Swatches to share

Good day to all you beautiful people, I have a beauty swatch to share today!

While bumming around and having a completely relaxed weekend on my sofa, one of those cosmetic commercials came shooting across my television screen getting my attention "maybe she's born with it" of course it was one of the beautiful models showing off her extra glossy pink pigmented pout making me want to achieve that same look! Oh gotta love Maybelline! So then I was urged to buy some new lipsticks (like I don't have enough) and off to my local drug store I went. I picked up a few pieces from various makeup companies and want to share my goodies with you.

So as Maybelline was the main reason I went to the store I kind of got lost like a kid in a candy store picking up all sorts of things (I didn't need). I was comparing colors, checking out what was the new thing and who had what and where, so as you can imagine I was at the store for a good amount of time. Surprisingly I picked up only one thing from Maybelline and that was me restocking on my favorite foundation.

I've been using the 'Fit Me Foundation' in Natural Beige 220 and I absolutely LOVE it! It's easy to apply and covers all my imperfections so I've always been satisfied. When I went to grab another bottle I saw Maybelline came out with a new 'fit me,' at first I was worried not knowing what to expect. You know how it is when you fall in love with a product you want that to always be accessible to you untouched by the company afraid they may 'taint' perfection (okay well that's how I feel).
 

To start off I must say it's really nice that this foundation comes in a wide selection of colors so you're sure to find something close to your color. It's lightweight not cakey at all, a little bit goes a long way, it's a buildable foundation if you're looking for more coverage. I have oily skin and I feel this gave me more of a dewy natural look which I love (a little tip, I put a squirt of Josie Maran argan illuminizer in with my foundation, mix with my finger then apply). Before Maybelline I was an addict to Make up For ever HD Foundation and I hate to say this because it really is a great product but I had to love and leave it as it made me super oily! When I find the right foundations that match me I'm like Cha-Ching! The more options the better, so I'm always open to suggestions if you guys can give me a few that you're loving that would be GREAT!

 **Here's the new bottle**



The next item thrown in my shopping cart was the Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Powder, Light Bronzer 7320. I wasn't sure what to really think to be honest, I've heard a few things but not enough to make me jump up and say "I gotta go get it!" I stumbled upon this as I was checking out some of the goodies from Maybelline, it looked cute!

That little pink heart is what did it for me! (**sucka**) yeah it got me! Haha...

It says that the overall colors in the palette is suppose to even-out skin tone with flawless radiance and the pink heart was the pop of color. For me personally I would wear this on days I really don't feel like wearing make up. It gives a subtle bronze color which is a major plus as some affordable brands tend to have more of an orange in their bronzer rather than the brown-gold. It's super easy to apply so if you're a beginner I would recommend this to start off with as it has the right amount of shimmer, so hands down no complaint with my new find. Oh and did I forget to mention it was only $13-14.00!

Next great finds...LIPSTICKS!! No girl can have enough lipsticks, trust me on that one! I was quite surprised to find my next buy to be "Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Color" OMG awesome lipsticks and fantastic buy!! I ended up buying a few, swatched them and put them on so you can see.

In order from top left to right, to second row and last row (all going left going to right).

 

• 901B-Think Pink
• 903C-Just Peachy
• 907C-Mauve Outta Here
• 967-Dollhouse Pink
• 966-Don't Blink Pink
• 968-Pinkerbelle
• 911D-Spotlight Red
• 908C-Sugar Plum Fairy

 

 

The colors are so pigmented, glides on smoothly and lasts!!! Go out to your local drug store and snag a few of these babies, it's a little less than $3.00 and totally worth it!! I'm excited to see what other colors I missed as I'm sure there's more.

 

So overall the lipsticks were the BEST BUYS!!

 

 

I actually will be doing a little shopping here and there and I'll share some of my cool finds with you guys, I'll post it some time this week so make sure you come visit soon! Either way I'll have something up :)

 

 

 

 

~'Til next time dear friends....

Bittersweet birthday

It’s time for celebration, a night filled with laughter and a bright eyed gal was to blow candles to her cake instead…there were tears pooling in my eyes, a shattered heart as I had to find a way to say goodbye and bury my dad.

 

Today makes a year that he’s been gone and this day will never be the same. There’s still so many things I wish I could’ve said or done over again but sadly I don’t have the power to turn back the hands of time, all I can do is talk to you even though I can’t hear your response and know you’re watching over me. I would trade anything to hear you laugh just one more time…the little things we overlook make the biggest impact.

 

There are so many lessons we learn in life even in our adult life about ourselves. We tend to think back on situations that wasn’t that important, people that really didn’t matter and the heartache, stress and nonsense we put ourselves through. Lovers that didn’t appreciate us to our full potential, friends who have disappointed us and even some family members who simply didn’t quite understand…that pain and sadness seems like a breeze as nothing compares to how my heart has been broken in two.

 

I know you’re flying high living in paradise and as selfish as I sound I wish you were still here with me. I know you would want me to be happy and have the greatest day as birthdays are a celebration of life, it’s hard but I promise I will try my best…

 

Dear friends all I can say is you never know what will happen so be kind to others, be kind to yourself and never judge as you don’t know what someone is going through or feeling. Just because someone always smiles doesn’t mean they don’t hurt, even the prettiest eyes have cried, it just takes a certain kind of person to get up and not take it out on anyone else and continue on their journey in life…Take care of each other, tell those you love how you feel, take time for everything, don’t take life for granted and be brave enough to pursue and live out your dreams. I want to wish you all immense happiness, love and blessings not just today but everyday.

 

 

 

 

Quick and easy mid-week meal

Happy hump day! It's Wednesday meaning we are ALMOST there, Friday is definitely awaiting and I can't wait. Hopefully the week is flying by for you all and you've been trying some of the recipes or will this weekend.

Today's menu is just as it says on the title post 'quick and easy!' I was inspired by the night before with the garlic-dijon salmon steaks and figured I could use that mixture (with a few adjustments) on some chicken breast and so I did.

When the salmon was baking last night I decided I would marinate the chicken breast over night so I prepped. After cleaning the chicken well  (2 boneless skinless chicken breasts) they were chopped in square pieces put in a container and topped with:

• half of white onion
• 2 tbsp of honey
• 2 tbsp of dijon mustard
• salt and pepper for taste
• half a tbsp of minced garlic
• 1/8 cup olive oil
• juice from 1 lemon

When I got home I pulled the container out stirred the chicken a few times, set the oven for 350 degrees and got a pan ready with some olive oil on medium high heat. After allowing the chicken to brown a bit I put it in a square oven friendly pan lined with foil and placed it in the oven.

I let that bake for 20 minutes and got the rest of the meal ready.

 

I wasn't really sure what I would make but I knew whatever it was, it would be quick, easy and just a few ingredients...in the cupboards and refrigerator I go. I pulled out some butter beans and garbanzos, arugula, cherry tomatoes and cucumber.

 

I drained and washed the beans poured in some vinegar about half a cup and extra virgin olive oil (less than half a cup) then placed that in the refrigerator. I left the beans with the liquids allowing it adsorb as I chopped the cucumbers and halved the cherry tomatoes, pulled 5 basil leaves roughly chopped them and just waited for the chicken to finish baking.

 

**how cute is my little basil plant!?** <3

Once the timer 'dinged' letting me know time was up I started putting the salad together. I took the chicken out of the oven and set it on the counter so it could cool a bit. Put some fresh arugula in a salad bowl, drained the liquid from the beans, threw in the chopped basil then sprinkled some crushed red peppers, salt and black pepper. I then took 3 tablespoons of the beans put it on top of the arugula, a few pieces of cucumbers and cherry tomatoes then topped it with 4 pieces of chicken and chowed down! 

 

 How amazing does that look!? All fresh ingredients! All delicious! Very simple!!

Happy healthy eats!!

 

Tasty Tuesday

So it continues, I have another delish healthy recipe to share with you all!

I am trying to keep up with the healthy eats during the week and be 'relaxed' on the weekends to kind of ease my way into having a more healthy eating life style. As you'll see I WON'T be eating like I'm a rabbit and starve myself but rather I am choosing healthier meals rather than the whole 'grab-and-go' at lunch time, etc... I don't want this to be just a diet where I'm concentrating on the scale 24/7, calorie-counting, food weighing and most importantly having a growling stomach. What I am looking for is a life style change. So as I said I will inch my way there until I've made the transition (but chocolate will always stay-in moderation of course). I'm not saying my way is the right way, but as of right now this way is the 'right way for me.' Everyone is different and I'm sure some people may disagree with me so before we get into that judgy-place let me just say 'let's agree to disagree, shall we?' Here's MY game plan, if you would like to join me or try out some of the delish clean eats then AWESOME! If you would like to share some of your recipes, tips and pics then even BETTER!!!!

So Sunday-Friday (lunch) I will be making meals and doing my best on eating clean. On Friday and Saturday nights it's the time I cheat on my 'clean-eats' and indulge a bit, when I say that I'm not scarfing down a huge triple-decker sundae (if that even exist...hmm would be interesting though!) but Friday nights is usually sushi nights with the boyfriend a glass of wine and much needed cuddling after the long week. Saturdays depends really, it's up in the air, sometimes we have Thai, Colombian or whatever we choose (I'm hoping this Saturday we can go to Ippudo) AND dessert! So yeah that's it, nothing crazy just two people finding their way.

Last night we had some salmon steaks, absolutely delicious!! It was a team effort as he seasoned the salmon and when I got home I made a little dressing for it then cooked the bad boys!

 

He seasoned them with red crushed pepper, sea salt, black pepper, garlic, dill, sesame seed, parsley and onion powder.
 

For the Dijon-Garlic mix:

• 1 tbsp of crushed garlic
• 1.5-2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp parsley
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 lemon-juice (and reserve some slices on top as garnish)
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• extra virgin olive oil (no exact measurement, use as necessary)

Once you've gathered your ingredients turn on the oven to 400 degrees.

Mix well together in a bowl, set aside. Now what I did was cook the salmon in a pan skin side down with olive oil for about 2-3 minutes, flipped them over for a minute then on the tray lined with foil skin side down again, it makes the skin crunchy which I love. I then took a piece of sliced lemon put it on top and in the oven they go for 15-17 minutes (depends how thick your salmon pieces are and how 'well-done' you like them).

Once those were done I pulled 4 basil leaves from my basil plant and put the sliced lemons back on top waited for 10 minutes (he was steaming some sweet potatoes in the process) sliced an avacado in half and víola, dinner is served!!!

Now that's some good eats!!! 

Motivational Monday (MY healthy eats!)

 Good morning!

Spring is here which means summer is just around the corner! Let's get pumped this Monday morning and while we sort our emails let's try to go ahead and plan the rest of our day. I am trying to eat a bit healthier, as the snow melts and the cold cuddly days pass to sunny skies and walks through Central Park, I decided that I would start (even though I should have started awhile ago) to eat clean. Now to be honest, I am not that person who jumps up gives myself all sorts of restrictions and tells myself I will be in the gym for two hours everyday for the rest of the week! Meh...not me, some people can be so well discipline which is admirable but speaking for myself I do need to work on getting myself there.

Sundays I try to cook a rather larger meal so I can food prep for the week. So on the menu:

• Chicken tikka masala inspired (crock-pot style)
• Baked sweet potatoes
• Chickpeas
• Roasted veggies
• Arugula and spinach salad

As you can see it's quite a few things up there so to manage my time well I pulled out my handy crock-pot. I absolutely LOVE this thing and the really cool part is that it's three mini crock-pot and can serve as a mini buffet when guests come. It's the 3 X 2.5QT Triple Slow Cooker with Lid Rests (mine is just a different color) here's a photo:

 

I bought mine back in November and had gotten the greatest deal on it! I literally only paid $12.00 how could I possibly pass that up!? The best twelve   bucks I've spent! I was a bit skeptical on leaving it on for so many hours as I've been accustomed to slaving it in the kitchen for hours, so tossing in the ingredients and switching it on high then walking away was definitely something new for me. I have not yet had the guts to leave it on and go to work (baby-steps).

 

 

~Let's begin~

 

 

Ingredients:

 

chicken thighs/drumsticks OR chicken breasts

garlic powder

salt and pepper

paprika

cumin

Greek yogurt

cherry tomatoes

tomato paste

onion and garlic-minced

coconut milk
curry powder

 

 

1. I had some chicken thighs and drumsticks in the freezer and thought it work better. I find that meat on the bone is tastier, but you can use chicken breasts if you like. I seasoned (eyeballing) it with about a tablespoon of garlic powder, curry, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika and Greek yogurt. I left in the refrigerator for 2 hours before it was ready to go in the crock pot.
2. I started mincing the onion an garlic and halved the cherry tomatoes. I sauteed the onions until they were translucent, tossed in the garlic and tomatoes allowing it to come together sprinkling in the cumin, paprika,  salt and pepper. I then added a tablespoon of tomato paste mixing it well keeping the pan on medium low, continuously stirring.
3. Once the ingredients loved each other so well that they all became one I shut off the pan, got the crock pot ready and pulled the chicken out the refrigerator. I put some of the tomato mixture in each of the pots covering the bottom, put a few pieces of chicken on top, placed the lids on, switched the turners on high and walked away.
4. It takes about 4 1/2 hours to cook but I occasionally check on it stirring the chicken well, I even added some more cherry tomatoes (one of my favorite things to add in a dish, yummers). Taste your food and see if you need to add some more salt, pepper, etc..make it to your liking.
5. 4 hours in I then poured in the coconut milk in each pot again, this was all eyeballing. It changes the super red color to a lighter shade, you can see a picture below

     (--- that's the coconut milk I use not the drinking kind of coconut milk (I don't know if there would be a difference, just my preference). If you use a different kind please share it with me, I love cooking with coconut milk. This is it so far, almost done...

Next up; Sweet Potatoes!

Ingredients:

1 large sweet potato
Cinnamon
salt
extra virgin olive oil
crushed red pepper flakes
2 cans of garbanzo beans-drained and washed


I peeled the potatoes and tried my best to cut them in wedges but it's so darn hard so please just ask the hubby for help. I laid them out on top of some aluminium foil on top of a tray drizzled some extra virgin olive oil, salt and cinnamon, I then took some rosemary sticks and put laid them on top. I popped it in the pre-heated at 350 degree oven for half an hour.

Once that was going I drained and washed some garbanzo beans allowing them to dry getting them ready to accompany the delish potatoes. When 30 minutes passed I pulled the tray out turning over the potatoes placing the garbanzos beans over drizzling some more extra virgin olive oil, some more cinnamon and then red pepper flakes. In for another 30 minutes but of course showing them some love by tossing the beans and potatoes around.

Whoa can I tell you, my new OBSESSION!!!

Roasted Veggies are next! These were simple and quick. I chopped up some red onions, mushrooms, red and green peppers squeezed a whole lemon, seasoned it with some salt and pepper, drizzled some extra virgin olive oil topping it with sage, thyme and rosemary. I had these in a sealed tight container in the refrigerator until it was ready to go in the oven.

Once everything was cooked it was just pulling it all together...

I grabbed some Arugula, fresh spinach and cucumbers and topped them with the the garbanzos and yams. Check it out!!!

 

By all means I am NOT a health expert in regards to what you should/shouldn't eat, I am just inching my way on trying to eat better on MY standards. I hope you get to try one of the above (if not all). If so please share your comments and photos with me as I would love to see your recreation.

 

 

~Happy Eats!~

Funday Friday!

So it started to snow a bit in New York City, what can I say but 'Welcome Spring!'  in this lovely chili 32 degree weather there's still fun ways to enjoy your Friday night. I know everyone is over it and wants the skies to be filled with the rays of sun but since it's not I say let's make the best of it! No need to be upset at Mother Nature as this is all her doing in her set time so let's play nice. Below I've listed some fun things to do to enjoy your T.G.I.F.! So cozy on up and I hope you get to do one (or more) of these Funday Friday ideas!! Have a rockin' weekend!!!!

I've had my fair share of hot chocolate and I would always end up at Serendipity 3 sipping away but let's beat the ultimate crowd of tourist and head somewhere different; how about Jaques Torres Chocolates. It's a bit pricey ($18.00 to be exact) but it's Friday treat yourself to some chocolate goodness and indulge as there's other sweet wonderful treats there for you to definitely try!

Now if you would rather just run home and make something (and when I say that I definitely do mean spike your beverage making it an 'adult drink') then by all means run on home!! When we make hot chocolate at home we-when I say 'we' I really do mean my boyfriend (haha) heats up the milk in a pot then pours in on top of the cocoa. I've never had this brand before but I admit it's delicious! It's the Rapunzel Pure Organic Cocoa Powder (I'll insert a picture below) he stirs it in and we like to add some condensed milk. 'Boy oh boy!!!!!! It's soo good!'





If we're not in the hot chocolate mood we opt for coffee and add in some good ole classic Bailey's liquor topped with whipped cream. Simple, to the point and good, now if you want to get creative I've listed some recipes below:

 Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail

Recipe courtesy of Emeril Lagasse



Level: Easy
Total Time: 21 mins
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Servings: 10-12

 

Ingredients:

• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• Pinch ground cloves
• Pinch salt
• Bottle dark rum
• Boiling water

Directions:

In a bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Refrigerate until almost firm. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture into 12 small mugs. Pour about 3 ounces of rum into each mug (filling about halfway). Top with boiling water (to fill the remaining half), stir well, and serve immediately.

---

 This next one is a wild one that I am looking forward to trying, it's like a guilty delight. I mean c'mon read the name of this savvy drink! B-A-C-O-N!! Sheesh hazelnut and then liquor!? Whoa liw this couldn't get any better, check it out!

 Bacon, Bourbon, and Hazelnut Hot Chocolate

Recipe from: Maggie Hoffman (serious eats)

Level: Easy

Total Time: 20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 thick-cut slices of bacon
• 1/2 teaspoon corn starch
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• pinch kosher salt
• 3 cups whole milk
• 4 ounces milk chocolate chips
• 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
• 4 ounces Frangelico
• 4 ounces Bourbon
• Whipped cream and chopped toasted hazelnuts for garnish

Directions:

1. Cook bacon in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-low heat until crisp and rendered. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour fat into a small bowl and stir in corn starch with a fork.
   
   
2. In medium saucepan, stir cocoa with sugar and salt. Stir in reserved bacon fat/corn starch mixture, milk, milk chocolate, and bittersweet chocolate. Heat over medium heat until, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is hot. Gently whisk to completely homogenize mixture.
3. Add Frangelico and bourbon. Pour into individual serving cups. Top with whipped cream, chopped toasted hazelnuts, and a strip of bacon. Serve immediately.

You should give it a try! Snap a quick pic and share your thoughts with me.






Now on to the serious stuff, let's talk about the EATS!!!!!


On this snowy day if you're up for the wait and want to eat some ramen noodles like you've never had before I would say "please, please go to IPPUDO!" It's kind of a secret, either you know about it or you don't...so here I am sharing one of the secrets with you great folks on the good eats! Shigemi Kawahara, the Ramen King is a total genuis!!!! I've been here a handful of times, always a wait but always well worth it! I'm going to share some of my favorite items with you.

Cocktails is usually the first thing ordered after anticipating that wait; I've had the hakata, sumari, flavored sake, hot sake (can't remember which at this moment) and of course sapporo! The appetizers to try are the buns, you can choose chicken, pork or vegetable. But I always order the pork!
Hamachi carpaccio, maguro tartar, samurai rib (YUM), yuzi pepper shrimp and the next time I want to try the duck appetizer; kamo sukiyaki! And for the ramen I've almost tried them all but usually stick to the classics I know because it's just so damn good; the shiromaru hakata classic, karaka men which is spicy and the akamara modern. They are all good! I always get them topped with the pork belly fat (sounds gross and totally not good for you but well worth it!) don't worry about your diet now you won't regret it!!!

Tonight for my personal T.G.I.F. we will be enjoying a night in with some delicious Japanese cuisine, it won't be any ramen noodles but will be just as yummy!! Lamb chops, chicken teriyaki, sushi rolls galore, our friendly under the sea creatures and more! Of course a fine bottle of red and pies from 'Little Pie Company' along side some vanilla ice cream. 

Well I have to get back to my sweet treats and continue the night of warm snuggling! So I hope I managed to give you a few ideas and you're willing to try them out, let me know how it goes!! Enjoy your Funday Friday and keep warm, until next time. 

XO

St. Patty's dinner!

Hello again beautiful people!

So I am a day late on my corned beef, potatoes and cabbage recipe, but it's so good I figure who cares!? You and the lucky lads you decide to share this with will be smiling from ear to ear with this delicious meal so hey why not? Let's go over the ingredients (just a few things needed and promise it's SUPER simple!)


You'll need:
3lb corned beef (spice is in packet)
6 medium sized red potatoes
1 cabbage
2 tablespoon brown sugar
2-3 tablespoon sweet honey mustard

See literally a few things needed but the outcome is incredibly delish!!!!

 

When you remove the corned beef from the packet there's a little spice packet included, some people toss it but I like to use it. The more spices the more flavor I say but hey to each it's own, so do as you please. I put the corned beef in a pot fat side up with water to boil and toss in the spices from the packet (water covering the meat). I let it boil for about 45 minutes or so until I feel it's gotten a bit tender and then set the oven to pre-heat at 350 degrees.

 

Before taking the corned beef out I cut of a large piece of foil making sure it's enough to wrap around the whole corned beef and get a shallow roasting pan out to place it in. Once I remove the meat from the pot I place it on top of the foil and slather on the fat side up honey mustard and then a tablespoon of brown sugar.

 

I wrap it up tightly on the side so it kind of creates a little container catching the juice and little space on top. I then place the corned beef in the shallow roasting pan and put it in the oven for an hour before opening it up again showing it some more love by topping it off with another tablespoon of brown sugar on top, by this time it will be a beautiful brown color.

 

One hour down another hour to go...

 

At this time I peel the red potatoes and cut them in half putting them in the pot that had the corned beef with the spices inside and allow it to boil on medium high for about 45 minutes, I then wash the cabbage peel off a few of the front leaves then cut it in large wedges placing that in the boiling pot for the remainder of the 15-20 minutes. 

 

 

I take out the corned beef opening the foil so it can get a little bit more color and put it back in the oven for 10 minutes.

 

 

M'mmm...the meal is coming together quite well, the kitchen smells heavenly and my mouth is watering. After the 10 minutes are up I take the corned beef out placing it on a cutting board allowing it cool down before slicing into it. Cut the meat at a diagonal across the grain about half an inch thick and serve immediately along side the potatoes and cabbage.

 

*This is optional but I like to put honey mustard and Dijon mustard in two separate bowls alongside my plate and spread a little on the meat before chowing down. Try it, if you like it keep it, if not toss it.

 

 

 

 

I hope that you try this recipe, if you do please share pictures with me. I'd love to see it!

 

***Happy cooking***