{fab finds} does window shopping even exist?

Looks like a little afternoon stroll turned into a shopping spree for me...... again.

Story of my life. Ugh.

It was a nice day in Pittsburgh yesterday so I tried to do some casual perusing down Carson Street. "Window shopping" doesn't really exist in my blood so I knew where this perusing was headed. Nonetheless, I stopped in a few boutiques and came out with some new stuff to add to my closet.

----------

First stop: Threads on Carson. This is pretty much a dude store... but of course I managed to find something. I'm always drawn to graphic Ts so I snagged this KR3W one in grey (featured above). I liked it because when you look in the mirror it reads "WERK" ("Ya better werk, b!*c#"-- B.Spears reference!). You can purchase this online too at Zappos.

Second stop: Decade on Carson. I got this NEUW Patti Tank in Chartreuse along with an awesome ring (no link available. sorry) & a Deadburydead marrow necklace. Solid finds, no regrets. Moving on...

Third stop: Figleaf on Carson. I managed to escape with just one purchase-- this Street Level cross-body in camel. I couldn't find a link to this exact bag, but Street Level brand is sold here, here, and here. 

(yesterdays shopping #OOTD)

Tupac ShakurRrRr or Rosie the Riveter? Either way, I don't care. obsessed with UO hair accessories.

What are your favorite stores for online shopping? Share your secrets below!

salted caramel chocolate cookies XX the perfect cookie

These. cookies. are. so. freakin'. good.

Salty & sweet...what more could you ask for.

That's really all I have to say sOooO... let's get to the recipe.

(YUP, only 5 ingredients)

How To:

-Follow the directions on the back of the cookie mix bag.

-Bake your shortbread cookies according to the directions and let cool.

-Melt the caramels on 50% heat for about 1 min- caramel should be hot & thin enough to spread.

-Spread caramel on the cookies and let set.

-Melt 1/4-1/2 cup of chocolate discs on 50% heat for 30 second increments until smooth- (close to a total of 1 min 30 seconds- careful not to burn- you will know if you did because the chocolate will clump)

-Drizzle chocolate

-Sprinkle sea salt on top

(Makes 27 2.5 - 3 inch cookies)

>>These cookies are not only THE BEST COOKIE EVER but are also gorgeous.

welcome to the LURV shack, baby

Welcome, welcome, welcome...

Pillows: Marshall's, Pier 1 Imports

Bedding: 3 Piece Linden Street Quilt in Beige

Since I ever-so-casually mentioned my decorating skills in my "About Me" section, I figured I'd let you all step inside my safe haven for a mini tour. Last summer I decided to completely tear down my room-- I'm talking stripping wallpaper, ripping up rug, & tossing any and all furniture to the curb. I wanted to redesign from scratch and make it MY room. So I did...

Pier 1 Imports Champagne Burst Mirror

Pier 1 Imports Lantern

Ivory & Beige Floor Length Curtains

White Whicker Basket

Being that I am a hermit and I enjoy my alone time more than the average human... (not kidding, I am known to lock myself in & hibernate for hours), I had to create the perfect bedroom.

I wanted the final product to be classy, cozy with a bit of ME...so I decided on monochromatics with gold accents for lil' bling bling. Let me just tell you, keeping a monochromatic theme is NOT easy. 

NOTE: You WILL buy & return paint, bedding, and any other decor give or take a total of 100x. Different lighting reflects different shades and tones and it is just a frustrating process.

Anyway- I always knew I had a knack for interior decorating but it was only until somewhat recent that I chose to pursue it. I'm even looking into taking classes for credibility so that I can one day take it up as a second career aside from nursing. But I'll save that shpeal for another post.

~

So now that you've seen a snippet of my love shack, I'll let you in on 5 essential items from my bedroom. These are examples of my little "me-time" happinesses that I often mention.

1.) My iPad.

2.) Victoria's Secret pajamas. Wear cute, feel cute- get it, got it, good.

3.) Vaseline. I swear to Gawd my lips are addicted to this stuff.

4.) eos hand cream. Maybe I just have a moisturizing addiction...?

5.) My life and soul: my planner.

That's all for now chicks.

post-weekend face duties

Friday hits, the good vibes are pumpin' & you're ready to hit the town. Makeup's piled on, you have 1 too many glasses of wine, indulge in an extra-long long slumber (accompanied by that pile of makeup on your face) followed by an afternoon of binge-eating pizza and chips. 

Giiiiirl, I've done and heard it far too many times.

Although it was probably worth it, all of that will leave your face blotchy, puffy, and just... well let's just say I avoid mirrors on those types of days.

On rough days like these, I owe to my face to do a little restoration. I sort of deviate from my normal skin care routine (Which you can read here: Don't Forget to Treat Your Face) and like to do a more aggressive "treatment".

I got these Peter Thomas Roth products at Sephora with my bonus points. Once I'm out, I will definitely be purchasing more.

The Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel provides peachy-clean freshness whenever you decide to wash off that face from the night before (No, I'm not judging you.)

The Cucumber Gel Mask is an extreme detoxifying hydrator.

The Laser-Free Regenerator Moisturizing Gel-Cream helps to deeply nourish the skin-- I mean it.

The FirmX Peeling Gel Exfoliant visibly rolls, lifts, and sweeps away dead skin cells. Um, so necessary post-weekend.

...thanks Peter.

tie-dye nails: how to

Boredom. Strikes. Again.

I usually stick with a basic 1-colored mani... but I was itchin' to do something and decided to tie-dye my nails. Why not. It came out pretty cool. So I'll share how I did it for you design-lovas...

1.) Start with 2 coats of white and let that ish dry.

2.) Grab an old makeup sponge.

3.) Pick out a few colors. I used white, grey, dark purple, and lilac.

4.) Dab dots of each color onto the sponge. You will probably have to do this between each nail.

5.) Use Q-Tips & NP remover get the excess polish off the edges of your nails.

6.) Apply a top coat for shine!

play up your smoochers

It's time to play up your lips and live a little ladies.

I love having all colors on deck, which is why I purchased this amazing Deconstructed Rose Lip Gloss Library Set by BITE Beauty at Sephora. This set comes with 12 different colors, some brighter, some darker, but no matter the season, get a pop of color on those lips! It's fun and can change the whole look that your going for.

As seen in photos:

BAG: Aldo Guthlarie Crossbody- *On Sale Now* Comes in White, Lilac, Midnight Black, & Peach

SHOES: Aldo Ceriwiel Black & Beige Pump- *On Sale Now*

If I'm doing my lips, I never forget to LINE. I feel like many girls associate lip liner with old ladies but it helps define the shape of the lips and adds a little extra plump-effect. The color of the lip liner should somewhat match the shade of lipstick or gloss that you're filling with, but it doesn't have to be exact... that is what blending is for!

These are a few products that I love for summer: 

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in "Native"- (Pale pink liner)

+

BITE High Pigment Pencil in "Madeira"- (Nude/pink for overall color)

&

BITE High Pigment Pencil in "Chablis"- (Soft coral/rose liner)

+

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in "Catfight"- (Pink/fuschia with red undertones for overall color)

This is what I used here: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Lip Pencil in "Catfight" to line the lips + Bite High Pigment Pencil in "Chablis" as a filler.

Have a fabulous Saturday, chicks!

fake-bakin's for the birds

Let me start by confessing that I used to be a heavy tanner back in my high school days. I went here and there throughout college but am now 100% anti-fake-baking.  

I owe it all to St.Tropez self-tanner. 

This stuff seriously works miracles.

I buy both the lotion & the mousse. Lotion for a gradual sustained tan & mousse for a temporary quick fix.

St. Tropez Everyday Gradual Tan- This lotion comes in light/medium and medium/dark. It is meant for the body but I use it on my face as well. The tan is more gradual but I start to notice results within a few hours. Streak-free!

St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse- If you're going to purchase this then you will absolutely positively need to buy the Applicator Mitt to avoid staining your hands. I made the mistake of trying without the mitt and it was just ugly. You should see results fairly quick.

Put the beds to rest, puhlease, and try this line.

zucchini noodz

Love carbs but you just can't get away?? These zucchini noodles are a great alternative. Now you're probably thinking there is NO no way a vegetable can trick your taste buds... but I swear.... Just give it a try.

You can make these noodles with various different sauces but I'm going to give you the recipe for what you see in the picture.

Ingredients:

2-3 zucchinis (makes 2 servings)

15-20 cherry tomatoes

2-3 tablespoons olive oil

3-4 tablespoons jarred pesto

Parmesan cheese

Optional: basil & lemon for garnish

How to....

-You will need to buy a  Spiral Vegetable Cutter. I got mine at Bed Bath & Beyond for $14.99.

-Preheat oven to 375 degrees

-Line a baking dish or pan with foil to save the mess & spray with cooking spray

-Coat cherry tomatoes in olive oil to prevent sticking & season with a pinch of salt and pepper 

-Roast tomatoes in the oven for about 12 mins or until the outsides become a bit "shriveled" in appearance

-While waiting, peel the skins off the zucchini (unless you like skins)

-Spiral your raw zucchini

-By this time your tomatoes may be done

-Heat a skillet with 2 tbsp olive oil- medium heat 

-Toss the raw zucchini in and add the pesto and roasted tomatoes

-Cook to your liking. I only had my zucchini on heat for about 3-4 mins. Zucchini tends to cook fast and will get mushy so be careful.

-Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top

Let me know how you like it!

fruit cubes

Here's an easy way to give your water a little "uhmph". (Pittsburghese? Idk)

Just pick out your favorite fruits, cut them to the appropriate size, & dunk em' in the water. I used lemon, strawberries, mint, and blueberries.

These fruit cubes magnify the taste of your water & look extra pretty in a glass or water pitcher for a party!

{fab finds} denim nation

My mother once said to me, "If I took away every piece of black clothing that you own, you'd be naked". 

So, despite my love for the classic black jegging, I've been branching out of my comfort zone and truly LOVING denim this year. These are my 4 go-to pairs this season:

1st in pic: Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren Distressed Boyfriend Jeans- Oceanside Wash

2nd in pic: GAP 1969 Destructed Sexy Boyfriend Jeans- Pacific Wash

3rd in pic: Adriano Goldschmied 'The Legging' Super Skinny Jean- these FIT LIKE A GLOVE. Obsessed. Lucky for you & not me, they are now 40% off at Nordstrom (free shipping!)

4th in pic: Free People Destroyed Ankle Skinny- Stretchy fit

face candy essentials

Let's talk about makeup essentials. 

I generally do my day-time face the same every day. Sometimes a little heavier, sometimes a little less heavy... it all depends on my mood and how many sh!tZ I give that day. 

Here is what I use and, for the time being, swear by:

Primer: Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer with SPF 15- Primer is an important step that many people disregard. My favorite primer thus far, water-resistant

Under-eye Concealer: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer- I use Ginger (golden undertone for medium complexion), bye-bye raccoon eyes

Foundation: Make Up Forever Pro-Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation- This stuff is god's gift to earth. It is one of my newer finds that I will continue to buy. Buildable coverage with a matte, flawless finish.

Bronzer: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer- in medium/deep. I hate shimmer bronzers so this is perfect for you matte lovers. This bronzer is made with real cocoa powder so don't hesitate to stick your tongue out to catch the leftover dust.

Blush: NARS Blush in Sin- shades of berry with gold shimmer. I bought this color for summertime.. just gorg with a tan.

Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Express for Brows and Eyes- Thin brows? Don't fret... this is the solution.

Mascara- Buxom Lash- I always, always, always buy waterproof. Just works better for me.

*Perfume*- Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb- signature scent thanks to my Seeester!

If I'm feelin' it, I'll use some other products for a night-time look:

Shadow: Urban Decay Naked2- I have all 3 of the Naked palettes but I think this one is my fav. Often I use Foxy, Bootycall, Tease, and Busted (in that order) for my eyes.

Liner: Stilla Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner- in jet black; my college girlfriends got me hooked on this and I don't think I'll ever go back.

Highlighter: Loreal Magic Lumi Primer/Highlighter

Foundation #2: Kat Von D Lock-it Powder Foundation- I got this with my Sephora points & really like it. Fits right in my going-out bag & is great for flawless coverage. 

Blush #2: MAC Powder Blush in Peechykeen- a pinker/peachier shade than my other blush, has a sheertone shimmer. 

Lips: NARS Velvet Lip Pencil in Buenos Aires- These gloss-sticks are so awesome. This beige-pink shade is perfect for a quick day-time application & leaves lips looking buttery-soft.

What are your favorite make-up products? I love suggestions!

{fab finds} snagging the perfect sunnies

If you don't think sunglasses are a basic essential OR if you're one of those people who consistently lose their sunglasses, stop right here! Sike.... but really.

I probabbbbly paid too much for these bebes but since I have a big-girl job, I splurged... on 2 pairs...oops. 

Anyway, I think both pairs of sunglasses that I purchased are practical and can be worn next season. 

The chic blacked-out Tiffany & Co. sunnies were a must-have...primarily because 90% of my wardrobe is black. They're classy yet edgy with a subtle cat eye. Purchased at Sunglass Hut.

The classic-shaped Brown + Gold Ray Ban Aviators were my second "gimme" item. I stumbled upon them while accompanying a friend to pick out prescription glasses at Eyetique. Sooo, I figured it was meant to be and that was that.

"cheers" to fabulosity: the wine bottle bracelet holder

I have an over-abundance of accessories to say the least. So I decided to put a few bracelets on display... And what better way than on a wine bottle...

This is just a temporary "decoration" in my room because I'm sure I'll want a change in a few weeks... 

Cheers to fabulosity!

who said eggs&toast couldn't be cute?

A treatie for your sweetie....

All you need is bread, butter, and eggs. 

Thick, big slices of bread will work best... but you can work with what cha have.

Butter both sides of bread as you would with grilled cheese.

Cut out the heart with a knife before toasting. 

Heat 2 skillets.

Brown/toast the hearts in one skillet and the bread in another.

Drop your egg or egg whites in the center of the heart cut out and cook it to your liking.

Flip as 1 unit if necessary.

Perfect for a birthday, anniversary, or just because.

Adorbs.

detox bathin' 101

Feeling bloated, down, or just plain old gross??  

...I know a temporary fix that serves as a detoxification remedy, relaxation, and as a little pick-me up.

Fill that bath tub up and get to detox-bathin'. You'll feel great afterwards.

Here's what you'll need (adults only):

1-2 cups Epsom salts

1-2 cups baking soda

1 tablespoon-1/3 cup ginger

Optional: Aromatherapy oils for fragrance

Add all of the above to warm or hot bath water and swish it around. 

Soak body up to the chest area for 20-40 mins & remember to DRINK WATER! You WILL sweat!

To continue the effects post-both, wrap up in a towel or blanket.

Excreting toxins just by laying in a warm bath? Sounds like a plan to me.

Try it out and let me know what you think.

For more info on detox baths, click here.

guilt free apple crisp

A sweet tooth success.

If you like apple pie, you'll love this apple crisp recipe... plus you'll be saving calories.

Filling Ingredients

2.5 cups peeled and chopped apple (you pick the apple!)

1 tablespoon sugar or sugar substitute

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie or apple pie spice seasoning

Topping Ingredients

1/4 teaspoon rolled oats

1/8 cup sugar or sugar substitute

1.5 tablespoons coconut flour (or all-purpose)

1/8 teaspoon apple pie/pumpkin pie spice seasoning

1.5 tablespoons butter

Fat free frozen yogurt

(Yields: 2 large servings - as seen in pictures )

*Preheat oven to 375 degrees*

For the filling: In a bowl, combine apples, butter, sugar, lemon juice, and apple/pumpkin spice. Transfer to a baking dish (I used single-serving mini foil pie dishes)

For the topping: In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, sugar, and apple/pumpkin spice. Cut in the butter until the mixture becomes clumpy. Sprinkle over apple filling. 

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until apple is tender and filling is golden brown. You can serve this with ice cream or opt for a healthier option such as low fat frozen yogurt.

{fab finds} palazzo prints

I bought these wide-leg palazzo pants from Nordstrom about a month or two ago. Now that the weather is heating up, I can finally break these babies out! It's the perfect printed-pant with pops of orange for a casual summer night out. You can wear them with a flat sandal or even a wedge.

Check them out! ...

Pants: ASTR Wide Leg Pants

Shoes: Urban Outfitters BDG Double-Strap Slingback Sandal

headband hair tuck

Channelling my inner-gypsy today...

This up-do is super easy, super cute, and requires just 5 minutes of your time.

*No bobby pins required!*

First, tease the top of your hair. I used my all-time favorite tool, Paul Mitchell's Teasing Brush.

Smooth it out.

Pick out a headband and place on the top of your head where you want it to stay.

I got my beaded headband from Francescas. They have a huge variety of adorable hair accessories!

Section your hair into 3 parts: 1 large section in the back and 2 smaller sections on each side.

Tuck the middle/back section first...up and into the elastic of the headband.

Then tuck the side pieces in the same way to give it dimension.

I chose to leave some hair on the sides down & simply curled them...but that's up to you!

This look is truly effortless and I can promise that you will get lots of compliments!

{fab finds} black-obsessed

Okay, so I miiiiight have a problem.

...But... I do wear ALL of those. Can never have enough black shoes! (or black clothes for that matter)

I just got these awesome lace-up leather booties for spring about a month ago. They are a great transition shoe for winter-to-spring weather. Edgy yet walkable!!

You can find this Trorecia Lace-Up Ankle Bootie at Aldo shoe stores- comes in both black and cognac.

Preach.

eat clean: banana oatmeal breakfast muffins

If you're looking for a sweet and sugary muffin, then you won't find that here. But if you're trying to stay healthy and on track, you'll love these!! (I would classify these muffins as a "subtle-sweet")

Ingredients:

2.5 cups of old fashioned oats

1 cup plain low fat greek yogurt

2 eggs

1/2 cup honey

1 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 tablespoons chia seeds OR ground flaxseed

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 ripe/spotty bananas

How to...

Preheat oven to 400 deg.

Spray with Pam or line 12 muffin tins with liners.

Pulse oats in food processor or blender (only use a blender if it works well)

Add remaining ingredients to food processor/blender.

Process/blend until smooth.

Bake for 18-20 mins or use the toothpick trick.

Let muffins cool on wire rack.

Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for decoration & you have yourself a healthy breakfast treat or dessert!! 

Enjoy :)

{fab finds} chunky jewels

The chunkier the jewelry, the better. I can die happy now that I found this amazing Khyber Necklace from Urban Outfitters. Tank top: Ecote High-Neck Halter Top from Urban Outfitters.

low carb crab cakes + summer kale salad

Busy schedules + Hunger + Laziness = Eating out

I know I find myself at restaurants or picking up something prepared far too often. Sometimes, I almost forget that I love to cook. Last night I busted out my skills and got to work in the kitchen. I wanted to make something light and fresh so I went with a summer kale salad, low carb crab cakes, & a side of sweet potato. 

Here is how....

Kale Salad

Kale

Cubed Golden Apple

Cranberries & Glazed Walnuts (Fresh Gourmet brand- comes mixed in a bag)

Lemon Vinaigrette (Marzetti Simply Dressed brand)

Low Carb Crab Cakes (Yields: 8 large cakes)

2 cups lump crab meat (16 oz. can)

4 teaspoons dijon mustard

2 eggs beaten

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

4 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning

1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

3 tablespoons coconut flour

1/4 cup coconut oil

Put the crab into a large mixing bowl.

In a different bowl combine wet ingredients: mustard, beaten eggs, and lemon juice.

In a 3rd bowl combine dry ingredients: Old Bay, parsley, flour.

Slowly fold the egg mixture into the bowl of crab, being careful not to break up the crab clumps. Then carefully fold in the dry ingredients. Form the cakes into your preferred size and set aside while heating the coconut oil in a large skillet. I used 3 skillets so I could make them all at once. You can split the 1/4 cup coconut oil between skillets. I probably did not use the full 1/4 cup just to save calories. 

Fry the crab cakes for about 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Careful when flipping because they tend to break apart.

I served these with pre-made Remoulade dressing (Louisiana brand).

This recipe won't let you down...Perfect for a summer meal!

dirty 30 survival kit

What better way to celebrate a friend or family's 30th birthday than with a Dirty 30 Survival Kit for the night of/morning after. Believe me, they will thank you!  I was trying to think of a special gift for my sister back in January and remembered seeing these types of "survival kits" for 21sts and bachelorette parties. I decided to make my own little rendition of one. Each "item" in the bag had a witty slogan/quote to accompany it. I hand-wrote on white card stock paper & backed it with gold glitter scrap book paper from Patcatans (craft store). 

Items + Phrases in the kit:

Mini Grey Goose- "Drink me now"

Gatorade- "Drink me later"

Chips- "One word... Carbs"

Mints (Victoria's Secret)- "You might need these"

Candle (Bath&BodyWorks)- "Party tonight, relax tomorrow"

Keep Calm Chocolate On candy bar (Hallmark)- "Who needs coffee when you can have chocolate"

Mini Advil- "Poppin' bottles last night, poppin' Advil this morning"

Lotion (Bath&BodyWorks)- "Too hungover to shower?"

Idea #2: The second picture above is a poster board I put out at the bar we rented for my sister's surprise 30th. I had everyone fill out decorative cards with reasons why they loved her. It served as a decoration and an even better memory for my sister. The poster board I used was fairly large but you can decide on the size. Again, I used white card stock and backed it with glittery scrapbook paper for an extra touch. I bought felt & foam sticky-backed letters (found in the scrap book section of the craft store) for the words at the top/bottom to keep it neat. The bow was made with black sparkle ribbon, polka dot ribbon, & simply glued on to the poster. 

These 2 projects did take some time but if you like crafts, you'll have fun making them! 

{fab finds} #goldallinmychain

When I saw this monogram necklace on Etsy, I just had to have it!  It's perfect for simple outfits and fills the empty-neck-void. You can personalize the alignment, letters, and text right HERE on hotmixcold's Etsy shop. (comes in silver as well) I bought this as a little treat for myself but I think it would be a great gift too :)