17-13) that I have been blogging at the lovely Matters of Merrymaking for THREE merry years! It is pretty much beyond embarrassing to read some of my first posts (Save yourself the headache and take my word for it.)  Not to say that I am nearing perfection (sheesh!) in any manner, but I definitely think I found my rhythm by the second year.  I love blogging for that reason! I have this great little documentation of my growth as a person, in so many ways.  2013 has by far been the most challenging.  But, let's not get in to the end of the year reflection posts yet, we have to get through next week first.  Pass the egg nog & holler back.

**This is kind of a lackluster blogiversary post, which is okay because its silly to celebrate yourself writing about yourself, right? WRONG! Keep your eyes peeled for an exciting upcoming celebration giveaway :)

One Week

Only a mere week until Christmas Day!  People are crazy year round, but give them a national deadline of when to get shopping done for every person they have ever met, and you will really see them shine.

The part I am having the most trouble dealing with is not using all of those glorious promo codes arriving every 15 minutes in my inbox on gifts for myself.  I still have a few shopping items to pick up and stocking stuffers to grab this weekend! Do you still have a shopping agenda or are you the girl with the fully stocked tree skirt?  I'm actually taking a lot of pride in my wrapping art this year.  Blame Pinterest, blame Martha Stewart (she is a walking Pinterest board) but I spent an absurd amount of time with twine and fresh evergreen pieces on the items I wrapped in black wrapping paper and decorated with a chalkboard marker.  Tis the season!  I can almost taste the weekend, folks! 

And then it is go time...

Move outta my way, I've had a quad latte and I'm ready to buy all the things! 

Merry Christmas Waldo!

 turtleneck tunic (old) & leggings: target // booties: barefoot tess // vest: old navy //

 necklace: crack in the walk

Hey look, it's me getting dressed again! Feels good.  I love this turtleneck with every fiber of my being, it has to be like almost seven years old.  Thank Baby Jesus for stretch fabrics...

A little Where's Waldo and a little holiday color combo, I like the idea.

Perfect comfortable outfit for a day running errands and eating lots of macaroni & cheese.

C'est la vie.

Spiked Hot Chocolate

Well, hello there.  It's Monday again, after my accidental and unintentional week off from blogging!

I spent all free moments last week decorating and finishing the last few details before my holiday party (spending most time in yoga pants and tennis shoes!)  If it weren't for an unexpected downpour, we were going to have a roaring bonfire on Saturday, complete with best friends & spiked hot chocolate.  But, no worries, our fireplace worked just as well.  And the delicious hot chocolate kept us just as warm.  I have a few suggestions along those lines.  These different liquors were a hit!

There are tons of options when it comes to spiked hot cocoa, but here are some of my favorites.

I suggest you try them all, but if one drink is in your budget, do it my way.

Swiss Miss, made with milk, add Smirnoff Caramel vodka, top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and a sprinkle of cinnamon! Your body will be warmed and your heart shall be merry!

Ruffles and Such

dress & cardigan: dots // boots, socks & skirt ruffles: target // necklace: accessory concierge 

I have had this champagne colored ruffly skirt for a million years and it was perfect to throw under this dress to make it a little bit longer for the windy, windy day!  I actually forgot I had this skirt and now I want to wear it everyday to make my existing closet seem more boho and fun! The last picture is me failing at throwing leaves with a camera timer, don't be alarmed.

Yesterday when I wore this, it was 75 degrees and humid, I ended up rocking no sleeves in December. Now we are expected to be 19 degree with wintry precipitation tonight and tomorrow.  What's up with that?  I love a snow day as much as the next girl with spiked hot cocoa and a fur blanket, 

but let's stick with the cold weather for a while.  

Translation: I don't want to shave my legs again until 2014 and shut up you're the same way :)

Christmas List

Christmas lists are such a funny thing. I used to fill them full of wants and needs (and every Johnny Depp movie) but this year it isn't much more than beauty products and books!

Oh, and the most adorable coffee tumbler ever created. 

What is on YOUR list this year?

man repeller by leandra medine // IT by alexa chung // target cheers glasses // 

naked 3 palette // versace bright crystal // alice + olivia for starbucks tumbler // 

elephant wall hook // urban decay b6 vitamin spray 

Comfy Camo & oNecklace review

jeans: h&m+ // shirt: dots // wedges: dolce vita // cocoon shell: thrifted // necklace: c/o oNecklace

Let's all notice really quickly that my hair is growing longer and looking pretty stellar. (Big dreams, baby steps)  Woo! Now, that is out of the way we can move on to what is really important.  Like any normal fashion loving girl raised in the 90s, I fascinated with Carrie Bradshaw.  Her infamous Carrie necklace was super popular when the show was on the air, but has made a bit of a resurgence lately.

It is synonymous with her character and now I have one of my own from oNecklace that will accompany me to all of my merrymaking adventures!

I love the perfect size of the necklace, along with the fact that I could customize the length of necklace to find the right chain length for me!  I was half-tempted to get my twitter/instagram handle (@missbekah) BUT I definitely liked the iconic Carrie style.  

Check out other styles and color options here.

Have the most terrific Tuesday! I'm sure they have 2-for-1 margs somewhere...

oNecklace sent me this necklace in exchange for an honest review, all opinions above are my own.

image via pinterest 

Happy Thanksgiving!

i am thankful for

(in no particular order & not limited to)

my dear family

my sweet friends

my great job

the USA (freedom, y'all)

my health

little black dogs named ozzy

netflix instant streaming (x1000000)

makeup, glorious makeup

margaritas, preferably mango

technology of all kinds

this blog & the little chickens

instagram

strong coffee

hugs & kisses

sturdy shoes

twirly dresses

ryan gosling (!!!)

scary movies

a roof over my head

love in my heart

sparkles & lipstick :)

happy holiday!

wishful wednesday

starry string lights | the most beautiful lights perfect for brightening and making any room in the house more magical.

  naked 3 palette | i am obsessed with the colors in this brand spanking new palette, and it is at the top my little christmas wish list.

asos sequin dress | the first contender for the NYE 2014 dress, hey gorgeous!

sephora brushes | all of these fabulous brushes in the set for just $60, great steal for the holidays!

ralph lauren nightgown | just call me Nana because I am obsessed with cute patterned nightgowns.

Aztec Prints & Leather Boots

sweater: old navy // dress: ross // leggings: dots // boots: ugg lynnea II // necklace: versona accesssories

My new beloved boots and my favorite blanket sweater made the most comfortable outfit on the PLANET!  This is my third cold season with this sweater. which makes it the most reliable thing in my life.  I've blogged about my extreme love for this sweater before, but I just can't get over it.  No other sweater has since come close to the standards set so high by the flashy little aztec number.

You won't find me cold in the movie theater, not with this baby around.

Also, these boots are the perfect marriage of Ugg boot comfortability and leather bootie fierceness.

I think I found the two items I would definitely grab if there were to be a fire.

Right after the furry black canine, of course.

Xo

Merrymaking Gift Guide 2013

Tis the season, y'all!

Gift giving time is right around the corner.  If you're like me, as soon as Halloween passes, I start getting very excited to buy Christmas gifts for everyone on my list.  This year I decided to do something different and I started perusing Etsy for handmade gifts.  The possibilities are endless and there are options for everyone.  I partnered with a handful of Etsy shops to share some great gifts (and discount deals!!!) with my little chickens.

Coffee Before Talkie mug from 

WHOLEWIDEWORLD

Can you imagine a cuter mug for your morning cup of caffeinated gold?

I'm in love with all of the cups in Megan's shop, but this one was my super favorite because it is often my morning mantra.

Check out her other fab items here.

Matters of Merrymaking readers get 15% off with code: WILDWORLD

Sergeant Pepper Wooden Spoons from 

TREEHOUSE ILLUSTRATOR

Some of the most unique and whimsical gifts perfect for the fabulous person in your life who loves to cook!  Preparing holiday meals would be way more fun with John, Paul, George, and Ringo.  Kristin even has the Duck Dynasty boys for the duck call lovin' friends on your list.

Matters of Merrymaking readers get 10% off with code: MAKINGMERRY

Lit Handmade Recycled Wine Bottle Natural Soy Candle from LITSOYCANDLES

I love every single item in this shop! The packaging, the recycled bottle, and the AMAZING scent of this candle is everything!  Jordan and Taylor have many delicious spirited scents to choose from (I picked Chardonnay) including Riesling, Merlot, and Mimosa.  Perfect for the sommelier in your life or just for the girl who loves yummy candles!!!!

Matters of Merrymaking readers get free shipping-

Tell them Bekah sent you!

Latitude & Longitude Bracelet from

SHOPTHECOPPERFOX

One of my dearest and best friends moved away from Memphis to Atlanta, and this is the PERFECT gift to give her a little bit of home to see when she looks down on her wrist.  The coordinates of our favorite little city on a skinny brass cuff is personable AND fashionable. WIN WIN! Sarah also has necklaces & keychains available for personalization! Oh, and she can ship in gift packaging right to your gift reciepient! Faboosh!

Matters of Merrymaking readers get 10% off with code MERRYMAKING10!

Orange Amp Flask from 

RKGRACE

In Rebecca's shop, I found possible gift ideas for the hardest person to please on my list! There are tons of flask ideas in her shop.  From wedding parties and customized engraved options, the possibilities are endless.  My guitar loving father will adore this orange amp flask, I can't wait!  SO FUN!

Matters of Merrymaking readers get 10% off with HOLIDAY.

Paper Garland from 

ARTSDELIGHT

The off white paper garland really inspired me to get in the holiday spirit! I love the delicate look of the garland, I need to get my hands on some more of them.  Linsey has tons of colors to choose from and hand makes the sweet garlands with a variety of different sizes of circles and shapes!

Do What You Love print from

PEARLS AND PASTRIES

I want to plaster my walls with every single print from this shop.  Lauren has so many beautiful items, quotes, and SO MANY SEQUINS!  The quality is great and the prices are so affordable.  If prints aren't what you are looking for, make the seasons bright with these hangers!!!