Review Time

Ciao Adventurers!

Welcome back for another review! I know, you must be shocked to be hearing from me twice in one week! I am still apologizing for being gone for so long but I find the best apology is action, so here I am, acting on blogging more!

For my review this week I decided to introduce you to one of my new favorite youtubers: leaf (Living Eating And Fashion).

As previously mentioned the channel features videos about living, eating and fashion. The videos are all under three minutes at the most, although the majority is under two.  As much as I hate to admit it, okay I don’t really hate it (the videos are great!), the night I discovered their channel I stayed up until 2 a.m. watching video after video (oops!).

The photo pictured above is of their tutorial for iced chai, which as you all now is my not so secret addiction! I haven’t tried it yet but I cannot wait to do so! I think the best part of the videos is that they are short and sweet and all of the tutorials are very easy to follow, with great results! I tried the tutorial for ombre cupcakes.

To make these cupcakes I used a boxed cupcake mix and two jars of frosting that I separated into four bowls, using food dye to make four different variations of color from dark to light. I also bought piping bags to make it easier to do the coloring. To use the piping bags I would suggest holding the bag higher up and hold the tip farther away from the cupcake so that the swirls come out more evenly. When I make these again I think I might try making homemade frosting or cupcakes (or both!). 

So adventurers, let me know if you check out leaf or try any of their tutorials!

Until next time have a week filled with adventure and may the odds be ever in your favor.

xoxo

Manicure Monday

Ciao Adventurers! I realize this post is a day late in regard to the title. But I am going to get back into the swing of things with a new schedule that I have created for posting! First on this list is 'Manicure Monday'. So here we go!

Lately I have been LOVING the Essie nail polish 'Sunday Funday'.

It is such a fun summer color and perfect as summer slips through our fingers. The color is a bright coral pink with a touch of shimmer. When the light hits your nails just right the shimmer really makes them pop!

 I find that the routine I follow for painting my nails makes the polish last for at least a week, granted I do not pick at my nail polish (fingers crossed!). I start off by filing my nails into my desired shape and length. I then apply a base coat, usually Essie Grow Stronger. I then apply two coats of color, although in a quick fix I think that this particular color would be bright and pigmented enough with just one coat. For the final step I apply a top coat, my favorite is Sally Hansen Insta-Dri. And voila! You have beautifully painted nails.

So there you have it. My favorite nail polish at the moment. Thanks for stopping by and reading this blog post that was meant for Monday but went live on Tuesday! Subscribe for more and leave any requests or comments below! Until next time adventurers, keep on exploring!

Welcome Back!

Ciao Adventurers! After a two month hiatus, I am back and better than ever! I am ready to blog to my heart's content this summer with the craziness of junior year almost over! In this heat it is nearly impossible to stay cool. The way I have been reversing the effects of the high temperatures: iced chai lattes. I love them. It is the perfect mixture caffeine and sweetness! Add to that the satisfying ice, there is literally nothing that could make it a better drink for me. I do not generally drink coffee, so this is my substitute. I devour them hot in the winter and cannot drink them fast enough in the summer when iced. Here is my suggestion: next time you are dying for something to cool you off in the 90 degree weather, hit up your favorite coffee shop for an iced chai. I guarantee that is what I will be doing in the coming weeks! If you go try out an iced chai, comment below and let me know what you think!

Until next time Adventurers, may your days be filled with friends, family, and a LOT of air conditioning!

~Emily

My Favorite Youtubers

Ciao Adventurers!
If you all enjoy reading my blog then  I thought you might like to know about a few of my favorite Youtubers! Youtube has been my guide in my makeup 'career' and I have come to look forward to the videos my favorites put out. For those of you that love Youtube or have never checked out beauty videos before, keep on reading!

Number 1) Fleur de Force

Fleur is a Youtuber from the United Kingdom. She does videos that range from makeup tutorials, fashion, and reviews of products. I trust her opinion a lot and so do her 581,896 other subscribers! Some of my favorite videos of hers are her gift guides. I also love to watch her vlog channel where every other month she does a vlog each day, they are especially great when she is traveling and her viewers can see different parts of the world. For any young woman who is newly engaged, Fleur's bridal channel (run jointly with her sister) is full of great ideas! Her upbeat personality and helpful tips can brighten anyone's day!

Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/FleurDeForce/videos?view=0

One of my favorite videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbH7_vHBi1s

Vlog Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/FleurDeVlog/videos?view=0

Bridal Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/BrideDeForce/videos?view=0

Number 2) Miss Glamorazzi 

Ingrid is another young Youtuber, although she is from California. I also lover her reviews and tutorials, but especially her fashion videos! I think that Ingrid has a great perspective on makeup and I think that she can make a girl feel confident and like she can take on the world! (Personally, I always see that as a good thing!) I really love her outfit idea videos. I highly suggest Ingrid's channel because of her upbeat personality, style, and love of life!

Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/missglamorazzi/videos?view=0

One of my favorite videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRDQ_cn3ouY

Vlog Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheGridMonster/videos?view=0

Number 3) Tanya Burr

Another one of my favorite Youtubers is named Tanya Burr (also from the United Kingdom). Her makeup tutorials and suggestions are always especially reliable because she is a makeup artist! Her tutorials are always great and she uses makeup to really accentuate and highlight her best features. It does not come as a surprise that she has great style as well. My favorite part about Tanya is that she always is so excited about whatever she is talking about, and the happiness just leaps through the camera and onto your computer screen!

Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/pixi2woo/videos?view=0

One of my favorite videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRA2w-ELD84

Vlog Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/tanyasvlogsandhauls/videos?view=0

Number 4) Aleexandraaxo

Alex (aleexandraaxo on Youtube) is probably the Youtuber I can relate to the most. She is one of the youngest girls I follow and (I believe) she is only two years older than me. Since we are closer in age I feel like she makes tutorials and fashion videos that I can employ most easily in my life. I especially like her 'outfits of the week' videos. I also really enjoy her styling videos. I love how Alex is not afraid to be goofy and serious and zealous about her videos at the same time. 

Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/aleexandraaxo?feature=g-user-u

One of my favorite videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVoQXKoT94k

Number 5) Sprinkle of Glitter

Louise is by far the most cheerful Youtuber on this list. In addition to the usual fashion, makeup, and reviews, Louise makes videos with her adorable daughter. Even though she makes makeup videos in general, I always find myself laughing out loud - at least once - during each video. I especially love Louise's haul videos and when she does collaboration videos they are especially witty and hilarious. Check out Louise's channel if you like the sounds of it!

Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/Sprinkleofglitter/videos?view=0

One of my favorite videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkrnIbMvoPg

Vlog Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SprinkleofChatter?feature=g-user-u

I hope you all liked this little review of my favorite Youtube 'gurus' and that you might see if you like them as well! There are, of course, many Youtubers not mentioned in this blog (for example, I am also a big fan of all of Nikki Phillippi's channels [https://www.youtube.com/user/NikkiPhillippi] and Talk Becky Talk [https://www.youtube.com/user/TalkBeckyTalk]) If you do pop over to any of their channels please mention that Emily from Adventure's of a Small Town Girl sent you over! 

Comment your thoughts below and leave any suggestions you have for future posts! Subscribe to my blog to read more from me!

Until next time my little darlings, keep on exploring!

xoxo

~Emily 

Revlon Red

Ciao Adventurers!
Today I went back in school after a surprise long weekend and my life is picking back up again! Have you tried out any of my suggestions in my 'Weekly Review'? I for one am very excited for this weekend since I will be in New York City! For a Monday post I thought I would review a great, but affordable nail polish! Today's review is of Revlon Red (number 680).

Since this is a red nail polish I first applied a base coat. My nails are quite testy and like to stain easily so a base coat is important when applying reds, dark blues, dark purples, etc. I also have nails that are prone to breaking quickly, don't they sound quite lovely? I am making them sound much harder to live with than they are! To help with both of these problems I used the Essie grow stronger nail polish. This is great even just as a plain nail polish if you need to strengthen your nails a little bit or if you want a pale pink polish.

After applying the base coat I applied two coats of the Revlon nail polish. I found it was best to get a little bit of nail polish on the brush and then start in the middle of the nail. From there I thought it worked well to place the tip of the brush at the cuticle and slowly paint towards the top of the nail. I like to classify my self as a hard-core right-y with a left hand that has a mind of its own. So I was thrilled that this technique worked very well when applying the polish with my left hand!

I also think that a top coat is important if I want my nail polish to last almost a full week (when I've done it on my own). I am a fan of all Sally Hansen top coats. The 'Insta-Dry' version is great for the girls who, like me, are impatient waiting for their nails to dry! (Fun Fact- When doing your nails at home if you place them in sunlight they will drive faster!) With the base coat, two coats of polish, and the top coat I find this is a great nail polish! I have had this nail polish for quite some time and love the color pay off. It is not too bright or too dark but just the right combination. I also like that it is not really orange-y or pink-y. I am very pale, with freckles, and auburn hair so I tend to shy away from the orange family with makeup, nail polish, and clothes. (Ironically, I love my red Urban Outfitters skirt, red Toms, and my Revlon Red nail polish! I still do not like red tops for me though.)

So what do you all think of Revlon Red? Do you think you will try it out? Comment below with your thoughts!

Please leave suggestions for any posts you would like to see and please follow if you like my blog!

Until next time, I wish you all a week filled with adventure!
xoxo

BB Cream

There are some days where I love to wear my Bare Minerals full coverage foundation and other days I want a lighter coverage. BB cream is perfect for the days when a light coverage is all I need. So for all those girls out there who often like to throw on a little something before heading out the door, keep reading for a review of the Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Cream.

Beauty Balms are an 'all in one' type of product, which is usually a claim that turns me away. But after reading about the different products online and watching several reviews on Youtube.com, I decided it was worth a shot. They, at least the Dr. Jart versions, are designed to treat skin, moisturize and smooth, prime and perfect, camouflage and color correct skin tone, and protect with SPF. 

When I went into Sephora I knew I wanted a BB Cream, but I was not sure what kind. I told one of the girls in Sephora that I needed one that would protect my skin, give me a light coverage, and that would not budge while I played sports. (My lacrosse season is starting soon and I cannot wait!) 

The sales assistant suggested the Dr. Jart+ Premium version because it has a high SPF and helps to fight breakouts. 

After having worn this BB Cream for several weeks and having worked out with it on several times I have to say it was worth the purchase. At $40 it is one of the more expensive BB Creams on the market, although well worth it. I have found that the cream blends perfectly to my skin tone. I have extremely fair skin with many freckles, and am quite proud of it! I like this BB Cream because it gives me a 'glowy' finish while allowing my freckles to show and still priming my face for concealer, blush, etc. The 'glow' is also just the perfect amount and does not make my face look greasy or oily. 

BB Creams are only meant for light coverage and you will still need to use concealer, blush, bronzer, etc for whatever look you desire. Additionally, you can apply a regular foundation on top of this since it also primes! 

I was so pleased that, as promised, my make up did not smudge or run during a work out, always a bonus! 

I would have to say my favorite aspect of this BB cream is that while it is helping to highlight the positive parts of every girls gorgeous face, it is also helping your skin!

Comment below and let me know what you all think of BB creams! If you have any products you would like me to review let me know in the comments and follow me for more posts!

Thanks for reading and until next time may your days be filled with friends, delicious food, and happiness!

xoxo

Emily

Guten Appetit: A Pretzel Recipe

Today is a first, the first of many baking blogs. One of my favorite pastimes is baking. I also really enjoy learning German. This blog is a combination of the two passions, what could be better?! Of course we all know the commonplace New York City soft pretzel stands that seem to be on every other street. Well I have good news for everyone who does not have access to those treats on a daily basis, making your own big and soft pretzels is as easy as stir, mix and bake! Keep reading if learning how to make Pretzels has always been an interest of yours!

 Before baking, it is important to know the history of the pretzel. Once upon a time in Germany, farmers' wives believed they should bake their husbands fresh bread every morning. However, the farmers got up around 3 in the morning and the wives would have to get up at 1 in order to have fresh bread. They soon discovered that they could make the dough the night before and in the morning bake it in the (today classic) pretzel shape. The holes allowed the dough to rise and bake faster, creating fresh, delicious bread every morning for the farmers. And voila! The soft pretzel was born!

To make these soft pretzels you will need: 1) kosher salt, 2) flour, 3) warm water, 4) quick rising yeast, 5) table salt, and 6) baking soda.
In order to make these pretzels, you first want to mix two packets of yeast with 1.5 cups of warm water. Once these are thoroughly mixed add 4.5 cups of all purpose flour. Now here comes the fun part! Next you want to lightly mix the flour and yeast/water (only so that it does not come a part) and pour it on to a clean surface. It works best to break the dough in half for the kneading. You want to fold the dough together until it is smooth.

For the next 15 minutes, place the dough under a moist cloth and try to find something to keep you busy! I suggest reading up on some of your favorite blogs (why not check out: themaibug.blogspot.com or oliviadollydaydream.blogspot.com).
After you have perused a few blog posts it is time to roll out the dough into one dozen twelve inch long 'ropes' that you can fold into the pretzel shape. To do this you form an upside down 'U' shape and twist the ends together, then attach them to the lower 'U'.
It is also important to make a 'bath' for the pretzels with warm water, baking soda, and salt. After forming the pretzels dip them in the bath and place them on a greased cookie sheet with kosher salt sprinkled over the top.
After baking in the oven at 460 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes you will have twelve beautiful pretzels, such as the ones shown below!

 So sit back, relax, and enjoy these pretzels!

Until next time, guten Appetit!

Weekly Review:

As this week draws to a close, it is easy to feel invincible. I always get the feeling that 'they' can never catch me and make me go back to school (or work), that is until Sunday comes. Since I am probably not the only one who is a little disappointed when, in fact, I do have to go back to my normal life on Monday, I thought I would make this 'review' of new things to try throughout the week. A way to make the monotony of life Monday through Friday a little more interesting.

Let's kick it off with Saturday:
It is the first full day of the weekend! Every once and a while it is fun to have a girls night and stay in with good movies and ice cream. One of the best movies watch with some girl friends is 'The First Wives Club'. In this movie three women (played by Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, and Diane Keaton) get revenge on their ex-husbands, needless to say, hilarity ensues. I would suggest topping off this night with some popcorn and half-baked ice cream from Ben & Jerry's.

Sunday:
Ahh, Sunday. It is difficult to cherish it while at the same time finishing up any last minute work for the following week. A good way to celebrate this last day of the weekend is to go out for brunch! I am a fan of french toast, home fries, fruit, and orange juice at a Sunday brunch! Why not finish off the day with some delicious French macrons?

      

                             


                                   







Monday:
I personally think it is nice to begin the week with a favorite television show. I have two favorites that air on Monday evenings. The first is 'The Following'. In this thrilling show Kevin Bacon plays an ex-FBI agent who is in the midst of an investigation about a serial killer. If you like a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is the show for you. Each week I can't wait for the next show to air! Tune in on Mondays at 9 P.M. if this sounds like the show for you.

My other favorite show that comes on Monday nights is 'The Carrie Diaries'. This is for the girls who like a show that is more light at heart, for the ones who grew up in the '80s and want to go back or for the ones who wished they could have experienced it. Starring AnnaSophia Robb this show follows the life of teenage Carrie Bradshaw, the main character that appears in 'Sex and the City'. If you are interested in watching this show, turn on the CW at 9!

Tuesday:
After watching some of your favorite shows on Monday, Tuesday seems like a good day to catch up on a good book. One of my favorite books recently has been 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky. This novel is about what it is like to grow up in high school. It is told through Charlie's letters and I am sure somewhere in this novel everyone can find something to relate to. (An added 'perk' of this book is that it has recently been made in to a movie! One I, personally, cannot wait to see!)

Wednesday:
One of the longest days of the week, half way in the beginning and half way to the end. Is it too early to be excited for the weekend? Or should I still be thinking about school and only school? Wednesday is good day for a food pick me up in my opinion. I love coconut cupcakes. Especially when they are moist and thick but don't feel heavy at the same time. They are the best with cream cheese frosting and toasted coconut on the top. Happy snacking!

Thursday:
It is safe to say the end of the week is in sight! I think a fun way to celebrate this land mark in the week is to try a fun/new makeup routine. This could be bold lip or winged out eyeliner (for example). I am a fan of the bold lip. One great example of this is the Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in 536, Lucky. It is a great pink/coral/red color with a slight shine. The applicator of the lipstick is great for getting into the nooks and crannies of lips.

Friday:
Finally! The long week is over! I say, let's celebrate with a bath! One of my favorite ways to relax in the bath is with a bath bomb from LUSH! I think one of the best bath bombs is 'Twilight'. It is described as a, "gentle, reassuring hug for the bath  to transform you from worn out to warm and fuzzy." So put on your favorite playlist or relax in your suds with your favorite book as a reward for making it through the week!

With that, I wish everyone a happy week! If you try any of these things, please comment below and let me know what you think! Feel free to leave me recommendations of your own in the comments! I would love to try some new things!
Until next time darlings,
~Emily

Welcome!

Life is full of surprises, one of which being this happy little blog. I'm 17 and, as my 'about me' will say, I'm a first time blogger and a full time lover of life! There is beauty in the world all around us, that is what this blog is about. Living in rural America there is no shortage of nature, and plenty of love for it as well. Growing up for me has always been about pursuing the things I love. There are many things I love in my life, from makeup to music to friends, nature, and travel. Naturally, my next thought was, "Why not share my life with the rest of the world?!" If you're interested, I would love for you to follow me throughout my life journey (I know, I know it sounds cheesey). I can't make any promises about what I'm going to write, but I hope it will be good and that you will enjoy it!

Wherever you are, I hope you are having a good day, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Until we meet again, may this photograph from Ecuador brighten your day!