A Blonde's Moment

a holiday look with lancôme

December 21, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Lancôme Holiday Makeup c/o

Happy Monday! With Christmas only a few days away, it’s time to perfect your holiday look. Whether it is adding a little sparkle to your wardrobe, accessorizing with festive holiday pieces or adding red lipstick to complete your look, the holidays are the ideal opportunity to amp up your look!

There is no doubt I love wearing red lipstick and if you haven’t taken the red lip plunge yet, this is the perfect time of year to give it a try! To achieve this holiday look, I started with Lancôme’s Color Design Matte Lip Crayon in Partner in Crime {#320}. I also added the L’Absolu Rouge Definition in Le Carmin {#195} for a deeper red color. I normally like more pinky/red shades, but I have to say that I love this darker red because it compliments any holiday party look.

Speaking of holiday parties, we just had our Christmas party on Saturday evening. The day before the party, I ran out of my all-time favorite perfume. With all the party preparations that needed to happen Saturday morning and afternoon, there was no time to run to the store to buy more perfume! I was so happy to have Lancôme’s La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum on hand and thought I would give it a try for the evening. And I absolutely love it! With notes of blossoms a little bit of spice, not only is it a scent for the colder months, but it’s truly a scent of the season!

How do you create the perfect holiday look? Hope you all have a wonderful short week!

festive tweed jacket

December 17, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Shein tweed jacket c/o {runs true to size!} | black blouse {I have this in a few colors & love it! It’s on sale too!} | black leggings | Elizabeth & James sunglasses c/o {get your first month of Endless Eyewear free with code ABLONDESMOMENT} | studded pumps, last season {similar style} | earrings | ring | lipstick {pink blossom}

Happy Thursday, friends! And happy one week until Christmas Eve! How is that even possible?! Today, I am getting in the Christmas spirit with this festive tweed jacket from Shein. I love tweed, no matter what time of the year, but this jacket, with it’s sparkling gold and silver tones, makes for the perfect jacket for Christmastime! I love adding a little sparkle to my wardrobe this time of the year, and this jacket allows for just the right amount!

For those of you who have been following along for awhile now, you know that I have worn Shein pieces before {last seen here}. In my experience, I find that the items have been running small, so I always suggest sizing up. But with this jacket, I would definitely say it’s more true to size. I ended up ordering a size up and I could have probably worn my regular size. But, at least with the larger size, I can easily wear a thicker sweater underneath to keep warm with the colder temperatures rolling in 🙂

There is no doubt I have a serious obsession with sunglasses — and I seem to always have new pairs on my wish list! When putting an outfit together, I love to match the sunglasses with my look, it’s one of my favorite ways to accessorize! But having multiple pairs of sunglasses can be costly, especially if they happen to be designer frames! Enter DITTO Endless Eyewear. For $24 a month, you will receive an endless rotation of your favorite designer sunglasses! The process is super easy: just pick out the sunglasses and DITTO will send them to you {shipping was pretty quick too!} Keep them for an unlimited amount of time, and when you are ready for your next pair, send DITTO back the last pair when you receive the new! You can use the code ABLONDESMOMENT for your first month free! This is the perfect way to test out frames that you’ve seen online and just don’t know how they will look on you! I’m looking forward to the arrival of my next pair — I am especially loving these Miu Miu and these Karen Walker frames {you know how much I love my Karen Walker sunglasses!}

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to my mailing list for exclusive content. A new holiday newsletter will be coming out tomorrow and you don’t want to miss it! Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

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last minute christmas sales & shipping deadlines

December 16, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

striped turtleneck | black pointy toe bootie | sunglasses | blanket scarf | pearl earrings | gold chevron phone case | reversible tote bag {comes in 3 colors!} | velvet bow gladiator flats | black leather strap watch | slippers | Clarisonic cleansing system | fair isle leggings

Since we are just about a week out from Christmas, I wanted to share with you some last minute gift ideas that are currently on sale along with some shipping deadlines. It’s hard to believe we are at the cut off point for shipping, but after hearing about all the backups companies are facing on the news yesterday, it’s probably a good idea to pick up those last minute gifts now!

While browsing the endless gift guides every store seems to have this year, I came across these pointy toe booties and was absolutely obsessed! Not only do I love the chain details on the back, but how amazing is that heel?! I know, it’s not something that totally fits me, but I’m all for incorporating some funky pieces into your look every now and then 🙂 Also, can you believe the Clarisonic cleansing system is on sale?! When I was searching for it last year for myself, I could never find it on sale! So if it’s on someone’s wish list or even your own, you should definitely think about taking advantage of this sale!

I also found some amazing pieces that are currently on sale at Tory Burch! Not only do I love these boots but doesn’t this chunky turtleneck sweater look so cozy?! Tory Burch is also offering free shipping and returns on all orders until 12/20!

In case you do still have some more shopping to do, here are the latest shipping deadlines to mark on your calendar to make sure your gifts arrive before Christmas:

Anthropologie: order by 12/21 at 11:59 p.m. EST for standard shipping

Banana Republic: order by 12/21 at 11:59 p.m. EST & free shipping on orders over $50

BaubleBar: order by 12/18 at 11:30 p.m. EST for 3rd day shipping

J.Crew: order by 12/21 at 11:59 p.m. EST for standard shipping

J.Crew Factory: order by 12/21 at 11:59 p.m. EST for standard shipping

Macy’s: order by 12/22 at 5 p,m. EST for standard shipping {free with $99 purchase}

Nordstrom: order by 12/23 at 5 p.m. EST for free standard shipping on qualifying purchases

Old Navy: order by 12/21 at 11:59 p.m. EST & free shipping on orders over $50

Thanks for stopping by and happy shopping!

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the best sugar cookies

December 15, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

I know, it’s a big statement to make. How can you rank something as the BEST? But when it comes to cookies, there is nothing that beats this sugar cookie cookie recipe! Truthfully, I’m not a big cookie eater, except when it comes to these sugar cookies at Christmas!

There is no doubt that my love for cooking and baking comes from my mother — she is the best cook I know! Although I love everything she makes, this probably takes the cake. Or the cookie 😉 She has been making these cookies for years: from birthday parties, to graduations to showers, this cookie recipe is definitely a keeper and it’s not limited to Christmastime.

What I love most about the recipe is that it’s not your average sugar cookie recipe, which I find to be most of the time too sweet. This cookie resembles more of a shortbread in it’s taste and texture and can be eaten without icing {which is actually the way I prefer it!}

A couple weekends ago, my mom and I started making Christmas cookies and I asked her if I could share this recipe with you because it’s my very favorite. She agreed and I’m so excited to share it with you today. If you are still looking for a cookie to add to your rotation or looking for a delicious sugar cookie recipe, you should definitely give this a try!

The BEST Sugar Cookies

{what you will need}

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon powder sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

{directions}

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix all of the ingredients together. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight. Roll dough and cut into desired shapes. Bake 5-7 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool completely before icing.

Thanks for stopping by and happy holiday baking!

pretty in pink

December 14, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

pink J.Crew sweater {comes in 7 colors and it’s on sale!} | black jeans | black lace-up flats | Chanel bag {similar style for $38!} | earrings | sunglasses | lipstick {madere} lipgloss {turkish delight}

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Can you believe we have only one more weekend until Christmas?! Crazy how quickly this month {and this year} is flying!

There is no doubt I am a sucker for a good sweater. Typically, J.Crew is my go-to when I’m searching for sweaters — no matter what the occasion. I would definitely file this pink number in the cozy category, which was exactly what I was looking for! Although I love all seven colors that this sweater is available in, I of course had to go with the pink 🙂

Not only do I love this sweater with black for a slightly more dressed up look, this versatile sweater could also be paired with a puffer vest and UGG boots! You know how I love my versatile pieces 😉 As for sizing, I went with my regular size, but if you are looking for a looser look, I would definitely size up. I might order this sweater in a different color {especially since it’s now on sale!} and I will probably go with the larger size.

Hope you all have a great start to the week and see you tomorrow for a yummy Christmas post!

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Design with Caseapp & A Giveaway!

December 10, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Caseapp iPhone custom designed case c/o | leopard clutch | sunglasses | lipstick {#31}

Happy Thursday, friends! Wow, I cannot believe this week is almost over and we are just two weeks away from Christmas! Speaking of Christmas, I am so excited to be sharing a special post and giveaway with you today, just in time for the holidays.

There is no denying my obsession with phone cases. I am of the mindset that you change phone cases when you change seasons…does anyone else follow this logic?! Although I love my leopard case from J.Crew, when Caseapp reached out to me to share their custom iPhone cases and laptop skins with you, I was thrilled to create my own, personalized case. With all the phone cases I have collected over the years, I don’t have one that has been personalized! Hard to believe! For the past few years, I have been making custom phone cases for my parents with cute pictures of Ella, but I never made one for myself! That all changed thanks to Caseapp. Now, I can see Ella’s cute face all day while I am at work! I think I will finally give up my seasonal phone case buying now that I have this cutie to look at 🙂

Caseapp’s website is super user-friendly and directs you step by step through the designing process. Start by choosing what type of case or skin you would like to design: iPhone, iPad, Macbook or Samsung.

You can either create your own design or browse through Caseapp’s creations, it’s up to you! If you have decided to create your own design, you will be taken to this page to begin your masterpiece!

Start with a blank slate! On the left toolbar you can see all the options available for creating your design: upload pictures, make collages, add text and background colors and even insert clipart. The possibilities are truly endless!

I added the cute heart clipart to Ella’s picture, but you could also choose to add quotes, handwritten words or even seasonal graphics! I wanted to keep things simple so Ella was the center of attention 😉

And that’s it! Head to the checkout and wait for your custom case or skin to arrive. Considering the personalization, my case came quickly in packaging to ensure the case would not crack. I love the idea of giving personalized cases as gifts, it’s something that most people could use and it truly comes from the heart, no matter what occasion! Although, I could definitely see this as a great gift idea for a stocking stuffer or even for the person on your list that has everything, we all have at least one of those!

Caseapp is offering all readers 20% with the code BLONDESMOMENT20 now through 12/14/15.

And it gets better! Caseapp is also giving away a $40 credit for one lucky winner to design their very own case or skin! See entry details below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be announced in Monday’s blog post! Thanks for dropping by and have a great weekend!

My Favorite Holiday Pieces

December 9, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

wool & faux fur coat | red cut-out heels | faux fur clutch {comes in 3 colors!} | star & round stud earring set | sequin skirt | jacquard shell top | plaid slippers | sparkly pendant necklace | green & navy plaid shirt | mittens | red textured dress

Happy Wednesday! I’m taking a break from the gift guides today to talk about some of my favorite festive pieces for the month of December. As soon as Thanksgiving is over, I find myself incorporating more red, plaid, sparkle and festive holiday accents into my wardrobe. Does anyone else do that?! Exhibit A: rarely do I wear red nail polish, but for the last three weeks, I’ve been rocking the red nails!

{P.S. For those of you that are looking for a fabulous red for the holidays, I have been using the CND weekly polish in “wildfire” and I absolutely love it! Not only does it dry in less than 10 minutes without the LED or UV lights, but mine has been lasting just about a week! I have it in a few other colors as well and highly recommend it!}

There is no doubt I love faux fur on pretty much anything, but how gorgeous is this wool and faux fur blend coat?! I especially love the mix of the navy wool and the black faux fur. And this clutch! It’s quite the steal. And since December is the perfect month to break out the plaid — how cute would these slippers be on Christmas morning?! Last but not least, a red dress is an essential piece to have in your closet for this time of the year and I love the texture of this v-neck dress!

What are some of the ways you incorporate holiday cheer into your wardrobe leading up to Christmas? Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

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hot cocoa cookies with crushed peppermint

December 8, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy Tuesday! Holiday baking is officially in full swing and today I am sharing with you a fun spin on a traditional holiday beverage: hot cocoa in the form of a cookie sandwich!

There is just something about the combination of chocolate, marshmallows and peppermint around the holidays…and what better way to combine flavors of the season than in a cookie! I love making Christmas cookies each December, but so many of the recipes are time consuming and complicated. The beauty of this hot cocoa sandwich cookie is that it’s a quick recipe with only a few ingredients that is easily mistaken for a “from scratch” dessert! It’s simplicity will allow you to incorporate these cookies into your holiday making rotation!

Hot Cocoa Cookies with Crushed Peppermint

{what you will need}

1 pouch double chocolate chunk cookie mix {plus ingredients on the back}

1 container fluffy vanilla marshmallow frosting

Crushed peppermint candy

{directions}

Bake cookies according to package directions. {I went with the larger cookie sandwiches, but you can easily make small or medium sized cookies as well.} Once the cookies are baked, allow to sit for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack. Be sure that the cookies are completely cool before adding the marshmallow frosting. Take a spoonful of the marshmallow frosting and place on one side of the cookie in the center. Spread the frosting out to the edges to make a clean line. Sprinkle desired amount of peppermint candies on the marshmallow frosting before topping with the other cookie. Makes 6 large cookie sandwiches.

Thanks for stopping by and happy holiday baking!

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holiday party outfit ideas

December 7, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

leopard blouse | red midi skirt {shorter style here} | black pumps, old {similar style} | Zinnia West earrings c/o | black onyx ring | bow clutch, old {similar style} | sunglasses | lipgloss {#9}

Happy Monday! Last year at Christmas, I was searching for a red midi skirt. After what seemed like an endless amount time searching for a skirt, I found this Chicwish midi and was so thrilled with it! Over the past year, I have found so many ways to wear this skirt, from Christmas to Valentine’s Day — it’s the perfect red! Chicwish has the most beautiful skirts — I especially love this Christmas floral number! Be sure to check out their website if you haven’t yet, you will not be disappointed!

There is no question this midi skirt has “party” written all over it, so it’s most definitely a skirt that is ideal for your holiday party! Below, I’ve included some of my favorite pieces that will have you ready for all your holiday parties in no time!

Thanks for dropping by and have a great start to the week!

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HOLIDAY PARTY LOOKS

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Holiday Gifting: Homemade Lemon Olive Oil

December 3, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

canning jar | decorative ribbon | tree

It’s hard to believe it is already December and it’s time to start thinking about holiday gifting. One of my favorite things about this time of the year is making homemade gifts for friends and family. Last year, I made a few desserts and boxed them in cute containers, but this year I wanted to try something different.

I love cooking with olive oil. Recently, we bought flavored olive oil from a speciality store and just love it! Not only can you use the oil as a base to a salad dressing or use it to sauté vegetables, you can also toss the oil with your favorite pasta. One night while cooking dinner about a month ago, I thought homemade olive oil would make the perfect gift for a holiday gift basket!

Although the recipe is super easy, I must mention an important warning when working with infused olive oils. If the lemon, or any herb you decide to use, is not cleaned and completely dried, bacteria can grow on the lemon or herbs and can be very dangerous. If you decide to keep the lemon peel in the oil {for a more robust flavor} be sure that the oil is covering the lemon peel completely. Also, it’s important to keep the infused olive oil in the refrigerator. You can read more about creating safe homemade oils here. Be sure to include these instructions with your gift basket if you are handing these out this holiday season. The olive oil should be good, in the refrigerator, for about a month.

Lemon Olive Oil

{what you will need}

Zest of 1 lemon {completely cleaned and dried}

1 1/2 cup light olive oil

{instructions}

Clean the lemon and allow to dry completely, about 1 hour. Using a vegetable peeler, zest the lemon in long pieces, but try to avoid the bitter, white part of the lemon. Place the olive oil and the lemon peel in a small saucepan and heat on medium for about 5 minutes, just until the oil begins to bubble. Allow to cool before transferring to decorative container.

Thanks for dropping by and have a wonderful weekend!