Low Carb No Dough Pizza Recipe

This has been a great treat, while eating low carb.  Everyone really enjoys it and we don't feel deprived!

Ingredients

For Crust:  1 8 oz package of cream cheese, room temperature

2 eggs, large

black pepper, 1/4 tsp

garlic powder, 1 tsp

grated parmesan cheese

Toppings: 1/2 cup pizza sauce, as few carbs and sugars as possible
1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

any toppings of your choice:  we did pepperoni, ham, onion, bacon, and mushroom


Directions:  Preheat oven to 350.  Lightly spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.  With a handheld mixer, mix cream cheese, eggs, pepper, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese until combined.

Spread mixture into the baking dish.  Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.  Allow crust to cool for 10 minutes.

Spread pizza sauce on crust.  Add cheese and toppings.  Bake 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

This makes one pizza.  For my family, we always make 2 and have some left overs.  I hope you enjoy!

Low Carb, Low Sugar Lemon Mousse Recipe!

I am excited to do this post, because this is my favorite new recipe!  I don't like anything too sweet, but I do like to be able to have a little treat in the evenings with my tea.  This is super easy and quick. It is smooth, creamy, and a bit tangy.  If you like lemon, you will love it!  I haven't made this with any other flavors yet, but I'm sure those would taste great also!

Ingredients

1 8 oz. package cream cheese

1 cup cool whip

1/2 cup boiling water

1 box sugar free lemon jello

blueberries (optional)

I like to take the cream cheese out of the fridge 30 mins or so before starting, but it isn't necessary.  Put the jello mix in a mixing bowl and add boiling water.  Stir or whisk until the jello dissolves.
Add the cream cheese and cool whip.  Mix with a handheld blender until smooth and most of the bubbles are out.

Scoop into a dessert bowl.  Refrigerate for 45 minutes before serving.  Garnish with blueberries or any other fruit of your choice.

It doesn't get any easier than that!  I hope you enjoy it :)

January Beauty & Lifestyle Favorites!

I have a few favorites this month.  A lot of what I have been wearing, I was wearing at the end of last year.  A couple things are new, and a few things are repeats from earlier last year that I am once again getting use out of.  I love it when I rediscover old favorites months later!

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara - I got this awhile ago as a sample and I am not even sure when or where I got it from, because I just tried it for the first time this month.  I am faithful to my Better Than Sex and Lights, Camera, Lashes, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one!  It has a large wand that is made up of your traditional type bristles (not the plastic bristles).  It does a great job of lengthening and volumizing, without clumps, flakes, or smudging on me.  It also helped to keep a nice curl in my lashes.  I don't have straight lashes at all, but I do usually curl them just for a little extra.  I haven't been curling mine when using this mascara, but it looks like I did.  I think it is a great all around mascara that does a super job with only two coats!  It is easy and long lasting for everyday, but it also gives the kind of look you would want for an evening look.  I would definitely purchase and recommend this mascara to anyone.

Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Foundation - 30 Warm Nude -  I bought this foundation quite some time ago.  I really liked it, but started trying some new ones and got away from it.  I remember why I liked it so much now.  It is a medium buildable coverage, with a natural finish.  It lasts well and blends beautifully.  It is easy to find and reasonably priced.  I wear this foundation on a daily basis for simple looks, but also on weekends when I have a more dramatic look.  I think it is just as good as many high end foundations, and I love that it has a pump.   I have nothing negative to say about it at all.  They also have a coordinating concealer that I have heard is good, but I have yet to try it.

Too Faced Beauty Balm - Nude Glow - I bought this awhile back also, and got away from wearing it.  Sometimes, I wear it as a primer, and sometimes I wear it alone.  It gives a fresh luminosity to the skin with light coverage that just evens out the skin and makes it look like your natural skin, but better.  I wear this on light makeup days when I am just running errands, but don't wanna look a mess.   This also has SPF 20, so you don't need to add a moisturizer to it.

Harney & Sons Paris Tea - I bought this tea after first trying paris tea at one of my favorite tea houses in the city.  It is a black tea with a twist.  It is described as a fruity, black tea with vanilla, fruit, and citrus flavors, with a hint of lemony bergamot.  I would say this is an accurate description.  I add cream and cinnamon to mine, and love to drink it in the afternoon.  It has a great aroma, while being full of flavor.  You can find the Harney & Sons brand at many locations, as well as amazon.com and theenglishteastore.com.

Stash Mango & Coconut Tea - Stash had an online sale a few weeks ago, so I picked up some teas for myself, my mom, husband and best friend.  I had tried this brand before, but I picked up some different flavors that I had not seen in store.  Mango & Coconut was the flavor I bought for myself.  I love it!  I love coconut anything, and add mango to it.....well, it has to be delicious!  I love this as an afternoon or early evening tea.  I also purchased red velvet, white chocolate mocha, chocolate mint oolong, and salted caramel mate.  Everyone has been enjoying the flavors I picked for them as well.  You can find all these and more at stashtea.com.

OPI Polish - Thank Glogg It's Friday - I received this polish as a gift from a from a close friend of mine for Christmas.  I love the color and think it is a great one for fall and winter.  I have more O.P.I. polishes than any other brand, and I really do love the formula. I always top mine with vinylux, and my manicure will last for a week.

If you have any questions about these products, please leave a comment below.  I hope everyone is having a good week!

Beauty Trends For 2016!

Before I get into the trends of the new year, I want to make a bit of a disclaimer.  These are the trends that you will see more of this year.  I am not saying that you have to do this and stop doing the bigger trends of years past.  I feel that makeup, fashion, hair, etc. is just a creative way to express yourself and how you feel that day.  It shouldn't be taken so serious.  I don't care if something has been "out" for 20 years, if you love it and you feel good wearing it, then do it!  I know that I wear what I want, when I want, and how I want, because that is what I like.  This is just a guide of a few things you could try if you want to update your look and try out some current trends.

-  Glowing Skin:  I am so glad this is a huge trend for the year!!  As I have said before, I am NOT a matte kinda girl.  Not a fan of the matte lips and skin, and we saw so much of that in 2015.  It was like every foundation and lipstick that came out during the year, was matte!  I love the J. Lo glow, and think it makes the skin look healthy and youthful.  I have some glowy foundations like L'Oreal True Match Lumi, and I also like Maybelline's Super Stay Better Skin Foundation.  It has a fresh looking luminosity that isn't too much.  If you need to use up your more matte foundations, try adding a liquid highlight to it, like NYX Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator or L'Oreal Lumi True Match Liquid Glow Illuminator .  Looking for a good powder highlight?  Try Mac Soft and Gentle for a more natural look, while Becca highlighter in Opal and The Balm's Mary Lou Minizer is great for a more dramatic glow.

*I did this look almost 2 years ago.  I used NYX Born To Glow mixed in with my foundation.

-  Bangs or Fringe:  I did not realize that this was going to be a 2016 trend when I cut my bangs in December, but I can see why it is!  I think that bangs can give a more youthful appearance, but are also very versatile.  You can push them back with a headband, twist and pin them to the side, wear them straight across or part them to the side.  I love having options with my hair and looks, and that's exactly what bangs provide.

-  Vibrant Lips:  The past several years, nudes have really been the go to color for lips, but this year the trend is a little more daring.  Vibrant lips, especially reds, are making a statement.  Pair them with a neutral eye look for an updated, yet not overstated look.

-  Bronzer:  Bronzing isn't a new trend, but I think you will see more bronzing than some of the harsh contour that we have seen.  When deciding on a bronzer, pick a shade that is close to what your natural tan color looks like.  Sweep it across the high points of your face, where the sun would naturally hit your face.....forehead, cheeks, and a little across the nose.  You will instantly look  healthier and like you just returned from vacation.

-  Blue Eye Makeup:  Yes, blue eye makeup!  I picture a bad 80's look with big, bleached blonde hair, hot pink cheeks, and electric blue eye makeup as far as the eye can see!!  That is not the look that was hitting runways for this year.  Cobalt blue is the blue of choice.  It has been used to create a smokey eye or to just add a pop of color on the lower lash line.  For a long time now, if I want to add color to an eye look, but not feel overpowered by the color, I do a neutral eye with brown or black liner on the top lash line.  Then, I throw a liner of color on the bottom lash line.  It is just a fun little update you can do that is quick and easy, and great for a night out!

*Another look from awhile back.  I have black liner on the top lash line and turquoise blue on the bottom.

Pink & Peach Eye Makeup:  I love this trend as much as glowing skin!  Pink and peach eye makeup really gives a soft, natural, feminine, pretty, youthful look.  No matter your age or skin tone, this look can work for you.  Just try to choose a color with the same undertone as you.  For example, if you are a warm undertone, pick a pink that leans a little towards coral.  If you are a cool undertone, pick one that leans more purple.  I love using pink and peach in a monochromatic makeup look.  Beauty and fashion is all about knowing what works for you....your skin tone, body, hair type, face shape, and bone structure.

*I did this look over the summer.  I not only did all pink eye makeup, but I did a full face monochromatic look.  I used the UD Naked 3 palette, which is a beautiful rosy pink palette.

Hair Accessories:  I love hair accessories!  I think that add so much to a look without being overdone.  The 1940's is my favorite era for many reasons, but I really love the makeup and fashion of the time.  It was feminine, simple, and not overdone.  Women of that time did not wear a lot of makeup, but they did spend a lot of time creating more intricate hair styles, and they were not afraid of a little embellishment with their hair looks to really pull an outfit together.  From a pretty head band to a hair clip or a flower, you can really create a pretty look that stands out in a crowd.  I especially love fancier hair accessories for a wedding, prom, or special occasion.

I enjoy doing these posts, because I think that everyone needs a little update sometimes or just a few ideas of something fun to try.  Have fun with it and don't take it too seriously.  Wear what you like, and don't be afraid to try something new!!

Recipe: Lower Carb Creamy Cauliflower Soup

Last night, I made this for dinner and it was my first time ever making or having a soup like this.  It was really good and took on a similar taste to a loaded baked potato soup (but without the potatoes)!

INGREDIENTS

-  1 8oz package of cream cheese

-  1/2 cup heavy cream

-  1 1/2 cups milk

1/4 cup butter

1/3 cup unbleached all purpose flour

-  3 cups low sodium chicken broth

- 1 tsp minced garlic

3 tsp chicken bouillon

- minced onion to taste

-  garlic powder to taste

- salt pepper to taste

1 cup sliced carrots

2 1/2 lb head of cauliflower, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

2 bay leaves

4-5 bacon slices

2 green onions chopped

cheddar cheese, shredded

First let me say that I am not the kind of cook who follows recipes or measures most things.  If I am baking I do, but not cooking.  I have been cooking for a long time now, so I know what to add and omit in a way that we like.  I use recipes just as an outline or guide.   I love to use lots of different seasonings also, which I never measure.  If I were a betting gal, I would say I used a teaspoon of the ones above.

First, chop up the cauliflower, carrots, onion and green onions.  Set green onions aside, these are for topping.  Melt the butter in a large pot on medium heat.  Add cauliflower, carrots, onion, and salt & pepper.  Saute until veggies start to become tender, stirring occasionally.

Add flour and garlic to veggies, mix completely.

Add chicken broth and 2 bay leaves.  Bring heat to medium-high.  Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer adding a lid.  Let cook for 15-20 minutes, until veggies are tender.

Add milk, cream, chicken bouillon, and seasonings to taste.

  Cook until thoroughly heated.  Remove bay leaves.  Serve and top with cheddar, bacon crumbles, and green onions.

Voila!!

Low Carb Taco Meatballs

These were very easy to make, and very good also.  I do not follow a low carb diet, but I do follow a lower carb diet.  I have always said that sugar is what makes you fat, not fat itself.  So, I have been making up some things to have on hand, because if I get too hungry I will eat anything, which just ruins my progress.  So, I like to make sure I have plenty of things on hand at home and also to pack lunches for my husband.  

INGREDIENTS

-  2 lbs of Laura's Lean Ground Beef (93-7)

1 block of sharp cheddar cut into about 25 chunks

2 green onions, cleaned and ends cut off

1 tsp minced garlic

1 packet of taco seasoning

2 eggs

Put all ingredients in a bowl.

  Using your hands, mix all ingredients together.

  Roll the meat into medium balls.  Stuff the cheese into the center of the ball, and work the meat around it.  Place them in a baking dish.

Preheat oven to 425 and bake for 10 - 12 minutes.  Cooking time can vary depending on your oven and size of meat balls.

My January Boxycharm Review!

This is my 13th Boxycharm, and I have to say, this is my favorite beauty subscription that I have had.  It is $21 a month, and my boxes have retailed from a little over $100 to around $160.  This month's total came to $108.92.  You get 4 - 5 products.  Most, if not all, are full size.  The rest are deluxe sample sizes.

This month was a great box!  It included 4 full size products.  I got the Revealed Smoky Palette.  Since I became a subscriber of Boxycharm, I have received Revealed 1, Revealed 2, Revealed 3, and Revealed Smoky.  Each palette is very similar to the UD Naked Palettes of the same number.  I have been happy with all of them and think they are of great quality.  One difference is that the Revealed palettes actually have 20 shadows, instead of 12.  Rounding out the box, was everything you need to finish an eye look.....mascara, eye liner, and eye brushes.  All full size products!!

20 shades from light to medium to dark, gives you a lot of variety in one palette.  You can do a natural daytime look or a smoky evening look.   Looking through the palette, there are 4 matte shades, 3 satin, and the rest go from shimmery to very shimmery.

Coastal Scents Revealed Smoky Palette $39.95

This mascara claims to be lengthening and volumizing.  It applies like a traditional mascara, but forms water resistant tubes around the lashes, keeping the mascara from smudging or flaking during wear.

Blinc Mascara Amplified $26

This black liner has a felt tip pen to make application easier.

Starlooks Lux Longwear Eye Liner Pen $19

You get 3 brushes in this set....a detail brush, crease brush, and smudge brush.  These brushes have synthetic vegan fibers that feel like natural brushes.  They can also be purchased individually for $7.99.  These brushes are very soft and are substantial.  They definitely feel more high end.

Royal & Langnickel Brush Set Revolution $23.97

Boxycharm comes once a month.  I get mine mid month.  Your payment automatically comes out at the beginning of the month.  The monthly charge also includes shipping.  You will receive an email when your box ships, along with a tracking code.  This box fits inside a standard mailbox, so you don't have to worry about it being left outside on your step.  If you are interested in subscribing or getting more information, Click Here!  Boxycharm also offers a great program, so you can earn more product.  Once you use the products in your box, simply log on to their site and give a quick review.  You will earn charms that you can use to get free product.  I recently picked a pretty blush that I got for free, including shipping!  

If you are interested in trying out a new beauty box, I highly recommend this one.  It think it is an outstanding value that will introduce you to new brands and also send products from well known brands.  If you have any questions, please leave them below and I will respond as quickly as possible :)