Serape Inspired Pumps

With  two upcoming weddings in California this year, I've been hankering for a few more Southwestern inspired pieces.  I'm completely enamored with these pumps inspired by the traditional Mexican blankets that speckle the beaches. Check them out at J.Crew. Wishlisted!

Generational Uniform Swap

Qozop pulled together an adorable series of photos with twenty-somethings posing with older relatives, then swapping looks. Clever, right? Check out the full series here.

Discoveries: February Ipsy Glam Bag

February marked the theme: The Look of Love for Ipsy. In my second month as a subscriber, I'm officially hooked. The majority of the items come full-sized and each company offers generous discounts to purchase from their websites direct. Not a subscriber? Sign-up here.

Included in my Glam Bag:

skyn ICELAND Fresh Start Mask with Ice Age Mud | Full Size Price $39
I love a  great masque! There is no better way to achieve a quick, nourishing outcome to your complexion. Having spent time in the natural skin-boosting hot springs of Iceland, I was absolutely -pumped- to find this sample in my Glam Bag (as you can see I was too excited to use skyn Iceland before taking a photo). The two-step system works to activate and illuminate your skin in two algae-fueled steps. I've already purchased the full-sized pack of six! Bonus: 50% off one item, 20% off additional items with code IPSYFSM. View the collection here.

POP Beauty Plump Pout Mini | Full Size $16
Are you as much of a sucker for good packaging as me? The design of POP Beauty's Pump Pout glosses captured my affection at first glance. The formula is smooth and vibrant, delivering gorgeous coverage. The scent is a bit funky, but disappears after a few minutes. Bonus: 25% off your Purchase with code PoppingPout at pop beauty dot com.

Tini Beauty Eye Cordial Cream Shadow + Base in One | Full Size $18- Included!
Smooth, sexy and deliciously orchid in hue, I've been wearing this cream shadow from Tini Beauty nearly every day since it landed in my mailbox.  Bonus: 50% off any purchase, plus a free nail lacquer with code IPSYLOVE. Check it out.

Zoya Nail Polish in Dot | Full Size $10- Included!
Zoya polishes last! The semi-gel formula applies with ease and remains chip resistant for days. Bonus: Buy two polishes, get one free with code IPSYZP4. Details at Zoya.

J. Cat Beauty Eyelashes and Glue | Full Price $4 Included!
Things like eyelash curlers and faux lashes scare me. I passed these on to a girlfriend who exclaimed, "J.Cat! I love these!" So there you go, faux lash friends, these are for you. Bonus: 25% off with code eyeluvjcat.

Caudalie Grape Water Harvest

If you're not familiar with Caudalie, it's time to hop on the bandwagon! I haven't encountered a product that I didn't immediately adore. On a whim, I tossed a bottle of the Grape Water Harvest spray to my cart. The product boasts cooling and moisturizing benefits for warm weather, but in the thick of Winter with the dry air that comes with glacial temperatures and artificial heat indoors, I had a sneaking suspicion that this would be just the cocktail my parched skin would crave for an afternoon boost. My suspicion was spot on. A light spray delivers a refreshing, light and dewy finish to your complexion. I'm hooked! Find yours at Beauty dot com.

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Healthy soups are my fav! I love soup so much that I eat it all summer long. I came across a recipe for turkey pumpkin chili at the Tone It Up empire that sparked my curiosity:

Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tbsp virgin coconut oil
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 3/4 chopped green bell pepper
• 3/4 chopped yellow bell pepper
• 1 1/2 cans, 6 oz chopped green chiles
• 1 1/2 large minced garlic clove
• 1 1/2 lbs leftover chopped turkey
• 1 1/2 cans, 10-11 oz diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cans, 10-11 oz red kidney beans
• 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
• 2 1/4 tbsp chili powder
• 3/4 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Couple of shakes of cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3/4 cup greek yogurt
• 2 tsp of cinnamon

Directions

First, heat the oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Next, saute the onion, peppers, green chiles, and garlic until tender (roughly 10 minutes). Make room on the pan and add leftover turkey (roughly 5 minutes). Stir in tomatoes, beans, and pumpkin. Season with chili powder, cumin, sea salt, and pepper. Lastly, put on low heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Mix in fresh cilantro and stir in with plain greek yogurt and cinnamon to serve. Voila, you’re pumpkin turkey chili is ready for eight.

I integrated the recipe into our Sunday dinner rotation this weekend, to nourish my deliciously soar muscles from a weekend of great workouts (I love the post burn! It says "Well done! You challenged yourself!") To my tastes, I made a few modifications: fresh tomatoes to the pepper and onion saute stage and black beans in substitution for the kidney beans.

Most surprising to the process, is how gorgeous unrefined coconut oil prepares the veggies. I've read a number of articles detailing the health benefits of this fat in comparison to other oils. The flavor isn't overwhelming, but certainly decadent.

To complete the recipe, luscious fat free Greek yogurt, cilantro and a sprinkling of cinnamon are pitch perfect compliments. I folded these ingredients in, as I had a sneaking suspicion that my husband wouldn't be adventurous enough.

The chili was a big hit! The recipe notes that it yields (8) servings, but for us (with an extra pint of fresh tomatoes added to the mixture and a side of sauteed kale added to the spread on the table) the yield is closer to 12 servings!

Bee Happy Smoking Slippers

In my world, a gorgeous pair of smoking slippers are a wardrobe staple. C.Wonder captures my heart each season with their new designs. Have you perused their collection? Colorful and well-tailored, every item I don gathers compliments! I love these Bee Happy slippers. Wouldn't they be fantastic for snagging a quick cup of tea and fruit plate at your hotel's breakfast service or mixing cocktails at home with your honey?

Have a Warm Weekend!

The heavy fog blanketing Manhattan today is sweet reminder that warmer temperatures are ahead! What are you up to? We're looking forward to catching up on z's, toning up with some yoga and enjoying yummy meals together.

***

Here's a round-up of finds from around the web:

Upgrade your egg sandwich.

An amazing image of the Polar Vortex from space (and why its return is good news).

These travel tips for Japanese visiting the United States are hilariously true.

A gorgeous Nebraska farm wedding.

My grandmother always insisted that we "drink whole milk, not blue water."

These earrings would have been perfect for my ski trip to Vermont last weekend.

The French do wine, cheese and socks well.

Brunch is not taken lightly in New York.

This lipstick will turn heads.

A fun DIY perfect for a girls weekend.





Image: Confetti & Stripes.

Lumberjack Bottle Stopper

It's been a -busy- week for me. I can't wait to get home, kick off my heals and cozy up with a well-earned glass of Pinot Noir with my little family. Isn't this Lumberjack bottle stopper a fun way to keep your wine fresh? Check out the details and purchase at Patina.

BoneGem

I'm so excited to share BoneGem with you! One of my best childhood friends, Rebecca, has opened up her clever and rare pieces to etsy consumers. At present, the collection of bedazzled bones is limited, but growing. I'm leaning towards the deer antler for my apartment, but the skulls are stunning as well! If you're more of a beach house character, there are gorgeous sea stars as well. Peruse and purchase here.

Discoveries: January Ipsy Glam Bag

A number of friends have been pushing Ipsy on me for sometime. I finally dipped into the indulgence in January! The monthly subscription includes five on-trend beauty products and small cosmetics bag for a reasonable $10. To boot, each of the products featured offer promos if you shop direct from the company websites. I'm feeling pretty good about my first bundle of offerings. The cosmetics bag is better quality than I expected. I've assigned it to keep my extra razors organized.

Details...

Coastal Scents Small Foundation Brush | Full Size $5 Included!
For the low price-point, this is an excellent brush for concealing imperfections. I've used it for BB cream, foundation and powder. The densely packed bristles lend the best results to powders. Bonus: 25% off with code 25off

Epice Purifying Exfoliant |  Full Size $32
With winter in full force, a gentle exfoliant is like gold in my book. Epice is a little miracle worker in removing dry skin without leaving traces of irritation. Bonus: Free samples and promos on website.

MicaBeauty Tinted Lip Balm | Full Size $30 Included!
Wowza! This velvety, moisturizing lip balm is amazing. The nude shade is subtle and flattering on a range of complexions. File under 'Will Purchase in the Future.'  Bonus: 45% off with code IPSY45

Nourish Organic Lightweight Moisturizing Facial Lotion | Full Price $22
Crafted with extracts of rose, this lightweight lotion is pleasant and calming. It's a bit too light for winter, but I'm excited to pack it when I head to LA for a wedding in March! Bonus: 30% of with code IPSY30

yaby Liquid Foundation | Full Price $14
The heavy texture of yaby just isn't for me. For those in performing arts, I would think the formula is appropriate. It sticks, it's thick and the coverage is good.  Bonus: 20% off with code 201401IPSY20

Brie Mine

With St Valentine's Day around the corner, I've been thinking of ways to share some love. How cute is this card for your cheese lover valentine! Check it out and other clever designs at Paperless Post.

PINCHMe

Discovering and sampling new things is on my list of favorites.  Freebies are fun too. PINCHme brings those two things together by allowing consumers to select featured products to be shipped right to their mailbox. I was a wee bit skeptical as I clicked through the site and entered my address. There's always a catch, right? From the small selection of items, I chose the Uby Kotex feminine products and Suave Smoothing lotion. To my surprise, no credit card was requested and a few weeks later my box arrived. The company does request that you review the products for the vendors to collate and work to improve their products. Love it! For more details and to get involved, head to PINCHme.

Debutante Satchel

Nothing communicates your confidence to the world, like a well-executed pop of color. The Debutante Satchel features pebbled leather, braided detailing on the handles and a decorative lock charm. Swoon. View more details at Henri Bendel.


Image: Lyst.

Under Armour Braided Headband

The stand-out item from my January Birchbox impressed me to the extent that I decided to write about it alone, rather than all the items in the cute little box. Behold: The Under Armour Braided Headband.

The Lifestyle Extra, which retails for $20 for a pack of three, maintains super gripping powers while maintaining a superior comfort. I wore it while trying this video:


 And it stayed put. The entire time.

Discoveries: January GLOSSYBOX

January proved to be another fantastic month for Glossybox! The collection included a well-balanced variety of products familiar and new to me:

Balance Me Super Toning Body Wash | Full Size $14
The wash claims to be a "super" spa with elements of juniper, bergamot, geranium and lavender essential oils. The consistency is thick and albeit a small 1oz bottle, lasted for a week with a sea sponge loofah. While I love all of the scents incorporated, they seemed to subdue each other out. I enjoyed this product and it's natural sourcing, but for me, it's not a must have.

The Original BeautyBlender & Mini BlenderCleanser |  Full Size $20
Confession: I purchased a full-sized Blender and BlenderCleanser several months ago and was yet to try it. I'm a loose powder girl and rarely use alphabet creams or foundation, as they tend to dry out my skin. I have been using the BlenderCleanser to clean my brushes and it's fantastic. Now that I had two of these blenders, I decided it was time. After consulting Youtube, I moistened the ergonomic  sponge and applied Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair CC cream. I must admit, it's definitely better than using your fingers and palms (Yes I do that. Weird?). I'm into it. I'll likely purchase again in the distant future.

Bellapierre Cosmetics Mineral Blush | Full Size $20 Included!
I haven't used a mineral powder blush in some time. I tend to overdo it, which is precisely why I love this compact so much! The ultra sheer formula applies gorgeously for a radiant glow.

Toni&Guy Hair Meet Wardrobe Casual Sea Salt Spray | Full Size $15
I feel like I have a lifetime supply of sea salt texture sprays. They are endlessly streaming to my mailbox in monthly subscriptions or free samples to beauty orders. I'm trying to keep it under control by giving them to girlfriends :) I decided to keep this one and sample for myself. I sprayed on moist hair and blew dry while working to create waves with my hands and did not achieve waves. Either I need a better technique or my fine hair isn't going to comply. I love to discover alternate uses for products that didn't work a particular way and found that this texture spray is fantastic for light-hold styling.  If you're a texture spray user, Toni&Guy is good investment for it's feel and light scent.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream |  Full Size $31
With this intense winter, I have been absorbing tremendous amounts of  cream to nurture my parched skin. I've seen Vichy on the displays in Duane Reade and Parisian pharmacies, but never purchased. The paraben-free formula claims to lock in moisture for 48 hours. I have been applying it in-addition to my daily regimen of products around my the corners of my nose, above the bridge of my nose and to my neck. The results are fantastic: reduced redness and peeling (ick, yes this happens to me in the winter).

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Noosa Finest Yoghurt

I'm a yogurt lover. Protein, calcium and probiotics? Yes please! I typically gravitate to plain Greek and add savory flavors such as olive oil drizzle, freshly chopped herbs or tomatoes. On the rare occasion that I pick something sweet, it's usually honey.

While running errands last weekend, Noosa caught my eye. The (brilliant) resealable container notes that it's one serving, but for myself it's two. I dropped the strawberry rhubarb and tart cherry varieties of the Australian style yogurt in my basket.

I dipped into the strawberry rhubarb this morning, which is thick, creamy and incredibly tasty. The flavor is very decadent, comparable to a dessert. I'm not a dessert person (unless it's a piece of stinky cheese) but this would be a great healthy alternative to someone that is! I'm definitely going to throw noosa into my rotation for the occasional treat.



Image: Noosa.