Fall Beauty 101

Back in July, I did a little post about summer makeup. Now that the weather is starting to cool off (even if it has been VERY fickle), I thought it was probably time to switch it up for fall! Time to pack up my shimmer brick (except for special occasions) and go for a more matte look!

First of all, it is SUPER important to moisturize in the cold weather. I am talking eye cream and moisturizer morning and night. Not only will  your skin feel a lot better, but you will get a head start in the fight against wrinkles! All of my favorite products are from Origins, but I swear by these two in particular:

GinZing Eye Cream
$29.50

 I put this on every morning before my makeup - helps with those black circles and the puffiness. If you use an under-eye concealer, you can blend it with that, or just apply directly!
 Tip: Keep this in the fridge - the coolness will really help de-puff your eyes in the morning!

A Perfect World Moisturizer
$39.50

 This stuff is great for morning and night! Put it on before your makeup, and wait till its dry to apply your foundation.
Tip: If you aren't into foundation, or are going for a more natural look, wait until it is "dewey," not dry, and then swirl on your powder. It will help it last longer!

Now, on to the fun stuff!

My favorite new tool is on the Bobbi Brown website: Pretty Powerful Looks. It basically shows you a bunch of makeup "looks" on a bunch of different women, and shows you exactly how to replicate them.

While buying makeup online can be a little scary sometimes, this is the way to go if you are going to do it! Plus, if you buy from Nordstrom, you get free shipping and returns.

 This time, I went with the "Victoria." I got the eyeshadow (Bone and Slate) and gel eyeliner - I'm sticking with my MAC powder & blush- which I would highly recommend!

 (Fun fact: Kate Middleton wore Slate eyeshadow on her wedding day!)

Now it's your turn to pick out your new look for the fall!

Fat Free Hummus

I have a confession to make...

A few weeks ago, while trapped at the lakehouse on a rainy morning, my ENTIRE family got sucked into one of those Magic Bullet Infomercials for about an hour.

Naturally, I went straight home and ordered my own. Yes, I purchased something because of the infomercial. I am that person.

I have been blending up a storm lately, and thought I would share one of my fav recipes with you...Fat Free Hummus! As promised a few weeks ago...

(Don't you love my classy presentation??)

 

Ingredients:

• 1 can Garbanzo Beans, drained
• 1 tsp. Lemon Juice
• 1 Tbsp. Chicken Broth
• 2 tsp. Garlic, minced
• Paprika, to taste
• Salt & Pepper, to taste

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender (or your own Bullet) until smooth and well blended. Adjust texture with the broth, and taste with the seasonings. Serve with veggies or pita chips.

Enjoy!!

Also thought you would enjoy this one of Mama D & I supporting OU while they beat TU this past weekend (on the one day of the year I actually support her team)! Testing out some of the new lakehouse furniture we got in Round Top (ain't it just so stinkin cute??)



Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Let the pumpkin recipes begin!

My sister is totally the baker of the family. Not only does she have that natural baker's skill, but she has one of those wonderful Kitchenaid stand mixers. I have neither.

However, this recipe was a winner. Just as the 7 other people in my office that devoured the whole thing in a day! So, without futher ado, Pumpkin Coffee Cake!



Ingredients:

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp. butter, softened
• 1/2 cup Pecans, crumbled

For the Cake:

• 1/2 cup Butter, softened
• 1 cup Sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 1 15-oz. can Pure Pumpkin
• 1 tsp. Vanilla
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp. Baking Soda
• 1 tsp. Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1/4 tsp. Salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a small bowl, combine the sugars and cinnamon for the topping. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles course crumbs. Stir in the pecans, and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add pumpkin, vanilla, and dry ingredients, and mix until well blended.

Spread the batter in a greased and floured 9x13 pan and sprinkle with the topping.

Bake for 40 minutes and enjoy!!

Falling into Autumn!

 

It's that awkward time between summer and winter that we all love, where it's way too early for the Christmas decor, but too late for summer stuff.

 You know what that means??

PUMPKINS!

I went to Central Market last night and spent wayyy too much on pumpkins, pumpkin spice, pumpkin puree, cinnamon sticks, and all the fall necessities!

I also got an excuse to set out my absolute favorite kitchen soap and lotion set from Williams-Sonoma.

Williams-Sonoma Essential Oils Collection
$39.95

Seriously guys...this stuff is the BEST for fall/winter! It may seem a little pricey, but it lasts a while (I still have a bunch leftover from last year)!



This also means that I am officially on the lookout for some great pumpkin recipes! So stay tuned for some fall-inspired recipes soon!