7 Things Making Me Happy This Week

1.  As much as I would love to say that I snapped the above photo, I cannot.  To start, I don't have a fireplace.  Also, my socks never match.  But doesn't it look so cozy?   

2.  Thanksgiving!!!  Yay!  How was your Thanksgiving? Mine was worth every last calorie.  

3.  This DIY Gift Guide.  Oh Em Gee guys.  That list has so many amazing and doable ideas.  I LOVE the idea of homemade gifts and I love receiving them too.  Let's see how many I manage to mess up this year.    

4.    What's your aura color?  This was sorta a funny quiz but my results were pretty spot on! I'm not usually into the spirits and chakras stuff but I love a good personality quiz.  

5.  GUYS.  This DIY Gel Manicure.  This could be HUGE for me.  My nails are the most chip-prone nails in the history of time.  No base coat, top coat, or polish formula can prevent chipping for me.  I just accepted my fate.  But!  I'm experimenting with this method this week and so far so good!  You better believe I'll report my findings soon.  

6.  Ladies, let's just all read this and take comfort in knowing that we're not alone.  #1 in particular is SO VERY TRUE.  

7.  Gingerbread Donut Muffins?  Dying now.  These look spectacular and perfect for Christmas morning.  Or a Tuesday.  Whatevs.    

What's making you happy this week?

Gingersnap Cranberry Bars

Well Thanksgiving sort of snuck up on me quick this year.  Actually, it's not that Thanksgiving snuck up on me, it's sort of that I forgot that Christmas comes after Thanksgiving.  And I'm NOT READY YET.  I need time to mentally prepare to enjoy the holidays.  I don't have a tree or decorations or stockings or gift ideas.    

I do this every year actually and then I decide to get REALLY ambitious and make entirely homemade gifts.  It's a nice idea in theory and I always think that I'm the crafty type but 2 hours into a project that probably should have taken 30 minutes is when the regret starts kicking in.  And the realization that I'm not as crafty as I think.  

And then I do it all again next year.  Never learn.  

So this year my go-to gift will be food.  Something I'm confident about.  And this Gingersnap Cranberry bar is a pretty perfect way to start.  The crust is a perfect combination of oats, flour, and roughly chopped gingersnaps while the filling is a tart and sweet layer of bursted cranberries.  It's the holiday-iest bar I could come up with and, best of all, you can get it in the oven in about 15 minutes.  

Now, what crafts should I mess up make this year?

Here's the recipe!

Gingersnap Cranberry Bars
makes about 16 bars

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1 3/4 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups roughly chopped gingersnap cookies
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• juice of one lemon
• zest of one lemon
• 3 tablespoons sugar 

Directions

1.  Preheat oven 350 degrees.  Spray a 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray and set aside.  

2.  In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, gingersnaps, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  Set aside.  In a another large bowl, combine butter, sugar and egg.  Whisk well until mixture is smooth and thick.  Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.  Set aside.  In a medium bowl, add cranberries, lemon juice and zest, and sugar.  Stir well so cranberries are well-coated.  Set aside.  

3.  Add dry mixture to butter/egg/sugar mixture, fold ingredients together until all is well-combined and no dry flour remains.  Take about 2/3 of the mixture and press into the bottom of the prepared pan n an even layer.  Pour cranberries on top, evenly covering the bottom crust.  Take the remaining dough and begin dotting the top of the cranberries with dough to make an even layer.  It's ok if the top dough does not fully cover the cranberries, it'll make room for some bursted cranberries to peak through.  

4.  Bake 30-35 minutes until crust is golden brown and cranberries look bursted.  Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars and serving.  

Enjoy!  

Recipe inspired by Giada De Laurentiis

Nighttime Nourishment

In the last few months or so, I've done a total 180 on my nighttime routine.  Before, my priority was speed.  I just wanted to be done with washing my face and removing makeup and I took little care in doing much else.  Lately though, I've not only added quite a few products to my skincare routine, I've also added a few extra steps just for pampering.  Below are some little indulgences:

Casual Fall Style: #1

Fall is by far my favorite season for fashion.  I'm a HUGE fan of layering and boots and scarves are my safety blankets.  Here's a style idea I whipped up with some budget-friendly pieces.  

H&M Denim Shirt- A good denim shirt is a MUST for any wardrobe.  I have a few and I manage to wear them all year round.  They're light enough for cooler weather but still easy to layer with.  Best of all, denim shirts can easily be dressed up or down.  An absolute staple.  

H&M Slim Fit Printed Pants - These pants are certainly a departure from my usual "uniform" (black leggings) but I love the teal and black combo.  They're a great subtle print that provides interest but doesn't draw the eye directly to the legs at first glance.  

Merona Kadence Wedge Ankle Boots- LOVE these boots.  I always find a wedge easier to were than a regular heel and certainly more casual.  These are especially cute with a lace-up front and ankle cut.  Bonus, totally reasonable price at Target.

Foxy Ring- I have a gigantic ring collection, must of which are huge cocktail rings that are statement pieces.  However, sometimes a fun, small metal ring is easiest to throw on with little thought.  This fox ring is adorable and under $4.  No brainer.  

What does your casual fall style look like?  

8 Things Making Me Happy This Week

1.  If that gif doesn't make you crave a steaming hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate right now, then you are a monster.  Or maybe you just don't like coffee.  

2.  Are you left-brained or right-brained?  Apparently I use my brain in equal parts but this test was the most nerve-wracking 2 minutes of my life.  

3.  Creepy but fascinating!  I'd love to see the comparisons between myself and my mom or grandma.  I think the sibling shots were the eeriest.  

4.  Pumpkin Tiramisu.  I mean, come on.  Can you think of anything more delicious for Thanksgiving dessert?  

5.  Having a bad day?  I'll fix it for you.  YOU'RE WELCOME.   

6.  Yes to absolutely everything on How Sweet It Is's gift guide for foodie freaks.  I want it all.  

7.  If you've been following my blog for any time you know that I rarely splurge on high-end makeup but I consider it every so often when I see awesome deals like this.  Sometimes you gotta treat yo'self.  

8.  The new Muppet Movie trailer!!! (!!!)  I'm not sure if I've expressed my absolute love and devotion for all things Muppets on this blog but let me do so now.  The Muppets are fantastic and wonderful and joyful and happy-making and I will forever love them.  This movie lookx adorable and I can't wait to see it.  

What's making you happy this week?

Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Uh huh.  CHEWY Pumpkin Cookies.  Not cake-y pumpkin cookies.  Chewy.  I spend the few months of fall consuming as much pumpkin as I can but sometimes I feel a bit limited about what I can make because pumpkin is SO moist.  It's hard to create certain textures without the pumpkin weighing down the dish a bit.   

High/Low Makeup: The Face

So I came up with a name to describe my makeup philosophy:  High/Low.  It's the idea that creating the perfect face of makeup isn't linked to any one high-end brand or brands.  But instead, finding the perfect balance of products that works for me, means knowing my skin and makeup needs so I know what products are worth the splurge and which aren't. 

Here's the deal: if your ENTIRE makeup collection is 100% from the drugstore, then you go girl!  And if your entire makeup collection is 100% high-end brands, then you go girl!  Any range of makeup has miracle products and duds so there's no right or wrong.  For me personally, I LOVE makeup.  I love trying new products and looks.  I love talking about it.  I love shopping for it.  So that means sometimes I pine over some high-end brands and if money were no object, I'd buy them all!  But money IS an object (?) and I think I've perfected a balance.  I just know the things that are worth the investment for me.  

7 Things Making Me Happy This Week

Fall gifs for life

So when I decided to start making "happy this week" posts, I was worried that I wouldn't have enough content every week.  How morbid, right?  I was concerned that I couldn't accumulate a few bits of happy-making over a 7 day stretch.  Yeesh.  Little did I realize that it'd be a cinch!  

So this week.....

1.  I can't believe it's taken me this long to mention Stuff You Should Know.  I've been listening to this podcast for weeks on my walk from work to the train station and I already feel smarter for it!  The gist it, each week a new topic is picked and the two hosts give you the low-down on it.  I've listened to shows on Chinese foot-binding, fingerprinting, Medieval torture devices, police sketch artists and more.  Check it out y'all.  You'll sound like a genius in all conversations (*not guaranteed).    

2.  The Urban Decay Mother Lode.  Holy moses.  The weird thing is, I would only use about 12 of these shades and they'd all be some version of brown so why would I need this?  The answer is I wouldn't need it but I want it anyway!  

3.  So I'll assume you all know by now that I spend my time 4 ways:  working, sleeping, baking, or reading makeup blogs.  That is my entire existence.  And I've become huge fan of Vivianna Does Makeup.  I know I'm late to the game on this one but she is fantastic!  It just pains me that I'm not a chic young woman living in London too.    

4.  It's all making sense now.

5.  These colorized photos are equal parts eerie and beautiful.  It's amazing how much the color humanizes the subjects.  

6.  I've recently subscribed to Modnique and they're killing it lately with some holiday deals.  If you're looking for gift ideas or you wanna snatch some top-notch stuff you've been eyeing, check out their recent deals.

7.  This tutorial for the perfect brow is genius.  Admittedly, I do little with my brows so they could use a MAJOR overhaul.  I'll let you know if I give this a shot (unless it goes terribly wrong).  

So what's making you happy this week?    

Throwback Thursday

I'm styling the blue socks

1.  No big deal, just posing at the Hover Dam.  Where did I even a learn a pose like that?  I know Tyra wasn't around to impart her wisdom in those days.  Probably just came naturally to me.  

2.  I'm definitely wearing blue socks with clear jelly shoes.  Fashion icon for 6 year olds everywhere.  

3.  I feel like maybe Sara was a touch too old to be wearing pig tails?  Maybe?  I have some pretty strict standards when it comes to pig tails guys.  Don't even get me started on seeing an adult woman in pigtails.  It just doesn't sit right with me.  

4.  As stated last week, this is further evidence of our matching outfits.  YEARS worth of matching outfits.  

5.  Check out how yellow this picture.  It's not even an Instagram filter.  It's actually that yellow.  So authentic.  

6.  Ok, I'll say what we're all thinking: Acid. Wash. Jean. Shorts.  

Chewy Malted Chocolate Chip Cookies

So I've taken up knitting because it's obviously my goal to become as elderly as I can as quickly as possible.  I also enjoy tea and telling teenagers to turn down their rock'n'roll music.  I kid.  But I do like tea.  And I actually don't enjoy loud music.  Unless it's a showtune and I'm singin' along.  "Don't tell me not to live, just sit and putter.  Life's candy and the sun's a ball of butter!  Don't bring around a cloud to rain on my paraaaddeeee!"

So...... yes I'm elderly.  Or maybe I'm Barbara Streisand and you don't even know it.  (I'm not).   

Also, I already have terrible hearing.  Which I should probably be worried about?  

Anyway, my friend Maggie is teaching me how to knit because she's a bit of a whiz when it comes to knitting.  And she's also probably more old lady-ish than me!  The girl is obsessed with malt.  And Cream Soda.  I know, right?  Is it 1952?  Who even knows what malt really is.  Maggie, that's who.

How to clean makeup brushes (on the cheap)

If you use your makeup brushes with the frequency and fervor that I do, you really ought to be cleaning them quite regularly.  I'll sheepishly admit that I clean mine about once a month but I know I should really be doing it about once a week.  However, between cleanings I use my Elf Brush Cleanser so I feel slightly less guilty.   

But when the time comes for a good deep cleaning, there's really no reason to splurge on expensive cleansers or tools.  Just a few drugstore items will get the job done.  Here's what you'll need:  

1.  Baby Shampoo (I use Johnson & Johnson's)
2.  Rubber Gloves 
3.  Small bowl with warm water

Let's get started! 

Baby shampoo is best here because it's SO gentle.  Makeup brushes can actually be quite fragile so you don't want any cleansers that are harsh.  The rubber glove provides just the right amount of friction to create a good lather with the little rubber grippies on the palm and finger tips.  

Fill a small bowl with warm water and about a teaspoon of baby shampoo (exactness is not necessary here).  Dip your dry brush in the soapy water, swirl it about and then swirl the brush on the palm of your gloved hand using gentle pressure.  No need to smash the brush here, the little grippies will help to create a lather.  

Depending on how dirty your brushes are, you may see some makeup reside on your glove.  That's great!  It means your brushes are getting squeaky clean.  Once you've gotten the brush clean, run it under running water for just a seconds to rinse the soap and ensure that the water runs clean (a true sign the brush it clean).  

Allow brushes to lie flat on a towel to air dry completely.  Don't put them back into jars or canisters directly after cleaning because the water may travel into the root of the brush and cause it to crack or shed hair.  Mine usually dry in a few hours but I always let them sit overnight.  

Voila!  Clean brushes that smell soapy fresh!  

Do you have any other cleaning tips?  

7 Things Making Me Happy This Week

1.  This gif.  World's most relaxing gif.  I want to stare at it and knit and wear slippers.  

2.  This clip of Joss Whedon saying obvious things that still need to be said.  Girl power!  

3.  I just discovered the vocal stylings of Birdy and I'm lovin' it.  I've listed to a lot of covers she's done and my particular favorite is White Winter Hymnal.  So soothing and it just sounds like Christmastime to me.  

4.  Life changing, guys: How to Highlight and Contour Round Faces.  Now I just need a guide to HAC arms, legs, and abs.  

5.  If you are a human with a heart, you will love these Dr. Suess quotes. 

6.  Hey, more gifs cuz why not?  This is Ira Glass dancing and now my life is pretty much complete:

7.  Crockpot.Pulled.Pork.Chilli.  I'm dead now.  

What's making you happy this week?  

Throwback Thursday

I'm in pink. 

1.  Throwin' it waaayyyyyy back on this post guys.  The year was 1985 and it was a time of understated style, class and sophistication.

2.  Big hair.  Check it out.  I am my mother's daughter because big hair is my religion.  It's beyond my comprehension that anyone would want something other than big hair.  And hats?  NEVER.  If you wear hats you're dead to me.    

3.  Speaking of hair, I think my mom stuck that pink barrette at the top of my head just to make it clear that I was a girl.  At that age, it's anyone's guess really so my mom gathered what little wisps of hair that I had and successfully put them in a barrette and all was right in the world because I could successfully be identified as a girl.    

4.  My older sister and I have a long and complicated history of being dressed in matching outfits, which apparently started at a very young age.  My mom usually bought 2 of the same outfit, just different colors and as we got older, we were constantly confused for twins and my mom rarely corrected people.  I thought it was pretty awesome growing up because I always wanted a twin since I just assumed that reading each other's minds was part of the deal.    

5.  This may be confusing to you but we are not actually sitting in a meadow.  I KNOW.  Trust me, it's not an actual meadow.  Top notch quality at that portrait studio (probz a JC Penny or Sears).  

6.  That bandana.  I die.  

Salted Caramel Snickerdoodle Blondies

How was your halloweeeeeeennn?  Admittedly I haven't dressed up in years but I still love it.  Like EVERY single twenty-something girl, watching Hocus Pocus and wearing boots is basically my favorite thing ever.  I'm a walking cliche and I don't care who knows it.  But I can tell you a crazy crazy secret?  

October Beauty Favorites

Here we are again my friends! October beauty favorites!  I struggled to restrain myself with this post because I bought a few products right at the end of the month that I wanted to feature but it seemed disingenuous to call them favorites if I've only used them once or twice.  But they're SO great!  

Anywayz, on to this month's goods.  

Let's start with skin care shall we?  I've made a concerted effort to up my skincare routine this month, especially in light of the coming winter months.  My skin tends to get very dry in winter so I want to keep it in tip top shape.  

L'Oreal Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser

I went in search of a nighttime cleanser at Ulta and I had a few drugstore options that interested me.  Ultimately, this cleanser beat out the others because the price was right (I'm nothing if not frugal).  Even after the first few uses, I was very pleased.  It's a somewhat thicker formula with a super creamy consistency.  It lathers well and it isn't drying.  I've found that it even helps to slightly resurface my skin and fight any scars and spots. 

Physician's Formula Intensive Wrinkle Corrector Eye Cream

As part of my skincare overhaul, I've even dedicated myself to use an eye cream on a nightly basis.  The reason I've mostly been so slow to adopt an eye cream is because it's rare to see benefits right away.  Instead, eye cream is more like an investment that pays off over time.  Admittedly, this eye cream is no different.  However, I find the formula smooth and soothing, it moisturizes well and doesn't leave me feeling greasy.  As far as eye creams go, I think this is a great introduction to my routine.   

Got2B Powderful Volumizing Styling Powder

I feel rather silly that I've haven't mentioned this in past favorites.  I've been using it quite regularly since early summer.  It's a feather-light powder that I sprinkle sparingly onto my roots on days that I've washed my hair.  It creates awesome volume and just a bit of grip to help styling.  And since you need so little, this bottle has lasted me months.   

Onto hands! 

Sally Hansen Cuticle Massage Cream

This stuff.  The smell.  Heavenly!  Along the same lines of my renewed skin care routine, I've also been focusing on taking good care of my hands and nails.  This cuticle cream is non-greasy and well-moisturizing and as I said, the smell is totally intoxicating.  

Nourish Organic Coconut and Argan Body Lotion

This little gem was in October's Ipsy bag and what a total delight.  This formula is so thick and creamy but absorbs into the skin within seconds.  And the smell is to.die.for.  I was beyond delighted to discover that the full size is available at Target for around $10.  I have no doubts that this will soon be a staple at my bedside table.  

Seche Vite Top Coat

This probably needs little explanation.  It's a cult favorite for a reason.  It's the BEST top coat I've ever used and I think I'm already on my 3rd or 4th bottle.  It creates a super shiny finish and makes my nails feel strong.  Holy Grail status.  

Now onto eyes!  

Maybelline One by One Volum' Express

Now, this mascara has not fully replaced my beloved L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Excess but it may be a close second.  I find the formula decently volumizing and impressively lengthening.  The formula is buildable for an awesome dramatic look and there's no smudging all day.  

Essence Liquid Eyeliner

Now, I'll say upfront that this eyeliner isn't particularly long lasting and I didn't really expect it be when purchasing.  However, it has a great teeny tiny precision tip that I use in combination with black eyeshadow and an angled brush (see below).  Paired together, it gives me just the right winged tip.

Lorac Pro Palette

This palette is everything.  I've been wanting it for months but the price tag kept deterring me.  I finally discovered that I had about $36 in unused Ulta Rewards Bucks and I didn't think twice about buying this.  This a rare palette in which I would wear each and every shade.  The formula is so pigmented and practically buttery soft with no fallout.  A combination of these colors have been nearly the only thing on my eyes all month long (and I don't expect that to change in November either).  

As I said, I've cut back on a heavy liquid liner these days and have been opting more for just a little accent in the outer corner of my eye using an angled brush and some black eyeshadow.  I find it's so easy to work with and I can even do it when I'm half asleep.  

NYX Cream Blush in Red Cheeks 
Don't be alarmed by this blush's vibrancy!  It shears out so beautifully and creates a warm rosy glow that lasts all day.  I've been a NYX Cream Blush fan for months now but this shade is currently top of the list.  

TheBalm Mary Loumanizer
I'm no highlighter expert and I'd go as far as to say that this is my first proper highlighter but I'd like to think I know a good thing when I see one.  This highlighter is so lovely, subtle and shear.  I do a quick sweep across each cheekbone and it provides a beautiful glimmer that catches the light whenever I move.  TheBalm knows how to do highlighters right.    

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Natural 
Not too exciting, eh?  With all the excitement I've had with my Lorac Pro Palette, I've been keeping things on my lips somewhat neutral.  This shade is a pale pinkish nude that I swipe on throughout the day.  Admittedly, it's not a SUPER long lasting formula but reapplying a few times throughout the day is no skin off my nose.  

If you're interested in any of these monthly favorites, I've also made a Pinterest board for easy access!  You can follow it here: http://www.pinterest.com/AnniesCtyKtchn/monthly-favorites/

So what have been your favorites this month?