Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Playing Now

In the past I've posted some playlists (check them all out here), and I've been downloading some summer jams I wanted to share with everyone and hopefully hear what your favorite songs are right now to add to my list! My list is always growing, but this is what's on there today:

Justin Bieber- Boyfriend
Pitbull- Back in Time
Gotye- Somebody That I Used to Know
Usher- Scream
Rihanna- Where Have You Been
Flo Rida- Wild Ones
The Wanted- Glad You Came
Phil Phillips- Home (my AI favorite from day one!)
Katy Perry- Part of Me
Jennifer Lopez- Dance Again
Florence + The Machine- Shake it Out

I know some of these songs have been around for a bit and are on the radio a lot, but they're on my playlist now.What's on your i-pod, what is my list missing?

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Funfetti Dip

So I'm sure just about all of you have seen Funfetti Dip on Pinterest and if than for sure on Katie's blog Keep Calm & Carry On (click the link now, she's the cutest!). My girlfriends and I have had a girls night in planned for a while and I've had this recipe pinned for-evah and when Katie posted about it, I was sold. The recipe is from the gorgeous Kelly of Eat Yourself Skinny.

Best part about it? It only takes 3 ingredients to make it, plus whatever cookies/crackers of your choice. Super easy!

1 box Funfetti cake mix
2 cups plain non-fat yogurt
1 cup Cool Whip

Mix together and let sit for 4 hours and then serve with animal cookies, graham crackers, or Teddy Grahams. Eat Yourself Skinny's recipe is here along with a the serving size and nutrition facts.

When I first mixed it all together, I had debated using vamilla yogurt instead since plain is so sour, but I'm so happy I didn't and just followed the directions. This dip is very sweet, a few dips and you're set. It also made a TON. I have over half of it left from the party and the family has been snacking on it.This would be perfect for a dessert bar or a children's party too!

Monday, June 25, 2012

Fave Hollywood Couples

At work the other day we were talking about who are favorite celebrity couples are and I thought it was so interesting. I know that relationships can come and go, especially in Hollywood (I can't imagine the stress fame adds) so I know that as I'm typing this these couples may be broken up by the time I actually publish this post but here it goes anyways.

Justin & Selena
They are just so cute and remind me of the old Justin + Britney days.
Did you guys watch his specials last week? The hubs and I watched it together, he is so talented and sweet!
 
Beyonce & Jay Z
This couple is amazing and I love that they're so successful and have been together for years.
Giuliana & Bill Rancic
Most perfect couple! I'm so happy they're getting to start their family they always wanted. 

Ryan Seacrest & Julianne Hough
At first I thought they were an odd pair, but I bet they have so much fun together. She's the cutest.

David & Victoria Beckham
I think everyone loves them together.

Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds
She's bounced around from a few guys, but I think her and Ryan seem like a great pair.

Who are some of your favorite famous couples?

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Dinner Made Easy

Now that I'm a wifey, I need to learn some quick meals so my husband doesn't starve and I can contribute to our dinners. Now, if you didn't already know, I hate cooking. Baking I love, but cooking no thank you. It's not that I can't do it, I just don't enjoy it.  Matt and I are on similar schedules now for our jobs so we try and take turns cooking. I found this recipe on Pinterest and it's so easy and absolutely delicious! We've made it a few times now and my husband loves it!


Rachel Ray 5 Ingredient Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia
Servings: 4
Prep: 10 Minutes
Cooking: 10 Minutes

Ingredients
    3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    2 teaspoons paprika
    1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
    4 tilapia fillets (about 1 pound total)
    1 lemon, cut into wedges

Directions
    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a shallow dish, combine the cheese with the paprika and parsley and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the fish with olive oil and dredge in the cheese mixture. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake until the fish is opaque in the thickest part, 10 to 12 minutes. Serve the fish with the lemon wedges.

Now, mine didn't look as pretty as the above picture, I made sure to really pack on the mixture to the filets and added a bit to the top before baking. The second time I made it, I used a bit less of the parsley, for me it was a bit too strong.

 via

Along with the fish, I also made some parmesan zucchini chips. I looked at a bunch of recipes and just combined what I thought would be good.

Ingredients
    Parmesan cheese
    Sea Salt
    Olive Oil
    1 zucchini (for two people)
    Desired extras: garlic, crushed red peppers, whatever you like!
 
Directions
    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Slice zucchini into chips (spears would work too) and place on a cookie sheet. Brush on olive oil, sprinkle with rock salt, and shredded parmesan cheese. On some of the chips I also put crushed red peppers, garlic would also be delicious! Bake for 30 minutes. I also want to try this same recipe with tomatoes, I think that would be tasty.

So, this is what we've been eating lately and it's the perfect dinner (we've also included corn or salad as sides). It's lightweight and still filling. Best of all it's simple!

What are summer of your favorite summer dishes?

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Product Review: Olay Profession Pro-X


Since the Clarisonic became such a huge hit, I've had my eye on getting one. The price tag is kind of hefty, so I never bit the bullet. Then walked in my fave brand Olay with their version. Awesome. Still never bought it though, I just had other things to buy that were bigger priorities like lipsticks, mascaras, and new sandals. My amazing Mother-in-Law remembered how I wanted one and picked me up on for my birthday. Isn't she the sweetest? I'm so lucky to have my in-laws, they're all so fab!

Here's the products details (included in the box):
- 2-speed facial cleansing brush
- Soft bristle replaceable brush head
- Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser (I've been using my regular cleanser)

I've been using this beauty for over a month now, about 2-3 times a week. I love it! It's really made a difference in the length a blemish lasts and has helped to diminish any marks they have left behind. I'm blessed with pretty good skin, but I've still felt an improvement in the overall look and feel of my skin. When I use it, I was my makeup off first, then use my regular cleanser all over my face and use this brush all over my face and neck in a circular motion. I also find it better/easier to use in the shower.

Please note, that this product does not have the same technology as a Clarisonic and I have never used a Clarisonic so I can't compare the two products. This is a great product for it's price and works great as a super exfoliater. Given the condition of my skin, this gives me the boost I need, but if you have more serious skin issues, you may want to look into other products.

Have you used a face brush like this? What was your experience?

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Instagram OOTDs

1. Nordstrom Dress (old) Mossimo Cardigan (old) Xhilaration Belt from a skirt (buy it here)
2. H&M Dress (buy it here) F21 Necklace (super old)
3. F21 Striped Dress (new, but can't find online) ON Sandals (buy here)
4. ON Chambray (similar here and here) Gap Skinnies ON Sandals Lollysheep Necklace (buy here)


1. Flat-iron curls (learn how-to here)
2. Donut Bun (or sock bun) (watch my video how-to here)
 (now that my hair is longer I'm having to do it like the picture in this post)

1. F21 Necklace (new, but can't find on their site)
2. Necklace I borrowed from a friend from Nordstrom (no longer available)


1. Essie Bikini So Teeny
2. Sinful Colors Mint Apple

 
I finally finished my favorite lipstick of all time: MAC Hue
 
1. After the party is over, off with my weave, jewelry, and clutch

Do you have Instagram? It's seriously my favorite app ever.
My username is Kristen_Lawler