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Monday, April 27, 2015

CHEWY GOOEY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES





Chewy Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

2 cups minus 2 tbsp. CAKE FLOUR
1 2/3 cups BREAD FLOUR
1 ¼ tsp. BAKING SODA
1 ½ tsp. BAKING POWDER
1 ½ tsp. SALT
1/8 tsp. CINNAMON (optional)
2 ½ sticks UNSALTED BUTTER
1 ¼ cups LIGHT BROWN SUGAR
1 cup plus 2 tbsp. GRANULATED SUGAR
2 LARGE EGGS
2 tsp. VANILLA EXTRACT
1 ¼ pounds BITTER SWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS or DARK CHOCALTE CHIPS (20 oz.)
SEA SALT

Directions:

1.) Combine FLOURS, SALT, BAKING SODA, CINNAMON, & BAKING POWDER in bowl (set aside)

2.) Use mixer w/paddle & cream BUTTER & SUGARS until very light & fluffy (3-5 minutes).
  • Add EGGS one at a time, mix well
  • Add VANILLA EXTRACT
  • Put on low & add dry ingredients
  • Add CHOCOLATE CHIPS & mix briefly


3.) Let cookie dough batter sit in fridge for 24-36 hours before baking (I have baked right after mixing the dough & find the cookies to be of desirable taste).

4.) Use a STANDARD ICE CREAM SCOOPER to scoop cookies on to baking tray.


5.) Sprinkle SEA SALT on to each cookie before placing in oven

Bake @ 350 for 12-13 minutes
*Let cookies sit on pan outside oven for 5 minutes to finish cooking, and then transfer to a plate or cooling rack.

Monday, April 20, 2015

BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL



     
     Coconut oil has many benefits that include health care, hair care, skin care, weight loss, memory benefits, metabolism benefits, boosts your immune system, and much more. Lauric acid is in coconut oil and is said to contain antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, and soothing qualities. 

Health care:
     Coconut oil prevents high cholesterol and high blood pressure levels because of the amount of lauric acid it contains. It is also used to prevent memory loss
*Consumption
  • I apply to my toast instead of using butter and sprinkle cinnamon on top of the coconut oil. 
Hair care: 
     Coconut oil can be used to repair damaged hair by depositing proteins required for nourishing and healing strands. It is also used as a conditioner to keep hair from drying out and locks in moisture. By massaging coconut oil in to your scalp, you can also prevent lice from burrowing in your strands due to its antibacterial/ anti-fungal properties.
*Topical application
  • I apply a small amount to my ends.
Skin care:
     Coconut oil can be used as a moisturizer for your skin and will keep bacteria and fungus away. You can use it to kill bacteria on your skin like herpes, diaper rashes, and athlete's foot by rubbing infected area. You can also apply it to eczema and other skin infections.
*Topical application
  • I use it as my lotion.
Weight loss:
     Coconut oil increases the body’s metabolic rate by removing stress on the pancreas, so your body can burn more energy. A lot of people use coconut oil to cook with instead of vegetable oil.
*Consumption
  • I add a tablespoon to my coffee.
Immune system:     
     Coconut oil boosts your immune system by keeping dangerous bacteria like listeria from growing in your body. It's anti-fungal and antibacterial properties keep your body healthier and therefore boosts your immune system.
*Consumption
  • I blend coconut oil with peanut butter and apply to my toast and bananas. 

Friday, April 10, 2015

BARELY THERE, BEAUTIFUL YOU; MY DAILY FOUNDATION ROUTINE


My Daily Foundation Routine

bareMinerals:
Application:
  • Apply aloe to skin as my primer & wait to dry
  • Apply bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation with hands
  • Lightly brush on READY Foundation with Precision face brush
     
     I like having a natural look, but making sure my skin looks polished is a nice touch, so I add my bareMinerals to give me the glow I desire without creating a caked on appearance. Most days I only brush on my READY Foundation and skip my bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation application, because it does such a great job covering up any imperfections on my face. I have old acne scars that I am trying to get rid of and some freckles that I like to show, so I try to avoid wearing too heavy of a foundation. 



Thursday, April 9, 2015

COZY ACTIVEWEAR LOOK















     Let's be real; New York is freezing! My face was practically numb from the cool breeze whipping around the corner and my legs were tingly from being so cold. I am very much looking forward to spring actually arriving. My mother in law and her friends came up with a name to label this time in between Winter and Spring. They call it 'Sprinter' except I don't feel like Spring is sprinting to get here. 

     Staying in shape towards the end of my pregnancy is proving to be difficult with my 1 year old since it is so cold outside! I now know why and how mommies with children while pregnant, tend to keep some extra pounds on in this weather. I need to figure out a way to keep the pounds off. Advice is much appreciated. 

What I wore:
  • Top (Motherhood Maternity)
  • Sweater (Loft)
  • Vest (Gap outlet)
  • Bottoms (Motherhood Maternity)
  • Shoes (Footlocker)
  • Bag (Kate Spade)
  • Scarf (handmade)








Tuesday, April 7, 2015

PASTELS & BOOTIES











     With four weeks left until Matthew arrives, we are trying to take as many family photos as possible to document our family of three. It has been quite a ride with our sassy little 1 year old and I wonder what the dynamics will be like with another child in the mix. I can honestly say that I am scared to become a mommy of two. Riley is very demanding and requires all of my attention, which has me wondering how I am going to survive. I pray she will be a good big sister and show her little brother love and affection. 

     I have reached the point in my pregnancy where I want Matthew to be out of my body and in to my arms. It is extremely difficult for me to constantly hold Riley with my big belly, but she is always craving my attention. I feel like I can't keep up with her ever demanding ways and quick movements. I feel like having Matthew here will make it easier for me to hold her and chase after her. 

     It is crazy to think that Spring is here and all I want to do is stay bundled up in my oversized sweaters, but I must embrace the season and pastel colors. I am however going to hang on to my booties until my toes can handle popping out in the cool weather. 

What I wore:



Monday, April 6, 2015

STAYING WARM IN NEW YORK; 36 WEEKS PREGNANT

















     Today is a day to celebrate because baby Matthew is 36 weeks and that means he can survive outside of the womb if anything crazy were to happen. I am getting more and more excited to have Matthew here with us to share in all of our family fun. It has been a little hectic around here with all of the changes due to our move from Hawaii to New York. We finally secured a house and will be moving in to it in the next few weeks. There is still a chance we could be without our stuff before Matthew arrives, but we are hoping our shipment will arrive in time.
     
     Today is also my first appointment with my new OB and I am beyond nervous, because I have to have a little inspection in my lower female region. I am a very open person, but I am not excited to have a new OB look down there. It is extremely uncomfortable for me!

     In the above pictures, my husband and I had some fun checking out the area for some new spots to take my photos for the blog. It was extremely windy, but a lot of fun getting a more rustic background with all of the brick and muted colors. 

What I wore:


Thursday, April 2, 2015

EASTER OUTFITS I LOVE

                                  

Outfit 1                          Outfit 2                         Outfit 3



Outfit 1:
Outfit 2:
Outfit 3:

     I am very much looking forward to being able to wear non maternity clothes again! I like wearing bottoms that sit around my waist and shirts that cinch in at the waist and then continue to flare out a little. I feel like I have been pregnant much too long and want nothing more than to go on a shopping spree at Jcrew. All of the above outfits can be found at Jcrew factory online and in stores. Happy shopping!