Tis The Season For A Giveaway!

Happy Happy Monday babes!  Adam & I are headed to NYC this afternoon and I'm so excited to possibly see a little snow!  The last time that I saw snow was exactly one year ago {last December} in Prague, and needless to say, I'm a little too thrilled at the idea of bundling up and frolicking around in a snowy wonderland :)  

I'm hoping to get some great photos since NYC is pretty magical this time of year, so be sure to follow me along on Instagram {andy_adler} for a glimpse of my big city getaway.

Now onto that GIVEAWAY!!!  You guys, I have been so excited about this that I could hardly contain myself!  I've been releasing little teasers on instagram because I'm the absolute worst at surprises.  When I am giving a gift I want that person to have it right now.....the anticipation kills me!

Since this is the season of giving, I've decided to gift a few of my favorite things.  These are all items that I personally love and wanted to share with you!

So without further ado, Typical Domestic Babe presents......

My Favorite Little Things:

Cashmere - 100% pure cashmere scarf + gloves.

Travel - A couple travel accessories to take your airport style up a couple notches!  Leather passport case + luggage tag from J.Crew.

Candles - Diptyque candles are some of the best in the world and Ambre is my favorite scent.

Hair Products - Pamper your hair with Pureology Nano Works shampoo & conditioner which is always on rotation in my shower.

Makeup - Urban Decay Naked 3 palette {just released!}.  I own the previous two, and #3 is by far the prettiest :)

Bubble Bath - Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Bubble Bath smells heavenly!

Nail Polish - Tom Ford makes the absolute best nail lacquers.  Smoke Red is perfect for this time of year.

Lip Balm - Minted Rose lip balm from Rosebud Perfume Co is a serious addiction of mine.  I have them stashed everywhere around my house & car.

Eye Cream - I've posted before about the Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream.....life changing!

Rules:

This giveaway has an approximate combined value of $495 and is open to US residents only {sorry my foreign friends!}.  To enter you must follow me on either Instagram or Pinterest and leave your email address in the comment section of this post.  One lucky winner will be chosen at random on Monday, December 30th and notified via email. 

My info: Instagram {andy_adler} //  Pinterest {andyadler}

Since starting this blog in January, I have made amazing friends & connected with people from many different countries.  Thank you so so sooooo much for following along on this fun little journey of mine.  It means the world to me!

  I ♡ my readers! xx

How To Fake A Miami Tan All Winter Long

Even though I live in sunny Miami, rarely will you ever find me lounging on the beach working on my tan.  People are often shocked when they learn that we only go down to the beach maybe once every couple of months considering that we live directly on the beach and the ocean is our backyard!  Ummmmm hello skin cancer + wrinkly old skin?!  No thank you.

On the other hand, I absolutely hate being pale + pasty white.  I have naturally olive colored skin, and when I have no form of a tan I tend to look a little sickly.  I've always been a little bit jelly of girls who have gorgeous porcelain white skin because when I'm pale it's just not a flattering look for me!  So with that being said, I've created a "bronzing routine" that I maintain year round to create the illusion of a Miami tan minus the sun factor.

Read on for more details.

Shop These Items:

Out of all the self tanners that I use, I like the So Bronze tanning mist the best.  This is about the closest thing to getting a professional spray tan in my opinion.  It is very easy to use, and I like the fine mist that it delivers and how quickly it dries.  I have yet to have an issue with streaking and the color is always very natural looking + evenly distributed.  It also doesn't have that awful scent that is so prevalent with most other self tanners on the market.  I use this product about once a week, always directly after a shower where I exfoliate my skin.  One can will usually last me a couple of months.

The St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse is another great product for achieving a believable bronzed glow.  I've used this product off and on for over 6 years, so I guess that says something :)  I think that it's essential to buy the mitt that they also sell, as it makes applying the product so much easier.  I used to only use St. Tropez, but since I discovered So Bronze, I don't use it as much anymore.  Personally, I think that So Bronze is easier to apply {I'm lazy!} and dries faster. 

I'm sure everyone is familiar with Jergens Natural Glow so I don't need to go too in depth about it.  My favorite is the Jergens with the firming properties since my booty can always use a little extra help!  I use So Bronze tanning mist once per week and Jergens generally every other day in between to maintain my faux color.  The combo of the two really seems to prolong the tan. 

I also use the So Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion For Face.  I love how after I apply this to my face it gives me an even natural looking glow {like I just came back from the beach!}.  The product is slightly noticeable after you immediately apply it, and the color deepens after several hours.  It is not heavy or greasy, and does not break my sensitive skin out.  Since I wash my face daily+ exfoliate often, the "tan" doesn't last very long, so I need to reapply every couple of days to maintain.  

Lastly, I think that a good bronzing powder is essential to faking a good tan!  My all time favorite is 'Casino' from Nars.  It blends really nicely and doesn't go on heavy.  A little bit of this goes a long way, and this powder lasts me forever!  

So that's my little routine.  It may not be for everyone, but it works for me :)  What products do you ladies use to achieve a faux tan?

P.S. Check in on Monday because I have an AMAZING giveaway that I'll be hosting!  xx

Holiday Gift Guide Volume V: Work Related Gifts

For the fifth installment of Typical Domestic Babes Holiday Gift Guide, I'm focusing on unique small gifts that you can gift to an office co-worker or a work bff.  

Most of these items are a little bit quirky {perfect for a mandatory gift exchange or secret santa!} and make a big impact....ummmm hello 'Porn For Women' book!!  Another favorite of mine is the handmade scarf which is made by women in an African village. Sales from the scarf pay for the women's supplies + salary.  

All items are under $50, with most being around $25-$35 range. 

So put down that generic Starbucks gift card and spread some cheer!  Happy shopping! xx

Shop These Items:

One. Recycled glass bottle moss terrarium {found here} //  Two. Pottery Barn beaded pouches {no longer available online, but is still in stores} //  Three. Handmade scarf [proceeds of sale go to a charity that employs women from an African village who make the scarves - LOVE this!!] {info found here} //  Four. Gold elephant tea light holder {on serious clearance here} //  Five. Leather luggage tag {on sale here with code GIFTNOW} //  Six. Gold monogrammed mug {here} //  Seven. Scented Be Dazzling candle {found here} //  Eight. Adorable wishbone jewelry/trinket holder {here} //  Nine. Absolutely hilarious 'Porn For Women' book contains no nudity [pictures of men engaged in various acts of housework!!!] {info here} //  Ten. Charming sparrow bottle opener {here}