Get Rid Of Wrinkles Naturally

Lots of women are searching for methods for getting rid of lines and wrinkles on the face. Lines and wrinkles on the face is a symptom of aging which is really disturbing look. Many ways you can do to get a clean epidermis, free from lines and wrinkles and also blemishes. However you should be very careful to select which method you would like to use. Because if you select the incorrect skin care, your face has instead become damaged. Better you select remedy as all-natural as possible.

 

 

Avoid Stress:

Whenever you are stressed, your entire body releases effective aging hormones, cortisol, into your blood stream. “If you have long-term stress, take yoga, write in a journal every day, sing, go for a walk, meditate. Do whatever works that you can minimize stress.

Avoid Smoking:

Smoking eliminates oxygen and also nutrients, and it also improves the amount of free radicals in your body’s cells, a primary reason for epidermis aging. “The amount of cigarette ingestion as well as the number of years you have smoked are correlated with an increase in early lines and wrinkles.

Avoid Environmental Pollutants:

Ozone, smoke, and gasoline fumes are only a some of the pollutants that can age skin and produce early lines and wrinkles.

Avoid Sun Exposure:

Try to wear white or light colors, and also wear a hat whenever you are outside. Also, don’t use tanning booths, which can be even worse as opposed to the sun.

Eat Well:

Eat a nutritious, anti-aging diet plan. Consume lots of water as well as teas, and get eight to ten servings every day of vegetables and fruit. Consume fresh caught Atlantic salmon 3 times per week or another fish full of omega 3 fatty acids, such as herring, mackerel, trout, or tuna. Foods have a incredible ability to battle aging because they are chock filled with anti-oxidants, vitamins, and minerals that your particular body is required to fight lines and wrinkles.

Watch Out For That Sugar:

Stay away from processed and refined meals and sugars. They consist of chemical substances that can result in the skin to age prematurely.

Wear Sunscreen:

For the best anti-aging protection, Dr. Gerrish strongly recommends, “Apply sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 (sun protection factor) 30 mins just before sun exposure to protect your skin layer through dangerous UVA as well as UVB rays. Search for 1 with zinc or even titanium oxide in the component list.

Use Moisturizer:

A very good Moisturizer can keep the epidermis hydrated and also soften lines and wrinkles.

Start Early:

Begin an anti-aging skin care plan. Consult with a non-surgical skin care doctor. There are many products available which thicken the skin and minimize lines and wrinkles.

Wear Sunglasses:

Apart from remaining indoors and also away from windows, sunglasses are the best method to protect the thin, sensitive skin around your eyes from UV radiation.

Sleep On Your Back:

Sleeping with your face pressed against the pillow may cause sleep lines, that can become lines and wrinkles. Satin pillow cases can also assist in the anti-wrinkle battle.

Exercise Regularly:

It gets your cardiovascular system going, that is perfect for getting required nutrients as well as oxygen to your skin, You should get Cardio exercise for your heart and skin health, and weight strengthening workouts for muscle underlying the skin.

Try Retin-A Or Renova:

See your doctor for a doctor prescribed of Retin-A, a cream which has been proven to minimize wrinkles and fine lines, and thicken thinning skin, that is part of the aging process. If your skin is very dry, ask about Renova, a gentler formulation of the anti wrinkle cream.

Read More

Tips for Healthy Skin Around The Eyes

Maintaining Healthy Skin Around the Eyes

Taking care of your skin around the eyes is really a delicate method. Because it is thinner, it's not just tends to be the first place to show signs of aging, but also is more very sensitive as compared to remaining skin. Therefore, special care and attention need to be taken when choosing a skin care item for this area. Items which contain gentle, non-irritating ingredients which reduce your look of lines and wrinkles (Exfoliants), along with a wide range of vitamins, antioxidants, and also skin-plumping ingredients are the best options.

 

 

In selecting an item, it is vital that it is oil-free. Items that contain oil boost the likelihood of clogged glands around the eyes that can lead to styes and other ocular issues. Contact lens wearers particularly, should avoid items that contain oil. The oil not just sticks to the lens which causes blurred vision, but can also cause long term staining. To reduce the chance of contamination, individuals should stay away from items packaged in a fashion that needs “dipping” fingers into a container.

Normal epidermis Exfoliants are alpha hydroxy acids, also known as AHA’s. AHA’s are a group of natural ingredients present in many different fruits, sugar cane and milk. They cause a loosening of the external dead cell layers, that leads to exfoliation (sloughing of dead epidermis cells), therefore dealing with the buildup of corneocytes. The accelerated turnover enables the skin to become softer and also smoother, and minimizes the appearance of fine lines. By thinning the dead cell layer, AHA’s improve the penetration of other vital components. AHA’s also act as excellent moisturizers because of their hydroscopic (water binding) ability. Only items that contain a very mild AHA method should be used on the sensitive particular area.

In addition to AHA’s, other components like moisturizers, antioxidant vitamins as well as herbal extracts are very important for taking care of your skin around the eyes.

Tips for Keeping the Skin Around The Eyes Healthy

• Drink plenty of water. Water plays an important role maintaining the elasticity of epidermis.
• Stay out of the sun. Overexposure to ultraviolet rays will cause melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells, to mature abnormally. This leads to age spots and also uneven pigmentation. UV rays have the effect of up to 90% of aging and can include many years to your appearance.
• Antioxidant Vitamins such as Vitamins A, B-complex, C, D and beta-Carotene gives protection against totally free radical harm. Free radicals are “off balanced” microscopic molecules generally present in groups of thousands. They already have the ability to perform extensive damage to the cell membrane and also a total destruction of normal tissues by robbing all of them of oxygen. Pollution, UV light, smoking, lots of alcohol as well as everyday tension can trigger the production of free radicals. Antioxidants make totally free radicals harmless before they harm the skin’s healthy cells.
• Avoid smoking cigarettes. Nicotine constricts blood vessels in the face and also underneath the eyes. Constricted vessels also ensure it is difficult for nutrients to be absorbed, that leads to a breakdown of collagen.
• Herbal Extracts as well as Liposomes such as chamomile, cornflower, bisabolol and lecithin reduce inflammation, swelling and act to nourish, revitalize and rejuvenate your skin.
• Tips for Keeping the Epidermis Around The Eyes Healthy
• Limit alcohol consumption. Too much drinking can cause dehydration, so limit yourself to a glass or two of wine every week
• Moisturizers just like sodium hyaluronate help in reducing fine lines due to dehydration. Sodium hyaluronate is the most effective humectant available, and it has the ability to bind moisture in the amount of 1000 times its molecular weight.
• Get plenty of rest. Fatigue can cause epidermis look pale and gaunt.
• In addition to choosing the right skin care item, other things are essential in maintaining healthy epidermis around the eyes.
• Use cotton balls when removing make-up to prevent unnecessary tugging and pulling on the delicate tissue.
• Wear sunglasses to avoid squinting.

Read More

8 Helpful Tips For Sensitive Eyes

Having sensitive eyes can sometimes reduce our use of some beauty items, and so I have accumulated several useful beauty advice for sensitive eyes! Usually we think of mascara as the primary reason behind our irritated eyes but there are many items which can equally bother sensitive eyes. If you're trying to find some simple make-up, skincare and also beauty advice for sensitive eyes, continue reading below!

 

 

1. LOOK FOR LONG-WEARING:
When you’re trying to find eye make-up for sensitive eyes, look for formulas which are waterproof or even smudge-proof formulas over weatherproof kinds. Water-proof formulas are stubborn and also a huge pain to eliminate, thus all that extra rubbing can irritate eyes. If you usually don’t require a long-wearing formula, try to find hypo allergenic eye make-up or even brands such as Jane Iredale with all-natural ingredients which won’t bother sensitive eyes.
2. FORGET FIBERS:
Usually, beauty tips for sensitive eyes will discourage the usage of fiber mascaras. Fiber mascaras use fibers to lengthen lashes, that can fall into your eyes and also irritate them. If you’re determined to have lengthened lashes, consider switching to lengthening mascaras (without fibers) or even try volumizing mascaras. Both formulas focus on lashes and really assist lashes stand out!
3. KNOW WHERE TO DRAW THE LINE:
If you are using eyeliner, optometrist Susan Resnick recommends towards using eyeliner directly on the lash line or even waterline. Avoid using a liner on your lash line to stop blocking meibomian glands which produce oils that are imperative to healthy eyes. Blockage of these glands can result in dry eyes and styes. If you want to line your bottom eye area, she recommends lining underneath the lash line to stop the discomfort.
4. GO OIL-FREE:
So we’ve talked about make-up for sensitive eyes, but what about when we want to eliminate it all? NYMag beauty editor Christina Han suggests making use of oil-free eye make-up cleaner to avoid getting oil and also leftover eye makeup in the eyes or even hang on to lashes from eye make-up removers that contains oil. She recommends Almay’s Oil-Free Eye Make-up Cleaner pads or even Klorane’s Soothing Eye Make-up Remover.
5. CARE FOR TOOLS:
You can easily irritate sensitive eyes by using beauty tools which are dirty or even items which have been contaminated. It’s very good to use make-up for sensitive eyes but do not forget to always keep applicators clean and maintain items tightly closed or even protected to avoid contamination and also infection. Sensitive eyes are susceptible to bacterial infections so let’s do our part to help keep all of them healthy!
6. DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT:
If you are using eye drops for dry eyes, one of the helpful beauty advice to follow is to use your eye drops, after that wait at least a 1 / 2 hour before putting on make-up. The point is to moisten up your eyes as much as possible before you use make-up to prevent irritating your eyes. Also, stay away from drop which minimize redness because they can actually cause dry eyes really feel even worse!
7. HANDS OFF:
Let’s not restrict these types of beauty advice to just tips on make-up for sensitive eyes. A lot of us also have sensitive epidermis around our eyes that need our attention as well as care too! Specialists suggest using eye creams and also treatments about an hour before bed to avoid waking up with irritated or even puffy eyes. Also, stay away from touching the area too often and as always, don’t stretch or even pull on your epidermis!
8. CREAM IS QUEEN:
Beauty advice for sensitive eyes include making use of certain kinds of eye makeup. Powder eye shadows are super easy to use and possibly the most famous sort of eye shadow but for sensitive eyes, cream is queen! Rather than using dusty powder eye make-up which can fall into eyes, use cream shadows. Cream shadows are long-lasting, easy to mix and look just like well as other formulas!

Whether you have dry eyes or even sensitive eyes, there are definitely methods for you to still wear your favorite beauty items! As long as we take proper care to use them the right way, we can still rock our favorite eye make-up seems while protecting our eyes.

Read More

City Views Eye Cream Reviews - How Does It Work?

City Views Overview:

CITY VIEWS is a rapid repair eye cream that gives excellent anti-aging advantages. Made specifically target plus repair the signs of aging eyes, this rich but light-weight cream hydrates, nourishes and also helps to protect the sensitive eye area.
Utilizing advanced elements and special anti-aging technology, CITY VIEWS is clinically proven to provide you more youthful looking eyes in only Four weeks. Join the 1000s of ladies who really like City Cosmetics items, and let CITY VIEWS assist you to find your skin's younger radiance!

Source: citycosmetics.com

Product Description:

CITY VIEWS is specifically made to target the key issues of the eye area. Its effective nourishing formula is available in a rich cream that will help to fight the noticeable signs of aging. Make use of it throughout the day to protect your eyes from environmental harm, and at night time to hydrate, replenish and refresh.

Ingredients:

Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower)Seed Oil, Wate, Retinyl (Vitamin A) Palmitate, Xanthan Gum, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Propanediol, Potassium Sorbate, Zinc Oxide, Panthenol, Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) Extract Stearic Acid, Allantoin, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glycerin, , Stearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Pinus Pinaster (Pycnogenol) Extract,Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Capric/Caprylic Triglycerides, Palmitoyl Terapeptide-7, Stearic Acid.

How Does It work?

City Views really encourages the all-natural regeneration of epidermis cells by giving nutrition, hydration and also anti-oxidants to the eye area. Here's how!

• The usage of peptides improves collagen as well as elastin production (which is what maintains the skin lifted and firmer)
• Argireline assists sooth and relax facial muscles reduce their contraction, reducing lines and wrinkles and also working to prevent new wrinkle formation.
• Retinyl stimulates collagen production and enhances epidermis elasticity.
• Matrixyl 3000 tightens your skin assisting to00 reduce the visibility of lines and wrinkles.
• Anti-oxidants just like Green tea extract minimize swelling and then leave the skin feeling and looking refreshed.
• The natural astringent Witch Hazel tightens up your epidermis to prevent sagging.

Wrap Up Text:

I like eye creams and believe some of them are effective just for improving epidermis area and also reducing lines and wrinkles. So that a brand new eye cream claims to be unique and stand out from the crowd, I pay close attention. Unfortunately, Don't really see a lot in the City Views to believe it’s the amazing eye item its marketing sets it out to be.
The product consists of great ingredients but many are unproven and also found in more affordable, comparable eye creams. You also should read more on city views rapid repair eye cream testimonials on an item before I actually invest $70 on it. Therefore, I think City Views provide potential, but it requires more scientific proof and also user reviews before I suggest using it.

Read More

How to Select an Eye Cream for Dark Circles

With the variety of eye products which claim to treat dark sectors under your eyes, how do you know which one works best for you? Continue reading to discover which eye cream you need to select. Here, we'll inform you of a few things worth considering, combined with ingredients that have tested most effective in eliminating dark sectors.

 

 

How to find the most effective eye cream for the dark circles?

Creams which are simply better quality moisturizers aren't adequate weapons to use in the battle towards dark sectors as well as lines and wrinkles. To win in this battle, it’s essential to be armed with a highly effective eye cream or even serum that is made with excellent components.

Customers should look for an eye cream which really does much more target and deal with dark sectors; search for an eye cream containing ingredients which are effective in battling aging. Some anti-aging ingredients that work very well are Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3 and also Palmitoyl Oligopeptide. Whenever these types of components are present in a dark circle cream, you are armed with a double weapon-an item which rejuvenates your eyes, while simultaneously maintaining away dark sectors.

Some other essential components to look for in an excellent dark circles cream individuals that work to protect and improve the blood vessels which surround the eye. These kinds of components will help prevent all those dark sectors caused by broken blood vessels. Finally, high quality dark circle creams will not cause your eyes to sting or even burn.

Some key issues worth considering when trying to find the most efficient dark circle cream are:

• Ingredients that don’t burn or sting your eyes
• Ingredients that protect as well as improve blood vessels
• Ingredients that bottle aging

Best ingredients in eye cream for dark circle:

Many dark circle treat consist of well-known components for example cucumber extract and also Vitamin K. Even though all these components soothe your skin and also reduce dark sectors and swelling, they do not have the power to attack severe dark sectors.

The best eye creams for serious under-eye circles will contain the most advanced and effective elements available, for example Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide as well as Hyaluronic Acid When mixed, all these components effectively minimize blood vessel leaks beneath the epidermis which can cause dark sectors. All these components also increase collagen production, which helps in repairing fine lines and wrinkles which gather all-around your eyes. The end result is radiant eyes and smoother, smoother looking epidermis. Some of the best components for eliminating heavy dark sectors are:

• Hyaluronic Acid:
One of nature’s most potent moisturizers and capable of carrying up to 1000 times its weight in water. This compound helps moisturize, hydrate and plump up skin, diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

• Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3:
Working together, these kinds of peptides stimulate the production of collagen in the epidermis. As a result, you look more youthful.

• Arnica:
Acts as an anti-inflammatory and assists the normal healing process by encouraging blood flow to the skin.

• Vitamin K:
Several independent medical studies found that using vitamin k can lighten the shade of dark circles in the eye orbital area.

Conclusion:

For amazing results, advanced components are necessary in a dark circle eye cream. Choose an item which includes proven components which are combined to work effectively in eliminating dark sectors and even reducing the wrinkles and fine lines under the eyes. To discover which items consist of components like the ones we've just mentioned, check out the reviews of the top eye creams here.

Read More

Finding Your Foundation

Often women feel defeated/cheated by big brands in the pursuit of the right foundation? From patchy skin to oily sheen, Cosmetics can get the best of us girls! ;)
It is unfair when some girls at work sport the most immaculate skin surface and some are left struggling with last night’s zit. Well.. There is a little secret, these hotshots were not born with it either. What appears to shine like a porcelain doll is nothing but a blob of high impact foundation painted onto a face.
Yes, Make up has never been easier!

To choose the right foundation everyone needs to start at the right place. The gorgeous high end cosmetic stores have a lot more to offer compared to the corner isle of the usual drug stores. The reason behind belittling grandma’s hang out spot is that those girls who are constantly envied for their good skin and radiance they don’t just walk into a store and buy makeup. No, they have a system, a system so efficient that if followed diligently will only produce 100% results.

The Perfect Formula:
The key to perfect complexion lies in understanding the skin type. It is important to isolate the problem areas and understand the skin’s sensitivity towards various products in the market. So, in case there is a history in skin allergies one should always Google the ingredients of the product before applying it on the skin.

There are mainly two kinds of skin types: 

Dry or Dull skin:
One of the first benefits of having dry skin is that it requires lesser cover up due to its little to no acne history. At the same time lack of sheen and color makes the skin appear dull. :(
Dry skin means dehydrated skin which lacks moisture and radiance. The Vitalumiere and Vitalumiere Aqua by Chanel are two moisture rich , dewy formulas that transform dullness into radiant and smooth skin. It is advisable to use choose a cream based foundation as it easily spreads evenly across the surface of facial skin and leaves no skid marks. The hydrating powders in stick and liquid foundation have been found to set well into the skin and provide better consistency than foundation powders.

Problem free skin:
Remember that girl who swayed through puberty like nothing happened? Her skin type is the winner in the race of foundation seekers. This type of skin doesn’t need much coverage, in fact all it really needs is a tinted moisturizer. In case of oily patches on the face using a powder based mineral foundation on the oily regions after applying the foundation can help achieve a more consistent skin tone.

Foundation application tips:
To test the foundation, it should be applied on the jawline and should be viewed at the doorway of the store to see if it matches the skin color under normal light conditions.
Foundation should not be tested on on your hands/wrists/palms.
Make up doesn't prevent damage that results from exposure to UV light. It is intelligent to use a foundation that has SPF15 or more.
For those who are not a fan of wearing makeup daily and have blemishes or pimples should make use of a concealer to cover up those regions and use a tinted moisturizer on eyes, chin and nose.

Conclusion:

Today’s cosmetic technology is seeing new horizons and makeup has the capability to correct any and all flaws on the human body. The high impact foundations with various mineral components are designed to serve different skin types differently. The new range of foundations promise complete coverage without unnatural looking results.

To Sum it all up:
Today it possible to achieve complete coverage with the help of a huge range of cosmetic products specializing in skin tone perfection. Foundations have been put through a series of tests and research to create the perfect product for every skin type.

Read More

Tips for Sensitive Skin Around Eyes

We all generally say it in almost every article with make-up tips that sensitive skin all-around eyes need special care so here are all the following tips collected together. You know that eye skin is different from that of our face, right? It's thinner and it has less fat and no muscles under it. There are merely blood vessels which, by the by, can cause all those dark sectors you're struggling with appear if they are situated too close to the surface. Thus let’s learn to maintain our very sensitive eye skin younger so long as we can. 

 

 

• Remove Make-up ‘What happens if you fall asleep with a dirty face? You wake up with a dirty face.’ Just look at this somewhere. But I will say more - you make up with a dirty face as well as the old make-up increases in your epidermis even while you sleep so the epidermis gets duller with time.
• Go All-natural When You Can It’s really a great practice specially in the summer whenever it’s very hot to wear heavy make-up on your face. It’s just like clothing your face warm when it’s very hot exterior. Give your face a break once in a while from many products use real water spray throughout the day to freshen up. That’s all you actually need.
• Say ‘yes’ to Sun glasses There are sunny winter days and snow is also reflecting the sunshine therefore it’s very bright and in order to take care of our eyes from the bright sunlight or even snow glow we squint and as a result get ‘crow's feet’ all-around our eyes.
• That Nice Cool Water To get rid of dark communities under your eyes clean your face with cool not really cold water and also gently tap an eye cream around your eyes to enhance blood circulation.
• Be Gentle Very sensitive eye epidermis doesn’t tolerate harsh cure thus being gentle with it when you use products, serums or make-up. Don’t scrub, wipe or even rub vigorously. It can harm small blood vessels under your eyes as well as cause dark sectors.
• Moisturize Very well we could not ignore this one. Make sure that your eye serum has a light texture as heavy creams don’t allow your epidermis to breathe which may cause puffiness.
• Good Night Sleep Yes, I will not tire to repeat that again and again. Sleep! As well as sleep well. Consult with your health care provider if you have a sleeplessness regarding the ways for you to combat it.
• Apply Beauty Creams in Advance Do not use night creams right before going to sleep. Use in advance one hour or even hours and a half before going to bed. Or else you may end up having swollen eyes.

Sensitive Eye Skin Care Dos and Don’ts

• Do choose makeup products according to your age;
• Don’t touch your eyes too often, don’t stretch your skin and clean hands just before touching your eyes.
• Don’t apply face creams to epidermis around the eyes it can cause irritation, inflammation and swelling;

Read More

Nutella Brownies

 

This Nutella Brownies  almost didn’t happen. But aren’t you glad they did?
They were a last minute, oh hey, chocolate sounds kinda good, let’s do our favorite brownie recipe. Then, as I was grabbing the flour from my cabinet, I bumped into the jar of Nutella and, well, I just went with it. Divine intervention, y’all. It’s a thing.

 

After seeing how decadent and fudgy they were, I busted out my macro lens. I usually shoot with a 50mm 1.4, but these were begging for my dusty ol’ macro that I never use and yet can’t seem to part with. I think it’s safe to say that the macro will be getting plenty of use after these photos. You can almost reach through the screen and stick your finger into the gooey chocolate, amirite?

 

Now, seriously, I’ll get around to a healthy recipe one of these days. Maybe even soon! It’s just that there are so many more treats and desserts that I feel like sharing first. You’re not complaining, are you?

 

Update: After receiving a couple of comments from those of you who have tried these, I wanted to clarify that the predominant flavor here is chocolate, not Nutella. The Nutella just gives these a burst of chocolate fudginess, but the hazelnut flavor is not super noticeable in these brownies. Plenty of you have commented something along the lines of “best brownies ever” so please do try these! I just don’t want to set you up for disappointment if you’re expecting a full on Nutella assault.

Update 2: A few of you have mentioned reducing the sugar. I haven’t tried that myself as these are the perfect sweetness for me. I don’t find them too sweet or too dark tasting and think they’re pretty perfect myself. However, if you’d like to try reducing the sugar, it sounds like people are getting away with 1 3/4 of a cup with no problem. Feel free to play around and see what you think, but do know the texture may not be quite the same.

Updated 3: The chocolate chips/baking melts in this recipe as are totally optional. They will add a bit of texture to your brownies. If you like nuts in your brownies, you will likely be a fan of the chocolate chips. If not, skip them entirely.

Nutella Brownies

These decadent brownies are full of Nutella, cocoa, and milk chocolate for a super fudgy treat! These are, dare I say, even better than the box mix brownies we all love!

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter
2 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup Nutella
4 large eggs
1 1/4 cups cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon espresso powder, optional
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
10 ounce package Hershey's Milk Chocolate Baking Melts (or chocolate chips)

Directions:

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x13 baking dish.
In small saucepan over low heat, melt butter completely. Stir in sugar and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Do not allow sugar mixture to boil.
Remove from the heat and stir in the Nutella until well combined.
Pour butter mixture into a large bowl or stand mixer, beat in cocoa powder, eggs, salt, baking powder, espresso powder, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Stir in the flour and baking melts until just combined.
Spread into prepared pan (batter will be very thick and sticky) and bake for about 30-35 minutes, until a tester comes out mostly clean. The edges should be set and the center should still look slightly moist, but not uncooked. Cool on a wire rack.

Love Nutella? Check out my other recipes featuring Nutella!

 

Liege Waffles with Nutella and Strawberries

S’mores Donuts

Nutella Swirled Pumpkin Bars

Peanut Butter S’mores Cookie Cups

S’more Pound Cake Sandwiches

Read More

Three flavored waters

 

Since we'll be spending the next few weeks doting on the new baby, I've scheduled daily regular posts and guest posts, which I hope you enjoy. Of course, I'd love to pop in now and again to share family photos and our birth story, as well!

First up: Do you ever make flavored water? It's easy and refreshing, and it's beautiful to serve when entertaining friends (or just reading a book outside). Plus, regular water gets boring! Below are three great variations we tried out...

 

Blackberry Sage. This was the crowd favorite. Tip: Massage or crush the herbs before putting them in the water to help release the full flavor.

 

Mixed Citrus. We used oranges, lemons and grapefruit; and blood orange would be beautiful, too. Tip: We actually added sparkling water to this one, which was delicious.

 

Ginger Mint. This had a great kick. Tip: The longer the ingredients steep, the stronger the flavor will be, so consider mixing this up a few hours ahead of time, depending on how strong you'd like the flavors to be.

 

Thoughts? Any other flavors you'd recommend?

Read More

A handy guide to creating the perfect cheese plate

 

I may or may not be obsessed with cheese (are you, too?), so the fact that we live down the street from Murray's Cheese, the most amazing cheese shop that ever existed, is fabulous and a little dangerous. The shop is packed with incredible cheeses, meats, chocolates, breads and ice creams, and the cheesemongers are geniuses (and give samples!). Toby and I venture over there at least twice a week, and we're both fatter and happier for it.

So, my darlings, I'm thrilled to present this handy guide to creating the perfect cheese plate! I met with Murray's head cheesemonger Sydney Willcox to discover her tried-and-true tips, and the lovely Jamie Beck took photos. Here goes...

 

Overall pointers for putting together a cheese plate:
* When you invite friends over, buy one ounce per person per cheese; and stick to five to six cheeses total.
* Choose a fun variety of cheeses: different textures, countries, and all three milk types (goat, sheep, cow).
* Serve all the cheeses on one big board. You want your guests to start with the mildest and work up to the strongest, so place the cheeses in "clock order"--12 o'clock being the mildest and 11 o'clock being the strongest.
* Take the cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before serving. Cheese should be eaten at room temperature, when it's at its full flavor and texture.
* Put out a few different knives. Goat and blue cheeses crumble if you use a regular knife, so cheese wires are the best thing to use--if you don't have one, you can use dental floss! Softer cheeses work best with a butter knife. Harder cheeses, like parmesan, are good with a triangle-shaped knife. Cut circular cheeses in wedges, like a pizza.
* If you have leftovers, don't store the cheese in Saran Wrap, which will make the cheese sweat and leave a plastic-y taste. Cheese is living and needs to breathe, so wrap it in parchment or wax paper, and keep it in the most humid part of the fridge (usually the vegetable drawer).

 

Six cheeses for the perfect basic cheese plate:
(pictured clockwise from top)

1. Cremont is a bloomy, rindy, mild cheese, which debuted last year in Vermont. (The name "cremont" is a mix of "cream" and "Vermont"!) The cheese has both cow and goat milk. Luscious, coats your tongue, fudge-y, cake-y.

2. La Tur is the little black dress of cheeses! Everyone loves it. It's a mix of goat, sheep and cow--which is is pretty unusual. Flavorwise, you get a hint of all three animals--tang from the goat, lingering buttery fat from the sheep, milky sweetness from the cow. The texture feels almost whipped, like savory ice cream! At a party, this insanely popular Italian cheese will disappear first.

3. Pyrenees Brebis. Every single person I've has ever met loves this sheep's milk cheese. It's a huge crowd-pleaser. A lot of flavor, but very harmonious. Nutty, salty, floral, semi-soft. From the southwest region of France, where there are huge herds of sheep.

4. Cabot Clothbound Cheddar. Cabot makes lots of cheddars, but this is their artisanal (read: fancy!) line. What's cool about this cheese is that it's a partnership between Cabot and the Cellars at Jasper Hill--Cabot makes the cheese, which is then aged in the Cellars at Jasper Hill. There's actually a staff of guys (football-player size!) who flip these cheeses everyday, so they'll age evenly. The cheese is wrapped in cloth, which is a more English style of making cheese. Super strong cheddar; you get little crystals. You'll taste peanuts, caramel, earthy flavors. Eat from the inside out; then take the cloth off and then eat the rind--it almost takes like dirt, but it works so well with the other flavors. (P.S. It would make the best grilled cheese you'd ever have in your life.)

5. Pleasant Ridge Reserve. Made with raw Jersey cow's milk in Wisconsin. Very fruity and smooth. The American Cheese Society just named it "Best in Show" for the third time (it's the only cheese to have been awarded Best in Show more than once!). You've gotta try it.

6. Cambozola Black Label is a very, very delicate blue cheese. Just a tinge of that mineral flavor; very buttery with a bit of a cashew flavor. A great beginning cheese for people who think they might not like blue cheeses. (Once you put it on bread and add a grape, it will mellow out, if you’re feeling timid!) Blue cheeses and chocolate also go together really well--a great balance of salty and sweet.

Pair cheeses with: Dried cherries, walnuts, marcona almonds (I love these!), fresh grapes, crackers and French bread.

 

Yummy! Thank you so much, Sydney and Murray's! Have you tried any of these cheeses before? Do you have a different favorite cheese that you'd recommend? I'd love to hear...

Read More

Dinner etiquette

I've always been fascinated by etiquette, including which fork to use and where to put your napkin when you leave the table. It's like a little game, and it can make you feel more confident and empowered. So, here's a handy guide to eating dinner, illustrated by the fantastic Gemma Correll...

If you're a guest at a dinner party (pictured above), wait to start eating until the host or hostess takes his or her first bite (unless they absolutely insist that you start).



A funny tip that my grandparents used to tell us: The way to sit in your chair is to pretend a cat is in front of you, a mouse is behind.




Your wine and water glasses are to the RIGHT of your plate. Your bread plate is to the LEFT of your plate. If you remember that, you'll never drink someone's water or eat their bread again! (A genius tip from readers: To remember the order of the placesetting, think "BMW" -- for bread, then meal, then water.)




Surprisingly, salt and pepper should be passed together, even if someone asks only for one. They're considered "married!"




Never intercept a pass. For example, don't snag a roll out of the bread basket when it's on the way to someone else. (You'll just have to ask them to pass the basket right back!)



Scoop your soup with your spoon tilted *away* from you. And surprise! It’s fine to tilt the bowl slightly away from you to get the last drop of soup. But never blow on your soup or food. Even if it’s piping hot!



Always taste your food before putting on salt and pepper. It's considered rude to assume the food is under-seasoned before tasting it.



Once you've picked up a utensil, it should never touch the table again. You want your utensils to rest fully on the edge of your plate. ("No oars!" gasp the experts.)



When you are finished with your meal, your knife and fork should be placed on your plate diagonally from upper left to lower right (11 to 5 if you imagine your plate as a clock face). This is a secret code to the waiter (or host) that you’re finished.


If you have to go to the bathroom—or if you’re getting up at the end of the meal—just put your napkin to the left of your plate, loosely folded.

Read More

Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies (with Pretzels!)

 

Are you making holiday cookies this year? (It's Toby's favorite thing to do.) Today, Monique from Ambitious Kitchen shares her killer recipe for chocolate-dipped peanut butter cookies with salty pretzel and crunchy toffee. Here it is...

 

Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies with Toffee & Crushed Pretzels
by Monique Volz of Ambitious Kitchen

Peanut butter cookies are underrated. I’m not sure if it’s because everyone grew up eating the super crispy ones and found them boring, or if it’s because chocolate chip always reins king in the cookie world. Either way, I’m eager to share a new twist on peanut butter cookies. I’m quite certain you might just fall in love...

First I need to be honest: These cookies are downright addictive. In fact, they’re unlike any other peanut butter cookie you’ve ever tasted. If the instructions are followed correctly, you’ll end up with soft and chewy peanut butter cookies. And they’ll continue to stay soft for days (like they’ll last that long)!

A few secret ingredients help the peanut butter cookies bake up beautifully: dark brown sugar, honey and sour cream. The dark brown sugar adds an essential chew to the cookies, the honey gives a unique flavor and helps the cookies react to the baking soda, and, lastly, the sour cream provides moisture to keep the cookies soft.

But why stop there? Dip these babies in a little melted chocolate, then adorn them with a sprinkle of salty pretzels and sweet toffee. Yes, this cookie is sure to win you a few prizes at work. Or at least the best spouse/parent/friend award.

Recipe: Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies

What you'll need:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup all natural creamy peanut butter
1 cup packed dark brown sugar (light will also work just fine)
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 tablespoon honey
1/2 tablespoon sour cream or plain greek yogurt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1/2 cup crushed pretzel
1/2 cup toffee pieces

Preheat oven to 350F. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer, add in peanut butter, softened butter and brown sugar; mix on medium low until well combined. Switch mixer to low speed; add in egg, vanilla extract, honey and sour cream and beat one minute or until well combined, smooth and creamy. Slowly add in dry ingredients, increasing speed to medium low; mix until just combined.

Grab a tablespoonful of dough and roll into a ball with your hands. You can also use a small cookie scoop if you have this available. Place dough on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving 2 inches apart between each dough ball. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Allow cookies to cool on cookie sheet for 5-10 minutes before removing and transferring to a wire rack. This allows them to set and harden slightly around the edges. Repeat with remaining dough.

In a small bowl, mix crushed pretzels and toffee pieces.

Once cookies are completely cooled, you can prepare the chocolate. First, line two baking sheets with wax paper. Next, add chocolate chips and coconut oil to small pot and place over low heat. Watch carefully and stir often until chocolate is completely melted. Dip each peanut butter cookie in chocolate then sprinkle with toffee-preztel mixture. Place on wax paper and repeat with remaining cookies. The chocolate should set up within 30 minutes, but if you want to speed up the process, just place the baking sheet in the fridge for about 5 minutes.

Cookies will keep for 3-5 days if stored in an airtight container.

 

Thank you so much, Everybody!

Read More