Rachel's Recommendations: April 2015

Here are some things I am all about this month.

TRADER JOE'S COWBOY BARK

TJ's strikes again! This dreamy salty/sweet combo is made of dark chocolate, Joe Joe's cookies, chopped peanuts & almonds, pretzels, and sprinkled with sea salt. I had to banish it to a dark part of our pantry so I wouldn't eat the entire bad in a day. It's perfect for little treat after lunch to satisfy your chocolate craving. There is also a Cowgirl variety made with white "chocolate", but since I don't have a testimony of white "chocolate", I can't tell you if it's any good. If you are a blasphemous person and actually like white "chocolate", you should test it out, because you can't go too wrong with stuff from TJ's. Even if it isn't real chocolate. 

THE SCULPTOR BY TARTE

We all know probably that contouring is the biggest thing in makeup right now. I've had it done to me on sets before, but had never tried it for myself until I got a sample from Sephora of Tarte's contour stick, The Sculptor. I have a few other Tarte products so I was certain I'd love it. And I was right. It's really simple to use too. You make a kissy face, draw a line under your cheekbones, using the hollowed lines your kissy face has given you as a guide, and blend up with a brush. Instantly, your cheekbones pop! You can use it on your jawline, nose, or where ever your little heart desires you face to be more defined. I'm sure there are cheaper alternatives than this brand (it runs for $24), but I haven't tried any others yet. Tarte is a great brand though, because they use high quality ingredients and contain no parabens or sulfates. 

SAVE ALL THE DOGS/CATS

If you know me or follow me on Instagram, you know that I am mildly obsessed....OK....majorly obsessed with our dogs, Chancho and Daisy. They are both rescue dogs and are honestly some of the best animals around, if I do say so myself. I feel very strongly that pets should be adopted, because there are so many that need homes and many are put down every day. TEARS! Well, hello apparel is trying to help out, so I wanna spread the word. When you buy one of their sweet "SAVE ALL THE DOGS" or "SAVE ALL THE CATS" shirts, ALL the proceeds (after cost) are donated to a different shelter each month. Not only do you get a high quality shirt, you get to help buddies in need!!! I'm excited to sport mine when it comes to my doorstep. Who's with me?!?!?!

HIKING

Utah is ridiculously beautiful, you guys. Especially this time of year. That should be enough incentive to get out and enjoy it, but, I've found another reason to go out in nature. Peace. With all the distractions around: jobs, family, phones, Netflix binge watching, etc, it's hard to find time just to be and ponder. It's almost as if we've forgotten the art of being alone with our thoughts. We have a spare moment and we immediately turn to our phones to fill our heads. I am guilty as charged, for sure, but I'm remembering what it's like to sit (or walk) and think. Lately, I've been going hiking at least once a week and it feels SO GOOD! I feel more spiritually connected and more centered in general when I'm out in God's creations. I promise you, you'll find a little bit of yourself out there. Plus, it's a good little exercise and you'll shed a few of those Cowboy Bark calories. 


PS. Speaking of binge watching, make sure to binge watch all of Season 3 of Granite Flats starting THIS Saturday, April 4th on BYUtv.org. Look out for me in Episode 7. Also, if you've missed Season 1 or 2, you can catch up there as well.