April showers brought along so many more amazing things this month than just flowers. If I could, I’d give you a mile-long list of things I loved this month, but to keep it short I’ve narrowed it down to my top 12 list of skincare, beauty products, foods, tv, and music. So let’s get started!
Skincare
Savannah Bee Co. Royal Jelly Body Butter
Our parents took a trip to Savannah, Georgia early this month to celebrate our dad’s 50th birthday (hbd daddy-yo). While Abbey and I missed them (~partied~), they came back with a sweet array of goodies from Savannah Bee Co. My favorite is the body butter which basically feels like a million angels kissing your skin.
Tarte Maracuja C-Brightener Eye Treatment 
I initially got this eye cream as a sample in a Sephora 500-point reward box. I immediately fell in love because, as someone who gets limited sleep and has horrible allergies, my eyes need a little loving. My under-eye puffies are literally completely gone, folks. The magic’s in the Maracuja.
Makeup
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick
My girl KVD has done it again. I bought this this lipstick to wear to prom in the shade bachelorette and I became obsessed. It doesn’t budge and I only reapplied once at prom for my own peace of mind, not even because it was coming off. It’s a must have for events where you need sassy lips that stay all night.
Stila Magnificent Metals Eye Shadow 
The swatch photo for this eyeshadow doesn’t even begin to compare. The sparkles stay all day and are truly breathtaking. There’s a rather bizarre consistency, but worth it for the glam.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder 
Hands down my favorite product of the month. A little dusting over the highlight areas of your face and you’re radiant. For some reason I had always skimmed over the Hourglass section of my sephora; huge mistake. Absolutely must have product.
Food
My Asian Dumpling recipe
I’m a sucker for Chinese food, my personal favorite being steamed pork dumplings. I’ve finally mastered a recipe that tastes nearly identical to the good stuff:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 tbs scallions
- 1/2 tbs soy sauce
- 1/4 tbs sesame oil
- 1 inch or so shredded ginger
- wonton wrappers
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients except wonton wrappers in a bowl thoroughly.
- Lay out wonton wrappers on a baking sheet. You may need more than one.
- Place desired amount of seasoned pork in each wonton and fold, using water with your finger to seal.
- Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-low heat.
- Place each wonton on the pan for one minute, then flip. Repeat on other side
- Pour 1/2-1/3 cup of water in the pan and immediately cover. This is where the steaming happens.
- Let all the water cook off and cut into one test dumpling to ensure they are cooked thoroughly.
- Repeat steps 5-7 as needed.
- Serve with white rice and soy sauce (optional). Enjoy!
Serves 3-4 depending on dumpling size.
Snakeez
This speaks for itself. It’s a drink. And a snack. Perfect for any occasion ever.
Kale Smoothie
It took me long enough but I’ve finally hopped on the kale wagon. My favorite way to eat it is smoothie form with this recipe:
- 1 cup kale
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1 tbs peanut butter
- 1/8 cup frozen pineapple
- 1/2 tbs honey
- 1/4 cup greek yogurt
Blend and enjoy!
Entertainment
The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Perhaps the funniest show since The Office. Netflix‘s newest series has absolutely captivated me the last month with Pinot Noir and a whole lot of caviar. I can’t keep my eyes off the screen. Perfect if you need a show to get addicted to this summer.
Taking Flight
I don’t read much. Just putting that one out there. So it was a huge deal for me that I read this book in the first place, not to mention in a matter of days. Truly one of the most inspirational stories I’ve ever encountered. I honestly feel bettered after reading this book by ballerina Michaela DePrince and her mother Elaine DePrince about Michaela’s adoption from war-ridden Sierra Leone and her struggles with dance, post-trauatic stress, and her fight to prove herself. Worth every penny to read.
Circuit Animals
New band Circuit Animals is all I’ve listened to this month. Their new album, Home, is on iTunes, GooglePlay, and Spotify. Perfect for just about any occasion, whether that be road tripping, hanging out with friends, or studying. You’ll be hooked as soon as you hear it.
Sheinside.com
This was truly one of my biggest risks in online shopping. The clothes from SheInside are practical and fun, but you have to read a few reviews before you hit the “add to cart” button. 5/7 of the things I ordered were successes and the two that weren’t I was able to work some magic on with my sewing machine.
Thanks so much for checking out my April favorites, I hope you found some fun things to help you have an awesome May! Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Abbey’s May Favorites next month and keep your eyes peeled for more from Makeup and Macarons. If you purchase or use any of these products/resources, let us know on social media with the hashtag #mandmtaughtme!
xoxo,
rachel
makeup & macarons 