Leah Tackles

HOSTESS AND TEACHER GIFT IDEAS | AFFORDABLE

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Tomorrow my middle Little Love turns FIVE! I can’t believe it! I have been busy preparing for his special day, so I still have some shopping to do, but I am starting to finish up the last of my Christmas shopping.

I have been doing a lot of gift guides lately, and that is because during the months leading up to Christmas most of my Googling and Pinterest-ing is me searching for gift ideas for myself. If you have any last requests for ideas for the holiday shopping season, be sure to comment so I can try to do that for your while we are still in the “ships in time for Christmas” timeframe. *Note: Please check shipping times, but I tried to include items that should arrive before Christmas.

Today I want to share gifts that I like to have on hand for people such as teachers or hostesses who I want to thank for their hard-work and kindness, but I maybe do not know as well or have a big budget for. Most of these gifts are beauty related (of course!), but I threw in a few other options as well.

 

 

TonyMoly I’m Real Single Use Mask Set of 11

I love these masks, and if you added a bottle of nail polish small gift card it would be the perfect pampering gift for any lady one your list!

 

The Body Shop Mango Soft Hands Warm Kisses Set

 

 

Philosophy Holiday Hand Cream Set

 

 

Lush The Night Before Christmas Set

 

 

Christmas Spa Gift Set

 

 

Disney Brushed Stainless Steel Waffle Iron 

I think this would be such a fun gift for a family with young kids (or honestly, a Disney lover of ANY age!) who hosts a holiday party.

 

Wine Glass Markers

 

 

Lenox 2017 Snowflake Candle 

 

Thymes Fragrant Frasier Fir Votive Candle 

I have included this candle in my Leah Tackles Amazon Favorites Store because it is SO GOOD! A new holiday must-have for me!

 

 

The Magnolia Journal 4 Issue Subscription 

If you love the show Fixer Upper and/or Joanna Gains, you will absolutely adore this magazine! I look forward to getting mine in the mail, and devour it when it arrives!

Have you finished your holiday shopping? Have you been shopping only for others, or for yourself too? Let me know : ) I hope you have a wonderful weekend! xx

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LAURA MERCIER LOOSE SETTING POWDER DUPE? | COTY AIRSPUN POWDER

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend : )

I have spoken many times both here and on my YouTube channel about the Laura Mercier Loose Powder, but the steep price point made me want to find a more affordable option, and I think I have finally found a dupe that is less than a quarter of the price!

 

 

What It Claims

Coty Airspun Powder has powder particles are swirled and smoothed by air to give it a very soft feel on the skin. This powder is designed with tints that are spread finely through the powder lying evenly and flat on your skin for a flawless finish. Coty Airspun loose face powder claims it can be used to set makeup or as a foundation This translucent loose face powder will hide fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes. Coty Airspun loose face powder is also dermatologically tested and long-lasting. It claims the packaging can be used at home on your vanity or in your purse on-the-go.

My Thoughts and How It Compares 

This powder is very finely milled and mimics the feel of the Laura Mercier Powder that is my all-time favorite (or maybe Laura Mercier mimics it, as the Coty powder has been around since 1935!) and I love the way it sets my makeup, including my under eye area. This powder can be used to bake your concealer or contour, and it is so inexpensive that this would be a great option for that. The powder has a little bit of a smell that is definitely might make you nostalgic or remind you of your mother or grandmother’s makeup, but it didn’t bother me and doesn’t linger on the skin. I am blown away by how matte this makes my skin, and how well it sets my under eye and forehead area and keeps my makeup from settling into my fine lines. The packaging is definitely old-fashioned, and the powder puff is usable, but would be very messy, and I opt to use a brush. I like to use this brush for setting my under eye and this brush for setting the rest of my face. As far as travel, I would never put this in my purse, because it is messy enough to use on my vanity.

My Routine

I apply my primer, foundation, and then my concealer before using my Coty Airspun Powder. I like to set my under eye concealer and my forehead with a small tapered brush (mentioned above) and then my entire face using a large powder brush (also mentioned above). I then continue to do my entire face makeup before setting my t-zone with a *tiny* bit more powder with the same large powder brush. I don’t typically bake my makeup, but on days where I decide to I will also use this to bake my concealer and cream contour.

 

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Have you tried this powder? What is your favorite loose setting powder? Do you bake your makeup? Let me know in the comments and let’s chat makeup! xx

 

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SKINCARE AND GROOMING GIFT GUIDE FOR MEN

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

If you’ve already gotten the man in your life a tie, headphones, or a watch (I love the JORD watches right now!) then you may be starting to run out of ideas. I think that skincare and grooming products for men make great gifts because they are often things that a guy wouldn’t think of or know about to get for themselves.

 

 

Philips Norelco MultiGroom 5000

I love this because it has so much bang for your buck including blades that sharpen as they work, a three-hour battery life, 13 trimming guards, a hair trimmer, and nose and ear trimmer. The reviews on Amazon truly speak for themselves, and I think it is a fantastic price point.

 

 

Honest Amish Beard Balm Leave-In Conditioner

Have you ever seen a guy with a fantastic beard that looks controlled, soft, and maybe has even a hint of shine? I bet he uses this, or something similar, and again the Amazon reviews speak for themselves.

 

 

Burt’s Bees Men’s Gift Set

My husband LOVES Burt’s Bees lip balm, and their aftershave and these little sets are great because they make those basics very giftable. This is also a great affordable option if you have siblings or brother-in-laws who need a little stocking stuffer sized gift.

 

 

Manicure Grooming Set 

This is a great basic that every man should own, and is especially handy for business trips or vacations. I like this set because it is affordable, has a sleek looking case, and a variety of tools to keep nails neat and tidy.

 

 

Luxury Cologne

Whenever I get my husband cologne, it is really a gift for me because I absolutely love the smell of a fantastic cologne. One of my all-time favorite colognes is Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani because it lasts all day, isn’t overpowering for the workplace, and smells incredible!

 

 

Poo-Pourri 

This stuff cracks me up, and I got it as a “gag” gift for my husband one year…this stuff actually works! Plus, they have a special holiday version that makes it all the more hilarious & festive ; )

 

 

American Crew Fiber

This is hands-down my favorite item of 2017 for men’s haircare! You can read my post on American Crew Fiber here.

 

 

What are your favorites men’s grooming or skincare items? Let me know in the comments : ) Have a great weekend! xx

 

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ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS WHITE TEETH! | SMILE BRILLIANT KIT REVIEW AND COUPON CODE

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I did a video on my YouTube Channel nearly a year ago sharing how I whitened my teeth professionally at home with Smile Brilliant. I have used the touch-up kits every few months to maintain my results, and I am just as in love with it now, if not more so, all these months later. I was sent new whitening and desensitizing gel and was compensated for this post, but as always all opinions are my own. I will never accept money in exchange for a positive review.  I think that giving someone the gift of a beautiful smile is a fantastic gift idea or a great way to spoil yourself before all the holiday selfies you’ll be taking ; )

 

My Original Results and Review of Smile Brilliant

How I Use It Now

I like to use Smile Brilliant every three or four months to keep my teeth as white as when I did the kit for the first time.

 

Why I Love It

I have sensitive teeth, other at-home whitening products have hurt my teeth so badly that I couldn’t use them close enough together to get as significant results as I wanted. I also appreciate how affordable this kit is because while I’d looked into professional whitening at the dentist office, it was never something that fit into my families budget. I think that the custom trays you get with Smile Brilliant are really a game changer because they fit your teeth perfectly, so the gel is getting direct contact with each part of your smile. I like that I can keep up my white smile without a trip to the dentist office or a big hassle.

 

 

My Routine

I always wipe my teeth off with a small piece of paper towel or a washcloth to make sure that they are dry before putting a thin strip of the whitening gel into the custom trays and putting the trays in. If any whitening gel presses up onto my gums, I wipe it off with a Q-Tip. I typically use the trays in for 1.5 hours, but as long as 3 hours if I want a really good touch-up. After I remove the trays I rinse my mouth with water and then brush my teeth with Sensodyne toothpaste. I rinse out the and fill them with the de-sensitizing gel, which is my favorite Smile Brilliant product because it makes it virtually painless for me to whiten my sensitive teeth. I try to do my whitening in the evenings, and if I am going to eat after whitening I try to wait at least an hour before doing so.

 

Why I think It Is a Great Gift

I think Smile Brilliant is a fantastic gift because it works for any age, man or woman, and it is such a confidence boost to have a whiter smile. My husband, who has never whitened his teeth because he also has a lot of sensitivity, wants to try Smile Brilliant because he has been so amazed by how effective it has been for me.

 

Coupon Code

Use the code LEAHTACKLES20 to save $20 off ANY Smile Brilliant Kit!

 

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Find the right customized Smile Brilliant Kit!

 

Have you whitened your teeth? Have you tried Smile Brilliant? Let me know in the comments! Have a wonderful day! xx

 

 

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How Much Is Teeth Whitening

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TOP BEAUTY GIFTS FOR HER | PRACTICAL & UNIQUE IDEAS

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Well, Christmas is officially less than a month away and holiday shopping is in full swing. Today I want to share a few of my favorite beauty purchases that I use on a regular basis and think are fantastic gift ideas for any lady in your life (or yourself).

 

 

PMD Personal Microderm System

I love this because it smooths and evens skin tone, reduces blemishes, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I use this once a week and love doing this in the convenience of my own home. The PMD is one of the most important parts of my skin care routine, and think it would make a great gift.

Nume Classic Wand 25mm

This is how I curl my hair most days, and I get questions on my hair more than anything else in my videos and photos…this is my “secret” weapon! I LOVE this thing.

 

Beautiful Fragrance 

I think a wonderful perfume is such a great gift because it is a bit of splurge that people may not want to spend the money on, but will surely love.

Bath Bomb Set

I love bath bombs, but they are not a “need” item, so I love getting them as gifts instead of spending the money on myself.

Light-Up Make-Up Mirror 

I do my makeup in front of a light up makeup mirror every day and think that every woman needs good lighting for makeup. I also love the magnifying feature (well, I love/hate it!) because it makes plucking stray brow hairs so much easier.

 

What beauty item would you love to get as a gift? What is your favorite beauty gift to give? I would love to hear your ideas in the comments : )

Thank you, as always, for reading! Have a wonderful weekend! xx

 

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NADINE WEST REVIEW AND STYLING | CLOTHING SUBSCRIPTION

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you are having a great week! A few months ago I did my first review of Nadine West, a clothing subscription box. A few weeks ago Nadine West reached out to me again and sent me this box for my consideration for review but I was not paid to write this post and as always all opinions are my own.

 

 

What is Nadine West?

NadineWest.com is a company that sends you an outfit to try on and you keep only what you love. The outfit is a surprise, but you take a style quiz and the stylists get to know your style more each month. The outfits are affordable with pieces costing about $10-$30 each, which is very affordable compared to other similar services.

How Does It Work?

On the Nadine West website, you take the style quiz so that the stylist can get to know what you are looking for in an outfit. You will receive a pink package in the mail with your personalized outfit. Try on the outfit and keep what you love and send back what you don’t.

My Thoughts

The style quiz was super easy to do, which was great because I wanted something that didn’t take too much time but I was still able to make notes to make sure the stylist knew my preferences. I really loved the surprise aspect of this, and it was like opening up a girly gift from a really stylish friend. I cannot stand having to return things, it is such a bummer, but I LOVE the way this company does it because your outfit comes with return shipping.

Discount Code

Use the referral code “Nadine” on NadineWest.com (not an affiliate code for me, just sharing the one they currently have on their website) to waive your shipping fee which means you’ll get your outfit in the mail without paying anything!

My Outfit

  

 

 

Did I Keep It?

YES! I absolutely LOVE the sweater, that is right up my alley and one of my favorite colors to wear. I also really love the stud earrings, they’re stunning on and didn’t seem to irritate my ears when I wore them most of Thanksgiving day. I also really love the bracelet, it is so unique and looks gorgeous stacked with my favorite watch of the moment. The necklace isn’t something I would have picked, and I probably won’t wear it often, but I did think it looked pretty with the long sweater. Funny enough, the necklace is my daughters favorite thing out of the whole outfit and has already borrowed it : ) The white shirt I considered returning, it is VERY small and fitted, so while it looked nice on I felt like I was having to tug it down/hold it in at first until I got used to the fit.

Have you tried any fashion boxes like this? Have you tried Nadine West? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

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AFFORDABLE STOCKING STUFFER GIFTS FOR HER | $30 & UNDER

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are ready to spend tomorrow with your loved ones this weekend! After Thursday, we will all be in full-on shopping mode before the holidays, and so today I wanted to share affordable stocking stuffer ideas for yourself or any lady on your list. I, of course, picked beauty items but also included some other things that I think will be fantastic in a stocking. I think stockings are such a fun thing to shop for, because who doesn’t love opening up little goodies hand selected just for you? I think everyone should get a stocking, or two, each year! I also love these ideas because you can purchase them all in your pajamas from your laptop.

 

 

 

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Liquified Lip Set

 

I love Bit Beauty lipsticks, and this set of four of their liquid lipsticks is so tiny it can rest in the palm of your hand, and is oh-so adorable! These liquid lipsticks are a satin finish that gives the lips a pretty fullness. These do not dry down completely. This is a fantastic way to try out the formula and several shades.

 

Naked Basics Palette

The Naked Basics and Naked Basics 2 are both palettes that I reach for a lot and think are perfect are a very giftable makeup item because these neutral matte shades flatter any age and most skin tones.

 

e.l.f. Small Stipple Brush

This brush is a MUST-HAVE for me! This is perfect for liquid or cream bronzer, highlighters, or blushes. I like this inexpensive brush more than higher end stipple brushes for cream face products because it is the perfect size and doesn’t shed.

 

Roller Ball Fragrance

I love having roller ball perfumes for tossing into my handbag and for traveling.

 

Hask Monoi Oil Nourishing Deep Conditioner Packs

Haircare is so important but splurging on deep conditioners is something that people skip because it isn’t a “need”, so getting a high-quality deep conditioner is a great idea for a stocking stuffer that any woman would love.

 

Glass Nail File

After using a glass nail file I will NEVER go back to a regular nail file! Glass nail files are wonderful because the grit is perfect for getting super smooth nails, and you can use them in a back and forth motion for faster nail care. I also love that these are sanitary, easy to clean, and I have used the same one for years without needing to replace it.

 

Pop Socket

This is such a handy thing to have, and it makes it so much easier to film with your phone, take selfies, and watch videos without having to awkwardly prop up your phone.

Tempered Glass Screen Protector

I swear by these! I have cracked these because of dropping my phone (don’t tell my husband, but I drop my phone a lot…) but have  avoided cracking the phone glass because I use these.

Tech Gloves

Have you ever been standing outside and wanted to check your email or wanted to snap a picture but had to pull off your glove? Me too, and these gloves make it so much easier because you can keep you glove on. No gloves will be as easy as using your phone or device without gloves, but these make it possible to do a few things on your touch-screen without having your hand bare in the elements.

 

Viva Sol Mini Bean Bag Game

I can’t resist a great novelty item at Christmas time, and I just picture this being great for laughs with family and friends at Christmastime.

 

Christmas Novelty Socks

I think Christmas socks are a fun thing to tuck inside stockings, and something that even the most straight-laced gal can enjoy at least at home on Christmas morning. I LOVE fun socks!

 

Fine Chocolates

I love good chocolate, and a stocking isn’t complete without a treat! I don’t think I would share these chocolate covered oreos 😉

Gourmet Gummies

I got the idea to include gourmet or “adult gummies” if you will from the YouTube channel Pretty Neat Living and I think it is genius! Champagne flavored candy? Sign me up!

 

Do you get a stocking every year? Have you put together stockings for your loved ones? Stockings shouldn’t be just for little ones, I think everyone deserves a little Christmas wonder!

Thank you, as always, for reading! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a successful start to your holiday shopping! xx

 

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JORD WOOD WATCH | UNIQUE CONVERSATION STARTER GIFT WITH 25% DISCOUNT CODE

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

So, have you started shopping for the holidays yet? The holidays are approaching fast and I am so excited to be sharing two stunning wooden watches from JORD Wood Watches with you that I think would make fabulous gifts. I am also a huge fan of these for gifts because you can order them from your own home while curled up on the couch in your pajamas instead of battling crowds at the mall. JORD provided me with these watches for review, but as always all opinions are my own and I do not accept money in exchange for a positive review.

 

 

JORD Wood Watches

Jord means soil, dirt, earth, and ground in Swedish, and that name is fitting for these wooden watches with original designs and refined aesthetic. If you head to JORD’s Instagram you will see gorgeous watches styled both for work and play. Have you ever thought that the man in your life has plenty of ties, wallets, polo shirts, or bottles of cologne? Me too! Actually, my husband, Stephan, even has several watches, but he had never had anything like a JORD wood watch.

Our Picks

My husband, Stephan, loved the look of the “HYDE” style with 100% natural hand-finished wood and sapphire crystal glass.  Using the JORD Measuring Instructions we were able to easily measure Stephan’s wrist to ensure a proper fit. This watch retails for $219.

 

 

I opted for the “CASSIA” style which features an ultra slim band with interlaced wood and metal links and is now my absolute favorite watch from JORD and one that I have in mind for a few ladies on my Christmas shopping list. The “CASSIA” style retails for $199.

 

 

Packaging

One of the reasons that I think JORD Wood Watches stand out as such a cool watch and unique watch gift is because the packaging makes them so giftable. The box is beautiful, we have two JORD boxes sitting on our dresser, and it is also functional with a drawer under that is perfect for cufflinks or earrings.

The Watches

 

 

Shop

Shop my husbands watch, the “HYDE” style here.

Shop my watch, the “CASSIA” style here.

Shop men’s watches here.

Shop women’s watches here.

Code

Go HERE and fill out a short form to get 25% off any JORD Wood Watch for yourself or a lucky person on your shopping list!

*NOTE! This code expires 12/19/17

Why I Love JORD

JORD was so kind and easy to communicate with which is huge to me because I love good customer service. JORD also has a Watch Care Page which is very helpful especially for a unique product like this. You can also see a lot of fun styling inspiration on the JORD social media sites! I love following JORD and I think I “heart” every Instagram pic they post.

JORD Social Media

Instagram

Pinterest 

Twitter

Facebook

SnapChat

Have you started shopping for the holiday season yet? Are you done with your holiday shopping? Will you be braving the crowds on Friday or will you be shopping from you computer (like me)? Let me know in the comments!

Thank you, as always, for reading!

WIDGET CODE

Luxury Wooden Watch

 

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WHY DO YOUR HANDS GET DRY IN THE WINTER?

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

On Monday I spoke about lip balm (read that post here) and today I am talking about hand lotion because as I mentioned on Monday, it is now officially the cooler months that wreak havoc on our skin.

 

 

Why Do Your Hands Get Dry In The Winter?

Air in the cold winter months saps the moisture right out of your skin.  Also washing your hands more frequently causes moisture to leave your hands because the water from constant washing takes the natural oils from your hands.

What Does Hand Cream Do?

The skin on the top of your hands is thinner and has less sebaceous glands which cause your hands to dry out more quickly.  The skin on your palms is very thick, so you need a hand cream that can work effectively to seal in moisture.

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What is your favorite hand cream? Do you apply hand cream regularly? Do you have any winter skincare tips?

 

Thank you, as always, for reading! Have an amazing weekend! xx

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EOS CRYSTAL LIP BALM REVIEW

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Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend!

The cold weather months are here and for many of us, that means dry lips. I am a huge fan of EOS lip balms, so when I saw the EOS Crystal Lip Balm I was excited to try it out.

 

 

What It Claims

EOS Crystal Lip Balm is described to feel like weightless hydration. EOS Crystal is formulated with a blend of five nourishing natural oils to hydrate lips without a waxy feel. This balm contains shea, coconut, avocado, and other natural oils. EOS Crystal Lip Balm is 100% wax free, vegan, and hypoallergenic. EOS Crystal Lip Balm is also paraben and petrolatum-free and not tested on animals.

My Thoughts

Right off the bat, I LOVE the packaging! It is a rounded triangle shape, but the same general ball shape as the original EOS Balms. The EOS Crystal balm is completely see-through and really cute! I happened to purchase this lip balm when my lips were very dry and dehydrated, so it was the perfect time to give it a true effectiveness test. At first, because my lips felt so quenched I didn’t like that the EOS Crystal didn’t have that waxy, thick feeling that I connected with moisture, and I didn’t like this. After using it for several days I decided that sure, it worked, but I didn’t like it nearly as much as the original EOS Lip Balm. The feel is pretty oily, the look on the lips is pretty like a clear oil or gloss. I do think that these smell very nice and don’t taste bad.  I often use EOS Balm as a thin layer before applying lipsticks, but this one has so much oil which is great for moisturizing the lips but not great for keeping lipstick on the lips. I will continue to use this for moisture but will stick with purchasing regular good ole EOS Balms in the future.

My Routine

I have been using this in the evenings, or on days when I don’t want anything on my lips but a lip balm product.

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Shop My Pick

 

Have you tried this? Do you love it? Hate it? If you haven’t tried it, will you skip it? Try it? Let me know in the comments : ) xx

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