I do love this newer fragrance from Nest ~ Black Tulip

It is dark and floral and can easily smell  plum, pink pepper, black amber and  Japanese violet.
Others have noted it is similar to  Lancome's "La Vie Est Belle, though I find Tulip is mysteriously darker.  Wish it lasted a little longer but I am happy to apply more!
It is worth every penny!

Sorry to be so long posting - dr appts & tests have kept me busy and exhausted.  So rather than fiddle with make up I have been using self tanner.  Some of these even have spf so that is a bonus!

I had bananas that needed to be used up so banana bread was in order.  I always add nuts to mine and I prefer pecans - they have a sweeter taste.

I baked this in a bundt pan which makes it easy to slice & freeze a portion if you want.

• 3 ¹⁄₂ cups flour
• 3 cups sugar (I use 1 cup of brown sugar)
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
  
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp all spice (opt)
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 4 eggs
• ²⁄₃ cup water
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans

Hope you are well and enjoying summer!

                                                   Etsy shop:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSweetPinkShop?ref=hdr_shop_menu

mewe.com/join/living_the_good_life
  The places for designer & high-end make up at a discount! 
 
 Pink isn't just a color ~ it's an attitude! 

~ All items purchased by me unless otherwise noted ~

Ulta is having 20% off so it is a good time to stock up on the essentials.  I am not too crazy for summer stuff and wait patiently for the lovely fall/winter palettes which will be coming out in the next couple of months.  So these are the basics I got with my 20% discount:

Physicians Formula

Rosé All Day Oil-Free Serum

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Lancôme

Travel Size Monsieur Big Waterproof

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ULTA

Have Your Cake & Makeup Too 7 Piece Beauty Kit

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ULTA

Don't Worry, Beach Happy 7 Piece Beauty Kit

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Kenra Professional

Platinum Diamond Deflect Spray 10

Qty: 1

$23.00

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Neutrogena

Night Calming Makeup Remover Towelettes Twin Pack

Viktor&Rolf

Flowerbomb Bomblicious Perfumed Hair Mist

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BECCA

Of course as soon as I hit the send button I can think of a bunch of other items I should have added - but I suspect there will be another 20% disc during Aug/Sept - I'll be ready!!
Did you treat yourself to something?


Brownie Recipe
My gang was wanting brownies but a migraine was coming on so I wanted to make some before the storm starts.  For these occasions I keep mixes on hand but you can easily make them special.
 Make the mix up as stated on the box and proceed to add things your family likes: for us it is extra choc chips, walnuts or pecans and mini candy bars cut up - certainly add marshmallows and any other favorites you have.  We like our brownies to be cake-like but if you like the gooey stuff just bake for a shorter time.
So even if I am not present my loved ones know I was thinking about them and when I am better I can have a brownie too!

 I like my brownie warmed and then add cookies with ice cream.

                                             Etsy shop:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSweetPinkShop?ref=hdr_shop_menu
New things will be listed everyday as the brick & mortar shop is closed.

https://www.webstore.com/user,pgr,211269,owner_id,other_items   (no fees)
   **New items listed ~
mewe.com/join/living_the_good_life
  The places for designer & high-end make up at a discount! 
 
 Pink isn't just a color ~ it's an attitude! 

~ All items purchased by me unless otherwise noted ~

I love the athletic wear trend.  It is comfortable for everyone and especially those of us with chronic pain disorders.  We look pulled together without being uncomfortable.  I have this jacket in about every color they made:

This is tried & true dressing.  I can depend on these pieces all year and there are colors for every season.

Chipolte and Ranch dressing/sauce
With the terrible heat we are having it is time for delicious flavors that do not heat up  the kitchen.
This is a wonderful sauce or dressing that you can make from scratch or buy bottled.  If you buy the bottled version you can amp up the freshness by adding some parsley, garlic powder and paprika - any flavors that your family likes.

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream 
• 4TBS minced parsely
• 2TBS oregano
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced 
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
• 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar 
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika 
• 1/4 Himalayan/pink salt
  
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 
• 1TBs chipotle powder
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup buttermilk

Mix all together and let refrigerate overnight.

As a daily migraineur (we are a rare breed but we exist) I feel the need to educate people as much as possible about the condition.  These terms may be helpful.  Sometimes little grandson will tell me his head "hurts" and I almost pass out for fear he will inherit this condition.

Be well my darlings.

                                                Etsy shop:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSweetPinkShop?ref=hdr_shop_menu
New things will be listed everyday as the brick & mortar shop is closed.

https://www.webstore.com/user,pgr,211269,owner_id,other_items   (no fees)
   **New items listed ~
mewe.com/join/living_the_good_life
  The places for designer & high-end make up at a discount! 
 
 Pink isn't just a color ~ it's an attitude! 

~ All items purchased by me unless otherwise noted ~
                             Linking up with these fabulous bloggers here

I love mules and they are perfect for spring & summer.

I love the detail on this shoe - I also bought this in black.  They are very comfortable.

Macy's had a 15% off beauty event so I ordered another Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche Skinscent.  It is a wonderful summery scent that I buy every year.
They included this free box of trial sizes of EL products - a great way to try new items before investing in a full size.

Included was (from left to right): Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules, Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick, Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix, Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex - (on top) Perfectly Clean Multi Action Foam Cleanser, Pure Color Envy Lash Mascara.  These sizes are perfect for travel.

Time for lemonade sangria! The heat has arrived in the South!  I used a chardonnay but I might try a moscata next time.

 Moscato is known as a dessert wine and has a low level of alcohol.
Add fruit that you like~apples, lemon & limes ~ I love the crystal cut pattern on this pitcher and have several of them.

                                                       Etsy shop:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSweetPinkShop?ref=hdr_shop_menu
New things will be listed everyday as the brick & mortar shop is closed.

https://www.webstore.com/user,pgr,211269,owner_id,other_items   (no fees)
   **New items listed ~
mewe.com/join/living_the_good_life
  The places for designer & high-end make up at a discount!

 Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Self Tanning Body Butter in French Vanilla looks like chocolate pudding!  Wish it smelled that way!

 I use surgical gloves to protect my manicure.  This product is very moisturizing and sinks in & dries quickly- really no rub-off on my clothes.  Now the scent could have been better but it subsides fast so I can live with it.  I will buy this again as it does give a true looking tan color to the skin and softens at the same time.

Since summer is almost here (already a 90deg day in the South!) time to get out some of the southwest style jewelry - it may need to be 'touched up' !!

I keep the silver jewelry in this tarnish resistant lined armoire. You are so nice - you will pretend not to see the boxes on the floor - it's been a busy week!!

The azaleas are gorgeous but they have to be moved for a new driveway - I don't think they can be saved.  They just seem to make Spring official.

 

With summer & holidays coming up, you need snacks you can keep in the freezer and this is perfect!
Savory Rosemary Mixed Nuts 
                                     Ingredients

• 2 ½ Cups Mixed Nuts (whatever kind you like)
• 2 TBS Butter
• 1 heaping TBS Fresh Rosemary – finely chopped
• 1 TBS Light Brown Sugar
•  2 tsp Cumin
• ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional or use less)
• 2 tsp Sea Salt (I use pink Himalayan)
• ¼ tsp fresh Black Pepper  
• * I also add a couple of tsps of organic seasoning / herbes de provence and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

*Don't be afraid to add spices your family likes ~ oregano, thyme, chili powder

Mix everything together and bake in 325 oven for about 10-12 mins.  Ok, these rarely make it to the freezer around here but it is an excuse to make another batch!

                                                  Etsy shop:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSweetPinkShop?ref=hdr_shop_menu
New things will be listed everyday as the brick & mortar shop is closed.

https://www.webstore.com/user,pgr,211269,owner_id,other_items   (no fees)
   **New items listed ~
mewe.com/join/living_the_good_life
  The places for designer & high-end make up at a discount! 
 
 Pink isn't just a color ~ it's an attitude! 

~ All items purchased by me unless otherwise noted ~
                             Linking up with these fabulous bloggers here

I use sunless tanner all year - it gives nice color and many times SPF protection - something I was not good about as a teenager!  This is what I have been using lately:

This has broad spectrum SPF 20 and is oil free.

L'Oreal is a nice serum that is quick to dry but there is no sunscreen. The label states it is long-lasting but I exfoliate so frequently I could not tell.

Do you have a favorite or trying something new?  Any recommendations?

Estee Lauder has summer palettes ready for a beautiful season!  I got this with my Ulta 20% off - I think this is perfect for all summer and everything you need in a small compact that has a mirror.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess ~ The Summer Look Palette

I love these summery colors - the blush & highlighter are just right for fair skin.  The 6 shadows are silky smooth and not too powdery.  The darker colors are great for the crease or dampen a brush and use as an eye liner. There is a slight Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche Skinscent in the compact and it is lovely - a reminder not to forget to add fragrance before you go out the door!
I just might need to add a back-up!

                                                    Etsy shop:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSweetPinkShop?ref=hdr_shop_menu
New things will be listed everyday as the brick & mortar shop is closed.

https://www.webstore.com/user,pgr,211269,owner_id,other_items   (no fees)
   **New items listed ~
mewe.com/join/living_the_good_life
  The places for designer & high-end make up at a discount! 
 
 Pink isn't just a color ~ it's an attitude! 

~ All items purchased by me unless otherwise noted ~
                             Linking up with these fabulous bloggers here