Let's Go Favorites!

Since I am terrible at talking about things if they're too contrived, I figured the best way to start out this new blog is by posting some of my favorite things, as of late. How else are you supposed to get personal with people? You share what you love. And hopefully, you will find something that you'll love here!

A few weeks ago, Nick and I decided to make a bit of a splurge purchase on something we'd been saving up for. We finally bought a Nintendo Switch! For those of you who don't know, Nick is a HUGE Pokemon fan. I also am a big fan, but not quite to the extent that he is. We both started playing Pokemon Go when it first came out and though my interest has waned a bit, he is still playing. A couple years ago for my birthday, Nick got me a 3DS so that I could play Pokemon Blue or Red, and I never ended up finishing it, but then he bought us Pokemon Sun and Moon. I was a huge fan of the game, and honestly, I think it is the first video game I have ever actually completed. Because of this, we really couldn't wait to get our hands on Pokemon Let's Go. We couldn't wait to get to play a Pokemon game together rather than sitting next to each other while we were both playing our own game. So, we picked up Pokemon Let's Go Eevee, along with our new Switch and the Pokeball Plus. As someone who has played part of the original series but not all of it, I really enjoyed seeing familiar scenes play out in a more 3D world. I also have to say how much I have just loved being able to see different Pokemon pop up in the world around you, in this game. I finished the game but am still having a lot of fun going back in to complete my Pokedex, shiny hunt, and battle Master Trainers (something brand new to the universe). I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants a fun game that you don't have to think too hard about, someone who grew up with the franchise, or even a child who was introduced through Pokemon Go. It's a game for everyone and I can't wait to see what they create next!

So, I'm notorious for putting off shows people recommend to me while they're really popular. I don't know why, but it's always been something I do. When someone says "you have to watch this!" I am suddenly entirely turned off to the idea of watching it, even if I know that it will be something I'll enjoy. I'm trying to turn off this, let's call it a, rebel streak. The hype has yet to die down yet on this show, so I'm pretty sure I'm doing an okay job so far. A few nights ago, Nick and I started watching The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Every episode, I am more intrigued. For any of you fellow spooks out there, the esthetic of this show is drool worthy. It's beautiful, and the plot is just fantastic. This twisted take on one of my favorite childhood shows is everything I could have dreamed of. And, their take on my favorite characters, Hilda and Zelda, is just superb. Though I would love to be the chillingly collected and spiteful Zelda, I am definitely much more the quirky kitchen witch Hilda. It'll make you laugh and keep you on edge. Perfect combination of spooky and scary for me and light hearted and plot driven for Nick. If you've thought about watching it, try the first episode and you will know immediately whether or not this is a show for you.

A couple easy meals have also made their way into our favorites, as of late. We've been absolutely addicted to making spaghetti squash. It takes a while to prepare, but it could not be easier.

Cut the squash in half and scoop out seeds. Put on a tray with about half an inch of water. Bake at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes, or until you can pierce the skin with a fork pretty easily. Take out and move to a new pan. Scrape up some of the "spaghetti" and mix with pasta sauce. I also suggest adding pepperoni and cheese to the top and baking it for an extra 15 minutes, but you can skip that step.

The best part about this meal is that it never leaves me feeling gross. I can eat a whole half of the squash and never feel carb loaded, like I do when I've had too much pasta. Plus, it is absolutely delicious.

We've also been big fans of ramen. You can use cheap ramen and add things to make it so much better. Start with changing your broth. Rather than using the packet that comes inside, use Better Than Bouillon or actual chicken stock (or veggie if you prefer). I also will add some low sodium soy sauce for extra flavor. Add in some minced garlic and ginger (fresh or powder, both work fine). My favorite trick is poaching an egg in the Ramen. After the noodles have softened, move them to the side and break an egg in the pan, covering it with the noodles. Let it cook a bit, until the white has solidified. Breaking the egg and letting the yoke mix with the broth takes it to a whole new level. If you really want to get fancy, add some baby bok choy, radishes, water chestnuts, kale, spinach, or green onions. Delicious.

I know, I know, most of you are waiting for my makeup favorites, since that is what I typically talk about each month. If I'm honest, I've been pretty basic with my makeup over the last month or so. I mostly only wear it when preparing to go to work, and even then, I don't take my time doing it the way I usually do. I will be getting back into makeup and creating after Christmas. Don't you worry. But for now, I thought I would just let you all know a couple things that have constantly been in my makeup routine.

Flexitarian by ColourPop Cosmetics. I will start by saying that this is my absolute favorite makeup product right now. It is truly the most glowy, stunning highlight I've ever used. I love the way it sits on my skin. I love that you can apply it with a damp beauty sponge, on top of unset foundation, and get the most beautiful dewey face. Or, you can put it on top of powder, with a brush, for a blinding highlight. I am also obsessed with it as an eyeshadow. Just apply it with a finger and blend it all over and watch how many compliments you get. I'm not kidding. Want to look bright eyed, this Christmas? Buy this. And it will only set you back like $8. Worth it.

Along with Flexitarian all over my eyes, I've really been enjoying smoking out a colored pencil liner all around my eyes. I go back and fourth between colors, but my favorites are O(vert) Highliner Gel Eye Crayon from Marc Jacobs ("a shimmering olive") and Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil in LSD ("a navy shimmer with bright torquoise micro-sparkle")

I know it's only a few favorites, of the moment, but I figure it has something for everyone and hope that this can be helpful in some way. I've got some new ideas in my head that I will talk about soon, but I thought I should try to get off on the right foot and continue my blogging schedule, on the new blog.

What were your favorites this month? What shows are you watching? Have any great recipes to share? Let me know in the comments, and hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Bye Witches!