Banana Oat Breakfast Muffins

When I was in school, breakfast always meant a cereal bar or a bowl of microwave oatmeal if I was lucky. Now I have time for homemade eggs and toast, but my boyfriend's schedule is a bit more hectic. He rushes off each morning and usually skips breakfast entirely. These Banana Oat Muffins are a great, healthy solution. They are easy to make, as long as you add the oats about a cup at a time, and easy to grab on the go.

Skin Care

{Tweezerman Mini Slant Tweezers, Clinique 7 Day Scrub, Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, Clarifying Lotion 3, Mild Liquid Facial Soap, & Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser}

I had planned to do an entire post on all of my "Beauty Favorites," but it became just a bit too long! So I have split it up into my skin care, hair care, nail care, and makeup favorites.

The prep work to makeup is just as important as the makeup itself! I've found that it's best not to have pimples to cover up in the first place. I have been using Clinique's 3-Step skincare for years, at my Mom's recommendation. I use their mild facial soap, number 3 toner, and I much prefer the moisturizing gel to the lotion. It feels light and helps give that fresh dewy look.

 Throughout the week I often mix in a couple nights use of the Foaming cleanser and one night of the scrub. Clinique recommends using the full three steps after the scrub or foaming cleanser, but I have found this too drying and usually just skip right to moisturizing after. I also use my slanted tweezers to shape up my brows about once per week after washing my face with warm water. This opens the pores causing less irritation from plucking. I then continue with my toner to close the pores and moisturize to sooth.
 

{ Burt's Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion, Herbal Blemish Stick, & Honey Lip Balm}

When I inevitably do get a pimple I use the Burt's Bees herbal blemish stick after washing my face at night. For body moisturizing I love Burt's Bees Nourishing Milk and Honey Lotion. It has a slight tint to it from the honey and evens out the tone of my legs after shaving. I've also come to love their Honey Lip Balm. It soothes my lips naturally and doesn't contain any drying alcohols like many other chapsticks surprisingly do. I have a tube of this near my bed at night, in my makeup bag, and in the front pocket of my purse for the winter season!

Bar Cart

Our new apartment has a small 3 foot wall separating the living room and the hallway that leads to the bedrooms and bathroom. Although great for hiding the bathroom, the wall created a big blank space in the living room. There was too much space between the couch, which we centered on the longest wall, and the hall wall to put only an end table.

 

Once I spotted this tool cart on Craigslist for only $35, I knew the awkward area would be perfect for a bar cart with some industrial character! I plan to spray paint it a golden yellow color as spring approaches, to match the accents in the rest of our living room. I found the beer mugs at Goodwill for only $3.00, the mini glass decanters with wood stoppers at West Elm for $13.95 with 20% off and their college discount, the "ICE" tongs from CB2 for $4.95, and the rest of the items are pulled from around the house.

 

All we need to do is stock up on classic liquors and get some art up on the walls and we will be hosting our first sophisticated "adult" party!

 

Date Night

Brandy Melville Tank, Madewell Blazer, American Apparel Skirt, Madewell Flats, Kate Spade Anisha Bag, J.Crew Necklace (old, but loving this one), Kate Spade Earrings, Vintage Ring from my Grandma, Ray Ban Wayfarers, Nails seen here (link to tutorial)

 

I've always loved how a good blazer can make a casual outfit feel a little more fancy. This mix of  comfortable cottons and flats with my new Madewell blazer, purchased for only $50, proved to be perfect for our walking date and dinner in St. Augustine. With a little bit of jewelry and embellished pearl nails, this struck the perfect balance of casual elegance.