mexican hot chocolate

-cough- so, i've been sick. all last week i was struggling to breathe & keep my eyes open. i've finally gotten over the worst and i'm functional now. is it thanksgiving yet? can i just fast forward? something about turkey & family sounds awesome right now.

i was reminded of the lovely combination that is chocolate and chipotle when i recalled a dessert i had at the wonderful el barrio in birmingham. it was a chocolate creme with, you guessed it, a chipotle kick. i fell in love with the flavor. this might even be good if you drank it cold!

• 1 package hot chocolate mix (make it with milk, not water!)
• 2-3 pinches chipotle powder
• 2-3 pinches cinnamon
• 1-2 pinches nutmeg
• whipped cream

recipe adapted from real simple.

ps; do you like my little cheap silver target tree in the background? i sure do.

review: too faced milk chocolate soleil bronzer

i sort of feel like i'm writing about food, because i do in fact know what this product tastes like. don't ask. i'm lying, ask away.

but i'll get to that later. to sum it up, too faced's milk chocolate soleil bronzer is the light, shimmer-free bronzer. as someone who is not a fan of glitter face, this is perfect. the powder is fine and light, but very pigmented and easy to blend. it's very buildable. in addition, i find it lasts all day - it's the only bronzer i've sampled that i haven't had to reapply. for those with lighter skin tones, i highly recommend this. don't let the word "bronzer" intimidate you - it is natural, forgiving and easy to blend. oh, and the packaging is gorgeous!

now, on to the chocolate part. the chocolate scent is strong. i don't smell it on my face throughout the day - not that strong, thank goodness. but there is a scent as you're applying it. i will admit: some strange twist of fate allowed some of this product to get in my mouth at some point - and it tasted sweet. like, i didn't spit it out. i was just kind of like, "hmm. ok." but no, i wouldn't recommend eating it. just know that when they say chocolate, they really aren't kidding. if you can get past this, try it out!

in my opinion, a drugstore dupe for this product is nyc's 'sunny' bronzer - though the lasting power on 'sunny' is not as great as milk chocolate soleil's.

i've really enjoyed this product and will likely repurchase it if i don't get the curiosity to try out other bronzers. i'm a creature of habit!

photo diary: hello november

i spent a relaxing weekend in birmingham & crossed a few things off my "to visit" list: what's on 2nd, urban standard & the pepper place farmer's market (no photos, boo). since moving here in july, my tally of places to go (& food to sample!) has only grown. birmingham has so much to offer that really isn't seen at the surface; maybe you know the city as a pivotal civil rights landmark, or maybe you have heard of our growing culinary scene. either way, stop by sometime if you live in the south. i fall in love with this city more every day. i feel truly blessed to live here.

winter wishes

kate spade thermal mug / target kodi ankle booties / baublebar crystal feather bib / j. crew herringbone vest / bath & body works winter candy apple 3-wick candle

 

 

these are the items i've got my eye on currently (christmas list?). ah, the coveted j. crew herringbone vest - who knows if i'll be able to get my hands on one. the $12 walmart look alike is even sold out (but i'm still checking for it weekly!). if you know me you know i'm addicted to cups like nobody's business, so of course a cute kate spade mug is in order for when it gets chillier. these ankle booties from target are a great price, how can i say no? baublebar's statement necklaces are my favorite. and candles? eh, that's a given. time to stock up.

roasted red pepper & smoked gouda soup

whether you fancy a low carb meal on the regular or not, you must check out peace, love & low carb for some awesome recipes. i stumbled upon this one and knew it was the perfect weeknight crockpot meal. notice the flash? it's practically pitch black outside by the time i'm home from work!

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 14.z ounce cans fire roasted tomatoes
• 12 ounce roasted red peppers
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces shredded gouda cheese
• 3 ounces shredded parmesan cheese (my addition)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

turn your slow cooker to the 'low' setting. add tomatoes, red peppers, chicken stock, tomato paste, basil, salt, oregano and black pepper. in a pan over medium heat, saute your onion and garlic until soft, about 10 minutes. add to slow cooker, cover, and cook for 4 hours.

after 4 hours, transfer soup to a blender and blend until smooth. return soup to slow cooker and add gouda, parmesan and heavy cream. cook 1 additional hour. shred fresh cheese on top to serve.

recipe via peace, love & low carb.

current obsessions {volume 3}

01. j. crew sweaters - i mean, who doesn't love a j. crew sweater? especially if they're j. crew factory & on sale! these have 3/4 length sleeves and are perfect for layering or wearing alone.

 02. black quilted puffer vest from old navy - for $30, this was a steal. i've been wearing it on top of my j. crew sweaters & long sleeve shirts. i love the gold hardware.

03. bath & body works pumpkin pecan waffles candle- smells like heaven, truly. this is all i've been burning for the month of october.