- caitlin in the kitchen vol 1

Hello, everyone! It's finally Friday and time for a new feature. To those who know me, it's no surprise that I love to cook and with Pinterest readily available at my fingertips, I have endless recipes to try and share. Last night I was in the mood to make something so I went on to my "Yummy Things" board and picked a recipe for Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars!

What you'll need: 2 cups crisp rice cereal, 2  1/2 cups quick oats, 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 5 tbsp unsalted butter (make sure it's unsalted!), 1 tsp vanilla (which I forgot to picture), and 3 tbsp mini chocolate chips. I didn't follow the recipe's measurement for chocolate chips, I just used my best discretion :) 

Note to self - adding the honey last is probably the best idea, because the rest of your ingredients will stick to whatever you used to measure out the honey.

Make sure not to let it boil, the butter and brown sugar could burn, causing a burnt taste in your bars.

Coat the pan with cooking spray to avoid sticking.

These bars were delicious! The only thing is most of them kind of crumbled, which I noticed was a frequent comment on the original recipe page. I wonder if maybe letting the bars sit outside the oven for 2 hours might help make them less fragile, but I'm not too sure. Either way, they were so good and for the ones that fell apart, I'm just mixing everything together and eating them like granola. 

If you liked this recipe, you can follow me on Pinterest and take a look at my "Yummy Things" board. It's probably the one I pin to the most out of any other. You can click my icon on the side under my about me, or click here to go directly to that board.

I hope you enjoyed the first post of Caitlin in the Kitchen, I have to admit it's pretty fun to have a name that goes with the things I like to do (crafting, cooking). If you make these granola bars on your own, link me to a post or send me pictures. Let me know how they turn out for you!

- what is beautiful?

Okay ladies (and gentlemen), today's post is going to be kind of a heavy one. Did I hear a sigh? Bear with me. Usually I tend to shy away from discussing anything that isn't light in subject matter, but lately I've felt this gnawing sense of responsibility to address a topic that surrounds all of us. So, allow me to ask the question, "What is beautiful?"

I know, I know. I mean, I need to take my hair down for this one. It's about to get real.

First off let me say that maybe what I'll mention in this post is something you've heard 1,000 times before. Fantastic, then 1,001 times surely can't hurt! Also, let me add that I know my readers are mainly female, but I do have some who are male, so for those of you who feel this doesn't apply to you - please stick around because I promise you will find relevance in what I have to say.

Let's start this again - Beautiful. B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L. (Did anyone else start reading that as BEA-utiful?) There are nine letters in this word but thousands upon thousands of women, young and old  alike have spent so much energy trying to "become" the definition of this word. There's a problem with that, right? (Rhetorical question, because clearly if there wasn't a problem, I wouldn't be typing this!) The problem is the "But if" syndrome. Never heard of it? That's probably because I made it up. But take for example the pictures of the women below:

I am guilty of participating in the above mentioned "But if" especially when it comes to these two gorgeous ladies. I find myself saying "I have nice eyes, but if I had Katy Perry's body I'd love myself even more." Or, "I'm having a good hair day, but if I could just look like Christina Aguilera everything else would be perfect."

Does that ring a bell to any of you? Don't be ashamed if it does, because it's a natural thing to look at celebrities (or even your friends) and think "But if..." and justify the things you think are wrong with you. Let me drop a bomb here though - these women, despite their success and obvious outer beauty - feel the same way about themselves. What? Yeah, really. I don't even know them and can tell you this because that's the way we, as women, are programmed. That's how society teaches us to think about our bodies, our hair, our lips - you get it.

I'm not going to try to preach to you about how you should love yourself, because we've all been told that and we all know it's so much easier said than done. Instead I want to share with you this realization I had yesterday while driving in my car. Sometimes when I'm by myself I just start talking and somehow end up with some coherent thoughts coming out of my mouth. This time, I said "Love should be unconditional. I love you because, never I love you despite." Pretty deep for a car ride, I know. But this applies to more than just romantic relationships. Your body, the thing that holds your organs and bones, but also encases your emotions and memories, is something you should love unconditionally.

Let me use myself as an example again. I can look in the mirror and point out a few things I'm okay with about my body, but I usually find myself saying, "My butt is too big. My hands look manly. My nail beds suck." (Please tell me you got that reference). I say all of these things and then I "guess" I love myself. That's the despite part. I love myself despite my big butt and manly hands. What I should really be saying is that I love myself because I have a voluptuous behind because I can fill out fitted dresses. I love myself because my hands are big enough to carry all the things I need in usually one trip.

Along with that realization, I came across myself doodling at work the same quote over and over again.

This comes from Psalm 139:14. Maybe some of you don't share the same beliefs as I do, and that's fine, but this scripture I believe is tailored to a woman's heart. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderfully! That means you are made the way you are supposed to be. Not that you can't dye your hair, change your clothes, get tattooed, or whatever it is that makes you feel even better about yourself, but from the moment you were born, the moment you were created, you were wonderful. You are still wonderful, no conditions.

I know it's hard to keep this mindset every day, especially when you have days when you really don't even want to roll out of bed. But those are the days when it's most important for you to remember how incredible you, yes YOU, are. I hope I'm not coming off like some cheesy how-to book about loving yourself and feeling awesome, because believe me I'm nowhere near being able to give you life advice. And maybe we'll never answer the question of "What is beautiful?" but we have answered the question of who is beautiful. That would be you.

- beauty box 5 june unboxing

Happy Saturday, everyone! I was really excited to come home from a trip to the city and see that my very first Beauty Box 5 was waiting for me! I've been really into the idea of subscription boxes and this one seemed right up my alley because every month you get four-five deluxe sized beauty samples sent straight to your door. The cost is only $12/month which is reasonable, especially to try out new products. As a disclaimer: I am not being paid by Beauty Box 5 to review their boxes. I pay for my own subscription and any opinions I have are solely mine.

* Just Being Sexy Body Bronzer. Beauty Box was generous enough to give me two samples of this liquid bronzer. I've had some experiences with self-tanner that weren't necessarily the greatest (read: streaky and embarrassing) so at first glance I'll admit I'm a little skeptical on using this product. That being said, I'll give it a chance at least once to see if I can maybe make it look presentable. This retails for $49.00 for 6 fl oz. You can use the code beautybox5 on Just Being Sexy's website before July 15 and save 15%.

* Coolway Cool Cleanse Shampoo & Coolway Cool Hydrate Conditioner. After a little internet research, I found out this brand is known for helping damage prone hair by gently hydrating it. The size of these samples is perfect for traveling and I can't wait to try it on my hair. The full size retails for $25 each for 8.6 oz. You can use the code BB5 on Coolway's website before July 15 to save 15%.

* Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Facial. The first thing I noticed when opening this is that it said "rose hips." Anyone who knows me knows I love anything rose related. That being said, I was a bit thrown off by the brown, molasses colored liquid in the bottle (and the fact that there was no safety seal). I'm not sure if I can explain the scent, but it doesn't really smell like roses to me - big bummer. This is a mask, not just soap, so I'm kind of intrigued to try it despite the interesting smell and color. The full size retails for $18 for 4 oz. 

* Minxxette Brush Hanger. How ironic that this came in my box today! I just bought new brushes and brush cleaner while at Sephora so this little gadget is perfect. It's hard to see, but there's a suction cup attached to what kind of looks like a toothbrush holder. You stick it on the wall and hang your brushes in it to dry. This helps prevent the breaking down and shedding of bristles. This is the small size (which is the full size, assuming there may be a medium or large as well?) and it retails for $4.69.

Overall, I'm intrigued by Beauty Box 5 and what they have to offer. I can't say I loved everything in this box, but I like having options and the ability to explore new brands that I may not have heard of otherwise. 

Do any of you subscribe to Beauty Box 5 or any other monthly boxes? If not, have you thought about trying one? I have to say, it's pretty nice getting a little "gift" in the mail!

- what's in my bag: make-up edition

Kaelah from over at Little Chief Honeybee posted a "What's in My Makeup Bag" today, and I was inspired to do the very same! I'll try to link you to each product in case you are interested in purchasing them to try on your own.

* CoverGirl Cheekers Bronzer in Golden Tan. I've had this forever (as you can tell because it's almost completely gone) and it's really cheap. I love it, but I want something more longwear, so the next time I buy bronzer I will probably end up splurging a bit.

* CoverGirl Smoothers Liquid Foundation in Buff Beige. This product is also inexpensive but I like how breathable the foundation is. My face doesn't feel cakey or heavy when I have it on and since it's mainly water-based, my skin doesn't get near as oily as it has with other products.

* Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Face Powder in Buff Beige. I have extremely sensitive skin and any time I've used Physicians Formula products they've improved the look of my skin and the sensitivity. At $12 this is almost a bit above a drugstore make-up price, but still cheap enough for someone on a budget.

I don't have any eyeliner pictured which is odd but I'm actually out! I use liquid eyeliner and I haven't really found a brand I love yet. I really would like to try an eyeliner pen like this one by Stila at Sephora.

* Maybelline Volum' Express Mega Plush, Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Cat Eye, Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes. These are some pretty well-known drugstore mascaras and I use all of them interchangeably. My favorite has to be the cat eye one, I love the curved brush and this one is actually almost empty. I would like to find a mascara that does it all so I don't have to use three different kinds to get my desired look.

* Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturizer. This product is a great base for my make-up and a must for my skincare routine. I used to never use moisturizer (which makes NO sense since my face is super dry naturally) but now I couldn't go back to my old ways. This one has a refreshing tingle due to the small amount of salicylic acid and it lasts all day long.

* Urban Decay All Nighter Make-up Setting Spray. This is my absolute new favorite beauty find. I got it on my most recent trip to Sephora right by the register (this is only the trial size) and I really didn't have high expectations for it just because I generally don't like spraying things on my face. I love it! It really extends the wear of your make-up all day through sweat and humidity. When I'm out of this one I'll definitely buy the full size product.

* Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment and Clean & Clear Advantage Popped Pimple Relief Drying Paste. Both of these products are really good. I wouldn't consider them "miracle acne removers" or anything like that, but when breakouts occur I turn to them. I've had to use them less since I got my Clarisonic Mia, but of course my skin isn't perfect.

* Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Love in Outlaw. This was on my summer favorite's list and I went out and bought it a week or so later. I love it! It goes on glossy but dries matte which is probably my favorite part. I don't like glossy lipstick. In the reviews of the product people suggest using a lip primer or lip balm to moisturize your lips before using this and I would definitely agree. The color is rich, vibrant, and longlasting but if you don't use a balm or primer your lips can get really dry. Easy problem to fix!

* Rimmel London Exaggerate Full Color Lip Liner in Red Diva. I used to swear I would never use lip liner but after exhausting attempts at trying to make my lipstick perfect, I broke down and bought some. I'm really glad I did because now my lipstick looks so much more put together.

* Lipsmackers in Dr. Pepper. They don't have a specific link of this online, but I know you all know what this is! I don't wear it often, but I really bought it for the smell. It's nostalgic.

* Smith's Rosebud Salve. This could possibly be my second favorite find at Sephora. It was by the counter and I fell in love with the packaging. It smells just like roses (which may be a turn off to some) but it works wonders! I guess maybe I'm behind because Sephora calls this a "cult favorite" but I wore put it on after wearing the Kat Von D lipstick without primer and after two hours my lips were baby smooth again. Since it's a salve you can use it for anything on your skin, so I might be trying it on some dry patches and see how that works!

* I can't remember what the brand of these brushes are or if they're even the same brand, but I'm not extremely picky on my brushes. As long as the bristles don't fall out and don't hurt my face, I'm really okay with anything. The powder brush is getting kind of old (hence the crazy bristles), but the other two - contouring and foundation brush - are relatively new.

* My make-up bag is this one from Forever 21. Only $9.80 and super roomy - and adorable!

So, I hope you guys enjoyed looking through my big bag of make-up secrets (not so secret, ha!). I get paid this weekend so I'll be making a trip to Sephora, which means there will be even more goodies in here!

What's in your make-up bag and what are your favorites? Link me to a post if you do one or just comment below!

- crafting with caitlin vol 1

Huzzah! A new post and a new feature! I know I've done a craft on here before (see Finger Paints: Puppy Edition) but we'll call this "Crafting with Caitlin vol 1."  I know it's been a while since I updated, so because my readers are incredibly lovely and patient, I decided why not do TWO crafts instead of one? So that's what I did and I made it super easy for you to follow along. * BTW who loves the deer head and spot light on my face from the sun in this picture? I felt it added character, so I left it!

* A book of some sort (I chose my Bible because it definitely needed a makeover), some permanent markers, buttons & ribbon (if you want to decorate your book like I did), a white mug, hot glue gun, Mod Podge, & some scrap fabric.

* Baking this makes the permanent marker safe to wash without the worry of it rubbing off. A tip for when you decorate the cup - if you happen to mess up (which I did many times) take a Q-tip and some nail polish remover, the marker will come right off and you can start over. 

* I used both Mod Podge and hot glue when securing the edges, just for some extra strength. At the end I added a ribbon by putting a dot of hot glue on the top and tucking it into the gap of the binding on the spine, just as you did with the fabric. The buttons were hot glued as well.



I hope you enjoyed these two crafts and get the itch to try them out. If you do, link me to a picture, I'd love to see how yours turned out!

- things i love thursday

Happy Thursday, everyone! One of my favorite features on a few different blogs that I follow is TiLT, so each Thursday you should be able to come here and see a post about all the things I'm loving/what's catching my attention this week. 

Ugh all of this. Anne Hathaway's speech on equal rights.

Because we all know a certain someone we'd love to give this cake to.

The things Harry Potter has taught us! I love this even despite the tiny typo :)

Yes! Truer words have never been spoken.

I love these vintage weight gain advertisements. It really shows the difference of  how beauty was perceived back in the  40s and 50s.

I'm a sucker for literary jokes. I can't tell you how long I laughed at this one. 

This phone case from Urban Outfitters. Because it usually is.

This motivational sentiment.

I know it's 2013 and I already showed you an e-card, but I mean really. True dat.

Have any of you guys seen this video on YouTube? It's kind of (okay extremely) riddled with stereotypes but it needs to be made into a real movie. It would totally knock Mean Girls 2 out of the water. I also can't tell you how much I laughed while watching it.

                                       What's been catching your eye this week? 

- finger paints: the puppy edition

Happy Monday! So, I assume many of you have seen Jenna Marble's latest video Dog Finger Painting, and if not you should probably go watch it because it's hilarious. Anyway I was super inspired to make a little artistic creation of my own with my dogs after watching it so that's exactly what I did. Jenna pretty much outlines what you need to do in her video, but I'm going to show you what I did!

Supplies: Canvas (any size), Washable Kids' Finger Paints (I chose Crayola, I doubt brand matters), something to put the paint on (I just used some random plates), and a tarp or sheet to put over the area you're using. Oh and don't forget treats. Those are the most important.

I planned this out carefully - the left are Cleo's colors and the right are Oliver's so I would know which paw prints were whose. As you'll see that really didn't turn out too well.

Oliver looking quite enthused with a yellow eyebrow (which was supposed to be Cleo's color!)

Cleo just looking exhausted.

The final piece. It's like a puppy Picasso!

I have to say, the dogs were less than cooperative. I think I was more excited about the project than they were, even with the jar of treats I brought out. Most of the paint ended up on the grass and the old sheet I was using. All in all though, it was a fun way to spend some time outside and let the pups channel their "creative sides." Haha! I'll definitely be hanging it up once it dries. Let me know if you end up doing this and link me up to your blog or some pictures!

- summer wishlist

Yay for crappy iPhone quality photos!

As you well know, summer is HERE and that means lots of time to stay up late and look online at all the things my heart desires. (I'm definitely not the only one who does this, right?) That being said, I've compiled a list of things on my "wishlist." Some of which I may have to go out and splurge on because when I really want something, I find a way to get it. We'll call that...determination! :) I've included a link to each of the products if you find they intrigue you as well - just click their names.

Cortex 4-in-1 Curling Rod

I saw this product on a video that Bunny aka grav3yardgirl posted on her YouTube  channel  (check her out!) and I fell in love with the concept. I never use the clamp on the ancient Revlon curling iron I have, so I've been wanting a wand, but never really felt justified in buying one. The magic element about this one is that it has interchangeable barrels of various sizes for you to pick and choose what kind of curls you want. I know.

Polka Dot Platform Wedges

I've been having a love affair with polka dots lately so obviously these wedges from Forever 21 were calling my name. I've been going back to the website a few times a day just to stare at them because I feel like they were made for me. 

Q&A a Day 5 Year Journal

This journal from Anthropologie (and other places online now that I've been looking around) has such a unique idea. It poses a question for you to write about every day and leaves space for the same day, same question for the next four years. That way you can see how your answers progress as you grow and change in life. As a writer who sometimes finds herself in a rut with nothing new to say, I think it's a great way to anthologize your writings and to get your thoughts flowing with a prompted question.

Clarisonic Mia 2 Blossom

I currently have a "first generation" Mia and I love it. They're a bit on the expensive side, but they really do wonders for your skin. When Clarisonic made the Mia 2, they added the button to change the speed that the head spins and I believe a few other small things. This boxed set is a really good deal for everything it includes. Usually the face washes are $22-25 for full size (in the Clarisonic brand) but I've never tried this Boscia brand before. I really want to upgrade and I love this specific Mia because it's rose printed. I mean how much more perfect could that be?

Kat Von D's Everlasting Liquid Love Lipstick

I've been watching all the seasons of LA Ink on Netflix recently so I've been mildly obsessed with Kat Von D. I knew she had a makeup line out at Sephora but I wasn't really too interested until I noticed a picture she posted on Instagram (which means yes, I follow her) of her lipstick before and after a root canal. It was perfect in the after picture - what?! So it could have been false advertising, but I read the reviews for this lipstick on Sephora's website and the overwhelmingly popular comment is that it is indeed, everlasting. I would like this in the shade Outlaw, please :)

Run Like Ryan Gosling Tank

Okay ladies, I know you've seen this tank circulating the Internet and I finally found the source! Sometimes workouts get tough and even Katy Perry can't pump me up enough, but if I was wearing this I feel like it would give me that little push to run that extra half mile. The image of a (perhaps shirtless) Ryan G cheering me on is quite possibly the best motivation next to dangling chocolate in front of my face. 

I had to add this because I WANT IT SO BADLY. I didn't include a link because there's quite a few different places on eBay that sell them, but really. If someone could buy me this, I feel like my life would be a bit sunshinier. I've had people ask me why I would want these on DVD when I just finished watching every episode a few weeks ago. People, for the amount of love I have for One Tree Hill and the amount of times I will watch this show: the limit does not exist.




What are you loving this summer?