Lazy Monday Makeup

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I don’t know about you, but most Mondays, I’m just trying to wake up, much less put makeup on + get glammed up for the day! Since I work from home, it can be really easy to just stay in my pjs all day and not put a stitch of makeup on. Don’t get me wrong, I fully believe in pulling off your natural beauty… but I’ve found that if I don’t clean myself up a bit, the rest of my day reflects that laziness.

Basically, putting myself together in the morning by getting dressed in something cute + putting on a little makeup boosts my confidence and my productiveness the rest of the day. :)

If you’re like me, and want a simple makeup routine for lazy Monday mornings, here’s what I use.

Beauty Essentials
Bobbi Brown Blush
MAC Eye Shadow
Physicians Formula Mascara
Bobbi Brown Eye Tint
TIZO3 Tinted SPF
Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Roller
Finished Look :)
  1. Bobbi Brown Blush – Nectar 11 – I love this blush for a subtle hint of color on days where my face needs a little brightening (aka all winter long).
  2. MAC Eye Shadow – Tempting Lustre  – As you can see, I use this shade A LOT. It’s the perfect soft color to sweep across my eyes when I’m not going to put on any eye liner.
  3. Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara  – I just discovered this stuff at Walgreens, and LOVE it. It goes on smooth and with a couple of layers, does a great job of opening up my eyes. Love that it’s 100% natural and it washes off easily with face cleanser.
  4. Bobbi Brown – Tinted Eye Brightener  – So much love for this under eye brightener. It has a much wetter consistency than most concealers, and I love how it glides over my skin so easily just using my finger. Really does a great job of hiding those Monday under eye circles.
  5. Tizo3 Tinted Facial Mineral Sunscreen – I can’t say enough good things about this sunscreen slash light foundation. It feels like I’m rubbing velvet all over my skin. It’s a bit pricey, but doesn’t take much for good coverage and makes your face feel like a baby’s bum.
  6. Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb – Great, fresh scent for any time of the year. I’ve had this roll on for a long time, and love to throw it in my purse when I’m going out to run errand or to the gym.

For those of you who are visual learners like myself… :)

 

 

Secret Ingredient Chocolate Caramel Krispie Treats

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I made these delicious treats a while ago, and couldn’t believe how easy it was to whip up a fancy looking (and tasting) desert! These babies are a great treat to bring to your next holiday party. Your friends + family will think you’re a pro baker. ;) P.S. The secret ingredient is NOT caramel…

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Introducing… PRETZELS!

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Caramel-Pretzel-Chocolate Krispie Treats

Ingredients: 

  • 1 10 oz. bag mini marshmallows
  • 3 tablespoons butter, unsalted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 11 oz. bag caramel squares
  • 2 tbs. milk
  • 1 10 oz. bag chocolate chips
  • 1 tbs vegetable shortening
  • 5.5 cups Rice Krispies
  • 1 cup finely crushed pretzels

Instructions:

  1. Line a 9×9 pan with aluminum foil (easier cleanup!)
  2. Place butter and marshmallows in a pan over medium heat. Stir until melted and fluffy. Mis in vanilla. Add Rice Krispies and pretzels and stir. Press into pan. (Tip: Butter your hands first, to prevent the sticky treat from sticking to your hands.)
  3. Place caramels in a microwave safe bowl and heat 2 min. or as needed to melt. Take out to stir in 30 second bursts. Pour over Rice Krispie Treats. Let cool.
  4. Place chocolate and shortening in microwave safe bowl. Heat 1-2 min, stirring in 30 second bursts. Pour mixture over cooled caramel.
  5. Once partially cooled, sprinkle with sea salt.

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A Season of Change

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The leaves on the ground, all different shades of autumn, are telling me it’s once again the season of change. Of letting go. Of shedding the old in order to grow new.
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I’m shedding things I didn’t know I’d be shedding this year. The city I called home for the past 3 years, my cozy apartment, my furniture, my friends, my church family, any sense of security I felt I had at one point. Some of them will come back in the seasons to come and some will find new homes along the way.
I’m thankful for this season of change. For shedding the things that no longer fit me. Change. I crave it, we all crave it. But I’m also scared to death of change. Of letting go of what’s comfortable and trusting God to take care of the rest. Trusting that I won’t fall on my face. Trusting that every piece of the puzzle will come together one way or another.
This year, fall appeared out of nowhere. One day the leaves were green, the weather was warm, the sky bright and the next, the leaves turned shades of orange and red and yellow, and the air, crisp and cool. In a way, that’s how this season of my life felt. Like a sudden change. Out of nowhere.
But, it wasn’t out of nowhere. God’s been planning this all along. It actually took me quite a while to embrace the season, to act on the change I knew was happening on my heart.
And now, here I am. Sitting on the front porch of the house I grew up in. Looking out at the red and orange trees dancing in the wind. Soaking up the feeling of finally letting go of the control.
It’s never easy to let go. After all, when God has something in store for us, he’s going to ask us to trust Him first. To shed those summer leaves and wait patiently for the magic of fall to begin.
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What has He been calling you to this season? Do you feel a pull on your heart to let go. To embrace the change? Go for it.

February in New York

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It’s no secret that I have a small obsession with New York City. Ever since my first short day trip there 4 years ago, I’ve dreamed of being able to spend more time in the bustling city. There’s something about walking out your door to new faces, new adventures and an endless list of places to see. I’m not sure I could ever call NYC home, but I sure do love calling it a home away from home.

I’ve been blessed to make some pretty amazing friends in New York. Even more reason to hop on a plane every now and then and make a stop in the Big Apple.

This February, my mom and I took a girls trip for a week. We were going to check out a job opportunity, and to explore the wintery version of NYC. It’s gorgeous, by the way. (But VERY cold!)

We stayed in the most adorable apartment in Chelsea, and did a lot of walking, eating and exploring. I even got to be ON the Meredith Vieira Show!!! It was so fun getting to go backstage and meet the staff. Everyone there is so nice! Plus it was awesome getting to pretend like a I was a host for a day ;)

Here are a few highlights from the trip!

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Marshmallow-Filled S’more Cupcakes

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If you haven’t noticed yet, my recipe section has a very strong theme: Desserts. Yes, it’s true, I love to bake. Today’s recipe is perfect for summer! This should in no way take the place of nights out by the fire, roasting marshmallows and making legit s’mores, but it is a fun alternative!

Brace yourself, this recipe is complicated. Luckily, I had a baking partner, Natalie from That Foodie Girl

I’m not going to type out the actual recipe, because it’s much easier for you to read it here (Or I’m just being lazy. You decide.): Marshmallow-Filled S’mores Cupcakes

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Although this process took FOREVER, it was well worth it. These little nuggets were SO delicious, and although I probably won’t make them again for a while, they are definitely worth making again.