2013 Favorite Things Giveaway

This year, more than ever, I am thankful for my blog. This blog has brought new friends into my life in both Geneva and London, which has helped tremendously with the adjustment. In addition, you all have helped me train for one marathon, two half marathon, a 10k race, and a 5k race three of which were personal records. Your emails, comments and interactions on social media have helped me discover new cities, countries, workouts, recipes, and inspire me on a daily basis. Therefore, similar to last year, I want to thank you all through a Favorite Things Giveaway.

2013 Favorite things

This year, there will be 5 lucky winners, each of whom have a chance to win one of the above gifts.  I will use Random Integer to choose a winner number for each prize. This contest is open to US and UK residents.

There are 2 ways to enter:

1) Leave a comment letting me know what you want to see more of on the blog in 2014. More training? Workouts? Fashion? Beauty? Travel?

2) Share via Twitter: I want to win @healthyhappier Favorite Things Giveaway including @yurbuds @kindle @baublebar! http://goo.gl/Zt5Xe4 (Leave a comment letting me know you shared via Twitter)

The giveaway will end at 11pm on Tuesday night. I will contact all winners via email and if I do not have a response within 48 hours I will choose another winner. 

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Vacation Favorite Things

Coming back from vacation is always an adjustment even if the vacation is a quick trip home to Savannah and only five days long! Unfortunately even though I was able to sleep and relax while home, my body isn’t happy and the cold I fended off the entire trip hit me full fledge this morning. I woke up at 4:15 in order to make my early morning flight and I could barely swallow at that point. After tons of water, green tea, salt water, and Airborne I spent the rest of the day at the office with a scratchy throat and a runny nose. I’m currently in bed with chicken noodle soup hoping to kick the cold with a good night’s rest!

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This trip home was a mix of pure relaxation and time with my immediate and extended family spread across five days. I was lucky enough to enjoy some time with my blog buddy Victoria, catch up with my in-laws, try a few new to me restaurants, bake epic chocolate chip cookies, do some Target shopping, take a long walk on the beach with my mom, and still have plenty of time to kick my feet up and relax with a good book.

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The only thing missing was Bo but unfortunately he and a good friend had plans to get a technical diving certification down in the Keys this weekend! How awesome is this picture of Bo from the wreck they explored? Notice he is carrying a 3rd tank! I can’t even imagine having to switch tanks!

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I thought I’d share some links to the favorite things that I’m loving after this weekend.

A delicious lighter version of one of my favorite Summer side dishes – coleslaw!

A fun Ponte blazer that features a fun zipper detail and is affordable enough to buy in multiple colors!

Absolutely amazing salted chocolate chip cookies! Stop everything and make these immediately!

A great new mascara that thickens, curls and goes on clump free for under $6!?

If you haven’t read this book it’s time to hop on the band wagon. But, you must be warned, the first 50 pages are slow and the last half will make you want to not move until you finish!

How about you? Anything new that you’re loving and think I should check out?

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January Favorite Things: Winter Beauty

Over the past month, I’ve made some changes to my beauty regimen due to the harsh winter weather and lack of sunshine. After seeing many a picture shared on a daily basis via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook a few people have inquired into my beauty routine. Therefore, this month’s favorites revolves around the things that I love and use each day, whether I’m going to work or celebrating with co-workers.

I love that this month’s favorite products cross a wide array of price points so there is something that’s accessible for everyone, regardless your budget.

January Beauty Favorites

1.  Pure Matters for skin, nails, & hair: I received a few complimentary bottles of Pure Matters supplements to kick off the new year and I couldn’t be happier with their products. I stopped using my previous favorite hair and nail supplement this month, which is 3 times the cost of the Pure Matters Biotin supplement. I was worried that my nails, hair and skin would reflect the change but instead they are still growing strong and healthy. This biotin doesn’t upset my stomach either which means I can take it after a light breakfast or afternoon snack. I love that Pure Matters focuses on creating supplements and vitamins crafted from the most wholesome, natural ingredients!

2. Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner Anyone who knows me knows that I am very conservative when it comes to makeup. For years I never used more than a lip gloss and mascara, even for nights out with friends in college. But, as of late, my career in the beauty industry has inspired me to give new products a try. When this arrived in this month’s Birchbox, I squealed with delight as it was the perfect way to try a liquid liner without spending a fortune. This liquid liner is perfect for a beginner like me as it is a rich black but has a stiff point that doesn’t smudge or leave a mess. During a long 14 hour day this week, it stayed on well into the evening, making me look bright eyed and awake even at 10pm!

3. Sugar Lip Treatment in Coral This natural lip balm leaves my lips feeling soft and hydrated even in the coldest of weather. I use it daily and love that the bright red tint gives my fair, winter face a pop of color and vibrant healthy glow. The lip treatment is available in more than 8 different shades, including an uncolored one for those looking for protection but nothing more.

4. Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream with SPF 35 I’ve tried many a BB Cream over the past year but many don’t mesh well with makeup powder or they leave my face greasy and shiny. I went to Sephora last month looking for something that would give my face a finished look while still providing the needed SPF protection. This BB cream is truly camera ready, instantly ridding my face of the dried out, tired winter look and leaving it fresh and smooth. I love that it leaves my face hydrated while also helping hold my powder, blush, and bronzer for hours.

5. Dolce & Gabbana Eyeshadow Quad in Dessert This is more than just a pretty package that is fun to open and use anywhere thanks to the leopard print. I tend to use 2 of the 4 eye shadows in most quads due to one being to bright and another being far too dark. This quad however features colors that can be used alone or together and blend flawlessly for a daytime look that can easily transition to evening with a swipe of the chocolate hue. I’ve used this quad everyday for the past 3 weeks and have received so many fun compliments when I take it out around others as the leopard print is such a fun surprise!

6. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Polish in Haute Chocolate: While I love Essie and OPI nail polishes and their fun names just like the next gal, when I saw this color on sale at CVS this week I couldn’t resist. A perfect mix of maroon and gold hues, it is a rich color that works on both fingers and toes alike. Since I have more travel coming up next week, I wanted to have a color that I could touch up on my own. Now the wait begins to see how long the polish holds up versus their promise of “10 chip free days.”

7, Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Collection: Sublime During the Summer months, my fragrance of choice tends to be either Gucci Guilty or Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue, two of the fragrances within our portfolio. But, during the winter months I crave a warm fragrance with rich notes versus a light fragrance. Somehow I only discovered Sublime this week but am

8, Fresh Sugar Lip Polish January was a brutal month for my lips between the harsh sun in Saint Croix and then the blustery, cold in Geneva. When I returned from my travels my lips were chapped and peeling, which clearly isn’t the best base for lipstick. I picked up this little secret weapon at Sephora last week and have been using it 3 times a week since then. A hydrating and exfoliating mask for my lips, it leaves them soft and smells delicious too!

How about you? What beauty item are you loving this winter?

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