Churro Cake




As soon as I saw this cake, I knew I had to make it. It took me awhile to finally do it, because there are quite a few different components. It is a little time consuming, but let me tell you, it was definitely worth it!! The cake is amazing and cinnamon-y. The pralinella makes it so moist and wonderful. And the churro snaps give it a great crunch. This was one of the best cakes I have made! Also, a great thing about this recipe, is that you have lots of the pralinella left over. I plan on making some amazing cinnamon rolls with it!














Recipe from The Kitchy Kitchen



Nails






Lately, I've been in a bit of a nail rut. I always wear the same four or five colors from my OPI GelColor collection. I've always opted for gel nails because I can't go one day without regular polish coming off and chipping. No matter what base coat, top coat, special tricks I do, they ALWAYS chip. I'm a little OCD when it comes to my nails. If I have even the littlest chip I have to re-do that nail, it just drives me crazy. Insert: Jamberry nail wraps.  I was so thrilled when Jessica at Jamberry asked me to give them a try! They are so easy to apply and come in so many different colors and prints you could never get bored. And the best part - no chipping!












Jamberry nail wraps in 'rose gold sparkle' (C/O) // Michael Kors crystal band (similar here and here) // TheLoveKnotShop 10K solid gold band rings ($59.50 on sale!)






Jessica and I will be selecting one winner to receive 2 sheets of nail wraps, (that's enough for 4 manicures and 4 pedicures) and an application kit. Giveaway begins August 28th and ends on September 2nd at midnight! Good luck!  


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Photos by Kris Kinsella

Special thanks to Jessica with Jamberry for partnering on this post and giveaway.



Bacon Cheddar Broccoli Quiche




All week, I've been craving a quiche! I love having leftovers also. It's so easy for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner. I used a recipe from Martha Stewart and tweaked it a little bit. Everything is better with bacon! Last time I traveled home, my mom stocked us up with our favorite Gary West bacon, so of course we needed to make some quiche to use some of it. 
I made mini versions of these, using muffin pans, for a baby shower awhile back, and they were a huge hit!





INGREDIENTS 
1 pie crust (I used this recipe, but you can use store bought also) 
4 large eggs
1/3 cup chopped white onion
1/3 cup milk (I used 2%)
1 cup broccoli, steamed until tender
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheese
3 strips bacon
Salt
Pepper




DIRECTIONS 
1. Cook bacon and set aside to cool. Once cooled chop into pieces. 
2. Roll out dough, and place in a pie or tart pan. Line inside with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Cook at 375* until edge is light and dry, about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove parchment paper and weights/beans. 
3. In leftover bacon grease, cook onion until tender. 
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. 
5. Add onion, broccoli, bacon, and cheese to the bowl and mix.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste. 
7. Pour into crust and bake until center of quiche is set, about 40-45 minutes. 







Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart Everyday Food - December 2011




10 Sunscreens You Need To Try

After the worst sunburn I've ever had on my face, I have rounded up my top ten face moisturizers with SPF to try out. Thanks to Sephora for the sunscreen sample bag! (Use code SUNSET at checkout to get your own)
Usually I am a stickler for sunscreen because I am the most anti-wrinkle person you will probably ever meet. (Botox is my best friend). But this particular day, I was out of town with no SPF, and it was cold and cloudy. I didn't even think about getting sunburned. The next day I looked like Kim Kardashian, (When she had the sunglasses sunburn in Mexico) only my forehead and between my eyes had swollen up; my eyes were halfway shut. AND I had to go to work!! It was HORRIBLE! The swelling lasted about 5 days, and then I started to peel.. What a bad experience. I will ALWAYS wear some sort of SPF now. 

Sephora sunscreen sample bag




Murad Essential-C Day Moisture
SPF - 30
I loved this moisturizer. I've used Murad products in the past and have really liked them all. This one smells really good and it's a good consistency - not runny but not thick like sunscreen. 

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion
SPF - 50+
I LOVED this one! I am a huge fan of Shiseido products also. I use their face wash all the time. This was the perfect consistency, didn't feel like sunscreen and smelled nice. 

Radical Skincare Skin Skin Perfecting Screen
SPF - 30
I liked this one because it is colored and also gave me a little bit of a more even skin tone. It felt really good on my face. 

Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturizer
SPF - 20
This one smelled amazing but seemed a little bit too thin for me, and with only 20 SPF, I'd like something a little bit stronger. 

Korres Suncare Yoghurt Nourishing Fluid Veil Face Sunscreen
SPF - 30
Smelled VERY good, and was very thin. I loved this one because it felt like I didn't have anything on.

SuperGoop! Everyday Sunscreen
SPF - 50
I was a little weary about this one because of the high SPF, I expected it to be thick and sunscreen-ish. It has a strong scent (not bad) but rubbed in very easily despite my preconception. 

Algenist Repairing Tint & Radiance Moisturizer 
SPF - 30
A yellow-beige-ish tint that soaked in easily. I didn't notice much of a smell with this one.

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer
SPF - 47
This had a very good smell, kind of a light pink color, and it felt more oil based. So even though it's thick my skin ate it up and felt very moisturizer after!

Umbra Sheer Physical Defense
SPF - 30
This has no scent and is white and thick like sunblock. I found it a little harder for my skin to fully absorb. If you're looking for more of a sunscreen feel, this ones for you. 

MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Créme
SPF - 30
Light brown tint that smelled AMAZING. This was kind of matte, so it made your skin look flawless but you couldn't tell anything was on your face.








Have you tried any of these? What did you think? I'd love to hear your feedback.
Have a good weekend everyone! And don't forget to wear your sunscreen! :)

XO, N

Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies



More healthy recipes since I've been trying to be good lately to lose some of those last stubborn lbs. 
This recipe I found on Pinterest, of course, and tweaked it a bit. I had a major sweet tooth last weekend and so this had to do. And it worked. These are actually really good for having no sugar in them! 




Ingredients:
1 cup old fashioned oats
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
2 tbsp coconut oil
1/4 cup agave
1/4 honey
1 egg
1/4 raisins

Directions:
1. Place raisins in a bowl and cover with water. Microwave for 45 seconds and let sit until ready to mix into dough. 
2. Mix together oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. 
3. In a separate bowl combine coconut oil, vanilla, egg, agave, and honey and mix until smooth. 
4. Combine the two mixtures and stir just until incorporated. 
5. Drain raisins and add to dough mixture. 
6. Chill dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. 
7. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 
8. Line baking sheets with silicone mats. 
9. Place cookie dough into rounded scoops on cookie sheets. 
10. Bake for 12-14 minutes. Cool on cookie sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. 




Recipe adapted from Amy's Healthy Baking



A Medford Weekend

Last weekend, I headed down to Medford, Oregon for a good friends bridal shower. I also went to a couple different wineries and spend some quality time with my best friends. I seriously have the best group of girlfriends. I'm so lucky to have each and every one of them. It's always so great to see all my girls, but it feels so good to be home. 



Tiffani and I at Belle Fiore in Ashland, Oregon


Pretty grape vines 



Belle Fiore had great wine. Our favorite was the Rosé

Top Shop dress {$68} // Forever 21 sandals {sold out, similar here, and here} // Celine 'Tilda' sunglasses {sold out, similar here}




My beautiful friend Kamrin and I enjoying our Starbucks before the bridal shower. 



Kamrin (24 weeks), me, Natalie (16 weeks with twin girls), Lindsay (the bride to be), and Meggie (39 weeks).

Madewell romper {$49.99 on sale!} // Dogeared necklace {$58} // Jen Meyer initial necklace {$1,800}





I hope everyone had an amazing weekend also! Stay tuned, tomorrow I will be sharing a yummy healthy cookie recipe!

XO, N

Pineapple Whip



So I've been trying to be really healthy lately to lose those last lbs before Hawaii. I have such a hard time because I love bread, and I can get a MAJOR sweet tooth sometimes. So I found this recipe on The Skinny Confidential, (Love her and all her healthy recipes and concoctions) so when that sweet tooth strikes, I have something healthy and non-processed to reach for. 




Ingredients:
1 pineapple (peeled, cored, and chopped)
1 cup coconut or almond milk
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional)
Mint to garnish (optional)





Directions:
1. Freeze pineapple chunks overnight. 
2. Mix milk, honey, and lime juice in a bowl until combined and smooth. 
3. Add frozen pineapple, and milk/juice/honey mixture to blender. 
4. Blend until pulverized into an ice-cream-like consistency. 






Recipe from The Skinny Confidential

Such a healthy and refreshing treat! And who doesn't love fresh ripe pineapple?! 

XO, N

Recent Purchases No. 1

I've been buying pieces with our trip to Hawaii in mind. Also comfort. I'm all about comfort. 
Here's some of the things I've purchased recently:



Ever since Jacey Duprie from Damsel in Dior wore this on her Instagram I knew I had to have it. And it's on sale right now! 



This is such a cute dress. It comes in this cream and olive. I couldn't decided which one to get for awhile, but ended up going with the cream. 



Ever since I heard about Mikoh Swimwear, about three years ago, that's all I wear. It's so comfortable and cute. 





This stuff is a miracle. As soon as I start rubbing this on my face, I get little clumps of dead skin already. Best peel I've found! 



Because you know it's going to be good.



 
This will make it so much easier to take selfies. No more annoying timer. 



Hope you guys have a great weekend!
XO, N

Fig And Vanilla Overnight Oats

Hey guys! Hope everyone had a great weekend! Here's a super easy and healthy recipe to get your week started. 





•1/4 cup rolled oats
•1 cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk
•2-3 fresh figs
•1 tablespoon chia seeds
•1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
•1 tablespoon maple syrup
•Pinch of cinnamon 
•Puffed quinoa, hemp seeds, or granola to top 






1. Slice 1-2 figs into bite sized chunks. 
2. In an airtight container, mix rolled oats, almond mild, fig chunks, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. 
3. Place in refrigerator overnight. 
4. In the morning, top with puffed quinoa, hemp seeds, or granola. Then add another freshly sliced fig on top. 
5. Enjoy!






Recipe from Because I'm Addicted


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