January Favorites

Can you believe January is over!? Where did the time go? January was a crazy month, starting a new job, adjusting to being back in Michigan, and catching up with friends I missed while living in DC. Over the month I've gathered some of my favorite things that I found myself using/wearing many times. Its safe to say I'm obsessed with the below:

 

1. Benefit Big Easy

I'm not a huge foundation wearer and I usually use just lotion and some concealer. When BB creams got big I liked to use those but they were always a bit too dark and left my skin shiny, I had to constantly dab my face with blotting paper. The Big Easy is perfect for my skin, it's matte and stays that way. The Light shade is also the perfect color, it says it self adjusts. This is a new staple in my beauty bag.

Image via Kismet Cosmetics

2. Kismet Cosmetics Burnout lipstick

I. Adore. This. Lipstick. Kismet is a small Louisiana brand that really has some great stuff. I am a total lipstick snob and I will search high and low for something that works. This stuff works. It's long lasting, moisturizing, high pigmented color and when it does start wearing off it still leaves a beautiful and even color on your lips. I can't wait to get my hands on their other lip colors and their nail polishes! Check out the Burnout Lipstick.

Image via candyshopvintage

I saw someone on Instagram post about this company and their Rice Bead collection. Originally inspired by rice in historic Charleston and worn in long layers by flappers in the 20's, Charleston Rice Beads are a historic fashion accessory. I ordered the rose gold long strand and I am in love. I want to wear it every day. It's long enough that you can wear it wrapped once or twice to create a different look. I've even seen some bloggers wearing the strands wrapped around their wrists. I desperately want to order the vintage gold color but I guess I should be saving for furniture for my house ;) Check out the whole line of Charleston Rice Beads at Candy Shop Vintage here.

Plated

I'm still working on getting everything up and running after my laptop crashed and I lost all my photos/layouts for this blog! But, hang in there with me. 

So this week I ordered a trial from Plated! I've been wanting to try a home delivery of this sort, they send all the ingredients (you just need to have some basics on hand, like olive oil and salt) and you cook up a chef created, restaurant inspired meal. I love that Plated uses sustainably sourced seafood and quality meats.

So you set your ship date, either Wednesday or Saturday, and they send an insulated box with everything you need. 

We received two meals with two servings per meal. The recipes I choose were: red fish with harissa (a spicy African hot sauce), kale chips and creamy polenta and (this one is my favorite!) Chicken with butternut squash panzanella salad. We loved both recipes, they both were something we never would have made at home. It felt like we were eating out (something we love to do but might now have the funds for...)!

 The ingredients came prepackaged and labeled, it was super easy to follow the recipe.

The fish was so. Good. I am not usually a fan of fish but when prepared like this (in a butter rosemary sauce...) I loved it!

Have you tried Plated or another at home cooking service? What is your favorite recipe?

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Having some technical difficulties!

It's All Good

My Instagram from dinner tonight. Follow me @abbeythegreat

Tonight we tried a recipe from Gwyneth Paltrow cookbook It's All Good. Over the weekend I made my Korean Pork Tacos for C's birthday and we've been on an Asian kick. The Thai chicken burgers ended up being really, really good. 

We also made a couple changes. I used some coconut milk in the ground chicken and it made the burgers extra juicy and flavorful. I highly suggest it. I also added scallions and a pinch of curry powder. Below is the original recipe:

Serves: 4

Ingredients:
1 pound ground chicken (preferably dark meat)
2 garlic cloves, very finely minced
2/3 cup finely chopped cilantro
2 shallots, very finely minced
1 teaspoon very finely minced red chili (or more or less, however hot you like it)
2 teaspoons fish sauce
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as canola, grapeseed, or safflower oil)

Directions:
1. Thoroughly mix chicken with garlic, cilantro, shallots, red chili, fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Form mixture into 4 burgers, each about 3/4-inch thick.
2. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Rub each burger on both sides with a bit of oil and grill for about 8 minutes on the first side and another 5 minutes on the second, or until nicely marked and firm to the touch.

How I wear my Banana Leaf Joggers

In my last post I showed some of my favorite pieces with the palm leaf print that is such a craze this summer. When I ordered the Banana Leaf Joggers from Dorothy Perkins I didn't quite realize what the 'jogger' style was. I thought they would be more fitted like a fitted work pant, but they ended up being more of a harem style pant, loose and breezy. I honestly didn't think they would do anything for my bottom half, but I was wrong. The loose legs make my thighs look great and the wide waistband accentuates my small waist. For those who may be apprehensive about the style of pants, here's how I war them most often:

Hat - Target Pants - Dorothy Perkins Shirt - JCrew Factory (On sale!!) Bracelet - JCrew

How would you style the 'jogger' style pants?

Palm Leaf Print

One of the biggest summer trends this season is the palm leaf print. It's taken over my Instagram feed and I love it! The print just screams summer. Here are a few of my favorite palm leaf print pieces.

1. Banana Leaf Joggers from Dorothy Perkins

I bought these a few weeks ago and I LOVE them. They are the perfect pants for summer. Light and breezy, I love them with a pair of sandals and a fitted tee.

2. Palm Leaf Bikini from Target

Gosh is Target always on point. This suit is perfect for mixing and matching with other pieces, and it's great all put together. Throw on a floppy hat and you're beach ready!

3. Worthington Pleated-Front Skirt from JCPenny

I never, ever, shop at JCPenny but I saw this skirt on another blogger on Instagram and I fell in love. The colors in the photo on Instagram look a lot more of a bright green than the photo on the website does. Best part of this skirt is it's on clearance for under $20! Pair it with a black tee and a denim jacket or a chambray shirt and you're all set!

4. Palm Leaf print Business Cards from The Atelier

This print is so chic. I would always remember the girl who gave me the chic palm print business card at a function. Melissa of the Atelier is so talented. Also check out her blog! 

5. Leaf Print Strappy Back Beach Dress from ASOS

The perfect summer dress, weather you're on the beach or walking around town, this dress is very on trend.

Ob.Sessed.

I'm traveling to Michigan this weekend for a friends wedding, so I will leave you with this delightful shoe eye candy...

Meet the Jack Rogers Contessa 

I'm in love.

The Homesickness is Real.

The theme of my life lately has been homesick.

Some days I come home and just cry for a bit thinking of how much I miss my friends and family in Northville. Moving away from home and being in a new (big!) city isn't all it's cracked up to be. I tend to have this twisted knot feeling in my stomach when I think of home, which is pretty much daily. I've had to come up with some coping mechanisms for those times I get so upset I can barely breathe.

1. Yoga
My savior has been the Bikram Yoga studio that is just down the street from me. I brought a Groupon package from them several months back and I am addicted. It's one of the few places I can go and turn off my mind, I go in and just sweat it out. Even if I can't make it all the way throgh the poses, I can lay down in the heat and just relax without thinking about anything. I'm not sad, not happy, just content in the moment.

2. I like to wear something that reminds me of home
Weather it's my peplum domino and dice printed shirt I bought with my friend Amanda at a boutique in Detroit (if you're ever there, check out the Peacock Room across from the DIA. It's incredible!), or a simple State Traditions hat, I can have something on my body that reminds me of home. 

3. Pamper yourself!
My favorite thing to do when I am upset is to sit back and take a break from everything. Paint my nails, soak my feet. Lately I've been loving this charcoal polishing mask from Freeman. I use it both as a mask before my shower and as a scrub in he shower, it leaves my skin glowing!

4. Read
With the warm weather knocking on our doorstep I have been loving sitting on the porch with a cold drink and a good book. Nothing takes my mind away from the present like a good book. Lately I've read, A House in the Sky and Between Shades of Grey. Both are excellent books.

How do you deal with homesickness?

Turkish Towels

Last weekend we went to Eastern Market for my birthday brunch. While walking around the market I came across a Turkish towels booth. I've seen these towels around before and I have been drawn to their pretty colors, stripes, and they just look so soft. Apparently they soak up water faster than a terrycloth towel. And they're not just for drying off after a shower. There are scarves, shawls, and blankets too. I'm thinking of getting a couple for the apartment. Does anyone have one of these beauties?

Loomed NOLA All Star Scarf

Peshtamel House

Another 5K under my belt!

 On March 15th I did yet another 5K, and at a record time for me. My running has been slowly improving, and I'm starting to love it, rather than it feeling like a chore. My friend Allyson did the Rock n Roll Marathon in New Orleans and I was supposed to do the half, but I wasn't quite there yet. So I decided to sign up for the Rock n Roll USA 5K. I love the Rock n Roll series, they have great medals and live bands every mile along the course!

 At the Capitol South Metro station the morning of the race.

I bought an expandable running belt from Hippie Runner and it was the best purchase! It fits my phone, band aids, chapstick, and it has loops to keep your Gu packs in for easy access. It doesn't bounce around at all and it actually kept my shirt from riding up while I ran. I highly suggest one!

Finished and feeling good! Ready to run a half!