Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Begin Each Day With A Grateful Heart

Let's face it. Life isn't aways easy. Sometimes you have moments just asking yourself seriously when will I catch a break? It's in those times that having faith in God is so important. How amazing is it that we have someone who will take that stress off our shoulders and give us peace. I would say pretty amazing.

Right now we are struggling financially with all the house repairs that have to get accomplished before we can move in. You have seen those tv shows where they are renovating a house and run into a million problems they didn't see before right? Well thats where we are. So much has popped up and literally drained our savings.

But yet, I have hope. No, not hope. Faith. Faith that the Lord will keep providing for us as I have seen all my life. He will never give us more than we need but enough to get us by.





Have you ever just prayed to God thanking him for everything you do have instead of what you dont? I am not the model christian in that but i definitely try to begin each day for a grateful heart.

Here are a few things I am thankful for today:
1. The health of my beautiful baby girl
2. The fact that we have enough money to pay our bills and still have food in the fridge.
3. My amazing relationship with my parents. They are always there when I need them and only hope I can be as great of a mother to Lindsey as my mom is to me. 
4. The work of the holy spirit working in me to give me all the strength I need in difficult times.

Its time to start focusing on what we do have rather than what we don't.




Monday, July 30, 2012

Safe Cleaners

When I got pregnant it was really important to me to not inhale harsh chemicals, and now that Lindsey is around I am so peculiar with what cleaning products I use. She had apnea as a newborn so I am ocd about what I can control that she breathes in. I bought an air purifier and everything. Overprotective? Maybe but thats just how this momma rolls. I have researched what household products can be used as cleaners and baking soda and vinegar are the most effective and versatile.

Here a a few ways that I use them:

1. Equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Oh em gee I use this for everything!! I use it as a toilet cleaner, an all purpose spray you name it. It disinfects and leaves a clean smell. The vinegar scent does not linger at all.

2. A spoonful of baking powder down the drain followed by warm vinegar.
This will clear any clogged drain. I do this weekly in the bathroom and kitchen drains to keep everything flowing nicely. It also kills any gross smells that might be lingering.

3. Equal parts water and vinegar in the coffee pot.
Pour and run as usual the run again. After the second cycle, rinse the coffee pot and pour regular water and run the maker twice to remove all traces of the vinegar.

4. Vinegar to disinfect the cutting board.

5. Bowl of vinegar in the microwave and "cooked" for about 5 minutes.
Remove the bowl and wipe off the sides with a warm rag. This will remove any and all gunkies stuck on the side and what do you know? Disinfects as well!

6. A cup of baking soda in the toilet bowl.
Let it sit for 30 minutes then rinse with vinegar and use a toilet bowl brush to scrub away.

7. Vinegar to clean paintbrushes. Just let them sit and rinse with warm water.

8. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to make a paste and use it to clean around the stove burners.

9. Baking soda and water to clean your oven.

10. Vinegar to rinse your fruits and veggies followed by water.


I could go on and on but these are my primary 10 uses. It is so much safer to use these all natural products than all those harsh chemicals that cleaners have. 

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Baby Schedules

Since before I had Lindsey I have been addicted to researching everything I can online about everything baby. I have babysat all my life but actually raising a baby of my own? Clueless. One of the things I read alot of about is putting your baby on a schedule. That to me sounded bananas. If Lindseys hungry Im not going to not feed her because "Its not time yet" or if shes tired Im not going to keep her awake "because she just napped."

 Now thats not to say we don't have a routine, we do. She gets her baby fruits in the morning when she wakes up, her veggies after her afternoon naps and her cereal and fruit in the evening before bath. Then she has a bath, we read from her baby bible, play a little and its off to bed with mozart humming along in the background.

I will say that after the past few months she puts herself on "schedules" as she grows. They vary as she gets bigger since she stays up longer between naps and is now taking longer less frequent naps. She is sleeping through the night and generally gets ready for bed around 1130. The baby makes her own schedule and I follow it. It works for us and every baby and parent is different.

I still refuse to let her cry it out. A lot of people say oh it's good for their lungs and yadda yadda. I strongly disagree. When she starts crying and no one will comfort her, blood pressure rises and she gets very worked up. I don't rush in there if she starts crying but I do not make her wait either. I do not believe her crying herself to sleep is worth the anxiety she will feel. I know I wouldn't like crying myself to sleep so why would I do it to my innocent baby? She generally cries for a reason and I would hate for her to think that no one is going to answer her when she is upset.

We have been working the past few weeks on getting her to go to sleep on her own without rocking her. After her bottle, if she's still awake, I will lay her down in her crib. Usually she fusses so I rub her belly and then leave the room. After 5 mintues of fussing I will go back in and rub her belly some more. If she really starts crying I pick her up to soothe her and calm her back to sleep. She is getting the hang of it and usually for naps she puts herself right down. It does take a lot of patience and some parents are fine with listening to their baby cry but not this momma.

For more info on attachment parenting and crying it out click here. They have really great info.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

My Favorite Model

Baby girl has been taking longer naps lately and that means more time to get stuff done for momma! I have really been wanting to make her some new headbands and yesterday was the perfect opportunity. I got out all my craft supplies and got to work!!


I am so obsessed with how these turned out!! They are way too adorable!! I found the tutorial here for the ones with ribbon. The polka dot one is like the big bow without the second layer. The flower one is just felt cut into flower petals and hot glued to a felt circle. Of course every baby girl needs her bling! I love the gems instead of buttons. 


My favorite model :) She looks so adorable in them!! 


Can I just say how proud I of human kind? The shooting in Aurora, CO was in every way tragic. One of the worst things to happen in America recently I would say. But that is not the part I am proud of. I am so amazed that Christian Bale took it upon himself to visit the shooting victims and medical staff in Colorado. Without any incentive from the production company he just did it out of pure kindness. Amazing.



On another note, I am sorely slacking in the grocery department. But last night I got creative with what we had in the fridge and came out with a pretty tasty dish. Not really Dukan but not too bad for you either. 


Shrimp Pasta with Lemon and Parsley Olive Oil Sauce
Serves 2
-1/2 lb of Shrimp deveined and with the tails off
- handfull of spaghetti or angel hair pasta
- 2 TBLS of butter
- 1 Lemon zested cut in half
- 2 tsp parsley
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/3 cup olive oil

Boil water for pasta and add a good amount of salt. This is the only time to season the pasta. Add the pasta and cook according to package. Melt the butter in a sauce pan and add the garlic, lemon zest and parsley. Let it all cook together and you will start smelling an amazing aroma of lemon. Slice half the lemon in small slices and add them and the shrimp to the butter. Cook until the shrimp is pink. Drain the pasta reserving a small amount of the cooking liquid. Add it all to the sauce pan and the olive oil. Cook it all together over medium for just a few minutes. Serve with the other lemon wedges and enjoy! Next time I will probably add some crushed red pepper for a little oomph. 

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Pork with a Punch

Normally when I cook pork chops it's always the same story. Some sage and seasonings and BBQ sauce. Its delish but gets old after a while. Yesterday, that was my game plan, until I stumbled upon this amazing recipe from Alton Brown. It marinates the pork in a decadent bend of rich coffee and sweet molasses. I don't have molasses on hand so I substituted sugar free maple syrup and made it Dukan friendly! It had such a rich flavor and so different than what I normally do! Definitely trying this one again!!


Dukan Coffee and Maple Marinated Pork Chops
Adapted from Alton Brown
Serves 2 


Ingredients
1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
1/2 cup sugar free maple syrup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
6 to 8 sprigs fresh thyme
2 Pork Chops

Directions
Combine the coffee, syrup, vinegar, mustard, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, the ginger, thyme and pork chops in a 1-gallon zip-top bag; seal and shake to combine. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. 

Preheat a skillet to medium-high. Remove the pork from the bag. Pour the marinade into a saucepan; boil gently over medium-high heat, stirring, until reduced to 1/2 cup, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove the thyme stems.

Cook the pork chops for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145. Let rest for 5 minutes; serve with the glaze.


Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Mexican Monday

I was really craving Chipotle last night. Their delicious rice and beans and beyond enormous burritos. Yum I'm drooling all over my computer right now just thinking about it. However, our chipotle is like 30 miles away and thats a pretty long drive for a burrito. Yes I know I have made the drive once, maybe twice. Okay more than twice but that was pre baby. Now I have to be creative in the kitchen to suppress my burrito cravings. This big guy did it. Oh did it ever! The chicken was incredibly moist and the green chiles and enchilada sauce gave it such great flavor!


Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Burrito with Black Beans and Rice
Serves 2 (with leftovers)
2 boneless skinless chicken breast
1 boil in bag of rice
1 15.25 oz can of black beans
1 10 oz can of hot enchilada sauce
1 7 oz can of chopped green chiles
1tsp cumin
2 tsp chili powder
salt and pepper
tortillas

Desired toppings:
lettuce
cheese
sour cream
lime

Start by boiling water in a large pot big enough for the chicken. Add when the water is boiling and boil for 15-20 minutes. Once it is done, place on a plate to cool and add your rice to the same water for the time on the box. It is homemade chicken stock after all. Shred the chicken once it has cooled enough to handle and had to a large sauce pan and add the spices then green chile, beans, rice, and enchilada sauce. Let it cook over medium for a few minutes to heat through. In the meantime warm your tortillas. I just nuke mine for a couple seconds in the microwave. Chop your lettuce, get the cheese and sour cream and grab some limes. Assemble as desired and roll! Then grab a fork because it might get a little messy :)

*To make this dish dukan just subtract the rice and tortilla and make sure you are using fat free dairy. It would make an excellent chicken salad!

Friday, July 20, 2012

Five Months

I cannot believe you are already five months old. Where is the time going?? Each day my love grows more and more for you. Its hard to believe that so much love could ever be felt.






You were far more excited to eat the sticker than smile pretty for your mommy. A little unfortunate but what can I do? You are adorable either way :)

This past month you:
  • got your first ear infection. One miserable week for momma and baby
  • tried peaches, pears, sweet potatoes, bananas, carrots and apples
  • found your toes. You love to suck on them now
  • sat up; we are still waiting for you to roll you just prefer to sit up
  • started spitting. Makes for one messy meal time.
  • eat in your big girl high chair and love it! You even sit there when mommy cooks dinner and are perfectly content
  • started sleeping in your crib. You were getting too long for the bassinet and now have all the room to stretch and sprawl. Mommy moved it into mommy's room so you are still close :)
  • still love mickey mouse with a passion
  • your feet now reach the bottom of your exersaucer and you love being able to jump around
  • let out your first ever baby giggle. Mommy almost cried it was so sweet!
  • you sleep on average 8 hours but have had a few 10 hour nights in there. Thank you sweet angel for giving mommy the rest!!
I look forward to seeing the world through your eyes for the next many months of your life. I love you my baby <3


Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin

This is the second time I have made this pork and it is seriously amazing. We never have leftovers and that really says a lot! As a mom of a little one the crock pot is such a life saver. I just put the pork in the cooker in the morning and it's ready by dinner time! The hardest part is brushing on the glaze and really how hard is that? I love that this dish can also be Dukan by switching regular brown sugar for the brown sugar blend. It has so much flavor and you still stay focused on the diet! I look at that as a win win.



Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Serves 2
Adapted from Six Sisters Stuff


Ingredients:
1 (2 pound) boneless pork loin
1 teaspoon ground sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup water

Glaze
1/2 cup brown sugar splenda blend
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce

Directions:
Combine sage, salt, pepper and garlic. Rub over roast. Place in slow cooker with 1/2 cup water. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. About 1 hour before roast is done, combine ingredients for glaze in small sauce pan. Heat and stir until mixture thickens. Brush roast with glaze 2 or 3 times during the last hour of cooking. Serve with remaining glaze on the side.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Dukan Attack Phase Sample Menu

A few of my friends are starting the Dukan and have been feeling a little lost. I can relate. It seems a little overwhelming any time you start a new diet, especially one with strict rules like Dukan. But I will be the first to say IT IS SO WORTH IT!! I have lost 30 lbs since March and the majority of that is since May when I started Dukan. Like I mentioned in my Dukan Digest here, the attack phase is when you will drop weight the quickest because of all the protein you are eating. Your metabolism is working overtime to break it all down and the oat bran is ridding your body of the extra fat you don't want or need. A few key things in this phase is never let yourself get hungry and eat as much as you want.


These are all the foods you can eat unlimited amounts of throughout every stage and especially the attack:
Meat and Offal
Beef Steak
Filet of beef
Sirloin Steak
Roast Beef
Rump Steak
Tongue
Bresaola (air dried beef)
Veal escalope
Kidney
Calf's liver
Veal Chop
Cooked ham slices (no fat, no rind)
Cooked chicken and turkey slices (no fat, no rind)
Fat reduced bacon
Game - Venison, pheasant, partridge, grouse
Rabbit/Hare
Fish
Dab/Lemon sole
Dover sole
Fish roe - Cod, Salmon, Herring, Mullet
Cod
Grey Mullet
Hake
Halibut
Haddock
Monkfish
Mackerel
Plaice
Pollock/Coley
Rainbow Trout/Salmon Trout
Salmon
Sardines
Red Mullet
Sea Bass
Skate
Sea bream
Smoked Salmon
Swordfish
Tuna
Whiting
Turbot
Seafood
Clams
Cockles
Calamari/Squid
Crayfish
Lobster
Dublin Bay prawns
Mediterranean prawns/ Gambas
Mussels
Oysters
Scallops
Whelks
Prawns
Seafood sticks - surimi
Shrimp
Poultry
Chicken livers
Chicken
Guinea Fowl
Ostrich
Poussin
Pigeon
Quail
Turkey
Eggs
Hen's eggs
Quail's eggs
Virtually Fat-Free Dairy Products
Skim milk
Virtually fat-free quark
Virtually fat-free fromage frais
Virtually fat-free cottage cheese
Fat-free greek yogurt
Fat Free natural yoghurt (plain or no-sugar sweetener only)
Vegetable Protein
Tofu



A typical day on attack for me looks like this:
Breakfast
scrambled eggs with ham and non fat cheddar cheese, salsa and a little non fat greek yogurt on top
Coffee


Snack
Low-fat Yogurt with Oat Bran ( my fave is light and fit by yoplait)
Water


Lunch
A couple pieces of deli roast beef with mustard and oat bran bread recipe here
diet coke


Snack
Hardboiled egg
Water


Dinner
Delish Chipotle Lime Chicken with fat free cottage cheese and the same oat bran bread from lunch
Perrier 


Snack
Another Yogurt or 2 small pieces of Dark Chocolate


To not get terribly bored make sure to switch it up. Have pork chops with homemade BBQ sauce, steak on the grill, any kind of fish, and different sugar free jams on your bread. By day four you will probably curse my name, but STICK WITH IT!! You are almost done with attack and the first time you have veggies they will taste like heaven on a plate. You will see results you just have to stay motivated. 


Hope this helps :)

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Proverbs 31

Recently I have started an online bible study that dives deep into the Proverbs 31 chapter that gives the characteristics of a noble wife.


A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:10-31

This woman is the ultimate christian wife who embodies all that God has wanted. There are many times I know I do not resemble her at all! I am sometimes lazy, grumpy, and selfish. But I am also a sinner. And a strong follower of God. I know through him I can find the strength to really try and live life like the Proverbs 31 woman. This week the focus is on verse 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. Oh boy being eager to clean? Sounds tough I know, but let's look at it in a different light. My dishes are dirty because the Lord has blessed me with food to put on those dishes. The laundry needs to be done because we have clothes on our back to wear and a full life to make them dirty. My house is a hurricane of baby toys and man tools because I have a passionate boyfriend and growing baby. I have groceries in my fridge because the Lord has provided my family with the means to eat. When I cleaned my house this morning I kept these things in mind and cleaning did not feel as much of a chore as normal. I was thankful that God has provided me with such a rich life. Yesterday when I went to the store, I said a prayer of thanks as I loaded the groceries in the trunk. The Proverbs 31 woman is a woman to emulate and embody. With the Lords help I can do it. I will falter, and at times feel as though I am failing. But then I will say a deep prayer to give me the eager attitude I need to make sure my family and household is running smoothly. 

Since I have started this bible study and dove deep into Proverbs 31 I have noticed myself really trying to apply these attributes to my life and my heart has felt 10x lighter. It is amazing how the Lords word and constant prayer can change your life. I strongly suggest checking out the woman who started it all here. She has so much passion for the Lord and is such a role model!



Monday, July 16, 2012

Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Roasted Asparagus

I have a serious love for scallops. And bacon. I decided to combine the two and give him a treat for dinner. Lets get real though, a boot in bacon would be good. I am also both a huge fan of asparagus and my favorite way to eat most veggies is roasted. They just get a really delicious flavor and become super tender. The asparagus also kept it's little bit of crunch. No one likes mushy asparagus!


Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Sea Salt and Garlic Roasted Asparagus
Serves 2
12 Scallops
12 slices of bacon sliced in half
1 lb of asparagus
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp sea salt
Olive Oil

Preheat the oven to 425. Wrap the bacon around the scallops and secure with a tooth pick. Place on a rack on a baking sheet and put in oven. Trim the asparagus and remove the woody part at the end. Liberally dress the asparagus with the olive oil, garlic powder and fresh ground sea salt. The scallops need about 20 min to cook while the asparagus only need 10-15. The bacon will get nice and crisp and the scallops will still be just perfect with their buttery taste. The asparagus compliments this seafood so nicely. It sounds fancy but is super easy and super delish!

Sunday, July 15, 2012

The Weekend In Pictures


Love this pink! Maybelline has a new line of nail polish called color show and its around $3! The only thing I am not a huge fan of is the small brush but other than that love!! This color is called pinkalicious.


Bacon wrapped scallops over sea salt and garlic roasted asparagus. Recipe to come!


My favorite treat of all time. I love a good dark chocolate and the mint makes it even more amazing.


Baby L was sitting on my lap the other day and all I hear is slurp slurp. I guess someone found their toes.


First time in her new high chair! She is super excited as you can tell :)


I busted out the baby bullet finally and made some amazing peach baby food! Cannot wait to make more!


Happy National Ice Cream Day!

Sunday Verse

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand." Isaiah 41:10

This verse is a great comfort for us sinners. The Lord is stating how we are not alone and that he is here for us, constantly. On the days where baby L has be at my wits end I need to remember this verse. Take a second and just read it and ponder it. How wonderful that we have a God who will always build us up! His love is so incredible and the words of this verse are very powerful. We have a creator in Heaven who will always be there for us. On the days where the world is overwhelming and nothing seems to be going according to our "plan" always remember the Lord is there. Take a minute and pray. Because the power of prayer will always help you through.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Veggie Frittata

I sometimes have this terrible habit of forgetting about things in my fridge. I dont know how or why but it happens and I hate wasting food. Well last night I was so not in the mood for a big dinner since we had a late lunch and the show I was watching made a frittata. I figured how hard could it be? And I was right. It was beyond easy, super tasty and completely Dukan. It also made excellent breakfast this morning! Can't go wrong with a double duty dish!


Veggie Frittata
Serves 2 
6 eggs
1/4 cup fat free milk
1 zucchini
1 yellow squash
1/3 cup mushrooms
1/3 cup bell peppers
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion power
2 tsp red chili flake
1/2 cup fat free cheese
salt and pepper

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Chop your veggies and put in a skillet over med high heat. Add all your yummy spices. Whisk your eggs, milk, salt and pepper in a bowl and push to the side. Once your veggies have become tender, scoop them in an 8x8 baking dish lightly sprayed with some pam. Pour the eggs on top and sprinkle with cheese and place in the oven for about 25 minutes. To know its done, stick a knife in just like a cake. If it comes out clean, its done :)

Next time I make this I will probably add some bacon or ham and rotel. It def had plenty of flavor but why not make it even better??

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Breaded Italian Style Stuffed Mushrooms

I guess it is safe to say I have a love affair with mushrooms. Button, portabello, you name it Ill eat it. I love them in salad, eggs, pasta, the list goes on and on! Well the other night the boyfriend was not home for dinner and I did not feel like cooking an extravagant meal. These little babies were delish! Super filling but not heavy and really easy. If you like mushrooms, cheese and being skinny this is a recipe for you!


Breaded Italian Style Stuffed Mushrooms
Makes 8 stuffed mushrooms (I ate one while they were cooling)
4 Tbls oat bran
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried basil
1 egg
1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
8 button mushrooms

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and whisk the eggs together in another. Take a damp paper towel and wipe off the mushrooms. Carefully pull out the stem. If it comes out right you will have a nice socket inside. You can save the stems for scrambled eggs and what not. Stuff some cheese in that socket you made. Be gentle! These mushrooms are about to be your besties. Using a fork coat the stuffed shroom in egg and then in the "breadcrumb" mix. Place on a rack on top a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. The cheese will melt and the oat bran will toast up deliciously. Dip in some homemade marinara or fat free ranch!

Monday, July 9, 2012

The Weekend in Pictures


Look mom I can sit up all by myself!


Learning about the Prodigal Son story via Veggie Tales


Delish Dukan Chile Rellenos! Recipe to come.


Dukan ketchup! Only 5 calories, 0 fat and 1 gram of sugar!!


First night in her crib! She is getting so big!


Out for a walk after bath time before bed



Hope everyone had a lovely weekend :)

Sunday, July 8, 2012

At home Mani

I love taking time to give myself a proper manicure. It is so relaxing and gives me a little "mommy" time while the baby's asleep. Plus, why spend the extra $15-20 in a salon when I can do a perfectly good job myself. Now pour yourself a glass of wine, play some Michael Buble and let the pampering begin...


Items you need:
1. Nail Polish Remover & Cotton
2. Bowl with some yummy smelling soap
3. Towel
4. Nail File
5. Cuticle trimmer and pusher
6. Buffing Block
7. Vitamin E Oil
8. Lotion
9. Base Coat, Color, Top Coat

First remove all your nail polish. Fill the bowl with warm water and your soap. I suggest a body wash not dish soap, much more gentle. Soak your hands for about 5 minutes to get your cuticles nice and soft. Pat them lightly on your towel. File your nails to make them the same length and whatever shape you prefer. Im a fan of the squoval (square and oval) look myself. Push back all you cuticles and if you have cuticle trimmer, trim lightly. But be careful to not trim to close, you could hurt yourself. Practice makes perfect with the cuticle trimer. Buff all your nails to make them nice and smooth. I usually do my polish next starting with the base coat. Then do 2 coats of your preferred nail polish. My favorite brands are OPI and Sally Hansen Rapid Dry. Sally Hansen's is like 4 bucks and dries really quickly. I always apply a fast dry top coat as well. I don't always have 30 minutes to sit there and wait for them to dry. My fave top coat is China Glaze Fast Forward Top Coat it dries really quick and makes them oh so shiny. Once they are dry, apply the vitamin E oil on your cuticles and your lotion on top. The reason I don't do that before the polish is because the polish won't apply correctly and can bubble and peel off. If you get some nail polish on the skin around your nails, dip a small paint brush in remover and it will come right off. Now you have a professional looking mani all in the comfort of your own home! Sit back with your glass of pinot grigio and admire your pretty new nails! 


Healthy Chicken Salad

I love a good chicken salad. There is just something about it that takes me back to begin 7 years old and my mom making them for us. This salad is a much lighter, dukan style chicken salad. It is super healthy and really refreshing on those hot summer days. You could change it up with the veggies and spices you want too. It is very versatile. Not to mention its super quick and easy! Can't go wrong there can ya? Let's dive in....



Healthy Chicken Salad
Serves 2

Salad
One can of already cooked chicken ( I used Tyson. Has the least amount of sodium and fat)
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
salt & pepper
Half a bag of already chopped broccoli slaw
1/2 cup of fat free cheddar cheese

Dressing
1/2 cup fat free sour cream
Juice of one lime

Drain the chicken and put in a saute pan over medium heat. Add the seasoning and warm chicken through. Since it is already cooked it will only take about 5 minutes. Whisk together the lime and sour cream and open the bag of slaw. Place all components in a bowl and toss! Super easy right? 

Friday, July 6, 2012

Friday Randoms

I don't have a super intricate post planned today but some random goings on in the Kerr-Davis house this week.


It has been soo hot out every morning and this mamma needs her coffee. I found a great way to enjoy iced coffee without the ice watering it down. Just brew a pot the night before and make sure to make it extra strong. Throw one or two more scoops of coffee than usual. Chill it overnight in the fridge and viola you wake up to iced coffee. Put a few ice cubes in a tall glass, add your vanilla creamer and enjoy!


I saw how to make a heart from tape and nail polish on the beauty department I think. Just paint a piece of tape, cut out whatever kind of shape you like and add a top coat. I used OPI chapel of Love and OPI  Bring on the Bling for the glitter. 


The gross green padding we have to scrape up in order to refinish our wood floors


Double braid headband I wore on the 4th! Super easy and kept the hair out of my face! 



Thursday, July 5, 2012

The 4th In Photos

We had a great time celebrating the 4th for the first time as a family. Baby L loved the fireworks! We were far enough away that they would not hurt her ears but still close enough to see them. She was completely in awe and would not look away. The day was full of family, festivities and food! The way any great holiday should be :)






The contents of a package my mom sent baby girl! We love getting packages from home :)


My adorable angel. I just love her! She looks so cute.

The Best Peanut Butter Cookie You Will Ever Have

My mom sent me this recipe for peanut butter cookies the other day and I thought it was way too good to be true. 4 Ingredients, 33 calories and 2 grams of fat. Yes people you read that right! I thought no way could those be that good. However, they are AMAZING!! I will never make another peanut butter cookie as long as I live. I almost ate the whole batch. I really had to restrain myself. Super easy, super quick and super great for that bikini body!!!


Peanut Butter Cookies from Heaven
Makes roughly 5 dozen (unless you snack while cooling like me :)
1 cup chunky or creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
3/4 tsp baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 and grab 2 baking sheets. I lined mine with foil but parchment paper or a little pam will do just fine. Now peanut butter can be a little sticky to get out of a measuring cup so sprayed a little bit of pam in mine. And by a little I mean a little you heavy handed sprayers. Combine all 4 ingredients with a hand mixer until well combined. Drop teaspoon amounts of dough onto the baking sheets about 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes and let cool for a minute. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Unless you're like me and have no self control and dig right in! I swear life changing cookies. 

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Happy 4th of July

The 4th is tomorrow and that means fireworks, sparklers, flags and cookouts. Gotta have a fresh mani to go with it!!


My 4th of July mani




A couple of my faves from pinterest. You can follow me here.

Im still trying to master the heart for nails but it has not been perfected quite yet. I love the heart on the these nails! So cute! Have a safe and fun 4th!