Tuesday, January 24, 2017

My Everyday Makeup Must-Haves

I am no makeup artist, that is for sure, but I do wear it everyday. Yep, I'm one of those people who even goes to the gym with makeup. I feel totally naked and vulnerable without it. That being said, I prefer a super natural look, and I actually don't wear a ton, but I'm mortified if I leave the house without at least concealer and brow pencil. Below I've shared with you some of my go-to products. These are the ones that I currently use daily, and they are all available at your local drug store, so they are very affordable.

MAKEUP MUST-HAVES



All of these products are great. They are the ones I use in my everyday routine, minus the eyeliner, which I very often go without. The L'Oreal Lumi Cushion Makeup is life changing. I'm completely obsessed with it. I've never been a foundation girl. Tinted moisturizers and BB creams have been more my style. But the older I get the more I feel like I want a little more coverage. I've tried other foundations, and they do not work for me. I can't get the color right, or they're super cakey. I just haven't had any success. But the L'Oreal cushion is AMAZING y'all. It's super easy to apply, I was able to find a perfect color match on my second try, and I love that I can control the amount of coverage. If I'm running to Pilates, just a quick once over will do, but it's totally buildable if I want more. I highly recommend every single one of these products, and like I said above, all are super affordable!

What are your favorite beauty products that you use daily?


xoxo, Summer




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Saturday, January 21, 2017

Bachelor Season 21 Episode 3: Whipped Cream, Naps, and Bouncy Houses


You guys, I really really hope in my heart that next week is the last week we have to deal with Corinne on the Bachelor. I really can't deal with it anymore. I am so ready for her to go home! Somehow I both loath her and want to hug her at the same time. If you don't feel this way then you must not have watched last week, so let me catch you up. If you need catching up ever further back go here to read up on the first couple of episodes.

This episode picked up with the cocktail party, where Nick explained to all the girls how he had hooked up with Liz at Jade and Tanner's wedding, and tells them to feel free to ask him any questions they may have. Many of them do, and don't seem to be upset with him. I'm just happy I don't have to hear any more about this topic, because I'm seriously bored of it. But now that the Liz story has been put to bed, we get to focus completely on the Corinne show.....

It is really hard to watch this girl. She decides it's a great idea to put on a trench coat with nothing but lingerie underneath for her one-on-one time with Nick, and brings whipped cream. Oy. She gets Nick to lick the whipped cream off of her (with all the other girls watching), but after that he puts the brakes on the whole thing, and she cannot handle it. She starts crying because she feels stupid and can't believe he wasn't into it, and goes upstairs goes to bed. Y'all- she seriously goes to bed. Like, snoring and everything.


Rose ceremony time, and Nick notices Corinne isn't there. Because she WENT TO BED. Has anyone ever missed a rose ceremony because they needed a nap? As far as I remember this has never happened on the Bachelor. Guess she thought since she already had a rose she didn't need to show up. Danielle M. and Christen also already had roses from their dates. Nick hands out the rest to Astrid, Taylor, Whitney, Kristina, Danielle L., Rachel, Vanessa, Raven, Jaimi, Dominique, Sarah, Alexis, Brittany, Josephine, and Jasmine, which leaves Lacey, Elizabeth, and Hailey roseless and sent home. 

The next morning Chris Harrison makes an appearance with a date card (and some subtle shade for Corinne). It's addressed to Danielle L., Christen, Kristina, Whitney, Taylor, Jasmine, and Corinne, and says "Everybody". Then the Backstreet Boys show up and all the girls totally freak out. Personally, I'm more of an N'Sync girl, but whatever.


For the date the girls meet Nick at a studio where they will be rehearsing to be background dancers in the BSB concert that night. Before we get into the date, I feel the need to mention here that I do not approve of men in tank tops. Please stop this- it is not a good look. Ever. Nick happens to be a repeat offender, and I'm starting to think it's time for an intervention. Someone please buy the boy a shirt with sleeves!


Anyway, whoever does the best job dancing and has the best chemistry with Nick wins, and the prize is being serenaded on stage by the Backstreet Boys. Corinne wastes no time making this day all about her, and starts whining crying and hiding in the corner because she's not a good dancer. Get over it kiddo.

Jasmine is of course great at this date because she's a cheerleader, but Danielle L. also killed it, and ends up winning. She and Nick slow dance on stage while all the other girls watch, and Corinne's face when they kiss is priceless. 


After the concert on the cocktail portion of the date Corinne predictably grabs Nick first for one-on-one time, and I'm worried that her dress got ripped somehow because the slit is so high I can practically see her belly button. She apologizes for sleeping through the last rose ceremony, and Nick doesn't care, because her dress is so short, and they make out. Afterward Corinne goes off to take a nap on a couch. That sentence sounds like a joke, but sadly it is not. It really was naptime again. Apparently it was a short nap though, because a little bit later she's back and telling the girls how she misses her nanny Raquel. Jasmine's reaction to the fact that this 24 year old woman/child has a nanny is EVERYTHING.
I can't get enough of it. Also, Danielle L. gets the date rose.

Back at the mansion the next date card arrives and it's for Vanessa (my pick to win!). It says "You make me feel like I'm floating."They go on a zero gravity date in a plane, which sounds super cool. They float around for a while and it really does look fun, except I find myself again wondering why Vanessa does not have a hair tie? Her hair does look pretty awesome as she's flipping around though, I'll give her that. But after a while she starts feeling nauseous, and ends up getting sick. I'm sure she would have appreciated a hair tie in that situation. Just saying. This would actually be my worst fear. I've been married for over 12 years, and I still will not allow my husband anywhere near me if I'm throwing up. Nick was really sweet about it though, and said he like taking care of her. But then he KISSED her you guys- after she just vomited multiple time. Not OK! I noticed she was chewing gum, but unless you have brushed and flossed and Listerined that is not going to fly with me. 

That evening they go to the top of the tallest building in L.A., and I thought they really seemed to have a connection. He actually seemed engaged and interested, and were those real tears I saw him crying? I'm not sure, but the night was definitely an improvement for me from him. I thought it was a good date, and she's still my front runner. 

The next group date arrives at the house and it is for Rachel, Alexis, Astrid, Jaimi, Sarah, Brittany, and Dominique. It says "I'm done playing the field", and they immediately know it's something sports related. It ends up being a track and field date, with three Olympians that I sort of recognize, but can't remember now, which I feel really bad about, because all Olympians are amazing. The girls participate in a series of events, and the top three winners then race to see who gets one on one time with Nick. Astrid (and her boobs), Rachel, and Alexis race, and whoever grabs the giant fake engagement ring first get to jump in the hot tub with Nick.  Rachel wins, but as she tries to grab the ring she drops it and it shatters, giving Astrid the chance to swoop in and grab whatever piece she can and win. Well played Astrid. Nick toasts to her "kind of winning". 

Dominique is not loving this date. She feels really insecure and thinks that Nick is totally blowing her off. That evening she ends up crying, and the dramatics are a little much. Maybe you're not cut out for this show? When she gets her one on one time with Nick she ends up calling him out for not reading her mind and noticing something was wrong. She tells him he hasn't given her a fair chance and he sends her packing. Probably a good move, because she was way too paranoid. I am kind of obsessed with her lashes though. Rachel gets the date rose, which I think is great. They had a great conversation and I like them together. 

We get to see more of Chris Harrison when he comes to the mansion to tell the ladies that instead of a cocktail party there will be a pool party. Everyone is excited and having a ball once Nick shows up, except for Corinne who is still upstairs primping. Apparently she has a plan though, and that plan involves a pink castle bouncy house and bikini bottoms that look like she's wearing a full diaper (did anyone else notice that?). They bounce around for a while, and then she totally straddles him while all the other girls watch, and it's super weird. After they're done putting on a show for everyone, guess where Corinne goes? If you guessed to take a nap you would be correct! Again, sounds like a joke, but it is indeed what actually happened. I cannot handle this girl anymore, and the rest of the girls on the show obviously feel the same. Many of them decide to talk to Nick about it. Raven tells him the news that Corinne has a nanny, and Taylor and Jasmine also mention that the girl is bad news. Nick barely reacts though, and I'm back to thinking he's not serious about this at all.

Vanessa is the last one to confront him, and she may be the only one to have a shot at getting through to him. She questions his intentions and asks him if he actually looking for a wife, or just someone to mess around with.....

And that is the note we are left on this week. I'm dying to see if Nick will actually listen to some of these girls on Corinne, but something tells me he won't see past the boobs and whipped cream. Guess we'll see this coming Monday!

What are you're thoughts on Corinne? Will Nick send her home next week? Will she sleep through the next rose ceremony again?


xoxo, Summer




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Saturday, January 14, 2017

Bachelor Season 21 Episode 2

I'm really wanting to give Nick a chance as the Bachelor. Like I said last week (read my top picks here), I liked him a lot on Bachelor in Paradise-he kind of redeemed himself in my eyes. I realize we're only 2 episodes into this season, but I have to say so far I'm so not digging him. I mean, Nick, could you possibly seem less interested? He just looks so bored all the time! Except of course when Corinne is taking clothing off or making out with him. This is not helping with your image Nick. And speaking of our villain Corinne-Within the first two minutes of this week's episode I was already super annoyed by the girl, who is so ridiculous I'm not sure I can continue to watch her.  

In case you missed this episode, it started out with a date card that said "Always a bridesmaid....". The girls going on the date were Corinne, Vanessa, Sarah, Alexis, Hailey, Lacey, Brittany, Jasmine, Raven, Danielle L., Taylor, and Elizabeth W. Not hard to guess that they were going on some sort of bridal themed photo shoot. They drive off in convertibles, and I just have to mention something. They ALL have their hair down, and NONE of them have a hair elastic. What is the deal with that? I know I'm not the only person to notice this. It happens every season, where they're in a car, or it's super windy, or they're at the beach, and every season it drives me crazy.  Are they not ALLOWED to have hair ties? Did they just forget? I'm so confused. If anyone can explain this to me please do, because it totally drives me bananas. 

Back to the date,,,,The girls get different themed wedding or bridesmaids dresses, and whoever has the best chemistry with Nick at the end of the day gets extra time with him or something. Once they all start with their individual shoots I realized I do not remember half of these girls from night one. Provably not a good sign of their longevity on the show. 

A few  highlights of the date: 

1. Vanessa in her 80's dress totally looked like the dude from the Wedding Singer, right?


2. Corinne's face when Taylor and Nick started kissing.
    


3. Corinne's face when she realized she did not have the sexiest outfit and therefore was not the center of attention for a few minutes. Priceless.



4. Everyone else's faces when they see Corinne take her top off in the pool. I had the same reaction they did.  



Corinne was fuming when Brittany and Nick did their Adam and Eve themed wedding (weird?). 
She seriously could not handle it, and was like, OK, I'll just get naked too. 
Her parents must be so proud. Here's the thing though- Her antics worked!!! She won and got to have another photo shoot with Nick. Ugh.


For the evening portion of the date they go for cocktails on a rooftop somewhere (of course), and it's no surprise that Corinne is the first to grab Nick for some one-on-one time. Then she decides that wasn't enough time and interrupts Alexis. Not a popular move, but not uncommon. But then later she decides she needs even MORE time, and interrupts Taylor's time. Taylor wasn't having any of that though, and went and cut in on them to get her time back. This is where I just about lost it. Corinne is super mad. She just cannot fathom what just happened. Her actual words were "I interrupted Taylor, then she came and RE-interrupted me." Oh my gosh, does she hear herself? Then she starts referring to herself in third person which I CANNOT STAND. Anyway, it gets really awkward when she goes to rejoin the rest of the girls, and then Nick goes and makes it worse and gives the date's rose to who? CORINNE!!!!! What? I thought it would be Raven based on their on-on-one time. Nick, get it together. This is not OK. Needless to say, the girls were not pleased. To quote Raven, "If Nick likes someone who is leading with their sexuality it's no wonder this is his 4th time". So true. Nick, I am expecting more from you next week.  

While all this mess is happening, back at the mansion Liz is annoying me almost (but not quite) as much as Corinne. We get it, you hooked up with Nick already. Let it go. But she had to tell someone about it, so poor Christen had to hear the details over and over again. Also, a date card came for Danielle M. (my fav!) that said "Our relationship is about to take off."

Nick and Danielle's date brings us the first helicopter ride of the season. They spend the day on a yacht, and then later have dinner. I have to admit, halfway through their dinner I was thinking how boring they were together and wasn't optimistic. But Danielle opened up and told Nick about her fiance's passing, and it was super sad, but it did seem to connect them a little. She gets a rose, and they make out on a Ferris wheel. Not all that eventful.

The final group date card arrives at the house and it's for Christen, Josephine, Astrid, Jaimi, Kristina, and Liz. It says "We need to talk...". They go to the Museum of Broken Relationships, which is apparently a place that actually exists, full of weird mementos from people's past relationships. They learn they will be acting out a public breakup scene in front of an audience. Everyone has fun with it and some of them are pretty cute and funny. But then it's Liz's turn.

She gets up and starts telling the actual story of how she and Nick met, reading from notes she wrote down. It's super weird and awkward, and Nick looks CRAZY uncomfortable, and I feel pretty bad for him. At this point none of the other girls have any idea that what Liz is saying all happened in real life, and look way confused. Except, of course, for Christen, who knows everything and was shocked.

Later that night Nick is all paranoid that the girls know his history with Liz and will be upset, but after talking to some of them he starts to relax. Until he has one-on-one time with Christen and finds out Liz has blabbed. He calls Liz out and ends up sending her home, which I think was definitely the way to go. I was super sick of that storyline. I think he should have sent her home night one personally, but I think he was trying to be nice. After she leaves he decides that his best course of action is to be up front and tell the girls everything, and of course it all looks super dramatic and we are left on a cliffhanger wondering how the girls are going to react. 

Guess we'll have to wait until next week to see how everything plays out. What are your thoughts on episode 2? Who do you want to get a rose, and who do you want to get sent packing?


xoxo, Summer



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Monday, January 9, 2017

Golden Globes Fashion 2017

There was some serious fashion at last night's Golden Globe Awards! So many fabulous gowns, my list started to get a little long, so I'm just giving you the best of the best.

Two gorgeous ladies in particular totally took my breath away:

Lily Collins in Zuhair Murad
Everything about this is perfection. I am OBSESSED. Nothing else to say. Love.

Natalie Portman in Prada
I mean, she is so gorgeous and elegant. Amazing.


Although these two were my clear favorites, there were other red carpet winners. Here's a couple of others I loved.

Sienna Miller in Michael Kors
She's usually one of my top picks at awards shows. I may have a bit of a girl crush. She has such great style.

Millie Bobby Brown in Jenny Packham
This girl is so stinking cute. Love love love her.

Emma Stone in Valentino
She always looks gorgeous!


Who made your best dressed list?


xoxo,
Summer


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My Bachelor Season 21 Top Three Picks


What better excuse to jump back into blogging than the return of  the Bachelor? The timing of the start of this season is perfection. Let's face it, 2016 was a bummer, so I have been anxiously awaiting the new year, and what could be better to start it off than a brand new season of drama-filled, guilty pleasure reality TV? And like I said, it gives me a great reason to stick to a New Year's resolution of mine and start blogging again! "That being said", I realize that Nick Viall is a controversial choice to be the Bachelor, but I'm actually excited to see how the season plays out. I really REALLY didn't like him during Andi's season, and though he was better on Kaitlyn's season, I wasn't a fan. But like so many other people he won me over on Bachelor in Paradise, and now I'm totally rooting for him. Team Nick for sure. 

So I just have a real quick post before tonight's new episode. I'm just going to jump right in and give you my impressions of some of the girls that stood out to me. I'm not going to give a full recap or much commentary- next week when they get into the dates I'm sure I'll have more to say. On to the girls...

Rachel from Dallas.
Based on her intro I initially thought she was way too serious, smart and accomplished to go far, but then when she got to have one on one time with Nick I was super surprised! I thought they had good chemistry and really great conversation. I was still caught off guard when she got the first impression rose, but overall I think she'll go far.


Vanessa
I like her. Even though their conversation got awkward at the end before they got interrupted, I think she's going to the end for some reason.



Corinne
Oh Corinne. We have our villian obviously. I just feel bad for her parents......However, the villians are usually around for a good while, so I'm really excited to watch the drama unfold!!! 


Jasmine G.
Did anyone else recognize her from that Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders show?


Dolphin Girl
I can't remember her name. But I have to give her credit for staying in that costume all night. It couldn't have been easy to go to the bathroom. Also, she was sticking to her story about it being a dolphin, not a shark, so she's got conviction, But I give her 2 more weeks, tops.

Liz
Oh boy. This one was interesting. The girls he hooked up with at Jade and Tanner's wedding. Scandalous.  First off, you could totally tell he recognized her from the get go, but didn't know how to handle the situation. Then when they finally talked, I have to say I ended up on his side. He raised a very valid point. She admitted HE asked HER for her number, and she declined. If this girl really was interested in him, she has had plenty of time to contact him, but she didn't. It wasn't until there was a chance to be on TV that suddenly she felt the need to see what could happen with them? Fishy....


Danielle M.
This one is the hubby's favorite, and mine too. She's super cute, and he seemed a little nervous around her, which was adorable. I totally thought she was going to get the first impression rose.


Sarah
I cannot for the life of me remember if she even had a conversation with Nick, but I do remember I really liked her hair. Not so much on the dress. But I'm sold on the hair.


My top three are Vanessa, Danielle M., and Rachel, in that order.


So, who did you like from the first night? And who are your picks? It's always so interesting to see if my first impressions are accurate, or if I'm way off on what some of the girls are like, or who he's going to be into. There is always a sleeper that pops up a couple of weeks in that wasn't on anyone's radar. I can't wait to see how this season goes!


xoxo,
Summer



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Sunday, March 20, 2016

When Kids Are (and their parents?) are Jerks

I haven't blogged in such a long time, and wasn't sure how, or even if, I was going to jump back into it. So I thought I would just dive in with what is on my heart at this moment. It's mostly just to vent, but maybe someone can relate to the situation or my observations.

Kids can be jerks. They fight, then they make up, and that's totally normal. We've been through our share of drama for sure with a 10 year old daughter. When our kid is the jerk we always make her apologize and work the problem out, and of course we talk to her about it and take appropriate action when necessary. But this is different.

Sometimes you or your child has a problem with another kid. When that child is a family friend, a classmate, or a neighbor, you're kind of stuck with them. That's happened to us before. But instead of banning our daughter from that person we just taught her to always be nice and include everyone. It's never ok to be mean or ugly, or leave someone out on purpose. Be a good example, and treat others the way you want to be treated.

Of course we're not perfect. Everyone makes mistakes, especially kids. But when we do make the inevitable mistakes we apologize and make it right. And if there was a problem I thought was really serious or dangerous, I'd try to talk the the child's parent's. We shouldn't hold a grudge against children.

Which leads me to the venting part of this post. What are you supposed to do when your child is being completely shunned by a whole group, including the adults? What do you do when another parent seems to think you're child is so awful that their kids may not even be around them, much less talk to them, and certainly not play with them. But suddenly anytime your kid goes out to play, everyone runs, sometimes at the apparent request of their parents. Sometimes they have to go in the house when your child is out. What if those kids also tell all the other kids not to play with your daughter, because she's "not nice"? (She is nice, by the way.) All of a sudden you're only child is playing all alone, just a short distance away from the rest of the group. She's told she's only allowed in front of her house because the other kids aren't allowed to interact with her at all. If any kid comes to play with yours, they are quickly told by another not to talk to her. Not wanting to be best friends with someone is one thing, but actively ostracizing another person is different. Trying to get the whole block to do the same is on a whole other level. What if this situation has gone on for 6 months? That's right people, SIX MONTHS. This is getting seriously old.

I also want to add that my daughter is the kindest, most thoughtful, sweet funny, talented, smart, AMAZING girl. Of course I'm required to say that, because I'm her mother. But she really is. She has lots of great friends in many other circles, especially at school and in the dance community, and never has any issues with them. Is she perfect? Of course not. She is an only child, so she can sometimes be bossy, and even a little selfish, and she definitely has a temper. Show me a child that doesn't occasionally demonstrate these traits. But she's also fiercely loyal, incredibly giving, honest to a fault, and an amazing friend. If you don't know her you're missing out.

I've heard about any and all events that may have led up to this surreal situation. My daughter and I have gone over every little detail, to see what she could have possibly done to warrant such a severe reaction. I know there have been arguments between kids. I've heard some of them, I also know they weren't earth shattering, and that there have also been apologies. I have racked my brain, and come up with nothing that could possibly explain this kind of behavior. And honestly, the more I think about it, I fail to come up with any situation in which treating a child this way is appropriate. Regardless of what happened, don't kids deserve forgiveness and second chances? And if the problem has to do with myself, or my husband, we have not been made aware of it. We don't even know these people, I don't know what their issue with us could possibly be.

I can tell my sweet daughter a million times how amazing she is, and not to let ugly people affect her, but when it's shoved in her face daily how can it not? Especially when adults are condoning it? Who treats a child that way? It's both infuriating and heartbreaking.

Either the parents are actively promoting this (which looks to be the case), or they're just ignoring it, either of which is wrong. I know you'll all tell me to go talk to the people in question and find out what the problem is so we can work it out. That's obviously the solution. Trust me, I've tried to work up the nerve to do that. The mere thought of confrontation makes me completely panic. Not to mention, I worry that if I do approach them it will only get worse. I really thought the issue would go away, as they usually do with kids (and should). But 6 months later we're still here. And it's honestly ridiculous, and doesn't seem like something that actually happens in real life.

In the end, my child wants to be done with this. She only wants to play outside drama free, minus the glaring looks and cattiness.

Thanks for listening! It may not seem like a big deal, and it seriously shouldn't be. But I imagine the effect on a child's self esteem can't be good when not only kids but adults are acting in this manor towards them. I imagine it probably makes you wonder if you really are that bad of a person. All I can do is reassure her that she is a good person, try to lift her up the best I can, and teach her a better way. I'm frustrated, sad, and pissed off. Sometimes you just need to vent on the internet. :)

xoxo, Summer

Monday, November 9, 2015

Gluten Free Lasagna Soup

 

I came across this recipe for Lasagna Soup on Momspark, which is one of my favorite pages to visit, and it looked so hearty and delicious that I had to give it a try. I love finding new recipes that I can add to my rotation, and in trying this one I can tell you, it is indeed a winner! Of course I made my version gluten free, but of course it was still yummy, and no one knew the difference. My recreations never look as pretty as the originals, but it sure did taste good! 

 I love Italian food, especially lasagna, but let's face it, making lasagna from scratch is practically an all day affair, and who has time for that? This twist on the classic gives you that authentic Italian flavor, but in a hearty soup that is super easy to make. This is one of my new favorites! You can link to the original Momspark post with the recipe here, and check out all their other great posts. Below is my take on the Lasagna Soup recipe from Momspark.

INGREDIENTS:
1 onion - diced
Olive Oil
1 lb. ground beef
2-3 cloves of garlic - minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Seasonings to taste - oregano, basil
1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce - I used Bertolli Tomato Basil
5 cups of chicken stock
Shredded mozzarella cheese


One of my favorite things about this dish is that it can be made in one pot, which makes cleanup so easy, a big selling point for me. I used my Le Creuset Dutch Oven for this,and cooked the whole thing in it. First, heat the olive oil and saute the onions until cooked, then add the garlic and cook for another minute or so. Add your ground beef, and cook through. Drain any fat, and return to your Dutch oven. 

Next add your spaghetti sauce, chicken stock, and seasonings. Adapting things to make them gluten free requires some trial and error, so that's why I called for 5 cups of chicken stock, instead of the 4 from the original recipe. I actually only used 4 for this batch, but the gluten free pasta seemed to thicken the soup a lot more than regular pasta, so next time I will be using that extra cup for sure. Sometimes you just have to wing it and adjust things on the fly. :) 


Cook on medium low for about 15 to 20 minutes, then add your pasta and cook according to package directions. This is where your soup will thicken significantly and that extra stock will make a world of difference.



Add any extra salt and pepper you deem necessary, and serve with shredded mozzarella on top. Done! So simple! We served our soup with a green salad and Udi's Gluten Free Baguette. Yum!


This easy Lasagna Soup makes a great easy weekday dinner that the whole family will love! I can't wait to make it again! And make sure to check out Momspark for more great recipes, among other things!



xo, Summer




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Saturday, November 7, 2015

Nordstrom Fall Clearance Sale Picks

It's that time of year y'all - the Nordstrom Fall Clearance Sale is happening, and it continues through November 15. There are some AWESOME deals to take advantage of! It's a great time to shop for yourself, and shop for all your loved ones. Christmas will be here before you know it! This is a great time to start checking people off your list! Here are some of my picks from the sale. MOST are under $100 as usual, but I did include a few higher priced items, only because the sale price is so great it's hard to pass these things up! Like this TO DIE FOR pink coat, and the Tory Burch tote. The links to everything shown here are listed below so you can shop directly. Don't miss out!



I mean, who else is ready to shop? If only I could......Have you shopped the Nordstom sale yet? What goodies did you snag?


xo, Summer


P.S. - I couldn't stop browsing, so I had to add some of the other great things I found! Shop here:





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Sunday, November 1, 2015

My Favorite Drugstore Concealers

When it comes to my makeup routine, I'm a quick and easy girl. I don't like to spend a ton of time layering and blending, and if I'm being honest, I'm really not good at it.....That being said, my favorite product is concealer. I have way too many on hand. Certain kinds for certain circumstances, depending on how made up I'm getting that day. And sometimes I just choose one based on my mood. Of course if you read this blog you know I'm a budget girl, so just about everything on this list is from the drugstore. There are a couple of concealers that are a little more high end that I absolutely LOVE, however I didn't include them in this post. We're sticking with drugstore brands today! I'm apparently quite the NYX and Maybelline loyalist. I didn't realize it until I actually started linking to all these products, but these seem to be go-to brands for me. 

My newest discoveries on this list are the NYX pots. I've got 2 different ones included, and they are both equally effective. The full coverage concealer is a little thicker, and doesn't apply QUITE as well as the other one, which is made with Aztec clay and coconut oil. It goes on like a dream and blends really well. I use Fair in both of these. 

The Maybelline Dream Lumi concealer is a great one for highlighting, and goes on really easily. I keep this one in my purse for touch-ups throughout the day. From what I hear it is a great affordable alternative to the YSL Touche Eclat. My absolute favorite out of all of these concealers, the one I use practically every day, is the Maybelline Age Rewind. I actually have it in 2 different colors, Light, and the Brightener, and I use them both as part of my routine. The squishy applicator makes it so easy to apply, and as I said, I'm all about speed and ease of use. I HIGHLY recommend this one. You definitely don't have to be makeup skilled to use it. 

So, I'm wondering if I'm the only concealer junkie, or are there others like me out there? What's your favorite? And if it's not concealer, what product are you hoarding?



xo, Summer




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Saturday, October 31, 2015

Homemade Gluten Free Baked Macaroni and Cheese


One of the homemade dishes I make that I'm most proud of is my baked macaroni and cheese. I've been making it for years, and it's actually my mom's recipe. It's one of our family favorites, and I love making it because the recipe makes a large pan, and the leftovers are killer. When I discovered my sensitivity to gluten, this was one of the things I knew I was really going to miss. It's such comfort food! So when I found out my favorite brand of gluten free pasta made macaroni I was SO pumped! I immediately had to make mac n cheese, and even though it was a teensy bit different than my traditional gluten filled recipe, it was still a knock out. 

One of the great things about this dish is that it's easy to make ahead, and then just pop in the oven whenever you need it! That's what I did this time. Unfortunately, I was so excited about making it that I didn't really plan ahead and took no pictures of the process.....oops! All I have is a before the oven and after. But you don't need pictures to follow a recipe, right? :)

Ingredients:

1 box of gluten free elbow macaroni, boiled (I used Barilla-you can buy it here)

1 large yellow onion, diced

About half a stick of butter

About 1 tablespoon gluten free flour blend (I use Cup 4 Cup-purchase here)

Maybe 1 cup of milk (OK, I don't measure, I'm sorry. You just kind of have to use your judgement. You can't really mess it up....probably,,,)

2 bags of shredded cheese (You can use any kind you want. This time I used a mac n cheese blend, but usually I just use sharp cheddar. Use your fav!)

Garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.



First saute your onion in the butter, and once those have softened, add your flour and mix to make a roux. Once that's done, add the milk, cheese, and seasonings and simmer on low heat until all the cheese is melted. Stir in your cooked macaroni noodles, and pour the whole thing into a large casserole dish. Then top with some extra shredded cheese. Super easy, yes? Here's the before...


Still looks yummy, but bake at 400 for about half an hour, and just wait for the after.....


I know, you're drooling, right? This really is the best mac and cheese on the planet. Would a little gluten probably make it better, well, maybe. Gluten makes everything better. You can of course make it with glutinous noodles and flour, and I'll be jealous. The GF noodles don't hold up quite as well, but maybe next time I won't cook them as long. Either way, cheesy goodness is always a win!

Another great thing about this recipe is that you can alter it in so many ways. We've added cubed ham or bacon (bacon makes everything better), one time we added diced green chills and used a Mexican blend of cheese, you could add in mushrooms, any veggies you want, hamburger meat, the options are endless. But I do have to say, I feel VERY strongly that the onions MUST be included. Otherwise I just feel like it doesn't have the same pizazz. Just my humble opinion.

Everyone has go-to comfort food recipes that just make you feel good, and this one seriously never fails. What's your comfort food?


xo, Summer



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