Black-Bottom Cookie Bars!

I know guys....I haven't posted a recipe in awhile. I have had like zero time to cook/bake! However, here is one of my classic go-to dessert recipes! Comment if you want a dinner recipe, I have a great one I just made.

The two batters :)

All spread into the pan...once you have the chocolate laid out, dollop the vanilla all over and then spread it out. This way you won't marble to two batters....unless you want to!

Finished product :)

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for baking dish)
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 & 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line and 8-inch square pan with parchment, leaving about a 2-inch overhang on two sides. 

2. Whisk together butter and both sugars in a large bowl. Whisk in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing just until moistened.

3. Divide batter in half, and transfer one half to a separate bowl. Stir in cocoa powder and chocolate chips until combined.

4. Place chocolate batter in baking pan. Spread evenly and smooth top. Dollop the plain batter in sections over the chocolate batter. Spread plain out on top of chocolate batter. 

Bake 30-33 minutes, or until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.

Prize Candle

So I decided to try a new surprise box type thing.... Prize Candle! They have all these super delicious sounding scents. I tried the Autumn Magic scent. The Pumpkin Spice was sold out :(. Needless to say, I  love fall scents :)!

It smelled amazing!!

Here is the ring I got...it is a little big but so pretty!

However, the Prize Candle experience was not the best for me. First of all, I read reviews and it said two to three hours of burning before you see the prize. I can deal with that. However, after about three hours I could only see the very tip of the bag! I tried digging with tweezers, bobby pins, and even a spoon without luck! I had to burn it FOREVER, and I nearly destroyed the candle trying to get out my prize. Don't get me wrong, I love the candle, but half the fun is getting the ring and I am NOT that patient. I wasted several hours of burning time by just trying to get to the ring. When I finally got to it, it was stuck to the side and the bottom of my candle. I had to dig out the bag with a spoon then remold the candle!! It really was awful. I love the ring (10$ value) and the candle...but getting to the surprise was stressful.

E.l.f Haul!!! (It's HUGE Guys)

Today, my beautiful package from E.l.f cosmetics came. The package was just white, but what was inside...pure beauty! I saw a deal where this discovery package was only 3$ with a 25$ purchase (It might have been 35$ I don't remember exactly). The amount of makeup I got was absolutely insane! It makes me so excited! Here are the products:

First the separate purchases I made to get the special priced discovery kit:

Okay here we have:

HD Lifting Concealer in Fair

Concealer Brush

Zit Zapper

Mineral Infused Face Primer

Eye Refresher

I am so excited to try all of these products! I needed new brushes so badly, as well as concealer. It's embarrassing but I have only been using foundation! The primer and refresher seemed like fun new products to try.

Here we have:

Mineral Blush in Pink

Long-lasting Lustrous Eyeshadow in Party

I did not expect the eyeshadow to be a creme eyeshadow, but it is! I have never tried creme eyeshadow before so that will be interesting!

Here is:

Lip Exfoliator

Matte Lip Color in Neutral 

Jump Lip Gloss Stick in Pink Umbrellas

Lip Stain in Nude Nectar

I have read a bunch of reviews and I am a little worried about the Lip Stain drying out, but for now it is great! I LOVE THE LIP EXFOLIATOR! It is so cool and I thought it would smell and feel gross but it smells amazing, really sweet like brown sugar, and it feels amazing on my lips.

 The Discovery Package!! :

Here we have(ignore the eye primer):

Small Stipple Brush

Eyeshadow Brush

Blending Eye Brush

You can never have too many brushes! I have never tried a stippling brush but I used it for some cream blush and it worked so well! It had the coolest, smoothest effect. One of my favorite brushes.

Here is:

(2x) Eye Primer

Mineral Lip Gloss in Sorority Girl

Matte Lip Color in Coral

(3x) Nail File

I was so excited because originally there was supposed to be glitter primer, a primer to put glitter on your eyes. However, I guess they sold out because I received regular eyelid primer! I don't wear glitter ever, but I needed new eyelid primer...and I got two! 

Here is:

THE BIG ITEM FOR THE DISCOVERY BOX!

The Day-to-Night Palette

Here is:

The Inside of the palette

The two layers stack and then it closes nicely like above. I am not crazy about every single color...but it calls for some fun experimenting! I like the sizes of each shadow though.

Here we have:

Contouring Blush and Bronzing Cream

Nail Polish in Twinkle Twilight

Again, I am not huge on the glitter, BUT I LOVE THIS POLISH! The glitter is super small so it goes on smooth and covers every little part of the nail. I rarely use cream blush or bronzer, but these are both nice, especially with my new stippling brush!

Overall, I am SO happy with this haul! Who really needs this much makeup? Well I sure do :)! It was so fun unboxing this! I wish I could order this much makeup all the time...but sadly I can't physically use that much makeup that fast! So happy with E.l.f! And I die for their sales!

JewelMint Pyramid Necklace

This is not necessarily a beauty review or a subscription box review...it is a mix of both. I am desperate to find new jewelry, my collection is weak. Since I have a love for subscription boxes, I thought I would try and find a jewelry one. After purchasing this necklace, I found much better boxes I should have ordered for the same price. JewelMint is a website where they charge you 29.99$ a month and give you a JewelMint credit, which allows you to pick out one item on their website for the month. Sure, it is a monthly thing, but it is not really a box, a surprise, or more than one item! Right away before even receiving the product, I probably will not do this again. Some items are cute, but there is no fun in it! And shopping should be fun, always! Plus, I am not too wealthy so the more I can get for 30$ the better! Right now, I am looking at either Mynt Box or Your Bijoux Box. Comment which you think I should get. Anyways, so once I received my item, I was pretty happy.

Sorry for the bad quality photo guys.

It is on a gold chain with three pyramids. The center pyramid has tiny rhinestones on two sides. I think this is a really pretty, but simple statement piece, if that makes any sense. It is not too in your face, but it still makes a statement. I am a little worried the pyramids will twist and tangle and flip over while I wear it, but it is still super pretty. I will probably style it with a white v-neck, dark jeans, and some nice boots!

Stitch Fix

The Box: Stitch Fix
The Price: 20$ + the price of the clothing you decide to keep
The Product: Clothing hand picked for you by a stylist based off a survey
The Link to Subscribe: https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3252614

Stitch Fix is not your average subscription service. You pay 20$ for the styling fee and you fill out an entire detailed profile on what type of clothing you like, sizes, etc. Then, they have a stylist pick out five pieces of clothing or accessories that, based on your profile, you would enjoy. I think this is SO cool, so I signed up for a box! You do not have to get one every month, it can easily be a one time purchase for the exact same price. I am really excited to get my box! The coolest part is, the 20$ you pay for a styling fee you can use towards paying for any of the items you decide to keep. They also include a bag to send back any items you decide not to buy. So cool.

Wet N' Wild Color Icon Blusher

I am very picky about my blush. I hate looking barbie like and I hate having to put 105 coats on just to see a little bit of color. It is a hard balance but when you find it, the balance is magical. Blush, although hard to find a productive and pretty one, is one of my favorite things to put on my face. Only when it is done right. So, I found a blush that I L.O.V.E! The Color Icon Blusher by Wet N' Wild. Wet N' Wild products, especially this blush, are extremely price savvy. They last for a long time, the color holds and is easy to apply, and it is not to barbie-esque. Needless to say, this is a staple blush for me, and you should get it too!

October Ipsy: The Art of Beauty

The Box: Ipsy
The Price: 10$/month
The Product: A cute makeup bag each month filled with 5 full or deluxe sized beauty, skin care, or hair products personalized to you from a quiz at the beginning of subscribing
The Link to Subscribe: http://www.ipsy.com/?refer=u-hku5w77szz9w1ryh

My October Ipsy came!!!!!!!

 Here is the cute little pink package it comes in! (Ignore my messy room yikes!)
This month was an absolute love for me! I got the package and it already felt super bulky before I even opened it. Here were the five AMAZING items I received.

The theme this month was "Art of Beauty"

First Item: Coastal Scents- Medium Shadow Brush (FULL SIZE..well obviously its a brush) 

worth $2.49

I have not used this brush yet. However, just by looking and feeling it, it is a really good quality brush and I am excited to use it (probably tomorrow)! I love getting new brushes so this was great for me.

Second Item: StyleSexyHair- Spray Clay 1.4 Oz bottle 

worth $6.99

I have super frizzy and curl fighting hair. It wants to curl but just looks messy instead. I need constant products to tame and keep the shape of my hair. This product seems like it could really help my hair and I am super excited to try it!

Third Item: LA Fresh Oil-Free Face Cleanser 10 Wipes

Full Size (30 Wipes) worth 10$ .... Samples Size (10 Wipes) what I received worth $3.99

I just ran out of makeup wipes so these will be fun to try. Not the most exciting item but not bad my any means...just not my favorite.

Fourth Item: bella terra Mineral Cosmetics- Mineral Shimmer in Navy (FULL SIZE)

worth $14.99

This item alone pays for the box itself! I researched this and it is kind of an all in one! It seems like just an eyeshadow but you can add clear polish to make it a polish or you can add a little water to make it a liner or add a creme to make it a creme shadow etc! I am so excited to experiment with this! Comment if I should do a post on this product alone!

Fifth Item: Zoya Nail Polish- Mason (FULL SIZE)

worth $8.00

I love nail polish so getting a full size is always fun. I have never tried this brand but I have only heard great things about it! I saw in my glam room that the other two colors (a super pretty metallic emerald and a navy) were ADORABLE! This was my last choice in color so I am a little disappointed. However, it is still a cute polish I will use! 

Overall, I LOVE this box! It was worth about $37.00 and I only payed ten! How awesome is that!! So excited for future bags! 

Sign up for Ipsy now!!! 

http://www.ipsy.com/?refer=u-hku5w77szz9w1ryh

Outrageous Chocolate Cookies

Today we have a recipe for you! I was in a sad mood today and needed some comfort food...so I turned to these all-time comforting cookies. WARNING: Do not consume if you do not absolutely love chocolate! (Of course, I do)

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chunks

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat chopped chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring in between, until almost melted; do not overheat. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla on high speed until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low; beat in melted chocolate. Mix in flour mixture until just combined. Stir in chocolate chunks.
3. Drop heaping tablespoons of dough 2 to 3 inches apart onto baking sheets. Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until cookies are shiny and crackly yet soft in centers, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on sheets 10 minutes; with a thin metal spatula, transfer to racks to cool completely.

(The space missing is from the one I ate :) )

NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact

Eyeshadow? YES! Okay I love me some VoxBox as you probably got from my last post but here we go again. These super pigmented and awesomely colored eyeshadow palettes are my new love. THANK YOU VoxBox because I will for sure not just be using the free samples! I love the dark purples and neutral colors. Its almost daring but still in my comfort zone!
What NYC says about this product:
"NYC New York Color's all-in-one compact gives you everything you need for a complete eye look: primer, illuminator, applicator and complementing shadows. With four vibrant colors designed for your eye color, you can create a look as individual as you are!"

You can buy yourself some here!:
http://newyorkcolor.com/

Bath & Body Works Fall Mini Candle

This post is a little different. It is slightly beauty...but actually it is the Bath and Body Works fall candles! WHICH SMELL AMAZING! They have a bunch of different scents like Cider Lane or Pumpkin Cupcake. Cider Lane is definitely my favorite. I received these through Influenster's VoxBox. I will explain that in a later post! But definitely try a couple of these scents! One WON'T be enough :).

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com
You can buy some there^

POND's BB+ BFF Sweepstakes!

Pond's has this awesome BB+ cream, like a bb cream but more! I love it, I use it, and you should too! This post is more about this awesome sweepstakes they are having though. You enter through the link below and you could win a trip with your best friend to the Bahamas! Like how cool is that? You get to celebrate your best friend AND have a chance to take a trip to the BAHAMAS? No freaking way. Enter or you are a fool. Here is the link!

https://www.facebook.com/ponds/app_324147027731622

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm

My go to lip balm. Some of them have great colors. You can go light or intense color. Some have no color at all. On top of all that, they really moisturize my lips. it is the equivalent of a regular lip balm...only with color! It makes my lips feel intensely smooth and I love everything about them! As soon as I bought my first one (Peach Kiss), I went to CVS the next day to buy other colors! You can find them at most drugstores, target, walgreens, and other stores like that! Definitely a must have for me! Let me know if you guys have found or tried electric/doctor baby lips! I need to get on those.

Juelp

The Box: Julep Maven

The Price: 19.99$/month

The Product: Two Nail polishes to fit your beauty style profile each month along with a full size beauty product. There are also options for two full size beauty products and no polish or three polishes and no beauty product. You take a quiz to determine your style profile...but you can still change it at any time depending on the polishes you like most for that month.

The Link to Subscribe: http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/322318/

Julep Maven is a subscription service for nail products. They send you two-three nail-polishes a month. You take a quiz when you first join and they tell you what style you are. (boho, classic, etc). I myself and Boho Glam. I was doubtful that this was the right profile, but the two months I have gotten so far have actually been completely accurate. OH WAIT, the best part, if the polishes for that month are not to your liking, you can choose a different profile's box to receive. The quiz profile you receive is just for default. The box is twenty dollars a month. Unless you receive the "It Girl" or "Modern Beauty" box, each month there is one beauty product(eyeliner, foot cream, etc.) and two nail polishes. The "It Girl" box has no beauty products and three nail polishes and "Modern Beauty" box has two beauty products and no nail polishes. Anyways, the polishes are brand new each month. Innovative, and just great nail polish. For 20$ a month, I think it is worth it. Sure, it can get a little pricey. Just skip months when you have to..it is allowed. They ask you every month! I LOVE this service.
Sign up now!!
http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/322318/
Use that link^

Ipsy!

The Box: Ipsy

The Price: 10$/month

The Product: A cute makeup bag each month filled with 5 full or deluxe sized beauty, skin care, or hair products personalized to you from a quiz at the beginning of subscribing

The Link to Subscribe: http://www.ipsy.com/?refer=u-hku5w77szz9w1ryh

I am brand new to this service, but I already ADORE Ipsy! Here is just a broad overview. They send out one bag each month for 10$. It is a cosmetic bag filled with beauty goodies! They have anything from nail polish, eyeliner, eyeshadow, creams and serums, and anything else you could imagine. It introduces you to new products because all sizes are sample (LARGE sample and at least a few full size). It also just gives you products to use each month. It is fun and creative and really helps urge me to wear fun makeup and use different products. I definitely suggest it, and sign up soon because there is a waitlist! Use this link to sign up...it is my referral code for all of you!

Covergirl Lipslicks Smoochies Lip Balm

This product has many ups and downs. Lets begin with the down side. It tends to dry out your lips if they are not moisturized in the first place. After awhile, you need to reapply or your lips will be painfully dry. However, if you do reapply, they re-moisturize and all is well. The coloring/pigmentation on these is great. They have a nice variety, from bold reds to pale pinks. It is a gateway to lipsticks for me. A nice balance between a balm, gloss, and full on lipstick. I definitely recommend this product, just with a little pure lip balm, like EOS or Burt's Bees, on the side.

Pumpkin Cookies!

One of my all-time favorite pumpkin recipes....pictures to come hopefully!
PUMPKIN COOKIES! 
First Preheat the oven to 400 Degrees F
1. Beat 6 tablespoons softened butter and 1 1/3 cups sugar with a mixer until fluffy
2. Beat in 1 cup pumpkin, 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. 
3. Whisk 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon each baking soda and cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt
4. Stir dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture. 
5. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto oiled baking sheets. 
6. Bake 12 minutes; cool. 
7. Mix 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar with 1 tablespoon milk
8. Spread glaze on cookies. Let cool 3 minutes. 

Eleventh Gorgeous!

Okay lets just take a moment to talk about the youtuber(s) EleventhGorgeous. It is run but two sisters, NOT twins, Tracy and Stefanie who know probably everything there is to know on makeup. PLUS they are hilarious. They basically got me addicted to anything and everything beauty. Hilarious, sarcastic, chipmunk voices at times, and amazing and creating and editing videos. They do hauls on beauty, nail polish, reviews, subscription box videos, and sooo much more! No but actually check them out right now.  Eleventh Gorgeous' Youtube Channel

Beauty...and food

BEAUTY!!!....and food?
That's right. The two things that make everybody happy in the world (at least the girls). Putting your face together in the morning. Splurging on a makeover or a spa day. The only thing that makes that better is a nice meal at the end of it all. Which is why I created a blog. All about beauty....and some food on the side.