banana nut muffins

In my family, for some reason, we always have an abundance of bananas. We buy a bunch, sit them in the fruit bowl, we eat about half the bunch, and then the rest sit there until the week ends. So what better way to help your bananas fulfill their banana destiny, then to use them for a yummy batch of banana muffins. 

These 'naner muffins are definitely a family favorite. 

This recipe is inspired by a Giada De Laurentiis recipe- which means they are extra awesome. 

You will need: 

3 cups of all purpose flour 

1 teaspoon of baking soda 

1 teaspoon of salt 

1/2 teaspoon baking powder 

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 

*I usually have a heavy hand with my spices

2 cups sugar 

1 cup vegetable oil 

3 eggs 

1 tablespoon vanilla extract 

3-4 ripe bananas (mashed to your preference) 

walnuts (I never measure this, I just throw a bunch in...when it looks right, it's right ^.^)  

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 325 degrees (F). 

Turn on some baking tunes! (I've been jamming to the  KT Tunstall's new album), and put your baking face on...this is mine...

Combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, spices). In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients ( sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla). Then fold in the mashed bananas. Combine the dry and wet ingredients, and fold in the walnuts. Try not to over mix the batter. Sometimes the muffins become gluey if they are mixed for too long.

Pause (paws) to spy on your dogs and take their picture because they are cute! 

Spray your muffin tin with non-stick spray (or you can use cupcake liners). I use a ice cream scoop to scoop my muffins so they all have the same cooking time.

The recipe makes about 18 muffins. 

Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown on top! Please don't burn yourself :) 

I hope you enjoy this recipe and make sure to let me know if you try it! 

XXOO, Jess 

what's on my face?

I've been wearing this look on a daily basis. It simple, it stays on, and of course it includes some bold lips!

On my face, I start with the Tarte, Clean Slate Poreless Perfecting Primer. 

Then, for my foundation I've been using the Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation (That's a mouthful). I use my Real Technique Expert face brush to apply this all over. 

I use my Mac Studio Finish Concealer in the color NW15 and apply with my finger under my eyes and around my nose. 

On my cheeks I put a little bit of Milani Bronzer (I've had this bronzer so long the label rubbed off...) I think it says the color is #01 Bronzer Glow. I have never been a bronzer girl, but I've been loving to add just a bit on the bottom of my cheeks for a bit of color. 

Than, on the apples of my cheeks I add my favorite blush of the moment, Milani Baked Powder Blush in "Red Vino". 

On my brows I've been using Macs eyeshadow 

in Corduroy. I love using the Real Techniques Brow Brush for applying the shadow on my brows! 

Real Techniques Brushes, Deluxe Crease Brush and Brow Brush

On my eyes, I used a new purchase, the Maybelline Color 24 hour Tattoo in Vintage Plum. 

 I lined my eyes with KatVonD Ink Liner in Trooper and I used the Calvin Klein One Mascara (I got this from Ulta for free on my Birthday WOOPWOOP).

The finishing touch: the lips. I've been wearing this lipstick almost everyday. I love it so much because it doesn't easily smear, and it has long lasting power. It's Rimmel London's Lasting Finish By Kate lipstick in the color 107. (Also, I've been putting Covergirl's Colorlicious Lipgloss in Craving Cranberries on top for a little shine). 

I love experimenting with makeup, especially from season to season. This look is perfect even without the bold lip. It's simple and quick, and it's long lasting. 

I hope you try it, and if you do, tag me in your pic! 

@jessbehappee

Until Next Time Lovecats,  

XXOO, 

Jess 

running essentials

Being that I've been running more and more, I thought I would share some of my essentials for a successful and enjoyable run. 

1. A Good Pair of socks

In the beginning of my running experience, I was constantly getting blisters. I found these socks at a running expo and they have saved my feet. Blisters, no more! 

2. SPF Lip Balm 

This lip balm, though it may leave a white tint to your lips, helps keep your lips moisturized and sunburn free while on your trek. 


3. Sweat-Proof Suncreen

There is nothing worse than that icky-sticky-gunky feel when you sweat off your SPF. This Sweat-Proof version, dosen't build up, or drip/flake off during summer runs. 

4. Headband 

This headband doesn't slip and it does a great job of keeping dry. 

5. Tunes 

Sometimes the hardest of runs can be helped by a good tune. I prepare multiple playlist so that I'm ready for the weirdest of modes. They range from an EDM extravaganza to a country-pop mix. If all else fails resort to Pandora. My favorite cardio channel is "Electronic Cardio Radio". 

6. iPhone Armband 

Making sure my phone doesn't fall out of my hand isn't what I want to be concentrating on during a challenging run. I like to keep mine in an armband, or waistband. 


7. MapMyRun 

MapMyRun is one of the handiest apps out there. It uses a GPS to track your location, and accurately collect your miles. It stores your workout, takes your splits, and tracks calories, It can also be used for tracking bike rides, walks, hikes, etc. 



You don't need much equipment for running, which is why it can be so useful and accessible. I like to prepare ahead of time and carry as little as possible on my journey to make myself comfortable and successful. 

make your journal your happy place

I love writing. I find that if I don't write any of my ideas down, I won't remember them. I constantly have writing/drawing materials with me. I can jot things down so I don't forget, or I can keep myself busy while waiting, like at the doctors office or the car wash. I like my journals to be my happy place, a place I have all to myself.  

Throughout the years I have made it habit to customize my journals with hand painted covers and/or loud crazy prints to mirror my personality. 

I purchased these plain black college ruled journals on sale at Barnes and Noble. I made them my own using white Sharpie oil based paint pens.

 A glimpse at my collection. 

 Petey was feeling inspired too! 

Writing/drawing can be an escape from the outside world for just a moment. I like to have a place where I can go when I'm overwhelmed or lost in my thoughts. And I can look back on my entries and reflect or simply reminisce about my past experiences. 

I hope you have a wonderful week love cats! 

XOXO, Jess

disneyland half-marathon weekend

As some may know, I have been training for the Disneyland Half Marathon since January. Though I wouldn't pick running as my favorite sport, because, let's be honest, my stubby legs and wide-set hips aren't exactly the optimum equipment to be "quick on my feet", I like to challenge myself. As a kid, and teenager, I spent most of my days being active, and participating in sports like, downhill skiing, ice hockey, and lacrosse, but when I got to college, my focus turned to music, rather than athletics. Being that I needed a place to channel my athletic fix, though it seemed like a chore, I began to hit the gym regularly with a concentration on cardio. To this day, I still don't exactly enjoy the gym, and I still find myself avoiding my regiment, but I thrive for the sense of challenge and accomplishment. 

In 2012, I completed my first half-marathon, at Disneyland, and I have to say, it was one of the most difficult things, physically and emotionally, that I have ever done...but I did it! And because I did it, it inspired more goals, more races. Yes, the race is expensive, and hard to claim your spot, but, that gold shiny metal, and that high five from Mickey Mouse makes it all worth it.

This weekend, though I didn't set a PR, I faced so many challenges. I started strong for the first two miles, with my dad at my side for support, but getting to three was a challenge. The journey begins in the parks, California Adventure, then Disneyland. I was more focused on those passing me, and not myself, which I now realize was silly. Once my dad and I parted at the 4 mile mark, I got a second wind. I sped through mile four, five, and six, seven was fine, and then there was eight. My feet began to ache, the sun was rising and shining so hot on my shoulders, and the worries returned. I was half-way finished and I convinced myself that it would be silly to stop. Mile nine through Angles Stadium, though the stands were full of encouraging, cheering fans, seemed impossible. Through this, my iPhone arm band kept buzzing with my mom's helpful texts of encouragement. With her help, I kept my head high. 

Mile ten... the sun was so hot on the wide open streets of Anaheim, and my nerves were ignited. I couldn't help but tell myself that it just wanted to stop, but my feet kept moving. Half way through the 3rd to last mile, the dreaded pacer girls came trudging by with their signs basically saying that I'm going too slow. Let's just say I had a tiny personal breakdown, the tears came, yada yada. 

But, nothing was better than seeing that finish line. Sure I was glad to have finished and accomplish my goal, but I was more happy that I could finally stop moving my feet. I wish I would have had the courage to just sit criss cross apple sauce in the middle of the finish line and requested the ALS ice bucket challenge to be caught on tape right then and there. But, instead I got a hug from my dad, a wet cloth to mop up my every dripping sweat, and the heaviest shiny gold metal placed over my shoulders, and a picture to prove it! 

I did it. Not fast, but I did it. 

The real reason I wanted to write this is not because I did it, it's because anyone can do it. I don't strive in running, I don't set world records, I don't come first in my age group, I'm a regular young woman with a goal in mind, and it was hard, but I still did it...and any one of you can too. 

I took a lot from a speech I heard a the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo before the race from Sean Astin (Yes the same Sean Astin who starred in the EPIC film "The Goonies" as Mikey, and oh yea...Lord of the Rings). He is an avid runner, who like me, runs for self accomplishment. He explained that many runners run for a cause, and yes, that's important, but its most important to run for yourself. 

My favorite quote of his: 

""I run 1st for myself, 2nd I run for my family, I #run3rd for YOU."

Check out more on the #run3rd campaign here. 

Sean Astin 

 Leslie Kay also gave a short and sweet presentation. She's a blogger who creates fashion inspired by Disney characters. She made some fun Disney-inspired running outfits to spark inspiration for the weekends race participants.  Check her Tumblr out: here

I planned my outfit for months! I purchased the ribbon from an Etsy store called Cheerbowsforsale, the skirt from another Etsy store called SueStevePat and I purchased the running top and headband from Raw Threads, a vendor at the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo (love!!!!). 

 Pre-Race Photos

 Mile 2 

 Mile 9 through Angel's Stadium

the summer is almost over...

This summer has been a crazy, busy, and fun filled one. 

I always envision summer being a time of relaxation, a time to put into motion all of my crazy ideas that have been scurrying around in my head all school year, and that when it ends, I will be completely rejuvenated . That's never the case-however, i'm always pleasantly surprised about how awesome it actually is. 

Just to name a few things that happened this summer: 

-A great college friend came to visit for a whole week (see blogpost for that adventure here) 

-I went to the Lady Gaga ArtPop Ball...twice 

-I met up with a childhood friend in beautiful Long Beach 

-Went to the beach with friends 

-I ran a few hundred miles in preparation for a half-marathon next week (at Disneyland) 

-I visited with my Nana, aunt and uncle that I hadn't seen in years

-I went to beautiful Santa Barbara 

-I met some new friends along the way 

The list goes on. Of course I also spent most of my hours at my job, but with that I was able to do all those great things. 

This summer has been about self-reflection. 

I've realized that I'm tired of waiting for things to happen. I have made changes in my life- I've become proactive! 

I used to spend hours upon hours watching T.V., sitting on my couch, waiting for someone to contact me to "hang out" or go somewhere, but this summer I was tired of waiting...I took initiative. I gained the courage to make things happen for myself. I went to the beach, I coffee shop hopped, I started a blog, I worked on beginning a youtube channel. I painted, I created, I documented-all things that I love to do.  

I have become more open to living a positive happy life, my way. 

socal in one week

Summer, to me, is a chance for me to settle in. It gives me time to reflect the school year and prepare or the next one. Its very rare that I take a extended days off from work to go on a posh vacation, but I do like to take a day or three, here an there throughout my three months of school-less freedom, and do something fun! 

This summer started off with a visit from one of my dearest friends from Minnesota. During her visit, we spent our afternoons lounging on the beach and going wine tastings. Of course we took a Disneyland day, and a speed adventure through Hollywood. 

Mickey's Soundsational Parade 

 Deliciousness from Pinnacle Restaurant at the Faulkner Winery 

Breakfast at my favorite restaurant in California, Olive's Cafe, in Mission Beach. There's nothing better than breakfast on the beach surrounded by beautiful, kind people.  

 The original "Irises", by Van Gogh at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles

 "Tender Greens" in Santa Monica. Tuna sandwich with grilled veg. Mmmhhmm