Beauty by You

This post was sponsored by Brandbacker and Apothecary Extracts. I was provided a sample for review only. All opinions and thoughts are my own. Thank you for sponsoring the brands that make Headbands & Bagels possible.

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When I was growing up tea tree oil shampoo was what we always reached for whenever there was a lice scare at school, we had an itchy scalp or we were getting dandruff from having our hair pulled back too tight from gymnastics. So when I had the opportunity to try out Apothecary Extract's Tea Tree Oil from Australia, I was really excited. I love that you get a huge bottle of the oil that you can then transform into lotions, shampoos, cleaning products and more. I will most likely use my entire bottle on shampoos and beauty applications, but I think it's great that there are so many uses for one oil.

The smell brings back memories of childhood for me and gives me a great, clean scalp feeling. It is definitely what I reach for when I want a really good shampoo. If you want to try it out for yourself, you can order the oil from Amazon here. Good news is that the order comes with a free ebook that gives you tons of recipes to make everything from shampoo to cleaning solutions.

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Pinterest Hairstyle - Criss Cross Half Updo

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I love half-updos. I know people think they are so middle school, but I think they look elegant and are perfect for work. Being able to keep my hair out of my eyes without always needing a ponytail is a must for the office. This one is soooo easy and so beautiful when done. I feel a little like Princess Kate.

Pinterest Hairstyle - Half Up Bow

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I am all about a half up style these days. It keeps my hair out of my face while at work without looking as casual as a ponytail. I have also always been a big bow fan, so making a bow out of your own hair definitely interests me. My hair is finally long enough to try this trick I think. Thanks Pintererst for such great hair styling inspirations each month!

Beauty Tips for Winter Activities

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A few months ago I was approached by the publicist for Stacy Cox about sharing some winter skin tips. I knew of Stacy from her work on Dr. Oz as a correspondent and I was curious. Would she share some tips that I didn't already know of?

Living in Southern California for a while now, I have not gotten as diligent about taking care of my winter skin as I did when living in NYC, because the temperatures never dropped enough or the air never got dry enough to really dry me out.

Some of my tried and true tips still are to remember to:
1. Exfoliate by using my Clarisonic Mia Brush daily
2. Moisturize my face morning and night (and never forget my eye cream)
3. Moisturize my body as soon as I step out of the shower (while my pores are bigger and soaking in the cream)
4. Always go to bed with Bag Balm on (my diehard love of Bag Balm cannot be topped)
5. Carry shea butter cream and lip balm in my purse at all times (I love the EOS Sweet Mint)

Still there are often times I find myself dried out regardless of my efforts and because we still go skiing for a week every year, I figured I'd share the tips Stacy shared with me.

Ski Skin Survival
Let’s face it: the age-old question of how to look younger is something asked every day. In fact it always garners the most interest and simultaneously the most skepticism.
 
So, when temperatures drop and skin becomes dry, chapped and raw and you’re thinking about the must-have solutions to “shed the dead skin cells,” turning back the clock inevitably comes up.
 
Here are some of my’s top winter skincare anti-aging tips from my own test and trials to share with you:

1. Seek Brands That Offer The "Full Package": Skincare brands have to be both esthetician AND HERBALIST (no more skin care lines offering just lotions and potions or supplements with their spin on anti-aging)! Try SeabuckWonders both parts of the line infuse us with fatty acids, A.K.A the Omegas 3, 6 and 9, which is great because, as we age, we are sorely lacking in these to support our collagen and elastin. SeabuckWonders also pushes the envelop by adding in Omega 7 and delivers the highest concentration of it on the market, as well as boasting Vitamin C, B1, B6 and Beta Carotene that bring nourishment to wrinkles and fine lines at the root source. It's a one/two punch that works.
    
2. Juicing Is No Longer A Fad! It’s Here To Stay: Not everyone’s budgets can dictate a daily or weekly trip to juice-a-rama destinations, but fear not, I have the perfect home-based FYI solution. Check out Pines: The Wheat Grass People. In less than a minute a day and for about 25 cents per day, you can have a serving of wheat grass with the same nutrition as a serving of spinach. The Beet Juice Powder is another standout product from the brand high in lycopene and lutein, which are both players in the anti-aging game for optimal skin health.
    
3. If Cleopatra Used It...Move Over Cleo...So Are We!: Green Virgin Moringa Oil has been used for thousands of years and was found in the tombs of the pharaohs and ancient Egyptians. The thing I love about this workhorse of a beauty product is that it leaves skin noticeably soft and healthy. Lots of the pricy skin care companies are including it in their ingredient lists. It absorbs so swiftly that the moisturizing effect can't be washed off like almost all moisturizers. And you can multi-task with this bad boy and use in your hair. Apply it to damp hair and comb in to disperse it. It also has the ability to work a little magic on cold sores once applied to them. Give it 24 hours and you'll be in a better place.

I have not been able to try all the products she recommended, but I do find that looking for similar products to the ones she shares have been beneficial. I am looking forward to using more of this advice on my upcoming trip! It's like having a personal Dr. Oz segment!

Spoil Your Honey

This post was sponsored by Savannah Bee Company. They provided me a sample gift set to review. All opinions and thoughts are my own. No other compensation was received for this post.

Still looking for something sweet for your honey for Valentine's Day? Well why not treat them to some actual honey! When Savannah Bee Company reached out to me about featuring one of their gift sets on Headbands & Bagels I was really excited. Going for actual honey at Valentine's Day is out of of the box of traditional food gifts like chocolate strawberries or truffles and something that is a fun play on words.

They were kind enough to send me the Valentine's set, The Sweetest Surprise, which was complete with two types of honey, truffles and honey caramel! The box comes beautifully packaged and each jar has a really nice description of the type of honey it contains and how it was made. I actually have never tried Winter White Honey before now and it's really yummy. It's more like a spreadable honey which makes it nice on toasts or shortbreads with some fruit on top.

The truffles that are included in this box are also not available year round. They are made by a local chocolatier, Adam Turoni, from Savannah, GA. I am a sucker for a good chocolate and it was a nice change to have a chocolate sweetened by honey.

Other than food gift sets, Savannah Bee also offers beauty sets and gifts made from beeswax and honey. I am tempted to try one of these next!

If you order by Thursday you still have time to have your gift overnighted! They also have weekly specials that you can save on different products all over the site. Thanks Savannah Bee for such delicious treats this Valentine's Day!!

Dry Shampoo Styling

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Ever since I got pregnant, my hair texture has really changed. I used to have super oily hair that I had to wash daily. Dry shampoo would do little to reduce the oil. But the great news is that my hair is finally so much less oily and I can really minimize how often I need to wash my hair, especially with the help of dry shampoo.

On the days that I use my dry shampoo, I tend to style my hair more. Dirtier hair usually lends well to updos. Some of my favorite dry shampoo styles are as follows:

The Textured Ponytail You can do this high or low. The key is getting some dry shampoo sprayed into your ponytail giving it more texture. I also try to make sure that I don't pull my hair too tight but give it volume.

French Braids Braids of all kinds are a great way to style with dry shampoo. It grips well and can be styled into so many looks. You can just wear your braids down, do a fishtail, pin them up, really the sky is the limit!

Half Up/Half Down One of my go to looks growing up. You can keep your hair off your face and still get the benefit of the volume you get from dry shampoo.

High Bun If all else fails, go for a bun. High, low, ballerina, messy; they all work. Personally a high, messy bun is one of my easy go tos.

Gift Guide: Valentine's Day for Her

Gift Guide: Valentine's Day for Her by preppy-lizzy featuring Charbonnel et Walker

Victoria s Secret pink striped pajamas / NIKE sports bra / Hanky Panky panty / Nine west shoes / Kate spade crossbody / Sole Society chain necklace / Essie nail polish / LSA International red home decor / Charbonnel et Walker kitchen dining / LIMITED EDITION LEATHER PERSONAL PLANNER GOLD

Valentine's Day is almost upon us and with that comes the time to pick the ever thoughtful gift out for your loved one. I try to not go too big on Valentine's Day but I think its still nice to celebrate your love once a year. It is also right around our dating anniversary which is February 12th, so I can kill two birds with one stone.

I personally am hoping for a nice nightgown and robe set I can wear at the hospital when baby comes. Something like this in pink or navy is really appealing. Who wants to wear hospital gowns?

Make Your Eyes Pop

Make Your Eyes Pop by preppy-lizzy featuring loose tops

Cable sweater / Theory loose top / Long sleeve blouse / Uniqlo collared shirt / River Island ruffle blouse

Brining out your natural beauty features is something that every woman strives for. As many women are aware, the color wheel can be a huge help when picking out coordinating colors for your outfit, but it also can provide insight into what colors would compliment your eyes best. To make it easy, I created a handy chart to reference for your eyes. If you are lucky enough to have two different color eyes (welcome to my club), you can pick which color to highlight on a given day!

We all know that you can highlight your eyes by matching your top to your eye color, but using a contrasting color can really make them pop too! Have you ever used clothing to bring out your eye color or skin tone?

Pinterest Hairstyle - A Cross Bun + A Giveaway

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This month's Pinterest hairstyle is a total breeze. Its elegant and can be great for a day at the office or for a formal event like a wedding. Begin by separating your hair into three sections. With the center section, put your hair in a bun or tucked ponytail. I prefer a tucked pony here but you can go with either. Then take one of the side sections and twist around the tucked pony, going over it. Pin down with bobby pins and then repeat with the other section. And voila! You are all set. I do recommend setting with hairspray for an all day hold.

Also today I am joining a great group of fellow bloggers for an Amazon gift card giveaway! Good luck and thanks for supporting Headbands & Bagels.

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Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!

Signature Scent

Signature Scent by preppy-lizzy featuring perfume fragrances

Guerlain perfume / Acqua di parma perfume / Tory burch perfume / Marc Jacobs daisy perfume / Viktor Rolf fragrance / Tommy hilfiger perfume / Burberry perfume fragrance

I feel like every woman needs her own signature scent. I finally made it a priority of mine a few years ago to find my scent and since then I have made it my everyday scent. It can take you a bunch of tries to finally find the winner but finding a scent you love is more than just sniffing a bottle. It means trying it on your skin and seeing how it works for you.

I personally fell in love with Chanel's Chance and now many of my friends have said that they associate it with me. But it for sure took me many tries to find what was perfect. I gave myself time to figure it out by spending a few different days sampling different perfumes at my favorite department store or at Sephora. When I felt like I found a winner, I purchased a smaller bottle just to make sure I was positive about it. You can also ask for some samples to take home to try over time if they offer them.

Still I love having a scent that is me and feels like mine. Do you have a signature scent?

Pinterest Hairstyle - The Easy Knotted Updo

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This is my planned look for Christmas Eve dinner. Easy and graceful and a tad different from the standard braided updo, I love how knotted styles give a fuller volume to the look. Start on one side, whichever has more hair (if you center part, just pick a side) and star knotting around your head. Then fluff and pin up. It looks like a much more complex hairstyle than it actually takes to accomplish.

Gift Guide: The Kiddos

Gift Guide: The Kiddos by preppy-lizzy featuring Avon

LEGO The Hobbit Lake-town Chase 79013 / Nintendo tech accessory / Avon throw pillow / Radio Flyer 5- in-1 Family Wagon Radio Flyer / Radio Flyer Fold 2 Go Tricycle Radio Flyer / Ferrari F12 12v Car Red RC Ride-On Big Toys / Stats Jump N Slam Basketball Set Toys R Us / Rawlings 9" Players Series Baseball Glove and Training Ball / Riedell Ice Skates 13/113 Girls/Ladies Shoes / Amazon.com: Pro Skateboard Complete Pre-Assembled Graphic / Natural... / PLAYMOBIL Holiday Island

With Christmas almost here, I am sure you have gotten copies of Christmas wish lists from all the kiddos in your life. What is better than a toy for Christmas. To be honest, nothing. I still like getting toys as an adult. When I was a kid Legos reigned supreme in my life, so I am always tempted to buy Lego sets for the kids in my life now. I also love anything that will take them outdoors, like a bike, wagon, basketball hoop or baseball glove. For my nephew this year, I got him a catcher's mitt because his goal is to become a great catcher. I am looking forward to helping him break it in while we are up in Big Bear.

What are your go to's when it comes to gift giving for kids?

Beauty Boost with InstaNatural

This post was sponsored by Brandbacker and InstaNatural, but all product opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Headbands & Bagels possible.

I am not a beauty blogger by any means but I do love to take advantage of trying new products when the opportunity arises. Brandaacker and InstaNatural were kind enough to give me some of their beauty products to try and I was pretty excited. Overall I was really impressed with the product and could see myself continuing to use two of the three products pretty regularly. The last product I was not as impressed with but I am particularly sensitive to scent.

Anti Aging Facial Moisturizer Cream
I have only been using this moisturizer for a few days now but I am very pleased with it. I am very particular about what products I use on my skin because I have skin sensitivity, but I have not noticed any negative side effects with this product. The moisturizer itself is thick but very lightweight feeling, enough so that I could see myself using it twice a day instead of just in the evenings. It absorbs very quickly and has a nice light floral scent without being overpowering. Overall the product feels luxurious and luxe.

Stretch Mark and Scar Cream
I have a ton of scars from sports over the years as well as my fair share of stretch marks from weight changes. While I have only been using this product for a few days, I have been hopeful that I will continue to see positive results. I was mostly curious to try it for my scars and while they do not eliminate scars or stretch marks they seem less pronounced. It has a fresh scent and feels lightweight on the skin after application, although it does require some extended rubbing in time to ensure the product is fully absorbed. It is not a miracle cream, but it does help make modest improvements.

Cellulite Cream with Caffeine + Retinol
Like all women I have cellulite and would love to find a product to help reduce the cottage cheese look. Unfortunately I find myself still on the hunt after trying this. While it may work for some, the scent is just too off putting to continue use for me. I am very scent sensitive and I just didn't like the scent. Too bad, since I really liked my other InstaNatural products.

Gift Guide: Your Brother

Gift Guide: Your Brother by preppy-lizzy featuring glass shot glasses

T shirt / Diamond socks / Cocktail jewelry / White Stuff ribbed beanie hat / Men's Snowboard Moc Slipper / Vineyard Vines Shells Printed Bow Tie / Glass shot glasses / John Lewis bar tool / Spinning Beer Pong Rack / Cards Against Humanity / Kombi GTX PrimaLoft Ski Gloves

For most of my life I didn't have a brother to shop for, just my two male cousins. But now that I have two brothers-in-law, I find it difficult to pick out the perfect gift each year. Let's face it, boys can be really difficult to shop for. But this year I feel like I finally got a good handle on it. I look for great party games, like Cards Against Humanity, a really nice flask, ironic tshirts, or even upgrades to things they already have like a new pair of ski gloves or nice socks. Do you have any great gift ideas for the brothers in your life?

Gift Guide: Your Friends & A Giveaway

Gift Guide: Your Friends by preppy-lizzy featuring striped christmas ornaments

Minnetonka shoes / Kate Spade brooch / Kate Spade bracelet / C Wonder tie ring / Kate Spade metallic iphone case / Black sparkly belt / Sephora Collection colorful eyeshadow / Sephora Collection angled shadow brush / Kate Spade Cue the Confetti Notecard Set / Kate Spade Medium Notebook / Kate Spade drinkware / Kate Spade striped christmas ornament

For me one of the best parts of the holidays is finding the perfect gift for family and friends. For my girlfriends, I strive every year to locate the perfect gift. It could be great new earrings, warm earmuffs for their morning commute, a new phone case, great glasses for their apartment, or a mini makeup pallet they can keep on hand in their purse.

Another great option for your friends who love the great outdoors, is a Sand Cloud towel. I have been using mine since this summer and absolutely love it. And what's even better is that Sand Cloud is offering a free towel to one of my readers. Just enter the rafflecopter below and good luck!

 

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Gift Guide: Your Dad

Gift Guide: Your Dad by preppy-lizzy featuring a halloween dinnerware

Carhartt activewear top / The North Face clothing / Carhartt handle bag / Stelton black leather bag / Fossil wrist watch / Sorel Caribou XT / Old Navy Mens Marvel„¢ Captain America Tees Size XXL Big - Navy... / Beats by Dr. Dre Rose Gold Mixr Headphones / Men's Society Tie Clip - Fine & Dandy / Halloween dinnerware / Allurez black home decor / 18-Volt 1/2 in. Compact Drill/Driver Kit-DC970K-2 at The Home Depot

Your dad was the first man in your life, so treat them to something that you know they will love. My dad is an outdoor kind of guy, who loves working in the woods or on his tractor, so cold weather or super durable gear is always a must. He is also a big skier so new gloves are always in order. You could also treat him like the superhero he is with a great tshirt or to a new power drill for his work bench.

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers by preppy-lizzy featuring C. Wonder

Kate Spade gold bangle / Pendant jewelry / Kate Spade sapphire jewelry / J Crew rose jewelry / Pave crystal jewelry / J.Crew clear reading glasses / C Wonder lined mitten / Kate Spade tech accessory / Kate Spade haircare / Kate Spade red ballpoint pen / J.Crew Sugar Paper® journal / C Wonder cheese knive / C Wonder home decor

If you are like my family, sometimes some of your favorite gifts come out of your stocking. In the past I have gotten my monogrammed necklace and multiple signed baseballs out of my stocking. Stocking are always fun because they are the last thing we do while we eat desert on Christmas night.

What is your stocking tradition?

Gift Guide: Your Mom

Gift Guide: Your Mom by preppy-lizzy featuring cuisinart coffee machines

Loose pullover sweater / J.Crew j crew shoes / J.Crew Women's plaid shearling scuffs / MICHAEL Michael Kors grey purse / Nixon bracelet watch / Dogeared heart pendant necklace / BERRICLE clasp earrings / Sole Society tartan shawl / Waterford Mixology Mad Men Edition Draper DOF Glass / Cuisinart coffee machine

Your mom probably doesn't get much recognition over the course of the year, so take the holidays to spoil her a little. Get her a luxurious scarf of sweater, a great pair of shoes, a gift certificate to the spa, or her favorite perfume. She has spent her whole life treating you like a princess, so reciprocate this holiday season.

Gift Guide: Your Sister/Best Friend

Gift Guide: Your Sister/Best Friend by preppy-lizzy featuring a red shoulder bag

Victoria s Secret short pajamas / Sperry Top-Sider sperry top sider boots / Sam Edelman studded shoes / ASOS beige handbag / Kate Spade red shoulder bag / Dogeared holiday jewelry / Olivia Burton dial watch / Brooks Brothers braided wrap bracelet / Henri Bendel stud earring set / Kate Spade tri color earrings / Kate Spade glitter belt / Kate spade glove / BeckSöndergaard cotton shawl / Urban Decay matte eye shadow

If you are anything like me, you have 3 sisters-in-law and your own sister to buy gifts for, not to mention a bestie or two. For the ladies that support you through all your endeavors in life, its nice to treat them to something special for Christmas. Whether it's super soft pajamas, some new baubles or a great makeup pallet, these are the girls you get that something special for.

Gift Guide: Your Hubby or Boyfriend

Gift Guide: Your Husband or Boyfriend by preppy-lizzy featuring a round pizza stone

The North Face Base Camp Duffel / LogoArt silvertone jewelry / Belt / Shop Button-Down Shirts: Port Jefferson Plaid Classic-Fit Whale Shirt... / êShave Lavender Start-up Shave Kit for Sensitive to Normal Skin / New Balance Ml670 / Anon Hawkeye Spare / Emile Henry round pizza stone / Sparq bar tool / Family Tree Flight Attendant Snowboard / Hi-Fi Featuring MIPS™ Helmet - Burton Snowboards

Buying for your significant other is either so easy because you have been saving up ideas all year, or next to impossible. I try to keep a running list year round so that I can snag him so good items, but I usually pair this with some updates to his wardrobe. Getting a little luxury for your SO that they wouldn't normally treat themselves too is the perfect way to wish them Happy Holidays.