Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Vanilla-Orange "Creamsicle" Cake

So lately I have been obsessed with anything scented or flavored vanilla-orange. This comes from my absolute love of the dreamsicle ice-cream pops from Blue Bell. They are my favorite Spring/Summer treat. I kept thinking that a cake made to imitate this ice-cream pop sounded amazing. A creamy vanilla and orange cake, with a orange flavored whipped cream. It just sounded yummy. So, I decided to experiment. I won't lie, I tried many things with the icing until I just threw something together that was quite delicious. This recipe also makes two cakes so don't be surprised when you have a lot of batter. So enough babbling...I'm sure you want the recipe...
HERE IT IS!!!
Ingredients: 

 CAKE:
  • 1 Orange Supreme cake mix (I used Duncan Hines)
  • 1 Vanilla cake mix
  • eggs as needed for cake mixes PLUS two
  • 2 pkgs. instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1/4 tsp. orange extract
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
ICING: (double this recipe for the two cakes. One recipe will cover one cake. But I didn't like how it tasted by mixing it all together for the two, so I opted not to double it in the same bowl.)
  •  2 cups whipping cream
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/4 tsp. orange extract
  • 1 Tbsp. orange juice

 Preheat Oven to 350F (or as directed on cake mixes).

Prepare cake mixes as directed on boxes, but add 1 pkg each of the two pudding mixes to each batter, and 1 extra egg to each cake batter. Then in the vanilla cake batter, add 1/2 tsp. of vanilla extract, and then add 1/4 tsp. orange extract to the orange cake batter. Blend each batter until smooth.

 Spray two 9x9 round cake pans with cooking spray with flour blend.

Blend together the cake mixes as such: One part orange batter to one part vanilla batter in four 9x9 round cake pans. (I know this sounds complicated but it's not. Simply layer a thin layer of orange batter over a thin layer of vanilla batter until there is just enough batter in each pan to bake and all batter is used up.) Once the cake batter has been distributed evenly amongst the pans, Swirl the batter with a knife, creating a marbling effect in the batter.

Bake as directed or until fork inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

In a large bowl, combine whipping cream, cup of sugar, tsp. vanilla, 1/4 tsp. orange extract, and orange juice. Beat this mixture with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.

Assemble cakes by frosting one cake "layer" with whipped cream, then placie another cake "layer" on top. Frost both layers. Do this two times for the two cakes.  Garnish with fresh orange slices, or orange zest.

Note: If whipped cream seems to liquefy, place in the refrigerator until it stiffens. You can also refrigerate or freeze the cake to assure that the icing won't melt off the cake.

Enjoy!

Sorry if this recipe seems choppy. I honestly whipped it up in no time, and when my friend asked me to post the recipe, I was like "Oh no...I have to word it in a way people will understand. This could be tough." If you have any problems with making this, just leave a comment below. I'll be more than happy to help.

I hope you enjoy this recipe, I know I did!
  ~Angel

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Mexican Chicken Spaghetti

A few years ago, I had some Mexican Chicken Spaghetti at a dinner party with my parents. I kept trying to remember how they made it, but just couldn't seem to remember everything. One day I devised a recipe of my own and viola, it was a miracle. It turned out to be creamy, just spicy enough, and just down right yummy. Plus, every time I make it my dad literally devours it. I actually had to run into the kitchen in front of him just to get pictures for this post! So here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
  • 1 (16 oz.) pkg. spaghetti
  • 3-4 whole boneless/skinless chicken breasts; cooked and shredded.
  • 1 medium onion; chopped
  • 1 large green bell pepper; chopped
  • 2 cans Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies) Mild or Hot whichever you prefer
  • 1 (2lb.) pkg Velvetta
  • 1 1/2 bags shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil, or enough cooking spray to coat the bottom of a skillet.  

Preheat oven to 350F.

Cook chicken as desired and shred. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in boiling water until al dente. Strain pasta, reserving one ladle full of pasta water.

 In a large skillet, sautee onions and bell pepper in olive oil/cooking spray until vegetables are tender and onions are translucent and browned. Reduce heat, and add the Rotel to the skillet. Simmer 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool.

Cube Velvetta, and toss together pasta, vegetable mix, and chicken into a lasagna pan.  Add reserved pasta water. Toss to combine well.

Top the spaghetti mixture with the shredded cheese. Place in oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted on top, and the center is bubbly and hot.

Serve with Texas Cheese Toast and salad.


ENJOY! :)

Note: to cut down cooking time, you can purchase a rotisserie chicken, and shred it instead of cooking the chicken yourself. You can also use leftover spaghetti and just heat it up in the skillet with the vegetable mixture.

I hope you try this at your home. I am currently chowing down on the one I just made. It is quite yummy! Hope you enjoy this recipe and many more to come. For any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. 








Have a great day and enjoy!
 ~Angel

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Spa at Home

Don't you just love the feel that spa products give you? Like scrubs, masques, lotions, waxes and oils ? I know I do. Unfortunately, I can't always afford to go to the spa for these luxuries. So, I found some products that give me the same effects, but I can use them at my home!

The Scrub

This is a great sugar scrub. I use it before, during, and after shaving to exfoliate my skin. Because it doesn't contain salt, it won't irritate just shaven skin. It's formula contains shea which moisturizes the skin, and it's sugar exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells. After using this scrub, your skin will look and feel baby smooth. This sugar scrub comes in various scents, but my favorite is the coconut lime. It contains natural coconut and lime extracts that scent the skin with a great tropical fragrance. You can buy this product at any drugstore. I found it at Wal*Mart, and it was inexpensive. A little goes a long way. 

The Masque

This is a fantastic masque, and one of my favorites. It works well to tighten skin, shrink pores, clear blemishes, and even help tone skin. You can use this product as often as you like, which is great because it won't dry out your skin. The mint in this masque is not too strong, but will tingle a bit if you're not used to using it. I have also used this masque to soften the heels of my feet. I simply swiped some on, and then wrapped my feet with plastic wrap, and sleep on some socks before bed. The next morning I unwrapped my feet, and rinsed the masque off. It worked well to keep my feet soft. You may buy this product practically anywhere that you can buy beauty products. Such as CVS, Wal*Mart, or like I did: Dollar General.  This product is basically a steal for how inexpensive it is!

The Lotion/Body Butter

This body butter is simply fantastic. Goes on smooth, and is absorbed into skin well. It has a (as the name suggests) butter like texture to it. It leaves skin soft, and extremely moisturized. It works great on dry spots such as heels, elbows, and knees. Once you use this product, I'm sure you will fall in love with your baby smooth skin. It comes in many scents, but I'm quite partial to the Cherry Blossom and the Japanese Cherry Blossom myself. You can find this in stores, or at www.bathandbodyworks.com. It's a little more expensive than the other products, but well worth it. It will last you quite a while. 

The Wax

These wax strips are awesome! They remove hair from face and body, and don't irritate the skin. Simply: gentle and effective. I know, I know..."how can a wax strip be gentle?" Well, with these wax strips you don't have to worry about burns from the wax. The genius design of these strips, makes them perfect for at home or on the go use, as to use them you simply rub them between the hands to warm them up, then apply to the desired area that you want hair to be removed, and pull off. They work fantastically. I use them for my eyebrows, and above my lip for well that embarrassing unwanted hair. The strips come in two different packages: one for body, and one for face. You can purchase these at any drugstore. I found them at Wal*Mart for about $8 I believe. Another great thing about this product, is say if you buy the ones for body and they are too big, all you have to do is use scissors to cut them down to the desired size and shape. 

The Oil
  

This is my favorite oil of all time! It is a dry oil, which means it dries fast, and doesn't mean it will leave an oily residue on skin. This oil works fantastically to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, and aging skin. So, it's simply a MUST buy! It also moisturizes skin very very well. (Have I stressed how awesome this oil is yet?) It's a very gentle based product, and won't clog pores so you can seriously use it from head-to-toe! Plus, the cocoa butter scent is heavenly. I HIGHLY recommend this product. A little bit of a stretch on the wallet, but honestly for an oil this good it's inexpensive. Around like $9. It lasts a long time, and like I've said many times before...SO WORTH IT! You can purchase this product at any drugstore, I found it at Wal*Mart.

All these products are fairly priced, and well worth the buy. Once you use them, and love them, you'll feel like giving yourself a spa treatment everyday...from home! 

 Note: I did not mention other spa treatment products such as nail care in this post. I will be getting on that more in a later one. Keep with me for that. 

 So enjoy your life at an affordable price, and indulge your senses!

~Angel

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Sopilla Cheesecake :)

This is a quick and simple recipe that all my friends love. Every time I head out to one of their parties, I always ask what I should bring, and as always they say "sopilla cheesecake!" So here's the recipe.  This is not your normal spring-form pan cheesecake, so don't be shocked when it doesn't look like it. It's a twist off the mexican dessert, the sopilla and cheesecake. It's got a top and bottom golden cinnamon sugar crust with a nice and yummy cream cheese center. Simply amazing! You'll be shocked at how easy, inexpensive, and yummy this recipe is.

Ingredients:
  • 8 oz. pkg cream cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar; divided
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
  • 2 cans crescent rolls
  • cooking spray
  • additional cinnamon and sugar
Preheat oven to 325F.

Spray cooking spray into a lasagna pan. Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press into the bottom of the lasagna pan. Make sure to press the dough together where the dough had been sliced for the crescents to allow the entire bottom of the pan to be covered with one sheet of dough.

In a large bowl, mix together: 1 cup sugar, pkg. cream cheese, and vanilla until well blended. (at this point I also add in additional cinnamon to taste, you don't have to if you don't want). Spread this mixture onto the layer of crescent roll dough that used just laid down in the pan.

Unroll the other can of crescent roll dough and do the same thing you did before. (I also add more sugar and cinnamon to the top of this layer of dough as well and massage it into the dough. As before, you can leave this step out if you choose to.)  Make sure the dough is well seamed together, and covers the cream cheese layer as well as possible (it doesn't have to be prefect).

In a small bowl, blend the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and Tbsp. of cinnamon together. Sprinkle this mixture onto the top dough layer.

In a microwave safe bowl, melt butter on high heat. Pour melted butter onto the cinnamon sprinkled dough.

Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until top crust is golden and puffy, and center begins to bubble up near sides.  (Note: Not all the butter will set into a sugary crust like the rest just yet, so don't be alarmed.)

Take out of the oven, and allow to cool a bit before serving. You may serve this hot if you prefer (like with vanilla ice-cream...yum!), just keep in mind that the cream cheese center will be VERY hot once you take it out of the oven. 

Next and final step: DEVOUR!


I hope you try this simple and tasty recipe in your kitchen sometime, and enjoy!

~Angel



Tuesday, March 8, 2011

From Dull to Bright Nails

As the Spring months draw near and Summer following right behind, we know we are all thinking about those strappy little shoes and showing off our toesies. But as many like me fear, our nails are just too darn dull looking. So for me being the fan of the more natural look for pedicures, I did some experimenting/researching for how to get a brighter nail from stuff I just had laying around the house.



My find: Well three different things actually. Lemon juice, baking soda, and denture tablets (yes, I did have some in the house, thanks to my father).

The lemon juice was probably my favorite pick. Not only did it brighten the nails, but it left it with a nice, pleasant scent. To use this method, simply pour some lemon juice into a shallow bowl and soak nails in the juice for 15 minutes. Rinse nails, and dab dry with a towel. For toenails, you can apply the lemon juice to a cotton ball and swab over the nails and under the tips of the nails. If you prefer, you may also use lemon extract or a lemon essential oil diluted in water.



For using baking soda, I simply just added enough water to some baking soda to create a paste. Then using a nail brush, I brushed the nail bed and under the nail with the paste. I let it set for about a minute or two, and rinsed.







And lastly, the denture tablets: As you would do with dentures, simply dissolve half to a full sized denture tablet into a shallow bowl of water, and then soak your nails for about 10 to 30 minutes. I went for about 20-25 (got distracted with timing lol). You may rinse your nails of any suds that may form from the foaming action of the tablet with water, but I just simply took a towel and dried my nails off.



I know I didn't go into much detail as to why you get the brightening effect from using these methods, and that is because I don't really know that much of why you do. Like I said before, this was all done through self research. I also used toothpaste, which worked like the baking soda paste, but it was not one of my top three. I also tried just soaking in milk. It softened my skin, but didn't give me the brightness I was looking for.  I encourage you to try these methods to see which one works best for you. I also encourage you all to do your own experiments and research at your homes (on the side of caution of course), to find something that may work for you other then the ones I mention.

Anyways, that wraps up this blog post. I hope you try some of these ideas for yourself. Let me know what you think!

Time to break out those sandals, and dig your toes into the sand! Cheers to Spring/Summer!

~Angel

Alternative Uses For Baking Soda

You all know that baking soda is used for well...baking. But did you know that it can be used for a lot of other things as well? Like perhaps...cleaning, deodorizing, or whitening teeth? But that's just the basis of them all. I'll go into more depth of how you might be using baking soda for more than those delectable goodies.

 One way to use baking soda is for whitening teeth. It's abrasiveness targets plague on teeth enamel to gently lift up surface stains and help whiten the enamel of your teeth. It also helps freshen your breath with its deodorizing abilities. To use: Simply sprinkle some baking soda onto your toothbrush with toothpaste and brush as recommended by your dentist. OR you can use it as a gargle/mouthwash, just dilute a bit into a cup of water and gargle for 30-60 seconds to neutralize bad breath.

Another use for baking soda is for removing product build from your hair. Just as it lifts and removes stains for teeth, baking soda does the same thing with product build up. It simply acts as a "stripper" for your hair. To use: Blend together a palm full of shampoo (or more as needed for length of hair), and about a tsp. of baking soda, shampoo as normal, and condition if necessary. This has been known to leave hair a little dry, so I recommend doing this only when absolutely necessary. I have oily hair, so I use this about every other day or so and condition regularly between and during uses.

You can also use baking soda to prevent sweat stains on blouses and clothes. Simply sprinkle the armpits or garment with baking soda after applying deodorant, or with the deodorant itself. The basic property of the soda cuts down on the acid of sweat, and helps to block moisture flow from seeping into fabric.

 Another common use for baking soda, is as a washing detergent for clothes. As for many years with the  use of either liquid or powder detergent, people have been adding baking soda into the wash to help remove stains and eliminate odors in our laundry. It works quite well I might add, and does harm fabrics like bleach does. Just add about a cup to each wash load in your washer to help brighten clothes and eliminate odors.

One last common household use for baking soda is of course as I mentioned before: a deodorizer. We use this in my house quite frequently. You  can sprinkle a little onto pet stains to help eliminate odors, sprinkle into litter boxes, onto carpet before vacuuming, in laundry, or just open a box and use in the refrigerator to eliminate odors from smelly foods (this also helps to prevent some foods from absorbing the taste/odor qualities of other smelly foods such as an apple with an onion).

As you can tell there are multiple uses for baking soda, and the uses go far beyond the scope that I mentioned here. If you have any suggestions for how to use baking soda, feel free to leave a comment below.

As always, have a wonderful day! :)

~Angel

Saturday, March 5, 2011

The Morning Routine For The Beauty Queen

Okay, don't let the title fool you. When I wake up in the morning, I'm far from a beauty queen. I'd say it's more like Frankenstein's bride. But thanks to a few steps and products, I have found a cure to the morning curse.

Wash my face. DUH! I have to be able to see what I'm doing to get the job done. If you have read my last post, then refer to the Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Gel Cleanser, and to the Acne Free Severe to Clear Skin System (Step 1).

My eye roller. Yes, I do use one. I know, I know, "you're only 20, why do you use this?" My mom asks me this all the time. Simply, your skin begins to start maturing in your 20's. To prevent dark circles and crow's feet, you should hydrate the area around your eyes with a light cream or as I do, an eye roller. My pick:  Aveeno Smart Essentials Anti-Fatigue Eye Treatment  
 I love this! It reduces the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. You simply just roll it from you inner corner to the outer corner of your eye, once in the morning and once in the evening. Beware that this can irritate skin. The worse side effect I have experienced was just a little burn, but that was only when I got my acne medication too close to my eyes. So be cautious with using other products with this one. I'd use this right after washing your face, give it a few minutes to set in, and then add your next product as you wish.


Next is a good moisturizer with SPF of 15 or higher. It's important to keep your skin hydrated to prevent wrinkles later, but it's even more important to shield your skin from the harmful UVA/UVB rays of the sun. This is the first step to preventing skin-cancer, and it helps to keep you young and beautiful...so why not? My two picks:


I'm currently using the rest of this product up. I used to sell Mary Kay, so this was in my starter kit. I must say it works quite well as a sunscreen, but I would recommend the moisturizer that Mary Kay also sells to give your skin a little more saturation. This sunscreen/moisturizer also has an age-fighting complex that is good for young to mature skin.  This product is a bit on the pricey side, so if that is a problem for you, I am recommending another product that is more budget friendly. To read more about this click on the link above.


This product is a great SPF moisturizer. I haven't used it in awhile, because like I said before I'm trying to use up all my Mary Kay. However, when I did use this product, I must say it worked great. It kept my skin moisturized and protected from the sun. Viewing as I have young skin, it was hard to see if it benefited me on the age-fighting side, but it did help keep sun spots and sun-burn from appearing on my face and neck. I would totally recommend this product to anyone, and definitely to those individuals on a tight budget. To see more info or to purchase, click on the link above. You will have to type in either the product name or search for moisturizers to find this product.


Now we get down to concealer. This I use to help along with my eye roller AND to clear acne. It's the best of both worlds! I use a tiny amount under my eyes, after using my foundation (which I'm not going to be talking about in this post, because every product has different shades for different skin).  I use this for those stubborn dark circles under the eyes and blemishes. My pick:


This is by far my favorite concealer. It works great for masking dark circles under the eyes and blemishes. But what you might not know is that this concealer also contains an acne medication that actually clears blemishes when you use it on top of them! AMAZING! It goes on well and lasts. Great for acne troubled skin, or for anyone who is looking for a great concealer. I highly recommend this product. For more information or to purchase, click on the link above.

Finally, I finish with face powder. Any shade or brand you like. I use many products (too many to list here now). I do recommend finding a light weight finishing powder in a translucent shade for a more airbrushed look however. I live in Texas, and visit Florida quite often for travel so a powder is much more sustainable to the high humidity weather that I experience here.

Well, I think that's about it for this blog. If you have any questions or comments feel free to express! 

As always, have a wonderful day, and stay looking awake!

~Angel











Friday, March 4, 2011

My Beauty Picks For Acne Free Skin

Here are a few products that I myself use everyday. They are mostly for the treatment of acne caused by stress, menstruation, or overly oily skin. I have been using these products for quite some time, and I LOVE the results they gave me.

Here is the list (with descriptions):

I LOVE this product! It's made with natural ingredients that don't clog pores or irritate my skin, and it sweeps away excess oil and dead skin cells from the skin leaving it smooth. Over just a few days of use, I noticed a difference in the appearance of my skin. It had cleared the majority of my acne up in no time. Now when you buy this product, don't be thrown off by it's liquid texture. I know it says it's a gel, but it has a watery base to it. Some people don't like this, but it actually allows the solution to lather up nicely.  


Another amazing natural based product from Burt's Bees is this Targeted Spot Treatment. It has a watery consistency as well, but it leaves for more suitable spreading. It does come in a small bottle so don't be thrown off by the price for bottle...a little goes a LONG way. This product is great for those problems areas. Just dab a bit of this on in the morning and at night and it helps fight the bacteria that causes acne, and helps clear up trouble spots.


This is a four piece system for severe acne. I don't have severe acne, but I was recommended this product by a friend who said it worked wonders for her. So being the curious cat I am, I tried it. Now I love it. Of course I don't use as much of it as recommended for severe acne. I use the wash everyday twice a day, the toner once a day to every other day, and the lotion as well, and then on days when I need a sure fire boost I'll use the targeted solution (Step 4). This was a little pricey, but well worth the cost. I've read reviews saying it rivals ProActiv. I have never used ProActiv so I can't make that assessment myself, but I will preach its cure. It works!




Everyone needs an exfoliator for their skin. I recommend St. Ives Apricot Scrub Blemish Control. I will admit that right now I'm using a generic brand from Dollar General that does the same thing. It gently exfoliates the skin, leaving it smooth by removing dead skin cells and excess oil. Your complexion is also enhanced by this product as it helps to reveal healthier more radiant skin.

 
So those are my picks for acne products. Feel free to ask more questions, or click on the links of each product name to read up on them yourself or to purchase.

Thanks guys, and have an awesome acne free day!

~Angel




 





Hydrocortisone Cream For Acne Blemishes and Acne Scars

When you think hydrocortisone cream, you typically think anti-itch medicine for bug bites, rashes, or dry skin. But, have you ever thought about using it for more than that? Perhaps like for acne or acne scars? Well you might want to try it.

One night after some typical late night dry skin itching, I  was in such a frantic to stop itching, so I grabbed the hydrocortisone cream and started applying in liberally to my legs and arms where it itched. Well at the time, I had been having bad acne problems from, well... stress and the typical college life. I wasn't really thinking too much about it when I simultaneously began to put the hydrocortisone cream on my face like I would have my acne medication. Remember, I was half asleep.

Well, the next morning my acne had shrunk in size and redness, and I could see where my acne medicine had dried out my skin, become way more hydrated and smooth. I was thinking to myself, "wow what a great middle of the night, half-asleep find!"

I began to do some research on this, to see if anyone else used this method of clearing acne. Come to find out, they do!

Here's the link I was looking at that explains how to properly use hydrocortisone cream for acne blemishes and scars: http://www.bestacnetreatmentstips.com/articles/114/1/Hydrocortisone-Cream-for-Acne-Scars-/Page1.html

Please note that I am not a doctor myself, and that as stated in the link above: "This cream has some serious – side effects and might not suit for everyone." So it might suit you best to ask a doctor before using this as a way to clear acne. If you would like to find another link over this, there are many out there, I just chose this one. 

It worked for me, will it work for you too?

~Angel












 

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Budget Fix For Your Misfits

Do you ever hate it when you buy some cute new heels or flats, and they fit so great when you first try them on in the store, but then when you get home they kill the back of your heels by rubbing up against them? Been there done that...

Well this morning, I discovered a fix that was fast, easy, and beyond affordable.I was simply looking for a band-aid or something to cushion my heels from the friction. I was looking and looking, and I stumbled across my cotton rounds/pads. I thought to myself, "well I suppose this will work." So I took two of them and stacked them upon one another and stuck them in each shoe. To my surprise (even though yeah...they were obviously round), they fit perfectly into the back curve of my shoe cushioning my heal perfectly. Now before you say "duh," let me tell you that it's hard to find things that will do just that without overlapping the back part of the shoe.

They simply slid right in, and curved perfectly to cushion my heel. Not only did they cushion, they also made my shoe fit more snug and prevented sliding!  It was a great find!

If you're like me, then you don't like spending a ton of money on products. Now you don't have to! Don't spend all that money on heel savers, simply just find some cotton rounds that you might just happen to have laying around, or you can easily find them at Wal*Mart or the drugstore for about $1.

Save your money, and your heels!

~Angel

Note: I used four cotton rounds in all; two in each shoe. You can even lay more along the width of the heel for more cushioning around the heel itself.





Welcome!

Hello everyone! Welcome to my blog.  I'm currently in the midst of collecting some information and well just "stuff" that I want to fill my blog with. As you may have read in my side bio, I am a 20 year old college student who is very much interested in looking good, staying healthy (for the most part...desserts!), and loving to entertain. Hopefully with my blog, I will be able to inform, guide, and give some personal reviews of recipes and products. I hope you join me on my blogging adventure, and if you EVER want me to test something out, I'll do my best to do so and have my review up on the blog A.S.A.P.

Thanks everyone! Have a nice day!

~Angel