Food: College Kitchen Essentials

College is a time of learning, both in and out of the classroom. I didn't have much cooking experience before starting school, and the dining halls were a blessing my first year, but as a sophomore I found myself with an apartment, no meal plan, and a kitchen. So, as college kids move into new apartments this month and learn to cook for themselves instead of eating fast food every night, I decided to make a list of helpful items for a collegiate kitchen. Does NOT include the microwave; you can survive without it.

A handy Magic Bullet meal in a jar.

1. Magic Bullet.

We've all seen the infomercials for this handy little blender, but it really is awesome. I make everything in here. Chicken salad, smoothies, pancake batter, pasta sauce, even margaritas. It comes with everything you need to make each of these meals and recipes for more. Regular blenders are huge and a pain to wash; the Magic Bullet is perfect for a college kitchen and I use mine every day.

2. Crock Pot.

Another must-have for lazy college kids, crockpots greatly simplify dinner and eliminate the temptations of take-out after a long day. Before you leave, you just dump everything into the crock pot, and when you get back you have a home-cooked meal ready for you. I especially love making soup in my crock pot in the winter; it's great to cozy up in front of the TV with a bowl of home-made soup after walking around campus all day in the cold.

3. Egg pan.

This tiny pan is great. I use it to make little pancakes (I'm not so talented at making round, pretty ones), fried eggs for breakfast sandwiches, and any sort of little amount of something you need. Cooking for one, I usually have to cut recipes into 1/4 or 1/8 of the normal size so I can eat it all. This little plan is great because you don't get a large skillet dirty for one hamburger, garlic clove, etc.

4. Hand grater.

I use this for EVERYTHING. Zesting citrus, grating cheese, heck, I even get lazy and grate butter sometimes. I shred chocolate bars into my oatmeal. I even bought a second one because mine was hanging out in the dishwasher too often. It's so easy to use and clean.

What are your must-haves for a dorm or apartment kitchen?

Other: My Favorite Book

The other day, I was missing Paris pretty terribly so I took a trip to Barnes & Noble to buy Ernest Hemingway's A Moveable Feast. The book chronicles Hemingway's life in Paris in the 1920's, and it really captures the spirit of the city, especially the Quarter Latin. I particularly enjoyed the book because of its attention to detail: I loved that I would recognize street names, I could taste the wine and oysters he had for dinner, and the scenes where he strolled through the Luxembourg Gardens were wonderful because that was my favorite Parisian pastime.

Several lines made me tear up, and the older Hemingway's reflections on the mistakes he made in his first marriage and how Paris reminds him of those were poignant and real. If you've ever visited Paris, or lived there, especially, this book is a must-read. It takes you back to the cobblestones boulevards and sidewalk cafes, while capturing a portrait of creative life there before it became a tourist staple.

If you've never been to Paris, save money and go immediately. Read this book while you're there, and visit Hemingway's old haunts.

Beauty: Product Review Time!

My recent beauty buys.

Beauty review time!

I bought all of this stuff over the past few weeks and I'm here to review them for you.

1. Maybelline New York Eye Studio Color Tattoo Eyeshadow, $6. 

This eyeshadow is supposed to stay on for 24 hours without fading like typical powder eyeshadow, and it does. It looks really great and sparkly and is perfect for a night out. That being said, it does get flaky as the day goes on, and it's nearly impossible to get off! I'd honestly rather just re-apply normal eyeshadow then deal with this stuff. Instead of using it for all-day wear like it's supposed to be used, I just wear it for nights out and take it off after 6-7 hours before bed.

2. Revlon PhotoReady Concealer, $8.

This concealer is the bomb. It's honestly my favorite one I've ever used! The stick is perfect 'cause you can control exactly where you want to cover, and it covers well. I'll definitely be buying this again.

3. Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray, $8.

I tried this once (my sister had it) and immediately went out and bought it. It works perfectly on damp or dry hair and gives you lovely beach waves! I like it even better than the Bumble & Bumble spray Eleanor uses and it's much cheaper.

4. COVERGIRL LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm, $6.

Chubby sticks like this are my favorite! They moisturize your lips and are easier to apply than lipstick or Baby Lips, plus have a great matte finish (I hate glossy lips, ew!). I got this one in blush for everyday wear, but I love the bright pink or red hues as well. I'm definitely picking up a few more.

5. NARS Bronzing Powder, $36.

Yikes, this is expensive! But it's totally worth it. This is my favorite bronzer; it comes in so many shades for any skin tone and blends perfectly for contour and glow. If you can look past the price tag, don't even think before buying it.

6. Essie Nail Polish in Sunday Funday, $8.

This is one of their new summer shades and I love it! I have it on my toes and fingers right now and it's the perfect pop of color for any summer outfit, especially for the beach or pool. Essie is my favorite polish because it goes on well and stays on, and it comes in the most beautiful shades. Sunday Funday is no exception.

7. John Frieda Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon Finishing Serum, $13.

I actually found this in Paris, on recommendation from a Parisian, so I know it's legit. My hair gets really staticky and frizzy and one tiny drop of this worked through my hair keeps it from disobeying all day. If you have the same problem as I do, try this finishing serum.

8. Maybelline New York Dream Bouncy Blush, $7.

This is my favorite blush! It comes in a ton of colors and is very light and subtle, very pretty. It looks so natural on skin and gives you a great glow for a low price.

9. Maybelline New York Define-A-Brow Pencil, $6.

About six months ago, someone mentioned I should start filling in my eyebrows. I tried it and I've never looked back, it elevates my make-up look to the next level and just makes my features pop! This is a great brow pencil because its thin and easy to blend; you can create exactly the brow you want. If you've never filled in your brows, do it. Now. It's amazing the difference it makes.

Let me know if you have any questions about these products!

Fashion Find: Antonio Melani Amanda Tote

Hey all! As you know, I have a serious handbag fixation, so I couldn't resist sharing the gem I discovered on a quick Dillard's run today. It's the Antonio Melani Amanda Tote, and I am absolutely in love. The bag retails for only $120, but it looks like a much more expensive bag. I actually stopped to look at it because it so closely resembled one of Michael Kors' $300-400 gorgeous creations. Considering my purse problem, I'm so impressed I walked away from this bag without buying four. It comes in several shades including neutral and those trendy neon and jewel tones, and the inside has so many compartments and pockets for perfect organization. It'd be a great office bag or day tote, and could easily fit my 13" MacBook Pro and several folders for a work day.

You can purchase the bag online, here! Let me know if you do, I'd love to hear about it.

Coming soon:

• Travel: Two Days in Ireland
• Beauty Reviews: My Recent Purchases

Fashion: Trendy Tribal

One of my favorite summer trends is the tribal pattern I'm seeing everywhere! It's such a versatile look, and adding a tribal accessory to any look takes it to the next level. Aztec-printed dresses, tops and even leggings are perfect for a summer boho look. I especially love tribal swimwear, how perfect for your vacation!

Tribal pieces to jazz up any summer wardrobe.

Simple accessories perfectly accent this wild skirt.

Monochrome + tribal.

Perfect summer night out look.

Classy + trendy for the beach.

What do you think? Have you added tribal pieces to your closet?

Fashion: Splurge or Save?

Unless you have an unlimited clothing budget (jealous), you have to pick and choose with items you need to splurge on, and where you need to save. When is it better to buy the designer, and when is it better to find a similar off-brand piece?

Timeless, good quality, high-use pieces are worth the extra splurge.

Generally, if something is trendy, I'd say buy a similar. If you think you'll get less than a year of wear out of something, don't spend big money on it. Boyfriend jeans? Save. Chunky sandals? Save. Keep your dollars for classic pieces that will never go out of style, such as a statement handbag, a designer watch, sunglasses you'll wear every day, or a great leather jacket.

Get "trendy" items at discount retailers, not designer boutiques.

For example, the high-low dress trend, while something I love, is sure to be gone next year, so don't spend more than $20-$30 on a dress you'll wear for a summer. If you get your must-have, on-trend, get-compliments-at-work pieces someplace like H&M or Forever 21, you can Neiman Marcus something you'll use and style for years to come.

What do you think? What items are worth the splurge, and where should you save?

Food: Cool, Summer Salads

In the south, the weather right now is unbearable. It's so hot and humid that the though of using the oven or stove and generating any more heat in my stuffy apartment makes me sweat. One of my favorite things to eat in the summer is cool, no-cook salad! They're cheap, quick and absolutely delicious. Most importantly, they're usually really healthy!

My go-to salad is cucumber based (I hate lettuce), and I usually add whatever I have on hand. Olives, tomatoes, goat cheese or feta, sometimes ham cubes. Then I drizzle it with some Italian or balsamic vinaigrette, toss it and go! I usually make a batch at the beginning of the week and have it for lunch.

If you don't want a cucumber base, there are multiple options for healthy, cool salads.

Green Bean Balsamic Salad.

This Green Bean based summer salad is so colorful and looks so filling! Switch up your salad and follow the recipe here.

Bikini-friendly lunch.

This black-eyed pea based salad couldn't get any easier to make - they come in a can! Follow the recipe here for a healthy, yummy lunch option perfect to take to work.

Greek Tortellini Salad.

So, technically, you have to boil the pasta in this recipe but it looks so yummy I wouldn't mind! The tortellini is a great twist to a traditional pasta salad and the Greek veggies are perfect for summer. Follow the recipe here and bring it to your next potluck!

Other summer salads that look delish:

• Greek Bean Salad
• Corn and Chickpea Salad
• Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad (Yum!)

What are your favorite summer salads?