Lunchtime Links for April 19th, 2012

40% off at Ann Taylor & Ann Taylor Loft

You all know that I always love a good sale!

Today kicks off the Friends & Family event at Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft, woo!  This is a great time to pick up that new dress you had your eye on, or to get a bunch of basics that will work year-round for a great price.

The online code is FRIENDS for both sites.  I hope everyone finds some great new pieces!

Lunchtime Links for April 18th, 2012

• Kirbie's Cravings: Soft pretzel bunnies.
• Two Peas and Their Pod: Lemon cornmeal pancakes. 
• The Kitchn: Mini cakes in a panini press.  
• Good Life Eats: Black and white s'mores cookies.
• Serious Eats: Banh Mi at the Seattle Roll Bakery.

Birch and Barley Dinner

I've recently blogged about Birch & Barley's fantastic Boozy Brunch, but this time we're here to talk about dinner!  A few friends and I enjoyed a lovely dinner earlier this year, and the restaurant did not disappoint!

Amazeballs bread platter, including PRETZEL ROLLS! They also included a bowl of roasted chickpeas for S (gluten free!)

1/2 order of Ricotta Cavatelli with Roasted Pork, Broccoli Rabe, Toasted Pine Nuts, and Aged Provolone

The bread and the pasta were delicious.. but then... THEN... the dessert tasting!!!  I have ZERO regrets about forcing my friends to partake in an order of the dessert tasting.  It was so fantastic!!

 

Buttermilk Panna Cotta

 

Passion Fruit Cheesecake

"Coffee and Donuts"

Petite Fours

Needless to say, I would HIGHLY recommend making room for dessert when you eat here for dinner!!!  In other words, if you go, and skip dessert, and I find out about it............ haha!  The presentation of each dessert was really pretty and each component complimented the different flavors.  Is there anything Birch & Barley can't do well??

Lunchtime Links for April 17th, 2012

• Kirbie's Cravings: Mini macaroni and cheese pies.
• Real Housewives of Orange County: Recap from TVGasm. 
• Two Peas and Their Pod: Mini s'mores cookies.
• Serious Eats: General Tso's chicken.
• Gossip Girl: Recap from NYMag.

Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream

 

I've mentioned BB creams on this blog before, but since then BB creams have become more widely available as more brands are coming out with their own versions.  I love the one I have from Japan, but having a US version readily available that I like is great and much more convenient!

I started trying this Garnier Skin Renew BB cream initially because of a deal at CVS, which coupled with a coupon essentially made this tube only a few dollars out of pocket for me, haha.  But, after using it consistently for a few weeks, I would definitely buy this again!  It has a creamy consistency that isn't too thick, and the two different shades make it easier to get a color that blends with your natural skin tone.  It has a built in SPF15 which is always a nice plus, and is a great base for my regular daily makeup routine.  If anyone's been curious about BB creams but didn't want to pay too much to try it out, this one is a great choice!

Lunchtime Links for April 16th, 2012

• Kirbie's Cravings: Oreo cookies and cream cake. 
• Million Dollar Listing NY: Recap from TVGasm. 
• The Pioneer Woman: Scalloped potatoes and ham.
• Recipe Girl: Chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes.
• Serious Eats: 7 brunches in DC.