Vaseline Lip care (lip balm)

Hey Guys!

Ever since I was a teenager, if I didn't apply a lip product before I went to bed, I would wake up the next morning with chapped, cracked, bleeding lips. Ever since I have been on the hunt for an amazing lip product. About 4 years ago I started using Burts Bee's, and I will admit I fell in love. It was so moisturizing, I didn't think I would ever change my lip product..until 6 months ago.
I got a sample from samplesource for Vaseline Lip care, I admit at first I was hesitant. I didn't think it would meet my needs, or even moisturize the way a lip product should. The lip care has the benefits of vaseline and a lip balm in one. It was moisturizing and really went deep into your lips. Hours after the product is gone, you still feel moisturized. It lasts a long time so there is no need to reapply for hours. Even when the product is gone, it has gone so deep in your lips, you feel moisturized and protected. I got this in the winter time, and  during the cold months this was a life saver. My lips are extra dry, and when I say a little bit goes a long way, I am not kidding. It took me awhile to find the prefect amount to apply on my lips and I haven't even made a dent in it. I would apply this before going outside, and when I got home, it was still there. It looks natural on the lips, there is no gloss to it.
I got the original, so my was scent free, I didn't have any reaction to it. I would recommend this product to anyone who has chapped lips, or has problems during the summer/winter months and need that extra protection. Growing up I would use Vaseline on my lips, and as an adult, I love this modern revamped version. It has the benefits of a balm (moisturizing, heals lips, protects etc) with the old school feel of Vaseline.

Wisdom wednesday

The past couple of months have been tough for my family. We have had a lot of struggles and challenges. There have been people trying to bring us down, think negatively about us and trying to figure out our next steps in life. There were days when I didn't want to deal with anything, and at times not even get out of bed. I would often wonder, what else could possibly go wrong? Why was all of this happening to us? It was during those moments that my boyfriend reminded me to have faith, not just that things will work out, but that God had a plan for us. Even if you aren't religious, its about having trust that things will work out in the end, as they say, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. As tough as these past months have been, I couldn't have gone through all of this, or made it through the day without my trust in God. I do believe that God doesn't put things in front of you that you cannot handle, so there is a reason that we all go through what we go through. We constantly question why certain things are happening, but we need to stop analyzing, and harping on the what if's and the why's and just let go. We can only control ourselves in life, and I have learned this the hard way, all the other things, I leave in God's hands. I have put my full trust in God, and believe that things will work out the way they should.

Blueberry Muffin Recipe

Hey Guys!

As you can tell by the title, this post is a blueberry recipe. I will admit, I am not the biggest blueberry fan, but my boyfriend loves it. When I was younger, i was obsessed with blueberry muffins, I would eat them all the time, to the point, where I am now sick of them!

I found this recipe on pinterest, and made these when I had people over one day. They were obsessed with them, they even took them home! Now that my boyfriend is working night shifts, his schedule is a bit off. When he wakes up to start his shift, I like to give him quick foods that he doesn't have to waste time on. In all honesty, baked breakfast goods is the answer.

I have tried these muffins, and they are actually delicious, and this is coming from someone who doesn't like blueberries! The recipe claims its a bakery style muffin, and my boyfriend agrees!

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups of blueberries ( i personally think this is to many, I did find I had a lot leftover because my batter was overflowing with blueberries)
2 large eggs
2 tsp baking powder
1 3/16 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
2 cups all purpose flour

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line your muffin trays
mix flour, baking powder and salt
in another bowl beat butter and sugar
add 1 egg at a time, and beat after each egg
add vanilla extract
add half the flour and milk, and mix
repeat
add the blueberries slowly, break it up in thirds or do half at a time
fold the blueberries in
put in muffin liners, and sprinkle with sugar on top
bake for 30 minutes

mysweetmission.net/2015/04/bakery-style-blueberry-muffins.html

The one thing I love about the recipe is how easy it is, and how all these ingredients, I usually have in my house.

How I de-stress

Hey Guys!

We all deal with stress in life, and with little one's it can be more challenging. Awhile ago I had an awful migraine due to stress, which lasted for a month. I woke up with my head pounding and went to bed unable to move from the pain. I went to the doctor and was told it was from stress. I let things overpower me, to the point where it interfered with me being a mother. This broke my heart, and was a wake up call for me. I decided to find ways to distress myself, not just for my health but also for the benefit of my family.

Working out

It's so cliche but everything you hear about it is true. I literally sweat out every frustration or negative emotion out of me. I have recently increased the number of workouts I do a week and noticed amazing results. I am in a better mood and I sleep a lot better. It is also time I get for myself, it's 30 minutes a day where I can work hard, focus on getting through the workout and nothing else exists.

Sleep

While working out does help the quality I sleep I get, it doesn't compensate for everything. Figure out how much sleep your body needs a night. I need 7-8 hours but my boyfriend is fine with 5. Sleep outs me in a better mood, I'm more alert and emotions are balanced so I am able to handle situations a lot better. I have a lot more energy and patience with Kayden, and I don't take things out of context. We all underestimate how much sleep can help regulate our emotions, and allow us to function in a productive way.

Take time for yourself

I use to spread myself thin, and looking back that was the worst thing I could do. You need to find something that calms you down and helps center you. For me a good nap can make everything better. Find what you need to put yourself in a better place, get your nails done, hair done, go out with friends etc. This will allow yourself to breathe and give you a break from the day to day. There are days when Kayden is whining a little extra, or he didn't get enough sleep and everything is to emotional for him. If my boyfriend is home, I tell him I need a time out, and he takes over. If you have family/friends nearby don't be afraid to ask them for help. Sometimes you need to just step outside if there is no one to help you. I will go out on the balcony with kayden, he will blow some bubbles, play with some toys and I get to a few moments of sanity.

Tea

I love tea in the evening. After I workout I love making myself a cup of decaf green tea ( I also have other flavors) sit on the couch and just relax. Honestly, evening is the best time for me, Kayden is asleep, the house is quiet, and if my boyfriend isn't working that night,we get quality time together. There is something about tea ( or anything warm) that calms your body, and just relaxes you. I also sleep better when I drink a warm beverage. There are many teas out there, and I can guarantee that you'll find one that works for you, i always gave orange pekoe, green tea and chai tea stocked in my cabinet.

Makeup I spluge on

Hey Guys!

So as someone who loves makeup, we can all get caught up in the hype of certain department store products. I have been guilty of shelling out money, when the drugstore has a better/just as good product. Everyone always asks me what makeup to splurge on, so I am here to tell you. While it may not seem like a lot that I list, I will tell you my reasoning. Products that I use up often is not worth breaking the bank over, also I think about what I use all the time, if I am going to reach for a product once a blue moon, it is not worth it for me.

Foundation
I do believe you should splurge on foundation. It goes on your face, and sometimes can be the first item of makeup you put on. I do find when you go to a department store, there is more variety in terms of skin needs. You can always find a foundation to help you with your problems i.e. oily, dry, combination, breakouts etc. I also do find the ingredients  they use is different. The foundations glide on so well, and honestly have never settled into my dry spots.  They have more staying power then drugstore makeup. Part of why I don't mind spending a lot on foundation, is because a little bit goes a long way. I have a medium/full coverage foundation, and I find that my foundation lasts over a year.


Bronzer
I have only bought one bronzer in my life, and it has been drugstore. I fell in love. It is smooth and silky, and once again a little bit goes a long way. I do find the color payoff to be amazing as well.  I never have to reapply, and I look like I have a natural glow.

Concealer
I will stand by my department store concealer any day. I have bags under my eyes and dark circles. I have tried so many drugstore concealers and nothing did the trick, plus they settled into my fine lines. I finally found an amazing department store concealer, and my under eyes have never looked better. The coverage is amazing, but I do have to set it, to get that amazing flawless look. As all department store finds, it lasts a long time.

Lipstick
 I have mixed feelings about this. I do find drugstore lipsticks work well. They have really changed their formula and the color payoff is amazing. I will admit though, I do find department store lipsticks more moisturizing, it almost feels like butter. For me to pay that extra money when I can, is worth it. I wouldn't recommend buying department store lipsticks solely for their color. You can find so many dupes online, which makes the internet an amazing place.

All in all for certain products, you should shell out that extra money. I love the colors, and the moisturizing, and the luxuriousness you feel with department store makeup. I dont replace my department store makeup often, which justifies the amount I pay for my items, and honestly, its only a few items. I like mixing up my makeup with high end and low end products. You get introduced to so many new products, and I guarantee you will be shocked at how well drugstore makeup is.

Wednesday Wisdom

The past two weeks have presented a lot of changes for my family. My boyfriend works night shifts now at a new job, and a lot of things have been hectic and different. I will admit, I cried. I know this will sound silly, but regardless of how our days are, we always went to bed together, and whenever I wake up at night, I roll over and he is there. My night has changed completely. I use to always be scared of taking care of Kayden at night, not because I don't think I am capable but rather the bond that Kayden and his father have. Curtis is able to walk into the room, and put him back down with ease, if Kayden has had a bad dream, whereas for me it takes much longer, mostly because I can't hold him for a long time, or a position that is comfortable for my back is uncomfortable for him. As difficult as these last 3 nights have been, I learned a lot about myself, and about being a mother. I can put Kayden down with ease, I need to stay calm and remind him that I am here for him, and there is nothing to worry about. Kayden and I have our own special connection, that as a mother I always questioned. There are times I felt jealous of what Curtis and Kayden have. Sure my days are a lot lonelier with Curtis sleeping, but I reevaluated myself. I have made mistakes in the past week, but as the quote said, i said 'oops'. Curtis is going to gain great work experience in the next few months, and open up a new field for himself. Kayden may have to play a little quieter, and I will do a lot more then I usually do, but we never have to wonder if Curtis could handle these new responsibilities. I will gladly take on more, to ease the stress for my boyfriend. Let's challenge ourselves to step outside the box, and face our ears, for whatever that may be, a new job, new roles or even a new life.

How to cook basmati rice perfectly

Hey Guys!

I grew up eating rice, to be honest, I will find any excuse to eat rice. It is my absolute favorite thing to eat. I must admit, I didn't perfect my 'rice making skills' till September. I make basmati rice, that is always in our house. The only time I buy another brand, is if I can't find a reasonably priced bag of basmati at the store.
For my birthday in September, my dad took me to a restaurant, and the rice was amazing. It was light, fluffy, and you could eat endless amounts, which is odd because it usually leaves you feeling heavy.
Here is the secret, soak your rice. I ideally like to soak it for 2 hours before I am going to cook it, but I have done it 30 minutes before and gotten good results.
I usually make a cup and half of rice, so I double that amount in water. If i am not soaking my rice, I will add a dash of oil. If I am soaking it, I rinse it off with water and put it in the pot once the water has boiled. I put my stove on 7, and let it cook for 5 minutes. If i have soaked it, I do find that all the water is gone, and the rice is fully cooked. If i haven't soaked it I lower the heat to 5, and usually in 2-3 minutes it will be done. I cover the rice with a small plate/bowl. The reason I don't use a lid, is because I don't want any steam/heat to escape. I cover it for at least 5 minutes.