2018: Favorite Splurge Beauty Products of the Year

2018 is almost over, so I thought I would share some of my favorite splurge beauty products of the year..... 

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Cloud Cream | This moisturizer has saved my skin! I will say this ish is expensive, but so worth it. I have really dry skin in the winter so this moisturizer is key to my skin's success. It's super light and can be worn under makeup. I usually apply it after cleansing each night. For sure a big splurge, but it has lasted me quite some time. If you are looking for a high end skincare moisturizer to try, I highly suggest this one!

Born this Way Two Faced Foundation | I've re-purchased this foundation I think 3-4 times. It is my new go-to! The wearing power is very good, lasts me through the entire day! Plus it is pretty full coverage, which is important to me. The price isn't too outrageous but it is for sure more than your drug store foundation. But, I believe investing in good foundation helps keep your skin clear. 

Caviar Stick Eye Shadow Laura Mercier | I mourned the loss of my Benefit cream eyeshadows, they stopped making them, so I had to find a replacement for a cream eyeshadow base. This Laura Mercier eyeshadow stick has done that! I apply this under all of my eye looks. It works as a good base, or is pretty on its own. Rose gold is the shade that I use. 

Two Faced Just Peachy Velvet Matte Eyeshadow Palette | One of my most used eyeshadow palettes of the year by far is my Two Faced peach matte palette. Number one is smells like peaches, which is amazing. Second, it creates such unique looks! Whenever I wear these shadows I always get a compliment on my makeup. They apply very well with little fall out, and have great pink and brown options included. 

What are your favorite beauty products of the year? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

Sew Cute Holiday: Christmas at Aulani

Spending time at Aulani at the end of November meant we got to take in all of the gorgeous holiday decorations all around the resort. So, today I'm showing off some of these beautiful trees, garland, and more! 

What was your favorite decoration from the resort? I love the little lights near the shaved ice stand! Let me know your favorite in the comments below. 

XOXO 

Miranda 

Sew Cute Holiday: A Hawaiian Holiday

Another day another Christmas look am I right? I have a confession to make: I stole this sweatshirt from my mom to take this photo. What can I say, it was too cute not to steal! 

This adorable sweatshirt is from Walt's Wardrobe! Aulani was the perfect place to snap a picture in it. This is right in front of their coy pond that has a picture perfect view of the lobby area. The hotel gives me major Polynesian vibes, for obvious reasons. Turns out the hotel was actually designed by the same guy in charge of Animal Kingdom. So cool!

Where it's from:
Sweatshirt: Walt's Wardrobe 

Shorts: J. Crew 

Ears: Aulani Resort 

Location: Aulani a Disney Resort and Spa

I hope you enjoyed this little post! Let me know your favorite Christmas movie in the comments, I wanna know! 

XOXO 

Miranda

Sew Cute Holiday: Mele Kalikimaka

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say, on a Hawaiian Christmas day. It's that time of year friends! Merry almost Christmas. Today I wanted to share a fun Christmas look I wore while I was on vacation at Aulani a Disney property in Hawaii. 

Aulani had a pretty good selection fo Christmas themed items, which I was all over. Originally we were supposed to be there during Christmas time, but I'm kind of happy we were able to see all of the Christmas decor! I'm doing a full post on all of the decor at Aulani soon, so look out for that. But, in the meantime you can enjoy this adorable Christmas tee I picked up in the gift shop. 

It features a Mickey holding a pineapple, which is adorable, and a big Christmas tree! And of course it says Mele Kalikimaka on the bottom, which means Merry Christmas in Hawaiian. 

I paired my tee with simple white shorts and of course my Aulani Minnie ears! But, to wear this tee during the holiday season in Chicago I would probably swap the shorts for leggings or a pair of jeans and add a cozy sweater on top. If I was wearing shorts right now I would be freezing to say the least! 

Where it's from: 

Tee: Aulani Resort 

Shorts: J. Crew 

Ears: Aulani Resort 

Necklace: KJP 

Sunglasses: Ray Ban 

Bracelets: Hermes, Pandora 

Location: Aulani a Disney Resort and Spa 

Mele Kalikimaka everyone! Do you celebrate a warm or cold Christmas? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda

Sew Cute Holiday: Mom Gift Guide

Barbour Beadnell wax jacket | Barbour Beadnell polarquilt jacket 

pom pom beanie | bow stud earrings | fox watch | Daniel Wellington watch 
Jack Rogers | new pair of sunnies | leather gloves | jetsetter bag 
tartan scarf | birthstone necklace | bow ear muffs 

Shopping for mom's seems to be so much easier then shopping for dads. I'm not sure why, it just is! But, regardless I asked my mom what was on her wishlist, plus I added a few other fun gift ideas perfect for your mom!

Some splurge items for your mom include a classic Barbour jacket, whether it be quilted or wax. Then of course a watch makes a great gift for mom! My mom is all about watches, so I included a simple Daniel Wellington watch, which is on her wishlist. Plus a Olivia Burton watch that I got my mom while I was in London. A nice handbag or pair of leather gloves also make great gifts for mom.

As for stocking stuffers a new pair of sunglasses, dainty earrings or necklaces, or a brand new beanie or scarf are great small gift ideas!

What are your go-to gifts for your mom? Let me know in the comments below! 
XOXO 
Miranda 

Sew Cute Holiday: Chuck's Christmas Wishlist

Mickey bandana | Mickey rope toy | Mickey sweatshirt 

Christmas pjs | bow tie collar | Barbour dog coat 

Santa sweater | Barbour dog bed | holiday harness

Mickey Mouse club toy | waffle toy | plaid hoodie

Merry Woof-mas from Chuck! Chuck decided he wanted to join in on the gift guide bandwagon, why should I have all the fun right? So, today I'm sharing Chuck's Christmas wishlist. He's super excited for his first Christmas, and to turn 6 months old in December. It's a very exciting time.

The first things on his wishlist are some fun Disney Dog items! He's all about some squeaky toys to bite and play with. This Mickey waffle toy is too cute! Plus he's dying to become apart of the Mickey Mouse Club with this little hat toy too. Don't forget this adorable Mickey rope toy also! Now to up his Disney style game he is eyeing this Mickey sweatshirt, holiday harness, and Mickey bandana.

For his more refined side he's wanting a big boy Barbour dog bed. Right now he can't be trusted with his bed, but he's hoping he'll get upgraded by Santa. Then he wants another Barbour dog coat because you just can't have enough! To complete his dapper look he's wishing for a new bowtie collar, he's loving plaids and tartan patterns.

Then to get festive for the holidays he wants some pjs and a cozy hoodie from Frenchie!

What is on your pup's Christmas list? Are you interested in more puppy or dog content? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda 

P.S. Yes I know I am on that crazy dog mom status, we've been here for quite some time. 

Sew Cute Holiday: Dad Gift Guide

Barbour Powell jacket | leather gloves | briefcase 

leather washbag | tartan scarf | valet tray 

coffee table book | Home Depot giftcard | watch roll 

Donald Duck tee | decanter set 

bottle of his favorite alcohol | cigars 

Let's be honest, guys are really hard to shop for. I'm not sure why, but they just are! So, today I am rounding up some gifts I know my dad would enjoy and maybe they can help you shop for your dad! 

My dad is all about the Barbour gifts. A great jacket for any guy, not just your dad, is the Powell quilt. It is polarfleece lined so it's great for winter! My boyfriend has it and loves it. It's just a nice clean looking coat with interesting detailing. Winter accessories that pair well with any coat include a tartan scarf or a pair of leather gloves. I love this pair of gloves because they are lined with a super fuzzy warm fabric. Comfort is key with guys, and everyone in general tbh. I'm all about the cozy factor. 

Travel accessories are also a nice gift for your dad! A lot of dad's out there are always going on business trips and are probably using the same travel items they've had since "back in the day" aka probably the 70s or 80s. This Barbour valet tray is great for a dad that takes off his watch or other items at the end of a long day. I also love this watch wrap to store any watches while traveling. Complete their travel accessory collection with a new wash bag like this Barbour leather one. A new briefcase is also a great gift idea.  Whether they carry a messenger bag, backpack, or a true briefcase there are a ton of options out there to meet their individual preferences!

More lifestyle or home gifts for your dad could include a coffee table book that fits their interests. In my case my dad loves cars, specifically Porsches. So, I found this Porsche coffee table book at Target! You can tailor the topic of your coffee table book to your dad's interests. They can put it in their office, man cave, or in their favorite spot to watch TV. Other home gifts could be a new decanter set along with a bottle of their favorite liquor. Scotch or Whisky is probably a safe bet! Cigars are also a fun easy gift, perfect for a stocking stuffer too. Again, tailor these choices based on your dad's preferences! If you are really lost on what to get your dad gift cards like Home Depot, or their favorite car part store are always appreciated. Or even an Amazon gift card would do the trick. My dad is always perusing Amazon Prime for new finds. 

Lastly, something a little more light hearted, a graphic t-shirt is a fun gift for your dad! I'd obviously go for a Disney tee, but places like Target have some fun novelty tees for under $30. Even a Christmas tee could be fun gift to snap a photo with your dad by the Christmas tree! 

What are your go-to dad gifts? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda

Sew Cute Holiday: The World Traveler Gift Guide

Away bigger carry-on | fold-away duffle bag | passport cover

clear small pouch | mini metallic pouch | travel bottles

sleep mask | Tartelette mini palette | Dry Bar mini dry shampoo 

comfy leggings

As someone who travels a TON I have learned what you need while you are constantly on the go. So, I've compiled a great list of gifts perfect for the jetsetter girl on your list. Every item on this guide is an item I own, or I own something similar to it and use it while I am traveling! 

First up is bags. My Away bigger carry on literally saves lives. I have never had a better carry on suitcase then this one. You can see all of the features on the website, but it compresses everything, is hard shell, has two different sizes to pack on, and so many great other features. Plus, it has a built in charger which has saved me during delayed flights or waiting for connections at the airport. I have the purple color, which they have brought back as a limited edition color (it is gorgeous. But, I also love this pink color! So cute! I bring this carryon suitcase basically every flight I go on. Mine has seen multiple countries, states, and has been checked and it still looks great. 

Next up, I always carry a Cath Kidston foldaway tote bag in my carry-on. If you know me I tend to shop while I travel #oops and bring back too many souvenirs for my carryon suitcase. So, I always keep this bag tucked in my carryon in case I need extra space coming home. I simply make the duffle bag my carry on and check my carryon suitcase. Cath Kidston has some items marked down so be sure to check out their sale section for some foldaway duffle bags! 

Then I love Stoney Clover Lane pouches to pack my toiletries. I use a small pouch to keep random toiletries and my toothbrush then another small pouch to put my brushes and dry shampoo in. Then I use a mini pouch in my purse to keep my compact, lipsticks, and a Tide to go stick! They have a ton of color and size options so the possibilities are endless. You can even customize them with patches. 

As for small stocking stuffers for the world traveler I love these travel bottles from the container store. You can fill them with your normal shower products to take with you on the go! Then Dry Bar's dry shampoo is a must for refreshers on the go. I also love Tarte's mini palettes. They are the perfect size to travel with and still allow you to create great eye looks without a huge bulky palette. Then basic gifts like a fun passport cover, luggage tag, or eye mask are always crowd pleasers! 

Lastly, I love this pair of Aerie leggings for travel. I wore them on my flight to London and they were so comfy. But, also have pockets which are great for putting your boarding pass or phone. They have a little more style then your basic legging which makes you feel a little more put together, but comfy, especially on long flights. 

What are your favorite travel gifts? Let me know in the comments! 

XOXO 

Miranda

Sew Cute Holiday: My 2018 Wishlist

Mickey Shinola watch | purple jetsetter backpack | baguette bangle 

floral watch | velvet watch | star bracelet  | bow necklace 

Lacoste Disney crewneck | Gucci crossbody | mini peach palette

YSL lipstick in soft pink | broadway tickets | Away large suitcase 

velour sweatshirt | stripe stud earrings | rhinestone bangle 

Mickey 90 charm 

It's that time of year again! Gift guides galore are out on blogs and gift giving is in full swing. With Black Friday being today I wanted to share some of the items on my wishlist because some of them are on sale today! 

First up, naturally I had to put some Disney items on my wishlist. First thing is this stunning Shinola rose gold Mickey watch. With a hefty price tag this isn't something I will be gifting myself, but one can be hopeful someone will pick it up for me lol. I'm a huge fan of Shinola so when I saw this collaboration I fell in love. Another collab I'm loving is the Mickey Lacoste items! This stripe crewneck sweatshirt is sooooo cute. Plus would be perfect to rock in or out of the parks. Then of course I had to throw in a Pandora charm! I really want this Mickey 90 charm, it is 25% off right now for their Black Friday deal!! Which their charms rarely go on sale so be sure to check it out! 

Next up on my wishlist is all things Olivia Burton. Olivia Burton is a jewelry and watch brand I recently discovered. Her pieces are delicate, girly, and gorgeous to say the least. I picked up two watches at their Covent Garden store while I was in London. But, turns out they sell watches at Nordstrom! But, they have a ton of other jewelry pieces on their own website as well. 

Then, it saddens me, but my beloved Henri Bendel will be closing after the holidays. So the main thing on my wishlist is all things Henri Bendel. Seeing how I have to stock up for the rest of my life I'm probably going to be dropping some major cash before they close in January. One thing I have to get is another jetsetter backpack. This is my all time favorite purse and I basically carry mine everyday, so I'm gonna need another one for sure! Then of course some of their gorgeous jewelry is always nice to unwrap for Christmas. 

For smaller gifts I'm eyeing this mini Two Faced palette and YSL lipstick from Sephora, then anything Aerie! But especially this lavender velour sweatshirt. Aerie is having 40% off everything right now! So run don't walk to stock up on your favorites. I already picked up some underwear, pajamas, and some other goodies. Bigger ticket items I'm eyeing are this gorgeous Gucci crossbody. I've been eyeing it for soooo long. The next "big girl bag" I get will for sure be this one! Then I would love to upgrade my larger suitcase to the Away large suitcase. The larger suitcase I have right now it on it's last leg. From surviving study abroad, two trips to Europe, and a lot of work or Disney trips it's seen some shit. So, a new suitcase would be awesome! 

All these gifts are great and all, but I am also all about gifting experiences. This year my wishlist includes Broadway in Chicago tickets or even a Southwest Airlines gift card. I've realized that I have so much stuff that gifting experiences can be fun too! Whether it's concert tickets, money towards a trip, or whatever you may be interested gifting experiences can be just as fun as getting material objects. This year from my parents we are going to Disney for our Christmas gift, which I am so excited about. We are doing the Very Merry Christmas Party and staying for a long weekend. I'd honestly rather spend time with my family or friends then get a ton of gifts I don't really need. 

Bet you didn't see that one coming! But, it's true!

What is on your holiday wishlist? Let me know in the comments below! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

Sew Cute Holiday: Disney Small Shop Sale Guide

Happy almost thanksgiving everyone! I hope you are enjoying your family and friends over this long holiday weekend. Also, enjoying some good food and traditions. We all know that after Thanksgiving the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping commences. Tonight, I'm going over some of my favorite Disney small shop Black Friday deals! There are so many blogposts out there outlining all of the large stores bloggers are shopping at this Black Friday. But, if you are a Disney fan I encourage you to shop small and support small businesses this holiday season! You can get gifts for yourself, or for people on your list. 

Oh Yeah Apparel | EVERYTHING buy one get one FREE on their site! Starts Thursday (Thanksgiving) at 10pm EST.  

www.ohyeahapparel.com 

Happily Ever Tees | Tanks $15, tees $19, and other gifts under $10! 

www.happilyevertees.com

Brand by You | Starts Friday at 11/23 at 7am PST ends 11/26 at midnight PST. 10%, 20%, or 30% off and new items for the sale! Sign up for emails for items you want to get alerts! 

www.brand-by-you.com 

My favorites 

Sorcerer Apprentice cardigan sweatshirt

Lost Bros Trading Co. | Extra 35% off sale items, new items recently added! Holiday items will be back in stock including tees, pajamas, and more. Starts 8pm EST on Thanksgiving. 

www.lostbrostradingco.com

Shop House of Mouse | New Toy Story ears and other new designs coming to the shop Black Friday. Will be released at different times so everyone has a chance to get some. Sale will start around 6pm PST, look out on her stories to get exact times! More announcements to come on her Instagram. 

Shop House of Mouse on Etsy

My Oh My Supply Co. | New limited edition designs launching Thanksgiving at 12pm EST. Different deals and launches each day. Buy more save more style on Friday and Monday. Saturday spend $75 and get a $20 gift card to use at a later date. Sunday free shipping on all orders. 

www.myohmysupplyco.com

My favorites 

bend and snap crewneck | holiday cheermister | Kevin t-shirt

The Mad HattEar | Sale will begin 9am CST! All ears 20% off, all order over $50 will receive a free pin, first 20 orders get a wooden Mickey ornament. Stocking stuffers including scrunchies, ornaments, cozies, etc are $5! 

www.themadhattear.com

Main Street Press | Sale for email subscribers begins 11/22 from 8pm-mindight EST. Everyone else can shop Friday morning. Parc Packs, tees, tanks, jackets, and more will be included in the sale. Subscribe to emails to get more info! 

www.themainstreetpress.com

Walt's Wardrobe | Email subscribers will get Black Friday info! Look out on their Instagram for more details. 

walts-wardrobe.myshopify.com

Main Street Morgan | Starting now use code BLACKFRIDAY fro 25% off fleeces or your order of $40 or more.
Main Street Morgan on Etsy

THISDFLOVE | New donut ears are launching Saturday at 12pm PST. Free shipping on all apparel all black Friday with code BLKFRIYAY. Small shop Saturday ready to ship sale starting at 12pm PST. All ears will ship Monday. Mystery ear boxes go live at 6pm PST with 7 themes to choose from.
www.thisdflove.com

Bibbidi Bobbidi Bling | Glitter Friday starts 11/23 at 12:01am. All glitter shoes BOGO 50% off, no code needed.
www.rundisneybling.com

Pixie Cases | Starts at 10am EST! Sticker packs, phone cases, and other goodies on sale! Check her Instagram page for more details.
www.pixiecases.com

Pretty Little Monograms | Bibbidi Bobbidi Brooke x PLM collab launching Saturday 11/24 at 9am EST. Other Black Friday deals to be announced.
www.plmonograms.com

Magic Made Co | Deals start Friday at 9am EST. Entire site 15% off no code needed. Order $35 receive a free light pink dreamer tee, leave size in notes section at checkout. $3 flat rate shipping!

Grape Soda Club | New necklace designs released on thanksgiving at 5pm PST/ 8pm EST part of their Black Friday sale!
www.grapesoda.co

Aloha Ear Design | Free shipping! Every order over $30 will receive FREE glitter lost princess interchangeable ears with code BLACKFRIDAY. Exclusive glitter colors available. Sale begins 8am EST. Last year they sold out in the first 4 hours so be sure to set your alarms! 

www.alohaearsdesign.com

Free ears with code BLACKFRIDAY!

Other sales at small shops...... 

Neverland Threads | https://www.neverlandthreads.com/

Magical Trading Post | https://www.themagicaltradingpost.com/

999spy Glass | https://www.etsy.com/shop/999Spyglass

Our Ohana Apparel | https://www.ourohanatees.com/

Polka Dot Pixie Shop | https://polkadotpixieshop.com/

Polka Dot Emporium | https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePolkaDotEmporium

Casey and the Bear | https://www.parkboundbuttons.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html

Cloutier Duo | https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCloutierDuo

That is all for now! I will try and update this post if I see anymore great sales going on. I will be traveling most of Black Friday to Hawaii so it may be hard for me to keep up with everything! But, hopefully you will shop some small shops, Disney or non-Disney this holiday season. 

I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

*Last updated 11/22 at 7:55pm CST*

Sew Cute Travels: Elan Cafe

I'm back from London! It's been a while, but I'm finally finding the time to create a bunch of London posts for you all! We did so many amazing things, some old and some new, that I am dying to share. Whether you are a London admirer or planning a trip soon, I hope you enjoy the beauty of London and everything it has to offer! 

The first London post is dedicated to the gorgeous Elan Cafe. They have two locations, that are both pretty centrally located, and this cafe is a girly girl's dream. So, aka my dream. It is covered in flowers, have pink velvet chairs, and adorable pastries. What more could you ask for? We opted for the raspberry croissant and a latte for our breakfast before we headed out for a day of exploring London sites. 

Our pastries were yummy and the aesthetics were perfect for an Instagram photo. If you are looking for one of London's most Instagram-able cafes look no further. There were gorgeous details everywhere. Plus, everyone was snapping photos so no shame ladies! In general I will say people in London are so less judgey when it comes to snapping the perfect Instagram. These people understand me, thank God. 

With small touches everywhere be sure to look up and in this case down everywhere in this place! London restaurants spare no detail when it comes to their interiors. 

One of the things I love about London is their lack of chains. Sure they have some coffee chains, but there are so many great small local places to go like Elan Cafe that you never need to go to a Starbucks! I'm not a big Starbucks gal to begin with, I know GASP, so I love little places like this. Plus, they give you such a unique experience while sipping your specialty coffee. 

Do you have a favorite cafe? Let me know in the comments! Also, let me know any London post requests! 

XOXO 

Miranda 

Glass Pumpkin Patch at the Morton Arboretum

Although Halloween is over, now it's time to gear up for Thanksgiving! Since Thanksgiving is still a pumpkin appropriate holiday, I wanted to share some photos I took at the Morton Arboretum's Glass Pumpkin Patch event in Lisle, IL. The event features handblown glass pumpkins that are available for purchase. They also have tasty food as well as other activities like live demonstrations. I was in awe of all of the gorgeous pumpkins and dazzling colors. The pumpkins were in traditional orange hues but also fun colors as well! 

I'm a huge fan of purple so I took photos of all of the purple pumpkins! Prices ranged from anywhere from $75-$195. All of them hand so much craftsmanship put into them it was insane!

This purple one was one of my favorites!

Cute little pumpkin faces are the best!

Metallics, yes please!

What are your favorite fall traditions? Going to the Morton Arboretum may have to become a new fall tradition for me! 

XOXO 

Miranda