Sunday, December 6, 2009

Red Velvet Cake w/ cream cheese frosting


What's almost as good as a Thanksgiving dinner? A Thanksgiving themed lollicake! Shown above is a red velvet with cream cheese frosting lollicake with green, brown, and pumpkin sprinkles.
This was my first attempt at making lollicakes. It was a lot harder than I had imagined. The coating is where I need more perfection. I need to figure out how to make it more smooth. But not bad for my first try at the yummy treat.
Happy holidays!
XOXO

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

So lately I have been obsessed with lip gloss/ lip treatments. With the weather changing from summer/fall/winter so fast here the Valley my skin & lips need some extra help to stay smooth. Fresh's Sugar lip treatment is a must have. It keeps my lips nice and soft. Bonus, Sugar is made with yummy ingredients like ... Sugar! If you haven't tried this product it's a must have. Head to your nearest Sephora and load up on this yummy goodness.

If you hurry Sephora is currently running a gift package for $28 dollars that includes a fulls size Sugar Lip treatment & a small sugar lotion with a gold clutch. Can we say Xmas gift?

XOXO
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

DuWop translucent lip treatment

My new favorite lip treatment is DuWop's icedteas translucent lip treatment in white peach. Awesome way to keep your lips totally kissable and the smell of white peach is delish. Who can resist?

XOXO
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Friday, October 30, 2009

Relationship Mistakes

So I am normally what my husband calls "a man hater". He gets this because I enjoy music by Pink and other artists who sometimes sing hateful songs against men. But lately I have been hearing a lot of complaints from single ladies about how good men are hard to find (yes, I will admit that the area that we live in does contain many dead beats). Let me first set the record straight that yes men make many relationship mistakes and majority of men do not remember anything important in a relationship that a woman may deem important. However, with that said ... I do need to admit that it is not always the mans fault.

::cringe:: Sorry ladies but I said it. Sometimes us women make relationship mistakes that cause us to be single.

Below are common mistakes that women make. PS. I did get some help from a article that I have provided the link.

1. Thinking you will never get over him. You will. Dwelling on what could have been is not healthy. Go out and live your life. You will get over him.

2. Spying. This can qualify as many things that women do. Checking your man text messages in a "no no". When I say checking text messages I do mean incoming messages and out going messages. Reading emails in a "no no". You should never read his messages and then ask what what they mean and who they are from for every female. Stalking out at places that you know he goes is a "no no". Going to his work is a "no no". Oh and last but not least driving by his house to see if he is home is a "no no". Don't be psycho ladies.

3. Thinking your man does and should be interested in everything you do, think, or say. Yes, you should have some common things. But there has got to be something that you like that he doesn't or that he likes that you don't. That's what makes things interesting.
Key note: please do not take up a hobby because you man likes it. For instant, if you have no interest in Country music but your new hubby loves Garth Brooks DO NOT all of a sudden own every Garth Brooks song on your ipod and rock out to it in your car. It is okay if you are genuinely interested in something that your hubby likes that you never knew about. But if you have always hated country music don't all of a sudden front like you love it. Be your own person ladies. You want a man who loves you for who you are ... not who you think he wants.

4. Displacing. If you are mad because he does not put the toilet seat down then tell him you are mad because he doesn't put the toilet seat down. However, don't change it into something about how he feels about you or your relationship.

5. Expecting too much. Relationships are not like the movies. Nothing is perfect. Think about the most perfect couple you know and I am willing to bet that they have relationship issues too. Love is not like a fairly tale your mother read to you about before bed or what Disney has told you. You have good days and bad and just how you handle them that makes everything okay.

6. Stagnating. You can't just sit there and wonder why you don't have a boyfriend. No one is going to come and find you. Get yourself out there!

7. Slacking. A lot of people like to say a relationship is when 2 people come 50-50 and compromise. I believe that a truly good relationship is when 2 people both come 100-100. Relationships are not easy and if anyone tells you they are then they are wrong. Every great couple will tell you that they work hard to make their relationship work. Sitting there and just listing all the reasons why your partner sucks gets nothing accomplished.

8. Isolating. Oh ladies so many of you do this. Yes, you have fallen in love ... and then you forget about everything else. Dropping your friends when you fall in love is not healthy. Friend help define who you are and are your rock when you are down.
Side note: Ladies every wonder how you go from being in the great "honeymoon" stage and then all of a sudden he doesn't want to hang out anymore? The he breaks up with you and you don't know why? It's because you are always around! He fell in love with you for a reason. But all of a sudden all you do is hang out with him. Remember you are combining two lives not ditching yours and joining his.

9. Fantasizing. Ladies, you life with not be complete when you find a man. No man can fix all your problems. You will some day find a man who will be your partner in life. But he will not magically fix everything wrong with your life.

10. Using the silent treatment. Men are not mind readers. As much as we would like to think they know what they did wrong ... they don't. Yes, men really are that dumb. Yes, they really don't know. No, most of them really aren't lying when they say they don't know what is wrong. Just tell him what's wrong.

11. Denying. Problems do not go away. If something is wrong just say so. If you let things fester soon every little thing wil get on your nerves. Pretending you do not have a problem is even worse. If you keep pretending soon others will notice that something is wrong. You don't want to be that couple.

12. Standing along. In a healthly relationship you lean on each other. Sometime you will be his rock and sometimes he will be yours. That is what is healthy. If he constantly saving you and you are never there for him then there will be a problem. Balance ladies. Superman is a myth and even he had bad days.

13. Over analyzing. Women think way too much (and men try not to think at all). Wondering why he text instead of calling. Wondering why he only called 2 twice today instead of 3 times. Wondering why he cancelled on getting ice cream when he loves ice cream. Wondering why he picked up on the 4th ring when he always picks up on the 2nd ring. Oh my gaaawd! Most men just do things. They really don't think so you really shouldn't either.

14. Trying to reinvent the relationship wheel. YOU are NOT the exception. YOU can NOT change him. If it seems too good to be true then it probably is. Never think "well maybe I am the exception" because you are not. If you think you might be you will probably be in for a heartache.

If you have not watch "He's just not into you" or read the book ... you should.

To my single ladies ... you guys will be fine. Take a deep breath. Find yourself and when you do you will also find the man who will be your partner in life because if you don't know who you are how will someone else.

XOXO

http://dating.personals.yahoo.com/singles/gettingstarted/9959/14-relationship-mistakes-we-wish-wed-stop-making/

PS. My credential is on my ring finger on my left hand.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Target is going green ... oh and green in your pocket too!


Now I know everyone is a fan of Target. In our home we call it the $99 store cause you never leave without at least spending $99.
Monday Target announced that starting Nov 1st they will be starting a new bag program. You will receive a 5 cent discount for every reusable bag you bring to bag your items in. That is awesome! This not only saves the environment but it puts money in our pockets. Oh and lets not forget that Target saves money too. Target bags are one of the most popular bags for people to keep and use as grocery bags because they better quality.
Kudos to the Bullseye for taking the first step to going green. So remember shoppers Nov 1st start bringing your reusable bags to Target!
XOXO

OnStar ... It's expensive but damn it's useful when you really need it


Now you always watch the OnStar commerical and think "yeah yeah yeah". But how many people get to say "it really works"? Well some Visalia people do!

Apparently OnStar made the Visalia Police's job just way too easy. A carjacker decided to take a new Chevy Tahoe at gunpoint at a apartment after making the people give them their wallets. Minutes later because of OnStar Visalia Police was able to track down the carjacker. OnStar disabled the car so that the carjacker could not accelerate. The police ended up catching the carjacked on foot when he fell into a pool. They arrested him soaking wet.

OnStar 1 Carjacker 0

XOXO

Monday, October 19, 2009

Fresh Concealer


So I totally have to do a product plug. This weekend I tried the concealer from Fresh for the first time and now I am in love. This is a must have in your make up bag. Have you ever wondered how girls party like crazy the night before and then wake up beautiful? They use this product!! Fantastic for under eyes.
Kudos to Fresh for keeping up girls looking fresh!
XOXO

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Fitness Fitness Fitness

So I am determined to get fit! I am tired of be frumpy. Blaaaaaaaah!

I have worked out 7 time out of the last 9 days and 3 of those workouts were with a trainer. Vanessa is beyond awesome. Her workouts are intense but you feel like you have sweat a pound after each workout. Oh snap I have! So in the last 9 days I have lost 3 pounds. The goal is to keep those pounds off and lose more. I am learning that cardio is a huge keep to my success. Got to keep that heart rate up.

The other part is a clean diet. Now this part is super hard. I love to eat! I wish I was born a super picky eater like my friend Jamie (who I love). But I wasn't and food can be my enemy. Eatting at home seems to be a good way of controlling what I eat. Packing lunch is also a key. (oh and I am pretty sure packing leftover from a restuarant is a no bueno unless it's your cheat day) Snacks such as nuts can be depressing. But ... eye on the prize! On cheat days I am working on portion control. Last night at Jen's birthday dinner I only ate half my tappenyaki and save the rest (oh and I ate 2 portions of salad. Rianne wanted no salad so I ate hers). Lots of water. I have been told to eat lots of protein which is another one of my problems. Meat is not a fave for me. However, protein shakes are not so bad. Chocolate is pretty yummy. But I am only taking protein after a workout. I am still too scared to drink it any other time for fear of gaining weight. I have also learned that juice is bad. Vanessa and Kenny have also informed that orange juice is bad. Sad! Looks like H2O is the only way.

Thursday is the hair appointment. I wonder if it's too early for a makeover in that department yet.

I also want to get some organizing and decorating done. We have moved in over a year and I still feel like things are a mess. Sad. Where do women find the time to do everything?

Wish me luck!

XOXO

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Clean Grocery List

So a fab trainer at Studio 108 (Vanessa) provided this wonderful clean grocery list. I think it's super helpful and have decided to pass this on.

Grocery List

Proteins:
Eggs
Solid white albacore
Lean or extra lean ground beef (92-96%)
Ground turkey
Lean steak
Skinless chicken
Skinless turkey
Shrimp
Scallops
Protein powder
Protein bars (Pure Protein brand)
Salmon, cod, halibut, tilapia

Complex Carbs:
Oatmeal (old fashioned only)
Sweet potatoes & yams
Brown riceBeans (kidney, black, pinto)
Whole grain & Ezekiel bread (all whole grains and sprouted grains – NOT enriched)

Fibrous Carbs:
Green leaf lettuce
Romaine
Spinach
Asparagus
Broccoli
String beans
Bell peppers
Cauliflower
Celery
Brussel sprouts

Fruit:
Granny Smith apples
Bananas
Strawberries
Blueberries

Fats:
All natural peanut butter (ANPB)
Almonds
Peanuts
Avocado
Olive oil
Flax oil

Condiments & Misc.
Mayo
Lite butter spreads
Sugar free syrup
Ketchup
Mustard
Dry seasonings
Lite vinaigrette salad dressings
Cooking spray
Splenda

Misc. fresh or frozen veggies that can be used whenever you want as an add-on to your menu:
*****Corn, carrots, red & yellow peppers and peas should be kept to a minimum*****

Mushrooms
Green Peppers
Tomato
Cucumber
Onion
Radishes
Water Chestnuts
Any of the fibrous veggies listed above

XOXO

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Lip Venom



OMG! Okay now normally I am not a groupie ... but ... DuWop (who by the way does the make up for New Moon) is coming out with Lip Venom for when New Moon comes out!
Now instead of lip gloss ... Lip Venom is a lip stain with liquid lip conditioner. The product is to be shaken before use to represent the blending of the human and vampire worlds. (... hehehe ...) Oh and you keep applying it until you get the desired plump-ness too.
Am I lame enough to purchase this in the fall ... hells yes!
XOXO

Monday, May 4, 2009

Birthday Cake

My husband surprised me with a Tiffany box birthday cake for my bday party. Loved it! It was also super yummy. What a great husband.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Friday, May 1, 2009

Facebook and Twitter

Wow! Facebook and Twitter are so popular now that the military uses it.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090501/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_pentagon_social_networking

I think this is a interesting way to recruit the 18-24 year olds. I feel like the government is really trying. I guess the army and navy are all participating in the Facebook and Twitter craze. However it does sound like it is very productive in answering questions people may have to help them decided if military life is for them. It's amazing how technology works these days.

XOXO

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Marriage

http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/articlebl.aspx?cp-documentid=19288310&GT1=32023#atoolb

This article is pretty helpful. The article talks about 3 ways to get your marriage back on track. The advice is simple.

1. Take care of yourself first
2. Don't rehash the negative
3. Grab time-outs for sex

I think everyone is so busy these days that we don't take time and put in the effort. I can't wait to try these.

XOXO

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Celebration

My birthday cake from KB! So cute! Too bad I didn't get a chance to record her birthday song and dance. What a great birthday!

XOXO
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Happy Birthday ... To me!

Thanks to all the great family and friends that have wished me a happy birthday. My wonderful husband gave me my gift this morning. What a great day so far!

XOXO
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Donating Bodies

Everyone once in a while I forget why I am a part of Tzu Chi. But as soon as I do I am reminded why I am. Master Cheng Yen makes the hardest things simple.



It's always hard getting people to donate their bodies for medical research but it's even harder for asian people. The Chinese people believe that you don't damage the body before burial. It's a very old believe. If you ask around many people don't even know the exact reason why but they will tell you "if why my parents told me and that's what their parents told them". Well Master Cheng Yen has started a movement for more people to donate their bodies after death. Her reasoning: because society needs you. People have always been conservative in corpse donation but now Tzu Chi has made people more open-minded. In order for medical students to learn they have to practice and for them to practice they have to practice on something. Tzu Chi does a amazing job giving these donors a Buhddist ceremony and educating the students about each individuals and their family before had. The reason: we want compassionate doctors.

Please go to the link and read more ...

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124035156541040575.html#articleTabs%3Darticle

XOXO

Text Messaging


So text messaging is a huge crazy now. There may even be a chance that more people text message than talk on the phone! My BFF's step mother thinks it's crazy.

But here is my point of view ... you can text message anywhere but you might not be able to call someone anywhere. Also when you are on the phone people near by can hear all about your business, not so when you text message. You can read your text messages whenever it is convenient but you might not be able to answer your phone when it rings. Also this might be important for men ... a text message is a easy response when talking to someone (your girlfriend might take a 30 minutes on the phone trying to tell you something but it might only take her 2 text messages to tell you what happened and your not on the phone going "uh huh") See? There are many positives to text messaging.

Safety first! Please becareful text messaging why driving and walking! (I don't say don't do it cause lets face it ... we do it!)

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090422/ap_on_fe_st/us_odd217


XOXO

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Twitter

So my husband has a Twitter account but does not actually Twitter. Lame. Why have a account if you are not going to par-take in it? I guess this means I am the avid blogger in the family.

XOXO
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Vintage Days

Vintages Days is always fun. Interesting things to look at and good food. What more can you ask for. However, today was extremely hot. 94 degrees however is a no bueno.

The result of Vintage Days is a Pepcid, 2 advils, and 2 sudafed. FML.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

So yummy

Mmm ... Now I am normally not a big fan for Chinese desserts. But this is the yummiest egg custard tart I have ever eaten. The crust is nice and buttery yet just the right mixture of flakeyness. The egg custard is smooth and just the right amount of sweetness. Oh so good. Times like these makes me wish I could make Chinese food.

XOXO
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Tzu Chi Dental Mobile

I never stopped to admire the dental mobile until yesterday. It is a beautiful car. I wish I took more pictures of it. The mobile can be driven almost anywhere and as long as there is a dentist it can see patients. What a great thing.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Friday, April 17, 2009

Blogging

So there have been some concerns with me and this blog by my husband. Apparently he is concerned about my safety because of my stalking comment.



Now maybe my dear husband has watched too many episodes of One Tree Hill or maybe his arguement is valid. However, I would like to reasure him that my phone number (555-XXXX) and address (1234 Pennsylvina Avenue NW) will not be used. If at any time this blog becomes unsafe he will have the say in the shutdown.

XOXO

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Welcome

Since many things catch my attention during the day I've decided to start a blog. Some say that I am amusing, funny, rude, angry, etc. But that is each persons own opinion. Stalk me if I interest you.