Tacos

 I love cooking! Its almost like art in a pan, but when you are done cooking you can enjoy it even further. However,some nights I am just tired and don't want to spend too much time cooking. Tacos are so easy to make for lazy nights! They are my dinner night cheat food because they take no time at all. They are also fun because, yes its just a crunchy corn tortilla shell with fillings, but think of all the variations you can make.I am only going to be showing photos from some really simple tacos I made, but Ill also add some extra fun ideas you can try.

Here you have it. The taco basics. 

So I prefer romaine lettuce but you can use normal iceberg if you prefer. Just make sure to do a good rinse before you eat!

Give it a good chop...

...then put in in a fancy bowl.

 While you are taking care of your lettuces you can already have your meat cooking. When I make hamburger meat I wait until I get just a few specks of dark brown on it, so that i know its done.

You can actually do so much to your meat. I personally like to add salt, pepper, and some garlic powder, just to give it some flavor. You then could also add beans, small pieces of cooked potato, red chili sauce, chopped green chile, taco seasoning, or what ever you can think of. 

Make sure you have a lot of cheese! What is a taco without cheese? 

I like a sharp cheddar cheese but again, you can choose what you think would go best. Maybe a munster cheese?

You must have salsa on your tacos preferably some with a good kick. If you buy your salsa try and get some from South West regions, those tend to taste the best. Many of my friends like to add sour cream, but as weird as it sounds, I like adding chip dip with green chile in it. Its is very similar to sour cream but with some extra flavor. I even have some friends who add lime juice, cilantro, diced tomato, or chopped onion.

 

 There you have it, easy tacos!For an even easier way, just throw the same topings over tostada chips and its like a taco salad. 

If you fill some small corn tortillas with shredded chicken and American style cheese and fry them for really good crisp chicken tacos. Shredded beef if also a good meat choice.

For a desert you can also make a different version of tacos. Make a waffle cone type shell and make sure it is dusted in cinnamon and sugar. Then fill it with ice cream and chocolate sauce (or what ever desert sauce you like).

Soon I will be sharing one of our family favorites, taco soup!

 There are so many things you can do with these very simple ingredients!

How do you prefer your tacos?

   

   Ani<3

Summer Time Outfit Inspiration

We all need some outfit inspiration! 

      I love when I find a good sale! When I say sale I don't mean, it still costs $45. I mean dirt cheap, anyone could buy it, even broke ol' me! Being my bargain hunter self I managed to find this cream/white colored skirt for $10. However,its been sitting in the closet for a long time and didn't know what to wear with it. I felt that since it was a more swish-y flow kind of bottom it needed a bit of a tighter top. Also, I was having trouble deciding what color would look right with it.  

 

Today, I decided it was going to be worn! First, I decided that since it is such a neutral color I would want something with more of a pop. I found a wine red color spaghetti strap(the photo doesn't do it justice!) 

I am not one for my bra straps showing so I decided I wanted something to hide them. I went with this black crochet over thing. I wanted a neutral color to work with that red. 

These three pieces are not something I would usually throw together. Usually I am too matchy-matchy but today it had to stop. 

I am a sucker for girly things. Love the lace!

This ended up being my color palette. 

Lately,Iv been talking about trying to bring new life into clothes by using accessories. I am bad about just buying a new item of clothing to make a stand out outfit. 

Since the top I wore was a scoop neck I wanted to stay with a necklace that mimicked that shape. (Necklace how-to blog soon??)  It doesn't seem that way on the mannequin but when worn, that particular piece stays rounded. Also, it supported the simpleness that I wanted.   

I think several styles of shoes could be worn with this particular look. The black flats have a little sparkle and a bow that makes them girly just like the skirt. Another shoe that would work is a shoe that matches, or is within a few shades, of the colored top. Black strappy sandals or heels would do too. Oh, the possibilities are endless on foot accessories.

So here is the finished look!

 It looks fine with the cardigan open....

and closed. 

It always good to have options!

Would you wear it the same way?

Ani<3

Fresh Face.

   Everyone wants pretty skin! A good start would be to eat right and get a good amount of exercise. Also relaxing could really help! While you relax why not love your skin with a very simple face mask. WAIT RIGHT THERE! Don't jump up to go to the store just yet. Why not make your own mask? here are a few simple masks to try. When I say simple I mean simple because most only use a few things that you usually find right in your home!

All Types of Skin.

 1. Oatmeal Mask
You will need:

• 1 tbsp oatmeal, finely ground
• 1 tbsp live, organic yogurt (skip the flavored stuff)
• A few drops of honey

First mix the yogurt and oatmeal. Then add you honey after you have warmed it a bit. After a good ten minuets rinse your skin!
 So easy right??

 2. Kitty Litter Mask
This one may seem weird but "Natural clay cat litter is made of clay formed into tiny pellets and dried. When shopping for a natural clay cat litter, check the ingredients for "sodium betonite clay" or "100 percent natural clay." These are the same clays found in more expensive masks.


You will need :

• 1 bag cat litter (must be marked properly, see above)
• Water
• Drops of your favorite essential oil

Mix all ingredients and apply. Wash skin after 15 mins and wa la! smooth skin!

Dry Skin

1. Avocado mask
 You will need:

• ½ avocado
• ¼ cup honey

Mix and apply to dry skin for 10 mins. Follow up with cold water and moisturizer. 

2. The Milk Mask -
This is one to try with a friend!!
  You will need:

• 1 tsp powdered milk
• 1 tbsp runny honey
• 1 tsp aloe vera gel
• 2 drops essential oil

 Mix all and apply for 15 mins. Wash with warm water and apply your moisturizer!

Oily Skin

1. Aspirin

You will need:

• 1-3 aspirin
• Coffee cup or glass cup
• Warm honey (runny honey)
•  moisturizer made for the face or natural oil such as almond, olive or coconut

 Smooth aspirin with cup. Then mix in remaining things. Set on face for 10 mins.

2.  Banana

You will need:

• 1 banana, preferably ripe (you can keep ripe bananas in the freezer. Let it thaw before using)
• 2 tbsp honey
• An orange or a lemon

Mix all things into a paste (you only need a few lemon/ orange juice drops).  Wash after 15 mins.

Hopefully after a little love your skin will thank you with a fresh glow. For these and more skin masks try http://beauty.about.com/od/skinflaws/a/facemasks.htm
 

Ani <3

Coats for the Closet

   Since it is getting cold there is something everyone needs, a good coat collection! Everyone has different body shapes so you have to make sure to choose the right one for your body type but these styles are must haves!!

Trench
  Every girl needs a trench coat. These come back year after year, never going out of style. They can make any outfit more classy. They are also great for any rainy weather!
    
Get some ideas from this huge coat photo!

http://thetrendyfashionista.blogspot.com/2010/06/saturday-outfit-trench-love.html

(if you are a curve-less girl look for coats with a belt to give you curve. If If you are a busty girl go for a coat with double breasted buttons to hold the ladies down. Short ladies need to look for a trench that is too long so it doesn't swallow you or even a coat that buttons at top but opens on bottom.)

Leather
   Mixed with the right outfits these can do wonders. Black leather with edgy clothing it can really being the topping on the cake. Black mixed with a more girly outfit it can give a little contrast adding a more rock star vibe to your look.  Don't forget your browns, they will make outfits look a little more polished.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2012-free-shipping-jacket-women-jacket-black-red-jacket-size-S-M-L-fashion-jackets-dropship/539153612.html

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-shipping-2012-Autumn-Women-Fashion-Quality-Motorcycle-Zipper-PU-Leather-Short-Jacket-Coat/620080214.html

(PS really leather is nice but faux leather can do the same job and are not as hard to take care of. They are also a lot cheaper! Go for the faux. This might just be me but any leather that goes past the hip is just too long and you will look like you fell out of the matrix.)



Cropped
   Some days your outfit is just too cute to hide. That doesn't mean you should go out without something warm on top! Cropped coats tend to not be the main focus of the outfit because they a little shorter.

http://girldir.com/fashion-trends/what-wear-fall

(Short ladies cropped jackets were made for you while taller should try and find on that hits at the waste. Curvy girls also try no to go with anything too fitted or too loose. You will need to find something that lightly hugs the body and a good ruffle along the bottom looks awesome.)
                           The curvy girl crop

http://www.stylishcurves.net/2010_09_12_archive.html

Loud
  Everyone needs one coat that is the center off attention, however. I would go for a nice loud color like red.

http://www.bachmanssparrow.com/blog/outfits/red-is-the-color-of-the-sun-with-my-eyes-closed/

http://thetightsthatbind.blogspot.com/2010/11/things-that-rhyme-with-purple.html

(Just be careful that the color you choose isn't too loud for you. YOU still wanna be the center of attention. A deep purple or green could work. )

Pattern
  This style isn't for me personally but I have been seeing a large trend in pattern coats. A favorite seems to be a good animals print. 

http://dashinga.com/cheetah-in-the-rain/

(Since a patterned jacket is going to be very loud you have got to beware of wearing clothing that is also loud. Go for more neutral, simple clothing. )


ANI <3

What to do/eat/wear for fall.

   Ready or not fall is coming! I have already stated to see leaves turning yellow and falling! I haven't decided if I am excited or not. I am because there are so many fun things to do and eat during the fall season. The weather is nice too. However, as it gets colder I will probably stop wearing dresses as often and I am not too exited about that. Oh well I suppose there are always leggings. Anyway. I wanna make the most I can for fall. Here is a list of things I will be trying to get done during fall that you should try. 

Carve Pumpkins

http://www.thegreenhead.com/2009/09/professional-pumpkin-carving-tools.php

Caramel some apples

http://frantasticfood.com/?p=7738

Jump in some crunchy leaves

http://ceeslifephotographyblog.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/a-special-walk/

Make some warm food and watch a movie

Wear some cute boots

http://everydaythreads.wordpress.com/2010/10/27/fashion-trend-adorable-fall-boots-under-50/

 

Fall walks

http://evgrieve.com/2011/11/little-fall-of-rain.html

 
 Hopefullly I am able to get alot more done! ANI

Nice Nails

   A good friend of mine told me once that the key to looking your best was to have perfectly groomed eyebrows but I think to look perfectly polished you must have clean nails! I really do think this is true. Ill see women with their nails chipped and just think "wow she must not be very clean" before I even can stop myself. On the other hand I see people with perfectly polished hands and cant help but think how put together they are. This doesn't just include polished fingers but even bare nails that are clean and even. Iv found some nail tips to keep your hands looking perfect!

1st.
 Chipped or uneven nails are never pretty.

These nails need love

I don't care how long you want them to be. If your nails have jagged edges or you have several different lengths on all your fingers it looks like you wont spend a little time loving yourself. I'm guilty on this one! However, spend a few minuets one time a week making sure you pamper your hands and nails I mean they do so much for you every day!

2nd.
Long nails aren't for everyone.

Cute, clean, short nails

Sadly this includes myself. why you ask? If you have thin, or dry nails they just break easily and its a lot of work to grow them out. You can always try treatments but sometimes it is best to work with nature instead of against it. Also, did you know it has been a trend to have short nails?! They look more clean and less stripper-ish than a 2 inch nail!

3rd.
Are you one of those ladies that cant grow their nails out but  just has to have long nails?

There isn't a problem with that either! There are a lot of styles that you can accomplish with acrylic nails. Round and squared edges are the most popular but lately I have been seeing a lot more nails coming to a point.

Rounded

Squared

Stars are sporting pointed nails

When getting acrylics keep in mind a few things. Are you gonna do them your self or go to a nail salon? If you do them yourself make sure to practice and have to routine down. I have several friends who have cosmetology licenses and still prefer to go somewhere to get them done. When you go to a salon you need to choose someone who has some kind of license to do them. They have been trained to properly do your nails as well as keep their tools clean.

A clean and organized salon

 Next, you need to think about the commitment you are going to make. Acrylic nails cost money and it is a routine you will be repeating often for fills and replacements. If you do decide to take them off your nails underneath with not be perfect and will need extra love until they grow out. Acrylics can be very damaging to your real nails. Last, Think about how long you want them. This is actually a big deal. How do you want your nails to make you come across? Sometimes your acrylic nails can actually be too long for you. When you cant pick up small objects and seem to be stabbing people its time to trim them down. What ever the case nails should never be longer than the width of you thumb pad. You don't wanna look scary to children!

How long does the polish take to dry on those?

3rd.
Gel nails and gel polish is a new fad that I am loving. A lot of the same rules apply as the do for acrylics when looking for a salon but gels are not as damaging to your nails. For gel nail services beware! If the salon uses a powder to apply a gel nail it isn't a true gel. Another problem is that some products are rumored to melt and make strange wrinkles in gel.

Gel nail

 I personally like gel polish. I works the same as nail polish but it makes your nails stronger and it lasts for 3 weeks. I had some that lasted so long I had to take it off finally due to my nails growth! The gel polish does leave the nail underneath dry sadly and can't add any length to the nails at the time of service. It is kinda hard to find if you wanna do it yourself but I think its worth it. Gel polish also doesn't work like traditional polish either. It should done useing a curing method so once your done curing no dry time is needed. Good bye messed up polish!

Gel polish

4th
To make any manicure look its best you need a clean canvas. Make sure you spend time taking care of those hands! Cuticles need to be pushed back and hangnails need to be cut.

 Also soften your hands with a good lotion to keep hands soft ad smooth

Clean hands

Here are some nail design ideas that I love!

Golden lace

Cherry Blossom

News Print

Splat!

ANI<3