Peanut Butter Bomb Brownies

I've been following a strict Paleo "diet" the past few weeks and have really missed traditional baking.  While I truly do love the taste of a lovingly crafted homemade baked good, a huge part of my love for baking is really just the process of transforming sugar and flour into something beautiful and drool-worthy.  My husband and I both work primarily from home, so I don't have the opportunity to bake for coworkers or other folks too often.  Thus, I was in serious baking withdrawal.

Then Super Bowl comes along.  Now, I couldn't care less about football and it's been nearly ten years since I even watched a Super Bowl game (and then I only paid attention during the commercials and studied during the game).  Nonetheless, I married a man who loves the Super Bowl and gets rather invested in his Fantasy leagues, so every year we throw a big party on Super Bowl Sunday.

This year we went the casual route and bought some grub from hubby's favorite local BBQ joint, but I knew I wanted to bake something decadent and yummy!  A year or so ago I had seen these delicious Peanut Butter Bomb Brownies from Capital City Bakery featured on an episode of Unique Sweets.  I adored the way the bakery had decorated the brownies and couldn't get the flavor combination out of my head.  I was so excited to use Super Bowl as an excuse to finally create my own brownie inspired by the Capital City Bakery treat.

I knew I wanted to use the famous "Baked Brownie" as the base for my treat.  I've tried a handful of brownie recipes over the years, but I always come back to this one.  It's incredibly rich and chocolatey, slightly dense and fudgy, and just irresistible.  Cut yourself a piece from the middle of the pan and you'll think you died and went to heaven.  I'm drooling just thinking about it.

I chose a light and fluffy peanut butter buttercream packed with flavor: it's bold, but not overwhelming.  The frosting isn't sickeningly sweet either, which keeps the richness of the dessert balanced.  If you like the sweet, slightly salty combination of chocolate and peanut butter, you have got to try these!  While I didn't think the Baked Brownie could get any better, the buttercream takes these over the top.

As inspired by the original, I piped the buttercream on and decorated mine with mini chocolate chips, chocolate sprinkles, and a drizzle of ganache.  To save time, you could also use an offset spatula to frost the brownies before slicing.  I highly recommend the addition of the chips, sprinkles and ganache.  Not only are they a pretty addition, they add a really lovely textural experience.

Please, do yourself a favor and make these brownies!  They're going to be on my go-to list for desserts from now on.  I have some friends who are incredibly fond of peanut butter desserts and I can't wait to make these for them the next time I have a chance.

Peanut Butter Bomb Brownies
inspired by Capital City Bakery
makes 24 brownies

Ingredients

For the brownies:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons dark unsweetened cocoa powder
11 oz. dark chocolate (60 to 72% cocoa), coarsely chopped (I used these baking bars)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
5 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

For the peanut butter buttercream:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
pinch of salt
1/4 cup heavy cream, more or less as needed

For the chocolate ganache drizzle:
1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
3-4 tablespoons heavy cream

mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and chocolate sprinkles, for decoration

Directions

To make the brownies:

Preheat your oven to 350°.  Butter and line a 9x13" baking pan with parchment paper, letting the extra paper stick out over the sides of the pan (this will make removal of the brownies later a breeze).

Sift together the flour, salt, and cocoa powder into a medium bowl; set aside.

Gently heat the chocolate, butter, and instant espresso powder together in a large heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate and butter are completely melted.  Turn off the heat and add the sugars, whisking for a minute or two, until completely combined.  Remove the bowl from the saucepan.

(The mixture should be room temperature or ever so slightly warm.)  Add three eggs to the chocolate mixture, whisking to combine, followed by the remaining two eggs.  Switch to a spatula and stir in the vanilla.  Lastly, sprinkle the flour mixture over the chocolate and fold it in just until the last bit of flour mixture is combined.  Do not over mix or your brownies will become cakey.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the batter with the spatula.  Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.  The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.  In my opinion, it's better to err on the side of underdone when it comes to brownies, so keep an eye out as to not over bake them.

Set the hot brownies on a cooling rack and let them cool completely before removing them from the pan.  Once cool, cut them into 24 squares and decorate.  If not cutting and decorating immediately, cover the pan of brownies with plastic wrap and store at room temperature for 1-2 days before frosting and serving.

To decorate my Capital City Bakery inspired brownies, I piped on a generous amount of the prepared peanut butter buttercream in a diagonal zig-zag motion with an Ateco 803 round tip then immediately sprinkled the tops of the brownies with mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and chocolate sprinkles.  A drizzle of chocolate ganache is the final touch.

To make the peanut butter buttercream:

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter and peanut butter on medium speed until pale and fluffy, 3-5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.  Next beat in the vanilla extract, sifted powdered sugar, salt.  Beat for a few minutes, slowly adding the heavy cream, until your desired consistency is reached.  At this point taste your buttercream.  You may want to add more powdered sugar, salt, and/or heavy cream depending on how sweet and thick you'd like your frosting.  The ratio above was perfect for me: light and fluffy, not overly sweet and slightly salty--a perfect compliment to the rich chocolate brownies.

To make the ganache:

I recommend making the ganache at the very end, once the brownies are frosted and decorated with the chocolate chips and sprinkles.

In a small microwave safe bowl, gently heat the mini chocolate chips and heavy cream over 1/2 power, stopping every 20 seconds to stir the mixture.  Only heat as long as needed to fully melt the chocolate.  You  may want to add additional cream, depending on how thin you'd like your ganache drizzle.  I added 3-4 tablespoons which yielded a ganache that eventually set slightly firm.  Next time I'll probably add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of cream for a silkier finish.

I transferred the ganache to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to make drizzling easier.  You could use a zip lock bag with the very tip cut off, or a spoon for a more rustic effect.

Sources:

Brownie adapted from Baked: New Frontiers in Baking

Buttercream loosely adapted from Cooking Classy

Ganache loosely adapted from Cooking Classy


*This post contains affiliate links.

Green Apple Breakfast Sausage

I had never attempted making my own breakfast sausage until I did a Paleo sugar detox last year.  After trying the Green Apple Breakfast Sausage from Diane Sanfilippo's 21-Day Sugar Detox, I was hooked!  I've tried a few other breakfast sausage recipes since, but this still remains my favorite.  My husband and I are both obsessed with this recipe and I almost always make a double batch because the leftovers are delicious and it doesn't last long around here.

I've made the recipe with ground pork, turkey and chicken (the photos I'm sharing today are from a batch made with chicken).  The ground pork version is my personal favorite.  It's so savory, yet slightly tart and sweet from the apples, and it's incredible.  I opt for using turkey or chicken breast if I'm wanting something a little lighter and both are delicious as well.  In theory, you could make this with any ground meat, but those are the only ones I've tried thus far.

While this recipe is Paleo and 21DSD friendly, which is definitely a perk for some, I recommend it to anyone looking for a good breakfast sausage recipe.  While it's obviously wonderful for breakfast, I really enjoy it anytime of day (hence why I always make a big batch to have leftovers).  I particularly enjoy it served with a side of mashed cauliflower and steamed broccoli for lunch or dinner.

If you've never tried making your own breakfast sausage, you're really missing out!  This recipe couldn't be any easier to throw together and you'll be in full control of all the ingredients you add: no nasty fillers or preservatives.

Green Apple Breakfast Sausage
adapted from The 21-Day Sugar Detox by Diane Sanfilippo
serves 4

1 lb. ground pork, chicken, or turkey
1/2 Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced into 1/4" cubes
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds (I use whole, ground works too)
1 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
1 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon white pepper (or 1/2 teaspoon black pepper)
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon ghee, or olive oil

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, diced apple, and spices.  Mix with clean hands until the spices and apples are evenly distributed.  Divide the mixture into 8-12 even sized patties (I use a large cookie scoop to make portioning the mixture easier) and set aside.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.  Once hot, melt the ghee and place the patties in the pan in batches (do not overcrowd them).  Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until browned and a thermometer registers 165° when placed in the middle of each patty.


*This post contains affiliate links.

Paleo Chunky Sweet Potato Chili

Long time no read, eh?  I'm hoping 2015 is the year I finally find my blogging groove.  I've gone through stages of blogging whenever the mood strikes to trying to post a consistent 3-5 times as week.  I think I've come to terms that a modest posting schedule is more manageable for me right now.  So, starting today, I'm rolling out one new post every Monday morning!

Today I wanted to share one of my favorite recipes I've found since I first started exploring the Paleo diet last winter.  This Paleo Chunky Sweet Potato Chili is a recipe I adapted from Tastes of Lizzy T's and it is a big favorite around here.  Even my husband, who formerly attested that he hated any and all chili, enjoys it!  I took the original recipe and tweaked it a bit, mainly substituting beef stew meat for the ground beef to give it a hearty, chunkier consistency.  There is something so incredibly satisfying about a bowl of warm, (modestly) spicy, slightly sweet, chunky chili--especially this time of year.

This recipe is "Paleo" in that it doesn't contain any grains, legumes, dairy, etc.  You won't find any beans in this recipe, instead they've been replaced with vibrant sweet potato which pairs so beautifully with the warm spices.  This is very much a cross between a traditional chili and a beef stew and it's incredible.  It's so good, in fact, that I think it would be the perfect dish for a casual fall/winter dinner party.  It's incredibly rich and bold in flavor; the flavors are familiar yet unique enough to be memorable.  Even if you're not usually fond of chili, I implore you to give this recipe a try!

The recipe, as written, makes a ton (again, great for a dinner party).  It tastes incredible the next day (and the next) and reheats well, so I definitely recommend making the entire batch; however, you could certainly halve the recipe if you wish.  With all the cold weather we still have ahead, you'll be thankful you found this recipe!

Paleo Chunky Sweet Potato Chili

adapted from Taste of Lizzy T's
serves 8-10

1 tablespoon ghee (you could substitute coconut or olive oil)

2 lbs. beef stew meat

1 red onion, chopped

2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon tomato paste

29.5 oz. can tomato sauce

14.5 oz. can petite diced tomatoes

3 cups beef stock

2 bay leaves

½ teaspoon dried thyme

2 teaspoons salt

1 ½ teaspoons black pepper

2-3 tablespoons chili powder, more or less to taste

1/8 teaspoon oregano

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

5 small sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

Preheat oven to 350°.

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.  Add the ghee or oil and brown the meat in two-three batches; set aside.  Turn the heat down to medium and add the onion and garlic to the pan; cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.  Next add the tomato paste, and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.  Return the meat to the pot and add the remaining ingredients, except the potatoes, mix well and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Cover and cook in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 - 2 hours.  Add the potatoes and cook for an additional 45-60 minutes, until the potatoes are fork tender.

Slow Cooker Option:  Heat a large pan over medium-high heat.  Add the ghee or oil and brown the meat in two-three batches; set aside.  Turn the heat down to medium and add the onion and garlic, cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.  Next add the tomato paste, and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.  Transfer the meat, onion mixture, and all the remaining ingredients to a 6-7 quart slow cooker.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the meat and potatoes are tender.

*This post contains an affiliate link.

Holiday 2014 Etsy Sale

In honor of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, I'm offering a huge sale in my Etsy shop now through midnight (Eastern Standard Time) on Monday, December 1st!

Enter the coupon code 'HOLIDAY2014' during Etsy checkout to save 30% on all orders!

All orders come packaged in a kraft colored cotton-filled jewelry box, tied with a white satin bow, perfect for gifting!

The 2014 Bread Box Holiday Market - Last Call for Vendors!

Preparations are in full swing for the second annual Bread Box Holiday Market!  Our indie holiday shopping event featuring work from local artists, crafters, and designers was an overwhelming success last year and a huge hit with vendors and shoppers alike.  Providing a unique, thoughtfully curated selection of modern and trendy handmade goods, the Bread Box Holiday Market is your one-stop shop for local, handmade and affordable gifts this holiday season!

Come early and bring a friend.  Free swag bags will be available to the first 50 shoppers!

When:

Saturday, December 13th

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Where:

The Bread Box Studio Artists

501 West Sixth St.

Suites 180, 185

Lexington, KY 40508

(Behind West Sixth Brewing)

Are you a local maker who is interested in being a vendor at our event?  Online applications are open until midnight on November 16th!

{Birthday} Etsy Sale!

Today is my 27th birthday and to celebrate I'm offering 27% off all orders placed in my Etsy shop  throughout the day!

There is no minimum purchase required.  Simply enter the coupon code "BIRTHDAY27" during Etsy checkout to receive the discount anytime between 12:01 am and 11:59pm (EST) on June 3rd.

If you've had your eye on anything, now's the time to order!

*The discount is valid only on June 3rd.  The discount cannot be applied to previous orders and may not be redeemed for custom work.  The coupon code must be successfully entered in order to participate in the sale; no discounts will be applied after your order has been placed.

Visit my shop here:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/thatwinsomegirl

Mayfest Arts Fair

I've been quiet around the blog the last couple of months.  I've been pretty busy with orders in my Etsy shop and preparing for local shows.  This weekend is the Mayfest Arts Fair in Lexington and I've been working nonstop on new pieces for the event, including these gemstone rings--my first time making my own sterling bezel settings and setting gemstones.

They're not perfect, but I'm pretty pleased with how they turned out given I lack a lot of useful metalsmithing tools and created everything with simple hand tools.

I'll have these a lots of my other popular rings available at Mayfest this Saturday and Sunday!  I still have two more art events this month, but I hope to get back to blogging come June when my schedule (hopefully) slows down a bit.

Pizza Soup {Paleo and 21-Day Sugar Detox-friendly}

The 21-Day Sugar Detox shared the recipe for this Paleo Pizza Soup from Paleo Girl's Kitchen on their Facebook page about a week ago and, honestly, I had been dreaming of it ever since.  All of your favorite pizza toppings (sans cheese) in a bowl of warm, comforting soup.  It's Paleo and 21-Day Sugar Detox-friendly.  Comfort food without any guilt.  How could you go wrong?!

Yesterday the hubby and I did our weekly grocery shopping and I was sure to get the ingredients to make this soup.  I couldn't wait to try it, so I whipped it up that very afternoon.  Oh. my. gosh.  Best decision ever!

This is definitely a new favorite and will be in frequent rotation.  It's not the world's quickest soup, there are a few steps involved (and I even simplified the recipe a bit from the original); however, it's totally worth it!  This is just what I needed to get me through the last weeks of winter.  If you are following the 21-Day Sugar Detox and/or a Paleo diet, make sure you're mindful about checking the labels of your ingredients to make sure they're compliant.  I had to do a bit of store hopping to find appropriate Italian sausage and pepperoni (Whole Foods to the rescue).

While incredibly comforting and homey, this soup is also special enough to serve guests!  If you're not following a Paleo diet, you may find that a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a breadstick or slice of focaccia for dipping will take this over the top.  Enjoy it alone or serve it with a side salad.  You really can't go wrong with this one.

Yesterday marked the 21st and last day of my detox.  Check back later this week if you're interested in hearing my thoughts on the program, my experience, and why I plan to make this a part of my daily lifestyle for the foreseeable future.

Paleo Pizza Soup
adapted from Paleo Girl's Kitchen
serves 4-6

2 tablespoons of ghee, divided
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3 sprigs of thyme, minced
1 yellow onion, diced & divided
6 oz. can tomato paste
28 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
1/4 cup water (or beef broth)
1 red bell pepper*
1 lb. Italian sausage
14 oz. can beef broth
salt and pepper, to taste

For serving:
5 oz. pepperoni, cut into wedges
2.25 oz. can sliced black olives
red pepper flakes
fresh thyme leaves

In a large pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of ghee and add the garlic, thyme, and half of the onion.  Sauté for 3-5 minutes or until the onion is translucent.  Add the tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and water (or beef broth).  Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.  Next, puree the tomato base in a blender in two batches until completely smooth.

While the tomato base is simmering, melt the remaining tablespoon of ghee in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.  Sauté the bell pepper and remaining onion for 5 minutes.  Add the Italian sausage to the onion/pepper mixture and cook through.

Return the blended tomato base to the large pot, then add in the sausage mixture and beef broth.  Simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, or until ready to serve.  Taste and season accordingly (you may not need any salt and pepper as the ingredients will be pretty flavorful on their own).

Serve and top each individual portion with pepperoni slices, black olives, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of fresh thyme.

*The original recipe calls for 1/2 red bell pepper and 6 mushrooms.  I'm not a fan of mushrooms so I omitted them and increased the red bell pepper.


Recipe Notes:
If you aren't following The 21-Day Sugar Detox or a Paleo diet, this recipe is divine regardless.  However, feel free to substitute olive oil for the ghee.  I might also suggest serving the soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a bread stick or slice of focaccia for dipping.  YUM!

21-Day Sugar Detox and Paleo-Friendly Carnitas & Pico de Gallo

I'm nearing the end of my 21-Day Sugar Detox and I wanted to share a couple of recipes that have been long-time favorites that happen to be 21DSD and Paleo-friendly (with a few modifications on my normal serving methods).  While I have made several of the delicious recipes from the 21-Day Sugar Detox book, for most of my meals I sort of do my own thing, simply following the guidelines of approved foods.

I recently made Slow Cooker Carnitas, which have been a favorite among my husband and I (and any company I've served them to) for a few years now.  I also whipped up a batch of my favorite Pico de Gallo which I almost insist on making to enjoy with the carnitas.  Typically I'd serve the carnitas on small flour tortillas, topped with a sprinkle of freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese in addition to the pico de gallo and guacamole.  In order to make the dish 21-Day Sugar Detox and Paleo-friendly, I omitted the cheese and served mine in romaine cups.  I promise you, the carnitas are so flavorful and hearty and the pico de gallo so bright and fresh, that you won't even miss the cheese and tortillas (however, if you aren't avoiding diary or gluten, feel free to use them).

These carnitas can easily be halved or doubled to feed a crowd.  When serving company, I like to create a full spread for guests to help themselves and fix theirs however they'd like.  Fill up a big bowl with the carnitas, set out plenty of tortillas and romaine cups, bowls of freshly grated cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, and a few lime wedges.  Everyone will love you and sing your praises, I promise.  Alternately, you can chop up your romaine and serve these as a salad.

When enjoying these on my own, I like to use the Wholly Guacamole Minis which are a perfect size for one; however, when I'm serving company, I prefer to whip up a batch of my favorite Guacamole.

Slow Cooker Carnitas
adapted via All Recipes
serves 10-12

2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 lb. boneless pork shoulder roast
2 bay leaves
2 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought - check the label!)

1 fresh lime, cut into wedges for serving (optional)

In a small bowl, mix together the salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, coriander and cinnamon.  Rub the pork with the spice mixture, coating the meat evenly.  Place the bay leaves in the bottom of your slow cooker and top with the rubbed pork.  Pour the chicken broth around the pork.

Cover and cook on low until the pork easily shreds with a fork, 8-10 hours.  Once the pork has finished cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it in a large bowl.  Add 1/4-1/2 cup of the cooking liquid into the shredded meat to moisten it, as needed.

You can serve the pork immediately, or pop it under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up a bit.  I like to spread some evenly on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil to my liking.  A squirt of fresh lime juice just before serving is optional, but highly recommended.

(Any leftover pork reheats beautifully under the broiler in about 5 minutes.)

Pico de Gallo
adapted via SkinnyTaste
serves 4-6 as an appetizer, or 10-12 for topping your carnitas

4 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup white onion, finely chopped
3 small sweet peppers or 1/2 of a large bell pepper, chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
salt and pepper, to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.  For best results, allow the mixture to marinate in the fridge for a 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.  If you like your Pico de Gallo to have a kick, feel free to add a finely chopped chile pepper or jalapeño (the recipe as written is mild).

February 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag

The February Ipsy Glam Bag aimed to create a collection of "beauty goodies so good that you'll fall in love at first sight!"  Inside the hot pink and white makeup bag, I received a wide assort of beauty products and color cosmetics.

I was immediately excited about the selection of products I received as well as the shades.

My February Glam Bag included the following products:

City Color - Be Matte Blush in Fresh Melon ($2.99/8.9 g)
Available in 8 shades, this silky-smooth, highly pigmented matte blush compliments and blends evenly with your skin's natural glow.  Extremely buildable to create a subtle or dramatic look.

Sample size: 8.9 g
Sample value: $2.99

{Swatch of the City Color Be Matte Blush in Fresh Melon}

I've never seen or heard of City Color Cosmetics before receiving this blush.  From what I can tell from their website, the company just launched in 2013, so they're brand new!  I love that this blush is matte and the bright melon shade is gorgeous on my fair skin.  This blush feels incredibly smooth and swatches and blends beautifully.  I'm surprised by how high-end the formula seems considering the incredibly low price point!  I think this will become a spring staple for me.

POP Beauty - Plump Pout Mini in Peony Petal ($16.00/0.3 oz)
This plumping pout perfecter combines the high-shine of a lacquered gloss with the long wear of a stain and is packed with lip-plumping peptides and avocado and jojoba oils.  Lightweight, creamy texture immediately merges with lips & delivers intense glossy color for an extremely long-lasting finish!

Sample size: 0.14 oz
Sample value: $7.47

{Swatch of the POP Beauty Plump Pout in Peony Petal}

This product is a home run for me!  As you may be able to tell from the smudges on the wand, I've already worn this several times and I'm in LOVE.  First of all, the shade is stunning.  It feels really nourishing and comfortable on the lips yet does leave a gorgeous stain and wears for a fairly long time despite it's glossy texture.  I will definitely be purchasing this full-size once I run out of the mini and I'm curious to try some of the other shades (there are four total in the range).

Tini Beauty - Eyetini Eye Cordial Cream Shadow + Base in Ambrosa ($18.00/0.14 oz)
Say goodbye to creasing and fading with Eyetini Eye Cordial Shadow Tint & Base.  Eye Cordial's revoluntionary formula glides on beguiling creamy color and sets to a transfer-resistant finish that doubles as a wear-extending base under powder shadow.

Sample size: 0.14 oz
Sample value: $18.00

{Swatch of the Tini Beauty Eyetini Eye Cordial Cream Shadow + Base in Ambrosia}

Ambrosia is described by Tini Beauty as a "glistening plummy mauve" but I'd definitely say it leans more plummy taupe.  Either way, I think the color is quite lovely and wearable.  The product is nicely pigmented and easy to blend, leaving a wash of shimmering color on the eyes.  I've only worn this product once for about 4 hours, so I can't speak to how well it wears for a full day; however, I have extremely oily eyelids and, while most products begin creasing without a primer within a couple of hours, this Eye Cordial looked perfect after around 4 hours.  I love cream shadows for an all-over-the-lid quick wash of color when I'm in a hurry and this shade is perfect for that application.  It provides depth without being too dark and provides a nice dimension thanks to it's shimmer.

Zoya - Nail Polish in Odette ($9.00/0.5 oz)
This season's Zoya Nail Polish are full of pure pigment, intense color and modern complexity that are a perfect transition into Spring.

Sample size: 0.5 oz
Sampel value: $9.00

{Swatch of the Zoya Nail Polish in Odette}

Odette, a "sultry orchid maroon cream," is a gorgeous shade that I think will be lovely for Spring but would also be appropriate year-round.  Zoya polishes have a great formula and Odette is completely opaque in two coats.  I can't wait to wear this gorgeous shade.

Überliss - RituOil ($19.90/2 oz)
Quench your hair's thirst with the Überliss RituOil!  Engineered with a light blend of Orchid & Argan Oil, RituOil will preserve precious moisture within the hair fiber by sealing the cuticle & will safeguard it from thermal damage.  The end result will be amazingly soft, shiny, and frizz-free hair.

Sample size: 0.34 oz
Sample value: $3.38

I don't believe I've ever seen any products that utilized Orchid oil.  I'm curious to see how this compares to normal Argan Oil.  I haven't tested this out yet (I'm using up the last of a couple oils I already have open), so I can't give any first impression or reviews just yet.

Total bag value: $40.84

This is definitely one of my favorite Glam Bags as of late.  I'm really loving all the products I've tried thus far and, for me, the shades I received this month are a hit!  I have to say, Ipsy definitely delivered on the promise of "beauty goodies so good you'll fall in love at first sight."

Dove Advanced Care Anti-Perspirant Deodorant with NutriumMoisture Technology {Review}

I was recently sent the new Dove Advanced Care Anti-Perspirant Deodorant with NutriumMoisture from Influenster to test out.

The Dove Advanced Care Anti-Perspirant Deodorant claims to deliver "48-hour odor and wetness protection plus NutriumMoisture and an elegant floral scent for the ultimate care after every shave."  I've been testing out the deodorant daily for the past week and a half and I'm loving it!

I can't speak to the 48-hour odor and wetness protection claim as I don't really suffer from underarm odor or excessive sweating (unless I've been exercising or in extreme heat, which which case I certainly wouldn't wait 48 hours before a shower).  However, I've really enjoyed the "NutriumMoisture technology," which basically equates to this deodorant providing a subtle moisturization to the underarms.  I haven't experienced any discomfort or itching when using this product, even directly after shaving, which is something I had experienced in the past with previous deodorant brands.  (Prior to receiving this product for review, I was using the Dove Clear Tone Skin Renew Deodorant and really enjoyed it as well--no itching or irritation).  The Advanced Care Deodorant is an invisible solid, it glides on like butter to provide a completely invisible barrier against odor and wetness while leaving the skin soft and moisturized.  The scent is absolutely lovely as well: fresh and feminine, but not overwhelming.  I've oddly looked forward to applying this deodorant each morning and I plan to repurchase it once I run out as it's definitely my favorite deodorant I've tried to date.  The reviews on Dove's website for this product are fairly glowing, so it seems that I'm not the only one loving it.

*I received this product complementary of Influenster for review; however, all opinions stated are my own and honest.

February 2014 Birchbox

"Step. Pose. Repeat. It's award season, and we're prepping by watching all the Best Picture nominees and dusting off our sartorial scorecards. (After all, the red-carpet posing is a show in itself.) This year, we've got some serious experts in our corner--the editors at US Weekly, who have celebrity makeup artists on speed-dial and know the secret behind every red-carpet look."

For the February 2014 box, Birchbox teamed up with US Weekly to present a collection of products worthy of the stars and the red carpet.

My February Birchbox included the following samples:

Beauty Protector - Protect & Oil ($25.95/4 oz)
Exclusive launch!  This just-for-you hair oil defends against UV rays, heat, and breakage.

Sample size: unknown (about 0.20 oz)
Sample value: unknown (about $1.30)

I really enjoyed the Protect & Detangle spray from Beauty Protector, so I'm looking forward to trying their new Protect & Oil.  With oils like these, you don't need much (especially on fine hair), so this adorable little vial should last a while.

COOLA - Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face ($36.00/1.7 oz)
Mineral-based tinted moisturizer with lasting sun protection and a shine-free finish.

Sample size: 0.17
Sample value: $3.60

I've sample a few products now from COOLA and have enjoyed them all.  I appreciate that they're mineral-based and they tend to be fairly lightweight and comfortable on the skin.  I'm thrilled that this provides a matte finish as I have oily skin.  As for the tinted claim: while the product does have a slight tint, it is practically transparent and really provides no color whatsoever when blended out.  Honestly not something I'm too concerned with, but I feel like it's a bit misleading to call this product a "BB Cream" as the sample is labeled.  I'm going to be setting this one aside for spring and summer.

Ruby Wing - Color Changing Nail Polish in Kitten Heels ($10.00/15 ml)
This color-changing polish morphs from a hot fuchsia to a deep magenta in the sun.

Sample size: 7 ml
Sample value: $4.67

I've seen these Ruby Wing Color Changing Nail Polishes around for some time and had thought they were a cute concept but had yet to try one.  I received the shade Kitten Heels which changes from a hot pink (indoors) to a warm red (outdoors).  While I never wear polishes this bright on my nails, I could definitely see this as a fun shade to wear on my toes in the summer!

Smashbox Cosmetics - Full Exposure Mascara ($19.50/0.38 oz)
Hybrid fiber formula that expertly lengthens, volumizes, and curls sans clumps or flakes.

Sample size: 0.14 oz
Sample value: $7.18

First impressions of this product are pretty good but not outstanding.  I like that the fiber formula is more subtle and doesn't leave you with fuzzy, spidery lashes.  It doesn't seem to add that much dramatic volume as the formula seems fairly dry from my experience with the sample.  As for the brush, it is pretty much identical to the wand on Benefit's Bad Gal (which, if you're familiar with that mascara, you will know is rather large).  I haven't worn this for a full day yet, so I can't speak to how well it wears, but I'm curious to continue to try it out for a bit and see what I think.

Smashbox Cosmetics - Full Explosure Palette ($49.00/0.14 oz)
A range of versatile hues, complete with tips on creating the best look for your eye shape.

Sample size: unknown
Sample value: unknown

When I first opened my box this month, I was kind of bummed to see these tiny samples; however, this sample was actually my "Beauty Extra" for the month (not counting towards my 4+ deluxe samples that are guaranteed).  Additionally, when I actually swatched a couple of the shadows, I was pleasantly surprised at how easily the pigments transferred from the paper, to my fingers, and from there to my hand.  This is something you could legitimately use at least once or twice to test out the shadows to see if splurging on the full palette is something you're interested in.  The full palette features a row of 7 shimmer shadows and 7 matte shades.

{Swatches of the third matte shade and seventh shimmer shade from the palette.}

Total box value: approximately $16.75

Overall, not a bad month!  All the samples I received are ones that I'm happy to try out, so that makes this a pretty good box for me even though the value isn't as high as other months.


What did you get in your February Birchbox?

Going Paleo and The 21 Day Sugar Detox: Week 1

A couple of weeks ago I decided to embark on a 21 day journey that, to my carb and sugar loving self, seemed rather daunting.  I picked up a copy of The 21 Day Sugar Detox and committed to giving the detox a whole hearted try.  I honestly wasn't sure what I would be getting myself into, and I didn't really know what to expect from the program, but the reviews of the book/program on Amazon were pretty glowing so I was hopeful it would be a positive experience.  As of today I'm on day 10 of the detox and I have to say, I'm pretty darn impressed!

So, what would make a cupcake lovin' gal suddenly decide to give up her beloved sugar, wheat, and dairy (among so many other foods)?  Well, to start, I've been carrying around quite a few extra pounds and they were getting in the way (quite literally, even) of me fully enjoying life.  The hubby and I would like to begin trying to start a family later this year and I knew that at my current state a pregnancy would be uncomfortable, in the least.  I didn't even want to think about all the potential health problems for myself and a baby that could arise due to my weight.  Wanting to start a family was the big push that really got me motivated to lose weight.  I made the decision to attempt a Paleo "diet" and to try out Diane Sanfilippo's 21 Day Sugar Detox after having suffered for as long as I can remember with daily "digestive upsets," frequent headaches, constant fatigue, and generally feeling like crap 24/7.  My symptoms suggested something in my diet wasn't agreeing with me and I figured eliminating a few common problem foods could do me good.

The 21 Day Sugar Detox book is broken into three parts, the first of which introduces the program and explains how our bodies react to sugar and why it's so beneficial to cut it out of daily diet.  I found this pretty fascinating.  There was a lot of information that I had read before via various articles and whatnots online, but between this and Diane Sanfilippo's other book, Practical Paleo, I really learned a lot about how our bodies react to certain foods and what the benefits can be of removing them from our daily diet.  The general idea of the detox and diet is that by cutting out sugar and bad carbs, the body learns to effectively use and burn fat becoming"fat-adapted."

The second part of the book introduces the three program levels.  According to self-quiz in the book to guide readers regarding which program they should follow, I was best suited to try Level 1 of the detox (the most lenient) suited for those who are used to the typical American diet.  However, because I would also be following a Paleo "diet" and aimed to not only detox from sugar but also lose weight, I chose to follow Level 3 which was the most restrictive.  In accordance with each level, a full 21 day meal plan is provided for those who need a little guidance.  I've only used the meal plans as a loose guide, generally making whatever sounds good to me, as long as the recipe only includes ingredients that are allowed in my program.

The last section, which constitutes about half the book, contains over 90 gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and Paleo-friendly recipes which followed the restrictions of the program levels.  I've made several of the recipes thus far and I've been really impressed with them!  In general they require very few ingredients, minimal work, and taste fantastic.

After familiarizing myself with the program over a few days, I was oddly excited to start my detox.  Day 1 was February 3rd and the first week went better than I could have hoped.  The book warns that some people may experience cold or flu-like symptoms in the early stage of the detox.  I honestly can't comment on that as I was legitimately sick during the first week (an illness that began manifesting itself before I even began the detox, so it wasn't related).  Aside from one day during the week when I was seriously craving a cookie and some chicken and dumplings, it was honestly pretty smooth sailing.  Even with a house full of candy, and having baked homemade cookies for my husband and some company, I resisted all urges and didn't consume as much as a crumb of any "cheat" food.

The results?  I feel fantastic!  I haven't experienced any "digestive upsets" since I began the detox and since I've gotten over my cough, I haven't had a single headache and have had quite a bit more energy than normal.  In addition to following the detox, I exercised a little the first week, walking on the threadmill for about 40 minutes four times in the week.  While the program doesn't recommend weighing yourself during the 21 days (only once before and after), I couldn't help but check my progress.  I mean, if I'm avoiding all my favorite foods I want to see some results to encourage me.  Crazy enough, I lost 13 lbs. during the first week!  I realize the weight loss will slow down quite a bit, but seeing so many positive reactions to the detox initially is great encouragement to stay strong and keep it up.

I still have a little less than two weeks left of the detox.  I'm curious to see how my body continues to react and what my overall impression will be at the end.  My plans have been to use the 21 Day Sugar Detox as a sort of jump start to curb my sugar and carb cravings so that I can continue to follow a more modest Paleo diet while, hopefully, continuing to lose weight.

I've seen some pretty extraordinary success stories of people who have gone Paleo and I find them incredibly motivating.  A Hopeful Loser has become a daily read of mine and a huge inspiration.  I can't say for certain where I'll go once the detox is over, but I imagine feeling so much better will push me to continue to eat Paleo at least most of the time.  I can't picture myself giving up gluten, dairy, and sugar 100%, but I'm definitely a convert that they shouldn't be as much of a fixture in our daily diets as we've made them.


Let me know if you're interested in seeing any Paleo-friendly recipes here on the blog.  I'm sure I'll get around to sharing some eventually (several that I have made thus far from the 21 Day Sugar Detox book have been delicious and anyone would love them).  However, don't fret, there will still be the occasional cupcake, cookie, etc. as I love baking and I'll never give that up even if I'm not able to partake of all the delicious things that come from my oven.

Follow me on Instagram if you're interested in seeing some of the meals I've enjoyed while on the detox.  You may be surprised!

*This post contains affiliate links.

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.