the bee's knees

Best Glambag EVER? May 2013

2013-05-14T13:31:00.004-07:00

Say hello to the best Glambag I've ever received! Can we say 'loaded'?? This baby was packed to the brim with tons of goodies. There's not a thing in here I don't like. Just for the record- this monthly beauty subscription is only $10.00. Yes, 10 measly dollars for all that you see pictured above. ^^

This is not a sponsored post, I just love my Glambag, people! ;) If you'd like to get in on the action, sign up by clicking here to be redirected to their website.

Let's talk about my favorites...

~The Pacifica Island Vanilla perfume roll-on is 'dreamy'. U.S. based, this company is vegan and leaves out the unwanted perfume 'yuckies' so you don't have to worry about what your putting on your skin.

~Zoya nail polish!?! Are you kidding me? I love this stuff. I was ecstatic when I received a 'full-size' polish in this month's Glambag. The color is the most gorgeous baby blue and I will be featuring it in some upcoming posts for sure!

~Urban Decay's NEW Moondust eyeshadow in Glitter Rock. I love Ipsy because they are always offering new giveaways on their Facebook page. I received this brand spanking new Urban Decay shadow (worth $20) by participating in their Facebook page discussions! I was beyond excited when I found out I would be getting one in my bag. Bonus!! Ok, let's do the math- for a $10 bag I probably squeezed $50-70 dollars out of it this month. Can you believe that?

Bag Contents:

Zoya Nail Polish in Blu

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow in Glitter Rock

Pacifica Island Vanilla Perfume Roll-on

Yarby eyeshadow in 'Honey'

Mirabella Lipstick

St. Tropez Instant Glow Body Lotion

That's all for me today friends! I'll be back with you soon. :)

Easy Chevron Nails

2013-05-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

First of all let me say- I am 'not' a nail art expert. If I can create these nails, you can too! I've received soo many compliments on these babies over the past few days and all I can say is this: buy some nail art polish! I purchased this Sinful Colors nail art polish for $1.99 at Walgreens and I use it for everything. Remember my Geo Nails?- Yep, same polish.

To create this particular look I used Color Club's 'Age of Aquarius' as a base and then created the chevron effect with Sinful Colors. *See below*

So easy. Just take a deep breath and steady your hands. Here's what I love about nail art polish- it's very forgiving. The long, pointy brush makes creating straight lines a cinch. Try it and you'll see what I mean. Time to get the creative juices flowing friends!! Have a great weekend.

Spring Salad Inspiration: Part 1

2013-05-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like a delicious spring salad on a gorgeous 78 degree day! Sometimes it's so hot out that nothing else even sounds good. Anyone with me on that? This incredibly healthy and filling salad is totally delicious. I made this for my mom and I to share last night for dinner and it was a hit! I didn't have a recipe, I just added what I thought would be good and well, it was. ;)

The mixture of spinach, feta, chicken, red onion, cucumber, and walnuts provides you with nutrients from almost every food group! Score. I served this with fresh corn on the cob and sweet potato fries- perfection.

I (personally) prefer free-range natural chicken raised with no hormones and organic lettuce & spinach. I am excited to see more and more hormone-free chicken making it's way to the market, and the price 'is' coming down. Look for managers specials or know the days when your local grocery store puts meat on sale.

This is one of my favorite dressings in the whole world. I love the blend of strawberry and poppyseed and it goes well with almost any savory/sweet salad.

The Ingredients:

3-4 cups fresh spinach

1 head red romaine

1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

1/2-3/4 cup feta

1/2 cucumber

1/4 red onion sliced into thin strips

1-2 chicken breasts grilled in olive oil, pepper, and salt

Geek Specs

2013-05-07T08:06:00.001-07:00

Hi Friends! I'm all geeked out today. Just for the record- I have 20/20 vision. No, I don't need glasses, but dang- these babies are just too fun. Does anyone else fake it? ;) Sometimes glasses can be a really fun accessory with the right outfit or makeup look.

Do you like how Bear is sneaking his way into the pictures?? ;) SOO cute.

Patterned tights worn under shorts can be a really cute way to ease into the summer months. Michigan mornings can be chilly so I love pairing outfits together like this.

That's all for me toady! Remember to smile and keep your chin up no matter what life may be throwing at you today. You can get through it friend!

Sunshine hugs...

Link-up love!

Tulip Time, Tulip Skirt

2013-05-06T07:53:00.002-07:00

This weekend was the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, MI. The weather was absolutely 'perfect' at 76 and sunny & nearly ALL of the planted tulips were in bloom. I can't lie- it was 'perfect' in every way. Would you believe me if I said that these pictures weren't edited at all for color correction?? Insane- it was actually this vibrant.

We went with my cousin and her husband and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I purchased some local, handmade soaps so naturally, I was in my glory. The smell of kettle corn and fudge filled the air creating a total sensory overload of goodness!

Call me cliche, but I was just 'waiting' for the Tulip Festival to bust out this cutesy-tulip skirt. It's so flowy and comfortable, I wore it around all day! AND- you can still buy one by clicking here. Score! ;)

Wishing you all a wonderful Monday!

Linking up with Molly and Carly

Colorful 'Smokey' Prom Eyes

2013-05-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

Whether or not you're attending prom (for us oldies, probably not..wink), this is a great colorful eye tutorial. And because I'm all about 'simplicity', I'm breaking it down for you in 6 easy steps!

*Note that the black & purple eyeliners I used are not pictured. Just go with a trusty brand and you'll be set! I used Be a Bombshell's liquid eyeliner in black and Avon's Diamond Glimmerstick liner in Sugar Plum.

Prom hugs....

Madewell Geo Tee

2013-05-02T08:50:00.002-07:00

Here are a few quick peeks at a little outfit I put together using my Madewell Geo tee. I love this thing! Madewell tees are comfortable and their fun patterns make throwing an outfit together a cinch, seriously. -And all the minimalists rejoiced!

Ben and I are going to be in Holland, MI this weekend for the Tulip Time Festival and I can't wait! We'll be enjoying the sunshine, parades, fields of tulips, and other events with good friends. You can plan on a fun recap this Monday. ;) Until then, have a 'fabulous' weekend friends!

Seeing Spots

2013-05-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

Happy 1st of May friends!

Who's loving this warmer weather?? Me, me, me! I'm indulging in dresses, open-toed shoes, and a healthy amount of iced tea. I'm dreaming of beach days, biking, and swimming until I pass out (or turn into a prune)! ;) Call me a kid, but I'm still a water bug. I'm not your typical 'never-step-foot-in-the-water' sunbathing beach barbie. On the contrary, if it's warm- I'm in the water! What's the point of going to the beach if you're not getting wet at some point, right?

I wore this cute little polka dot dress over the weekend as it was in the upper 70's here (perfection).
It's so nice to hit the streets and do some local shopping on days like these. I scored this dress for $5.00 at JcPenny! I know, I know, crazy. It was on the clearance rack for $15.00 and I had a $10 off card. Yes, I'm a deal-sniffing queen! Cha-ching...

Details

Necklace: Francesca's
Bracelet: Ann Taylor
Dress: JcPenny
Shoes: Target
Bag: c/o Rhett Blankenship Leather Goods

Sunny Wednesday hugs from me to you-

Linking up with Shanna!

Pink & Polka Dot

2013-04-29T06:45:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased this polka dot button-down from Madewell and... I'm in love. Everything from Madewell is made.....so well!! ;) The stitching is flawless, the material is thick and durable, and (extra bonus) their clothing is so darn lovable. Am I right??

These pictures were taken at the end of a rainy, cool front last week and thankfully, it's behind us! We've had enough rain to last us a YEAR up here. No lie. When the climate calls for it, I love breaking out my Cynthia Rowley spring jacket as it's lightweight and spices up any outfit.

Details:

Button-down (exact): Madewell

Jacket: Cynthia Rowley- Tj Maxx

Earrings: JcPenny

Lips: Tarte

Bag: Rhett Blankenship Leather Goods

Wishing you a beautiful Monday....

Linking up with Molly and Carly!

Sand Tip Mani

2013-04-24T05:36:00.003-07:00

Yet another way to wear OPI's new liquid sand nail lacquer- sand tips! I love the contrast of matte & gloss finish, don't you? Here are the two polishes I used to create the look (*Liquid Sand comes in several fun colors- FYI):

'Vampsterdam' and 'Stay the Night' by OPI

Start by painting your nails as usual and finish with a top coat to make them nice and shiny. Read more about my favorite topcoat in the WORLD by clicking here.

Once your polish and top coat are completely dry, apply the liquid sand to the tips of your nails like so. ^

I did this freehand but if you feel that you need more stability, simply place a strip of scotch tape across the nail and apply paint that way. As soon as you've finished paining each nail, remove the strip of tape ('before' the polish is dry).

And you're done! Super easy & trendy nails in no time. :)

Spring has finally arrived in the Mitten and I'm REALLY looking forward to launching some cute outfit posts soon, so be watching for those. I'm just waiting for the perfect sunny day to wear my new finds! I think this weekend is supposed to be in the 70's here, so that should be perfect. I don't know about you but I feel so invigorated lately with the sun being out! I'm getting things cleaned around the house that I didn't even know were dirty.. haha. Last night Ben and I went to see 'The Croods' and I laughed like a kid through the whole thing. Sooo adorable. Has anyone else seen it?

I wish you all the best day! See you back here soon

Linking up with Shanna!! :)

LUSH 'Rose Queen' Bath Bomb

2013-04-22T12:30:00.002-07:00

If you've never tried a LUSH bath bomb then you've never lived! These fizzy little wonders are handmade, natural (for realz natural), and totally invigorating. I picked up this 'Rose Queen' bath bomb last weekend and just used it last night. WOWeeee.... My bod was smellin' like a rose bush and felt as soft as a baby's booty! Major bath luxury here people.

^Here's what the inside looks like^

Yep, those are rose petals- for real.

^And here are the bath bomb remains^

You know, in American culture we never really think to 'spoil' ourselves (even in little ways) because our lives are just too dang busy. Heck, we're lucky to squeeze in a 10 minute shower in the morning before bolting out the door to work. Here's what I say- MAKE some 'you time' and enjoy a bath bomb. You will not regret it.

Ok, so believe it or not I even attempted 'video footage' of my bath bomb dissolving. Yeah, it didn't turn out. The steam fogged up the lens and it just wasn't salvageable. Thankfully I found a demonstation video by LUSH online that I think you'll love. Check out the fantastic wonder of a bath bomb:

Pretty rad isn't it?

That's all for me today! Thanks a million for reading (and watching). I'll be back with you tomorrow for more Bee's Knees fun.

*Linking up with Lipgloss and Crayons & Still Being Molly*

Wearing: Spring Polka Dots

2013-04-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

Today I am turning the camera on my sister because she is so adorable.

Candice is pairing this cute polka dot dress with jeggings and black bow flats. Perfect! My favorite part of this dress is the cutout in the back- LOVE. -And so on-trend for spring/summer. Oh yes, and Bear wanted to get in on the pictures too. Isn't he looking adorable in his spring bandana? haha... Soo cute.

What are you MOST looking forward to this spring? I personally can't wait to get in my landscaping and start working away like the busy little bee I am. ;) Bring on those May flowers!! I'll be back with you tomorrow friends. As always- thank you for reading!

Calling all Noodle Heads!

2013-04-16T11:33:00.002-07:00

Where're all my noodle heads at?? Curly head ladies, holla! ;)

Michigan weather has been particularly soggy lately. I could fight the wind and rain & straighten my hair anyway, but what's the point? Last week I literally went grocery shopping in a complete downpour. Yeah... Not one of my favorite things to do. My hair just goes curly as soon as water hits it so there's not much point in trying to fight it on wet days. When the summer months come I generally wear my hair curly more often than not due to the humidity. Hey, I view it this way- it's like God gave me summer and winter hair! Ha... Why fight it, right?

Here are my go-to items for perfect, soft curls: Aveda's Confixor Gel and a diffuser. That's it. There's nothing worse (to me) than stiff, crunchy curls. *Yikes* If I'm going curly, I want some bounce, yo!

Here's my entire routine for curly hair days:

1.) Towel dry hair

2.) Run a large-tooth pic comb through hair

3.) Apply a quarter-sized amount of confixor all over head

4.) Diffuse with blowdryer/tool

In speaking of diffusers my friend once said- "They're perfect for shaping curls and yet they're careful not to disturbe the curls in their natural habitat." Haha... Too funny. But it's true! Diffusers are the stuff.

That's all for me today friends! I'm linking up with The Sapphire Bee and My Thrifty Chic today- come join me!

Do YOU have an amazing curly hair secret weapon?? SHARE it with yours truly in the comments, ok? :) Love you all.

A Weekend to Remember + April's Glambag Review

2013-04-15T11:52:00.001-07:00

Hello beautiful friends! How are you this Monday? Spring is here and depending on your corner of the world, you may even be wearing shorts (jealous)! Michigan is 'getting there'... Today is in the 60's and it's feeling marvelous. Windows open, watching the birds at my feeder, and blogging- I'm in a great mood. Period. This weekend was 'beyond' awesome as Ben swept me away for a little birthday weekend extravaganza (think Lebanese food, shopping, and more shopping)! More of that to come, but first, let's chat about our April Ipsy Glambag.

Let me begin by saying this- I am 'very' rarely displeased with anything I receive in my Glambag. I absolutely love the selection of products Ipsy chooses to send each month. Not to mention, SEVERAL items are usually *full-size*. Yes, you heard me right. This month I received '3' full-size items :-O [That's my wow face]. I've been in need of a new summer blush so the timing was impeccable on this Be a Bombshell compact in 'Sweet Cheeks'. The shadows are also darling and I just love the feminine tone it adds to any eye look. Below I'm wearing the Sation nail lacquer in 'Love at First Byte'.

So dainty, so pretty- I'm fancying this color! The only item I have yet to sample is the Healthy Sexy Hair soy renewal oil. If it works anything like other oils I've tried, I'm sure I'll like it.

Glambag Contents:

Sation Nail Laquer in 'Love at First Byte'

Two Cosmetics- Eyeshadow Duo

Be a Bombshell Blush in 'Sweet Cheeks'

Healthy Sexy Hair- Soy Renewal Oil

Like I was saying earlier, Ben swept me away this weekend to celebrate my birthday. I love it when he does that because I adore surprises! Before we left he told me that my birthday gift was waiting for me at our final destination. Hmmm?? Well, it was and woweeee was I ever surprised! I got to pick out my very first necklace from Tiffany & Co.! It was a surreal experience. I felt like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Our sales rep was 'so' nice and made the experience wonderful for me. I think I was drooling just watching him wrap the box & tie the bow.

Eeeee!!! Too exciting. Let's give it up for Ben... *applause*

In other shopping news- I cleaned house at Madewell this weekend (with a coupon I had) and I can't wait to release some fun outfit blogs soon. :)

It's Monday and you know what that means- LINK UP time!! Today I'm joining the party with Lipgloss & Crayons and Still Being Molly. Come join the fun. I've met so many fun gals this way!

Love you all...

Birthday Week Happenings.

2013-04-12T16:55:00.002-07:00

Hello Friends! This will be a short post today. I just wanted to stop by, say hello, and update you on my weeks happenings before the weekend begins. As most of you know, this past Wednesday was my birthday. I've had such a wonderful week and I feel extra loved by all of the kind birthday wishes, so thank you!

When your birthday hits midweek there's not too much you can do until the weekend, but we made the best of it. Ben took me out for barbecue (our weakness) and then we stopped by Sephora to pick up my Beauty Insider birthday freebie. *Yay* This year I scored a cute little gift set by Benefit that included a 'They're Real' mascara and a 'Watt's Up' luminizer. If you've tried this mascara then I don't have to tell you how amazing it is. Best mascara ever- crazy volume. The luminizer is fantastic too and works great when applied to the apples of the cheeks.

My sister got me this Lorac TANtalizer set and I love it. I've wanted the body bronzing luminizer for a long time and now I get to sample it along with two other items. <<review to come>>

Last but not least, has anyone else tried 'Lip Tar' by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics? It's a fairly new brand to Sephora and it's 100% vegan. The pigment is 'ridiculous' and it seriously lasts forever. Below I'm wearing 'Nylon'.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend! Ben is taking me on a little 'adventure' this weekend so make sure you follow via Instagram for updates. Thanks for reading friends!

'Electric' Eyes by: Stila

2013-04-09T11:50:00.001-07:00

..And my Ulta beauty buy from the weekend was (drumroll).... Stila's Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in 'Electric'!

I've had my eye on this color for a 'long' time now but haven't wanted to bite the bullet and front the $22 dollars to buy it. That's what's so great about birthdays; little unexpected joys and splurges! :)

There are SO many reasons why I love Stila's Sparkle Waterproof Liner but here are just a few:

1.) Waterproof hold

2.) Smudge-proof (cha-ching!)

3.) Super long wearing

4.) Intense color that lasts

5.) Just enough sparkle (without being tacky)

My love for Stila goes way back. I have one other shade of this liner in 'Gunmetal' (which I think is retired now?). When the summer hits, I tend to wear less and less makeup. It just feels so much better on the ol' face to go for the bare minimum. Let's face it, we just sweat it off anyway! That's where Stila comes in handy... This waterproof liner is the ONLY one of its kind I've found so far that can be worn without 'any' eye primer. *Gasp* I know.

Just apply your tinted moisturizer, finishing powder, liner, and mascara & you're good to go! Just to prove my point: I tested the durability of this liner last summer on a beach trip to Lake Michigan. After a long day of heat, water, and sun can you guess the result? Yep, it lasted all day.

You can check out more color selections by clicking here to be redirected to Ulta.

I wish you all the best Tuesday ever! Tomorrow is my birthday so I'm a 'little' excited about that. ;)

Oh, and I'm linking up with The Sapphire Bee and My Thrifty Chic for a Tuesday Blog Hop! You are welcome to join me.

Take care friends, I'll be back with you on Friday.

Sponsor Highlight: LOOKSIMA

2013-04-08T19:42:00.002-07:00

Readers, meet Looksima (it stands for 'Looks I Most Adore')!

Looksima is an April Sponsor here at the Bee's Knees and I'm so happy to have them. They help you find your personal style and offer free consulting services to help you feel confident in your outfit choices.

To learn more about Looksima click here to be redirected to their website.

Looksima is also hosting a giveaway on their blog beginning this Wednesday, April 10th, so be sure to check that out as well!

Weekend Recap: Birthday Shopping!

2013-04-08T12:48:00.002-07:00

Yay for Birthday shopping! Can I get a witness? Who doesn't love using up all those birthday freebie coupons, right?

This Saturday I enjoyed a special shopping day out with my mom and sister to celebrate 'yours truly' turning 27 this Wednesday. I love birthdays. I don't ever want to complain about getting old because in my eyes, a birthday is a beautiful reason to celebrate another blessed year of life. I am beyond thankful.

My mom 'really' spoiled me this weekend with birthday gifts and even dinner out! Mmm... For dessert, us girls split some white chocolate raspberry cheesecake and I was in heaven. Where're my white chocolate lovers at?? ;)

As if you couldn't already tell, we spent a rather large chunk of time at Ulta! :D I love that place. I feel so girly in there playing with all of the fun shadows, liners, lipsticks, and so on. Do you know what I mean?? The makeup area is all pink and cute. Eeeee!

Ulta had a group of professional Urban Decay makeup artists on site this weekend doing full makeovers. I 'heart' Urban Decay (it's a long-standing relationship). It's just too bad we didn't call and make an appointment as they were totally booked by time we got there. But did we let that rain on our fun parade??... No sir. We just grabbed a chair and did our own makeovers! :) I picked up something extra yummy while I was there but you'll just have to wait until tomorrow to see what it is!

In addition to makeup, I also scored some 'adorable' new outfit pieces for spring/summer. I'm having fun styling them right now for an end of the week 'Birthday' post. Yippie!

No shopping trip is complete without a little trip to Starbucks. Mmm....

Bracelet inspiration! I wore these together on Sunday. Click HERE for a tutorial on how to make the braided rope bracelet.

Are these pretty or what!? My dear friend gave them to me as an early birthday gift over the weekend. I'm a sucker for tulips, 'especially' yellow ones! I can't wait to plant them. And have you ever taken the time to SMELL a tulip? Amazing. So fragrant.

That's all for me today friends! I hope your Monday is off to a good start. It's rainy here but I'm not complaining. I love a good spring rain. I even heard a few rumbles of thunder earlier. See you all tomorrow!

Ps- come and link up with me for 'yolo' Monday w/Still Being Molly and Lipgloss and Crayons!

The Geo Mani

2013-04-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

Geometrics! I'm in love. I first spotted this 'very similar' mani on Pinterest and was instantly inspired to try my own version! To see the original post click here.

This is the original photo I stumbled upon:

Not too shabby eh? Now if I only had that boss pyramid ring.. hehe.

I decided to go with OPI's 'Vampsterdam' as my base coat. It's a beautiful dark purple with a little shimmer. The white is a nail art pen that I picked up at Walgreens for a whopping $1.99! No. Joke.

You need a nail art pen if you don't have one yet!

Well, what do you think? Not bad for free-handing it? ;)

Today I'm linking up with some friends for yet another blog hop! I absolutely love meeting new bloggers and this is a fabulous way to do so. Link up below and join the fun!

P.s.- I'm LOVING my new base coat & top coat combo from Sally's! If you missed that post, you should probably click HERE because it will change your manicure life.

Chevron + Francesca's comes to Lansing!

2013-04-01T11:13:00.003-07:00

Big news friends: Lansing, Michigan FINALLY acquired a Francesca's Collections! I was so happy I almost hugged a store associate when I walked in for the first time. Who else LOVES Francesca's!?!? I just can't get over how cute and girly it is. I walk in the front door and instantly feel more feminine. The first time I heard of Francesca's was in Chicago at the Water Tower Mall. Then I heard Grand Rapids had one, then Novi, and now (at long last) Lansing! If you've never been, I encourage you to find the nearest store to you (or online) and go check it out.

Last week I purchased this adorable chevron shirt and accessories. I know, I know, out of all the things to buy- I come home with a shirt. There were about a hundred dresses I wanted but I just kept coming back to this happy little chevron shirt. It's so 'Springy' and bright. Those who know me can testify to the fact that I'm sucker for bright things.

This necklace!! Love at first sight. Turquoise and spikes are both 'really' in right now so I couldn't pass it up.

Yet another reason to come home with this shirt- cutouts! Both of the sleeves are adorned with cutouts and bows. :) Eeee!

*In other news::: Today I'm linking up with Lipgloss & Crayons and Still Being Molly for YOLO Monday!- A special way to connect with other super fun bloggers all over the world. :) Come on over, check out the fun, and link up!! Let's have a Monday 'awesome party' together, k?

Mel is wearing:
Shirt: Francesca's
Earrings: Francesca's
Necklace: Francesca's
Pants: Forever 21
Shoes: Target
Purse: Macy's

Love you friends...

Easter Brights

2013-03-29T19:28:00.002-07:00

Easter is coming!! I'm so excited.

There are several reasons I love Easter:

1.) I remember what Jesus did for me in dying on the cross. This sinner has the gift of eternal life through the power of the cross.

2.) My birthday is just around the corner (Hello Birthday freebies).

3.) Flowers are starting to bloom!

4.) Family time!!! There's nothing like a rich Easter luncheon with all the fixin's.

Today I'm giving you an early peek at my Easter dress (yes, I still enjoy dressing up for Easter. Don't judge). The weather is FINALLY warming up this weekend in the Mitten with temperatures in the upper 50's! I love this dress because the 3/4 length sleeves offer the perfect amount of warmth for brisk spring days.

Playing with hues: sunny days call for bright makeup!

This footbridge is a hidden gem in Owosso and is perfect for strolling on days like today. Not to mention- it's perfect for pictures!

Turned the camera on my photog... Candice is getting her swagger on. ;)

Accessories: Gold & Coral

I LOVE HER <3 My Sister. My Friend.

I hope you have an amazing Easter friends! I have some fun blogs in the lineup for next week including a DIY nail tutorial! *I know, it's been way too long since my last one.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Target

Cap toe shoes: Target

Necklace: Forever 21

Earrings: Francesca's Collections

Tights: JcPenny

Shades: JcPenny

Sunny Easter hugs from Michigan...

Thursday Feature: My Sweet Mission's Luscious Coconut Lemon Bars

2013-03-28T10:38:00.001-07:00

I have a special 'treat' for you today friends (literally). My Aunt Heather from 'My Sweet Mission' is our featured guest blogger today and will be sharing one of my favorite recipes of all time (and perfect for spring!): Coconut Lemon Bars! *Stomachs Growl*

If you 'really' want to make an impression at your next party or bridal/baby shower, show up with these babies and watch them disappear! It's magic.

After you indulge in Heather's culinary wizardry, make sure you swing over and check out her blog for even MORE deliciousness. Without further delay, here's Heather >>

Hi there! I hope you're having a wonderful week so far! I promised you a lemon recipe and today I'm sharing my'Luscious Coconut Lemon Bars'! I've had this recipe for years now and they always turn out great! What makes them luscious? I'm glad you asked. To start they have a buttery shortbread crust (yum!) with a sweet & tart lemon filling, then sprinkled with coconut! Do I have your attention?! I thought so. So, here we go...let's get these delightful bars in the oven!

A delicate buttery crust with a sweet & tart filling and topped with a generous sprinkling of coconut!

For the crust: Put the flour, cold butter (cubed) and the confectioners sugar into a food processor. Pulse for 10-15 seconds, or until the butter is pea-sized.

It should look similar to this.

Pour the crust mixture into a sprayed 9" x 13" baking pan. Tip: Cover with wax paper (to keep it off your hands) and press until even and firm.

Place in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for 15 minutes. Note: Crust will not be completely baked.

Whip up the lemon filling ingredients.

I used my new Bobby Flay Rasp Grater to zest the lemon. Tip: Always zest the lemon before juicing them, because it's very difficult to zest the lemons once they're juiced.

Pour the lemon filling mixture over the hot crust and sprinkle with the coconut. If you don't care for coconut, leave it out and dust (sprinkle) cooled bars with confectioners sugar instead.

Place in the preheated 350 degree F oven for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling doesn't jiggle and the coconut is light golden brown.

I think you'll love these luscious lemon coconut bars. We took these to a dinner and everyone enjoyed them!

Luscious Coconut Lemon Bars

For the Crust

Ingredients:

2 cups unbleached or all-purpose flour

1 cup butter, very cold & cubed

1/2 cup confectioners sugar

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place all ingredients into a food processor and pulse for 10-15 seconds, or until the butter is pea-sized.

Pour crust mixture into a sprayed 9" x 13" baking pan.

Place a piece of wax paper over the mixture and press until even and firm. Tip: Cover with wax paper (to keep it off your hands) and press until even and firm.

Place in a preheated 350 degrees F oven and bake for 15 minutes. Note: Crust will not be completely baked.

For the Lemon Coconut Filling

Ingredients:

3 large eggs

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup fresh or concentrated lemon juice (approximately juice of 2 lemons)

1 tablespoon lemon zest

3/4 cups coconut
* 3-4 tablespoons confectioners sugar, if omitting coconut

Instructions:

Place all ingredients, except for the coconut into a mixing bowl. Tip: Always zest the lemon before juicing them, because it's very difficult to zest the lemons once they are juiced.

Beat on low until blended and then on medium speed for 3 minutes.

Pour the filling over the hot crust and sprinkle the coconut. * If you don't care for coconut, leave it out and dust (sprinkle) cooled bars with confectioners sugar instead.

Place in the preheated 350 degrees F oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling doesn't jiggle and the coconut is light golden brown.

Servings: 24 bars

New Bangs! + What I'm up to.

2013-03-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

Bangs! I've got 'em. I finally broke down and made the chop! My inner Zooey got the best of me. >>>

AND--- I cut them 'thick'! Hey, go hard or go home, right?

Just before I made the 'chop' I read an article in my latest issue of Allure by Zooey herself. She said that if you're thinking about getting blunt bangs, you should definitely have your stylist cut them thick... So I did. Last Fall you might remember that I gave blunt bangs a try, BUT I went too wispy and I wasn't totally digging it. This time- I'm loving them.

Also- I'm whitening my teeth! *It's about time!!!*
My dentist offers an amazing program called 'Whitening for Life'. It's $125 dollars for a lifetime of whitening. That's a great deal considering that Crest Whitestrips are now up to $50 a pack! Every time I get my teeth cleaned they'll give me 2 more tubes of whitening solution. Score!

Anyway, I'll keep you posted on my whitening progress. Thankfully my teeth aren't sensitive at all! I can't believe it, I really thought they would be. Depending on the teeth, some people literally can't whiten this way due to sensitivity. I wonder how the new 'UV' whitening works (or however they do it)? I've heard that it doesn't make your teeth sensitive at all. Has anyone tried it?

Thanks for reading friends! I hope you're having a wonderful, relaxing weekend.

Google Reader is Closing! Let's talk about Bloglovin'

2013-03-19T10:20:00.001-07:00

In the event that you haven't already heard: Google reader and Google Friend Connect are closing down! (*Let the mass hysteria begin. j/k) No need to freak, because the new BEST way to follow The Bee's Knees is through Bloglovin'. If you're thinking "What the heck is Bloglovin'?" then listen up! ;)

Bloglovin' is a 'super' easy way to follow all the blogs you love *in one place*. It's incredible. I'm actually kind of glad that Google reader is shutting down because Bloglovin' is a much more 'up-to-date' and user friendly platform anyway.

When you sign up (which takes about 1 minute or less), you will receive one email per day with all of the latest blogs posts from your favorite bloggers. It's genius. I would HIGHLY encourage all of my readers to take a second and sign up this way, you won't regret it.

To be cool and follow The Bee's Knees via Bloglovin', click on the cute little icon below OR the one on the left side of your screen. I'll see you over there!!

Bloglovin' Hugs...

3 Steps to a Budge-Free Manicure

2013-03-18T13:00:00.001-07:00

Tired of your nail polish chipping off after ONE day of wear?!? Me too. What's the point of all that work and waiting during dry time if it's just going to come off tomorrow? Can we say 'waste of time??'

Welcome to my life. Paint, wait, smudge, chip... And the cycle repeats itself. UNTIL NOW!....

My good friend Casey recently introduced me to a few products that literally transformed my nail polish world. I'm telling you- if you give these products a try you can say goodbye to 'dry time' and chipping and say hello to nails that last (without paying big $$ to get them done)! You can thank me later.

Here's what you'll need:

Step 1: OPI- Chip Skip (Ulta)

Step 2: Seche Clear- Crystal Clear Base Coat (Sally Beauty Supply)

Step 3: Seche Vite- Dry Fast Top Coat (Sally Beauty Supply)

Try it out and let me know what you think! I'm sold. I can't wait to rock my bright colors all Spring and Summer long!! Ok, let's be honest- I just can't wait for Summer, period.

Here's to long-lasting nail polish love,