Friday, May 2, 2014

Healthy Summer Prawn Souvlaki Wrap | Under 500 Calories



Hi everyone! Thanks for watching my Healthy Summer Prawn Souvlaki Wrap video! I've been really inspired by the warm weather, beautiful colours, plants, and flowers from Spring, and Summer coming up quickly, to be more active, and eat healthier. And because we all want to look and feel our best during the warmer months, I've been opting for lighter, and healthier meals.

So I wanted to share with you all, a calorie conscious, figure friendly, and DELICIOUS meal that's perfect for Summer! Let me know what you think :)

Sorry it's late; I filmed it a couple of weeks ago, but my mama came to visit me for 10 days, so I didn't have much time to edit! :(

Nutritional info: 500 calories (370 if cutting out second piece of pita) 38 grams of protein 11 grams of fat

MyFitnessPal search terms: Kristi-Anne's Tzatziki Kristi-Anne's Prawn Souvlaki Wrap with Tzatziki **If you search the term "Kristi-Anne's" you'll find both at the top of the list :) For a better scope of the breakdown, MFP also lists the macros for this meal in the nutritional information :)

 *** Serves 2 people as a main, and 3-4 as a side ***

 ***IMPORTANT NOTE*** 1 serving = 2 pita wraps, half of cooked prawns, and 6 tbsp. tzatziki :) The tzatziki is great for up to a couple of days in the fridge. :)

What you'll need! 

Tzatziki: - 500g, or 17 oz plain, 0% Greek yogurt - 1 long English cucumber - 3 cloves of garlic, pressed (or finely minced, if you don't love garlic use 1.5 cloves instead) - juice of half a lemon - 1.5 tbsp of white wine vinegar - 1.75 tbsp of chopped fresh dill (1.5 tsp. dried) - 2 tbsp olive oil - 1 tsp Kosher salt ( 1/2 tsp. if using table salt, add in gradually, and taste) - black pepper (to taste)

Prawns: - a 454 gram, or 16 ounce bag of thawed, peeled and deveined, tail on prawns - 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano (or 2 tsp dried) - 3 cloves of pressed garlic (or finely minced) - About a teaspoon of fresh dill (or 1/2 tsp dried) - juice of half a lemon - 2 tbsp olive oil - A few pinches of Kosher salt - Black pepper

Skewers: Bamboo or metal (if using bamboo, soak prior to grilling)

Wraps: - One package of whole wheat pita wraps

Instructions:

Tztaziki:  1. Peel, and seed your cucumber, and grate with a cheese grater. Sprinkle with kosher salt and place over a bowl in a mesh sieve, (or paper towel, clean coffee filter, cheese cloth, etc.) Let sit while prepping the rest of the ingredients - about 20 minutes is a good amount of time for the cucumber to start releasing its juices. 2. Press garlic, chop fresh dill (reserve about 1 teaspoon of dill for prawn souvlaki), and squeeze the juice from half a lemon into a dish. Set ingredients aside. 3. After cucumber has had a chance to sit, squeeze any additional liquids out of the cucumber with hands. Set cucumber aside. 4. Empty your Greek yogurt a bowl, add in cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, about 1.75 tablespoons from the chopped dill (remember to reserve some for prawns). Add white wine vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt and some black pepper. 5. Stir together ingredients until they are mixed, and the oil is well incorporated.

Prawns: 1. Chop about 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano, press 3 cloves of garlic, and squeeze the juices from half a lemon. Set aside. 2. Into your prawns, toss in oregano, garlic, and lemon juice. Add in reserved fresh dill from the tzatziki, a few pinches of kosher salt, some black pepper, and olive oil. Mix well so the prawns are coated with the marinade. Cover and place in the fridge to marinate for 30+ minutes. In the mean time soak your skewers, if using bamboo, and chop your vegetables for your wraps. 3. Remove prawns from fridge and skewer. 4. Preheat barbecue with lid closed for 5-10 minutes. When preheated, add prawns, and grill with an open lid. Grill prawns for about 4 minutes per side, or until opaque all the way through, and the prawns have taken on a bright coral-y pink colour.
 
Pita: 1. Warm pita on the barbecue over in-direct heat for a few minutes, keeping a close eye on them so they don't burn. Assembling wraps, and done!

And done! :)

Friday, April 18, 2014

Spring Makeup, Hairstyle + Outfit



Hi guys! So it is finally starting to warm up here in beautiful Vancouver and I have been inspired by all of the beautiful colors, and flowers from Spring so I have been LOVING pastel makeup, soft beautiful curls, and loose-knit sweaters paired with perfectly flowy skirts! Something about coral, mint, lavender, and dusty rose tones just feels so perfect for this time of year! Let me know what you think!! Spring Makeup, Hairstyle + Outfit

Sunday, March 23, 2014

♥ How To Grow Massive Lashes FAST!♥



Hey dolls! So I have FINALLY filmed a video about my eyelashes and how to grow long eyelashes, after a ton of requests over the years: HOW TO GROW MASSIVE EYELASHES.

I hope it helps you. I've been absolutely shocked by the enormous growth in my eyelashes in such a small amount of time! I think one of the reasons people have failed results with castor oil is because of the grade, quality, and whether or not it is cold pressed. You can buy castor oil for a multitude of purposes so make sure you get one that is safe for the skin (you can get castor oil for car lubricant, you do NOT want to be putting that around your eyes haha).

Also, I noticed a difference in the effectiveness just by starting to use a castor oil that guarantees to penetrate the skin fully, and not leave any sticky residue - so if you're going to try it out, make sure you try to find one that isn't sticky as well! Also, it's important that the product you're using is PURE castor oil. You don't want to use a mixed substance.

While a mixed substance will probably still offer some moisturizing benefits, it won't offer the same nutrients your lashes will need to grow long. I got mine at Whole Foods for between $12 and $14, I believe. I haven't had much luck sourcing the exact type I have online anywhere like amazon, but I did find it on a kind of obscure looking website, which I will post the link for below :)

The exact castor oil I have:
http://www.innovimport.com/oscommerce...

Castor oil on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Castor-Cold-Pre...

XOXO
Kristi-Anne 

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

February Favourites 2014

Hi guys! I couldn't wait to share my monthly favourites with you all! I had a ton of stuff to tell you guys about - makeup, skincare, hair care, books, tv shows and more! I had forgotten how much I loved filming videos like these! I can't wait to share more favourites with you all next month! Please make sure to let me know if you have any favourites that you'd like to share with me! I love hearing what other people are loving! :)

XOXO
Kristi-Anne

**Mentioned in this video**

Makeup:
Laura Mercier Silk Cream Foundation - Bamboo Beige
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - Medium Plus
MAC 130 brush
MAC 109 brush
MAC eyeshadow - Texture
MAC 217 brush
NARS illuminator - Copacabana
MAC In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash Mascara

Skincare:
Clarisonic Aria - Black
Eucerin Aquaphor
Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream

Hair Care:
AG Moisture & Shine Fast Food Sulfate-Free Shampoo
AG Moisture & Shine Fast Food Leave On Condition
AG Moisture & Shine Xtramoist Shampoos
AG Moisture & Shine Ultramoist Conditioner
T3 Featherweight

Books:
Variant by Robision Wells
Feedback Robison Wells

(Thanks to the recommendation of Elle Fowler (youtube.com/allthatglitters21) It's super good, and I highly recommend them for an enjoyable read :)

TV Shows:
Suits
American Horror Story

Video Game:
Rayman Legends

Friday, February 21, 2014

Get Ready With Me Makeup Tutorial



Hey, loves! So this video is actually almost a week old now. I filmed it the same night that I filmed my last video (a review of my Holy Grail hair care products), so if you're wondering why the makeup and clothes are the same, this is why :)

Check out my Holy Grail hair care video. I promise you, I never knew my shampoo and conditioner regime could deliver results that seem almost like a chemical treatment - that's HOW AMAZING these products are at creating the most amazingly shiny, soft, HEALTHY looking and feeling hair! Link below.

Best of the Best: Holy Grail Hair Care Products!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJFPB_...

Since I was already going out, I thought I might as well film the makeup I was going to wear, and this is what I came up with. I was actually pretty pleased with the final look, because it was still noticeably there, without looking too dramatic, which I think is great for nights where you want to get dressed up, but don't know how much makeup is appropriate, it's kind of a safe zone between really intense and dramatic makeup, and too little makeup. Additionally, I adore MAC's Antiqued eyeshadow, and I give it far too little love for how beautiful it is, so I wanted to incorporate that in this look.

Hope you all enjoy! Below are all the products I used.

Face:
Cle de Peau Concealer - Beige
Laura Mercier Silk Cream Foundation - Bamboo Beige
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Medium Plus

Eyes:
Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer - Wheat
MAC Eyeshadow - Texture
Too Faced Eyeshadow (Sweet Indulgence Palette) - Cherry Cola
MAC Eyeshadow - Antiqued
MAC Eyeshadow - All That Glitters
MAC Eyeshadow - Carbon
MAC Eyeshadow - Brulé
MAC Eyeshadow - Naked Lunch

False Lashes:
Andrea #23

Mascara:
Lancôme Hypnose Custom Volume Mascara - Deep Black (The original formula)

Contour:
Too Faced Bronzer - Chocolate Soleil

Cheeks:
Buxom True Hue Blush - Luvitate

Highlight:
NARS Illuminator - Copacabana

Lips:
MAC Lip Pencil - Stripdown
MAC Lipstick - Equality

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Best of the Best: Holy Grail Hair Care Products



Hey everyone! I've recently discovered the most amazing hair care products, and they're the best I've EVER used. I've used all ranges from high end (Kerastase) to drugstore (Suave), so you can imagine my surprise when out of no where I came across a product (or whole range of products to be exact) that have trumped all other products before. I couldn't wait until I filmed this video for you all, and I've been thinking about it ever since the first day I tried the Recoil shampoo and conditioner. Since then I've been on a mission to try as many of their products as possible, and not only have my experiences with them gotten better and better, but my hair has started to feel healthier and healthier with use. I urge you all to just try one of their products ONCE to see if you can see, and feel the difference for yourself!

I want to make a point of saying that I have absolutely no affiliation with AG hair products, and they have no idea of who I am or that I made this video (just in case there's any concern that this is a sponsored or promoted video).

Products I mentioned in this video:
AG Curl Recoil Curl Activating Shampoo
AG Curl Recoil Activating Conditioner
AG Moisture & Shine Fast Food Sulfate-Free Shampoo
AG Moisture & Shine Fast Food Leave on Condition
AG Moisture Xtramoist Moisturizing Shampoo
AG Moisture & Shine Ultramoist Conditioner

Tigi Rockaholic Livin' The Dream Sulfate-Free + Energy Shampoo
Suave Organics Conditioner (Coconut scent)

***********MUST WATCH VIDEO!************* (It's only 2 minutes long)
This is the AG's YouTube channel and they show how cheap shampoos use SALT (sodium chloride) to get our shampoos to lather. I'm starting to think the problem isn't with sulfates, and instead, is a problem with the activating ingredient, salt! I'm shocked!

Video about salt in shampoo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34wqte...


They have some really great information on their website! I found the Common Myths, and Key Ingredients sections particularly interesting.

Common Myths:
http://www.aghair.com/common-myths/

Key Ingredients:
http://www.aghair.com/key-ingredients/

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Valentine's Day Sultry, Sexy Makeup Tutorial (Naked 3 Palette)



Hey dolls! So I wanted to film a Valentine's Day makeup tutorial for you all, and this is what I've come up with! I know some people opt for the more romantic, flirty, and RED makeup looks for Valentine's day, but personally, I prefer something a little more sultry and mysterious! :) I've completed this look using Urban Decay's new Naked 3 palette (because I know a few of you will already have it ♥) and topped it off with some cheek contouring, blush, highlight, and lipstick! Below are the products I've used, and don't forget to tell me what you guys are going to do for Valentine's Day!! ♥

What I used!

Eyes:

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
MAC Texture eyeshadow
Mugshot eyeshadow (Naked 3)
Darkside eyeshadow (Naked 3)
Trick eyeshadow (Naked 3)
Urban Decay 24/7 Rockstar eyeliner
Blackheart (Naked 3)
Strange (Naked 3)
MAC Superslick RiRi Love - Cockiness

Lashes: Andrea Modlash #23
Mascara: Lancôme Hypnose - Deep Black

Contour:
Tarte Park Ave. Princess

Blush:
NARS Orgasm blush

Highlighter:
NARS Copacabana highlighter

Lips:
MAC Stripdown lipliner
MAC Growing Trend lipstick

I hope you all have the most amazing Valentines' Days ever! :) 

Sunday, December 22, 2013

How To Make Glühwein: Traditional Holiday Mulled Wine! :)



I hope you guys enjoyed this how-to/recipe type tutorial for making mulled wine (or what is known as Glühwein in Germany). I had so much fun filming it, and I was so in love with filming Christmas videos that were inspired by the traditions they have in Germany (where the modern celebration of Christmas came from) that I wanted to share my love, excitement, and enthusiasm, with all of you. Below is the recipe for my customized German Glühwein!

Recipe:

You'll need:

2 bottles of a dry red wine (and it is better if it's a cheaper bottle of wine; all the spices mask the flavor anyway hehe)
Whole star anise pods** (See ** below)
Whole black peppercorns**
Whole Clove spice**
Whole cinnamon sticks**
Whole allspice berries**
Honey
Orange juice
4 medium-large lemons
2 navel oranges

Amounts:

5-6 All spice berries
1/4 tsp. Whole cloves
1 tsp. Whole black peppercorns
2 Whole star anise pods
4 Whole cinnamon sticks (plus more for garnish)
5 Slices from a navel orange (plus more for garnish)
5 Slices from a lemon (plus more for garnish)
1/3 - 1/2 cup of honey (depending on how sweet you'd like your wine)
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 bottles of dry red wine (we used a cabernet sauvignon)
1 1/2 cups of pulp-free orange juice


Instructions:

Add allspice berries, cloves, black peppercorns, and star anise pods, cinnamon sticks, orange and lemon slices into a coffee filter, pot, or large coffee urn. Add your wine, orange juice, and lemon juice into your pot/urn or coffee maker. Turn it on and let it sit to marry together for about 1.5 hrs - 2 hours (even after it has turned off so that the flavours mellow). If using the pot method, turn it on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, keep an eye on it and stir often, and then reduce to low heat for about another hour to an hour and a half!

When you're done feel free to use some Irish Coffee cups (mine were $2.50 from Walmart), garnish with a nice, long cinnamon stick and a couple orange slices (or lemon depending on preference) and you have an amazing drink that is perfect for the holidays (or any cold day :)).

Enjoy!!!

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Sugar Plum Fairy Makeup Tutorial



was hesitant on posting this video because the colors didn't show up as vibrant as they were in person (by FAR) and even trying to color correct it was a nightmare. Nevertheless, since you guys asked, I decided I should just post it! :) I hope you all enjoy my inspired makeup look for the Sugar Plum Fairies (even if it IS a little glittery hehe)! :) I saw the Nutcracker last night (December 14th) and I had the most amazing time! Check my instagram if you'd like to see a picture of my Nutcracker partner and I from last night! :) 

What I'm wearing!

Eyes:
Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer - Wheat
MAC Paint Pot - Let's Skate!
Too Faced Sweet Indulgence Palette - Cherry Cola
MAC Eyeshadow Single - Satellite Dreams
MAC Eyeshadow Single - Star Violet 
Too Faced Sweet Indulgence Palette - Satin Sheets
MAC Kohl Power Liner - Feline
MAC Glitter - Reflects Gold 
Red Cherry #107 Lashes
Lancôme Hypnose Mascara - Deep Black
Too Faced Sweet Indulgence Palette - Fuzzy Peach

Cheeks:
Too Faced Sweet Indulgence Palette - La Vie En Rose
Too Faced Sweet Indulgence Palette - Candlelight Glow

Lips: 
MAC Lip Pencil - In Sync
Bite Beauty Lipstick - Vouvray
MAC Glitter - Reflects Gold

Love you all, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!! :)

My vlog and everything-else channel! 
http://www.youtube.com/ShimmersSecrets

Follow me on twitter! 
http://www.twitter.com/Kristi_AnneB

My website 
http://www.Kristi-Anne.com 

Add me to Instagram! 
moonbeamshimmers

Follow me on Pinterest! 
http://www.pinterest.com/moonbeamshimmer

Follow me on Google+ 
http://www.google.com/+KristianneBeil

Add me to Facebook! 
http://www.facebook.com/Moonbeamshimm...

Ask me anything anonymously! (Formspring) 
http://www.formspring.com/MBSB

My blog 
http://www.moonbeamshimmerblitz.com

Email me! 
askmbsb@gmail.com

FTC: Everything in this video, including royalty-free music from AudioJungle, was purchased by me!! :)

Christmas Haul: Pier1 and Bath & BodyWorks

Again, I filmed this Christmas Haul a while ago but unfortunately my school has been overwhelmingly demanding. I have 3 other videos to finish editing and then post. I'm super excited about them! I hope you guys are all having a wonderful holiday season :) Below is a "wishlist" that I added mostly all of the items from Pier1 just so everything is a little more organized :), and apart from that everything from Bath & BodyWorks can still be found on their website, which I've linked below :)



Pier1 stuff:
https://www.pier1.com/on/demandware.s...
[I wasn't able to add the fizzy bath bombs to the 'wishlist' but they are searchable from the website :)]

Bath & BodyWorks:
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/

What I bought from B&BW:

3-Wick Candles:
- Merry Cookie
- Winter Candy Apple (but I exchanged it for the Winter scent yay!)
-'Tis the Season

Mason Jar Candles:
-Twisted Peppermint
-Vanilla Snowflake
-Mint Chocolate
-Snow Day

3 oz. Candles:
-Fresh Balsam
-Mint Chocolate
-Marshmallow Fireside

Foaming/Cleansing Hand Soaps:
-Iced Gingerbread
-Vanilla Bean Noël 
-Twisted Peppermint
-Sugared Vanilla Wish
-Winter Candy Apple
-Vanilla Snowflake
-Snow Kissed Mint
-Fresh Balsam

Hand Sanitizers:
-Candy Cane Bliss
-Vanilla Bean Noël
-Iced Gingerbread
-Nutcracker Sweet
-'Tis the Season

Wallflower Plugin:
-Red Ornament

Wallflower Bulbs:
-Marshmallow Fireside
-Winter
-Fresh Balsam
-'Tis the Season
-Vanilla Snowflake
-Snow Day

Love you all. Merry Christmas!!!

My vlog and everything-else channel! 
http://www.youtube.com/ShimmersSecrets

Follow me on twitter! 
http://www.twitter.com/Kristi_AnneB

My website 
http://www.Kristi-Anne.com 

Add me to Instagram! 
moonbeamshimmers

Follow me on Pinterest! 
http://www.pinterest.com/moonbeamshimmer

Follow me on Google+ 
http://www.google.com/+KristianneBeil

Add me to Facebook! 
http://www.facebook.com/Moonbeamshimm...

Ask me anything anonymously! (Formspring) 
http://www.formspring.com/MBSB

My blog 
http://www.moonbeamshimmerblitz.com

Email me! 
askmbsb@gmail.com

FTC: Everything in this video was purchased by myself, my mom, and Sebastian :)

DIY Holiday Advent Calendar: Christmas Gift Wrapping

Learn how to make 3 different versions of an advent calendar - they'll be the fastest and easiest advent calendars you've seen to date (not to mention the most affordable, hehe). Let me know what you think in the comments below. I always use your guys' feedback to improve my videos, and it's so helpful to me! 



I sincerely apologize that this is up so late! I had spent the last 11 days trying to get this video up. Unfortunately the grading effects I added using Magic Bullet Looks ended up causing a glitch in FCP X on Mavericks, and since then I had been trying absolutely EVERYTHING I could think of to get this video exported... long story short, it took over a week to do so, but I had spent so long editing this video as it was, that I didn't just want to scrap it - if that makes any sense. So here it is! My take on the traditional advent calendar, DIY style. While I was editing this I realized it could also be the "host" package to deceive people when wrapping smaller sized gifts! Everyone says the best gifts come in small packages; here's a way to hide what that package might actually contain ;)

Advent calendars were invented in Germany about 200 years ago to count the days in December left until Christmas. It started with drawing chalk lines on people's doors and lighting 24 candles, and in 1905 the first advent calendar was printed. 

In Germany it is common to craft advent calendars for your family or friends and add candy or little gifts for the person that the calendar is for. 

Thank you. Love you all!

Kristi-Anne 

Below are the advent calendar printouts! :)

http://www.makoodle.com/diy-advent-ca...

http://www.thriftyandthriving.com/201...

http://api.ning.com/files/MJwDGAzzVZI...

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gGh9R8Pnyw...

http://itsthelife.typepad.com/.a/6a00...

http://itsthelife.typepad.com/.a/6a00...


My vlog and everything-else channel!http://www.youtube.com/ShimmersSecrets

Follow me on twitter! http://www.twitter.com/Kristi_AnneB

My website: http://www.Kristi-Anne.com 

Add me to Instagram! moonbeamshimmers

Follow me on Pinterest!http://www.pinterest.com/moonbeamshimmer

Follow me on Google+ http://www.google.com/+KristianneBeil

Add me to Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/Moonbeamshimm...

Ask me anything anonymously! (Formspring):http://www.formspring.com/MBSB

My blog: http://www.moonbeamshimmerblitz.com

Email me! askmbsb@gmail.com

FTC: Everything in this video was purchased by myself and Sebastian :)

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Fall Haul and Decor: Thanksgiving Table Setting

Watch my Thanksgiving decor table setting with pumpkins from a local country farm, products from Pier 1, and a fall haul with amazing candles, wallflowers, scents and hand soaps from Bath and Bodyworks.


Where I've been - My vlog! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDjfM...

My vlog and everything-else channel!http://www.youtube.com/ShimmersSecrets

Check out my follow-me-around vlog for my first experience at The Pumpkin Patch! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpRNRp...

Follow me on twitter! http://www.twitter.com/Kristi_AnneB

My website: http://www.Kristi-Anne.com 

Add me to Instagram! moonbeamshimmers

Follow me on Pinterest!http://www.pinterest.com/moonbeamshimmer

Follow me on Google+ http://www.google.com/+KristianneBeil

Add me to Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/Moonbeamshimm...

Ask me anything anonymously! (Formspring):http://www.formspring.com/MBSB

My blog: http://www.moonbeamshimmerblitz.com
Email me! askmbsb@gmail.com

Bath and Bodyworks Haul:

Sweater Weather 3-Wick Candle
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/produ...

Autumn 1.3 oz. Mini Candle
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/produ...

Cider Lane 3-Wick Candle (they are sold out of the mason jar size)
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/produ...

Pumpkin Pecan Waffles 1.3 oz. Candle
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/produ...
(again, sold out of the other sizes)

Leaves Mason Jar Candle
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/produ...

Pumpkin Caramel Latte Mason Jar Candle:
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/produ...

Pumpkin Caramel Latte Fragrance Bulb
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/produ...

Pumpkin Apple Fragrance Bulb
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/produ...

Marshmallow Fireside Bulb
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/produ...

Lavender Vanilla Bulb
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/produ...

Oak Leaf Sconce Plug
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/produ...

Owl Wallflower Plug
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/produ...

Copper Maple Leaf Plug
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/produ...

Pumpkin Cupcake Foaming Hand Soap
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/produ...

Pumpkin Caramel Latte Foaming Hand Soap
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/produ...

Creamy Pumpkin Foaming Hand Soap
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/produ...

Creamy Pumpkin Deep Cleansing Hand Soap
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/produ...


Table Setting!

Pier 1 Imports:

Pumpkin Bowls
http://www.pier1.com/Pumpkin-Lidded-B...

Pumpkin Salad Plates
http://www.pier1.com/Pumpkin-Salad-Pl...

Spice Route Round Dinner Plate - Sesame
http://www.pier1.com/Round-Dinner-Pla...

Spice Route Round Side Plate - Sesame
http://www.pier1.com/Round-Salad-Plat...

Winners/HomeSense:
Orange pumpkin soup dish is not online, but may be available at select stores :)

FTC Disclaimer:

Everything you saw in this video was purchased by myself and my roommate :) This is not a sponsored video! :)

Credits:

All music and additional video (and graphics) in this video I have purchased with licenses from royalty-free web services.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

How to Look Like a Sexy Dinosaur: Vampire Diaries Hair--Rebekah Mikaelson

Hi everyone! So as promised, finally a post before the video goes live. Yay me! (Haha for any London Tipton fans out there). This is an inspired hair style from the Vampire Diaries episode: Dangerous Liaisons. Rebekah Mikaelson had her hair in an exquisite, perfectly polished down-do that was pulled back and elegant. It is actually a ponytail hidden behind a section of hair. In the episode I'm inclined to think there were some hair pieces involved because she managed to have a lot of additional length and her pony was incredibly voluminous, it looked AH-MAZING. I will also link this to my YouTube tutorial once it has gone live. In the mean time, I have some pictures of the inspired look below. And since I don't know the rights to any of the pictures I am posting, I am not able to show them in my YouTube video, luckily I am able to show them here! :)


[Click the photos to enlarge! :)]


(Click here to watch the tutorial in motion!)








As you can clearly see here she appears to have a LOT of hair which makes me think there may have been a hair piece attached as well. 







Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Two birds, One stone


Busting a Common Myth, & My New Favorite Snack!

Here we have it, my first post with some info about my diet! I figured I'd get started anyways because my diet and fitness seem to be winning by a landslide for new things to post about!

Preface: Alright, so the number one thing I get asked about is my weight. People frequently ask me about my fitness routine and my diet. Well to be honest, I don't do a WHOLE lot, however, that isn't to say that WHAT I do won't yield results if followed. The reason I say this is because people who started to follow the routine I kind of grew up doing, not knowing any better, actually lost weight. For example when my boyfriend moved in with me he lost 25 - 30 lbs. in a couple of months! It sounds really shocking, but his lifestyle before he moved in with me was entirely different. The foods he ate were different and when he ate was different. I will do a separate post on this another time, because I'm kind of a freak of nature and it will take a little bit of explaining to do in order for this to all make sense. It will be a little bit of a longer post since I have weird eating routines; I'm very habitual, and I also eat very specifically. Right now I'm just going to talk a little bit about one of my new favorite snacks. When I said I was habitual, I mean it. I eat this snack nearly every day and let me tell you some of the benefits of this deliciously decadent green dip!



Myth: Avocados are bad for you and will make you fat.





So up until this past year and a half I wouldn't go near an avocado with a 10 foot pole. Actually, I lie. I would eat it but only IF it was so well masked I didn't know where or in which form it was hidden. Now however, my gosh, it is in my salad, on my plate, in a dip, spread, topping in some form or SOME HOW. Currently I've been obsessing over guacamole. I've made it on my own and bought various packaged varieties. My favorite to date is Wholly Guacamole. Now, I know that a lot of people LOVE avocados just like I do, but steer clear of them for one reason: it is STUPENDOUSLY high in fat! Wondering why I used the word stupendous over other adjectives? Because it is GOOD fat. Most people don't know the difference, but let me break it down for you. GOOD fats are those that come from vegetables and are liquid at room temperature (chilled however, they will turn to solids), BAD fats are those that usually come from animals or animal by-products, and in contrast to good fats are solid at room temperature. Good fats include monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. The difference between the two is only chemistry. The opposite, bad fats, would be saturated fats. Poly and mono unsaturated fats promote heart health, and THINNESS. So, the thick white grease that's left over after you cook bacon, that would be bad fat, verses olive oil you're using for your salad dressing which would be good fat. Although, just because I say good fat doesn't mean it is good in excess. While it's true it still is MILES above being better for you than bad fats, it shouldn't be consumed in copious amounts. Why? Calories. Fats in general have 9 calories per one gram, that's a looottttt of calories. Limiting them is the best way to keep calories down, but replacing your regular calories with this good fat can be beneficial to your heart, health, and figure--it cuts down your belly fat (when replacing high carb diets with monounsaturated fats)! And one more HUGE reason for us gals to consume more monounsaturated fats? It decreases risk of breast cancer according to a Swedish study!!

Reduce belly fat!



Benefits of avocados!

  • High in monounsaturated fats which lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease! (Replace 5 percent of your saturated fats with monounsaturated fats to cut risks of a heart attack by over 1/3!!)
  • Has 25% of your daily requirement of vitamin C
  • Has Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Oleic Acid, Folic Acid, Cartenoids (great for eye health), Calcium, B6 and more soluble fibre than any other fruit!
  • Has 60% more potassium than bananas!


Quick tip:
Absorb more antioxidants from your tomatoes and peppers in your salads by adding avocado oil!





20 Minute Beauty:

  • All famous avocado mask: I'm sure we've all seen this in the movies, well it's simple enough to do! Mash up an avocado add a tablespoon of organic honey (which has antibacterial and anti inflammatory benefits). Avocado has specific sugars like D-manno-heptulose which can improve the structure of the epidermis by boosting collagen as well as providing a protective antimicrobial barrier. Apply it to your face for 15-20 minutes to reveal more radiant and nourished skin!
  • Hair mask: Take 1 ripe avocado and mash it well. Mix 1 tbsp of honey and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Mix them well. Apply it to your scalp and using a wide toothed comb smooth it through your hair. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes. Do this up to once a week for shiny manageable hair!
  • Body butter: Smooth mashed up avocado over rough patches of skin for 20 minutes to soften the driest areas of your skin!
  • Big date? Woke up with puffy eyes? Take a slice of avocado, the same as you would with cucumber, place it under the eyes for 20 minutes, relax, and done. Puffy-eyes-begone. Avocado, like cucumber, has nutrients that stimulate circulation! 




And now for the best part, why I love avocado. GUACAMOLE!
Why it's good not only nutritionally for your diet, but also good at helping you stay on your diet! 
Well first of all it's delicious, it's a health food that doesn't taste like a health food. But it is also very filling! I buy packages of Wholly Guacamole from the grocery store which are preservative and chemical free, but also the best tasting guacamole I've yet to find. I will scoop about 70-80 grams of guacamole in a bowl and that fills me up for a small meal replacement. Half of the contents is 198 calories but what I eat is between 140 and 160 calories. And those of you that are lucky might even live somewhere where the 100 calorie snack packs are available! I eat it with Tostitos Tortilla Rounds. There are approximately 40 chips per 50 grams for 270 calories, I consume about 35 grams which is 189 calories. I know they are deep fried but I haven't found a baked alternative in Canada, although I have seen baked Tostitos tortilla chips in the US. You could also make your own, which would be a little bit more preparation by cutting up tortilla flat into bite sized pieces, brushing them lightly with olive oil, seasoning them, and putting them in the oven until they are crispy. No doubt this would reduce the calories from fat, but requires more time. Also, don't be afraid to spread guacamole on a cracker, on a sandwich, as a spread on flat bread, or even eat it on its own! In any way, shape, and form it is simply amazing!

Therefore a very filling and deliciously satisfying snack would be:
140 - 160 Calories from guacamole
189 Calories from tortilla chips
= 329 - 349 Calories total

I find savory foods tend to feel more like meals. The great thing is, this feels and tastes like a meal. It keeps me satisfied for hours. I don't feel starved even hours after eating this. Because avocados are so high in fibre (both insoluble and soluble) which your body needs to keep its digestive tract running efficiently. But what fibre also does is it slows the breakdown of carbohydrates in your body which makes you feel full for longer! How could it get any better? :)

I'd like to close by saying myth officially BUSTED.