Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Lemon Pound Cake

Since summer has been off to a great start traveling and relaxing, I have been looking to bake some more (another guilty pleasure of mine). Because of this, the Lemon Pound Cake was born and I am in love. Perfectly lemon-y and sweet, this cake was eaten up quickly in my house!
Here's what I did!

Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 Cup Unsalted Butter
I Cup Granulated Sugar
1 1/3 Cup Self- Raising Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
4 Large Eggs
4 Tbsp Milk
Grated Zest of 2 Lemons

For the Drizzle:
Juice of 2 Lemons
 1 1/2 Cups Confectioners Sugar

Directions:
Mix together the Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Self- Raising Flour, Baking Powder, Eggs, Milk, and the Zest of 2 Lemons. Mix well and place into a greased pan for 40-45 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Whilst the cake is baking and has around 15 minutes left, mix together the juice of the two lemons and the confectioners sugar. When the cake comes out golden brown while still warm, poke various holes in the cake and pour the drizzle on top and enjoy!

*Sorry for the lack of pictures, it was gone before I knew it!

Enjoy!!
xx








Tuesday, June 17, 2014

How To: Pack a Makeup Bag

How to pack a makeup bag to travel across the globe is something that I have dealt with figuring out for a long time. Is it too much? Not enough? Finding the perfect combination is quite challenging but finding those perfect pieces of makeup will make your life much easier. Finding the perfect makeup and brushes to take with you across the world with you for a significant amount of time can be quite daunting but after you take a deep breath and think what you will really need, it is quite rewarding to slim your collection down to the most-needed pieces. 
Here's what I came up with!

The Brushes:
Brushes is something that (most) everyone needs to bring with them. Although I do most of my makeup with my hands for convenience and because it's normally quicker, I always carry these brushes with me to apply the makeup more precise. In my loot is a fair mix of Bobbi Brown Brushes (the wood ones), Trish McEvoy Brushes (the clear ones), and Napoleon Perdis Brushes (the black ones). All of these brushes have a specific purpose so every brush is used and (most) every occasion is prepared with a useful brush. Each brush having a purpose is key in traveling and avoids the "Why do I have four brushes for blush?"

The Makeup:
Whether it be traveling to Italy, England or a weekend trip to North Carolina, packing the makeup to take with you involves cutting down your collection down to your most admired pieces that you know that you will use. What I highly recommend is first packing what you wear on a normal basis: concealer, powder, blush, bronzer, etc... Then pack a couple of "special occasion" pieces that you may only wear a couple of times but you know they will make you really pop and feel good! Try and think back to what you wear to dances or normal days out. Obviously pack what you want and what fits the place you are going best and what you will be doing there. For instance, no need to pack heavy makeup if you won't be doing anything extra-extravagant but whatever you feel necessary, go for it! I decided on a couple of different pieces and a couple of staples that those of you that have been reading Little E for some time will recognize. I'm not going to be specific on the brands of these products because most of them you've seen before, but if you have any questions feel free to comment below and I will get back to you as soon as possible!!

xx 


Thursday, June 12, 2014

The Past Two Weeks

The past two weeks have included trips, relaxed days and a all around a fabulous start to the summer. 
Here's what I've been up too...

Week 1: The Beach
A much needed trip to the beach to detox from exams and just a break from the school year to prepare for the next.



Week 2: The Mountains/ Concert 
Traveling to the Mountains for a quick wedding involves having an impromptu trip to hike, doesn't it always? Traveling to that beautiful side of the country always makes me happy and energized and when I got back, a country music concert! (The inner southern girl came out)





What are your summer travel plans!
xx



Monday, June 2, 2014

My Music Ep. 6

With the end of the school year comes and summer kicks in these are some new music favorites that I've fallen for. This bunch has a very relaxed tone that I am currently loving and loved taking with me to the beach. Some new songs and some old songs, these are the current things that I'm jamming too and singing every word. 
xx

Hozier- Take me to Church 

Moon Taxi- Morocco 

The Head and the Heart- Lost in my Mind

Jake Bugg- Simple as This