Delicious Recipes

Spinach & Artichoke Dip Tortellini Soup

Spinach and Artichoke Dip Tortellini Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4

All of the flavours of spinach and artichoke dip in a soup with cheese tortellini.

 

ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, coarsely chopped
• 8 ounces cheese tortellini
• 4 ounces low fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
• 8 ounces spinach, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup milk or cream
• salt and pepper to taste
• cayenne to taste (optional)

directions

1. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat, add the onion and cook until tender, about 5-7 minute.
2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
3. Add the flour and cook for another minute.
4. Add the broth, artichokes and tortellini, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the tortellini is tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Add the cheeses, let them melt, add the spinach, let it wilt, add the milk, season with salt, pepper and cayenne to taste and remove from heat.

Option: Omit the tortellini to make the soup more of an appetizer rather than a complete meal.
Option: Replace the tortellini with cooked, shredded chicken and/or white beans. (If you add white beans, pureed half of them and use them as the thickening agent instead of the flout.)
Option: Add sliced sun-dried tomatoes.
Option: Add bacon!

 

Reuben Rolls

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
• 1/4 cup Dusseldorf mustard
• 2 tablespoons wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon plus 1/4 cup minced onion (divided)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce
• Dash of hot pepper sauce
• 8 ounces corned beef (ground or shredded)
• 6 ounces shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
• 12 to 15 egg roll wrappers
• Vegetable oil

Southwest Vegetarian Lentil Soup
Instructions:

Make dipping sauce by combining dressing, mustard, vinegar, 1 teaspoon minced onion, the garlic, Worcestershire sauce and hot pepper sauce. Set aside.

To make rolls: Combine corned beef, cheese, sauerkraut and remaining 1/4 cup onion and mix well. Place about 2 tablespoons of the mixture in the center of an egg roll wrapper. Roll up as directed on package, sealing edges with a little water.

Deep-fry rolls in 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil, heated to 325 to 350 degrees, until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes, turning to brown evenly. When done, remove from oil with slotted spoon and drain on paper towel. Serve with dipping sauce.

Makes 12 to 15 rolls. 3 cups vegetable broth

1 large onion, chopped

1 can (10 ounces) mild diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained

1 cup mild salsa

1 cup dried lentils, rinsed

1 cup frozen corn

1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies

3 garlic cloves, minced

1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon celery salt

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 package (16 ounces) firm tofu, drained and cut into 1/4-inch cubes

1 can (4-1/4 ounces) chopped ripe olives

Contouring!

Contouring and highlighting help sculpt your face to enhance your natural shadows and bone structure. Yet contouring is one of the most frequently left-out steps in makeup applications. That’s because a minefield of the make-up world, contouring is something that can go badly wrong- but it is easily doable for anyone with just a few simple tips.

Highlighting works with contouring. For example, when you contour your cheeks, you apply contour in the hallow area and highlight the apples. You also highlight the brow bone to open the eye and give depth to the crease area.

Queen of contouring, Kim Kardashian looks like an average gal when bare faced, but slims down and plays up her features with the help of her makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic.

 To contour Nose: To slim your nose you would apply the contouring shade on each side of your nose, blending carefully, and the highlighter down the center of your nose.

To contour Cheekbones: To enhance the cheekbones, suck in your cheeks, apply a darker shade to the hollows and a highlighter to the top of the cheekbones. Then apply blush as normal. Don't over do it!

To contour Forehead: If you have a wide forehead, apply a light bronzer to each temple and blend. This will create a shadow effect causing the head to look more rounded.

To contour Chin: For a small, thin chin, apply highlighter to the center of the chin, directly under the center of the lip. To minimize a double chin, apply bronzer  along the jaw line and blend it down, towards your neck. This creates depth and helps to strengthen the jaw line.
You should always apply contouring color on your neck to your shirt line to avoid a "mask" look.

To contour Eyes: Used at the back corner of the eye going upward toward the temple.

To contour Lips: To slim full lips, apply a deep shade of lip color to the entire lip. If you want to plump up thin lips, you can apply a light lip color with shimmer or gloss. Then apply highlighter between the peaks of the upper lip and below the center of the lower lip. This makes thin lips look full and gives a pouty
appearance.

Get your contouring kit here:Coastal Scents Contour and Blush Palette or Coastal Scents Professional Camouflage Concealer Palette

My Mini Vision Board

Spring Cleaning Checklist!

I love spring cleaning. It is an opportunity to throw open the windows, let some fresh air in, and make our homes clean, happy spaces.  Don't be scared by the size of this list, many of the jobs are small ones that will go by quickly, and you'll be so glad you took the time to do them!


FOYER

1. Dust lighting fixtures.
2. Wash walls and trim
3. Wash doors, knobs
4. Wash bench or other furnishings.  Launder bench cushion, if applicable.
5. Empty out coat closet.  Wash walls and floor, if needed.  Sort items as you return them to the closet.  Store out of season items, donate unneeded items. 
6. Clean or replace entry mat.
7. Sweep and scrub floors.  
8. Reseal grout lines, if necessary.

BEDROOMS

1. Open windows
2. Dust furniture.
3. For each drawer: remove items, wash drawer, place items back neatly.  Donate Items you no longer need. 
4.  Remove everything from closets. Sweep and wash closet floor. Put everything back neatly.  Donate items you no longer need.  Try not to store things on closet floor.
5. Move Bed.  Sort and put away anything that was under bed.  Sweep or vacuum under bed.  Try not to store things under bed.
6. Put bed back.  Freshen mattress by sprinkling with baking soda, letting sit briefly, and the vacuuming it up.
7. Launder bedding and curtains.  Wash pillows and duvet in hot water.  Air out mattress pad, if you have one.
8. Dust lights. Clean lamp shades.
9. Wash windows and window sills.  Take out and wash window screens.
10. Wash switch plates.  Wash walls and trim as needed.
11. Wash mirrors or dust art.
12. Wash doors and doorknobs.
13. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
14. Sweep and wash floor or vacuum.

BATHROOMS

1. Open windows
2. Empty all cabinets and vanity.  Wash inside, replace items neatly.  Discard expired medications and cosmetics.
3. Wash outside of cabinets and vanities
4. Clean tub. Wax if necessary. Clean drain.
5. Clean toilet, inside and out.  Remove seat and clean around seat bolts.
6. Clean sink and drain.
7. Shine faucets.
8. Clean mirror and frame .
9. Dust light fixtures. 
10. Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens.
11. Wash switch plates.  wash walls and trim.  Wash doors and door knobs.
12. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
13.  Sweep and wash floors.  
14. Reseal grout lines if necessary.

KITCHEN

1. Open windows.
2. Remove and clean window coverings. 
3. For each cabinet or drawer: Remove items, wipe out drawer, place items back neatly.  Donate unneeded items.
4. Wash and sanitize cutting boards
5. Sharpen knives
6. Wash cabinet doors and knobs
7. Clean and organize pantry.  Check food expiry dates.
8. Clean oven.
9. Clean stove top.  Remove elements and drip bowls, if applicable, wash and put back.
10. Clean and organize fridge and freezer.  Defrost freezer, if necessary.  Check food expiry dates.
11. Clean under fridge and stove.
12. Vacuum refrigerator coils.
13. Clean microwave.
14. Clean crumbs out of toaster.
15. Clean and descale kettle.
16. Wipe down any other counter appliances
17. wash counters and back splash.
18. Wash and shine sink.  Shine faucet. Clean drain.
19. Clean Dishwasher.
20. Dust light fixtures.
21. Wash windows and window sills.  Remove window screens and wash.
22. Wash switch plates.  
23. Wash walls and trim as needed.
24. Wash doors and door knobs.
25. Wash floor registers and other vent covers
26. Sweep and wash floor.  
27. Reseal grout lines, if necessary.

DINING ROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Wash curtains.
3. Wipe down table and chairs.
4. Wipe down or dust other furnishing.
5. Clean chair pads, if applicable.
6. Polish table, if necessary
7. Create a pretty spring vignette on table!
8. Dust any displayed china or serving dishes.
9. Launder table linens.
10. Shine silverware.
11. Dust art.
12. Wash windows and window sills.  Take out and wash window screens.
13. Wash switch plates
14. Wash walls and trim.
15. Wash doors and door knobs
16. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
17. Clean floors.

 LIVING ROOM/ FAMILY ROOM/ PLAYROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Vacuum sofas.
3. Spot clean sofas, if applicable.
4. Launder throw pillows and blankets.
5. Dust shelves, furniture and decor.
6. Clean lamps and lampshades.
7. Wash windows and window sills.
8. Take out and wash window screens.
9. Clean television screen.
10. Carefully dust electronics.
11. Tidy electronics wires.  Tuck nicely out of sight.  Label them, if practical.
12. Sort through music and DVD collections.  Purge things that no longer suit your families interests.  Organize what is left in an attractive manner.
13. Sort books and magazines.  Donate or recycle ones that no longer suit your families interests.
14. Wash hard plastic children's toys with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry.  Launder stuffed toys.  Donate or store toys that your children have grown too old for.
15. Wash switch plates.
16. Wash walls and trim as needed.
17. Wash doors and knobs.
18. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
19. Clean floors.

LAUNDRY ROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Wash windows and window sills.
3. Take out and wash window screens.
4. Wash cabinet doors.
5. Wash inside cabinets.
6. Wash laundry sink.  Shine faucet.  Clean drains.
7. Wash outside of washer and dryer.
8. Wash inside of washing machine.
9. Wash lint trap with soap and water to remove filmy build-up from laundry soaps and dryer sheets. Let air dry thoroughly before putting back in place.
10. Wash switch plates.
11. Wash walls and trim.
12. Wash doors and door knobs.
13. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
14. sweep and wash floors. 
15. Reseal grout lines, if applicable. 

STAIRWELLS

1. sweep/vacuum stairs
2. Spot clean walls.
3. Wipe down handrail.
4. Dust art and light fixtures.

OUTSIDE

1. Sweep porches and walkway.
2. Wash thresholds.
3. Wash exterior doors.  Give front door a fresh coat of paint, if necessary.
4. Clean or replace welcome mat.
5. Wash siding.

REMEMBER TO:

• Clean blades of ceiling fans.
• Sort through and organize family photographs (digitally or into albums).
• Sort and clean any extra zones such as linen closets, utility closets and office spaces.

School?

 This is a hot topic right now our schools are dedicated to preparing people to be employees working for the rich, another aspect that I like about school is, and dare to label children ready or fools at an early age. The reason why this issue affects me is because I labeled it silly, from the beginning, and not that it was silly, but I was bored and had no interest, and I could choose any material that interested me, and nobody could tell me how or where I was going to use Calculus???? I kept asking my teacher, how and where will I use Calculus? And simply could not give me an answer. Or they train you to become an employee, or they train you to be “street smart”. Today I prefer to be “street smart”.   I’ve met all kinds of people, some are highly educated, and some have no education. I thought, wow they’re doing pretty well, did not go to school but are packed with real estate, and you began to see a pattern develop, when you see that many people who did not go to college is still very smart, and have created a wealth of their own.
Entrepreneurs who did not Finish School.
Steve Jobs – Apple Bill Gates – Microsoft Michael Dell – Dell Computers Henry Ford – Ford Motor Company Richard Branson – Virgin Kemmons Wilson – Holiday Inn Hotels Jerry Yang – Yahoo Mark Zuckerberg – Facebook Mary Kay – Mary Kay Inc Russell Simmons – Def Jam Records Ted Turner – CNN J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter Empire Colonel Harland Sanders – Kentucky Fried Chicken John Mackey – Whole Foods David Neeleman – JetBlue John D. Rockefeller SR. – Standard Oil Ray Kroc – McDonalds Ralph Lauren – Polo Michael Lazaridis – Research in Motion Blackberry Tom Anderson – MySpace Walt Disney – Disneyland Tyra Banks – Bankable Production Jay Van Andel – Amway Cornelius Vanderbilt – Railroad Tycoon Albert Einstein – Father of the Atomic Age Thomas Edison – General Electric.

So, to School? or not to school? This photo explains my answer.

Clear your Mind.

Have you ever had one of those days where you just can't get your mind to shut off?  If your thoughts are becoming louder than a heavy metal concert, try using one of the tools below. You'll have a clear, calm mind in no time.

Write it out -- then throw it out

      

Putting pen to paper could help. Physically writing out negative thoughts and throwing them away can help clear your mind.

Meditate on nothing

      

Voices in our heads can be annoying, most of us are so entranced by non-stop conversation we're having with ourselves that we aren't even aware we have a voice in our head. Solution? Meditate. Meditation allows you focus on one thing and, with practice, helps you to pull your thoughts back when they start to wander.

Press play and run away

     

Next time you head out for your run, make sure to grab that iPod. Exercising with music activates the makes everything better. No sad songs though.

Get that shuteye

     

 Next time your brain is clouded with thoughts and you're feeling that mental fatigue, let your head hit the pillow. Taking a 10-minute nap can increase your alertness and productivity and recent research found that sleep also clears out the clutter in your brain at a cellular level.

Start talking

      

If your head is buzzing with stressful thoughts, talking it out can help. Being around your best friend during tough times can help alleviate stressful emotions.

Happy Spring!!

Yaaay! Spring is finally here! I hope everyone is enoying today.. come check out the new posts today and tonight, I'm just getting them done now. Don't forget to follow my blog! -XOXO-M

House Cleaning Checklist

Kitchen

• Clear out and wipe down the sink (5 minutes).
  No piles of dirty dishes! Move them into the dishwasher, and wipe the sink with a sponge.
• Wipe down countertops and stove (1 minute).
  Clean splatters and spills with a damp cloth or sponge and an all-purpose cleanser.
• Wipe problem spots on the floor (2 minutes).
  You can save a full-floor mop for the weekend, but use the same cloth (once you’ve finished with the countertops) to quickly clean any spills or sticky spots, which will attract dirt and get more noticeable if left alone.
• Fold or hang dish towels (30 seconds).
  Even if they’re clean, a jumble of dish towels on the counter can look messy. Take a few moments to fold or hang them.

Bathroom

• Wipe out the sink (30 seconds).
  If you use a premoistened cloth to wipe your face, swipe the sink bowl and faucet handles with it, too. Or use a washcloth, paper towel, or a product like Windex Glass and Surface Wipes, which don’t leave streaks on chrome or mirror.
• Clean splatters off the mirror (15 seconds).
  Got foamy toothpaste spray on the mirror? Do a quick swipe with the same cloth you used on the sink.
• Wipe the toilet seat and rim (15 seconds).
  Same cloth! Just do the toilet last.
• Swoosh the toilet bowl with a brush (15 seconds).
  If you see a ring, give it a quick scrub.
• Squeegee the shower door (30 seconds).
  Wipe down glass doors to remove water droplets that can cause spotting. No squeegee? Use a dry towel.
• Spray the shower and curtain liner with a shower mist (15 seconds).
  A quick spray with a daily cleanser will reduce buildup of mildew and soap scum.

Bedroom

• Make your bed (2 minutes).
  Even a fluffy down comforter pulled up over messy sheets will look polished.
• Fold or hang clothes and put away jewelry (4 minutes).
  Even better: Resist the urge to toss them somewhere in the first place! Put them away as you take them off.
• Straighten out the night-table surface (30 seconds).
  Take last night’s water glass to the kitchen, stow your reading glasses in a drawer, and straighten books or magazines.

Living Room

• Tidy the sofa (2 minutes).
  It’s likely the focus of the room, so neaten it. Fluff the pillows and fold the throws.
• Pick up crumbs with a handheld vacuum (1 minute).
  Concentrate on surfaces in plain sight: sofa cushions, coffee table, and rugs in the middle of the room. Look for dust bunnies, too.
• Wipe tables and spot-clean cabinets where you see fingerprints (1 minute).
  Use a microfiber cloth or a Swiffer cloth to pick up dust. If the surfaces are streaked or sticky, use a moist cloth.
• Straighten coffee table books and magazines (2 minutes).
  Toss old newspapers and corral the remote controls into one place (a drawer, if possible).
• Clear major clutter (5 minutes).
  Stash video games, toys, and anything else you might trip over.

Need Some Motivation Right Now? Read This NOW!

 

If you’re in desperate need of some motivation, we’re going to fix that problem, right here, right now.

Prepare yourself.
You said you needed motivation. I’m going to do what needs to be done to get your butt in gear. NO EXCUSES.
If this isn’t the kind of motivation you need, leave now. You’ve been warned.
Alright.
Here goes.
Do you want some motherfucking motivation right now?
Do you want to get some seriously useful stuff done today?
Do you want to get off your butt and start doing instead of wallowing in despair, depression, self pity, fear, doubt or whatever is holding you back?
Are you sick of not getting anything done?
Let’s DO THIS.
The point of this exercise is to give you motivation to do something right now. Don’t just absorb this and continue sitting around procrastinating.
TAKE ACTION.
Follow the steps below carefully.

1. Quit whining about how tired you are.

The world doesn’t care.
And if you’re feeling depressed or down, stop feeling sorry for yourself while you’re at it. It doesn’t matter.
We all face obstacles. How you deal with those obstacles defines who you are and determines how successful you are in life.
Did you catch that? It was the secret to life. Seriously.
Let me say it again.
We all face obstacles. How you deal with those obstacles defines who you are and determines how successful you are in life.
Period. End of story.

2. Read the quotes below. If you have a favorite quote or two you always refer to, read that too.

           JUST DO IT.-Nike

Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: if you’re alive, it isn’t. – Richard Bach

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. – Steve Jobs

 

3 Put a pot of coffee on or get some tea brewing.

Try a bulletproof coffee if you need an extra kick.

4. If you haven’t eaten something, eat a little snack now.

Eat something healthy. Eat some nuts or fruit. Take your vitamins.

5 Do one of the following three things:

A) Take a shower, OR
B) Go for a brisk walk, OR
C) Call the friend who most lifts you up and makes you feel great after every conversation. Tell him or her that you need a little pep talk. Put a 10 minute limit on the conversation.

6. If you’re around people right now, go tell one of them how much you appreciate him or her.

Gratitude is happiness. Happiness is motivating. Be grateful more often by thinking about who and what you’re happy for, or by telling someone.

7. If you normally sit down to work, stand up.

Standing up to work is motivating. It gets the blood flowing.

8. Turn off email, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and whatever other social procrastination network you’re part of.

Turn off the TV if it’s on.
Seriously, TURN THEM OFF.

9. Now, put on your favorite music playlist.

Play something that gets you jacked.
Hint: try the playlist you use at the gym.
(If you don’t regularly go to the gym or workout otherwise, start doing that tomorrow. You have to be healthy to stay motivated.)

10. List the top 3 positive outcomes of achieving your task.

Think about what you’re planning to accomplish today.
Don’t worry about everything that’s holding you back from accomplishing it. Instead, focus on the positive things that will happen once you get it done.
For example, if you have homework to do, your list might look like this:
1) I’ll learn something useful.
2) I’ll make myself and my teacher proud of what I accomplished.
3) I’ll get closer to achieving a good grade in the class so I can graduate and move on to doing what I’m really meant to do in life.
Write down the three things. Don’t skip this part. Make sure you focus on the 3 most important outcomes.

11. Think about the part of doing this task that you enjoy.

Most tasks have some enjoyable component to them.
Focus on what you like about what you have to do, no matter how simple or how small. Enjoy the very act of doing your task for what it’s worth.

12. Now here’s the most important part.

Lock yourself in a room with the thing you need to be doing.
Don’t leave until you make some progress.
Put pen to paper, fingers to keyboard, or axe to the grindstone.
Stop looking for external motivation. Stop letting yourself procrastinate.
Start going through the motions of making progress. At first it might feel forced, but eventually you’ll get in the groove.

What to do if this doesn’t work.

We all have things to do that we really just don’t want to do, but have to for some reason. These are the toughest to find motivation for.
For these especially difficult situations, I recommend two things.
First, question whether or not this thing really needs to be done.
What are the consequences of not doing it? Can you live with the consequences? Is there any way to not do this thing?
Then, if you still conclude that this thing absolutely has to get done, focus on simply getting past it.
Imagine the relief of not having this thing on your plate anymore.
How will that make you feel?
Dig deep. See how quickly you can possibly do this thing.
Do it now and move on to stuff you really want to do.

100 Weight Loss Tricks

1.  Plan your meals ahead of time. That way you're less likely to make an unhealthy last-minute food choice.
2. Eating a cup of oatmeal in the morning will prevent you from gorging in the afternoon.
3. Foods with healthy fats such as olives, salmon and walnuts help you feel satisfied.
4. Skipping meals can cause your body to go into a fat-storing starvation mode, making it harder to burn calories.
5. Go nuts with nuts! Eating a handful of nuts will help you stay full. Try soaking them in water for a different texture.
6. Use meditation to help you cope with chronic stress, which can lead you to crave feel-good carbs.
7. You may be used to fried foods but there are other, sometimes healthier, ways to cook including: roasting, steaming, poaching, baking, braising and broiling.
8. Do your grocery shopping with a list and a time limit; that way, you're less likely to stray into the processed foods section.
9. Don't confuse thirst with hunger. Drink a glass of water when you feel hungry to see if that's what you're really craving.
10. When out at a restaurant, ask the server to hold the bread, snack mix or chips and salsa that might come before the meal. If you're hungry, you'll be tempted.
11. Tired of eating your salad on a plate? Fill a whole wheat pita with salad and a splash of lemon for a twist.
12. You might do better to replace an occasional dinner with a nice roll in the hay. Healthy sex may help control the amount of food you eat and it's great exercise.
13. Create emergency packs filled with healthy foods such as nuts, fruits or sliced vegetables to help you avoid unhealthy temptations.
14. Add red pepper flakes to your pantry. When eaten early in the day, red pepper lowers the amount of food you'll eat later.
15. Odds are you're eating too fast. Try holding a conversation while having a meal so you're not gulping down more than you need to feel full.
16. Take a brisk walk before lunch or dinner. Not only will you get in some exercise, you're less likely to choose something unhealthy after a little movement.
17. Looking for the benefits of salmon but you don't feel comfortable cooking fish? Try canned salmon as a simple and affordable alternative.
18. Are your dishes too big? A healthy dinner should fit on a 9-inch plate. You may find that kid-sized plates are more appropriately sized to feed an adult!
19. Never eat any snack food out of the box, carton or bag it came in. You're less likely to overeat if you separate snacks into appropriate fist-sized servings.
20. Boost your metabolism with some green tea or chili peppers.
21. Get your sleep. Sleep deprivation alters levels of hormones in the body that regulate hunger, causing an increase in appetite.
22. Muscle burns at least four times as many calories as fat does, so try twenty minutes of strength straining two to three times a week.
23. Decaf coffee is a great low-calorie fluid when you're having cravings (and a great source of antioxidants).
24. Eating liquid-based foods such as natural smoothies and low-sodium soup can help you cut back on calories yet feel full.
25. A pedometer can help keep track of your steps. If you're not getting 10,000 steps a day, you're not moving enough.
26. Natural applesauce is an excellent dip for fruits such as bananas and melons.
27. Take every opportunity to move around, even in small ways. Studies show fidgety people tend to be skinnier.
28. Identify the emotional triggers that lead you to seek unhealthy comfort food. Picture your goal weight the next time a trigger strikes to help you resist temptation.
29. Use a vegetable bean dip such as hummus instead of ranch dressing or a fatty cream-based dip.
30. People who regularly weigh themselves and keep track of their progress in a journal are more likely to lose weight.
31. Use a dash of cinnamon to give fruits such as bananas and melons a richer dessert feel without the sugar.
32. Give your protein extra low-calorie flavor by adding a salsa or chutney instead of a gooey cream sauce.
33. Distracted dining will get you in trouble. Avoid eating in front of a television or in a movie theater, as you're bound to consume more calories.
34. Pass on pop. You'll be amazed by how much weight you drop by simply switching to water.
35. Beware of "fat-free" or "zero trans fats" foods as you could be trading fats for huge amounts of sugar or sodium.
36. Try drinking skim milk at breakfast instead of juice. Overweight people who drank skim milk for breakfast ate fewer calories
37. Sugarless chewing gum can suppress your appetite in a pinch.
38. Snack attack! Puree peaches, berries or pears for a sweet spread to go on pita chips.
39. If you're having trouble getting started, make a small move such as starting an eating log or buying walking shoes. You're three times more likely to follow through if you start with small gestures such as these.
40. Always have vegetables on hand. Sauté a big bag of frozen mixed vegetables in olive oil and garlic. Add some red pepper or turmeric for additional flavor and separate into portion-sized containers for the fridge.
41. Edamame (soy beans) are a great low-cost snack. Look for them in the frozen foods section.
42. Soups can be both filling and comforting. Try making a garden or bean soup with low-salt broth and store in portion-sized cups for later.
43. Save time and money during the week by buying lean protein such as chicken breasts in bulk and cooking a week's worth on Sunday night.
44. Save the kitchen and the dining room table for cooking and eating. Try not to use it as a place to do work or other activities, or you may be tempted to eat more.
45. If food was your only source of pleasure, make sure to reconnect with other things you enjoy -- music, sports, volunteer work or movies, for example.
46. Try to have a little lean protein with each meal, as protein tends to be more satisfying than carbs or fats.
47. Think ahead to how you'll eat and exercise on the weekends. It's easy to get too relaxed on Saturdays and Sundays, but healthy living is a 7-day-a-week endeavor.
48. Dump the junk food. If you want to avoid temptation, make sure you clean out the fridge and the pantry
49. When you eat calorie-friendly fruits and vegetables that are in season, they tend to taste better and you're more likely to enjoy them.
50. People who eat breakfast have a better shot at losing and maintaining weight loss.
51. Replace your scale with a tape measure. Aim for 32 1/2 inches or less for women and 35 inches or less for men.
52. Make sure you check food labels and avoid anything with more than 4 grams of sugar, especially high-fructose corn syrup, per serving.
53. Eat a fiber-filled apple before a meal to help you feel full faster.
54. Opt for peanut butter or almond butter spreads instead of cream cheese or butter.
55. Remember these five essential smoothie ingredients: frozen berries, a banana, skim milk, a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of psyllium seed husks.
56. Researchers found that dieters who ate eggs in the morning were less hungry than those who ate carb-heavy meals.
57. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon may dial up your body's ability to burn fat, especially if you add some exercise.
58. A Mediterranean diet not only comes with heart benefits, studies show it leads to more weight loss than low-fat diets.
59. Replace your regular pasta noodles with whole wheat pasta for a more filling meal.
60. When eating out, ask your server to point out the healthiest options on the menu.
61. You don't have to make a three-digit number your weight loss goal. Aim for a certain dress size or waist measurement.
62. Go lean with bean protein. Beans are an affordable and healthy alternative to meats and are wonderfully filling.
63. Energize plain-tasting proteins such as eggs or chicken with metabolism-boosting chili pepper sauce.
64. Try a plain Greek yogurt with frozen berries for a pre-workout boost.
65. Turn dinner into a healthy lunch the next day by wrapping your lean leftovers in a whole wheat wrap. Add a little Dijon mustard or curry powder for added flavor.
66. Eat a rainbow of colors. Have at least one brightly colored fruit or vegetable in each meal, and, if appropriate, eat the skins -- that's where you'll find a powerhouse of antioxidants.
67. Make an office snack box of your own so you're not tempted by your colleague's candy bowl. Fill it with small individually packaged portions of soy chips, almonds and dried fruit.
68. For a thicker, creamier texture, choose low-fat, unsweetened Greek yogurt. Loaded with protein, calcium and natural probiotics, it makes for a tasty snack any time.
69. If you're 'cooking' food in the microwave, chances are you're eating unhealthy packaged foods. If you must microwave, consider soy chicken patties, veggie burgers or steamer vegetables and brown rice.
70. Make your wardrobe match your goals. As you lose weight donate the clothes that no longer fit you as an incentive to stay on track.
71. Pick up a 5- or 10-pound weight at the gym and visualize that weight coming off. Holding the weight in your hands helps bring home just how heavy even 5 pounds of extra fat can be.
72. If you find yourself at a weight loss plateau, up the duration of your exercise routine by five minutes.
73. Pounding out your meat will help healthier portions go a longer way visually, and it's good stress relief.
74. Silken tofu makes a wonderful replacement for cream in some recipes.
75. Save 85 calories just by swapping mustard for mayonnaise in a sandwich.
76. Do your best to ensure you're not eating after 7 o'clock at night. You're more likely to make unhealthy choices and less likely to sleep as well after a late meal.
77. Try a pasta-less spaghetti by mixing shredded zucchini, veggie meatballs and raw tomato sauce seasoned with a dash of zesty oregano.
78. Fresh herbs can really zing up a healthy meal. Try growing some in the kitchen using a strawberry pot. Preserve the flavor by adding fresh herbs at the end of the cooking process
79. Fast food is salty food. If you cut back on the salt, in a few weeks you'll be able to better taste the natural salts in food and may not crave the junk as much as you used to.
80. The rub on ground turkey is that it's dry. Add some olive oil and finely blended onions to a turkey burger or turkey meatball to enhance its juiciness.
81. If you're trying to lose weight with your significant other, pack each other's lunches. The lunchbox surprises will keep the both of you motivated.
82. If you're eating out, make salad the appetizer. Most starters are fried and come with unhealthy dips or sauces.
83. Savory 'umami' ingredients such as mushrooms, low-sodium soy, asparagus and olives can help you feel full and add an earthy, home-y quality to your healthy-dishes.
84. Make it a point to use the steps whenever possible. Use the bathroom on a different floor at work, take the stairs at the bus station, the airport or the mall.
85. Try baking apple slices as a healthy alternative to potato chips.
86. Eating water-rich foods such as melons, tomatoes and celery can help fill you up without adding too many calories to your day.
87. Avocados can be your secret weight loss partners. They're high in fiber and healthy fats, giving you a meaty-tasting meat alternative.
88. A handful of unsalted pumpkin seeds make for a healthy mid-day snack. They're rich in magnesium, which helps lower blood pressure.
89. Keeping good posture will not only strengthen your core, but will also add a small extra-calorie burn, because you're working slightly harder to maintain the position.
90. Cravings can sneak up on you when you're tired. Try taking a nap if you feel yourself wanting some junk food.
91. Share your weight loss goals with your friends and family. Make it a positive life change and ask for their encouragement.
92. Take a photo of yourself each week so you can see your physical transformation.
93. Store-bought salad dressings can be packed with calories. Make your own vinaigrette and store it in a small spray bottle to coat your greens without over-dressing them.
94. Yoga may be relaxing but you can also get a good workout. An hour of yoga can burn up to 350 calories.
95. Get familiar with quinoa -- a wonderful grain that's easy to cook and goes great with sautéed vegetables or mushrooms.
96. Ditch the mayo, cheese and top bun if you want to scrape off 250 calories from a restaurant sandwich.
97. Resistance bands are a comfortable and affordable at-home exercise option for strength straining.
98. Use the freezer to add some extra oomph to summer foods. Freeze grapes for some bite-sized delights. Or get a popsicle mold and freeze some Greek yogurt with berries.
99. Wrap up any extra food you've cooked before you sit down to a meal so you're not tempted to get seconds.
100. Take a 30-second break in the middle of your meal. Evaluate just how hungry you still are before getting back to your food.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

                                                              St. Patty's Nails!
 Follow  +Manisha Manimatters & Don't forget to follow me!
Thank you all very much for visiting my blog. It will only get better, I promise! Have a fabulous night! XoXo-M

This Weeks Fashion Favourites! 2

Ixiah

Premonition Designs

Must Haves.. (to be continued ..)

I love this  so much! I never try anything else. It's 100x, an its amazing! I remember the first time I went tanning I used it and the girl at the front desk said "holy $#!^!, what lotion is that!? your super dark already!". Later that night I went out and everyone was asking me how I got so tanned. I do tan easily, but I only had to go once every two weeks. I paid $79.00 for it from a tanning salon. But a friend that worked there told me they get it for $19.00!!  This means less tanning = and less wrinkles!
get it here: tanning lotion

If you don't know about "The Secret" it's the video that changed my life! I used to be negative, but that is in the past! Its all about positive thinking. Well this is actually better than the book. It's a lot more simple. It's "The Secret- Daily Teachings". It motivates you every time you pick it up. I read one every morning. Get it here: The Secret Daily Teachings

 

 Remember you can buy Visa Gift Cards at 7eleven or drug store and pay with that if you don't have a credit card! :)

If you want a smaller nose, higher cheek bones, or a smaller jaw; this is a must have! A contouring kit from Sephora! It's what all the makeup artists have. In the makeup tips section you learn how to apply it.

 Get it here: My Sculpted Face Palette

 

      

 

A perk-me-up lip and cheek kit in assorted pinks. You'll look radiant and pretty with this pocket-size lip and cheek kit that features a tint, award-winning cheek color, luscious lip gloss, and sexy highlighter all in a pretty mirrored box so you can add a pop of color to your look morning, noon, or night. This set contains:- Posetint- Dandelion- High Beam- Ultra Plush Dandelion- Mini powder brush. This product will be available on Sephora.com and in stores early August.

 

Get it here now:

Benefit Cosmetics Feelin' Dandy Lip & Cheek Kit

 

 

How to fix Bad Posture

Why Is Bad Posture Terrible For You

• With bad posture, your rib cage starts pressing down on the major organs – giving them less space to function.

• Your waistline gains a few inches because of that

• And you lose a few inches from your height

• Your stomach will jut out and dieting won’t help

• You’ll suffer from back aches which won’t go away easily

• Flexibility is reduced and one shoulder tends to be higher than the other

• You’ll become injury prone because of poor posture.

• According to some science, bad posture also leads to having more negative thoughts.

• Worst of all, you’ll never feel fresh and rested even after you wake up from a good nights sleep

As you get older, you will slowly see that your posture becomes less straightened  and that you
begin to slouch both when you are sitting and standing.
This is extremely common among older people, especially women. Bad posture is not just a matter of laziness; in some cases it is a sign that you are experiencing back pain or other back issues. You can actually learn how to fix bad posture though, by paying attention to it and focusing your exercises on your core muscles.

Posture is important for a variety of reasons, many of which your mother probably told you about when you were a child.
Children are constantly reinforced to sit up straight and walk straight, too, because this is the best way to build strong muscles that will support your body throughout your life. If you start off without this type of reinforcement, you will probably have poor posture throughout your life.

Although you may think there is no real problem with having a slight stoop to your walk, in reality people are seeing you as a less confident and less capable person because of that.

People tend to think of successful people as those who walk very upright and confidently, and if you don’t take the time to address your posture, they might see you as lazy or perhaps not as formal as you could or should be.

There are a number of ways that you can learn how to fix bad posture, but it all really starts with being completely aware of what your posture is like now.
Many people are taken aback when they see their own shadow or their reflection in the mirror and realize that they have a terrible stoop. You might also have been told by someone else that you are not standing upright.
Either way, this is the first step in addressing the problem.

Six Tips To Fix Bad Posture

The answer to bad posture is stronger muscles. A regular dose of flexibility and strengthening exercises are all you need to start with. Here are 6 tips that will help you cultivate better posture habits and build muscle strength and flexibility:
1.Audit Your Posture Everyday: Start each day by paying attention to you spine and your posture. Stand in front of a mirror, distribute your weight evenly on both feet and check to see if your shoulders are too hunched or drawn up. Is your head tilting to one side? Note that the stomach gets pulled in and the neck doesn’t droop forward.
2. Posture Tips While Standing: When at ease, you should feel no tension or pull along your shoulders, neck, pelvis or knees. Keep this in mind as you go through your day. When you get up for a break, stretch a bit and take a few deep breaths. Let your shoulders loosen up. If most of your work is done standing up, try not to rest your weight on just one foot. Keep your feet slightly apart and distribute your weight equally. Or place a box in front of you, slightly larger than a shoe box, and rest one foot on it at regular intervals. This takes the stress of your back for a while.
3. Posture Tips While Sitting: In the office, get yourself a proper chair that gives your back enough support. Uncross your legs, or you would be tilting to one side for hours without realizing it.
4. Quick 3 Second Posture Hack: Every few minutes roll up your shoulders till they almost touch your ears. Combine this quick exercise with a short routine in which you bring your elbows to touch each other.
5. Fix Your Posture And Build Strength With Yoga Focus on strengthening your abdomen, lower back, hips and buttocks. Yoga is good for flexibility and strength. Especially the posture called, “The Plank Pose”. It’s easy to do and there are many variations. 
6. Lift Weight To Build Strength Go to the gym and start lifting weights to build your strength and fix your posture.  Four great exercises that help in good posture are:

• Planking
• Weighted Squats for your hips and legs
• Deadlifts for your back
• Weighted Crunches for your abs

The easiest way to fix bad posture is to get one of these :

Get it here:Posture Brace

2014 Floral Trends

Floral trends are going to be present through the fashion styles of 2014 too. This spring wear floral prints without being afraid of mixing them. You can add floral tops on floral pants or skirts, or just go with one floral piece of clothing and another extra color. Florals are going to be spring favorites! They are in full bloom since the last few seasons.
Florals are fun and fashion designers have been putting them on everything that a flower can be put on. This is a trend that just won’t go away. Take a look at the photos below. We present you many florals: bags, pants, skirts, dresses, tops and blazers. You may have them in your closets from the previous seasons, so find inspiration for your next outfit and see how to combine them. Enjoy!



Image via chicisimo.com

 

So, we all know florals and spring just go together... It's not even a trend at this point, it's a straight up closet staple at this point. And why shouldn't it be, after a dark and monochromatic winter we're drawn to it like moths to a light. Whether you'll go light or pile on the florals prints it's totally up to you!

What's your floral go to piece when Spring rolls around?

Great Routines

1. A good breakfast can still be fast and easy

This is a great idea which can help you get your morning routine going. If you find it hard to eat breakfast every day because it’s too much effort or takes too long, this one’s for you.
Preparing your breakfast the night before by getting out the dishes you’ll need or cutting up fruit pieces can save you time the next morning. You might want to opt for a simple meal like cereal to save time and effort as well.
If something more time-intensive like oatmeal is your thing, you can make breakfast for the whole week in 5 minutes – perfect for a Sunday night before your week starts.
Here are some other fast, easy breakfast recipes you could try:

• Dressed-up yogurt
• Oatmeal muffins
• Oatmeal breakfast bars
• Parfait
• Frozen fruit smoothie
• Omelette in a pita

Do you have another great breakfast recipe that’s easy to make? Share it in the comments below!

2. An alarm to wake you up might not be enough – have one to tell you to go to sleep

Most of us have alarms to wake us up in the mornings but we all-too-easily stay up later than we plan to. Having an alarm to remind us when it’s bedtime can be a great help in sticking to a regular routine for sleep. Setting an alarm to tell him when to go to bed is even more effective than one to get you up in the mornings.
To get you ready to wake up fresh and rested the next day, try simulating natural sleeping patterns as much as possible. An alarm clock like this that simulates sunrise, or even a gentle alarm sound like birds chirping can help you wake up more gently in the morning. Making your bedroom pitch-black and keeping the temperature low (and consistent) can also help with a more restful sleep.

3. Switch yourself off at night to sleep better

A nightly wind-down routine is one we pay particular attention to. Many of us have found that this makes a big difference to how much—and how well—we sleep.

Disengage: An activity to allow total disengagement from the day’s work. For me, this is going for a 20 minute walk every evening at 9:30pm. I think about the greater challenges, gradually stop thinking about work and reach a state of tiredness.

Avoid re-engaging: After the activity, go straight to bed. Be sure that all electronics are in a separate room to the one you sleep (volume off). Once in bed, if you have to sleep with the TV on, like me, do so. :)

You might want to try a walk, or some quiet reading time. Some more great wind-down activities are meditation, drinking tea, sitting quietly, stretching and taking a bath.

4. Develop a morning routine that you keep on weekends too

I think that allowing imperfection and some laziness during the weekend is important, but I personally made the mistake of having a weekend wake up time which was too divergent from my week day wake up time. Just go to bed early Sunday night

 I’m prone to have big sleep-ins and late nights on weekends, which can make my morning routine much harder to get into on a Monday morning.

5. Take note of  your habits to understand yourself better

It takes time and effort to track everything you do over a day. I recently started tracking my weekday activities and noticed that remembering to track each activity is the hardest part for me.

Having said that, if you can put in the effort for a few days, you might find the insights you need to improve your daily routine. Understanding how you live right now can help you to work towards how you want to live.
With habits especially, it’s good to follow Richard Branson’s advice and start something before you feel ready. It’s one of the most powerful things that has helped him succeed.

Finding Your Happiness

Happiness all starts within you. If you want to be happy, you need to ask yourself these 9 questions every morning.

How can I live in alignment with my values and beliefs in life today?

These are the things that matter most to you on the deepest levels. What are your personal values and standards? What are your priorities and your beliefs? Do you understand why these things are important to you? What level of commitment are you willing to make to your personal standards and ethics? How true do you want to be to your true self?

What can I do today to fulfill my basic human needs?

There are 6 human needs that we experience. These 6 human needs consist of certainty, variety, significance, connection & love, growth, and contribution. Take a moment every morning and be clear with what you human needs are. These human needs are what matter to you the most. I know that for me personally, connection & love and contribution are my two highest human needs. I live each and every day in alignment with these two human needs and let me tell you, I am very happy in my life. Reflect and be clear with what your human needs are.

Why do I go to work every day?

Do you know why you go to work every single day? Does it seem like you are constantly stuck in a “draining routine”? In order for you to be happy, you need to know why you do what you do. What is the reason for you to wake up in the mornings and go to work? You must experience a passion behind your actions. Without passion, it’s easy to get stuck in a boring and dull routine. Reach deep within yourself and be clear with why you go to work.

Am I experiencing happiness from within?

A lot of us fall into the trap of finding happiness from the outside world. Whether it be materialistic possessions or from other people, we must take the time to ask our self this question. Where is happiness coming from in your life? It’s important for you to experience happiness from within because you will be constant even when stress and frustration come your way. You will have a solid internal foundation from within. No matter what you experience in life, you know that you will be okay. When happiness is rooted from within you, you are more likely to bounce back from stressful situations.

How can I love my spouse more?

This question is always used in my marriage. My husband and I wake up in the mornings and ask ourselves this question. It’s easy for couples to get stuck in a “draining routine,” where they forget about doing the little things that express love to their partner. Ask yourself this question every morning and make the time to express love to your partner. This will definitely help rekindle your relationship!

What is my legacy?

Take a moment and reflect upon this question. It’s important for you to think long term. What do you want to be remembered by? When you’re able to be clear with your legacy, you are more likely to work towards your legacy. I know that for me personally, I want to be remembered as having a meaningful marriage and helping people live a fulfilling and rewarding life. I live with this legacy every single day. Now it’s your turn. What’s your legacy?

Am I surrounding myself with positive people?

When it comes to your happiness, the people with which you surround yourself will influence you. We are more likely to conform when we are in a group setting. Who are the types of people you hang around with? If you surround yourself with negative people, their negativity will rub off onto you. If you surround yourself with positive people, their energy will rub off onto you. You have the choice of deciding who you’re friends with. If you want to be happy, chose your friends wisely.

Where am I now in comparison to where I want to be?

It’s important for you to always reflect upon where you currently are and where you want to be in life. Being consciously aware that you are working towards your goals will make you happy. Understand that where you are now is only temporarily. You are constantly growing, learning and developing your mind. Take the time to reflect on your life. Where are you now in comparison to where you want to be? Do you know which direction you’re heading? If not, what changes do you need to make in order to be in the direction you want to be in?

What makes me happy?

This is a very simple question but worth talking about. Take a moment to reflect upon what truly makes you happy. I’m not talking about materialistic possessions or superficial things, like shopping or buying the latest gadget. I’m talking about internal happiness. What speaks to your soul? If you’re looking for long term happiness, it all starts from within.

 

Natural Teeth Whitening

I know this picture can look a little crazy...< So Here me out..... lol Yes, you will be putting activated charcoal on your teeth to whiten them. But, trust me. It works!! I will post a few of my close friends and family members before and after pictures. All of these are just after a 5 minute scrub!

First step is to buy activate charcoal, any brand is fine. This is what I found on amazon

Break a capsule in half and use half a capsule to apply to teeth. Brush with your toothbrush or scrub with your finger. You want to get it all over your teeth and mouth as this will also help with bad breath. Yes, it is black but no, it will not stain. It is awesome. 

Makeup Tips (to be continued...)

The smokey eye, nude lip look is what I usually do when I go out to a club.  It looks great on everyone(in my opinion)
Or below is annalynne McCord in more natural makeup.