Summer Beauty Buys

I've been researching new products to try for summer for a while now. I like my skin care routine, but I think my skin needs a little oomph right now, especially with all the sun exposure and sunscreen applications. After reading a million reviews, talking to the people at Ulta, and watching Jacklyn Hill's you-tube channel, I am ready! Here are my purchases:

1. Mario Badescu Cucumber Lotion: This is a cleansing lotion I plan to use at night after washing with my Cetaphil, but before moisturizing. Jacklyn Hill has featured this on her videos several times, so I am hoping it helps me get extra clean before bed. 

2. Mario Badescu eye cream. I *gasp* don't wear eye cream, but I need to start, especially because I stare at a computer/book so much of the day. This is from Jacklyn Hill too. It says it can be used day and night, but I will probably stick to night only right now. I don't want my eye make-up to melt off. 

3. Mario Badescu drying cream. I LOVE the drying cream by Kate Sommersville, but it is pricey. This one is much cheaper, but reviews say it is the same. We will see!

4. Smashbox High Definition Concealer. This stuff is doing wonders. No creasing, awesome coverage, and very easy to blend. I like to get my under eye concealer a little lighter because it provides a highlight under my eyes. I highly recommend this product, at is it only about $22. That is a lot for a concealer, I know, but this is much cheaper than the Amazing Cosmetics cult-product, but I like it even more. I think concealer is worth the investment. Cut costs on things like mascara and liner, but invest in face products. 

5. Olay BB Cream. First, this is $11. The Smashbox one I used for a while was like 4x the costs and not near as good. It made me feel like I had tar on my face. This one has a good SPF, stays put, and looks natural. No, this isn't new, but I am still obsessed with it for summer. I've been using this since January and still have a bunch in the tube. Love that. I recommend this for a lighter, day makeup. I plan to wear it to work and everything, because the coverage is good enough. 

6. Covergirl Perfect Blend Eye Liner. This is my summer liner because it has great staying power. I just don't think eye liner is something I need to invest in. They all seem pretty similar to me. This one blends really nicely, and is only a few dollars at Target. And who doesn't love an excuse to go to Target?

x0x0, 

Hannah 

Weekend Recap!

I'm smiling while I sit here and think about this weekend. Such a fun, busy weekend. I love summer weekends that involve wearing shorts, getting some sun, and enjoying the outdoors.

On Friday night, AR and I went out with 2 other couples to celebrate my friend's birthday. It was the first time we had seen each other since finals and we kept saying "you look so happy!" "you are glowing". Sleep and relief can do a lot for one's personal appearance ;)

I ordered a glass of wine and an awesome turkey burger with steamed broccoli at Ormsby's. This place is a fun spot in Atlanta that is filled with games. You can play board games, bocce ball, pool, shuffle board - all sorts of things. It is a fun atmosphere and the food is surprisingly good. For dessert, we split a friend pb & j.

On Saturday morning, AR and I decided to walk to brunch before going to the gym. I wore my gps watch and clocked over a mile just getting to the cafe - we worked for breakfast. I had a Soysage and egg sandwich with coffee before walking to the gym for an hour.

After that, we hit the outlet malls for some shopping and more walking. I got an Ann Taylor suit for $35!!! It needs to be taken in a bit, but so worth it! I also snagged some tops at J.Crew, including this one that I wanted all last summer. AR racked up at the Brooks Brothers sale as well.

Sunday started with a 5 mile run, brunch, and a huge batch of chocolate-peanut butter cookies. We went with a friend from AR's office to the Cubs v. Braves game and sat 2 rows behind the dug out!!! I nearly died.

The sun was so bright, and I ended up begging a woman in the bathroom for some sunscreen. I am so shameless. My back is still red and AR's face is like a tomato, but that happens after 4 hours in direct sunlight.

We were shot after all that sun and could barely make it through are annual Sunday Whole Foods trip. After some turkey tacos, we called it a night pretty early.

Hope your weekend was wonderful!

Hannah 

5/12 Meals and Fitness for the Week!

Last week was my first week back from finals and I hit the ground pretty hard with workouts. I made sure to do all my runs outside in order to better acclimate to this heat/humidity. Not fun :(

Last week's workouts:
M- 4 mile walk (rest day)
T - 3.5 mile run with hill repeats
W - 4 mile run & strength training
Th - 3.5 mile run
F - rest
S - 3 mile walk & strength training... and the 5 hours of shopping ;)
S - 5 mile run

A lower mileage week for me, but my paces were good and I was feeling better with the heat. One day I ran at 2pm just to hit the hottest part of the day.

This week I plan to:
M - walk and yoga
T - 4 miles
W - 5 miles
Th - 3 miles & strength
F - rest
S - cross train & strength
S - 7 miles

Meals for the week:
M - lentil tacos with wheat tortillas, cheese, and avocado.
T - turkey meatballs, homemade sauce, and wheat noodles. Served with a salad
W - stuffed bell peppers with ground chicken, black beans, and brown rice. Served with steamed broccoli
Th - leftovers (major grocery budget saver)
F - probably out :)

Baking Adventures
Last week I made biscuits, muffins, wheat bread, and 2 batches of cookies (as gifts!). This wheat I am working on a rustic wheat bread and maybe some granola.

Are you trying any new recipes this week?

What is your fitness goal for the week?

x0x0, 

Hannah 

5 on Friday

It is Friday!!! Happy weekend - I hope your weekend has lost of sunshine and relaxation.

Linking up with the lovely Natasha for some Five on Friday :)

1. Hair Fail
I tried a coconut oil hair mask after seeing it for the millionth time. It was not what I envisioned. After washing it out Wednesday night, my hair was still a greasy mess. When I woke on Thursday morning, I was horrified. I had to run with a braid and a baseball cap to hide it.

I had to steal AR's Bumble & Bumble because my sulfate-free shampoo wouldn't get it out (Yep. His 1 inch hair somehow requires $25 shampoo. I know). I think I lost the value in the treatment after shampooing for 10 minutes.
File that under: things I won't try again.

2. Baking Projects
I have been baking like crazy since school ended: biscuits, muffins, and this bread. If you need me, I'll be stuffing my face with carbs. This is how I prep for bikini season.

3. New Tanning Product
I tried a new tanning product this week - 3 days in and so far, so good! Tan Towels makes a wipe and a lotion and I am using the lotion.

I want to try the wipes, but I was worried the color would be too strong for me. It was a little pricey ($20 for the bottle), but I like the color better than Jergens and the smell is SO much better. It wasn't a 100% even after the first application, but now it seems to work well.

4. Guilty pleasure T.V.
I spent this week catching up on Revenge... I hadn't watched an episode since January. I can't decide what I love more, Victoria's wardrobe or Amanda's. I die.

(I watch T.V. for the clothes. Don't judge)

5. Baseball this weekend!
The Chicago Cubs are coming to Atlanta this weekend and AR and I are going to see them play the Braves. Can't. Wait. I love baseball and haven't been to a game since last August. I've got all my baseball gear ready to go.

What are you up to this weekend?

Any guilty pleasure t.v. for you? 

x0x0, 

Hannah 

Vegan Banana Walnut Muffins

I am over comfort food. I've been making casseroles, mac-n-cheese, heavy granola bars. As weather gets hotter and my clothes get smaller, I start to crave lighter treats.

These muffins are filling, but not heavy. The perfect quick breakfast or snack. Filled with walnuts, oatmeal, and banana, these muffins are packed with nutrients.

The best part? No white flour or processed sugar. These little muffins are a sweet treat that is guilt free. I've included the vegan version below, but feel free to use a regular egg if you aren't vegan. I do it all the time.

This weekend I was so productive (no more studying!!!), and I whipped these up on Sunday afternoon. My apartment smelled so amazing. You will likely see them in my What I Ate Wednesday Post too :)

Vegan Banana Walnut Muffins

Makes 8-9 muffins

Ingredients
2 medium bananas, mashed. (the riper the bananas, the sweeter the muffins!)
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 flax egg
1/2 cup almond/soy milk
2 tablespoons of honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup oats (works will regular or quick cooking)
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 c. chopped walnuts

Directions
Preheat oven to 375*. In a medium bowl, mash bananas with oil and fax egg until well blended. Blend in milk, vanilla, and honey.
In a small bowl, whisk the flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until there are no clumps. Gently blend the walnuts in and coat them with flour. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Mix until just combined.
Spray muffin tin with non-stick spray and divide batter among tins. Muffins will not rise significantly, so fill almost to the top.
Bake muffins for 15-16 minutes, or until golden.
** Feel free to add chocolate chips or peanut butter too!!