FRIDAY FAVORITE // SILK PILLOWCASE

So I finally gave in and purchased a silk pillowcase. I've been reading for a long time how they prevent wrinkles (silk contains natural proteins that fight skin aging, and prevent sleep creases); and anyone who knows me, knows I will do anything to prevent wrinkles.

Not only do silk pillowcases help with wrinkles, they also:

Are good for your hair: The natural properties of silk can help reduce friction on your hair which often causes damage, like spilt ends. Less friction = less frizz!

Are hypoallergenic: Some of silk’s hypoallergenic properties include a natural resistance to dust mites, fungus and mold, in addition to many other allergens. (No joke, I have noticed a considerable decrease in my allergies since I've been using it).

Keeps your skin hydrated: Cotton is very absorbent. It can hold 24-27 times its own weight in water. This means it actually draws moisture away from you skin, drying it out stealing your expensive face crème in the process! When sleeping on silk, your skin is much more hydrated in the morning. 

I purchased  a 100% mulberry charmeuse silk pillowcase from Amazon. It's on sale right now for $22.99 with free shipping! 

BROWNIE MARSHMALLOW COOKIES

Brownie Marshmallow Cookies
1 cup butter
1 2/3 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 1/3 cups cake flour

Directions:

1. Cream butter and sugar.
   
2. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until blended well.
   
3. Add dry ingredients and mix.
   
4. Cookies can be rolled or formed into drop cookies. 
   
5. Roll out dough and cut into circles.
   
6. Bake at 350 for 10 to 12 minutes.
   
7. Cookies are done when top is slightly cracked and no longer looks wet. 
   

Marshmallow Creme
3 egg whites
2 cups light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla 

Directions:

1. Combine egg whites, corn syrup, and salt. 
2. Beat on high speed for 10 minutes or until thick. 
3. Add powdered sugar and beat on low speed until blended. 
4. Add vanilla and blend. 
May be frozen for later use.

Chocolate Frosting
1 cup butter
4-5 cups powdered sugar
milk
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. Beat soft butter, cocoa, and powdered sugar together until smooth. 
2. Add a splash of milk and vanilla, blend well.
3. Spread cooled cookies with about 1 tablespoon of marshmallow creme. 
4. Top the creme with frosting. 

These cookies turned out so good! They are addicting just to warn you! I had quite a bit of the marshmallow left over so I will figure out another recipe to use it with. 


Hope everyone had a great weekend! 

MY EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS

I'm pretty simple when it comes down to my daily skincare routine. Most days I don't even put on makeup. Here are most of the products I use on a daily basis..

Jane Iredale's Lip Drink is the best chapstick I have come to find. It leaves your lips looking light pink and it has SPF 15 in it. 

I use Stri-Vectin advanced retinol eye treatment around my eyes everyday to help prevent crows feet.

I wash my face with my Clarisonic Aria and Shiseido cleansing cream. It's really gentle and leaves your skin extremely soft. I'm in love with my Clarisonic Aria! It is definitely worth the investment.

I use Cetaphil moisturizing cream on my body and face. It keeps my skin hydrated and doesn't leave a sticky lotion feel, which I love.

When I feel like my skin is looking a little dull I use Vasanti's BrightenUp! It exfoliates gently and gets all my dead skin off without irritating my skin.

Daily Essentials by nicholemariestarnold-1

Jane Iredale lip care
nordstrom.com

Face care
amazon.com

Clarisonic polishing kit
beautybar.com

Shiseido facial cleanser
bloomingdales.com

Strivectin skin care
$97 - thehut.com

Beauty product
cetaphil.com

Thanks for reading! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

LINKS I LOVE

An amazing DIY body scrub

Anti aging face excersises 

The first blogger on the cover of Vogue

New deleted Sex And The City scenes

GoogleFeud is my new favorite game

24 hours with Isabel Marant

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

FAVORITE SPRING DRESSES

Spring Dresses by nicholemariestarnold

Spring is almost here, and I've been online shopping for some new spring dresses.

Here are some of my favorites in every price range. I'm really loving blush and pinks right now.

Pink Stitch - $83

Ami Dans La Rue - $216

ASOS - $120

Fashion Union - $37

Diane Von Furstenberg - $288

H&M -$12.95

Soft Joie - $148

Rory Beca - $288

Soft Joie - $178

Forever21 - $39.90

Diane Von Furstenberg - $786

Paper Crown by Lauren Conrad - $275

ASOS - $278 on sale for $83

Forever21 - $27.90

LINKS I LOVE

Cactus oil is the new argan oil


The body wash that helps cure flu symptoms


Stop tugging on your eyelid to put on eyeliner


Jared Leto cut his hair


7 face cleansing mistakes you could be making

IKEA furniture will now wirelessly charge your phone


Why you should make the switch to organic tampons


What's in season right now? March produce guide


The cutest espadrilles


Mushroom, spinach, and scallion tart from Martha Stewart

HOMEMADE KIND BARS

Ingredients

• FOR NUT MIXTURE:

• 1-1/4 cups whole roasted* unsalted almonds
• 1 cup whole roasted* unsalted peanuts
• 3/4 cup roasted* walnuts, coarsely chopped
• 7 dates, diced
• 7 dried apricots, diced
• 2 tablespoon raisins, diced
• 1/2 cup puffed millet
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal

• FOR SYRUP:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup)
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

*IF NUTS AREN'T ALREADY ROASTED:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread nuts  on large baking sheet and bake for 10 min. until lightly toasted and fragrant. 

Directions

Grease/spray a 9x13 baking sheet/pan, Set aside. (I also lined with parchment paper for easy removal).

Add toasted nuts and dried fruits to large bowl; breaking apart clumps of fruit to distribute evenly throughout mix. 

Add puffed millet and flaxseed meal. 

Stir to combine; set aside.

In 1-1/2 or 2 quart saucepan, combine honey, corn syrup, apple juice, salt, and vanilla over medium-high heat. 

Cook, stirring frequently, until mixture reaches 260 degrees (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer. Immediately, pour mixture over nut mixture, stir until evenly coated. 

Quickly transfer to greased/sprayed 9x13 pan, use hands to spread mixture evenly in pan; press the mixture to close in holes and distribute evenly all over the pan. 

Let cool 20 minutes (pan should still be slightly warm). 

Invert pan on cutting board and tap until mixture falls out in one piece. 

Cut into 20 bars.