Guest Post: Michelle from Skana Spa

I was approached recently by Michelle from Skana Spa in New York City for her to share with Southern Brunette readers an easy skin mask that you can do at home for the summertime!

"Nothing says spring like a cute sundress or a pair of shorts. However, many women are shocked to find that their skin is not in its best condition after a long winter under wraps. A body scrub and relaxation day at a spa sounds great but we know that time and money don’t always allow that. Luckily, there are ways to tighten up your skin and exfoliate using inexpensive ingredients that most women have in their pantry. Here is a homemade coffee scrub that will get your skin sundress-ready for just pennies.

What you need:

1 cup coffee grounds (I use the damp ones from my coffee machine that have already been brewed)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/8 to 1/4 cup oil, such as almond oil or coconut oil

Mix these together in a bowl. Use just enough oil to make a spreadable paste. Then, use a damp washcloth or your bare hands to lightly scrub the paste into your damp skin. Many women prefer to do this immediately after a shower, because they are already damp and undressed. Let the scrub sit for a minute or two and then rinse off with lukewarm or cool water. Then, pat your skin dry without rubbing too hard. Because the ingredients in this scrub are perishable over time, it should be prepared and used in the same day. This recipe makes just enough to cover all of your body, so there is no need for storage.

How does this simple homemade scrub work wonders for your skin? Caffeine is known to tighten skin and to help with common issues such as cellulite and stretch marks. This is why you don't want to rub too hard after you rinse; let the caffeine soak in and work its magic! In addition, the rough texture will remove dead skin cells that give your skin a dull or ashy appearance. The oil will nourish and protect your skin cells while giving your body a lovely moisturized appearance.

There are several reasons that women love this scrub. First, it is cheap. You simply cannot buy an effective exfoliant that costs this little. Second, it is completely natural. There are no chemicals or additives; you know exactly what ingredients you are putting on your body. Last, this coffee scrub is convenient. You can easily use it during nap-time or another quiet period in your home without needing a babysitter. There is no reason not to have springtime skin that you love!"

Michelle Pino has contributed this recipe based on the knowledge she has learned while working at Skana, one of New York’s finest spas. When Michelle isn’t working you will find her baking, crafting, reading a magazine or catching up on her favorite TV shows! If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact Michelle via email at michellepino@turningstone.com

Copy-Cat Breakfast Biscuit Sandwich

Hi guys! 

Today, I want to share with you a recipe I have made recently. Does anyone else love hot breakfast over cold? I am definitely one of those people and those who have hectic schedules may not be able to make themselves such things so quickly in the morning. Well, these little breakfast sandwiches are amazing! They are super similar to the ever-so-popular McDonald's Sausage Egg McMuffin, except healthier AND more flavorful. All you need are 4 ingredients, an oven and a stove. 

Breakfast Biscuit Sandwiches 

Serves 8 

Directions: 

1. Follow instructions on biscuit packaging for baking details

2. While the biscuits are baking, take your pan over a medium stovetop and cook your egg whites

3. Set aside your eggs, now take your sausage patties (I use the turkey ones) and brown them on both sides then set aside when done

4. Once the biscuits are baked, take them on and set them on a cooling rack for about 5 minutes

5. Now you can assemble your sandwich with your eggs, sausage, and add sliced cheese

Each sandwich comes out to 440 calories, 24 grams of total fat and 26 grams of protein vs. McDonald's that comes out to 450 calories, 27 grams of total fat and 21 grams of protein. 

I hate fast-food places in general, especially that feeling of realizing that you're not eating fresh eggs, real cheese, and mystery sausage. I want to know exactly what goes into my meals, I don't really care so much if what I make has more calories because I'm not eating random crap. If you do have a busy schedule you can make the entire batch of sandwiches, individually saran wrap them and stick them in the fridge. Then every morning when you wake up, you'll have a healthy yummy breakfast, just pop it in the microwave to warm it up and your ready to conquer the day! 

Hope y'all enjoy! :)

Rompin Around

Romper: Old Navy (old, similar here and here) | Shoes: Zara | Bag: Marc Jacobs | Necklace: Francesca's (old, same style here and here) | Ring: GroopDealz

Rompers, to me, are one of the easiest and most comfortable pieces of clothing to have in your closet. I love this one from Old Navy that I've had for years and still constantly wear it. It's easy to slip on and can be dressed up with wedges/booties or down with sandals or flats. Add some fun colored jewelry and you're ready. Hope everyone is having a good start to their week! 

Quilted

Top: Zara | Bottoms: Forever 21 (old, similar here) | Shoes: Zara | Bag: Marc Jacobs

I am absolutely in love with this new Zara top I just recently got in store along with these studded sandals. It's hard to see the quilted details on this blouse but its so pretty. I could see myself wearing this blouse all year round. Pairing it with shorts during spring/summer and styling it with leggings, straight pants or jeans during fall & winter seasons; so incredibly versatile. I also really liked this jacket but it didn't fit me perfectly like I wanted it to so I had to say no. Hope everyone is having a great weekend so far!

Five Things

Before I get started with this post, I wanted to point out I created a new sidebar tab called "Currently Obsessed" so y'all can see what I'm loving right now. You can click on the picture to navigate you to the website to purchase. Now let's get started...

I've been tagged by few bloggers to jump on the bandwagon and talk about five things that y'all probably don't know about me, so here we go: 

1. I love being domestic. From cooking, baking, crafting, cleaning, doing laundry, I love it all! I enjoy trying new recipes (especially from Pinterest) and serving them in cute plates/bowls from Anthropologie for my family & Chris. Crafting is basically in my blood because my mom and I always have done stuff like that since I was little. Cleaning calms me down when I'm angry and I'm a pro at doing laundry. One thing I do want to learn more is how to use a sewing machine, I know how to hand sew basic holes and buttons but nothing more than that. 

2. I hate being alone. My family and Chris make fun sometimes, but it's so true. After moving to Dallas for grad school, I only lasted about a week before I called home in tears. It's probably my biggest fear and frankly, I've owned it. Some people are scared of sharks or heights, I don't like being alone for long periods of time a.k.a. days not hours. I don't care if people think it's weird, I love being surrounded by family, friends and of course my boyfriend. They are the biggest part of my life and I hate being away from them.

3. I'm obsessed with cupcakes. My sister knows my love for these little treats but seriously they are by far my favorite things in the world! I would pass up all other sweets and just stick with these little guys for the rest of my life and be happy. I like all flavors, but my favorites are red velvet and strawberry. 

4. Football. I really don't think I explain the level of intensity when it comes to watching football. Maybe it's a southern thing but it's a big deal around these parts. I love watching my Aggies play but I enjoy watching NFL football too. Whether it's live (the best), at a sports bar or on the couch. Football games are a social event in the south and we take it extremely seriously. 

5. Sometimes I don't like having such a unique name. I've told my mom thousands of times that I don't always particularly like having a unique name but I couldn't imagine having a different one. I love my name, don't get me wrong, except having to correct people on how to pronounce it. At first, I really hated doing it but eventually got used to it. Now, I accept and respond to just about any variation.

Hope y'all enjoyed and feel like you know me a little better! :)

Floral

Dress: Mark New York via Nordstrom | Shoes: Michael Kors (similar here and here) | Clutch: Target (old) | Bracelets: David Yurman | Sunnies: JCP

Florals are such a big staple pattern for spring and I'm loving this flowy dress. I'm such a casual person in general that I love wearing dresses to basically any type of occasion. Today, I went to see my boyfriend's niece, who was adorable, so I wanted to wear pink (duh) and incorporate this fun modern floral print. Added these nude wedges and weave clutch complete my spring look. Hope everyone is having a great weekend! :) 

Butterfly Shorts

Top: H&M (old) | Shorts: J.Crew (in-store only) | Shoes: Sam Edelman (old, similar here) | Bag: Prada | Sunnies: ZeroUV

I love these butterfly shorts from J.Crew, my sister bought these for me while we were in Dallas a few weeks ago. They just scream spring and with this light blouse, it's a super easy-breezy outfit to throw on to go anywhere. Happy Friday everyone!