A Holiday Lately

A bit of life lately, the holiday edition.

Merry Merry!

Thomas and I just got back from the Homestead resort celebrating his birthday. I’ll have the recap of all the spa things we did later this week! In the meantime, here’s a bit of this and that.

Veritas Illuminated

Veritas Vineyards invited me out to share the Veritas Illuminated Light Show they have again this holiday season. In addition to a beautiful trail of lights, you can enjoy food and wine (including hot cocoa) in the tasting room while you warm up by the roaring fire! I went with a group on a Sunday evening, and we had a grand old time. If you want to read about the details, see the food menu, and/or buy tickets, click here. There are open dates around Christmas still available.

The Brothers

Mazen made Star Wars blue milk for B!

This year, I started what I call our “Giving Program” where each month the boys have money to spend on a cause. After years of having donations auto draft from my credit card, I realized that while that was very convenient, the boys weren’t seeing it happen. So, we started the Giving Program so they could give input into where we donate and help pick out gifts and goods. We went to the grocery store together to buy supplies for hurricane Helene families and dropped them off at ACAC earlier this year. This month sponsored kids from the ACAC angel tree. They each picked out a tag for a child their age, and we went to Alakazam to pick gifts. Super props to Alakazam for their free gift wrap, making it so easy to take the gifts back to the tree at ACAC!

In other news, Mazen has one thing on his Christmas list and made a powerpoint to share it. I think I’m only about 10% willing to get a hedgehog, but if any hedgehog families want to chime in to the comments, please do!

New Finds

My mom gifted this book to Birch last year, and it is so cute! Where’s Waldo, personalized.

Also, PSA for any parents of Star Wars lovers. These Hanna Anderson undies are so cute!

My kitchen is sporting some red and green this year thanks to Geometry!

Meet Olive Rose

Olive Rose has launched! This is Oliveda’s new Skin Tint Serum. As a mix of skincare and makeup, it features the main antioxidant ingredient in all Oliveda products: hydroxytyrosol, plus hyaluronic acid. It is also formulated without any water, so it doesn’t run off with sweat.

I really love this skin tint! It is on the liquid-y side like Ilia and Daybird. It goes on very smoothly and doesn’t settle into lines. The coverage is great. I tend to use a little more than other brands for a more buildable coverage. I love that it has anti-inflammatory properties and is free of fragrance, alcohol, silicone, sulphates, parabens, and EU allergens. I am wearing shade 5. Take the shade finder quiz here!

Mirror Mirror On The Wall

Mazen got a new mirror in his room! You know, to put on his cologne and check his hair 😉

Friendsmas

Our friend Fabi was in a Latin dancing showcase with the UVA Salsa Club in November, and of course we showed up to cheer him on! He was the MC for the evening and also in some of the dances.