For the love of makeup...

When it comes to makeup, I'm a junkie! I've admitted it - I know I have a problem, but I don't want help! My vanity is overflowing with enough makeup products for 10 people! I have added my vanity to my never ending reorganization list - I'm hoping to get there this summer sometime. My computer desk/command center was a huge task and I'm still trying to figure out the best way to reorganize the vanity so it makes sense for me! You can view my post on reorganizing my computer desk here. I have more coming with the computer desk this summer. The command center was only the beginning!

Anyway, back to makeup...

I've always known about Urban Decay's products, but I've never ventured into their realm until just recently. I started with the Naked 2 palette, and once I tried it, I was in love! It's such a versatile palette.

When it came in the mail, I couldn't wait to try it! It came with a super cute lip gloss too! I toyed with the different shades and couldn't find the right combination for me - so I took my search to Youtube! There are so many videos on the naked palettes! I spent quite some time viewing, but I found a couple videos that had really great tutorials for everyday makeup wear with the Naked 2 palette!




I like this look a lot. I do a couple of things a little differently, but I'll add that information at the bottom!

Here's another one that's a super cute smoky/gold-ish tutorial!




I have worn both of these looks with my Naked 2 palette and both looks are very versatile. I have a couple of preferences for mascara and primer though.

For mascara, I'm absolutely in love with Maybelline Volum' Express Falsies Flared! I have tried countless mascaras and this is what works best for me! It thickens and lengthens my lashes beautifully. You can find it here.

Also, for a primer, I use Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Original. The tube is small and can seem expensive at $20, but I've had mine for a few months now and have hardly even put a dent in it. You know the term, 'just a dab'll do it'? That's the case when it comes to this stuff! You only need a tiny bit! You can find the primer here.

Do you have any favorite beauty products? Drop me a line in the comments and let me know or email me!

Ciao for now, bellas! :)

Disclaimer: the above is all my personal preference. I am not being paid to endorse Urban Decay or Maybelline.

More Summer Lovin'

Ahhhhhh.....spring! Can you smell it? I know parts of the country are getting bombed with snow right now, but here in the North, we are actually having some decent temperatures! Of course, as I type this right now it's pouring rain and the temperature has dropped a good ten degrees, but that's okay! It's not snowing and that's exciting!

I had great plans of getting v1.6 on the bus this morning and then getting some fun shots of the spring flowers that are popping up, but the rain moved in and I wasn't really looking to use the warranty on my camera anytime soon - so I think I'll stay inside and keep dry! :)

I promised everyone a recipe to accompany the BBQ chicken bites that I posted the other day - you can see that recipe here. I don't have a picture of this recipe for you, but I'll be making it again in the next couple of weeks so I'll post a picture the next time I make it.

I went in search of a 'salad' recipe after I was sick of the mayo based pasta salad and potato salad. I found a version of this and decided to try it and it's been so long now I can't remember where I found the original recipe. I've changed a few things up through the years though.

Ranch Potato Salad

Ingredients

1 - 5lb. bag of red potatoes

1/4 - 1/2 cup low fat ranch dressing

1 package real bacon bits

2 cups low fat sharp cheddar cheese

1 tsp black pepper

1 - 2 tsp garlic powder (or minced garlic)

Directions

Bring a large stock pot filled with water to a rolling boil. Chop potatoes into small pieces. You do not have to peel them unless you want. Add chopped potatoes to boiling water and cook until tender. This can take about 10-15 minutes depending upon how big your chunks are. Drain potatoes and set aside for an hour or more to cool. You can speed this process by putting them in the refrigerator. 

To a large serving bowl add ranch dressing, garlic, pepper, bacon bits and 1 cup cheese. Add potatoes and stir until combined. At this point you may need to add more ranch dressing if you prefer. Once everything is combined add the rest of the cheese and stir again. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. 

And that's it! I have made this salad so many times and I get compliments every time I bring it to a party! 

What's your go-to dish that you bring to parties or potlucks? Let me know in the comments below or email me! 

I'm hoping to have a new post in a couple of days about Urban Decay's Naked 2 palette! Have you tried it yet? Are you new to Urban Decay? I'm brand new to UB, but let me tell you - I am in love with their products! 

I hope it's spring-like wherever you are! Ciao for now, bellas! ;)

Summer Lovin'

Well life has been so hectic lately! Spring seems like it's always just out of reach here in the Northeast, but we've had a taste here and there! Not so much today - it's pouring rain and there is ice gathering on the trees! YUCK! I'm ready for summer sunshine and pool time!

Thinking about summer gets me thinking about recipes that I want to revive! This is not the most healthy recipe, but it's delicious as a meal or an appetizer! Plus you can pair it with a delicious potato salad! I'll post the recipe for later!

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 bag BBQ potato chips of your choice (the 9.5oz bags work best, but you could get away with a smaller bag)
1 egg
2 Tbsp water

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut chicken into bite sized pieces and set aside. In a large cereal bowl whisk egg with water until combined and frothy. Dump BBQ potato chips into reseal-able plastic bag and crush into small pieces.

Starting with 4-5 pieces of chicken, dunk into egg mixture until coated then drop into reseal-able bag and use hands to press crushed chips into chicken. Place on baking sheet or baking stone then repeat with remaining chicken until all pieces are coated. You will have some crushed chips remaining in the bag. Sprinkle over chicken before baking.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in centers. Serve with BBQ sauce or Ranch dressing for dipping.

Here's a photo of the uncooked chicken bites on my well used baking stone! The chicken isn't completely coated with the chips, but that's okay. They bake up nice and crisp and the chicken is so juicy! 

I'm not sure why, but this recipe just makes me think of summer! The potato salad that goes with it is divine as well! I'll get that posted in a couple of days! 

What's your favorite summertime recipe? Leave it in the comments or email me! Also, you can click the 'Magic' button at the bottom of this post to take you to a printable version of this recipe along with nutrition information as well! 

Ciao for now, bellas!