Pretty Domestic

I hope everyone had a great Valentines Day! I've heard a lot of people today say that they dislike this holiday. They call it a "commercial" or "Hallmark" holiday, and think it is a waste of money. While I do slightly agree, I think this day is a great reminder of how nice and meaningful it is to show our significant others some love and appreciation. It's not about money and gifts, it's just a great time to bring a smile to your loved ones face and show them that you're thinking of them (plus I really love all the heart shaped decorations and baked goods that come along with it!). There should be more days that are dedicated to just loving one another. Here are a few pics from my day... 1) Beautiful orchids from my boyfriend, who also cooked me a delicious dinner. 2) A valentines day inspired manicure (turned out a little messy, but still kind of cute). 3) Red Velvet cupcakes made from scratch (my first time making them!) 4) My boyfriend devouring a cupcake.

Now we are gonna finish the night off with cuddling on the couch and watching a movie (and also devouring more cupcakes). A low key and very enjoyable night. ♥

Lately I have been obsessed with Pinterest. I love going on there and finding new recipes, decorating ideas, and fashion and beauty tips. I have been coming across a lot of DIY home updates that are pretty easy and fairly cheap to do, and It's really inspired me to start getting things spruced up in my apartment. The other day I started off with a couple small projects.

1.) Inexpensive artwork

I've seen people frame scrapbook paper, wallpaper, and fabrics for inexpensive artwork to brighten up and enhance spaces. I purchased a pack of scrapbook paper at Target for $.99, and picked up a frame for $1 at the dollar store. For about $2 I had a new picture to hang in my bathroom! I love this idea because it makes it very easy for me to change up the decor whenever I want!

To make the above picture, I cut to size 2 pieces of the scrapbook paper, and matted one on top of the other using craft glue. (I am planning on painting the frame white)

2.) Shelving face-lift

I came across some adorable adhesive shelf lining paper at TJ Maxx the other day. It was only $5.99 for 2 rolls, and I thought it was a perfect fix to transform my old, lackluster bathroom storage unit. It worked perfectly and took under 10 minutes to do!

I love this paper so much, that I am planning on lining all of my kitchen drawers and cupboards with it in the near future.

I hope to come across some more great ideas so I can continue to make my apartment look more put together. Please share any great DIY projects you have tried or have been wanting to try in your home!

With the cold winter weather, I have been craving a lot of soups lately. One soup I had really been wanting to make was French Onion. I always thought that French Onion was a complex and difficult soup to make, but it was actually very simple and very delicious!

French Onion Soup (makes 4-6 servings)

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Melt butter with olive oil in the bottom of a 4-5 quart saucepan. Add onions, tarragon, salt, and sugar. Cook over medium-high heat, uncovered, stirring frequently, until onions are a deep golden brown (about 45 min). * Don't cut down on the browning process, this is where the majority of the flavor comes from
2. Once onions are fully browned, add flour and cook, stirring, about 1 min. Stir in wine and cook, stirring, another 2 mins. Slowly add in broth, water, and pepper (to taste) and bring to simmer. Allow soup to simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30 mins.
3. While soup simmers, place slices of baguette on baking sheet, 1 inch apart. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Parmesan, and cover tops with grated Swiss. Place under broiler in oven until bread is crisp and cheese is golden brown (be careful not to burn them).
4. After the croûtes are complete, divide soup among oven safe crocks or ramekins, and place on baking sheet. Place a croûte in each, sprinkle with Parmesan, and cover with grated Swiss ( don't skimp on the Swiss!). Broil the soups until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling, about 2 mins. *Be careful, the crocks will be very hot!
5. Serve and enjoy! ( I served with extra croûtes on the side)

With the new year off to a start, I definitely have a few things that I could tweak in my life to make things even better. I was lucky enough to be able to check one of my resolutions off of the list when I accepted a job offer for a higher (and better paying!) position a few days before Christmas. As we all know, the job market is definitely not at its best right now, so I am grateful for that. There are still a few more changes I would like to make in my life so I can be an even better version of me.

1.) Stop being lazy!

This is a crucial one. This change will help most of my other resolutions fall into place. I'm not saying I never get anything done, but I should really stop procrastinating and putting things off. I need to avoid the couch, TV, and computer, and actually get things done!

2.) Make more money

3.) Start exercising

This is one that no longer being lazy will definitely help. The only kind of physical activity I really do on a regular basis is cleaning my house. I always think about it and have the intention of working out, but when I get out of work I'm usually no longer interested. I need to find a workout routine that will pique my interest and keep me motivated.

4.) Eat healthier

I'm not a big fan of dieting. I'm not very good at telling myself not to eat something and actually sticking to it. I also feel like a lot of diets aren't always practical when it comes to schedules, going out to eat, or being able to cook something that follows the guidelines of a diet and that my boyfriend will actually eat. So I have had most of my weight loss success with portion control and making healthier choices. I don't tell myself "no sugar" or "no carbs", I just try to eat less and substitute things I like with better versions of it (like wheat bread over white, or frozen yogurt over ice cream). This year I would like to get even better at making healthy choices and learn how to cook more healthy meals. I feel like if I master this and find time to actually exercise, my goal weight will definitely be attainable!

5.) Get organized and stress less (enjoy the little things)

I sometimes let stress and life get the best of me. This year I want to learn to relax and let the little stuff go. I also want to get my home and other things in my life organized. I've slowly been working on organizing, and every time I finish a project I always feel 100X better and it gives me the motivation to move on to something else.

6.) Go on vacation

It's been a couple years since I've gone on a real vacation. This year I would like to go somewhere beautiful, that actually requires a plane ride to get to. It would be great for my boyfriend and I to get away together and relax, and it would also help out with my other goal of stressing less.

7.) Blog more

I would really like to dedicate more time to my blog. I let life (and laziness) get in the way, and I don't get the things done that I want to. I would like to work on this and start contributing more to it.

Although these are not all of the things I will be working on this year, they are the main things that I feel will make my life better. I will try my hardest to work on these resolutions and try to stick to them ( we all know that's the most difficult part!)

Happy New Year everyone! What are your resolutions for the new year??

I have been enrolled in Jewelmint for quite some time now, but just never got around to making the first purchase. I haven't really been one to spend a lot of money on jewelry In the past, but the right pieces really do make a huge difference in an outfit. I have been working on building up a better jewelry collection, and I finally decided to order something from Jewelmint. Choosing just one piece was definitely a challenge because there are so many beautiful ones, but I went with the Screen Siren earrings. I am definitely happy with my purchase!

The earrings are a good quality, and the amethyst color is gorgeous. I also love how much they sparkle in the light! I'll surely be wearing these to my next holiday party.

If you haven't checked out the site yet, I definitely recommend you do! (click here) I can't wait to make my next jewelmint purchase!

China Glaze- Blonde Bombshell

I absolutely love this nail polish! It is a clear polish with both large and fine flecks of glitter. It could be worn over a colored polish ( I think it would look great over red!), or you can put on a few coats and wear it alone. I wore it with my Seche Vite top coat, and it was so sparkly and shiny. I couldn't stop looking at it!

1.) A cute holiday inspired manicure

An easy DIY manicure that is both fun and festive for the holiday season. Click here to find out how to do it!

2.) Naked2 Palette- Urban Decay

The sequel to the original Naked palette, this one includes 5 new Urban Decay shades. It's a perfect set for creating tons of looks from neutral to smokey, and matte to sparkly. The palette also comes with it's own dual-ended shadow and crease brush, and a sample lip gloss.

3.) Pave and Stud Ball Pendant- Topshop

A great necklace to subtly add a little edge to an outfit. I love that it is both silver and gold, and would be easy to match with almost anything.

4.) Karisma Bow Flat- Steve Madden

I'm in love with these adorable flats. The neutral color makes it easy to match with all my work clothes, and the crystal bow adds a bit of flair and sparkle. They would also be great for pairing with any holiday outfits or dresses if you aren't in the mood to wear heels (I'm always all for comfort when it comes to family parties).

5.) Eggnog Shampoo, Shower Gel, & Bubble Bath- Philosophy

I always love the Philosophy shower gels. They make my skin feel great and they make showering so much more delicious. I was so excited when I came across the Old Fashioned Eggnog scent when I was in Macy's the other day. I can never get enough eggnog, and this stuff smells like the real deal! This would make a perfect gift for someone on your list as well.

6.) Faux Fur Vest- H&M

I've been liking the fur vest trend, but wasn't too sure if I'd really be able to pull it off. H&M has a cute and animal friendly version, that is VERY affordable. I won't have to feel bad buying this one, even if I do only wear it once.

Here are a few things that are on my Christmas list this year... They could also be great ideas as gifts for other people as well!

1.) The Care Package- Philosophy

2.) Hooded Toggle Coat- American Eagle

3.) Emmett boots- J. Crew

4.) The Fireside Thermal Long Jane Pajama- Victoria's Secret

5.) New Wayfarer Sunglasses- Ray Ban

6.) Classic Q Hillier Hobo Bag- MARC BY MARC JACOBS

7.) Darby Calf Haur Loafers- J. Crew

8.) Steampunk Earrings- Jewelmint

What's on your Christmas wish list this year?...

This year I attempted to puree a pumpkin for the first time. It was surprisingly easy, but it turned my kitchen into a big orange mess! I did use a pretty large pumpkin (11 lbs), so I'm sure if you use a smaller pumpkin it will cut down on the mess.

1.) First you start by washing the outside of the pumpkin, and then cutting it right down the middle.

2.) Next, scoop out the insides until clean. Make sure you save the seeds for roasting! Since I had a larger pumpkin, I cut it into smaller chunks before baking. If you use a smaller pumpkin you may be able to just keep the halves.

3.) Place the pumpkin in a baking pan. Fill the bottom of the pan with just enough water to cover the bottom. Bake at 350º until you can easily pierce it with a fork, and the color has turned to a dark orange (about 30-40 min, sometimes longer).

4.) Let pumpkin cool a bit. Once it has cooled, you should be able to easily remove the skin with a spoon or your hands (this is where it got messy!).

5.) Lastly, you will have to puree the pumpkin in the food processor. Process until all the stringy pieces are gone and you have a smooth puree. My pumpkin was fine to use right after pureeing, but if your pumpkin is watery you may have to strain it with a small metal strainer.

Now you should have some delicious fresh pumpkin and you can start baking!

As you can see I had quite a bit from my pumpkin. I was able to make 2 pumpkin pies and pumpkin cheesecake bars for Thanksgiving, and I still have a lot left!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! It's been a very hectic couple of weeks. I'm upset that I haven't had any time for my blog, but  I'm excited that we can now officially kick off the Christmas season! I'm very behind on my Christmas shopping, so I definitely need to get a move on! The month always goes by too quickly.

Here a few things that I've liked from the past week...

1.) nails inc.- Magnetic Polish

This polish has tiny metallic particles in it. When you hold the magnetized cap over your painted nails, the magnet forms a 3D design on your nails. This video will help you get a better look at what the polish does. The only downside is the $16 price tag (a little expensive for nail polish.)

2.) Emma Roberts' new haircut

Emma Roberts always has great hair inspiration, she actually inspired me to try growing my hair long. I've been letting it grow for quite some time now, and this cut almost makes me want to chop off the dead ends and give it a fresh start (...almost). It is super cute though, and the second I get tired of growing out my hair, this will be my go to cut!

3.) MAC- Glitter and Ice Paint Pots

I have been using the bare study paint pot for a few years now. It works so well at keeping my eyeshadow in tact all day, and I can also wear it alone or with some eye liner for a simple look. I was looking into trying a new color since I've been using the same shade for so long, and I came across the Glitter and Ice holiday collection. They come in 3 different shades that are perfect for my fair skin. I really like the Morning Frost which is a "shimmering champagne taupe."

4.) Shoemint

I absolutely love Rachel Bilson, so that fact that she is now designing shoes makes me VERY excited! She has teamed up with designer Nicole Chavez and Steve Madden to create high quality, high fashion shoes at an affordable price. It follows in the footsteps of Jewelmint and Stylemint, requiring you to take a style personality quiz. It then creates a monthly personalized selection for you. (they also have free shipping!)