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March Favorites 2024

Without further ado, I bring you my top items in the following categories for the month of March: books, makeup, skincare, food/drinks, miscellaneous, and shower things. Let's get to it, shall we?

Book: The Coworker by Freida McFadden

Oddly enough, one of my sixth-grade students recommended this book to me. Suffice to say, she's well-read for her age. This book had me hooked from chapter one. I'm not normally one for thrillers or suspense in stories, in fact, I typically enjoy books on the opposite end of the spectrum. My cup of tea would be of the YA and romance genre, mainly because I'm a big wimp; however, this book may have converted me. 

Dawn Schiff is the reliable employee. She shows up to work on time every day and takes her breaks at regularly scheduled times. Like clockwork, her coworkers know where she is at any given moment.

Natalie Farrell is Dawn's coworker and desk mate. Natalie is described as the beautiful and popular employee in the office. She is even the top earning sales rep for the company where they work. 

It comes as a surprise to Natalie when she arrives to work one day, and Dawn is nowhere to be found. Perhaps she's running late, or maybe something happened? It isn't until Natalie receives an unsettling phone call that same day. This phone call makes Natalie question where Dawn really is and changes everything. 

I am still in the middle of reading this book, but thus far, I will give it five stars. Its compelling story line has kept me on the edge of my seat, and I can't wait to see how it ends.

The Coworker by Freida McFadden

Makeup: Patrick Ta Double Take Creme and Powder Blush Duo

I wasn't in need of a new blush, but I was influenced to buy the Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Creme and Powder Blush Duo. This blush is described as a "viral duo compact of powder and cream blush formulas to achieve long-wearing bold color that melts into skin for a beautiful, radiant glow." 

I was always of the belief that cream gets applied before powder, but there's a caveat with these blushes. Patrick Ta's "best kept cheeky secret" is to place the cream on top of the powder blush. Go back and read that again. And friends, let me tell you something, I started applying my blush this way with this product specifically and I will never go back. 

The blush comes in a beautiful gold compact that opens to reveal two pans, one pan with a cream blush and another with a powder. These blushes are pigmented and melt into your skin creating that dewy effect. 

There are currently 14 shades to choose from and I'm thinking maybe, just maybe, I could use one more...

Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Creme and Powder Blush Duo

Skincare: Caudalie Beauty Elixir Prep, Set, Glow Face Mist

Talk about a skincare product you don't really need, but just want because it makes your skin feel so fresh and plump. This is the product right here. Let me tell you what sold me on this one. I was browsing the skincare at Sephora years ago and came across this product. I decided to read the back of the bottle and read this: "Created in 1997, Beauty Elixir was inspired by a recipe of the youth elixir used by the Queen of Hungary in the 17th century, who was known for her radiant complexion." The Queen of Hungary. I'm half Hungarian, so naturally this product was made for me. 

This product can be used as a face mist, I typically use it after I wash my face. It can also be used as a setting spray for long lasting makeup. 

The ingredients include grape extract, peppermint essential oil, rose essential oil, lemon balm essential oil, rosemary essential oil, and orange blossom water. It smells heavenly. 

Caudalie Beauty Elixir Prep, Set, Glow Face Mist

Food/Drink: Purely Elizabeth Granola (thanks mom!) 

My mom and a TikTok simultaneously got me hooked on Purely Elizabeth Granola. My mom told me about this granola and how yummy it tastes. Around the same time, I came across a recipe on TikTok using the dark chocolate sea salt flavor.

The TikTok in question showed a Siggi’s vanilla yogurt, with smashed raspberries, and the dark chocolate sea salt granola. Friends, it’s a game changer. The dark chocolate crunch is heavenly, and the hint of sea salt is so satisfying.

If you try out this combination, please smash the raspberries. It makes all the difference.

Purely Elizabeth Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Granola

Miscellaneous: Bows

I’m a little obsessed with bows. I wear them in my hair and on my clothes. I can’t be stopped. I feel adorable when I wear them, and you can’t tell my 32-year-old self that I can’t wear them. I won’t listen. I’ve found some really cute ones from Anthropologie but I’m positive you can also find them on Amazon. I’ll link a few along with a shirt I recently purchased below. 

Anthropologie Bows

Anthropologie Bow T-shirt

Amazon Bows

Shower Things: Ouai Shower Gel

I love anything French. Croissants and striped sweaters, yes please. T-shirts that have croissant pictures and baguettes on them? Even better. French natives, look away. I’m sorry! I can’t help myself. 

So, when I (very late to the game I might add) came across the brand Ouai, I was sold. Ouai, according to their website, means yes “in that casual Parisian way.” Stop it right now. How did I not know about this brand sooner? 

Ouai describes this product as a “magical body cleanser infused with hydrating jojoba seed and rose hip oils.” This intoxicating scent will “transport you” as you lather your body. Transporting you is accurate. I feel like I’m on vacation in the tropics anytime I shower now. And also, I think James has even been using it. Not that he’s picky but he does have his own body wash in the shower. Need I say more? 

Ouai St. Barts Body Cleanser

Let me know if you try any of these products or already love some of them down below or over on Instagram @etsparkles.

Until next week!

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