Motives for Lala @ IBS New York

I had a wonderful experience at the Motives for LaLa booth at the IBS New York Convention. I was given a tour through the line of Blushes, Bronzers, Lip Shines and Powders. I even watched a guest get a makeover … Continue reading

IBS New York 2013

IBS New York & IECSC are the largest beauty & Spa tradeshows in New York open to licensed beauty professionals.  This year it was held from April 14-16 at the Jacob Javitz Center, and I had the honor of attending as Press/ Beauty … Continue reading

Makeup Monday: A Stroll Through my Makeup Bag

Seeing how I haven’t posted in a while, I wanted to share some of the favorite cosmetics I have in my make up bag now.

MUB

Although I am a product junkie, I’m not overboard when it comes to items that I actually use everyday. I usually just opt for a facial moisturizer, mascara and lip gloss most days, so don’t laugh at my minimal selection of items in my bag. lol

Although its minimal, these products pack punch when I’m ready to add a little more and they are essentially my must haves.

Maybelline EyeStudio Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner, (Black) Never in my life would I think I would use liquid liner but this right here changed my life. It goes on perfect and it’s thin enough for a light line or you can create a thicker application with ease.

Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes Washable Mascara, (Blackest Black) This mascara is my everyday wear because when applied it gives such a long natural look to my lashes. I prefer the waterproof  version. When I am going out and I want my superstar lashes my go to is Diorshow Mascara hands down.

Next on the list is the Jouer Mineral Powder Bronzer in the shade Sunshine. I actually use it as my blush. I got it during a fashion week years ago and it’s almost done. (Sad Face) I will definitely be purchasing this again.

Because I freak out like many people when I see ash or I feel dry, I walk around with my Beekman 1802 Stick of Butter in the Spring Scent. Those gentleman knew what they were doing when they made this. With Ingredients like goat’s milk, sweet almond oil, etc. I couldn’t help but to purchase this one and the Autumn scent. And as the great MILF that I am, it is perfect for the days out with the kids.

My newbie to the crew is the See by Chloé Eau de Parfum SprayI am my mother’s child and after growing up not being able to see my mother’s dresser because it was covered with perfume bottles, there’s no way I could differ. You can’t have enough perfumes and depending on my mood I select a scent. But I’m enjoying this one right now so I’ve been using it often.

My ever loving MAC. Being that I like my low key look, the Siss Lipstick is the perfect nude shade for me and when I want to add a little spring color I go to Maybelline SuperStay 14Hr Lipstick, (Perpetual Peony). I find that both of these lipsticks are very drying on my lips so I always do a layer of L’Oreal Colour Riche Le Gloss (Watermelon Crush). This is also the lipgloss I use everyday sans lipstick. I guess you can tell since everything has been smudged off the tube. lol

Well I hope you enjoyed the trip and do try some or all of these products and judge for yourself!!

Weekend Recipe: Rosemary Chicken With Arugula and White Beans

rosemary-chicken-arugula_gal Taken from RealSimple.com. This recipe is listed under “Easy Weeknight Dinners for April”, but who wouldn’t love an easy dinner on the weekend?

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 15m| Total Time: 50m

Ingredients

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

2 cloves garlic, chopped

5 tablespoons olive oil kosher salt and black pepper

4 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1 15.5-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed

4 cups baby arugula (about 3 ounces)

1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced

Directions

In a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, whisk together the vinegar, rosemary, garlic, 2 tablespoons of the oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add the chicken and turn to coat. Refrigerate, covered, for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the mustard, 2 tablespoons of the remaining oil, and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add the beans, arugula, and onion and toss to combine.

Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade) and cook until cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Serve the chicken with the arugula and beans.

Spring Nails!!

Although the weather has been bouncing back and forth, we technically are still in full Spring bloom, and nothing won’t get you more pumped up and ready for the season like a fresh manicure. These nail designs courtesy of IG: … Continue reading

Hello My Name is Nivia… and I’m an Addict

My addiction ETSY!!!!!

It is amazing how many awesome things you can find on Etsy.  I can only compare it to Amazon my second love.  Mostly everything I buy these days are between these two sites. They even have an iPhone app so I can take my addiction on the road.

I also love the fact that the site has a wide selection of indie designers and artisans who are providing nice products at reasonable prices.  And if you to are interested in selling something you like setup is easy and cheap to have your own e-commerce site.

But seeing how I am working hard to keep a budget I window shop Etsy everyday just for home decor inspiration and to see all the other lovely things the site has to offer.

Here are some of the things I added to my favorites most recently.

Empress Vanilla Spice Shea Butter

Combination Bracelet

Washi Tape

Sconce Bookshelves

Wooden Stamp

Cast Iron Soap Dish/ Business Card Holder

Send-me-Your-Overalls Bag

What I’m Loving Right Now: All DIY Mason Jar Items

While doing my online inspiration views through Etsy and Pinterest, I came upon a staple item in tons of fabulous Projects.

Yes the awesome and multifunctional Mason Jar.

Here are a couple of ideas that inspired me.

After viewing multiple great ideas I have given in and have ordered my case of 1 quart mason jars.

Seeing how I will have 12 Jars to work with, I plan to make a Mason Jar Light, Snow globe, Soap dispenser and drinking cup. I will decide on other items later.  I will also use some  to store items around the house that get crazy like kids crayons, etc.

I will make sure to update with how to’s and pictures so stay tuned.

The BUST magazine Craftacular 2012 this weekend

With such an amazing weekend we had in NYC I took the chance to start my Spring and Summer of outings by attending Bust Magazine’s Craftacular & Food Fair. Although the subways suck on the weekends and I normally hate leaving … Continue reading

Weekend Recipe: Lemon Buckwheat Pancakes With Strawberries and Mint

This recipe is direct from the Etsy Blog.  My favorite shop right now.

Meyer Lemon Buckwheat Pancakes with Strawberries and Mint
Yield: About 15 pancakes

1 cup buckwheat flour
1 cup all purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
Zest of two Meyer lemons
2 cups buttermilk or milk
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

16 ounces strawberries, stems removed, sliced lengthwise
3 tablespoons sugar
Juice of one Meyer lemon
1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely diced
Mint leaves for garnish

First, prep the strawberry topping. Combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice and mint. Set aside, stirring occasionally, until ready.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients and the lemon zest. Separately, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs and melted butter.

Fold the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring until just combined. Lumpy batter is okay!

 Preheat oven to 200 degrees.Warm a skillet over a medium flame. Grease the skillet with butter. Use a 1/4 cup measure to make the pancakes. Work in batches of three or four pancakes. Let them sit, undisturbed, until bubbles begin to form on the surface, about 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook another two minutes or so. Remove from heat and keep warm in oven.Regrease skillet in between batches. When all pancakes have been made, divide amongst plates and top with the strawberries and mint.

Garnish with extra mint if desired. Serve warm.