Bookworm Meets Bookworm: 02.2014

2.27.2014

Laura Mercier Spring 2014

First, let me just confess that I am totally obsessed with makeup and learning new techniques. Sephora TV is THE best and has helped me achieve looks I had failed again and again. Yes, behind the stacks and stacks of books, there's a makeup geek here, too, and I'm so happy I can write about these pleasures in addition to my love of reading. So here goes...

The latest kits in Laura Mercier's spring 2014 line are must-haves.

The Enlightenment Eye & Cheek Palatte - I love a good neutral palette. This particular kit not only delivers some truly beautiful and long-lasting shadows, it also gives you two new blush colors. If you're the kind of person who likes to pack light, this kit is it. You can wear each shadow alone, or add the darker shades to compliment a smoky eye (just throw in a chubby eyeliner stick). The blush pigments might not rival NARS, but they're certainly pretty and gave me a nice flushed cheek. My only complaint with the blush is that it doesn't stay as long as the shadow.

Perfection Lip Trio in Matte Red: I love a red lip (especially a matte lip), but hate when I constantly have to worry about it wearing off. This trio is AMAZING. The pencil and lipstick can be worn together for a perfect matte finish. The gloss is great to add a juicy pop, but can also be worn alone. I recently wore this out with a group of girlfriends to dinner and didn't have to reapply!

What spring collections are you eyeing at the moment? Have you tried these?

*This post is not sponsored by Sephora or Laura Mercier.

2.25.2014

What I've Been Reading - January and February

2014 is starting out right. Exercise is getting done. Eating is healthy. And books are being read.

Here's a list of books I've completed recently:

The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri

Lahiri is one of my favorites. I was upset that I wasn't able to see her when she visited Chicago recently to do a Q&A for her latest work, The Lowland. I read this one for my the book group I joined when I moved up and we had a great time discussing the characters, plot, and meaning of this heavy novel. Two bothers in India follow very different paths as young men and the shocking consequences of those decisions haunt all those involved for a lifetime.

The End of Everything by Megan Abbott

Not for the faint of heart, this novel tackles some pretty disturbing issues and contains a fair share of graphic language. Another pick from my book group, some participants were a little uncomfortable reading, and I may have felt guilty suggesting it without knowing exactly what I was recommending. However, Abbott produces a story bursting with shock value and discussion-worthy material. Think Gone Girl relayed through insinuation rather than straightforwardness. Read it.

The Apartment by Greg Baxter

I requested this novel after seeing it mentioned in the newsletter for my local library. I didn't know much going in other than it was an American man looking for an apartment in an undetermined European city. The novel is exactly that, but also very political. If you, like me, are cynical and love a good game of devil's advocate, check it out. Presented through stream of consciousness, the narrator muses on his former life in the military, his work as a contractor in Iraq, and the complexities of life. If you enjoy people watching, you'll definitely love it because Baxter's main man spends quite some time doing just that, and it's rather entertaining. Note: I spent nearly the entire novel trying to determine what city he was actually in, like wikipedia and google at the ready; however, I read an interview that suggested Baxter pulled from many European cities to create a fictional retreat for his narrator.

What have you been reading lately?

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2.13.2014

Ditching the Plan (or How We Cancelled Our Wedding)

We've slashed our plans for a big wedding down south. We cancelled the venue, regrettably informed the photographer, and had to break the news gently to all of our loving family members and friends. We faced disappointment* from everyone involved and lost a good chunk of change on all the down payments. And while it was tough, I am, I REPEAT, I am so incredibly happy that we've said NO to a wedding.

We're still getting married. I'll still be using my dress and my pretty shoes. Hell, I might even change my last name. (Still an ongoing debate in my head.) But we'll be doing it in London, England!

It's been years since I've been out of the country, and much longer since I've visited one of my favorite cities, London, so it felt like the perfect decision. And the mister will be leaving the US of A for Europe for the first time, so it seemed like it would be even more special to see some favorite sites and then do some exploring in cities neither of us have been to. We'll visit London, Paris, and Edinburgh during our week long celebration.

We're in the process of booking the lovely Tori Hancock to document the day with her sharp and dreamy eye, and we'll be holding a symbolic ceremony with just the two of us in a location we've yet to choose. We've thrown ideas out: parks, ancient book stores, a bridge, but just haven't decided. We'll top it off with champagne and cake at a swanky establishment and reflect on all of our blessings.

I really give it to all the ladies and gentlemen who are currently planning their own vow exchange and commend them for their patience and vision. I just couldn't do it. It's so much work and tons of money and sometimes that stress is enough to break you. And because the wedding should be a day to celebrate the commitment of one individual to another, the promise to love and endure all storms till eternity, we recognized that doing what was most comfortable and doable for us would be the most beneficial in the long run. So cheers to London and a life together!

While we've been keeping our own running list of places to go and things to do, I'd love suggestions you might have to make this special trip even more so! Cheers!

All images by: www.MySweetTeaPhoto.com
Lisa Marie's full London spread can be found on the Entouriste site.

*I should note that our family and friends were very supportive of our decision to do what was best for us. I think it goes without saying that there would be the normal disappointment of not sharing that day together.

2.11.2014

Dark Chocolate Fudgy Brownies for VDay

Following my last post on Valentine's Day, I'm going to introduce you to the most delicious brownies you'll ever taste that could also be the perfect little addition to your love notes. I'm totally serious when I say these are the best you'll ever taste. We can discuss this after you've made them. Deal?

It's been sometime since I've really craved something sweet; however, when I saw this recipe on Pinterest, I was determined to make it for a Valentine's Day treat and devour it myself. I'm big on honesty over here. I changed it up a bit because I LOVE dark chocolate and desired less chocolate chunks in the batter than the original recipe called for, but I've linked the original so you can try them either way. It really is a recipe that you could alter to your own liking without ruining the whole thing. So... enjoy!

1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup dark cocoa powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Line a 9x9 baking dish with parchment paper. (I don't actually own a 9x9 dish and didn't want to use my 9x13 for fear of really thin brownies so used a 9" pie dish instead. It works!)
Beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla in a stand mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition.
Stir together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix in the baking soda.
Mix in the chocolate chips with a spatula.
Once a thick batter forms, scrape it into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 25 minutes, until brownies begin to pull away from the side of the pan. *I pulled mine out just before so they'd be extra gooey, but that's your call.

*Recipe taken and adapted from somethingswanky.com

Let me be honest for a minute. My first approach to this recipe consisted of scooping the batter into the cutest little heart-shaped silicone molds so that you'd have many servings of little brownie treats to hand out. That whole plan, however, was thrown out the window when I found my heart-shaped cookie cutter in the utensil drawer while prepping. I thought I could get away with using it instead. And you can. Sort of. You can use a cookie cutter once the brownies have cooled completely. I, needless to say, did not wait. I only got one out before realizing I was being a greedy idiot and waited so that I could get three more out. Of course, I saved all the scraps and have been snacking on them since, but it was a little messy. If you're looking for more treats, I'd say go with the molds, or stick to a pan and cut them out yourself. It's just prettier.

The drill... Bake > cool > wrap up all crafty like > snack on a few pieces > hand out to the one(s) you love!

And just like that, you've gone and outdone yourself without doing much at all. :)

Cheers!

2.05.2014

Pretty Post for a Valentine

Yep, it's almost that time again... Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and the internet is bursting with creative DIYs and treats to consume! I may not be the biggest fan of the holiday of roses and chocolates and diamonds, but I love the cute cards and fun recipes that come out around this time of year and wanted to share my own picks for the day.

Note: Now that I've relocated to an area where the sun rarely shines, and there's no shortage of snow, I am almost completely convinced that this holiday was created in some tundra like town in order to add some color, and provide a little reminder that love is not lost, in order to make it through winter. Yes, this may be a bit dramatic but cabin fever is setting in. Send help.

I have a major weakness for handmade cards with quirky messages, bright colors, and cute packaging. Seriously. I have a collection. I'm like you're grandmother minus the Hallmark situation. So, if you're like me and want to spread a little love without emptying your bank account, simply pick up one of these ridiculously cute cards and make someone's day!