I try so hard to think about gratitude as a life practice. Being mindful everyday of the friends, family and the many good graces I’m so fortunate to have. Sometimes it’s hard, though. This year, I’m missing my family. But Thanksgiving is serving as my reminder to be grateful. Even, or rather, especially, when life isn’t perfect. I want to demonstrate to my daughters that, sometimes, all we have is all we need. We will decorate the table, we will have a (mini) feast and we will exercise that (sometimes lazy) gratitude muscle.

In addition, I’m thankful for these awesome beauty sales and all the Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals flooding my inbox!

Have a very happy Thanksgiving!

xo

I first discovered Laura Geller almost 20 years ago in New York City. She had the loveliest cosmetics boutique on the upper east side. At the time, I was a 20-something working girl who could not afford her luxurious products and services, but, oh, how I coveted looking into that gilded window. Geller’s storied studio was *the* place to go to get your makeup done for special events. This being before Glamquad and Sephora really, there was nothing like it.

I don’t know where I’ve been, but I didn’t realize how global Laura Geller had gone. As in, QVC and department stores everywhere! I’ve been road-testing a bunch of her products the past few weeks and I love love LOVE them! I plan to tell you about a bunch more, but I’m so excited about this primer, I couldn’t wait.

First, let me tell you that I have never worn a makeup primer. Not because I don’t want to. They just all make me break out. I’m certain it’s the dimethicone, which is an emollient in most primers (and moisturizers and BB, CC creams, etc). And since my life-changing success with my eye shadow primer, I’ve been longing more than ever to find a comparable product for my face.

This is it.

Spackle! I even love the name. No wonder it’s award-winning. It does what it’s meant to do—creates a smooth foundation for your makeup and locks it in place. It’s lightweight, dries instantly and gives skin a protective, moisturizing boost of antioxidants, white tea and aloe vera. Without dimethicone. I’ve been using the Champagne Spackle, which has a really subtle hint of shimmer, but it comes in a variety of finishes and formulations. I’m also really into the Supercharged Fortified Spackle, which is loaded with anti-aging properties.

Wow Laura, it’s so nice to finally meet you!

I love this sweet video. It’s kind of poignant, too. Makeup is such a tough subject to talk about with our kids, isn’t it? Enjoy and have a great weekend!

The good people over at Mosaic have offered up free photo books to three lucky BeautyMama readers. In case you missed it, here’s my post on how awesome, easy and fast Mosaic makes putting together a beautiful photo album. From your phone. And delivered in four days. I love love love this app!

To win a Mosaic, simply post a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #BeautyMamaMoment and tag me, @BeautyMamaNYC.  Or, if you’re not on Instagram, post your photo to the  BeautyMama Facebook page .

(Bonus if you subscribe to receive BeautyMama updates to your inbox…just scroll down to the right of this page and enter your email address.)

My oldest daughter, Julia, will pick her three favorites this Friday.

Good luck!

Deep (Mom) Thoughts: On Kim Kardashian’s (oddly greasy) internet-breaking ass from one of my favorite  bloggers, Kelcey Kintner of TheMamaBirdDiaries. And while you’re at it, read her latest funny, poignant post on being a parent that pretty much made my week.

Stunning: Katie Holmes basically looking perfect in NYC this week.

Viral: One Mom begs kids to “Knock it Off” with a little help from Taylor Swift.

Celebrity: All around gorgeousness at the Governors Awards.

Funny Lady: SNL alum (and one of my favorite celebrity moms) Ana Gasteyer waxes humorously thoughtful on beauty. And I love her picks.

Screen Time: Why Steve Jobs didn’t let his kids use the iPad.

Insta2yearold: Too funny. MommyShorts causes yet another online sensation with her hilarious glimpse into the world from her toddler’s point of view on Instagram.