Winter Desserts Part 2

Remember my first Winter Desserts post? Well, with all of the talk surrounding the snowstorm that's due to hit NYC, I'm craving nothing more than staying in and indulging in the richest desserts I could find. Do you see where I'm going with this? Don't be shy, feast your eyes and click the photos for the recipes!

Mexican Chocolate Pots de Creme

Coconut Pancakes with Grilled Bananas and Salted Caramel Rum Sauce

Chocolate Cream Squares

Beauty Inspiration: Winter Glow

Just because it's unbelievably frigid out doesn't mean your makeup has to suffer, right? Okay, I admit, my skin is a bit dry, and I'm just trying to find a way to keep my face from looking pale and unhealthy. I saw these beautiful backstage shots of the Frida Weyer show, and I love the dewy glow the MAC makeup artists gave the models to match the ethereal designs. The look is fairly simple, with emphasis on a natural lip and cheek color. My favorite part of the look is the rosy metallic eyeshadow, and lush lashes. I've been using a bronze eyeshadow lately, but I definitely need to try this look. To re-create the look, I'd start with the MAC Face and Body foundation for a dewy finish, with Tipsy blush from Tarte. I'd use Painterly paint pot as a base on my lids, and a pack Gleam eyeshadow from the lid to the crease. For highlight, I'd use the Lustre Drops in Pink Rebel, and for mascara, I'm loving the CoverGirl Clump Crusher. On the lips, I'd stick to my mainstay lipstick in Hug Me. Would you try this look?

photos via

Weekend Winter Meals...

The best thing about winter in NYC is the slight chance that there will be one weekend that will be unseasonably mild. This weekend was perfect - it was a long one that I spent shopping and walking around Union Square, and I stopped in to Duane Reade for a tasty mission (#DRAsianmeals). One of my favorite quick weekend meals is soup, so I was excited to try one of the new Asian Meals noodle soups from Malaysia Kitchen. Out of the Shiitake Mushroom, Sesame Garlic and Lemongrass flavors, I chose the Sesame Garlic. For a quick meal, the soup quality was similar to that of some of the best Asian soups I've had in the city. The little bowl included makes it so convenient if you need to eat and run. I also love that the soups don't contain any MSG, preservatives, trans fat or added coloring. I'll definitely be stocking up for when the mercury dips again.

January Fashion + Beauty Wishlist

I've been on a spending ban for the New Year, but I've still been looking at pieces that are first on my list when I'm able to shop again. The first piece, a ridiculously stunning leather bustier needs to be in my closet. I already have about 5 outfits in mind, and it would be so good if it were in my size! I'm considering having one made just like it. No joke. The Urban Decay Naked Basics palette I think is a must for any matte lover, especially if you're not bold with your eye looks. The Tarte blush in Tipsy is one I've had before, and the peachy color works so well with my complexion.The Vanille parfum smells just like cookies, and I've been coveting it forever, along with the Tokyo Milk Bubble Bath that's jasmine and gardenia scented. The newest item on the list from Julep is a limited edition rose gold(!) glitter polish I can't wait to try.

1.  Alexander Wang Crocodile Embossed Leather Bustier

2.  Tokyo Milk Eiffel Tower Bubble Bath

3.  Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

4.  Julep Jane Rose Gold Glitter Nail Polish

5.  Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Tipsy

6.  L'Aromarine Vanille Eau de Parfum

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Skin Protectant

I have to be the last woman on the planet to try the famed Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream, and after spending months on my beauty wishlist, it finally made its way onto my face, body, and lips. I was originally going to purchase the tube (as its commonly seen), but I decided on a tub instead. There's also a fragrance-free version for those who are iffy about the strong (but pleasant) scent. It lives on my dresser, and is so easy to pop into my handbag without getting lost. This skin protectant is definitely a cult favorite, and I love it for its multipurpose qualities.

I've been using it as a balm for dry patches on my face, as an overnight lip treatment, and to tame my brows. I've also heard you can use it as a highlighter, a cuticle treatment, and as a cure for dry feet.  I'm convinced I can never be without, and I highly recommend buying a tube for yourself! Or a tub, like the version I have.

Have you tried this product yet? What do you use it for?

Nuxe Dry Oil

Between the heat blasting in my apartment, the cold weather, and being a bit ill, I've been taking extra care to really moisturize my skin. I've had this sample of Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Usage Dry Oil for ages, but hardly used it. About two weeks ago, I put a bit on my face, my legs, and on the ends of my hair, and I was so impressed with the results. Because it's a dry oil, it quickly sinks into your skin without being greasy, and adds a sheen (especially on the face) that I love. I'll definitely purchase a full-sized product when this runs out.

Have you tried the Nuxe Dry Oil yet? What do you think of it?