Tasty Tuesday: Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Surprise! Tasty Tuesday has gone on a Cinco de Mayo cooking spree! Not really, but I did manage to cook up 3 different recipes that are perfect for any kind of party! And with Cinco de Mayo right around the corner, it's time to get cooking! These recipes are meant to be paired with the drinks I made for Thirsty Thursday so stay tuned for that post too! 

Motivational Monday: Be Fierce

This is something my dad and I were chatting about on our walk this morning, being fierce. The world we live in requires one to be strong, passionate, thick-skinned, and fierce. To climb to the top and be successful we must work our way there. We can't let others determine our success or failures. So far, I've learned this the hard way. Maybe William Shakespeare knew something we didn't. 

I'm not a big person, round yes, but not big. I'm only 5'6 on a good day and I look the same as I did in the 4th grade. No joke, you should see the pictures. I don't look like an adult who is successful. My dad on the other hand is a big dude. Kinda round, but definitely big. Standing at 6'3, body of a linebacker and a semi-belly, he is quite intimidating. When he enters a room, he commands the entire rooms attention without trying. 

I guess that's the point of this motivational monday. No matter your size, stature, wealth, or status, be fierce. If you are fierce, you will succeed. This doesn't just mean in your career. And being fierce doesn't mean being a bitch. It means being a go-getter. Go after your career, your dreams, that guy at the coffee shop. Find your confidence that is boiling inside of you and take charge of your life. It can be scary, but I'm always here to be fierce with you. 

Thirsty Thursday: Pomegranate Lemonade Twist

Summer is quickly approaching which means BBQ and Lemonade! This drink pairs perfectly with my Mongolian Beef Sandwiches from Tasty Tuesday! It's very refreshing, light, and has a little twist! Check out the recipe below and don't forget to share with me you Pomegranate Lemonade Twists!

You could always switch it up and use any fruit you want! Blueberries, strawberries, even watermelon! However you try this drink, enjoy! 

Tasty Tuesday: Mongolian Beef Sandwiches

I wanted to do something pretty savory for this week's Tasty Tuesday. And considering that it was Briam's first real meal at home after being away for 10 days, it definitely had to be good. I love the Mongolian Beef from P.F. Chang's. So very very much. But I really wanted to make a Korean BBQ taco. So I took inspiration form both and made Mongolian Beef Sandwiches! I hope you guys like the new recipe set up, a fancy recipe card! 

Boyfriend tested. Boyfriend Approved. 

I was beyond happy with how these turned out!

Motivational Monday

My entire life I was taught this: If it doesn't make you happy, don't do it. Everyday I try to live by this philosophy. Now that's not to say that everything I do everyday of my life make me happy, of course not, but what I get as a result of what I do makes me happy. I'll give you a few examples to better explain myself. 

I had a good job. Paid $9/hour, always had Sunday and Monday off. But I was so unhappy. I found a different job that paid $8.25/hour and I was continuously happy. I left the first job because the second job made me happier. I still have a job, my bills are still paid, and I have a much larger chance of growing with the company. Taking a small pay cut for greater rewards made me happier. 

Still on the subject of jobs, I got a 2nd job whilst at my $8.25/hour job as a  guest services manager of a bigger retail store. Paid $14.25/hour, full-time. After 2 months, I left. I was horribly mistreated, harassed, and gossiped about. The pay was not worth it. I would cry on my way to work because of how much I hated working there. No job should EVER make you cry. I went back to my $8.25/hour job, because it made me happy. 

Another example, regarding my education: I went to FSU (Florida State) for almost 3 years. I switched between 4 different majors and was floundering. I got a 4 in my Calc 2 class. A 4 out of 100. Big fat F. So I packed up my things, moved home, and went to a local state college. I now have a 3.83 GPA, I was inducted into Sigma Beta Delta, and I have plans to get my MBA. I still love FSU, that's where I'll get my MBA, but it wasn't making me happy at the time. Now I'm extremely proud of my education and intelligence. Moving home and starting fresh made me happy. 

Living your life this way will seriously increase your quality of life. Planning for your future, of happiness, and mapping out how to get there with a clear plan of action will lead you to your happiness. Everyday try to be happy. Do something everyday that makes you happy. Exercise, read a book, watch YouTube videos, scroll through blogs, play with your pet, kiss your significant other. 

JUST GO BE HAPPY

Fancy Friday

With Easter almost here, and yes I still believe and do give Easter baskets just grown-up style, everything, except the table, are totally Easter basket worthy! I'm obsessed with all of the nail polishes by Butter London and the newest fragrance by Dolce and Gabbana is amazing! Check out all of the goodies I'm fancying this Friday and get some last minute inspiration for a grown-up Easter basket! 

Butter London Nail Laquer in Molly Coddled, Cheeky Chops, Slapper, Sprog, Primrose Hill Picnic, and Trout Pout

Dolce by Dolce and Gabbana

St. James Dining Table by Restoration Hardware

Crystal Parallel Ring by Bauble Bar in Gold

#Selfie Shirt by The Chainsmokers 

What are fancying this Friday? Any cool Easter gifts?

Things I Love: Belts

If there were ever the perfect accessory to add the finishing touch to any outfit, it would be a chic and simple belt! I love belts for multiple reasons. 1) The help keep your clothes on. Always a bonus. 2) If you're more hips and shoulder like me, they will show off your was it line. and finally 3) Adding a belt will make you look polished and pulled together, even if you're in a rush!

Here are my four favorite belts that I'm loving right now!

1: BCBG Double Wrap Waist Belt $38
2: Witchery Kris Cross Belt $50
3: Kate Spade Bow Belt $68
4: Meredith Wendell Yaya Lurex Belt $225

How do add belts to your outfits?

Which belt is your favorite?

Thirsty Thursday: Peep-Arita, An Easter Margarita

I'm convinced that my dad is the king of margaritas. That's the only drink he ever orders. EVER. So when I decided I was going to make a margarita for Easter, obviously I called him and made him the official taste tester! I guess he really liked it because he kept drinking the glass I made him! He even ate the peep and called it a drunken bunny... Oh dad. Anyways, this is the perfect grown-up Easter drink! And it pairs perfectly with my Easter Eggs from Tasty Tuesday! My dad was very happy when I showed up at his house with tequila and eggs! 

Ingredients:

1 Part Tequila (Silver is preferred) 

3 Parts Margarita Mix

1 tbsp Grenadine

Food Coloring of Choice

Peeps of Choice (optional)

Directions:

1. To a shaker full of ice add: tequila, margarita mix, and grenadine. Shake to mix.

2. Pour mixture into a margarita glass.

3. Now it's time to pick your color! I wanted to go for a purple so I added red and blue food coloring. More blue than red because of the red grenadine. The lighting made the purple look darker, but it was much lighter. Obviously the peep isn't that neon, so yeah. 

4. For an optional garnish, cut a peep in the center and place it on the rim of the glass, Easter style! 

Obviously you can omit the tequila and have virgin margaritas! Which would be perfect for the almost legal drinkers! However you make this drink, enjoy! 

HAPPY EASTER!

Tasty Tuesday: Angel Eggs Turned Easter Eggs

I love Deviled Eggs. But I was told on Easter they should be called Angel Eggs. Hence the post title. Anyways, I love my step-mom's Angel Eggs and wanted to pay tribute to her recipe but add some twists of my own! My Angel Eggs have been turned into a super fun dish, perfect for Easter! Here's how you make your Easter Eggs! 

Ingredients:

9 Large Eggs - Hard Boiled

1/2 C Mayonaise

1 tbsp Dijon Mustard

Salt and Pepper to taste

Paprika for a garnish

Food Coloring for FUN!

Directions:

1. Once your eggs are cooled down peel them and pat the dry. 

2. Set up your food coloring pools. I picked green, blue, and pink. 

3. Scoop out the yolk of each egg half and put in a bowl to set aside for later.

4. Color your eggs to your desired color. I only let mine sit for about 15-20 seconds each. I was going for the pastel look.

5. After you take each egg out of the color pool, or bath, whatever you want to call it, set on a paper towel briefly to absorb any extra liquid. Transfer all eggs to a desired egg holder. I used a pyrex container because I will most likely be taking these to my parents house tonight. 

6. In the bowl with the egg yolks, mix in the mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix very well. 

7. Because its easier for me, I used a piping bag to get the yolk mixture into the eggs. You can get the piping bag and tips at Walmart for a good price. 

8. Add the paprika if you want and you are ready to go! Enjoy! 

9. I did snack on a few, but I put the rest in the fridge to set before I transport them! 

Adding color to the eggs takes them for typical holiday/picnic food to perfect Easter appetizer! 

However you make these Easter eggs, enjoy! 

Motivational Monday

Many of us spend our days either remembering how our life used to be or how we think it should've been. I'm guilty of it myself, both ways of thinking. This quote really struck me because it's so very true. I know my life is neither what it used to be or how I though it would be, but if I would let go of those thoughts, my life could be better than I know it to be. 

I look back at my life before I went to college, I really feel like I had my life together. I had friends. I was accepted into 4 major Florida universities. I was going to go into the medical field and cure the world of something. I was a dancer and was darn good at it. I had a lot of things going for me. 

I think of how I wish my life would've been. Thrive in a career I enjoy. A career that pays a butt load of money, of course. I would have a big house, multiple cars, and a husband. I would travel the world, and could leave at a moments notice. I was the best housewife on the block, baking, cleaning, throwing parties. I was going to have a lot going for me. 

But now, my life is neither of those visions. I left FSU and will receive my B.A. from a local state college. I live with my boyfriend and his parents. I have no idea what I'm going to do career wise once I graduate. My debt is continuously growing each month from all of my bills. And my car is a hot mess. 

If you have read The Secret, then you should. And I feel like I need to reread it. It will help change your outlook on life and your actual life. My life is not a bad life. I have a loving father and a boyfriend who loves me unconditionally. I know that one day I'll have the life I dreamed of, but for now, I'm thankful for the life I've been given. 

Fancy Friday: Chloe + Isabel (On Saturday!)

So this isn't really a sponsored post. It is my own business. I work for an amazing jewelry company called Chloe+Isabel that you seriously need to check out! The make the most beautiful jewelry, have a lifetime guarantee, and all of the pieces are hypoallergenic! For this fancy Friday, on a Saturday, I wanted to show you some of my favorite pieces that I've been loving lately!

This is the newest addition to the Chloe+Isabel line, a new perfume! With beautiful notes of peach nectar, bergamot, jasmine sambac, white violet, and vanilla absolute, this scent is perfect for spring and summer! This scent lasts all day and even works well in your hair! I don't know about you but I love spraying perfume in my hair and being able to get a fresh scent every time I tousle my hair! 

Check it out here! 

This is the Terrace Blooms Toggle Bracelet. and It happens to go perfectly with the earrings I showed you in another Fancy Friday! I love toggle bracelets! I don't what it is about them but they have such a "Tiffany's" feel. The bold yellow and beautiful turquoise make a stunning combination that will surely be an attention grabber at your next BBQ! 

Check it out here! 

Maybe it's because I'm head over heels in love, or maybe it's just because I love dainty rings, who knows, but I seriously love these "Be Mine" Nesting Rings! They're so cute and make such a darling statement. It could even be used as a simple promise ring! Were them together or separately, getting 2 for the price of 1! 

Check it out here! 

I've been wanting a charm necklace for quite a while now! It's so elegant when done right, and Chloe+Isabel got it on point! I love Ship Wheels more than anything so you know I was super excited when I saw this! You could hook it onto a necklace, bracelet, watch, handbag, or even use it as a cellphone charm! 

Check it out, and others, here! 

And now for the grande finale, the badass Multi-Strand Signature Torsade Necklace. We all need that one piece of jewelry that makes our LBD turn into a badass LBD. This necklace is gorgeous, elegant, hardcore, and amazing. It is beyond one of the most beautiful fashion necklaces I've ever seen! 

Become a badass and check it out here! 

Not interested in any of my Fancy Friday favorites? That's okay! Check out my boutique to see other beautiful pieces and begin growing your collection today!

Email me, found in the contact me section, to learn how you can earn free jewelry! 

Thirty Thursday: Sparkling Spiked Apple Juice (On Saturday!)

Yeah, okay, I'm late again. But this week has been pretty hectic. Some personal stuff but the biggest thing, which I can share with you, is that I was inducted into Sigma Beta Delta. SBD is the national honor society for business. Only the top 10% in each college, and the top 20% students in the national get inducted into SBD. It was such a huge honor. I got a pin, cords for graduation, a plaque, and a title that will stay with me forever. 

This was the obvious cause for celebration with my sparkling spiked apple juice!

Ingredients: 

1 Smirnoff Ice Sparkling Crisp Apple

1/2 C Apple Juice

1/2 C Cranberry Juice

1/2 Gala Apple (sliced)

Directions:

1. Pour in the Smirnoff.

2. Add the Apple and Cranberry Juice. 

3. Slice the apple and add to your drink. 

4. Stir it up and enjoy!

You could use any other fruit juice that you like to make a yummy combination! This ended up tasting just like apple soda, if there ever were such a thing. 

However you mix this, enjoy! 

What I Ate Wednesday

Oh hey, it's Wednesday! And that could only mean it must be What I Ate Wednesday! Read on if you're really curious about what I ate today! It was a good food day! 

For breakfast I had my Italian Inspired Egg Muffins. I only got to have 4 off the 12 I made. Briam went in on them last night. But they were delicious the next day! All I did was warm them up in the microwave for about 1 minute. 

For lunch I had a steamers meal that was the Beef Merlot. It was that good. I only ate the steak and carrots, threw the rest out. But I did love my Key Lime Chobani with Chai seeds in it! The flavor was great and the texture was even better! Chobani is my favorite brand of greek yogurt. They're normally on sale at Publix 4/$5. 

Oh boy, dinner was great! Tonight was the last class/presentation of my Bachelor's Degree so my team went out to celebrate at Cowboys! I ordered the Cowboys Egg rolls for an appetizer. Pulled pork and coleslaw fried in an egg roll, amazing. For my main course I ordered the Pig In A Potato! Pulled pork on top of a baked potato dressed to the nines! Butter, Sour Cream, Cheddar cheese, Bacon, and Chives! 

What did you eat on this glorious Wednesday? 

P.S. - I'm currently having a Daily's Bahama Mama frozen drink! So good! 2/$4 at Publix! I had the Blue Hawaiian the other night! 

Tasty Tuesday: Italian Inspired Egg Muffins

I'm not sure of the technical name for what I'm making, I just like to call them egg muffins. They're eggs, made in a muffin tin. Egg muffins. Today I'm taking inspiration from Italy and using some of my favorite Italian ingredients: prosciutto and parmesan cheese. These egg muffins can be eaten for breakfast or a snack. Or whenever you really feel like eating them. You can make them at the beginning of the week, freeze them, and have breakfast all week. I love an easy to make and eat meal! 

Ingredients:

12 Large Eggs
1 Package of Prosciutto
1/4C Parmesan Cheese
Salt and Pepper to Taste
Basil for Garnish

Directions:

1. Cut the prosciutto into little chunks and place in each muffin tin.
2. "Scramble" each egg and pour into each muffin tin.
3. Top with grated parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and basil.
4. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. 

Before:

After:

You could always use a different meat, or add veggies, or any ingredient that you want to try!

However you make these muffins, enjoy!

HUGE HAUL: Ulta, VS PINK, Yankee Candle, Lush, Walmart, and JustFab

It's a pretty big haul. I mean I've been collecting this stuff for like a month now. I refused to use/wear some of the things because I wanted to film/blog my haul first. It took me almost 30 minutes to put everything away after I filmed and did pictures. Now that doesn't seem like a lot of time. But considering it only takes me about 10 minutes to put a week's worth of groceries away, it seems like forever. Anyways, check out the pictures of my haul and make sure to watch the video linked down below! 

There are some things missing from the pictures. To see everything from the haul, make sure to watch the YouTube video, here! 

Motivational Monday

This one should be fun. This Motivational Monday is going to be about education! Now education doesn't mean going to college or getting a higher degree, it's about continuously learning. College isn't for everyone, and I understand that. I do urge you to try it out though. Even if you can to a community college, a local state college, or a big university, just try. You will learn that if you've put your best foot forward and it's still not for you, you can still succeed in life. 

My parents didn't go to college. My mom ended up being a manager of a grocery store before she passed away. Not the most glorious life, but she could support herself. My dad was accepted to college on a football scholarship, but he blew his knee out before school started and couldn't play football and therefore couldn't go to college. But what my dad did was he still continued his education. He has had a multitude of jobs. But he was successful at each job. Even still, he's successful being self-employed. He supports his wife, helps out me and my stepsister, and has 2 employees that he loves like family. One of them has 3 children that my dad continuously buys toys for, he spoils them. 

Oscar Wilde got it right, you can never be overdressed or overeducated. My dad always taught me that my education is something that no one in this world will ever be able to take away from me. And that it something that is very important to me. I'm still struggling to decide if I want to be done with my educational journey, with a B.A. in Organizational Management or continue on to get my MBA. Who know's what I'll do. Either way, I'll never stop learning. I read a book everyday. Not a whole book, put at least a few pages. I like to mix it up between fiction and business type books. 

Whatever you do in your life, do not stop learning. 

An extra quote for your Motivational Monday, 

"If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room."

Thirsty Thursday: Raspberry Mango Chiller

It's a grown-up drink for this week's Thirsty Thursday. Now yes, I know it's not Thursday. I do know that it's Saturday. But I didn't have any rum on Thursday. Made this last night, had too much (the whole mason jar), and promptly went to bed. So now, on this glorious Saturday, I'm finally posting my Thirsty Thursday post. Introducing, the Raspberry Mango Chiller.

Ingredients:

1 Container of Del Monte Mango Chunks

1 Container of Del Monte Mango and Pear Chunks in Passion Fruit Juice

1 C of V* Splash Diet Tropical Blend Juice

1/4 C Bacardi Pineapple Rum

1/2 C Talenti Roman Raspberry Sorbet 

Directions:

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a blend. 

2. Blend until smooth. 

3. Pour into a jar/cup. 

4. Add a sassy straw and enjoy! 

So I can't be exactly sure why the colors came out differently. It's the exact same ingredients and amounts. All I know is that new jar of Talenti was much lighter in color than my older jar of Talenti that I had for a little bit of time. The both tasted the same, and have been approved by Briam. And by the way, Briam enjoys Blue Long Islands and thinks they're "no big deal". So i was happy to hear that he liked my concoction. 

No matter how you try this recipe, enjoy!

Fancy Friday

Buy all the things. The closer I get to graduation the more I want to reward myself. As I pass each final, I want to reward myself even more. I guess when you work so hard at creating a better life for yourself, you actually want to see those efforts become tangible rewards. These nothing wrong with treating yourself after all your expenses have been taken care of. This includes putting away some money into a savings account. I'm a firm believer in taking care of your business before you take care of yourself. But that's also why the rewards are ever so nice.  

I can not say enough about Fossil. I think they are an outstanding watch company at a reasonable price. They are on the higher-end of the watch game, but for the quality, function, and beauty, it's definitely worth it. I bought the Riley Multifunction Stainless Steel Watch in Rose Gold about 9 months ago and it's perfect. The colors, the fact that it holds up to me wearing it everyday, water resistant, there's just so much more I could say. But it is a bigger watch, which is why I've been eyeing the Olive Three-Hand Stainless Steel Watch! So pretty, dainty, and decked out! 

I mean, who doesn't love a good pair of dayboat shorts? The color is beautiful and they have little fishes in a vibrant yellow all over. These are like the perfect quintessential South Florida Girl shorts! When I first stumbled across Vineyard Vines I immediately fell in love. Too bad I don't really frequent the beach or go yachting on the weekends... Nope I chill with Briam and watch Futurama reruns. But I would look super cute at home in these shorts! Check out these Fish Embroidered Dayboat Shorts in Aquamarine here!

Is it really that obvious. I love Pink. I work at Pink. I enjoy the occasional "my friend just turned 21, I guess we need to party" party. I'm also a fan of the "I just passed a test on Strategic Planning in 8 minutes with a 100" party. And even though I'm not a real beach goer, I love a fun beach towel. So when the day comes that I become a real Florida girl and love the beach, you better believe that this Beach Towel from PINK will be in my beach bag! 

If Kesha had a bath bomb, this would be it. And I would happily share a PG bath time with her. Here are the reasons why I need it in my life: 1) It's a bath bomb and I truly enjoy baths. 2) It's exterior layer is gold glitter, I would bath in real glitter if I could. 3) It's called the Golden Egg, Easter is almost here. 4) It's made by Lush. 5) It makes me happier than any other bath bomb. If those aren't all the best reasons why you should get it too, than I don't know how to help you. Lush got it right for this Easter, the Golden Egg is on point!

This looks like an awkward sex toy, I know. But it's actually one of the coolest curling irons I've ever seen. The curls/waves the produce are so fun and beachy that it's perfect for summer. I've seen my friend with hair done to her butt use this and her curls will hold for over 2 days. Legit awesome. I'd be happy with this one from Bed Head or the one from Hot Tools. If we're being honest, this picture was the least awkward of the two. This is called the Rock 'N Roller Bubble Curling Iron Wand. What a  mouth full. 

Obviously I have to toot my own horn here. These earring are from Chloe + Isabel, a jewelry company that I sell for. They are beyond gorgeous, have a lifetime guarantee, are hypoallergenic, and are only $28. Of course I do get a small commission if you buy these, legally have to tell you that, but I wouldn't show you anything that I didn't fully support 100%. check out these Terrace Blooms Aqua Duo Earrings at my exclusively online boutique. 

What are you fancying this Friday?