Mariachi, Mason Jars & Mini Dates!

Mexican food is my absolute favorite food! So there is this new Mexican restaurant that is on our daily commute and we have been waiting for it to open for about 8 months. Well, it finally opened up this week and tonight, we went! I love impromptu mini-dates!

I realize I've been wearing this necklace a lot lately...

The name of the Restaurant is Senor Toro's, it's a locally owned chain. When we pulled in, the sign said "Mariachi Night" and I knew it was going to be a great time. Let's just say I was not disappointed. 

Mason jar glasses! Gah!

The waitstaff was friendly and the atmosphere was great. The inside was very nice, but the layout was a little awkward. We ended up in a little side room with about 6 other small tables, and I was initially disappointed, until the mariachi band showed up!

There were 4 of them and they are so talented! They serenaded a few other tables and saw us dancing and clapping and snapping photos and came over to our table. It was so amazing. I've never been entertained by a live mariachi band before. 

They played Frankie Valli - Can't Take my Eyes Off of You!!

I didn't get a video or anything but they were so talented and nice. I had such a blast. Overall the restaurant experience was about a 3 out of 5. Minus points for slow service, plus the checkout experience was confusing and the food was a tad pricey. Plus points for the friendly staff, adorable glasses, the food was pretty good and of course, the mariachi band! We will probably go back again to give it a second chance.

Just wanted to share my interestingly spontaneous night with you all! This is the perfect example of the "little things" I had in mind when this blog was started and that I hope to continue to bring to you!

Also, I fixed the "follow" button so be sure to give it a click!

-Jessica
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100-Year Winter Blues

February has been an admittedly slow month as far as the number of our blog entries goes. Between this 100-year winter and both Marina and I being sick. But, March is fast approaching and we have some great things planned out to bring to you guys. So, we wanted to take this time to feature some of our earlier entries if you're new or just missed a few, now's the time to get caught up on anything you've missed!

Battling dry skin? Click here: http://tiny.cc/4v46sw
Want ombre hair? Click here: http://tiny.cc/6w46sw
Brush/Blender review? Click here: http://tiny.cc/xz46sw
Yummy breakfast idea? Click here: http://tiny.cc/u046sw

In addition, I created a polyvore set "Wintertime Blues" I'm so ready for spring! Enjoy!

Wintertime Blues by thelittlethingsblog featuring a polka dot shirt

We want to also say thanks for sticking with us and supporting us. As we round the end of February we have over 830 blog views and 32 likes! Feel free to drop us a comment to say hello, or let us know if you'd like to see something specific featured on an entry!

Thanks again,
-Jessica & Marina

6 Sick Day Essentials

Like most people, I despise being sick. It interferes with, well, everything. On Thursday I had to leave work because I was feeling so badly that I actually threw up! (yuck!) I went to the minor care clinic and was diagnosed with Bronchitis. (boo!) I don't usually take medicine unless its an absolute emergency or prescribed by a doctor. 

I've never had Bronchitis, and I hope we never meet again. The past few days have been a haze of sleeping, coughing, sneezing, rinse and repeat. According to the doctor, fever dizziness and nausea are symptoms of the big B as well, check check and check.

Tonight I am feeling better and have lost almost all the symptoms except this persistent cough. Looking back on the past few days made me realize the things I reach for or purchase most when I'm feeling under the weather, so I thought I'd share my Sick-Day Essentials list with you all!

1.Vicks Vapor Rub (Lemon)
I love Vicks Vapor Rub. The smell is so relaxing and warm and has gotten me steadily through the pollen-filled seasonal changes. So, imagine my despair when I figured out I had none. When dropping off my prescription I picked up a bottle and when I got it home it was Lemon scented. I wasn't sure about it at first, but it's a new favorite!

2.Puffs + Vicks
My love affair with all things Vicks continues. I actually didn't know these little slices of lemon pie existed until a few months ago, but we keep a box constantly in the house now. It gives you the same general effect as the rub, without the extra mess!

3.Aquaphor Healing Ointment
You will hear me praise and praise this little miracle. You can get this in pack of 2 little tubes. I stock up on these and keep one stashed almost everywhere, even at work. They work miracles on my chapped lips but when I'm sick they do double duty on those dry patches around my nose.

4.Burts Bee's Honey Throat Lozenge
I don't like the severe menthol throat lozenge. These are soothing and sweet and because they are burts bee's, all natural! They are the perfect blend of menthol and eucalyptus! 

5.Chamomile Tea
I love hot tea. But, when I'm feeling under the weather, there's nothing like a hot cup of chamomile tea with a swirl of honey!

6.Guilty pleasure tv show or movie.
Okay, I'm almost ashamed to admit this, but that's why they call it a guilty pleasure. Right? 
I love TV. It's a borderline obsession. Helping me pass the time these past few days were the (mostly) lovely ladies on Wisteria Lane. That's right, I'm a closet Desperate Housewife! Ah! I got through season 4 about a year ago and was finally able to pick it up again.

If I've learned one thing through the past few sick days, it's that i need Mary Alice Young narrating my life.

So, what are some of your go-to products when feeling under the weather? Do you like to take medicine or try and let your body sort things out? 

Hope that you all have a great week and I look forward to getting over this bug and back on track with some fashion and beauty posts for you! Plus, some potentially exciting news about my first ever Vlog for you all! Any advice on that?

-Jessica
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Review: SOHO Beauty Blender and Eye Brush Set

In this post I will be reviewing the SOHO Beauty Blender Sponge and the SOHO "Eye Need It": Double-Ended Cat Eye Set. So, if you're curious to know how they worked out for me, keep reading!

Visit the SOHO Website and check out all they have to offer!

I purchased by SOHO Beauty Sponge from Walmart for around $5.00
The double ended brush set was purchased at Walgreens for around $11.00. I could not find the actual set online, but found this dup, also available at Walmart for around $11.00. It has 6 brushes, so it felt it was a close second. If i find the actual set, I will update this post.

I really love SOHO brand. I find it to be both easily accessible (Walmart, Walgreens, Target and CVS) and I also find the brand to be very competitively priced and affordable. To me, their products are a good dup to Ecotools on both price and quality.

"Eye Need It": Double-Ended Cat Eye Set

This set is amazing! The eye catching design is was really drew me in at first. I love the print and the bright pink brush ends are so fun! I almost talked myself out of spending the $11 on them, but quickly threw my purchases at the cashier before I could change my mind. I couldn't wait to get them home. This is my first "professional" brush set that i've owned and I was not dissappointed. I hear people ranting and raving about their MAC or Sigma brushes and I honestly feel like these brushes may be just as good, especially without that price-point! The bristle count is high, so the ends are thick and hold onto product well. They are also very soft and allow for a smooth application. The box even came with instructions on how to acheive the perfect cat eye with this set! The handles are heavy and easy to hold onto. I don't feel unsteady or like I may drop them. My suggestion? If you're in the market for some new or different brushes, but can't afford the high-end ones, find your nearest SOHO resaler and give them a try!

• Eye Catching Design
• Super Soft Bristles
• Very Affordable
• No Bristle Fall-out
• Sturdy Handles
• Easy-To Hold

Beauty Sponge (Beauty Blender Dup)

I have tried almost every liquid foundation applicator in the world. Triangle sponges, round pads, my fingers, even the famed Kabuki Brush. (which was also purchased from SOHO) I will cover my Kabuki v. Blender experience in another post. I heard about the blender on YouTube about 3 months ago and have been dying to try one. I've watched about a dozen how-to videos and asked around forums to gauge the overall response. Finally, about 2-weeks ago when I needed new foundation, I bought the $5 pink football shaped sponge and raced home for a test run. It was love at first dab. The application was soft, non-streaky and best of all, well blended. I have a history of trouble with blending and it's usually a long, drawn out process, but not with this baby. 

I feel like the blender allowed me to move the product around my face for a more even finish that I could build without having and clumpy spots. I also used it to blend out my concealer, it was heavenly!

Looking for a new foundation application, or just on the fence about it? Give it a go, for the price the experience is really unbeatable. If you don't care for the blending tools, you can always try the SOHO Kabuki. They range from around $12 - $20 depending on the series.

I hope you liked this post, and that you received some new/interesting information! Just as a note: all products were purchased with my own money. This is not a sponsored post and I am not affiliated with SOHO in any way. Though, i wouldn't be apposed to it ;)

Sound off: Are you a loyal Blender or Kabuki user? Do you have a specific brand that you liked, or that it didn't work out with? Let us know about your experiences in the comments below!

Until next time,

-Jessica

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Fit Bits: Egg, Bacon and Chive Mini's

"A Poor Girls Pre-Made Breakfast"

What you'll need: 

A cup cake tin

Extra virgin olive oil

Eggs equaling the number of holes in the cup cake tin 

Green onions

Turkey bacon 

Kitchen scissors

• Preheat oven to 375 
• Coat inside of tin with extra virgin olive oil
• Crack one egg into each section
• Cut one piece of bacon into small pieces and add to section, repeat for each section 

• Cut green onions, to taste, into each section(Push bacon and green onion into the egg goo! ) 
• Bake for 30 minutes 
• Lets sit for a few minutes once done and either serve hot or refrigerate. They will keep about a week.

Another easy, quick and wallet friendly meal!

Hope you enjoy!

If you try it out, or have a similar recipe that you use, let us know in the comments below! Don't forget to check out our Facebook page to stay up to date on the latest posts!

-Marina

(Marina host's her own Facebook page for her fitness journey and inspiration. Check it!)

5 Essential Chick-Flicks

I love a good sappy chick-flick. I mean, what girl really doesn't? It's sort of this understood secret that even though I generally detest the latest Nicholas Sparks movie or Romantic Comedy, there are a few essential love movies that I will covet forever, and can almost always make me tear up. Since it's Valentines day, I thought i'd share (5) of them with you! 

They are not in order, I adore them all equally.

#1 - 10 Things I Hate About You

This movie means a lot to me. I was young when it came out in 1999, and it was my first exposure to the late Heath Ledger. As I watched it more the older I got, I began to understand the title. I experienced those feelings, of hating to love someone so much. I also connected with it again when I was old enough to realize the Shakespeare attachment. 

#2 - Garden State

This quirky romantic, comedy, adventure movie is probably one of my most watched. I have seen this movie over 15 times and will watch it many more. I could watch Natalie Portman do just about anything, but watching her listen to The Shins (one of my favorite bands) while looking at Zach Braff is one of my favorites. 

#3 - Moulin Rouge

You may all learn soon enough that I have two real weaknesses in this world. Musicals and Ewan McGregor. Put them both together and well, you can imagine my personal joy. The story of the unlikely suitor falling for the fair maiden who is being sought after by another, usually villainous man will never get old. Set it to re-vamped versions of popular songs and you couldn't go wrong! 

#4 - What Dreams May Come

Robin Williams blows me away in this film. A widowed man dies in a car crash and begins searching for his wife in the afterlife. The lengths he goes through to be reunited with her after death are equally matched with the sadness he feels when she dies and he is alive by himself. I can't forget the visuals this movie delivers. The scenes are so beautiful and eerie and lifelike it's easy getting lost in this movie.

#5 - Benny and Joon

This quirky love story is about a mentally ill girl who falls in love with Johnny Depp's character who fancy's himself Buster Keaton. All of the characters are so heartfelt and honest, with flaws and endearing qualities. Plus the opening song, I mean, who can resist doing a little dance to that? "I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more to be the man who walked 1,000 miles to fall down at your doooooor" (yes, i did just sing that out while typing it)

I hope you liked my list, and hope it gave you at least one new movie to watch!

Be sure to let me know some of your favorite go-to romantic movies!

Valentines Day Style: Polyvore Edition!

So, valentines day completely sneaked up on me! (I thought today was the 12th?) Ha! Anyways, I know this post is going to be a little close to Valentines day, but I went through the trouble of creating these Polyvore looks. Maybe there will still be enough time when you all go on your Valentines dates this weekend?! :)

So, here we go with look #1 - Red Hot Love
I wanted to really incorporate red, since it is the ultimate valentine color. The super cute polka-dot dress really caught my eye and I built the rest of the outfit around it. I am a sucker for a blazer. It can really balance out a soft maxi-skirt or bring together a tailored business look.

Red Hot Love by thelittlethingsblog featuring nyx lip gloss

Onto look #2 - Make Me Blush

I really like soft looks, so I wanted to created a muted look for those who prefer a less  obvious fashion approach to the holiday of love. The piece that caught my eye was, of course, that amazing black floral body suit. I. Adore. Bodysuits! Since the bodice was so structured, with a lot of print going on, I went with a solid skirt and of course, a blazer! I added a few details like the bag and earrings to give the look some edge.

Make Me Blush by thelittlethingsblog featuring a silk shawl

If you want to show your Valentines spirit in a more subtle way, you could always search Tumblr for the latest "heart nail" trend. I'm not quite steady handed enough to draw so neatly on my nails, but there are some really cute ideas out there! (images courtesy of Tumblr)

 

There are lots of ways to get into the spirit of Valentines day! My husband and I will be having a low-key day, working. We will be spending the weekend treating our son to a day out on the town for his 4th birthday. Museums and aquariums galore! 

Any special Valentines day plans for you?! Hope it's a great one!

          

The Legend, Live: Loretta Lynn

As some of you may know, I had the amazing opportunity to attend a Loretta Lynn concert this past Saturday with my Mother and Sister. It was a little bit of a dream come true for me. I will go on about the concert and such in a minute, but I think it's important you know a little about me first!

I have grown up around music. There have always been tunes incorporated into every aspect of my existence. All family gatherings, and just everyday life. When I was younger, my Dad (a truck driver) would wake me up most Saturday mornings with very loud records (yes, actual vinyl) booming through the house. If not that, then my Mother would be playing her favorite CD's while cooking breakfast, or picking up around the house. 

It began as an annoyance to me, I was a young girl then and only wanted to sleep and live in my room. I didn't care anything about Fleetwhoever, or Willie Nobody. I certainly didn't want to two-step to Zydeco tunes or bang my head to "Gimmie Shelter".

As I started getting older, I was able to sit down with my parents and talk to them about music and why they loved it. They shared songs with me like stories and I saw how music touched them, even if they didn't see it themselves. I tried my left-hand at the guitar, to no avail. I even got pretty serious with the piano (my favorite instrument) and can still bang out a pretty tune. I sang steadily in school choir for 6 or 7 years, and now sing to my son about everything.

Now that I am older, I cannot suffer through any task, as mundane as laundry or exciting as gardening without music to guide me. I may not like all music, but I was given an amazing gift, appreciation. I am able to listen to music and appreciate the different parts that make each song unique. For this, I will be forever grateful.

I do not consider myself a fan of new-age country music. I do, however, soak up Patsy Cline (my favorite singer), Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and, the star of this entry, Loretta Lynn. I enjoy this era of country music fiercely and often feel a little pinch of sadness whenever I realize some of my favorite musical stars are passed and I won't be able to experience them live.

This is why I jumped at the chance to see Loretta Lynn. Let me tell you, it was an experience I wont soon be forgetting.

Now, onto the concert details...

Opening for Loretta was the very talented, Holly Williams

She is the daughter of Hank Williams Jr, and continues to bring pride to her family name with her raspy, soulful voice. She came onto the stage with 2 others, one guitar and one bass player. The feel was intimate and simple. 

She opened with her song Drinkin' (which I will embed below) and the rest of her set only improved from there. I highly suggest her new album, "The Highway".

 I was lucky enough to get a picture with her! 

From there, Loretta Lynn's twin daughters took the stage and sang a few songs. The band was 6 men, all dressed in their Sunday best, it really added to the entire element of the concert. Then, the legend took the stage in a gorgeous pink sequin dress similar to this...

(photo courtesy of: Country Weekly)

It was everything I had imagined yet unexpected all in the same breath. I felt for a moment I had been transplanted to the Grand Ol' Opry. She came on, feisty and funny. She has retained every bit of her beauty and talent, even after 50 years of performing. 

I was an experience I will forever treasure. I was able to see a legend, get exposed to a new artist in a genre i'm not too familiar with, and relive some memories while creating new ones with my Mother and Sister.

I didn't blog about the outfit, because I didn't want to detract from the rest of the entry, but will do a "What She Wore" about it soon.

I hope you enjoyed this entry and got to learn a little about me in the process. 

Let me know what you thought, or if you have any questions or stories you'd like to share! I'd love to hear from you!

-Jessica