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?