trader jacques [joe's] macarons

Though I will always have a special place in my heart for cupcakes, I've recently been bitten by the macaron bug. And not just any macaron--French macarons! Those coconut macaroons [read: two o's instead of one] you can find in a grocery store are alright, but they ain't got nothin' on these light, crispy-on-the-outside-chewy-on-the-inside cookies that come in a plethora of fillings, flavors, and colors.

Although there are a few little macaron bakeries in Dallas, they are not as close as I'd like when a sudden craving strikes. Enter: Trader Joe's. I discovered that this inexpensive health food mecca just down the road actually sells French macarons in the frozen aisle! I thought this was questionable at first, but for $4.99 I decided to give them a whirl.

Four boxes later, these macarons have become a kitchen staple. I opt for the box containing colorful cookies with flavors like Cassis, Coffee, and Pistachio; however, Trader Joe's does also sell a box of plain vanilla and chocolate. If you live near a TJ's, I suggest you check these out asap! These cookies can be kept frozen and only require 30 minutes to thaw at room temperature. I have only one word left to say: heavenly.

xo.

project cupcake | cup cakin machine

I've been wanting to try Cup Cakin Machine's cupcakes for quite a while, but always seemed to miss them on the few times they made an appearance in Fort Worth [this cupcakery on wheels largely sticks to the Dallas area.]

I finally got a chance a few weeks ago to get a cupcake after a yummy dinner at the Fort Worth Food Park. Since it was late in the evening, they only had Red Velvet left, which was fine with me since I do love some classic red velvet!

It takes a lot for me to say I that I just straight up didn't like a cupcake. I'm usually so easy to please. However, I was so disappointed with my cupcake from Cup Cakin. The frosting was not cream cheesy enough. The cake was not red velvety enough. It tasted ordinary, and very sugary. The cocoa was a little too prevalent, resulting in more of a brown instead of a true red hue. I could go on. Overall, I do not think I'll be a repeat customer, unfortunately! If you live in the DFW area, let me know if you have tried their cupcakes before and had a better experience than I did. xo.

Cupcake flavor I tried: Red Velvet

Description: Very large, very sweet, but did not taste like a classic red velvet should. Cream cheese was not a major ingredient in the frosting. Decent texture, but it didn't seem to be mixed well as the coloring was not evenly red throughout.

Address: Check their schedule online to see where they will be during the week.

Twitter: @cupcakinmachine

summer style guide | nighttime

I just love easy breezy outfits for warm summer evenings. Whether it's al fresco date night or a backyard soiree, my priorities are comfort and sexiness! Is it possible to have both? Yes! 

A feminine ruffle elevates this maxi from basic to a sexy staple. With its solid color, you can easily accessorize to fit almost any occasion. A sexy, lacy bralette is a lighter alternative to a regular bra, while a statement clutch and necklace provide some pizzazz. Add a belt and simple wedges to really make the look your own. A subtly fierce piece of wrist candy dresses it up for a more "formal" occasion without competing with your other accessories. Don't forget some tinted lip balm and delicious perfume to complete the look! xo.

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summer style guide | daytime

As promised, here is part two of the summer style series! This outfit is an ideal uniform for just about any summery weekend; from running errands, to picnicking at the park, to attending an outdoor concert, it's effortlessly stylish. xo.

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summer style guide | beauty essentials

I love summer because it means stripping down to the bare basics for both make-up and clothing! Layers are fun but it's nice to take a break and just let your skin breathe. The items below are beauty products that I'm either currently obsessed with, have newly discovered, or plan to pick up in the very near future. What are your summer beauty essentials? xo.

1. Essence Sun Club Matte Bronzer. I've been using this bronzer for several months now and have been loving it! I actually prefer the one for blondes, even though I'm brunette, because my skin is so fair that I can't rock the darker bronzer.

2. Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray. Whew, say that five times fast! I'm obsessed with this spray. It's perfect after a dip in the pool to give you those natural beach babe waves. Plus, the travel size version is perfect for toting around.

3. Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Punch. This is such a beautiful, sheer pink. A little color and spf go a long way in the summer! Lip color makes me feel "put together" without getting too done up.

4/5. Essie 'Neon Collection' Nail Polish in Disco Fever (4) and Bottle Service (5). I'm so in love with these bright summer polishes I couldn't pick just one. One for my fingers and one for my toes, please.

6. Revlon Lash Potion Mascara. I saw this new product in the Target weekly ad recently and knew I had to try it. I mean that bottle... so pretty! It was love at first swipe. This mascara is fantastic and lengthened my lashes like a dream! It also comes in waterproof--perfect for afternoons at the beach or pool!

7. Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Sunscreen. My current supply of sunscreen is just about used up, so I'm on the market for more. I'm interested in trying out this cooling mist sunscreen because a) I like mists--less mess; and b) cooling? Sign me up!

8. Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream. Though I have only ever tried this one BB cream, I am already almost done with my second tube and am still loving it! This cream provides a touch of sheer color with a good dose of SPF 30. It's a great beauty essential in my book, especially in the summer.

9. Sephora Bali Bon Voyager Soft Traincase in Ikat. This adorable bag just screams summer to me. With weekend trips and vacations around the corner, I need a pretty printed bag to carry all my beauty products!

P.S. Stay tuned for my summer style essentials!