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

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 

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

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 

Summer Nails

With summer coming up very very soon, a summer manicure is the perfect thing to take you into the season of relaxation of sun. This summer, bold colors and pastels seem to be the upcoming trends that have the best colors coming out and old favorites reappearing. Whether it be a nice pastel green or a fiery red, this summer try something new!
Here are my favorites for the summer that you will defiantly see me wearing!

Essie Mint Candy Apple // Essie Bikini So Teeny // OPI Year of the Dragon (Similar- California Raspberry)

What nail color will you be wearing this summer?
xx

The City Lights

Normally on a weeknight, I'm inside studying or aimlessly watching TV, but for the past week, I've been outside on the city for a school project late at night (something that defiantly doesn't happen much.) What it taught me is that every once and a while, you need to experience your own city in a time you would never imagine. What I was doing at 10 o'clock at night on a random Wednesday night was taking pictures of the city for my photo class and I though for a little inspiration of your own to get outside and show off what your city has to offer, I'd pass them along. 

xx

If you have any pictures of your own, I'd love to see them!

It's Time for Spring!

Spring always gets me in the best mood of the year. Whether that it has the best weather or its the time of my birthday, spring always gets me excited for summer in the best possible way. After we all defrost from the harsh winter, spring is the time where laying outside becomes acceptable and weekend trips to the lake or beach become a must.  When the first flowers start to bloom we know that we're in season and its time to break out the bathing suits and shorts and enjoy one of the most wonderful times of the year. With all of this new warmth being spread comes a time for a closet switch to happen. Switching the fleece coat that you stayed warm in during the winter for your favorite bathing suit is a must and switching the hydrating face cream that saved your skin in the winter for some sunscreen becomes necessary. With spring comes shorter dresses and a time to go outside and how fun. 

Some of my favorite spring time necessities are below:

Antropologie Tank // Hunter Rain Boots // J Crew Shorts // Madewell Dress // Ray Ban 'Clubmaster' // J Crew bathing suit top and bottom // TOMS Sandal // Lilly Pulitzer Dress

What are your spring essentials?

xx