Mason Jar Fruit Jars-Snack Prep

If you know me, you probably know that I love mason jars. All sizes! :) I just love their versatility!

Every week (Ok ok...almost every week :-0 ) I try to meal prep my lunch (& dinner sometimes) for the entire week. Along with the meal prep, I always try to squeeze in some easy snack prep to get me to eat good at work throughout my busy week! Fruit is something that I used to not LOVE as much as I do now. Honestly, not sure why I wasn't such a fan. Maybe I was lazy...picky...or just didn't care! The only time I would really eat fruit was when my mom would cut it up for me and bring it up to my room while I was studying or grading papers (oh, how I miss those sweet days!) So, just about a year ago, I started to eat all sorts of fruit on a daily basis...on my own...a lot of it...and loving it! Long story short: Here is a fun way to pack your fruit for the week to assure you are getting your daily fruit in take and not making "busy week" your excuse. Enjoy!

What you need:
-Mason jars (Here I have used 8oz, 16oz, & 32oz and I found the 8oz to be the perfect serving size...for me! Like these HERE) And also...Here are some jars to give you the size idea

-Fruit! So these are the fruits that have worked for me (bottom-up):

• Grapes 
• Cantaloupe
• Pineapple
• Mango
• Strawberries 
• Blackberries (ugh, my weakness!)
• Blueberries (not a huge fan but they are good for me...soo...)

1) Wash, paper-towel dry, & cut (if applicable) all the fruit. You may also want to slightly dry your pineapple and cantaloupe as those tend to get "softer" during the week. Just throw it on a paper towel and pat it dry. You want to make sure the fruit is dry because you ARE going to keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days and that can make the fruit slightly soggy if there is water left in it. A tiny bit is not a biggy...sometimes I find a little bit of water at the very bottom of my jar when I am eating it and it hasn't bothered me yet. 

2) Layer it up! Start with the toughest fruit first. In my case, the grapes. Then the cantaloupe, pineapple, mango, strawberries (cut strawberries in 2's or 4's), raspberries & blueberries.

3) Seal it up with the top and store in refrigerator for up to 5 days (I think sometimes my last one stays in there until like the following Sat and it has been fine. Maybe some fruit (cantaloup) slightly softer but still eatable). *tip: I feel that filling the fruit up to the very top helps keep it fresh slightly longer. That's why my fav jars have been the small 8oz ones so its not TOO much fruit in each jar that I can't finish it

4) If you don't want to mix up all the fruit, you can also just go ahead and cut, wash, prep your fruit and store it in individual 32oz jars. I will do this sometimes (or if I end up having too much leftover after I cut it) and it is GREAT to quickly add to our acai bowls...protein shakes...smoothies...juice...etc. etc! Instead of having to sit there and cut everything up, you have it READY! 

The extra little work during the weekend is worth it for me and my husband as this helps us get in fruit throughout the week and I just have so much fun eating out of a mason jar :) & my kiddos at work love seeing (and sometimes even tasting) the different fruits in my jar!

Why glass jars vs plastic container? In my opinion, since mason jars seal "air-tight", it keeps my already cut up fruit fresh. Since I pre-pack my fruit for the entire week, mason jar storage assures that the fruit won't go bad due to air. In addition to that, to me, glass is aesthetically pleasing. It is built to last and will not leave any stains or that yucky lingering food smell! Now if you pack your fruit on a daily basis, I would just say to use a plastic container or zip-lock sandwich bag. But ehhh...you gotta do that e v e r y N i g h t...too much work for me after a LoNg day of work and everything else that poops me out after work :0

Seeing this colorful goodness right in the front inside your fridge MAKES you want to eat it right away...does it not? :) I really hope you give this a try and that this post has helped you in some way! Please let us know if you do give it a go...and anything that you might have changed up! xoxx-

Fashion Friday

it's fridayyy! i had some free time between classes the day i wore this outfit and the weather was so perfect- i couldn't not do a mini-photoshoot. we've been having 50-60 degree weather, so i wore my green anorak jacket from shop civilized, as a light layer to add. (similar option #1| similar option #2). i purchased my brown boots from rack room and they're super comfortable and lightweight. i bought my long sleeved, striped shirt at H&M | (similar); when am I not wearing H&M, lets be honest. my black jeans are from american eagle. i decided to add some small details to make my outfit pop- like my tweed kate spade bag (which is big enough to fit my macbook- perfect right?) & rose gold michael kors watch. i also wore a rusted gold necklace from forever 21 but during the quick photo session, i forgot to wear it (it was in my pocket, haha).

i loved this outfit and the best part? it was thrown together in about 2 minutes tops. every detail is linked to the exact or similar item! hope this gives ya'll some inspo for a casual day when you want to be comfortable yet fashionable.
-Rasmin :)

makeup deets: 

foundation- NARS sheer glow 

concealer- Maybelline Fit Me, shade: sand

brows- Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade, shade: ebony

highlight/contour: anastasia contour kit (light-med), shade: banana (highlight), java & havana (contour)

eyeliner- waterline: Sephora Eyeliner liquid: Milani Eye Tech Liquid

mascara- Loreal Voluminous Million Lashes

blush- lured to love by MAC (limited edition!)

lipstick- velvet teddy by MAC (new everyday, go-to!)

Favorite Drugstore Products

hi beauties! guess what day it is... hump dayyy! aka: we're almost done with the work week :). i thought i would share my favorite tried and true drugstore products that are not only an affordable option but have quality as well. from high-end to drugstore products, i've tried just about everything when it comes to beauty and skincare products. after years i finally know what products to indulge in & which products i can save $ on and get similar results to those pricey items. all the products i mention below have been used for the past 6 months (give or take) & are reoccurring purchases once i run out. (basically, i can't get enough!)

comment below & let us know what your favorite drugstore products!
-Rasmin :)

Primer: primer is an optional product that some don't believe in and others completely rave about. i'm the latter. i was actually out of this holy grail drugstore primer for about 2 weeks and without it my sometimes oily t-zone shows. after i wash my face and apply my CeraVe moisturizer, i immediately apply my Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro Primer ($7.99) and being blending in my foundation. this primer will leave your skin unbelievably smooth and refreshed, the scent didn't bother me (its not harsh) (can be found at any drugstore)

Concealer/Highlighters: this past year i got sucked into the highlighting/contour scene and after using NARS Creamy Radiant Concealer (shade: Custard, $29), i fell in love but it can be pretty pricey to purchase every month or so and went on a hunt to find a drugstore concealer that would be similar for everyday use. ya girl found TWO. 

1. Maybelline Fit Me concealer (shade: Sand, $6.99): lasts longer than the NARS Creamy Radiant concealer and is very creamy and pigmented. The NARS and the Maybelline concealer in my shade are almost exact dupes for each other (they both blend so easily) and are perfect for any areas of the face you want to conceal or highlight. (can be found at any drugstore)

2. NYX photogenic concelar (shade: CW04, $4.99): i found this baby at Ulta and man oh, man is it pigmented. it's not as creamy as the Maybelline Fit Me concealer but its a good consistency that blends easily. If i'm going to a special event I reach for my NARS and add a little drugstore concealer whereas on routine makeup days, i reach for either my Maybelline or NYX- whichever is on hand. 

Brows: I just tried my Anastasia dip brow pomade today and I love it! I was so scared to try it because I didn't want to over do my brows (they really only need to be slightly filled in) however I still plan on using my Sonia Kashuk Brow Definer (shade: haze, $5.99) everyday & the Sonia Kashuk Brow Gel ($5.99). Both SK brow product stay on all day and the pencil has great pigmentation- perfect for those just beginning in filling in their brows! (can be found at Target or online) 

Eyes: Mascaras and eyeliners when use almost daily can run out quickly and are supposed to be thrown out after 3 months- so while i love indulging in high end products from time to time, i haven't found a product i loved except for drugstore. 

-Loreal False Fiber Lashe Waterproof Mascara ($7.19): this golden tube of blackest black mascara will seriously add length to them (esp if you curl your lashes beforehand) it's not drying or clumpy and overall a product i find myself buying over and over again for years. (can be found at ulta or any drugstore)

-Milani Eye Tech Perfection Liquid Eyeliner ($7.99): I've used inglot, MACs blacktrack (a gray gel liner compared to inglot and milani) but both kept drying out. Esp. my inglot and never had the patience of ordering gel liner online to be honest, so one day as i was moseying in CVS to pick up a waterline eyeliner (usually use Loreal) i found this milani liquid eyeliner. ohmygod you GUYS- it cuts the time it would usually take me to do a winged liner. the handle helps have control and lasts matte black for at least 6 hrs (can be found at CVS or online)

Lips: if I'm using any lipstick thats drugstore its either the Covergirl lipstick ($5.99) or the Maybelline Color Sensationals ($5.59, blushing beige is my fave). Both are creamy, pigmented and stay on your lips all day- aren't drying at all and both companies offer a broad range of color selection which is always a plus! I finally got the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cremes ($5.99) today (they were always sold out!) and as a first impression I'm liking the color payoff (will do a full review on these soon!)

Finishing Powders: I don't use finishing powders often but when i do, its my Makeup Forever HD powder or its dupe- the Sonia Kashuk Undetectable loose powder ($9.99) (target/online). I've tried both and they are very finely milled powders that don't give your face a white cast and help prevent oil throughout the day. The ELF HD powder is also a great buy but if not used lightly can leave a slight white cast; nonetheless for the price, it does the job! ($6) (Target / online)

(BEAUTY SALE: NYX products at Ulta! The SALE is Buy One Get One %50 off from 1/4/15 thru 1/24/15! Perfect time to try out some of these products!)

Indian Healing Clay Honey Mask

The mask queen in back! :) How about a nice spa day in the comfort of your own home?So ya'll know how much I love to experiment with masks and I just have to share this pretty amazing mask that contains everything found in your kitchen pantry [plus, my fav natural clay mask-Aztec Secret Healing Indian Clay Mask which can be ordered HERE]. This mask contains a few super ingredients that have been used by many women is the past for centuries[heyyy nani-ma/grandma...jk ;) although I am pretty positive she probably used many of these ingredients back in her day too]. 

Honey, apple cider vinegar, and turmeric are the new add-on ingredients in my original Aztec clay mask that I had previously posted about Here. 

Oh Honey! :) I have used honey on my face before because of its powerful and beneficial properties. Before making this mask, I used to apply plain honey to my bare face and let me tell you guys...it was amazing to my skin! According to my research, honey contains many vitamins, enzymes and anti-bacterial properties that are wonderful for the skin. It has never caused any harm to me but instead, has always left my face feeling super soft and looking radiant. I only use "raw" or "unrefined" honey on my face btw. Of course everyone has their own preferences but I have read many times that the darker the honey, the more antioxidants it contains. In my opinion, to get the best results, raw/unfiltered is usually the best way to go when looking for honey to put on your face! I use this one HERE.

Apple cider vinegar, an ingredient that I have always been a little skeptical towards due to its acidic properties is actually a pretty amazing ingredient. This super liquid is great for hair, digestion, and SKIN. According to WebMD,"Apple cider vinegar is fermented juice from crushed apples". Although I don't like eating raw apples, I do love cooking with them because of their awesome benefits. Check out my baked apple pastry recipe here. So there was no doubt that I wanted to know more about this vinegar. Apparently, apple cider vinegar is used alone or with honey for osteoporosis, weight loss, leg cramps and pain. It is also known to help upset stomach, sore throats, sinus problems, high blood pressure, arthritis. It is used to help rid the body of toxins, stimulate thinking, slow the aging process, regulate blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and fight infection....waoh! Information overload huh? Thanks (WebMD)! My favorite benefit of apple cider vinegar is that it helps the skin by preventing acne and can also be used as a facial toner to help even out skin tone (Although I do enjoy my pure rose water toner from time to time instead...because it smells way nicer than apple cinder vinegar lol).  There is not hiding...apple cider vinegar is STINKY. My husband HATES it when I do this mask...to a point that he makes me sit far away from him as I wait for the mask to dry on my face LOL. Also, don't spill this stuff! I accidentally spilled the bottle in my bathroom and it made my bathroom stink for literally two days! 

Turmeric/Haldi is the third ingredient in this mask.  In India Turmeric is known as ‘Haldi‘.  It is a significant part of many Indian or Hindu customs and traditions including weddings. Indians LOVE their haldi! As a child, whenever I caught a cold, my parents would give me milk with turmeric mixed in it...sometimes egg yolk mixed in it too (omg YUCK but it always healed my cold!) My mom (who happens to have amazing skin btw, m'A!) and many other southeast Asian women have used this powder not only in their delightful recipes but also in their beauty routine! When I was in my teens, my mom would occasionally make me wash my face with a haldi and garam flour (chana atta) paste and I vaguely remember liking it waaaay back then. In my recent adult years when my skin became a little bipolar, I started to shy away from things such as turmeric/haldi and garam flour or basically any other natural product (except for rose water and egg whites of course). Then about a year ago, one of my best friends (waves to Zee) bounced on the DIY mask train and tried out a mask that she added haldi/turmeric to and didn't have a single negative thing to say about it. Although she naturally has pretty awesome skin (m'A!), I believed in her recommendation. I decided to give it a try about twice at that time and remember my skin feeling very soft and really liking it! It brought back my childhood memories of my mom making me "pastes" for my face lol. SO...when I got this aztec clay, I knew I HAD to add turmeric to my mask concoction. Also, just FYI, turmeric is very staining. Make sure you wear an old t-shirt and wash it off right away if any gets on your white sink. Whenever I do this mask, I literally have a light yellow toned face the next day at work (lol) but it doesn't bother me...my little kiddos probably don't even notice, ha! If this is a problem for you, make sure you do this mask on the weekend. Also, the Clarisonic face brush (which I LOVE btw...separate blogpost will come on that in the future) is a great tool to get rid of the yellow on your face pretty fast! *You CAN skip adding the  turmeric/haldi step if you would like...esp. if you have to be somewhere and don't want your skin to be a little yellow...just make sure you def put in honey, clay, and apple cinder vinegar! 

The final ingredient to this amazing mask is of course my fav natural clay, the Aztec Indian Healing Clay Mask. You can read about all the positive things I have to say about it HERE.

What'ya need: 

-Aztec Indian Healing Clay Mask. Like This. (1/2 tablespoon)

-Turmeric/Haldi. Like This. (1/2 tablespoon) *You CAN skip this step if you would like...esp. if you have to be somewhere and don't want your skin to be a little yellow*

-Raw Honey. Like This. (1/2 tablespoon-1 tablespoon)

-Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar. Like This. (1 to 1/2 tablespoon-Depending how thick or thin you want it)

*If it looks too thin, add some more clay 

-Plastic bowl & PLASTIC spoon to mix. I also like to use a brush to apply. You can buy a similar mask bowl for a great price HERE. Make sure you use plastic as metal changes something in the clay mask. 
*You CAN skip this step if you would like...esp. if you have to be somewhere and don't want your skin to be a little yellow...but it won't turn too yellow if you only add a small amount and add more honey instead*

-Apply to skin & leave on for about 20 mins or until it dries. Make sure you moisturize your skin after washing it off because it will cause your skin to be a little dry.

Mix...mix...mix it baby! :)

The first time around it turned out a little thicker so I added a little more apple cider vinegar to thin it out a little the next time I did this mask.

I really hope you love and enjoy this mask as much as I do! If you do decide to try this mask, please share your photos with us by using the hashtag #thelipstickpantry or tagging us on facebook! :) 

Motivational Monday

hi guys! hope everyone had an amazing holiday break and made it through the first day of the first work-week of the year! is it just me or did 2014 fly by? especially the last 6 months, time seriouslyyy needs to slow down. now, i don't believe in new year's resolutions but i always write down goals i want to accomplish whenever i think of one; and for the blog, i'm going to try my hardest to post 1-2 times a week. i'm hoping to pick 2 days that i will routinely post on so you guys can always expect something to read :). i have a lot of new ideas and am excited to see where the blog goes this year. forewarning, this post is just one of many ideas; now east coast its 7pm however- i feel like everyone can always use some motivation no matter what time of the day it is. am i right?

i absolutely love this quote. it's so simple yet means so much. life can get difficult and it's so very easy to give into the demons that your battling personally or the ones that surround you, remember- mind over matter. if you surround yourself with negative, small minded people, you will be influenced or become a negative, small minded individual. if you surround yourself with positive, hardworking people, it's human nature to strive to do the same. society in this day and age can be very heartbreaking- (even brutal at times) because of all the forms of bullying and many who hate to see others succeed as they break new barriers however, be the change you want to see in the world. 

be positive. step out of your comfort zone.

if you're doing what you love for yourself, don't let irrelevant opinions hinder your way to success. if you see someone being bullied in school, help them. stand up for them. talk to them. who knows, your one conversation with that person can help them from being another suicide statistic. 

not only should you keep your mindset positive, but try to promote positivity as well. even if  you think its a small gesture or compliment- trust me, it may make someone's day 10x's brighter and affect them more strongly than you think. spread love.

what does this quote mean to you? comment below- i want to get to know ya'll!

p.s: would you guys like to see a quote dissection every motivational monday? or start a discussion on certain topics that affect our society today? let me know! (feel free to e-mail us as well if you don't want to comment publicly) any & all feedback is appreciated! xo

love,

Rasmin