Dotted Patriotic

Pins and Needles Shirt (Urban Outffiters), BDG Jeans (Urban Outfitters), Unisa Wedges, Thrifted Earrings

With two weeks of class left and the Texas heat already in full swing, I think it is needless to say I am completely ready for a much-needed summer break. On a recent trip to Urban Outfitters, I spotted this shirt and at first sight, I fell in love with its dotted pattern, peplum shape, and the sheer surprise at the back. Not to mention it was a complete steal at their recent 50% off sale! Paired with my favorite pair of red skinnies, it was an awesome way to end the week in preparation for Memorial Day weekend. Thank you to all the men and women who have dutifully served our country and I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend!

Peanut Butter Cookies

Though I didn't eat many Nutter Butters growing up, I would always find myself infatuated with the perfectly-shaped, crisp, nutty cookie sandwiches when I did have them on rare occasion. I was so intrigued by this recipe, I wanted to make them as soon as possible, because they just looked that good.

In my attempt of making some of my own, a few things went wrong. Besides the usual mess in the kitchen, I realized I didn't have enough all-purpose flour, accidentally put only half the amount of butter called for in the recipe, and on top of that, I made the dough balls way too large to put any kind of filling in the middle to eat the supposed "cookie sandwich" properly. Ha!

 I solved the flour issue by mixing all-purpose flour with cake flour, which is finer in texture. And in regards to the butter, I let it slide just to see how to cookies would turn out. Thankfully, I didn't end up seeing or tasting any issues and they turned out into crisp, but still chewy, peanut butter cookies shaped into cute peanuts. Though I still want to give the Nutter Butters recipe a second go, this altered recipe will be a keeper. Sometimes baking experiments can turn into wonderful creations!

April Favorites

Because I'm prone to making highlighter mistakes; Pilot Frixion Erasable Highlighters

I am completely floored that today is the first day of May. I remember last April was a rough time and though not much has changed this year, I must say that I am quite satisfied with the days I spent during the last month. Though the weather was crazy over the last few days, some with full-force April showers and others with no clouds in the sky and 90 degree weather, I found plenty of things to love and be thankful for this month. I'm also excited for what's in store for the summer, so I am determined to finish off strong for this semester of school. For those taking finals in the next few weeks, I hope you get enough rest and I wish you the very best! Hope to talk to all of you soon!

Fresh, bright taco salads always make for a party in my mouth

Easy scarf display and storage

My lazy days call for quick coverage and an easy pop of rose: Color Combos Mineral Lipstick in 04 + Garnier B.B. Cream

A baking experiment turned into something extra yummy: Fleur de Sel Caramel Macarons

The Classics

Polo Ralph Lauren Shirt, Urban Outfitters Jeans, Franco Sarto Heels, Belt (from Hong Kong), Scarf (thrifted), Kenneth Cole Reaction Sunglasses, Maybelline Vibrant Mandarin Lipstick

No matter the season, I think a great pair of dark wash skinny jeans, a crisp white button-down, and a red lip always make for an easy and classic put-together outfit. Though animal print has not always been a regular in my closet, this scarf was an awesome find during a recent stop by a local flea market and I hope to take a look at a few more soon! Anything you love finding at flea markets?

Easygoing

dELiA*s Dress, Robin K Sweater (found at TJ Maxx), Belt (Unknown), Earrings (gifted from HK)

I recently found this beautiful blue and green geometric-patterned maxi dress I hadn't worn since last spring and because I've had no desire to wear jeans or any other type of pants for the last few days, I've caught myself finding any excuse to wear this dress over and over again. It’s a great piece to slip on for unhurried days and I love that it works with minimal jewelry and this relaxed sweater on top.  

Peek Inside the Purse II

Inside the H&M Purse

Over one year ago, I shared my first installment of Peek Inside the Purse. Looking back, I think it is quite evident nothing has changed much. I still have a thing for deceptively inadequate-looking bags in which I carry around too many things inside to keep myself entertained. Nonetheless, I thought it would be a fun idea to once again show the insides of my purse.

1. H&M Mini Umbrella/ 2. Band-Aids/ 3. Neosporin/ 4. Moschino Cosmetic Case (show below)/ 5. Dentyne Ice gum/ 6. FarmHouse Fresh Whoopie! Shea Butter Hand Cream (I'm a big fan of this stuff!)/ 7. C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve/ 8. MUJI PP Double Pen Case/ 9. MUJI Gel-Ink Ballpoint Pens/ 10. MUJI Recycled Paper Word Cards (amazing to use as flashcards)/ 11. Wilson Hope Breast Cancer Tennis Ball (primarily used to help with sore muscles)/ 12. Galaxy S3 Phone/ 13. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald  (in preparation for the new movie coming out May 10th!)/ 14. Vera Bradley Wristlet/ 15. Glitzy Glam Keychain / 16. Kirkland Signature Freeze Dried Fuji Apples (found at Costco)/ 17. Blue Sky Agenda (as seen here)/ 18. Franco Sarto Sunglasses/ 19. Charming Charlie Sunglasses Case 

1. Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner/ 2. Nivea A Kiss of Milk & Honey Lip Balm/ 3. L'oreal Colour Riche Balm in Plush Plum/ 4. Shiseido Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus Mascara/ 5. Moschino Cosmetic Case/ 6. Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Cream/ 7. NARS Albatross Highlighting Powder/ 8. Shiseido Blotting Papers/ 9. Shiseido Eyelash Curler

March Favorites

My favorite macaron when hitting up Ladurée in New York: Caramel à la Fleur de Sel

From being busy at school to spending an amazing spring break, the month of March was filled with  emotional days and sleepless nights, but also plenty of good eats and many memories. I must say it was quite an eventful month! Even though the last month passed by so quickly, I found plenty of new things to love and things to be thankful for. Now that April is here, I know the only thing I want to do now is crawl under my bed at the thought of finals. Though I'm sure the next few months will be exhausting, I am excited for what's ahead! What are you looking forward to soon?

My current go-to and new love! Thank you, E from Refined Couture!

The perfection inside a deep-fried Oreo from the HLSR

A scarf I picked up last year at Urban Outfitters and currently the most worn and loved item in my closet this spring

Congratulations to my younger sister for all her accomplishments in the last month!