Essie Nails

Since it's now Spring time, I needed to revamp my nail polish collection!! What better way to do that than with Essie Nail Polish!
Essie is one of my all time favorite nail polish brands. I love OPI as well but Essie's formula, color-stay, color choice, and availability has always won me over!
Essie has actually been around since about 1981! So, for the past 31 years, you can bet they have developed an award winning formula. :-)

To update my nail polish selection I bought the newest trend released."Luxeffects" collection called Shine of the Times, one of the longest lasting colors in the company Baby's Breath, and the sweetly boxed Spring Time collection called, "Spring" which includes colors; Ole' Caliente, To Buy or Not to Buy, Tour de Finance, and Navigate Her.

To start of my springy nail look I painted a thick coat of Navigate Her and let dry thoroughly.

 

Next I topped the pale green with Shine of the Times to achieve this fresh, shimmery, sophisticated look!

I'm looking forward to seeing what else I can do with the Luxeffects Shine of the Times!



 

Guinness Cupcakes with Bailey's Irish Cream Frosting

 Happy St. Patty's Day today!!! I've always loved this holiday and I think I got that from my Grandma. She always loved this lucky green holiday and may she live on in spirit of me today! :)

I tried out this cupcake recipe that I borrowed from Food.com and let me tell you, these are awesome! I've never baked with my beloved beer beverage before but it made for one delicious treat! I followed the batter recipe exactly but I did switch up the frosting recipe a bit by using Bailey's Irish Cream Coffee Creamer instead of actual Bailey's! Since I'm expecting, I didn't want to add alcohol to my frosting but the frosting turned out luscious, creamy, and delightful!!


Check out the recipe HERE!!

For my non-alcoholic frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter - room temp

4 cups confectioners sugar

pinch of salt

3-4 (depending on texture preference) tablespoons of Bailey's Irish Cream Coffee Creamer.

Add a few drops of Green Food Coloring to seal the Irish deal!

 
-In a bowl using a hand mixer or an electric mixer, cream butter on medium speed until light and fluffy.
-Add salt and mix.
-Next, on low speed and slowly add confectioners sugar until all is absorbed in the butter. Will be a bit crumbly. 
-Lastly, add tablespoons one at a time of Coffee Creamer while mixing, until smooth frosting consistency is achieved.

These are sure to say, "Kiss me, I'm Irish!!" MUAH!

Raw never tasted so good!

I'm all about indulging into exquisite rich desserts and crunchy french fries from time to time but one of my favorite almost gilt-free desserts are these Mini Raw Brownies. I've had some experience with a Raw Diet and although time consuming, I loved it! Here is the brownie recipe I came up with. Its simple to make, no baking required, and delicious!! Enjoy!

Amy's Raw Brownie Bites

For Brownie Bites:
1.5 Cups of Pecans
1.5 Cups of Almonds
2 Tablespoons of Almond Butter
1/4 Cup of Agave
1/4 Cup of Cocoa Powder
Pinch of Salt

For Frosting:
2 Cups of Walnuts
2 Teaspoons of Vanilla Extract
1/2 Cup of Water
1/4 Cup Agave

Instructions

1.) Begin with the frosting by combining all 4 ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth creamy mixture. Spoon into bowl and place in fridge while preparing brownies.
2.) Clean food processor to use for brownie mix.
3.) Combine all brownie ingredients into food processor and combine until all nuts are finely ground and a dough starts to form. If dough looks too dry, add a teaspoon of water.
4.) Scoop out about 1 Tablespoon of Brownie dough. Roll into small ball and place on serving dish. With thumb, gently push down the middle of the ball leaving a slight dip for the frosting. **Do this until all dough is gone.
5.) Remove frosting from fridge. Spoon or pipe frosting onto the tops of brownies and serve!

***Brownies store best in the refrigerator. Allow brownie to get to room temp for best flavor before indulging.

Sweet!

Spring has almost sprung!

Spring time is just around the corner as we say goodbye to February 2012!
I love when the seasons change because so does my wardrobe!! Here are some of my favorite picks for the upcoming Spring season!

JCPenny

Worthington Relaxed-Fit Ankle Pant - I love this style of pant and color for Spring. I think an ankle cut is cute and looks good on every one. Its a refreshing new twist on a pant for Spring and I love bold colors for this pant! $30

Anthropologie.com

Drawing Room Necklace in Green - I love the multi-colors and beading in this necklace. The neon green is sure to add pop to any outfit and the beads add a great texture and sophistication. $48. A splurge piece to have through Spring and Summer :)

Target.com

Jason Wu for Target Long-Sleeved Sheer Blouse - I love this blouse!!! It can be so versatile. It can be dressed up with heels and a skirt or paired nicely with the ankle trousers for a casual lunch out with the girls. And you can't go wrong with this fabulous deal by the talented Jason Wu!! Snag it before they are gone! $34.99

Target.com

License Juniors Geo Owl Graphic Tee - I'm loving neons this spring but to tame it down a bit since they can be over powering, I love a simple tee with decals of neon coloring. This simple tee can be paired with any bottom. Its fun and flirty! $12

 Zappos.com

Nine West Pitera Wedge - A color-blocked wedge is a must this Spring and Summer for me! You can find just about any color combination you like out there. I love a wedge because you get a little added lift but way more stability than with a regular heel. Keep it strappy to avoid color-block overload! ;) $89 **Another splurge piece but always check places like TJMaxx and any local boutiques. Lots of places are carrying this color-blocking style right now! Hot item!

Forever21.com

Wild Flower Earrings - I've really adored studs lately. I love the simplicity of adding a little jewel to your outfit without overtaking your face by a drop style. I love simple and chic for Spring 2012! These flowers just speak blooming Spring! $4.80 STEAL!

Zappos.com

ALDO Lotze Bone - I just came across this bag recently and I'm in love!! I was searching for a great mint colored bag for Spring as I love that as well but I think I love this one even more!!! Its poka dots add a spunky visual texture while the satchel style keeps it simple and classy. The color is neutral and can be paired with any outfit. $38.99 on sale right now!


Have fun springing into your new wardrobe!! ---<--@

Sunday Morning Coffee Cake

This morning I wanted to whip up something special for my sweet husband so I made a simple quick Coffee Cake! It was DELICIOUS!!! I could have eaten the whole pan! Such a great recipe and perfect for breakfast or a brunch. See the recipe HERE.

Two things I altered to make it my own was:
-Add 1/3 cup of 0% Greek Yogurt to the batter. (Sour Cream would work fine too!) I wanted to make sure it was moist and add some yummy protein as well.
-Also, I layered the batter and topping. I put a layer of batter in the pan, then sprinkled a tablespoon or two worth of the streusel topping. Then added on the final layer of batter, then finished by topping the whole cake with the remainder of the streusel topping.

Don't forget your cup of Joe to go with it! :)

Have a Sunny Sunday! :-)

Orange Muffins

I love just about anything orange or orange flavored and I found this recipe a while back for amazing fresh orange muffins. The coolest thing about this recipe? It requires the use of a WHOLE orange. Peel and all and it delivers the best, most, flavorful orange muffins ever!!!! Find the recipe here at Food.com. I don't change anything with this recipe other than what size I make as it is simply perfect as is. It makes wonderful regular sized muffins but also spectacular large muffins. I divide the batter evenly among Ramekins and bake a little longer until done to the toothpick test. Enjoy for breakfast or even as a dessert! :) Yummy in my tummy!

Combine wet ingredients with whole orange in a food processor.

Prep Ramekins or muffins tins with non-stick spray.

Combine dry ingredients into a separate bowl.

 Combine wet and dry ingredients together in a large bowl until completely combined.

 Divide batter evenly among baking dishes or muffin tins.

Let cool slightly but still enjoy while warm :) Mmmmmmm

I'm hungry now! Bye!

Seeing more dry flakes than snow flakes this winter?

Winter can take such a toll on our skin and hair, especially for those of us who live in very cold, dry climates. Don't fret my cold weather beauties, I have come up with a great budget friendly beauty plan to battle those blistery winds and crackly limbs this winter season!!

The Body
Eucerin - Daily Replenishing Lotion. This formula is the best for over all moisture for arms, legs, feet, and don't forget your back side! Its non-greasy, absorbs quickly and spreads oooh so smoothly. It's fragrance free and non-irritating! Find it at any local drugstore $8.

Hair
Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Replenishing Mask. I love using this mask once every 1 to 2 weeks. Its not a heavy formula but it will add moisture, shine, and replenish your locks to their fullest while building strength in each strand! Wal-mart $5! Bargain!! 

Face
Aveeno Active Naturals - Smart Essentials - Nighttime Moisture Infusion. I use this moisture locking cream at nighttime all over my face and neck and a little pinch goes a long ways. Its lighter than most creams I've tried and absorbs quickly. Its non-greasy and I never breakout from it. It smells heavenly and gives your face a good nights rest to wake up refreshed and replenished! Drug store find or Ulta for $16.

Lips
C.O. Bigelow - Rose Salve. I SWEAR by this stuff. I use it daily!! It will make your lips soft and supple. Another great thing about this little tin of magic is you can apply it to any of those stubborn dry areas such as elbows, knees, cuticles, etc! This is a must buy! Bath and Body Works $5.50.

Hands
First Aid Benefit (F-A-B) - Ultra Repair Cream. I bought the travel size formula and I keep it right by the kitchen sink. Its a thicker cream but it is the only one that will do the trick on my hands and last! No parabens, harsh chemicals or colorants. Safe for sensitive skin! Sephora $12. 

Head to Toe
Evian Mineral Spray - Moisturizer. I adore and use this product year round and ALL over my body; Face, Legs, Arms, Hands, Shoulders, even my Hair! This magnificent spray gives you that uplifted quick moisture boost you need and you are out the door. I love to spritz it on my face even after I've applied all my make up and if I ever get those stubborn fly-aways, I spritz it on my hair and away they go! What better way to moisturize than with mineral water! Ulta $11. Also available in small travel size bottle! I keep both sizes in my house.


**Don't forget to be drinking at least 1/2 your body's weight in ounces of WATER per day!!
150lbs = 75ounces of water PER DAY! Yes, per day! Your body will thank you for it. Trust me!


Relieve, Protect, and Replenish. Happy Winter! :)