flickr user The Bees

Did you know that yesterday was a monumental day in the culinary world? One of the best holidays to occur all year? A day to rejoice and celebrate one of the most deliciously scrumptious foods there is. Yup, that’s right, January 24^th is National Peanut Butter Day! I know this is a day late, but I heart that gooey goodness so much that I think it should be celebrated all week long. Maybe I’ll even choose to celebrate all month long if it helps justify eating it by the spoonful at midnight. Not only is peanut butter delicious, but also chock-full of protein and healthy unsaturated fats which provide nutrients to the hair, skin and nails. But just remember—everything in moderation. Notice how I said “spoonful” in the singular tense? Oh, who am I kidding, we all know I have absolutely no self restraint!

Here is one of my favorite ways to celebrate National Peanut Butter Day and this glorious food:

The World’s Best Peanut Butter Cookies

½  cup granulated sugar

½ cups packed brown sugar

½ cup peanut butter

¼ cup shortening

¼ cup butter or margarine, softened

1 egg

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

¾ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

Step 1- Mix sugars, peanut butter, shortening, butter and egg in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours or until firm.

Step 2- Heat oven to 375

Step 3- Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Place about 3 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten in crisscross pattern with fork dipped into sugar.

Step 4- Bake 9 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 5 minutes; remove from cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack.

Step 5- Enjoy!

Okay! I’ll admit it. I am a cosmetic junkie. I’ve heard that putting it out there is the first step. My makeup case is overflowing with random gadgets. I buy them and tell myself I will use them all one day, I just haven’t gotten around to it. I like two in one products. Searching for a new eyeliner I found a dual-ended eyeliner that I just couldn’t put down.
This double-ended liner works as a highlighter and shadow color. Its smudge-and crease-proof color dips into unique brushes inside each side’s cap. Citrine is an ochre and metallic bronze with a gold highlighter.
jane iredale Mystikol Powder Eyeliner and Highlighter is a creamy powder formula does not fade; it also creates a perfect yet soft smokey eye effect. The shimmering combo of ochre and metallic bronze is great for a sultry night look. This liner goes on very smooth and lasts, it made my eyes pop. I love the highlighting effect. The ultra-seductive highlighter can be applied to your brow bone, and inner corner of your eyes. I put a little in the inner corners of my eyes to brighten them and a bit underneath the arch of my eye brow to add more snap to my highlight. You can even apply it to your entire eyelid like a eyeshadow. Another thing I love about this dual ended liner is that it allows you to create looks for day and night, any occasion. High end skincare ingredients come to together with natural botanicals and super pigments! Your smokey look will last all day! This is my new favorite dual-ended eyeliner!

I received some really exciting news when I went home for the holidays this year: one of my best friends and her husband have a baby on the way! I could not be happier for the two—really, I’m about to explode with joy! Once the initial, all-consuming excitement wore off, I began quizzing the new mothers in the office on ideas for congratulations gifts to send, and blankets and baby clothes and toys I could spoil the little one with, when one co-worker suggested Mustela Skin Care Products. The dermatologist-approved line, which claims to be “The skin care specialist for babies and mothers-to-be,” features four distinct types of products: Mustela Bebe for newborns and young children, Mustela Sun Protection to properly protect immature skin from the harmful sun, Mustela Dermo Pediatrics for newborn and young children’s skin disorders and Mustela 9 Months with is specifically designed for expectant mothers.

Several of the moms around the office have solemnly sworn that the Mustela products are among the best they have used on their babies—particularly when it comes to curing pesky diaper rashes and cradle cap. After reading all the rave reviews on DermStore (Mustela has 19 Shopper’s Choice products!) I settled on sending my friend the Mustela Newborn Set. For only $38.61, the set includes Foam Shampoo for Newborns which prevents and heals cradle cap, PhysiBebe to cleanse  the face and diaper area, Hydra-Bebe Body Lotion, Vitamin Barrier Cream to prevent diaper rash and Dermo-Cleansing Gel , which is a soap-free cleanser for the baby’s hair and body.

Even though my friend is destined to be one of those impossibly adorable, cute pregnant women who never even sets foot in the maternity section (think Miranda Kerr), I also sent the Mustela Stretch Mark Cream. With 50 reviews and an average of five stars, it seemed like a no brainer!

I have very dry skin, because of this I have to be careful with soaps and scrubs. I need them to exfoliate but still be gentle. I like scrubs that are sugar based to prevent stinging. That’s when I found LaLicious Sugar Kiss Souffle Moisturizing Body Scrub.

It is a great exfoliator that leaves a wonderful warm vanilla fragrance on your skin all day. The oil leaves my skin so smooth and soft. I am so amazed that this is an exfoliator and moisturizer all in one. A little bit goes a long way. I even applied this scrub after shaving; unlike most salt scrubs I didn’t feel any tingling or stringing.

This all-natural body scrub buffs away dead skin cells taking care of rough areas. The coconut oil serves as a conditioner instantly absorbing into your skin making it effortlessly smooth. I love sweet fragrances, formulated with Pure cane sugars this sweet scent gently exfoliates while your skin is protected by Vitamin E and almond oils. This addicting scent combines Vanilla, Rose and Citrus. LaLicious Sugar Kiss Souffle Moisturizing Body Scrub rinses off so easily, it leaves an oil combination on your skin, but once you get out of the tub and dry off, all you are left with is softness. Even with my dry skin there was no need to use lotion after bathing. 100% natural, this amazing scrub is free of parabens and sulfates. If you’re looking for a wonderful scrub exfoliates and hydrates your skin. LaLicious Sugar Kiss Souffle Moisturizing Body Scrub is just right for you!

With this cold weather I’ve had a tough time keeping my hair moisturized and polished. I style it in the morning but, once the wind starts blowing; I can’t seem to keep it down. After straightening my hair I want it to look straight and sleek but not heavy. When I use too many products my hair often looks and feels weighed down. I try to stay away from harsh chemicals so I prefer organic hair care products. I needed one go to product to do the job  and I think I finally found it! Alterna Bamboo Kendi Oil Dry Oil Mist.

This light-weight formula is easy to use and smoothes my hair. Its subtle shine coats my hair, adding luster without weighing it down. Most hair oils have an overpowering scent; this light oil mist smells amazing. I have thick hair and at times it can look stiff when I use the wrong products. I used this formula for flat ironing prep and it worked like a charm. A little bit goes a long way! I noticed the instant shine after only a few sprays, my hair was more manageable and when I went outside it wasn’t affected by humidity. This amazing treatment deeply nourishes your hair repairing split ends and protecting it from color and other chemical damage. Organic bamboo and smoothing organic kendi oil are used to strengthen your hair and banish frizz.

This Kendi Oil Mist’s Eco friendly ingredients won the product CEW’s Eco Beauty Award. Bamboo extract and Kendi Oil are Eco-Certified, meaning this incredible oil is formulated without Parabens, Sulfates and Synthetic Dyes. That’s right, certified organic! For soft, silky and healthy locks check out Alterna Bamboo Kendi Oil Dry Oil Mist!