Swimming at Lake Berryessa
You worked your tail off this week, and now it’s time to recharge your batteries. Make yourself a snack or grab something cool to drink, and let your mind wander like a feather in the wind with this week’s open thread. 🙂
Same deal as always: We meet in the comments, and you can reach out to me or anyone else, ask specific questions, offer advice, discuss beauty tips, or just talk about whatever’s on your mind.
Oh, here are a few pictures from the lake yesterday. Yup, it’s VERY hot here now (almost too hot).
To celebrate our anniversary, El Hub and I stopped at Bistro Jeanty in Yountville for dinner.
The beet salad
I had one of the specials, mushroom risotto
El Hub’s dish, coq au vin
See you in a minute. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
HEY KAREN! I’m all graduated and moved out and back from my post-grad trip to Europe! Can’t wait to get caught up on all your entries while I was gone. Visiting Germany and Greece was a blast, but I can’t tell you how thankful I am to finally be home in glorious San Diego coastline weather. (And freshly washed and made up and NOT DOING ANYTHING.)
Looks like your trip is fun and delicious! 😀
.-= Catherine’s last blog post… Strawberry Mochi Hiatus ♥ =-.
Congrats! How was vacay? What was your favorite thing about your trip?
Thanks! Vacation was a mixed bag but overall still awesome.
I was and still am exhausted from moving/family visiting and with a muscle spasm in my shoulder (yes, almost a month now), we had a pretty tight traveling schedule and then I was completely savaged by mosquitos in Greece (like… seriously 58 bites over 10 days and I am pretty severely allergic which made me REALLY cranky for the majority of the sightseeing we did)…
BUT, seeing all the awesome stuff and the food made it so worth it! My favorite thing I saw was the Asklepieion of Kos where Hippocrates lived and taught, and the favorite thing I ate is actually a tie between the most amazing olive & walnut bread I’ve ever tasted in a little taverna in Zia on Kos, and the raw clams with lime we had in Rhodes Old Town.
.-= Catherine’s last blog post… Strawberry Mochi Hiatus ♥ =-.
Catherine – Your vacation sounds amazing! I’ve never been to Europe, so I’m completely jealous.
What did you get your degree in?
It sounds like a great trip overall, despite the mosquitoes eating you alive (yikes).
Will you be in SD for long? I know you mentioned you’d be moving up here soon…
Isnt the old town so beautiful 🙂 we shopped there 4 days in a row and even the boys enjoyed it lol
Oh that’s so cool! I’m in Greece now too! I’ve been here for a little over a month and I’ve still got another month to go! 😛
So, last week, I wore makeup everyday (for the first time in a long time). While everyone’s tips were excellent and helped my makeup stay in place during my 12 hour days, my skin is now gone a little crazy. I just used tinted moisturizer on my face, but my skin (particularly the area around my mouth and on my jaw) has become super-sensitive and rather dry. Tips or suggestions for fixing this would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Terri,
Hmm, maybe give your skin a break over the weekend to let it breathe? As for dry and super sensitive, it might be an issue with one of the ingredients in your makeup. Are you using anything new? You could try *not* using it for a few days and see if your skin does better.
Hey Terri,
How do you remove your makeup? Try to use a gentle but effective cleanser to remove your makeup most days and save scrubs for a once a week exfoliation treat. Also what kind of moisturizer do you use? Make sure it’s super moisturizing if you have dry skin normally (I like Clinique’s Moisture Surge) but still light for summer. As far as fixing your dry skin now maybe apply some petrolium jelly to the area and that’ll help soothe and restore moisture. What do you think dried your skin out in the first place? Maybe it’s an ingredient in a product you just started using that your skin doesn’t like. Hope this helps you!
.-= Sarah’s last blog post… Go Nude With Smashbox Sheer Colour =-.
Thanks for the advice! Right now, my skin is better (I haven’t put anything on it except moisturizer yesterday or today). I have been using Benefit’s tinted moisturizer, which I have used before, but this is the first time I’ve had a problem with it. I haven’t tried it in the summer before, so maybe the weather has something to do with it.
My skin is typically combination but more on the oily side (particularly in the summer). I’ve been washing my face with cleansers from Clinique and Benefit (I’ve been alternating them).
My skin’s also quite oily as well and it sounds like you’re doing everything right! I agree with Karen maybe give your skin a breather for a few days.
.-= Sarah’s last blog post… Go Nude With Smashbox Sheer Colour =-.
Karen – your anniversary meal looks fantastic! Congrats to you and El Hub!
Thanks! 🙂 If you ever make it up to Napa you’ve got to pop by Bistro Jeanty. The food is so yum!
Hi Karen! I just picked up Straight Sexy Hair Smooth & Protect hairspray and Time Balm concealer today, and I just wanted to thank you for your suggestions! Which led me to an idea (maybe you’ve already done this, and I just missed it lol) but maybe you could have a topic about your all-time favorite, holy grail products? For different categories, like hair, eye makeup, nail polish, ect. Just an idea, cause I really value your opinions! Thanks, Happy 4th of July! 🙂
Hi Debbie,
Glad to hear you <3 both of those items! Yay! 🙂
Regarding a list, that's a good idea. Let me think about how to work it...
Anywho, how has your weekend been?
I am TOTALLY for that!
I LOOOVVVVE Time Balm concealer. I got it per one of Karen’s reviews too and it’s the best!
Hey gals! What is everyone up to today?
Happy 4th! 🙂
Hi Tiffany! Happy 4th! Besides feeding my friend’s cats while she is out of town, I’ve done very little today. Right now, I’m working on a baby blanket for a friend and painting my nails.
Have you had a good weekend?
Hi Terri! That sounds like a nice relaxing day! I have been chilling all day also, reading magazines mostly. I am SUPER excited about not having to work tomorrow! Yay for holidays!!!
Enjoy your day off! I have a meeting tomorrow morning, but I don’t have a set schedule, so I might work a few hours tomorrow and then sneak off to Macys :).
Happy anniversary!
I haven’t done much, I puttered around in the morning, ran on the treadmill (too hot to run outside), and now I’m waiting for El Hub to wake up from his nap so I can torture him by making him watch Eclipse with me at the movies, LOL!
Whatcha up to?
Oooh, I am going with my mom to see Eclipse tomorrow and I can’t wait!
I am being super lazy today. Hosting the bbq yesterday was a lot of work, so I’m taking it easy today. Have been reading magazines on my couch all day, lol 🙂
Was this your 4th anniversary, Karen? I think we got married around the same time, if I remember correctly.
Yup, yup, it’s our fourth. What are you getting the boy for this anniversary? I still have to pick up something for El Hub. I am a last minute shopper without a clue, le sigh.
AND YAY for spending the day on the couch reading magazines!
well congrats on your anniversary!
my hubby is IMPOSSIBLE to shop for. I suggested that since we both wanted new iPhones that we use that as our anniversary gifts to each other 🙂 LOL, it’s kinda lame, but whatever. I didn’t want us to end up being each other random stuff just to buy something. I feel like gift-giving gets so hard since we have been together for 7 years, and we are fortunate enough to have all the things that we need in life.
My husband is impossible to shop for, too. He has plenty of hobbies but you cannot buy anything for them because everything must be *just so.*
His birthday is in a week and I am probably going to have to resort to a bottle of premium tequila that he’s been eyeing because my inquiries about what to suggest to both of our families was met first with “I’m very busy” and second with a huffy “I just don’t need a lot of stuff.” Haha, men!!
.-= Amber’s last blog post… Sunken Corsair =-.
Congrats to you too! 🙂
Ha ha, El Hub and I have been together for about 8 years, and it’s the same with us. He is also impossible to shop for! Dang boys…
Does anyone know which retailers carry Nyx? Since Karen’s review of the purple palette, I’ve been on the hunt for the brand, but I haven’t had any luck and the “store locator” function on the Nyx site is broken.
Hi Terri,
Try Ulta:
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/index.jsp
You also might want to call or email the NYX customer service folks to find out if there are any retailers in your are:
http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/index.php?m=contact
Terri, I don’t know where you live, but I’m in Texas and my local grocery (HEB) carries NYX. If you have a local grocer with a substantial beauty department, try there!
.-= Amber’s last blog post… Sunken Corsair =-.
I live in Boston, but I will check out one of the larger supermarkets next time I go grocery shopping!
That lake looks so inviting! What was the water temperature like?
I have been baking and cooking my brains out this long weekend. It always helps me de-stress. I’m hugely stressed right now because I am finding myself at a crossroads about my career path. The one I spent almost a decade of schooling on just isn’t good for me, and my husband is in a similar position. We are talking about an escape plan (timeline 1-3 years, depending) to try something that we will find satisfying, but it will mean giving up two very good salaries for an uncertain future. It is a terrifying thought, but we have to do this for ourselves.
.-= Amber’s last blog post… Sunken Corsair =-.
It was really warm and very comfortable. I can’t wait to go back… when I’m in a warm body of water I feel at peace.
Regarding your future career plans, wow, this sounds huge. In a perfect world, where would you end up?
In a perfect world, I would sit in a little studio and create art all day. Paintings, mosaics, sculpture. But I have a friend who is a phenomenal freelance artist and I see how hard she works to just make it, so that will probably never be my main pursuit.
In reality we are probably looking at either agriculture, the diving industry, or guided expeditions. Our experience in any of these categories is a bit lacking, but the passion to develop them is there, which we can no longer say for our current careers.
.-= Amber’s last blog post… Sunken Corsair =-.
Good luck with all of this Amber! I know that the financial part of the equation is very important, but it is also important to do what you love (or at least what you like).
Amen to that. Enjoying the work and feeling invested changes everything.
Karen, did you get the email I sent you on the 24th? My gmail account has been acting up lately, and some emails I thought I had sent never arrived, so I wanted to double check and see if you had received it.
Hi Terri,
I got it! I’m just super behind on my emails. Thank you! 😀
Thanks! Just wanted to check (email makes me very paranoid) 🙂
I’m a Mac neophyte. I’ve tried (and loved) the Studio Tech foundation I tried. I’m looking for some “best of Mac” products that I should try after I get paid. Any suggestions? What are your must-have items from Mac?
What’s your skintone? I loooove mac eyeshadows. Some of my faves are satin taupe, nylon, woodwinked, and all that glitters.
I have honey skintones (at least according to all of the products I’ve bought over the years :)). According to Mac, I’m NC40. I’ve never tried Mac eyeshadows, but I will definitely check those colors out!
Their blushes are great too! And check out the viva glam lipsticks!
Hi Terri,
I have a bunch of recs in the MAC Unsung Heroes series:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/mac-makeup/mac-viva-glam-v-an-unsung-makeup-hero/
oh this open thread is timely.
I’ve been on a bit of a online buying spree and have ended up with a stack of products that I dont really know how to use. The big one is the Smashbox anti-shine compact? How does this work? I’m downright confused. Also – illuminators. I’ve got a pair of really nice ones, one physicians formula and one givenchy, but I don’t know what the hell to do with them!
help pleas…
Hey Suzanne,
I like to put illuminators in a variety of places depending on the look I’m going for. I like to put them on my brow bones as well as my cheek bones for a glowing summery look. Or I’ve heard you cann even mix a little with your foundation for an all-over glow. You can also apply a little to the space between your nose and your top lip (I think it’s called cupids bow) and that makes your lips look fuller. Figuring out how to use new products can sometimes be the best part! Have fun!
.-= Sarah’s last blog post… Go Nude With Smashbox Sheer Colour =-.
Hi Suzanne,
I love illuminators for that glowy, J. Lo look. Pop a little along your upper cheekbones after you apply blush. 🙂
To anyone and everyone: what do you think of Dr Martens boots?
Also, does anyone know a good drugstore coral nail polish?
I really like Zoya Elise, which is a peachy-coral (http://www.artofbeauty.com/scrpt/scr.dll/Item?Item=2046&brand=1&d=Zoya_Nail_Polish_|_Elise). It is fairly inexpensive ($7 a bottle) I don’t know if it is available at drugstores though…
I’ve grown out of the traditional doc martens (yellow stitching, anyone?) but I do like the new flat heeled calf/knee high boots they do. If only they fit my massive godzilla calves.
.-= Suzanne’s last blog post… Physicians Formula- I love it when a plan comes together =-.
I love the look of them on other people. I had a pair for about a week… for some reason they killed my feet!
Maybe this is a regular topic on the Open Thread…but HG Foundations? I’m looking for a medium coverage liquid foundation with a semi-matte finish. What do people think of MUFE HD? Armani Luminous Silk?
Firefly–a good dugstore option for brights like coral is Wet n Wild WetShine. 99 cents! It resists chipping better than I thought and has a nice glossy finish!
I really love Lancomes Tiente Idole foundation.. It stays on the skin wonderfully all day–without having to worry about setting with powder–at least in my case. The finish is semi-matte IMO. I feel like this foundation doesn’t get enough credit in the beauty community!
I’ve been wanting to try that one out. Thanks for the mini-review!
I love MUFE face and body!!
Hi Shirley,
I love Laura Mercier Oil-Free. It builds well, looks great in photos and doesn’t break me out.
Hey everyone! Just wanted to share my beauty haul for the week. I bought Laura Mercier’s oil-free tinted moisturizer; I have combination skin, and I love it so far! One thing I hated about Nars Sheer Glow is that it emphasizes the oilyness of my t-zone so much! I also bought the famous Mac All that Glitters eyeshadow.. I’m iffy about it–i like the colour, but I’m wondering if its almost too bronzy for me! Hmmm.. Lastly, I bought Diorshow mascara on a whim-its always a good mascara to have for full, fluttery lashes. Any beauty hauls for you guys this week? Or excited to buy from any upcoming products? I for one am DYING to get my hands on UD’s Fall Naked palette! Makeup heaven for me hehe…
That sounds like quite a beauty haul! I’m trying to work through some of the makeup I have, but I’m heading to my Clinique counter at Macy’s to buy some Lash Power mascara and maybe browse the makeup department to see what looks good. I also want to get Deborah Lippman’s “Makin’ Whoopee” when I get paid; it’s the perfect summer polish.
Ooh I want that naked palette also! I just got a new cheek stain from tarte and one of the new benefit palettes!
I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Benefit Scene Queen pallette. Ever since it was featured here I have been absolutely itching to buy it!
.-= Sarah’s last blog post… Go Nude With Smashbox Sheer Colour =-.
Yay! You will <3 it!
Hi Haley,
That’s my all time fave tinted moisturizer! 🙂
Speaking of mascara, I’ve been super obsessed with YSL Faux Cils as of late. Have you tried it?
LOL Makin’ Whoopee is such a funny name! Ill need to google that polish to see what kind of colour matches that name..
And I would like to try Tarte’s cheek stains, the application makes me a little iffy though.
I’m more into the Sunday Funday Palette, although I own most of the items other than the shadows.. So it would be pretty pointless for me to buy!
And Karen, I’m SO glad I bought it! Its worth the money. As for the Faux Cils mascara, I heard so many good reviews about it and decided to purchase it–which is great…except if you’re dumb like me and buy the wrong one!!!! I ended up giving it to my mom, but I’m hoping one day I might cross paths with that mascara 😉
It kills me to pay that much for TM, but it really is the best one out there.
Oh, Tarte’s cheek stains are super each to use! Just apply and then blend with your fingers.
Don’t tempt me, Karen, because God knows I WILL buy it now, LOL. And ill check them out next time I hit up sephora 😉
Hey Karen and hey ladies! 🙂
The Hubs and I went for a walk and now im having a bowl of oatmeal as I type this up. We already had our big meal for the day at lunch, hence the oatmeal.
Karen, your trip and anniversary meal looks awesome! 🙂
I read somewhere up there about shopping for hubbies – I hear ya, ladies. The Hubs is impossible to shop for. Hes very laid back and doesnt really dress up (doesnt need to for his job, IT environment = casual), is very picky about perfume, and says he doesnt need anything else. What is a girl to do??? 😀
Beauty wise, other than waiting for some MSFs from In The Groove, im trying to be good. Still on the hunt for a good foundation that wont oxidize on me … 🙂
Hi Nina,
Ooh, what did y’all have for lunch? I just got back from the movies… I watched Eclipse, and it was all sorts of painful!
El Hub is the same way. I wish I could buy him a couple of shirts and call it a day, but he’s not really a clothes horse. I still have NO IDEA what to get him!
I started fishing about to find out what I can buy him that he will use and like … and came up with NOTHING! 😛
We made steaks – got some TBones (not the healthiest cut, I know) from Costco. I ate around 1/3 of my huge steak! 😀 Made some macaroni salad for the side ….
Uh oh — its sad that Eclipse was painful. I was wanting to see it but just might wait for it to come out on DVD. Wont even buy it, ill redbox it! 🙂
NOM! I’m not a big steak person, but I love the smell of it cooking. Macaroni salad sounds good right now…
Did you watch the first two? Out of the three it was the least painful.
The macaroni salad recipe was one I persuaded an ex co worker to give me … its a sure hit all the time! 🙂
The Hubs is the steak eater in the house… I almost always eat 1/3 of it and leave the rest in the refrigerator for sandwiches.
Hmmm … The first was okay, the 2nd was a bit better. This last one … im afraid to watch!
Hi Karen!
The lake is beautiful! It looks like a nice place in the spring.
I painted my nails yesterday and I actually like the nail art I did. I’ll have to take some photos tonight and upload onto Facebook so you can see.
I haven’t done much today. I went to my grandparent’s house yesterday for the fourth of July. I just watched a 20/20 special on Katie Piper, the UK model who had sulfuric acid thrown on her face and chest, I had recorded. I managed to hold myself together and not cry but it was hard. Her story is touching. She’s such a brave, inspiring and pretty person, on the inside and out.
Hi Kate & Zena,
What kind of nail art did you do? I can’t wait to see it.
BTW, I’ve been meaning to thank you for sending me your chicken recipe. I got it a while back, but haven’t had the chance to email you back.
I didn’t catch the Katie Piper special on 20/20, but I have read about her story before. She’s a fighter.
You’re welcome. Have you tried it yet? I finally got a chance to put it away in the recipe box (I kept it out since I was making it so much.) I think he’s tired of it finally. Now his meal of choice is the beef stir-fry and rice recipe I made practically all summer of 2008.
I hadn’t heard of Katie Piper until I saw the special was going to be on on Friday. In 2008, I was too busy working on my own issues and starting college so I wasn’t paying attention to the news really.
Here’s the nail art I did. I’m still figuring out how to take nail swatches on my camera; it’s harder than it looks. Nail Art Attempt #1
Pretty! Were you able to do the pattern on both hands?
I was! Ironically my right hand looks better than my left hand and I’m right-hand dominant. I guess it shouldn’t be that unusual since I can grip equally well with both hands as my mom made me work that side.
Hey Ladies!
I wanted to know if anyone has tried Clinique’s Anti-Puff Eye Roller? I’ve been *eyeing* it for a while now and wondered if it works to reducee dark circles. Mine aren’t terrible but I like the idea of a product that’ll reduce them as long as it works.
.-= Sarah’s last blog post… Go Nude With Smashbox Sheer Colour =-.
Hi Sarah,
Ooh, are you referring to the All About Eyes Serum in the peach tube? I reviewed it a while bakc:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/product-reviews/i-only-have-eyes-for-clinique-all-about-eyes-serum/
Thanks so much Karen! Your review was very informative! I should have known you had already reviewed it here 🙂
.-= Sarah’s last blog post… Go Nude With Smashbox Sheer Colour =-.
Hey ladies!
I just got back from the movies. I watched Eclipse… has anybody else seen it? What did you think?
As attractive as I find robbie p (yes thats my secret nickname for him lol) I cannot bear to sit through those movies. I have attempted to find several reasons why so far no dice. lol
Oh it was BEYOND painful. Out of the three movies, though, this one was by far the best. I think the director did the best that he could with what he had.
I’m so glad you guys agree! My fam was eating it up.. They loved it! It was difficult for me to watch–mainly due to the weak plotline and terrible acting. I agree Karen; the director did the best he could to what he was dealt! There was actually some excellent cinematography in the movie, surprisingly.
True Blood > Twilight
Oh yes, especially the sweeping scenes featuring the natural landscape. I loved those.
I did feel there were one too many static, tight face shots. I wanted more movement.
I noticed that too, actually! They dragged out the dialogue scenes, I guess to emphasize the emotion, though there wasn’t too much to account for… And the long shots were gorgeous!
I just couldn’t stop staring at the whites of the actor’s eyes during those tight shots!
BTW, are you a photographer? It was only when I started getting into photography when I started paying close visuals in movies (I used to only really pay close attention to the written elements — dialogue, plot, etc.).
I can’t wait to watch Eclipse but Kristen Stewart kinda spoils it for me. I read all the books and she is just not how I pictured Bella, plus her acting is bad its like she in a rush all the time.
Hey ladies and Karen ( who’s blog I’ve been secretly stalking on and off for the last two years lol),
I’ve recently upped my makeup collection and I was wondering if anyone else has ever had the same problem. How does one manage to find a place to store all their makeup? I’m slighty* OCD and in the mornings I have to either have all my makeup in one place and organized or else I get nothing done.
So i was wondering if anyone has any ideas on storing or how to deal with the urge to buy several highlighters when you’ve already got several brand new tubes at home. lol
Storage is always a tricky issue … ive been wanting to keep it small so the Hubs doesnt get an idea of just how much ive accumulated since last year (when I got into make up)… so I started with those little Sterilite drawers. Then I got the bigger Sterilite drawer, so for a while I had 2 baby ones and 1 regular sized one.
But I really, really needed the space so one day, I just went into Joanns (craft store) and got a craft drawer. Its got 5 drawers and now my makeup isnt all cramped up! 🙂
Inside the drawers of the craft drawer, I have little baskets or those cutlery organizers so that the stuff inside is neat and perfectly lined up. I like to line the bottom of my drawers with those cabinet liners that I get from Target so they dont roll and slide around. OCD? Yep. 😀
Hi Kiana,
I put a lot of stuff in labeled, clear plastic bags. It’s cheap, and I can find what I need immediately. It’s not very cute though. 🙁
I also use clear shoe boxes, too. Again, they’re clear so I can find what I need; plus, I like how I can stack them on top of each other.
Hi,
Thanks you guys! These tips have been a total help. Now off to the crafts store! ^-^
I finally let myself cry in a long time & I didn’t stop for two hours until I passed out. I woke up only to find my eyes were swollen & puffy as if I stupidly injected botox onto my eyelids! It’s like all the fat in my body went straight to my eyes!! I’ve tried using ice cubes, eye masks, eye cream but the swelling hasn’t gone away. I now have 4 eyefolds on one lid & 2 on the other… I look like a beast 😐
Does anyone have a secret remedy to depuff the eyes in major situations like this??
Time and a cold compress. Do you have any bags of frozen vegetables around? Those are great!
I only have a pound of frozen strawberries in the freezer, no veggies! I’m going to settle with a iced spoons & 12 hours of sleep. That is… after I have a giant slice of white chocolate rasberry cake & half a bowl of strawberries ;P
Well, sometimes that just hits the spot, right?
Tomorrow is a new day. 🙂
I’ve had those sessions before! The best combo I’ve found is two Benedryl, drinking at least one bottle of water, and using an ice pack wrapped in a few paper towels that can conform to the contours of your eyes for ten minute intervals. You ice for ten minutes, you rest for twenty and you repeat. The Benedryl helps depuff from the inside, the water rehydrates you (dehydration = puffy eyes) and the ice pack depuffs from the outside. Crying is physically draining and dehydrates your body; you faint not only from physical exhaustion, but also from dehydration. Just trying to fix the outside isn’t going to make the swelling go away. You need to rehydrate your body.
By the way, packages of frozen peas are the best because they’re small and can conform to those contours! Even if you don’t like peas (ugh, peas), keep a bag or two in the freezer.
Random Q: What did you have for dinner tonight?
I had movie popcorn…
Steak and broccolini, followed by a little chocolate and the enormous piece of lime cake that I am currently nomming!
.-= Amber’s last blog post… Lime cake with lime sugar glaze =-.
YUM, I want to eat dinner at your house! I am challenged in the cooking dept, so meal times here are, uhm, an experience.
Good food can be really, really easy! Believe me, we are always too tired to make complicated meals but we LOVE to eat.
I marinate the steak a few hours and then cook it low (like 30% of the way between low and high) in a skillet for 20-30 minutes (depending on how done you like it). The broccolini you can baste with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic and bake on a cookie sheet at 425 for 8-10 minutes. You can cook asparagus exactly the same way!
.-= Amber’s last blog post… Lime cake with lime sugar glaze =-.
What do you marinate it in? I’m not a big meat eater, but El Hub is, and I think it would be nice to make him a nommy steak every once in a while.
My favorite steak marinade is a splash of olive oil, a splash of balsamic, and about twice as much soy sauce (you don’t need measurements, you can’t mess this up). A good sprinkle of black pepper, as much garlic as you like (you can even cheat and use powdered if you just don’t feel like chopping or pressing garlic), and plenty of rosemary (dried or fresh, no problem). I like ~3 hours marination time for a tender cut like filet, 5+ for a tougher cut. You can do it in a plastic bag and just rub it a little halfway through the alloted time to make sure both sides get covered, or use a covered bowl and flip the steak. My mom isn’t a big steak fan either, but even she loves this. The most important thing is cooking it slow and low.
Or if you are really exhausted, you can’t go wrong sticking the steak in a nice merlot or cabernet for a few hours. Throw some pepper and garlic on there and call it good!
.-= Amber’s last blog post… Lime cake with lime sugar glaze =-.
My sister is a yummy cook, and she makes super steaks…her secret? Marinating in Maggi! Honest! 🙂
I had Stouffer’s Fettuccine Alfredo, Dinner in 5 minutes!
Just got done watching the movie Leap Year (loved the romantic cuteness of it) and wanted to check the open thread….my stomach feels blech because of my late night noshing of some sour patch watermelon candies I ate during the movie lol Is anyone anticipating MAC’s In the Groove collection? I’ve got my eye on the mineralize skinfinish Stereo Rose. Sources say this repromote will be hot on the shelves. Thoughts anyone?
Yum, Mushroom Risotto. I love risotto but last time I tried making it turned out way too dry. I finished reading book 2 of the Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and I can’t wait to read book 3 when it comes out in August. I am now finishing up the last book in the Uglies series as well but I like the Hunger Games trilogy way better. Karen, you have great taste in books. Any new recommendations?
.-= amy’s last blog post… Great for Light Makeup- NARS Skin Softening Milk Cleanser =-.
I START LAW SCHOOL IN A MONTH AND A HALF ZOMG! I wonder if I’ll even have time for beauty blog perusing?! Well, I’ll make time for this blog that’s for damn sure! I’m sad to have to move for law school, I live in a freaking converted firestation built in 1886, it’s big and beautiful and high ceilings and central air…. sigh
In beauty related Jenna news- I really want the By Candlelight MSF. I’m hoping to see a full review of it before its released and sold out quickly (hint, hint).
Karen, your lakeside mini-break looks awesome!
And I love the look of that mushroom risotto.
I’m having a bit of a beauty dilemma.
I’m going on my first international holiday (as an adult) and have no idea how I’m going to prioritise and pack all the essentials, beauty and grooming-wise!
And I’m going to Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong in September (for two weeks) which means hot and humid.
I’ve read your travel tips (and lots from other bloggers) and I’m still struggling.
I know I have a couple of months, but hey, a girl’s gotta prioritise!
Anyone got some great ideas to share?
The international regulations for in-flight liquids is already freaking me out!
🙂
Hi Juji,
I’m Malaysian 🙂 Let’s see if I can be of help:
For Malaysia/Singapore you’ll need a good pair of sandals or flat shoes (especially if you plan to walk a lot). Consider a cardigan if you’re going to be in malls/cinemas/buildings because the air conditioning indoors can be quite cold (most air conditioners go as low as 16 C). If you’re afraid of the sun, I’d recommend a hat of some sort and definitely sunglasses. Malaysia and Singapore are very warm, so shorts/skirts are a good option (or capris/pedal pushers). You may find jeans a bit uncomfortable.
As for sunscreen, it depends on how sensitive your skin is. I grew up in Malaysia so I don’t use much sunscreen (because I just switch from car to building and building to car) apart from the 1 teaspoon I apply for my face before leaving the house. If you burn easily, then do use sunscreen.
My makeup melts easily in Malaysia so I use a primer with foundation – otherwise it’s just tinted moisturizer and a bit of concealer. I carry a lot of oil blotters and tissues if I’m walking around the city.
Regarding the in-flight liquids restriction… pre-pack them in a ziploc bag and just chuck that through customs. Lip glosses, the tiny tubes of hand cream – those are fine. The rule is < 100ml. I try to carry 1 50 or 75ml deodorant, a packet of wet wipes, some moisturiser, concealer and powder.
Hope this helps 🙂 Enjoy your trip and please eat a Nasi Lemak and drink a Teh Tarik for me when you're in Malaysia!
.-= Fieran's last blog post… Making Gyoza – Food for The Soul =-.
Thanks for the tips Fieran, you’re a star!
Actually, my family is Malaysian – but I was born in Australia, and thus am completely uninitiated! I’ve been to Malaysia once when I was a kid, but my (beauty) needs have changed since then 🙂
I plan to have more than my fair share of Nasi Lemak, don’t worry !
.-= Juji’s last blog post… Dinner with A -amp T =-.