Raves

 Nothing gets my goat more than spending hard-earned money on something that I end up hating.*

I rarely, if EVER, buy something without researching and obsessively reading reviews first.   

Yet, I hardly ever write reviews myself. 

I'm a terrible person.

However, I care about you readers more than I care about the average Amazon user, so let's get to chattin' about some things I've tried and loved this month, shall we?

*Did I really just use the phrase "gets my goat"?  What am I, ninety?  Yeesh.

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer

I'm a make-up snob.  Really, I am.  The only drugstore cosmetic items I purchase regularly are mascara and false eyelashes.  But this stuff? Awesome.  I have terrible dark circles and bags under my eyes and this stuff makes me look ALIVE.  I purchased this in Ivory, which is perfect for my fair, warm complexion.  I was a little iffy about the consistency at first (I usually prefer a creamier concealer), but I think the tackiness is what helps cover dark circles and makes it stay put throughout the day.   

It's comparable to the cult classic YSL Touche Eclat, in my humble opinion.

GapFit gFast Capri

I'm not going to beat around the bush. 

These make my butt look GOOD.

The material is thick and the quality is top-notch, which smooths out any lumps and bumps one may have. The rise is slightly higher than my other workout pants, and I love that I don't have to tug on these while running.  Plus, the higher rise means that it sucks in love handles really nicely.  

The seams are also placed in really flattering locations.   

Do I even need to say it again?  

THESE WILL MAKE YOU LOOK HOT.

I wouldn't hesitate to say that I love these as much, if not MORE, than my Lulu's (especially for the price!!).

I've fallen hard for the GapFit line, and these capris are the cream of the crop.

Big River Sweet Magnolia American Brown Ale

While in Tennessee the other weekend, we went to Big River for dinner.  While there, I had my first sip of a sweet, sweet nectar known as Sweet Magnolia American Brown Ale.  Big River brews their own beer but to my knowledge, does not bottle or distribute any of their brews outside of their own restaurants.  

Can anyone prove me wrong? 

Please?

PLEASE?

I still dream of this deliciousness and want it in my refrigerator. If you're in Nashville or Chattanooga,Tennessee, make sure you stop at Big River for a Sweet Magnolia (they also have a random location in Lake Buena Vista, FL).

Lauren Conrad's "7 Days to Skinny Jeans" Smoothie

Yum-mo.  Sadly, I can't claim a smaller jean size, but I will attest to the fact that this makes a delicious breakfast.  When I drink one around 9am, and I stay full until 1pm or later.  For a girl who usually starts thinking at lunch around 10:30am, this is a huge win.  

I tweaked the recipe slightly, using frozen strawberries, SoDelicious unsweetened coconut milk, banana, Fage 0% Greek yogurt, rolled oats, and honey.  Whatever you do, make sure you include the oatmeal in the recipe.  It adds a lot of flavor and makes it feel a bit heartier.  I also like to add peanut butter to the recipe (I use PB2 to cut calories).  I know it sounds a little weird, but you'll thank me once you're drinking a liquid peanut butter and jelly.

There you have it -- my favorite finds of January!  Have you made any great finds recently?

*I was not in any way compensated for these reviews.  I just wanted to spread the love!