Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Summer Me Over

DIY Summer Hair Moisturizer!

  Homemade Coconut Lavender Conditioner


After doing an  homemade coconut milk shampoo,I figured  why not  Make a DIY conditioner to go along with it, so here you go! Coconut oil is actually an excellent conditioner on its own, but I decided to add a couple extra ingredients into the mix for some added hair benefits, as well as lavender oil for scent! This conditioner is very, very moisturizing, so you only need a tiny bit — and it will last you a long time. It also smells like pure bliss. So without further ado, here is your recipe for homemade coconut lavender conditioner!

What you need:
1 cup coconut oil (get organic if you can!)
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
1 teaspoon jojoba oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
You’ll also need a food mixer, as well as a container to store your conditioner — I used a small mason jar. All of the ingredients can be purchased at most health food stores, like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.

What you do:
 Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix on high for about 8 minutes. Transfer into a container and you’re all set! Because coconut oil melts in high temperatures, those who live in warmth may want to store this in the refrigerator, but there is nothing wrong with using this conditioner in liquid form! This mixture should stay fresh until the coconut oil reaches its expiration date.


To use:Apply a TINY amount of the conditioner to wet hair (after shampooing and rinsing, of course!). You really only need a tiny bit to get the job done! Start at your ends, then jump to the section right below your ears, working into hair in a downward motion. You can apply any remaining oil to the hair that surrounds your face if necessary, but avoid using this near the top of your head. This mixture is made purely out of oils, so it can make your hair appear greasy if you use too much. I used a nickel-sized amount, and my hair is very long. Leave in for about 2-5 minutes, and then rinse.
Once your hair is dry, if you find that you’ve used too much, just use a bit of dry shampoo to soak up some of the oil! :)
*Bonus: Before you get out of the shower, apply the conditioner to your arms and legs – this mixture doubles as an incredibly moisturizing lotion!*




















Dos and Dont's of Summer Makeup!

        
                         Summer Dos and Don'ts of Summer Makeup
                                             
                          By Camillerossina






While girls still want to look pretty in the summer, it’s hard to wear makeup without feeling sticky and slimy on hot days. Keep reading to find out some major dos and don’ts about wearing makeup in the summer.

The Dos:
1. Do Wear Sunscreen or Moisturizer With SPF. This will help protect against the sun’s harmful rays and keep your skin hydrated.
2. Do Wear Lip Balm With SPF. This will ensure that your lips don’t get burnt or chapped.
3. Do Wear Waterproof Eye Makeup (If Wearing Eye Makeup). This will help so you don’t get raccoon eyes when by/in the pool or ocean.
The Don’ts:
1. Don’t Wear Heavy Foundation. If you do, it will all drip down your face after being outside for a little bit. That look doesn’t work for anybody.
2. Don’t Wear Sticky Lip Gloss. If you do, your hair will get stuck to it, and it will attract bugs. Gross!
3. Don’t Wear Tons Of Eye Liner. With the heat in the summer, your eye liner will just melt under your eyes causing the raccoon look. Instead, just opt for waterproof mascara if you really need eye makeup.
The main thing to remember when getting ready for a summer day is to keep things simple. Going overboard can quickly degrade into a slimy, sweaty look. Keeping your makeup at a minimum will let your skin breathe. And if you do put anything on your face, make sure that it contains SPF to help protect your skin from the summer sun.

                       

" DIY Setting Spray"

             
Summer is here,which means Dull Foundation,smeared  Eyeshadow,blah,blah,blah!Well no worries ladies instead of paying so much for a setting spray that can cost you an arm and leg why not DIY save money and still be satisfied.So I put it to the test and results,let's just say I am one happy woman.Happy mixing Enjoy!


Mixing medium and setting spray can be easily made by just using glycerin and filtered water. Glycerin is a humectant that absorbs water content from the air and seals it in your skin. It is used in many different types of cosmetics and moisturizers and so it is safe to use on the skin.




DIY SETTING SPRAY

What you will need: 
A travel-size spray bottle (I got mine from Bed Bath & Beyond)
Filtered Water 
Glycerin (I found mine at CVS)

Directions:
1.) Fill 1/10 of the spray bottle with glycerin and fill the remaining portion with your filtered water 
2.) Put cap back on spray bottle and turn upside down so that the glycerin slowly starts to disperse throughout the bottle (you will see it drip down to the top of the cap)
3.) Shake the bottle until the glycerin and water are properly mixed together
4.) You are now ready to set your makeup! Hold the bottle an arms length away from your face and spray. Your makeup will now be properly set and last longer throughout the day.

(Note: It is best to make a new batch every two weeks to ensure it stays fresh and does its job
 well)


 

 


                                


Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Summer Mani Ideas!

When it comes to Summer you want to keep your Mani Bright and simple chic.Here are some great designs and ideas to choose from.
Pastel French Manicure so Chic!
Fuschia Splash for those of you who love purple's this is perfect for you.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Everything Grilled Memorial!

here's what we were working with:

carrots- i followed the pinned recipe exactly. these carrots made the whole family happy. not mushy at all, and a little char and a honey glaze makes everything right.

corn- husk the corn and remove the silks. season each ear with butter, salt & pepper. wrap each ear in aluminum foil and place on a hot grill for 15 minutes, turning ever few minutes. unwrap each ear and put the naked ears back on grill for a few more minutes on each side. everyone in the family, including the dogs, who got the cobs, LOVED this classic pleaser.

salad- i followed the pinned recipe again. the only change i made was subbing sour cream for creme fraiche b/c my store didnt carry it. these were the surprise stars of the show. i was so skeptical about grilling salad, but it really was just smoky perfection, and the simple herbed dressing was a great match. do you trust me? give this a try!

chicken legs- i started with a recipe from cooking light, and adapted it to make it supremely superior (because i watch top chef and am fancy like that).

my cardinal rule for grilling chicken is this: NEVER trust a marinade. every time i have relied upon a marinade for flavor, i have been disappointed. it seems like no matter how long i marinate for, hardly any of the flavor gets into the meat and it just tastes like chicken. and it's a sad moment when i pour out all of those yummy ingredients into the trash after the chicken is pulled out of them. there has to be a better and more lasting way to use them.

the answer is: the glaze.

now whenever i see a recipe for a marinade, i take the same ingredients and make them into a glaze to be brushed onto the chicken as it grilled AND after it comes off. i have yet to be disappointed by this method.

sweet citrus glazed chicken legs (adapted from cooking light):

    1 cup of orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 4 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dry sherry
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (siracha or tabasco)
  • 8-12skinless chicken drumsticks
  • Cooking spray
  1. 1. Prepare grill.2. Place chicken on grill coated with cooking spray; grill (with lid closed) 30 minutes at medium heat or until chicken is done, turning occasionally.
  2. 2. Place chicken on grill coated with cooking spray; grill 30 minutes, covered, over medium heat or until chicken is done, turning occasionally
  • 3. Combine the first 13ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. heat until the mixture reduces to a thick, glaze-like consistency (about 15 minutes). DONT overcook or turn the heat up to high to speed things up. (that story has a tragic ending).
  • 4. during the final 5 minutes or so of grilling the chicken brush the finished glaze over the chicken legs, coating all sides. reserve just enough to give them all a final brush after the legs are finished.

Red,White,And Blueberry!

Using Eggo waffles makes this fun and patriotic breakfast come together in a snap.  I covered the bottom waffle with strawberry slices and placed the second waffle on top.  (The boys love anything with a “filling”.)



Now it’s time for the flag.  Use the waffle as a guide to make your lines filling every other line with whipped cream.  Also fill in the top left hand corner.  Next, cut up small pieces of fresh strawberries and create the red stripes of the flag.



Now it’s time for the flag.  Use the waffle as a guide to make your lines filling every other line with whipped cream.  Also fill in the top left hand corner.  Next, cut up small pieces of fresh strawberries and create the red stripes of the flag.

 
Well Memorial Day is appproaching are you ready for an exciting weekend of festivities?I am! Here are some great" DIY" recipes Easy,Delicious and Simple the three words that are magic to our ears.





Jean on Jean

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Happy Mother's Day!

To me every day is Mother's Day!Here is to all the Mother's that struggle everyday to make our family happy and successful.Without a Mother's love it just would not be complete.Enjoy!

Mother's Day Breakfast Cocktail!

I found this cocktail light, refreshing and the foam made it feel fun and celebratory.  It would be perfect on a breakfast tray for Mom or at a brunch. 

Parisian Breakfast

Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 ounce Godiva Chocolate Raspberry Vodka
  • 3/4 ounce Lillet Blanc
  • 3/4 fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 ounce egg whites
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
  • Lemon twist for garnish
Preparation:
  1. Combine Godiva Chocolate Raspberry Vodka, Lillet Blanc, fresh lemon juice, egg whites and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker without ice. Shake for 15 seconds to aerate the egg whites.
  2. Add ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until a nice froth appears.
  3. Strain contents into a champagne flute.
  4. Garnish with lemon twist.

Mother's Day Breakfast Ideas!

Ingredients

½ cup (125 mL) unbleached flour
½ cup (125 mL) spelt flour
½ cup (125 mL) ground walnuts
¼ cup (65 mL) sugar
1 ¼ tsp (7 mL) baking powder
¼ tsp (2 mL) baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 cup (250 mL) 2% milk
¼ cup (65 mL) unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, separated
2 tsp (10 mL) lemon zest
1 cup (250 mL) peeled and grated apple
12 ¼-inch (0.5-cm-) thick apple slices (core apple and cut horizontally)
Maple syrup (optional), for drizzling

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 200˚F (100°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together unbleached and spelt flours, walnuts, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
  2. In separate bowl, whisk together milk, butter, egg yolks and lemon zest.
  3. In another bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form.
  4. Pour milk mixture over dry ingredients and stir until just combined (batter will be very lumpy). Gently fold in grated apple. Fold in egg whites until just incorporated (do not overmix).
  5. Pour 1/4 cup (65 mL) of the batter onto a lightly greased griddle or skillet over medium heat. Place an apple slice on top of each pancake and cook until top is speckled with bubbles and underside is golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Turn with spatula and cook until apple is golden and tender and pancake is cooked through, about 3 minutes. (Note: If the pancakes are getting too dark before the inside is cooked through, reduce heat and cook for a longer time; the juice from the apple may slightly increase cooking time).
  6. Transfer apple-walnut pancakes to a foil-lined baking sheet and keep warm in preheated oven. Continue cooking pancakes until all batter has been used and serve immediately with maple syrup.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

30 Day Challenge Must Try!

 This 30 Day challenge is  a Must Do at home.Not everyone has the time to                   to go to a gym and work out!My experience and results were great,so great I
                   am repeating again.First week is hard and soreness is  unbearable.Second
                   week is easier on you and your body.Good Luck!
                                                                 

Single Parenting Tips!







At times, it'll feel like the hardest thing you've ever done. You'll be forced to make decisions you never wanted to contemplate, and to rely on strength you didn't even know you had. These practical tips for newly single parents will help you persevere through the challenges you face and gain a renewed sense of hope and personal strength for the days ahead.

1. Develop a Support Network

This is absolutely crucial. You need to know who you can depend on right now. Most likely, this network includes your immediate family and friends, but think about other people in your life who might also help you. Making an actual list of who these people are can help remind you that you're not alone. In addition, consider joining a formal support group for single parents in your area.

 

2. Schedule Time to Be Alone

"Me time" is a very powerful tool. It will bring you healing, hope, and perspective. Right now, it’s important that you create pockets of time in your life when you can just be. Time when you’re not accountable for completing a task or responding to questions. Time to sit, to think, to ponder. This is one of the most important single parenting tips, and it's one that you simply must make time for.

3. Think Outside the Box

If finding time to yourself sounds impossible, consider some creative solutions, like swapping babysitting time with a neighbor or waking up a half-hour before the rest of your household. The time that you give yourself is precious, and it will be fruitful in helping you to establish reserves of inner strength.

4. Be Present with Your Kids

When you're with your children, make an effort to be emotionally present with them. It would be easy to retreat into your heart right now, but this is a time when your children truly need you more than ever. Simple activities like playing a board game or taking a walk together can go along way toward communicating the message that life will go on and they will, indeed, be okay.

5. Get the Facts About Your Situation

You might be tempted to make quick decisions right now about where to live and how to handle your finances. However, ignorance in this area can be extremely dangerous, and so can making rash, uninformed decisions. For now, take the time to find out where you stand financially. Gather the necessary papers in order so that when you are emotionally ready to make changes, you'll be prepared and able to make informed decisions.

6. Grieve

Expressing your feelings is important to your overall health. Consider writing in a journal or scheduling a regular "date" with a friend to vent, cry, and grieve. Single parents are born of many different situations. Whether you've experienced the loss of a spouse, the end of a marriage, or an adjustment to the dream you once held for your life, it is important to grieve and process the loss before moving on.

7. Pay Attention to your Physical Health

This may be a time when you are feeling especially worn down and drained. Combat that by making the effort to eat healthy foods and choose energizing ways to fuel your body. Instead of relying on extra caffeine, try taking a walk at lunchtime. Additionally, getting adequate rest is crucial to your healing and ability to cope. Forgo the temptation to sit in front of the TV. Instead, read a book and retire early.

8. Identify What Gives You Strength

In the past, how have you handled challenging times in your life? What most energizes you and reminds you that you possess the strength needed to meet the current challenge? Focus on what has worked for you in the past.

9. Let Go of What Isn't Working

Likewise, let go of what has not worked for you. As you move through this first year, reflect on the habits and choices that have not served you well, and decide to change them. In addition, if there are things from the past that you cannot change, let go of unhealthy guilt and remorse.

10. Focus on the Positive

This is a time of new growth in your life. Take the time to think about the things that are going well for you. Having a positive attitude - even in the midst of extreme circumstances - can empower you to move ahead and provide your children with a tangible example of the coping strategies you want them to adopt.

11. Ask for Help

Of all of the single parenting tips listed here, this one is probably the most difficult to apply. However, you must know that there really are people around you who would love to help! Keep in mind, too, that asking for help and letting others into your life is a gift to yourself and to the person assisting you. Sharing in one another’s lives during difficult times affirms our human connection and brings a sense of purpose to everyday living.
 

30 Relationship Tips for Woman Who Love Men!

30 Relationship Tips For Women Who Love Men
Categories.
 
Some thoughts to make you smile, perhaps rethink your current choices, and/or prepare for future relationships.
Most of these apply equally to BOTH genders...

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1) If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away.
2) If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay....
3) Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior. Likewise, don't make excuses for your own bad behviour. Take action, make change, and created the life you deseve.
4) Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache. Trust and value your own feminine wisdom.
5) Stop trying to change yourself for a relationship that's not meant to be. And don't try to change him either, it just doesn't work. The only person you can change is yourself. As painful as it may be, sometimes it's better to step out of a bad relationship and step into your own happiness.
6) Slower is better. Some of the greatest love stories of all time took years to develop. Sure,  love at first sight may be romantasized in the movies, but, like Rome, enduring love is not built in a day...
7) Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy. (That means you need to find your own happiness first... And remember: Happiness is a journey, not a destination.)
8) If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve, then heck no, you can't 'be friends.' A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend.
9) Don't settle. If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is.
10) Don't stay because you think 'it will get better.' You'll be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better.
11) The only person you can control in a relationship is you.
12) Avoid men who've got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women. He didn't take responsibility when he got them pregnant, why would he treat you any differently?
13) Always have your own set of friends separate from his.
14) Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you; if something bothers you, speak up.
15) Be aware that healthy relationships are built on trust, and that trust takes time to develop.
16) You cannot change anyone else's behavior. Change comes from within.
17) Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are, even if he has more education or a better job. And don't ever make him feel less important than you are either.
18) Do not make him into a quasi-god; he's a man, nothing more, nothing less.
19) Never let a man define who you are. (Be a queen, full of your own power and glory!)
20) Never borrow someone else's man, if he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you.
21) A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you. (If you are unsure as to what love looks like, there are 21 wonderful insights to guide you here.)
22) All men are NOT dogs. (But men beware: bad behaviour may land you in the doghouse LOL!)
23) You should not be the one doing all the bending, compromise is a two-way street.
24) You need time to heal between relationships. There's nothing useful about baggage... deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship.
25) You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you. A relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals. Look for someone complementary, not supplementary.
26) Dating is fun...even if he doesn't turn out to be Mr. Right.
27) Allow him to miss you sometimes. If a man always know where you are all the time, and you're always readily available to him - he may take you for granted. Remember you have your own life to live; it may not always include him.
28) Don't fully commit to a man who doesn't listen to you and try to meet your needs; keep him in your radar but get to know others.
29) Become a BITCH (Babe In Total Control of Herself).
30) Above all: love yourself first!
Good luck!
 

Lemon Berry Parfaits!

Nothing like a Health
Ingredients
2 large eggs
1-1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice, from 3 large lemons
1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest, from one large lemon*
1 cup whipping cream, chilled
5 cups assorted fresh berries (if using strawberries, cut into smaller pieces)
Fresh mint, for garnish (optional)
Shortbread or Ginger cookies (optional)
Directions
1. Crack eggs into a medium bowl and beat well. Add sugar and lemon juice and whisk well until sugar is mostly dissolved. Set aside.
2. Fill bottom of double boiler pan with an inch of water. Bring to a simmer, then turn heat down to low. Melt butter in top of double boiler. Add egg mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until smooth and thick enough to coat a metal spoon, about 10 minutes. (If you get any bits of cooked egg, pass the mixture through a fine sieve to remove.) Stir in lemon zest and pour into shallow bowl. Chill in refrigerator until cold.
3. Pour chilled whipping cream into bowl of electric mixer and beat until cream forms firm peaks. (In other words, when you lift the whisk or beaters out of the bowl, the peak should hold its shape without drooping. If the cream looks grainy, you’ve gone too far and should start over.) Be sure lemon mixture is completely cool; then, using a rubber spatula, gently fold into whipped cream.
4. Place a large spoonful of berries into each glass (leave room for 2 layers of berries and 2 layers of cream) and top with a generous dollop of lemon cream. Top with another layer of berries and lemon cream. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve. (Parfaits can be assembled up to this point several hours ahead of time.) Right before serving, top each parfait with a shortbread cookie and sprig of fresh mint.
*Anytime a recipe calls for lemon juice and lemon zest, be sure to zest the lemon before squeezing out the juice.

 

 

Grilled Asparagus In a Green Delicious Way!

For some Asparagus is one vegetable not liked in many ways!With a some grilling and Feta this might change your mind delicious Healthy Recipe for summer.

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch thick asparagus, about 24 spears, ends trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest, from one lemon
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, from one lemon
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to high.
  2. Place asparagus spears in baking dish and toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper.
  3. Put asparagus on the grill, making sure spears are perpendicular to grates so they don't fall through. Set asparagus dish next to grill (do not clean). Cover and cook asparagus for 3-4 minutes, until nicely browned and tender-crisp. Remove asparagus from grill and place back in baking dish. Let cool, then transfer spears to cutting board and cut into 1½" pieces. Place cut asparagus back in dish, then add remaining tablespoon olive oil, feta, lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss gently and season with more salt, pepper and lemon juice to taste. Serve room temperature or cold.

Bohemian My Way