Beach Weekend Wishlist

I have two upcoming vacations and they are complete opposite destinations which means I'm going to be doing some separate shopping for each one. The first trip is a girls weekend to Miami so I need a couple of new bathing suits, dresses, sandals, cover ups..I could keep going but instead I'll share my wishlist. I'm gravitating towards turquoise blue for springtime. Some of the items below are definitely going to be coming to Florida with me.  I'm also justifying buying some bright fun items to help get through my least favorite month, I'm looking at you February.

Thanks for reading!

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Topshop

Target

Francesca's

Lipstick Favorites

I'm the first to admit I am very particular when it comes to lipsticks and lip glosses. I've tried many brands and I always seem to stick to the same ones while the others end up at the bottom of my purse. 

The three brands below are my go-to list, depending on what I'm looking for (matte, gloss, and stain).

NYX: This brand far exceeded my expectations based on the price alone (under $6.00). Their butter gloss is hands down my favorite lip gloss. It's not too sticky and there are a ton of color options. The soft matte lip cream isn't too drying and I really like the "Istanbul" color. It's also super easy to apply. While the lip cream doesn't last all day for the price you can't beat it.

MAC: This brand is one of my favorites because of their color selection. Seriously they have any color that you could possible want or need (Chatterbox is my personal favorite, the boyfriend even approved this color once, which is rare).  I personally like the "amplified" formula the best. I've tried the matte and while I love the color it's a bit drying for my lips and doesn't last as long as I would like.

Stila:  I saved the best for last. While this one is the most expensive I believe it's worth it. This lip stain (it's a cream formula) stays on for hours and the color doesn't fade.The only downside is it takes some time to apply (I use a lip brush) and you need to make sure your lips are exfoliated and smooth before application.

Do you have any lipstick or lip gloss favorites? I would love to hear about them!

Ulta
Right to left: Merengue, Peaches and Cream, Istanbul

Nordstrom
Right to left: Half & Half,  Happy Go Lucky, Chatterbox, Ruby Woo

Ulta
Top: Aria  Bottom: Beso

MAC

NYX

Investment Pieces

Today I'm talking about those pieces that will never go out of style. These pieces are worth their price. It could be a purse, a coat, shoes, jeans, or whatever else that you can justify spending a good chunk of money on because you know you will have it forever.

My specific investment piece is this gorgeous purse. I said once I graduated college and started my grown up job that I would buy a really nice tote bag. Well, being a grown up is more expensive than I thought so this bag has been put on hold for a few (four) years.  Now that this beauty is finally mine, I want to share my tips for how to purchase your own investment piece.

1. Decide on a style, color, size, etc. before you start your search. It's much easier to look for a pointy toe, patent leather, black, 3 inch high heel pumps than just looking for a pair of heels.

2. Do your research. Search the internet, stores, and personal reviews for what you're looking for. I originally wanted a completely different style than this bag. However, I saw it on some other bloggers and it just looked too big for me.  It's ok to change to change your mind.

3. Find the best price. Once I decided that this was the 'one' I put it on my wish lists on various websites, that way if it went on sale I would know. Make sure you're utilizing all rewards points/clubs, promo codes, price matching, and email sign up offers. I used my Nordstrom card and took advantage of their rewards points program. I also signed up for Ebates for this purchase so I will be receiving a check back for the money I saved. Just because it's a designer brand doesn't mean that you can't find a deal!

4. Enjoy your purchase and don't feel guilty for buying it. This is one that I had to tell myself over and over. I wanted this and I worked hard for it. If the piece is truly an investment piece for you than you should buy it with pride and don't look back.

Thanks for reading!

Nordstrom

Scarves

Bar Cart Styling

For whatever reason months ago I decided I wanted a bar cart. I saw perfectly styled and stocked carts on Pinterest that I knew would look perfect in the only available corner of our apartment.

So at the end of the holiday season last year I scooped up a bar cart for 50 percent off (if you're looking to buy one I would do it now, I linked some options below). Once I was home I realized I had no idea how to make look as cute as the pictures that I had seen.

I started with the basics. The booze. Generally you need vodka, gin, whiskey, and tequila. However, I say buy what you like. Then you need the mixers/chasers. I love buying the little pops that are in the below pictures because they don't take up much space and they look cute (Kevin says I can't use the word 'cute' to describe the bar cart..guess he shouldn't read this post.)

Next you need the supplies to make the drinks. This includes different styles of glasses(martini, mason, etc.), bottle openers, wine stoppers, ice buckets, and serving trays. Since all this stuff can add up I found most of it at Target.

Once you're actually able to make the drinks it's time for the styling. This was my favorite part. I love having fresh flowers on the cart (flowers and drinks can put any one in a good mood). An easy way to change the style of the cart is by changing out the napkins and straws; these are relatively cheap and you can find different colors and designs anywhere. One item I want to add is a cute sign. Esty has so many to choose from but the one below is my favorite. I think I need it. 

Just a little inspiration to start your weekend off. Thanks for reading and happy Friday!

Amazon

Target

Crate & Barrel

Simple Breakfast

If one of your New Year resolutions was to start eating breakfast this recipe is for you. It's so simple!

This recipe is great because you can freeze these little egg sandwiches and reheat (about 1 minute in the microwave if defrosted) whenever you want! Life savers in the mornings when you're running late.

Egg Sandwiches

Ingredients:
1 carton of eggs (or less; depending on how many you feel like making)
1 carton of egg whites (again less depending on how many you make)
Fresh spinach (or any other veggies of your choice!)
Your choice of cheese
1 or 2 packs of English Muffins
Cooking Spray (don't forget this!)
Garlic salt and pepper   


1. First spray your muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. These can be a little difficult to get out so make sure you do this!

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

3. Crack one egg in to each hole (I didn't fill the whole pan because I didn't have enough eggs or English muffins)

4. Fill each hole with some egg whites. Don't fill to the top, leave some space to add the vegetables.

5.  Place freshly chopped vegetables in the holes. I just used spinach but you really can add whatever you want to these.

6. Sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper.

7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on how you like your eggs. I normally bake for 20 so that the yolk isn't runny.

8. While they are baking, toast the English muffins and add the cheese slices.

9. Either enjoy now or place the sandwiches right back in the English Muffin package and freeze them (or in zip lock baggies). After you freeze them, thaw them out and then put in the microwave for about 1 minute).

Marsala

Clearly I need to invest in a camera.

I'll work on that.

Anyways, this outfit was something a little different than just jeans and a top. I played around with mixing colors, blue and wine and I really like how it turned out. The wine color is similar to Pantone's 2015 Color of the Year; Marsala. I'm also getting tired of wearing sweaters over and over again so this shirt helped remind me that spring will be here eventually. Since it was still around 40 degrees outside the leather jacket was a must.

Also I added in the last picture below so you check out my friend's outfits as well. The wine colored pants are extremely versatile as you can see my friend paired them with silver which I love!

Thanks for reading!

 Top, necklace, purse
 Pants [similar]
 Booties [similar]

Jacket

Instagram

Since I'm obviously really new to blogging I still have a lot to learn about it (Any tips?? Please share!) One of the things that I've noticed about my favorite blogs are that their Instagram accounts correspond with their posts. At the moment my IG is just my personal account. I share pictures of my friends, boyfriend, food, and whatever else I like.  Eventually I may start posting more blog related content (sorry in advance to my friends, you will start seeing awkward posing to get my outfits and shoe pictures) but for now it's more snapshots of my life; with that being said I would love for you to follow along at nikki_ann11

Thanks for reading!

One of my college roommate's wedding pictures.

Date night.

Lobster Omelet. Enough said.

St. John Island

Veggie Recipe

A little over a year ago I decided I didn't really like cooking or eating meat so I cut back. A lot. While I'm not 100% vegetarian, I do eat  a lot more vegetables now

The transition for the most part has been easy for me; however, I live with a very much loving meat eater. In order to make dinners we both enjoy I learned that I was going to start actually cooking.

Both of these recipe are super simple and make great side dishes.


Baked Broccoli 

Ingredients:
1 head of broccoli or 1 bag of pre-cut fresh broccoli
Olive oil
Cooking spray
Garlic salt
Pepper
Fresh basil or basil seasoning
Red Pepper [optional]

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees

2. Put the clean freshly cut broccoli in a bowl and lightly coat with olive oil

3. Sprinkle pepper, garlic salt, and basil to taste.

4. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray (I used an olive oil favor)

5. Spread broccoli out on the sheet; sprinkle with red pepper flakes

6. Bake for 20 minutes (while checking on it occasionally to move broccoli around)

7. Once the broccoli is lightly brown and crunchy you know it's done.


Balsamic Baked Asparagus 

Ingredients:
1 bunch of asparagus
Cooking spray
Balsamic dressing (about 1/2 cup)
Parmesan cheese or lemon juice [optional]

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees

2. Clean asparagus and break off the white ends; place in bowl

3. Lightly coat the asparagus with a balsamic dressing and season with pepper

4. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray

5. Spread the asparagus out on the sheet; top with some Parmesan cheese or lemon juice [optional]

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes; asparagus will be a light brown colored once done

Winter Pick Me Ups

Sometimes when I need a pick me up an accessory is the perfect (and cheap) cure.

If you live anywhere in the Midwest you know in January it's almost impossible to look cute. Between the static hair, dry skin, and multiple layers getting ready is the last thing I want to do. However, the pom pom knit hat below? I'll go outside just so that I can wear it. Check out Forever21 for some super cute and affordable hats.

And then once I get back inside from freezing my butt off I want something hot [even though I'm that girl that orders iced coffees in the dead of winter]. This is when that adorable Don't Touch My Coffee mug comes in play. I picked it up from Target the other day for $1.99.  You need it.

Thanks for reading!

http://www.forever21.com/

http://www.target.com/

Palette

Like most twenty something girls I've contemplated purchasing a makeup palette. I researched Urban Decay's notorious Naked palettes and while they have awesome reviews, Smashbox's Full Exposure mini mascara and eye shadow brush won me over. So I put it on my Christmas list and hoped for the best (thanks to my boyfriend, Kevin. I knew that Xmas list email would pay off).

It did not disappoint.

I'm not a make up expert, but the older I get the more I realize good make up is really worth the money.  The quality of the eye shadow in this palette is noticeable. I love that it has matte and shimmer. The shimmer is just enough and the matte helps you create the perfect smokey eye.


Oh and the mini mascara and eye shadow brush? So worth it.


Thanks for stopping by! (click the picture to shop!)