Tag: Autumn

My Fall Makeup Routine!

by Ashley DeLarge2 Comments on My Fall Makeup Routine!

Good Morning and Happy Friday, everyone! I hope you’re all as excited as I am for another weekend!

This past week has been a good one- filled with work and nights out (although with Daylight Savings Time, most of my late afternoons are essentially nights, now…) I’ve spent a couple of evenings in Western Massachusetts, re-visiting the truly awful Colonial days of non-stop farming and dying in your early twenties of dysentery in Old Sturbridge Village with friends- and bundling up with my pup Oliver while he recovers from his recent back injury.

Before I pack up at work tonight, head to dinner with my family- and prepare for another weekend out and about around New England- I thought I’d share what has become my Fall makeup routine since mid-September when the temperatures started to drop, the leaves started to change color- and my wardrobe became less about sundresses and more about chunky sweaters and scarves.

Some of you may remember my SUMMER MAKEUP ROUTINE– and although I still use some of those products (like the setting powder and highlighter, for example)– I’ve had to make a few updates and additions to keep up with the changing New England weather and climate.

Here’s what I do after my skin care routine (and some hydrating primer!):

Fenty Beauty PRO FILT’R Foundation: Although I loved my Summer BB cream more than anything, I need a little more coverage in the colder months- when my skin tends to get a bit dryer and I need something a slightly more heavy duty to protect my face from the more harsh elements as we transition into Winter where I live.

By now everyone knows that Fenty Beauty makeup is groundbreaking- both in it’s quality and just how expansive it’s shade selection is. This foundation, a medium-to-full-coverage with a matte finish- matches my skin perfectly and gives me an even, shine-free canvas to work with. It’s long-lasting (we’re talking all day and through the night wear) and oil-free- so it doesn’t clog my pores or leave me with weird bumps and blemishes by the time I’m washing it off. This is a *must* have in the Fall/Winter!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Urban Decay’s NAKED HEAT Palette: In the Summer, my eye makeup consisted mostly of nude and gold tones with an occasional swipe of ocean blue eyeliner if I was heading anywhere special. Of course, with Fall being the kickoff period of many indoor events and the impending holidays- I have to step up my makeup game and make my eyes pop more frequently.

Urban Decay’s NAKED HEAT palette was/is typically advertised more in the Summertime- since it’s red and orange-based pigments were supposed to be reminiscent of days spent in the desert, but I find the shades in this palette pair really well with all the browns, marigolds, burnt oranges and hunter greens I have in my wardrobe this time of year. If anything, my eyes seem to mirror the changing foliage around New England.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

MILK Makeup’s KUSH High Volume Mascara: This cannabis oil-infused mascara was also included in my Summer makeup routine this year, but I love it so much I grabbed another tube for the Fall/Early Winter.

It’s not often I can find a lengthening, thickening, volumizing mascara that doesn’t clump up on my lashes, or worse- make them look/feel dry and flaky- but this stuff works miracles. It really makes my lashes look lovely, but it also softens and conditions them, too! Most of my recent selfies throughout the past few months has me wearing this mascara (and, depending on the occasion- more than one coat of it) and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon. This is *definitely* one of my favorites.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

NYX Cosmetics Lingerie: These long-lasting, matte-finish liquid lipsticks had made my Favorites list back in September- and for a good reason- they’re perfect for the Fall and look great regardless of what I’m wearing. The two shades, a blush tone and a light brown- go on smooth, dry quickly, but don’t crease or make my lips look caked or parched (although I still throw some balm on over the lipstick once it’d dried- just in case!)

I wear these pretty much all day, every day- and I feel like these are going to get me through the holidays before it’s time to once again upgrade my routine for the Winter!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

And I think that’s it for my Fall makeup routine- short and simple and loaded with neutrals, deep reds, browns and oranges!

I’m off to get some work done for the day before I officially get my Friday started- but as always- I’d love to hear about your favorite Autumn makeup and products if you’d like to share what you’ve been using/loving/obsessing over! Feel free to leave a comment or drop me a line on my CONTACT page!

Here’s wishing you all a wonderful rest of your day and a lovely weekend ahead! See you again on Monday morning!

xx

– Ashley –

“She’s creepy and she’s kooky – Mysterious and spooky…”

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on “She’s creepy and she’s kooky – Mysterious and spooky…”

Good Morning and Happy Friday, everyone! We made it!

That photo above would be the pumpkin a group of us (and mainly one of my more talented co-workers) carved at work. It came out pretty great!

While my weekend is looking pretty busy with my friend’s wedding and some Sunday Self-Care in the works- this past week has been extraordinarily fun! Halloween was a blast, kicked off with a large potluck brunch with everyone in my office (nearly all who came in some seriously kick ass costumes!) and an impromptu Red Sox/World Series celebration while the parade was happening.

I really do love our Rolling Rallies whenever a hometown team wins a championship. It’s an absolute free-for-all and a great excuse to take a day off of work- and everyone is in such a great mood. The feeling of camaraderie is really fantastic!

Following the party, it was time to set up my Halloween decorations (and the weather both on Wednesday and yesterday was warm, sunny and lovely!) and prepare for an early evening with my niece, brother and sister-in-law. While my niece made out like a bandit with all the candy she got trick-or-treating, pizzas were prepared and AMC’s ‘Halloween’ marathon was on full-blast.

Yes, that included “Halloween III: Season of The Witch’. Such a bad film that it’s actually a classic.

As the night drew to a close, Troy and I- both still in costume- decided to catch a late night movie and stopped by a screening of ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ which was fantastic. We both loved it. Great cast, terrific acting, awesome soundtrack- and a really interesting/unpredictable and keep-you-guessing story.

Don’t sleep on that one, guys! It’s worth a watch!

But for now I’m going to be powering through some work today (and probably heading into a little early-evening overtime with it as well) so that I can return from my weekend refreshed and as stress-free as possible this coming Monday. It’s always good to stay one step ahead of the game.

Here’s wishing you all a wonderful, warm, and fun weekend ahead! I’ll have plenty of photos to share next week from my friends’ nuptials.

It’s going to be a beautiful ceremony- but I know for a fact the reception is going to be insane.

xx

– Ashley –

October 2018: In a Nutshell

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on October 2018: In a Nutshell

Good Morning, Happy Wednesday- and Happy Halloween, everyone!

With today being one of my favorite holidays, I’m starting things off a bit early this A.M. with a costume party and brunch potluck at my office with my co-workers before I head home to decorate my yard and front porch in preparation for tonight’s Trick-Or-Treaters.

My niece will be dropping by for a candy sweep of my neighborhood before we kick back with some pizza and enjoy a classic horror/slasher movie marathon- as is tradition!

I can’t believe tomorrow is the beginning of November and that Thanksgiving will be just a few short weeks away. I love a good food coma as much as the next person, but I wish October could go on just a little while longer- especially this past one- since it’s been so much fun!

This past month was filled with the usual spooky outings- from haunted pathways in New Hampshire, watching scary flicks in the middle of the woods (and in the middle of the night, no less), checking out Jack O’Lantern festivals with friends visiting from the West Coast and stopping by some of the more notoriously creepy graves in New England- but October was also peppered with plenty of shows, parties (including one of my best friend’s bachelorette party! I can’t believe her wedding is this coming weekend!), pumpkin picking at local farms and random get-togethers, too!

I traveled all over New England in October, including a long overdue trip to Montpelier, Vermont to spend time with family, catching a play at a converted barn in Western Massachusetts- and stopping by the Indie617 HQ to weigh in on music and events around the city not once- but twice.

FYI, if you missed those appearances, HERE’S the first and HERE’S the second! It’s always so much fun hanging out.

This past weekend, I actually braved the storm that rolled through the area to head to the station’s “Boos and Brews” party at Idle Hands Craft Ales in Malden to enjoy some good tunes, some really tasty beer- and PIZZA SKULLS (!!!) courtesy of Fat Boyfriend Bakery They were SO good.

I wore my Freddy Krueger costume to the party, which I’m also sporting today at work and will be wearing tonight while I pass out candy! I should have a decent photo of the whole thing up on my Instagram and here on the blog a little later on today/this week.

So, once all the Halloween excitement is (sadly) over- what do I have planned for November? Well, voting is right up there at the top of my list (and should be for everyone else, too!)– but blog-wise I’ve got plenty more recipes to share, especially with Thanksgiving approaching- as well as more late-Autumn wardrobe staples, early-shopping gift guides for the holidays, a peek inside my Fall makeup collection, and a bit more traveling before it starts snowing around here again!

But for now, I’m going to eat a ton of candy and savor today. Here’s hoping you all have a ghoulish evening! Stay safe out there!

xx

– Ashley –

“But you’re the Pumpkin King!”

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on “But you’re the Pumpkin King!”

Good Evening and Happy Friday, everyone!

While my posts typically go up fairly early in the morning- I opted to sleep in a little late today before work after a night out- and figured I’d update while I was curled up and cozy and getting ready for a much-needed quiet night in.

The World Series is on, and then it’s a late night horror movie marathon before I kick off my weekend bright and early tomorrow morning!

This past week has been wild- in a good way. Shortly after I shared my Game Day recipe for Loaded Baked Potato Chips on Wednesday, I was live on Indie617 during ‘Morning Glory’ with Michael Marotta where we talked Jack White looking miserable at baseball games, the time Ryan Adams baby-sat me, the good ‘ol days of VH1 reality television- and debated which Strokes album was the best. If you missed the segment and want to give it a listen- CLICK HERE.

My time with Indie617 is extending to tomorrow, as well- where I’ll be making an appearance at their Boos & Brews Halloween Party at the Idle Hands Craft Ales in Malden (DETAILS HERE). I’m so excited to listen to some good music, have some drinks, and savor some pizza skulls- yes, you read that right- pizza skulls!

Last night, my good friends visiting from Pasadena for the week met up with me at Franklin Park Zoo so that we could catch up while we walked through their Jack O’Lantern Journey display (which runs through November 4th!) It was really impressive- and definitely made me want to step up my own Jack O’Lantern game!

It was really good seeing them, since it’s been a couple of years- and I’m looking forward to visiting their neighborhood once I’m out on the West Coast again!

But it’s time to watch the Red Sox and get ready for a busy day tomorrow! I’ll be back on Monday with some of my favorite things from October and a recap of this lovely, spooky month come Halloween!

Enjoy your weekend, everyone! Don’t forget to stock up on candy for the Trick-Or-Treaters before the stores run out!

xx

– Ashley –

“Life’s no fun without a good scare…”

by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment on “Life’s no fun without a good scare…”

Good Morning and Happy Monday, everyone! (As happy as a Monday can be, anyway!)

What a weekend it’s been! Last night was the first full night’s sleep I’ve gotten in a few days- so I’m feeling pretty refreshed today and eager to get things done at work so I can stay one step ahead of the game!

As Halloween creeps closer and closer, my days (and nights) have been filled with horror movies, outings to creepy locations, costume preparation and baking spooky-inspired goods for friends, family & co-workers. It’s been so much fun- and I’m going to be pretty bummed out come November 1st when all the terrifying-in-a-good-way thrills and chills take a backseat until next October!

I think one of my favorite things this year has been finding new places to visit (and scream my head off!) with my friends. Case in point, this past Friday night I made a 2-hour trek to Lee, New Hampshire to check out Haunted Overload with a group of friends and acquaintances. The outdoor haunted trail- located at DeMeritt Hill Farm- was recommended by my friend Chris who had visited it last year and spoke very highly of it.

The theme of the trail changes every year, so you never know what to expect- and it’s SO intricate, detailed, creepy and fun! It wasn’t at all what I expected- and I loved every second of it! Between the HUGE scary wood carvings and the full-sized structures (including a decrepit old Victorian era house) that you run in/through/around while being pursued by evil clowns, butchers wielding chainsaws, etc.- I was hoarse by the end of the night.

Luckily, the farm offers warm apple cider (and snacks) at their stand at the end of the trail- so I made sure to have a drink and pick up some cider doughnuts for home before I left! I’d love to come back next year- or even better, check out the trail during the day to get a better look at the craftsmanship during one of their kid-friendly afternoon events before the season wraps up!

If you find yourself in Lee, New Hampshire before Halloween- definitely stop by. You won’t regret it- and tickets to the trail are way more affordable than other local and highly publicized horror houses that are half as interesting as Haunted Overload is!

Saturday was a little less horror-centric but still picturesque and lovely as I headed up to Montpelier, Vermont (via the scenic route- a 4+ hour drive through the mountains and valleys) to visit my Uncle with my mom and Oliver before he reports to a scheduled surgery in a few weeks.

We left early in the morning, giving us plenty of time to sight-see and admire the foliage along the way. Vermont is a truly lovely state, filled with beautiful farms, old homes, hidden cemeteries and winding roads through the woods- so with a Spotify-generated Fall-themed playlist and some hot coffee- it felt like the perfect Autumn day enjoyed with family.

And even though I’m not a fan of Winter- at all- I’d love to head back up to the area for the holidays since I’m sure it’s absolutely lovely blanketed in snow and Christmas lights!

This week is shaping up to be another busy, exciting one. I’ll be re-appearing on Indie617 this coming Wednesday (where I’ll also be catching a live set from The Wombats later on in the afternoon!) as well as checking out a Jack O’Lantern exhibit with some dear friends who are visiting from the West Coast for a few days.

I’ve got another recipe to share a little later on this week, plus some photographs from my adventures along the way over the next few days- but before I get too ahead of myself- I’ve got to make it through work today!

Here’s wishing you all a wonderful week ahead! Let’s get through it together!

xx

– Ashley –