October 25, 2013

Pumpkin Carving

Fall is amazing! The colors, food, and fashion just make me smile. This is the third year that I go to my friends for a pumpkin carving party. I have carved a total of three pumpkins and I absolutely love it! I always say I'll save the seeds so that I can salt and bake them, I have yet to do this's there is always next year.

This is what you will need:

Pumpkin Masters Deluxe Pumpkin Carving Kit, I got mine at Walmart.

I let my boyfriend get down and dirty by cleaning the pumpkin out, then again this is the first time he's carved a pumpkin. I am sure he did not expect me to point out the areas he missed, he did a great job though!
This is the first pumpkin that I did not totally kill and I am very proud of how adorable it came out. We chose a cyclops we named him Mike Wazowski. What do you think?

Did you carve a pumpkin this year, share your links I would love to see how they came out.


October 19, 2013

Swine Experience

I love exploring Miami especially when it's food. I'm not a fat ass I pinky promise, I just love going to new places and seeing what unique drinks and food combinations they have to offer. 

I have been hearing about this place Swine for months and I've been dying to go, not to mention I've heard nothing but raving reviews. Well I finally got to experience Swine thanks to my wonderful boyfriend that surprised me. Lucky me!

My boyfriend had Malbec and I had a martini with whiskey in it!! So delicious and I've definitely never had that before.

Fried Green Tomato BLT

If you've never had fried green tomatoes get to it & try something new! It is delicious sweet & salty. Not to mention the small slices of thick bacon on top with a jam like sauce. It is a great combination of flavors and nothing not too sweet.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Now this is something I wouldn't make at home. Not because it's bad but I honestly don't think I would know how to properly make it. It has a very bitter taste naturally and I think I would mess it up. I might try one day anyways but it might take a while. I have no idea how they made it at Swine but it was delicious.

Country Fried Bacon & Waffles

If you've heard of chicken and waffles then you know how delicious it is. I would say this is the sister to that dish and it's mouth watering! If I had room I would've had the whole thing. I wanted room for dessert is I controlled myself. 
Shrimp & Grits
My boyfriend sees shrimp and grits and he starts salivating like he hasn't had anything to eat for weeks! Needless to say I think this is the best version if this dish we have had.

Slice of Heaven

This was the special of the day and it was scrumptious with buttermilk ice cream. 


Stay tuned for my adventure at Love is Blind.

October 5, 2013

October is here!

So I have been a tad lost these last couple of days! My moms birthday just passed at the end of September and I just ended up taking a break from my busy crafting, blogging and social media in general. The holidays are right around the corner and I know I will be busy busy busy the rest of the year! Enough of my rant, on to why you are here.
So...
Ahhhh October is here WOOT WOOT! First fall arrives and now October the beginning of the Holidays! I love festivities oh so much, the decorating, crafting, fashion and makeup all now have a twist for the next four months. These are just some of the oh so fabulous items I found on Etsy, not to fret there will be way more Halloween themed post this month.
   
As much as I adore this first piece I know I would only use it as a backdrop for my phone or MacBook, which lets face it doesn't sound too good but I know that once I have it in one form then I will most likely end up buying it and putting it somewhere were it will stay forever. You must admit it is adorable and perfect for this month.
Gypsyfables
 This vase is there anything I can tell you that you can not already see with your own two eyes. It is absolutely adorable and really perfect for the entire year.
The Object Enthusiast
Zombies have always been around but they seem to be a reoccurring theme lately. I am not really of fan of the idea of corpses walking the earth but hey it is the season for such shenanigans. Plus this is a really neat cup!
My Crafty Momma
This book case is just simply rustic and I want it. What does one do when they want something but have no where to put it?
CLDecor
In the coming week
Halloween Costume Ideas
Halloween Makeup
Halloween Party Decor
Halloween Party Food

September 26, 2013

Fall Everywhere else except Miami

Fall is beautiful what with the leaves changing colors and what not. This however does not happen in Miami, we get humid or chilly mornings, heaping hot and rainy afternoons and the evening varies. Oh and our leaves change into pretty green ones to ugly brown dead ones. I know I sound dramatic, but if you lived here you would know exactly how moody our weather is. Luckily I have had the chance to see the autumn leaves fall in person twice in NYC and once in Georgia it was so pretty, not to mention the opportunity to shop for some new fall and winter items.

Whenever I get the chance to travel during the fall and winter seasons I will wear something along the lines of this outfit right below. It is really the only time I can sport a sweater and boots all day long.  
For Peach Post Earring go HERE

In Miami this is more of what I would wear during the season, even if it is a little chilly or even by our standards freezing by noon it will return to regular Miami weather. So I might as well dress for the rest of the day rather than the first five hours.
For Moonstone Gold Bracelet go HERE


What is the weather like in your city or town?

September 20, 2013

Paleo French Toast

OH MY GOODNESS! This is just so delicious! I actually was googling for recipes that I could prepare for the entire week and I was just drawn in by the mere thought that paleo french toast exists. After gawking at this recipe for a good 10 minutes I realize I actually know the lovely lady that the blog belongs too. Such a small blogasphere. 

I have actually whipped this up twice in less than 6 months. Yes twice, if it's only one person devouring it then it will last a week or even longer if you are sharing I have no way of knowing since I literally only gave once piece to my boyfriend, bless his heart. 


The first time was a dinner party and we all decided it would be a good idea to have breakfast for dessert. It was amazing! However I did not do the last steps which includes dipping the vanilla pound cake in egg and grilling it. So it was served a la mode, still had the french toast flavor though. The second time around I made it for breakfast & followed SuperMauras directions to the T! 

Vanilla Pound Cake French Toast
From Urban Poser: Coconut Flour Pound Cake

  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tsp coconut flour, sifted
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 5 whole eggs, 2 of them separated
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, softened or liquid
  • 1/2 cup raw honey
  • 1 Tbsp Vanilla extract, the good kind
  • 2 tsp lemon juice

For French Toast

  • 3  (1/2 inch thick) slices of cooled pound cake
  • 1 egg whisked
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp canned coconut milk
  • Raw honey for topping (it barely needs it)
  • Butter or coconut oil for pan

Instructions:
First Make the Pound Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Sift the dry ingredients together and set aside
  • Separate the eggs, setting the whites aside and putting the 2 yolks into a medium size mixing bowl. Crack open the rest of the eggs and add them to bowl with yolks
  • In a separate larger mixing bowl, mix (using hand mixer or electric) beat the coconut oil, honey, vanilla, and lemon juice until well combined
  • On low/medium speed, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients (coconut oil mixture) until well combined
  • Add the eggs (not including the egg whites) one by one into the batter allowing each egg to be incorporated well before adding the next
  • In a small bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form and then fold into the batter
  • Pour batter into a greased bread/meatloaf pan (0r you can line with parchment paper) and spread out until even throughout
  • Bake for 30-45 min or until toothpick comes out clean. Mine baked in 35 min.
  • Cool completely. I put it in fridge.
  • Once completely cooled, heat your pan over medium heat and melt butter in pan.
  • Whisk your egg, vanilla, and coconut milk together in a bowl.
  • Cut out 1/2 inch thick slices of bread. Since gluten free bread doesn't rise as much, it’s more like french toast sticks.
  • Dip each piece in egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
  • Cook about 3 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned and egg is completely cooked.
  • Serve with raw honey and sprinkled cinnamon!
  • Devour!


Since I am altering the way I eat mentally and emotionally it is so rewarding knowing that once in a blue moon I can has me some french toast! Mhmmmmmmmmmmm....

ENJOY!

September 15, 2013

Work Attire

Hey gals I am so sorry for the silence the last couple of days, I got into research mode and let time get away from me. With the holidays right around the corner I am doing my best to be prepared and expect the unexpected, since it is my first holiday season with NovaMar. I'll share more about that later on though. 

For those of you who do not know I work at a hotel as an operator. I love it here but my uniform, lets just say, is not very flattering or cute in my opinion. Right below it says work attire and that is pretty much what it looks like. Lets face it though I look nothing like the lady pictured and my hair has to be up in a pony tail. I am on the heavy set side and wearing a navy blue pencil skirt right above the knees that moves all over the place looks messy not to mention the 3/4 sleeve light blue blouse that can not be tucked in. Yes I said it my shirt can not be tucked in and then add a super thin white belt with patent leather 3" black heels and you have what I must wear to work, day in and day out. Don't get me wrong having a uniform definitely saves me time before work and keeps my clothes nice and new, I just don't look very flattering in this uniform, OH! did I mention how my uniform can not be form fitting so it's pretty much baggy on me. Yes, heavy girl in bigger clothes is no bueno. There are tons of other rules but I won't bore you with those. 


This is me today ready for work! My hair will be up soon but it's down for the sake of picture taking. Notice how I have makeup on but it's very professional and natural. Well for my accessories they have to be on the "professional" side. So I wear my OHM that I got at a thrift store in NYC and I usually wear my silver Brighton earrings that a dear friend gave to me for my FIU graduation in May of 2012. I have literally not taken them off since then, well occasionally but not very often. I also wear a really simple charm bracelet that was also given to me and since then different friends have given me charms for it. 


I felt my daily outfit needed a pick me up so I designed new earrings. Since my uniform is only 3 colors and my makeup is natural I wanted my earrings to be vibrant yet professional. I had these beads from a previous bracelet set I had made and thought this was the perfect color so I wire wrapped them in silver and voilà my new work earrings are born!

What do you think of my simple yet chic new earring design? Leave your comments below I love hearing what you have to say.


To have your very own Teal Post Earrings go to: NovaMar

To see what I use for my makeup go to: Smoky Brown Eyes

September 9, 2013

Smoky Brown Eyes

BROWN is actually one of my least favorite colors BUT I was going to a baby shower and I was wearing a pretty teal and flowy dress with a tiny gold bow belt and a braided strap that went through the neckline. I felt there was no other option than a smoky brown look. What are your thoughts? 


Eyes:

September 2, 2013

Welcome September

Summer is officially over which for me means Miami will kinda sorta finally not be so damn muggy & hot! Don't get me wrong I do love Miami no matter how many times I say I want to leave, it is still home. 

So FALL is approaching us which equals wearing scarves, long sleeve shirts and boots, in Miami that is like a miracle. You see us all running around in short shorts or summer dresses or covered in bear pelts. It is one extreme or the other here since it is rarely chilly, cool, windy or anything of that sort. 
It isn't just about fashion, I also love all the great home decor and accessories that come with the fall season. Here are a couple of beautiful items I stumbled upon through etsy.

This tribal scarf is absolutely stunning, I love all the colors and how beautifully it goes with fall. It just looks like I would be all nice and toasty while wearing it. Don't you think?

Tribal Over sized Fringed Poncho Scarf 

OMG in love with these!! If it weren't for the fact that I already have thank you cards for my customers I would have already purchased these!

Greetings note cards Set


Dr. Who! That is all!

Doctor Who Tardis Iphone 5 case

Fallow Deer Skull 

Dream Iphone 5 Case

Paper Sculptures Set

Now you may be thinking what the heck is a bikini doing here!? Well if you live in Miami or have similar weather then you know you can still have fun in the sun during the fall.

Green High Waist Mermaid Bikini Bottom

Table lamp from driftwood

Bohemian fringe dress

This just looks like something I would have as a piece in my future brick & mortar shop! What do you think of this being in a jewelry store?

Vintage Industrial 31 Drawer Card Catalog Cabinet

 I love hearing from my readers, comment below.

August 30, 2013

Paleo Key Lime Pie

When I met my boyfriend I told him I would make a key lime pie that he could enjoy without spiking his sugar. He is diabetic after all. About 8 months later I finally got around to it. The recipe called for clear flavorless jello. Ummmm yea it was a total fail, it came out way to limey/sour. A couple months after that experience, I found a new recipe but for the life of me I don't remember where I found it. Nonetheless this one came out amazing!! I tweaked it a bit I am not a huge fan of honey so I used agave instead



For the crust:
6 pitted dates
1.5 cups unsalted almonds
1.5 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
Pinch of sea salt

For the filling:
4 tsp lime zest
1/2 cup lime juice
4 tablespoons honey (I used agave)
1 cup canned coconut milk
3 eggs

At the end I ended up having to bake mine for 40-45 mins it was still ooey gooey after 30 mins. I suggest following the instructions and leaving it in a little longer if that same thing happens to you.

1. Pre heat oven to 350
2. In a food processor mix all crust ingredients until they are the consistency of almost a nut butter.
3. In a pie pan, spray with a non stick cooking spray and then press crust ingredients onto bottom of pan
4. Bake 6-8 minutes
5. While that's baking, mix all filling ingredients. Then pour on top of crust
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes. 
7. Let cool, even refrigerate if you have time before serving.

Make this and thank me later!
Let me know how it comes out!
Bon Appetite!!

August 26, 2013

Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results.
- Willie Nelson 


August 25, 2013

Redesign

Redesigning is my way of recycling a design. I love druzy's, I think they are beautiful and look like mystical rocks that sparkle. Don't you?! They come in so many different shapes, sizes and color the possibilities are endless. 

At first I designed these druzy stones with gold beads and thought oh my how sexy! Apparently in the Etsy community I was alone in my love for this design. Not to fret I just redesigned them into these bright colored beaded bracelets with gold accents. 



Well these got way more attention but alas there they were sitting in my inventory with out a new home. Not to worry I have plenty of other ideas for these stones and then I decided I would make wire wrapped druzy rings! Now I have two rings reserved




For those fellow entrepreneurs that have something that does not sell or get any attention, do not worry I am sure you can redesign it into something that will catch someones attention! I know I am happy that I was able to design these druzy into something else, it also shows you not how versatile I am as a designer but also how these beautiful stones can pretty much be made into anything.

August 21, 2013

Meet chefNia the Author of Real Simple Summer & GIVEAWAY


1. Describe your cookbook to us, what should we expect?
I think “Real Simple Summer” is a fun + festive new take on eating that truly correlates with the ideas we have when it comes to summer eating. I want people to expect incredible recipes that they would have never thought of + recipes that have been passed down by family members modified to meet a clean eating lifestyle. We can truly transform ourselves from the inside out using healthy foods + “Real Simple Summer” can show you how.

2. Your cookbook is named "Simple Summer", is there a story behind the name?
I was searching for a perfect way to reach out to people tired of boring health foods + people who are trying to lose weight but simply don’t believe they can actually do it. “Real Simple Summer” is just that! The book is full of recipes with real food made simply + easily all perfect for the summer season that we all just love.


3. When did your passion for cooking begin?
My passion for cooking really began as a child but having developed eating disorders + food addictions, cooking wasn't fun anymore. I was lethargic, overweight, unhappy + disgusted with what I saw in the mirror. A year ago today is when I decided to give it over to God. I cannot believe it has been 365 days since I truly stopped eating sugar + flour — this is when my love for cooking REAL food unraveled.

4. Which was the first dish that you mastered? And can you tell us how you felt biting into it? 
The first dish I can remember making was not really a dish but a topping/spread—call it what you want it’s the best stuff ever. What I made is what is now called my famous ‘Homemade Pesto’ featured in my book. It was amazing! Delicate + delicious. The flavors of the raw, fresh basil with the toasted…other ingredient that you’ll have to read for yourself in my book…overtook me by surprise because I did not think that I would actually enjoy living such a lifestyle that required me to cut out sugar, flour + junk in order to heal myself from the inside out.

5. There are so many great recipes in the book. Which one is your favorite or the one you cook the most?
To be honest, my top favorites are of the simplest. I have two that I’ll name: Kale + Mushroom Stir-Fry and Fish Tacos. I often make a small serving of this stir-fry because it’s so easy + scrumptious. As for the tacos, what is not to love + desire? I rest my case.

6. What advice do you have for someone changing their eating habits/lifestyle?
DON’T. GIVE. UP. Trust that God will do this for you because He has already done it for so many + really pour your heart into this. If not you, then who? God gave YOU this body + told YOU to take care of it. I've come up with “Real Simple Summer” to serve as a guide to get you + your body to where they deserve.

7. What inspired you to start living a healthy lifestyle?
Seeing where I was in my life + how miserable I was weighing 260+ pounds. It’s not easy when you could barely bend down to pick up your pen + people are watching. I would go behind closed doors + binge in ways that I would rather not describe. God brought me healing to the pain within that caused me to act out in this way. It all started when I realized that I could make the conscious choice to be different + just give it to God to deal with. Once I started eating right, I was unstoppable.

8. If you could use three words to describe your journey what would they be and why?
Exciting is first because the change was one that was intriguing, fun + even felt good to start. Challenging because there has not been a day since the first that I don’t want to push myself to the next level + get lazy on myself. Freeing more than both of those. I have been freed from the bondage of overeating, weighing + measuring myself excessively, purging + binging. Through this exciting + challenging journey, I have found the freedom of my soul.


9. What did you enjoy most about writing your cookbook?
There were so many goals in the beginning + it seemed like an endless checklist that would never truly get checked off. I couldn't begin to fathom that I could actually even get the book out right in time, but; boy, does God see me through every single time! I enjoyed the fun of typing up my recipes + seeing what has become of them. Each time I wrote one, I remembered the joy in the kitchen as I created, invented + played with real foods to come up with masterpieces that could one day end up right on your dining table.


10. Can we expect more books in the future?
Many, many more to come! I won’t say too much or I will totally spoil all the fun to come but I will tell you this, “Real Simple Autumn” will be out by October or November of this year. I cannot say much more than that + even so, I know you will all be in for a nice, sweet treat!


chefNia has been so kind to give one of my lucky readers a copy of Real Simple Summer!



a Rafflecopter giveaway



August 19, 2013

In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.
                                 -Tom Bodett



August 14, 2013

Vegan Pancakes & Fruit

In the efforts to lead a healthier life style I have been experimenting with different recipes. Part of that journey is having me some pancakes. Now the term Vegan sounds creepy to some but that's just because we think its all veggies and tofu, so not true. These pancakes prove that eating healthier doesn't mean eating foods we do not like. 


You will need:
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour

1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup almond milk
1 Tbsp agave nectar
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla

1 banana

3 - 4 large strawberries



Preparation:
Combine the flour, salt, and baking soda together in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, vegetable oil, agave, and vanilla extract. Then mix dry and wet ingredients together.


Cook on a preheated, lightly oiled pan over medium heat. Flip when bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to dry.

Fruit:
Cook right after the pancakes are done and lightly reapply coconut spray oil. Add bananas and lightly sprinkle cinnamon and let the bananas caramelize in their own sugar. After 2 minutes add strawberries and let them absorb some of the natural sugar from the bananas for 1 minute and they are ready to serve. Add agave as your syrup if you'd like. 


Enjoy!