12 Cool Things You Need to Click On Today

If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that, last week...I MET MADONNA! I repeat: I MET MADONNA! You guys, I want to play it cool, but it was everything. Here's how it went down: I was invited to the launch of MDNA Skin, Madonna's new skincare line. We were told Madonna would be there, but you never really know. Still, I was SO nervous in anticipation. In my career, I have been fortunate enough to meet many celebrities through their beauty launches, but (and no offense to Katy Perry, Usher, Celine Dion, Justin Timberlake, etc) this was MADONNA. Totally different level.

I mean, I listened to her True Blue cassette tape and watched her videos on MTV constantly as a child. I even dressed up like her for Halloween. So, I was so freaking nervous the moment she walked out in front of the crowsd. She spoke about her line for a long time (funny enough, she actually sounded nervous while speaking up there!), and then stayed for a full hour after the presentation taking photos with everyone there. (And chatting with you while you were photographed with her! I just basically said "Uh huh" and nodded during this time, because I was about to throw up from nerves.) But I love the photographic souvenir I have now--and I really love that they retouched my skin and made it all glowy, too. Gotta love PhotoShop.

So, what are you up to this weekend? I'm not hanging out with Madge, sadly. Nope. Ours is going to be pretty low key--kids' parties, playdates, a date night. But whatever you're up to this weekend, I hope you have a great one. Here's a few fun links to check out in the meantime...

• Banana Republic is having a 40 percent off sale right now! And I really think they have gotten so good in the last year or two. I just bought this sweater in two colors (pink and yellow) and this supercool blush-colored camo sweater, which I LOVE. I also have my eye on this jacket. It's so cool!

• I gasped when I saw this slouchy Frye boot, because 1) It looks almost identical to one of my all-time faves, this Jimmy Choo boot--also pictured on me here (Oh my god! Look how young my daughter looks in that post!). 2) It costs about $1000 less than those Jimmy Choos! and 3) It's on sale!

• I'm ordering this: a puffer jacket that actually looks flattering and it's in an amazing color and it has gold buttons! (Plus, it's already on sale and you can get an additional 20 percent off with code MORE.)

• This is my new favorite skincare thing: Strivectin Advanced Acids Rehydrate + Replump Hyaluronic Dual-Response Serum is a hydrating serum that feels super light and totally not greasy. (It feels like you're hydrating your skin with water--not with oil.) I wear it morning and night under moisturizer and sunscreen and it's keeping my face so much softer.

• This vegan-leather dress is kind of sexy and SO cool (but still work appropriate)! At first I balked at the price, but Rebecca Taylor is having a 25 percent off sale right now, so I'm definitely considering it! Use promo code 25FAMILY for the discount.

• Random but awesome find: I make smoothies almost every morning and was starting to stress out over the number of plastic straws I was going through--and then discarding. So I found these reusable metal straws on Amazon and I love them. Simple to clean and now I'm putting much less plastic into the landfills.

• I'm thinking about getting this framed art piece for our guest room. Isn't it fun? Love the top knot and the bright pop of color!

• This week, I shot a fun Facebook Live with hairstylist Marcus Francis and Suave for Total Beauty. If you'd like to watch--and learn how to create the easiest-ever braided updo--you can check it out here.

• If you haven't been reading Dear John--the L.A. Times true crime serial that is drip, drip, dripping out one chapter at a time--you must start! It's basically a great Netflix doc...in print! The final installment comes out Sunday. In the meantime, here is the first chapter if you want to check it out. (You'll be hooked!)

• I can't tell you how many people shared this on my Facebook feed, but when I finally clicked on it, I was so glad I did. The author talks about how women expend a lot of "emotional labor" in a relationship--especially when they're moms--and oh my gosh, it rang so, so true.

And in case you missed it...

• My daughter got a major haircut...and I'm the one who freaked out.

• I shared a deal for free home products--in yummy fall scents. (FYI, the promotion technically ended, but insider tip: I'm pretty sure you can actually still get freebies if you click on the link!)

Have a great weekend!

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