Last year I gave my first try at penguin nails. They were cute, then, but now that I've tweaked the colors and added a few accessories, I think I'm in love! These cute little guys with little santa hats are the most adorably festive manicure ever! They're relatively simple to do, too.... always a nice thing. If you'd like to give them a whirl, check out the tutorial.
So basically, I'm 100% obsessed with anything cheesecake! I absolutely love it. Can't get enough. I've always loved making a cheesecake spread and dipping anything and everything in it. Namely those delicious sweet Carrs' crackers, graham crackers, strawberries bananas, and all other assortments of fruit. My sisters and I used to make little cream cheese sandwiches with cookies or crackers and sliced fruit.
Happy Christmas Holiday season! I've jumped straight into the holiday mood this year and decided to bring you a cute and quick nail how to. Follow this simple tutorial and learn how to have adorable rudolph reindeer on your manicure too!
This is a demo on how I curl my hair for simple daily wear. This look is really easy, and looks effortlessly gorgeous! It only takes a few minutes and can definitely last me through to a perfect second day hair. Let me know what you think of this wavy hair tutorial. If I do a different look, what would you like to see?
If you all decide to give this look a shot, let me know how it works out... better yet, send me a pic!
Love always,
Disclaimer: All products mentioned on this site were purchased by myself unless otherwise stated. I am not affiliated with any brand or company, nor do I receive any payment for my posts unless stated. Any, and all, opinions voiced on this blog are my own. I attempt to deliver honest and thoughtful opinions on all subjects.
I was beyond excited when I pulled into my driveway this afternoon and say a lovely looking package waiting for me on my back steps! I'd been out holiday shopping and listening to carols in the car. What a perfect way to end my afternoon!
Thanks to The Pescetarian and The Pig for these amazing pumpkin ginger molasses cookies! Also LOVING this adorable snowman oven mitt. Time to cozy up with some hot cocoa and a good book.
I was so excited to have the opportunity to participate in the 2nd Annual Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap this year! If you haven't heard of it, it is this awesome collaboration hosted by Love & Olive Oil and The Little Kitchen. So basically, you sign up and get anonymously matched with three other food bloggers, and send each of them a delicious box of goodies. Meanwhile, three other lovely bloggers send you a delicious box of goodies. What could be better, right!? Well, if that wasn't an awesome enough deal to draw you in, this crazy cool cookie swap is also for a good cause! There was a $4 "entrance donation" that went straight to Cookies For Kids' Cancer (a non-profit organization). Pretty cool, eh?
There are a ton of cute holiday nail designs out there. Today I decided to try my hand at creating a Thanksgiving inspired design. I hope you like it. As always, if you decide to try it, if love to see!
Hello lovelies! It's that time of year again; the holidays are here! The next few posts are going to be seasonally focused foods. Pumpkin, peppermint, and pomegranates! Three of my favorite "P"s.
So this particular post isn't exactly a recipe. This time around I'm going to give you more of a "how-to." "How to deseed a pomegranate" to be precise (You know, just incase you missed the title.) Pomegranates are in so many recipes this time of year. Everything from salads, to soups, to drinks have this delicious fruit.
Hi all! Time to share my very first makup/beauty tag! PeaceL0veBeauty tagged me to make my own version of this super fun topic, so here it is.
I ❤ Drugstore Makeup: 1) What is your favorite drugstore brand? 2) Favorite drugstore face, cheek and lip products? 3) Least favorite drugstore product? 4) What is the best drugstore makeup bargain? 5) Favorite underdog product/ something that gets overlooked? 6) Overpriced drugstore product? 7) What is your best drugstore dupe? 8) Drugstore product not worth the hype?
If you'd like to do this tag, please make a video response, or just let me know your answers in the comments. Do you ❤ drugstore makeup?
Love always,
Disclaimer: All products mentioned on this site were purchased by myself unless otherwise stated. I am not affiliated with any brand or company, nor do I receive any payment for my posts unless stated. Any, and all, opinions voiced on this blog are my own. I attempt to deliver honest and thoughtful opinions on all subjects.
Wow, there are a ton of studded things out there today! Everything from shoes, to shirts, to purses and jewelry. Right now, we're going to talk about shoes! One of my absolute favorite subjects.
Somehow, I've completely missed out on this trend. I don't own a single pair of studded shoes! Not only that, but I don't own a pair of cap-toed shoes either. What kind of shoe lover am I!? A broke one, that's what kind. Sooooo, What does a broke shoe lover who wants to be on trend do?
DIY it!
This was a surprisingly simple and inexpensive thing to do. Really, once I got the hang of it, it went pretty quickly. I mean, they were ready to wear by the next day! The entire project (not including an old pair of shoes) was only about $6. I'm so happy to say, that I've fallen back in love with a favorite pair.
If you would like to learn how to fall back in love with an old pair, or freshen up new ones you picked up at the thrift store, watch the tutorial and get crafting! Being this trendy hasn't been so fun (and inexpensive) in quite some time...
What you'll need:
• Embellishments
• Fabric glue (I used one by mod podge specifically made for embellishing fabrics)
• a pair of shoes
• Wirecutters, if your embellishments have anything sticking off the back like mine did (I used brads)
• Q-tips and water for cleanup
So, basically what you do is put down some glue, and place your studs/spangles/gems wherever you want. Follow the glue manufacturer's directions (mine was a full 24 dry period) and you're good to go!
The best part about the glue I used, is that not only does it dry clear, but it is waterproof and remains flexible.
Go ahead, and experiment. I'd love to see what you come up with. If you'd like, feel free to leave a video response on my youtube account, or tag my IG* account so I can see photos of your creations! Happy refashioning!
Love always,
Disclaimer: All products mentioned on this site were purchased by myself unless otherwise stated. I am not affiliated with any brand or company, nor do I receive any payment for my posts unless stated. Any, and all, opinions voiced on this blog are my own. I attempt to deliver honest and thoughtful opinions on all subjects.
Hi everyone! Today I'm going to be sharing one of my all time favorite lunch items EVER.... and yes, it was totally necessary to have that be in all caps. I freakin' love this stuff. What is is? Well, if you haven't guessed from the title, it's NIME CHOW. Again with the caps, I know. I'll stop know. My apologies.
Anywho... if you haven't guessed yet, I love this stuff. Basically it is a salad-like wrap served with some form of a vinegar-y, peanut-y sauce. My version is generally a little more closely related to a summer roll, in that I tend to leave out the noodles.
One of the best parts of this particular dish, is that it is absolutely 100% customizable. For example, my leaving out the noodles. But it doesn't stop there. Oh, no. That'd be too boring. Basically, you can put almost anything you want in these babies. The protein can be whatever you like. The most traditional is shrimp (or plain vegetarian). One of my favorites is chicken; specifically chicken teriyaki. You can also vary the herbs, if you add any at all. I prefer mint, basil, and cilantro. This combo gives a very distinctly southeast asian flavor.
Nime Chow:
Spring roll wraps (you want the semiopaque white ones that soften in warm water)
Bean noodles (or glass noodles)
vegetables for filling: carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, lettuce, radishes, etc.
protein for filling: shrimp, chicken, beef, pork, or leave vegetarian
herbs wanted: basil, mint, cilantro, etc.
warm water
If using noodle, prepare as package instructs. Fill a shallow dish half way with warm water. I used a pie pan because it completely fits the wrappers. Dip wrappers in warm water and allow to soak for 15-45 seconds, or until very pliable. The temperature of the water may make the soak time vary.
Place pliable wrapper on a large plate. Add desired fillings, making sure not to over stuff to avoid tearing. Keep in mind that the fillings directly touching the wrappers will be visible once the roll is wrapped, so try putting the pretty, brightly colored items down first.
Wrap up like a burrito. Fold in two opposing sides first, then turn and roll the entire thing in on itself. The wrapper sticks to itself, so there is no need to worry about it unrolling. Just take your time and be gentile, because it is fragile and will rip. It may take a few tries before making a perfect roll. I had a very difficult time at first, but my friend Jenn (who is a self proclaimed nime chow aficionado) made a perfectly beautiful roll on her first go.
For fancy plating, cut on a bias and serve with dipping sauce on the side.
Dipping sauce:
1 tsp natural peanut butter
1/2 Tbs gluten free soy sauce*
2 Tbs seasoned rice wine vinegar
1 tsp garlic chili sauce
1/2 tsp fish sauce
5 dashes roasted sesame oil
1 tsp honey
Combine all ingredients and stir thoroughly.
*Regular soy sauce lists wheat as the first or second ingredient. Gluten free soy sauce simply removes this ingredient. I prefer gluten free soy sauce because it has a fuller, deeper soy flavor. I also tend to lean towards "reduced sodium" blends.
Hi all!
Today I've put together a few of my absolute favorite shoes for this time of year. These are all pretty neutral, so they can go with almost anything in your wardrobe, but they definitely have that autumnal feeling.
Disclaimer: All products mentioned on this site were purchased by myself unless otherwise stated. I am not affiliated with any brand or company, nor do I receive any payment for my posts unless stated. Any, and all, opinions voiced on this blog are my own. I attempt to deliver honest and thoughtful opinions on all subjects.
Apple chips are one of my favorite "healthy" snacks. The one problem is that they are so darned expensive. I mean really, $6 of a 2 oz bag!? Luckily, I live in New England and it just so happens to be apple picking season... And you know that means that I dragged poor Jenn out with me (on a "partly" rainy day) to go traipsing around a local farm. We collected more apples that either of us knew what to do with. My solution? Apple chips.
Hi all! Today I have a quick video highlighting my favorite fall nail polishes. I've included my most worn on trend varnishes... hope you enjoy!
butter LONDON "bluey" $14 Revlon "Steel-her heart" $5 Essie "demure vixen" $8 Sonia Kashuk "Two Cents" $5 OPI "I'm not really a waitress" $8 OPI "baguette me not" $8
What are your favorite fall finger adornments? Let me know!
Love always,
Disclaimer: All products mentioned on this site were purchased by myself unless otherwise stated. I am not affiliated with any brand or company, nor do I receive any payment for my posts unless stated. Any, and all, opinions voiced on this blog are my own. I attempt to deliver honest and thoughtful opinions on all subjects.
Nothing quite says fall like being able to turn the oven back on. I'm not much of a cool weather fan, so this is a bit of a saving grace. Steaming soups, warm cakes and cookies... I love being able to cook dishes that require cooler weather.
Today I woke up to the cool sound of rain drops and the crisp smell of autumn. This immediately meant that I had to make a heart warming dish. And today that meant zucchini bread.
Just a heads up to anyone in the Southern New England area: the annual Federal Hill Columbus Day Festival is back! Come visit the Italian district of the quaint New England city of Providence, RI and enjoy some live music, fun games, and of coarse...FOOD!
Exfoliating your lips is a must for some people like me! It's just as important as any other skin, but for some reason, we rarely think about it. Adding this step into your nightly routine is super simple, and will make your lips look and feel pillowy soft.
Yes. That's right. I'm doing a post on one of the most feared veggies around: the Brussels sprout.
I happen to love these things. The odd part is that I didn't really discover my live for then until my youngest sister (who was about 8 at the time) requested they be made for dinner. Well, let me tell you, she's grown out of the Brussels faze, but I most certainly have not. Luckily for me, neither has my boyfriend... And he's my personal Guinea pig.
Today I have a little beauty haul for you. I did a little weekend shopping at Ulta and a fabulous new website: Coterie.com.
Coterie was doing a prelaunch special a few weeks ago (they officially opened on the 24th) where you could purchase three butter LONDON nail polishes and receive a free top coat. I jumped on that like white on rice.
I also picked up a few odds and ends from Ulta. (They're having a 40% off sale on revlon lip products and NYX products until the 29th.) that was a lovely deal that I couldn't pass up... Hope you enjoy!
butter LONDON polish L to R:
West End Wonderland, Pillar Box Red, Bluey
Hardwear P.D. Quick Topcoat (in rear)
nailtiques FORMULA 2
KORRES Lip Butter in Pomegranate
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Romantic
göt2b POWDER'ful volumizing STYLING POWDER
Did you sign up for Coterie yet? Let me know what you think.
Love always,
Disclaimer: All products mentioned on this site were purchased by myself unless otherwise stated. I am not affiliated with any brand or company, nor do I receive any payment for my posts unless stated. Any, and all, opinions voiced on this blog are my own. I attempt to deliver honest and thoughtful opinions on all subjects.
I've finally made the leap from the bloggoshpere to the YouTube world. This is just a simple intro video so that you can get to know me and my background a little and have an idea of what's to come. This is a way for me to enhance future posts.
Thank you all so much for all of your continued support! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
Disclaimer: All products mentioned on this site were purchased by myself unless otherwise stated. I am not affiliated with any brand or company, nor do I receive any payment for my posts unless stated. Any, and all, opinions voiced on this blog are my own. I attempt to deliver honest and thoughtful opinions on all subjects.
I've finally made the leap from the bloggoshpere to the YouTube world. This is just a simple intro video so that you can get to know me and my background a little and have an idea of what's to come. This is a way for me to enhance future posts.
Thank you all so much for all of your continued support!
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
Thanks, Jenn, for showing this amazing
place to me, where I discovered FROZEN CUSTARD!
Ok. I know it's been a long time, but in order to kick start my blogging again, I've decided to include smaller posts, and start a sister blog. If you haven't heard, I started a beauty blog too. Princesss Pea and Pretty Things. (I have now combined both blogs into one: www.lipstickandlemonade.co)
Hi all. Today I'm going to talk about one of my favorite things: perfume. I love smelling pretty. Doesn't every girl? (Hopefully one day we'll bring the gentlemen over to our side.) Anywho... I tend to like a wide variety of smells: florals, musks, and especially crisp scents.
L to R: Strawberry Shortcake, Lollipop,
Berry Smoothie, Candy Apple
Hi all! In an attempt to bring you more posts, I've finally come the the obvious conclusion that I needed to expand my blogging subject matter. Sooooo, I've decided to expand to more of a lifestyle overview. You know, food, fashion, beauty: all the fun things in life.
So, without further adiue, my first beauty rave:
Whatever you choose to call these, they're the perfect lazy day snack. Also a wonderful option for when you're trying to entertain little ones.
Yield: 6
Ingredients:
•1 pkg corn muffin mix
• 1 egg
• 1/3 c milk
• 2 hotdogs, cut into thirds
This couldn't get any simpler. Preheat oven to 350 and line muffin tin with six cups. Combine the corn mix, egg and milk. Spoon one layer into each, then place one piece of hotdog in the center of each muffin. Take remaining batter and cover the dogs. Pop them in the oven for 15-18 minutes and ... viola.
Perfect for those days when you want some simple comfort food that requires minimal effort. Serve as a quick snack, or pair with tomato soup, a salad, or anything you'd like!
Ok, so this is my take on one of my food truck favorites. A true bao should be made with a real deliciously soft bao bun, then stuffed with almost any variety of yummies. Unfortunately, with the lack of readily available Vietnamese grandmothers to kidnap for my love of eating, I opted for pillowy potato buns I found at the local super market. These worked quite well, but if you ever have the pleasure of eating a freshly steamed morsel, have at it.
The Jelloroon. A lovely little hybrid of Jell-O and macaroon. A perfectly crispy yet delectably gooey cookie created using one of your favorite jiggly snacks. Swap in your favorite flavor to make your own magical creation.
Chick peas, garbanzo beans. Whatever you call them, they rock. I mean, come on, hummus, falafel... Yum! Well, I was getting a bit bored of my everyday snacking (and I wanted something a tad healthier/more filling than Lays) so I decided to fiddle around the pantry. Voila! Crispy, satisfying, and delicious little morsels that can be eaten alone or drizzled with a bit of raita.
When I have a hankering for summer, I crave Mexican food. It feeds my soul. Growing up in California, avocados were one of my premier baby foods, closely followed by everything bathed in cilantro. Here is a quick recipe that will always remind me of home in July.
Snow Caps, nonpareils, whatever you call the crunchy little chocolate-y morsels, they rock! Super fast to make and even faster to scarf down, these are most decidedly a great way to enjoy the beginning of the new year.
You'll need:
• dark chocolate
• colorful sprinkles
Ok, so first step is to melt your chocolate. You can either use a double boiler or microwave it.
Next, you have two options. You can spoon small circles on a piece of parchment paper or... Use a mini muffin tin as a mold. I found the muffin tin allowed for maximum sprinkles. After that discovery, that was my method of choice.
While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle lovely rainbow dots everywhere.
If you're impatient like me, pop them in the freezer. After about 3 min, they'll have firmed up nicely.
Bash them against the counter to pop them out of their molds, pile them high on a plate, and get ready to enjoy one of life's simple pleasures.
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Hi all. Today I'm going to talk about one of my favorite things: perfume. I love smelling pretty. Doesn't every girl? (Hopefully one day we'll bring the gentlemen over to our side.) Anywho... I tend to like a wide variety of smells: florals, musks, and especially crisp scents.
The Jelloroon. A lovely little hybrid of Jell-O and macaroon. A perfectly crispy yet delectably gooey cookie created using one of your favorite jiggly snacks. Swap in your favorite flavor to make your own magical creation.
