Author Archives: Ashley DeLarge

February 2014: In a Nutshell.

Leave a comment Standard

I had gone into February with the best of intentions. Truly. I had all sorts of day/weekend trips and photography projects planned- and I had been looking forward to the sense of productiveness and accomplishment I thought I’d feel with all the things I’d done by the end of this month. Unfortunately, Mother Nature and Old Man Winter had other plans in mind, and while I did manage a couple of nice outings and small adventures- February was mostly spent trying to burrow out of the snow that seemed like it just never stopped falling on us here in the Northeast.

But March is here, and with it comes the hope of Spring! I’m ready for warmer, longer days. I’m ready to rock my florals. I’m ready for baseball season to start. I’m just so ready to boot what has been a brutal, merciless winter out the door and welcome a new, beautiful season with open arms.

The things I had planned to do in February that I didn’t quite get around to because of the weather have been pushed into the coming weeks in March (I have a bit of an impromptu trip planned for tomorrow that I’m looking forward to,) and I’m excited to share it all here as next month progresses!

February in Fall River, MA.

February in Fall River, MA.

Quick Eats: Tomato and Mozzarella Sliders

Leave a comment Standard

MozzarellaSliders1

Sunday is my “cheat day” in a weekly regimen of healthy eating. I snack on chips and sweets, or slurp down a Starbucks frappuccino. It’s a nice break before I dive back into the work week come Monday morning, and it gives me something to look forward to by, say, Thursday night when I don’t want to even glance at another fruit or vegetable ever again. Sunday’s snacking/sugar overload is like a reward to myself for making smart, beneficial nutrition choices all week- and it actually encourages me to stick to my long-term diet and fitness plan.

Sunday nights are especially fun, however, as it’s a bit of a tradition to whip up a snack to munch on during new episodes of “The Walking Dead” (bonus points if you don’t gag on your food during an especially gory scene.)  I’ve made tacos, onion rings, shrimp cocktail, etc., over the past couple of seasons, and last night- with a new episode getting closer and closer to airing, I wanted to make something really quick, REALLY easy, and relatively mess-free. These tomato and mozzarella sliders were the first thing to come to mind.

I love these so much that I decided to make a post for anyone who wanted to try them at their next TV viewing party- or just a party in general. They’re a great appetizer and only take about a half hour to prepare and bake.

MozzarellaSliders2

YOU WILL NEED: (*PLEASE NOTE – I didn’t give specific measurement amounts because it varies on the amount of people you’re serving. I prepared enough sliders for two people last night and only used a fraction of these ingredients. Obviously, if you’re serving more people- you will need more.*)

* Olive oil

* Split-top rolls (baguettes work, too!)

* Plum tomatoes

* Package of mozzarella cheese (whether or not it’s pre-sliced is entirely up to you.)

* Fresh basil (minced.)

* 1 Baking pan lined with tin foil.

OKAY, HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:

1. Pre-heat your oven to 350° – 375°, depending on how quickly you want these sliders to cook and how crispy you want them to be.

2. While the oven is heating, slice the split-top rolls width-wise to desired thickness. Place the bread slices flat on the baking pan lined with tin foil.

3. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil onto the slices of bread.

4. Slicing the mozzarella (again- to desired thickness,) place the slice on top of the bread and olive oil. If mozzarella is pre-sliced, simply grab a slice and place it on top. Use more than one slice if you want a thicker amount of melted cheese.

MozzarellaSliders3

MozzarellaSliders4

5. Just like the mozzarella, slice a clean plum tomato width-wise, and place slices on top of the cheese.

6. Using a tablespoon (or a squeeze bottle/tube) add minced basil on top of tomato. Drizzle another small amount of olive oil on top of basil.

7. Carefully place the baking pan in the oven, and cook until the mozzarella has started to melt. (It took about ten minutes for last night’s batch.)

8. Remove the pan from the oven, briefly let the sliders cool to avoid painful tongue-burning, and enjoy!

You can stack these sliders however you wish, too. It’s really one of those “all about preference” sort of snacks that can be mixed and prepared in a variety of ways. This is just the way I, personally, like them.

And luckily, last night’s episode of “The Walking Dead” was more stressful than it was gross- so I was able to enjoy these without dry-heaving.

xo

MozzarellaSliders5

Loot Crate: February 2014.

Leave a comment Standard

LootCrateFebruary20141

LootCrateFebruary20142

I was embarrassing levels of giddy when my February Loot Crate showed up a few days earlier than the expected arrival date this week. I had so much fun with my January one (as did some of my friends who I passed a few of the goods along to,) that I couldn’t wait to see what came in this month’s- especially after I learned the February box not only had a “Warriors” theme, but that Loot Crate had teamed up with Frederator Studios (the minds behind “Adventure Time,” “Bravest Warriors,” and “The Fairly OddParents,” among others,) for it.

Here’s what I got:

LootCrateFebruary20143

February’s booklet, like January’s, featured games, subscriber-submitted photos, a breakdown of what was in the box, Q&A’s, and articles. In this month’s, subscribers were given a summary of Frederator’s interesting history and current projects, as well as a voucher for a free “Bravest Warriors” digital comic and a “Bravest Warriors” sticker. Although my niece may be a little too young to get into the BW stuff (she’s not quite six years old, after all,) I’m sure she’ll love the bee sticker and will find a nice place for it.

Loot Crate also included the monthly collector’s pin, detailing the February theme.

LootCrateFebruary20144

LootCrateFebruary20145

In a cute nod to Valentine’s Day, enclosed in this month’s crate was an “anytime” greeting card from OpenMe with a fun twist. I think this may be the thing that gets used the quickest, since I have more than one bacon-aficionado friend I’d pen a little note to inside this card just to remind them how much I care when they’re having a bad day.

Inside the card was a little slip of paper reminding me that the cartoon heart made out of bacon on the front is, in fact, not edible. Well played, Loot Crate.

LootCrateFebruary20146

LootCrateFebruary20147

LootCrateFebruary20148

I couldn’t stop laughing when I opened the Dunny Sideshow box and saw this fuzzy little rabbit with Bob Costas’ eyes staring back at me. I don’t think I really have a place for such a “so creepy it’s cute” figurine, but much like the “Bravest Warriors” sticker I received, I think my niece would get a kick out of this.

Also, I think I’ve only ever worn a bow tie once in my life, but I am giving some serious consideration to piecing together an outfit just so I can wear this adorable Catbug (another “Bravest Warriors” character) bow tie at least once in my life. Both prints on either side of the bow tie would go with so many things I own. I’ll have to see what I can come up with.

LootCrateFebruary20149

LootCrateFebruary201410

I will never say no to a good graphic tee, and I especially loved this soft, over-sized “Alpha Battle” t-shirt that featured cute depictions of iconic video game characters preparing to duke it out on the front. This is one I’ll definitely be keeping for myself and adding to my collection of quirky t-shirts. It’s fantastic.

And yes- I’ll iron it before I wear it.

LootCrateFebruary201411

I’ll also never say no to a good travel/gym bag. The last item in February’s Loot Crate, one more from “Bravest Warriors,” was a decent sized and durable cinch bag that will do nicely when I need to lug around some extra clothes when I go to work out or as a carry on for when I’m hitting the road for a few days.

Overall, February’s Loot Crate was another tremendously fun un-boxing. While I had a lot of stuff I was giving away to family and friends from my January one, I’m keeping most of what I received this month. I can’t wait for March’s!

Ipsy Bag: February 2014 Review.

Comments 2 Standard

IpsyBagFebruary20141

IpsyBagFebruary20142

IpsyBagFebruary20143

How much did I love February’s Ipsy bag? Let me count the ways. This pink and pastel products filled pouch, with a Valentine’s Day-inspired theme, arrived just in the nick of time to lift my spirits in the midst of some serious snowy-slushy-frigid temperatures blues. The colors of each of the makeup and nail care items was like a little (and much needed) hint of Springtime, and with more than one full-sized product included- I definitely got my money’s worth.

What I Received:

Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Body Butter

POP Beauty Plump Pout Mini in ‘Peony Petal’

Eyetini Cordial Shadow + Base in ‘Ambrosia’ (*Full Size!*)

City Color Be Matte Blush in ‘Fresh Melon’ (*Full Size!*)

ZOYA Nail Lacquer in ‘Odette’ (*Full Size!*)

IpsyBagFebruary20144

Product # 1: Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Body Butter ($15)

This body butter couldn’t have arrived at a better time. I’d recently run out of the little tube of hand lotion I kept in my purse for work/social events/etc., and quickly substituted this to soothe my dry, sore, winter-worn skin. Not only did this rich, non-greasy butter give my hands (and elbows!) immediate, long-lasting relief, thanks in part to the shea butter and almond oil it’s loaded with- but it smelled like Skittles/Smarties/insert-tangy-candy-here. I know that may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I really enjoyed it. It was a very distinct, sweet fragrance.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! While I loved the scent of this particular body butter, I especially loved how soft and hydrated it made my skin feel. It absorbed quickly into my skin without leaving any kind of film or residue on the surface, and it lasted all day.

IpsyBagFebruary20145

IpsyBagFebruary20146

Product # 2: POP Beauty Plump Pout Mini in ‘Peony Petal’ ($16)

When I first opened my February Ipsy bag, my eyes were immediately drawn to the cute little tube of brightly colored lip gloss that is POP Beauty’s ‘Peony Petal’ Plump Pout. The gloss, a bright pink/coral, was highly pigmented, and the formula didn’t feel thick or sticky on my lips the way some other “pout-enhancing” glosses can. The only downside to such a nicely textured and colored gloss was the longevity. This is NOT an all-day wear product. I had to re-apply more than once, particularly after eating or drinking anything- but the finish was so nice that I didn’t really mind all that much.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! Although I would have liked this gloss to last a little longer, the overall quality of this product is really nice. I think it’d be perfect to wear for a quick, temporary pop of color- be it for a meeting, or a class, or just to have something on your lips for a couple of hours.

IpsyBagFebruary20147

IpsyBagFebruary20148

Product # 3: Eyetini Cordial Shadow + Base in ‘Ambrosia’ ($18)

Two things can happen when I use cream eye shadows. 1, the formula applies smoothly and evenly, is easy to blend, and lasts all day, or 2, the formula is thick, near impossible to blend, and creases or cracks in less than an hour. Luckily for me, this shadow fit into the first category. I applied this beautiful light purple (with a hint of pink and gold sheen) shadow all over my lids using the sponge wand applicator, and blended upwards into my crease using my fingertips. The color stayed put without fading or creasing all day and well into the evening, and it didn’t feel thick or heavy on my lids. It was lightweight and comfortable.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I’m confident enough in this cream shadow to say it’s something I would swear by. The color is beautiful (and a peek at the other available shades on the Eyetini website is tempting my inner shop-a-holic right now,) and the hassle-free application and staying power makes this a must-have product.

IpsyBagFebruary20149

IpsyBagFebruary201410

Product # 4: City Color Be Matte Blush in ‘Fresh Melon’ ($2.99)

At first glance, I was a little worried that this blush would make my pale cheeks look like they had more of a “radioactive flush” as opposed to a “natural flush.” The color doesn’t stray from it’s name. This is a pure watermelon pink with no shimmer or sparkle. I held my breath, swiped my blush brush over the compact, applied- and was pleasantly surprised with how easy this bright hue was to blend. By the time I was finishing contouring, my cheeks had a subtle, “just pinched” look to them- and the blush stayed in place all day. When I checked City Color’s website to see what other shades in this formula were available, I couldn’t believe the price point. $2.99 for the amount of product in the compact and the quality of the finish it gives is an absolute steal.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I don’t know if I would purchase ‘Fresh Melon’ again, because although I did like it, it’s not a color I typically go to for a year-round look. I think I’d probably gravitate more towards  the ‘Papaya’ or ‘Guava’ tones I saw listed on City Color’s website since they appear to be a little more on the rosy/neutral side, which is more flattering for me. I loved the matte finish, however. It’s perfect for this time of year when I wear more makeup than I do in the Spring and Summer.

IpsyBagFebruary201411

IpsyBagFebruary201412

Product # 5: ZOYA Nail Lacquer in ‘Odette’ ($9)

I do declare that 2014 is the year of natural nails. It took what felt like forever for me to grow out my acrylic-damaged tips, but now that I have, the upkeep with my significantly shorter, rounded digits has been much easier and refreshingly pain-free. I actually look forward to painting my fingernails now, as opposed to before when it just seemed like such a chore- so when I saw this pretty purple polish (say that ten times fast,) in my Ipsy bag- I was really excited to apply it. ZOYA is quickly becoming one of my favorite nail polish brands, not only because of their incredible color selection and durability- but because their formulas of free of harmful chemicals.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! ‘Odette’ applied like a dream and dried quickly with a creamy finish. It’s such a lovely shade for Spring that I would gladly wear again and again.

I think the February 2014 Ipsy bag has been one of my favorites since I started subscribing to the service. I loved every product and would definitely purchase full-size/refills of them in the future. The makeup colors were bright, cheerful, and fun to play with- and the body butter and nail polish were great products to add for a little diversity instead of sticking with all makeup or all skincare samples, etc.

Well done, Ipsy!

Escape to the Coast.

Leave a comment Standard

FebruaryInHampton20141

FebruaryInHampton20142

FebruaryInHampton20143

FebruaryInHampton20144

FebruaryInHampton20145

FebruaryInHampton20146

FebruaryInHampton20147

Good afternoon! I’m home from work early today as a result of- you guessed it- another snowstorm passing through the area and making a mess of the roads. I’m waiting for this latest assault on Massachusetts to pass over, or die down just a little bit, before I head back outside to attempt to shovel what’s been accumulating since mid-morning.

Yesterday, in another bout of cabin fever, I headed up to Hampton, New Hampshire for the afternoon. I anticipated it being a lot colder since ocean + heading North and all- but I’d always been under the impression that the coast never got hit with quite as much snow as those of us inland did (I’m pretty sure I heard someone say that to me once a while back and it just stuck with me as one of those “yeah, that sounds legitimate enough” kind of facts.)

Unfortunately, my attempt to escape the mounds and mounds of snow didn’t work. Hampton was a slushy, icy mess. I usually love walking around the boardwalk in the off-season since the place resembles a post-apocalyptic ghost town and it’s eerily peaceful, but it was difficult to relax since I was so pre-occupied with watching my footing on the frozen over areas outside the closed up shops and arcades.

Above are some of the photos I managed to snap before it got too cold for me to be outdoors any longer, and I sought refuge back in my car with my hot coffee and the heat cranked up as high as it would go.

xx

“Lizzie Borden Took an Ax…”

Comment 1 Standard

LizzieBordenHouse1

LizzieBordenHouse2

LizzieBordenHouse3

LizzieBordenHouse4

The spot where Andrew Borden was murdered.

LizzieBordenHouse5

LizzieBordenHouse6

And the spot where Abby Borden was murdered, complete with crime scene photos on the wall and dresser.

LizzieBordenHouse7

LizzieBordenHouse8

LizzieBordenHouse9

LizzieBordenHouse10

LizzieBordenHouse11

LizzieBordenHouse12

Punxsutawney Phil was spot-on with his February 2nd prediction of six more weeks of winter. Since Groundhog Day, we’ve been slammed with snowstorm after snowstorm, resulting in dangerous driving conditions and plenty of muscle pain from shoveling so much. New England has been hit with so much snow recently that we’re running out of places to pile it up. As I type this, there is a snow bank next to my car that comes up to the middle of my passenger’s side window because there is simply no where else to throw it.

And although unexpected days off from work can be fun every once in a great while- there is only so much Netflix a person can watch before they begin to go a little stir crazy.

Yesterday, the cabin fever was too much for me to bear, and I braved another incoming snowstorm to go for a drive while the roads were clearer than they have been in days, and just do something for an afternoon that didn’t involve marathoning TV shows for hours on end. I ended up in Fall River, and, more specifically- the Lizzie Borden house- where Abby and Andrew Borden met their demise via a hatchet to their heads in 1892. The house, which now serves as a fully-functioning bed & breakfast, also gives hourly tours. I couldn’t resist, and took said tour of the home with another small group of people in the area who I assume were also combating cabin fever.

Our tour guide was friendly, funny, and informative- and let us linger in the rooms to examine photographs and snap pictures of our own- and the house itself was beautiful and cozy. If you can overlook the fact that two gruesome, violent unsolved murders took place there, and the rumors of it being haunted- then it’d be a lovely place to spend a weekend (I’m actually looking into it since I ain’t afraid of no ghosts…)

LizzieBordenHouse13

LizzieBordenHouse14

LizzieBordenHouse15

LizzieBordenHouse16

When the tour was over, it was doing more than just flurrying outside- but I wasn’t done. I headed down the street from the Borden house to Oak Grove Cemetery to see the Borden Family burial site. Thankfully, a family that had been in my tour group also had the same idea, which made locating the plot a little easier since the cemetery is huge. Lizzie was right alongside Andrew, Abby, and her sister Emma’s graves, but hers was the only one that had flowers placed near it (and what looked like a piece of candy.)

When I was done taking pictures, and apologizing out loud to the inhabitants of the graves I was tromping and slipping over to get back to my car, I headed home- which took me 2 1/2 hours longer than it should have because of the severity of this most recent snow/ice storm. Overall, though- it was an interesting afternoon. If you’re ever in Fall River, I highly recommend checking the Borden house out. The tour isn’t expensive and it’s a unique (if not slightly morbid,) way to spend an hour.

I didn’t leave empty handed, either. There’s a tiny gift shop in a converted barn out behind the house, and ever a fan of unique jewelry, I picked up one of these Lizzie Borden cameo necklaces- complete with a hatchet trinket by the clasp- that I’ll undoubtedly wear around Halloween.

LizzieBordenHouse17

LizzieBordenHouse18

LizzieBordenHouse19

Juicy Couture: Malibu Collection.

Leave a comment Standard

JuicyCouturePerfumes1

I recently received a little white package, postmarked from NYC, completely out of the blue. After pondering whether or not it’s contents could potentially be the beginnings of a “your mission, if you choose to accept it/Mission Impossible” style adventure, I opened it to find samples of Juicy Couture’s “Malibu” fragrance collection (in refreshingly Summer-esque pink and orange packaging,) from NYLON Magazine. With all the snow we’ve been getting here in New England in recent days (and are expected to see more of by the end of this week,) I can always go for a little Californian getaway, even if it’s just in the form of a whiff of perfume- so I was pretty excited to wear these.

The very first issue of NYLON I ever read featured The Donnas on the cover and for the most part, was dedicated to spotlighting women in rock and indie music during the peak of “The” bands popularity (2004, I believe?) I distinctly remember Interpol being featured in the issue, which is what had initially drew me to it (forever one of my favorite bands from my teenage years,) but by the time I’d finished reading, cover to cover- I’d dog-eared the pages so badly that they were beyond repair. I’d discovered and fell in love with so many female-fronted acts from that issue, and I subscribed to the magazine shortly thereafter.

Through the years, NYLON has featured different shops, styles, events, writers, photographers- and even some of my friends’ bands and artistic endeavors- within their pages and on their website. Although it’s been quite some time since I’ve been actively subscribed- the little white package that popped up in my mailbox was a nice surprise. I felt inclined to visit NYLON’s website for the first time in ages, only to see Norman Reedus on the cover of the guys’ issue for March- so it might be time to renew that subscription, after all.

I digress. I’m getting all nostalgic over here, and this post was supposed to be about perfume.

While I’ve always been on the fence about Juicy Couture’s clothing (although I will absolutely admit that I think their stuff has gotten increasingly cuter in recent years,) I’m a big fan of their fragrances. Both the original Juicy Couture perfume and “Viva La Juicy” were my everyday go-to’s for a long time. They lasted all day but weren’t headache-inducing levels of overpowering. I hadn’t been aware that they’d released a “Malibu” inspired collection until I received the samples.

JuicyCouturePerfumes2

JuicyCouturePerfumes4

Couture La La Malibu: Although the brief description of this perfume says it has mandarin notes, I didn’t get that at all during any of the few times I wore this. This smelled a bit more on the sugary side to me- like candy- which was pleasant enough but not something I was over the moon for. Also, unlike the other Juicy Couture fragrances I’ve been smitten with, this one didn’t last that long at all. Within a couple of hours, it had all but disappeared from my skin and I had to reapply more than once throughout the day.

JuicyCouturePerfumes3

JuicyCouturePerfumes5

Juicy Couture Malibu: Where ‘La La Malibu’ didn’t really “wow” me, I was more than happy with the original ‘Malibu’ fragrance, which started off smelling like crisp, clean citrus and eventually faded into a very pretty, very full floral scent that lasted most of the day and only needed to be re-applied once, if that. This is one of those perfumes that would be perfect for the Spring/Summer.

Clearly, the winner of the two samples for me was the original “Malibu” fragrance. Like I said, I think when it comes time for me to pick a perfume for the warmer months- that’ll be the one I’ll go to. It smelled so clean and so delightfully Summery. I’m not sure if it’s an accurate representation of Malibu, since I’ve never been, but it did remind me of the beachy afternoons and evenings I’ve spent in San Diego- so that’s always a plus. Skip “La La Malibu” and go straight for the orange bottle, instead.

Thanks again for the perfume, NYLON (also- thanks again for your March guys’ cover. Hubba Hubba.) I think I’ll be re-introducing myself to your magazine after I dig myself out of the apocalyptic amounts of snow this impending Nor’easter is supposed to drop on me.

Quick Eats: Homemade Crab Rangoon

Comments 4 Standard

CrabRangoon1

Growing up, ordering Chinese food was always reserved for Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, the two nights out of the year when my mother didn’t want to go anywhere near the kitchen and when most restaurants closed early. We’d sit around our Christmas tree (and on New Years Eve- the television- to watch the ball drop in Times Square,) stuffing our faces with chicken fingers, pork-fried rice, beef teriyaki, etc. and then chow down on the leftovers the following day.

In my early twenties, ordering Chinese food, while still a family tradition, became synonymous with last call at the local bars. We’d place a pick-up order while we finished our final drinks for the night, walk downtown to pick up the food, and nine times out of ten- eat almost all of it while walking to whoever’s apartment we were crashing at for the night. Nothing hit the spot after a couple of whiskey sours than a heaping serving of chicken lo mein.

And now, a few years older, ordering Chinese food (still a Christmas Eve tradition at my mom’s house!) often results in me getting a stomach ache and asking myself how I was able to eat the gigantic portions of it like I did when I was a kid. The only thing that doesn’t seem to make me feel gross after mass consumption is crab rangoon, a long-standing favorite on any take-out menu.

Instead of shelling out money for an order of crab rangoon at one of the many Chinese food places by where I live, I decided to make my own this afternoon. To me, it’s a sort trial and error type of recipe to attempt- but they came out pretty good- if I do say so myself!

CrabRangoon2

CrabRangoon3

CrabRangoon4

YOU WILL NEED:

* 1 Can of bulk crab meat

* 1/2 Brick/package of cream cheese (THIS CAN VARY. The last time these were made, only a small amount of cream cheese was added, and the result, while good- didn’t really taste like traditional rangoon. Depending on your preference, you can add more or less cream cheese. I prefer a little more.)

* 1 Package of won ton wraps (I found mine in the produce section at my local market)

* 1 1/2- 2 Cups of cooking oil

* 1/2 Freshly sliced lemon (or a teaspoon of lemon juice)

* 1 Egg – beaten

* A pastry brush

OKAY, HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:

1. Using a bowl, thoroughly mix the can of bulk crab meat and the 1/2 brick of cream cheese. I find using a fork to mash the ingredients together is helpful. From there, squeeze the 1/2 of freshly sliced lemon over the crab meat and cream cheese (or add the teaspoon of lemon juice) and continue mixing. Add salt and pepper for seasoning.

CrabRangoon5

2. In a pan, add the 1 1/2 cups – 2 cups of oil. Begin heating the oil on your stove top at medium/high.

3. While the oil is heating, lay out the won ton wraps out on a flat surface. Add a teaspoon of the crab/cream cheese/lemon juice mixture in the center of each wrap.

4. Using a pastry brush, dip the brush tip into your beaten egg, and sweep along each edge of the won ton wrap. This allows the edges to stick and stay together when you fold them, and prevents them from breaking apart when you cook them in the oil shortly.

CrabRangoon6

5. Fold together each corner of the won ton wrapper, creating a pocket. By now, your oil should be hot and ready to use.

6. Carefully drop the pockets into the oil. They’ll immediately begin to sizzle as they cook. Using a spatula, you can turn the pockets over in the oil to make sure they’re crisping and browning evenly. Once they reach your desired level of crispiness, use the spatula to remove them from the oil.

CrabRangoon7

CrabRangoon8

7. Set your cooked pockets on folded paper towels to absorb excess oil and allow them to cool.

8. Enjoy! (Chopsticks optional.)

CrabRangoon9

CrabRangoon10

These tasted so delicious- even better than the ones I’ve had in take-out orders in the past. I think the next time my family gets together for the holidays, I’ll whip up a batch of these to switch up our tradition- just a little bit.

GLOSSYBOX: January 2014 Review.

Comments 2 Standard

January2014GlossyBox1

January2014GlossyBox2

January was a rough month for GlossyBox. After a December box that fell a little flat, the subscription service was plagued with weather-related problems throughout January, resulting in delayed shipments. A peek at any of GlossyBox’s social media accounts revealed a flood of angry customers demanding to know where their boxes were and complaints from people who weren’t satisfied with what they’d received in the shipments that had gone out on time (although that happens to pretty much every subscription service EVERY month no matter what.)

I received my GlossyBox earlier last week, but it typically arrives near the end of the month, anyway- so I wasn’t too displeased. At first glance, it looked as though the company had made every effort with the products they picked and packed to make up for any inconvenience.

But I have to try them, of course.

What I Received:

Balance Me Super Toning Body Wash

TONI&GUY Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream

beautyblender.pure (with cleanser)

Bellápierre Cosmetics Mineral Blush in “Desert Rose”

January2014GlossyBox3

Product # 1: Balance Me Super Toning Body Wash ($14)

If you’ve been following Legally Redhead for any amount of time, or at the least if you’ve been reading my cosmetics/beauty boxes posts, you’re probably aware that I’m kinda’ selective when it comes to my bath/shower products. I’m never opposed to trying new things, but I know what I like and what I don’t like because I know what works for me- and what doesn’t. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this lightly fruit scented body wash, which is described as being able to improve skin’s texture, tone, and encourage good circulation while still being gentle enough for everyday use.

I can’t say much about improving my skin’s tone, texture, or my circulation- since it looks the same to me, but I did like the way this body wash made my skin feel squeaky clean without drying it out or leaving behind any kind of residue on the surface. The fragrance doesn’t last very long after the shower, but my skin feels nice all day after I use this.

Would I Purchase?: Maybe. This is a quality body wash for sure- but nothing about it really struck me as extraordinary to the point where I’d feel like I had to run out and buy it immediately. I’d probably pick up a bottle as a treat to myself for when I travel (because hotel soaps are hit or miss,) since it does a good job at deeply cleaning and conditioning my skin, and doesn’t overpower me with fragrance.

January2014GlossyBox4

Product # 2: TONI&GUY Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray ($14.99)

I don’t care if it’s the middle of winter and “beachy waves” in New England aren’t technically “in,” I love sea salt sprays and the way they make my hair look, regardless of the season. This fresh smelling spray softens my curls and gives my hair a little bit more volume without making it feel crunchy or dry- which is super important with curly hair since dryness usually accentuates frizz and/or split ends. I usually use Bumble & Bumble’s “Surf Spray” in the Summertime, but this is just as good. I’ve been spraying it into my towel-dried hair (see: still damp,) and letting it air dry to get the most desirable results. Best of all? It seems to be safe for color treated hair- which means no strawberry blonde ends for me!

Would I Purchase?: Yes! Again, sea salt sprays are one of my favorite hair styling products. They give me the “spent all day surfing” hair I love but can’t achieve without risking hypothermia from diving into the ocean this time of year.

January2014GlossyBox5

Product # 3: Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream ($31)

I was pretty excited to try a moisturizer that apparently gives 48 hours of continuous hydration, especially since some areas of my skin can be a bit dry and patchy in the winter. The first thing I noticed about this cream was that it had added fragrance to it- which immediately made me nervous since my skin can be sensitive at times, and anything with perfume in it is usually a one way ticket to breakout-ville. Thankfully, I haven’t had any kind of bad reaction to this moisturizer thus far- and it definitely keeps my skin soft and supple for hours at a time. It’s very rich, but it absorbs quickly into my skin and doesn’t feel greasy afterwards.

Would I Purchase?: Maybe. While I’m getting decent results with this cream, the fragrance is still a cause for concern for me. I may not have experienced any kind of breakout yet, but there’s always the possibility. If this came fragrance-free, I’d buy it for sure.

January2014GlossyBox6

Product # 4: beautyblender.pure ($19.95)

While I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Beauty Blender, I’ve never actually tried it for myself. I’m a stickler for my makeup brushes, and truthfully, I just assumed the Beauty Blender was an over-hyped, overpriced sponge. I wasn’t expecting much, but decided to give this squishy white egg a whirl anyway. I followed the directions laid out on GlossyBox’s website (I also watched a couple of tutorials on YouTube just to play it safe,) and after wetting the sponge and having entirely too much fun watching it double in size with water- I got to work with applying my foundation- and wow.

I was pleasantly surprised with how well the Beauty Blender worked. Not only did it help me achieve good, even, and natural looking coverage quickly- but the tipped end made applying foundation around my nose and mouth a lot easier. Afterwards, I went to clean the Beauty Blender using the small bottle of cleanser that came with it, not entirely sure how well it would work considering past makeup sponge-cleansing attempts rarely ended well, but I was even surprised at the cleanser and how efficient it was. While my sponge does still have the faintest of foundation tint on it that wouldn’t wash out after a couple of attempts, it was nowhere near as bad or as messy as I thought it would be.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! While I still consider myself loyal to my brushes, this was a great product that I’d definitely re-purchase in the future. I got great results from this and I can absolutely see myself alternating back and forth between this and my foundation brush depending on how much time I have to do my makeup in the morning. Now I finally see why all the beauty bloggers and gurus rave about this thing.

January2014GlossyBox7

January2014GlossyBox8

Product # 5: Bellápierre Cosmetics Mineral Blush in “Desert Rose” ($20)

In the container, this loose powder blush looked a little dark- at least darker than what I’d normally wear on my cheeks, but it applied as a very pretty, very natural (and sheer) rose/peach tone with build-able color that I think will be my go-to in the Spring. I set this blush with my finishing powder and the final result was a flattering flush of pink in my cheeks. In the photo above, I’m wearing “Desert Rose” with my foundation, finishing powder, mascara, and a nude lip balm.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! This is such a beautiful color that blends really, really nicely and doesn’t give any unnecessary sparkle or sheen to my face. It lasts all day and feels nice and lightweight on my skin. I can easily see this becoming one of my favorite blushes in my collection.

Shipping issues aside, I was really pleased with January’s GlossyBox. Although I was on the fence about a couple of products, there wasn’t one that I disliked entirely. In fact, I was a big fan of most of them- which is always a good thing. I definitely got my money’s worth in this box, and I’m hoping they keep up the good work in February’s, too. This was a great way for them to start the new year.

January 2014: In a Nutshell.

Leave a comment Standard

How is it the end of January already? It feels like I was just ringing in 2014 in NYC- and now we’re heading into February! Granted, January is usually one of the busiest months out of the year for me. Between work picking up speed after the lull of the holidays, friends’ birthdays happening one right after the other, my own birthday sneaking up on me- and the overall preparations and goal-setting for the new year- January seems to go by in the blink of an eye, without fail, every year.

Even still, I had a good month. New Years Eve and New Years Day were a blast, of course- and not even the polar vortex and lots (and lots!) of snow could slow me down while I spent time trying to keep warm with friends, networking with other bloggers, and feverishly making plans for February. I had one of the most fun and shamelessly nerdy birthdays ever, and I managed to get in a couple of good photography outings- despite the snow and dramatic temperature drops.

January2014InANutshell

New Year – New York! Me all smiles in NYC 1/1/14.

February looks to be another busy month (but by choice!) I have a few adventures planned, a little bit of travel, some recent recipes I’m excited to share here, and- weather permitting- some more photography/urban exploration sessions, among other things. So far, this year is off to a lovely start.

I hope 2014 has had a wonderful beginning for all of you, as well! I just remembered that today is Chinese New Year, too, so here’s to The Year of the Horse!

xox