a latte lipstick

Holiday Wassail is one of the best beverages invented. Wassail means "to your health" so you basically are doing your body a huuuge favor each sip you take.

I may be jumping the gun a little, but I was ready to enjoy this delicious wassail - not Thanksgiving, not tomorrow, but TODAY! It's cinnamon-y, lemon-y, wine-y, holiday-y, cozy-y and everything you would want it to be-y. Too much? Wassail is perfect for the upcoming crisp season that needs to get here sooner rather than later!


My aunt is basically famous with this recipe and brings the wassail to our annual Fall Picnic each year without fail. It's so delicious so I figured it was time to attempt it myself so I didn't have to wait. Patience at its finest. I followed the recipe that my aunt has used through the years with all of her notes scribbled beside it to provide her personal recommended amount. She had altered the original recipe quite a bit and has made it "just right."

I'm still a huge lover of the old fashioned cookbooks and sure hope that the magic isn't lost in future generations. There is a time and place for Pinterest, but passed down recipes is not one of them. There's nothing like writing in a literal book and opening up to a page that has been used so often that there are stains, accidental ripped pages, and beautiful memories. You can't touch your phone with floured fingers.

No matter how old you are, it's always a MUST to dress up for Halloween. No excuses! Think about how long you you dreamt about what you would be that year when you were little. Don't disappoint your younger self. I know my costume ideas changed quite often, resulting in a frazzled mom by the time the infamous day came. Princess? Ballerina? Ghost?

My sister and I always got to get our photos taken at good ole Motophoto in our costumes and looked forward to our moment of fame being photographed each year. Now, it's quite comical to look back on all these photos; we have a dedicated shelf at my parent's house with each years costumes during the Halloween season.

I think the below photo has to be the winner though with our American Girl doll costumes. Our favorites, Samantha and Kirsten. Those bangs though!



Unlike those cute days, now, I like to be something a little spOooOky. Below are some really easy but fun ideas for Halloween!

Recently made my first purchase of a Benefit product! I know, I'm a little late to join the club. After my purchase, I finally understood what all the fuss was about and immediately fell in love. Not to mention how much fun the Benefit brand is!

Benefit started in 1976 by two sisters and has stayed in the family with their two nieces joining in on the party. I love how spunky this brand is and their lighthearted approach to beauty. "Who says that makeup has to be serious?!" My thoughts exactly. They believe in fast and fabulous makeup which definitely works for my lifestyle. I don't have time to spend hours in front of a mirror so I love the quick application approach. On-the-go makeup <3 ...But never apply while driving!!

When fall arrives,  I immediately want that silky, long auburn fall hair. Yes, you know what I'm talking about... the hair made to go perfectly with plaid scarves, fun hats, and crisp air.

However, this coveted hair is normally more difficult to achieve after a summer full of chlorine, sun, and bleached strands. So how can you get back to that healthy soft hair in a pinch?
Apple Cider Vinegar
So many of the well-known shampoo brands aren't actually good for your hair and cause build up. Get those strands back to their normal, silky glory with a weekly rinse of apple cider. Apple cider can return your scalp to a healthy pH level. Use 1/3 cup of vinegar with four cups of water in the shower then rinse.

Garlic
Warning - you may need to wash your hair with your best smelling shampoo a couple times after. However the benefits far outweigh the momentary smell. Plus, I love the smell of garlic, perhaps not in my hair but sometimes you must widen your view. ;) Garlic can be used to stimulate hair growth and enhance your hair texture. Add a garlic clove to your conditioner and use this conditioner 1 or 2x a month. To dilute the intense smell, mix the garlic clove with honey before adding.

Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is magical and can be used for almost anything! It moisturizes your skin perfectly and can do the same for your locks! Coat your hair in coconut oil and leave it on for at least 20 minutes to condition your hair and then wash out.