Tuesday, December 29, 2020

My 2020 Quarantine Skincare Routine

Hello lovely reader! Happy almost New Year! I put together a little summary of my "Quarantine Skincare Routine" aka the products I have been using and loving over the past few months. The great thing is that the majority of them are drugstore brands meaning you definitely don't have to break the bank to create a nice little routine. As far as a skin type, I have a very oily t-zone, and deal with blackheads on my nose. My forehead I would say is the least sensitive part of my face and my chin is definitely the most sensitive. So if you can relate to any of that I would highly recommend giving any of these products a try. I have also provided links (which are not sponsored or affiliated) in case you want to check anything out!



Soap and Glory Vitamin C Facial Wash
This product is great for getting some exfoliation into your routine. It leaves your face feeling fresh and smooth, especially if you use it with some type of spin brush. It also has a great scent to it!
Dermalogica Clear Start Foaming Wash
This face wash is a bit more of a splurge but I have found that it really works well with my skin type. It definitely helps to control the oil on my t-zone and is also great to use as a follow up to the Soap and Glory wash. 

PMD - Personal Microderm - Classic
This was my quarantine "self-care" splurge. I ordered it in the spring and can honestly say that it is worth it! When you factor in how much Microderm facials cost and the fact that a lot of places are closed right now it actually is a great deal. I have found that using this once a week has helped with the redness/scars left behind by breakouts on my chin area and the oiliness of blackheads around my nose. I will say that this doesn't suck out blackheads but removes layers of dead skin cells, so if you use if consistently it can help with appearance of black heads but will not remove them all at once. It also makes your skin super smooth and helps it to absorb any product that you apply afterwards. A lot of places carry this product too and I have seen it go on sale a lot so keep an eye out if you're looking for a deal.

Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol Free Toner
This is a great product to try if you are looking to introduce a toner into your skincare routine. It is extremely affordable and I have found it to agree with the sensitive areas on my face which was my main concern. They do offer an unscented version which I would recommend over this Rose Petal one (bought it by mistake) and even offer it in little travel sizes if you don't want to buy a big bottle to start. 

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Creme
This product would also fall under the splurge category in my book but again it is definitely worth it. The cream has a great scent and texture to it. It gives you a glow for those days when you don't wear makeup (everyday since March) and really does feel hydrating when applied.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer
It's a classic and it works! This moisturizer is great for the winter because it is a bit heavier and I don't know about you but since turning the heat on, the air in my house is dry!! It also has SPF in it which is important to wear year round.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque
This mask is perfect to use if you feel like your skin needs a moisturizing boost. Even for someone who has oily skin this is great to use every so often, the next day I can totally notice a difference and it doesn't cause breakouts for me in my more sensitive zones when is a huge plus. I would recommend using this once a month if you have oily skin and if you have more balanced skin every few weeks.
Origins Clear Improvements Active Charcoal Mask
Tried and true, and much used as you can tell in the photo, this mask is great for detoxifying your skin. I can tell for even for a day or two after as I have less redness in areas that were previously irritated and again it doesn't aggravate anything either. I try to use this once a week, typically at the end of the week.
Feeling Beautiful Facial Polishing Masque with Charcoal and Black Sugar
This mask is great and I actually use it in the shower. I'll apply it right about halfway through and then scrub it off at the end. This is also a great option to bring some exfoliation into your skincare routine especially in the winter months! Great to use a couple of times a week!


And that is my routine! I hope these reviews were helpful and maybe inspired you to try out some new products! Xx




Monday, December 28, 2020

Shoe of the Week - December 2020 Recap

Hi lovely reader! If you follow me on Instagram @notexactlyplainjane you will know that I have a segment called "Shoe of the Week" where I share a shoe I'm currently loving every Monday. As it is the end of the month & year! I have put together a recap of the styles from this month with direct links (not sponsored) and similar options if they are not available. Enjoy!


Puma RS-0 Play
Exact's are no longer available but the Puma website has tons of fun other RS Collection options!


Halogen Hailey Studded Black Leather Booties
Exact - Sold Out
Similar Vibe - Zara & on Sale!


Sam Edelman Jacquie 2 Lug Sole Chelsea Boot
Exact - On Sale!!


Hunter Boots Original Tour Foldable Tall Rain Boots
Exact - Hunter Boots









Friday, December 11, 2020

"Best Ever" Baked Oatmeal - How Sweet Eats | Easy Breakfast Recipe

Hi lovely reader! I wanted to share an easy breakfast recipe that I found on Instagram by Jessica Merchant of @howsweeteats . It's delicious (tastes like a dessert), simple, and a great make ahead breakfast option for mornings on the go (or when you can't be bothered to actually make something...hello microwave). I have copied the recipe below but you can also find it on Jessica's blog "How Sweet Eats" .


Ingredients

  • 4 1/2 cups quick oats
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk whatever you like! dairy or nondairy
  • 3/4 cup canola oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/3 cup flaked coconut toasted if you've like!
  • 2 tablespoons hemp hearts
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • milk or cream for drizzling (I like to pair mine with vanilla or coconut greek yogurt)

Instructions 
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until combined. Pour the mixture in the dish.
  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. Remove the dish from the oven and place the chocolate chips on top right away (so they kind of melt!). Top with the coconut, almonds, hemp hearts and chia seeds. Let cool slightly, then cut into squares and serve with a drizzle of milk or cream.
  • *After the dish has cooled completely, I cut them into squares, wrap in cling wrap individually to help keep them fresh, and put them in a ziplock bag to freeze. Then in the morning you can just grab a square and microwave it for a minute or two!


Monday, November 30, 2020

Shoe of the Week - November 2020 Recap

Hi lovely reader! If you follow me on Instagram @notexactlyplainjane you will know that this month I started a new segment, "Shoe of the Week" where I share a shoe I'm currently loving. As it is the end of the month, I have put together a recap of the styles from this month with direct links (not sponsored) and similar options if they are not available. Enjoy!


Jaclyn Waterproof Chelsea Bootie 
Exact - Nordstrom (dark taupe is sold out on Sam Edelman Website)
Black Suede - 40% off on Sam Edelman Website

Adidas Lite Racer Adapt
Olive is no longer available
Black - Kohls (on sale for $39.99!)

Steven by Steve Madden Seaton Black Leather Loafer
Similar Backless Version - Steve Madden
Similar - Coach Outlet

Sam Edelman Laguna Black Leather Boot
Exact - Sam Edelman

Dr. Martens Black Coated Glitter Boots
Exact - Rack Room Shoes

Sunday, October 4, 2020

My Current Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe | Sunday Baking

 Hi lovely reader! Happy Fall! It's kind of hard to believe that October is here but I'm ready to embrace it. The mornings and evening have started to get cooler where I am, pumpkins are popping up in front of the stores, my Instagram feed is filling up with cosy recipes, and it's great! 

    Today I wanted to share what I can confidently say is the best chocolate chip cookie recipe I have ever made. My mom who is quite the cookie critic is also in agreement so you know it's good! I found this recipe on @smallkitchensweets Instagram and had to give it a try. His page is full of beautiful photos of delicious sweets and teasers of recipes to come on his website. (Spencer, if you ever read this, we want more!) He posted a week ago that he is working on a pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe and I am praying that we get to see it because if it's anything like these chocolate chip cookies it will be AMAZING! 

As he notes on his blog, his NY Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe is inspired by the famous Levain Cookie. The one thing I did differently was that instead of making eight giant cookies, I kept mine on the smaller side while still following all of the steps and they turned out great! I will post the basics of the recipe below but I highly encourage you to check out his post on these cookies because it is full of great tips and tricks to get them to turn out perfectly.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 226 grams / 2 sticks unsalted butter
  • 150 grams / 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 100 grams / 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt + flaky salt for the top 
  • 420 - 480 grams / 3 - 3 1/3 cup All Purpose flour *see tips in post
  • 360 grams / 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 180 grams / 1 (ish) cup walnut halves *optional

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F / 200 C and place a rack in the middle of the oven. Remove butter from fridge. Allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, add slightly softened butter and sugars together. Cream ingredients for 1 minute on high speed. Scrape down the sides of your mixer.
  3. With mixer on low speed, add eggs one at a time and mix until combined.
  4. Turn the mixer off and add the 420 g of the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Pulse the mixer until just mixed.
  5. Add chocolate chips and walnut halves if you are using them. If you decide not to add the walnuts, add more chocolate chips or add 40 grams of extra flour. If the chocolate chips don’t combine completely, knead the dough a slightly to incorporate.
  6. Divide dough into 8 pieces, about 6 oz. each. If making smaller, adjust baking time accordingly. 
  7. Roughly shape each piece of dough into a ball. They should be rustic looking, do not flatten! Place each ball of dough onto a sheet tray and transfer to the freezer. Freeze for about 30-45 minutes. They should be quite firm. You will bake the cookies from frozen!
  8. Bake 6 cookies at a time for 13-15  minutes. Rotate the tray halfway through the bake . The cookies will be *quite* golden on the top and bottom but gooey on the inside. Don’t overbake, they will continue to cook on the tray.
  9. If you want to add flaky salt to the top, now is the time! Sprinkle over the top right when they come out of the oven!
  10. Let the cookies cool for 15 minutes before serving.

The actual best! Sharing is caring and I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did! Xx