Friday Find

Carmex Varieties - Vanilla, Lime Twist & Pomegranate

I have had a love/love relationship with Carmex for as long as I can remember. I have tried Vaseline, Neutrogena, Nivea.. you name it. And I always come back home to Carmex.  My only beef with Carmex is that I was limited to the original, and sometimes a girl needs a fun flavor now and then... so when I stumbled on these three versions I was literally doing the happy dance.  My favorite is the vanilla - but each one is a great spin on the original. So if you are also a Carmex lover - you have to check these out. Oh, and they all have 15 SPF - BONUS!

Friday Find

Shoe-Pourri (Amazon)

The real and stinky reality is that your shoes are going to get funky. And not a good funky.  In the past I had tried putting baking soda and dyer sheets in said funky shoes, and even had tried some of the deodorizing sprays. Truly nothing worked and there were some beloved heels I avoided wearing for one very smelly reason.  And then I heard about Shoe-Pourri... it's a shoe odor eliminator that really works! It's less than $15 on Amazon, and has a nice cedar smell that truly zaps the funk out of your favorite shoes (and the shoes of any other stinky feet in your life)... So you can leave the funky to your style and music ;)

Salted Fudge Brownies

This little gem I found on Pinterest is a game changer. Fudge brownie mix + caramel + sea salt = salted fudge brownies. It doesn't get any easier than spreading the batter into a pan (I used Betty Crocker's double fudge brownie mix), drizzling 1/4 cup of  caramel sauce on top of the batter (using a knife to swirl over the surface), and sprinkling sea salt over the caramel.  They are super gooey and moist when they are done and truly the hardest part in this whole process was not shoving each piece in my mouth.  So depending on your level of self restraint, this may only make a half a batch ;)

Friday Find

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque (Walgreens)

Many of you asked about the face mask that actually shrinks pores that I mentioned in this post.  I've tried many face masks, and this one by far does the best job of making my skin feel like it has a clean slate.  This works best with normal to oily skin - and truly does remove impurities, clean out pores, and leaves you with clean, smooth and tight skin.  The only drawbacks are the funky green color and it doesn't smell the best - but for under $5 the benefits are completely worth it.  Not to mention I'm usually left alone when I'm wearing this (boyfriend and dog aren't a fan of the green faced monster) - so this also works if you just need some you time :)

Friday Find: DIY

This strawberry angel food dessert is a quick and yummy treat perfect for summer.  It makes enough to be a great addition to a party - or if you are like me, you can just make it for yourself... and maaaaaybe let your boyfriend have a few bites ;)

Ingredients

• 10 inch angel food cake
• 1 8 oz package cream cheese
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 12 oz container of cool whip, thawed
• 1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 18 oz jar of strawberry preserves

Directions

Crumble the cake into a 9 x 13 pan.  Next, beat the cream cheese and sugar in a medium bowl until light and fluffy.  Fold in the whipped topping.  Then, mash the cake down with your hands and spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake. Lastly, combine strawberries and glaze in a bowl until the strawberries are evenly coated.  Spread over cream cheese layer... and chill until serving.

Friday Find: DIY

If I feature any type of recipe, I promise it will be stupid easy...  Many of you asked about the butterscotch sticky buns I made on Easter, so here's the recipe!  And the best part is that all the hard work is done the night before.  I highly suggest giving it a try this weekend :)

Ingredients

• Rhodes frozen dinner rolls (16 - 18)
• 1 package of cook and serve butterscotch pudding
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 stick of unsalted butter
  

Directions (prepare the night before)

After greasing the bottom of a bundt pan, put the frozen rolls at the bottom.  Sprinkle the dry pudding mix over the rolls, following by the brown sugar and then the pecans.  Next, melt the butter and pour over the rolls/pudding/sugar/pecans.  Then cover the bundt pan with a damp cloth (I add an "abracadabra" but that part is optional).  In the morning your rolls will have doubled in size - and all you have to do is remove the damp cloth and bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.  Pour out the gooey goodness on a plate and enjoy!

Friday Find

Sideways Cross Necklace (Etsy)

My second cousin Lauren (at least I think that's what my cousin's kids are called) is 16 years old and she's getting Confirmed next weekend.  I am honored  to be her Confirmation sponsor, and wanted to get her something meaningful for her special day.  I found this beautiful sideways cross necklace on Etsy - which was perfect (and under $30 so was the price). It's delicate and simple, and I like that it's not just a traditional cross necklace. When it arrived, it was even more beautiful in person, and I fell in love with it not only for Lauren but for myself... so I ordered another one. Although the one I just ordered is technically for Lauren since I've already worn the necklace originally purchased for her... Hopefully necklace #2 comes in the next week - otherwise her gift will be gently worn :)

Friday Find: DIY

Hangers & Shower Curtain Rings (Target)

After about a year and a half together, Tom is moving in with me... Which is awesome!  I can't wait to see him every day, and Rex is in desperate need of a stable father figure ;)  This means I need to clear out my spare bedroom closet for his stuff, and use my current closet space as efficiently as possible. My scarves were taking up entirely too much space, and I needed better system. Turns out I own 31 scarves (a fact I was unaware of until last week)... which  unofficially makes me the the Baskin Robbins of scarves.   After googling "scarf organization", I bought wooden hangers and plastic shower curtain rings (under $8 total) and was able to hang 10-12 scarves per hanger... and suddenly my closet got a lot bigger.  And, if anyone needs to borrow a scarf, just let me know - I've got 31 flavors! ;)

Friday Find

Mossimo Ballet Flats & Burt's Bees lip gloss (Target)

I had to make a Target run while traveling this week in Ohio...  And the best thing about Target is that no matter what city I'm in, I can walk into any store and know exactly where everything is.  And like usual, I made detours... first to the make up aisle where I found Burt's Bees lip gloss.  I'm a huge fan of their lotion and chapstick - and I'm adding lip gloss to that list.  I got the color "Spring Splendor" and it's a great gloss that gives you enough color for everyday wear without a heavy or sticky feel and the perfect amount of shine.  My next detour was to the shoe aisle where I fell in love with these navy and white printed flats - and for only $14.99 I really should have fallen in love with more... and without the restriction of my carry on luggage I'll likely be making a trip back for more :)

Friday Find: DIY

I mentioned earlier this week that last weekend was my Mom's birthday - and it was a big one :)  She didn't want a party-  just a quiet celebration with immediate family.  So my brother flew in from Atlanta and I drove over from Minnesota (destination = Pewaukee, Wisconsin).  And even through she didn't want a fuss, I still wanted to do something special.  After looking for inspiration on Pinterest, I found the perfect way to celebrate her big day...  I contacted friends and family and had them send me a favorite memory of my Mom - and I put together 60 memories to represent her 60 years.  It was a great way of bringing loved ones to her... and we all had fun reminiscing on memories that made her shake her head,  laugh, and cry.  Personally I think the memory from Rex was her favorite :)

Friday Find

Michael Antonio Love Me Floral Pump (DSW)

How cute are these floral printed pumps by Michael Antonio? These colorful heels are the perfect way to liven up a pair of jeans, black trousers, or a little black dress.  And they are as affordable as they are adorable at only $39.95! The toughest part will be choosing which color to get, and I'm pretty sure I can make a business case for why I need each one.  And with so much snow still on the ground, the best weapon is flower power!

Friday Find

Completely obsessed is the only way I can describe my reaction to this album and Emeli Sande.  She is an artist and songwriter from Scotland, and after falling in love with the song "Next to Me" (view video), I previewed the rest of the album and downloaded it immediately.  There are semblances of Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Alicia Keys, and Beyonce throughout the songs, and the album has a good mix of upbeat songs and soulful ballads with an R&B vibe.  If nothing else you must download Next to Me, Breaking the Law, Where I Sleep, and River... actually just get the album and then tell me how much you love it, because I know you will!

Friday Find

NP Set Eye Primer (Target) 

I'm late to the game with everything. Case in point: I still don't have an iPhone, and it was only months ago that I realized Flo Rida =Florida. So it's really no wonder that I've been existing this long without eye primer. It's usually around 2PM that my eye shadow starts to crease and I can see the color fade. I had heard of eye primer, and so during a routine Target run I picked up the Napoleon Perdis (NP) Set Eye Primer.  And while I'm sure you can spend much more, $15 seemed like a reasonable price  It goes on smooth, and it really does make your eye make up last longer! How can you say no to a product helps your makeup last through happy hour?  After all, it is the most important meal of the day ;) 

And for more Friday Fun check out Rex's interview over at Total Basset Case!

Friday Find

stickygram.com

I saw this on Instagram the other day and loved it!  StickyGram  turns your Instagram pictures into magnets (genius, right?). In all of 30 seconds I was able to pick my favorite Instagram pics and for $14.99 (free shipping) these 9 magnets will be created and delivered.  They are about the same size as the Instagram pic on your phone, and as far as wedding, birthdays, and holidays- the gift possibilities are endless.  And the best part?  I can now add the fridge to the places where get to see my fur baby :) 

Friday Find

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

I'm only 2 chapters in, and can already tell you that if you haven't read this book yet - you need to put it on your list. Two lines struck a chord: "What a wonderful life I've had! I only wish I'd realized it sooner." The truth behind that is equally depressing and scary. Each chapter describes a monthly focus in Gretchen's pursuit for happiness (Boost Energy, Aim Higher, Make Time for Friends, Pursue a Passion, etc). Reading the author's journey to finding her happiness automatically makes you contemplate your own... and without trying to, I find myself embarking on my own happiness project - which is currently making me happy :)

Friday Find

Headwrap (Forever 21)

In about 2 weeks the boyfriend and I are taking our first real vacation together... 6 nights and 7 days in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. This is extremely exciting and slightly unnerving.  Make no mistake, I'm so ready for some warm weather with an agenda that consists solely of making it through the Caribbean cocktail list several times... And I'm all sorts of fun!  That is, all sorts of fun in contained doses that usually don't last longer than a weekend... I'm pretty sure the "Heather tipping point" is around 4 days.

And I plan on wearing lots of headwraps during the day to cover my greasy unwashed hair (all of these are under $4!).  There are not enough headwraps in this world to cover up all of the potential personality quirks that may be revealed in 7 straight days together ;)

Friday Find

Love Bracelet (WindsorStore.com)

Last year I found and featured this love ring - and it's one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. So when I came across this love bracelet I had to have it too :)  It's cute, delicate, rose gold, and a complete steal at $6.90 (although there is $8.95 shipping). But for around $15 it's a great little statement bracelet you can wear alone or invite to your arm parties. Consider it an early Valentine's Day present to yourself... I did :)

Friday Find

Mojito in a bag (LT. Blender's)

I stopped reading the recipe for making mojitos after the sentence "use a muddler to crush the mint" - yeah that's not happening.  I have tried mojito mix after mojito mix in an effort to find a taste comparable to the built from scratch drink - and nothing comes close.  Until now :)  My mom raved about the Mojito in a bag mix by LT. Blender's, so when Santa brought me my very own bag I couldn't wait to try it.  You simply add rum and water to the bag and shake it up  - and serve either frozen or on the rocks.  And let me tell you it's amazing - the perfect mix of lime and mint (it even has little mint pieces like the real deal)... so if you want to experience a mojito without the hassle of making it - you have got to give this a try.  LT. Blender's has an entire category of cocktails in a bag (Bellinis, Margaritas, Daiquiris, Pina Coladas, etc).... which now makes my schedule very busy (If you need me, I'll be drinking out of a bag).

And I know it's hard to think about refreshing drinks in the middle of winter... but summer is  sort of like the field of dreams - if you drink it, they will come :) 

Friday Find: DIY

This year the gifts that I struggled the most for were the Grandmas... there is not a lot they need or want. So I picked up these pretty ornate frames from Marshalls and printed out a fun quote about "Grandma's House".  It's a cute way to gift and personalize a picture frame, and can be used for anyone loved one. Not to mention these quotes speak the truth :)  

Oh and do yourself a favor and pick up Taylor Swift's Red.  I've been listening to it on repeat for 2 days straight.  It's all things fun and girly - and makes you feel like a teen...it's fabulous.

Friday Find

To this quote I say AMEN!  May this Friday find you drama free :)

“There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living." - Jose N Harris