Beauty Benefit

benefit cosmetics has always been one of my favorite beauty brands on the market.  with their adorable packaging, fun names and quality products, you just can't seem to go wrong with anything they make!

 

since moving to brentwood, i am that much closer to the benefit cosmetic store on montana avenue and have been going every three weeks to get my brows tinted and waxed for $32!  these girls know what they are doing and i can honestly say that the store is always packed with customers, a testament to their results!

 

the only problem i encounter when i head into benefit to get my brows done, is i end up leaving with a bag full of products i didn't realize existed until i tried them out.  one of those products is the  instant brow pencil in light...

if you tweezed a little too much in your lifetime and need a little help filling in where some hair is missing, this pencil is for you!  the color is spot on and it fills in your brows without them looking "drawn on" with the help of the brush at the end.  a permanent staple in my makeup bag now! 

my other favorite recent purchase is the finding mr. bright makeup kit...

 

this is the perfect kit if you like glowing skin and products that you can fit in your purse to take with you.  seriously, everything in this kit is amazing!  i had not used the girl meets pearl luminizer before and have to say thank goodness it had a mini size in here as i LOVE it.  i use it now every single day.  i feel flat without it. 

 

i have long been a fan of the posietint product, but love it even more in the travel size, since a little goes a long way!  again this product giver you a pretty, glowy, dewy complexion which is perfection!

 

i have already shared my love for high beam here and the love continues with the mini version.

 

the last perfect piece is the erase paste which is a soft creamy concealer which has brightening undertones to help conceal not only dark circles but also yucky blemishes.  the texture is creamy and doesn't leave your face dry and feeling cake-y like some other concealers do. 

 

best party about the kit is all four of these products are travel ready for under $30! 

 

i also shared my love of their they're real mascara earlier this year here. 

 

if you haven't already jumped on the benefit bandwagon, might i ask you to join me now, as looking fresh, dewy and bright is always in style.  also, if you live close to a benefit store, be sure to pop in and get your brows some loving, they do a marvelous job and it really makes all the difference in the world!

Song of the Week - Love In Motion (feat. Mayer Hawthorne)

happy first monday of august!  where has the summer gone?!

 

i know that i have been MIA lately, but work and life has been keeping me busy and on my toes!  i have missed blogging as a release for my brain, and am hoping that i will be able to be back on her on a regular basis.  but sometimes things come up that cause you to push pause your hobbies, take in all the things around you and then return to normal and push play. 

 

that said, i had to share this awesome song that is just perfect for the last few weeks of summer.  sebastian's "love in motion" is so good!  it's a little bit 80's, dance worthy and has just a hint of prince to it.  and i LOVE it!

 

be sure to add it to your next summer bbq or road trip playlist for guaranteed smiles and cheers!

Forever Frugal Friday

 

i fell in love with this striped cutout dress after seeing it on stephanie sterjovski's instagram feed the other weekend.  i think it is so cute and fun and summery and i am crossing my fingers that i find it at my local forever 21 this weekend to wear to a going away party saturday night. 

 

 

Song of the Week - Harlem

anybody else wish they knew how to break dance? 

i am loving the new politics "harlem" song oh so much this summer.  it's a little bit punk and a lot of fun!  plus it makes me want to dance or take a road trip with my head out the window hair blowing in the wind.  pure fun and excellence!

'Merica

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happy birthday america! 

Word Up Wednesday

 

 

 

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yay for early release days, yay for america's b*day, yay for thursday off and yay for warm summer days! 

 

xoxo

Yoga Newbie

 

am i the only one who finds yoga intimidating? 

 

my friend b has really inspired me to finally give this yoga thing a try (also every time i get a massage they remind me how tight i am and that i need to incorporate some yoga into my routine).  living social also inspired me with this incredible deal for a month unlimited for only $30 at yogaworks (actually only $20 using the promo code FREEDOM at checkout)! 

 

and so, i have my month unlimited, my inspiration and my fingers and toes crossed that this yoga thing works for me.  i am nervous as a beginner and also nervous that i will look like a fool in front of everyone, but i am going to give it my all. 

 

any tips for this novice? 

Make This - Skinny Lettuce Wraps

(from my @lyndsylee instagram)

 

now that it is officially summer, i decided it was a good idea to lighten up our usual "casserole monday" with some absolutely delicious skinny lettuce wraps!

 

last night i took a chance and tried out this recipe from makeshift margaritas and let me just say the results were outstanding and a great success!  best part, they were so incredible easy to make! 

 

skinny lettuce wraps

 

ingredients:

 

*1 lb. ground turkey or ground chicken

*2 tablespoons low-fat peanut butter (i used regular)

*3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

*2 tablespoons low sodium teriyaki sauce (i used trader joe's soyaki)

*1 can water chestnuts, drained

*1/2 chopped onion (i used the entire container of trader joe's onions, garlic & shallots pre-cut)

*1 head of lettuce washed & divided into large pieces for wrapping

*i added some freshly chopped mushrooms

 

directions:

 

1. Brown ground meat until fully cooked. Drain any fat.

2. Add peanut butter, soy sauce, teriyaki, onions,*mushrooms* and water chestnuts. Mix until combined. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes (i let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes).

3. Spoon meat into lettuce and wrap.

 

enjoy!

Song of the Week - Royals

love this song.  can't stop listening to it.  "royals" is my current jam.  and can we just talk about besides having a fabulous voice how pretty she is? 

love.

Happy {Let's Brunch} Weekend!

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yay for the weekend!  this week went by super fast with b's b*day on tuesday, dinner at animal wednesday (where i had the MOST incredible salad ever, along with the pork belly sliders - yum), and a dodger game last night (win)!

 

tomorrow i'm brunching with some gals i always have a fun time with (the other b in my life, this is not your life and sweet nothings), catching up with my fave gal pals and hopefully finding more throw pillows and a coffee table for the new place! 

 

i can't believe this sunday marks the end of june, but i am ready to welcome in july with big open arms! 

 

xoxo 

Forever Frugal Friday

 

i love this breezy southwestern dream shift dress w/ sash from forever.  i love the way it is styled here and i love the option of cinching in the waist and throwing on some heels to dress it up a bit.  perfect little dress for hot summer days. 

Happy {Officially Summer} Weekend!

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hooray for summer and friday and the weekend!

 

tonight i celebrate my girlfriend karah being cancer free for 3 months, tomorrow more celebrations are to be had and sunday...who knows!

 

i also am excited that i am finally cleared to work out since spraining my ankle memorial day!  wish me luck and let's hope my swimsuit still fits! 

 

have a fabulous first weekend of summer twenty thirteen!  woot woot!

 

xoxo

Forever Frugal Friday

 

i have a love hate relationship with maxi dresses.  i love the look of them, but with my short frame tend to feel overwhelmed in one.  and this past weekend on montana avenue all i could see where cute women everywhere sporting maxi dresses. 

 

and so even though b is not a fan of maxi dresses, i am on the hunt for the perfect maxi dress (that will of course require hemming) for summer 2013.  while i would prefer a bright colored maxi to sport around town, this tribal print maxi dress could be a good start at an incredible price of under$25! 

 

are you on board for the maxi dress trend?  what are your favorite maxi dresses out right now?

 

 

Word Up Wednesday

 

fuck yeah.

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this one goes out to someone special

 

choosing is key

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i have been needing to remind myself of this lately

Make This - Chicken & Black Bean Green Enchilada Rice Bake

(photo from my @lyndsylee instagram)

 

in keeping up with casserole monday as b and i have coined it, i pinned this delicious recipe and it was a major hit!  the casserole is easy to prepare and leaves you with loads of leftovers (which totally taste better the next day)!  best part, it's relatively healthy and gluten free!

 

chicken & black bean green enchilada rice bake

 

ingredients:

 

*2 cups white long grain rice

*2 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (i cheated and used a rotisserie chicken)

*One 15-ounce can mild green enchilada sauce (i used a spicy green salsa)

*One 4-ounce can sliced black olives (i used two cans)

*One 15-ounce can diced tomatoes (i used the flavored ones and i would use 2 cans next time)

*1/2 cup sour cream (i used greek yogurt)

*1 teaspoon kosher salt

*1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

*1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Roasted Ground Cumin

*One 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed (i used 2 cans)

*2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (i used less)

*i also added 2 corns of can, 1/2 cup of extra spicy salsa, 2 cans of green chiles, pinch of cayenne*

 

directions:

 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Cook rice according to package directions.

3. Place chicken, enchilada sauce, olives, tomatoes, sour cream, salt, pepper and cumin into a large bowl, mixing to combine. Pour cooked rice into prepared baking dish and layer beans on top of rice. Pour chicken mixture over rice and top evenly with cheddar cheese. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until cheese is melted and rice is hot.

 

enjoy!

Word Up Wednesday

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Happy Weekend!

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happy weekend indeed!  still big limping here, but my sprain is definitely doing better. 

 

a weekend of birthday celebrations is in store, along with some home organizing as i promised b we would get to the last few boxes and officially have everything unpacked.

 

heading to home goods tomorrow and perhaps tj maxx, any other good home stores we should check out that are affordable?

 

cheers!

xoxo

Forever Frugal Friday

 

it's been awhile since i shared a forever 21 find, but i had to share this open-front chevron cardigan as it is the perfect piece for summer.  i am thinking this cardigan would be so fantastic for summer bonfires, hollywood cemetery screenings or concerts in the park after the sun sets and the evening breezes in. 

Song of the Week - Breezeblocks

ooh i love me a good music video.  and alt-J does not disappoint with their "breezeblocks" video. 

i have been loving the song for a few weeks now and just finally watched the video which was like a mini movie!  an intriguing story told backwards that will leave you shocked at the end (which is actually the beginning...still following?). 

i watched the video three times backwards and forward and have my own tale of the story.  how many times will you watch before you have your side of the story? 

enjoy!

Happy {THANK GOD IT'S FINALLY THE} Weekend!

 

seriously. 

 

i stepped wrong in step class on monday and am now sporting a lovely cankle and limping around town.  not my favorite week ever. 

 

excited for the weekend as the last three weeks have been super stressful at work and i am feeling a little down in the dumps. 

 

here's to the frickin' weekend with friends, an elevated ankle and fresh start to the month of june!

 

hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

xoxo

 

Word Up Wednesday

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yes.

Song of the Week: #Beautiful

i have a total love/hate relationship with mariah carey.  the hate meter has been in the full mode for almost ten years now.  gone were the gold old mariah days, replaced with the emancipation of mimi (no thank you) and other crappy songs. 

however, my hate meter of mariah is currently at an all time low, as i am IN LOVE with her latest song "#beautiful" (although really, wtf is up with the hahtag business)?  maybe it's because it's a duet with miguel, maybe it's because it has an old school vibe to it, or maybe it's because mariah cut all the crap finally and just sings great lyrics they way she used to. 

whatever the reason may be, i love this song.  it's pretty and makes me smile and wanna sway side to side in my car with sun shining down in through the sun roof. 

perfect summer jam. 

Happy {5K} Weekend!

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it's finally here!  my first 5k ever and while i am totally nervous, i am also totally excited!

 

after running the revlon run/walk for women tomorrow morning, it's back home for a quick shower and change and then off to main street santa monica for some birthday pub crawl action!

 

a sunday night dinner at gjelina will be exactly what the doctor ordered! 

 

hope you all have a fabulous weekend!  happy mother's day too!

 

xoxo

Frugal Friday ~ Gifts for Mom!

 

mother's day is this coming sunday and it you have been procrastinating a bit and are short on funds, luck is on your side, because any of the gifts above are sure to bring a smile to moms face, all while keeping your tab at under $50!

 

kai travel set (my moms fave!)

 

mr. boddington's mistral soap (cute packaging and amazing scents!)

 

tuscan herb candle (what mom doesn't want to go to tuscany?)

 

gucci flora rollerball perfume (i wear this scent and get complimented daily)

 

sea flower print scarf (perfect colors for spring & summer!)

 

eiffel tower ring dish (darling little accent piece - ooh la la!)

 

be sure to give your favorite moms a little love this sunday!

Best Brush Ever!

 

no seriously.  this little guy is amazeballs. 

 

i have super fine hair that is a pain in the butt to comb out when i get out of the shower.  so much so that i don't brush my hair ever. 

 

for reals.  i only brush my hair when i get out of the shower.  and even then i don't actually brush it, i just comb it and it usually takes a some time and results in a loss of a lot of hair and a bit of a sore head (and god knows how many broken hairs). 

 

so imagine my delight when my new hairdresser ashley worked this nifty weird gadget through my hair in a matter of seconds (all while it massaged my head).  i immediately asked what the hell was that.  and she informed me it was called the "tangle teezer" and it was great on all types of hair, wet or dry. 

 

i was of course sold and ready to purchase only to find out that they are kind of hard to track down (i should have ordered online).  a few weeks ago i found this sparkly brush at barrington court health & beauty supply and couldn't wait to try it out at home...turns out it works just as well at home as it did in the salon! 

 

it does sometimes make me feel like i am brushing a horses tail due to the shape and sound, but i promise you, this brush is life changing!  it's the perfect brush for summer beach days, or everyday shower days!

Happy {Cinco de Mayo} Weekend!

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happy cinco de mayo weekend!  how fun is this gold pinata?  yes please!

 

we celebrated tres de mayo at work today and i am suffering a bit from too much horchata (it's so good)! 

 

tomorrow it's a shockwave workout with the girls at equinox, then a fabulous charity silent auction and dinner at the skirball center (dress from rent the runway - fingers crossed it works) and a little farmers market and coffee with the boy on sunday.  and duh a margarita - who's kidding who?

 

hope your weekend is full of horchata, margaritas and pinatas galore! 

 

cheers!

Make These - Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins

(my muffins via instagram @lyndsylee)

 

i absolutely adore our new kitchen (i can't believe it has already been a month), and have been trying to utilize it as often as possible.  trying to eat healthy and deliciously has never been easier thanks to pintrest (not sure why i was so late to joining)! 

 

i saw this picture in my feed a few weeks back... 

 

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i immediately told b to keep his mitts off the bananas as i needed them to get good and brown to bake these banana oatmeal breakfast muffins! 

 

added bonus besides looking so tasty...they are gluten-free and perfect healthy morning treats to grab and go.  and did i mention they were oh so moist (yeah, i realize that is a disgusting word, but it is the best way to describe them - please accept my apologies)? 

 

they were a hit with b, me and the gals at work (always good about testing out my goods).  do yourself a favor and make them.  don't even second guess my recommendation, just do it!  your tummy will thank you!

 

ingredients:

*2.5 cups old fashioned oats (i used trader joes gluten free rolled oats)
*1 cup plain low fat greek yogurt
*2 eggs
*1/2 cup honey
*2 tsp baking powder (totally forgot to add this to mine)
*1 tsp baking soda
*2 TBSP ground flax seed (bought seeds from trader joes & ground them myself)
*1 tsp vanilla
*2 ripe bananas (i used 3 - mine were on the smaller side)

*chocolate chips (optional)

 

directions:

 

1. preheat oven to 400 degrees. spray tin with non-stick cooking spray or line 12 muffin tins with silicone or foil liners.

2. place the oats in the food processor and pulse for about 10 seconds. add remaining ingredients to the food processor (i used my blender - worked great).
3. process until everything is mixed together and oats are smooth.
4. divide batter among cupcake liners, and bake for 18-20 minutes (i only cooked mine for 16 minutes), or until toothpick comes out clean.

enjoy!

Word Up Wednesday

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i am excited for 80 degree weather the rest of the week, a 5k, a b*day party, a visit to sf and a 3 day weekend!  so ready for may!

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amen

 



Song Of The Week: Safe And Sound

my current feel good song that instantly snaps me out of any funky mood i may be in is capital cities "safe and sound". 

it's uplifting, energizing and hard to frown at when listening to.  i am thinking they may be added to the list of bands to see this summer.  they will be here in l.a. in june.  very tempting...

in other news, i bought tickets to see the postal service in july at the greek with b and i am soo excited!!

Happy {April Showers, Bring May Flowers} Weekend!

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holy cow the last weekend of april came fast.  while i am sad to see april go, i am very excited about all the fun weekends ahead in may!

 

this last weekend will be filled with exercise, sunshine, organizing and who knows! 

 

have a fabulous last weekend of april! 

 

xoxo

Word Up Wednesday

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Make This - Quinoa Black Bean Casserole

(instagram @lyndsylee)

 

brandon and i take turns making dinner for our date nights and last monday it was my turn.  b's only request was something healthy.  thank god for pintrest!

 

off to my trusty recipes to try board i went, and came across this recipe for quinoa black bean casserole.  healthy, gluten-free and with a touch of cheese sounded too good to be true.  turns out it really does exist! 

 

the recipe is so easy (minus the grating of the sweet potato which was awful) to make and turns out an amazing smelling, delightful tasting casserole that leaves enough leftovers for a few additional lunches. 

 

i served it up with some aidells pinapple bacon chicken sausage and a cranberry spinach salad with poppy seed dressing and both of our plates were empty in no time at all. 

 

bon appétit!

 

ingredients:

*1 cup cooked quinoa
*3 cups cooked black beans (or two
15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed)
*2 large sweet potatoes, shredded
*1 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
*1 tbsp ground cumin
*liberal pinches salt and pepper
*2 eggs
*1 cup salsa (i used trader joes serrano salsa - gave it a nice bite)
*2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

directions:

 

1. preheat oven to 350° F. Prepare a 9” x 9” casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. in a large bowl, mix together the quinoa, black beans, sweet potato, 1⁄2 cup of the cheese, and the cumin, salt, and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together the eggs and the salsa. Pour the salsa mixture over the quinoa-bean mixture, then pour everything into the prepared casserole dish.
3. sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Garnish with the cilantro.

Song Of The Week: Can't Hold Us

new favorite running song.  period.  "can't hold us" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis totally jacks me up and i'm pretty sure it makes these short little stubs run just a little bit faster.  so good!

not sure if i mentioned it to y'all but i signed up for the revlon run/walk for women los angeles 5k and have committed to running the entire thing.  now i realize that 5k may not be a lot to some of you, but for me, this will be the longst continuous run i have done...ever. 

if you live in los angeles, it's not too late to register and join in on the fun, or if you live outside of la and want to donate (and help me reach my goal of $1000) please click here (even $5 helps!). 

happy monday friends!

Happy {Safe} Weekend!

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what a week.  with the sad events in boston and a wacky week at work, i am ready for a weekend to relax and appreciate the good stuff surrounding me.

 

my thoughts go out to all those who have family in boston living in a state of fear.

 

hugs to all. 

Forever Frugal Friday

 

i love white tops.  like seriously love.  so when i saw this adorable peplum eyelet top at forever i absolutely swooned. 

 

i doubt i will be wearing it without anything underneath, but love the sweet, yet naughty aspect of the top.  the perfect bright white top for spring! 

Word Up Wednesday

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seriously don't let them.

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oh so true.

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love.

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i hope so!  i did cw on saturday with my gf christy, yesterday with samela and today vipr with lori & avery.  good mood here i come!

 

happy hump day!