Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Bucatini Pomodoro

Hello, Hello!

I am always trying to find dinner recipes that are (some-what) healthy, (100%) delicious, and won't have me slaving away for hours.  Here is one of my favorites that is all of the above!


What You'll Need: 
For the Pomodoro sauce... 
  • One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about ½-1 cup)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 basil sprigs
For the Pasta...
  • ¾ pound fresh bucatini pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • Pinch of red-pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon torn basil leaves, plus more for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper


What You'll Do: 


In a strainer set over a medium bowl, drain the tomatoes. Crush/squeeze the tomatoes with your hands, let the juice into the bowl, and set aside the juice and strained tomatoes.

In a skillet (about medium sized) set over medium heat, warm the olive oil. 
Add the onion and cook (stir occasionally, about 5 minutes). 
Stir in the garlic and cook (about 1 minute). 
Add the tomatoes, sugar, and salt. 
Reduce the heat to low (continue cooking, stirring occasionally), until the tomatoes have softened and the sauce has thickened slightly (about 15 minutes).
 
Add the tomato juice and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer (stirring occasionally), until slightly thickened (about 20 minutes). 
Remove the sauce from the heat, add the basil and set aside.

Boil your pasta as directed on the box. While it is cooking, in a large skillet set over medium heat, warm the olive oil. 
Add the garlic and a pinch of red-pepper flakes and cook (stirring occasionally, about 1 minute). 
Add the sauce to the skillet, simmer until warm. 
Add the pasta to the skillet, mixing it in with the sauce. Stir in the parmesan and basil.


Bon Appetit! 

Friday, September 20, 2013

They're Real!

Hello Darlings!

Am I the only one who hates spending more than $15 on makeup? I often find that drugstore products work just as well (if not better) than what you can buy at Sephora or department stores at double the price. 

So I was debating if I wanted to drop $23 on Benefit's They're Real mascara. I finally took the plunge and bought some. It was the best makeup decision of my life!

I can notice a huge difference from using this mascara. Everything is true about the reviews and hype on this mascara. It will now be a go to purchase of mine.

Do you have any favorite brands that you love to splurge on? 

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Foodie Fall Favorites

Hello Darlings!
It is officially fall (it has been in my mind for a few weeks now)! What better way to kick off fall than with a list of the BEST fall recipes?


1. Crock Pot Olive Garden Pasta Soup

2. Crock Pot Pumpkin Latte 

3. Skinny Pumpkin Muffins (my recipe!)

4. Apple Pie Cookies

5. Reese's Peanut Butter Banana Bread





Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Herringbone Heartbreak

Happy Monday!

I am one of the many who never gave up hope on owning the Herringbone vest from J.Crew. I am constantly seeing posts on Pinterest and Tumblr of the beautiful piece, and I made it a life mission to get my hands on one (obsessive?). So when I went to the new J.Crew Factory in Woodstock, I almost cried seeing it hanging there in all of it's glory. 

I'm ridiculous, I know. 
So after I made the purchase (I got it for a steal, btw) I searched my favorite blogs to see how everyone styled it. These were some of my favorite looks: 
I am SO excited for fall to get here so I can rock this vest while sipping my pumpkin spice latte. 
What are you looking forward to this fall? 


Saturday, August 3, 2013

Swooning Saturday

Hello Dearest Readers!

Whenever work is slow, or I have a little down time I love getting on my favorite blogs or websites and seeing what the latest trends are. I have seen so many adorable pieces I'm dying to add to my closet. 

1. When it comes to my handbag, I look for something that is unique. I love the lavender color and small details in the Kate Spade Sloan purse. It is absolutely gorge!
2. Scallops are my new obsession, and no... not the edible kind. This scalloped dress from J.crew is a perfect dress to transition into fall and winter. 
3. For some reason, I've really been into cats. Weird. Super Weird. So it doesn't surprise me that I almost had a shoe related heart attack when I saw these kittylious loafers from Francesca's

Has there been anything to catch your eye and make you think, "I HAVE to have that!"?



Friday, July 12, 2013

Friday Favorites: Makeup Edition

Hello Beauties!

As summer is speeding by, I am having trouble keeping up with doing all of the things I love, like blogging (sad panda). Now that we are half way through July (WHAT?!), I have been crazy busy with my internship, summer class, apartment moving, planning my birthday, and packing for vacation. 

But despite all of the craziness, it still hasn't held me back from trying out new beauty products. Here are some of my favorite things I have used this summer: 


  1. Stila Smudge Pot in Kitten. This is an amazing eyeshadow base for the summer. I have worn this almost everyday, because it gives your eyes the perfect natural look. It's also light, which helps prevent the caked on makeup feeling. 
  2. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Cashmere. This goes along great with any makeup look you are trying to achieve. I use this in the corners of my eyes, as well as under my bottom lashes.
  3. Benefit They're Real Mascara. Wow. Wow. Wow. Everything is true about this mascara. I could go on and on about how much I loooove this mascara, but I'll spare you. 
Do you have any beauty products that you are currently loving or lusting for? 

Monday, July 1, 2013

Lovely Lauren

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with Lauren Conrad. I've been a true fan since the 7th grade when I watched the first episode of Laguna. I even had a "Team LC" shirt from Hollister (no shame). I love that I have been able to follow her throughout the years. From fashion to boys she always has the best advice. 
Every summer I watch The Hills from the beginning, and since I just completed the first season I wanted to share my favorite LC inspirations.

She looks effortlessly chic whether she's at LAX or sipping coffee outside. I will be traveling this month, and I will be modeling my outfits after hers:
I will also be moving into my new apartment this month (YAY!). I am drooling over Lauren's new bedding collection at Khol's
Hint, hint. My birthday is also this month ;)

It's super hot here in the south, and I often find myself throwing my hair up in a bun. I love the mix of a sock and knot bun that Lauren does flawlessly: 

Do you have any favorite Lauren looks?