April 23, 2015

Thankful Thursday - 3 Things

April 23, 2015/ _kjax_

I've always been a pretty healthy person. Aside from some sport-related injuries when I was in high school, which all healed properly, and the occasional cold/flu, I've never been afflicted with something really debilitating.

Last week I woke one morning with pain in my neck, which prevented me from turning my head either way (at least without paint), and certain other movements with my upper shoulder. After a good rub from my husband before bed that night, it felt better the next morning and I figured it was gone. But this past Sunday, it came back fierce. And as I'm sure you can imagine, it is very hard to do much, especially take care of toddler, when your neck and arm are in pain. It was causing my whole right arm to tingle like I'd hit my funny bone.

Was able to get in to see the chiropractor on Tuesday, and am doing much better now.

Three Things I'm Thankful For

My Health It's not until moments like I had with my neck/shoulder that you really appreciate all that your body can do and how thankful you are for your good health. So many people suffer inescapable pain on a daily basis, with no end in sight. I'm so thankful my body is working like its supposed to.

Options The big and the small. I'm thankful that I have the means, and live in a world where I have options. I'm not forced into a job that I will work at until my body fails me just to provide the minimum life necessities for my family. I'm not forced to eat the same thing everyday for every meal because it's the only thing available. Sometimes there feel like there are too many options. But I'd rather it that way then none at all.

My Parents Often its not until you become an adult that you start to appreciate your parents. I had a good relationship with them growing up, but do not remember a conscious appreciation for them until I was out on my own and really learning how the world works. And becoming a parent myself has taken that appreciation to a whole new level. Every challenge I face with my little guy reminds me that they faced the same thing with me. And I think they did a good job (not that I'm biased). So I am thankful for all their selflessness and sacrifices.

I hope you are able to take a moment today to recognize all you are thankful for as well. Have a great day.

April 22, 2015

Beauty Splurge - but worth it

April 22, 2015/ _kjax_

In an effort to de-clutter and reduce waste, I told my husband that I wouldn't buy any more make-up/hair products until I had used up what I already had. (I know what you're thinking, because I would too reading this: HA! Yeah, right!) For some background, I'm definitely not a compulsive product buyer. But I'm a Birchbox subscriber, which gives me sample size products to try every month (which I don't always use up before the next month's arrival), and I'm always on the hunt for the best products to suit my hair and skin needs (come on, aren't we all?) That's one of the reasons I do Birchbox, so I can try products without the full price commitment. And that is how I came to love the product I'm going to rave about here.

I have several skin issues that I want to address with my face products, as I think we all do (though different for each.) I was currently using an SPF moisturizer, an eye cream, an anti-aging serum, a brightening product (damn you, pregnancy dark spots) and face primer every morning before make-up. Why can't I get one cream that does everything? Enter Mereadesso All-In-One Moisturizer.

This came to me in a Birchbox sample, which was actually their travel size and is available for purchase. The little travel size last me a month, at least. I have never been happier with my skin than I was when using this product.

Mèreadesso's simple one-step moisturizer also functions as a serum, primer, and eye cream. With benefits ranging from redness reduction to anti-aging properties, this multi-tasker is tailor-made to streamline your routine, all while nourishing skin with a host of natural enzymes and antioxidants. It is an aloe-based gel which contains 16 botanical extracts, 8 enzymes and minerals, and over 20 antioxidants chosen for their purity and effectiveness—adding up to one powerful product. A combination of caffeine and apple and cucumber extracts contributes to the all-in-one moisturizer’s refreshing cooling and tightening sensation.

The main thing missing for me was SPF protection, which was easily remedied via my foundation (SPF Mineral Powder foundation.)

The product absorbed quickly and provided the perfect base for my powder foundation, and I felt like the primer qualities really helped keep my make-up looking fresh all day. It didn't settle into my pores as the day progressed, as can often be the case.

Now this is pricier than what I normally spend on products, but when you consider that it replaces more than 3 of my other products, and just the travel size lasts me over a month, buying the full size isn't really costing me more over the run of the bottle.

Rarely do I find products that I LOVE, but this was one of them. So I wanted to share.

What are your favorite multi-purpose products?

April 21, 2015

Spinach Lasagna Rolls

April 21, 2015/ _kjax_

As I've mentioned before, I'm always on the lookout for tasty meals that are simple and quick. This recipe was very tasty - hubby and toddler both loved it (I did too) - makes great left-overs, and while it took a bit longer to get on the table than I usually like, it's a dish you can actually assemble it the night before, and then just pop it in the oven for dinner the next night. That's almost just as good as being quick all at once.

And if you like lasagna, I felt like this was much easier/quicker to prepare than traditional lasagna (less layers), just as tasty, and is a good foundation for customization (adding your choice of additional veggies or meats.) And its a good way to squeeze veggies in your kids' meal without them really noticing (if that's a challenge you face in your house.)

Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe

Serves 8 Prep Time: approx. 30 min Cook time: 30 min

Ingredients

1 (16oz) package uncooked whole wheat lasagna noodles ( I only used about 12 oz)
1 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided (separate out one cup)
1 (15oz) container ricotta cheese (I used reduced fat)
1 egg, beaten
2 cloves minced garlic (these are great to keep on hand in your freezer. I just nuked 2 cubes for 30 seconds at 50%)
2 Tbsp dried parsley flakes
1 Tbsp dried basil
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 (10oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry
2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 (28oz) jars marinara sauce ( I went light on the sauce, we didn't use as much as this)
(Optional) 1 to 2 cooked chicken breasts shredded, or cooked Italian sausage, removed from it's casing (we just had grilled sausage on the side, because hubby always needs meat)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Cook lasagna noodles for 5-8 minutes, or until just slightly underdone; drain and rinse. Coat with a bit of olive oil and lay noodles flat on a cookie sheet.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together mozzarella cheese (reserve 1 cup), ricotta cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, basil, pepper, salt, spinach, chicken (optional) and 1 cup Parmesan cheese (and anything else you want to add.)
Spread a thin layer of sauce on bottom of 9x13 pan (or 2 8x8)
Lay out a noodle on cookies sheet. Spread a layer of the cheese mixture on the noodle (I used a generous heaping scoop with a standard soup spoon per noodle), then add a layer of sauce (one cookie dough scoop of sauce). [Note: I cut each noodle in half so it wasn't as long, and I think it was perfect that way. With the full scoop of filling, the noodle wrapped around with about an inch overlap.]
Roll the noodle up, and place seam side down in pan. Repeat for other noodles.
Top entire casserole with remaining sauce, remaining mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
Bake in preheated oven 350 for 30 min, or until hot and bubbly. Cover if it starts to get too brown

Enjoy!

To print this recipe, or download to your Pepperplate account, click here.

April 20, 2015

IG Recap - Looking Back

April 20, 2015/ _kjax_

I think most people look forward on Monday (not to be confused with looking forward TO Monday, which I think is rare). I just mean most people probably look at Monday as the beginning of a new week and everything that is to come in the week to follow. I do look that way as well, but I'm usually in a bit of mourning on Monday for the weekend that has ended, so I like to look back and take a glance at the week that has past before I really move on and it becomes a distant memory.

If you don't follow me on Instagram, here's a recap of last week.

Clockwise from top Left:  Neutrals work outfit of the day; admiring how pretty this month's Birchbox is; layered look of the day, dress over a skirt with belt; my evening walking buddy in his warm-up jacket (check back with me in 18 years and w… — Clockwise from top Left: Neutrals work outfit of the day; admiring how pretty this month's Birchbox is; layered look of the day, dress over a skirt with belt; my evening walking buddy in his warm-up jacket (check back with me in 18 years and we'll see if there is some foreshadowing going on here.) ;)

Clockwise from top left: is it still healthy if you cover it in crispy fried onions?; one of my favorite vests, over a jersey dress; heaven in my mouth Susie Cakes lemon cupcake (weekend treat); casual Friday with dress as top, cargos cuffed, stilet… — Clockwise from top left: is it still healthy if you cover it in crispy fried onions?; one of my favorite vests, over a jersey dress; heaven in my mouth Susie Cakes lemon cupcake (weekend treat); casual Friday with dress as top, cargos cuffed, stilettos and new FashionABLE necklace.

April 17, 2015

Friday Favorites - Warm Weather Footwear

April 17, 2015/ _kjax_

While I was hoping we'd have a bit more rain this spring, I don't think it's worth doing any more planning on that happening. So, moving on and embracing the wonderful SoCal weather we're having is making me want to summerize my shoe collection (that's my new word: summer-ize, like it? :) ) And that means sandals.