Christmas Pj’s for the Family (And Affordable!)

Now that I have a baby, I can’t believe how festive I’ve become! Don’t get me wrong, I always enjoyed wearing a Christmas sweater and singing some “Deck The Halls”... But now that I have a baby.... I just want to do more “cute” things.
Pj’s are like no other! My family the biggest choice is: classic Christmas plaids, fun Santa outfits, or just colorful and bold. Below you’ll see some of the best Christmas Pj’s I’ve found and at the best prices!

Amazon.com
You can find some amazing pj’s at Amazon (and at some great prices!) the biggest tip here is to watch for Prime and read into the fine details on how fast the warehouse ships. I noticed some of the pj sets customers were upset with shipping times. (set show is $29 and on Prime - link here)

PatPat.com
I stumbled upon this site by accident but their sets are super cute and have a custom feel to them. I love the “mama bear” and “papa bear” sets but they have many different styles from plaids to ones that look like elf outfits. (This set is at $15 - link here)

Walmart
I've been SHOOK at how amazing Walmart’s clothing quality has improved (but the price is STILL super cheap!). They have cute, classic, and very cartoon-like family sets this year. ( Santa hat pj set up to $23- link here)

Target
I’m a lover of all things Target. And when I saw Target’s Family pj section; I squealed! Their sets start at $10 but for some of the really nice detailed ones be prepared to drop up to $20 for the adult sets. (set show ranges from $10-$15 - link here)

JC Penneys
This department store is somehow staying afloat and I must say, their pj game is STRONG this year. The prices are VERY affordable and the collections of Christmas pjs are all super nice quality. One of my favorite is these Reindeer pjs (Reindeer pj are $8-$18 - link here) and I love these Christmas plaid Oneies sets; the colors are so unique instead of the traditional red and green! (Family Oneies are $10-$42 - link here)

TIP: For children especially babies who grow SO quickly, go to a baby consignment store! I purchased Holly 2 Christmas pj’s for $6.00!

I hope you enjoyed this post! Happy Holiday/Christmas Pj shopping!
- Brittney “Pomp and Palms"

Product Review: Charlotte’s Magic Night Cream

Details: The Charlotte’s Magic Night Cream is the mate to her daytime Magic Cream [You can view my review of the Charlotte’s Magic Cream here]. This nighttime elixir is to stop the aging process at night with firming and plumping with its time release retinol. It is sad Charlotte spent 5 years creating this product. For a drastic $145 for a 1.7oz (50ml); this is the luxury of Charlottes skincare.

My review: Like always, I’m 100% transparent and honest on these reviews. And as of right now this is on my worst list. I really (and I mean really) wanted to like this product but there was too many negatives for me to.
First the smell; it has like a honeysuckle scent which is nice until you get the undertones that to me smells terrible. I can’t even explain what the undertone is… chemical scent? Old lady perfume scent? Its just awful.
Second the texture; when it comes to lotions in a jar I assume you would be able to dip your finger and product comes up. But this stuff is like vaseline jelly. I have to scoop it with a small spoon cause its so jelly thick. 

Third the sticky feeling & extreme oil shine; this product once applied to the skin has a bit of a tacky feel which I cant stand. It sticks to my pillow and makes my sheets feel oily afterwards. And to top it off, your skin is super oily shiny. My husband laughed and took a picture to show how wet my face looked and it was embarrassing. NOW, if you have extremely dry skin and struggle with getting moisture: this product would work great! But if you have normal skin, oily skin, acne prone skin AVOID this. 
I plan to retry this skincare when I visit my family in NC early December. Maybe with the cold/dry air of NC it’ll be a useful product for me. 

Pros: If you have extremely dry skin, this will work. Nice Packaging.
Cons: Cost too much, undertone scent is off, tacky/sticky feeling is a turn off, and oily appearance on skin + product transfer to bedsheets.
My Rating: 1 Star. I’m honestly not a fan at all. But I know if someone struggles with dry skin especially in the winter time this would be like lotion gold. 

Shop the Product:
Sephora: Click here to shop CT Magic Night Cream at Sephora.com
Charlotte’s Official Website: Click here to shop the CT Magic Night Cream at Charlotte’s official website
Nordstrom: Click here to shop the CT Magic Night Cream at Nordstrom.com

6 ULTA + 6 Sephora gift sets under $50 (These are AMAZING deals!)

I’m the gal who LOVES gift sets. I love giving them, and love receiving them. So this year when skimming through Sephora and Ulta I fell IN LOVE with their gift sets. After shopping both I have 6 from Sephora and 6 from Ulta I feel are the best bang for your buck and whoever you’re shopping for will LOVE!

Ulta. 
When shopping at Ulta I was aiming for sets that are Ulta Exclusive. I found some that aren’t just exclusive but all come with a gift with purchase! (a gift for yourself or to add with the gift set!). I really was amazed at these gift sets. And the prices are perfect! 

1. PUR The Grinch Beware of Perfection Mask set $28
This set is so much fun! I love the swatch colors of the masks and how they each look like little Christmas ornaments.

2. Ulta Luscious Lips and Lashes set. $29
With a set like this you get little bit of everything. Different shades of lip colors and tons of different style mascaras. Perfect for testing new looks.

3. Tarte Busy Girl Beauty Intro set $29
I really enjoy this set cause its universal to all skintones. And the products are great quality.

4. Clinique Stars of Clinique set $29.50
This set is so so perfect. You get all the ‘super star’ products that Clinique is known for in perfect airport friendly sizes. From makeup to skincare.

5. Benefit Cosmetics B Right Delights Set $42
Ulta has all the Benefit Christmas Holiday sets. I selected this one cause I literally LOVE their skincare line. Each Benefit Gift set is universal to all skin tones. Sephora only has 2 of the Benefit sets while Ulta has a larger selection.

6. Mario Batescu Classic set $38
This Mario set is the Cult Classics. Its great of all skin tones and promised to have anyone who tries this to become a Mario girl. 

1. Sephora Favorite Skincare set $30

First of all, you get the most bang for your buck on this one. You have all sorts of skincare products and all different brands. These products work best on all skin types too which is even better!

2. LOccitance Holiday Crackers set $34

The packaging is so festive! And you get 8 travel sizes of their best products! All the shower products are over 1oz! 

3. Charlotte Tilbury’s Party Girl Eye and Lip Kit $45 

This is a perfect kit if you want to try some Charlotte Tilbury but you don’t want to pay the Charlotte price. NOW, the lipstick is very very small in this set but its perfect if you’re traveling or (like I said) you want to test the products!

4. Wander Beauty Morning Makeover Eye and Lip set $34

Some gold eye masks, mascara and lip color. What else would you need? This morning makeover is luxury at a very affordable price!

5. IT Cosmetics “Its Time to Celebrate You!” set $48

This set gives you some of the best of the best. IT cosmetics is becoming a huge trend because of its amazing results. This makeup and skincare set will wow you at first use!

6. Dr. Brandt Skincare “No Filter Needed” set $48

We would ALL love some beauty products that help us turn of the photo filter... And this Dr. Brandt kit does just that! The product sizes is nice and the packaging is perfect.

Texas Roadhouse Style Green Beans *Recipe*

Below you’ll find my recipe for Texas Roadhouse style green beans! I’m preparing these for our families Thanksgiving Dinner. Enjoy!

What You Need
4oz Applewood Smoked Bacon (Diced)
4oz Onions (Diced)
2 16oz Canned Green Beans (Drained as long as possible) *You can add more green beans if desired*
2 cups of Water
1 Tablespoon of Sugar
.5 Teaspoon of Pepper


What To Do

Using a colander, thoroughly drain green beans. Set aside.
Mix water, sugar and pepper until well incorporated. Set aside.
Preheat your cooking pan to Medium High heat.

Using a cutting board and a knife, dice the raw bacon into equal size pieces. Place diced bacon into preheated cooking pan. Goal is to make bacon a BRIGHT BRICK RED color. Add diced onions and cook until they are TRANSLUCENT.

Add the water, sugar, pepper and green beans into the pan with the bacon and onions. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes and serve. 

Sista + Gals Gift Guide

Today’s post is a gift guide on what to give the girls in your life! This could be your sister, your coworkers, or even your best friends.
I really really enjoy shopping for my girlfriends gifts. Each one is so uniquely different and I try my best to shop for their style but also purchase similar items so no one will feel out of place. I’m big on getting one particular item that all of them get and then add on little items that fit her style. When it comes to my sister I like to spoil her as well.
Below you’ll see a gift guide of all the different types of girls in your life as well as some other ideas (like gifts for her doggie!)! Enjoy!

For the gal who loves “Girls Night" - this wine night kit (pictured above) is perfect! It has tons of fun games and activities for wine + girl time. You can find this at Francescas. You can also find other cute girl night gift sets at Urban Outfitters, World Market, and Etsy!

The “Joanna Gaines” gal - If she loves “Joanna’s” style; gift her Joanna decor! Some amazing room spray and candle set from Target will have her home smelling amazing. Also, Joanna's “Homebody” book is a perfect coffee table book (can be purchased where books are sold).

The gal with the green thumb - if she has a cute balcony, back yard, or window box where she loves to plant her own herbs; these adorable garden sets from World Market will make her holidays bright! You can also find other cute herbs at Lowes/other home improvement stores.

The gal who loves to pamper - If she loves to pamper herself there’s TONS of options. Lush has these Ah-mazing gift sets stuff full of fun treats. Also stores like Ulta, Sephora, Aerie, and World Market are packed with fun spa treatment sets - from bath bombs to foot scrubs.

Makeup gal - Luckily; all our favorite makeup stores (Sephora, Ulta, department store beauty counters, etc) has countless options for beauty gift sets. If your girlfriend is into lip kits grab her a lip set. If she's all about her eyes grab her a set with tons of mascara options. 

Dog- Mama gal friend - If her dog is her first born child; really give her a sweet surprise by purchasing some cute doggie gifts! All pets stores have the cutest holiday toys and treats. But you can also go on Amazon or Etsy and find designer inspired pet toys (like a Chanel doggie purse plush toy!)

Other Amazing gift options - Book a spa day for you and your bestie (or even just a trip to the nail salon). Take her out for dinner and pay the tab. Go on Groupon and purchase a fun activity like a helicopter ride or even sky diving (those would be some cool instagram bestie pics!). If she’s struggling to pay off her student loans gift her the sweetest gift of paying one of her monthly payments! Surprise her with a build-a-bear. Purchase custom tumblrs or custom best friend charm necklaces. 

Rodan + Fields “Give it a GLOW” package

Hello lovelies!
I recently received a package from an instagram follower of a skincare product to test. Ever since I moved closer to the equator and had a baby (plus lets be real, I’m getting close to 30!) my skin is becoming a huge priority in my daily routine. Anyways, the package was the Rodan + Fields Redefine kit.

The sample sizes was generous amounts of the Daily Cleansing Mask (I got 3 uses), and 2 single capsules of the  Lip Renewing Serum (I was able to get 2 uses) and Intensive Renewing Serum (I got 1 use).

Daily Cleansing Mask. I did research on the website and saw you were to let this mask dry before washing it off. I actually used this as a cleanser by massaging the product for the 2 minutes straight then washing it away.  There was amazing exfoliation and the scent was very pleasant! This product is $43 for a 4.2oz.

Lip Renewing Serum. This serum was packaged in a silver pod capsule. Its recommended for nighttime use and I understand why. The product is quite glossy (some what vaseline like; but doesn't slide around). The Lip Serum is to reduce the appearance of lip wrinkles and make your lips more plump. The glossy texture definitely gave a plump-look but the actual lip wrinkles I feel you would need to use the product for a few weeks to see a true difference. But I TRULY enjoyed this product the most! This product is $56 for 60 capsules.

Intensive Renewing Serum. This serum was packaged in a blue pod and was to prevent signs of aging and give your skin a fuller and more firmer appearance. When applying this product it felt very nice. I can compare it to how your skin feels when you apply a high-end face primer (I’m thinking like Hourglass Veil). I feel if I had a 2 week supply of this product I would be able to document some difference. This product is $99 for 60 capsules.

After using all 3 products my skin felt like I just had a nice facial at a spa. Out of all three products if I had too recommend one for people to purchase I would highly suggest the Lip Renewing Serum. I feel like the results from this product overtime would reduce lip wrinkles and help with lipstick application.

I hope you enjoyed this review and if you would like to learn more about this product line PLEASE follow this link to meet Amber and she will give you the most insightful advice on what products would be best for you!

As always,
Brittney “Pomp and Palms”

This post is not sponsored.

10 Day FAB (First Aid Beauty) Radiance Reboot

Hello everyone, on recent shopping order I picked up a free 10 day Radiance Reboot kit from FAB (First Aid Beauty). This was a Sephora perk for spending $50 online and I thought “Why not! A skincare challenge to prep for the cooler months is just what I need!”.
Before hand I didn’t expect too much, I assumed I wouldn’t see any results cause 10 days isn’t a long time to replenish and repair skin.... BUT LET ME TELL YOU, WOW. JUST WOW.

I would totally purchase this if FAB sold this 10 day challenge in store. If you have the opportunity to order this kit or order the 2 products within this kit I highly recommend it cause I saw TRUE results. 

The product itself: 

I didn’t set my goals too high. I assumed it would just be 2 (or 3) small sample packs that I had to ‘squeeze’ the 10 days to make it work. But, it wasn’t. This kit was packaged in a clean box with 3 Facial Radiance Intensive Peels + 10 Facial Radiance Pads (which was packaged in a travel size resealable package; similar to a makeup towelette package). There was MORE than enough product especially in the Intensive Peels. 

Package Results:

The package states

Day One - 100% said skin felt smoother + silkier.

Day Ten - 100% said skin looked brighter and showed an improvement in clarity/overall appearance. 97% said skin looked more even and youthful. The products made it easier to apply makeup. 

The Intensive Peel! I wore mine only for 3 minutes.

I used these two skincare products AFTER my peel. I waited about 30 minutes before applying my moisturizers.

Here’s my skin after 6 days of using the Reboot Kit!

The Reboot Kit! I recommend these products! I wish Sephora would start selling this 10 day kit because it TRULY works wonders.

My Results:

Day One - I didn’t notice much. I felt the products was nice quality. The peel I left on longer than I should’ve so my skin was sensitive for about 30 minutes but that was my fault for assuming I could handle 5 minutes when I should’ve only wore the peel for 2 minutes.

Day Six - On this day I did my second intensive peel and I was already loving my skin results. I could tell there was some improvement in appearance and I felt my skin looked brighter. I wore the Intensive Peel for 3 minutes and had some rosey cheeks for about 10 minute after but that was about it. 

Day Ten - On this day I did my final Intensive Peel for only 4 minutes and used my last Radiance Pad. I loved the results. My skin felt smooth, appearance was even and had a bright healthy glow. I was very impressed with how in 10 days I was able to see real results (and the results last!). I really wish this was sold in Sephoras travel size bins near the register because I would purchase this for my ‘after heavy traveling’ skincare clean up and as holiday gifts for my girlfriends. 

Mom Gift Guide

Todays gift guide is all about Mom. Of course, every mom says “don’t worry about buying me anything baby” But you know she wants (and deserves) to be spoiled too! And if your mom is like mine, she wont tell you what to get her so you have to do some creative work. Luckily, I’ve done some homework and found some gifts that every mom will wow over!

For that skincare mom: Some of my go-to gifts for my mom is It! Cosmetics - this year they have a Lifechange skin set that has all the cult favorites. Also Estee Lauder Advance night repair complex is a must have for any skincare routine. These can be found at beauty retailers like sephora, ulta, and department stores.

The Bath and Body Works mom: all moms love BBW’s 3 wick candles. And best part is BBW does some amazing bogo sales on them too! You gotta do the homework on what scent she’ll like but my personal favorite is anything Christmas scented!

For our Nordy moms: if mom is all about Nordy then grab her up something from the jewelry counter; like a Kendra Scott Elisa necklace! Or to help her feel rested and loved grab a super soft robe and slip beauty sleep pillow - all at Nordstrom.

Kitchen mamas: Pioneer Woman has came out with this beautiful Adeline Collection. Its all super affordable and can be found at Walmart! I promise she will love this vintage and classic look.

Fitness moms: if shes into her figure grab her up some chic Pure Barre accessories or Target’s amazing fitness equipment line!

Little bit of luxury: wanna spoil her beyond belief? La Mer Cream de la Mer the glowing collection is a high $255 but has some of that miracle broth that will make her feel luxe!

Other gift worthy items: My mom is a secret fan of some TLC (yes the show but also some loving care for herself) so I always grab her up a spa package. Massage envy has some super affordable options! Or just grab a gift certificate at your favorite nail salon. Wine box subscriptions make fun gifts too! And your mom will love the surprise box she’ll receive 4x a year on some great wine options. Mommy and me dates are great too; do a little DIY project and have her be surprised when you have her a ‘day pass’ for a mommy and me date - this gift will give you some customization but also some one on one bonding!

Product Review: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

I’m reviewing a product that not a lot of beauty bloggers are speaking about because it’s a costly item but also the beauty line isn’t sold everywhere; until now. You can now purchase Charlotte Tilbury’s makeup + skincare line at Sephora’s website. With this new launch at Sephora I wanted to go in depth on if this ‘magic cream’ is really worth the hype (1.7 oz is priced at $100.00!)

The details: A high powered moisturizing cream with patented anti-agin, hydrating and youth boosting ingredients. Helps support and rebuild collagen production and cell energy while fighting off wrinkles. This product carries SPF 15 and is told to rehydrate dull, stressed and tired skin.

Star ratings: 5 stars 259, 1 star 6. 91% recommend rate with over 420 reviews. The low star reviews state some skin breakouts and the cost. 

My review: I was a bit flip floppy on if I should REALLY purchase this. I’m in my late 20’s and with the 3-0 just around the corner I really want to start reversing any signs of aging. I watched a Jeffree Star youtube video where I was hooked on Charlotte and made the final jump to purchase. The cream is quite thick which I like. I was able to massage and work the product into my skin well and seriously a little bit goes a LONG way. After 1 month of using this product I really do love it. My skin feels amazingly smooth and the collagen production I feel has helped because my skin has more elasticity and feels pump. The cost is extreme and I hate the size options ($29 for 14.7ml or $100 for 50ml). If you’re on a budget but you want a designer moisturizer I highly recommend Shiseido Essential Energy Moisturizing Cream [Read my Shiseido post here]. I have used an entire jar of Shiseido moisturizer and I’m in love with it and have seen identical results.  

Pros: Smells nice. Product is smooth to the touch. Quick drying. Shows instant results!
Cons: Cost. Product size.
My Rating: 5 Star. I must give it a 5 star cause it really works well and I enjoy the product. THOUGH, the price is high I suggest Shiseido Essential Energy OR testing a few products from Sephora/Ulta.

Shop the Product: 

Sephora: Click here to view the CT Magic Cream on Sephora.com

Charlotte Tilbury’s website: Click here to view the CT Magic Cream on Charlotte’s Official Website
Nordstrom: Click here to view the CT Magic Cream on Nordstrom.com

Holiday Gift Guide For Him

While I review beauty and skincare products that are perfect Christmas wishlist/stocking stuffers; I plan to do a few posts on gift guides that are perfect for Him, Mom, and for Her! On these gift guides I’m going to keep the prices very affordable with one or two high ticket items. Cause lets be real, we’re all on a ‘shop and save’ kind of budget! These gift guides are to give ideas and help guide you in the right direction on what to shop for... Enjoy!

Today’s gift guide is all about that special man in your life. It could be your boyfriend, husband or even dad (yes, some of these gift will be perfect for dad too!). When I’m shopping for my husband I know what he really likes but I also try to think out of the box and get him something creative and fun. 

For the tech + guy: if your guy is into the tech world grab up a cool apple pencil to go with his tablet or stick with a fun retro game. Both of these can be found at Bestbuy. Or be super creative and custom design him an Xbox remote from the Microsoft website. Shopping for a tech guy can sometimes be difficult which is why I sometimes opt to the gift card option.

For the trendy guy: If your guy is into the style and trends try Quay sunglasses! Quay is super hot right now or some Urbanears Jakan wireless earbuds (these come in trendy cool colors); both can be found at Nordstorm. For me, trendy guys are easy to shop for but always remember stores like Nordstrom have amazing stylist that can help select the perfect items for your trendy guy.

Some simple he will DEFINITELY love: When in doubt, go simple. Art of Shaving kit is perfect. Your guy will definitely use it. Boxers and socks are always a hit with my husband. He loves his boxers from American Eagle and socks I always try to grab up some Ralph Lauren when I see them at TJmaxx. 

Creative and heartfelt: If you want to do some thing extra creative Etsy is the place! This wooden Valet box is just under $40 and perfect to charge his phone, keep his change/keys, and watch displayed. Also, custom leather belt or wallet is a great option too!

Little bit of luxury: The newest Apple Watch is perfect if you want to splurge on him. Or a nice Yeti cooler if he’s into the outdoors or in charge of bringing the drinks to the next outdoor event! 

Other gifts worth considering: sign him up for dollar shave club, grab tickets to the next home game at his university, purchase some prepaid LIVE gaming codes for him to use on his video game time, concert tickets to a show he wants to see, and my personal favorite; book a “mini home” cabin near the mountains or by the beach for a fun weekend trip!