A Quick Snack Food Favorite

One of my favorite snacks: cottage cheese + apples + granola bunches

I know, I know � COTTAGE CHEESE!  Most people automatically assume cottage cheese is gross because it�s chunky and curd-like (haha!). I will agree that it doesn�t look appetizing, but I love snacking on this stuff!  I won�t eat it alone, but it is quite delicious if you pair it with the right compliments.

Cottage cheese is very healthy; it�s low in fat and carbs, but packed with protein and calcium!

What you need:

• 1 apple  (use a sweet apple like Fuji or Golden Delicious; avoid sour green apples
• 1 cup of cottage cheese (I use non or low-fat, but 2% will taste better
• 1/4 cup of granola (I use Just Bunches, but any granola will do)

Preparation:

 * Peel (optional) & dice the apple  * Scoop some cottage cheese on top of your diced apples * Sprinkle some granola on top of the cottage cheese and apples * Eat & enjoy!

Of course if you�re a cottage cheese virgin, you may want to begin by using less cottage cheese and more of the tasty apple and/or granola.  Tailor it to your satisfaction!
Cottage cheese is also very omnomnom with peanut butter.

Give it a try ;]

Smashbox Luminizing Lotion | Review

I�ve been using the Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion for over a year now and I�m down to only a few more drops left  . I absolutely love this highlighter � it�s definitely a must-have product for me. I�ve tried some other highlighters (Benefit High/Moonbeam, Josie Maran illuminizer, NARS illuminator) and this Smashbox one is still my favorite.  Sometimes I will use powder highlighters � but because I have dry skin, liquid/cream highlighters work best for me.

The Smashbox Luminizing Lotion is available in 3 different shades: diffuse (light, pearly color), flash (irridescent pink), and glow (a deep, warm, golden bronze). I am around an NC25-30 in MAC foundation shades and the color �flash� suites my skin tone the best.

Read on for some pros/cons and photos:

Pros:

• extremely natural/dewy glow
• not overly frosty or glittery
• instantly brightens my face, making me look more awake/healthy
• works great for all occassions: day, night, flash photography!
• a little bit goes a long way (I just use a small drop to each cheekbone)
• easy to blend (I apply this using my fingertips with clean hands; you can also use a small brush)
• absorbs quickly
• non-greasy
• long-lasting (all day! It even holds up in humid/hot weather)
• may be worn alone or on top of foundation
  The label suggests mixing with foundation, too; however, I personally don�t use it this way because I only want to highlight certain areas of my face. Since the color �flash� has a slight pink tint to it, I only use it on my cheekbones.
• has a pump (more sanitary application) 

Cons:

• price: 0.7 oz for $27  <� this is totally worth it for me, though!
  However, because you only need a little, this one bottle will last a long time!
  I use mine most days of the week and my 1 bottle lasted me 1.5 years! 
• the black coating around the pump starts peeling off after a few months (see photo below)
  this really bothers me because some of the black will flake off and can get on your hands/face.
• the color �flash� has a slight pink tint to it, so it may not be the best for highlighting the bridge of your nose/forehead/cupid�s bow

Photos:

This is what a fresh bottle from the box looks like:

Here is the black flaking off the pump:
(an how much I have left after 1.5 years of routine use)

Swatch:

Some photos of me when wearing the luminizing lotion on my cheeks:

Overall, the Smashbox Artifical Light Luminizing Lotion is the best highlighter I�ve tried thusfar!
I will definitely be repurchasing another bottle soon! 

What is your favorite face highlighter?