Tropical Banana Bread

So it's that time of year when you start craving the fresh tropical flavors of summer, but also need something warm and comforting since it's still cold for many of you. This recipe will satisfy all of those things. It's easy and delicious and definitely a staple in my house (I seriously make it about once a month to feed the addiction of a certain someone, lol) and something I'm somewhat famous for with all my friends, hehe. The recipe below makes two loaves or you can switch it up like I sometimes do and make one loaf and a batch of muffins. If for some crazy reason you don't care for the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut you can leave them out and mix in something else like chocolate chips for a more decadent bread or just make it plain and traditional. Enjoy


Tropical Banana Bread

1/2 cup margarine softened (I use margarine, but you can use butter)
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup of milk
3-4 extra ripe bananas (the blacker the better)
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups of flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. of baking soda
few pinches of cinnamon
1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
1 cup flaked coconut

Preheat oven to 350. In a bowl whisk together flour, salt, soda, and cinnamon and set aside. In another bowl (I use a really large bowl because this recipe makes a lot and you don't want it spilling everywhere) mix butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time until well mixed, scraping down bowl as necessary. Next mix in vanilla and milk. Gradually add flour until well mixed.

Next peel bananas and mix them in (I don't mash my bananas ahead of time as most recipes traditionally call for because if they are soft enough it's not necessary and I like to have some chunks).

Fold in coconut and pineapple until combined. Spray loaf pans and divide batter into pans. Sprinkle coconut in a line down the center (this step just makes it look pretty).

Bake for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 mins, depending on your oven, until toothpick comes out clean. Cool and enjoy!

Spring Make-Up

If you haven't noticed I'm a little Spring obsessed lately which is funny since Florida hardly suffers a winter... Today I'm sharing some of my favorite spring makeup, most of which I've been wearing for years and can easily cross over into alternative seasons. Every season, there is always a list of "hot new products" which is great but some of the "oldies" truly are the "goodies"! My advice is add at least one new product each season that way you aren't overloaded with new products but are still branching out of your normal routine. Here we go..

"Tempting": MAC



"Pink Chiffon": Cover Girl

Eyes: Two trends this spring are a warm goldish brown eye and a light bright highlighted eyes. The two products above are great for accomplishing this look. I love "Tempting" because you can apply it light or dark depending on the look you want. It's great for creating a milder version of the smokey eye, and the brown really helps light colored eyes to pop. The shimmery gold tones in it also help make your skin glow. The light pinkish white shadow is so versatile and great for highlighting areas. I usually apply it on top of my lid as a base before any other shadow, and then apply after everything else below the eyebrow to make my eyes look bright. It's good because as you move and the light hits it, different areas of your eyes will be highlighted. I've been wearing this since high school (no joke) and at under $5 it's a must!

"Giddy Pink": Bare Minerals

"Bronze" Shimmer Waves: Body Shop

Cheeks: For your face, spring is all about pink and bronze. The colors should work together. I like to first apply the bronzer on cheeks, brow, and nose for a warm glow. Then layer the pink blush just on the apples of your cheeks to complete the look.

"Creme d' Nude": MAC

"Dominique": Buxom  for Bare Escentuals

"Morange": MAC

Lips: This spring it's either all or nothing for your lips. The two trends are either a nude lip or an all out flashy lip color. For the nude look, I like to do a subtle lip color under a clear gloss with sparkles for a high-shine look. I especially love the gloss above because it has a little brush applicator, is not sticky, and has a minty smell and tingly feel. For the bold colored look, orange tones are definitely the go-to shade. I love this version from MAC, but look around and see what suits your skin tone. Another popular spring lip color is purple.

Pastel Pants

In honor of the first day of spring, I've decided to share something that's pretty and pastel-y. These colored pants are not only trendy, but perfectly festive for getting you into the spring mood. It' like dipping your legs into a bowl of Easter egg dye, lol! This style can be either subtle or bold, but I like to opt for the more subtle look. Here are some of my favorite versions.

Scout chino: J.Crew (only $69!)

Tone on tone leopard print jeans: Current/Elliot

Ikat print jeans: 7 for all Mankind

Sea Green ankle jeans: DL1961

Light lemon skinny jeans: Zara

Get Your Gun

No, I don't condone violence, but these cool gun-inspired home items are right on target. Even the prettiest of rooms can use a little touch of "tough guy". I know you all will agree!

Gold revolver lamp: Room Service Store



Warhol inspired gun print: Design Clou studio via Etsy



Wall mounted gun vase: Uncommon Goods

Metallic gun print wallpaper: Room Service Store

Linen gun and heart pillow: Red Barn Mercantile

Revolver pen holder: Uncommon Goods

Orange Oblivion

Tangerine is officially the color of the year and I've totally embraced it. It's such a bright, fun, and happy color and just may be what you need to kick your spring style off right! The easiest way to wear this color is in accessories. The color is actually quite versatile and will instantly add pizzaz to any outfit. Here's my fav ways to embrace this color! P.S. Additional trend alert! Jelly is back!

Orange jelly flats: Tory Burch



Orange cut out bracelet: Gigi Chic 

Orange color block pumps: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Orange it's obvious: Essie

  



Orange jelly tote: Michael Kors



Patent orange skinny belt: Asos

Kitchen Cuties

I love to cook,and enjoy spending time in the kitchen, and these little "kitchen cuties" make me smile and are sure to keep me cooking in style!

Nesting measuring cups: Sur la Table

Matryoshka measuring cups. They nest inside each other just like the traditional Russian dolls. How cute!




Bananas salt & pepper shakers: Jonathan Adler

How cute are these little bananas from Jonathan Adler?! Plus they're on sale right now! Check it out!





Cuisine couture apron: Anthropologies

Because you have to look fabulous even while you're covering your outfit.

Glass honey pot: Alessi

I love serving and drinking tea with honey so this is perfect and so sophisticated.

Josephine Bananas timer: Amazon

Just for funsies. How can you not smile when the timer dings!





Lovely Laser Cut

I love the look of "laser cut" leather. It is especially nice for spring since it feels so light and airy. Even a large bag becomes instantly breezy with this cool affect. Check out some of my fav ways to accessorize with this style.

I love this bag not only for the detail, but for the shape. It's so roomy but not wide so it seems a little to easier to carry around. It also looks great in brown.



Rebecca Taylor

The classic shape of this one makes it perfect for everyday and it also has a cute little pouch that is attached inside for extra storage. Also available in black.


Tory Burch

Nice little twist on a classic black pump. Love the contrast of texture and color.

BCBG

A perfect closet staple (especially if you have warm weather year round like us). Simple but still designed for an eye-catching look. And they're affordable!



Chinese Laundry