Mmmm.. LUSH..

I never really got the hype about Lush products before now. Yea, I knew that their all-natural products smelled really good, some like food, and that they came in interesting shapes/sizes, but I only really knew of their soaps, which didn't interest me too much. I am a shower gel/body wash and liquid face wash type of gal. Also, the store is not at all convenient to get to from where I live, so I only owned some products through gifts that I had received (from which I discovered that I love their massage bars). Who knew that there were so many other things! Like BATH BOMBS. Now, I have never been too keen on taking baths because I live in Florida and I enjoy my 5-10 minutes showers. Baths are for people who have way more time on their hands, I thought. In my search for a birthday present for a friend of mine who is a frequent bath-taker, I started learning about these Bath Bombs and am now intrigued by them.

Here are the bath products I purchased, most of these were part of a birthday present:
From left to right: Lil Lush Pud (from the Holiday limited edition products), So White (also Holiday), Avobath, Sex Bomb, and the Magic Mushroom bubble bar. The first two are ones that I bought for myself.

Review: So I got these both on sale for 50% off after the holidays. These are both limited edition mini bath bombs.

Lil Lush Pud- Has lemon and aloe vera, haven't actually used this one yet. Since this is a mini bomb, I plan to use it as a foot soak.

So White- Apple scented bubbling bomb. It really has that "green apple" smell. It took about 10 minutes to fully dissolve. Feels like a moisturizing blanket on your skin, really. Very relaxing as well.

Sex Bomb- My friend that I sent this to told me that this was her favorite out of the ones I got her. Her bath turned a lovely pink color and interestingly, the flower stayed floating on the water the whole time until dissolving at the very end - how cute is that! She said that with these bath bombs, her bath times have doubled to last 1 hour long now. I think she is totally addicted.

I really love face masks, so I wanted to try one of theirs. This mask, called Love Lettuce, was recommended to me by the lady who was helping me pick things out at the store. She said it was for oily skin, which I have. These are made with all natural and perishable ingredients so you have to keep it in the refrigerator.
Review: Love Lettuce is supposed to moisturize and exfoliate, as you can see the tiny bumps (which are ground almonds) in the mask. It smells like lavendar. This is a pretty thick mask, so try to spread it as evenly around your face as you can. It tingles a little on, especially near the end of the 10 minutes when it dries and hardens. Washing this mask off takes a bit of effort - I probably should do it before taking a shower next time, because some of the ground almonds got in my hairline and it was pretty hard getting perfectly clean. This mask is definitely very moisturizing the exfoliation is pretty gentle on the skin; I had some areas of dry flaky skin on my face before using the mask and most of it got eliminated. I definitely noticed a more even skin tone after I used this.

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Quite recently, I discovered that Beard Papa's had finally made its way to Miami! I came upon this finding on a trip to Aventura Mall earlier this month. I don't go over there too often (it is a great mall, though) so I don't know how long this Beard Papa's has been open.. but it's there now and I am forever grateful. This is a really small stand-type establishment, so it doesn't carry everything you would normally find in a Beard Papa's shop, but they do sell the standard cream puff and cookie puff, as well as coffees and teas. For instance, they only have the vanilla, chocolate and green tea fillings here. No strawberries & cream!! Sadness, indeed.. but after having tried all of the four aforementioned fillings, I still prefer the vanilla filling in the regular cream puff. And now.. here is a little collage I put together of the process of my scarfing down 2 cream puffs (green tea & vanilla) today in less than 10 minutes. These delicious puffs are getting addicting... I can't get enough!

Yum. Yum. YUM!!!!

-J

¡¿Mi Caldo Verde está Rojo!?

Since today was the Superbowl, I decided to make some soup for dinner. Get it? "soup"erbowl?? lol okay so it's not that funny.

While I was browsing the magazine rack at Border's, I noticed that Jamie Oliver had a magazine called "Jamie" and decided that it was worth a look.

I was lucky enough to find this Portuguese soup involving Kale, since I'm trying to eat more of this superfood...haha"super"food...get it?

For "Caldo Verde" or Green Soup you need:

1 bunch of kale, chiffonade (which ever kind of kale you prefer)

4 redskinned potatoes, chopped (you can use 2 medium sized bakers if you prefer)

1 large onion, chopped

1 link of chorizo (I used fresh in this case, cuz it was all I could find)

garlic to your taste

EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

water

salt and pepper

Step 1: Chiffonade your Kale, rolling them up makes it easier to cut

Step 2: Cube your potatoes and onions (not pictured)

Step 3: Sautee onions and garlic in some EVOO until translucent

Step 4: Add the potatoes and lightly season with salt & pepper

(remember that chorizo is heavily seasoned so be cautious to not overly salt it)

Step 5: Add water to fill the potatoes and simmer for 20 min or until potatoes are tender

Step 6: Meanwhile, fry up some chorizo, if you have the cured kind, just slice it and fry it. In my case I had fresh chorizo so I just took it out of the casing. This should take about 3 min.

Step 7: When potatoes are cooked, mash up the potatoes to create some creaminess to the soup

This is what your soup should look like if you like it chunky like me. You can use a blender if you want a smoother consistency

Step 8: Add the kale to the pot and simmer for about 5 min

mmm...a hot pot of calde verde!

but wait!

Step 9: Add the chorizo into the pot, you can also opt to add it on top of the soup when serving it in a bowl. Because I was also making soup for the rest of the week, I just added all the chorizo to the pot. AND it turned my soup RED!! ROJO!!

(make sure to taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed)

Step 10: Pack up your delicious soup for a comforting meal throughout the week!

Wasn't that simple? It's delicious and roommate approved!

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Back to the daily grind.

Nutella = ♥

"Just a spoonful of Nutella helps the strawberries go down..."

I was glad to find out that February 5th is World Nutella Day. Considering I don't have the time to bake something delicious with Nutella right now, I decided that the following snack would be appropriate and sufficient. And yes, I ate an entire package of strawberries in about 30 minutes.... J

Like my set up? Haha..

The aftermath:

With that leftover Nutella, I tried this hot chocolate for the first time and man was this DELICIOUS! I skipped the whipped cream and cinnamon and instead added a spoonful of Nutella and a pinch of sea salt. Never gonna go back to that powdered hot cocoa mix again.. You know what, I bet this would taste pretty good with a shot of espresso in it too.

Next year, I plan to be more prepared and actually create something. Here are some ideas for you guys: Nutella banana bread, Nutella brownies, Nutella cookie sandwiches, Nutella pumpkin bread, apple & Nutella sandwiches and mini Nutella cakes. Another snack that I frequent is a toasted challah bread sandwich with Nutella and bananas - SO GOOD. Nutella and peanut butter sandwiches are pretty good too. Really, I don't know what I'd do without Nutella in my life.

~~~

Currently wearing: Brunette on the Internet, Sephora by OPI

♥-J

January Favorites

I can't believe it's February already! Wow, I felt like January went by so fast.

Since I am stuck inside because of a snow storm, I've decided to share with everyone my favorites for the month of January.

Make-upwise, January, has been a great month of new discoveries.

Favorites:

Urban Decay Naked Palette: This is worth all the hype, I can seriously use this palette everyday and not use anything else. I love UD eyeshadows the best, it's even better than NARS and all of kinds of high end eyeshadows. Once you go UD, you can't go back!

Ojon Hydrating Styling Gel: Got this deluxe sample from Sephora and boy did I need it. My hair has gotten dry and frizzy from the winter weather. And a weird thing about my hair is that I have to wash it everyday, if I don't, it'll get oily and I'll feel nasty. So I have to give it a lot of conditioning because I wash it everyday. I also love the smell, it smells like nuts!

Lush Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter: At first I thought this was overrated and I didn't see any results. But now that I've used it for 2 weeks, my hands as so much softer! A tip: make sure to scrub away the dead skin because putting on this thick cream, it'll work a lot better. I put this on every night before I go to sleep and everytime I wash my hands (which is a lot!). This has kept my knuckles from bleeding (yep, they bleed).

MAC Prim & Proper Blush (similar one): This is was a limited edition blush but MAC has a lot of similar colors in their permanent line. It's a neutral blush with a bit of pink, gives me sculpted cheeks without looking too harsh. This is the blush I put on every day this month and I know I'll continue to use it until it is officially summer! (Summer is for corals!)

NARS Rajasthan Eyeshadow Duo: This came out for fall 2010 collection and immediately feel in love as the Nordstrom's SA swatched it on my hand. I love love love the golden taupe. And guess what? It looks fantastic with the darken teal...NARS is genius. I've actually seen a few at my Nordstrom's recently, so those wanting to get it, grab it ASAP.

Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer: This is the best $6 I've spent this month. Because my goal this year was to wear less foundation, I needed a great concealer. This covers all the blemishes and redness that I have.

Clinique Gel Liner in Black: This was a new purchase. I've always used pencil and liquid liners but I decided to try out a gel. It works so unbelievably well! So smooth and so dark. Still trying to find the right brush to use this with but so far so good.

Strawberry Carmex with spf15: Carmex is essential for winter in order to avoid coldsores (eww). I have yet to get one this winter (knock on wood...). I especially love this one because it smells like strawberry, leaves a glossy finish, and has spf! Magic.

Fresh Supernova Mascara: I bought this for $10 for two at Sephora. This is love! Makes my lashes look so flirty and long. I must buy the full size when I'm done. But oy, it's expensive!

MAC Kissable Lipcolor in Scandalicious: I don't wear lipstick most of the time but I am in love with this liquid lipstick. I got the color because it reminded me of a limited edition NARS lipgloss in Strawberry Fields. It's moisturizing but not sticky and a perfect shade for winter.

Hope Everyone's staying warm and cozy!

New year, New skin

Long time no post. I am deeply sorry! Had a very busy few months. I must admit this has been one of the best holiday seasons I have experienced in awhile. :)

Now it's New Year's Eve and once again we are asked to reevaluate

our past year: the changes we went through, the mistakes we've made and will never make again, the makeup and food we've enjoyed consuming, hehe.

Usually I don't ever make New Year's Resolutions, simply because I've always thought they were unrealistic and set up for failure. But 2011 is the start of a new decade, which is major, so I will conform to such unrealistic traditions.

My resolution this year is to take care of my skin, whether it'd be reducing the blemishes and dark spots on my face, exfoliating my feet, or keeping my hands from cracking.

2011 is about less is more and in order to wear less makeup, we must start at the foundation, our skin. I am determined to not spend a fortune on skincare and actually have it work.

For the past month I have narrowed down my skincare routine and will continue to try new products to add to my routine. Here's what I've been using lately:

1. Olay Pro-X Advance Cleansing System: about 8 times cheaper than the Clarisonic, it massages your face pretty well, which will open up pores and circulation. It also came with a cleanser but I don't really like it or use it with my brush.

2. Purity Made Simple One Step Facial Cleanser by Philosophy: my blogger-in-crime introduced me to this. I received a tiny sample of this stuff with my last sephora purchase and basically fell in love. I think it's mainly the gentleness and the sage/ginger smell. yummy.

Oh yeah, it works pretty well too ;)

3. Ocean Salt Cleanser from Lush: I only got a sample of this last week when I was purchasing some bath bombs. This is the best scrub I've tried! I am in love. At first it might be a little harsh on your skin, but you get used to it. Plus it smells like a margarita.

4. Alba Sea Plus Renewal Cream: I bought this on a whim at Target. I liked it because it is pH balanced, which is extremely important to prevent breakouts. So far, so good. It is a pretty thick cream which makes it perfect for winter time, I use it along with my Proactiv Repair Treatment at night.

5. L'Occitane Vanilla Flower Hand Cream: This stuff is expensive! But it works so well and smells delicious. My hands have not cracked/bled since getting this. I got it in a travel size and will definitely repurchase when I have enough money saved for a $26 hand cream.

Just because I am focusing on skincare doesn't mean I won't buy any cosmetics, just less. I went to the CCO hoping to buy some Origins skincare but didn't find anything I was looking for. Good thing there's always past MAC collections there. I bought Prim and Proper blush from the Liberty of London collection, Below Ground Greasepaint Stick and Blood Red lipstick from the DSquared collection.

My favorite purchase today was this Kate Spade wristlet that I got for $17!!! Isn't it cute? I love to carry wristlets when I go shopping. Speaking of shopping...who's coming with me to the Dillard's 50% off Permanently Reduced Items on New Year's (tomorrow?). I'm looking for some new boots.

I also painted my nails sparkly pink glitter in order to festive. I'm looking it but it'll be a pain to take off. Oh well, totally worth it.

Currently, I have just finished a relaxing bath and is getting ready for the New Year's countdown.

Happy New Year Everyone! Thanks for reading. Hopefully next year will be filled with new and interesting posts about food and makeup.

birthday goodies :)

This is a very delayed post, considering my birthday was in November. Nevertheless! I finally have time to make it. Just wanted to share some birthday goodies with you all, in time for the holidays haha. Just shows that people who know me well know that food and makeup are the way to my heart.

Humongous pear from Harry and David.

I will be anxiously waiting for this box of beauties to ripen and get juicy in the next couple of days. I really enjoy a good pear and these look amazing! :)

Nail Polish!!! First a set of nail art polishes - these are great because they have long skinny brushes that make it really easy to do french tips or other designs. I have been wanting a white and black for a while so this was perfect. These also come with some stencils that you can use on your nails. The Sephora by OPI polishes are of great quality and this mini set of 4 is super cute! It comes with (from L to R) Run With It!, Metro Chic, And Then He Said, and Brunette on the Internet. I am really excited to use Metro Chic, which is a purple based gray.

Lush! I don't have a Lush store in my town, unfortunately, so I don't own many of their products. This is the Ray of Sunshine set, which includes: Olive Branch Shower gel, a wedge of Sexy Peel soap, Each Peach Massage Bar, and a mini Sugar Scrub. I just started using the shower gel and massage bar, which I just use as body lotion. Both smell wonderful and leave my skin feeling soft and moisturized. This set is nice because it allows you to try a bunch of their products. I definitely am a fan of their massage bars.

My first Nars lipstick! This is in the shade Niagara, which is a matte pinky coral. Definitely up my alley :) It has a really smooth texture as well, so it feels great on the lips. I have just been wearing it alone on the lips.


More nail polish! haha, so here we have 2 Essie polishes: Turquoise & Caicos and Chinchilly, as well as a mini Orly polish that has no name but it is a dark magenta glitter color. I have been wanting these Essie polishes for a while, so I was very excited to receive these. I don't have any Ulta stores near me so I don't own many Essie polishes.

Chincilly! A lovely gray that is perfect for the season.


Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes - was definitely one of the best birthdays I've had this year. So grateful to have such caring friends, wish you all lived closer to me!

-J

Soup for the soul

For some reason, my body decided to get sick right after Thanksgiving break ended, 2 weeks before finals week. I haven't gotten sick in 2 years, so why now?!?? Today is.. day 6 of the illness, so I'm hoping that it is on its way to end VERY soon. I've just been congested, coughing like crazy and aching all over my body (I won't go into the more gory details) -- so I feel like I should done with being sick. I'm sick of being sick!!! It's been hard to concentrate so not that much studying has been able to happen. What I was able to gather enough energy for, though, is to make myself some feel-good soup. I took inspiration from this recipe. Instead of using leftover roasted chicken, since I didn't have any, I made some chicken broth with 4 drumsticks, a knob of ginger, 4 cloves of garlic and some white pepper & sea salt, which was simmered for about an hour. I took the meat off of these drumstick bones to put back into the soup later. Also, I used fresh corn - so I cut the kernels off of 4 ears of corn for this soup, so I simmered it for longer than the 10 minutes that this recipe had originally called for. I also didn't "blitz" the corn and chicken broth mixture in the beginning because I don't have an immersion blender and am lazy; I prefer having whole kernels of corn anyways.

When serving, I placed a bed of spinach and a spoonful of rice on the bottom of my bowl and then spooned the hot soup mixture over it. The heat from the soup wilts the spinach nicely and heats up the rice. This is definitely a very comforting soup that I can see would be nice to make in the winter time as well as for people feeling under the weather.



Look at it bubbling away.. just hope that my sickness would evaporate as quickly as this steam..



-J