Fantastic Friday Four: Skin Care Faves!

I may have mentioned recently that I'm a makeup junkie.

FYI, that also applies to skin care. 

I LOVE trying new stuff out.  I have super dry skin, particularly in the winter, so anything moisturizing is my jam.

So I thought I'd share four of my current favorite skincare products!  Happy Friday!

Soap & Glory Beauty Sleep Accelerator

Given that I'm OBSESSED with Soap & Glory's body butter, when I saw the night cream I knew I had to try it.  It's super thick and creamy but doesn't feel greasy. 

Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub

You guys, this literally tastes like kettle corn.  And the instructions are to literally rub it into your lips and lick it off!  Lush products are completely natural so it's safe!  It's like a snack, but it's also a really good lip exfoliator for anyone like me who gets very dry lips.

Algenist Eye Renewal Balm

Remember the whole dry skin thing?  That goes double for the under eyes.  This cream is AMAZING.  I actually got it as a sample at Sephora and it's lasted me over a month.  A little bit goes a LONG way.  And that's using it both morning and night!

Fresh Rose Floral Toner

I'm a sucker for rose scents, and this one isn't overpowering.  This toner is super refreshing. I spray it on after a shower or when I get up in the morning.  Also love to just mist it on to freshen up my makeup during the day.

What are your favorite skincare items?

**This post contains affiliate links**

Pumpkin Spice Waffle

I swear, the pumpkin overload will end soon.

Maybe.  At least until next September.  (Let's be honest.  August)

I'm a big fan of Kodiak Cakes - particularly their Power mix.  Super easy to work with, and a nice quick breakfast.

Recently, I've begun adding Quest MCT oil powder to my waffles.  This is totally a skipable step but it makes the waffles super fluffy.  It also has some great health benefits, as it is a healthy fat, somewhat akin to coconut oil (at least from what I've read!).

I topped my waffle with some sunflower butter because, much like pumpkin, I'm completely obsessed.

Just as an FYI, I cooked my waffle on the highest setting on my iron - but your mileage may vary.

Pumpkin Spice Waffle
Serves 1

1/3 cup Kodiak Cakes Power mix (or mix of choice)
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1/3 cup water
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 scoop Quest MCT oil

Combine all ingredients in a bowl.  Spray waffle iron.  Spread batter onto iron and cook on highest setting until done.  Top with your favorite toppings!

Pumpkin Pie Apple Oats

Surprise!  It's a day in autumn ending in "y" so clearly, this post is about pumpkin.

Specifically, pumpkin pie oats.

Now that it's colder in the mornings, I've been craving warm breakfasts.  And oatmeal is always one of my favorites.  The quick cooking oats are perfect for a chilly morning, the apples provide some sweetness, and the cinnamon and pumpkin are super comforting.

I used Stevia for sweetener, but really it was only because I was out of both maple syrup and honey.  Both would be delicious! 

I topped my oats with some Trader Joe's Super Seed Blend and some organic sunflower butter, and it was a super hearty and filling breakfast!

For more great recipe ideas, check out the What's Cookin' Wednesday Link Party at Buns in My Oven!

Pumpkin Pie Apple Oats
Serves 1

1 cup unsweetened cashew milk (or milk of choice)
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 chopped apple
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 packets of Stevia (or sweetener of choice)

Bring milk to a boil in a small saucepan.  Once it boils, add the oats.  Stir occasionally, for about 1-2 minutes or until oats thicken.  Once thickened, remove from heat.  Add in pumpkin, pumpkin spice, apple, vanilla and Stevia.  Combine and add your favorite toppings!

Fantastic Friday Four: YouTube Made Me Buy It!

So.  I like makeup.

I kinda have a problem.  Keep in mind that's only my top shelf.  The drawers beneath it and the vanity table is stocked, too!

As such, I have developed quite a habit of watching YouTube beauty related videos.  A few of my favorites are:

Carly Cristman
Jaclyn Hill
Casey Holmes
Kathleen Lights
Allana Davidson
Beauty Broadcast

Saturday mornings can kind of get away from me, as you can see by the above list (which is abbreviated, I assure you!).

One of the videos I watched was a YouTube made me buy it one, and I got to thinking that there are MANY items that I bought because of a YouTuber's review.   So I thought that might be a fun Fantastic Friday Four post!  Below, see the four of the hundreds of things that YouTube made me buy!  (FYI - none of these were bought with anything but my own money :))

1.  TooFaced Chocolate Bar Palette

Kathleen Lights does so many great tutorials with this.  First of all?  It legit smells like chocolate.  But more than that, it's so pretty.  I love the golden sparkly shade on the bottom and the plummy shade on top.  It's not over the top, you can get a lot of pretty and neutral looks from this.  And did I mention it smells like chocolate?

2.  Too Faced Melted Lipstick 
Are you getting that I love Too Faced?  This lipstick is very different in that it has a spongy type applicator.  I love this color - it's VERY nude but it is a perfect base for a colorful lip gloss!

3. Nars Audacious Lipstick in Anna
This one was talked about on literally every YouTube channel I watch.  As such, I couldn't find it anywhere until about a year after I heard about it!  It's SUCH a pretty color.  Perfect for everyday!

4.  Mac Blush in Melba

I remember Jaclyn Hill talking about this blush and saying it was perfect for people with fair skin.  That would be me.  Also, the peachy color is subtle making it great for everyday wear!


Any other makeup fans out there?  What are your favorites?




**This post contains affiliate links**

Fall Quinoa Salad

Ever wonder what fall in a bowl tastes like?

It basically tastes like this bowl of goodness.

I'm sure it's no secret by now that I love all things fall.  Pumpkin everything, the cooler weather, the changing leaves, football, tailgating...and the list goes on.

I decided to experiment with some of my favorite fall flavors and see if I could make it work all together.  The result was a delicious, protein packed salad that alternated between savory with a hint of sweet.

In other words, right up my alley!

This salad has a few steps, but it's not super labor intensive.  It's a perfect lunch or a great side dish!  It can be served cold, room temperature, or heated, and it delicious all three ways!

By the way, if you are looking for more fabulous fall recipes - check out "What's Cookin' Wednesday" on Buns in My Oven!

Fall Quinoa Salad
Serves 4 as a main, about 6 as a side

1 cup quinoa
2 cups of low sodium chicken or vegetable stock
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil (divided)
1 bag of brussel sprouts, chopped
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
2 cups cooked, chopped turkey breast (rotisserie is great for this!)
2 cups chopped butternut squash
1 tbsp. pure maple syrup
2 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper

Add the 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds to a dry skillet.  Heat over medium heat, stirring often, for about 2 minutes until toasted.  Set aside to cool.

Using the broth, prepare quinoa according to package directions, and set aside to cool.

Heat oven to 375.  Spray a cooking sheet with cooking spray and lay the chopped brussel sprouts in a single layer.  Add 1 tbsp. of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and toss to combine.  Roast for 15 minutes, tossing about halfway through.  Set aside to cool.

Add 1 tbsp. olive oil to a large skillet.  Add squash and saute for about 10 minutes.  Then, add the maple syrup and stir to coat the squash.  Cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until tender.

In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, brussel sprouts, butternut squash, and turkey and toss to combine.  Then, add in pumpkin seeds and parmesan and mix well.

Enjoy!