January 2014 Gourmet Taste Trunk {Unboxing and Review}

Time to unbox my January Gourmet Taste Trunk.  For those who are new to my blog (you can see my other Taste Trunk posts here) or haven't heard of Taste Trunk, let me briefly introduce the subscription.

Each month Taste Trunk offers four main trunk themes: the Gourmet Trunk, the Health Trunk, the Sweet Trunk, and the BBQ Trunk which each retail for $29.00 (plus $5.99 shipping) and include "5-10 products, discount coupons, backgrounds on companies and amazing recipe ideas."

Additionally, they also offer two mini trunks: the Mini Sweet Trunk and the Mini-Healthy-Sweet Trunk which cost $13.99 (plus shipping) and include "3-5 handpicked items from our favorite brands."

I love Taste Trunk for the unique opportunity to try out products that I wouldn't normally have access to and to try out new brands.  The company includes really thoughtful recipe cards along with the products in the monthly trunks which makes trying out new ingredients, recipes, and techniques a delight!

My January Gourmet Taste Trunk included the following products:

Sticky Fingers Bakeries - Wild Blueberry Muffins ($5.99/18 oz.)

"Sticky Fingers Bakeries offers the irresistible taste and aroma of fresh-baked goods in just minutes.  Our quick and easy premium mixes contain no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, trans-fats or saturated fats."

These were delicious!  The mix was quick and convenient to use and the muffins rose beautifully, had a lovely texture and a bright, fresh flavor.  I was really impressed with this mix!

Kozlowski Farms - Apple Butter ($6.25/10 oz.)

"No refined sugar is added to our Apple Butter, only the natural sweet flavor of apples is used for sweetness.  This smooth butter spreads delightfully over crackers, toast, pancakes, french toast, waffles or bagels and cream cheese.  Try over smoked sausage or pork, too."

I really appreciate the all-natural, quality ingredients in this product.  I imagine this will be delicious spread on homemade biscuits and I'm curious to pair it with pork as well.

Kowlowski Farms - Raspberry & Roasted Chipotle Grilling & Dipping Sauce ($6.95/13.25 oz.)

"Our family has a long tradition of cooking with sweet red raspberries.  When we discovered how perfectly they paired with the mild heat and rich smokiness of chipotle peppers, we knew we had a grill sauce worthy of the best wine country cookouts."

The recipe card included to accompany this sauce is for Chipotle Meatballs, which sound like a unique and delicious appetizer!  I'll probably set this aside for use while entertaining.

Cucina & Amore - Potato Gnocchi ($1.85/14.1 oz.)

"These delicate potato pasta dumplings have been a staple of northern and southern Italian cooking since the 19th century.  Incredibly versatile, gnocchi can be enjoyed with thick cream and cheese-based sauces or light tomato and oil-based sauces."

Hubby and I both love gnocchi, so this is sure to be a hit.  I do tend to prefer splashing out for fresh gnocchi when possible, as I find the texture of packed gnocchi to be a little gummy at times.  I'm curious to try this offering from Cucina & Amore to see how it compares to other brands I've tried.

Himalayan Salt Block - 4" x 8" x 1" (approximately $18.00 in value)

"This is a fabulous tile made of Himalayan Salt that can actually be used for enhancing the taste of hot or cold foods."

I've been curious about cooking with salt blocks, but haven't never tried it myself.  They aren't something I would be likely to splurge on, so I'm excited to see one included in my Trunk this month.  While the size of this block is fairly modest, it'll be good for experimenting with one or two portion sizes of meat, etc.  I'm most excited to try this on the grill once the weather warms up.

Total box value: approximately $39.04

I think this is one of my favorite Taste Trunks I've received to date.  I'm really happy with the size, variety, and quality of products in my January trunk.

Long Boy "Burgers"

I pinned this recipe for Long Boy "Burgers" two years ago.  I'm not really sure what took me so long to finally make it, but I'm glad I did.  These "burgers" are what you might expect if meatloaf and a burger had a baby.  The result is an open-faced long burger with the texture and moistness of a great meatloaf.  They're fairly quick and easy to throw together making them great for lunch or a weeknight meal.

I think the recipe lends well to adjustments, so I'd encourage making any changes that may sound pleasant to you.  I actually scaled back the original recipe by a third (the original recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs. of ground beef and I only had 1 lb. on hand) and it turned out great.  Next time I make these I may try making an Italian version with bread crumbs in place of the cornflakes, marinara instead of ketchup, and mozzarella subbed for the cheddar.

If you're looking for a new twist on burger night, give these a try!

Long Boy "Burgers"
adapted from Sunshine and Bones
serves 2-4

2 (6-inch) sub rolls, split in half lengthwise
heaping 3/4 cup cornflakes, crushed
1 teaspoon minced onions
1/3 cup whole milk
3 tablespoons ketchup, plus more for topping
2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2/3 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
1/3 teaspoon garlic powder
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 lb. lean ground beef (I used 90/10)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Adjust the oven rack to the upper-middle position and preheat oven to 450°.

Bake the sub rolls cut side up on a wire rack placed inside a baking sheet until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the cornflakes, minced onions, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic powder, egg, salt and pepper.  Add the meat and gently knead until well combined.

Top the toasted rolls with the meat mixture, making sure to spread the mixture to the edges of the rolls, creating a meat layer of even thickness.  Brush the top of the mixture with additional ketchup* and bake until the meat registers 160°, 25-30 minutes.  Top burgers with the shredded cheese and continue to bake an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese melts.  Let the burgers cool for 5 minutes, then enjoy!

*According to my hubby, barbecue sauce also makes a delicious topping for these burgers.

January 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag

The January 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag was named "19 Reasons" in honor of the various brands included in the month's bags encouraging "19 reasons to make it an amazing new year, a million reasons to be a beautiful new you!"

My January Glam Bag included the following samples:

Sexy Hair - Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave in Conditioner ($17.95/8.5 oz)
The Sexy Hair Healthy Sexy Hair Tri-Wheat Leave in Conditioner is a powerful combination of Soy and Cocoa work synergistically to perfectly care for your hair!  A conditioner that is both a nourishing moisturizer and mild protein reconstructor and safe to use on color-treated hair.

Sample size: 1.7 oz
Sample value: $3.59

This is actually a product that has been in my rotation for about a year now.  I have fairly fine, straight, hair; I use this Leave in Conditioner on wet hair after showering.  I mainly utilize it as a detangler, though I do notice it does in part some subtle moisture as well.  While I do enjoy this product, I don't notice that it's any more effective than other products of this type.  I'll probably set aside this sample for use while traveling.

Épicé - Purifying Exfoliant ($32.00/3.3 oz)
A unique exfoliant which removes excess dirt and dead skin cells all while activating collage production and hydrating your skin.  This moisture rich formula utilizes mild, non-irritating and anti-bacterial cleansers which microfine polyspheres which enhances skin texture and clarity for a clean, fresh appearance.

Sample size: 1 oz
Sample value: $9.70

I haven't used physical exfoliants regularly on my face in about a year.  I prefer a chemical exfoliant like the Paula's Choice RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment with 10% AHA that does a fantastic job of exfoliating while being gentle on the skin.  I've tested this product on my hand and it seems like it will be fairly effective while still gentle; the exfoliating particles are extremely fine yet plentiful and remind me of the rice bran particles in the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant suspended in a cleanser.  This is a pretty generous sample and I'll keep it on hand in the shower for mornings when my skin looks a little dull, but it won't be replacing my favorite exfoliant anytime soon.

Proactiv+ - Mark Fading Pads (individual price unknown; only sold as a kit)
The Proactiv+ Mark Fading Pads are a convenient, single-use, no-rinse peel pad that can instantly boost your skin's glow and radiance.  The pads help remove dead skin cells to unclog pores and remove dull layers to reveal new, smoother, more even toned skin.

Sample size: 4 pads
Sample value: unknown, approximately $2 (estimating about $0.50/each)

Like many Proactiv products, these Mark Fading Pads can only be purchased as part of a full kit which immediately disappointed me a little seeing these sampled in my bag this month.  That aside, I'm curious to try these.  I really like that they're individually wrapped which makes them convenient to use (and great for traveling).  The details of this product remind me a lot of the Paula's Choice RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment with 10% AHA, which makes me optimistic that I'll love these.  While my favorite Paula's Choice product contains 10% glycolic acid, these Proactiv+ Mark Fading Pads have 5% glycolic acid and the added benefit of 2% salicylic acid to clear pores.

Elizabeth Mott - Smooth Shadow ($14.99/1.5 g)
The ultimate gel pencil that's smooth like butter and packed with deliciously creamy colors.  These velvety pencils glide on with ease, and contain just enough shimmer.  They're also waterproof and perfect to wear all day and night, a must have for all color lovers!

Sample size: 0.7 g
Sample value: $7.00

This Smooth Shadow pencil in Pearl was the product that excited me the most initially when I opened my Glam Bag this month.  I've been on the hunt for a light flesh-toned pencil for brightening my waterline.  I've tried out the Rimmel Scandaleyes in Nude, which has a great formula but was just too dark and yellow for my skintone.  This shade is light and bright, with a subtle glimmer to open the eye.  I haven't worn this for a full day yet, so I can't speak to how long wearing it is, but the initial effect is pretty though very subtle.  I'm not sure if it's the color or the formula, but this product doesn't show up dramatically on my waterline and the difference before and after of using the product on me is barely noticeable.  This could easily just be me though, as I find eyeliners in general don't transfer that well to my waterline.

MicaBeauty - Tinted Lip Balm ($30.00/4 g)
MicaBeauty's 24 hour Tinted Lip Balm conditions your lips without smudging while delivering sophisticated finish.  For a sheer wash of color, one swipe is all you need.  For a bolder pout, simply apply another swipe and this lip balm will create lips every woman covets.  Kiss-proof and smudge-proof!

Sample size: 2.5 g
Sample value: $18.75

While I find the color of this MicaBeauty Tinted Lip Balm (Natural) to be very pretty, the formula disappoints me.  It claims to be kiss-proof and smudge-proof, but I don't find it to be even remotely long-wearing.  It never sets on my lips and easily smudges and wears off.  For a "Lip Balm" it's not moisturizing either, so it really just functions as very slippery, slightly sheer lipstick.  If I layer the product on thick, it ends up looking rather odd: uneven and caky.  I'm just not loving the formula though the shade is beautiful.

{Swatches of the Elizabeth Mott Smooth Shadow in Pearl and MicaBeauty Tinted Lip Balm in Natural}

Total bag value: approximately $41.04

I'm not overly fond of my January Ipsy Glam Bag contents.  This month's bag itself smelled rather cheap and plastic and unfortunately the products I received didn't impress me much either.

January 2014 Birchbox

The Birchbox philosophy for January 2014 is Go Time.  "This year, we're flipping resolutions on their head.  Forget giving things up--in 2014, we're taking on more: more things to try, to conquer, to integrate into our lives.  New products--in the form of this month's samples--are just the beginning."

I was really excited to see some fresh, new-to-Birchbox brands in this month's box!  Having been subscribed to Birchbox for nearly three years and a few other beauty subscriptions along the way, I've gotten a little exhausted seeing the same brands repeated time and again, month after month.  Seeing a fresh new selection of products for the start of 2014 is exciting!

My January 2014 Birchbox included the following samples:

100% Pure - Fruit Pigmented Mascara ($18.00/0.24 oz)
All-natural lash-conditioning wonder that thickens and lengthens with real fruit pigments.

Sample size: 0.1 oz
Sample value: $7.50

I've heard great things about this mascara recently from a couple of beauty YouTubers.  I was excited to see it included in my box this month!  I haven't tried this out yet, but the formula looks incredibly black and it smells delicious (like blackberries).

Fekkai - Brilliant Glossing Créme ($19.99/4 oz)
Rich in olive oil, this creamy frizz-tamer gives strands all-day shimmer.

Sample size: 1.6 oz
Sample value: $8.00

I've wanted to try a few products from the Fekkai range for some time.  I always use some sort of leave in conditioner/oil/etc. for adding softness and preventing frizz.  I'm looking forward to trying this out; it has great reviews, so I'm sure I'll love it!

Nail Rock - Nail Sequin ($7.00/0.34 oz)
The UK brand's two-step system for the world's brightest disco-ball mani.

Sample size: 0.34 oz
Sample value: $7.00

I think this product is a really fun concept.  I'm not the biggest fan of wearing a full glitter mani (I tend to prefer cream polishes with the occasional subtle glitter accent nail), so I'm not sure I'll get much use out of this.  However, I am intrigued by the Nail Velvet offered by the same line.  At only $7.00 for the polish/velvet set, I'm considering adding that to my next Birchbox shop purchase.

Paula's Choice - RESIST Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum ($26.95/1 oz)
Water-based antiaging serum that normalizes skin and tightens pores.

Sample size: 0.17 oz
Sample value: $4.58

I'm thrilled that Birchbox is now carrying some of the Paula's Choice line!  As I've shared before on the blog, I cannot live without the RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment with 10% AHA.  I have not tried the RESIST Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum before and am thrilled to have the chance.  It's water-based and light enough for those with combination and/or oily skin, which is perfect for me.

Ahmad Tea London - Assorted Teas ($7.00/40 bags)
Beat the winter chill with tasty blends from a Buckingham Palace-approved British Brand.

Sample size: 3 bags
Sample value: $0.53

I'm not the biggest tea drinker.  I do love chai and fruity herbal teas, but I'm always curious to try other teas to see what else I may enjoy.  I love that Birchbox included three different flavors to try as this month's Lifestyle Extra.  Looking forward to brewing a cup later today!

Total box value: $27.61

Overall, I'm really happy with my box this month!  I'll probably end up passing the Nail Rock on to a friend, but all the other products are fantastic and products I'm genuinely thrilled to try!  Good job, Birchbox, starting 2014 off with a bang!

New Years Resolutions

I've been quiet around the blog the past couple of weeks, but I'm back today and I wanted to share a little bit about my goals for 2014.  I'm not normally one to make a big fuss about New Years, setting some unattainable resolution(s) on January 1st, only to fail or forget about them before spring even arrives.  While I don't plan to make any bold, set-in-stone resolutions for 2014, I do have some modest, general goals that I've set for myself.

I feel like I'm in a sort of transitional period in my life.  I'll be turning 27 this year, finally feel like a bonafide adult, and am feeling the pressure to accomplish a few things that are important to me before I hit the big 3-0.  Naturally there are a few goals I'd like to meet this year to nudge me along the path to being the successful woman I'd like to become.

In general, I'm going to wholeheartedly focus this year on growing my jewelry business and this blog.  While I've been running a business since 2006 and this blog since 2008, I've really let my shyness and insecurities hold me back from going places over the years.  While working on the shyness is going to be a lifelong process, I have resolved to be more diligent with updating my online shop, posting here on the blog, and generally giving my businesses my all.

I started working with a graphic designer last fall to brand my businesses and create a new website/blog.  While the work isn't entirely in my hands, I'm hoping the whole process will be complete before year's end.  I think the pick-me-up in branding will help establish a recognizable look for my business and blog and create a more professional appearance overall.

This year I'm making some investments to expand my skills and to improve my craft.  After years of wanting to take up metalsmithing, I've finally splurged on some of the basic tools I needed to do so.  I'm also in the process of learning mold-making and resin casting so I can begin reproducing the vintage flowers that I so dearly love to use in my designs.  These are two new skills that I've wanted to learn for some time, but I'm thrilled to finally take the leap.  As these new skills elevate my work, I'm going to apply for a few more prestigious art/craft shows this year.

As far as life in general is concerned, I'm hoping that I can make some advancements this year in being a more organized, productive person overall.  Again, no set-in-stone resolutions as far as this is concerned, but I'd like to feel a little more put together come 2015.


I can already say I'm well underway working on accomplishing my "learn to metalsmith" resolution.  I've started making some simple, slim sterling silver textured stacking rings which are now available in my Etsy shop for purchase.

These sterling silver stack rings have really sparked a major passion and I'm excited to learn more techniques in metal.  I hand form, solder, hammer, and polish each of these rings by hand.  The entire process is utterly thrilling and addicting.  As I'm able, I plan to expand my collection of metalsmithing tools so I can continue to explore new techniques and projects.  This is just the beginning!


I'd love to know what you goals and resolutions are for 2014.  Any tips on staying motivated when your resolutions are less-than fun?