Thursday, August 29, 2013

Some sweetness for your face

Yup, I said sweetness for your face, and now you're wondering what's this sweetness for your face? You're in luck! Feast your eyes on a list of my favorites!

This post is a whole lot a sharring, but really more of a wishlist for me to share with the hubs for our upcoming (one year) anniversary and Christmas. #justsayin'

So I'll start off with sharing my total guilty (youtube) pleasure ... Jaclyn Hill. Woah, that just got a little weird.



This chick is some kinda funny! Not to mention her make up and hair tutorials are amazing. I can't take my eyes off of every one of her videos. And I'm way jealous of her massive MASSIVE amounts of Mac make up and sigma brushes. After watching many of her tutorials, I've amassed a long list of things I've personally tried and things I want to try.

Some other you tube favorites are MakeupbyAlli, Nicole Guerriero and Carli Bybel. Check these ladies out!

Have Used:
Sigma Essential Brush Kit – here
Loreal Magic Lumi Highlighter – here
Ben Nye Bella Luxury Powder (Banana powder) – here
Elf eyebrow kit – here
Beauty Blender Sponge – here
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola – here

Other things I’ve used and mentioned in previous posts can be found here in my BirchBox review. 

Want to Try:
SOLEIL TAN DE CHANEL here
theBalm® Mary-Lou Manizer – here
theBalm® Schwing black liquid eyeliner – here
Milani luminoso blush – here / or here
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola – here
OCC Lip Tar (Obcessive Compulsive Cosmetics) – here
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz – here
Mac Fix + setting spray – here
Mac Prowear Concealer – here
Beauty Blender Solid Sponge Cleanser – here
Urban Decay Naked Palate – here
Sigma Resort Palate – here
BH Cosmetics Eye Palette – here and here



Sigma Brushes
via
here

via

Do not use: things I've used with horrible results ...
Elf makeup remover wipes – here (my whole face broke out in welts) #nobueno

So, what are the things you're dieing to try? What's on your wish list? Any recommendations of your own?  Do tell ...

xoxo

Monday, August 26, 2013

About Me

  • I grew up in Garner, North Carolina, but spent most of my younger and now older years, relishing anything out doors in and around Kerr Lake.
via

  • I’ve recently acquired a taste for craft beer, which I enjoy. I could however, do without the hangover.
  • I graduated my alma mater, Meredith College, in 2004 with a degree in Graphic Arts. All that to say that I cannot spell worth a lick, and Google everything, but hey, who doesn’t?
Meredith College

  • I have a love hate relationship with make-up. I love buying and applying, but hate wearing it.
  • I have two beloved valley bulldogs, Bentley Parker (a.k.a. bit bit, tinky, tink-tink) and Mercedes (a.k.a. Meme, Sadie, princess peepee pants).

Bentley (Left) & Mercedes (Right)
  • Not a huge fan of movies, I can’t sit still long enough.
  • I have an eclectic taste in music. I love electronic, DJ, to AC/DC, Def Leppard, to John Mayer and Ray Lamontagne. Anything really outside of country.
  • I enjoy long walks on the beach. I mean, who doesn’t.
  • I’ve been wakeboarding for 12+ years … and all I know how to do is jump the wake. True story!
  • I have an uncanny ability to identify rare expensive cars. I have no idea where that comes from.
  • Bad teeth and breath really bother me.
  • Daniel Tosh and Dane Cook are hilarious!
  • I am the world’s worse procrastinator! I would put off purchasing a guaranteed lottery win to quickly vacuum the living room.
  • I must go to Italy before I die.

  • "Champagne taste on a beer budget" is my mantra.
  • I consider my basic black, red bottom, Christian Louboutin shoes my life’s achievement.
 

  • I ordered a set of four metal straws because Oprah uses them.
  • The best thing I’ve ever eaten, EVER, would have to be a pecan praline from River Street Sweets.

River Street Sweets
  • No matter how much I am well aware that running and going to the gym feels good, I have daily conversations with myself about why I shouldn’t go today.
xoxo

Friday, August 23, 2013

Friday's sweet tooth confession

I mean, for a blog to be named confessions from a sweet tooth, I've posted very little that's sweet to the taste buds.

Cacao, Atlanta, a Bean-To-Bar hand made chocolate, candy, coffee, sweet shop that induces drunk like, black out state of mind after entering. Little did I know after leaving the store, I had ordered one of everything. Just kidding' kids! My pockets aren't that deep. Moving on ... so I'd heard about this place while watching an episode of Big Rich Atlanta. I love those blond haired momma moochers, Harvin and Meyer. They'd met at one of the Cacao locations in Atlanta and I thought, hey maybe if I visit Atlanta next time and go to Cacao, I could potentially run into these mamma moochers. No such luck, but I did score some awesome confections.

Fleur de sel caramels
 
Dark, Milk, and White Chocolate bark
And my favorite was the Parisian macarons. They were out of the tiramisu, but I got the pistachio, lemon blueberry, strawberry, and hazelnut with chocolate ganache.


I also got a mix of their popular hand made truffles. I had the PB&J, Lavender Blueberry, Pecan Pie, hazelnut gianduja, and pecan penuche. Hands down the pecan penuche, which I don't have a clue what penuche means, was my fav! So good! You can also order them online here.They're a bit on the expensive side, but it's not like you're buying a Reese Cup. Besides chocolate, good chocolate, is expensive and absolutely worth it. 

Keep in mind, this place for Christmas, birthday, or any other special holiday. These chocolate truffles, or any of their other confections, would make a great gift for the chocolate lover in your life. 

http://cacaoatlanta.com/collections/truffles
They number these truffles so that you can pick from a list of descriptions and choose by number - very cool way of distinguishing the different flavors.

Don't you just love how this place is decorated? I just love the bistro tables and chairs. 


Umm K, back to North Carolina and cool place for a summer time sweet treat. Head on over to Durham and visit the Parlor (preferably on nights when there isn't a Durham Bulls game going on) and grab a scoop of their fabulous homemade ice cream. Side note: do try the homemade ginger ale. It's the bom dot com. I loved it so much I went home and tried to make it myself. Their version was way better. 

Buttered Pecan in homemade waffle cone
The salted butter caramel was pretty darn good too, but I love nuts in ice cream. True story!

One last thing, not sweet related. Fall's right around the corner, which means it's just about time to start popping open my favorite seasonal Punk'n beer. If you've not yet tried it you should and now's the time to get it. Don't do what I did and wait until mid fall to try and get it ... major fail.


The hubs surprised me with it a few weeks back. I've already enjoyed a six pack, moving on to the next six pack this weekend. I'm tellin' ya, go get it!

For next week, I'll share my shrimp and fish taco with cilantro, lime, parmesan cheese orzo recipes. For now, you can feast your eyes on the finished product.


Enjoy your weekend folks!

xoxo

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Things I'm currently loving

Tufted headboards ... I've always wanted to make one for myself, but never had the time or the man power. Here were some of my inspirations.

Meredith Heron Design

My Bedroom Inspiration - Southliving
I finally gave it a try, after following Dream Book Design's instructions, a trip to Lowe's for supplies, and Joann's for white linen fabric and buttons, this beauty was made.


Obviously I have some painting touch ups to do, but I'm pretty in love with the way this turned out.

I'm also in love with these glass orb light fixtures and wingback chair with nail head trim I found in a furniture store in Atlanta. The light fixture would look amazing in my entry way. I was too scared to look at the price tags, but I'm pretty sure they weren't within my budget.



You know, speaking of wingback chairs, I really love the more modern wingback. The wingback in general is making a comeback, moving away from the stuffy traditional look and I can't get enough of it. The one I found below on overstock is on sale right now and I'd really like for two of them to be mine!


Also while I was in Atlanta a few months back, we made some time to visit the Jonathan Adler store. This man has made his millions in pottery and hilarious home goods. He's even got a line at JCPenny right now. I can't get enough of his loud patterns, bright colors, and play on words. If I could ever find my money tree or hit the lottery I would fill my house to the brim like a hoarder with Jonathan Adler chotchkies.


I mean how fabulous is the boob vase and light fixture ... Umm fab-u-lous! These sleek navy painted wall and white furniture couldn't be more, shall we say, fabulous, and make such a dramatic impact.


 There goes the tufted headboard again ... I just can't get enough.



... Now these 'Hashish' candles embelished with a maple leaf smelled like a mix between tree hugger who's skipped 2 or 3 weeks worth of bathing and patchouli. The candle name made me laugh, the smell made me want to cry!


Enough of 'just can't get enough' favorites. What are you currently loving on right now? And hey, for the love of God, keep it clean.

xoxo



Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Birchbox reviews

I would like to start out by saying that I LOVE my monthly Birchbox subscription I get in the mail. It's $10 a subscription that you can cancel any time, and quite frankly, the hubs has a monthly beer subscription and I get monthly make-up samples. I say it's a win win!

So I go to the mailbox on the day it's suppose to arrive and do an Indian rain dance when I see the popular pink box shinning like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day ...



 This Birchback from back in June was one of my favorites. Although I've had a few months in a row with favorites. I loved the Nick Chavez color saver sulfate-free shampoo. It really gave my hair a soft texture without the the super soft limp feeling. I hate that after having just washed my hair.

I also loved the blueberry scented Whish shaving cream too. It smelled amazing, but also kept me from breaking out.


This December Birchbox came with three things I'd never heard of and loved all three products equally as much. Miss Jesse's Pillow Soft Curls does amazing things to my hair, but most importantly it leaves my hair curly without the crunch. For those of you with curly hair you know what I'm talking about!  I also loved the Nuxe Reve de Miel dry cuticle and hand cream. This lotion smelled amazing, but it also really hydrated my hands in the winter months. And last, but certainly not least, the ModelCo Shine, in Berry Pink, will be a permanent staple in my purse make up bag. There's also a mirror attached to the outside of the gloss tube! I mean really, why aren't they all doing this? Sheesh!


Here's some other products I currently loving on that i purchased from Ulta ...


NYX: Doll Eye Mascara in black (Here)
The wand on this mascara is perfect for me, and I love the way it looks after two to three coats. It covers but doesn't clump.

NYX: Butter Gloss in Peach Cobbler, Creme Brulee, Eclair (Here)
The Peach Cobbler would have to be my favorite of the colors I bought. I'm really into the orangy/red colors right now. The color really makes my blue eyes pop.

Kardashian Kroma: Joystick Lip Lacquer in Nude Beach (Here)
These smelled amazing and the Nude Beach gives you neutral color like what the Kardashian's are known for, without washing you out. I wouldn't recommend this for some skin tones, but you can always return to products to Ulta you don't like for a refund.
Mirenesse Glossy Kiss in Flirty Kiss
 ... what are the colors and brands you're currently crushing on? Do tell!

xoxo

Raleigh's Bu-ku, J. Betski's, and Birthdays. Oh My!

Mmm K! Let's talk German / Polish and global street food shall we?

Annnnnd we'll start out with my first time visit to J. Betski's. I've heard many things about this place yet had never been. Shocking, but true. As mentioned in previous posts, I'm a sucker for a sausage and pretzel. While J. Betski's didn't have the pretzel they did have spaetzle, which did NOT disappoint.


So artfully plated. Haha! #foodiecomment #germanmacncheese

#germanmacncheese
J. Betski's was good. I'd go back, but only after I've received the weekly paycheck. This place was for me a bit pricy but honestly worth every penny. I stuck with apps and it was the right amount of food for me. Oh, and side note, someone else at dinner that night ordered dessert (no pics to show. Sorry!) ... the Chocolate-Hazelnut Torte with Sea Salt, Caramel and Crispy Bacon and I would've put it down the ol' pants! It was the best thing I've EVER eaten. I was everything I personally would ever want in a desert. Sweet, salty, hazelnut, chocolate and bacon! I mean are they cereal? Seriously people get over there, get a sausage some spaetzle, and for the love of humanity get the torte ... right meow!

Movin' on to Bu-ku ...  the visit was in celebration of a wonderful friends birthday so naturally we turned the night into a girls night in down town raleighwood. Bu-ku was amazing. It's the perfect place for a couple to go on date night, have a few, or a lot, of tapas, good drinks, and I mustn't forget desert. Do you see a theme here? Let's go ...

The menu covered everything from Mexican, sushi, Thai,  Korean, etc. It was glorious! I'm so dramatic!

Menu

Empanadas Picantes

Layered and delicious

Pierogi - beer-braised chicken, almond, butternut squash, muenster, brown butter
 I also had the dark and stormy cocktail with house made ginger beer. It was umm so good! And I can't leave you with out the desert pictures, which i personally didn't order but we all passed around to taste.

Warm Apple Tart almond crust, caramel sauce, cinnamon ice cream

Kahlua and Honey-enhanced Tiramisu  “en vace” with espresso sauce
 The small cup of espresso sauce to the right (above) is intended to be to be poured over the layers when you're ready to dive in. It too was glorious!

And last but by no means least, was the birthday girl's mini cake with salted caramel sauce. It's making my mouth water ...


If you've not already tried these places out, you must! You can thank me later for the suggestion.

xoxo

Richmond's Dixie

... Dixie doughnut that is! Located on Cary St. where most of Richmond's boutique shops can be found, and of course I had to try it out. Dixie is just a few blocks down from the Galaxy Dinner, Can Can Brasserie, and other great shops. We had brunch at the Can Can, more on that further down.


Don't you just love the stamped logo. I'm a stickler for cool packaging and I loved the handmade, stamped paper bags with their logo. It has a retro feel to it, but retro has nothing to do with the cake doughnuts this place is puttin' out!

The place smelled like heaven, like a cake doughnut heaven.


Not that I needed to eat three doughnuts, but I did want to 'sample' a few. So we got tiramisu (my personal favorite flavor), samoa (like girl scout cookie samoa) and peaches and cream (shown in that order below).


Unfortunately, we didn't eat them right away, when they were warm, and probably at their best. Oddly enough, the peaches and cream had the best flavor, the other two were so so (i.e. a bit on the dry side). But all in all they were good cake doughnuts. Certainly not better than my personal Durham, NC favorite, Monuts! More on Monuts Doughnuts to come ...

Sunday after we checked out from the hotel we grabbed brunch at the Can Can Brasserie before leaving town. The reviews online made this place, and their coffee, sound glorious, so we had to try it out.


The coffee was good, but the house made sourdough bread and butter were the best part of this meal, hands down! We both got the house made sausage, potato & cheese omelet. It was good! Hubs and I could've easily split the omelet because it was way more food that I could put down. 


Can Can's Menu

Anyone else ever been to Richmond? What places did you visit and/or would you recommend? I hear the Redskins training stadium is located in (or around) Richmond. Not that I care much about pro-football, but it's nearing fall and football Sunday's have begun!

xoxo

Ps. I did finish that HUGE coffee!