Fall is in the air and while I can get excited about adorable booties (all of my favorites are on my STEP Pinterest board) and chic cozy sweaters (this girl’s got a board for those too), the crisp, cold air is just not my style. So, while everyone else is drooling over dead leaves and anything with the wordage “pumpkin spice” on it, I found a few less basic (did I really just say basic?) things that are perfect for showing yourself a little extra love and indulgence this month… And none of them are pumpkin spice related, promise! =P
1.) Caramel Apple Twizzlers:
Move over pumpkin spice everything. Caramel apple is the all time fall flavor. These babies are incredible. Last week, I made a special trip to Target just to buy 5 packs. Not. Even. Joking. ($1.00 for an 8 Pack at Target)
2.) A dress you can style 30 ways:
With 77 degree temps one day and 45 degree chills the next, it’s a challenging time of year for our wardrobes. Wear it under your favorite long cozy sweater, or tucked into a high low skirt (yep, that’s the same piece I’ve styled in both of those looks!), there are so many different things you can do with a convertible dress from HipKnoTies, you’ll always having something to wear.
3.) Whole Grain Pancakes (that are actually delicious)
Confession: I do not have the best eating habits (like I absolutely despise anything that is or resembles a vegetable). There’s nothing I want more than to have a family in the somewhere near future, and I often think about how I need to get what I put in my body under control so that I can raise kids who don’t have my same distress when it comes to veggies! Self-care coach Leah Borski wrote this scrumptious cookbook when her (now 10-year-old) son was just a toddler. At the time, she was struggling to let go of her own unhealthy eating habits and wanted to set her son up with a love for nutritious foods from early on. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone and that there are resources out there for when I get to the point of raising little gems. =) PS – I cannot wait to make the banana nut light n’ fluffy pancakes inside! ($3.99 for Kindle, $15.99 Paperback)
4.) Glow in the Dark Top Coat (Get it FREE!):
Whenever I need a little self care pick me up, painting my nails is always my go-to activity! Why not get a little festive and try a Glow-In-The-Dark Glitter Top Coat?! It’s one of the #GemFinds Julep has rolled out this month! Want to get it for FREE? Use code TREAT and you get a 3 piece beauty box on the house (including the Spooktacular Glow-In-The-Dark polish!). Nothing like a little Halloween fun to get out of your comfort zone. =)
5.) S’mores in the oven:
No camp fire? No problem. Turn the broiler on high. Lay graham crackers on a pan or directly on the over rack. Place marshmallows on half the graham crackers. Put in the oven for about 2 minutes (this varies for every oven, I suggest just standing and watching them until they turn your desired shade of golden toasted goodness). Take them out. Put a strip of Hershey’s chocolate on the other half of graham crackers. Smush and enjoy!
6.) POPSUGAR Must Have Box:
Last month’s box was appropriately themed “the September Issue”. It included everything I need to conquer the fall fashion season in style – a chic Wide Brim Hat from Jack + Lucy, a tool kit containing everything you need for a perfectly portable mani, a deep conditioning mask that actually works to repair and refresh in minutes, an award-winning lint roller that looks as good as you, an elegant beauty bag staple (packed gold microshimmer to bring out your shine), and a pack of sweet, high-protein on the go treats. Sign up here to be sure you don’t miss the October box! ($39.95 + free shipping)
7.) Longer Lashes and Fuller Brows for Breast Cancer Awareness!
When Megan Cox created WINK, she wasn’t sure who would benefit most from the product. Lash extension fanatics like herself? Those with trichotillomania? Young women? Older women? Men?! Guess who started emailing her with gratitude for her brow and lash enhancer? Warrior women who had just battled cancer. In October, for every bottle of WINK sold, Amalie Beauty donates a bottle to one of these fearlessly strong women to help them regrow their lashes, brows, and confidence. Learn more about the campaign here.
8.) Granola that gives back:
18 year old Michael Kessaris has a passion for cooking. He also have autism. When he struggled to find a career where he could fulfill his passion, mom and dad helped him to create a food based business where their son and others with autism could actively participate in society. In addition to providing income and careers, Luv Michael aims to teach important skills to help those enrolled become employable. And the granola is delicious! ($4.50 for 2oz bag)
9.) Apple picking:
Did you know that by the time you get apples at the store they’re at least 10 days old? No wonder they go bad so fast! Head to a local farm or orchard to pick apples fresh from the tree this fall for a fun, affordable experience the whole family will enjoy (also makes for a fun date activity!).
10.) Foundation you can use wet or dry:
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of multitasking beauty products (they save time and take up less room in your makeup bag). 4 is always better than one and the versatility of this #GemFind makes it the perfect foundation for every single season. When you need a little more coverage, wet the brush (pat dry to get rid of excess moisture) and mix with product in the lid. You can even mix it with your favorite serum for an ultra moisturizing, long wearing coverage option. ($28 from Studio Gear Cosmetics)
Which one will you treat yourself to first, Gem?
More fall #GemFinds:
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