Corn Salsa - Chipotle Copycat Recipe

Happy Monday - although it took me some time to get my day started, it’s been productive! This weekend was filled with lots of fun with my husband. We went out with some friends Saturday night and you would think the guys were 30 going on 13. Anyone else’s husband act like a teenager when they’re with their friends - we had so many laughs.

Jay and I love Chipotle. It’s one of our favorite places to go to when we are out and about running errands. We were craving Chipotle the other night but the closest one to us is about 25 minutes, and we did not feel like going out. It was one of those lazy Sundays where you can’t bring yourself to get out of your gym clothes pajamas!

I decided to take matters into my own hands and make us a homemade Chipotle dinner. We’ve done this before but I’ve never tried to make their corn salsa. This really made the meal for us. It is both sweet and spicy, and adds a lot of flavor to the dish. It stayed good in our fridge for about a 5 days and we used it on everything for dinner that week.

I wish I could claim this as my recipe, but it is not. I found it on Making Thyme for Health blog. Sarah’s recipe was super easy to follow and I appreciated all her tips. I will say, I was nervous about using the jalapeno pepper, but I am so glad I used it. It was just the right amount of spice without setting my mouth on fire. I am a wimp when it comes to spice, so if I think it isn’t too spicy, than it really isn't.

I hope your Monday isn’t too terrible! Have you tried any copycat restaurant recipes? Let me know in the comments below! Stay healthy. xoxo

Friday Favorites

It’s finally Friday and I couldn't be happier! Last night Jay and I went on a hike with our neighbors and we saw something very exciting..a bear!! Bears are super common where we live so it wasn’t that crazy, but we haven't seen one that close and personal before. It was amazing, scary, and heartstopping all at once!

Other than that excitement, this week has been so rainy and gloomy, which has made it feel like a month rather than seven days. So today I thought I would share five of my favorite things at the moment to help better my mood.

Zone Perfect Peanut Butter Protein Bar

These are seriously so addicting! It is the perfect snack for after a workout or a midday pick me up. It is so peanut buttery and packed full of protein. If peanut butter is not your thing they have other flavors that are equally as delicious.  

Spin

There is nothing more satisfying than working your butt off at the gym. I always feel so cleansed after I come out of a spin class. All that negative energy I might be carrying is released through intense cycling. If you’re a bit intimidated by the idea of a spin class, don’t be! You’ll build more endurance with each spin class you attend. If you haven’t tried a spin class, I highly recommend it.  

Podcasts

I’ve been wanting to get into podcasts, especially to listen to while doing cardio at the gym. I picked two podcasts to try out and I really like them so far. The first is one you might’ve heard of, Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard. I like that these podcasts are 2 hours, so they can really fill your time, even if you’re driving or cleaning the house. Dax always has a special celebrity guest on his podcast and they talk about their life; like really talk about their life. I listened to the one with Lauren Graham today and it was SO funny. Another podcast that I just started is The Good Life with Sazan and Stevie Hendrix. This podcast channel is super motivational and will have you in tears from both laughter and sentiment.

The Bachelorette

I know I’m not the only one who is obsessed with this show. I don’t know if it’s the drama, the cringe worthy scenes, or the romance I’m actually in love with. Anyone else watching? Which team are you? Garrett or Blake?

BadGal Bang Mascara

I am 100% obsessed with this mascara! The wand, the formula, the packaging - everything about it is gold. It makes my lashes look like they’re ten times longer than normal, even my husband noticed! This product is water resistant, which you know I don't normally like, but this is an exception. It doesn't smudge, budge, or move all day. You need it ladies!

I’m so excited for this weekend. Today is my last day teaching summer school and I’m going to see Taylor Swift tonight!! The best part about it is that I get to spend a bunch of quality time with my bestie! What are you doing this weekend? Leave a comment below. Stay beautiful! xoxo

Splurge vs. Steal - Face Mask Edition

It’s Thursday!! Woohoo, just one more day until the weekend, we can do it! Alright ladies, let's get real for a minute, skin care can get expensive! Between the cleansers, creams, serums, oils, moisturizers, and masks it can really add up. Skin care is definitely an area that I personally do not skimp out on. In my skin care collection I have a range of products from drugstore to high end, but I pick and choose what I really want to spend the most money on. There are so many great drugstore skin care items that work for almost any budget. I thought I would start a new series called Splurge vs. Steal Skincare Edition. Each time I will focus on a different product and share some high end and noteable drugstore items. Today I’m going to be talking about a few high end masks I own and some of the masks that I consider a steal that that you can get for under $5.

Splurge:

Tula Exfoliating Mask, Glamglow, Beautycounter Balm, Beautycounter Charcoal Mask

All of these masks are $50 and up and for that reason I would definitely consider them a splurge. I really like each of these masks for different reasons. If you’re looking for a quick mask that still delivers the goods, you need to try the Tula Kefir Ultimate Recovery Mask (not pictured above), which retails at $56. This mask comes in a pump bottle, which I love because you pump the mask right onto the skin. When the mask is on it is almost iridescent, it is so pretty and feels nice and thick on the skin. It also smells AMAZING! Think vanilla funfetti cupcakes. The best part, about this mask is that it doesn't look crazy on your skin, you actually can’t even tell it’s there, and you simple wipe it off with a damp cloth after 10 minutes. This Tula mask is super hydrating and leaves your skin feeling moisturized and radiant. I always purchase my Tula products when they are having a promotion. You can usually get a free cleanser, which is amazing! Use this link to get 20% off your purchase!

If you are looking for a treatment mask, detoxifying or clearing blemishes, I would recommend both the Glamglow Supermud and the Tula Exfoliating Mask. If you’re into skin care at all you’ve heard of Glamglow masks so you’re probably aware of the price. This comes in three sizes and ranges from $24-$79 - yikes! I will say, I received mine as a birthday gift from Sephora (if you’re not a beauty insider sign up here). My initial reaction to this mask was that it burned when I first put it on. Because it is a treatment mask it has ingredients that can cause a tingling sensation such as salicylic acid and peppermint oil. Once the mask starts to set that feeling goes away and another begins, the tightening. I personally like the feeling because it signals that it is sucking out the bad to get to the good! I really like how easy this mask washes off. Some mud masks are so thick that you have to scrape it off your face to get it off. This one washes off easily with warm water and a rub of the hands. I still want to try the Glamglow hydrating treatment and the firming treatment.

The Tula exfoliating mask is like a tiny miracle worker in a jar. This stuff is gold and worth the price of $54. What I love about this mask is that it can be used as a full face mask or a spot treatment. I don’t normally experience breakouts but around the same time every month I tend to get a few blemishes on my chin, love being a woman! When this happens I apply a small amount to the area and sleep with it on overnight. Nine times out of ten it will have shrunken or have completely disappeared by the next morning; like I said before it is a miracle worker! When you put this mask on it is very thick and has a nice cooling effect on the skin. I usually let this sit until it is completely dry and then wash it off. I like to wash it off in the shower so I can use my spin brush to buff in the exfoliating clay.

Beautycounter is a new favorite of mine. I received this mud mask as a freebie when I signed up as a member. I love this mask because it is cooling and pulls of all of those imperfections when drying. It is similar to the Glamglow supermud, but at $49 it is the better bang for your buck! This next mask from Beautycounter is my favorite at the moment. Technically it is a cleansing balm but it is just as good, if not better, as an overnight mask. At $80 it is the biggest splurge of all the masks -  but ladies you need this in your life. I hymed and hawed about purchasing this but I am so glad I did. I love this product for 3 reasons: it is made with safe ingredients, it literally melts into the skin, and it makes your skin feel so soft. The jar itself is large, almost 3 oz, and it comes with a small spatula to scoop the product out so you don’t have to dip your fingers in every time. Because the product is a balm when you rub it onto your face it transforms to a face oil consistency. You don’t need much of this product to cover the entire face. I usually wear my hair up when I sleep in this mask but by the morning my skin has absorbed all of the product and feels hydrated, plump, and soft as silk!

Steal:

Que Bella, Yes To, Nugg

These masks are all amazing and for under $5, a definite steal! If you love Target as much as I do then you’ve seen these Que Bella masks. I love that they are around $3 and there is a large variety to choose from. The one I linked takes you to a package of 6 for $10! This is a great way to test a variety of masks to see which one you like best. I prefer the mud masks over the peel off masks of this brand because I find it difficult to peel it all off. My favorite ones to use are the Purifying Tea Tree and Relaxing Lavender mud masks.

YesTo is another great drugstore brand retailing around $3. What I love about this brand is that they offer a sheet mask. Not everyone loves a sheet mask, but I think it is quick and easy without all the mess. I love to use these with my husband, that’s right ladies, my man uses face masks I force him to do them with me. LOL! But he is a good sport about it - love you babe! These are great to throw on while you're watching a movie or catching up on your favorite show. Once you're done with it, simply take it off and massage in the excess that is left over on your face! My favorite sheet masks are the Charcoal Detoxifying, Cucumber Calming, and the Vitamin C Glow Boosting.

This last mask is a newer product for me. The brand is called Nugg, and the packaging is what initially attracted me to this product. It is so bright and inviting and the mask itself is held in a small container in the middle. For $4 it is the most expensive of the steal masks but I think you get the most product. One Nugg will give you two face masks. I love how light this product feels on the face, it has the thickness of a mask but the consistency of a face oil. It doesn't dry up on the skin and is clear when applied. Simply wash off after 10-15 minutes.

If you got through that entire post I applaud you - I guess I had a lot to say about face masks! Do you like this new series? What should I review next? Leave a comment below! Stay beautiful! xoxo

Best of Amazon Beauty

One of my favorite places to shop is Amazon. I love how fast the shipping is when you’re a prime member and that you can find pretty much anything you want on their site. Today I wanted to share some of my favorite beauty products I’ve gotten from Amazon and why I love them! You can find my Best of Beauty list on Amazon at the link here.

Over the winter I became obsessed with having my nails always painted all the time. I love the way it looks but I hated how fast it would chip so I knew I needed something to make it last. I did some research and poked around my favorite blogs to see what I could find. These two products were the most recommended and I found them on Amazon! If you are looking to make a manicure last for about a week, you need this and this. I could tell you all about my nail routine, but we will save that for another post.  

I have an obsession with blush. I love the way it looks on the cheeks and a touch on the nose. I think it brings an entire look to life and adds much needed color to the face. I found this palette from BH Cosmetics and I love all the different color options to choose from. This is the perfect palette for traveling, not because of its compact size obviously, but because you can pull so many different looks from it. I like to mix a few colors to get my perfect shade. This palette also comes in different shades here and here.  

I have ultra sensitive skin when it comes to the heat. I always break out on my face when I have to wear sunscreen and it always made me dread going to the beach. I’ve tried baby sunscreen, sensitive skin sunscreen but none of them worked. I kept hearing about Supergoop sunscreen from many other bloggers so I decided to go ahead and try it. My initial thought when I first used it was how nice it settled into my skin. It’s not greasy or oily and has a very light scent. I’ve worn this over the past 3 months under makeup, to the beach, and at the pool and not once have I broken out. I swear I recommend this sunscreen to all of my friends who will listen (sorry gals!). I will forever repurchase this sunscreen. I just bought the mist on Prime day and I can’t wait to try it!

There are a few other things on the list that I didn’t talk about in this post but be sure to check them out here. What are your favorite Amazon purchases? Would you like to see other non beauty things I’ve purchased and love? Leave a comment below! Stay beautiful! xoxo

Dulce de Leche Chocolate Bars

There’s no better way to satisfy a sweet tooth craving than with a decadent chocolate treat. The other night my husband I was craving chocolate. Not just a bar of a chocolate but an over the top chocolate baked good. You know when you just need that indulgence, ladies you feel me right? A while back I had bought a can of dulce de leche and I have been dying to make something delicious with it. If you haven't had this sweet caramel sauce you need to run, not walk, to the nearest grocery store and pick some up. Jay and I love the Stonewall Kitchen Dulce de Leche spread on crackers, as a sweet and salty snack. Mmm!

I did what any chocolate craving baker would do, I took to Pinterest to see what dulce de leche recipes I could find. I love Pinterest but it can definitely be a black hole. Sometimes I find myself scrolling for hours pinning new recipes and home decor inspiration. However, on this day, I was in and out of my app as soon as I found the perfect recipe. I stumbled upon The Domestic Rebel’s recipe entitled Dulce de Leche Chocolate Gooey Bars. Are you kidding me?! With that title, I knew I had to make them right then and there! I only slightly altered the recipe by swapping out the rolos for chocolate chips.

This recipe is super easy to whip together and throw in the oven. I ended up letting it cool overnight and eating them the next day so the dulce de leche could set completely before cutting into them, as recommended. It was hard to resist eating them fresh out of the oven but these are well worth the wait and did not disappoint! Gooey? Yes! Decadent? Double yes! Chocolatey? Triple yes!

What are your favorite chocolate recipes? Have you tried dulce de leche? Leave a comment below! Happy eating! xoxo

Best Blinding Highlighters

Who doesn't love to be blinded by a cheekbone highlight? My makeup feels incomplete without a touch {excessive amount} of highlighter on the cheekbones, nose, and cupid’s bow. I recently did a major makeup cleanout and found myself left with just 5 highlighters. These are my tried and true go to highlighters that cause that wet and blinding effect!

Maybelline Master Strobing Stick {shade Medium}

I like using this when I am going for a no makeup, makeup look. Yes I wear makeup to make it look like I'm wearing no makeup; makes perfect sense to me. I like how this is a stick because you can easily swipe it on your skin, or in my case paint it on (LOL), for a fresh glowy look.

Stila Heaven’s Hue Highlighter {shade Kitten}

I’ve talked about this highlighter before and I’ll talk about it again (and again and again). I love the product itself because it’s almost bouncy to the touch. It goes on the skin so smooth and gives a more pinky golden glow. It comes in a range of shades, so every skin tone can find a highlighter that works!

E.l.f Baked Highlighter {shade Moonlight Pearl}

E.l.f. has really been putting out some great products lately. Not only are they way affordable but I love their compact size. This highlighter has more of a white to light golden tone. It is not as easily blended as the others mentioned here but it wears all day. For 2.99, it is a steal!

NYX Liquid Illuminator {shade Sunbeam}

I love NYX because of their price point. You get a high end feel with a much lower cost. This is a very bright and cool colored highlighter. I like to mix this into my foundation if I really want to glow!

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter {shade Champagne Pop}

Let me just start out by saying Becca makes amazing products. This is my favorite highlighter and has been for many years. I love the golden undertones and how easily this blends on the skin. I also have the shade opal which I like to use on my eyes, but there are 11 other shades as well.

What are your go to highlighters? Do you use a highlighter? Let me know in the comments! Stay beautiful! xoxo

Safer Beauty Products with Beautycounter

It’s no secret that I love makeup and skincare. I love how it enhances beauty and makes me feel like a million bucks. Recently, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to what I put on my skin. I use a lot of different products, especially for my night time skincare routine. One night I was doing my thing when my husband said, “Do you even know what’s in all those products that you’re putting on your face?” At first I just waved him off, but then I stopped and thought, well actually I don’t!

I had heard about this tinted moisturizer from a brand called Beautycounter another blogger had mentioned. I was very interested in the product because it looked amazing. I hopped onto the website and I got to learn about this amazing company creating safer skincare. You can read all about their story, the CEO, and their mission to creating laws regulating ingredients in beauty products on their website. I attended a party where I learned more and got to test products on my skin. I knew I wanted to switch some of my daily beauty products out and replace them with this brand. I had no idea about the regulation of beauty products and it is true that knowledge is power. Here is a list of harmful ingredients found in many skincare and beauty products.  

Not all of my makeup is Beautycounter but I am now using some fabulous safer beauty products daily. Here are a few of my favorites!

1. No. 2 Plumping Facial Mist I use this to set my makeup everyday. It smells like peonies and makes my makeup stay all day!

2. Rejuvenating Eye Cream A little goes a long way with this cream. It's so light on the skin, you can barely feel it!

3. Nourishing Cream exfoliator LOVE this stuff. It smells like a citrus fruit cleanser and it gentle while still exfoliating the skin. I use this 3 times per week.

4. Nourishing Cream Cleanser This smells identical to the exfoliator. I use this on the days I don't exfoliate.

5. Tint Skin Hydrating Foundation I am about to order my second bottle of this product and ladies, it is so good! It is a tinted moisturizer with a bit of coverage so it doesn't feel or look cakey. What I love about it is that it is buildable. It comes in ten shades, I am shade sand for reference.

6. No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil I've been using this 2-3 times per week under my night time moisturizer. This smells just like an orange and even my husband loves the smell of it!

7. Cleansing Balm This should honestly be called the holy grail balm. It is a cleanser but it can be used as a makeup cleanser or overnight mask. This stuff takes off all my makeup in a snap! I follow up with a cream cleanser wash. If I'm feeling rather dry or drab I will slather this on my face at night and in the morning, oh my goodness your skin will feel like a baby's bum! If you get nothing else, GET THIS.

8. Nourishing Night Cream What I really like about these products is you don't need much, a little will go a long way. I tend to be more dry than oily so I love this stuff!

9. Charcoal Cleansing Bar I actually got this as a gift and I am going to be purchasing this when I run out. I love how this soap doesn't dry out my skin and bubbles up as you lather.

I hope this helps as you enter your journey to safer skin and beauty products! Would you want an updated skincare or makeup routine? Please leave any comments below! Stay beautiful! xoxo

Stay beautiful! xoxo