:: healthy sweet teeth ::

I'm not really one for sweets. And if I do have a craving, it's likely for chocolate covered pretzels or something that mixes a little salt in with anything sugary. It makes me feel less guilty. And if I can tuck a little organic-ness and locally sourced ingredients into my treats, then I really REALLY have no shame in stuffing my face.

So here are a few truffles that totally fit this bill. They're delicious, and raw, and one will totally kill any dessert cravings you have. They're made in Rhode Island and while they're healthy, healthy, they taste good, too. I got mine at Cambridge Naturals in Porter Square:

 I chose the Chocolate Almond Butter Cups because peanut butter and chocolate is my most absolute favorite combo of anything ever. And almond butter is just the healthy version of peanut butter, so it's a compromise that had to be made. With coconut oil, cashews, maple syrup, almonds and Himalayan salt, it's a salty sweet lover's dream.

And while blueberry has never been my thing, the Blueberry Lavender Bliss truffles are amazing, too. Both lavender buds and lavender extract make it taste like the real deal and it surprisingly refreshing for a dessert.

There are plenty of other flavors as well, from chocolate mint to espresso to raspberry. Check them out in the refrigerated aisle, hopefully somewhere near you.

Or, visit their website here!

:: Tees by Tina, Redux ::

I was in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina over the weekend and if 80 degree weather and sunshine weren't enough, I stumbled into a Tina Stephens store! I've written about Tees by Tina before here, but I had no idea that there were actual stores I could go into! (There are two more--Sarasota and Martha's Vineyard).

So, aside from buying a pair of basketweave leggings and a ANOTHER tank in calypso green (for spring!), a sweet sales girl gave me some laundering tips for keeping all my Tina items fresh looking. I've had a bunch of them for at least a few years and they're starting to look a little bit ragged. But now I know I wasn't caring for them right either.

Here's my new regimen:

1. Hand wash cold separately or machine wash cold in the delicate cycle IN A LINGERIE BAG (I wasn't doing this).

2. Turn everything inside out (I wasn't doing this).

 3. Don't bleach.

4. Hang to dry (I wasn't doing this).

5. Don't iron.

And now, I'm off, to wear more of these fabulous tanks and leggings. In spring colors like this:

Tees by Tina clothing / Tees by Tina clothing / Tees by Tina clothing / Tees by Tina clothing / Tees by Tina clothing / Tees by Tina clothing / Rose bouquet

:: backpacks: not just for middle schoolers anymore ::

I'm sorry, but I hate the look of a backpack. Especially if I'm wearing a cute outfit and heading off to work and post-work cocktails. If I'm on a mountain camping or hiking, bring on the Patagonia, but otherwise...no.

Unfortunately, my back, neck and shoulders have been protesting as of late. And all this hellish snow have made me feel like I need both hands free in case I take a digger. It's only a matter of time, folks.

So, in the spirit of comfort and safety over vanity, I'm trying to find some backpack inspiration here:

backpacks!?

3 1 phillip lim bag / Marc by marc jacobs knapsack / Radley grey bag, $335 / Longchamp backpacks bag / Nila Anthony gray bag / Black faux leather bag, $38

:: we're all good ::

I'm going to pretend that it doesn't get so cold in Boston that I'd need seven of these to survive the winter. This denial is acceptable because I've been eyeballing Athleta's All Good Anorak for over a year and their semi-annual sale has it down from $118 to $44. The gray is gone but the taupe is still available!

It's so versatile and I'm a sucker for deep, horizontal pockets (T pass, cell, mace, whatever...). Plus it has a hood. Ship it!
 

Anine Bing distressing jeans / Athleta clothing / Athleta petite activewear

:: pantone. marsala. 2015. ::

I love that we're going to be doing Marsala for 2015, even though it is a little too similar to the oxblood craze we had going on a while back.

There's something about this color that says "winter" while still feeling warm, and offers up some depth without having to go the chocolate route. I consider it a neutral, which means I should probably trade in some of my black items for some that are a little more maroon.

And the best part about Marsala is that it's so versatile, you can incorporate it EVERYWHERE, from your sunnie lenses to your lips and fingers to your leather accessories. And feel free to throw a few red wine stains in there while you're at it.

marsala

:: happy thanksgiving ::

Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels, everyone!

:: mascara is my middle name + a giveaway ::

Everyone who knows me knows that I don't leave the house without mascara. Ever.

And also that I'm an avid volunteer. This fall, I've started spending some time at the Boston office of Dress for Success, which promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. 

So, what a nice surprise to learn that COVERGIRL is launching the #GirlsCan campaign through the sale of their Flamed Out Mascara and All-in-One Mascara, both sold at Walmart. By helping to break down barriers and turn "can'ts" into "cans", they're donating $50,000 to Dress for Success. 

 

 



I tried both mascaras (available at Walmart) and here are my thoughts:

Flamed Out: The wand is hourglass shaped so I ended up using more of the tip, but it's great for getting those corner lashes covered as well. It has a subdued, matte finish, which is perfect for work and it adds volume without caking and allowing for some great volume and separation.

3-in-1: This one is more traditional, with a standard wand and no-frills packaging. Great on definition and length and despite it looking less flashy than the Flamed Out, it's probably the one that would be more of a stand by, always in my purse kind of tube.

So, without further ado, COVERGIRL has given me a $25 gift card to pass along to a reader so you can try them both out for yourself. I rarely write sponsored posts, but this one couldn't be a better fit for me. Just leave a comment by Turkey Day (U.S. address only), I'll randomly pick one and COVERGIRL will send the card on out to you. Good luck! 

For additional information on the campaign, visit GirlsCanGiveBack.com or watch the video here to learn more about #GirlsCan at Walmart.

**The Walmart gift card, product and info has been provided by COVERGIRL.**