how to make (delicious) coffee-rubbed ribs!

Recipe from Serious Eats.com click here

I fed this to my grandparents and boyfriend who don't drink coffee!! They don't even like it particularly, but they loved it in the ribs!!

Its really only 1 ingredient of many, and there's not too much in the whole batch, so don't worry it's not like its overwhelmingly coffee-tasting. It just tastes DELICIOUS!

Barbecue: Coffee-Rubbed Ribs

INGREDIENTS

serves 4, active time 1 hour, total time 7-20 hours

• For the rub
• 2 tablespoons freshly ground coffee
• 2 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder *I used fresh garlic
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon coco powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander
•  
• 2 racks spare ribs, preferably St. Louis cut---I used beef ribs, and I got the really big kind with lots of meat. Not sure what they are called. I was only making 8 ribs total, so I got the ones that were already separated.

Here's their method. I used a faster method, which I will explain after:

1

Mix together the coffee, salt, paprika, chile powder, dark brown sugar, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, coco powder, and coriander in a small bowl to make the rub.

2

Remove the membrane from the back of the rack, and trim the ribs. Rub each rack liberally with the rub. Wrap ribs in foil or place in a large container and store in the refrigerator over night (optional).

3

Remove the ribs from the fridge while preparing the smoker. Fire up the smoker to 225°F, adding a few chunks of smoking wood chunks when at temperature. When the wood is producing smoke, place the ribs in the smoker, meat side up, and smoke until the ribs have a slight bend when lifted from one end, about 5-6 hours. If using sauce, brush on the sauce and continue to cook until sauce has caramelized, about 15-20 minutes longer. Remove from the smoker, slice, and serve.

Now, here's where I changed the recipe, since I have a gas grill, and I didn't want to cook ribs for only 4 people on a gas grill, for hours, and use up a lot of gas. I used the oven! (scroll down to step #6)

I assure you, it's delicious, and easy. Just tear out a really long piece of foil that is about twice the length of the baking dish. place inside and place ribs on top. then fold back the edges of the foil to cover the ribs. 

pour water to about 1/4-1/2" in the dish, and make sure that there is always some water during the baking process in with the ribs. this will make them moist. 

Here's the easy instructions:

baking the ribs:  heat the oven to 325°F. Then, cook your ribs in the oven for about one hour. After this, open the foil and put the ribs back in the oven at 375°F. Cook for another 15 minutes. this browns them on the outside. 

Easy!!

What I'm Loving Now From Anthropologie

Tupelo Dress, $168

I love the neckline on this, it's very beautiful.

Look how pretty the back is! It hides your bra straps perfectly. The color is navy with yellow leaves. 

AG distressed tomboy jeans. These are a pricey $555, yet they appear sold out in almost every size. Who pays this much for distressed jeans? Well, they look cute anyway.

I love the look of distressed jeans that look like you've had them forever! I want to try buying a pair of Levi's and distressing them myself. For a tutorial, click here. It seems like fun! And not too hard. I would use a pair of cheap jeans first, just in case ;)

Carmine Blazer, $98. 

I loved the color on this. It is a true red, and very vibrant in person, as well as in the stock photo online. It is almost exactly this color in real life. Very attention-grabbing!

It is a linen blend, and comfortable and soft. Machine washable too, so a bonus. It fits loose, so if you want a more form-fitting look, size down. I found it to run large. 

I loved this. It is more of a 'boyfriend' blazer look, with long length, and a more relaxed fit. So cute!!

This is on my wishlist. 

Utility Jacket.

I can no longer find this online. Not sure why?? I saw it on Anthro's website yesterday. It is so cute, I hope it's still available!

"Amazon" order off endless.com

I am using my textbook buyback money to get.....shoes! of course. lol

I didn't realize that endless.com was actually part of amazon until i was browsing just now in their shoe collection and saw this pretty shoe.

i love mustard shoes, and after seeing the these yellow 'flaxen wedges' on a few bloggers this past fall, i have been wanting yellow shoes.

look how cute maria from infinite whimsy is in her flaxen wedges:

And anthro's product shot:

I ordered this pair:
Frye Corinna Stitch in Mustard Yellow

On sale on endless.com! $118 in limited sizes.

I hope they fit well!

tarte 'Femme Naturale Eye Palette'

First off, where do they get these 'value' numbers? It says that this is worth $182?? I don't think so!

But this IS a great product. It is exactly as described, and produces a beautiful 'natural' eye. I like all the colors except the top right brown matte color, but that is blendable. Most of the colors have a slight shimmer. 

I use this often! For awhile, I was using EVERY day. lol. I love this palette. It's very cute packaging, with the little flower on front. I use the top left shade for highlighting under my brow. 

Pros:

Comes with two sides eyeliner. 

Love the brush, very fluffy, soft and good quality. Two sided!! Great for blending. 
This palette does the 'natural' look best, and a very pretty "natural-looking" smoky eye. (meaning lighter, and more every day-look) 

I love almost all the colors,  they are a little shimmery, and they all can be blended with each other for many different combinations, or worn alone. 

So much product! Worth the $. I use this all the time, and I still have so much left. 

Recylable container, refillable. Magnetic bases to all the eyeshadows, they are removable. 

Natural!! No chemicals

Cons:

These do have fall out when applying, but I don't notice any fallout during the day. 

The palette gets messy on the mirror, etc, because of the fallout. 

Hard to do a precise DARK smoky eye. 
The palette is called 'natural', so it makes sense, but it doesn't do DARK well. 

Dislike the matte shade brown (top right). 

When I first got it, one of the magnets would always fall out. I had to glue in place. 

Online Description:

Femme Naturale Eye Palette ($182 Value)
What it is:
A naturally inspired, reusable eyeshadow pallete.

What it does:
Show the world your softer side with this subdued palette packed with essentials. A reusable purple case is accented with a fabric flower appliqué and filled with 10 universal eyeshadows, a double-ended brush with greatness eyeshadow brush, and a double-ended eyeliner. The magnetic base allows you to refill and reuse, which helps to eliminate environmental waste.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Mineral Oil
- Propylene Glycols
- GMOs
- Triclosans

What else you need to know:
Does not contain PPGs, MEAs, DEAs, TEAs, or formaldehyde donors.

aren't these shoes fierce?

'cinderella gone bad' swarovski crystal shoes.

i first linked up to this etsy shop via a blogger's website. amazing!

everlastinglifashion's etsy shop

test anxiety :(

I am taking my licensing exam for nursing TOMORROW, bright and early. 

This is how I feel ( a little bit like this, not going to lie!)  lol isn't he cute??

just have to focus, breathe, relaaaaxxxx. be back to blogging in a few days. 

I'm NOT EVEN GOING TO SAY MUCH ABOUT THE GAME!! USA VS JAPAN!! WHAT A GAME! 

sigh. 

Wish me LUCK!!

Thanks! :)

Review: Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in 'Blushing Bride'

The package has its own mirror, which I love. The packaging is really cute. 

That's my dog sleeping on my bed in the reflection of the mirror, lol. 

This is with flash, and I obviously wouldn't put this much on my face!! I put extra because at first it wasn't showing up in photos. 

You can't really tell from photos, but this shade has a LOT of shimmer to it. 

This is the picture from Sephora's website of the color. It's called 'Blushing Bride', its a pretty deep plum-y color with shimmer. 

This blush is very long-wearing! This color is a dark plum-pink, and it has shimmer to it. It makes you glow! I love it. I look like I have a natural flush.  

I like that it's a more natural product, so I might go back to try out the nudish colors, to see if I can use that as a light bronzer-type blush. I want to eventually replace my makeup and cosmetics that have harmful chemicals with more natural-type products. 

I have medium skin and it looks very nice on me. It might be too strong of a color for lighter tones. But the formula is great, its very silky and easy to blend on cheeks. There are lots of shades to choose from.

I also like that it is free of many different harmful chemicals.

Here is the description from Sephora.com:

A long-wearing, solar-baked blush that lasts up to 12 hours.
What it does:
Infused with natural clay harvested from the banks of the Amazon River and naturally baked by the sun, this nutrient-rich blush benefits all skin types for a fade-free flawless finish for an amazing 12 hours. Inspired by Tarte's best-selling shades of cheek stains and lip tints, the colors range from soft to vivid to suit a wide variety of skintones. For oily skin types, Amazonian clay minimizes oil in and around pores to balance skin and keep product in place. Those with dry skin will benefit from the clay's nourishing and hydrating properties, which naturally restore skin's moisture. Combination skin types can rely on its ability to zero in on skin concerns and deliver benefits to restore complexion harmony. The result? Blush that wears better, longer, and truer!
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

Have you tried this blush? What colors do you like?

Worst Dressed City #20: San Francisco??

LoL. I highlighted my favorite parts. 

Do you agree? I don't! Except for the part about the weather, haha. Its so gloomy right now, like summers tend to be. Lots of overcast, borderline chilly days with no sun. Often foggy. It was SUPER foggy today. 

But I have to defend my city. 

"20. San Francisco
Marked by uber-brains from the Silicon Valley/biotech/finance nerd trifecta, aging blue bloods, Midwest transplants San Francisco exists, in part, as the older, wiser, straitlaced counterpoint to the younger, flashier, bottle-service-vodka-swilling Los Angeles. Aggressively casual and understated, San Franciscans eschew sartorial frivolity of any kind (like color, for example) in favor of the highly practical and high performing, not surprising in a city known more for its brain trust than style quotient. And it's no accident that good old dependable American brands like Levi's, Gap and Dockers are comfortably headquartered here. Muted earth tones and grayscale reign, possibly a reaction to generally abysmal weather or to the unrestrained flamboyance of its southern brethren (see: Newport Beach, the afore-mentioned LA). But would it kill you, San Francisco, to give the fleece a rest and put on a blazer for a night? We get it though, it can't be easy to be the intellectual capital of the country—just know that there are options out there, and that a wardrobe bought entirely from REI is not a source of pride.—Maxandra Short  "

Read More http://www.gq.com/style/fashion/201107/worst-dressed-cities-america#ixzz1SHV63967

Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat in Antiqued Gold

Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat in 'Antiqued Gold'.

My nails:

I pained the Antique Gold Crackle over Essie 'Mambo', which I blogged about earlier. It is a tan/nude color with peachy tones. I have also tried this gold crackle over Essie 'Cute As a Button', which is a brighter, apricot/pink. It looked really cute too.

The gold is very shimmery in person, it is really easy to paint this. You don't have to be too careful either, because of the crackle any mistakes you make will not be noticeable at all. I don't even put two coats of polish underneath,  just one! So easy. Its even more shimmery and pretty in person!

And long-lasting! This is 3 days after I painted. I like the gold because it is very summery, especially over any peach, pink, or nude polish. Black crackle is still a little scary to me.

I got this at CVS, and there was only the gold and white version. But looks like Ulta has a lot more options!

Here it is at Ulta's website. 

Here is a picture from online, that shows a lot more of the color options.

Ruby Mines Turquoise Necklace!! Review and Real Life Photos

Ruby Mines etsy listing:

Megan Fox-Inspired Turquoise Necklace, $110. 

This is the necklace's etsy pictures. I ordered this necklace after browsing on blogger, and coming across Ruby Mines's blog. You can visit her blog here. 

I LOVE this necklace, and am so glad that I bought it. It is the most expensive piece of jewelry I have ever purchased, but I have to say that I am 100% happy with my purchase. I even emailed her, asking her if it's possible that she can make me matching earrings!! I hope it's possible!

This necklace is made out of turquoise nuggets, meaning each nugget is a different shape, and they all have unique swirls of darker color through the rock. Here is a picture of the whole necklace. This is with flash, so the grains are a little hard to see. They are actually more noticeable in real life. It makes each nugget even more unique-looking and beautiful. 

The necklace feels a little heavy, but not too much so that you can't wear it! 

The cute packaging:

And a nice note:

I love beading and making jewelry, but have yet to experiment with heavier stones or beads. This is strung on wire with a few inches of silver chain to make it adjustable to the length you want, and attached with a lobster clasp. 

Since it has silver chain, (plus turquoise looks GREAT with silver, in my opinion) I would wear this with small silver hoops or studs. I also love the look of it with gold hoops or studs, but only with my hair down to hide the silver chain. 

As you can see the color is a bright blue turquoise! So pretty. . 

About my taste in jewelry:

I love gold in general the best. 

I love simple silver hoops. 

I love turquoise. This is my favorite stone, by far above all others. 

I love coral. Especially red coral. 

I love simplicity. 

My summer favorites--July

I decided to do a post on the cosmetics and other beauty products that I have been using lately. Perhaps you are looking to try something new. These are a great place to start!

1. Fragrance. 

For summer, I like a light, floral scent. This summer I am loving Victoria's Secret Bombshell scent, because I love the fragrance so much! It smells like 'summer' to me. I especially am loving the body mist, which I have in the Shimmer Mist version, which leaves a shimmer to your skin with little particles of glitter. In case you couldn't tell, I like shiny things, including jewelry, and glitter, lol. 

2. Bronzer/Highlighter

This compact is BOTH blush and bronzer. I have been using it lately, and it looks especially good on tanned skin. I like that the new version comes with a mirror. I have the older version, where the top and bottom are not connected, and no mirror is included. It does have that brush as shown in the picture, but I prefer to use my own powder brush. 

I swirl these together and use on cheeks, or I contour my cheekbones as the instructions say on the packaging. I also use just the pink for highlighting. This product has a lot of shimmer to it. 

I get a lot of compliments when I wear this. 

3. Urban Decay 'Naked' Palette

As many bloggers probably have heard, this palette is wonderful. The colors are very beautiful, and you can create so many different looks, from neutral to smoky eyes. I am not a fan of the primer potion, but maybe thats only because I have been using the primer potion in the color 'Sin', which is a bronzy version of this, and I like the extra oomph it gives to browns. 

It comes with a double sided eyeliner, instead of a brush, which is fine because the hole for the liner is big enough to fit in my favorite Stila double-sided eyeshadow brush for traveling. I rarely use liner, so I can't really say if this is good liner or not. I have yet to use it. 

4. Lip Gloss

My favorite lip gloss of all time last summer was the Tarte Vitamin Infused Lip Gloss in 40 Winks, which was a peachy-clear color. After I used that up, (it lasted a really long time too, it is a very good product and it had good staying power for me). I got Om, which is a 'iridescent pink', it is very pretty. 

 40 winks

 Om  

5. My own salt-spray for hair

I loved my Bumble and Bumble Sea Salt Spray, and was sad when it ran out. But I read online that you can make your own for a lot less $$, and have the same effects. So I decided to give it a try. 

And I really like it! It works just as well as the Bumble and Bumble. This is how I wear my hair (when I wear it down) for the summer. Its so easy to style this way. 

I used this formula:

2 cups warm water

2 tablespoons sea salt (from grocery store)

1 tablespoon of cheap conditioner (cheap conditioner is more watery, so it will dissolve better in the water. I just used my Tresemme Naturals conditioner)

Mix the warm water with the sea salt until dissolved. Pour into a spray bottle, pour in conditioner. Mix and shake. It's ready!!

I also read different versions, one of which says to add essential oils, (any ones that you like the smell of) or to use Suave Coconut Conditioner, because it smells very 'beachy'. I just smelled it today coincidentally in the grocery store, it only costs $1 per bottle, so you can use it up too if you decide to use it for the salt spray. 

Adding conditioner helps to keep your hair frizz-free and moisturized. 

I am very particular about my shampoo and conditioner. Tresemme is the only brand that I like, so I'll stick with that. I love the smell of it, and it just works wonders for me. It's also frequently on sale, and not expensive. I've tried so many other shampoos and conditioners and they tangle my hair and dry it out :(. So I haven't tried this version of it! But let me know if you do. 

6. Nail polish

I am wearing this shade almost constantly on my fingers and toes. It is the perfect nude. It is very natural, but dark enough for me. LOVE!

'Mambo' by Essie