Monday, May 31, 2010

Weekly Outfits 5/24/10 thru 5/30/10

Here are last week's outfits in review

 5/24/10 Byron Jumpsuit by Alice + Olivia

 5/25/10 Belted Safari Jumpsuit by Diane von Furstenberg

 5/26/10 Embellished Silk Halter Dress by Madison Marcus

5/27/10 Floral-Print Denim Dress by Just Cavalli

5/28/10 Leather Tuxedo Jacket, Flower Tee and Skinny Raw Jeans by McQ by Alexander McQueen

5/29/10 Petal Houndstooth and Medallions Silk Halter Dress by Anna Sui

5/30/10 Floating Feathers Dress by Leifsdottir


Sunday, May 30, 2010

Feed Your Memory

Always forgetting where you put your keys? Feel lost without your iCal? To the rescue: Foods scientifically proven to boost your brainpower.

Oranges -
The research: This juicy fruit is a great source of folate, and a recent study in The Journal of Nutrition found that a diet rich in folate - which helps lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid related to memory loss - is associated with faster recall and information processing.
Work it in: Aim for one medium-size orange a day; eat on its own, or cut wedges into bit-size pieces and add to a salad or on top of grilled fish.

Black Beans -
The research: This fiber-rich food is an excellent source of vitamin B1, a nutrient that helps synthesize the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is crucial for memory. Low levels of acetylcholine have been linked to age-related mental decline and Alzheimer's disease.
Work it in: Aim for 1/2 cup a day; add to a Mexican-style salad with grilled peppers, pico de gallo and organic corn chips.

Sage -
The research: Two double-blind trials showed that taking an essential oil extract of sage - which inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine - significantly improved recall in adults for up to four hours after consuming.
Work it in: Aim for 1 tablespoon fresh or 1 teaspoon dried sage, or 1 teaspoon sage-infused olive oil daily; add fresh or dried sage to canned or homemade soup, or use sage-infused oil in a meat marinade.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Five-Spice Turkey & Lettuce Wraps‏


Based on a popular Chinese dish, these fun wraps also make appealing appetizers for entertaining. Make it a meal: Serve with chile-garlic sauce and rice vinegar for extra zip; toss diced mango and strawberries with lime juice for a quick dessert.
Recipe Ingredients
1/2 cup water

1/2 cup instant brown rice
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 pound 93%-lean ground turkey
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 large red bell pepper , finely diced
1 8-ounce can water chestnuts , rinsed and chopped
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (see Note)
1 teaspoon five-spice powder (see Note)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 heads Boston lettuce , leaves separated
1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs , such as cilantro, basil, mint and/or chives
1 large carrot , shredded


Recipe Directions
  1. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add rice; reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add turkey and ginger; cook, crumbling with a wooden spoon, until the turkey is cooked through, about 6 minutes. Stir in the cooked rice, bell pepper, water chestnuts, broth, hoisin sauce, five-spice powder and salt; cook until heated through, about 1 minute.
  3. To serve, spoon portions of the turkey mixture into lettuce leaves, top with herbs and carrot and roll into wraps.
Prepare the filling (through Step 2), cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Serve cold or reheat in the microwave.
Notes: Hoisin sauce is a spicy, sweet sauce made from soybeans, chiles, garlic and spices. It will keep in the refrigerator for at least a year.

Often a blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise and Szechuan peppercorns, five-spice powder was originally considered a cure-all miracle blend encompassing the five elements (sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, salty). Look for it in the supermarket spice section.


Age-proof your hands!

Studies show that just slipping on a gemstone ring (real or faux) makes people perceive your hands as years younger, because the facets reflect light and brighten your skin!

Friday, May 28, 2010

Summer Hair: Your 3-Step, No-Heat Plan

If your hair is Thick and Straight (ish)

1. In the shower: Because thick hair can be coarse, you need a shampoo that will soften it. Using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner is a must. Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Moisture Balance Shampoo contains hair-silkening cassia and aloe vera and Suave Professionals Damage Care Conditioner helps smooth dense hair. If you have oily roots, confine conditioner to the ends.

2. When hair is still damp: Spritz a spray gel from midlength to ends. It's strong enough to control frizz but not so heavy that it will add more weight to your hair. Also, it's fine to use a formula labeled "volumizing," as long as you keep the product off your roots so it won't create pouf.

3. Just before you leave the house: Bulky hair will have more swing if you use a wax to separate it into small, piecey sections. Run your fingers over Kiehl's Creative Cream Wax and then rub your hands together to emulsify it. Pull it through the hair around your face and your ends.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Pork Tenderloin Stir-Fry with Tangerines and Chili Sauce

A tangerine's skin is so thin that when it's cooked, you can eat the fruit - peel and all. Asian sweet chili sauce is an orange-colored, slightly spicy bottled Thai sauce; it's available in the Asian foods section of some supermarkets. Chinese five-spice powder can be found in the spice section of most supermarkets.

1-1 1/4 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch thick rounds, then cut into 1/2 inch wide strips
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons Asian sesame oil, divided
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
4 small unpeeled tangerines or clementines, cut (with peel) into 3/4 inch pieces
1/4 cup Asian sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
6 baby bok choy, cut crosswise into 1-inch thick ribbons, tough bases discarded
5 green onions, thinly sliced on diagonal, divided

Place pork tenderloin strips in medium bowl; sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper and toss with cornstarch to coat. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced ginger; stir 30 seconds. Add pork tenderloin strips; stir-fry until pork is beginning to brown and is almost cooked through, about 3 minutes. Add tangerine pieces; toss 30 seconds. Add sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder; boil until sauce in skillet thickens slightly, tossing to blend, about 1 minute. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil, bok choy, and half of sliced green onions. Stir-fry just until bok choy is wilted. 1 to 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Transfer to bowl; sprinkle with remaining sliced green onions and serve.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Get glowing, younger skin

with a $2. avocado facial!

What you'll need
1/2 avocado
2 Tbsp sour cream

1. Mash both ingredients together until creamy
2. Smooth over freshly cleansed skin
3. Relax for 15 - 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and moisturize as usual.

Why it works: The lactic acid in the sour cream lightly exfoliates dead skin cells, which allows the avocado's moisturizing oils to really penetrate deeply.


How long will it keep: One day. Avocado turns brown quickly. Store in the fridge if preparing before use; cover with plastic wrap.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Mustard Glazed Ribs

1 rack pork ribs, cut into individual ribs, about 3 pounds
1 1/4 cups ketchup
1/3 cup cider vinegar
3 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

1. Heat over to 400 degrees. Place ribs in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake for 1 hour. Drain off any accumulated liquid.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium-size saucepan, stir together the ketchup, vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, 3 tablespoons water, the onion powder and hot sauce. Cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring. Place half the sauce in a small bowl; set aside.
3. Heat gas grill to medium-high or prepare charcoal grill with medium-hot coals. Lightly coat grill rack with oil or nonstick cooking spray.
4. Baste ribs generously with the remaining sauce and grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until nicely browned. Serve ribs with reserved sauce on the side.

Do ahead tip: Bake ribs and make sauce; allow both to cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Gently reheat ribs and sauce before grilling.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Weely Outfits 5/17/10 thru 5/23/10

Here are last week's outfits in review

 5/17/10 Body-Seamed dress by Thakoon

5/18/10 One Shoulder Tie-Waist dress by Theory

5/19/10 Tie-Hem top and Side snap shorts by See by Chloe

5/20/10 Elenra Embroidered Top and Jester silk cargo pants by Joie

5/21/10 Denim Western Shirt and Skyler Tie-Back cuffed shorts by Juicy Couture

5/22/10 Malerie Striped Top and Cropped cargo pants by Tory Burch

5/23/10 Crystal Cave Embellished Tunic by Nanette Lepore

Sunday, May 23, 2010

5 Reasons you (probably) don't use a Retinoid...and why you should consider it

1 - You have no idea what a retinoid is. The term describes vitamin A derivatives that unclog pores, boost collagen to reduce fine lines, and speed cell turnover to even out discoloration and smooth the skin - sometimes in as little as four weeks. There are three prescription-strength retinoids: Tretinoin (brands include Retin-A, Renova), Tazarotene (Avage, Tazorac), and Adapalene (Differin).

2. You don't want to go to the dermatologist. While prescription formulas yield the most impressive results, an over-the-counter retinoid, called retinol, can also improve lines and discoloration. Retinol is less potent, so count on 12 weeks before seeing results.

3. You think a retinoid will make your skin sun-sensitive. This is one of the biggest retinoid myths. The ingredient itself is sensitive to sunlight, which is why you should apply it before bed at night. A retinoid shouldn't make your skin any more vulnerable to UV rays than it would be after buffing away dead skin with a face scrub. Summer is actually a good time to start a retinoid: Humidity makes your skin less likely to dry out as it adjusts. Of course, apply sunscreen as diligently as you always do.

4. You're afraid your skin will look worse before it gets better. Retinoids can cause dryness, redness, and flaking - but if you ease in, you can avoid a rough transition. For the first two weeks, apply every third night. If your skin isn't irritated, ramp up to every other, then every night. A few other irritation-mitigating guidelines: Wait 15 minutes after washing your face before you apply a retinoid, and use one pea-size dab to cover your whole face. After a few minutes, apply a basic moisturizer to prevent dryness.

5. You think you can't afford it. Insurance coverage of a prescription retinoid, like Retin-A, varies by plan, and a 20-gram tube will cost about $75. But generic tretinoin costs about $40 - not bad for a product guaranteed to work.

Caveat emptor
  • Don't use a retinoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Benzoyl peroxide and alpha hydroxy acids may deactivate retinoids, so don't layer them.
  • Waxing can cause excess redness on retinoid-treated skin; don't use a retinoid for several days before a treatment.
  • A small percentage of people with ultrasensitive skin can never tolerate a retinoid; if you're one of them, use a gentle physical exfoliator twice a week to soften your skin, and be extra=conscientious about sunscreen to prevent collagen loss in the first place.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Grilled Mango BBQ Pizza

 Ever think of making pizza on the BBQ? Well, here's a delicious recipe to do just that. It's fun and tasty. Give it a try
1 pound frozen pizza dough, thawed
1/2 cup bottled barbecue sauce
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
3 ounces Canadian bacon, but into strips
1/2 mango, thinly sliced

1. Heat gas grill to medium or prepare charcoal grill with medium-hot coals.
2. Coat a 12 inch perforated pizza pan with nonstick cooking spray. Roll dough out to a 12 inch circle. Place on prepared pizza pan. Put on grill rack and close lid of grill. Grill for 5 minutes. Check bottom of pizza, if getting too dark lower heat to medium-low.
3. Open grill. Spread dough with barbecue sauce and sprinkle evenly with the cheese. Scatter the Canadian bacon and mango slices over the top.
4. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes more until crust is lightly browned and cheese melted.
5. Gently slide pizza onto a cutting board.
6. Allow pizza to cool slightly before cutting into slices.

You can also make pizza directly on grill rack - heat grill and grease rack. Slide rolled out dough from pan directly onto rack; cover grill. Cook 5 minutes, flip dough, add toppings and cook, covered, 5 more minutes!

How to avoid a speeding ticket

I am probably not the person to give advice on how to not get a ticket considering the fact that I have gotten 7 tickets since I got my license only a year and a half ago, but I do have advice! SO LISTEN(:! A officer came into my government class and after the class I asked him questions on how to be able to get a warning instead of that awful green slip with at least a hundred dollar charge. Here is what he said:

  1. Pull over quickly and keep hands in view
  2. Provide information without attitude
  3. You do not have to say you were in the wrong but do not be really argumentative
  4. Police officers are trying to change your behavior when it comes to driving if you seem as though you want to change then you’re more likely to receive a warning
  5. Small talk with the officer is good; ask him how his day was. Police officers have bad days too.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Are crunches making your belly bulge?

I read some of the most DISTURBING information the other day.  Could my crunches and sit ups really be making my tummy protrude? Could I have been sabotaging myself AND torturing myself at the same time? It seems so.

Now, I know that the transversus abdominis muscles are the ones that hold in your torso and stabilize your spine. They pull in your middle like a corset and support your back! I even posted about them in Lose your belly.

Now, what I DIDN'T know is that the muscles you're working when you do crunches or the classic sit up - the rectus abdominis and the external obliques - share a similarity to your muscles in your arms, legs, or back - namely, they're all made of muscle fibers that sit near the surface. And just as countless biceps curls will result in larger biceps, countless sit ups will result in larger, not smaller, abs. Then, if you happen to have a large layer of fat on top of those outer muscles, the muscle will push the flab forward. YIKES!

I read this in Look Better Naked and when I read it, it was like a light bulb went off. No wonder some super thin and fit women have the muscle pooch! 

So, work the transverse muscles and leave the crunches for the six pack abs once you've lost the fat!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Cute blazer, super cheap!

I just saw this blazer on kohls.com for only $38.99. (It's on sale, it is normally $60.00) I'm buying it. I can throw it on over just about anything. I hope it's as cute on as I am imagining it with my clothes!!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

8 Ways to bring on Spring

1. Place pots of forced spring bulbs (hyacinths, tulips, daffodils, crocuses) throughout the house.
2. Swap curtains for white sheers.
3. Dress your bed in pretty floral-patterned cotton linens.
4. Ditch lipstick in favor of gloss with a hint of color, like peach.
5. Opt for knits - just choose lightweight versions in citrusy colors.
6. Carry a canvas tote. Instead of boring beige, try a black and white print.
7. Slip on a pair of floral flats.
8. Put apple-scented soaps in the bathroom.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Clear and brighten your complexion

with a $1. strawberry facial! 

You can get strawberries right now for CHEAP! They're good to eat and they're great for your face.

What you'll need
4 fresh strawberries
1 Tbsp honey
1 egg white

1. Puree ingredients in a blender until smooth
2. Apply to freshly cleansed skin and relax for 20 minutes.
3. Rinse with cool water.

Why it works: Strawberries have salicylic acid in them, the same pore-cleansing ingredient found in acne treatments. But the salicylic acid in strawberries is gentler, so your skin won't feel dry. Honey also kills blemish-causing bacteria, while egg whites are natural astringents that dry excess oils for a clear complexion.


How long will it keep: One day. Raw eggs are highly perishable. Store in fridge if preparing hours before use.

Not So Fast

Mom was right when she told you to slow down. People who eat quickly are three times more likely to be overweight than those who eat at a moderate pace. When you eat fast you tend to overdo it because your brain doesn't have a chance to realize you're full. Try these tricks to pace yourself.

* Put down your fork after each bite. Chew, swallow, then pause to take a drink of water or a deep breath before picking it up again.
* Step away from the table - While dining out, go ahead and have one piece of bread if you want it. But after you've finished, get up and go to the bathroom (even if you don't have to). Take 5 deep breaths before returning to the meal.
* Heat things up. Have some piping-hot soup or tea with your meal. You'll automatically eat more slowly than if you choose cold food and drinks.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Weekly Outfits 5/10/10 thru 5/16/10

Here are last week's outfits in review!!

5/10/10 Embellished-Shoulder Flounce Tunic and Skinny Cargo Pants by Alice + Olivia

5/11/10 Vern Cotton Wrap Dress by Diane von Furstenberg

5/12/10 Sweetheart Halter Dress by Elizabeth and James

5/13/10 Inferno Batwing Top and Twill Patch-Pocket Shorts by Helmut Lang

5/14/10 Batik Jersey Shift Dress by Juicy Couture

5/15/10 Elizabeth IV Blazer and Ponte Pants by Elizabeth and James

5/16/10 Ainslie Sweater and Christie Slim Jeans by MARC by Marc Jacobs

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Blog Award and loving it!

Thank you Journey of the Incessant Dieter for this AWESOME award. I love awards and I love your blog!!


There are some other great blogs that I would like to pass this on to.
Thanks for all of your inspiration

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Grow your own salsa garden

Fresh ingredients make all the difference. Whether you prefer salsa that's hot or mild, chunky or smooth, you can serve the tastiest, most colorful salsa ever by growing your own peppers, tomatoes, tomatillos, and cilantro.  All you need is a small garden or large containers in full sun. You can even combine vegetables with perennials in a sunny border.  Here's a good garden collection to make salsa from your own kitchen.  One plant each of medium-hot chile pepper 'Early Jalapeno', sweet golden yellow bell pepper 'Early Sunsation', early-ripening tomatillo 'Toma Verde', meaty red tomato 'Martino's Roma', and mild yellow tomato 'Taxi', plus cilantro.

Let your favorite cuisine be the guide when you plan your garden.  Plant salad greens, radishes, and carrots in early spring for harvest no later than early summer. Plant warm-season crops such as peppers and tomatoes after the last spring frost.

See gardens below for three awesome arrangements that could easily yield 40-50 lbs. of tomatoes, 10 lbs. of cucumbers, bushels of salad greens, and baskets full of the other vegetables shown such as carrots, onions, chard, eggplant, basil, oregano and garlic.


Can't keep my priorities straight!

Finding a balance with school, work, family, and friends is always something that stresses me out. It feels as though you need three of you at least just to get the basic tasks done and have a little social time. Last night I wish I had at least two of me. I had to go the the Monroe soccer game to write an article, then work, and then come home and finish those articles that I completely slacked on, like writing Aysia's Advice, yikes. Procrastinating is never worth it! When it comes to priorities I seem to mix mine up quite a bit. My new plan is keeping a notebook with me at school and work so that I can write down ideas for new articles or Aysia's Advice.Also, instead of that extra sleep in time on weekends, I plan to get up early so I can add more practical hours to my day.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Beef and Blue Cheese Wraps

 
3 Tbsp Mayonnaise
1 tsp dried thyme, crushed
2 Tbsp yellow mustard
4 8-inch whole wheat tortillas
12 oz thinly sliced cooked roast beef
1 12-oz jar roasted red sweet peppers, drained
1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
4 cups mixed greens
additional crumbled blue cheese (optional)

1. In bowl combine mayonnaise and dried thyme. Remove and set aside 1 tablespoon of the mayonnaise mixture. Stir mustard into remaining mayonnaise mixture.
2. Spread one side of each tortilla with mayonnaise-mustard mixture. Evenly divide roast beef, sweet peppers, and blue cheese among each tortilla. Roll; brush with reserved mayonnaise-dried thyme mixture.
3. In extra-large skillet over medium heat lightly brown tortilla wraps about 2 minutes per side. Cut in half. Divide greens among salad dishes. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle additional blue cheese; top with halved wraps.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Shortcut to a firmer body

This hard-working move saves you time without sacrificing results.

The payoff - Master this exercise - the overhead press and lift - and you'll be rewarded with sexy shoulders, stronger legs, a more toned backside, and better balance. Combining upper - and lower - body moves shaves minutes off your routine but also requires you to really concentrate on form (you'll fall over if you don't). Your legs, hips, and core have to work to synchronize the movements, so you target almost your entire body in the time it takes to complete a single exercise.

How to do it
  • Hold a 6-pound weighted ball in both hands a few inches in front of your chest, and balance on left leg. Tighten abs and draw your shoulders back and down.
  • Lower into a half squat on left leg, keeping torso tall, right knee bent (A).
Straighten left leg as you press ball overhead and extend right leg behind you, toes pointed and several inches off the floor (B). Think about creating a line from your right heel to your hands. Return to a half squat and repeat. Switch legs to complete set. 

For best results
  • Do 3 sets of 12 controlled reps twice a week as part of your regular strength-training program.
  • To make it harder, hold a heavier ball or extend your lifted leg in front of you as you squat on the other leg.
Mistakes to avoid
  • Don't shrug your shoulders toward your ears, which decreases the work for your deltoids.
  • Don't lift your leg too high or extend your arms behind your ears; both can stress your spine.
  • Don't lock or hyperextend your standing leg, which can strain your knee and make it more difficult to balance.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Are you a Sun, Earth or an Ocean??

A few days ago, I posted that I was an Earth and explained what that was.

I was asked how you could find out what you were.  So here you go!!

Are you a sun?
You’ll look great in these warm, sunny shades if 

  • You tend to tan easily and your skin tone is peachy, beige, yellow- or golden-olive, or rich, warm brown.
  • Your hair is golden blonde, red, or light to dark brown with warm undertones—and tends to take on a red or gold cast if you spend a lot of time in the sun.
  • You have dark blue, golden hazel, green, or rich brown eyes. If you look closely at your irises, you may notice golden, amber, or yellow flecks.
  • You look better wearing a cream-colored shirt than you do wearing a pure white shirt.
Your perfect makeup look
A wash of sunset-inspired shades on your eyes complements your skin’s warm undertones, according to Warren. Start by applying a copper shadow all over your lids, then blend a golden beige shade above it to the brows. Apply a dark peach blush along your cheekbones to bring out your skin’s golden hue, then slick on a sheer, brown lip gloss. (It’s more flattering to your skin than cool pinks or berries.)
Makeup (from top to bottom): Being True Interference Color Rich Shadow in Carnelian ($16); L’Oréal Paris Wear Infinité Eye Shadow in Buttercup ($4.25; drugstores); Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Surge ($18; Sephora); MAC Mineralize Blush in Superdupernatural ($21)
Sonja Pacho
Are you an ocean?
You’ll look great in these cool, sea-inspired shades if
  • Your skin tone is one of the following: fair and pinkish, rosy beige, olive with a greenish cast, or brown to dark brown. If you’re fair, you tend to burn easily.
  • Your hair is ashy blonde, silver, white, light to dark brown, or black. Light shades may have ashy or sandy highlights; dark shades may have hints of cool tones.
  • Your eyes are gray, blue, aqua, gray-green, reddish brown, or very dark brown (almost black). If you look closely at your irises, you may notice gray or black flecks.
  • White clothes look better on you than cream clothes.
Your perfect makeup look
Cool lavender eyeliner and a soft blue shadow make your eyes pop. Trace your lower lash lines with lavender liner, then dust a soft blue shadow over your lids. (For a night out, top your liner with a matching shadow.) Blend a pink blush over the apples of your cheeks, and finish with a pink gloss that has a hint of lilac. “It complements your skin’s cool undertones,” says Warren.

Makeup (from top to bottom): Lancôme Color DesignBlush in Petticoat Pink ($27); Wet n Wild Eyeliner Pencil in Lilac (99 cents; drugstores); IsaDora Mineral Eyeshadow in Sapphire ($10); Estée Lauder Pure Color Multi-Shimmer Gloss in Rose Amethyst ($18)
Sonja Pacho

Make a positive change

Pick one area of your life you'd like to improve (maybe you want to quit smoking or lose some pounds) and write out specific steps you can take (like cutting down to one pack a day or attending a weight-loss support group twice a week). Commit to doing that action for one month - smaller steps are less imposing than a huge change. In that time, you'll have made some progress, which will motivate you to move toward your next doable goal.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Balsamic Pork and Dumplings

1 16.9-oz package frozen potato-and onion filled pierogi (potato dumplings)
12 oz green and/or wax beans, trimmed (3 cups)
1 lb pork tenderloin
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary (optional)

1. Cook pierogi and beans in boiling water according to pierogi package directions. Drain pierogi and beans; divide among serving plates.
2. Meanwhile, slice pork in 1/2 inch medallions. Gently flatten pork slices by hand to 1/4 inch thickness; lightly sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add pork. Cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until no pink remains. Transfer to serving plates with pierogi and beans.
3. Drain fat from skillet. Add balsamic vinegar to hot skillet. Cook, uncovered, 1 minute or until reduced by half. Drizzle over pork, pierogi, and beans. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary. Serves 4

Monday, May 10, 2010

Weekly Outfits 5/3/10 thru 5/9/10

Here are last week's outfits in review!

5/3/10 Two-Button jacket and Cap-Sleeve silk jumpsuit by DKNY

5/4/10 Bouquet Blouse and Lace-up skinny jeans by Leifsdottir

5/5/10 Beaded chiffon camisole and Linen Scout shorts by Milly

5/6/10 Tiered Tunic dress by Leifsdottir

5/7/10 Leather jacket and slouchy pants by Theory

5/8/10 Hand-painted crane cardigan and Lace-up skinny jeans by Leifsdottir

5/9/10 Tie-waist tunic and skinny ankle jeans by Vince

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

Hope your day is wonderful.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Are you an Earth?

I found out that I am an Earth......So what does that mean? Well.......

  • Your skin tone is creamy ivory, beige, light or medium olive, tan, or light brown.
  • Your hair is salt-and-pepper gray, light to dark blonde, auburn, or light to dark brown. It may have few highlights or a mixture of both warm (golden, red) and cool (ashy, champagne) highlights.
  • Your eyes are blue, gray, hazel, green, or brown - and tend to change color depending on the lighting or your clothes.
  • Both white and cream clothes look good on you, but bright colors (orange, yellow) tend to wash you out.
If you are an Earth, then your perfect makeup look - A sage green smoky eye looks amazing - Apply the color to your lids, then use it to line your lower lash lines. Next, darken the creases of your eyes with a brownish-mauve shadow. Blend apricot cream blush along your cheekbones. (The shade is a mix of cool pink and a warm peach - beautiful on you.) Finish with a subtle, rosy-beige lip gloss.

Makeup, left, from top to bottom: Philosophy Supernatural Cream Blush in Lit from Within; Paul & Joe Eye Color in Russian; Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Amber Rose; Benefit Velvet Eyeshadow in I Cannes & I Will