Beauty Blabber - Micellar Water

Anything that shaves time off my extensive night skincare routine has a place in my heart and micellar water does just that. It completely removes makeup (even waterproof), dirt, and oil without stripping skin. So how does this miracle product work? Micelles are very small molecules of fatty bubbles which absorb other fats such as sebum or oil. Because it doesn't need to be removed after application it's an absolute dream product for lazy girls or for those occasions when you've had too much wine at dinner but still want to pass out with a clean face. You simply apply with a cotton pad or ball and swipe your face clean. Simply put it's the best makeup remover I've ever used and I can't imagine how I survived without it. My favorite brand is Bioderma's Crealine H2O. The formula is fragrance, alcohol, and paraben free and completely hypoallergenic so fellow contact wearers rejoice.

Weekly Obsessions - Cuyana

For my 30th birthday my best friend Tina bought me a gorgeous black Cuyana monogrammed tote and the obsession began. I now additionally own the passport case and wallet pictured above and the travel case set. I currently have my eye on their weekender, gathered silk shirt dress and any of their cashmere sweaters. All the pieces are timeless and I get endless compliments on them. 

Cuyana means "to love" in Quechua and the company want to spread the message of loving everything in your closet. With their mission statement of "Fewer, Better" they put a premium on essential pieces made from the best materials with the finest craftsmanship. Their items are basic and beautifully made. They refresh each season with some new key pieces and seasonal color choices for their classic items. Their cashmere is made in Italy, where cashmere should be made, and all their alpaca items are made in their homeland of Peru. 

It's not just the amazing products that keep me coming back for more at Cuyana though. They truly are spreading a message of buying and living with purpose. Their "Lean Closet Movement" challenges us to buy fewer, better things and to donate wardrobe pieces we don't use to those who need them. If you select "lean shipping" at checkout, the company will send a reusable bag with shipping label to fill up with unnecessary items. The superfluous items go to people who need them via Cuyana's non-profit partners. For every donation made, they'll give you a $10 credit towards your next purchase. In a time where Fast Fashion is resulting in poorer and poorer working conditions and abuse of child and other labor laws, I can really get behind these sentiments. With Cuyana I can support in style.

Bittman Basics - Fried Egg

I am notorious for burning my fried eggs. It got so bad that I stopped trying, but of course Mark Bittman saved the day again. It's so simple but I never thought to reduce the temperature while cooking them. Bittman's explicit directions can make anyone a pro.

1. Put butter or oil in a skillet on medium high. Once the butter has melted or the oil is hot swirl it around the pan to coat the bottom.

2. After about a minute, when the butter foam subsides or the oil shimmers, crack an egg into the skillet. As soon as the white loses its translucence turn to low and sprinkle the eggs with salt and pepper.

3. Cut the thickest part of the white (next to the yolk) so the uncooked white will run down to the surface of the pan. The eggs are done when the white is completely firm and opaque - even around the yolk, Serve on a toasted slice of bread.