It matters

Every day is a reminder of how strong I truly am when it comes to this. I guess if the situation was handled by someone else, they would have allowed the legos to fall a long time ago, said those 3 words and gotten carried away with emotions and careless actions. But I can’t let that happen. We are great at what we are and what he wants is what we are right now. The question of if and when we would be more has crossed my mind so many times my brain is numb. The fact that his smile could undress me is paramount. And the scent of his skin (not his cologne) makes me dizzy with anticipation of touching him. The reality that there are so many other men out there is known to me. But why wait for him? Because he is worth it. And the worst thing that could be said is no. I have been strong enough to keep how I really feel to myself, and I know I will be strong enough to continue doing so. It’s spending the night, insatiable passion, and deep conversations fit for friends that have been so since they were toddlers. No denying that the love that I feel for him is stronger that the web a spider spins, but I can’t help but wonder; am I making a mistake?

Let that which molds you be admired

A few Sundays ago, I was feeling camera happy. And this is the result....

...sometimes you just keep pressing the shutter button and beauty is the result.

The Art of Fried Chicken

Many times, we cook things and we find that they are the most amazing dishes we have ever had. But then we might cook something and it's so disgusting we can't even bear to look at it. Well, my take on that situation is to have a note pad. If you are experimenting with a dish baked chicken for example, and you are putting in a "Mediterranean" seasoning but you aren't sure if it's going to taste OK; write down everything you put in it and the order you put it in. Because believe it or not if that dish comes out to be amazing and you can't remember what you did to it and how, you will be upset.

I have a teacher that is currently mastering the art of friend chicken. With her heart in succeeding at this dish, she will aimlessly conquer everything up until taking it out of the grease. And she has stated numerous times that it just comes out "bad." So I told her I will lend my advice. Read on...

INGREDIENTS: 

• Seasonings to season the flour
• Dressing for chicken marinade. Or whatever marinade you like. 
• 2-3 cups of flour (depending on amount of chicken being fried) in ziploc bag.
• Frying oil of your choice. Grapeseed oil has a much higher smoke point than olive oil, so that is what I used.

DIRECTIONS:

* I use Italian dressing to marinade the chicken. This was marinated overnight, and you can let the chicken sit anywhere from an hour to overnight. Of course, I have used other dressings such as Ranch, Blue cheese, Caesar, etc. And they all add their own flavor to the chicken. But I just love the Italian!

 * These are the ingredients I used to season the flour. You can use as many or as little as you'd like.

*Put the flour in a bag. I used a Wegman's shopping bag. Add all the seasonings you want to this bag. Make sure the bag doesn't have holes in it!! I have dropped plenty-o-flour on the floor and hated cleaning it up.

* Add oil (about 1.5 cups) to a frying pan with at least a 1 inch lip around it.You will see bubbles come up from the bottom of the pan. Most people I have talked to, flick water in the pan and when it pops they put the chicken in there. I always hated this method because when it's popping, it's a bit too hot. You don't want to cook the chicken too fast. You want a steady even cook.

 *Turn your stove on Med-High, and wait about 3-4 minutes.

*Your chicken should be ready to add to the flour now, and nicely marinated.

*Take your chicken and put it in the bag of flour

 
*Once you have added a few pieces of chicken to the bag, shake the bag until all the pieces are covered.

*Add the pieces to the oil. Although this seems like a pretty slow process through the pictures, it's actually pretty quick. You don't have much time because the oil is heating up and you don't want it to burn.

*As you can see, the chicken is beginning to cook. You can see blood around the edges of the bones, and you can see that there are bubbles forming in the grease. You don't want the grease too low or too high. Wait until it's done cooking...mine takes around 8-10 minutes to cook thoroughly. Sometimes longer. 

*See that juicy, crispy goodness? Your chicken is done!! And I can tell you that it tasted so delicious.

Goya, Henri Bendel and L.A.M.B.

It's funny how you sometimes have pictures on your camera that are meant to be posted and then they never become so. Well, This was back in the first week of august. I had bought some coconut water and a new perfume. Coconut water is wonderful. It's very hydrating and nonetheless more expensive than regular water but it delivers a smooth taste that I cannot describe. The coconut flakes inside the water are interesting too!

 I also bought a new perfume. It was L.A.M.B by Gwen Stefani. And I love it dearly. It's very sweet and fruity. No muskiness to this perfume. And it stays on for a very long time! This is the 3.4 fl oz, and it was $105.

And last but not least, my Henri Bendel Black Fig candle. It is a WONDERFUL scent to fill the house. Kind of masculine, and sweet at the same time.

There is no better thing than going around the house and taking pictures of things that you have picked up along a journey somewhere, or gifts, etc. Happy Day!

Welcome Back

I sat in thought about "being lost" today. I pondered the idea of there being an epiphany that accompanies finding yourself. Do you just look in the mirror and say "Here I am!". Do you finally realize who or what you are and you suddenly have answers from there on? Well, regardless of the many outcomes and epiphanies I've had in the last few months, more than one truth stands firm...sometimes it's just therapeautic and helpful to take time to get to know YOU. Know what you want, what you need. I was blessed to have had the time to do that in the past year. And with new knowledge, outlooks and feelings; I look back with admiration because of what it took to get here. Hello to all of you. It feels great to be back "in the loop."

The site is new(er). Still the same address. Just a different name, that took me forever to decide on. And my focus is different. Richer, deeper and more meaningful that just fashion & beauty. Sure, they are wonderful topics, but I know so much more and have the ability to share so much more information with each and every one of you that I didnt want to focus in on one or two topics. I can promise the blog won't be spread all over the place like food on the table at Thanksgiving, but it will definitely have more quality.

I have found an amazing love and interest in cooking that, this time last year, I knew I had...I just didnt know exactly how much. As often as I can, I will be posting recipes on here, and doing videos and such that focus on cooking and baking. Not all of us can be Martha Stewarts or Rachel Rays in the kitchen but I will definitely show you everything I know!

Pssssttt.... "And that's a lot!"

30% Glycolic Acid Peel

A few weeks ago I was looking for a solution to my skin issue that I'm having now. The most unbelievable part of it all is that I have no idea where the breakouts are coming from! Stress isn't really a huge part of my life right now. I do drink coffee like crazy, but I have always done that. I drink water all the time. I wash my face daily, and exfoliate regularly. But wait, I have changed my face wash! I honestly didn't think that it would be a big deal if I bought some different face washes to try out and review. In the midst of trying out different face washes, I noticed my skin was getting substantially worse.

I found an idea with Makeup Artists Choice products. I researched, and finally chose the 30% Glycolic Acid Peel. I received it in the mail within a week, and was so nervous!! It came with a pamphlet that explains to you how to use your peel. It was very useful, because to neutralize the peel, you mix baking soda and water and apply it to your face.You use cotton balls to apply the solutions.

I want to show you all how this is going to work for me. Every Thursday is when I do the peels. I will be posting my progress frequently.

This is what the bottles look like.

 

Now, I was definitely convinced that it was a great product. I saw pictures on the website of women who have used it and saw amazing results. Here is the message to "Acne Clients" (credit MUAC):

"You are beginning your treatments with pores that are congested/clogged with embedded dirt, dead skin cells and sebum.  As you begin your treatments the sebum just under the surface will likely emerge as blemishes.  This is normal.  Breakouts may seem more pronounced since the acid is cleaning the pores more quickly than with regular cleansing products.  Typically within the first 3 weeks, the skin begins to show improved clarity with very few breakouts.  Please try to be patient during this time.  Deep cleansing and exfoliation is a "process" which takes some time to work."

This seemed to speak to me. And it still does. I have been using the peel for 2 weeks now. Today was the first application. 

Here is me in the beginning of January:

Although I had some makeup on, my skin was decent. I didn't have a crazy breakout and my blemishes weren't nearly as visible as they are now. 

Here I am today:

And the left side of my face is just as bad. I have an issue with blackheads, and acne scarring, and pimples and redness. A combination I have never known much about. Maybe it's the foundation I am using (Mac Pro-longwear NW50--[mixed with]--Mac Pro-longwear NC45) that is breaking me out. But I will show you a picture of a time when my skin was luminous..and then I will tell you what facewash I was using...

This was my skin in April/May 2010. And the facewash I was using? 

Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser

And so I bought it last week, and I am so excited to get back to Biore. But I will say that in the last picture of my skin at one of it's best times, I was using Stila Oil Free Natural Finish Foundation...And I'm wondering if I shouldn't go back....

Have any of you had any breakouts from some products? Or changed up your routine and found out that it wasn't working well for you? 

XXXO

Android Does These Apps

I have read so many posts about Android vs Iphone, and have learned so much when it comes to the difference in the apps between the two platforms. I know many of us Android users are kind of left behind the curtain right now when it comes to magazine apps, and other things.

I have read a post recently on another blog, and the blogger had some great apps....but they were pertaining to Apple only, and they didn't say what Android apps are similar. So I am going to be doing that today. I will name the apps that were in that post & put their comparable Android apps. And I'm including links too!! Click on the TITLE of the app for the Apple version, and if there is an Android version, the link will be included in the description! Happy Shopping!

Comment & tell me what apps you love!! I will do a post on "reader's favorite apps"!! 

****And soon I will do a post about what apps I am currently in love with!!****

Shazam (Free):
IS available on the Android Market. More often than not, there are songs that I hear while I am walking in the supermarket, and I find myself humming the tune through the checkout. This app is amazing. You can access the app from your home screen and you're able to use it to identify that song that you're loving!!

Epicurious (Free): 

IS available on the Android Market. This app is great because there are thousands of recipes that you have access to!! You can search by ingredient, and it tells you how the dishes are rated! And even what cook book they were in or where they were submitted from! This app is published by Conde Nast Publishing, the same company that publishes magazines such as Vogue, Glamour, Allure and many more! 

Parenting (Stages & Ages) -- (Free):

IS NOT available on the Android Market. But I have found a couple like "Android Parenting Tips" and "Parenting Today". The Apple parenting app is based on the magazine. You can read a synopsis of the app here. Click here to view the apps available for Android users that are similar to this Parenting app.

The Knot (Wedding Dress Look Book)--(Free):

IS NOT on the Android Market. But is from the wedding website "www.theknot.com". This app is an on-the-go shopping source for wedding dresses, and more. Click here to find apps that are similar.

Fooducate (Free):

IS NOT available on the Android Market. Ever walked past the Ice Cream isle and just wondered what brand or flavor was healthiest for you? Well, this app takes care of all the guess-work. It tells you what foods are No's and what foods are Yes's. This app should be available on the Android Market soon, so keep a look out for it!! Iphone users click here. Nutrition Complete ($4.99), Nutrition Info (free), Food Nutrition (free), and Restaurant Nutrition (free) are all similar apps!!

Skype (Free):

IS available for both Iphone and Android users. Click here for Android version. 

Fluent News (Free):

IS available for both platforms. CNN and HLN are a couple of the popular news broadcasts, and Fluent News is your mobilized newspaper! Get reports from FOX, CNN, HLN and TMZ in an extremely readable and clean format. Click here for Android version. 

Tango (Free):

IS available for both platforms. Tango is a video chat/call client. Another great video call app is QIK. 

Menu Pages (Free):
IS available on both platforms. "MenuPages, the indispensable resource that millions love and trust to find restaurants and menus on the web (only available in NYC (Manhattan & Brooklyn), San Francisco, LA, Philly, Boston, Chicago, DC metro area, and South Florida), is now available for the iPhone and gps-enabled iPod touch."  For the Android version, click here. 
(Appolicious Credit)


Red Laser (Free):
IS available for both platforms. This app searches for low online and local prices for any item you scan the barcode for! It's amazing!! Click here for the Android Version.


Starfall ABC's ($2.99):
IS NOT available for Android. Great app if you're a parent and you're teaching your child to learn his/her ABC's. For comparable Android apps, click here.


Sky Safari ($14.99 [full version] $2.99 [lite version]):
IS NOT available for Android. This app is a Celestial travel guide. It allows you to explore the stars that are visible in the sky at night time. Google Sky Map is what's similar for Android users.


Parking Assist ($0.99):
IS NOT available for Android. Ever went shopping and forgot where you parked your car? This app is for you!! For Android comparable, click here.


Simon Malls (Free):
IS NOT available for Android. Simon Malls has over 300 malls nationwide. And this is a must-have app for shopping at or finding a Simon Mall near you!! KNOT Maps, and Point Inside apps are similar for Android users.


Craft Finder (Free):
IS NOT available for Android. This app is currently only available for the Ipad as well. But it is from Disney and has instant access to a library of fun, exciting craft ideas for you and your child! My Craft Teacher ($1.00) is an app for Android users that sends you craft ideas everyday!


Open Table (Free):
IS available on both platforms. This app allows you to make restaurants at over 15,000 restaurants nationwide! For Android click here.

Living Social (Free):
IS available on both platforms. This app is amazing because you can save 50% and more on gyms, spas, nail salons and more! Search "Living Social" in the Android Market.


Cool Facts ($0.99):
IS NOT for Android. This app delivers exactly what it says! Cool crazy, random, fun facts! To find apps like this for your Android device, click here.

Pandora (Free):
IS for both platforms. Most of us already know what Pandora is. But if any of you don't it is an app that allows you to make a station based on an artist or song that you put into the search bar. The program then compiles songs from other artists that are similar in genre to the song you submitted. From there, it's easy listening! Click here for Android.

Four Square (Free):
IS available for both platforms. This app allows you to explore what's around you in your area. You can tell friends where you are, send comments, add pictures, etc. For Android, click here.

Conforming To Thoughts..

I spent a good majority of my life conforming to what others thought of me. It was never sincerely what I really wanted to do. My mom always had a very innate ability to sing better than Prince on any day. But when it came to me humming along to the tune in the car while we were driving somewhere, it never conquered. And when she told me that I had a beautiful voice, it quickly slithered in one ear and out the other. But with the most apparent thoughts at hand, I was able to continue agreeing that there was a talent that I possessed. I just wasn’t sure if singing was it. When it came to art projects in school that were given as fun for others, I took them seriously. And I took them home. Although I understand that every parent wants to keep every picture that their kid draws, I felt good to give my mom the pictures that I spent 45 minutes drawing. And she tried to stick with the ownership of the pictures as long as she possibly could. But the reality of the situation is that it just wasn’t possible for her to keep each and every picture that I drew her. But I know she saw them, and to me that was enough. She began to understand just how talented I really was. And just how far this talent could take me. Should I accept the challenge to pursue this. I remember having conversations with my mom about what I wanted to do for college, and what I wanted to be. It was apparent to me that I had no truly clear idea. But I knew that art would somehow be included in my life. And even if we get separated, and we come back to each other; art and I had a real love. And it was a true, rockhard love. But as I sat in that chair and explained to my mother that art wasn’t really something that I wanted to pursue as a career at the moment because I felt like there wasn’t enough money in the profession. Which isn’t entirely true. But far be it from me to dig deeper into the solution at that point.

My mother nodded her head. She understood where I was coming from. Even as a senior in high school, I hadn’t figured out what I wanted to do. And as life continued unravel for me, I knew I would be closer to discovering that. Even after having my daughter I still wasn’t sure what was meant for me. Walking down that road we call uncertainty, I just wanted to know more and more about myself. I wanted to know what was out there for me to make my mark. What is it it that’s going to give me that wholesome fulfilling sensation that what I’m doing is a perfect fit for me and my life? And so I knocked on more than one door, with each one returning circumstances that were less than expected. I thought I had finally figured out what I wanted to do when I hit the blogging world. Even as I consumed myself in my website and the mainstream media frenzy over blogging; I knew there was more that I wanted to do. There was more that I wanted to conquer. And so I would often ask myself what can you possibly conquer out in the world if you can’t conquer yourself? And the thing is that I hadn’t even begun to figure out who I was. With more than one person allowing me to have their full support; I knew it wouldn’t be long before I figured out my life. But was that enough? Was it enough that even with a short army behind me, I would still have to find out about ME? I wouldn’t be able to only look at myself through their eyes. I would have to look at myself. I would have to look at every single part of me and discover the reasons for why I am the way that I am. A self discovery like this came at a hard time because of other things that I had going on in my life. But it only allowed me to sustain more discipline when it came to me needing myself to depend on. Many lessons were learned as a result of this journey. The main lesson that I learned is that it is very important for me to keep a belief in myself. A belief in myself that is stronger than any belief that someone else could have in me. But this has been the hardest thing for me to learn. All because of what I have been through. How can you love yourself completely if you blame yourself for some things that go wrong in your life? And where do you start? 

I began to stop looking at myself in such a negative manner. It was disrespectful to myself to keep living a lie. I am not as out of shape as I think I am. The flaws that I don’t like are things that I need to be proud of. Things that I need to sit down and embrace. But I didn’t want to. I didn’t want to look at myself in the mirror and tell myself all those affirmations that would make me feel like I was important. I felt fine with insulting myself on the regular, and pointing out flaws about myself that were really nothing to be ashamed of in the first place. But I thought that because I was comparing myself to other people, that they were flaws that were real. And that they were flaws that I needed to correct to feel better about myself. But little did I know that I needed to solve the root of the problem. And the problem was that I was comparing myself to other people and allowing how they look/feel/act to dictate my life and what I think about me. Instead of building me up and giving me confidence, it was breaking my spirit. I am fine with who and what I am. And I am coming into that discovery now. But it’s something that I definitely wish I had taken the time to find out earlier in life. Whenever you think you aren’t worthy of something, or there are things you don’t like about yourself or doubt yourself or anything that you do, think about what this is doing to yourself. Think about it as a garden that you are constantly subjecting to harsh weather conditions. If it is constantly snowing and raining and hailing on this garden, whatever is being grown in the garden is going to be ruined. Thus is the same for us. If we’re constantly subject ourselves to “harsh conditions”, then we will not be able to blossom and grow into beautiful beings. We need water, nutrition, and light. Though I could sit here and name many different metaphors that you can use for this scenario; it’s better that you use what you have been through and what your situation is at this moment to create the meaning.