Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Recipe: Cinnamon Biscuits



I've decided to get into pinterest, and I'm pretty sure that is where I found this recipe, but it's not pinned so maybe it was just from Google.  I'm not sure.  All I know is that I'm glad that I found it.  This recipe is simple and doesn't take up that much time.  This biscuits are delicious and taste just like pretzels.  (I think.) 


Ingredients:
2 1/3 cup Bisquick 
½ cup Milk 
3 Tbs Melted Butter 
4 Tbs Sugar, Divided 
1 tsp Cinnamon 
Caramel Ice-Cream Topping


Directions:
Pre-heat your oven to 425 degrees.


Mix half of the sugar (2 Tbs) and the cinnamon together.


Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a large bowl until the dough forms.


Scoop out a tablespoon sized portion, roll into a ball, and then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mix.
Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. 


Serve them warm with the Caramel sauce for dipping.
Enjoy!

I accidentally put 1 Tbs of cinnamon instead of 1 tsp. (I was wondering why mine didn't match the pictures for the original...)  So your cinnamon mix will look a little bit different than mine.  I also used a different type of sugar, so if you white sugar it will look completely different. 

xx 

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

My Nail Polish Collection:


I don’t have that big of a collection, nor do I have that many different shades, but here is my nail polish collection.  Some of them I have even had since I was 13 or 14.  That’s a really long time, but they haven’t gotten sticky or dry so I keep them.



From Left to right their names are: Top Coat.  370 Uptempo Plum.  460 Cherry Nice.  Purple Potion.  Hot Magenta.  650 Navy Baby. 908 Graphite Gravity.  902 Purple Passion. 
Most of my nail polish is by Sally Hanson.   The two extreme wears are the oldest in my collection.  I haven’t worn them in a while, but they’re still pretty nice.  The one that I wear most out of this collection is the Dark blue complete salon manicure.  It’s a little thick because it’s a base coat, top coat, and something else all combined into one.  It’s called Navy Baby. My other favorite is the purple magnetic polish. It’s called polar purple.  If you don’t know what the magnetics are then what happens is the top is a magnet and while the color is still wet you put it over and a pattern comes out.  These are waves.  Essie has one that does a sort of checked one.  It’s really cool. 


From Left to Right their names are: Limelight.  Power Play.  Screamin’ Fuchsia. 
The next ones might be hard to find.  I got these at a store called 5 and below.  If you can’t guess, everything in the store is $5 dollars or less.  My favorite is the hot pink, but I do tend to wear the purple more often.  These are another one you have to build up but they’re nice once you get there. 


Their names are 146A Love Letters and 133A Purple Pizzazz Frost.
The next ones are also really old.  I love them both.  I don’t think you can tell from the picture, but the purple has blue shimmer in it and it looks perfect. 


Their names are Cheatin’ and Strapless.
I'm not sure if they have any other brand name other than Pure Ice.  The purple one has a clear base with bigger glitter and the blue is clear based with small glitter.  Cheatin’ is more of a put over another color whereas Strapless you could wear on its own.  I love them both for many different reasons.


Their names are 660 Grape and Moon Candy. 
To me Moon Candy is a little cheat and it chips easily.  The glitter is really big and flakey so you have to be really careful when pulling away the brush or else you’ll have lumpy nails.  It’s not very practical, and I rarely use it.   Grape on the other hand is amazing.  You only need one layer and it dry quickly.  I love it.


This one’s name is 85 Bolting Blue.
I got this nail polish when I was up north for my cousins wedding.  It is the only Milani product I own. It was my favorite when I was a senior in high school.  I haven’t used it much sense, but it’s still such a nice blue.


This one’s name is Russian Navy.
My one and only OPI.  I got this one when I was 15 and I had just gotten a special little card that allowed me to shop at a store where only professional cosmetologist could shop.  I took one class, and I was going to continue, but other things got in the way.  I thought it was so cool and special.  I haven’t gotten any more OPI because I feel like they're too expensive.  I kind of just noticed that Nicole is by OPI.  So, I guess I have more OPI than I thought.  Woops.  I haven’t used this one in a long time, I should throw it out, but it has a little memory to it, so I think I’ll keep it for a while. 


From Left to Right their names are: Blue Lace.  Virtuous Violet.  Top Coat Plus.  
The next ones are by OPI, but it’s their Nicole line.  My favorite is the purple one.  I’m not a big fan of the top coat, but to be honest, I’m not fan of any top coats really.  They’re a little thin, but they don’t get gross and stick with buildup. 


This one is called 678 Bahamian Escape. 
For a long time, I couldn’t find the Essie color that I wanted, so I tried my hardest to find a dupe.  If you but this one next to the Essie you would think I were blind.  It’s a beautiful sky blue and I use it often.


This one is called 107 Robin’s Egg.
Keeping up with trying to find an Essie dupe, I picked up this one.  Still nowhere near close, but a pretty color nonetheless.  It’s very close to a robin’s egg.


This one is called Pumpkin.  (Really not shocking.)
I got this one from a friend.  It was brighter originally, and it’s a Halloween special.  I never use it because of how cheap it is.  It’s very thin and gross.  I have no idea why I kept it. 


This one is called 270 Shocker.
This one is by Rimmel London, and I use it often.  When I’m craving pink this is my go to.  You only need one coat and it dries very fast.  I don’t think it’s exactly 60 seconds, but it’s quicker than some.


This one has no name.
I got this from Hot Topic when I thought it was cool to get things from Hot Topic.  I never use it, because its thick and I don’t like the small handle. 


This one is called Mint Apple Candy.
As I said earlier, I looked for this one ever where, no luck.  I looked for dupes, no luck.  Then finally I found it.  I was so excited for it because many love Essie.  Me not so much.  I found it to be thin.  It’s hard for me to get it even and after it dries, I feel like it chipping an hour later.  I love the colors Essie offers, but I don’t think I’ll be buying another. 


Wow that’s long!  If you stuck in this long, tell me which was your favorite?  Let me know!

xx

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Mixed Drink: Hammer Horror


When it’s really hot outside, my favorite thing to do is sit down with a bowl of really good vanilla ice-cream.  I’m pretty boring when it comes to ice cream, so I’m vanilla all the way.   Recently  I decided  why not find a drink that involves vanilla ice-cream?  I looked through a cocktail book that we own and when I saw this recipe, I instantly wanted to make it.  


Ingredients: 
1 ½ Tbsp Vodka 
1 ½ Tbsp Kahlua
4 Tbsp Vanilla Ice Cream 
Cracked Ice 
Chocolate Powder

Directions: 
Crush up some ice, so that it's not completely solid, but not into a fine powder.  
Add in the Vodka, Kahlua, and ice cream. 
Blend it all together to a milkshake consistency. 
Strain into a martini glass and serve instantly. 




This drink is the perfect amount of cold from the ice cream and the ice and it tastes just like a chocolate milkshake.  It was so good!   I couldn't taste the alcohol at all.  I'll definitely be making this one again.  

xx 

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Beauty Haul:




The other day I finally got out of the house and went shopping.  Here is what I picked up! 


St. Ives Replenishing Body Lotion Mineral Therapy:
I went out looking for a new lotion just because I’m tired of the one that I’m currently using.  It’s kind of thick, and in the humidity it’s just not comfortable to put on after a shower.  I chose St. Ives because it said that it was fast absorbing and non-greasy.  Also because I thought it smelled nice, and I haven’t tried St. Ives in years. 
First impressions of this lotion are that it is what it says.  It does absorb quickly.  I put it on and it’s gone in seconds.  Also, no grease!   It has a very clean smell to it.  When I use it, it reminds me of the blue Dial soap.   If you don’t know what that smells like, the best way I can describe it is general soap smell.  Not too much perfume, but a hint of something.  I love it. 


Simple Soothing Facial Toner
Both of the Simple products that I bought were on sale.  I wasn’t looking for new face products, but I’m a sucker for a sale.  Haha.  I don’t use toners often.  I think the last time I used a toner I was a teenager.  But I decided to give this one a try.  I’ve been using it for three days or so, I don’t really know exactly what it’s supposed to do, but on the back it say that it “leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed.”  I do feel that my skin is cleaner than before I use it.  So I guess it’s doing its job. 
What I like about the Simple brand is that it’s for sensitive skin, and I’ve always been told, that even if your skin isn’t sensitive you should treat it that way.
Simple Revitalizing Eye roll-on:
With my sleeping schedule, if I want to do anything like go to the store or hang out with friends, then I’m most likely going to be awake for 24 hours or more.  I know that’s not the best health wise, but I currently don’t have a way to hold a normal sleeping schedule (i.e. a job.)  So as the day goes on my eyes get tired, and the feel all puffy.  I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.  So, I bought this on a whim (and because of a sale).  I used it this yesterday morning before I went to sleep, and it really did make my eyes feel less tired.   I’ll continue my use, and tell you if it works consistently. 


Sensodyne Full Protection+ Whitening Toothpaste:
So at my six month check up at the dentist I was given a sample of Sensodyne toothpaste, and I actually used it, instead of letting it sit in my cabinet, and I actually liked it.  I decided to go out and buy a bigger tube.  What I like about Sensodyne is that it’s for sensitive teeth, and it helps improve sensitivity.  I have really sensitive teeth.  I was also blessed with very weak teeth. (I guess that’s what I’ll call them.) 
When I was younger I always got cavities.  No matter what I did.  Now that I’m older, it’s a little better.  I haven’t had a cavity in over a year and a half, maybe even two.    I’ve used Sensodyne before, and I can’t really recall why I stopped… Probably because I got bored.  So now I’ve decided to go back. 

Have you used any of these products?  
Did you love or hate them? 
Let me know! 

xx



Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Mixed Drink: Pink Raspberry Margarita


I’ve had a bottle of Tequila Rose in my fridge for as long as I can remember, so I went out onto the internet in search of a drink with Tequila Rose in it.  What makes this drink a margarita is the tequila and the rimming with sugar.  I’ve always had margaritas with salt and typically frozen.  I’ve never had a creamy one.  Now I have. 
This drink is delicious!  It’s sweet but has a small tequila taste.  I’m so glad that I found it!

Ingredients:
1 oz Tequila 
1 oz Tequila Rose 
½ oz Chambord 
2 ½ oz Cream 
Dash of Grenadine 
Sugar



Directions:
Pour all of the liquid ingredients into a shaker with ice and mix. 
Wet the rim of the glass with water and roll it in the sugar.
Pour the mix into the glass and serve. 

Options: Garnish with Raspberries.

Enjoy!
xx 


Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Mixed Drink: Peanut Butter and Jelly Shot


Hey there!  Today I have a very simple alcoholic shot for you today!  I always love experimenting with different types of alcohol, and while looking for more drinks to try I stumbled upon this one.  

Ingredients:
1 oz Hazelnut Liqueur 
1 oz Raspberry Liqueur 
½ oz Butterscotch Schnapps 

Directions: 
Add all of the ingredients to a shaker and shake for a few seconds.  Pour into a shot glass and enjoy! 


If you get past the slight alcohol taste this shot actually does taste just like a PB&J.  It's really good.   

xx 

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Crest Be Creative Toothpaste Review:


Around the same time I found the free sample of the garnier fruits marvelous oil, I found out about a website that sends you products to review no matter your follower amount.   This site is called Bzzagent.com.  I signed up, not really expecting too much, because sometimes sites like this ignore you forever.  It took a month to get my first offer, which I denied because it was for dog food that my picky dog refuses to eat.  Then about a week or two later, I got this offer.  
In the mail I got three Crest toothpastes from their Be Creative line.  The flavors of them are quite interesting.  I’m a very strict spearmint girl, always have been.  Even in gum.  So when I was reading their flavors, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into.  There is Vanilla Mint Spark,   Lime Spearmint Zest, and Mint Chocolate Trek.  
The toothpaste itself says that it cleans, fights cavities, whitens, and freshens breath.  I’m assuming it does all of that.  It does clean, I haven’t been using it long enough to even for the cavity fighting and whitening to start, and it does freshen breath.  If it didn’t, I don’t think you could call it toothpaste. 
Each box has a different description; Be Inspired: Arouse your senses where the serenity of vanilla meets the exhilaration of cool peppermint.   Be Adventurous: Explore outside your boundaries with a touch of smooth chocolate infused with refreshing mint.  Be Dynamic: Energize your morning with a bold burst of lime topped off with bright spearmint.   I found them to been inviting. 
The first one I tried was the Vanilla Mint Spark.  Vanilla is one of my favorite flavors, so I thought that this one should be first.  It was pretty good.  I was expecting some fake vanilla flavor, but it was pretty legit tasting.  I think this one is definitely my favorite.   It has the perfect distinction of vanilla and mint, neither over power the other.  I love it. 
The second one I tried was the Mint Chocolate Trek.   I wasn’t too sure about this one, because I’m not a fan of mint chocolate anything.  So I was a little bit hesitant.  The paste itself has little brown spots in it, I thought that looked cool.  I didn’t even get to finish brushing my teeth, not because of the flavor, but because my mouth started feeling like little pins were being stuck all over my mouth.  I’m assuming I’m allergic to one of the ingredients that in this one, but not the vanilla one.  I just don’t know.   Before that started happening the flavor was fine.  The chocolate was a little strong, but you know when you don’t like something it always stands out?  I think it’s because of that.  The chocolate flavor is also fake tasting, it taste like chocolate lip balm.   I’m not a fan of this one, and won’t be purchasing this one in the future.
Last but not least, I tried the Lime Spearmint Zest.   I assumed that I would like this one because of the spearmint, but not 100% like it because of the lime but,  I really like this one.  It was a little scary because it does have a few of the same ingredients as the mint chocolate, but thankfully it didn't have the same effects. The paste looks sparkly and I love anything with a shimmer to it.  The lime is not over powering, it tastes amazing, and it doesn’t feel like I’m brushing my teeth with razor blades so what ever the same ingredients are in this one are not what bother me.
These toothpastes are very interesting and I didn’t think that I would have liked any of them and it turns out that I do.  I’m probably going to be buying bigger tubes of the vanilla mint spark and the lime spearmint zest.  I’m going to give the chocolate mint trek to my sister to see if she has the same reaction to it, and if not see if she likes it better than myself. 

xx 

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Recipe: Strawberry-banana Bread:



My mom showed me this recipe the other day and originally it was just strawberry bread, but we had an older banana that we needed to get rid of, so we just threw it into the mix.  You could do the same, or you could just keep to the strawberries.  Also, I used self-rising flour so I did not include the salt while I was making it. 

Ingredients:
1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
¾ cup sugar 
½  tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon 
½ tsp baking soda 
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2/3 cup vegetable oil 
1 ¼ cups mashed strawberries



Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and grease an 8 by 4 inch glass loaf pan with cooking spray.



Whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda in a bowl. 

Mash up the strawberries and banana. 


Lightly beat eggs.


Add the eggs and the oil, then the mashed strawberries and banana.

 Mix them all together to make a light pink mix.


Transfer to the loaf pan and bake for 75 minutes.


I like to heat my slice up and then top with butter, but my sister and mom like to add cream cheese.  Both ways are pretty tasty!
Enjoy!
xx