Kitchen Essentials

Kitchen Essentials by kmanoun on Polyvore

We all have our must haves in the kitchen.  Given how much time I spend cooking,  I thought you all might want to see some of my favorite items.

Here are a few of my favorite things to use:

** Chopper - I hate chopping peppers, onions, carrots, celery, etc. in to little tiny pieces.  this little item speeds this process up.
** Great Cutting Board - I have one that I use all the time.  It's the perfect size and is easy to clean.  This is probably the item I use the most.
** Pyrex Measuring Cup - This item is very versatile.  While I think it's only to be used for liquid, I use it for pretty much everything.
** Crate and Barrel Bowls - I received these bowls (the green ones to be exact) for my bridal shower.  I LOVE them and use them all the time.  I also like that I can leave them out; they're cute.
** Cast Iron skillet - Seasoning these is a task, but they are great for cooking meat and frying chicken.
** Wooden Utensils - We go through a lot of wooden utensils.  I like to replace them quite frequently.

One thing not listed is a great set of knives.  I figured that was just a must though.  It drives me nuts to have a dull knife.

What do you use most often?  What can't you live without?

Pretty Face

Pretty Face by kmanoun featuring mario badescu skin care

 I have a very thorough nightly routine when it comes to my skin, especially my face.  

Even though we all have our little breakouts or dry skin, there are products I use regularly.  As I near 30 (UGH!), I have found it even more important to stick with my routine.  I have different products that I use day and night.  

Here are a few of my current favorites when it comes to the face:

1. Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel - I just recently switched to this cleanser and am still unsure how I feel about it yet.  I like a cleanser that's slightly more abrasive; it makes my skin feel cleaner for some reason.
2. Mario Badescu Special Healing Powder - After my last facial, my facialist suggested I purchase this to help calm  my skin after minor breakouts (it happens to everyone).  So far, I really like it.  It helps with redness a lot.
3. Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner - I use this every night (only once a day) after I clean my face with the cleansing gel.
4. Olay Anti-Wrinkle Day Creme  - It is importantly to use an anti-wrinkle or night cream at night rather than just using your face cream for the day.  It is on your face longer than anything else and needs to be very hydrating for your skin.
5. Olay Complete All Day Normal UV Moisturizer SPF 15, 4 oz  - I use SPF every. single. day.  Winter, Fall, Spring and Summer.  I am very pale (and I like it that way), so I want to protect my skin every time I go outside.
6. Mario Badescu Control Cream 0.5oz at BeautyBay.com - I typically wear this cream under both my night cream and SPF.  It is light and not oily, so is great under make-up.
7. Olay Regenerist Regenerating Cream Cleanser Skin Care - 5 oz - Going forward, I'm going to use this every night and the cleansing gel in the morning.  I have used this cleanser for years.  You can't go wrong with Olay products.
8. Mario Badescu Azulene Calming Mask - Typically, I don't use a mask but every once in a while, but I'm trying to get in the habit of using it once a week.  I feel like it really helps my skin and minimizes breakouts.

What is your nightly face routine?