Nancy Valentino’s Café Mocha

I’ve come up with a Café Mocha that is 100% better than the Starbucks version! Don’t get me wrong–I love Starbucks but I don’t love their fancy prices. A girl has got to save her money for things like clothes, shoes and makeup.

One of the best investments I’ve ever made was getting an espresso maker. You could try making lattes & cappuccinos sans the espresso maker but in my opinion, it tastes more authentic using the machine.

My espresso maker was only $65–think about this…if you are an avid drinker of Starbucks espresso beverages, think about how many visits you make there a year–it adds up. This machine pays for itself after 15 lattes.

Here is my version of the Café Mocha:

Until recently, I didn’t realize that the term “mocha” stood for a method in which to prepare a cappuccino or latte. It’s merely adding chocolate to the drink.  I didn’t know but many coffee houses prepare it either way.  I made mine cappuccino style because I love the bold flavor of espresso. I feel that it pairs nicely with the chocolate.

To Begin, I used equal parts cocoa powder & hot water to make a rue.

Add a sweetener if desired. Pour the sauce in your mug.

Next, I brewed my espresso. I used Carte Nior coffee. It’s a bold French coffee that I absolutely adore.

Pour the espresso and all it’s beautiful foamy goodness into the chocolate sauce.
Steam your milk & be sure to froth approximately half of it.
It will double in size…
Pour the milk into the mug then top with foam
Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder to garnish
…and some whipped cream!

Fin.

Smokey Brown Bedroom Eyes

Don’t take the name of this post too seriously–when I finished up the look, it seemed like the best title! I created this look using ALL brown eyeshadows and bases and I didn’t think it would come out as good as it did. I even got a compliment from the sales lady at Ulta!

Here is a breakdown of the look-

-UDPP
-MAC Painterly Paint Pot
-L’Oreal HIP Cream Eye Shadow in Brown
-NYX Jumbo Eye Shadow Pencil in Iced Mocha
-MAC All That Glitters
-MAC Mulch
-MAC Carbonized
-NARS Coconut Grove
-MUFE Smoky Lash Mascara
-Cover Girl Last Blast Mascara
-Cover Girl French Vanilla Eye Shadow (to highlight)
-MAC Coffee Eyeliner

 

 

My Everyday MAC Essentials

As you can tell from the last few blog posts, I’ve been LOVING MAC products lately. No particular reason…I’ve just found a particular everyday eye look that’s I’m completely smitten with. Here is a video with all of my MAC must haves at the moment! :)

PS-Earrings are vintage and blog post for these beauties will be up tomorrow :)

Clothing & Earring Haul

Happy New Year!

These are some new goodies I picked up last month. You may have seen certain things in a previous blog post….thanks for watching! In the next few days, I’ll be working on Day 5 of Twenty-Two Days of Taupe :)

November Beauty & Foodie Ramblings

Yes! It’s that time of the month again! I’m going to be doing a separate blog post on some products that I haven’t  used yet but have been drawn to these last few weeks. I’m taking an interest in a lot of non winter items lately! I think I’m ready for Spring already! *lol*

Casual Glam & Holiday Elegance (Outfit & Makeup)

Here is another look in my Holiday Beauty Video Series. My inspiration? My Golden Taupe Pumps!!!!

PS-These shoes are hella comfy!

 

Holiday Beauty: How To Get A Natural Soft Glow & Outfit Ideas

The Holiday Season is finally here! Here are some ideas for your next holiday party! I’ll be doing a silver and possibly a glitter look in this Holiday Series as well!

This outfit is my “casual glam” look–a term I created (*lol*) when one wears a dressy top and pairs it with jeans.