Stop and Smell the Roses

Time to stop and smell the roses!  Or at least review them...the Rose Vox Box, that is!  That's right, Influenster gave me another box of free goodies to review and share with all of you!  This box came with a pretty awesome assortment of stuff!

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara
$5.99
The 60s are back in full swing with a thicker, fuller, wide-eyed look!  Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara brings you a bold, wide-eyed look, fanned out volume, and no clumps for lashes that are up, out, and over the top!



Dr. Scholl's For Her Cozy Cushions
$12.49
Dr. Scholl's For Her Cozy Cushions help keep feet warm and dry while providing all-day comfort.  Their multi-layer design helps insulate the foot while two plush layers provide extra cushioning.  Cozy Cushions help keep feet dry by absorbing perspiration and offer superior support on hard surfaces.



belVita crunchy Breakfast Biscuits
$3.69 for a box of 5 packets of 4 biscuits
belVita crunchy Breakfast Biscuits are made with delicious ingredients and carefully baked to release steady energy that lasts all morning.  They're a good source of fiber and B-vitamins, contain no high fructose corn syrup, have 18-20 grams of whole grain per serving and taste great - perfect for on-the-go.



Kiss Gradation Polishes
$6.99
Give yourself a trendy gradation manicure in no time with Kiss Gradation Polishes.  Quick and easy to apply in three easy steps, you will end up with a mani filled with glitter and shine in no time.  Available at Walgreens.



Lindt LINDOR Milk Chocolate Truffles
$3.99 for a 5.1 oz. bag
Smooth, Melting, Luscious.  When you break the shell of a LINDOR truffle, the irresistible smooth filling starts to melt and so will you.  Available in 10 smooth, melting flavors.

Dr Scholl's For Her Cozy Cushion Review

In addition to the Kiss Gradation Nail Polish and Rimmel Retro Glam Mascara, I got a free set of Dr Scholl's for her Cozy Cushions in my Vox Box from Influenster.  This inserts are fuzzy and soft on your feet and I LOVE THEM!  You can trim them to fit your favorite pair of boots...perfect for the winter months!  I think they'd be perfect for the long hours you'll be on your feet while shopping for Christmas gifts.

Rimmel Retro Glam Mascara Review

Well, ladies and gents, Influenster has sent me another Vox Box and you know what that means...product reviews!  I'll create a comprehensive post later, but right now I'm going to tell you about just one of the cool products they sent me.  Did I mention it was free?  If you want to get free goodies too, just ask and I'll send you an invite to Influenster!


The first product on my review list is Rimmel's Retro Glam Mascara.  In a fat black tube, it doesn't look like anything special...then you pull out the wand and it's got this interesting hourglass-like brush.  I'll admit, at first that brush threw me for a loop.  I'm used to straight brushes or even a few curved, but this one is the first I've used like that.  Stick with it though, I promise it will pay off.

As far as the formula goes, I really like it.  And you know that I would tell you if I felt otherwise.  It clings to my fine lashes really well and helps to pump them up and make them look longer without looking goopy...and no one wants goopy eyelashes!

I would recommend using this mascara with the aid of an eyelash curler for maximum effect.  If you're going out, pair it with a smoky eye or, for a less dramatic daytime look, just top your lids with a sheer neutral shadow and give your lashes a quick swipe with this mascara...either way your lashes will look their best!

Tiny Hands in the Kitchen

Toddlers are famous for their 'monkey see, monkey do,' behavior.  They love doing all the things they see mommy and daddy doing...whether we'd like them to or not!  My son watches me cook all the time and it's a struggle to keep him out of the kitchen.  So every once and a while, I bring him into the kitchen for an Ayden-friendly recipe.

When bringing a little one into the kitchen, preparation is key.  Pick a space and clear the area.  I have a small section of counter over the dishwasher that's next to the sink that I use for Ayden.  There are no rugs beneath and I keep everything on the counter off or out of reach.  I gather all that I need and have it ready to go before bringing him in. I also have a washcloth and a clean set of play clothes at the ready for when we're done!

This time, we made sugar free strawberry jello with real strawberries.  I handled the hot water and Ayden did all the stirring.  I thawed and chopped the strawberries ahead of time and he got to add them into the jello.  There was lots of sampling with the strawberries, so make sure you have extra!  Little ones are more likely to eat the finished product if they're familiar with all the ingredients, so it's good for them to taste the pieces as it's coming together.

Stirring like a pro!

I only used about half the bag of strawberries for this one.

As an added bonus, I made these in individual cups so it's quick and easy to pull out later!

There's no real recipe here...just follow the package instructions on the jello box and toss in your desired amount of fruit...you can't really  have too much fruit, in my opinion.  We just had so much fun with this, I thought I'd share!

If you enjoyed this post and want to see more ways to have fun with your little ones, check out this post.

Low Carb Creme Brulee

There is something so indulgent about the silky smooth goodness that is creme brulee.  It's one of my favorite desserts to order when we're out and not as tricky to make at home as you might think.  I have had this recipe for a low carb creme brulee for as long as I can remember and it's super easy.  If you're in Induction, you can leave off the crunchy, sugary topping and still enjoy the rich custard.

Ingredients:
6 egg yolks
1/4 cup Splenda
2 cups heavy cream
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp granulated sugar (optional)

1.  In a mixing bowl, beat together the egg yolks and Splenda together until well blended.

2.  Slowing add the cream and vanilla, mixing as you go.  Mix well until it begins to froth.

3.  Pour into small ramekins and place in a large baking dish.

4.  Carefully pour water into the baking dish...be careful not to get any into the ramekins.  Fill to about halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

5.  Bake for 1 hour at 325 until centers are just set.  Remove carefully from the baking dish and let cool.

6.  Lightly sprinkle sugar over the tops of the custards.*  If you have a butane torch, carefully caramelize the sugar...try to get it golden brown but not black.  If you do not have a torch, place the ramekins under the broiler on high and watch them closely and remove when done.

*If you want to cut back further on carbs, omit this step and enjoy the custard as-is.  2 tsp. of sugar has approximately 8 carbs.  The servings will vary based on the size of your ramekins.

For an added treat, you can top this with sugar free fruit preserves or whole berries...just be aware that this elevates the carb count, so portion control is key.

Lessons in Parenting: Never Underestimate a Toddler

I had an experience yesterday that was both funny and one of those 'parenting moments.'  Our son is almost two and he's always amazing us with how much he's learned.  Here's just one of those moments where he really got the best of us.

If I were a redbox case, where would I be?

We'd brought home a Redbox movie that the hubby's parents had.  (It was "Now You See Me," if you're curious...excellent movie.)  We'd watched it the night before and since the little one was down for his afternoon nap, I was going to leave him with Aaron so I could return the movie.  I had left the case on top of the TV stand which, admittedly, was not so smart because it's low to the ground and therefore, within the reach of small fingers.  It wasn't there.  Well, great.  I had two choices...hunt for this stupid case or pay for the replacement.  Yes, it's only around $1.50 to replace the case but still...we're trying to buy a house and our loan program requires us to account for every penny we spend.  Anyway...I searched the house high and low.  I looked in the bathroom.  I looked in the guest room.  I moved the couches to see if it was underneath.  I even snuck into his room while he napped to look for it.  Nothing.  I asked Aaron where it was.  His response?  "I saw it earlier today.  Ayden had it."  Wow.  Thanks.  

Just when I was about to give up, I looked hung my head in defeat.  There it was.  On the DVD shelf.  

Today's lesson: never underestimate a toddler.  They're smarter than you think.  

It's Fall Y'all!

Well you know it's fall when Starbucks rolls out the Pumpkin Spice Latte.  Before you ask, no I haven't gotten one yet but yes, I intend to at some point.  Beginning this month, I'm going to be prepping my house/life for the holidays.  Yes, I realize Christmas is nearly three months away, but it'll sneak up on me fast.  For me, it always feels like once Halloween hits, everything else is rushing in behind it.  So preparedness is key.  But on the other hand, it's important to 'stop and smell the roses.'  What fun are the holidays if you can't enjoy them?  So on that note, I'll be writing about my to do lists, both fun and functional, from now until New Years.  Of course, I'll still be sharing recipes and other tips in between.

Let's start out with my holiday prep list.  My goal is to finish everything on this list before the end of this month.  That way, I can enjoy all the fall fun in October...pumpkin patch, here we come!

1. Fall Cleaning
You've all heard of Spring cleaning, but now that summer's over, it's time to do it again.  Not to mention, when you start with a clean slate, it's much easier to just do touch ups throughout the busy season.  Remember, start from the top of the house and work down.  Don't forget your car!  Get an oil change and clean the car inside and out!

2.  Purge and Organize
This really goes hand-in-hand with my first item.  When you're cleaning out your closets, bring fall and winter items to the front and spring and summer items go to the back.  While you switch them out, take the opportunity to evaluate your wardrobe and get rid of items that don't fit or are worn out.  Go through your pantry and get rid of items that are past their expiration date or you simply won't eat.  Keep in mind that unopened, non expired food can be donated to a food bank or homeless shelter.  Same goes for clothes and housewares...these are great donation items.

3. Evaluate Your Calendar
If you need to make doctor appointments, now is the time to get them out of the way.  Same goes for any house maintenance (i.e. have a toilet that runs?  Get a plumber out to nip that in the bud now!).  If you plan to have any holiday parties, decide the date as soon as possible so you can send out invitations in plenty of time for your guests to fit you in (don't send out a Christmas invite now...but I would send them out 4 weeks in advance).

4.  Prepare for Family Photos
Book your favorite photographer early!  Their calendar is likely to fill up fast because everyone wants Christmas photos in time to send out cards.  Not sure how soon is soon enough?  Just ask.  Be clear about the date that you want the finished product ready and they can help you figure out a good date to get your pictures taken.  In addition to making your appointment, start thinking and shopping for your outfits.  You want to 'go' together without being matchy-matchy...unless you're into that sort of thing.  It's good to shop early before the selection gets picked over and gives you plenty of time to shop sales and get alterations done if need be.  Oh...and one last thing...get thee to a salon!  You don't want your split ends or roots showing!  Make an appointment for the whole family to get a nice trim at least a couple weeks before your photo shoot.

A few more optional things to make your holiday season easier...

• When you're cooking dinner, double the recipe and freeze half for an easy dinner later.

• Stock your pantry with all the supplies you'll need for holiday baking. 

• Set your gift-giving budget and stick to it.  Make a list of all the people you plan to give gifts to.  This will make it easier to budget how much you can afford to spend per person.  You may also want to give yourself some wiggle room within that budget in case you find yourself invited to a party and in need of a hostess gift.  

Lighter Banh Mi Wrap

When I lived in Tampa, there was a little deli down the road from my office.  I usually got something pretty vanilla...ham and cheese, maybe french onion soup...but one day a friend talked me into trying their specialty...the Banh Mi sandwich.

Now, Banh mi actually refers to the type of bread used to make this delicious Vietnamese sandwich.  But since I'm watching my carbs and overall, just trying to be healthier, I decided to take the same flavors I found in that delicious sub and incorporate them into something that was permissible in my diet.

I've made this a few times now, and I think I've finally got it down to where we like it.  To lighten it up, I use either fish or chicken and I use a low carb wrap.  This makes an excellent lunch, but I would recommend packing the ingredients separately and assembling it right before you're ready to eat.

Ingredients (Makes 2 Servings):
2 low carb tortillas
2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1/4 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 radish, thinly sliced
2 tbsp vinegar (I like to use white wine vinegar, but apple cider vinegar works well too)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar substitute (I use Splenda)
2 tbsp mayo**
1 tbsp Siracha
2 fillets fish (tilapia, preferably) OR 2 small chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning
Vegetable oil
2 tbsp cilantro, julienned
Optional ingredients:
onion, thinly sliced (green onions are lower in carbs, but regular ones will be fine if you use them sparingly)
hot pepper, thinly sliced (jalepeno, cayenne...whatever floats your boat!)

Fish

1. In a small bowl, combine cabbage, radish, vinegar, salt, and sugar substitute.  Mix well and set aside.
2. In another small bowl, combine mayo and siracha.  Mix well and set aside.
3. Rinse your protein and pat dry with paper towels.  Season both side liberally.  I use Old Bay for the fish and Cajun or even Jerk seasoning for chicken.
4.  In a medium skillet, heat oil to medium high heat.  Pan fry fish/chicken until cooked through.  Fish usually takes a couple minutes on each side.  Chicken will take a bit longer depending on thickness.
5.  While the meat cooks, assemble the wrap.  Drain the cabbage-radish mixture well and pile atop the wrap along with the lettuce and onion.
6.  Add meat to the wrap and drizzle with the sauce and garnish with cilantro and peppers.  Wrap and enjoy!

Chicken

  If you're still in the Induction phase of your low-carb diet, I would recommend forgoing the wrap and subbing in another cup of lettuce and eat this as a salad.  You can thin the sauce with a bit of water to make it a delicious dressing!

I will tell you, while this does incorporate a lot of those wonderful flavors from the original sandwich, if you ever have the opportunity to try the real deal--do it!  They're so delicious!  I hope you enjoy this lighter version.  If you have any ideas for foods that you'd like to see a low-carb version of, please submit it and I'll find one and post my findings!



**When on a low carb diet, high fat items such as mayo are OK.  However, if you're not on a low carb diet and just want a lighter overall recipe, omit the mayo and just drizzle the wrap with Siracha.  Just be cautious...it's hot!

Low Carb Guac-Burger Wrap

When we adopted a low carb lifestyle, we were forced to give up a lot of old favorites.  Mac and cheese, pizza, burgers...and after a while, you really start to miss them.  It's not that I can't have them, but I can't have them all the time and really, I don't want to eat that way anymore...I'd rather be healthy.  So I have to find a way to incorporate those flavors into our new lifestyle by tweaking the recipes a bit.  One thing we both had a craving for was a good, juicy burger.  Here's our take on it:

2 low carb tortillas

1 lb ground beef (I prefer 85/15)

1 avocado

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 green onion

1 cayenne pepper (I used fresh cayenne from the garden, you can also used powdered cayenne)

1 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro

salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lime juice all to taste

1.  Preheat the grill to medium heat.  Meanwhile, mix up the ground beef with your desired spices.  I used garlic powder, salt and pepper.  Form into long, thin patties.  When the grill is hot, place patties on the grill and cook to desired temperature.

2.  While the burgers cook, open the avocado and remove the flesh.  Put this either into a small food processor or a small bowl and mash with a fork.  Add garlic powder, salt, lime juice, cilantro, cayenne pepper, and green onion.  Mix well.

3.  When the patties are cooked to your liking, remove from heat.  

4.  Assemble the wraps.  Place the tortilla on a plate and the patties down the center.  Top with guacamole and cheese.  Wrap and eat!

These were delicious and really hit the spot!  I hope you enjoy them!

One Caffeine Free Week

Hi, my name is Melissa and I'm a caffeine addict.  I really only have maybe one cup of coffee per day and I only drink soda when we're eating out.  My real vice: tea.

I LOVE iced tea.  I make it unsweetened and use Splenda.  I drink it morning, noon and night.  Now most of you are laughing at me because tea is actually pretty healthy in comparison to soda, right?  I'm inclined to agree.  But I'm not a doctor and my husband seems to think he knows better than me...he claims that black tea is not really that good for you because it contains caffeine and if I'm going to drink tea it should be green tea.  Two things:  screw him and pass me the Splenda.  No really, I dug my heels in on this one.  I have given up carbs...no potatoes, no rice, no bread, no sugar...hell, I don't even eat most fruits!  I was NOT giving up that beautiful amber elixir of the gods.  No.  Just no.  But after a "discussion" about the evils of caffeine, he somehow talked me into going one week without all beverages besides water.  

So one other thing you should know about me:  I HATE water.  I hate water more than I love tea.  For me, water is good for three things:  cooking, cleaning, and making tea.  That's it.  You don't drink it because it's gross...it doesn't taste like anything!  Yuck!

So my first day sans caffeine was pretty rough, I won't lie.  I barely drank anything because I loathe the "flavor" of water so much...which living in Florida in August, that's just not a good idea.  I was miserable.  I felt like garbage.  But, I'm stubborn and wanted to prove to my husband that I could do it.  So on to day two...

Can we just agree that caffeine is a life-saver?  I'm fairly certain there were at least three instances where I seriously considered homicide to be a perfectly reasonable response to something my husband was doing.  I seem to remember one being because my husband helped himself to another helping of ice cream but had to dirty another bowl to do so. 

I think my lowest point was when I went to Publix the other day.  In order to get home, I have to drive by a Dunkin Donuts and all I kept thinking was, "they have awesome iced tea.  I think it's any size for 99 cents and I could probably suck it down before I get home...he'd never know!"  I am proud to tell you that I resisted temptation.  However, it didn't strike me until later, recounting my story to my husband, that I really might have a problem.  I considered "cheating" for a glass of tea.  I could have gotten a doughnut!  If I was going to cheat, wouldn't that be the thing I want most?  The doughnut I haven't had in MONTHS vs. the tea I got to have three days ago!?!?  

Fast forward, the week is over and it's not so bad.  I actually discovered a little recipe, if you will, that makes water more palatable.  I've been sucking down this water like it's going out of style and I feel GREAT.  I woke up this morning and didn't miss the coffee or the tea.  I don't get headaches from the withdrawal, and I just feel better about myself for making another healthy choice.  So anyway, here's my 'recipe.'

I keep mine in 2 qt bottles.

1 gallon water (I used the filtered stuff from the fridge)

2 limes

1 lemon

1/2 cucumber

1. Wash and slice your produce.

2.  Add to water.  Refrigerate for at least an hour.

3. Drink in copious amounts.  :-)

I read on Pinterest, where I originally found this little recipe, that lemons aid in the absorption of sugars and calcium and help to curb your sweet tooth, limes promote a healthy digestive tract, and cucumber acts as a diuretic and flush fat cells.  The original recipe calls for mint, as well, but I didn't have any one hand.  I plan to pick some up the next time I'm out.  Just another little tip...when you add mint to a drink like this, give it a little spank...it releases some of the oils in the leaves without completely tearing it up.

Oh, and just FYI...we're on week four of our low-carb lifestyle and I'm down 11 pounds!  Yay!

Sorry!

Hey, all!  Sorry it's been soooo long since my last post.  I'd tell you all the things we've been up to during that time, but for the most part, it's not noteworthy...just the usual summer stuff.  However, one big change that we've made more recently is we're doing a new eating plan.  I say eating plan rather than 'diet' because it's more of a lifestyle change than a temporary thing.  We've chosen to "do the low carb thing." I know...it's old news, but I tried it back when I was 17 and first diagnosed as pre-diabetic.  Back then, I lost 40 pounds and felt amazing.  Since then, I've become less careful about what I eat, had a baby and packed on more pounds, and then just quit caring.  I decided that it was time to take better care of my body and here's why:

1.  My Son
My little boy is a big motivator for me.  I want to set a good example for him.  I want him to see parents that make smart choices when it comes to health.  I want him to see parents with a good body image.  And most importantly, I want to be healthy enough to really participate in his life and participate for as long as possible.

2. I'm Tired
My weight really does just make me tired.  Carrying extra weight and eating unhealthy foods zaps your energy.  I want to have energy!

3. I Miss My Old Wardrobe!
Ok, so this one is a little shallow...but I miss looking cute in clothes.  I used to LOVE dressing myself in cute outfits.  Now, shopping for clothes is just frustrating because nothing fits well.  Don't even get me started on shopping for jeans...or shorts...or skirts.  You know what, I think you get the picture.

Anyway, I don't really need a lot of reasons to lose weight and be healthy, but there you go.

My wonderful husband has decided not only to be supportive, but to join me.  I am so lucky :-)  The hardest part for him has been giving up beer and candy.

I will be sharing some of my new recipes once I really get them down.  I've been so focused on counting my carbs that I forget to take pictures!! We are 13 days in and I've already dropped approximately 5 pounds, so I'll be sharing my progress with you periodically.

SinfulShine with Gel Tech Review

5x shinier than a patent leather shoe!

For my final product review from the Sunkissed Vox Box by Influenster, I will be writing about the Sinful Shine with Gel Tech nail polish.  This polish is available at Walgreens for $2.99 and comes in 32 colors.  The color I got from Influenster was "In the Limelight."

First of all, I love Sinful nail polish.  It's inexpensive but not cheap.  What's the difference?  Inexpensive means it doesn't cost a lot; cheap means it's not worth a lot.  This is inexpensive nail polish.  It goes on smooth and has great coverage.  When I say 'coverage' I mean it doesn't take a million coats to achieve the color you want.  I did two coats just for good measure, but if I'd been in a hurry, I could've stopped at one.

ooooo...shiny!

Ok so specifically, the SinfulShine with Gel Tech is awesome.  I'm so glad I got to try it!  It's everything I love about a good polish.  For the most part, I'm not a glitter person and even shimmer is starting to annoy me with nail polish.  I like flat color but I want it to be shiny.  I just feel like non-shimmery nail polish is sleek and sophisticated.  It goes well for every day wear without looking childish.  Ordinarily I would have thought OPI was my only option for this type of polish but I HATE spending so much money on my nails.  So now that I've tried SinfulShine, I'm going to stick with it!  I will actually be heading to Walgreens later today to purchase a new color (sorry, Influenster, I just don't care for the color green when it comes to nailpolish).  Thankfully, there are 31 more shades for me to choose from.  I'll probably go with the "Picante"...a nice bright red is classic!  Or maybe the playful, pink shade "Come Hither" would be fun for a summertime mani!

Dr. Scholl's® For Her High Heel Insoles Review

Here's my fourth installation of the Sunkissed Vox Box series from Influenster!  You can read about the other cool stuff Influenster sent me here.  Today's post features the Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles.  These insoles are actually something I've been wanting to try out for some time so I'm really glad I got to do it for free through Influenster!

So first off, these are clear, so that scores big points with me.  I did test them out in a pair of strappy heels and you can't see them...so that's perfect.  They're also made of gel, so they are comfortable yet firm enough that I'm not walking on jelly...also good.  I will warn you that if you're like me and usually wear flip flops, you're going to find them uncomfortable at first because they have arch support.  But trust me...give them a chance.  That arch support will help to take the pressure off the ball of your foot and make you more comfortable and stable.  It's worth it to at least try to get used to it.  

See...clear and narrow enough not to go over the edge of strappy heels!

Check out that arch support!

The one other caution I'll give you is this:  These are peel and stick, so follow the directions.  Clean. Your. Shoes.  If you don't clean the inside of the shoe, they don't stick as well, plus it's kinda gross.  Just follow the directions and be careful to install them properly.  I think that's actually my only complaint...I'd have to buy a pair of these for every pair of heels I own rather than be able to use them in multiple shoes.  Although, I suppose, you'd have to anyway, because not all shoes are created equal.  Hmmm...maybe they should sell them in a shoe-fanatic multi pack?  Anyway...happy strutting ladies!

Insoles installed...ready to strut!

Crock Pot Ribs

Every once and a while I get a craving for some fall-off-the-bone-good BBQ.  However, it seems that (around here at least) to get good BBQ, you're going to pay a pretty penny for it.  Even the guy who sells ribs out of a trailer/smoker thing charges $20 for one slab of ribs!  Since I'm not made of money, I figured I ought to figure out how to satisfy my craving at home.  I've heard about people doing ribs in the crock pot, but I'd never tried it, so my good friend, Bobby, and I put our heads together and came up with this recipe:

1 slab of pork spare ribs

1/2 cup seasoning of choice*

1/2 cup 'flavor makers'**

1/2 cup water

1 bottle of BBQ sauce of choice

Rub down the entire rack of ribs with your seasoning.  If you have a really large slab, you may want to use more than a half cup.

Rubbed down!

Put the water and 'flavor makers' in the bottom of the crock pot.  Add ribs (mine were too large to do in one layer, so I just folded them over to make them fit).  Cover with lid and turn the crock pot on low.

Let roast for about 8 hours.  

Ready to Roast!

Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and CAREFULLY remove the ribs to your covered baking sheet.  Mine were falling off the bone so I had to use a large spatula to scoop them out.  Cover in your BBQ sauce and pop them in a 350 oven for 10-20 minutes (watch them and pull them out when the sauce begins to caramelize but don't let it burn.)

Before

After

Serve hot and enjoy with a light summer salad!

*Seasonings*

I used a rub made for pork but you can use Cajun seasoning, jerk seasoning, basic salt and pepper with a little cumin...whatever floats your boat.

**Flavor Makers**

"Flavor Makers"

OK so this one REALLY makes a difference.  I've actually done this recipe twice now to get it perfect and I tried something different each time.  You've gotta add a little something into that water to give the meat flavor.  You can use just about anything your little heart desires.  The first time, I used tri-colored peppers and onions that had been sauteed (they were actually left overs from dinner the night before but had great flavor).  The second night I chopped up an onion, threw in a spoonful of minced garlic and a splash of soy sauce.  The flavor of these things really gets into the meat!  You could do chipotle peppers if you like a spicy flavor or you could do liquid smoke if you want the smokey flavor without the smoker!

These were SOOOOO good!  I'll definitely be making these more often now that I know it's so easy!  Be sure to use foil on your baking sheet, though...it's so much easier to just throw that away than to scrub at stuck-on BBQ sauce! 

Mommy on the Go Beauty Routine

I know many of you out there are busy moms like me.  I know when I had my son I felt really overwhelmed with the new job.  There's so much pressure to be super mom...lose the baby weight, breastfeed/all organic/homemade baby food, have a spotless house, and do it all with a smile.  Honestly, once I got the hang of the baby thing and realized that everything didn't have to be perfect ALL the time, it got easier.  But then I looked in the mirror...whoa!  Amid all the diaper changing, night feedings, and cleaning, I realized I had quit wearing makeup entirely.  Why would I?  The only time I left the house was for the grocery store or the doctor's office.

So anyway...I finally decided that I needed to give myself a little attention too.  I wanted to start wearing makeup again, but I needed to cut my routine down dramatically.  I no longer have time for a full face, so I needed to maximize what little makeup I did use.  Over the last year and a half, I've gotten my routine down to 5 minutes...not bad, right?  It's a good thing because my son does NOT like waiting for me!

My must-haves are these:  BB cream, lip balm, mascara.  That's IT.  It's simple, fresh, and natural.  The BB cream combines SPF, tint, and moisture.  SPF is a MUST...as in non-negotiable!  Lip balm is awesome because what I use is both moisturizing and tinted.  Any product that does more than one thing is a big yes in my book!  Last, but not least, mascara...I have small eyes so it really helps them to 'pop.'

So as you know, I got a new BB cream that I've been trying out.  The Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream is what Influenster sent me and I have to say, I do like it.  I used to use the Garnier BB Cream and I like Olay's better.  In my opinion, it's less greasy and is lighter than the Garnier.  Garnier is good when I'm having serious  skin issues because it's more opaque.  The Olay formula is much more sheer and allows for my naturally rosy cheeks to shine through.  With all BB Creams, if you have blemishes, you'll still need to use concealer, but I like to only use that when I really need it.

The lip balm I use is Maybelline's Baby Lips.  Is super easy to apply and moisturizes my lips (for up to 8 hours!).  They come in a limited amount of colors, but they just added a neon line for you girls who like to make a statement!

My mascara is the Ulta brand BountiFULL Lashes Mascara.  It's supposed to fortify my lashes and promote growth, but to be totally honest...I haven't noticed any extra growth.  I do, however, like the color and the smooth application.

Goody Ribbon Elastics Review

I'm sure you all remember my post on the Sunkissed Vox Box and one of the awesome products I got was a set of Goody Ribbon Elastics.  I was very excited to get these because I've been seeing ribbon elastics around recently including some DIY ones on Pinterest.  I have to say, Goody did not let me down!  These are my new favorite hair accessory.

First of all, they hold just as well as their regular elastics, which for me is a big deal.  I hate it when my hair falls out...it's just irritating and really inconvenient.  When I'm juggling a toddler, diaper bag, car keys and groceries, the last thing I want is my hair in my face.  So the hold-factor is a big deal.

Secondly, they look really cute!  It's summer so I want some fun and color when it comes to my wardrobe.  Yeah, normally, I don't look to my hair accessories for those things, but hey...this is an easy switch.  Trust me, these are cute without being cutesy.  I'm 26 so there's a fine line between cute-but-age-appropriate hair accessory and I'm-clinging-to-my-youth-with-an-iron-fist hair accessory.  These fall under the former.

Did I mention they don't damage your hair?  That's also a plus.  Oh and if you're like me and always have a hair tie around your wrist...you know, just in case...then these are also for you.  They lie flat, so there's no dent on your wrist. And again, they're pretty enough that they don't look bad on your wrist either.  

**I feel I must tell you that I did get these elastics for free from Influenster with the understanding that I would write a review.  HOWEVER, I am nothing but honest about anything I review...if I didn't like them, I'd tell you.  

Sunkissed Vox Box

Happy Summer, All!  Today, I got my second Vox Box from this awesome company called Influenster.  If you enjoy trying new stuff for free and telling everyone you know about it, definitely check them out!  The first box they sent me had Crest 3D Whitestrips.  I told y'all about them a while back but forgot to follow up...sorry, my white teeth were busy planning a wedding and it just slipped my mind!  But in case you were curious of the results...I had beautifully white teeth for my wedding day!  I definitely recommend these strips to anyone who wants to get white teeth at home.  They're super easy and don't take very long at all.  Check them out!

Annnyyyywaaaayyy..... back to my Sunkissed Vox Box!  It was chock full of goodies that are essential for summer fun!  I am so excited to give all these items a try!  Here's everything it contained:

Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles

"Clinically proven to help prevent foot pain caused by wearing high heels 2" or higher.  They offer immediate, long-lasting comfort and an ultra-soft gel arch to shift pressure off the ball of your foot."

My initial impression of these insoles is great.  They're clear and are sized so that I can wear them with strappy heels without them being seen.  I slipped them into a pair of pumps I just bought and I can definitely feel the difference.  The gel arch is uncomfortable at first, but once I walked around for a few minutes, I got used to the feeling of something pushing on my arch and the ball of my foot definitely didn't feel as sore.  I will have to give these a really good test when I have to wear heels all day.  Can't wait!  I only wish I could have worn these to a wedding I was at recently...I might have been able to keep my shoes on for dancing!

SinfulShine with Gel Tech

SinfulShine with Gel Tech, In The Limelight

"SinfulShine with Gel Tech technology provides opulent rich color and superb shine."

Ok, so I've already got this nail polish on my nails as I'm typing it...I couldn't wait.  Gel is all the rage right now, but I'm sorry...I'm just not that interested in spending a lot of cash on my nails or that much time to get them to set.  The polish I've got on is really nice.  I did just two coats and it's so shiny it almost looks wet.  I didn't even add a topcoat because it looks great as-is.  I'll admit, I'm not a fan of the color they sent me, but I will most definitely be headed to Walgreens to purchase SinfulShine in one of their other 32 shades.

Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream in Fair to Light

Olay Fresh Effects {BB Cream!} Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15:
"24-hour hydration and a splash of sheer color.  This all-in-one skin perfecter, sunscreen, and tinted moisturizer evens tone and refreshes dullness, for flawless looking skin."

I'd like to start off my saying that I LOVE bb creams!  I used to wear a lot of makeup when I was younger but when I had my son I really struggled to do a full face of makeup and still be out of the house at a reasonable hour with baby in tow.  So I switched to a bb creams from regular moisturizer and foundation and I've never looked back.  This particular bb cream seems great so far.  It has a really nice feel without being greasy and smells really good.  It has a nice light coverage, so it looks really natural...it lets my naturally rosy cheeks come through so I don't need blush.  I do need to add concealer to my blemishes, but that's to be expected with any bb cream.  I'll give you guys an update in a couple weeks to see how it has improved my skin overall.  So excited!

Last but not least...

Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics:
"The embodiment of fashion and comfort from America's #1 elastics brand, the new Ouchless Ribbon Elastics are the pretty solution to hot summer hair days."

As a mom and resident of the Sunshine State, I have my hair in a ponytail a LOT.  Seriously...not a day goes by that I don't throw my hair up in a pony.  I usually use Goody's regular elastics (the thick ones without metal) and they do an awesome job so I have no doubt that I'll love these.  They're really cute and since they're flat, they don't leave a dent on my wrist (because I always have an elastic on my wrist...always!).  These elastics will be put to the test this Sunday when the fam and I head to Aquatica!  I'll let you know how they hold up (pun intended!).

So that's it!  Some really awesome stuff and I'm so excited to use it all!  I'll keep you posted on what I think and I promise nothing but the truth!  If anyone else out there has tried these products, please comment with your opinions!

Road Trippin'

We're hitting the road again!  You might remember my post about making road trips with your baby easier, but this time the little man is staying at Grandma's and we're bringing a couple of friends.  Needless to say, traveling without our toddler will be much easier...no stinky diapers, no tantrums (we hope)...but we will have other needs and that's what I'm going to talk about today.

We're traveling nearly 1200 miles in a vehicle with four adults.  So what do we need to make it a comfortable ride?  Glad you asked!

You have to assess your basic needs.  We're going to be driving straight through with as few stops as possible.  This means being prepared.  Food.  Drinks.  First aid.  Entertainment.

Food and Drinks
We're packing a cooler and a snack bag.  Variety is key.  I'm packing sodas, water, cookies, chips, and sandwiches.  Plenty of munchy stuff and nothing that will make your breath stink!  Other great options are: trail mix, fruits that 'contain themselves' (apples, oranges, bananas...all washed, of course), candy, crackers, rice cakes, veggies (like carrot sticks), cheese sticks, etc.  You want to be careful not to pack anything that will spoil or melt unless you're going to put it in a cooler with lots of ice.  We are packing a cooler, but I don't want to bring the huge cooler...hence the only cold items I'm bringing are sandwiches and drinks.  No chocolate either...messy, messy!

First Aid
I know my husband always looks at me like I'm crazy when I do my 'medical' pack.  He thinks I'm overly prepared...yeah, until he needs something.  Here's what I pack:

• Bandages
• Antibiotic ointment
• Anti-itch cream
• Pain reliever
• antihistamine
• Acid reducer (usually a pill of some kind, Tums and Gas X...hey man, it happens and I'm going to be in a car with three men...)
• Eye drops
• Sunscreen (you catch a surprising amount of sun through the windows!)
• Motion sickness strips
• Sick bags (I'm using Ziploc storage bags...they don't leak and I can seal them and throw them away)
• Pain relieving gel (for example: Icy Hot or Bengay)

Last but not least...Entertainment.

This one's a no-brainer. Books, game books (crosswords, sidoku, etc), magazines, mp3 player, portable dvd player, tablet, etc.  Whatever you like to do at home...if it's portable, take it.  I'm only bringing one book, one magazine, and my tablet.  My hubby's phone tethers to the internet, so I can use my tab to listen to music, watch Netflix and Hulu, or check my email.  On the off chance I manage to finish my new book, I can also purchase ebooks.  Really, a tablet with internet access is the perfect travel entertainment!

Other misclaneous items...

Sleep mask:  If we're driving in shifts, I should really be sleeping when I can and if that happens to be during daylight hours, the mask will help me get some sleep.

Ear plugs:  Sometimes you don't want to listen to music or conversation...sometimes you just want silence!

Coupons:  Yes, I'm bringing coupons.  I have a folder of restaurant coupons that I keep at home.  We rarely eat out at fast food places, but on a road trip you sometimes don't have other options.  It's always better to be safe than sorry and they don't take up much room in my tote bag.

Baby wipes and hand sanitizer:  These are great if you need to clean up a bit before or after eating.  And the hand sanitizer is a must for me after using public restrooms...yeah, you wash your hands before leaving, but sometimes you still have to touch the dirty door handle...yuck!

Trash bags and paper towels:  You never know when you're going to have a mess on your hands...drinks and food can spill easily and you want to be prepared!  I plan to bring a couple large (kitchen sized) trash bags (these are great to cover things if it rains and you have to make a run for it) and some small ones (grocery store bags) for most of our garbage.  

Pillow and blanket:  I actually forgot to bring these and I could have kicked myself!  Yes, our destination was a hotel with a nice, comfy bed, but the 20-ish hour drive was way too long to be uncomfortable!  I remember distinctly the moment I realized I forgot these.  I was in the back seat trying to sleep before it was my turn to drive and freezing my butt off because everyone else wanted the car cold and trying to decide if I should use my sweater as a blanket or as a pillow.

I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting, but these are the big ones!  If you have any items that you bring on road trips that have really saved the day, feel free to share them!

While I'm talking about out trip...I'd like to show you the flight of local beers we got to have while in Michigan.  I thought this was a really cool way to serve them, too!  I definitely suggest trying local brews when traveling (not when you're driving, of course).  We ended up going to a grocery store after dinner to purchase a few bottles of local beer and wine to take home and share with our friends.

Father's Day Craft

Last year, Ayden and I had a blast making our finger paint art.  This year, the pressure was on to top that!  So...we got Daddy a new puppy!  We adopted (after much discussion) a Great Dane-Shepherd mix puppy and we're so excited!  Meet Kahlua Pi...

Yes, this is how she likes to lay...don't ask.

Ok, so not what you were expecting?  Thought so...  No worries, Ayden and I still whipped up a little something for Father's Day! We made two different things for two very special guys.  A shadow box and hand print coasters.

The shadowbox is super easy.  I purchased a shadow box frame from Michael's, a sheet of peel-and-stick scrapbook paper, photo corners, pre-cut paper circles, some raffia ribbon, glue, acrylic paint and a 3D sticker. Here's the finished product:

The picture really doesn't do the project justice, but I'm having issues finding good light these days (my apologies).  On the top left is Ayden's hand print on the pre-cut circle paper.  Super easy...using a sponge wedge, I coated my little man's hand with acrylic paint, stamped it onto the paper and used a baby wipe to wash of the paint...easy-peasy.  I poked a couple holes in the top, tied a raffia bow, and glued it to the shadow box.  Top right is the 3D sticker, found in the scrapbooking aisle.  On the bottom are two prints from our wedding secured to the box with photo corners.  The cool thing about the photo corners is they're peel and stick, so they were easy to use and also, if the recipient should desire to change the photos, they're easy to remove...but they won't fall off on their own.

Project number two is a set of slate coasters with hand prints on them (yes, I'm in a hand print phase...so sue me).  You can do this project on regular tiles if you prefer...I just liked the look of the slate and they already had felt on the bottom to keep them from scratching the furniture.  

To make these all you need is your base of choice (slate coasters, tiles, whatever), acrylic paint, sponge brush, and modge podge.  Make sure your base is clean and dry.  Coat your little one's hand in paint and stamp it onto the coaster.  Let dry completely.  Using sponge brush, apply a coat of modge podge.  Allow to dry completely.  Add a second coat of modge podge if desired.  

Now I will say this about my coasters...if I had it to do over again, I'd go with white paint...or pretty much any color besides 'bloody hand print red.'  Maybe I should save them for a Halloween gift??  But other than that, they turned out pretty good and were super easy.  And cheap...did I mention this project was less than $10?

Well friends, happy crafting and to all the dads out there, Happy Father's Day!  

Happy Hour: Gully Wash

The actual drink I enjoyed on our honeymoon!

Every once and I while, I love a really good cocktail.  Or two.  Or...you know what, I'm gonna stop right there.  ANYway...you may remember my first cocktail post: The Caipirinha.  I have really grown to hate boring cocktails...no more vodka cranberry for me!  I am LOVING international cocktails!  When you've found a cocktail that the whole country loves, you know it's gotta be good.  The hubby and I honeymooned in the Bahamas about a month ago and I got to try the local specialty: Gully Wash.  On the island, they offer it in a coconut, which really got my attention... I'm a sucker for presentation. They use fresh coconut in the drink as well... fresh is always the best! When we got home, I looked up the recipe and its fairly simple. I'll share the traditional recipe and then my own lower-carb version. Both are delicious!

Traditional Gully Wash
2 oz. Gin
2 oz. Coconut water
4 oz. Sweetened condensed milk

Sprinkle of cinnamon

Ice

Lower-carb Gully Wash
1 cup coconut milk
1.5 oz gin
3 scoops Splenda, more or less to taste
Sprinkle of cinnamon
Ice

Fill your shaker with ice. Add all ingredients. Secure top of shaker and shake until well mix... But don't go to crazy or you'll water down your cocktail!
Strain into glass. Enjoy responsibly!

Spiked Strawberry Lemonade

As I mentioned before, my sister-in-law graduated!  That makes two high school graduates in our family this year and we're so proud of both girls!  Needless to say, this is a time for celebration!  Yesterday, we celebrated my sister-in-law's graduation at my in-laws' house.  It was a bbq/pool party and we had a great time.  My mother-in-law asked me to bring strawberry lemonade with alcohol for the crowd and I was more than happy to provide!  Here's the recipe:

Spiked Strawberry Lemonade
(makes approximately 2 gallons)
4 cups sugar
4 cups water
32 oz. lemon juice
4 lbs strawberries, hulled and sliced
5 cups vodka
1 gallon of water





1.  In a large saucepan, combine sugar and water.  Bring to a simmer and stir occasionally until sugar is dissolved.  Once sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and let cool.






2.  Puree strawberries.  I had to do it in batches since I had so many strawberries.  If you have a hard time getting them to blend smoothly, add a little water just to get it going.








3.  Pour strawberry puree through a sieve.  It will catch most of the seeds and the pulp.  A little getting through is ok.









4.  Combine sugar water (simple syrup), puree, lemon juice, and vodka.  Mix well.  Add the gallon of water a little at a time to acquire your preferred dilution.

5.  Serve chilled.  Enjoy responsibly!

Grad Gift

Both my husband and I had a sister graduate this year!  So hard to believe both girls are all grown up *tear.*  For my hubby's sister's gift, we chose to give the gift of cold, hard cash.  I'm sure it's just her size.  However, to warm it up a bit...it just seems so impersonal...I had to add a little flare.

Ok, guys, so the original idea was this:  Roll up the bills, insert into balloon, fill with helium, and tie to something heavy.  Look...floating money!  And it was an awesome idea...until I found out that apparently helium goes bad after a while.  You see, I had a tank leftover from my bridal shower...my mom only blew up a few balloons and the tank has enough gas for 30, so surely there was enough left.  However, I blew up the first balloon and it sank like a rock.  PLAN B!

When you don't want to spend another $20 on freaking helium and you don't have time to run to your nearest balloon retailer for a shot of the stuff, you have to get creative.  So I took my money-filled balloons and tied them to wooden skewers...you know, the kind you put food on.  I curled the ribbon and tied them to a photo holder and voila! it worked.  So yeah, not as cool as intended, but it still turned out better than sticking cash in an envelope!

Here's what you need:

Latex balloons, curling ribbon, something heavy to tie it to (if you're using helium), and cash (the more bills you use, the more obnoxious it is...go nuts...do all ones...hell, do pennies!)

If you're like me and have dysfunctional helium, get yourself some skewers or thin dowels and some tape.

Roll up your bills like so:

Insert into balloon:

Inflate!

Now here's where it got tricky...

If you have helium, it's super easy...tie off your balloons, tie on some ribbon and then attach the ribbon to your heavy thing and you're done.  Easy-peasy.  If you're using skewers, keep reading...

I had to tie the balloon off AROUND the skewer...simply knotting the ribbon around the already tied off balloon did not work.  Then add your ribbon (it helps fill in the gaps between balloons.  Curl that ribbon.  Once you've done this with all your balloons (I did 5...I wouldn't recommend any more than that), tape all the skewers together as though you're making a balloon bouquet.  Using more of that ribbon, attach the balloon bouquet to your object of choice...secure it well!!!  All done!  Here's what my finished product looks like:

The 'GRAD' is actually a photo holder and the skewers are attached to the wire photo holder thingy.  

Now my husband wanted me to add glitter or confetti to the balloons so that when she popped them, she'd have glitter rain down on her...which in theory is cool.  However...have you ever tried to get rid of glitter?  They don't call it the herpes of the art world for nothing....