Lifestyle

DAILY MAKEUP: AUTUMN EDITION

11.22.16

Now that the weather has finally taken a turn for the cooler, my daily makeup routine is getting a bit of a shake-up! Plum lips, porcelain skin and glowy cheeks are kind of my jam this time of year, and recently I pulled out a few favorites, new and old, that will see me well through the ret of the autumn season. Here are the products I’m currently loving —

– Chanel’s Perfection Lumiere is my perfect base for when I’m wanting more of a full-coverage look. Since most of the time during the spring and summer months I can be found wearing a BB cream (this one is my favorite!), I tend to use a heavier base during the cooler months. This one is buildable and has the loveliest finish. It may be a bit pricey, but a bottle of this lasts me ages and is a little luxury that I love. 

– The Kylie Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lipstick and Pencil in the shade Koko K has been my favorite “your lips but better” shade as of a recent. I had never been much of a liquid lipstick gal until I tried this formula, and now I’m completely hooked. I love the combo of the lipstick + pencil, which makes it so easy to create a clean line and blend the color together easily on my lips. I also love that I don’t have to worry about it moving all over the place throughout the day, and that I can comfortable drink my morning coffee and my have my breakfast while wearing it. While this is more of an everyday kind of color, I’m also love the Lip Kit combo in the shade Mary Jo K — a perfect matte red. 

– Glossier’s Stretch Concealer is the most recent addition to my makeup bag! After reading so many great reviews online, I opted to finally give it a whirl myself. I get very dark circles (when I stressed or not getting enough sleep), so a full-coverage, long-lasting concealer is a must in my book — I just don’t have time for creasing under eyes (but who does, really?). This one held up to the hype and offers full-coverage, a creamy consistency and had minimal creasing (best if paired with a setting powder). The packaging is pretty too, and you know anything Emily Weiss does is bound to be great.

– MAC’s Plumful Lipstick has been a staple in my autumn makeup routine for years now! I first heard of this shade from Estee Lalonde back in the day, and have been grabbing for it every fall season since. It’s of those lipsticks that you really don’t have to worry about (it wears off so nicely), and its the perfect hue for any autumn outfit you may pair it with. 

Ok, I have something to admit — I didn’t want to buy into the hype that’s the Becca Champagne Pop Shimmering Skin Perfector, but after seeing this face palette I was sold! Becca products had already been high on my beauty love list, but I love even more the convenience of having five of their products all wrapped up into one space. This palette may be hard to get of hold now (it came out a few moths ago), but Becca has a blusher and highlight duo and a new blush palette that would make the perfect holiday gift.

Ok – your turn to spill the beans! What’s in your autumn makeup bag? What’s your favorite product right now? Favorite lipstick?

– Chelsea xo 

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Outfits

NOVEMBER TWILIGHT

11.21.16

It’s November 20th and today it finally felt like fall in the desert. We woke up to grey skies, a chilly breeze and a day fit for sweater weather! Scott and I decided to take our morning slow after a busy, but super fun weekend! On Friday, we had a pop-up shop along with a few other local small business owners in downtown Mesa. Being there was like a big reunion with so many of our friends, and folks that I haven’t seen my college and high school days! On Saturday, we attended the sweetest backyard baby shower for two amazing friends who are welcoming a baby girl in February. I posted a photo of the glowy set-up on Instagram, and now I’m ready to have everyone over to our house to re-create this cozy, autumn get-together!

After a slow morning, complete with breakfast at home, hot coffee and watching CBS Sunday Morning together, we high-tailed it to the movies to see Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them! I’ve been so excited to see this movie, and while I don’t want to spoil it for anyone — I’ll just say that it was everything I had hoped for and more! As a longtime Harry Potter fan, it felt so good to see something so connected to the story and idea of HP back on the big screen. So if you’re on the fence about going to see it — do it! Promise you won’t be disappointed! 

In other news, how is Thanksgiving next week? November seemed to go by in the blink of an eye, and now Christmas will be here before we know it. Scott and I are both looking forward to a short work week, celebrating with our families and then selling at Phoenix Flea on Small Business Saturday! If you’re local or going to be in town for the holiday, Scott and I would love for you to stop by our booth for Citizen Home Decor and say hi! We have tons of cute new ornaments this year, and of course — the old favorites too. We’re so grateful and thankful to continue to see our little business grow, and truly couldn’t do this without all of your love and support. Thank you, thank you!

Gigi Pip Quincey Hat                                                                                          
Madewell Courier Shirt
Boyfriend Watch c/o Fossil
Madewell High-Rise Skinny Jeans                                                                                                     Madewell Billie Boots

Here’s to the start of a very thankful and fun-filled week, friends! What do you have planned for the holiday? Going home or staying in with family and friends? What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dish? I could eat a whole pan of green bean casserole — totally not kidding either, haha! 

-Chelsea xo

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Lifestyle

SHOP SMALL WITH CITIZEN HOME DECOR

11.15.16

The best time of the year is almost here and the holiday market season is finally upon us! In case you didn’t know, my husband and I own a small, handmade business — Citizen Home Decor. If you’re local to the Phoenix area, or just visiting for the holidays, come see us this month and the next at a few of the area’s finest handmade markets.

We’ll be at Sweet Cakes Cafe this Friday, November 18th from 4-9pm! Then Phoenix Flea on Small Business Saturday from 10am-5pm. Frances’ Crafeteria is up next on December 2nd from 6-10pm, and then the Tempe Festival of the Arts (we’ll be in the Sixth + Mill Makers area) runs through December 2nd-4th. We’ll be finishing up the season at the Raising Arizona Market on December 11th from 9am-4pm! Come support local and get your gifts for the holiday season — ornaments, walnut and brass trays, AZ state plaques, cut-outs and more! Oh, and if you’re not local — you can also shop us online at CitizenHomeDecor.com. 

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much for your love and support! We couldn’t do this without you!

-Chelsea xo

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Outfits

AUTUMN IN THE GROVE

11.13.16

I’ve sat down numerous times this week to write this post, but the words just didn’t seem flow. Does that ever happen to you? Some may call it writer’s block, others may just say it was time for a break. With all that’s been happening this past week, it felt right to just take things slow and focus on the present. Now that I’ve had a few days to refocus, I’m happy to be back here. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that so much of Scott and I’s life can be found here in this little blog, but at the same time — I couldn’t be more thankful to have this diary of our life. Although this fall has gone by quite in a blur, I’m hoping to be back here more often to share what we’re currently loving and doing — like spending time in our favorite grove on a beautiful autumn day. 

Although this autumn has been a very warm one, I’ve been doing my best to slowly pull out my cold weather items and wear all the fall hues while I can. This is the first year I’ve ever considered decorating early for Christmas, and while I really want to make our home feel even more warm and cozy with a decorated tree parked right in our living room and twinkle lights hanging from the window sills, I am going to hold off just a bit longer and really appreciate everything fall (because ya’ll know how much I’ll be missing this season when it’s over). 

This little Free People number was a favorite purchase from last year, and something I’ve pulled out of my closet more times than I care to share this season (it’s well loved, promise!). The color is perfectly autumn, and it’s breezy enough to be worn even on the hottest fall days in Phoenix. I plan on pairing it with tights and a leather jacket here very soon, but they also have a similar one out this year — in case you’re interested in it for your Friendsgiving or holiday party get-togethers!  

Madewell Wide Brim Felt Hat (similar)                                                                                          
Free People Austin Dress  
Alex and Ani Bracelets  
Halogen Booties (similar)

Scott and I are finishing up a few projects this evening, and then we’re probably going to watch a few episodes of Gilmore Girls. We’re trying out hardest to get through the complete season before the new episodes air! I’ll always be on Team Jess, but I’m so curious to see what the reboot brings. What do you think, will she end up with Dean, Jess, Logan or? Place your bets, mates! 😉

-Chelsea xo

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Lifestyle

SENTIMENTAL GIFTS WITH FRAMEBRIDGE

11.08.16

With the holiday season right around the corner, I’m doing my very best to get ahead of the game and start planning this year’s festivities — a cookie party, a day of fudge making, a trip up to the snow and more! I’m also starting to think of presents I would like to gift my loved ones this year, as I’m terrible under pressure and really need time to mull things over. Sentimental gifts do have a special place in my heart, though, and while I love gifting those perfect boots or a favorite tool (in Scott’s case), I love even more to give a present with heart – something that hits a chord and can be cherished long past that year’s styles and trends. Gifting photos has always been a favorite of mine — photo albums, lockets with tiny pictures inside (of me or our family pets – haha), and this year I’ve found the perfect “mini” gift that holds an extra dose of love and meaning — the Instagram Mini from Framebridge. With this holiday season being the first of many in our new home, it feels extra special to gift an item that was one of the very first pieces we hung up on our walls when we first moved in. 

These perfectly framed memories will make the best (and easiest) gifts for our loved ones, and if you’re interested in doing the same — you can get 15% off of your first Framebridge order with the code ChelseaBird15! Now, who’s ready to start decorating the tree? Just kidding — not until after Thanksgiving for me!

-Chelsea xo 

Thank you to Framebridge for sponsoring this post!

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Lifestyle

OUR TINY HOUSE DINING TOUR WITH LIVING SPACES

11.02.16

Along with our recent fall home refresh, our tiny dining space recently received a much needed update! When we first moved into our house, we filled this 5×8 space with an inexpensive table we bought off of Craigslist, along with two chairs from Goodwill and two chairs that we had in our previous home. Everything was a bit mismatched, but it worked for us and freed up some time and additional funds to spend on other areas of our home that we felt needed a little more love and care at the time. For months this space felt unfinished and not where we wanted it to be, so we were both incredibly thankful when our friends over at Living Spaces shared that they not only could help us refresh our home for autumn, but also revamp our entire tiny dining space right before the holidays (a dream come true for these first time homeowners who will be hosting Thanksgiving this year!). Living Spaces wants to help you update your space too, so keep reading! 

Much like with our refresh, we spent some time prepping before heading to our local Living Spaces. We researched available dining sets online, along with separate tables and chairs — made a list of our must-haves, ideas for a color palette and any accent pieces we knew could make the tiny space feel complete. While we both walked into the store with an open mind, we knew that we wanted this space to remain bright, airy and comfortable for us and our guests. With such a tiny space to fill, we didn’t want it to be overcrowded, but rather just the perfect balance of function and decor. After all, we wanted to make sure this space would easily flow with the rest of our home — from the living room, down back through our bedroom — we wanted the style and pieces to all fit together.

After mulling over a few different styles and pieces, we ultimately fell in love with a classic tulip style table, the Olivia Dining Table, that would bring a highlight to our dark floors and add in some dimension to this space. We’re big fans of round tables, and love that this one can easily accommodate the two of us for daily meals, but is also big enough for added guests and can comfortable sit four people (if not more!). We decided to pair the table with the Claire Natural Side Chairs to pull in a little warmth, texture (I love the woven seats) and provide seating for four without feeling bulky (the cut-outs and rounded edges make them feel sleek and airy).

To pull the whole space together, we added in a woven rug with a sienna accent to complement the chairs and provide some definition to our dining space. We also included a few velvet pillows for extra comfort and coziness, and a round marble bowl for a extra little storage (and a pop of color!). The painting was a last minute addition — a favorite piece done by Scott about ten years ago. We thought the colors and tones matched our updated space perfectly, and really helped to bring the eye up and make this area appear larger than it is. 

Overall, we’re both very incredibly happy with how this tiny space turned out! We been living with for updated dining area for about two months now and truly couldn’t be happier with our purchases. Living Spaces is well known for have many different styles at affordable prices, and we love that these pieces don’t break the bank! Ready to update your dining space for the holidays? Living Spaces‘ annual Veterans Day Event just started and you can now shop for deals on dining sets, couches, beds and more — just in time for the holiday season! Living Spaces is also partnering with Furnishing Hope, an amazing organization that provides interior design services to wounded war veterans, to help bring in an extra dose of warmth and coziness to each home they complete.  

We hope you love our updated dining space as much as we do! Don’t forget that we’re partnering with Living Spaces to celebrate the fall season on Pinterest where you can win one of five $250 promo cards to shop and refresh your own space for fall! Head on over to the Living Spaces Facebook page to enter to win!

You can also shop our space by checking out my Pinterest board with all of items featured! Happy Wednesday, and I’ll be back very soon!

-Chelsea xo 

A huge thank you is in order to Living Spaces for sponsoring this post!

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Lifestyle

SCHNEPF’S PUMPKIN PATCH

11.01.16

Happy Halloween! The spookiest day of the year is finally upon us and I’m doing my very to soak it all in — creepy music, pumpkin coffee and all the Halloween candy I can get (even before breakfast, oops!). Scott and I got home last night, after a whirlwind weekend in Palm Springs celebrating two of our dearest friends’ wedding (which was incredible – more to come on that!), and jumped full-on into All Hallow’s Eve prep with pumpkin carving and Hocus Pocus watching!. HP is my absolute favorite Halloween movie, so we just had to get it in before the big day!

A few weekends back, we took our annual trip out to our local pumpkin patch, Schnepf Farms! We went on a Sunday evening during their pumpkin and chili festival and it was packed — but so much fun! We’ve been coming here for years and it always feels good to keep the tradition alive. Last year we missed out, but we were in Seattle taking in all of the autumn colors and fall weather — so I guess that was a pretty good trade-off!

Scott and I are all ready to celebrate All Hallow’s Eve tonight! While I just picked up a new witch hat and a flowy cape (think Sanderson sisters, but in all black!), Scott has been working on his costume for week! He and a friend from work were Harry and Lloyd from Dumb and Dumber (orange and baby blue suits and all) for their office’s Halloween party and costume contest — promise to share a photo soon, the resemblance is uncanny, haha! Oh, and they won first place! 

Tonight we’re going out with our friends to take their littles treat or treating, and then will probably come home and put on a spooky movie and drink some hot apple cider! Watching Halloweentown is still on my list, so we better get that one in before the clock hits twelve and all of the Halloween magic is over! November 1st is my mom’s birthday, so the celebrations will continue on tomorrow — cake included this time! 

Madewell Wide Brim Felt Hat (similar)                                                                                          
Ashley LeMieux Bell Sleeve Picnic Top  
Alex and Ani Bracelets  
Madewell High-Rise Skinny Jeans                                                                                                     Nisolo Haper Chukka Boots

I hope ya’ll have a wonderful evening, whether you’re tricking or treating, passing out candy or are cozied up on the couch watching Hocus Pocus! Have a spooky night!

-Chelsea xo

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Outfits

DEAR OCTOBER

10.27.16

Where have you gone? My favorite month is almost over, but the best is yet to come! On Friday, we’re celebrating Scott’s 28th birthday — finally we’ll be the same age, haha (I’m 6 months older)! We’ll be celebrating with family and friends on Thursday night, and then heading to Palm Springs the following morning to explore, relax and see my best friend get married! It’s going to be an emotional weekend (I’m such a sucker for love and weddings), and I just can’t wait to get the party started! I also have a full list of places we’re hoping to visit while in PS (like that darn pink door), but would love any suggestions you may have! 

Even thought it’s still so hot in Phoenix (in the mid-90’s most days), I’m doing my best to slowly pull out my autumn pieces. Other than boots, I haven’t really made any cold-weather clothing purchases just yet. Madewell and Loft have so many cozy sweaters and cardigans right now, but I just haven’t been able to bring myself to buy anything remotely warm. Most years, I would have ran out first thing in early August to grab all of the cozy knits and autumnal colors — but this year I’m playing it slow and waiting for just the right pieces. I guess you can say my buying habits are changing — I’m more into waiting for the perfect piece than buying the first thing on the rack. Maybe that’s just what happens when you get older — anyone else with me?

With early November about to make its grand entrance, we’re doing the best we can around here to get all of the pre-Halloween items marked off of our checklist. Pumpkin patch — check! Watch The Addams Family — check! Hocus Pocus — still on the list, along with Halloweentown and Casper! I I also still want to carve our pumpkin for the big day, as carving pumpkins has always been a sweet tradition in our family. Scott carved the state of Arizona into a small pumpkin for the market last weekend (here, if you’re curious!), and it turned out super cute! An owl, a cat or a grinning triangle face are my usual go-to’s, but we’ll just see how this year’s turns out. Maybe I’ll go crazy and carve a coffee mug, or maybe even a cacti – ha!  

Vince Camuto Wide Brim Felt Hat (similar)                                                                                          
Madewell Sweater (similar) 
Madewell Crossbody purse (similar) 
Madewell High-Rise Skinny Jeans                                                                                                       Nisolo Haper Chukka Boots

Ok, I’m off to run a few errands, bake another cheesecake (I baked one last night for Scott’s birthday and now I need one more for our trip!) and then start packing for our weekend getaway. I’ll be posting to Instagram Stories a lot while we’re away, so don’t forget to follow me there if you don’t already! Hope ya have a great evening, friends! Be back soon!

-Chelsea xo

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Lifestyle

CHEERS TO TEN YEARS

10.24.16

Ten years ago today you kissed me on the hand and asked me to be your girlfriend. We were so young then, unaware of what the years ahead would bring our way, but I feel certain that we already knew that this was forever. There’s no one in this world I would rather drink coffee late at night with, go on wild adventures with or go through this crazy journey we call life with then you. Thank you for being my rock, my confidant, my person. I love you, John Scott! Here’s to all of the exciting times and decades ahead of us! I have a feeling that this next decade will be just incredible!

With all of my love,

Chelsea xo

Photo by Rennai Hoefer of Ten 22 Studio

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Lifestyle

AROUND OUR HOME — 04

10.24.16

There’s no denying that October is one of my favorite months of the year (right next December with all the magic it holds and and January with our wedding anniversary in tow), and much to my dismay — this month has just flown on by! I rang in the beginning of the month in San Luis Obispo, celebrating my bestie’s Bachelorette at the Madonna Inn — which is equally as amazing and unique as you’ve been lead to believe. The second week held some much needed rest and prep for the weeks ahead, which lead us to participating in the AZ Share That You Care market with Pineapple Triangle and the newly formed Mesa Bazaar the following two weeks. This months has also held a visit to the pumpkin patch, PSLs and most recently — lots of spooky tv shows and movies! Hocus Pocus is still on my list, but I promise we’ll get to it by the end of the month! 

Aside from all the fall goodness, here’s a few things that I’ve been loving this month —

— Decorating our home for autumn has been the absolute best! You can read more about our fall refresh here (+ enter to win $250 for your own home!), but I’m also loving these spooky paper bats that have taken over our entryway mirror (if only they would stick better!). Love the full moon vibes this spot is giving off!

— Spending more time with our family pups, Scout (pictured) and Piper! These two bring me so much joy and I couldn’t love having them over any more! Now that it’s getting cooler out, I’m really excited to take them on more evening walks and to the dog park — they love making new friends!

– This blanket ladder (similar online, or you can pick up one at our next market!) that Scott whipped up for me is giving off all of the cozy feels! Paired with a knit blanket, it’s making our home feel extra warm and ready for the fall and winter seasons. 

Can you tell that I’m home obsessed lately? I’m truly still not over our new’ish place and the thought of being homeowners — it’s the absolute best! Here’s to a great week ahead, and I’ll be back soon!

-Chelsea xo

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