Recipe Of The Week - Sesame Beef

Sesame Beef Stir Fry

Ingredients

-  1 lb. Round Steak

-  4 T Low Sodium Soy Sauce

-  4 T Truvia

-  4 T Vegetable Oil

-  1 T Minced Garlic

-  2 Green Onions, Chopped

-  2 T Sesame Seeds

Tenderize the meat, and cut into small strips, set aside.

In a bowl, mix soy, garlic, trivia, oil, garlic and onions.

Add beef to the marinade and refrigerate anywhere from 30 mins to overnight. (I did mine for 7 hours)

Cook in a wok or pan on medium-high heat.  Pour over rice, and top with sesame seeds.

Nails Of The Week

Wet N Wild Fast Dry - Ebony Hates Chris

Face Of The Day - Winged Liner, Pop Of Turquoise, & Nude Lip

I wanted to do a fun and different look, for a girl's night out.  The entire look is neutral, but the turquoise and winged liner give it a little something different.   If turquoise isn't your color, any color would look great....purple, pink, blue, orchid, etc.  So, let's get started....

FACE PRODUCTS

-  NYX Pore Filler

-  Rimmel Fix & Perfect Face Primer

-  L'Oreal True Match Lumi - W6

-  Benefit Watt's Up Highlighter

-  E.L.F. HD Powder

-  Revlon Photoready Bronzer - Bronzed & Chic

-  NYX Blush - Amber

-  Milani Baked Blush - Luminoso
-  Maybelline Lip Liner - Nude
-  Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick - Blushing Beige
-  Milani Glitzy Glamorous Gloss - 07 Puttin On The Glitz

EYE PRODUCTS

-  Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal - Barely Branded

-  The Balm's Meet Matt(e) Nude Palette

-  L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow - Endless Sea

Wet N Wild Gel Liner - Black

NYX Eyeliner - Seafoam Green

Salon Perfect Lashes - Demi Whispies

L'Oreal Million Lashes Voluminous Mascara - Black

After I applied my pore filler and face primer, I did my eyes.  Because I was doing a winged liner, and the turquoise color is a pressed pigment, doing the foundation after the eyes is easier.  This way you can clean up any fall out, and get the wing just right.

1 - Apply the color tattoo as a base from lash line to crease

2 - Use Matt Singh (peach color), from the meet matt(e) nude palette in the crease for a transition color.
3 - Apply Matt Abdul (light gray) on the lid, starting at the outer corner and bringing it in half way.

4  - Use Matt Hung (medium grey) in the crease, going half way in towards the inner corner.

5 - Apply Matt Johnson ( dark gray) at the crease, on the very outer corner.  Do not bring this in far at all.

6 -  Use a blending brush to blend out all of the gray's in the crease.

7 - Apply the turquoise color on the lid, starting where the light gray ended, and bring it to the inner corner.  Pat this color on, with a flat shadow brush.  Do not swipe back and forth.

8 - Blend out the line where the light gray and turquoise meet on the lid.

9 - Apply Matt Malloy (cream color), under the brow bone and in the inner corner

10 - Use the gel liner to create a wing on the top lash line.  To get the flick just right, use a Q Tip and oil free eye makeup remover to erase any mistakes.

11 - Apply seafoam eyeliner to the bottom lashes and apply a small about of the L'Oreal Infallible shadow over it with a smudge brush.

12 - Apply falsies and use one coat of mascara.

13 - Apply mascara to the bottom lashes.

This look does take some time, especially when perfecting a winged liner and applying lashes.  I think it is nice for a fun, night out look.  To see how I apply my blush and contour, CLICK HERE!
I hope you have a great week, and play around with some different looks!

-XOXO Monique

Quote Of The Week

You have enemies?  Good.  That means you have stood up for something, sometime in your life. - Winston Churchill

Beauty Deals - 2/23/14 - 3/01/14: CVS, Rite-Aid, & Walgreens

CVS

RB = Reward Bucks - Coupons that can be used on your next visit.

-  Roc Facial Care (excludes cleansing discs and max scrub) - BOGO 50% Off

-  St. Ives - BOGO 50% Off

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Rite-Aid

UR = Up Rewards

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-  Sally Hansen Nail Enamel - 40% Off

-  Garnier Skin+ - 25% Off

-  Revlon Lip, Nail, and Face Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Neutrogena Foundation, Powder, Blush, Concealer, and Makeup Removers - BOGO 50% Off

-  All Bic Razors - BOGO 50% Off

-  Vitafusion Gummy Vitamins - BOGO 50% Off

-  L'Oreal Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Cover Girl Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Maybelline Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Suave Hair Care, Body Wash, and Deodorant - BOGO 50% Off

-  Nature Made Vitamins & Supplements - BOGO 50% Off

-  L'Oreal Age Perfect, Revitalift Miracle Blur, Glow Renewal, Facial Moisturizers, Triple Power, and Youth Code - Spend $30, get $10 UR

Walgreens

RR = Register Rewards - Coupons that can be used on your next visit.

-  Irish Spring Body Wash - BOGO FREE

-  Irish Spring Soap - BOGO FREE

-  Right Guard Body Wash - BOGO FREE

-  Sundown Vitamins - BOGO FREE

-  Right Guard Deodorant - BOGO FREE

-  Osteo Bi-Flex - BOGO FREE

-  Natures Bounty Supplements - BOGO FREE

-  Tone Body Wash - BOGO FREE

-  Curel Lotion - BOGO 50% Off

-  Pantene Hair Care, Select Stylers, and Treatments - BOGO 50% Off

-  CeraVe Skin Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  L'Oreal Skin Care, select varieties - BOGO 50% Off

-  Dark & Lovely Products - BOGO 50% Off

-  Dark & Natural Men's Hair Color - BOGO 50% Off

-  Magic Shave - BOGO 50% Off

-  Revlon Face, Lip, and Nail - BOGO 50% Off

-  Jergen's Lotion - BOGO 50% Off

-  Caress Body Wash & Soap - BOGO 50% Off

-  Dove Body Wash & Soap - BOGO 50% Off

-  Olay Skin Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  Olay Body Wash & Soap - BOGO 50% Off

-  Old Spice Bar Soap & Body Wash - BOGO 50% Off

-  Tresemme Hair Care, Stylers, and Treatments - 25% Off

-  Select Gillette Products - Spend $25 worth of participating products, get 5,000 pts added to your card.

-  One A Day Vitamins - $4 Off

-  Caltrate - Buy $15 worth, get 3,000 pts added to your card.

Health Tip Of The Week - 10 Ways To Boost Your Metabolism!

1.  Eat Breakfast:  When we sleep, our bodies slow down and restore.  Eating breakfast within an hour of waking helps to restart your metabolism.  If you don't eat breakfast, your body will go into a starvation mode, slowing your metabolism and storing as much fat as possible.  This is actually the bodies' survival technique to keep us alive during times of famine, because at one time, that was actually a serious problem for humans.  There was a time when there wasn't a fast food joint or two, at every corner.

2.  Protein At Each Meal:  Eating protein gives your body more of a metabolic boost than fat or carbs.     It also helps to build and maintain muscle mass, and the more muscle you have the higher your metabolic rate.  Protein also keeps your blood sugar levels from spiking from too many carbs and sugars.

3.  Drink Water:  We would die of thirst long before we would hunger.  Our body desperately depends on and needs water.  Water keeps everything functioning at it's maximum, including metabolism.  Most people are mildly to moderately dehydrated, at all times.  So, how much water does your body need?  Take your weight in pounds, and divide it in half.  Thats how many ounces you need each day!

4.  Green Tea:  Is known for it's antioxidants, but it also has an active ingredient, catechin, which can crank up your metabolism.  Research shows that 5 cups a day, can burn 90 extra calories a day.  That may seem like a lot, but if you are drinking hot and cold tea, it is definitely doable.

5.  Exercise:  Now we all know that exercising burns more calories, but did you know that your body continues to burn at a higher rate, even after the exercise has stopped?  That is known as after burn.  How long your after burn lasts, depends on how intense you exercise session was.  You will have a better after burn with weight training than with cardio.

6.  Build Muscle:  The more lean muscle mass you have, the higher your metabolic rate will be.  That means, even at rest, you will burn more calories!  So every day, all day, your body will be burning at a higher rate.  Great, sign me up!!

7.  Sleep:  Yes, sleep can boost your metabolism!  Here is how -  when we are sleep deprived, our body releases stress hormones, like cortisol and ghrelin.  Cortisol stores extra fat, and ghrelin, makes you hungrier and craving higher calorie foods.

8.  Don't Keep Those Calories Too Low:  The same principle applies here, as with not eating breakfast.  If your daily calories are too low, your body will go into a starvation mode, keeping as much fat as possible, and wreaking havoc on your metabolism.  Women should never go below 1200 calories per day, and men should never go below 1600 calories a day.

9.  Snack Throughout The Day:  Okay, think of your metabolism as a wood burning fire.  When that fire starts, it takes off, high flames and high heat.  But, if you go for a long period of time without adding wood (food), the fire slowly starts to burn out, and will eventually die down completely.  Our bodies are no different.  When I was losing my weight, I at every 2 - 3 hours.  This way, I was never too hungry, because I can tell you that if I get too hungry, I'll eat anything I can get my hands on!  Now, I'm not saying eat a meal every 3 hours, but you do need a small 100 - 150 calorie snack, between meals.  I have recently came back to doing this.  It does take some time to get used to, and you definitely have to plan for it.  Keep snacks with you, in your car or purse, to never be without a snack.  This will keep you from vending machines, and overeating.

10.  Buy Organic When Possible:  We all know that there are so many chemicals and pesticides in our food, but did you know that it completely messes with our endocrine system, which regulates our hormones and metabolism?  It is not possible to eat organic at every meal, but eat it as much as you can.

So, there is my top 10 list of metabolism boosters that I have learned through the years.  I think all of these are very doable.  It just takes some planning and mindfulness.  Pick one or two that you want to focus on for the next week, and add from there.  Remember - Anything is possible, your are worth the time and effort, and you deserve to live a happy, healthy life.  Life is too short for the miserable alternative!  I know, because I have been there.

-  XOXO Monique

How To: Contour & Highlight

I get asked a lot of questions about contouring and highlighting.  It can get a little tricky, if you are new at it, but it is actually quite simple, it just takes a little extra time.  It does make a big difference in your final look.  Remember this:  Contour whatever you want to recede, and highlight whatever you want to come forward.  Highlighting the center of the face, and contouring the perimeter will give you that fresh, glowy look.  I also contour my nose.  Contouring the nose can make a huge difference!  You can really give the illusion of a slim silhouette. 

PRODUCTS USED

-  Maybelline Dark Spot Eraser - Light

-  Revlon Photoready Bronzer - Bronzed & Chic

-  E.L.F HD Powder

-  The Balm Mary Louminizer

-  City Color Be Matte Blush - Dragonfruit

-  Milani Baked Blush - Dolce Pink

Yeowza!!  Ok, I know I look cRaZy, and nobody should really be this close to my face, but things always get worse, before they get better, right?!  I apply highlighter under the eyes in an upside down triangle, down the bridge of my nose, center of the forehead, and chin.  If you like, you can also highlight UNDER your contour and above/below your eyebrows.  I love to highlight with the Maybelline Dark Circle Eraser, either in light or illuminator.  The illuminator has a pink undertone to it, and will give a stronger highlight.  When using a concealer type product to highlight, always go a shade lighter than your skin tone.  I wore this during the day, so I went a little more subtle.  I like to blend everything out with my E.L.F. Small Stipple Brush.  Don't smear or rub the product in, stipple it by using a tapping motion.  You can find E.L.F. at Target, Meijer, and online.  I believe this brush was $3, and it works great!!

 Contour (side view)

Contour (front view)
You can see the nose contour and forehead contour better here.

Next, I applied my contour.  I always use my Real Techniques Contour Brush for this step.  Find a contour color that complements your skin tone, and doesn't have any shimmer in it.  Have you heard of contouring in a 3?  It's a very simple concept:  You apply contour to your face in a 3, starting at the forehead.  I apply as close to the hairline as possible.  I start my cheek contour where my ear meets my face, and make a diagonal line.  The trick here, is to make sure that you don't bring that line in too much.  Stop the line when it is straight down from the center or your eye.  I also like to contour my jaw line.  I run the contour along the jaw bone.  If you have a bit of a double chin, you can also apply right under your chin to camouflage it.  I use my Real Techniques Contour Brush for all of my face contour.  .After that, I contour my nose.  Now, I already did the highlight down the center.  So, I apply to lines of contour down each side, starting along the inside corner of my eye.  You can use an eye shadow brush or pinch your contour brush to make it more narrow.  Finally, I take my E.L.F Kabuki brush to blend it all out.  If you blend a little too much, you can always apply a little more.  You definitely don't want those obvious sharp lines on your face.

I added my blush here.  I typically use two.  The darkest shade, I applied to the back of the cheekbones.  The lighter color, I applied to the apples.  Then, I blended the contour and cheek colors lightly, with my E.L.F Kabuki Brush.

And lastly, I applied my highlight.  I love The Balm's Mary Louminizer, but it is NOT subtle, and a little goes a long way.  If you do use this, make sure you use a light hand.  I applied this with a small blush brush on top of my cheekbones, and brought it up just a bit toward the side of my eye.  I also applied just a touch at the bridge of my nose.  You can also brush the tip of your chin, if you like.  Of course, I blended this highlight a bit with my kabuki brush.

Here is the final look!  I finished with lashes, mascara, lip liner, lipstick, and gloss.

You can contour really isn't a one size fits all.  Take into consideration the proportions of your face, but this is how I do it, and the basics are pretty much the same across the board.  Tweek it to your liking, but remember contouring is different than bronzing.  Pick a contour color that is matte or satin, but no shimmer or sparkle for best results.  You also need to make sure that the color compliments your skin tone.  If it doesn't you could end up looking muddy.  If you haven't contoured before, just give yourself a little extra time to perfect the look.  You may find that you add it to your routine a lot, because it is worth the extra time.  I hope this post helped and answered any questions you may have, if not, feel free to leave them in the comments section.  If you would like to see all the products I used for this look, Click Here!

-XOXO Monique

Face Of The Day

FACE PRODUCTS

-  NYX Pore Filler

-  Rimmel Fix & Perfect Face Primer

-  L'Oreal True Match Lumi - W6

-  Maybelline Dark Spot Eraser - Light

E.L.F. HD Powder

Revlon Photoready Bronzer - Bronzed & Chic

Milani Blush - Dolce Pink

City Color Be Matte Blush - Dragonfruit

The Balm Mary Louminizer

-  Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner - East End Snob

-  Maybelline Color Statement Lipstick - Make Me Pink

-  L'Oreal Extrordinaire Lip Gloss - Dancing Rose

EYE PRODUCTS

-  Black Radiance Eye Shadow 8 Pan Palette - Downtown Brown

-  Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Eye Liner - Brown

-  L'Oreal Million Lashes Voluminous Mascara - Black

Salon Perfect Lashes - Demi Whispies

-  Maybelline Define A Brow - Medium Brown

I used a few new products with this look, all of which I was very happy with.  They included Revlon Photoready Bronzer, E.L.F. HD Powder, Black Radiance Eye Shadow Palette, and L'Oreal Extrordinaire Lip Gloss.  This was my first time using a Black Radiance product.  I found this brand at Meijer.  They are pretty much identical in look and formula to the Wet N Wild 8 Pan Eye Shadow Palettes.  Great Pigmentation!  Remember, with any eye look you do....blend, blend, blend!  Quality brushed make a huge difference in the way your looks come out.  Try something new this week, and have fun with your makeup!

-XOXO Monique

Quote Of The Week

If I had observed all the rules, I'd never gotten anywhere.  So, when it comes down to it, I let them think what they want.  If they care enough to bother with what I do, then I am already better than them.  After all, well behaved women rarely make history. - Marilyn Monroe

Beauty Deals - 2/16/14 - 2/22/14 - CVS, Rite-Aid, & Walgreens

CVS

RB = Reward Bucks - Coupons that can be used on your next visit.

-  ROC Facial Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  St. Ives - BOGO 50% Off

-  Noxzema Skin Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  Clearasil Skin Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  CeraVe Skin Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  Neutrogena Facial Care, Hair Care, Mens, Sun, Sunless, and 2 oz. Handcream - BOGO 50% Off

-  Secret Clinical Deodorant - BOGO 50% Off

-  Natures Bounty Vitamins - BOGO FREE

-  Revlon Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Almay Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Maybelline Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Physicians Formula Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Alive Vitamins - 25% Off

-  Rembrandt Items - Spend $10, get $5 RB

-  Organix Body Wash, Lotion, Morrocan Oil, Fx, and Hair Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  Pantene Hair Care - Spend $30, get $10 RB

-  L'Oreal Cosmetics - Spend $15, get $5

-  John Frieda Hair Care - Buy 2, get $5 RB

-  Suave Body Wash - Spend $12, get $4 RB

-  Tresemme Hair Products - Spend $15, get $5 RB

-  Clear Hair Care - Spend $15, get $5 RB

Rite-Aid 

UR = Up Rewards - Coupons that can be used on your next purchase.

-  Simple Skin Care - BOGO FREE

-  Ponds Skin Care - BOGO FREE

-  Banana Boat Sun Care - BOGO FREE

-  Noxzema Skin Care - BOGO FREE

-  Neutrogena Foundation, Powder, Blush, Concealer, and Makeup Removers - BOGO 50% Off

-  L'Oreal Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Revlon Lip, Nail, and Face Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Cover Girl Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Suave Hair Care, Skin Care, Body Wash, and Deodorant - BOGO 50% Off

-  Nature Made Vitamins & Supplements - BOGO 50% Off

-  Oral B Products - BOGO 50% Off

-  Crest Toothpaste - BOGO 50% Off

-  L'Oreal Facial Moisturizers - Spend $30, get $10 UR

-  Olay Complete, Age Defying, and Total Effects Facial Moisturizers and Cleansers - Spend $20, get $5 UR

-  Garnier Clean+ Products - 25% Off

-  Garnier Skin Renew and Ultra Lift Facial Skin Care - Spend $20, get $5 UR

-  Lil Critters Gummy Vitamins - BOGO 50% Off

-  Vitafusion Gummy Vitamins - BOGO 50% Off

Walgreens

RR = Register Rewards

-  Irish Spring Body Wash and Soap - BOGO FREE

-  Right Guard Body Wash - BOGO FREE

-  Sundown Vitamins - BOGO FREE

-  Osteo Bi-Flex - BOGO FREE

-  Gillette Fusion Products - Spend $25, get 3000 pts

-  Pantene Hair Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  Lubriderm Lotion - BOGO 50% Off

-  L'Oreal Skin Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  Magic Shave - BOGO 50% Off

-  L'Oreal Eye, Lip, and Face Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Revlon Face, Lip, and Nail Cosmetics - 50% Off

-  Old Spice Bar Soap and Body Wash - BOGO 50% Off

-  Olay Body Wash and Soap - BOGO 50% Off

-  Cover Girl Face & Eye Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Caress Body Wash & Soap - BOGO 50% Off

-  Dark & Lovely Products - BOGO 50% Off

-  Centrum Select Varieties - Buy $15, get 3000 pts

-  Tresemme Hair Care & Stylers - 25% Off

*These are national deals and can vary from state to state.

Nails Of The Week

Zoya Polish - Odette

FOTD - My Valentines Look!

This is the Valentine's Day look that I came up with, using my Naked 3 Palette.  With all of the rosy colors, I thought it would be perfect for the occasion.  I used Maybelline's Master Hi-Light blush in Mauve on my cheeks, and Maybelline's Color Sensational Lipstick in Blushing Beige for a very nude lip.  Usually, I contour and highlight, use two blushes, a lipliner, lipstick, gloss, and two mascaras, but I wanted to simplify this look, and not give it to many steps.  Yet, it still looks like you put in the work.

Eye Products

-  NYX Jumbo Pencil - Milk

-  Naked 3 Palette

-  Wet N Wild Gel Liner - Black

-  L'Oreal Million Lashes Voluminous Mascara = Black

Application

First, I used my NYX jumbo pencil for a base.  I blended this from lash line to brow bone.  

I applied strange (matte off white color) to my inner corner, lid, and brow bone.

  I used limit (light matte mauve) in my crease as a transition color.  

I used dust (light shimmery pink) on my lid.

I applied blackheart (dark plumy/black with red shimmer) to the very outer corner.  I used an angled crease brush to apply it in a diagonal line, like a cat eye.

I applied darkside ( dark satin brown with a hint of shimmer) by the blackheart, just to blend and not make it look so harsh.

I also used darkside with a fluffy brush, along my lower lash line.  

I did not use any liner on the bottom lash line.  I used black on the top and winged it out.

Finally, I applied two coats of black mascara.

*For a more sultry look, apply false lashes.

I think this is a pretty, but not overdone look for Valentine's Day or any date night you have coming up.  If you don't have the naked 3 or some of the other products I have, just use the closest products you have in those colors.  I know the Naked 3 palette isn't readily available to everyone.  All the other products are from the drugstore.  Play around with your makeup, have fun, and enjoy your night out!!

Review - Maybelline Master Hi-Light Blush

I had seen a few reviews on this product, so I really wanted to try it.  The concept is that it is a blush with a highlighting effect.  There are 6 colors in total, nude, pink, mauve, coral, light bronze, and deep bronze.

Above, I am wearing the coral blush.  This is the first color that really stood out to me.  Coral and peach are complimentary to my warm skin tone.  I have no contour or highlight on, just the blush.

Here, I am wearing the mauve.  Again, no contour or highlight, just blush.

These are the color swatches (starting from the top) deep bronze, mauve, and coral.  They have great pigmentation and last the entire day for me.  You can wear these more sheared out or build them up.  They have a patchwork type of design to them with varying shades.  I swirl my blush brush over all of them before applying.  They give a nice highlighted effect, that is not overdone.

I think this is a great product for everyday use, because it is a two in one.  I really enjoy these!  They do have shimmer in these to help with the highlighted look, but I don't find it too glittery.  If you don't like shimmer, then this wouldn't be for you.  t first bought the coral and mauve, but liked them so much that I went back for the deep bronze.  You can find these at your local discount and drugstores.  They retail for a little over $10, which is pricey for a drugstore blush, but I bought mine on sale and with two coupons.  I actually got a buy one, get one free that way.  When shopping a Walgreens, Rite-Aid, CVS, and Target, you can combine store coupons with manufacturer's coupons, which really adds up!  I hope this reviewed helped, if you were thinking about trying these out.  As long as the color is complimentary to your skin tone, I don't see why anyone wouldn't love these!  Hope everyone is having a great week!

-XOXO Monique

Health Tip Of The Week - Plan Ahead!

One of the best tips that I can give you for losing or maintaining your weight loss, is to be prepared!  Picking one day a week to put together a menu, grocery list, and grocery shopping, allows you to know what you are eating on what days.  I do a lot of crockpot meals, because they are so easy.  Plus, we always have left overs, which is perfect for packing for lunch the next day.  Take your lunch with you to work everyday.  Eating out with co-workers, snacking on what is in the break room, and the boss ordering pizza for everyone once a week, really adds up to a lot of calories that you don't need.  I  understand that there is a social aspect to eating with co-workers, but you have to ask yourself if it is worth you being unhealthy or unhappy with your weight.  There are many triggers that lead to unhealthy or binge eating.  We need to be aware of those, and plan accordingly.  If you have your lunch with you everyday, you will be less tempted to grab that pizza or fast food sandwich.

Another situation that used to get me in trouble was traveling.  It was so easy to stop at a fast food chain.  Pack your lunch for long trips, and keep healthy snacks in your glove box for those times that you didn't foresee being in the car so long.  I like to make snack bags with nuts and raisins for snacks.  Bars are good too, as long has they have a lower calorie, fat, and sugar content.  Really check the sugars, because those can get out of hand!  If you didn't come prepared and have to stop at a fast food restaurant, make the best choice possible.  Many do now offer alternatives, and there are apps you can download to your phone, that will give you all the nutritional information that you need.

To keep yourself from unhealthy eating, take the time to plan your meals, because when you fail to plan, you plan to fail!

Quote Of The Week

The first wealth is health. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Recipe Of The Week - Chicken Italiano

Ingredients

- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breast, each cut in 3 pieces

-  3/4 tsp. salt

- 1/4 tsp black pepper

-  1/2 tsp. dried oregano

- 1/2 tsp dried basil

-  2 bay leaves

-  26 oz jar meatless spaghetti sauce

1.  Place chicken in bottom of the slow cooker.

2.  Sprinkle seasonings over chicken.

3.  Pour sauce over seasoned meat, stirring to be sure chicken is completely covered.

4.  Cover.  Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours

5.  Serve over pasta or rice.

*Optional - sprinkle with parmesan  or mozzarella when serving.

Per Serving:  Calories - 120  Total Fat - 3.5g  Sodium - 820mg  Carbohydrates - 10g  Sugar - 5g  Protein - 11g

Nails Of The Week

NYC Long Wearing Nail Polish - 111 Fuchsia Shock Creme

Health Tip Of The Week - The #1 Disease Affecting Women & How To Avoid It

Facts About Heart Disease

-  Heart Disease kills one in three women, that's one woman every single minute.

-  90% of woman have one or more risk factors

-  The symptoms in women can be very different from those in men, and are often not recognized as being related to heart disease or a heart attack.

-  While 1 in 31 women in the US dies of heart disease, 1 in 3 dies of heart disease.  Yet, we seem to be more aware of cancer and it's risks.

What Causes Heart Disease?

-  Heart Failure or Congestive Heart Failure - the heart is working, but isn't pumping blood as well as it should, or getting enough oxygen.

-  Arrhythmia or an Abnormal Heart Beat - The heart is either beating too fast, too slow, or irregularly.

-  Heart Valve Problems - Can prevent adequate blood flow to the heart.

Prevention

-  Don't Smoke

-  Maintain Normal Blood Sugar

-  Have a healthy blood pressure

-  Maintain A Healthy Cholesterol

-  Know Your Family History

-  Stay Active

-  Maintain A Healthy Body Weight

-  Eat A Healthy Diet

If you are looking to improve your heart health, here are some healthy options to add to your diet.

-  Salmon

-  Ground Flaxseed

-  Oatmeal

-  Black or Kidney Beans

-  Almonds

-  Walnuts

-  Red Wine

Heart Attack Symptoms

Women's symptoms can be vary different from men's, therefore they are often dismissed.  Which leads to complications or even death.  If you experience these symptoms, you could be having a heart attack...

-  Chest Pain or Discomfort - Anywhere in the chest, not just the left side.

-  Pain in your arms, neck, back, and/or jaw - This symptom is more common in women, and is often not associated with a heart attack.  It can be a gradual or sudden pain.

-  Stomach Pain - It often feels like an elephant is sitting on your stomach.

-  Shortness Of Breath, Nausea, or Lightheadedness - If you are short of breath for no apparent reason, and especially if you are experiencing more symptoms, you could be having a heart attack.

-  Sweating - Breaking out in a cold sweat.  It will feel more like a nervous sweat.

-  Fatigue - Even if you haven't moved or have been sitting most of the day.  Women often refer to fatigue in their chest, and may even have a hard time completing a simple task, like going to the bathroom.

Try to remember some of these symptoms in case you or someone you know is possibly having a heart attack.  Knowing the symptoms could save a life.  Also, make sure you see your doctor for regular checkups, and discuss any concerns you may have.  You are never too old or too young to start taking care of yourself!

-XOXO Monique

Recipe Of The Week - Cream Cheese Potato Soup

Ingredients

-  3 cups water

-  1 cup ham, diced

-  5 medium sized potatoes, finely diced

-  8 oz package light cream cheese, cubed

-  half an onion, chopped

-  1 tsp. garlic salt

-  1/2 tsp. black pepper

-  1/2 tsp. dill weed

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.  Cover, cook on high for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.  Turn to low until ready to serve.

Quote Of The Week

A woman is like a tea bag- you can't tell how strong she is till you put her in hot water. - Eleanor Roosevelt

Beauty Deals - 2/02/14 -2/08/14 CVS, Rite-Aid, & Walgreens

CVS

RB = Reward Bucks - Coupons that can be used on your next purchase.

-  St. Ives Facial - BOGO 50% Off

-  Cover Girl Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

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-  Secret Deodorant - BOGO 50% Off

-  Old Spice Deodorant - BOGO 50% Off

-  Revlon Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Schick Disposable Razors - BOGO 50% Off

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-  Dove Advanced Hair Care, Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash - Spend $15, get $5 RB

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-  Sundown Naturals Vitamins - BOGO FREE

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Rite- Aid

UR = Up Rewards - Coupons that can be used on your next purchase.

-  Olay Skin & Bath - BOGO 50% Off

-  Almay Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  L'Oreal  Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

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-  Suave Hair Care, Skin, Body, and Deodorant - BOGO 50% Off

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-  One A Day Vitamins - BOGO 50% Off

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- Jergens, Biore, and Curel Skin Care Items - Buy 2, get $5 UR

-  Maybelline Cosmetics - Spend $10, get $3 UR

Walgreens 

RR = Register Rewards - Coupons that can be used on your next purchase.

-  Gillette Shave Gel, Body For Men, Fusion Proglide, Mach3, Venus, and Body For Men Disposable Razors - Spend $25, get 5,000 pts added to your card.

-  Simple Skin Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  Maybelline Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  L'Oreal Eye, Lip, and Nail Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Revlon Cosmetics and Beauty Tools - BOGO 50% Off

-  Gold Bond Skin and Foot - BOGO 50% Off

-  Vaseline Lip and Skin Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  St. Ives Skin Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  Caress Body Wash and Soap - BOGO 50% Off

-  Dove Body Wash and Soap - BOGO 50% Off

-  One A Day Vitamins - BOGO 50% Off

-  Centrum - BOGO 50% Off

-  Nature Made Vitamins - BOGO 50% Off

-  Ester C - BOGO FREE

-  Natures Bounty Vitamins - BOGO FREE

-  Garnier Skin Care - Buy $15, get 3,000 pts.

-  Vidal Sassoon Hair Color - Buy 2, get 2,000 pts

-  Almay Makeup, Eye, and Lip Cosmetics - Buy 1, get $2 RR

-  Clairol Age Defy Hair Color - Buy 2, get 2,000 pts

*These are National deals that can vary from state to state.