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!