End of the Semester Daydreams

The end of the semester is always tough.  As if the overwhelming amount of work isn't bad enough, the end of Spring semester always has me anxious for summer - summer clothes, summer weather, summer vacation, and summer fun! I still have two and a half weeks until my last final is over and I can finally say "sayonara" to this semester, but there are a few things I've daydreaming about and knowing that I have a few things to look forward to is getting me through the last days of the semester.

1) A weekend in Newport, Rhode Island

For Mother's Day, my family and I are spending a weekend in Newport.  We're going to brunch at The Landing, spending some time in town, then going to a wine tasting in the afternoon.  I'm hoping the weather will be great...I'd love to wear a sundress!

2) Earthfest with Third Eye Blind

As if Earthfest isn't great enough, this year Third Eye Blind (and some other quintessential 90s bands) are playing! Say what you will, but I absolutely love 3eb.  I've paid money to see them in concert, so to see them for free, and outdoors, is going to be great.  Earthfest is Saturday, May 19th at the Hatch Shell.

3) A Trip to Key West

After finals are over, my mom and I are taking a trip to Key West.  It's part 21st-birthday present and part annual summer vacation.  I can't wait to do nothing but sit on the beach with a drink for a week straight!

4) My Friends Are Coming Home!

My two best friends, Ari (top) and Jen (bottom) both studied abroad this semester...and so have all of my other close friends.  Ari has been in London and Jen has been in Australia.  Going a semester without seeing your best friends is terrible and I've been waiting for them to come home ever since they left! I'm so excited to finally see them, and everyone else, again!

 What's getting you through the final days of the semester?

Three Ways to Wear: Polka Dots & Red Pants

In case you haven't noticed, polka dots and red pants are everywhere this season.  While both can be worn as bold, statement pieces, they can also be worn as basics.  Here are my three favorite ways to style polka dots and red pants that make them appropriate for whatever you're doing this spring!

From left to right: Office, Weekend, Nighttime

Which look is your favorite? How would you style red pants and polka dots?

Penne with Tomato, Cream, & Five Cheeses

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love Food52.com! The best things I make are the result of recipes I find on this site.  When I came across the featured recipe for Al Forno's Penne with Tomato, Cream, & Five Cheeses, I knew I had to try it (and I am so glad that I did!).

Ooey, gooey, and cheesy!

Al Forno is a restaurant in Providence, Rhode Island, owned and operated by Johanne Killeen and George Germon.  Germon, in fact, introduced the technique of grilling pizza to the United States.  Fire-grilled pizza is an ingenious idea, as is the technique used at Al Forno for making baked pasta.  It's quick, easy, and delicious...and did I mention quick?

While the link above will lead you to where I found the recipe, I've laid it out in a simpler format (with my modifications in italics).

Ingredients:
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup chopped canned tomatoes (I didn't strain the tomatoes)
1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano cheese (1 1/2 ounces)
1/2 cup coarsely shredded Fontina cheese (1 1/2 ounces) (I couldn't find Fontina, so I used Muenster)
1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese (1 1/2 ounces) (I used 1/2 cup)
2 tablespoons ricotta cheese (I used 3 tablespoons)
1/4 pound thinly sliced fresh mozzarella cheese
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
6 fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
1 pound penne rigate or conchiglie rigate
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, sliced thinly 

Directions:
-Preheat oven to 500  degrees
-Mix all ingredients (except pasta and and butter) in a large bowl (this is called a slurry) 
-Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
-Boil penne for 4 minutes
-Strain penne
-Mix penne into slurry
-Spoon pasta/slurry mixture into a large, shallow casserole dish (once in the dish, the pasta should be no more than 1" to 1.5" deep.  Use more than one casserole dish if necessary)
-Scatter butter slices on top of pasta
-Bake for 10 minutes
-Enjoy! :)



This recipe can be modified in many different ways.  What would you add or change to mix this dish up a bit?

New Spins on Old Classics

Button-ups, button-downs, boy-shirts, blouses, oxfords...call them what you will, but they're everywhere - they've been around for years and they're not going away anytime soon.  Half my closet is filled with collared, button-up shirts of all different varieties.  The problem is, when you have so many, they can feel boring even if they're all different colors, materials, and patterns.  Recently I read this article on Refinery29.com and I found it most inspiring.  I love putting new spins on old classics, and changing the way you wear button-up shirts is a great way to revamp what's already in your closet for spring.

From the article, my two favorite suggestions are to wear a button-up shirt under a casual sweatshirt and to wear one tied up with a bow instead of tucked in (photos c/o Refinery29).

Here are a few of my favorite ways to style classic shirts: 

1. Mix Prints 

Mixing prints is great when done right, but it can be a little scary at first (no one wants to look like Punky Brewster!).  A classic style shirt in a basic gingham plaid paired with a different pattern on the bottom is a great way to ease into this look.  You can even go monochromatic with the look and you'll kill two spring trends with one stone (how very stylish of you!).

Right: J.Crew shirt w/ Tory Burch shorts.  Left: J.Crew shirt w/ ASPESI shorts.

2. In Silk
I love silk just as much as I love button-up shirts, so it's inevitable that I have a couple button-ups made of silk.  They're great and so versatile.  You can wear them casually with skinny jeans and flats, you can style them so they are work-appropriate, or you can dress them up for a night out (tucked into a skirt with heels? Yes, please!).  I have the Blythe blouse from J.Crew in teal, but I am currently craving it in yellow for spring.

J.Crew Blythe blouse

3. Layered Over a Dress
I frequently wear button-up chambray shirts with dresses (okay, and with everything else), but lately I've been experimenting with oxford shirts and plaids over dresses.  Wearing an open shirt over a dress is just like wearing a cardigan with a dress but much more interesting.  It's the perfect way to make a sleeveless dress appropriate for spring, work, or cool summer nights.

Madewell denim shirt w/ Madewell Market Tank Dress.  Woolrich shirt w/ J.Crew Blouson Dress in stripe.  J.Crew Perfect Shirt in linen w/ J.Crew Villa Dress.

How do you put a new spin on classic pieces?  How else would you revamp a basic button-up?

Latest & Greatest: 3 New-to-Me Products I Love

Sometimes I get comfortable with my routine and neglect to try new products for months at a time.  This was pretty much the case over the winter, but I've recently revamped my makeup bag and added a few new products to my daily regimen.

1. LORAC Luminizer
I've never used a luminizer (also called highlighting powder), but after watching this Michelle Phan video (see around 4:25), I thought I'd give it a shot.  After the first application I was already hooked, and now I can't imagine my makeup bag without it.  With my index finger, I apply luminizer to the apples of my cheeks before applying blush, to my brow bone, in the corners of my eyes, and (most importantly) to the bridge of my nose (it makes my nose look SO much narrower).  I've also used it on my collarbones...it's face makeup, but it can be applied pretty much anywhere.  If you're looking for something to brighten up your face and define your best features, luminizer is a must.

2. Maybelline Gel Eyeliner
I have eyeliner ADD.  I'll like pencils for a while, then suddenly switch to liquid for no rhyme or reason.  Recently, I've been getting bored (and impatient) with my liquid liner and I was not looking forward to going back to a pencil..  While I had never tried gel liner, I often wet eyeshadow and use it as liner, so I had the concept (and the steady hand) down-pat.  I didn't think I would like the gel, so I decided to get some from the drugstore to test out before buying a higher-quality product.  I've never liked drugstore makeup, but I've been so impressed with Maybelline's gel liner that I think I will stick with it (you can't be $7 for an eyeliner that actually works!).  It goes on smoothly and I can control it more easily than any other type off eyeliner I've ever used (it's smudge-proof too...yet another plus).  I'll probably switch back to liquid liner again, but for now gel liner is my new favorite.  If you've never tried it, I highly suggest going to CVS and picking up some gel liner.

3. Urban Decay De-Slick in a Tube
Anyone with oily skin can tell you how frustrating it is to have to use a blotting sheet every hour to prevent shine.  Not only is the shininess annoying, but with oily skin, makeup tends to fall off your face (meaning you can't go 9 to 5 without reapplying.  If you do, by 5:00PM, the only makeup left on your face will be your eye makeup).  Luckily, Urban Decay has De-Slick in a Tube, a mattifying gel that controls oil, prevents shine, and helps your makeup last all day.  It's truly refreshing to not have to worry about have a shiny forehead or nose. I love this product, and my face feels cleaner all day.  I sometimes use it without makeup, but I definitely use it with makeup.  I just use my fingers to apply it to my T-zone before putting on foundation, and it keeps me fresh-faced all day.  While I love, love, love this gel, when my tube runs out, I'm going to try the Urban Decay De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray.  While the gel says it can be used over makeup, rubbing it in also rubs your makeup off, whereas the spray just dries on your face - no rubbing or blending necessary (the spray also has better reviews).

Have you discovered any new-to-you products recently?

Devils on Hatchback

One of my favorite things to do for dinner is to make a few different appetizers.  The possibilities are endless, and with a bunch of small bites, your taste-buds never get bored.  I've long been a fan of jalapeño poppers, so I when I stumbled upon the recipe Devils on Hatchback from Food52.com, I couldn't wait to try them.  They are  a decadent twist on the classic popper, incredibly easy to make, and are sure-fire way to impress guests.  The recipe can be found here. 

I have always followed the recipe when I've made these, but next time I plan on stuffing the pepper with Gruyere rather than cream cheese.  One piece of advice: make sure to use a baking sheet that has sides! The first time I made these, I used a flat cookie sheet and grease from the bacon dripped off the side, into the oven, and I thought my apartment was going to burn down.  No worries, it didn't, but I don't want anyone else to have the same mishap!

Mmmm little spicy, cheesy, bacon-y, honey-sweet Devils.

Do you have any favorite appetizer recipes?

Casually Polished

Some mornings, it's tough to get dressed and out the door.  Since I'm a notorious over-sleeper, I like to  keep a few oxford shirts ironed and ready in my closet so I always have something to wear.  When paired with cuffed skinnies, penny loafers, a trench, and simple accessories, I'm ready and look casually polished in a matter of minutes.


 
 

What do you wear when you're in a rush?  Do you have any go-to, always-appropriate outfits for crazy mornings?

Ham & Pineapple Skewers

I've always liked Easter.  I don't know if it's because it often falls around my birthday (I had more than one childhood birthday party with egg-coloring as the main event), or if because it seems to be the true start of spring, or if it's because of the food.  I think it's a combination of these reasons, but the food is definitely one of my favorite parts.

My family has always observed Easter casually - it's really a low-fuss, no-fuss holiday for us.  In the past, my parents have always cooked the traditional Easter Sunday ham, but this year I requested something a bit different - ham and pineapple skewers.  The past two years on my birthday, this was the meal I asked my mom to make, and since this Easter Sunday is the day before my birthday, it seems fitting to serve these skewers in place of the usual holiday meal.

Below is the recipe for the skewers (with a few personal changes), but the original be found here.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons brown sugar 
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar 
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
3/4 pound cooked ham, cut into 2-inch cubes
1 fresh pineapple, cut into cubes
skewers

Directions
1. Preheat grill for high heat.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, vinegar, vegetable oil, and mustard.  Thread ham and pineapple chunks alternately onto skewers.
3. Lightly oil grill grate.  Place skewers on the prepared grill and brush liberally with the brown sugar mixture.  Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning frequently and basting often.  Serve when heated through and richly glazed.



What will you be eating this Easter Sunday?

Bikram Beach Body

My last post reminded me that swimsuit season is rapidly approaching.  I rarely exercise - I have never stepped foot inside a gym and I can't run a mile to save my life.  Aside from a few crunches, it's safe to say that I haven't consistently exercised since high school (when I danced 4+ days a week).  That being said, I love Bikram Yoga.  Other types of yoga simply don't seem like exercise to me, but Bikram is quite the workout and my favorite way to get back in shape for beaches and bikinis.

For those who don't know, Bikram Yoga consists of a 90-minute routine in a heated room (like 100 degrees heated).  The benefits are endless: you can read about them here.  By the end of class, you've sweat so much that you look like you have just jumped out of the shower.  It's not for everyone, but here are a few reasons why I love it:

-Fast results: I'm never really out of shape or gain weight, but after just a few sessions of Bikram, I can see results.  It's the instant gratification that my generation loves.

-Keeps me hydrated: I never drink enough water, but you simply cannot do Bikram without being well-hydrated.  For a couple days before, I make sure to drink as much water as possible, and by the time the first class is over, drinking water has become a habit.  Being hydrated makes me feel better in every aspect of life, and Bikram reminds me that it's important.

-Classes are instructed: Part of why I've never gone to a gym is because I wouldn't know what to do.  I could take a class, but eh, Zumba and kickboxing just don't appeal to me.  With Bikram, there is an instructor at the front that tells you what to do when and how to do it.  The routine is the same for each class and after a few classes I remember what comes next, but the instruction is still nice.  Also, the instructors push you to go farther which keeps me from cheating out on any postures.

-Healthy competition: I'm pretty flexible, in part because I danced for so many years but a lot of it is natural.  That being said, I am always surprised at how flexible those who practice Bikram regularly are...and I get competitive.  I see this as a good thing because it makes me want to attend classes regularly and get better so that I can be the best and most flexible student in the class.

I love all the other benefits of Bikram (the detox, the way my skin feels and looks after, etc., etc.), but the ones listed above are what keep me - an exercise hater - going back again and again.



Have you ever tried Bikram Yoga? How else do you get your beach body back?

Swimwear Solutions

I love swimwear (but then again, who doesn't!?). From May through the end of September, I basically live in a bikini. As crazy as it sounds, I believe there are different bathing suits for different occasions. Last summer, I stayed at the Mount Washington in the White Mountains, so I opted for a preppier seersucker bathing suit from J. Crew. This May, I'm going to Key West so I want something a little less subdued (I bought this Mara Hoffman suit for the trip).

Whether your style is tribal and tropical or pretty and preppy, here are some of my favorite suits I've seen this season.

Swimwear Solutions by shannon-oneill featuring hipster bathing suits

J Crew vintage style bathing suit, $127
Madewell string bikini, $90
Mara Hoffman bikini bathing suit, £165
Stripe bikini, $78
Mara Hoffman ruched bathing suit, $195
J Crew polka dot swimwear, $48
J Crew j crew swimwear, $48
J Crew ruffle bathing suit, $58
Zara flower bikini, $20
Zara flower bikini, $20
J Crew hipster bathing suit, $56

What suits will you be wearing this summer?

This Week's Wardrobe

On Sunday evenings, if I am feeling overly ambitious or just have some extra time, I like to decide what outfits I'll wear in the week ahead.  Not only does it save time, but it helps me look through my closet and make new combinations that I wouldn't have otherwise thought of.  Here's What I'm wearing this week:

Monday

I keep it casual on Mondays.  A pair of saturated skinny jeans, nude flats, and a cute top patterned top (navy with tan cats!) fit the bill perfectly.  Jeans from Gap, flats by Steve Madden, top from Gap Outlet.

Tuesday

I work on Tuesdays, but I also have morning classes.  The dress code at work is business casual, so I try to create looks that are appropriate for both work and school.  Navy blazer from Gap, polka dot Natasha top from J. Crew, Café capri  from J. Crew,  pink pointed-toe flats from Gap

Wednesday

Wednesdays are my busy days.  I'm at school all day, so I like to dress comfortably...and in layers!  This week, I'm wearing a long cardigan from Madewell, a navy v-neck from J. Crew, a printed scarf from Madewell, skinny jeans by Paige Premium Denim, and penny loafers from Madewell.  In the cardigan pocket are some accessories - a teal rope and crystal bracelet from J.Crew and a Timex watch with a neon strap.

Thursday

I work on Thursdays, also.  Printed blouse from Madewell, cardigan from Madewell, Pixie pant from J. Crew, and black patent flats by Tory Burch.

 

Friday

I love Fridays - no work, short day of school, and the beginning of the weekend.  This Friday's outfit is full of bright colors to start the weekend off on the right note.  Red-orange Jackie cardigan from J. Crew, printed T-shirt from Madewell, Skinny Skinny Ankle Jeans from Madewell, and penny loafers from Madewell.

 

 

 

What will you be wearing this week?

Birthday Wishlist

My 21st birthday is coming up, and I've been counting down the days (only 15 left!).  I've had a hard time coming up with a wishlist this year, but here are a few things I've been coveting.

1) A New Camera

I've had my digital camera for a while, and although I love it, it is definitely time to update my technology.  I want a good quality camera, but I still want something compact that I can through in a cross-body bag or clutch. I've looked around and I've decided the Nikon COOLPIX S8200 will fit my needs perfectly.

2) Super Panama Sunglasses

I have a fetish for sunglasses, though I'm not a fan of oversized, Jackie O glasses.  They're just too big for my small face.  I usually stick to Ray Ban's Clubmaster or Wayfarer II, but when I saw the Super's Panama Sunglasses on Madewell's site, I knew I had to have them.

4) A Statement Bracelet

When I saw this frog clasp in J. Crew's March catalog, I didn't think I could live it without it.

Unfortunately, I am going to have to live without this addition to my wardrobe because it sold out almost immediately.  I was disappointed (and I still am!) but I decided I really like the Enameled Ram Bangle, also seen in J. Crew's March catalog.  It's not the frog, but I love that it is a ram - the perfect birthday gift for an Aries!

5) A New Yoga Mat

For some odd reason, my cat loves my yoga mat.  Whenever I roll it out, he quickly runs to it to stretch and knead.  It wouldn't be such a bad thing, but when he kneads, out come his claws, and purple foam gets ripped off and all over the floor.  It doesn't make the mat unusable, but I would be embarrassed to roll out my cat-tethered mat in a Bikram class (those people are serious about their yoga).  I've never had a mat from Lululemon, but I've only heard good things about The Mat which is why it's made its way onto my list.  I'll be sure to only use this in class, so it will never learn the wrath of my feline friend.

Regardless of what I receive or don't receive for my birthday - I'm pretty excited to just be 21 finally!  Let the countdown continue (but quickly, please)!

Spring Forward in Style

Normally I'm not too fond of the month of March - it's usually cold, rainy, and mucky (in other words, not good weather for cute clothes and shoes).  That being said, I can't complain about the weather we've been having this season! While thermometers might be hitting 85 degrees, it's still March in Massachusetts, and something about that makes me reluctant to wear shorts just yet.  Shorts this time of year are fine for guys, but girls have the option of wearing skirts, dresses, and crops - something I have been taking full advantage of!

I did some extensive shopping over Spring Break, and here is one of my favorite weather-appropriate looks that I've put together with my new purchases:

I am in love with my new crocheted skirt from Club Monaco.  It looks great with everything! I like how it looks when paired with a top crocheted in a different pattern but in the same color (like this Madewell sweater I just bought).  It also looks great with just about any chambray shirt and penny loafers (my new Spring-staple for footwear!).

 

What are you wearing in this uncharacteristically warm Spring weather?

Makeup Musts

I have what some people might call an excessive amount of makeup.  That being said, I like to keep my daily makeup routine simple by using the same, basic products each day.  I clearly have an obsession with Stila - it started when I bought the hot pink (self-adjusting!) blush pictured below, and I slowly added more and more of their products to my makeup bag.

 I begin with Stila's Perfect & Correct Foundation in Medium.  I like it because it covers more than a tinted moisturizer, yet is not as heavy as other liquid foundations (it's also great for oily skin!).  Then, I brush on just a bit of Stila's Shade 1 bronzer.  I have light skin, but this bronze is perfect for me all year round - whether I'm tan or not.  Something I love about all of Stila's products is that the color/shade/darkness of the product is dependent on how much you apply.  This is also true for their Custom Color Blush in Pink.  At first, the brightness of the pink looks intimidating, but this is the best blush I have ever used and it looks great on every skin-tone.

After applying my face makeup, I move onto eyes.  I don't always wear eyeshadow during the day, but if I do, I use either Stila's Kitten (pictured) or Oasis depending on what colors I am wearing.  Both are very sheer shimmer eyeshadows; Kitten is on the pearly side while Oasis is a nude-gold.  After shadow, I swipe on some of Stila's Stay All Day waterproof liquid eyeliner (in Intense Black).  A lot of products claim to be waterproof, but this eyeliner truly holds up to that claim.  It has the perfect tip for creating thin lines, thick lines, and cat eyes.  I am BIG on mascara and very picky about it.  I have experimented with almost every brand I could find - from Dior to CoverGirl - but I have found that Benefit's They're Real! is the best mascara on the market.  It creates thickness, length, and curl - a girl couldn't ask for more!

Finally, I gloss my lips with Stila's Lip Glaze in Grapefruit.  I like bold lip colors, but for daytime looks, I find that this is appropriate and goes fabulously with my skin-tone and natural lip color. 



What are some of your Makeup Musts?

Laid-back Lace

Polyvore is my latest love interest.  It is a tool for creating collages of clothing and accessories (outfits, really, or "sets" as the site calls these collages).  It's very user-friendly - you can look up clothing on the site by store, brand color, style, etc., and it suggests similar items (for example, if you click on a lace top, three other similar lace tops will be suggested below).  Links are provided so that you can buy the item(s) online (this is probably a very dangerous feature for shopaholics like myself).  Another feature I love is that you can pin your own ensembles to Pinterest and let me tell you, it is a real ego-booster when other people re-pin the look you've created (within 15 minutes, my outfit already had 7 likes and 18 re-pins!).  I always have outfit ideas in my head, and Polyvore is the perfect instrument for me to create a portfolio of looks without tearing apart my closet or spending hours browsing different clothing sites.

Below is the first set I've published since joining the Polyvore, called "Laid-back Lace."  The look was inspired by my search for the perfect pair of boyfriend jeans, a lace top that I recently purchased from Madewell, and my overwhelming desire to dress for spring.

Do any of you have Polyvore accounts? If you do, follow me: shannon-oneill! :)

Real Life is for March

Happy Leap Day to all!

I hope that Leap Day Williams trades your tears for candy! I also hope you're wearing your blue and yellow to show your holiday spirit (or I'll have to kick you in the knee, stomp you on the foot - Yankees suck, go Pats).  

 

Have fun, stay in the holiday spirit, celebrate your hardest tonight, and remember - you can  do anything you want today because 

what you do on Leap Day doesn't matter.

 

(Unfortunately, I am still going to my night class because I don't think my professor observes this special day.  Perhaps Leap Day Williams will provide a Leap Day miracle of a snow-related cancellation...but I doubt it).

Everyday Essentials

There are just some products that I cannot live without (well, I could, but I never want to know what that's like)!  I'm a firm believer that a bad hair day can put a damper on the best of days, but I have an arsenal of products to ensure that bad hair days are prevented.  Here are some of my everyday essentials:


1) Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo and Pure Abundance Conditioner

I don't have thin hair, but there are few things that I hate more than when my hair is flat.  I have gone to an Aveda salon (Tu Moda Spa) for many years now, and I've grown to love Aveda products.  The Rosemary Mint shampoo leaves my hair feeling clean (without feeling stripped) and removes whatever residue has built up, whether that be from heat-protection products or hairspray.

While I love the shampoo, it's the Pure Abundance Conditioner that works the real magic.  It is clay based an adds more volume to my hair than I ever thought a conditioner could.  Whether I am wearing my hair curly, straight, or leaving it natural, this conditioner gives my hair fabulous bounce and flounce.

2)  Aveda Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother and Light Elements Smoothing Fluid

 

Before I blow dry or style, in my palm I mix two pumps of the Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother with two pumps of the Light Elements Smoothing Fluid and run it through towel-dried hair.  I like these products because they protect my hair from the heat of the blow dryer and flattening (or curling) iron, but they don't weigh my hair down.  Also, I've found that some heat-protection products make my hair feel greasy at the roots by the end of the day, but that's not the case with these.  The Smooth Infusion is the primary heat-protecting product while the Light Elements mostly just adds shine.

3) ghd Classic 1" Styler

 

For years, I used a Chi 2" styling iron.  I had my first Chi for about 6 years and loved it, but it died in 2011 of old age so, naturally, I ordered the same one.  However, I found that the quality just wasn't the same and I went through three different (and rather expensive) Chis in less than a year.  Finally I learned my lesson, researched some reviews, and made an emergency trip to Sephora to buy the ghd Classic 1" Styler.  I was wary at first because I had always used a 2" iron, but after one use of this 1" ghd, I've sworn not to go back to anything else.

For straightening, I only have to pass this iron through each section of hair once which saves valuable time in the morning and is something that I could never say about my Chi.  What I love even more about this tool is that in the same amount of time it takes to straighten, I can have a whole head of natural-looking curls.  I often feel that curling irons make hair look phony and too "done-up," but the curls this iron creates are quick and natural - appropriate for both daytime and nighttime looks.

4) Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara

When I was in high school, I worked at Abercrombie and Fitch (something I'm not proud of, but it happened).  We weren't allowed to wear makeup, but some of the girls I worked with suggested I use clear mascara so the managers wouldn't notice.  While I don't think it did anything for my eyelashes, I discovered that Great Lash Clear Mascara works like a charm on fly-aways.  Most days after I straighten (or curl) my hair, I comb this through on each side of my part to tame those pesky hairs that stick straight up.  Even if I'm just wearing my hair in a ballerina bun, I use it along my hairline to keep the look clean and sleek and in my bun if there is a stray hair sticking out.  Clear mascara works better than hairspray because you only use it on the few hairs that need it, not your whole head.  Even better? It stores perfectly in any size bag for touch-ups throughout the day.

What are some of your everyday essential hair products?

Penne with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Butter

A while ago, I stumbled upon this recipe and thought it seemed like an interesting new pasta dish worthy of trying out.  While the recipe doesn't call for it, I added prosciutto (I stirred it in with the asparagus as it roasted)...and I'm glad I did because it added a little something extra to the meal.  The recipe makes a lot so next time, if it is just my boyfriend and me eating dinner, I would cut the recipe in half, but for now I'm glad I have some leftovers for the school week ahead of me!

While the recipe suggests pairing the dish with a Sauvignon Blanc, I opted for a Riesling.

S'more, Please!

Thanks to Pinterest, I am always finding new recipes (but I never have time to make them all!).  Before Valentine's Day, I found a recipe for s'mores bars but didn't get around making them until last night.  Besides the fact that the bars looked absolutely delicious, what attracted me to this recipe was that they were so quick and easy to make.  With just a few simple ingredients and about 20 minutes, you can have yourself a sticky, sugary treat! The recipe can be found here.

Ingredients

Finished Product!

Figs on February Fourteenth

While the semester is still young, it seems like I have been busier than ever!  I am not crazy about Valentine's Day, but I definitely do not hate it and still wanted to do something with my boyfriend, Nick, on Tuesday evening.  I had school and work, so we opted for a late, casual dinner at Todd English's Figs on Charles Street. 

We kept things informal, but I still wanted to dress for the holiday.  I decided a casual dress and some boots would be a good option.  Luckily, a couple weeks ago I bought a perfect dress for the occasion.

 

 Forever 21 dress, Steve Madden boots, Madewell thigh-high socks, 

Ralph Lauren gold necklace and gold studs, Madewell gold bangles

After school, work, and my late dinner date, I still had homework to do, but it was nice to take part of the evening to celebrate the fun of February 14th.

Double Stuf Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

For weeks, my boyfriend has been asking (begging) me to make cookies...chocolate chip cookies with an Oreo in the middle, to be exact.  Over the weekend, I gave into his request and we were both pleased with the results.

These are just as easy to make as any homemade chocolate chip cookies, but the final product is a subtle spin on an old classic.  I found the recipe here, though you can take your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, put the dough around an Oreo, and end up with the same deliciousness.

With a glass of milk, these were the perfect snack for a Sunday evening!
 

*One piece of advice:  the recipe says to use a "scoop" of cookie dough on each side of the Oreo.  A picture shows an ice cream scoop being used on each side of the cookie, so I followed the picture.  I ended up with a batch of 8 cookies the size of a baby's head.  Next time, I would use enough cookie dough to just cover the Oreo, and I suggest you do the same! This will cut down on the baking time and give you more cookies.

Cords & Cortadas

This past Friday was gorgeous, and I wanted my outfit to reflect the sunny day.  While jeans are generally considered the go-to bottoms for casual-Friday ensembles, I opted for vibrant flame colored cords.  I paired them with a black boyfriend cardigan layered over a chambray shirt and for shoes, leopard print flats.  Because of the color of my pants and the print on my shoes, I decided to keep my jewelry and accessories to a minimal and wore just a simple pair of pearl studs.  On their own, each piece I wore can serve as a basic (in fact, all of these articles are some of my most frequently worn pieces), but they can also work together to create a casual, yet stylish, outfit.

Gap cardigan, J. Crew chambray, J. Crew cords, BP. flats

After Friday's classes, my boyfriend and I grabbed some coffee from Render Coffee and went for a stroll in the South End.  Render, on Columbus Ave., has been open for a few months now but Friday was my first visit.  My Cortada (below) was delicious, and the chai latte that my boyfriend ordered was undoubtedly the best I've ever had.  While Friday was our first visit, it will most certainly not be our last.  Luckily it is just steps from our apartment, and I am looking forward to becoming a regular.