Archive for December, 2008

In what I like to call B.C. (Before Children) I was skinny.  Not so skinny I looked sickly, but nicely proprotioned.  I’ll never be rail thin just because I was graced with thighs, hips and a butt LOL!  Regardless, I was happy with being as thin as I was.

Now, while I realize Hollywood is making a big “to-do” of the overly skinny actresses and models, I wanna know what’s going on with those who are still getting skinnier and skinnier?!  I honestly don’t even mean Nicole Richie and Angelina Jolie, who I know the world loves to bag on.  I saw the following pics of Rachel Zoe, and I seriously almost hurled!

I see that she’s always been skinny, but doesn’t it get to a point where you see your bones and start asking yourself, “WTF is wrong with me?!”  I mean, isn’t she to some extent a role model?  Wow!  Now, while the world thinks Angelina Jolie and Nicole Richie are insanely thin… Oh, and the Olsen Twins… I haven’t truly seen bones like this on them in a while.  Or, I’m not seeing the right pics of them.

I’ve had body image issues, and yes it was because I felt fat.  I realize I’m not, and while I want to be happy with myself, I’m not there yet.  Can I conceal my excess well?  Yes.  Would the average person consider me overweight?  Most likely not.  

This is what makes me love the Dove “Campaign for Real Beauty.”  They’re telling us we don’t have to be rail thin to be beautiful.  Or blonde with blue eyes… Or anything else which America has considered to be the perfection of beauty in the past.  Because of a campaign like this, I’ll be able to further prove to my children you don’t have to have silky long blonde hair to be pretty… You can have curly brown hair.  You don’t have to be so skinny you look like you need about 5 hearty meals to attempt to fatten you up.

And here goes Oprah on the other token whining she’s let herself gain 60 lbs.!  Okay, so her BMI says she’s obese.  I get that, but at the same time, shouldn’t we learn to be happy with where we are and not beat ourselves up over gaining weight?  Instead of whining, shouldn’t she be trying to get down to a healthy weight, and then help advocate to young women that being as icky thin as Rachel Zoe isn’t good?  

I’m sorry, but give me the likes of America Ferrara over Ms. Zoe any day!

Snickerdoodles are my fave cookies next to Oatmeal Raisin! However, it seems to me as though they’re tricky to make. It’s time for me to start my X-Mas Cookies, and I thank Betty Crocker for this fool-proof recipe I definitely plan on trying!

Holiday Snickerdoodles

1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
2 tablespoons Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Betty Crocker® red and green decorating icings

1. Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, flour, butter and egg until dough forms.
2. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. In small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Roll balls in sugar-cinnamon mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 11 to 12 minutes or until set. Cool 1 minute. Remove from cookie sheets. If desired, roll tops of warm cookies in additional sugar-cinnamon mixture. Cool completely, about 20 minutes. Decorate as desired using icing.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.

Did You Know: Cookie dough can be covered and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. If it’s too firm, let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.

Nutrition Information: 1 Cookie
Calories 80 (Calories from Fat 30)
Total Fat 3g (Saturated Fat 1 1/2g, Trans Fat 1/2g)
Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 45mg
Total Carbohydrate 13g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 8g)
Protein 0g

Percent Daily Value*
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 0%
Iron 0%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

SOURCE

Product: 4 of 5
Packaging: 5 of 5
Quality: 4 of 5
Price: 2 of 5
Overall: 4 of 5
Would I repurchase? I most definitely will!  And I’ll be a very upset woman should Maybelline discontinue this mascara!

::: The Product :::
Maybelline Lash Stiletto isn’t even due out until January 2009, but you can already find it in your local Wal-Mart.  Lash Stiletto comes in a sleek black squared tube with a shiny red stripe at the very bottom.  The tube does very much so resembles a stiletto heel (wider at the top, tapering down to a thinner bottom).  The product and company name are on all four-sides of the tube in silver lettering.  Each Lash Stiletto tube measures approximately 5″ long, and contains .22 FL OZ/6.5 ml of product.  The brush even has the same tapering effect as the tube, and is slightly longer than most mascara wands.  Oh, and the bristles aren’t plastic.

Lash Stiletto is a lengthening mascara complete with Pro-Vitamin B5, which I assume leads to its ability to strengthen and condition your lashes.  This lovely jewel of a mascara is supposed to give you “seductive length,” as well as “shiny patent leather finish.”  Lash Stiletto will be available in three colors: Very Black, Soft Black and Brownish Black.  I was able to get mine for $6.98, but it looks like it will retail for about $8.95 (as per WWD).

To apply Maybelline Lash Stiletto, the following is recommended:

• Sweep Grip & Extend brush upwards from root to tip to grasp each lash and coat from every angle to achieve extreme length & shine.  Continue building lashes until you reach your desired look.  Do not let dry between coats.  Repeat for lower lash line. 
• For a truly dramatic, wide-eyed look, curl your lashes before applying mascara.  
• Removes easily with soap and water or eye makeup remover.  
• Ophthalmologist tested & contact lens safe.

::: The Ingredients :::
To Be Updated!

::: My Experience :::
I have admitted to being a mascara whore, so it’s no wonder I caved and purchased this!  I initially saw Maybelline Lash Stiletto in Wal-Mart, and I was intruiged.  However, I was resistant at first as I didn’t really need yet ANOTHER mascara.  Suffice it to say, I couldn’t help but take a sneak peak on Makeup Alley for reviews.  9 reviewers gave it a 100% rating.  I was beginning to crack!

My partner in crime ended up purchasing it, but still hadn’t tried it.  I couldn’t resist it any longer, and ran out to buy it this past Thursday.  I got home, took of the dreaded L’Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes, and applied Lash Stiletto.  OMG!  YAY!  I saw length on my lashes!  WAY more length than I’ve gotten with a lot of other mascaras.  Mind you, this was without even using primer!

The next morning I didn’t hesitate to reach for Lash Stiletto instead of one of my many other mascaras.  I did use primer and curled my lashes first.  Slightly more length than the trial run offered!  Now, I do think my Shiseido The Makeup Mascara Base gives the mascara a tad more volume.  In which case, my friend egged me right into getting Lancome Cils Booster XL (thank you eBay)!  She said it offers more length than volume, so I can’t even wait to see how long and luscious my lashes will look if that’s true!

Oh, and removing it was a breeze!  It didn’t take any real effort to get the mascara off.  No, it’s not waterproof.  I don’t particularly care for waterproof mascaras anyway, and I never have the dreaded raccoon eyes or anything either.  Maybelline Lash Stiletto offered wonderful length without any smudging or flaking!

::: Overall :::
If you’re looking for nice length, then I do recommend Maybelline Lash Stiletto.  It’s definitely a new fave mascara for me, and will be in heavy rotation!  I’m tempted to go toss almost all of my other mascaras out!  Your lashes are left nice and soft, without being icky and brittle.  Oh, and something I should’ve mentioned previously – I only use one coat of mascara, no matter what brand/formula I use.  So, maybe two coats would give me even better length?  Anywho!  I don’t think you’ll be disappointed

So here are rules:

1. Post the award on your blog.
2. Link me for giving it to you.
3. Link the originating post here.
4. Pass the award on to five more deserving people.
5. Post these rules for your recipients.

I’m passing this award along to:
Leony @ Babbling
Vanessa @ NessasaryMakeup
Scrangie @ Scrangie
Aprill @ Glitter.Gloss.Garbage.
Krista @ I Love Makeup

Thanks Mari!  I appreciate it a lot!

Product: 2 of 5
Packaging: 4 of 5
Quality: 4 of 5
Price: 2 of 5
Overall: 3 of 5
Would I repurchase? Eh, maybe… I mean, this can be quite costly.  If I’m going to spend almost $11 on mascara, I want to know it does what it says!

::: The Product :::
L’Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes comes in a double-sided package.  The Nourishing Basecoat side is white, and the center and Ultra Lengthening Topcoat are red.  The mascara package has the brand name, color and company information in silver lettering across the center of the packaging.  Each mascara tube contains 0.17 FL OZ/5.2 ml of the basecoat, and 0.16 FL OZ/5.0 ml of the topcoat, and measures approximately 5.5” in length.  L’Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes is available in two colors: Blackest Black and Black.

According to L’Oreal, Double Extend Beauty Tubes are: “revolutionary lash extension effect mascara that provides up to 80% longer-looking, nourished lashes.”  (The fact that Blinc Kiss Me has long been out must’ve been lost by L’Oreal!)  Benefits of the tubes include: longwearing hold, smudge proof, flake proof, clump-free length, Ophthalmologist and allergy tested, suitable on sensitive eyes & for contact lens wearers.

The following instructions are suggested for using L’Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes:
Step 1: Nourishing Base Coat:
The rich base coat infused with Ceramide R and D-Panthenol protects, nourishes and strengthens the lashes creating the perfect base for tube application.

Step 2: Ultra Lengthening Tube Top Coat:
As the mascara sets, it envelopes your lashes in small tubes that act like lash-lengthening extensions: lashes look up to 80% longer!

The tubes have impeccable hold and wear, so they will not smudge, smear, run, or flake.

Step 3: Easy, Smudge-Free Removal:
The mascara tubes remove easily with plenty of warm water, without the need for makeup remover.

When washing your face, simply smooth the tubes away from your lashes with your fingertips, or hold a cotton pad soaked in warm water on the lashes for 30 seconds.

With plenty of warm water, tubes will remove gently without any smudges or smears.

::: The Ingredients :::
Water – Aqua , Paraffin , Potassium Cetyl Phosphate , Acrylates Copolymer , Beeswax – Cera Alba , Carnauba Wax – Cera Carnauba , Steareth-2 , Cetyl Alcohol , Phenoxyethanol , Hydroxyethylcellulose , Acacia Senegal Gum – Acacia Senegal , Rayon , Panthenol , Ethylenediamine/Stearyldimer Dilinoleate Copolymer , Methylparaben , Sodium Dehydroacetate , Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil , Hydrogenated Palm Oil , 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol , Disodium EDTA , Ethylparaben , Simethicone , Rosa Canina Fruit Oil , Isopropylparaben , Isobutylparaben , Butylparaben , Titanium – CI 77891 – May Contain , Water – Aqua , Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer , Butylene Glycol , Alcohol Denat. , Sodium Laureth-12 Sulfate , Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolyme , Isohexadecane , Phenoxyethanol , Rayon , Polysorbate 80 , Methylparaben , Imidazolidinyl Urea , Sodium Dehydroacetate , Disodium EDTA , Silica , Ethylparaben , Isopropylparaben , Isobutylparaben , Butylparaben , Iron Oxides – CI 77499 – CI 77491 – CI 77492 – May Contain , Ultramarines – CI 77007 – May Contain , Mica – May Contain , Carmine – CI 75470 – May Contain , Chromium Oxide Greens – CI 77288 – May Contain , Chromium Hydroxide Green – CI 77289 – May Contain , Titanium Dioxide – CI 77891 – May Contain , Ferric Ferrocyanide – CI 77510 – May Contain

::: My Experience :::
I heard about this mascara a few months ago when it was released in Europe, but hadn’t hit America yet.  One girl on a forum said it was the best mascara ever, and even had before and after pictures of her with the mascara on.  I was seemingly sold, but wanted to see more reviews on it.  Eventually L’Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes were available in the USA, and a few other people said they loved it too.  I got my aunt to buy it while she was here over Thanksgiving, and neither of us seemed too impressed. 

Suffice it to say, my “partner in crime” bought it and loved it!  Now, my lovely friend is very particular about her mascara, and is always looking for something that’ll give her good length.  So, if she raved about this, I figured it would be worth getting.  I finally caved and purchased it at CVS for $10.99 (about $2 more than I would’ve paid in Wal-Mart).  

Once I was home and had the chance, I tested out the mascara.  I applied the mascara as directed on one eye, and used my Shiseido The Makeup Mascara Base on the other eye with the mascara (instead of using the accompanying basecoat).  I didn’t see much difference at all honestly.  I can say, the side with Shiseido Mascara Base took a lot more effort to get the mascara off.  

Well, I decided I would try out the mascara again to give it an honest shot.  My friend said to use the primer it came with, so I did.  Again – Nothing spectacular.  I received the same results M.A.C. Plushlash gives me, minus any real volume.  It didn’t clump when applied, nor did it flake or smudge throughout the day, so I can say that’s a claim L’Oreal made on this product that’s true.  

I honestly don’t think this will be in heavy rotation with my other mascaras.  I’m seriously tempted to just toss it out.  Too bad it’s not sanitary to swap out used mascaras, or else this bad boy would be up for grabs on a new home! 

::: Overall :::
I think L’Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes is a hit-or-miss mascara.  It seems a lot of girls love it, and some of us hate it.  As for me, it did nothing.  I didn’t see any dramatic change in my eyelash length – definitely NOT the 80% L’Oreal claims the mascara will give me.  If you’re willing to spend $9 – $11 on this as opposed to Blinc Kiss Me Mascara for $25, then go for it.  But if you don’t get the results you hoped for, you can at least remember I did warn you!

Sometimes I miss my childhood… And the reason being?  I miss Strawberry Shortcake, Rainbow Brite, and My Little Pony LOL!  I know, it sounds silly!  So many cartoons these days just leave me wondering what kind of crap will be on TV when I have grandkids?!  I mean, have you seen “Chowder” on Cartoon Network?!

My oldest daughter loves to ask me if this or that was on when my husband and I were kids.  99.9% of the time the answer is “Nope!”  But try to get them to watch The Flintstones, The Jetsons, or Tom & Jerry… Ha!  They have no idea what funny is!  The kids snub their noses towards such classics!

On top of cartoons, I also miss being able to just live daily without any real worries.  I mean, the most we had to worry about as kids might be the spelling test at the end of the week.  Okay, until we got a bit older, and then we had Algebra tests and whatnot.  But still, there weren’t any worries over bills, work, or doing laundry LOL!

If you could go back, just for a day, what age would you want to be again, and why?  I honestly don’t know what age I’d want to be… Maybe 7 or 8 years old.  Seems like a good age, no?  No real worries at all!  Man, that’s a life!

This is one of my all-time favorite recipes.  It’s slightly time consuming to make, but totally worth it in the end!  In the words of Rachael Ray, “Yum-O!”

Prep Time: 20-30 mins.
Cook Time: 45-60 mins.
Serves: 6-10

Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
1 tender celery rib, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 2 TSP dried)
12 ounces ground beef
1/2 cup dry red wine
2 cups peeled seeded, and chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned imported Italian peeled tomatoes, drained and chopped)
1 cup store-bought beef broth
1 lb penne
1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino romano cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese 

Directions
Pour the oil into a skillet large enough to hold all of the cooked pasta. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and basil. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.

Add the beef and cook, stirring frequently to break up any lumps, about 10 minutes. Add the wine and bring to a simmer. Cook 1 minute.

Stir in the tomatoes, broth, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer on low heat 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 TBSP of salt, then the pasta. Stir well. Cook over high heat, stirring frequently, until the pasta is almost tender but slightly underdone. Set aside some cooking water. Drain the pasta.

Add the pasta to the skillet and raise the heat to medium. Cook, stirring the pasta well, for 2 minutes, adding some of the water if necessary. Stir in the cheeses and serve immediately.