Holiday Gift Guide 2018

It's that time of year againnn!

This is my 3rd annual holiday gift guide... and honestly this is getting funner to do each year.

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays- I love getting to spend time with my loved ones and picking out the perfect gift for them. It's something I take pride in and some of my friends would consider me to be one of the best. *takes a bow*

I'm sharing my top picks with you this year so that you can hopefully find the perfect gift for that special some one in your life or maybe just to treat yourself this holiday!

Here's some tips if you want to make a gift a bit more special:

1. Add a personalized touch by DIY'ing a card to go along with it 

2. Make your own gift wrap by using stamps, paint, or stickers

3. Spray the gift topper or tissue paper with your favorite scent

Hope this helps & Happy holidays!

Charlotte Tilbury has a great selection of luxury skin care and make up.

My absolute favorite is Charlotte's Magic Cream,  Magic Eye Rescue and the Gilded Goddess Kit.

There's a gift that will make anyone feel G L A M O R O U S!

If you don't know by now, I'm a big fan of Pixi Beauty and I have been featuring them since my first gift guide!

This year I'm sharing with you my favorite matte lipstick EVER.

Their Mattelast Liquid Lip is simply amazing and doesn't leave your lips dry. Win!

Also by Pixi Beauty their famous Glow Tonic is a favorite in the beauty community.

And the new Rose Tonic is quickly becoming my favorite!

Winky Lux launched 3 new eye palettes for the holidays and they are just dazzling!

I got my hands on their Royal Kitten Palette and I'm in love. Their Kitten Palette was the first eye palette I fell in love with and I found was so easy to use. 

Great gift for cat lovers and makeup lovers alike!

Also pictured: Uni-brow, Feliner Liquid Eyeliner

This is is the perfect gift for the make-up loving friend who is always going on Vacay.

 The packaging just screams beach time!

 The new Lip Vibes from Almay would make great stocking stuffers. With cute names like "Insta-Queen" & "Girl Boss" you'll be sure to find the perfect shade for your bestie!

The New Urban Decay Backtalk palette was one of my favorites this year!

Perfect for the person in your life who is obsessed with ALL things pink. *ahem me*

Why not a palette for the cheeks and eyes in these lovely pink hues? 

Sounds pretty perfect.

Skin Medica is perfect for the skin care lover.

The Night and Day serums are my go-to's when my skin needs a little TLC. 

This makes a perfect gift because it's great for ALL skin types! 

Also pictured: TNS essential Serum and HA5 Smooth and Pump Lip System

Flesh is a new brand that I'm really excited about and want to share with allll my girlfriends.

Breaking the boundaries of what the color "flesh" is considered... this new make-up line is all inclusive and sending out messages of self love and confidence to all women!

Check out their wide array products (like these Fleshy Lips) and you will be sure to find something for someone who wants to try something new!

Know someone who is always down to host a gathering?

I would suggest getting them copper housewares. 

They are perfect statement pieces and will catch the eye of any hostess with the mostest!
Found these at Kohls (they have amazing housewares!)- Copper Shaker and Tankard set 

Dash Pop Top Bottle Openers, Alex + Ani Chakra Collection Bracelets, Living Proof Dry Shampoo,

Gucci Bloom Perfume, The Organic Skin Co. The Good Oil

Styling Tools- give the gift of good hair days!

I live by these two Amika: products. I have been using them for 2 years now and honestly I wouldn't use any other styling brand on my hair. I think any hair obsessed girl will fall in love with this hair dryer and hair straightener. I sure have! 

Stay tuned! I might be adding more gift ideas this week!

xox

Maria

You Had Me At Yellow

Zara shirt and shoes

Pants F21

Similar here:

Earings Sugarfix x baublebar

♡

Photos by Daniel Lopera

Take a bow

Shein dress

Naturalizer shoes

I love the simplicity of this dress. Classic and elegant. 

And not to mention affordable! It's only $22, score!

The weather is getting better and better each day and I can't complain.

But off to warmer weather I go!

I will be going to Miami this weekend with my boyfriend and we couldn't be more excited.

After this long cold winter we need some ocean, sun, family time (with his), and fun.

Stay tuned and make sure to follow me on instagram for more updates!

Photos by Isis and Miguel.

black & white

I love the simplicity of a black & white outfit. It's very New York to wear all black but why not mix it up with white?

I love this sweater from Design History because it's lightweight and perfect for this weird New York Spring we are having. I finished this look with a pair of flats from Zara that I found for $20 and skirt from Kyrz's Closet.

I was able to shoot this look with Isis and her husband Miguel.

What a pleasure it was to collaborate with them! 

You can check out their instagrams here & here. 

They have a blog coming soon!

♡

Spread love!

Topshop dress

Mercedes Campuzano shoes

Urban Decay Backtalk Eye and Face Palette

YSL liquid matte lip stain in "Fuschia Intime"

Spread love, it's the Brooklyn way!

My boyfriend and I decided to step into the studio and work on something fun together. And this is what we came up with! Working with your significant other can be tricky at times but this time we got it so, SO right! (He actually came up with the idea of the pink hearts!) 

I received this palette from Urban Decay and fell in love right away. The pink shades just got me inspired and I knew I wanted to show you guys how I rock pink eyeshadow. I decided to go to with a pink lip as well (the YSL matte lip stain is truly fantastic) and made it a whole monochromatic look.

The shoes I'm wearing I bought in Colombia they are from a Medellin based shoe designer named Mercedes Campuzano. I walked into one of her boutiques and tried on everything! I ended up just leaving with two sandals because I didn't have enough room in my suitcase to fit more... but if I could I would have bought a couple pair more. Her designs are so unique and made to last. But rest assured you don't have to go all the way to Colombia to shop, she ships internationally. Woohoo!

Also, to catch you guys up with my life lately- 

I'm SO proud of myself for how the year 2018 is turning out to be.

To start off- I am 100% debt free. YES. Student loans paid off, credit cards (from broke college girl days) and other debts... all paid off! I owe nothing to nobody.

I am so proud of myself that I was able to work my little butt off to get my financial situation in check with out the financial help of my parents. Although they supported me a lot emotionally and guided me whenever they could! I was able to use Credit Karma (not sponsored) to check out my situation and then I literally made a check list of my priorities and made it a point to pay off EVERYTHING. With a lot of hard work and determination I did it. It was worth every sacrifice. Setting aside a monthly budget to save, pay off debts and have money for fun was easy to do when I had it all written down and in my face. No way of hiding from it now! I'm the type of person that once it's on my to-do list there's no way of avoiding it. I need to check it off... 

My boyfriend and I have big plans in the next year (homeowners!?) and I know I need to start prepping now. So I'm very happy with myself for taking these necessary steps.

Another thing that happened recently was that I got to volunteer at the Boy and Girls Club of America. It was AMAZING! I got to speak to young kids about social media, digital branding and believing in yourself! At first I was so nervous... I was like is my presentation going to suck? Are they going to ask me any questions?  Will they think I'm super lame?! Quite the opposite happened and I feel that the kids walked out that day a little more inspired. I was happy that I was able to take some time off to do something for others. It's so important to give back to our community and help our youth. If you don't have money to donate, donate time. The kids where so smart and they have so much passion it reignited a new flame inside of so in actuality we ALL walked out that day feeling more inspired.

I have a couple of few fun project in the works that I'm excited to share with you all, so stay tuned for more!

Thanks to Daniel Lopera for the photos.

Milkmaid Braid Tutorial

Today I'm sharing with you my easy milkmaid braid tutorial.

It's my go-to style when I haven't washed my hair and I want to do a quick up-do.

This style is very practical for those warmer days in the Spring and Summer.

(which I am patiently waiting for). 

All you need is: 4 bobby pins, 2 elastic hair ties, 1 brush and Suave Coconut Oil Infusion to smooth fly-aways.

♡

Filmed by Daniel Lopera and edited by me.

Comfort over everything.

HM Top

Zara Jeans

J.crew Coat

Naturalizer Shoes

Comfort over everything.

If you know me that has been my style motto for a very long time.

If I don’t feel comfortable in it then NO WAY you will see me in it. Simple as that.

Confidence comes within but also if you are visibly uncomfortable it will most likely show.

If you haven’t noticed most of the outfits I post on my blog I will most likely be wearing flat shoes, sandals, platforms or sneakers. I rarely wear heels because simply- they are not comfortable. I don’t like to wear things that cause me pain no matter how cute the item may be.

I love that Naturalizer has been focused on creating perfect comfortable shoes for women.  Every style from casual shoes to evening heels they have you covered.

I was lucky enough to get gifted a pair from their Spring collection and these Gianna heels have been my go- to heels and let me just say, they are SO comfortable! I was stomping around all of Brooklyn in no pain.

To me that is worth every penny!

Thank you to Naturalizer for kindly sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% honest and completely my own.

Berry + Banana + Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl

Hi guys!

So this is a different post for me.. I don't usually ever blog about food here but I really wanted to share with you guys the smoothie bowl I made over this weekend.

Lately I have been trying to eat more foods that are good for thyriod health.

I've always had to be cautious about it my whole life and I've finally started to really eat foods that will benefit it.

My beauty + makeup go-to's lately

Today I wanted to share with you what has been my go-to beauty and make-up products as of late!

I find myself usually just leaving what I use regularly laying on top of my vanity/drawers because 1) I'm too lazy to put it back 2) I'm constantly reaching out for them so it make sense to have them somewhere I can easily access them. I'd figure I would share with you because this is something I personally love to read on my fellow bloggers pages and you might enjoy it as well!

So here we go!

First up is my personalized Pixi Glow Tonic.

I have been such a fan of this product because every night I wipe and wash off my make-up and then I finish up with this guy. It's crazy how even when I finish washing my face this still picks up some left over make-up. Also I have to mention how this give my skin a beautiful natural glow!  

Ahh! These Winky Lux lipsticks are my absolute faves! 

I tend to wear the first one pictured almost every day. For these cold winter days my lips need a nourishing lipstick and I find that the formula in these are absolutely perfect. It's almost like wearing a chapstick. I la la love these. (Use coupon code: Citylaundry if you would like to try!)

So this is something new that I have been using this past week. 

So in the winter I tend to wear a lot of beanies and hats... and you know what comes with that... hat hair! And I hate that. So I have been using this Amika Un.done Texture Spray that also give me lots of volume.

I would highly recommend this if you are in the need of a quick fix to flat hair.

 My go-to scent- Gucci Bloom (thanks to my boyfriend for this lovely birthday present!) It has a lovely scent of Jasmine. I

Before I got to bed I use a drop of this Overnight Glow Serum and Nurishing Lip Polish (I use it as a lip mask) by Pixi 

This has been a new find for me! I know these style of make- up brushes have been out for years but I finally got my hand on a set. Loving this one by My Make-Up Brush Set. To be honest at first I was a bit intimated by them because I see all these beauty gurus and make- up artist using them and I'm like... I don't think I can do that! But honestly, when I tell you that using these brushes have made my life easier it's because it has! Application of foundation is so much faster. I couldn't recommend these more. Not only is it surprisingly easy to use but it also makes my foundation go on evenly and smoother. 10/10 guys! Use code: IG15CITY for 15% off!

 So on the weekends when I want to look a little extra I go for the new Almay Make Them Jelly Hi-lite. Yes it's pink. Yes it's jelly. But I promise you it so so wearable. I just put a little dab on my cheek bones and it give off the slightest pink shimmer you never thought you wanted but now you LOVE. Perfect for a Saturday night out.

Lastly, Soap & Glory sent me some product to try out and I have been loving the Thick & Fast Mascara and One Heck of a Blot face primer. I love that this primer sticks with me until the end of my day. It does it job well and I can always count on it. And this mascara gives me the perfect eyelash lift I need for everyday wear. It's super light consistancy makes it comfotable to wear all day and if you want a more dramtic look for the night just add another layer. Viola!

So I hope you guys enjoyed this post and I hope my favorites will inspire you to try something new!

♡