face wash review

I'm by no means a product hoarder. I try to use up what I have before going out to buy something new. So when I recently ran out of my Clean & Clear Morning Burst cleanser, I felt it was time to try out something different. I knew I wanted a product with as many natural ingredients as possible.

I considered Aveeno [which I have tried before and liked], Yes to Carrots, and Simple. Ultimately, I  chose Neutrogena Naturals, which I hadn't heard of before but stumbled upon while looking at the other cleansers.

I've been using it for a week now and love it! There are very few ingredients and I like that the back label explains where each is derived from. The scent is heavenly--very subtle and herbal. I noticed right away that my skin did not feel dried out like it does when I use other cleansers.** The price was right which was also a plus. Overall, this one is a keeper!

What skin cleanser do you use? Do you have any recommendations for natural skin care products?

**Note: I would describe my skin as "normal", meaning it is somewhere in between oily and dry. Everyone has different preferences to skin cleansers so I am not sure how this cleanser would work on a different skin type.

I am not being paid to endorse this product. I purchased this product on my own and my opinions are my own.

spring + summer wedding guest style

It's a new year which means wedding season will be starting up soon! I love weddings because each one is an event. Witnessing two soul mates pledge their faithfulness and love to one another, catching up with old friends,  , dancing, and dressing up are what makes the occasion so much fun! 
cake

When deciding on what to wear, take cues from the wedding invitation--such as the time of day, formality of the wording, location, etc.--to figure out the appropriate attire [unless it is plainly stated.] xo.

Dress, Francesca's. Hair, InStyle. Shoes, DSW.

Dress, Macy's. Hair, InStyle. Shoes, DSW.

Dress, ASOS. Hair, InStyle. Shoes, Dillards.

best potato soup

I'm so excited to share another delicious recipe with you! Last week, I was on the hunt for a good potato soup. It's such a comforting meal on cold winter nights, don't you think? I stumbled upon the following recipe via Pinterest and I am thrilled to say it was delicious! I read several reviews and adapted the ingredients to my tastes and it turned out wonderfully. The best part is that this soup is relatively quick to make and doesn't require a blender [though you could use one if you want.]

Loaded Baked Potato Soup [adapted from Savour the Senses Blog]

Ingredients

3 lbs. small Yukon gold potatoes [I used 9 potatoes]

4 cups low-fat or skim milk

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups low sodium fat free chicken broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. black pepper

1 cup light sour cream

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1/4 cup bacon bits

2 tbsp. butter or margerine [optional]

Directions

1. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of water until soft [about 25 minutes].

2. Set aside 1/2 pound of the cooked potatoes. I set aside 2 because I wanted a lot of potato chunks in my soup.

3. Mash the remaining potatoes and set aside.

4. Heat milk in a large sauce pan or pot over medium heat, adding the flour a little at a time and stirring frequently.

5. Continue to cook the milk over medium heat until thick and bubbly [about 8-10 minutes], stirring frequently. Milk should look foamy but not actually start boiling.

6. Add the mashed potatoes, 3/4 cup cheese, chicken broth, bacon bits, salt, and pepper and stir until the cheese is completely melted. 

7. Remove the soup from heat and stir in the sour cream, butter, and most of the green onions. Add additional salt and pepper to desired taste.

8. Return the soup to medium heat and continue to cook until heated through, stirring occasionally [about 10 minutes]. Do not let the soup boil.

9. Cut the reserved potatoes into small cubes and divide the soup into serving bowls. 

10. Top each bowl with potatoes, the rest of the cheese, green onions, and more bacon bits.

xo.

winter/spring transition outfits

Even though it is technically still winter, the fashion world has forged ahead into the next season. Spring brights are popping up all over the place! To dress for this winter/spring transition, it's important to hit the right balance of colors. For a little inspiration, I've put together some outfit examples that showcase your winter neutrals [black, navy, charcoal] paired with spring brights [coral, green, yellow]. xo.

Sweater, Zara. Jeans, Forever 21. Shoes, DSW.

Cardigan, Old Navy. Dress, Banana Republic. Shoes, Forever 21.

Jeans, Gap. Top, New York & Company. Shoes, DSW.

bbq chicken sandwiches

I may be a Texas girl, but you don't have to be Texan [or southern] to love BBQ. The spicy, tangy, sweet flavor of a good BBQ sauce can add so much zest to an otherwise boring meal. I make these BBQ chicken sandwiches often because A. they are delicious and B. they are super duper easy to make!

With the help of a slow cooker and only a few ingredients, you can create a delicious meal in no time. Enjoy! xo.

Ingredients

1/2 cup Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce [or your preferred choice]

2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp. low sodium soy sauce

1 tbsp. light or fat free Italian salad dressing

1 tbsp. Brown sugar

Black pepper

1-2 chicken breasts, frozen or fresh

Directions

1. Mix BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Italian dressing, and brown sugar in a small bowl to make the marinade.

2. Put chicken in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over it.

3. Cook on high for approx. 3.5-4 hours or low for 6. Keep an eye on it and check the center to see if it is still pink. Once it is white all the way through, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.

4. Toss shredded chicken on a skillet and pour another 1/4 cup BBQ sauce [or more to taste]. Stir it around on low heat and let it soak in the flavor for about 5 minutes.

5. Serve chicken mixture on toast or buns. Enjoy!