Unrefined Shea Butter

Unrefined Shea Butter

Unrefined Shea butter, where have you been all my life!! For those of you out there that have been using unrefined Shea butter for years, this chick is so jealous! It is the BEST moisturizer out there!! Heard about it several months ago, and started searching for it in drugstores and health stores nearby, with no luck. Checked it out on the Internet and found it at www.butters-n-bars.com. Unrefined Shea butter is different than products just labeled Shea Butter found on shelves everywhere.

Found out all kinds of things about this wonderful buttery moisturizer. There are 2 kinds of Shea butter - unrefined & refined (don't buy). Come to find out unrefined Shea butter has been used for centuries (still mad at myself for not knowing about this years ago). It comes from the fruit of the karite tree, known as the "tree of life" because of all its healing properties. Besides being an absolutely great moisturizer, it's suppose to help with wrinkles, skin thinning, stretch marks, rashes, chapped lips, sunburns, dark spots, eczema, and more. It's rich in Vitamins A & E. It is in the naturalist form - not processed & no harsh chemicals added. Unrefined is a weird color of cream or kinda greenish buttery color, and a slight funky smell. They say a nutty smell, I think it smells like Crisco shortening (don't worry, spray on your favorite fragrance like you normally do & no one else will smell it). I thought it would smell like cocoa butter, or the yummy smells of body butter when you walk into the Body Shop, but no. That's okay because truthfully my skin has never felt so so soft. It's greasy at first, but soaks in & keeps you moisturized all day! Waiting to see how it works on wrinkles!
Now refined Shea butter, stay away from. It usually has been extracted with hexane or other petroleum solvents, which takes away all the healing properties. It is usually white & has no odor. Some companies do try to trick you labeling their product Pure or Organic, but check it out, if it is bright white & has no smell then it is not unrefined!

This little "Tree of Life" product was cheap! On their website butters-n-bars.com, a 1/2 lb. plastic container was only $4.50 (think my shipping might have been more than the product), and you use such a small amount.

No Doubt, this chick is loving her unrefined Shea butter!

Valentine's Day Pop Tarts

V-day Pop Tarts

Valentine's Day Pop Tarts are the perfect little treat for the special love (or loves, kiddos luv 'em) of your life! They do take a little time to make, but so worth it; you will never ever eat one of those cardboard tasting boxed pop tarts again! Can be made day before, just keep them in a covered container. Can be eaten at room temp, or pop in microwave just a few seconds (15-20 secs. is all); if you have one of those toaster ovens, even more perfect for heating up.

Valentine's Day Pop Tarts

Filling Ingred.

3/4 c. strawberry or raspberry jam                                                  1 Tbsp. water

1 Tbsp. cornstarch                                                                          1-2 tsp. maraschino cherry juice

Go ahead & make filling, so it can cool while making the pop tart pastry.

With a fork, whisk cornstarch with water, till no lumps! In a small saucepan, put in your jam & stir in cornstarchy water, blend. Stir in cherry juice (I added the cherry juice, cuz I feel it brings out the fillings red brightness). Bring to a boil, keep stirring, so it doesn't stick. Simmer about 2 minutes. Remove it from heat & set aside.
                                           

Pastry Ingred.

2 1/3 c. flour                                                                                    1 stick butter, softened (not margarine)

2 Tbsp. sugar                                                                                   1/3 c. shortening

1 tsp. salt                                                                                         2 eggs (1 for pastry & 1 for basting)

1 tsp. baking powder                                                                        2 Tbsp. milk
Pink Icing Ingred.
1 c. powdered sugar
2-3 tsp. maraschino cherry juice
1-2 tsp. milk

Lets make pastry:

In a small bowl, whisk together one of the eggs & milk; set aside. In a large bowl, whisk with a fork the flour, sugar, salt & b. pwder together. With your fork, cut in the butter & shortening till big crumbs form. Add the milky egg mixture, blend with your fork till a soft dough forms. Cover & put in fridge 15 min.
Preheat oven to 350.

Beat slightly other egg; set to side.
Ready to roll out! Dough is very soft, so it rolls out better on a piece of lightly floured wax paper. Make one pop tart at a time. Pinch off part of your dough, roll about 1/8 in thick. Take your heart cookie cutter (pic above is the candy box cutter). Lay to the side on another piece of wax paper. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of your jam filling right in the middle. Baste lightly around the edge with egg. Cut out another heart for top. Lay heart to heart with filling in middle. Press with your fingers all around edges to seal. Press all around the edges with the tines of a fork.Prick with a fork the top of your heart tart, to let steam escape. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake about 25 min, till lightly browned. Remove from oven, place on a platter to cool Cool completely before icing. Makes 5 - 5 in. heart pop tarts.

In a bowl stir together all icing ingredients. Icing should be thin, but not watery. One thing bout this icing, if it's too watery, add more p. sugar. Too thick add a little more liquid. Drizzle or completely frost your pop tarts, however you want to do it. Add some sprinkles if you want or even pink or red colored sugar.

*One of the pop tarts I took a small cookie and barely cut into the top of the heart, instead of picking it.

You can really taste the buttery flavor of the pastry, and the yummy fruit filling; just a Valentine's Day Delight!!

This chick is loving the Valentine's Day Pop Tarts!

Valentine's Day Cookie Cutter

Here you have it, the cheapest 5 in. heart cookie cutter that comes with chocolate! Yes, it is the box of those cheap little V-day candies found in the aisles of Wal Mart for $1.00!
 I was getting ready to work on a Valentine's Day treat, but needed a large heart shaped cookie cutter, had a small one but just needed that large one! Didn't have time to run all over looking for this darn cookie cutter that I was possessed in finding (sure Michaels or some of those other places have them, but no time). Ran into the closest place, Wal Mart! Going down the Valentine's Day aisle were, you guessed it those heart shaped boxes of chocolates for a buck! Thinking "what the hell, this just might work", grabbed this one (bout a 5 in heart) & the smaller one.
As you can tell, the inside of the lid is plastic, with a great edge perfect for cookie cutting or to use on any other heart shaped project you need. Since it is plastic, it can be wiped clean. One added bonus, you can eat those chocolates, while you're cutting away! Didn't even try the small heart shape box lid, because it is all cardboard. Loved the larger one's plastic lid, it worked perfect for cutting out my little treats!

2014 Year of the Horse Trends

Zgallerie "Horse in the Rain" artwork

Here we are, already a few days into it, "2014 Year of the Horse". Chinese New Year celebrates this the Year of the Horse. it runs from Jan.31, 2014 - Feb. 18, 2015. The Chinese zodiac has a 12 yr cycle of animals, and they interact 5 elements - wood, metal, fire, water, and earth. This year it is the wood horse!  I'm not Chinese astrologist, just telling you what they're saying- you are a horse if you were born 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, &1918. Your lucky colors are purple, blue, and grey. And here it is you "horse" peeps your lucky numbers are suppose to be 7, 3, 2 (Plz don't hop a flight to Vegas right now, just saying)! You are also very energetic people!
With all that said, "The Year of the Horse", is what's trending now! So we are seeing horses pop up in home & clothing. If horses really aren't your thing, then no need to invest alot in your horse decor,apparel,or accessories.

TJ Maxx Horse Heads.
Marshall's Equestrian Scarf,
Burbery Boots

 Found these great white ceramic horse heads at TJ Maxx, also Z Gallerie has similar, that you can order online. Zgallerie.com has some wonderful horse art also. Love the cute Equestrian scarf i found at Marshalls. Equestrian boots are also popular for "The Horse of the Year" style. Love my Burberry boots, the flat heel & buckle on the ankle give that equestrian style.

Some designers out there like Gucci and Hermes have always had their equestrian style. We are all familiar with the iconic Gucci horse bit design on their handbags, belts, wallets, and jewelry. Gucci also has a beautiful equestrian scarf, I'm in love with. Ralph Lauren also have a few equestrian style in their collections. Harrods.com have a wonderful pair of Ralph Lauren jodhpurs.

modcloth.com

  Horses are popping up everywhere on clothing, jewelry, and handbags. Jonathanadler.com has a really cute little horse wristlet, and Longchamp is celebrating the "Year of the Horse" with the "Le Pilage" handbag in red & black.

Some other places you can find some horsey items are Modcloth.com, they have cute horse scarves, dresses, and skirts! Hotsox.com have some really cute horsey socks.

And lastly, have to mention Forever21- if you want to just flash a little "Horse of the Year" trend and on a tight budget, check out Forever 21, they have some really really inexpensive horse jewelry!

This chick loves "The Horse of the Year" Trends!     

2014 Sochi Winter Olympics - Sporting Styles

2014 Team USA opening ceremony
Clothing by Ralph Lauren

2014 Sochi Winter Olympics are just around the corner, Feb 6-23. Love the Olympics, such admiration goes out to all those athletes. My gosh, the total dedication & commitment these athletes have for the love of their sport is just incredible! A few months ago I was in Salt Lake City, doing my little work out in the hotel gym. I never pay attention to anyone in the gym, I just get in my own zone. While in my zone, doing my warm up on the elliptical, out of the corner of my eye, I thought "Damn, he has some seriously huge calves & quads"! Then, I thought "Geez, wish I had her muscled up ass"! This chick quickly got out of her workout zone, looked around and there it was a gym full of athletes all muscled & chiseled, not your typical peeps you find in hotel gyms! This chick was feeling total gym intimidation! After talking to one of them, they were in Salt Lake City area for 2014 Winter Olympic Speed Skating trials.! Athletes from all over the world, Japan, Italy, and good ol' USA to name a few. Whether it is the speed skaters sprinting across the ice for the fastest time, snowboarders doing tricks and acrobatic type maneuvers in the half-pipe event, or figure skaters attempting the most difficult quadruple jump-no doubt these are hard core athletes competing for the love of their country and the love of their game!

Let's talk Olympic fashion! Ralph Lauren has designed the USA Olympic Opening Ceremony uniforms, keeping up with an All-American style. Uniforms are 100% made in USA!! You can buy these Ralph Lauren 2014 Olympic Team USA fashions on their website @Ralphlauren.com. This is so cool, 100% of purchase price of the opening ceremony cardigan will be donated to the USA Olympic Committee!

2014 Team Norway Curling Team

Really takes confident men to pull this look off (the above pic). Team Norway's Curling team is
known for their way out fashion sense. Besides their red, white, & blue crazy zig zag suit (supposedly paying tribute to Norway's flag), they'll also be wearing black, flowery print pants. This chick has
really never understood curling that sweeping a stone across the ice, but for sure I will watch Olympic Curling just to see these handsome Scandanavian men in their way out fashion!

H&M for the Sweds

The Sweds will be wearing apparel designed by H&M. The Swedish team will definitely be seen on the slopes with this fast fashion, high-performance line!
And of course, the French will go to the 2014 Winter Olympics in French style. Team France will be looking chic in apparel designed by Lacoste.
Several designers are getting inspirations from the Olympics. Greg Armas' womenswear, The Assembly SS2014 Collection, was inspired by the 2014 Winter Olympics. Color theme was grays, blacks, and whites with pops neon, red, & other brights. Perfect womenswear for the athlete on the go!

This chick is loving the winter Olympic styles.
This chick is definitely loving the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics- Go team USA!

Super Bowl Party Food

Well it's almost here, Sunday Feb. 2, Super Bowl XLVIII ( Super Bowl 48), Seattle Seahawks against those Denver Broncos! They're going to play for that National title, at Brrrr the open air MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (such the Jersey / NY argument because stadium is home to NY Jets & NY Giants)
Super Bowl Sunday is a fun partying day, full of all day noshing! No calorie counting today, for real!!! You can see what this chick is talking bout when you see this Denver Broncos Brownie, sooo sinfully chocolatey rich, with fun sprinklings of M&M's on top, popping out a little blue& orange (Broncos colors). Another recipe, this chick came up with Seattle Seahawks Spicy Wings, so easy and no frying mess like most wing recipes! Both of these recipes are so easy, takes the stress out of hosting a Super Bowl Party!

Seattle Seahawks Spicy Wings

1- 4lb. Bag of  chicken wings
2 pkg. onion soup mix
1/2 c. Soy Sauce  ( I used low sodium)
1 c. Lemon juice
1 c. Dark corn syrup
1/2 c. Sriracha Sauce
1 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Prep is done the night before.
Like to rinse off chicken wings, pat dry with paper towel, & set to side. In a bowl, mix up rest of ingredients. Pour some of the marinate in another bowl, enough for coating wings, can add more if  needed. Toss wings in marinate to coat heavily. Cover & marinate overnight. Cover & refrigerate
remaining marinade to use later
Preheat oven 400. Place the wings in a single layer on a large
 cookie sheet or jelly roll pan. Pour some of the marinade on top of each wing, make sure each wing has some sauce on it. DON'T use all the marinade because you need more for basting later on. Put wings in oven, don't cover, Bake 25 min. Take out of oven,  keeping wings on the pan, drain off the majority of all that liquid in the pan. Turn the wings. Now with the reserved marinade, baste wings heavily, & put bake in oven. Bake 15-20 more minutes. Take out of oven, turn on broiler, when heated up, put those wings under the broiler to brown up a little, about 3-4 min, don't burn! Put these babies on a platter, and they are ready to serve.
These wings have a little spice kick & such great flavor, no need to cover it up with a creamy dipping sauce. The only dipping sauce this chick is serving with her wings, is setting out a bottle of Sriracha Sauce, for those who want to bring on more heat!

     

Love, Love Sriracha Sauce! That's a whole other blog! Make sure you get the bottle with a rooster on it, usually can be found in the Asian food aisle.

Denver Broncos Brownies

These brownies are so insanely rich. Love the chunky topping, it's a real man's dessert real rugged like!
So easy peasy, can be made day before just cover up so they don't get dry.

1 box Ghiradelli - Dark Chocolate Brownie Mix
1 box Ghiradelli - Double Chocolate Brownie Mix
2 eggs
1/2 c. water
1/3 c. vegetable oil
1 stick + 1 Tbsp. butter, softened
1/2 c. salted peanuts (not dry roasted), coarsely chopped
1 c. Peanut Butter M&M's
1 c. Peanut M&M's

Preheat oven 325. Generously grease 13x9 baking dish.

Coarely chop Peanut M&M's. Basically just chop them in half, be careful they are slippery suckers when you try to chop them (can do this days in advance & put in a ziploc baggie till ready to use). Set aside.
In a large bowl, put in brownie mixes, then add everything except all M&M's and peanuts. Mix thoroughly with a large spoon. Pour into greased baking dish. Now sprinkle on the salted peanuts, next sprinkle on Peanut Butter M&M's, and lastly those chunks of Peanut M&M's. Bake about 45-50 min. Don't overbake. Wait till completely cooled to cut. Enjoy- Love the saltiness of the peanuts with the sweet chocolate!

This chick is loving the Super Bowl Party food!

























            Denver Broncos Brownies

Orange Lipstick! Wear it Now!

This chick is obsessing over the orange lipstick! Don't wait for spring - wear it now! Orange lipstick is so bright and sexy. It's been seen on runways and red carpets, pushing those red lips to the side. Just about everybody can wear this fun, tantalizing orange lipstick. An orange lipstick with peachy, coral tones compliment fair complexions. Dark complexions can be daring and wear that neon orange, but the orange with red hues are more complimentary. Don't forget the lip liner, choose one that matches your shade of lipstick.Wear blush lightly and keep it similar to the shade of the lipstick, or wear a bronzer. For all you girls out there that really want to rock neon orange, love it, tone down your make-up, make those lips be the crowd stoppers! Here's some great orange lipsticks to try- MAC - Lady Danger & Morange; Nars - Heat Wave; Revlon Super Lustrous - Carnival; Maybelline's Sensational Vivids - Electric Orange.
No doubt, everyone will be obsessing over orange lipstick!
This chick loves her orange lipstick!