Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Shampoo For Dry Hair

Shea Moisture & ORS Product Review

natural hair, wet natural hair, moisturizing shampoo, ORS, Shea Moisture, hydrating natural hair, LOC methodI think I have dry hair. I try everything I can to hydrate my hair. I've tried different moisturizers, I've tried the LOC method, I've even consulted with my cosmetologist. She tells me that it's a mind thing but in between wash days, my hair just looks and feels so dry! Because of that, I'm putting forth a concerted effort into helping my hair get and maintain moisture.

When fell into this fiasco I had planned to review a new shampoo (Shea Moisture's Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo). We all know that didn't happen!!
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Thursday, December 25, 2014

Christmas 2014


Enjoy your families and Happy Birthday Jesus!!

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Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas Eve

2014


It's the night before Christmas and all through the house...
we're having a good ol' time
eating, lounging, and laughing!
Enjoy your family folks
and don't forget
Jesus is the real reason for the season!



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Tuesday, December 23, 2014

December '14 Length Check

Length Check at 33 Months Natural

I made a length check shirt in April but because of so many reasons (to include a hair cut) I never got around to using the shirt. I'm doing this length check as a fresh start, since I recently had my sew-in taken out.

I used these pictures in my last hair post to show how much length I'd retained with the sew-in despite the TRAUMA I experienced while taking it out!

July 9 = 127 weeks natural (2 years, 5 months, 9 days)
86 weeks since the BC (1 year, 7 months, 26 days)


November 5 = 144 weeks natural (2 years, 9 months, 4 days)
103 weeks since the BC (1 year, 11 months, 26 days...almost 2 years)
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Thursday, December 18, 2014

Chicken & Rice Dinner

A Quick & Easy Recipe

I haven't done a recipe in a while, so I decided to break up the hair posts with a quick and good Chicken and Rice recipe! Yeah, I kind of do these recipes for you but I do them for me too. When I forget how to make something, I refer back to my own recipe posts. They come in handy!

A recipe for chicken and rice with gravy and vegetables

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Tuesday, December 16, 2014

My Sew-In Story, Part 4

The Aftermath of My Matted Hair

I know y'all are wondering what happened next, so I'm going to skip the suspense and get right to it.

The way my head looked in Part 3 of my story is exactly how my head looked when I walked into the salon. I'd twisted the hair that had been untangled and left the matted hair as it was. We jumped right on it when I got there. The only parts of my hair that needed detangling now were a few rows in the back half of my head. I told her exactly what I did, and didn't do, and she said: "I knew that's what happened!"
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Tuesday, December 9, 2014

My Sew-In Story, Part 3

Untangling My Matted Natural Hair

We're just coming off Part 1 and Part 2 of my sew-in story. I'm sure you're all wondering what in the world I did with all that matted hair, right?! Well, let me tell you!

It usually takes me no time at all to detangle my hair. I mentally prepared myself because I knew this time would be different. I figured my hair had been braided for months; I was just going to have to put some muscle in! I got set to detangle a small portion of my hair and I kid you not when I tell you it took me about 20 to 30 minutes to detangle one very small piece of hair! It was then I knew I messed up.

Untangling my matted natural hair

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Thursday, December 4, 2014

My Sew-In Story, Part 2

Washing My Hair After The Sew-In

Last week I started this story; this week it gets a little juicier!!

As the week went on, I got more and more curious about what my hair looked like. I'd done my research on YouTube and convinced myself that I could wash my hair on my own, I didn't need to go to the salon! This was mistake number one!

When I say I did my research on YouTube, that means I found one video tutorial, that's right, only one...this one. I thought it was done so well I just knew I could easily do this myself. I spent a good couple of days running around town trying to make sure I had the products used in the video. I bought Kinky Curly's Knot Today Natural Leave-In Detangler and Shea Moisture's Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo.
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Thursday, November 27, 2014

Thankful

Thanksgiving Day 2014


I'm thankful for the time I'm getting to spend with my family!!
Hope you are too!

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Monday, November 24, 2014

My Sew-In Story, Part 1

Taking Out My Sew-In

I thought about this for quite some time. I kept my sew-in in for about 10 weeks. I got over my initial thoughts and prepared my hair well enough each day to get me through the time I kept it in. There were even days when I really loved it and thought it looked great but there were plenty of days when I wished for something completely different.
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Friday, November 21, 2014

FabHER Fridays #11

Good Morning All!

Let me begin by saying that I'm still around. I have not forgotten about my blog, but you all know it's the holidays so I'm sure you understand there are millions of things going on. I wanted to let you know that I'm working on the first part of my Sew-In Story so please stay tuned for that. It will go live next week!

Now, it's time for FabHER Friday!!!!!

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Are you looking for a way to connect in this bloggy world?! We all know that feeling we get when we find an awesome blog or blogger we can relate to. Here's just one way to connect! Here you can share any post you like, old or new! Post and check out some of the other links listed!


Meet your fabulous hosts!

RULES
1. Submit your link to a post from your blog below. Submit any post you want! Tell us about your kids, your natural hair journey, your pets, your day, ANYTHING!
2. Visit the post of the person in front of you AND leave a comment!
(Besides, how else will we help each other if we don't make these connections?!
To be honest, it'd be great if you check out more than one post!
I'm sure you'll find something you like!!)
3. Show some love to the hosts by following along on social media!
(All three of us would really appreciate that)
4. Share the button somewhere on your blog and invite others to join!
Tweet about the link up using the hashtag #FHFridays
The more the merrier!

itsRatedNGEE





Have a good weekend and enjoy yourselves and your families! I love the holidays!



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Friday, November 14, 2014

FabHER Fridays #10

FabHER Friday is here again!!!

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Are you looking for a way to connect with one another in this bloggy world?! We all know the great feeling we get when we find an awesome blog we can relate to,  so here's one more way to do that?! Here you can share any post you like, old or new! Post and check out some of the other links listed!


Meet your fabulous hosts!

RULES
1. Submit your link to a post from your blog below. Submit any post you want! Tell us about your kids, your natural hair journey, your pets, your day, ANYTHING!
2. Visit the post of the person in front of you AND leave a comment!
(Besides, how else will we help each other if we don't make these connections?!
To be honest, it'd be great if you check out more than one post!
I'm sure you'll find something you like!!)
3. Show some love to the hosts by following along on social media!
(All three of us would really appreciate that)
4. Share the button somewhere on your blog and invite others to join!
Tweet about the link up using the hashtag #FHFridays
The more the merrier!

itsRatedNGEE





Have a good weekend! This is the perfect time for getting cozy!

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Wednesday, November 12, 2014

I Got A Story To Tell

My Sew-In Story

The intro/warning to and for first time do-it-yourself natural hair sew-in care.If you guys follow me on Twitter (@allnaturalmi) then you know I've recently taken my sew-in out. 
If you follow me on Instagram (@allnaturalmi) I'm sure you know I would've posted pictures by now


...and the plot thickens!

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Monday, November 10, 2014

Prayers

Dealing With Loss

Encouraging words for the death of a family member or someone close to you

Words I used to comfort a friend are now words I'm putting into the universe for my family. My grandfather passed away last night and I am praying comfort, peace, and strength over my family.

Reverend Curtis Earl Henderson, Sr.

Without him there would be no me. Keep us in your prayers.

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Monday, October 27, 2014

What's In Your Bag?!

What to put in your gym bag in preparation for the gym!

A few weeks ago Femme Fitale Fit Club hosted this link up. I thought this was a great topic...so I wanted to talk about what's in my gym bag!

The items I put in my gym bag when going to workout.
The items are numbered to match each section
Notepad & Pen
(1) I use this notepad to write down the exercises I do each time I work out. I have every workout I've done since June 2nd (2014). Writing down the exercises allows me to track things like how much weight I'm lifting; how many reps I'm doing with the weight I'm lifting; and it allows me to plan future workouts. I was working out last year before I moved but the notepad I was using definitely got lost in the shuffle. Here's an old post though!


Knee Wraps
(2) When I first started working out, I was playing around with the weights and unintentionally hurt my left knee. Something's out of whack and now and when I lift anything over about 90 pounds I have to wear the wrap around my left knee. When I lift even heavier weights (anything over about 150), I wear the wraps around both knees, for safety measures. The wraps take some pressure and stress of the weights off the tissues around the knees. You kind of have to get a feel for the wraps and learning when it's time for you to wrap. You don't want to wrap too early because you're trying to strengthen your knees/legs. They can't get stronger if you're preventing them from feeling the weight! It's still best to err on the side of caution!

Lifting Belt
(3) Since my max is now over 200 pounds, the belt comes in handy. The purpose of the belt is a few things. First it takes pressure off the spine when lifting. When you wear the belt you have to fasten it so there's no slack. I tighten mine to the eighth loopholes, which is just as far as it sounds! The idea is that "if you increase the pressure in the abdomen, then you better stabilize the whole area which makes for a safer environment for the spine and can increase your ability to lift heavier weights," explains Horton. If you've ever used a belt, then you understand that sentence completely! At the moment I'm using my boyfriend's lifting belt. I was trying to hold out for a pink belt, but I've yet to find one. I'd order one but I don't particularly like online shopping, so it looks like I'm just going to have to suck it up and get a plain, ol' boring black belt! #imsuchagirl


Weight Bar Pad
(4) This is something that I've had to invest in as I started lifting heavier weights. I don't know if it's the position I hold the bar or if my back/shoulders are just not built for that type of weight, but I needed something to take the pressure off my shoulders. After squatting, my shoulders would be the sorest things on my body, not my legs. Before the pad I was putting a towel between the bar and my back, but that wasn't stable enough. So I bought the bar pad, which takes some of that pressure off and has helped me lift more weights! Safety is always key!!


Etc.
~I always bring water and I some times bring a gatorade. Gotta stay hydrated!
~When I go to an actual gym, I some times use my iPod. When I'm at home, I use my computer and a Bose speaker. The acoustics in the garage are great. Some use music to get  pumped up, but I actually prefer the quiet. I'm a concentrator, so I talk to myself as I'm working out. I don't rely on the music to get my hype. Some times the music distracts me...because I'm too busy dancing...lol!
~I some times drink a pre-workout, but I don't get the "desired effect" from it, so I rarely use it.
~And last but not least, I bring a towel and a washcloth. I don't like sweating, so I'm wiping away sweat as soon as it starts to form!! Again #imsuchagirl

I know it sounds like I'm tugging a lot to and from the gym, but I like to be prepared. It also helps that I work out at home the majority of the time, so things are easily accessible.

What are some things you carry in your bag that aren't in mine?!

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Thursday, October 23, 2014

Exercise Update #3

How has my workout changed?

I was reading some of my posts and thinking to myself, "Mionna! Why are you so wordy?!" So, this post won't be long at all!

My updates for this month
(last month's update):
  • squats w/ bar: 215 pounds, 1 time
  • walking front lunges: 95 pounds, 12 times
  • standing side leg raises: 30 pounds, 15 times
  • side lunges: 25 pounds, 15 times
  • back lunges: 50 pounds, 15 times
As you can see, I've been doing some work. I haven't been to a gym in a while, but I'm still making my squat rack work for me. 

I know my next couple of updates will be a little light because the holidays are coming up and I'll be doing a lot of traveling. This is the time of year when I wouldn't be surprised if most people's workouts get a little light when they should be the heaviest! LOL. However, I'm going to keep myself motivated!!

What are some things you do to keep yourself motivated?!

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Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Boring to Amazing

Spaghetti

Since cutting out some of the unhealthy foods I eat, I've fallen into a rut of cooking the same foods often. A friend inspired me to spice up my regular old spaghetti recipe...so that's exactly what I did!

The internet is great! I researched different things I could do to turn boring spaghetti into amazing spaghetti and I found this article, which was chocked full of suggestions. Here's what I chose to do:

Ingredients:
~ a little over a pound of ground beef
~ half of a turkey sausage link, diced
~ Ragu Traditional spaghetti sauce
~ half a box of thin spaghetti noodles
~ half an onion, diced
~ a few frozen carrot cubes, thawed
~ 1/2 tbsp. of sugar
~ a few leaves of spinach, chopped
~ a few strings of shredded parmesan cheese
~ 3/4 tbsp. of butter

Instructions:
1. Sauté the diced onions in a little olive oil. I like to season my onions with a bit of salt, pepper, and onion powder for some extra flavor.
2. Add the sausage and allow the sausage the onions to cook together.
3. Before removing that mixture from the pot, add the carrots and allow them all to cook for a few minutes.
4. Remove the mixture from the pot, brown, and drain the ground beef. I seasoned the beef with salt and pepper only. I didn't want to add different seasonings since I was using so many new ingredients.
5. Combine the sausage/onion/carrot mix with the ground beef and add as much or as little spaghetti sauce as you'd like. I used half of a 45 oz. jar.
6. Add sugar and stir. I usually don't use sugar, but my mom does so I knew this would be a small but perfect addition.
7. Simmer for about 20 minutes.
8. Cook noodles.
9. Add spinach and parmesan then stir. The cheese is supposed to make the sauce creamy and rich.
10. Add about 3 tbsp. of pasta water into the spaghetti sauce. This is supposed to bring the flavors together and improve the texture of the sauce.
10. Add butter before serving the sauce. This is supposed to make the sauce rich and smooth...a tip from the professionals!

You want to talk about some good spaghetti?! THIS was some good spaghetti. Introducing a few ingredients to the pot turned boring spaghetti into Amazing Spaghetti! The portion sizes of this recipe are little on the small side. I usually cook a larger pot of spaghetti, but I didn't think I would want to eat spaghetti all week. I cut the portion sizes in half but I was still able to get 4 significantly sized portions out of this. Next time I'm definitely making a bigger pot! Also, if you want to make a homemade spaghetti sauce, these instructions would work well for that!

Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

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Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Sew-In Home Maintenance

Washing My Sew-In

Let's start this post off by giving me a round of applause for making it this far. If you remember this post, then you understand where I'm coming from.

Here's the real. I paid for this hair and it's on my head, so I have to make sure it's maintained properly. I questioned myself about what I wanted to do with it. My thought was, let's get past my birthday without looking crazy first, then I'll make some decisions. Goal Accomplished!

I don't put products in the hair because everyone (knowledgeable about sew-ins) says products will weigh it down. The stylist said natural oil from my hair would eventually spread throughout the sew-in and I'm guessing that's what's happened because it seems the hair has become "weighed down".

I decided against paying money to have someone else wash the hair because I didn't think it was worth it! I asked around to see how other ladies washed their sew-ins and to see what products they used. Then I went to the University of Youtube and got my knowledge up. After that I was pumped!! This is just hair, so what if it's sewn in, I know how to wash hair!! Plus, I'm a visual learner and I found the perfect video to help me feel comfortable enough to wash these extensions. So, here's what I did:
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Friday, October 10, 2014

FabHER Fridays #6

Welcome!

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FabHER Fridays is here!! This blog hop is a way for ladies in the blogosphere to link up with one another. You can share posts of your choosing, old or new. Just pick a fave, share, and hop around the other links!


Meet your fabulous hosts!

RULES
1. Submit your link to a post from your blog below. Submit any kind of post you want! Tell us about your arts and crafts, your kids, your natural hair journey, ANYTHING!
2. Be sure to visit the post of the person in front of you AND leave a comment!
(Besides, how else will we help each other if we don't make these connections?!
To be honest, it'd be great if you check out more than one post!
I'm sure you'll find something you like!!)
3. Show some love to the hosts by following along on social media!
4. Share the button somewhere on your blog and invite others to join!
You can tweet about the link up using the hashtag #FHFridays
The more the merrier, right?!

itsRatedNGEE





Enjoy your weekend!!

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Monday, October 6, 2014

Birthday OOTN

As you read last week, I recently celebrated a birthday!!
I had an outfit in hiding I decided to dust off for a night on the town.

My Outfit Of The Night (OOTN)!!
One piece outfit bought from Marshalls

Jumpsuit: Max Studio via Marshalls / Necklace: It's Fashion Metro /
Shoes: Charlotte Russe

It was a beautiful fall night to wear this jumpsuit and the jumpsuit itself was very comfortable. This is the first one piece outfit I've successfully worn. I was so excited that I wanted to go out and buy more one piece outfits! As a matter of fact, I did!! It was one of my birthday presents :-)

This outfit gets two thumbs up!


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Thursday, October 2, 2014

Fine as Wine

It was a stormy Friday night on the 27th of September in 1985. Despite Hurricane Gloria making her presence known, another presence was made. This was the day God decided to bring me onto this earth! This past weekend I celebrated by 29th birthday! I wasn't excited about and I'm still not too thrilled, per se, about being 29 but let's go on and add that to the list of stories to be told at another time! :-)

I unintentionally tasked my boyfriend with doing something special for my birthday weekend. I hadn't planned anything and the only goal I had was to get 'dressed up'!

Friday night we enjoyed a comedy show at DC Improv. There was a comedic MC, two comedians and the feature comedian Bobby Lee. I don't know if you guys used to watch MADtv, but he was one of the cast members (during the Key & Peele era). All of the comedians had enough joke in them to make me laugh, so I was pleased with the night.

Each morning included breakfast. If you know me, you know I love breakfast food at any time of the day!! Most days my body can't always make it up in time to enjoy some of the breakfast places I like but I guess that's why birthdays are special. I found my signature breakfast sandwich for when I'm on the go...and of course, I had my fave...IHOP!!

The weather during the work week before my birthday had been drab. You could tell autumn was nearing by the consecutive days of 70-something degree weather. I'm a Fall baby, so this is prime time for me but I was a bit worried about what Saturday would look like. Thank goodness God saw fit to kiss my cheeks with beautiful sunshine!!

I won't share all the details of my beautiful birthday but my boyfriend is an amazing planner. Saturday included some shopping at Tanger Outlets but the highlight was some of our night time plans. I finally got to ride the new ferris wheel at the National Harbor!! We also stayed at the harbor for dinner at Bond 45, an Italian steakhouse. After having one of their steaks, our standards for steak (and asparagus and spinach) have been set pretty high! Their cookies need a little work...lol...but over all the food amazing!

My family and friends showered me with love and well wishes. I'm so appreciative for being a thought on people's minds...especially on a Saturday. I've always felt like my birthday was one of the best days of my year and people who help make it even more special have a special spot in my life for that year!! It kind of helps me put into perspective my relationships with people but not to the point where you have no place if I didn't hear from you. I know things come up and people get busy, etc. etc. etc...but I appreciate being thought of! Who doesn't?! So thank you for all the Google+ messages, emails, text messages, FB messages, IG comments, twitter shoutouts, and anything else I might have forgotten!! You all are the BEST!!

Also a great big muah to my babe!!
He made my #29andfineaswine birthday a success
He def makes my heart smile :-)

P.S. Don't forget to come back tomorrow!!

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Tuesday, September 23, 2014

J. A. N.

I have a great big announcement to make!!! My niece is here...and this post is for her!

Jordynn Aubrielle Newborn
9/23/2014
10:12 PM
7 lbs 10 oz
Libra (like Auntie! :-)
 
 We're so grateful she made it here safely. To make a long story short, shortly after finding out she was a pregnant my sister had two very invasive surgeries in her abdomen area. She was in the hospital for two weeks...BUT GOD!!! My niece is healthy, pretty, and fat as all get out! :-) She looks just like her brother. I can't do anything but thank God for her safe arrival. I know He has great plans for both her and my nephew. Pressure makes diamonds! It's only the beginning for this little girl! I love her so much already!
 
 
It's times like these when being 5.5 hours away really hits hard....
Can't wait to see her!!

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Monday, September 22, 2014

Exercise Update #2

I must report that I got off track this past month. I've been traveling and entertaining guests, so it's thrown off my workout schedule. That didn't stop my from making gains though!!

Here are my updates (compared to last month's updates):
  • squats w/ bar: 185 pounds, 1 time (with a little help at the top)
  • horizontal calf (machine): 170 pounds, 10 times
  • leg extension (machine): 145 pounds, 10 times
  • leg curl (machine): 95 pounds, 8 times
  • walking front lunges: 80 pounds, 12 times
  • burnout squats: 25 pounds, 15 times
  • standing side leg raises: 10 pounds, 15 times
Here's what's new:
  • seated leg press (machine): 190 pounds, 12 times
  • hip abductor (machine): 105 pounds, 10 times
  • deadlift: 95 pounds, 4 times
  • back lunges: 20 pounds, 15 times
  • side lunges: 10 pounds, 15 times

I took about two weeks off from working out. I can definitely tell a difference. I'm working to get back where I was before I took that unscheduled break. I'm not too far off, so I know if I keep pushing I'll be back in no time! I've also noticed that I need to start some cardio. My endurance has decreased. I'm trying to work through sets as quickly as I can, so I can keep tension on the muscles I'm working out. That means shorter breaks in between each set, but since the break I get winded easier than I did before. I'm even having to pause in the middle of sets to catch my breath. I've never had to do that! So, I jog/walked about a mile yesterday around my neighborhood. I want to get to the point where I can jog the whole mile without having to stop.

Standing Side Leg Raise
I'm still about the same weight (~140 lbs) and my thighs are the same width (24"). I've added in some exercises to try and grow my hip muscles. The muscles I'm focusing on are muscles like the tensor fasciae latae, the gluteus maximus, the gluteus minimus, etc. I'm skeptical about exercises affecting hip size because I feel like that's more of a genetics thing. Regardless of what I think, I'm giving it a try. I should have actually measure my hips to add that in, so I'll probably do add that measurement to this post when I get home this afternoon, so I'll have something to compare in next month's update.

Seeing results from the new workouts will take longer than seeing results from something like squats. Squats are a compound workout. They work out multiple muscles in one movement. A workout like the side leg raises is more of an isolated workout, so it works fewer muscles. The amount of weight I can add on top of those exercises is minimal, which is another downside. When I started squatting I saw results soon after. A muscle has no choice but to grow when you're squatting 185 pounds! Leg raising 185 pounds is not likely to be happening, lol!! I know seeing results from the isolated workouts is going to take longer, so I'm just going to have to take my mind out of it...thinking that I'm not making progress if I don't SEE it!

I'm not a exercise guru, but I've done the research for the areas I'm concentrating on...plus my boyfriend helps me out a lot with the info part! Working out is an ongoing process. I'm going to continue on and hope for the best as I (and my muscles) grow!

#EveryDayIsLegDay!!!!!

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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Shrimp Fried Rice

Homemade Asian Style

It's been such a long time since I've done a recipe post. I decided to share the dinner I made last night. It's not necessarily quick and it's not necessarily the healthiest BUT it's definitely easy!!

Ingredients
1.5 pounds of large fresh shrimp
1 small green pepper
1 small white onion
Rice-A-Roni Fried Rice
2 eggs
(butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salad supreme)


Steps
1. Take a clean green pepper & peeled onion and dice. Sauté both.
(I like to sauté mine in butter but you can use oil.
I also add salt, pepper, and onion powder to season the veggies)
2. Peel and rinse shrimp. (Use whatever size or frozen if you'd like)
3.  Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and salad supreme (sounds weird, but it's tasty)!
4. Combine both the veggies and shrimp in the same pan and cook to combine flavors.
5. Cook Rice-A-Roni as instructed.
6. Take the extra step by adding 2 beaten eggs to the same pan as the rice;
scramble the eggs then mix the eggs and rice together
and let them cook together for a few minutes to combine flavors.

...and there you have it. Sometimes you don't want to get super fancy. Yeah, I ate my shrimp with Rice-A-Roni. The shrimp also goes well with oriental-flavored ramen noodles. That's what the kitchen is for...mixing and matching!

What are some unlikely combinations you've put together in your kitchen??

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Monday, September 15, 2014

Labor Day Weekend OOTD, Part 2

My part two outfit for Labor Day Weekend was more chill. I was planning on being up, out, and about all day, so this outfit allowed me to do more ripping and running!


This outfit is another TJ Maxx original! Same shopping trip as Part 1.
I'd been searching for black pants and just so happened to get lucky in that department too.
The tie-front shirts were popular this year, so I wanted to try my hand at this look! Like the other top, I'm hoping to wear this one a few more times before Autumn.
I know the sandals are hard to see but I ran up on a great sale at Belk by accident.
Like everything else I've mentioned, I've been looking for navy sandals or at least 2 years! lol
The sandals are navy blue and cork colored  Lauren (by Ralph Lauren) wedges.
I got these beautiful sandals for only $15!! I love catching good deals!
I also found this pearl necklace (that I SUPER LOVE...and wear every chance I get) by chance.
I'll have to do another post about the shoes and necklace at a later date!
So be on the lookout!


I spent some time this weekend getting creative with my pics. I have plans for my future in photography so I wanted to spend more time working on my photoshop skills.


The pic to the right is my fave.

I'm sure by now you know I'm from NC.

Everything about this picture screams North Carolina to me;

the trees, the manicured lawn, the neighborhood, the pick-up truck, the shrubbery, the bright sun (bka the heat :-)!

Being away from what you've known all your life makes you see things a little differently.

I'll always enjoy the visits! Can you tell I'm nostalgic?!?

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(I have not been paid for this post, neither is this sponsored by TJ Maxx, Belk, or Lauren by Ralph Lauren.
These thoughts are totally my own...unpaid and honest.)
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Thursday, September 11, 2014

Labor Day Weekend OOTD, Part 1

I attended a family reunion during Labor Day weekend. I wanted to look nice and I decided to go for a summer looks, so I had to shop for new outfits.
Look #1
I've been looking for white pants ALL summer. It'd be just my luck that I'd find a pair right before Labor Day! You know the "rule" is not to wear white after Labor Day.

It's a good thing I don't care about the rule...


because I plan on wearing these pants a few more times this year!


I love that this shirt opens in the back like butterfly wings...makes me feel like I'm flying! I tried to capture that with the photo, but you can't quite see it. I'm definitely hoping to wear this a few more times before it gets too cold!
The whole outfit came from TJ Maxx. That's right, I'm somewhat of a Maxxinista! LOL.
TJ Maxx seems to be one of the best places for me to find clothes these days.
The sandals are from Forever 21 (another place I have luck finding cute clothes).
I'm still searching for something a little more mature, so I've got a lot of branching out to do. Until then, I'm doing the best I can...

and I'm still taking suggestions. I've got a short list and at the top of that list is ASOS.
What are some other stores you'd suggest I check out??
I have not been paid for this post, neither is this sponsored by TJ Maxx or Forever 21.
These thoughts are totally my own...unpaid and honest.

AND since I've got you attention, you all know what tomorrow is!!!! My new hostess job has taken over Fridays!! Come back to show some love and support on FabHER Fridays!!

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