NEW WEBSITE! xox

 

I gave my blog a little makeover. You can now find the DDD at:

 www.thedomesticdivadiaries.com

I am hoping that the switch will make The Domestic Diva Diaries easier to access for my followers! 

XXOO jenna

father's day inside out carrot cake muffies (remix)

Last night the fam & I celebrated an early Father's Day for Big Ed because we aren't all able to make it on Sunday. My dad loooves carrot cake, so I made him these awesome inside-out carrot cake muffins with cream cheese filling that I've whipped up a few times before. They are a real hit at get-togethers.

If you like carrot cake... these are just that in but in cute single-serving sized muffies. Who wants to "share" dessert anyway?

Here's the recipe for you all to make for someone special, for no reason at all, or to indulge in all by yourself (judgement free zone)...

FOR THE MUFFIN BATTER----

2 & 1/4 cups all purpose flour

3/4 cup white sugar

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3/4 teaspoons ground ginger

3/4 teaspoons salt

2 large eggs

3/4 cups water

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 cup grated carrots

FOR THE FILLING----

1 package neufchatel cheese or cream cheese

1/4 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

FOR THE TOPPING----

1/8 cup chunky white decorating sugar

HOW TO:

>> Preheat oven to 400 (375 if using a dark muffin pan)

>> Pour dry ingredients in a large bowl (flour, white sugar, brown sugar, baking powder/soda, cinnamon, ginger, salt) then mix

>> In a separate bowl whisk eggs, water, & veg oil together

>> Pour wet ingreds into dry ingreds & stir to combine (do not overmix!)

>> Fold in grated carrots

>> For the filling: microwave neufchatel/cream cheese in a bowl on 30% for 1 minute

>> Stir in the sugar & vanilla then set aside

>> Line muffin pan with 12 paper muffin cups (you may have enough batter for 14)

>> Drop just enough batter to cover the bottom of each cup (if the bottom layer is too thick, the filling will break through the top layer, resulting in an uglyyyy muffie)

>> Dollop a spoonful of filling in the center of your first layer of batter

>> Fill the rest of your muffin cups with the remainder of batter (this layer should be thicker than the 1st)

>> Sprinkle the tops of each muffin with a generous amount of chunky decorating sugar. This will give the top of the muffin a sugary-goodness finish.

>> Bake for 20 minutes

>> Serve warm or cold. I prefer room-temp. The cream cheese has a firmer, creamier texture after it sets.

ENJOY xxoo

hair did, nails did, everything did

Today was a BIG day for me. I'm talking (literally) can't sleep, need-a-stiff-drink-ASAP kinda big day.

 After almost 24 years of not having enough in me to lighten or highlight my hair, today I went for it and got it balayaged. AND I LOVE IT... I feel like I've been missing out on a big part of my life by only ever doing all-over dark colors in the past. What was I thinking.

I highly, highly suggest Marissa at Sergio's on West Liberty for those of you in the Pittsburgh area. If you are contemplating changing up your hair and are nervous about it like I was, she is that go-to-gal. I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.

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Now on to some products I use to ensure my color stays as long as possible. There's nothing worse than doling out a bunch of cash to get that perfect color only to have it demolished by the sunlight.  

>>Miracle Volumizing Shampoo by It's a 10: sulfate free/color protectant, adds texture, shine, & more... check out their site for carrying stores near you

>>Color Safe Volumizing Conditioner by Big Sexy Hair... available in many drug stores, grocery stores, etc.

>> Miracle Blowdry Volumizer by It's a 10: UV protectant, humidity resistant, adds volume, hold, & more. Use this for styling or as a finishing spray.

Some other products I use are:

>>tousle waves spray for when I'm feeling lazy

>>frizz-ease to tame my mane

>>& flexible hairspray (ALWAYS flexible hold. No one wants that 8th grade crunch)

shop my closet +++ (grey marl long dress & UO scarf)

Sorry for the selfies (shameful)-- I just really like my hair. 

ta-ta for now  XXOO

hump day happenings

For you 9-5ers, today is the fabulous hump day. A particularly good hump day may help to get your booty through the 2 day stretch to the weekend.

As for me, I only work 3 twelve hour shifts a week so I don't know how this feels (sorry guys).  BUT... I do know that I was cancelled from work today and got a free-day-hump-day. Holler.

I started off my morning with a little coffee, some leftover chia pudding, and a lil' tanning sesh on my back patio. I also decided to tackle my belated spring cleaning... and my god was it necessary. I am officially self-proclaiming myself an organized mess. From the outside, you would think that my room was clean...but dig a little deeper and you will find SO MUCH random, misplaced junk in just about every nook and cranny. This is probably due to the fact that I am crazy and can't sleep if there is clutter-- everything must be out of eyesight vision and all drawers/closets must be closed. This, in turn, causes me to shove sh*t in random places to disguise my messes. Ugh, the struggle.

Anyway, after cleaning for 450238 hours, I cozied up to watch the storm (tornado warning, what?) and lit a candle. (other 2 >> fresh lilies and citrus and mercury bowl pineapple bamboo)

Now on to the good stuff- food.

I had a spaghetti squash so I did what I usually did with it. I pierce the squash (as I would a potato), microwave it for about 10 mins, then scrape the "noodles" out. I usually add to my fav Rao's marinara sauce by sautéing some cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and fresh basil in olive oil first then heat it up all together with the squash. I top it with some fresh romano and BOOM... got myself some superrrrr satisfying carb-free spaghetti. 

If you haven't dabbled with spaghetti squash as a pasta replacement, now is the time.

I'm ending my productive day finishing up this hilarious book that I mentioned a few posts ago and am going to catch up on Season 2 of Orange is The New Black. 

Oh and not to mention, I'm off until Saturday night... praise the Lawddd!

< shop my closet: ASTR scalloped tank >

What gets you through the work week?!

seriously bomb chia pudding

Hey chix...

I am back from New York and I have no pictures to share. Why, you ask? Because I am an all-star and left my iPhone in a cab Saturday night. However, it is safe to say the 24 hour cell phone cleanse and excessive doll-hairs I dropped on a new one was worth the memories with my girls. 

I had the afternoon left to mix up something new in the kitchen. This chia seed pudding is seriousssssly so good and so simple to make. I know it looks weird & all but it is bomb diggity. Plus, it's something new for the palette.  

>> mix together the first 3 ingredients (hold the fruit until the end) 

>> let the mixture set in the fridge

>> check on your mixture the first 30 mins. & whisk to prevent the chia seeds from clumping

>> let the pudding sit for about 3 hours or overnight for best texture results

>> top with fruit (I used peaches, raspberries, and blackberries)

The final product should have the consistency similar to that of tapioca pudding. You can thicken this up if you'd like with some plain greek yoggy.

(makes about 3 servings)

If you haven't noticed, I use chia seeds in many of my recipes. They are a great source of fiber, omega-3s, protein, calcium, and antioxidants. Read more about these babies here. 

{shop my kitchen} target dip bowls >> i couldn't say no to these precious kitchen accessories

{shop my closet} 

1 >> braided flat-sole sandal

2 >> trafaluc trousers

nyc bound >> what's inside my bag?

NEW YORK CITY BOUND T-1 DAY.

Sa'll good baby baybayyyy!

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For any of you crazies who even care what's inside my bag, this post is gonna give you the low down. Of course my actual luggage has twenty-too-many outfits & shoes for a 3 night stay, but my carry on is pretty much an essential-only zone.

Ok so let's take a look at what's inside of my {cosmetic} bag that's inside of my bag:

1.) My makeup featured on: Face Candy Essentials. You never know when you'll be in need of a freshen-up.

2.) An old emptied makeup compact filled with bobby pins. Nifty, eh!? Makes for a little organized storage spot for your bobbies. If you're anything like me, those little shits end up everywhere- (i.e. car, rug, wallet, hanging from strands of hair on my head, etc.- fml.)

3.) A large hair clip. Maybe I'm living in the 90s but I never stopped wearing these.

4.) We already discussed my vaseline obsession.

5.) As if vaseline wasn't enough-->>EOS lip balm in Sweet Mint.

6.) EOS hand cream in Berry Blosom. 

Moving on to the more essential of essentials...

7.) My blacked-out sunnies. Great for people watching (aka creeping) or for disguised sleeping.

8.) My iPad. 

9.) My planner. Why not plan my next trip while on my trip?

10.) My green-inspired mini notepad-purchased at Target. I'm big on lists. I have lists floating around everywhere. Electronic lists, written lists, mental lists, you name it. Most are not completed. At least I tried.

11.) Fuzzy socks!! These are a must when traveling. Nothing is worse than cold tootsies.

12.) A good book. I will let you know how that one turns out.

Am I missing anything?

sippin' pretty XX fruit infused water

Sip, sip away on these ahmazzzzzing fruit-infused water combos. 

Not only does the final product look oh-so-pretty to drink, but they are both delicious and refreshing. Water is the only "beverage" that I drink (i hate pop) so it was fun to spice up my h2o game.

BLUEBERRY + POMEGRANATE + MINT

This combination of flavors makes for a subtle sweet water. The water tones down the bitterness of the poms & BBs-- add in the mint & it is just pure perfection. Who doesn't love the beautiful scent of mint alone, anyway?

*tip: pomegranates can easily be seeded if you halve them, dunk them in a bowl of water, and de-membrane the seeds. The membrane of the pom will float to the top, making it pretty simple to separate. Strain your poms and there ya go.  

GRAPEFRUIT + ORANGE + LEMON + CUCUMBER

This one might be my favorite. The citrus juices are calmed by the cucumber. You can really taste each and every ingredient in this and that's why I love it. Plus, vitamin C = immune system boost!

KIWI + COCONUT WATER

If you don't like coconut water, don't bother making this one. It is an acquired taste, but mixed with the kiwi it is delish. If you dig CC water- then go for it- you won't be let down!

BLUEBERRY + LEMON + ROSEMARY

Another fav. The fresh rosemary makes for a heavenly sip.  Simple yet fabulous.

Don't be afraid to re-fill and re-infuse with the same fruit left in your glass!!

a cure for the monday blues-- 60 tiny love stories

It's Monday... again ...and I get how you're feeling.

However, my Monday wasn't as bad as most. Maybe it was a little of the leftover happiness that I was feeling from Sunday's just-because dozen of roses....or maybe it was because I chose to look at the positive aspect of having a big-girl job. 

It's easy to get caught up in the monotony of the working life and to constantly throw yourself pity-parties. I know this because I do it too. However, every once in a while, it is good for the soul to look at things glass half full.

Being a pediatric nurse isn't always easy. I often find myself complaining about my back or my feet hurting after a 13 hour day and how I don't want to wake up at 5am and do it all over again. Then I remember my patients. I deal with sick kids with extremely sad cases... and more often than not, I go home and think about them when I'm off. Although it can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting, I am grateful to be a nurse and to feel a sense of reward after each and every day.

Not feeling the glass half-full attitude today? 

I wanted to share an article I found on Pinterest a couple years back: 60 Tiny Love Stories to Make You Smile. These are truly heart warming and will prob cause you to shed a few tears. If these don't serve as a pick me up, I don't know what will.

What are you grateful for this Monday?

super tea boosters & a not-so-attractive smoothie

Smoothies and juice bars are the craze right now. I must admit, a few weeks ago I went crazy trying to find an organic one in Pittsburgh. I am not kidding when I say I Googled and Urbanspoon'ed 7 locations and when I arrived they were either A.) closed or B.) non-existent. This brought me back to a similar chain of events: a failed hunt for home-made donuts in Panama City, FL. Let's just say when I have a craving, I have an effing craving. Anyway, I opted for a green smoothie from Panera that was probably filled with a bunch of chemicals & added sugars. Whatever.

Even though my organic smoothie hunt was a bust, I love making my own at home. I always base my smoothies with ice and plain greek yogurt. Then add in whatever fruit I have in the fridge. 

Here's a recipe for one of my personal favs:

I usually stick to berry-based smoothies. All of the berries in this smoothie are a great source of antioxidants with fab health benefits.

Chia seeds are another ingredient I always toss in. These can be used in so many recipes and serve as a teeny-weeny superfood. 

(shop my closet: H&M Leopard Harem Pants)

I also found these Republic of Tea super tea booster supplements at Williams Sonoma. Add just a teaspoon of either to help with your digestion or metabolism. 

Can be used in smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, baked goods, and more.

{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.

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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.