Weekly Obsession!

Can a gift be an obsession?  Well it is this week!  My weekly obsession is....Godiva Strawberry Cheesecake Truffles!!  I'm obsessed with Godiva chocolate already to be honest.  One of my friends brought me these on Valentine's Day as a surprise.  I was instantly guilty because I'm not a strawberry fan.  I tried one anyway and I'm SO glad I did!!  It tastes nothing like strawberry.  It's very creamy and rich and SO delicious!  I want like 12 more bags.  PS if you put them in the freezer it's on a whole different level!!!  I must get more!  What have you been loving?




xo,
Jerica

My Galentine's Day Outfit

In case you didn't know Galentine's Day is celebrated on February 13.  Basically it's just hanging out with all your girlfriends with no boys around.  I went to a party where we ate dinner, played games, and watched movies.  I thought I would share my outfit because I loved it!

I'll start with my hair.  I did two braids and then used my perfect bun to put my hair in a bun.  I wanted to do an updo because it looks like you took a lot of time when you really didn't.  It took maybe 10 minutes.

Next we'll talk about my nails.  I knew I wanted to do pink because of Valentine's Day.  When I saw this grey color I knew it would be perfect.  I just did hearts and dots.  It turned out pretty well.

Now it's time for my outfit.  My leather jacket is from boohoo.  It's super light and soft.  My sweater is a coral color with a chevron heart.  It's from kohls and I like it because it's dressy but casual.  I wore my faux leather leggings from kohls.  Lastly I wore my tan booties which I'm obsessed with.  They are from kohls also.





xo,
Jerica

Cooking Corner: White Chocolate Strawberry Blondies

This is part two of my Valentine's Day baking ideas.  Yesterday I shared Strawberry No Bake Cookies.  Since I have a party tomorrow I needed to bring treats.  I LOVE brownies so I searched Pinterest for some festive ones.  I found the perfect recipe!  Today's recipe is White Chocolate Strawberry Blondies.  Blondies are just a vanilla brownie.  In our case they will be pink!  If you make these tweet me pictures.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 box Strawberry Cake Mix

1/2 cup Canola Oil

1 Egg

1/3 cup Milk

3/4 cup White Chocolate Chips

1/2 cup White Chocolate Chips (For Drizzling)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 11x7 inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Set aside

Combine first four ingredients in a large bowl. Add the milk slowly. You want the cake batter to be as dense & thick possible. Mix in the white chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are just turning brown.

Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes so the center sets, then melt your white chocolate chips and drizzle them on top of the bars, if you choose. Once the bars and the melted chocolate have cooled, cut your blondies using a serrated knife.

xo,

Jerica

Cooking Corner: Strawberry Milk No Bake Cookies

Valentine's Day is only a few days away!!!  I'm actually going to a party so I needed treats to make.  So I headed to my favorite site Pinterest to find something yummy.  I found two so come back tomorrow for that one!  Today's recipe requires no baking so it's going to be super easy.  Today's recipe is Strawberry Milk No Bake Cookies.  I did Healthy No Bake Chocolate Cookie awhile ago but these are pink and more festive.  If you make these tweet me a picture so I can see.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 cups Sugar
3/4 (1 1/2 Sticks) Butter
2/3 cup Milk
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 – 3.9 oz pkg Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
4 cups Minute Oats
3/4 cup Strawberry Milk Powder Mix

Directions:

Melt butter, milk, and sugar in a large pot on medium-high heat.

Let boil for two minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients until evenly blended.

Drop large spoonfuls on wax paper to cool and harden.

xo,

Jerica

5 Movies To Watch For Valentine's Day

Welcome to day 5 of my Valentine's Day week posts.  There will be a new Valentine's Day themed post every day this week.  It's the last day!!!  Today I'm going to share 5 Movies To Watch For Valentine's Day.  As you are reading this, I'm getting my wisdom teeth out.  So I'll be laying in bed watching all these!  Wish me luck!

This is an obvious choice!  This movie has tons of actors so it will be easy for everyone to watch.  I love how every storyline connects.

This movie is so underrated!  It's funny but also romantic.  The ending completely surprised me but in a good way.  Plus Ryan Gosling is shirtless.

I'm obsessed with this movie!  It's kinda cheesy but SO cute and fun.  This was my go to movie in high school.

This was my childhood!  I watched it about 100 times a day.  If I want a good cry I always reach for this.

I love this movie SOO much!  The book is really good too.  The story is just romantic and Zac Efron looks like heaven.



xo,
Jerica

3 DIY Face Masks

Welcome to day 4 of my Valentine's Day week posts.  There will be a new Valentine's Day themed post every day this week.  Today's post may not seem very Valentine's but it does.  I'm going to share 3 different DIY face masks.  They are all natural and made with items you already have.  You want your skin to look and feel good before your date.  You could also have a spa night with a bunch of your girlfriends.  Tweet me a picture if you try any of these!

Oatmeal Honey Mask:

Combine 1/2 cup hot water and 1/3 cup oatmeal. After the water and oatmeal have settled for two or three minutes, mix in 2 tablespoons plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 small egg white. Apply a thin layer of the mask to your face, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse with warm water. (Make sure you place a strainer in your sink to avoid clogging the drain)

Yogurt Orange Juice Mask:

Mix 1 teaspoon plain yogurt with the juice from 1/4 slice of orange, some of the orange pulp, and 1 teaspoon aloe. Leave the mixture on your face for at least five minutes before rinsing it off.

Guacamole Mask:

Mash 1/2 of a ripe avocado with 2 tablespoons of honey and apply to the face. Let sit 20+ minutes and rinse well.

xo,

Jerica

Cooking Corner: Red Velvet White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Welcome to day 3 of my Valentine's Day week posts.  There will be a new Valentine's Day themed post every day this week.  Today I'm sharing an amazing recipe I found on Pinterest.  I love anything that is red velvet.  So we'll be making Red Velvet White Chocolate Chip Cookies.  You could give them as gifts or just eat them all yourself.  That is probably what I'm going to do.  Tweet me a picture if you try these out!

What you'll need:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/2 Tbsp cocoa powder

1 tsp cornstarch

3/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp distilled white vinegar

1 large egg

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp red food coloring

3/4 cup white chocolate chips, divided

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a mixing bowl whisk together flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking powder and salt, set aside.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer whip together butter, sugar and vinegar until pale and fluffy, about 3 - 4 minutes.

Mix in egg. Add in vanilla and red food coloring and mix until blended.

With mixer set on low speed, slowly add in dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Mix in white chocolate chips.

Scoop dough out by the heaping tablespoonfuls and shape into balls. Transfer to parchment paper lined baking sheets and bake in preheated oven 9 - 11 minutes.

After you take the cookies out, push in some extra white chocolate chips on top.

xo,

Jerica

Valentine's Day Gift Guide For Her

Welcome to day 2 of my Valentine's Day week posts.  There will be a new Valentine's Day themed post every day this week.  Today I thought I would do a gift guide.  This is for guys who aren't sure what to buy for their girlfriends.  It's also for us girls who just want to buy ourselves a gift.  Let's be honest, single girls rule too!  You could even give them to your best friend.  Let's get started!  What do you guys want?

This is the Fuji Instax Mini 8.  I'm obsessed with these!  It is a Polaroid camera which I'm glad are coming back.  The picture instantly comes out right after you take it.  It has an amazing variety of colors!  Personally I'm loving the baby pink.  It is a bit pricey at $70 but I think it's totally worth it.  It makes your photos so vintage and just cool!

You may sense a theme right now.  This is the Crosley Cruiser Turntable.  Record players are making a comeback.  My dad had a vintage one that I would play all the time.  The music just sounds so raw and real.  There are many colors to choose from as well.  The price is $80 but I think that is a great price.  You won't regret it!

This the perfect gift idea for somebody who want to stay healthy.  This is an Edible Arrangement.  I think these are perfect for any occasion.  They are made fresh and I like that you can add chocolate.  Nothing beats fruit and chocolate!  The price ranges from $35 to $679 depending on what size you'd like.  I highly recommend it!

You can never go wrong with jewelry.  This is a Slim Bar Pendant.  I have been loving simple pieces lately.  I like being able to wear my jewelry with any outfit so this is perfect.  It comes in gold, rose gold, and silver.  This is $34 which is a bargain.  Especially since it is the perfect stable piece.

I love perfume.  This is the One Direction You & I perfume.  Their perfumes always smell SO amazing!  You can choose any one that you want.  This one costs $50 but trust me it will last a really long time.  If you don't know what kind of perfume the person likes, just buy a sample set.



xo,
Jerica

Valentine's Day Date Ideas

Welcome to day 1 of my Valentine's Day week posts.  There will be a new Valentine's Day themed post every day this week.  Today I wanted to give you some date ideas.  I tried to come up with things you could do with your boyfriend, girlfriend, or just your friends.  If you have any suggestions leave them in the comments!

-Go Bowling

-Cook Together

-Have A Picnic

-Movie Night

-Go To Dinner

-Take A Roadtrip

-Have A Bonfire

-Go On A Hike

-Visit A Zoo

-Throw A Dinner Party

xo,

Jerica

Valentine's Day Series!

Hey guys!  Today I'm announcing a Valentine's Day Series!  Starting Monday I will be doing a whole week Valentine's Day themed posts.  If you have any suggestions of what you'd like to see, leave me a comment.  I really hope you enjoy it!


xo,
Jerica

Music Friday: Adore You

Happy Friday!  Also Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!!!!!  Sorry my blog has been a bit abandoned this week but HUGE things have happened.  Stay tuned to Monday for all that!  Today's share is Adore You by Miley Cyrus.  I love this song so much!  I thought it would be the perfect Valentine song.  I'm not a huge fan of the video but it's an amazing song.  Enjoy!

xo,
Jerica

Be Mine Series: Happy Valentine's Day

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!  I hope you are all having a great day so far.  Sadly it is the last day of this series.  If you guys want more series like this please let me know.  I have always loved facts and trivia.  So today I decided to share some facts about Valentine's Day.  Have an amazing day!!!


More than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are sold for Valentine's Day each year.

About 8 billion candy hearts will be produced this year; that’s enough candy to stretch from Rome, Italy to Valentine, Arizona 20 times and back again.

Worldwide, over 50 million roses are given for Valentine's Day each year.

Richard Cadbury invented the first Valentines Day candy box in the late 1800s.

The Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare's lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet every Valentine's Day.

In addition to the U.S., Valentine's Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, France, Australia, Denmark and Italy.

In the 1800s doctors commonly advised their heartbroken patients to eat chocolate, claiming it would sooth their pain. To this day, many women find comfort in a box of chocolates when dealing with heartbreak.

Cupid is a symbol of Valentine's Day. Cupid was associated with Valentine's Day because he was the son of Venus, the Roman god of love and beauty. Cupid often appears on Valentine cards and gift tokens holding a bow and arrows as he is believed to use magical arrows to arouse feelings of love.

In the Middle Ages young men and women drew the names from a bowl to see who would be their Valentine. They would wear this name pinned on their sleeves for one week. This was done so that it becomes easy for other people to know your true feelings. This was known as "to wear your heart on your sleeve"

xo,

Jerica

Be Mine Series: Valentine's Day Tag

It's finally Valentine's Day tomorrow!!!!!  Today I decided to do a Valentine's Day tag.  I want all of you to do it too!

1. Which is your favorite Valentine's Day treat sweethearts or chocolate covered strawberries?  I'm not a fan of strawberries.  I love sweethearts though.

2. What was your favorite Valentine's Day memory? I have many favorite memories.  I always loved making my Valentine's Day box for school because my mom always came up with cool ideas.  My mom would also ask if we wanted to hand out candy or cupcakes for school.  We'd always choose candy and the night before we would want cupcakes so she'd stay up late to bake them for us.

3. Twilight or Harry Potter Valentine's? Neither.  I can't stand Twilight and I'm not a huge Harry Potter fan.  I'd choose One Direction!

4. What celeb would you not mind having as your Valentine?  Justin Bieber or Louis from One Direction

5. Do you have a special someone to celebrate Valentine's Day with?  Nope!  I'm actually going to see Safe Haven with my mom and maybe my little sister.

6. Which restaurant would you prefer for a Valentine's date Cheese Cake Factory or Ruby's?  I love the Cheese Cake Factory!  I've never had the food though.

7. Red or Pink lips on Valentine's Day?  Pink.  I don't like red and I don't think it would look good on me.

8. Dress or cute top to wear on a Valentine's Day date?  It would depend on the date.  I'd probably go for a cute top if it was a more casual date.

9. Perfect date dinner and movie or dinner and walk on the beach? Dinner and a movie.  It's the classic choice and you can't go wrong.

10. Hair up or hair down for Valentine's Day date?  Down.  I like wearing my hair down and curly when I go out.

Tomorrow is the last day!!!!!  I hope you have all enjoyed it.

xo,

Jerica

Be Mine Series: Valentine Puppy Chow

I can't believe Valentine's Day is only days away!  Today I have another recipe for you guys.  I wanted to share something that required absolutely no cooking.  Some people just don't enjoy baking or cooking, so this is the perfect way to give somebody you love.  This one of my go to snacks but I found a Valentine's version on Pinterest.  Let me know if you try it.

Ingredients:
5 ounces white chocolate chips
5 ounces red candy melts
1 teaspoon shortening
5 cups chex cereal
1 cup strawberry cake mix
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 package valentines chocolate M&M's

Directions:

1. Start by dividing the chex mix into two bowls. (2 1/2 cup in each)
2. In microwave safe dish, melt the 5 ounces white chocolate chips. Add 1/2 teaspoon shortening so that the chocolate will spread evenly. Microwave 30 seconds at a time and be careful not to burn the chocolate. Dump this in the first bowl of chex and mix evenly to coat all of the chex cereal.
2. Melt the red candy melts next also checking and stirring the candy melts 30 seconds at a time. Once this is melted, pour this over the second bowl of divided chex and mix until coated.
3. In two gallon size ziplock bags, put 1/2 cup strawberry cake mix and 1/4 cup powdered sugar in each bag. Dump each bowl of chex mix in each bag and shake until coated with the powdered sugar and strawberry powdered cake mix.  Then add 1/2 package of Valentine M&M's and shake again.

There's only two days left!!!!!!!  Check back tomorrow!

xo,

Jerica

Be Mine Series: Date Night Out Ideas

I already gave you guys some date night in ideas.  Some of you may not want to stay home though.  I came up with a list of things you could do on Valentine's Day.  You can do them as a group or alone with your date.  Let me know your plans in the comments.

1. Go Bowling
2. Go Ice Skating
3. Romantic Dinner
4. Go for a Walk
5. See a Play
6. See a Movie
7. Watch the Stars
8. Have a Picnic
9. Have a Bonfire
10. Get Coffee and Talk

I'm having so much fun doing this series!  Check back tomorrow for more!

xo,

Jerica

Be Mine Series: DIY Heart Leggings

I love DIY projects.  I saw a really cute and inexpensive project on YouTube that is perfect for Valentine's Day.  It is heart printed leggings.  You can really customize them however you want.  Send me pictures if you try it out.

What you'll need:
Leggings (can be new or use your favorite pair)
Fabric paint (any color you'd like)
Paint brush
Heart stencil

Steps:

1. Pour some fabric paint onto a paper plate
2. Choose which size heart you want from the stencil and lay it on one leg of your leggings
3. Using the paint brush, fill in the heart completely and continue down the rest of the leg
4. Let it dry before doing the other leg
5. Repeat these steps on the opposite leg

You can also do the back if you'd like but it's up to you.  I hope you guys enjoy!  Check back tomorrow!

xo,

Jerica

Be Mine Series: Love Songs Playlist

Who doesn't love music?  Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy some love songs.  Love songs are kind of my guilty pleasure.  You can listen to these on your own or share it with somebody you love.  It'll just put you in a loving and happy mood.  Tell me your favorite love song in the comments.

1. Today Was A Fairytale by Taylor Swift
2. What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction
3. This Kiss by Carly Rae Jepsen
4. Everything by Michael Buble
5. Teenage Dream by Katy Perry
6. She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5
7. I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
8. This I Promise You by *NSYNC
9. Always Be My Baby by Mariah Carey
10. As Long As You Love Me by Backstreet Boys
11. No Air by Jordin Sparks feat. Chris Brown
12. One Less Lonely Girl by Justin Bieber
13. When I Look At You by Miley Cyrus
14. Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran
15. Love You Like A Love Song by Selena Gomez
16. Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars
17. We Found Love by Rihanna
18. When You Look Me In The Eyes by Jonas Brothers
19. Stickwitu by The Pussycat Dolls
20. Irresistible by One Direction

Tell me what you want included in this series.  Check back tomorrow!!

xo,

Jerica

Be Mine Series: Pink Champagne Cupcakes

Happy Friday everyone!!  Valentine's Day is less than a week away!  I can't believe it!  Today I have another cupcake recipe.  It is for Pink Champagne cupcakes.  These are my all time favorite.  You guys will love them too!  This is a Betty Crocker recipe it includes champagne frosting.  Let me know your favorite cupcake flavor below!

Champagne Cupcakes

1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix

1 1/4 cups champagne

1/3 cup vegetable oil

3 egg whites

4 to 5 drops red food color

Champagne Frosting

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup champagne

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 to 5 drops red food color

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.

2. In large bowl, mix dry cake mix and champagne. Add oil, egg whites and food color. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed 2 minutes. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.

3. Bake 17 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

4. In medium bowl, beat frosting ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Frost cupcakes. Sprinkle with garnishes. Store loosely covered.

Check back tomorrow for more!

xo,

Jerica

Be Mine Series: Valentine Fashion

Hey everybody!  Today I thought I'd help you out with what to actually wear on Valentine's Day.  I found a couple of shirts that feature hearts!  If you can't tell I'm obsessed with the heart trend right now.  Let me know your favorite thing to wear on Valentine's Day below.

I've been loving the denim trend right now.  So this shirt is perfect.  This shirt is from Target and cost $22.99.  I love how it slowly fades to white.

This one of my favorites.  It's super simple but still really trendy.  This is from Delia's and cost $24.50.  You could even wear this for your date night in.

I'm obsessed with this shirt!  I may have a slight owl obsession right now.  This is also from Delia's and cost $19.50.  Most of the time Delia's have a buy one get one 50% off, so you should check them out.

I really love this shirt.  It really fits Valentine's Day or just everyday.  This is from Aeropostale and cost $9.75.

Check back tomorrow for more!



xo,
Jerica

Be Mine Series: Valentine Nail Polish Colors

I love to paint my nails.  Especially if there is a holiday approaching.  Today I'll be sharing my top 3 favorite pink nail polish colors.  I don't ever really wear red polish so I decided pink is the next best thing for Valentine's Day.  There are so many ways to make your nails even more festive.  You could add a glitter top coat, add a few rhinestones, or add a heart on your nail.  Let me know your favorite nail polish colors below.

This is called Knockout Pout by Essie.  I like that it is the perfect shade of pink.  I like to call it Barbie pink.

This is called Hawaiian Orchid by OPI.  This is more of a paler pink.  It is a perfect color if you just want a subtle look.

This is called 24/7 by Sinful Colors.  This is what I'm currently wearing.  This is a bright neon pink and my personal favorite.


I hope you all check these out.  Tune in tomorrow for more!


xo,
Jerica