Friday's Fabulous Five

This week went by at light speed.  I don't even know what happened.  It was a 4-day week for me, but still, I feel like I blinked and it was Friday again.  What a wonderful thing to have happen!  Here are 5 things I'm loving this week!

1. This View....

I am a huge fan of summer, and this weekend made me so incredibly excited it's finally here!  I'm really lucky to be able to spend as much time as I want on Cape Cod, and I take full advantage of it every chance I get.  This is the beach by our house, and everything about this view makes me smile :)

2. OPI "Don't Bossa Nova Me Around"

This shade is from OPI's Brazil line.  Pretty much all of the colors in this line are very bright, except this one.  I picked this color up because I wanted a nude color that reminded me of sand.  I hit the jackpot!  Once I put it on, I instantly loved it.  It reminds me of sand on the beach, and it is the perfect color for work!  The color lasted several days, and I only needed two coats.


3. "81 Whacks" Red Indiana Pale Ale-

Ever heard the nursery rhyme... "Lizzie Borden took an axe, gave her mother 40 whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father 41"?  Completely appropriate nursery rhyme for children to learn, I'm sure you'd agree.  Anyways... in case you don't know... Lizzie Borden was famous for being acquitted of the murder of her parents in Fall River, MA in 1892.  Basically, she was the OJ Simpson of the 1800's.  I live just a couple miles from where the murders allegedly took place.  Lizzie is a bit of a legend in New England, and someone finally created a fabulous IPA in her honor.  A local sports bar nearby used to carry it on tap, but has stopped.  Luckily my friend Jessica (Hi Jess!) found this gem when she was in a craft beer store and picked it up for me.  Absolutely love this IPA...  Oh, and if you're a true crime junkie, like me, google Lizzie- you won't be disappointed ;)


4. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Captivating-

This is part of Tarte's limited edition summer collection, but I have a feeling this is here to stay.  It is a beautiful coral shade, perfect for summer.  I tend to like cream blushes more than powder blushes.  I think they look more natural, where the powder ones can give you that caked-on look.  If you read beauty blogs, I'm sure you've seen tons of bloggers rave about the lasting power of the Amazonian Clay 12-hour blushes.  This shade is meets every expectation I had.  It lasts the entire day, and it looks very natural.  Two of the most important factors I think about when choosing a blush.  I'm obsessed with this color! 

5. Lastly, this week was a fabulous week at work for me.  I don't know if it was going back after a long weekend, and feeling completely rejuvenated, or if it was the short work week, but this week really flew by.  I worked an insane amount of hours, but loved every second of it.   I had a lot of amazing victories and am really thankful I get to wake up every day and do something I love, and work in a field I am passionate about.  

 Hoping you all had a wonderful week too!!! Cheers! It's FRIDAY!

Key Lime Pie!

There are three promises I can make you with respect to this recipe....

1. It's the QUICKEST pie you will ever prep.
2. It's the EASIEST pie you will ever make.
3. It's quite tasty!

That said... here is my favorite Key Lime Pie Recipe:

Prep Time- 5 minutes

Total Time- 4 hours

Ingredients:

1/4 Cup of water

1 Package sugar- free lime flavored gelatin

2 (6 oz.) containers fat free (or light) key lime pie yogurt

1 Tub frozen reduced fat whipped topping (i.e. cool-whip), thawed

1 Ready made pie crust

Directions:

1. In microwave safe cup, heat water on high, for 45 seconds to 1 1/2 minutes, or until boiling. Whisk in gelatin until dissolved.

2. In large bowl, whisk together gelatin mixture and yogurt.

3. Fold in whipped topping, and mix.

4. Carefully spread mixture into crust, refrigerate 4 hours.

This recipe actually comes from the back of a Keebler pie crust!  Who knew!?!?  

Enjoy!

Buxom Nudes & Brights: Review

Lip glosses are one of my most cherished beauty products.  I am especially fond of Buxom glosses.  I think they are hands down the best.  They last a long time, the colors are amazing, the shine is perfect, and I love the way they feel.  For those of you who don't know, many buxom glosses have a tingle to them.  They claim to plump lips, which, I'm not sure is entirely true.  I notice my lips are fuller, but I attribute it more to the color and fullness of the gloss.

I'm also especially fond of kits.  When there is a kit, I'll probably buy it.  I think it's a great way to try new products without much of a commitment.  Needless to say I was psyched when I saw this kit at Sephora:

Buxom Nudes & Brights! This kit is perfect.  3 nude colors, and 3 vibrant colors- perfect for summer! The thing I loved about this kit was getting 6 different colors for only $32.00.  Full-size Buxom glosses run around $19.00.  These sizes were about half the size of a regular gloss, but you're still getting much more.  Plus, I have a little issue, where I tend to lose glosses.  They end up in my purses, work bag, desk, bathroom, jacket pocket, you name it!  So I figure with six, if I lose a couple, I'm still good hahahaha!

First the Nudes:

From left to right... "Yes You", "Mwah", and "Dolly" (Swatches below)

"Yes You"- is a very, very nude color.  It's almost a plain gloss.  It looks great on it's own or over another color to add some extra shine, or tone down a loud color.

"Mwah"- has a more pink tone to it, but still is pretty nude.  It's perfect for work, or to wear with dark eye makeup, if your looking to tone down your lips.

"Dolly"- I've been a fan of this color for ages.  It's my go-to color.  I usually wear it to work or when I'm at home lounging around.  It's more pink than nude, but it's very pretty on.

Now the Brights...

From left to right... "Strut It", "Pucker Up", "Cha Cha Cha" (swatches below)

"Strut It"- Bright pink, almost like a watermelon hot pink.  It's perfect for summer.  I wore this with a black dress, pink flip flops, and a pink necklace.  It was prefect.

"Pucker Up"- Same idea, but purple.  It's a great summer color for day or evening out.

"Cha Cha Cha"- This is by far my favorite.  It's a neon red/orange color and it really makes my lips stand out and pop.  This color is perfect for those hot summer nights!

Here are the swatches:

As you can tell from the swatch, I am super fair-skinned. (Also, don't mind the scratches... I wasn't kidding when I said I was a crazy cat lady lol).  I really thought all of these colors looked great on me.  I rarely find a kit where such a wide range of colors look good on.  I think these colors would look great on any skin tone.  I was really surprised I liked the brights as much as a I did.  And... all of these colors had the lasting power of Buxom.  They felt great on my lips, were full-bodied, and had ample shine.

This kit is still available at Sephora, both online and in stores.  Price, quality, and the wonderful colors in this kit make it a must have!

Memorial Day Weekend Re-cap

Hi Everyone! I've been a little MIA the past few days.  Memorial Day weekend feels like a blur!  I was super busy and it went by super fast!  Saturday I went to Mohegan Sun in Connecticut to see Chelsea Handler.  She never fails to crack me up, or show something completely disturbing lol.  It was a good show, she performed for about an hour, and was her usual funny self.  We had great seats.... even though you really can't tell from this shot...

A huge shout to my friend Scott who invited me along on this adventure!

The rest of the weekend I spent on Cape Cod.  It was filled with sunshine, laughter, and all around good times.  I was so happy to finally be at the beach again!

Lastly, and most importantly, Monday was filled with many tributes to those who fought for our country.  Between the parades and the memorials, I really had a chance to reflect on what Memorial Day really means.

This is one of many memorials in the Veterans Park near our house on the cape.

I hope everyone else was able to have a fun, relaxing, long weekend.  I'll be back tomorrow... I have a great new summer recipe and some beauty reviews on deck over the next few posts... stay tuned!!

Friday's Fabulous Five!!!!

Hi All- It's Friday!  And that means it is time for the fabulous five....

1. Sephora's Sun Safety Kit-  This kit is amazing!  It's only $32 for $177 worth of items.  I am a huge fan of the "Sephora's Favorites" lines.  It's a great way to get deluxe size samples and try new items.  I'll do a full review soon- once I've had the opportunity to try everything!

And that's not all... there's more....on the other side....

I'm telling you! This kit has EVERYTHING.... lotion, moisturizer, self-tanner, bronzers, lip balm... the list goes on!

2. Summer Shandy!  Shandy season is officially in full swing.... and I couldn't be happier.  I love the lemon Leinenkugel Summer Shandy the best!  It's such a refreshing brew for summer.

3. The TJ O'Connor Animal Shelter and an unnamed Good Samaritan
Warning- this story is upsetting.  

(photo credit: TJO)

One thing I have absolutely no tolerance for is people who abuse animals.  Sadly, the other day, someone threw this poor dog out the window of a moving car, then ran him over.  Luckily someone who saw the incident rescued the dog and rushed him to the local animal hospital.  The pup survived (thank goodness!) and has been eating and doing better.  He did fracture his pelvis and needs surgery.  My heart goes out to this poor dog.  This story reminds me there are so many animal shelters and hospitals out there who dedicate their services to these helpless little animals.  The folks at TJO are giving this guy the love he deserves.  I'm loving the fact there were so many people who have reached out to help this guy, and we have facilities and people who devote their time to helping! My hat goes off to the doctors, vet techs, assistants, and good Samaritans who have given so much of themselves to save this little guy and others.   Keep him in your prayers, this little guy isn't out of the woods yet.

4.  Yankee Candle Fluffy Towels:
I am obsessed with this candle! It smells like freshly cleaned laundry and makes my entire home smell clean and fresh!  I can't get enough of this scent.

5. Lastly, I'm LOVING the fact it is a 3 day weekend!!  Memorial day is the official kick off to summer, and I couldn't be happier.  Bring on the sand, sun, and beach!!! I hope everyone has a fabulous long weekend planned!!! See you next week :)

Review: Ocean Sea Salt Scrub by Lush

I am the first to admit have a lot of vices.  You already know I am currently a crazed beauty addict, and a recovering beauty box addict.  What you haven't learned yet is I have a crazy obsession with salt.

Yes. You read that right. I LOVE salt.

And by love, I'm not talking anything normal.  I'll put salt on just about anything.  In fact, my friends reading this right now are shaking their heads thinking, "those readers have NO CLUE". (You know you are!)  You'd think I'd have high blood pressure, but I don't.  My body simply craves salt!

Anyways... in honor of my love of salt... I have for you one of my most favorite salt-based beauty products: Ocean Sea Salt Scrub by Lush.  For those of you who don't know, Lush is a company that prides itself on making products with all natural, fresh ingredients.  To learn more about Lush, click here:  LUSH

Back in the fall, a dear friend of mine, Jessica (Hi Cookie!), introduced me to this product.  My life has never been the same.  You may think I am exaggerating, but I'm not.  See, in the fall I was feeling super blue because I spend pretty much every chance I get by the ocean in the summer. And, as much as I love the fall, I really miss the smell of the salt water and taking swims in the ocean.  This scrub literally makes me feel like I am dipping my face into the ocean!  Problem Solved.

When you first open it, all of the salt is resting on the top and you need to mix the scrub really well.  After mixing, it is a smoother mint green color.

Apply about a teaspoon of the scrub on your face and rub in a circular motion.  After using this scrub, my face feels unbelievably soft and smooth.  I use it about 3-4 times a week, and haven't noticed any stripping or rough patches salt can create.  The best part?  It's not just made for your face! It can be used as a full body scrub too.

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this scrub.  It is one of those products I run out and buy as soon as I run out.  If you're interested in this scrub, you can get it here: Sea Salt Scrub

One more thing... seeing I am still new at this... and seeing most of you are still getting to know me- I think it is important to mention I am not paid for any of these reviews.  All of the opinions in this blog are my own :)

Cheers to loving Salt!

Recipe: Raspberry Chicken

This is one of my all-time favorite recipes.  My mom gave it to me when I was in college (many moons ago... ha!), and I've been making it ever since.  It's super easy, and perfect for a work night.  Prep time is about 10 minutes, cook time 20.

Ingredients:

Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon thyme

Directions:
Sprinkle chicken with salt and thyme. Heat non-stick fry pan with Pam and add oil. Saute onion for 5 minutes.  Add chicken.  Cook until done.  Remove chicken (not onion) from pan and place on platter. Keep warm.

Sauce:
1/2 cup seedless raspberry jelly or jam
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Add sauce ingredients to fry pan, heat until jelly melts.  Drizzle on top of chicken.  Serve over rice or couscous.

Tips:

• Onion- I'm terrible at measuring stuff like that... I just use 2 small onions or 1 large. 
• Chicken- I used chicken tenderloins for this post.  I think tenderloins cook up better in a recipe like this.  I've also cubed the chicken before too.  In other words... any way you like your chicken will work!
• I love the sauce on this chicken, and really like the rice to soak it up, therefore, sometimes for a stronger taste, I'll use 3/4 cup of the jam.
• If you don't mind seeds, seeded jam is fine.  It gives it a different texture, if your a texture person... proceed with caution!
• I think this works better over couscous, but then again, I like couscous more than rice.  Full disclosure on my bias. haha. 

This recipe is the perfect week night recipe!  Enjoy!!!

Crazy for Coral

Happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a good weekend.  My weekend was full of fun!  Had some cocktails, shopped, ate some delicious food, and listened to some live music.  The weather was perfect this weekend and I actually got a little sun.  And, lets be serious, my pale body is certainly in need of that Vitamin D!  Another thing I am loving lately?  CORAL!   It's such a perfect color for spring and summer.  Here are a few of my current coral favorites!

We all know I'm an Essie Addict.  Even though I don't love their brushes, I love their colors, and can't get enough.  Plus I am able to get some good deals on these at CVS or Target.  And who doesn't love a bargain?  The polish on the left is "tart deco".  I've had this color for a couple years now, and it is my perfect go-to coral color when it's warm out.  It is a bright coral color with peach undertones.  Perfect for work or play.  The color on the right is "serial shopper".  I just bought this one last week and have only worn it once.  It is more of an orange-neon color.  It's pretty bright.  I didn't love it when I first tried it, but after having it on my nails for a couple days it grew on me.  My skin is still really pale, and that didn't help.  I think I will like this one much better in the summer when my skin is a little darker.

The blush in the middle is "Awaken", by TIGI.  I got this blush in a beauty box a while back.  I am a recovering beauty box addict. There. I said it. And now you know. HA!  I was so obsessed with beauty boxes, and getting an undisclosed number in the mail each month, I decided to cancel them.  I miss them like crazy!  But because I was subscribing to so many, I was having trouble keeping up with them.  This is one find I missed, and have since discovered.  This blush looks perfect on me!  It is a light coral color and is perfect for spring.  The lasting power of it wasn't that great, but I tend to carry it with me and apply it mid-afternoon for a touch up.

The lip gloss you see is Revlon Colorburst in "bellini".  This gloss is very moisturizing.  The color is a peachy coral.  It is a perfect shade for spring.

Lastly, the necklace.  I just bought this necklace recently at Forever 21.  I had no idea Forever 21 had such great statement necklaces!  My dear friend Debbie (HI DEB!)  convinced me to check them out.  They are very reasonably priced.  I don't like to spend much on statement necklaces.  This floral one was the perfect shade of coral for me.  I've already worn it twice.  Once with a navy blue dress, and once with a white t-shirt.  This necklace is the perfect way to dress up a simple outfit.  And it was only $16.98! Can't go wrong at that price!

What is your favorite color to warm up your look this spring?

Friday's Fabulous Five

It's Friday!  And here are my top 5 favs from this week!

1. USE YAH BLINKHA!
Pahk the cah in havhad yahd???  Try Using yah blinkah!  If you are from Massachusetts you probably know what I'm talking about.  I was on my way to work last Friday and electronic highway signs looked like this:

Only in MA would this happen.  And, it's AWESOME.

2. Lemon Infused Water:
I have been having such a hard time drinking water lately.  I've started putting fresh lemons in my water and letting it sit over-night.  It tastes amazing!  I know this is a no-brainer... but it has made a huge difference!  I can't get enough!

3. My Kate Spade Polka Dot Wristlet:

I'm already a little obsessed with polka dots... and this wristlet solidifies that love. I got it over the winter and only used it a couple of times.  Now that it's spring, and I don't always like to lug a purse around- this wristlet is perfect.  It looks great for a day look, running out for coffee, or an after-work function.

4. Buxom Lip Gloss- in Katie:
I got this lip gloss a while ago on a 100pt. Sephora perk.  I recently re-discovered it, and forgot how much I love it.  It is the perfect shade to wear to work.  This gloss is a pale pink gloss (Buxom describes it as pink lemonade).  It is a sheer, light color, and isn't very overwhelming.  I have a serious obsession with Buxom glosses, and this one is no different. Besides, the name is pretty cool too ;)

You can get this gloss here: Buxom Gloss Katie
(photo via Sephora)

5. iMap My Run:
If you aren't already using this app... you are missing out.  I have been using it for years.  I haven't used it this winter (mostly because I was on my couch more than I was working out- ha!).  I started using it again this week and am reminded how amazing it is.  I don't know how I lived without it.  This app is free, and it acts as a GPS on your phone when you walk/run.  It maps your route, gives you stats, and tells you how many calories you've burned. It's a great way to keep track of your workouts! The program sends you an email at the end of the week with all of your stats combined- talk about motivating!

Hope everyone had a fabulous week!

Essie Review! Enuf is Enuf!

Can I just say I am obsessed with this nail polish!??!  Essie "enuf is enuf" is the perfect bright pink spring color.  It's bright, playful, and fun.

I tend to love Essie colors, but am not a fan of their brushes.  I think brushes in other polishes do a much better job.  Most of the time I need to apply a third coat because the brush doesn't seem to apply enough polish.  That isn't the case with this color.  I only needed two coats to get the bright pink color to fully shine through.

I have very fair skin, and sometimes bright polish is too much for my hands.  This polish had just the right amount of pop!  If you are looking for a fun, playful spring color... you won't be disappointed!

A Little Vacation Recap.... Southern Fun & The Kentucky Derby!

So, in some ways it feels like it's been forever since I've written.  Life has been a whirlwind since returning home from my vacation to North Carolina.  I had such a fabulous time, and am so thankful I have the opportunity to jump on a flight and get away for a little R&R when I need to! A week away from the cold New England rain? Sign.Me.Up. My bags are packed!

(shoes Lauren Conrad; Longchamp purse; Kate Spade Purse; Vera Bradley duffel)

For those of you who know me- you know I am deathly afraid of flying.  A completely irrational fear, I know.  The odd thing is I fly on a pretty regular basis, and this is one area where experience definitely does not make me better.  Thank goodness for in-flight cocktail service, good music, and good reading material or I would be a complete mess!

New England weather can be so unpredictable.... and I sure enjoyed those North Carolina skies and 86 degree weather.

One of my favorite parts of my trip was an adorable Kentucky Derby party we attended.  I am ashamed to admit it, but this was my first Kentucky Derby party!  I left wondering why I waited so long to finally enjoy it?  I guess it is because there always seems to be something else going on.  An excuse to wear a fun hat and drink whiskey? Again, sign me up!

 Another first- Mint Juleps!  So good!  And this Mint Julep Station was the cutest:

 Of course I was rooting for WICKED STRONG... I had to keep that Boston spirit up even away from home.

I have no idea where I got this Wicked Strong pic from... but its amazing!

Obligatory hat selfie?  Can't wait to wear this guy on the beach this summer!

A yummy bourbon was the perfect way to cap off the evening. I'm really starting to enjoy bourbon lately... maybe my taste is becoming a little more sophisticated in my old age.. haha!

One thing I don't get to see every day in Northeast... deer!  I'm not saying we don't have deer, I'm just saying in my city-ish apartment it's not something you see every day!

One night while sitting on the deck, a family of 5 came walking through.... you can't really see them that well... but I thought they were adorable.  (I know, I'm crazy.)

This deer is definitely saying... "why is this crazy city girl taking millions of pictures of me?"

I absolutely love trying new beers, especially local brews.  I got this hoppy flight at the Carolina Ale House...

But my most favorite beer of the trip was this IPA:

Hoptimist IPA by White Street Brewing Company in Wake Forest, NC.  I absolutely love this brewery.  It is locally owned and operated and located in a quaint little downtown area. I go here every time I go to NC, and in my opinion, is a hidden gem.  I've always had amazing brews, and this time was no different. 

The Hoptimist IPA is described as "west coast IPA... showcasing the Amarillo and Citra hop.  Mango and grapefruit dominate the nose, and are balanced by a crisp American malt character."  This was one of the best IPA's I have ever had.  My only regret is that I cannot get this in New England.  

Cheers! To a wonderful vacation!

Ohh... and just when I was feeling a little sad about vacation being over.... this is what was waiting for me in the window of my apartment when I returned.... Made coming home A LOT easier!