cold weather {must-have}

Was anyone else freezing watching the polar bear plunge on the Bachelor this week?  

I felt chilled to the bone!

So I gathered a few of my favorite cold weather essentials.  I know you're thinking - what does a girl from California know about winter. But anyone who's ever held my hand or felt my toes through socks will admit that I know cold.

Must-have:

1. My brothers delicious hot cocoa recipe.
2. The perfect throw - personally I love the plush and faux fur throws found at Restoration Hardware.
3. Beauty - Kiehl's Ultimate Hand Salve and Kate Somerville's Quench - the most amazing product I've ever found.
4. A hot water bottle - don't laugh, I'm serious. I first discovered these when I lived in London and I don't care if it's old womanish but there is nothing better than being wrapped in your favorite throw with a cup of hot cocoa and a hot water bottle at your feet.  Nothing.  It's also nice to throw under the covers to warm your bed for you. :)  This is the one I have, but I'm thinking of getting one of these on sale at RH.  Seriously, you can't have too many.  Dan and my brother both use them when they're at my house. :)
5. Cashmere socks - my favorite are from The White Company, but you can find them pretty reasonable priced at Nordstorm too.
6. Cuyana cape - I was lucky enough to win this from a recent giveaway over at Caitlin's blog, Sacramento Street.  It arrived on Christmas eve and may have been the best present I received.  Everyone in my family tried it on and they all want one now, including my brother.  
7. And who can survive winter with lip balm.  Honestly, I'm not too picky.  I think the best lip balm is the one that you have with you.

stay warm!

LMF

Finding Beauty

A good friend of mine used to work at the high end beauty store and spa, Blue Mercury.  Whenever I went in, she was sweet enough to toss a few samples in my bag.   

This act of kindness has been detrimental to my wallet.  The only item I haven't purchased yet is the Darphin oil which is quite a splurge.  I'm still squeezing the last few drops from my samples each night.  It's a bit like Hanukah, really.  Will the oil last one more night?!

1 - mario badescu aloe vera toner | 2 - dr. dennis gross glow pads | 3 - darphin niaouli oil

4 - skinceuticals sheer physical spf 50 | 5 - mario badescu drying creme (miracle creme for pimples!)

6 - caudalie grape water spray | 7 - laura mercier creme de pistache hand creme | 8 - caudalie cleansing water

I'm still in need of a good moisturizer.  I've tried everything from Oil of Olay to Chanel.  All suggestions welcome!

LMF

*this post is not sponsored by Blue Mercury, it just happens to be where I buy most of my products