Showing posts with label not exactly plain jane. Show all posts
Showing posts with label not exactly plain jane. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Yellowstone National Park | Trip Recap (Where to Stay, Eat, & Explore)

Hi lovely reader! Over the summer I visited Yellowstone National Park for the first time. As a typical beach vacationer a trip of this type was completely new to me and there was a certain level of going in blind that came with it. I relied a lot on watching people's vlogs and reading their blog posts so I wanted to share a quick recap of my own learnings to hopefully help anyone else in the same boat. (this post and the links included are not in any way sponsored or affiliated with Yellowstone National Park) 


Where to Stay: Canyon Lodge - As you'll see on this map, it's centrally located between the two main loops within the park, the rooms are quaint, clean, and the beds were comfortable which is all you want after being out all day. 


Where to Eat: I say this with all respect to the park and the people who work at the food spots (who were all SO nice), Yellowstone is somewhere you go for the nature/views and not for the food. The food situation was honestly the only shock or negative experience of the trip. Canyon Lodge has a couple of food options that I would equate to college dining halls, plastic trays, go down the line and pick what you want. There are a few spots with restaurant, waiter to table service including Old Faithful Inn, Roosevelt Lodge (it was giving Camp Walden vibes from the Parent Trap) and the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. The saving grace and real winner of the food situation though was the huckleberry ice cream. Canyon Lodge has an ice cream shop and their huckleberry ice cream is swirled with huckleberry jam, absolutely delicious. 10/10 would recommend.


What to Explore: We did the North loop one day and the Southern Loop in two parts for two days. A few of my favorite spots that we saw were the Grand Canyon Yellowstone and Inspiration Point, Artists Cove (this was my favorite view of the trip), Gibbons Falls, Grand Prismatic Springs and Lamar Valley.


What to Pack: All the climate options, while this really depends on what time of year you go, having options and layers is key. We were wearing winter coats in the morning some days and t-shirts by the afternoon. I also would highly recommend a pair of binoculars, I rolled my eyes at this one initially thinking my camera would be enough (also would highly recommend a camera and not just using your phone for photos) but there were some animals we saw so far in the distance, they wouldn't have shown up otherwise.

All in all it was a great trip and I would highly recommend anyone check it out! Everywhere you look is like a painting, unreal colors and natural wonders! 


Sunday, May 30, 2021

Summer Sweets | No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream

Hi lovely reader! Happy Memorial Day weekend! Hope you are having a great weekend and celebrating the kickoff to summer in some way. Today's recipe is simple, delicious and totally customizable. I found this recipe on the Food Network Kitchen App and it turned out great so I wanted to share. As you can tell from the title, the great thing about this ice cream recipe is that you do not need an ice cream maker! Just a 9x5x3 metal pan or a similar size to freeze the ice cream in. I also posted a reels video over on my instagram if you want to see the process!


No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients

-1 14oz can of sweetened condensed milk

-2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

-a pinch of fine salt

-2 cups of cold heavy cream

-1 9x5x3 inch chilled metal loaf pan

To make the ice cream,

Whisk together the condensed milk, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl and then set aside.

Whip the cream with a mixer (I chilled my mixing bowl before starting) on medium-high speed until firm peaks form, around 2 minutes. Fold 1 cup of the whipped cream in the condensed milk mixture with a rubber spatula until combined and then fold the lightened mixture into the whipped cream until well blended. Then pour into a chilled 9x5x3 inch metal loaf pan and freeze, covered, until thick and creamy, like soft serve, around 2 hours. Swirl in any desired mix-ins with a spoon. Place back in the freezer, covered, until solid and scoopable, about 3 more hours.

Enjoy!

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Drunk Elephant "The Littles" - An Honest & Unsponsored Review

Hi lovely reader! Hope you are staying safe and doing well! I've been wanting to write today's post for a while but thought it would be best and most helpful to wait and truly have used these products for some time before giving my feedback. I received Drunk Elephant's "The Littles" set for Christmas and have been using them consistently ever since which has given me a good grasp on how my skin reacts tot these products, what works and what doesn't and how long they last. As with most things beauty related I love to do my research before purchasing especially when it involves spending a bit more money, so I hope this post is helpful to anyone thinking about buying this set or any of these products individually! I have also provided links to the products but please not they are not affiliated (this post is not sponsored in any way)

To start I also want to note my skin type as everyone is different and it definitely has an impact on how certain products work with you. 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 you may have a similar experience with these products.


Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser: I use a pea sized amount of this cleanser in the morning and at night. It definitely makes my skin feel fresh and clean and cleared the layer of oil or makeup residue from the day. The nice thing I've found about this cleanser is that a little goes a long way so even the sample size in this kit has lasted me about 4 months. I would recommend this product if you are looking for a gentle yet effect daily cleanser.

C-Firma Day Serum: Of the 8 products in this set, this one definitely surprised me the most! I was a little weary starting out how my skin would react to this, especially my chin area but I did not have any issues. This serum is where I saw a noticeable difference in my skin, I definitely am on the paler side (not mad about it) but using this daily has improved the pigmentation of my skin. Not to say it's made me a bronzed goddess but I can see a visible difference 5 months in with my skin looking brighter. It has also helped even out areas where I have had redness from breakouts in the past. I like to put a pump of the B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum and a pump of this serum in my hands, mix them and then apply to my face in the mornings. Like I said before I have been using this since the end of December and this sample size has still not run out.

B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum: This serum is really nice especially as it has started to get warmer because it is super hydrating but extremely light weight. As someone with oily skin I wasn't exactly sure how intensive hydration would work but it has actually helped combat the oiliness. I think by using this in the morning and having that hydration, my t-zone doesn't produce as much oil as before which has been nice. It definitely hasn't cured the oiliness but it does help to slow down and I don't shine as quickly as I used to, especially if I'm not wearing makeup.

T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum: This is one of my favorite products in the set! I use it at night after I have exfoliated and apply a thin layer all over my face. It just leaves your skin feeling fresh and also helps combat oiliness which is great. I apply a layer of moisturizer on top once it has set and am ready for bed! 

C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream: This eye cream really is amazing and I am saying that in all honesty. The texture is great and you can really feel the hydration. I can also notice a difference in the feeling of my skin if I don't use it. I had gotten samples of this last year from Sephora when trying to find an eye cream and I loved it so I was excited to have a larger and longer lasting amount of product to use. I tend to use it more in the morning than at night but you could really use it both or either.

Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30: One of the first concerns I had when checking out the products in this kit was that the moisturizer didn't have sunscreen to it. I am a big believer in wearing some sort of SPF during the day whether you're out in the sun or not. Especially if you're sitting in front of a computer all day or in your car a lot! So when I saw they had a sunscreen I was like okay let's give this a go, we'll just add another layer. I haven't gotten to give this a proper beach or "day at the pool" go but for everyday it's great. Like everything else it is super light, dries really easily and doesn't leave a greasy feeling like so many other sunscreens. 

Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil: This facial oil is by far the cutest "little" in the set. It has a tiny glass dropper and like all Drunk Elephant products, the packaging is super chic. However I am sad to say that this product is the one (and really only one) where my skin was not having it. It's not like I can't use it at all but around my chin area (which is the most sensitive) it has caused me some small breakouts (nothing huge or super dramatic) but I think applying direct oils to my face just doesn't work for my skin type. I could see how this could be really nice though it you do deal with dry skin or dry areas.

Protini Polypeptide Cream: Last but not least this lovely luxurious moisturizer. It's light, creamy, not greasy at all and hydrating. It feels really nice to apply and my favorite part is how quickly it sets into my skin. It absorbs almost immediately so there is no residue or greasy feeling. 


Of the 8 products my top 3 that I would say would be worth the full size splurge would be the Protini Polypeptide Cream, C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream, and the C-Firma Day Serum. The nice thing about all of these products is that a little goes a long way and I have noticed visible improvements in using them regularly!

I hope those notes were helpful to you if you are considering purchasing the set or any of the products individually. Would love to hear your experience with them as well and what your favorites are. XX

Saturday, January 30, 2021

Birthday Cake Blondies - Simple & Delicious Recipe

Hi lovely reader! If you follow me on Instagram @notexactlyplainjane you may have seen that I posted a Reel the other day of a Birthday Cake Blondie Cake that I made (check it out here). It turned out super cute and was really easy to make so I wanted to share the recipe with you! Funfetti, white chocolate, and rainbow sprinkles, what's not to love? Check it out below!


Ingredients
-Cooking Spray
-Baking Pans (I used 2 6-inch rounds and 1 8-inch round to make multiple "cakes")
-Parchment Paper
-3 cups All Purpose Flour
-1 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt
-1 tsp. Baking Powder
-2 1/4 sticks butter (18 Tbsp), softened
-1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
-3/4 cup Packed Brown Sugar
-2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
-3 eggs
-2 1/4 cups white chocolate chips (I used the Nestle Funfetti morsels)
-1 cup Rainbow Sprinkles (or any color) + optional extra for decorating (I used 2 small shakers total to cover the sides)
-Icing (option, these are actually really moist so they don't necessarily "need it")


1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease your pans with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder.

2. In a larger bowl using a mixer, beat the butter and sugars until fluffy, then add the vanilla and eggs and beat until combined.

3. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture gradually and beat until combined. Then fold in the chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of the sprinkles.

4. Pour the batter into the pan(s) and bake until the edge are golden, about 30 minutes. Let cool & then decorate!


And Voila!

What's your favorite birthday treat to make for others? Xx








Friday, January 29, 2021

Shoe of the Week - January 2021 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. Somehow it is the end of January so 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!

Adidas Grand Court Sneaker - Exact

New Balance x Kate Spade Saturday
Exact - No longer available, if you search these there are a few pairs from the collection on Poshmark
Similar - New Balance Fuelcore Nergize Sport Training Shoe

Circus by Sam Edelman Gunner Boots
Exact - Out of Stock
Similar - Circus Flora Hiker Boot

Dr. Scholl's Amara Bootie - Exact








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