While I can't take credit for this concoction (I learned about it from my sister, who learned about it from her mother-in-law), I can share it.
Granite counter tops are one of today's most popular kitchen updates/options, but if they are not sealed properly or on a regular enough basis, they can absorb anything that is spilled on them or used to clean them. The following potion provides a safe and easy way to clean your granite counter tops. You can make it in any amount, just follow the ratios provided below.
Homemade Granite Counter Top Cleaner:
1/3 rubbing alcohol
2/3 water
a few drops of liquid dish soap, such as Dawn
My husband and I recently renovated our kitchen, and the project included--among many other upgrades--replacing our old, faux wood counter tops with brand new granite counter tops. I have been using the above mixture to clean them for the last few months, and not only does it make my kitchen smell nice and clean (a little like a sterile doctor's office, actually), but it also gives my counter tops an unrivaled luster.
Happy homemade cleaning!
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013
Tropical Orange Juice and Candy Bar Chocolate Milk
So, I really wanted to title this post "Almond Joy and Mounds Chocolate Milk," but I was afraid I would be violating some sort of copyright or trademark law, so I refrained.
Anyway, a stroke (a couple strokes, actually) of genius hit me today.
You see, I learned something yesterday: I do not like coconut water. And this is really a shame, because I wanted to like coconut water. First of all, I expected to like it. I like coconut macaroons. I like Almond Joy bars. I like Mounds bars. I like coconut cream pie. Why wouldn't I like coconut water? But I don't. Maybe it has something to do with the pure coconut flavor in liquid form (or the fact that all those other coconut-containing foods are desserts...); I don't know.
Regardless, after I finished the Runner's World Half-Marathon yesterday, I received a free small container of Zico Coconut Water, and even though I discovered I don't like it, not only do I not want to waste it-- but I also want to use it and benefit from it.
Coconut water is very good for you. Just the little 11.2-ounce container I have boasts 20% of the daily recommended value for potassium. It also contains some calcium and magnesium. I have read about its many benefits in a few different fitness and running magazines.
So, today, I got creative and found a few ways to use my coconut water. Here they are:
1. At breakfast, add some coconut water (the amount is up to you) to your orange juice. This morning, I added some coconut water to my Simply Orange with Banana orange juice and it tasted phenomenal! Tomorrow, I'm going to add it to my Simply Orange with Pineapple.
2. Add coconut water to your store bought chocolate milk. I just tried this concoction a few minuste ago and it was delicious. It was like drinking a Mounds Bar. It was also the flavor sensation that inspired this post.
3. If you want to taste an Almond Joy Bar in liquid form, try adding coconut water to your chocolate almond milk. (I must admit that I have not yet been adventurous enough to try this myself, as I only recently was able to convince myself to try almond milk, and I still don't drink it yet. I just use it on my cereal sometimes.)
Enjoy!
Anyway, a stroke (a couple strokes, actually) of genius hit me today.
You see, I learned something yesterday: I do not like coconut water. And this is really a shame, because I wanted to like coconut water. First of all, I expected to like it. I like coconut macaroons. I like Almond Joy bars. I like Mounds bars. I like coconut cream pie. Why wouldn't I like coconut water? But I don't. Maybe it has something to do with the pure coconut flavor in liquid form (or the fact that all those other coconut-containing foods are desserts...); I don't know.
Regardless, after I finished the Runner's World Half-Marathon yesterday, I received a free small container of Zico Coconut Water, and even though I discovered I don't like it, not only do I not want to waste it-- but I also want to use it and benefit from it.
Coconut water is very good for you. Just the little 11.2-ounce container I have boasts 20% of the daily recommended value for potassium. It also contains some calcium and magnesium. I have read about its many benefits in a few different fitness and running magazines.
So, today, I got creative and found a few ways to use my coconut water. Here they are:
1. At breakfast, add some coconut water (the amount is up to you) to your orange juice. This morning, I added some coconut water to my Simply Orange with Banana orange juice and it tasted phenomenal! Tomorrow, I'm going to add it to my Simply Orange with Pineapple.
2. Add coconut water to your store bought chocolate milk. I just tried this concoction a few minuste ago and it was delicious. It was like drinking a Mounds Bar. It was also the flavor sensation that inspired this post.
3. If you want to taste an Almond Joy Bar in liquid form, try adding coconut water to your chocolate almond milk. (I must admit that I have not yet been adventurous enough to try this myself, as I only recently was able to convince myself to try almond milk, and I still don't drink it yet. I just use it on my cereal sometimes.)
Enjoy!
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Eight "Eye-deas"
Of all our wonderful facial features, our eyes are probably the most versatile, in terms of makeup application. We can change the way their color, shape, and size appear depending on the color combinations we create, the shapes we utilize, and the intensity of the makeup we apply. Below are eight "eye"deas you might want to try--or modify--on your own eyes. (P.S. No application shown below took more than 9 minutes to complete, and some were complete in 5 minutes or less!)
Simple Shimmer
The look below is a casual, neutral look created with Mary Kay Apricot Twist Cream Eyeshadow and Mary Kay Pencil Eyeliner in brown. It consists of just the slightest suggestion of color and shimmer on the lid, and just a little liner to define the eyes.
Natural Classic: Brighten and Lighten Eye Color
This look is designed to appear as natural as possible--a look meant to complement the natural beauty you already have by highlighting key features. It consist of Mary Kay Pale Blush Cream Eyeshadow, which is used as a base for Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Honey Spice, Cinnabar, and Hazelnut; Mary Kay Pencil Eyeliner in brown on bottom lid only; and Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara in black. Notice how the lightest shade applied to the eyelid seems to brighten the eyes and lighten their color.
A Hint of Drama
Although it's disappointingly hard to tell in these pictures, the look below actually does have a rather dramatic effect in person, and it could be made even more dramatic if you were to draw a long, thick line of liquid eyeliner in black along the top lash line. The look utilizes only three items, Mary Kay Metallic Taupe Cream Eyeshadow, Mary Kay Pencil Eyeliner in brown, and Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black.
Silver and Violet: Bring out the Browns
I am a big proponent of trying to match your eye makeup to your outfit, and this look is something of an example of that tendency. In my experience, matching your eye makeup to your outfit results in a striking appearance that can draw attention to your eyes. The look below consists of Mary Kay Cream Eyeshadow in Metallic Taupe, Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Sweet Plum, Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Moonstone, Mary Kay Liquid Eyeliner in black, and Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black. Notice how the violet tinge to Metallic Taupe and Sweet Plum brings out the brown in the eyes.
The Smokey Look
This is another work-friendly look that, in my opinion, can make you look somewhat demure. It consists of Mary Kay Cream Eyeshadow in Pale Blush as a base, Mary Kay Honey Spice Mineral Eyeshadow, Cover Girl Pencil Eyeliner in black, and Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black.
Classic
This look is also rather demure, and reminds me a little bit of the old-fashioned makeup of movie stars like Audrey Hepburn. It consist of Mary Kay Cream Eyeshadow in Pale Blush as a base, Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Moonstone, Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Silver Satin, Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Sweet Plum, Cover Girl Pencil Eyeliner in black, and Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black. The touch of Mary Kay Nourishine Lipgloss in Mango Tango adds some additional color and flare to the look.
Coordinating Clothes and Makeup: Pink
As mentioned above, I am a proponent of trying to match your makeup to your outfit, so that everything coordinates. The below look plays on the pink of the sweater and scarf, and is created with Mary Kay Cream Eyeshadow in Pale Blush, Almay Eyeshadow Intense i-color Trio for Greens (004), Cover Girl Pencil Eyeliner in black, and Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black.
Minus Mascara: Let Eyeliner and Eyeshadow Stand Alone
While mascara is one of my favorite types of makeup, I have to admit that sometimes, I just don't want to wear it--mainly because removing it is such a hassle. There are ways, though, to make your eyes stand out even without the extra volume and length added to your lashes. One of these ways is to line them with dark, relatively thick lines, as shown below. Even without mascara, the eyes are given a clean, defined look. You may also notice that the eyeshadow colors of pink and silver coordinate with the colors of the shirt--the white stars and the pink stripe. This look was created with Mary Kay Cream Eyeshadow in Pale Blush, the purple shade of the Almay Intense i-color Trio for Greens (004), Mary Kay Moonstone Mineral Eyeshadow, and Cover Girl Pencil Eyeliner in black.
Simple Shimmer
The look below is a casual, neutral look created with Mary Kay Apricot Twist Cream Eyeshadow and Mary Kay Pencil Eyeliner in brown. It consists of just the slightest suggestion of color and shimmer on the lid, and just a little liner to define the eyes.
 |
| To achieve the above look, use ring finger to apply Mary Kay Apricot Twist Cream Eyeshadow to lid only, all the way to end of your eyebrow. Then, apply Mary Kay Pencil Eyeliner in brown to the top and bottom lids, as close as possible to your lash line. |
This look is designed to appear as natural as possible--a look meant to complement the natural beauty you already have by highlighting key features. It consist of Mary Kay Pale Blush Cream Eyeshadow, which is used as a base for Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Honey Spice, Cinnabar, and Hazelnut; Mary Kay Pencil Eyeliner in brown on bottom lid only; and Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara in black. Notice how the lightest shade applied to the eyelid seems to brighten the eyes and lighten their color.
 |
| To create the natural, classic look above, use ring finger to apply Mary Kay Cream Eyeshadow in Pale Blush to entire lid as a primer. Next, apply Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Honey Spice to lid, from lash line to brow; Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Hazelnut to crease, extending to eyebrow's edge; and Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Cinnabar from crease to eyebrow on brow bone. Then, line bottom only with Mary Kay Pencil Eyeliner in brown, and apply Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara in black to both top and bottom lashes. |
Although it's disappointingly hard to tell in these pictures, the look below actually does have a rather dramatic effect in person, and it could be made even more dramatic if you were to draw a long, thick line of liquid eyeliner in black along the top lash line. The look utilizes only three items, Mary Kay Metallic Taupe Cream Eyeshadow, Mary Kay Pencil Eyeliner in brown, and Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black.
 |
| To create the look above, use ring finger to apply Mary Kay Metallic Taupe Cream Eyeshadow to eyelid, all the way to the edge of the eyebrow. Next, apply Mary Kay Pencil Eyeliner to bottom and top lid, as close as possible to lashes. Finally, apply Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black to top and bottom lashes. |
I am a big proponent of trying to match your eye makeup to your outfit, and this look is something of an example of that tendency. In my experience, matching your eye makeup to your outfit results in a striking appearance that can draw attention to your eyes. The look below consists of Mary Kay Cream Eyeshadow in Metallic Taupe, Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Sweet Plum, Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Moonstone, Mary Kay Liquid Eyeliner in black, and Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black. Notice how the violet tinge to Metallic Taupe and Sweet Plum brings out the brown in the eyes.
 |
| To create the look above, use ring finger to apply Mary Kay Cream Eyeshadow in Metallic Taupe to eyelid, extending color out to edge of eyebrow. Next, apply Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Sweet Plum to crease, and Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Moonstone from crease to eyebrow. Then, line top lid only with Mary Kay Liquid Eyeliner in black, and apply Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black to top and bottom lashes. |
The Smokey Look
This is another work-friendly look that, in my opinion, can make you look somewhat demure. It consists of Mary Kay Cream Eyeshadow in Pale Blush as a base, Mary Kay Honey Spice Mineral Eyeshadow, Cover Girl Pencil Eyeliner in black, and Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black.
 |
| To create this neutral, demure look, apply Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Honey Spice from lash line to brow bone over top of a base of Mary Kay Cream Eyeshadow in Pale Blush. Next, apply Cover Girl Pencil Eyeliner in black to the top lid and use the residue on the sponge end of the eyeliner applicator to sponge some gray tint onto the bottom lid. Finally, apply Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black to top and bottom lashes. |
This look is also rather demure, and reminds me a little bit of the old-fashioned makeup of movie stars like Audrey Hepburn. It consist of Mary Kay Cream Eyeshadow in Pale Blush as a base, Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Moonstone, Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Silver Satin, Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Sweet Plum, Cover Girl Pencil Eyeliner in black, and Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black. The touch of Mary Kay Nourishine Lipgloss in Mango Tango adds some additional color and flare to the look.
 |
| The create this classic look, apply Mary Kay Cream Eyeshadow in Pale Blush to entire lid, from lash line to eyebrow. Next, apply Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Moonstone from lash line to brown bone. Then, apply Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Silver Satin from crease to brown bone. After that, apply Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Sweet Plum to brow bone. Finally, use the sponge applicator on the Cover Girl Pencil Eyeliner in black to apply a grayish tint to lower lid, and apply Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black to top and bottom lashes. |
As mentioned above, I am a proponent of trying to match your makeup to your outfit, so that everything coordinates. The below look plays on the pink of the sweater and scarf, and is created with Mary Kay Cream Eyeshadow in Pale Blush, Almay Eyeshadow Intense i-color Trio for Greens (004), Cover Girl Pencil Eyeliner in black, and Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black.
 | |
| To create the above look, use your ring finger to apply Mary Kay Cream Eyeshadow in Pale Blush to entire lid from lash line to eyebrow as a base. Next, apply the light green shade of the Almay trio to lid only; the purple shade to brown bone (from crease to eyebrow); and the dark green shade in the crease, dragging color out to the edge of your eyebrow. Then, apply Cover Girl Pencil Eyeliner in black to both top and bottom lids, as close as possible to lash line. Finally, apply Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara in black to top and bottom lashes. |
Minus Mascara: Let Eyeliner and Eyeshadow Stand Alone
While mascara is one of my favorite types of makeup, I have to admit that sometimes, I just don't want to wear it--mainly because removing it is such a hassle. There are ways, though, to make your eyes stand out even without the extra volume and length added to your lashes. One of these ways is to line them with dark, relatively thick lines, as shown below. Even without mascara, the eyes are given a clean, defined look. You may also notice that the eyeshadow colors of pink and silver coordinate with the colors of the shirt--the white stars and the pink stripe. This look was created with Mary Kay Cream Eyeshadow in Pale Blush, the purple shade of the Almay Intense i-color Trio for Greens (004), Mary Kay Moonstone Mineral Eyeshadow, and Cover Girl Pencil Eyeliner in black.
 |
| Create this fast, easy, mascara-less look by using your ring finger to apply Mary Kay Cream Eyeshadow in Pale Blush to entire lid, from lash line to eyebrow. Next, apply the purple shade from the Almay Intense i-color Trio for Greens (004) to lid and Mary Kay Moonstone Mineral Eyeshadow to brow bone, beginning at the crease and ending at the eyebrow. Finish by lining entire eye with Cover Girl Pencil Eyeliner in black. |
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Happiness and Love: They Go Hand in Hand
In Miscellaneous Writings, Mary Baker Eddy writes, "How shall we reach our true selves? Through Love." In his book, Proof of Heaven, Dr. Eben Alexander asserts that the source of all sorrow and woe, is the mistaken idea that man is somehow separated from this one and only Love, or Creator. To reestablish this link with Love, then, is to regain happiness that need never be lost. Tom Shadyac's astounding documentary "I Am," posits that Love is the grand solution to all the world's problems.
But for whatever reason, happiness, love, and an understanding of our purpose can seem to us to be a very difficult state to maintain. Perhaps it is the seemingly chaotic, hectic world we have created--an existence full of obligations, responsibilities, to-do lists, and endless demands on our time and energy. Perhaps it is the separation we have somehow established between ourselves and the natural world. Perhaps it is our gravitation toward material goods and away from those deeper contemplations that can bring us peace. Perhaps it is the isolation that exists between ourselves and our fellow man--we close each other out with headphones, iPads, cell phones, and a myriad of other anti-social technologies.
How can happiness and selfless love thrive in a society where we hardly have time to reflect on yesterday, so busy are we thinking about what must get done tomorrow?
It can. Let's take a step away from the time-saving tips today to remember that in all the busy-ness of our lives, happiness and love have their place--and that to make time for them is both necessary and possible, easy even.
Recently, I have read (or am currently reading) several books or articles, or have watched documentaries, whose premises all have one common denominator: Love. Love as our means to fulfillment, happiness, peace, and purpose.
Below, you will find some tips for living lovingly and happily, and a reading/viewing/listening list that might interest you if you are at all intrigued by the concepts of happiness or love, or by the question of finding meaning in your life.
Tips for Maintaining Happiness and Loving Your Neighbor: One in the Same
1. List all the good things about the coming day when you first wake up. (I usually try to find at least six good things. I don't know why, but six is my benchmark.) This can help give you something (or some things) to which you can look forward throughout the day. It also makes getting out of bed that much easier.
2. Start your day with a morning walk. The fresh air and sunlight are proven mood boosters, and the time spent in the peace and quiet of the morning will let you quiet your thoughts and mentally prepare for the day.
3. Make a mental (or actual) gratitude list before bed each night. This can help ease your mind from reeling on about the stresses of your day. Instead of focusing on all the things you wish you had gotten done or all the things that didn't go as well as you had hoped, focus on the things that did go well--perhaps unexpectedly so.
4. Give back and help others. This is often just as rewarding for you as it is helpful to the beneficiary.
5. Smile even if you don't want to. Several studies cite benefits to smiling, even if you feel like frowning.
6. Go outside.
7. Exercise on a regular basis. First, to avoid the activity's becoming drudgery, you must find the type of exercise that you enjoy. Do you enjoy social activities? Try a team sport like softball, roller hockey, or volleyball. Many places have adult leagues for those sports. Some YMCAs offer adult pick-up basketball games, as well. You might also consider joining a tennis club. If you're not a fan of organized sports but still like camaraderie, try a group exercise class like Zumba, water aerobics, yoga, boot camp, etc. Many organization also offer training groups for various races or differing lengths. Do you prefer to get outdoors? Try hiking, biking, walking, running, kayaking. Even gardening or housework can provide some solid physical activity.
8. It really is the little things that count. For example, I find a little joy every day is tearing the date off my daily crock pot calendar and discovering a new recipe. I feel exhilarated by the smell of the fresh air when I walk out to my car to drive to work. I feel affection and unconditional love when my dogs get up with me, tails wagging (and, in Jack's case, smiling) at 4:45 each weekday morning, ready to go like it's the middle of the day instead of the middle of the night. Pay attention to the little things that bring even a little happiness to your day. You will find there are a lot of them.
Reading/Viewing/Listening List
1. "I Am," documentary by Tom Shadyac. Length: 80 minutes. Can be found on Netflix.
2. Proof of Heaven, a book by Dr. Eben Alexander
3. Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a novella by Robert Bach
4. Man's Search for Meaning, a Holocaust survivor's story of finding purpose and overcoming seeming desolation and hopelessness, by Viktor Frankl
5. Miscellaneous Writings, a collection of works by Mary Baker Eddy
6. The Daily Lift, a two-minute, inspirational recording updated every weekday that can be reached at 617-450-3430.
Source:
Adams, Stacy Hawkins. "Teach children to develop happiness habits." The Richmond Times
Dispatch. 29 September 2013. G5.
But for whatever reason, happiness, love, and an understanding of our purpose can seem to us to be a very difficult state to maintain. Perhaps it is the seemingly chaotic, hectic world we have created--an existence full of obligations, responsibilities, to-do lists, and endless demands on our time and energy. Perhaps it is the separation we have somehow established between ourselves and the natural world. Perhaps it is our gravitation toward material goods and away from those deeper contemplations that can bring us peace. Perhaps it is the isolation that exists between ourselves and our fellow man--we close each other out with headphones, iPads, cell phones, and a myriad of other anti-social technologies.
How can happiness and selfless love thrive in a society where we hardly have time to reflect on yesterday, so busy are we thinking about what must get done tomorrow?
It can. Let's take a step away from the time-saving tips today to remember that in all the busy-ness of our lives, happiness and love have their place--and that to make time for them is both necessary and possible, easy even.
Recently, I have read (or am currently reading) several books or articles, or have watched documentaries, whose premises all have one common denominator: Love. Love as our means to fulfillment, happiness, peace, and purpose.
Below, you will find some tips for living lovingly and happily, and a reading/viewing/listening list that might interest you if you are at all intrigued by the concepts of happiness or love, or by the question of finding meaning in your life.
Tips for Maintaining Happiness and Loving Your Neighbor: One in the Same
1. List all the good things about the coming day when you first wake up. (I usually try to find at least six good things. I don't know why, but six is my benchmark.) This can help give you something (or some things) to which you can look forward throughout the day. It also makes getting out of bed that much easier.
2. Start your day with a morning walk. The fresh air and sunlight are proven mood boosters, and the time spent in the peace and quiet of the morning will let you quiet your thoughts and mentally prepare for the day.
3. Make a mental (or actual) gratitude list before bed each night. This can help ease your mind from reeling on about the stresses of your day. Instead of focusing on all the things you wish you had gotten done or all the things that didn't go as well as you had hoped, focus on the things that did go well--perhaps unexpectedly so.
4. Give back and help others. This is often just as rewarding for you as it is helpful to the beneficiary.
5. Smile even if you don't want to. Several studies cite benefits to smiling, even if you feel like frowning.
6. Go outside.
7. Exercise on a regular basis. First, to avoid the activity's becoming drudgery, you must find the type of exercise that you enjoy. Do you enjoy social activities? Try a team sport like softball, roller hockey, or volleyball. Many places have adult leagues for those sports. Some YMCAs offer adult pick-up basketball games, as well. You might also consider joining a tennis club. If you're not a fan of organized sports but still like camaraderie, try a group exercise class like Zumba, water aerobics, yoga, boot camp, etc. Many organization also offer training groups for various races or differing lengths. Do you prefer to get outdoors? Try hiking, biking, walking, running, kayaking. Even gardening or housework can provide some solid physical activity.
8. It really is the little things that count. For example, I find a little joy every day is tearing the date off my daily crock pot calendar and discovering a new recipe. I feel exhilarated by the smell of the fresh air when I walk out to my car to drive to work. I feel affection and unconditional love when my dogs get up with me, tails wagging (and, in Jack's case, smiling) at 4:45 each weekday morning, ready to go like it's the middle of the day instead of the middle of the night. Pay attention to the little things that bring even a little happiness to your day. You will find there are a lot of them.
Reading/Viewing/Listening List
1. "I Am," documentary by Tom Shadyac. Length: 80 minutes. Can be found on Netflix.
2. Proof of Heaven, a book by Dr. Eben Alexander
3. Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a novella by Robert Bach
4. Man's Search for Meaning, a Holocaust survivor's story of finding purpose and overcoming seeming desolation and hopelessness, by Viktor Frankl
5. Miscellaneous Writings, a collection of works by Mary Baker Eddy
6. The Daily Lift, a two-minute, inspirational recording updated every weekday that can be reached at 617-450-3430.
Source:
Adams, Stacy Hawkins. "Teach children to develop happiness habits." The Richmond Times
Dispatch. 29 September 2013. G5.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Three Ingredients, Three Easy Steps: Orange Chicken
Last night, Matty and I tried a new recipe. As usual, Matty was skeptical--picky eater that he is--but last night's experiment was a success, and if Matty will eat it, anybody will.
This recipe first caught my eye because it requires only three ingredients, so I knew A) it had to be fairly simple to make, and B) it wouldn't cost a whole lot to buy. I was correct on both counts.
Orange Chicken
Makes 4 Servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes (tops)
Cook Time: 5-6 hours
Ingredients:
1 can (12 ounces) orange pop
1/2 cup soy sauce
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb.)
Procedure:
1. Pour orange pop and soy sauce into slow cooker.
2. Add chicken and turn to coat.
3. Cover; cook on LOW 5 to 6 hours.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve over a bed of rice (I used one microwaveable pouch of Uncle Ben's Original White Rice mixed with one microwaveable pouch of Uncle Ben's Teriyaki Rice) with green beans and/or a salad.
Enjoy!
This recipe first caught my eye because it requires only three ingredients, so I knew A) it had to be fairly simple to make, and B) it wouldn't cost a whole lot to buy. I was correct on both counts.
Orange Chicken
Makes 4 Servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes (tops)
Cook Time: 5-6 hours
Ingredients:
1 can (12 ounces) orange pop
1/2 cup soy sauce
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb.)
Procedure:
1. Pour orange pop and soy sauce into slow cooker.
2. Add chicken and turn to coat.
3. Cover; cook on LOW 5 to 6 hours.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve over a bed of rice (I used one microwaveable pouch of Uncle Ben's Original White Rice mixed with one microwaveable pouch of Uncle Ben's Teriyaki Rice) with green beans and/or a salad.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Eye Makeup: Shades of the Season
Happy October! 'Tis the season of pumpkin patches, apple orchards, hot apple cider, donuts, hikes through the colorful woods, and Halloween candy!
Below I share two eye makeup color combinations that celebrate some of the shades of the seasons: purple, orange, and green.
Autumnal: Bold
For a bold, standout look, try the following, tricolor combination, also pictured below:
Time: Nine (9) minutes (including hair, blush, and lip gloss, as well as eyes)
1. Using sponge applicator or ring finger, apply Mary Kay Apricot Twist Cream Eyeshadow to top lid.
2. Using sponge applicator or ring finger, apply Mary Kay Meadow Grass Cream Eyeshadow to brow bone, from the top of the eyelid where Apricot Twist ends, to the eyebrow.
3. Using sponge applicator, apply Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Sweet Plum to crease, sweeping up and widening line to the edge of the brow bone.
4. Apply Mary Kay brown pencil eyeliner to top lid only, starting at the lash line and continuing just beyond the edge of the eye, curving slightly upward. If you wanted to further define or highlight your eyes, or to add more drama to the overall look, you could also line the bottom lash line.
5. Apply Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara.
Autumnal: Classic
For a simple, less dramatic look, try a two-color combination as described and pictured below.
1. Using sponge applicator or ring finger, apply Mary Kay Meadow Grass Cream Eyeshadow to top lid.
2. Using sponge applicator or ring finger, apply Mary Kay Apricot Twist Cream Eyeshadow to brow bone, from the top of the eyelid where Meadow Grass ends, to the eyebrow.
3. Apply Mary Kay brown pencil eyeliner to top lid only, starting at the lash line and continuing just beyond the edge of the eye, curving slightly upward.
4. Apply Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara in black.
Below I share two eye makeup color combinations that celebrate some of the shades of the seasons: purple, orange, and green.
Autumnal: Bold
For a bold, standout look, try the following, tricolor combination, also pictured below:
Time: Nine (9) minutes (including hair, blush, and lip gloss, as well as eyes)
1. Using sponge applicator or ring finger, apply Mary Kay Apricot Twist Cream Eyeshadow to top lid.
2. Using sponge applicator or ring finger, apply Mary Kay Meadow Grass Cream Eyeshadow to brow bone, from the top of the eyelid where Apricot Twist ends, to the eyebrow.
3. Using sponge applicator, apply Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow in Sweet Plum to crease, sweeping up and widening line to the edge of the brow bone.
4. Apply Mary Kay brown pencil eyeliner to top lid only, starting at the lash line and continuing just beyond the edge of the eye, curving slightly upward. If you wanted to further define or highlight your eyes, or to add more drama to the overall look, you could also line the bottom lash line.
5. Apply Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara.
 |
| The eyeshadow color scheme plays off of the autumnal hue of the season, as well as in the outfit; namely, orange, green, and purple. The featured eyeshadow colors are Apricot Twist (lid), Meadow Grass (brow bone), and Sweet Plum (crease), all by Mary Kay. Bonus: This look was achieved in just nine minutes! |
Autumnal: Classic
For a simple, less dramatic look, try a two-color combination as described and pictured below.
1. Using sponge applicator or ring finger, apply Mary Kay Meadow Grass Cream Eyeshadow to top lid.
2. Using sponge applicator or ring finger, apply Mary Kay Apricot Twist Cream Eyeshadow to brow bone, from the top of the eyelid where Meadow Grass ends, to the eyebrow.
3. Apply Mary Kay brown pencil eyeliner to top lid only, starting at the lash line and continuing just beyond the edge of the eye, curving slightly upward.
4. Apply Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara in black.
 |
| Here, the featured colors are Meadow Grass (lid) and Apricot Twist (brow bone). |
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