Beauty- Hair Treatment

HAIR
SALLY HERSHBERGER HYPER HYDRATION SUPER KERATIN SPRAY, $12.50
“The perfect leave-in; air-dry for a beachy look without flyaways,” says Fugate. “It also protects hair from the heat of your blow-dryer.”

This is awesome since I’m always using my flat iron and dryer!

Sophie Kinsella- Confessions of a Shopaholic

“This is a test, isn’t it? It’s like choosing out of three caskets in a fairy tale. Everyone knows the rules. You never choose the gold shiny one. Or even the quite impressive silver one. What you’re supposed to do is choose the dull little lead one, and then there’s a flash of light and it turns into a mountain of jewels”
— Sophie Kinsella
Confessions of a Shopaholic

Pretty in Pink nails and toes

So pretty….

ESSIE NAIL POLISH IN MOD SQUAD
Super girlie pink doesn’t isn’t just for the Miley Cyrus set. This one’s bright without being shockingly neon, making it pop particularly well against fair skin. (We think it’s especially nice on toes.)

Kahlua Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Ingredients
1 package dry chocolate chip cookie mix, 1 pound 1 1/2 ounces, found on baking aisle
7 tablespoons softened butter
1 large egg, beaten
4 tablespoons Kahlua or other coffee liqueur
3 tablespoons instant espresso or instant coffee crystals
1 tablespoon ground coffee beans
1 cup bittersweet chocolate chunks (recommended: Ghiradelli brand)
4 ounces walnut pieces

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Place racks in center of oven. In a mixing bowl, make a well in the center of dry chocolate chip cookie mix. Add softened butter, egg, Kahlua, instant coffee and ground coffee, chocolate chunks and walnuts. Mix well to combine all ingredients into cookie dough. Scoop with a small scoop or by heaping tablespoons and drop cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased nonstick cookie sheet or sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake cookies in batches 9 to 11 minutes or until crisp and browned at edges. Transfer to wire rack to cool and serve.

***Recipe courtesy of Rachel Ray

The thing about giving up is you never know.......

So, I have pondered on my year and past decisions that I have made both good and bad but they were my decisions. I have to my biggest disappointment would be my divorce. Now see, this came from out of the blue, my ex husband decided to move on with someone else. Of course, I was devastated, I must have cried for 6 months straight, than denial, anger, depression, but most of all I gave up the fight for what was rightfully mine. My belongings, pictures of my childhood, 12 years of my life, my clothes, shoes, purses,and my everything. After 1 year of court dates and bullshit, I finally just walked away with the clothes on my back. I moved on and started all over with the help of my family and friends. It’s funny even now I’m very territorial with my belongings with my boyfriend. I bought it, it is mine. If this relationship would ever end, I will stand my ground and take what is rightfully mine. I know that it was material belongings from my marriage but I worked so hard to have the best of what I wanted. I think about all that I gave up, it was too draining and depressing how in a split second my life had changed. I miss my fathers photos and I items that I was given after he died, or the photo albums I spent making of my family growing up, or all my shoes and purses! But maybe I needed to go through that period of tine to see that I’m stronger and I will not just give up on anything but to make it through any part of my life that maybe difficult and move forward. I found this quote and thought it was meaningful:
“The thing with giving up is you never know. You never know whether you could have done the job. And I’m sick of not knowing about my life.”
— Sophie Kinsella (Remember Me?)

Strawberry Smoothie Icecream Pie

Ingredients:
1 (7-ounce) package waffle cones, broken into pieces
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 (1-quart) containers premium vanilla ice cream, divided
1 (16-ounce) container fresh strawberries (1 quart), stemmed
1/4 cup powdered sugar, divided
1 pint fresh blueberries
2 ripe bananas
Garnishes: waffle cone pieces, fresh whole strawberries, fresh blueberries
Process first 3 ingredients in a food processor until finely crushed. Firmly press mixture onto bottom of a lightly greased 10-inch springform pan.
Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
Let vanilla ice cream stand at room temperature 20 minutes or until slightly softened.
Process strawberries and 2 tablespoons powdered sugar in a food processor until pureed, stopping to scrape down sides; remove strawberry mixture, and set aside.
Process blueberries and 1 tablespoon powdered sugar in food processor until pureed, stopping to scrape down sides; set aside.
Mash bananas with a fork in a large bowl; stir in remaining 1 tablespoon powdered sugar. Set aside.
Place 1 quart of ice cream in a large bowl; cut into large (3-inch) pieces. Fold strawberry mixture into ice cream until blended. Place in freezer until slightly firm.
Divide remaining quart of ice cream in half, placing halves in separate bowls. Stir blueberry mixture into half and mashed banana mixture into remaining half. Place bowls in freezer.

Spread half of strawberry mixture evenly into prepared crust in springform pan. Place pan and remaining strawberry mixture in freezer. Freeze 30 minutes or until strawberry layer in pan is slightly firm. Spread banana mixture evenly over strawberry layer in pan; return pan to freezer, and freeze 30 minutes or until banana layer is slightly firm. Repeat procedure with blueberry mixture. Spread remaining strawberry mixture over blueberry layer in pan, and freeze 3 hours or until all layers are firm. Let pie stand at room temperature 15 minutes before serving. Garnish, if desired.

***The waffle-cone crust idea for this frozen ice cream pie came from Cheryl F. Rogers of Kenner, Louisiana

Love Quote

This is my reasoning to where my Prince Charming is, somewhere, I hope….

Sophie Kinsella- The Undomestic Goddess

“sometimes you don’t need a goal in life, you don’t need to know the big picture. you just need to know what you’re going to do next!”

— Sophie Kinsella (The Undomestic Goddess)

Love Quote

I found this on my wallpaper app. and believe every word….

Candle Love

I just bought this today, smells clean and summery!

JO MALONE RED ROSES HOME CANDLE
We’ve been hanging on to this citrusy floral candle to use on warm summer nights—it’s perfect for an outdoor cocktail party.

Mochaccino Cupcakes

Yummy, yummy!

ingredients

• 3/4
  cup butter
• 3
  eggs
• 1-3/4
  cups all-purpose flour
• 1
  cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1
  teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4
  teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2
  teaspoon salt
• 1
  cup milk
• 1/2
  cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 2
  cups sugar
• 2
  teaspoons vanilla
• 1
  cup dark, bittersweet, or semisweet chocolate pieces
• 1
  recipe Coffee Buttercream
• 30
  creme-filled rolled wafer cookies, such as Pirouettes
• Unsweetened cocoa powder or ground cinnamon (optional)

directions1. Allow butter and eggs to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Grease and flour thirty 2-1/2-inch muffin cups (or line with paper bake cups). In a medium bowl stir together flour, the 1 cup cocoa powder, the baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a 2-cup glass measuring cup combine milk and coffee. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Gradually add sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, beating on medium speed until combined. Scrape sides of bowl; beat for 2 minutes more. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Alternately add flour mixture and milk mixture to butter mixture, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined. Stir in chocolate pieces.
3. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-fourths full. Use the back of a spoon to smooth out batter in cups.
4. Bake about 18 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool cupcakes in muffin cups on wire racks for 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from muffin pans. Cool completely on wire racks.
5. Using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip, pipe Coffee Buttercream onto cupcakes. Insert wafers. If desired, dust with additional unsweetened cocoa powder. Makes 30 (2-1/2-inch) cupcakes.

Coffee Buttercream: Allow 1/3 cup butter to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar, beating well. Beat in 3 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, cooled, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Gradually beat in 3 cups additional powdered sugar. If necessary, beat in additional coffee until buttercream reaches a spreading consistency. Makes about 2 cups.

***Recipe courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens 

Sex & the City Quote

Balls are to men what purses are to women.
~ Carrie Bradshaw
Sex & the City

I'm Looking for Love, Real Love......

So, I see around me my friends in their new, full of PDA, in love relationships. I remember that feeling of excitement, anticipation from a text or phone call, the feeling of wooziness of being together, and pure happiness. I wish I could retain those feelings forward four years later. I love my boyfriend but can I say that I’m in love not even 80%. There are a few things I wish he would change for himself and for us to have a future together. But as I speak to my friends both male and female, would you risk happiness over loneliness… I mean here I am been bed ridden for the last week, I’ve needed up getting in and out of bed, he helped me in the shower, cooked for me, and has seen me at my worse moments ( sans make-up and hair did ). So he loves me more than anyone besides my mom, he has no family that he can rely on, because I’m all he has. With that said, I want to love and be in love 100% head over heels and make me so unbelievably madly in love. I want this, I need this, so why can’t I have it. I know I need to make some changes in my life because maybe being alone is better than being.
Carrie : “I’m looking for love. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can’t-live-without-each-other love. And I don’t think that love is here in this expensive suite in this lovely hotel in paris”

Carrie Bradshaw
Sex & the City

Flounder in Jalapeño Sauce w/ Farmers Market Salad

This is what im making for lunch…
Flounder in Jalapeño sauce
ingredients
2 scallions, white parts finely chopped and greens reserved for another use
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 to 2 finely chopped fresh jalapeño including seeds
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 (6- to 8-oz) pieces flounder fillet
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup quartered grape tomatoes
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
preparation
Cook chopped scallions in butter in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add jalapeño (to taste), cream, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and bring to a simmer.
Pat fish dry, then sprinkle with pepper and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Fold each fillet in half crosswise. Put folded fish in sauce in skillet and cook at a bare simmer, covered, until fish is just cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer fish to a platter and keep warm, covered with foil.
Add tomatoes and cilantro to sauce in skillet, along with any fish juices on platter, and cook over moderately low heat until heated through, about 1 minute. Spoon sauce over fish.

-Farmers’ Market Salad with Spiced Goat Cheese Rounds

ingredients
Goat cheese rounds
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
16 (1/3-inch-thick) rounds chilled soft fresh goat cheese (from one 11-ounce log)
Vinaigrette
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 shallot, minced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Coarse kosher salt

Salad
1 pound baby new potatoes (such as Dutch yellow baby potatoes), halved
1 pound green beans (or mix of green and yellow), trimmed
8 cups (loosely packed) mixed salad greens
1/3 cup (packed) small fresh basil leaves
12 ounces assorted small tomatoes (such as cherry, grape, and teardrop; preferably mix of red and yellow)
1/2 cup black olives

***Recipe courtesy of Bon Appétit

La Thai

Come experience the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia. Savor the delicious and tantalizing flavors of Thai cuisine in a fun and inviting atmosphere. From the traditional to the contemporary, our dishes will invigorate the senses and delight the soul.

I love this place, but wish they delivered!

Summer Scent

MARC JACOBS
Daisy Eau So Fresh

A whimsical interpretation of the original Daisy fragrance, this scent is more fruity, more bubbly, more fun! Open the bottle and you’ll be transported to a field of sunshine that bursts with the flirty scent of flowers and the cheerful sweetness of fruits. Its light, woody base infuses a subtle but sharp glimmer of musk for an unexpected twist of radiance.

Beauty Shower Gel

FRESH BROWN SUGAR SHOWER GEL
We’re bringing this gel to the outdoor shower at the beach this summer: It has a nice lather, and the lemony scent is superrefreshing.

Sephora Stores

Salmon with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Yield:
2 servings (serving size: 1 fillet and 1/2 cup tomato mixture)
2 cups cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
Cooking spray
2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets (about 1 inch thick)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Preheat oven to 400°.
Combine first 6 ingredients in a jelly roll pan coated with cooking spray; toss to coat tomatoes. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes. Add fish to pan. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Serve the tomato mixture over fish. Drizzle with lemon juice.

Happenings around Nola

French Market Creole Tomato Festival- I love this festival because mama will be coming home with some Creole Tomatoes and fresh produce.
Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival- then of course sit back and do a little 2 stepping to the music of Cajun-Zydeco, in the French Market.
Louisiana Seafood Festival- maybe learn some new seafood recipes at the cooking demos, of course I will have to do some quality taste on the seafood.
610 Stompers Ball Crawl- Join your favorite all-male krewe for the 610 Stompers Ball Crawl, a second-line-pub-crawl love child spawned by New Orleans and the year 1984. You and hundreds of new friends will dance, drink and crawl across Mid-City behind the Stompers, outfitted in your best (worst?) ‘80s gear. Your $35 ticket gets you registration goodies, five pub stops of free beer, and uncountable “memories,” also referred to as “blackmail opportunities,” should you remember your camera, and remain sober enough to use it.

Elle Woods Quote

[Elle is presiding at her sorority meeting]
Elle: It has come to my attention that the maintenance staff is switching our toilet paper from Charmin… to generic. All those opposed to chafing, please say “Aye”.
Entire Sorority Group: Aye.
Elle Woods
Legally Blonde

Summer Lips and Toes

I think this might be my new summer lip color with matching toes…..

DOLCE & GABBANA LIP GLOSS IN SECRET
The gorgeous orange-red brightens our lips—and our mood.

leo

Leo: July 23 - Aug. 22

The sign of the Lion is traditionally generous, warmhearted, creative and broad-minded.

With all the indecision you've been fighting lately, you may lose sight of the clear choices in front of you. The biggest is your choice to be happy. Reject the self-imposed standards you've been struggling with -- frankly, they're too unrealistic -- and choose to accept yourself. There is no such thing as perfection, and aiming for it is almost an insult to what you are right now. Cherish all your faults -- don't change the things you love about life.

Greek Spinach-Pasta with Feta and Beans

ingredients

• 1
  5- to 6-oz. pkg. fresh baby spinach
• 1
  15-oz. can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 4
  oz. crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4
  cup dried tomatoes (not oil-packed), snipped
• 2
  green onions, chopped
• 2
  cloves garlic, minced
• 1
  tsp. finely shredded lemon peel
• 2
  Tbsp. lemon juice
• 2
  Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1
  Tbsp. snipped fresh oregano
• 1
  Tbsp. snipped fresh lemon thyme or thyme
• 1/2
  tsp. kosher salt or sea salt
• 1/2
  tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 12
  oz. dried cavatappi or farfalle pasta
• Shaved Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese

directions1. In a large serving bowl combine spinach, beans, cheese, tomatoes, green onions, garlic, lemon peel and juice, oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover; let stand at room temperature while preparing pasta or up to 2 hours; stirring occasionally.

2. Shortly before serving, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water. Toss cooked pasta and pasta water with spinach salad mixture. Serve warm or at room temperature. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese. Makes 6 (2-cup) main-dish servings.

***Recipe courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens  

Nola Girl Social: Is it a Romantic gesture or a Desperate gesture

Nola Girl Social: Is it a Romantic gesture or a Desperate gesture: "I had lunch with one of my girlfriends and were catching up and male bashing as we do. After a few glasses of wine, I asked about her new fl..."

Is it a Romantic gesture or a Desperate gesture

I had lunch with one of my girlfriends and were catching up and male bashing as we do. After a few glasses of wine, I asked about her new fling, she had been went on to say that this new guy she has been seeing or dating ( what really is the difference, I think it’s pretty much the same) for a month  has been a complete dream boat. He calls, texts, he even brings her favorite flowers, white tulips, they go on dates. So, when he had to have his tonsils removed she visited him at his home with a “get well” basket with popsicles, pudding, homemade mashed potatoes and gravy, his favorite Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, a few magazines of his liking, a picture she had taken with him and his friends  in a frame, and of course a get well card she signed with a heart next to his name, a heart drawn by her name.  Now, you gotta know that my friend uses a little shaped hearts at the end of her name and friends names, as we use emoticons, exclamation points, or whatever, to express ourselves. To me I would love that thoughtfulness to be reciprocated for myself when I am sick. So, she felt like this was a sweet gesture, since we know how much men tend to be babies when they are sick. But, it was the complete opposite according to Mr. Dream Boat, he looked at the basket, read the card, and can you believe he gave her the silent treatment and said he wasn’t up to company, asked her to leave. No thank you or anything,  I asked her what did she say to that, he just rolled over and she left. Now, most woman would replay this like a movie over and over again, over analyze it to no end, but not her she just took it as he didn’t feel well and that was it. Well, when she called him the next day, no answer, he put her through his voicemail. Finally, after 3 days since her visit, he texts her to say he wasn’t interested in her, he completely thought she was being a little too much, that she was moving a little too fast. All because she of the framed picture and the hearts on the card. OMG! Men are complete idiots, I told her he was just an insecure moron who didn’t deserve her at all! I have to wonder why is it ok for men to be sincere but when a woman returns the sincerity, its like she is this two-headed monster out of her element. Here is a great quote to put it in perspective: ” When men attempt bold gestures, generally it’s considered romantic. When women do it, it’s often considered desperate or psycho”. Thanks Carrie Bradshaw- Sex & the City, I couldn’t have said it better!

Sex & the City Quote

Miranda was a huge fan of the Yankees. I was a huge fan of being anywhere you could smoke and drink at two in the afternoon without judgment.
~ Carrie Bradshaw
Sex & the City

Cornbread Cakes

Cornbread cakes
1 pk. Cornbread mix prepared per instructions)
1/4 cup cheddar cheese shred
1/4 cup smoked green chilies
10 strips bacon cooked
1/4 cup maple syrup
Butter
Preheat skillet, spray w/ non stick cooking spray, prepare cornbread mix, make into pancakes, layer each cake with cheddar cheese, bacon, green chilies. Both sides cooked, add butter and maple syrup.
Servings: 8-10

Jerseylicious

I love this:
Olivia tried to help Gigi get over her breakup blues by telling her “There is no cosmetic better than hapiness!” What advice do you give your friends about living single?
Olivia – Jerseylicious

Lemon Pepper Tuna

Makes: 4 servings (3 ounces cooked fish and 1 cup couscous mixture)

Start to Finish: 20 minutes

 

ingredients

• 4
  fresh or frozen tuna steaks, cut 1-inch thick (about 1 pound)
• 2
  tablespoons lemon juice
• 1
  teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1
  teaspoon snipped fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
• 1/2
  teaspoon salt-free lemon-pepper seasoning
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2
  cups chopped broccoli
• 1/2
  cup packaged coarsely shredded fresh carrots
• 1
  cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 3/4
  cup water
• 2
  cloves garlic, minced
• 1
  cup whole wheat couscous
• 1
  tablespoon fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

directionsThaw fish if frozen. Rinse fish steaks; pat dry. In a small bowl combine lemon juice, soy sauce, snipped thyme, and seasoning. Brush mixture over one side of steaks.
Lightly coat the unheated rack of a broiler pan with cooking spray. Place fish, brushed sides up on broiler pan. Broil 4 inches from the heat for 8 to 12 minutes or until fish begins to flake when tested with a fork, turning once and brushing with lemon juice mixture halfway through cooking.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan bring broccoli, carrot, chicken broth, water, and garlic just to boiling. Cook, covered, about 3 minutes or until broccoli is barely crisp-tender. Stir in couscous. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Serve fish atop hot cooked couscous mixture. If desired, garnish with thyme sprigs.
Substitution Tip: You can substituted instant brown rice for the couscous, just add it with the broccoli, carrot, chicken broth, water, and garlic and cook and let stand as directed.

I Know What Guilt is

My favorite from Will & Grace :
I know what GUILT is. It’s one of thosetouchy-feely words that people throw around that don’t really mean anything. You know, like “maternal” or “addiction”
Karen Walker

Hard Tease

It’s really hard putting differences aside when u can’t stand someone. Kinda like when u shower without brushing your tease out first and then having to brush it out after the shower. It’s really hard – Olivia
Jerseylicious

Tomato-Chicken Salad

Easy side: Preheat grill to 400° to 450° (high) heat. Rub 6 (1-inch-thick) ciabatta or French bread baguette slices with a garlic clove; brush with extra virgin olive oil. Grill bread 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until toasted.
Yield:
Makes 4 to 6 servings:
1 lemon
2 pounds assorted tomatoes, halved or chopped
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 large English cucumber, sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup sliced green onion
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Grate zest from lemon to equal 2 tsp.; squeeze juice from lemon to equal 2 Tbsp. Combine lemon zest, juice, tomatoes, and next 8 ingredients in a large bowl. Let stand 10 minutes. Toss with crumbled feta just before serving.

And in life, there’s no safety net….

When you’re young, your whole life is about pursuit of fun. Then, you grow up an learn to be cautious. You could break a bone or a heart. You look before you leap and sometimes you don’t leap at all because there’s not always someone there to catch you. And in life, there’s no safety net. With that said it’s funny I think back how when I was younger, I would go out 5 days a week, work all day, go out with my friends till 3am and up for work the next day at 8am. I would never think about the what if’s because I didn’t feel the worries that I do now. I have a real grown up job, dogs, and responsibilities that have made that ” pursuit if fun ” travel in a slightly different path, at least for me! Gosh, I go out for a nice dinner with drinks or wine, then to a bar or out and after and 3 drinks and a few shots I’m done for the night. But, when it comes to love, I think you have to look around for that safety net. Nobody goes into a relationship without caution now a days. I mean it’s not till 6 months into it, that you see the real person that faces you now. I call this the “dating associate” because does he or she really keep the house sparkling clean, or realize that cute habit in the beginning was adorable but now drives you up the wall. Or how about the way he leaves the toilet seat up, leaves his socks and shoes on the coffee table. I could go on and on but these are the love traps we are walking right into. We are so fooled sometimes because we want love and a relationship so bad that we don’t take off the blinders. So open your eyes, look around for that safety net, who cares that you would rather take small steps to the leaps and bounds others take in life and love. If those cute little habits annoy you know they will definitely annoy you 5 years down the road. I want unconditional, mind blowing, make butterflies in my stomach, kind of life and love. Maybe instead of baby steps I may just skip to whatever life has in store for me!

Blacken Chicken w/ Avacado Salsa

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (1-1/4 to 1-1/2 lb. total)
2 tsp. blackened steak seasoning
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/8 tsp. salt
Dash ground black pepper
1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled, and chopped
2/3 cup chopped fresh or refrigerated papaya
1/3 cup chopped red sweet pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Fresh cilantro sprigs (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly sprinkle both sides of chicken with blackened steak seasoning. In a large ovenproof skillet heat the 1 Tbsp. oil over medium heat. Add chicken; cook until browned, turning once. Bake about 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink (170 degrees F).
2. Meanwhile, for salsa, in large bowl whisk rice vinegar, the 2 Tbsp. oil, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir in avocado, papaya, sweet pepper, and chopped cilantro. Serve with chicken. If desired, garnish with cilantro. Makes 4 servings.
Yummy!

Can you really forgive if you can't forget

So I have been laid up the last week from an injury self-inflicted, it’s called old age. Anyway, amongst my recuperation I receive a phone call from 2 old friends from when we lived in Miami, that were in Nola for the weekend and wanted to catch up. It’s strange because we were all transplanted to Miami, be it because of school, work, and the military. I was there because I was married and my ex husband was in the Coast Guard. None of us had any family there nor could we be with our families when we wanted. We would all get for all holidays, birthdays, and go out to the beach on the weekends. There were 16 of us “homeless” as the boys called it. We were a tight nit family. I remember crying at our going away party,I was gonna miss these great group of people who touched my life. My two pals who visited was Aaron and Hunter they were my favorites, always joking and laughing at anything that came their way. I loved hanging out with those two because it was always some funny story that came about. I was a little nervous to see them, don’t get me wrong I was totally excited after 7 years apart. Yeah we talked on Facebook but sitting down and seeing them was different. See, when I divorced it was very unexpected, I was madly in love. Our friends couldn’t believe that he left me, and I was so emotionally distraught. But time went on as so did I, and thought I wouldn’t feel these flood of emotions from my past. So, we meet for dinner, we all can’t believe we haven’t seen each other in so long. I was worried I had aged in my 7 years, but was told otherwise by my guys. Then, the stories of all the good times we had, our weekly dinners I would prepare for everyone, and what happened to my marriage. I hadn’t felt like something was missing until that moment. I guess I just swept my old feelings and emotions under the rug. I remember thinking ” I was so happy, my life was fulfilling, and had everything I wanted. So, I thought, my memories of my past were flooding my mind. This man I shared a great life with together just decided to move on without me. Can you really forgive if you can’t forget,,,, I would like to think so because maybe there was a different path I was to be on at this point in my life. Maybe I deserve to be with someone who will love all of me and not just some of me. We are told as young adults we should forgive and forget. But what if you try to forget just to forgive so that you can move on from this emotional moment in your life. As much as I try to block that time, maybe I should forgive and forget the pain and remember the good times and people I met through our marriage. I am stronger and almost to my happy place. I have hopes and dreams for my future and hope that forgiveness means forgetting my old wounds and move on to a happier future.

Treat it like a Temple......

So, here it is my countdown (57 days) to the big 40th Birthday! Needless, to say I am far from enthusiastic for this to be happening so soon. I know, how did almost 40 years of my life catch up to me. I remember as a teen-ager I hated always looking like I was never my age, the young face, I could never use a fake ID when I was 16 years old because I definately never even passed for 18 years old. But, my mother always told me I would appreciate it when I was older. Funny thing, she was right, I have always been told I never look like im hitting the “oh lordy, she’s 40″ look. Or I never get carded for alcohol or at a bar, until this last weekend in the French Quarter, went to eat dinner and was asked for my ID, I was extremly happy to present it to the server, until she said”thank you mam, we card everyone!”  I am not a 40-year-old, nor do I look like it ( I want to thank those who have contributed to my youthfulness: caffeine, smoking and cocktails ) but I am starting to feel it. I have started to do my daily exercise, walking/some jogging for 45 min, i have given up the Coke, the smokes ( maybe 1 with a cocktail ) and the Starbucks( i am sorry, please remember me White chocolate Mocha hot/iced ). I figured I am not a gym person by any means, but will focus on a daily improvement with myself. How did I let it come to this, my body deserves better, even though it did love the extras I gave up. Whoever said “Treat your body like a Temple“, REALLY! Obviously, they are not from the Big Easy, because it’s not easy! I will set up a daily goal, do my daily walk-outs, and countdown to a new me! Trust me, I love myself, I am confident, and know I have some great features but just need to eliminate the 35 plus pounds of fat from my body. I did look it up and 35 lbs. is equivalent to 280, yes 280 - 20 oz. bottles of Coke! I will now trade my caffeine fix for water, I am not a fan of this water, which is colorless, odorless, tasteless..wait a minute I’m thinking of Vodka. But it is tasteless, no amount of lemon/lime/flavoring will help me want to drink 80 oz. of water a day. I will try because when I hit me 40th I do want it to be about me, why not, it is a milestone in this girls crazy life. So, with that said, my morning Starbucks fix was traded for a generic brand of coffee,  fat-free creamer ( so it was flavored: caramel ), and 16.7oz water. So mark the calendars, to join me on this no fun without caffeine, gorgeous fatty foods, and body aches to a better -35lbs ME! Can I make it, in the next 57 days, without all the yummy treats to a skinnier me, we will see!

Summer Pasta Salad

Here is my favorite summer pasta dish:
Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad
•1 (6oz.) jar marinated artichoke hearts
•1 (8oz.) pgk. Rotini pasta, cooked
•1 (7oz.) jar roasted red bell peppers, drained/cut into strips
•1/2 pound cooked chicken breast, cubed
•1/2 pound smoked mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2in cubes
•1 (4oz.) cherry or grape tomatoes
•1/2 (5oz.) bag baby spinach
•1/2 (4.5oz) can chopped green chilies, drained
•1/2 olive oil mayonnaise
•1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
•1/4 cup pine nuts toasted
• 2 garlic clove, minced
•1/2 teaspoon pepper
* garnish with tomato wedges, baby spinach leaves
- drain artichoke hearts, reserve marinade. Cut artichoke into stripes, and place into large bowl. Add pasta, red pepper, tomatoes, chicken, mozzarella, spinach, green chilies, gently toss.
Stir together reserved artichoke marinade, mayo, parm cheese, garlic, pepper, and pine nuts until well blended. Add to pasta mixture, stirring to combine. Cover and chill. Garnish
Yummy!

Thank you,

So, it was a gorgeous Memorial Day weekend. Surrounded by family and friends, but the realness of this weekend was a salute to all of the service men and women. I wanted to give thanks to all the men and woman who have dedicated theirs lives for our freedom. We forget that they will have to leave their family and loved ones for a specific amount of time. Normally, its, for 6 months to a year if not more these soldiers to be shipped out. Our freedom it what they are fighting for us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. “Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we cannot ever fully repay,” Obama said in a speech. “But we can honor their sacrifice, and we must.” There is a lot of patriotism, but is it for the true meaning of Memorial day or is it for the 3 day weekend that everyone so looks forward too. I believe in our fight for freedom, but to a point, let’s focus on our own agenda, our Country! Let’s bring our men and woman home and forge a new fight for a better America,  instead of poverty and violence, increase education and job security for all those here that want to make a difference for our children’s future. Give a thank you to all our service men and women, let them know how we as a Country appreciate them every minute that they are gone fighting for our Freedom!

End of an Era

So, I set my DVR on Wednesday to watch the last Oprah show. Now I admit back in the day when she first began her talk show, I was an avid watcher. But as time passed I had a job that didn’t get me home until 6 o’clock in the evening if that. I mean who is really home during the day getting to watch the soaps and the various afternoon talk shows ( maybe the stay at home mommies or daddies ) because I am lucky to catch the evening news. But she was pretty good, she made you feel like “your family” wasn’t the only crazy one out there. She made it a point to address the good, the bad, and the ugly. I mean who wouldn’t want to be an audience member whenever she was on her “giving sprees”. I had asked a friend of mine if she was gonna watch the last episode, and she replied” you know I have never really watched Oprah…” I cannot believe this she has heard of her but never watched 1 show. I think almost every person has seen one of her shows. She is a legend, from the South, and discussing topics that most would never even think of going there. But towards the end I think her last few years were more about religion and politics. These two areas are best left on the back burner. Not every person is going to have the same views, so let’s not try to convince them other wise. I loved her inspirational shows, the viewers faces of emotions. But mostly, her rise to the top, doing what she loved, and inspiring others to follow their dreams. Yes, it is an End of an Era, I am sure she will be back but it will not be the same Oprah afternoon talk show. I miss that feeling of I leave work early and can sit down for a second on flick on the tube and watch her show. She will be missed and I will go on to follow my dreams just as she has always inspired others to do as well.

Eye for an Eye

I am so disappointed in the recent turn of events that is happening in our society. Especially, here in Nola the crimes that are occurring on a daily basis is out if control. And it’s not just here but, it’s everywhere. What the hell is wrong with these low life’s running amuck, shootings, killings, theft, and rape. A local chef was held at gunpoint, when asked for cash he was shot 3 times and left for dead. We have police officers milking the system out of money, raping individuals ( man, woman, and child ), basically breaking the law and getting away with it. Random killings happening because the accused are supposably mentally incompetent. There are mothers and fathers killing their children and loved ones. For unknown reasons or whatever it maybe, how is it that these people are not suffering the consequences. I am outraged because why aren’t there more people done with these criminals ruining lives, when will it end.  Where is the justice in these crimes, how is it that we have this so-called judicial system and these criminals are not paying the price. I used to think our laws were here to help and protect those in need but just the opposite its helping those criminals go free. We as a society need to stand together and make a change and make a difference. We need to stand tall and show that these crimes will not be tolerated. Maybe my views and opinions differ from most, but I believe an “eye for an eye”. Why should the good suffer because of the bad. I feel strongly that if you commit a crime: ex.)  kill someone, and go to prison, you should be held accountable for your actions, serve the fullest and maximum time allowed. You turned your life around, well good for you, but you killed someone, you took someone’s life away, so you deserve to not have a life. Prisoners want Internet, email, candy, mail, and t.v., I call bullshit, why should you have any type of life’s necessities. You did the crime so you deserve to do the time! All of it!

Love lost, Love won

We grow up believing that love is out there for all of us, you have this one chance of a great love or soul-mate, that is searching for us or vice versa. Who is to say there is one, we form all sorts of relationships through time, searching for the ONE! I remember my first love, I was 8 years old, his name was Jerry, we were next door neighbors, would play kiss and chase, he gave me his Dallas Cowboys jacket to wear, went camping with his family, and he moved away months later. Then there was Paul, we were in the 7th grade, he asked me to my first school dance ( even though it was the Halloween Costume Dance, I dressed as a Rocker, he as a baseball player ) and gave me my first official kiss. I was so excited, we would hold hands, walk me to class, exchange notes and have lunch together. After our 2 month courtship, the devastating news: he decided he liked my friend instead of me. I remember crying on the bus home. Fast forward to my high school boyfriend, Danny, gosh I thought the moon of him. Totally, in love for the first time, my first real relationship ( funny when I think about it, we were only in High School and I thought he was my future ) we were inseparable, we had so much fun together I spent many of birthdays and holidays with him and his family. He gave me a promise ring, I knew he was the one and I loved this kid. I lost my virginity to him, after he said those three little words: I LOVE YOU! But as the story goes, after 3 years he moved on and broke my heart. I cried for days, months, and I was so certain I would never love anyone again like him. But, I did get over him and met my ex-husband, we fell for each other like fire. I knew I wanted to marry this man, to spend the rest of my life together. We were so different, I was from a big city, him a small town, I was catholic, he was Baptist, our backgrounds couldn’t have any different but, we knew it would work because we loved each other so much. We had a beautiful wedding, built our first home, lived our lives to the fullest, but I guess something was missing. Because no matter how much love I had for him, he fell in love with someone else. I have never been truly hurt or as heart-broken as I was in that point of my life. I thought losing my father years before was bad, but this had topped all other pain I had experienced. I never thought I would get over this heart-break, the divorce, and the moving on from this person who was my best friend, my lover, my family, and the person I was to grow old with. Do you question: was he really the ONE, was he my soul-mate, do you trust your heart again. How do you open heart to love again, how do you believe in love ever after when you have love lost and love won several times in your own life. Do you give up on the chance of love, I did make it from that experience of love lost and I did love again, but was it the ONE TRUE LOVE that I have been searching for. I don’t know yet but, I will make it a journey to find it. For now I will love all those around me until love finds me. Some people only experience the love of their life, one time and some have to kiss a lot ( and I mean ALOT ) of frogs to find their one Prince or Princess for a happily ever after.

It's the End of the World as We Know it...

So here it is May 21, 2011, the acclaimed end of the world, the day of Judgement, are you ready, are you saved and have accepted Jesus in your life and forgiven you of your sins. These are the headlines in the media, Facebook, and Twitter. Ok, no more BS – here is the quick and short of what you need to know about the May 21st Judgement Day now. “You want to know how we will know when Jesus returns to Earth for the Second Coming and why? Well, quite simply, Jesus will save those who truly believe in God, while shunning those who have ignored his love. These people will be saved on May 21st 2011 in the Rapture, where they are brought to Heaven from Earth in an instant by Jesus himself. Those left behind will suffer the torment of the Apocalypse for 5 long months until the End of the World on October 21, 2011″. So with all that said do you believe, and if so how would you want to spend your last day on this Earth. Would you go out with a BANG, or simply with the ones you love. It really is a gorgeous day here in Nola, a few clouds, but the sun is out. How do we know that today is the day or that on October 21, 2011 is the real date to plan the rest of our lives… The way I see it you should live everyday as it is the end. Live your life the way it would truly make you happy. Be with ones who can make you happy and smile, do the things in your life that make difference. I can say if this was the end that I don’t have a lot of regrets.
I mean I loved in my life, I was married, I have traveled within the U.S. ( I have wanted to travel abroad to Europe, Asia, everywhere ), I set my goals in my career and accomplished so much. I have met some pretty incredible people that have touched my life, but I do wish the one thing I missed out on was to have a child and be a mother. You can achieve many things if you put your mind to it, but this was one thing I could not. So if today is the day, well at least I’m with my family hanging out, watched a few Sex &the City episodes, went shopping, I baked, and now relaxing. So take me world let it end today because I can say if “it’s the end of the world as we know it, I can say no regrets…..”

How can it be....

Here I am in my prime so to say, have a great job, making decent money, new car, great family and friends. So why is it that at the tender age of 39 my body feels like it’s failing me. I gave up the sodas, fast food, I walk 5 days a week and my body is not doing it’s part. I mean my face had always been so nice with combination type skin, now it’s dry and has redness. My eyesight has slightly, i said slightly seem to need a little guidance. My legs have been my best part of the relationship between my body and I, now there is one varicose vein. My hip hurts so bad lately,that I ask my
Mother what does she think and all of the Nurse Mommy diagnosis, says suggests sciatica! Really! Then the always lovely and compassionate ( that would be me using sarcasm ) boyfriend teases that maybe I need a hip replacement because “I am getting up there in age”. Hello, you are only 3 years younger than me! Then there are the Boobs, these girls have had the best if times, I mean the compliments we have received because of you girls, the free drinks, the dinners, that one time you girls got me out of a traffic ticket. At least gravity hasn’t hit us yet. I can proudly say I still got even without a bra on they are still perky. But back to the other parts, I may not have treated you like a Temple, body, but I always made sure we dressed nicely, wore pretty shoes, had a nice tan, and sacrificed the workouts for drinking and dancing. But that was only to show you the appreciation I have for us. So How can it be that after all the good times together that this is how you repay me with these aches and pains. I refuse to go down without a fight, I may be turning a year older but I definitely won’t let it affect my body, the Temple ( well the Temple of Life ). Can someone please get me an icepack, the heating pad, and my glasses…..

Home Alone

I can remember as a teenager, I couldn’t wait to be on my own, with my own house, no curfew, no responsibilities from the parentals. I moved to Florida to live with my Aunt and Uncle, then to my ex-husbands mother’s home with him (we were building our house needless to say it wasn’t the best of circumstances), finally to our own home. Even after my divorce I lived with my family until I found my own place. It was great except not much furniture, I was never home except to shower, sleep, or it was the meeting place for the night on the town with all of my friends. Then I meet the present boyfriend, fell madly in love and I moved in together way too soon. Needless to say I have never really lived on my own to appreciate life on my own. I wish now I would’ve made better choices back then to really have live the single life as an adult who wasn’t using her previous home as a sleep, eat, and drink station. I appreciate my alone time, reading a book, cooking what I want, drinking a glass of wine, not having to pick up after someone 24/7, and having a clean home to come too at the end of the day. All I can say is live life to the fullest and appreciate your time because it all changes when you involve someone else in your equation. I think now, that being Home Alone is probably the best feeling of being an adult.

Beggars can't be Choosers

As I am traveling my way to work this morning, I stop to fuel my car and I notice that a slightly older woman is asking several people for spare change. I drive to the other side of the gas station, to which she follows around and asks “can you spare any extra change”… to my reply,was ” NO, i’m sorry”. As, I return to the pump from paying the cashier, she attempted again to ask me and another person at the pump for “spare change”. When the other person and myself both declined her request for “spare change” she had the gall to insult us. I mean how is it that I have a job, fairly new car, bills, as does everyone else, that I apologized for not having any extra change in my pocket, to have this woman insulted me. Correct me if I am wrong but, I am not the beggar for “spare change” at the gas station in the early morning hours. Because I am on my way to my job that supports my cost of living and enjoy the pleasures of life that I can afford. So excuse me for not having a heavy heart for you, poor woman, get a job make an honest living instead of begging for spare change. Beggars can’t be Choosers!

Scandalous

I remember when I was a child growing up that you didn’t have the scandalous reports on cheating, affairs, and sexting being reported 24/7. How is that not to far ago our parents were happier, people believed in love and marriage. Now who is to say that love and marriage last a lifetime, I mean we are lucky to make it to 10 years. I remember when the 25 years of marriage was the Silver Wedding Anniversary. Now you’re lucky to make it ten years, that shouldn’t even be a Silver anniversary in this day and age, but it is. How is it that the Jesse James, The Arnold, Tiger Woods, Dave Letterman, and Eliot Splitzer (the list can go on forever) are public figures can justify these affairs, hookers, secret love child, with a slap on the wrist. Where is the remorse and not just for the viewers eyes, but the real true remorse for hurting their wives, children, and significant others. The media goes overboard but I too, am at fault by reading these headlines, to glorify their horrible actions, demeans the nature of faithfulness. Just because you fall in love and decide to marry, doesn’t mean it’s just for a few years until you grow tired from it for you to stray away. Marriage is a commitment between two people, the vows of matrimony : “ promise to be true, in good times and in bad, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, will love and honor, all the days of my life“. Wake up and take responsibility for your actions, we deserve honor and respect, not deceit and lies. Can we move forward to regaining control of our hearts and live from until death do us part.

Here is how I see it...

Here I am working in a man’s world, and know as much or if not more than the man himself. Why is it that to the men in this environment, they can’t see past the boobs, the eyes, and smile, to see the brain and the smarts that a woman actually has to offer. And we are offended by this as a woman. But, when it is between woman to woman, we can’t see past the boobs, the hair, make-up, and the clothes that she is wearing, to see the brain and the smarts that she has to offer. In this time of when looks outweighs the smarts, how is it that as a woman we can judge a book by its cover, that we get pissed when a man can’t get past our looks to see have the smarts. Maybe, we should see that one can have the brains and the looks and still work in a man’s world, but still be judged by our looks in a woman’s eyes. Something to think about…………

Hello World

Hello World, how ya been….. so I decided today was the day to make changes and I did by having my own blog. There are so many things in this world that passes us by that we forget to stop to “smell the flowers”. I have so much to say, my opinions, views, or whatever it may be is what needs to be expressed in this point in my life. I have been married, I have traveled, been divorced, love gained and love lost, I have lived a life that many cant say that they have, because of my life experiences I have so much to say. So, hopefully some will like,  hate, laugh or even cry but in the end it is my words!

Little Things.....

Good afternoon, I dont know why but, why is it that men think after they chased you, made you there partner, that they forget the little things. I mean it could be 1 month to 4 years down the line but what is it in their little brains to make them forget that there is still some chase left in us. Just because you got “the girl” your work is not done, OH, NO Buddy, far from over! Remember, the little things, my favorite flower ( no it isn’t a rose), or get my favorite Starbucks coffee, pick up the new issue of my favorite magazines (Glamour, Cosmo, Style People), start my car when its cold, ect. I remember your laundry, social gatherings, favorite foods, family birthdays, so repay the favor without me having to ask you. We are so busy in our days of work, school, family and friends take a minute and remember the little things in life that count and could make me smile just because…………