Thrifty Thursday- Pastel and Neon Skinnies

With Spring just around the corner, pastel and neon skinny jeans are beginning to pop up everywhere.  If you want to rock this trend, but don't want to spend a fortune, I have good news for you.  Forever 21 has several styles of skinny jeans in a TON of colors!  The best part is that they're only $25! The hardest part is deciding which color(s) to get!

xoxo,
Jen

Colored Skinnies by jennifer-frisk featuring studded jeans

LOVE 21 CONTEMPORARY Life In Progress™ Colored Skinnies / Studded jeans / Forever 21 jeans / Denim skinny jeans / Studded jeans

Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Although we refer to Brayden as our little Cookie Monster, the Hubs is the original Cookie Monster of the house.  He hasn't met a cookie he doesn't like. He has his favorites of course.  One of his favorites are the Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars that my mom makes for him.  Because I was a nice wife the other day (and because he had a great day and deserved it!) I decided to surprise him and make the cookies.  They're really easy to make.  Enjoy!

xoxo,

Jen

My little sous chef helped :)

Ingredients:

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

2/3 cup Butter, softened

1/2 cup chunky peanut butter

2 Eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup mini real semi-sweet chocolate chips  ( I used regular size, not mini)

2 tablespoons sugar

 

48 milk chocolate kiss-shaped candies

Directions:

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine brown sugar, butter and peanut butter in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; continue beating until well mixed. Reduce speed to low; add flour, baking powder and baking soda. Beat until well mixed. Stir in chocolate chips.

Pat dough into ungreased 15x10x1-inch jelly-roll pan. Sprinkle with sugar. 

Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately press evenly spaced chocolate candies into warm bars. Cool completely. Cut into bars, cutting between candies.

Black and White Style

Black and white fashions are everywhere lately.  It was a huge trend at the SAG awards with celebrities on the red carpet.

You don't have to be a celebrity to rock this style.  This trend can easily be incorporated into your everyday fashion.  I love the simplicity of a chic black and white look.  The style is so versatile.  Keep it simple with a black and white dress, or get a little crazy with polka dot pants.  And, with the abundance of bright colored accessories hitting the streets for Spring,  its easy to change the overall look with a splash of color.  See below for some of my favorite finds.

xoxo,
Jen

Black and White by jennifer-frisk featuring forever 21

Ponte dress / Forever 21 / Forever 21 knit top / Forever 21 / Hampton's Skirt :: NEW ARRIVALS :: The Blue Door Boutique

Cozy Up On A Gloomy Day

I have a case of the "Mondays" today.  Its so gloomy outside and all I want to do is cozy up on the couch.  How do you spend your gloomy days?  I've listed a few of my favorite cozy necessities below.

xoxo,
Jen

1.  A great pair of warm cozy socks
2.  The softest blanket (Seriously, this is the best blanket!!  NAP brand at Brookstone)
3.  A Delicious spin on the classic hot chocolate
4.  A stylish koozie for your mug of hot chocolate
5.  A soothing candle with a light scent
6.  A great read
7.  Reality TV

Cozy Up On A Gloomy Day by jennifer-frisk on Polyvore

Microfleece Cuddle Blankets at Brookstone—Buy Now! / Homescent Collection - Pomegranate | Pottery Barn

Cookie Monster Cookies & Milk Birthday Party

Last month my little man turned 1!  We were so lucky to have so many of our friends and family celebrate with us.  Since B loves cookies and Cookie Monster, it was easy to pick a theme.  Besides, who doesn't love cookies?!  The party had kids and adult beverages (Sangria), lots of snacks (Chick-Fil-A nuggets, YUM!), and of course, a cookie and milk bar!  Below are some pictures to show how this party came together.

xoxo,
Jen

Birthday Boy!

Happy Birthday Banner (Etsy)

Banner made of monthly pictures of my little man (I made this!).

Cookie Monster Centerpieces (Cookie Monsters- Etsy)

I already had the bucket, so the centerpiece was easy to pull together.

Part of the Cookie Bar

(Cookie/Milk Jars- IKEA, Mason Jars- ACE, Straws- Etsy, Bucket- Target)

High Chair Banner (Etsy)

Take home bags for the cookie bar.  (Custom Labels- Etsy)

YUM!

Favor Bags (I made these myself!)

The "older" kids having fun decorating their own cookies.

Smash Cake!

Rose Gold

I'm a huge fan of wearing gold, and I've finally jumped on the rose gold bandwagon.  I was weary at first because I wasn't sure what to wear with it (i.e. how to continue to rock my ever growing arm candy in rose gold instead of "regular" gold).  I was happy to discover so many great bracelets out there that mix and match beautifully with rose gold.  Below, I've posted a few pictures for inspiration as well as some of my favorite finds for rose gold arm candy.  I received the Michael Kors watch shown below for Christmas and I love it.  However, if you're not ready to commit to rose gold, and don't want to spend a lot, I found a great alternative at Nordstrom for only $18! (also shown below).  Enjoy!

xoxo,
Jen

Rose Gold by jennifer-frisk featuring chronograph watches

Marc by Marc Jacobs bracelets bangle / Marc by Marc Jacobs stretch bracelet / Marc by Marc Jacobs rose gold bracelet / Bracelets bangle / Alexis Bittar bracelets bangle / MICHAEL Michael Kors chronograph watch / Chronograph watch

Durgstore Haul

I absolutely love going to drugstores and wandering around aimlessly to discover new products.  Its even better when you go with a friend and learn about their favorite finds too.  I did a post a while ago (here) sharing my favorite drugstore gems.  Since then, I've discovered a few new products that I wanted to share.  I found some on my own, and others were recommendations from friends; which are now staples in my routine.  Enjoy!

xoxo, 
Jen

1.  L'OREAL Voluminous Mascara:  I'm constantly searching for the perfect mascara.  No matter what brand I try, I'm never overly thrilled with the results.  This mascara is the best I've found in a while.  It gave my lashes great length and volume.
2.  Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush:  This blush gives a great hint of color, with the moisture of a cream blush.
3.  Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes:  These things are fantastic!  They easily remove your makeup.  Since I travel a lot, they're perfect to keep in my suitcase, rather than bringing all of my face washes (yes I have several) for just 1 night away.
4.  Night of Olay:  During my last skin consultation (Facial), the esthetician complimented my skin and asked what my nighttime skin routine was.  She was shocked that I didn't use night cream.  I never really thought about using it, to be honest.  She recommended Olay products.  The only thing I knew about Olay was that my Grandma used it religiously everyday, and her skin was fantastic.  I've been using it every night for about a week now.  Stay tuned for the results :)
5.  EOS Lip Balm:  When my bestie came to visit, she used this cute egg shaped lip balm.  I loved the style of it, so she sent me one in a care package.  In addition to the cute look of the product, it really makes your lips smooth and tingly.
6.  Covergirl Liquiline Blast:  This is another friend recommendation.  I've been using the same MAC eyeliner for a while now.  I have to say, this drugstore brand is an exact replica!  It feels like a liquid liner, but goes on easy like a pencil (for those of us who haven't quite mastered the liquid liner).
7.  Maybelline Baby Lips:  I've seen this product advertised all over the place for a while now.  I finally decided to try it.  Its supposed to repair your lips over time.  I've been using it for about a week now.  It definitely makes my lips smooth when I apply it.  Stay tuned for the lasting effects.

Durgstore Haul by jennifer-frisk featuring a lip care

Maybelline / Face moisturizer / Neutrogena / Eos lip care / Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm / Covergirl Liquiline Blast Eyeliner Pencil Black / L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara

Penne with Turkey Ragu

The Hubs and I were on a hunt for a new dinner recipe   I feel that we've been stuck in the same rotation of meals for the past few weeks.  We stumbled upon this recipe and decided to give it a try.  The picture looked delicious and best of all, its healthy!  The original recipe called for pappardelle pasta.  However, I couldn't find it in my grocery store.  I opted for a whole wheat penne pasta instead.  It came out great!  There's plenty for leftovers too!  Enjoy!

xoxo,
Jen

ingredients

 

1 pound(s) pappardelle pasta  (I used whole wheat penne pasta)

2 medium carrots, halved

1 medium onion, quartered

2 garlic cloves, peeled

2 teaspoon(s) olive oil

1 1/4 pound(s) ground turkey

1/2 teaspoon(s) crushed rosemary

1/4 teaspoon(s) pepper

1/2 cup(s) dry white wine (optional)

1 jar(s) (24 to 26 oz) marinara sauce

Grated Parmesan (I used Kraft reduced fat parmesan)

directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook as package directs.

Meanwhile, put carrots, onion and garlic in a food processor; pulse until finely chopped. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped vegetables 4 minutes or until tender.

Add turkey, rosemary and pepper; cook, breaking up clumps, 4 minutes or until no longer pink. Add wine, if using; simmer, uncovered, 1 minute.

Stir in marinara sauce, reduce heat and simmer, covered, 2 minutes to blend flavors. Toss with drained pasta; Serve with grated Parmesan.

Read more: Pappardelle with Turkey Ragu - Woman's Day