Freebie Come Ups

Sissy got a Birchbox subscription and gave me some items she didn't want. How cute are those bath salts! 

Sweet Less Guilty Treat!

All natural ingredients and Paleo friendly! Not to mention 100 calories per tart. If you have had the full size, you know how pricey these are at Whole Foods. You can get this 12 pack for only $8.99 at Costco. Delicious deal!

Paper Problems

$5.99 each at Michael's. Makes me want to go back and get more! #craftaddict

Corrective Back Therapy Through Massage

I had an interesting experience with a new therapist today to help ease some of the tension in my neck and back.  My appointment today was supposed to be self-care and more relaxation, but Lesa did more work to release the tension and gave me some advice on what I can do at home post massage and see if and where the pain happens.  I have a crooked back, as in I have scoliosis.  It wasn't bad where I needed a brace, but as I get older, I feel more pain due to my body compensating for being off balance.  I carry everything on my left shoulder because that is the side that sits higher.  Everything I sling on my right slides off easily, so I am constantly putting more weight on that side.  Along with a right side hip stretch, she told me to be more aware of my dominant (right) side and to alternate to the left side in actions such as crossing my legs.  Another habit I need to break is sleeping on my stomach which will be the most difficult one, but she gave me tips on how I should set myself before sleeping.  I am willing to try all of these techniques to alleviate pain because they are drug free methods.  We will see how the next 2 weeks go before I see her again.  I'm also hoping to get a relaxing massage from my usual therapist too.

Do you suffer from back/leg pain?  What are some techniques that you use to help you through?

Logitech Unifying Receivers

I have two of the same computer mouse. Why you ask? Well, maybe if I read the packaging when I bought the first one, I would have found out about Logitech's Unifying Receivers. 

Old wireless mouses had a receiver that was unique to the mouse and once lost or broken, the mouse was not usable. Finally they came out with a receiver that can be universal amongst several devices. The only functionality missing is being able to use 1 mouse on several systems. Ehh, I'll take it though because I thought the mouse wouldn't work. Thankfully I didn't toss it, but had I known earlier, I wouldn't have forked over another $25 for a new mouse. Well, now I have 2 mouses, one for work and one for home.  I had to put a little heart with nail polish to distinguish the two.

Logitech Lady on the Lily wireless mouse $24.99 at Target

Logitech Unifying Receiver $12.49 on Amazon

KUKPO Can Opener

Advertorial

Growing up, my Mom had an electric can opener from the 70s.  Opened everything easily!  I think she may still have it at home.  That is one of the appliances that isn't necessary, but convenient.  I would rather have a manual one, but had yet to find one that worked well.  I think I have found a great option through an opportunity with Tomoson.

The KUKPO Can Opener is described as durable and easy to use and made of quality stainless steel.

 This is what we are using at home right now.  A classic Swing-Away manual can opener that I struggle with every time I use.  Maybe it has seen it's better days already, so I was happy to have been chosen to test the KUKPO out.

Always wash the tops of your cans before opening!

The KUKPO Can Opener opened up the can of soup with ease.  From the first cut into the can, I was able to turn the opener across without any issues. I was wondering how this would cut the can, thinking that it would do a side cut that you have to pop off, but this opens cans the standard way with the cut into the interior edge.  You can use the top end of the opener to pry open the lid and remove the contents.

While this claims to suitable for people with arthritis or parkinson's, consult a physician about what types of tools would work best for you with these conditions.  This was easier to use than the Swing-Away we have and will reach  for the KUKPO from now on.

Cost: $18.95 via Amazon and Prime is available

#KUKPO

This product was obtained through Tomoson.  I have not been monetarily compensated for this item. My write up of this product reflects my own opinion after a trial period and have provided an honest review.

Unboxing: March 2015 Ipsy Glam Bag - Floral Fantasy

Spring has sprung!  I feel like I was the last of my gal pals in Seattle to get my Glam Bag, but its finally here!  I was happy to see that the zip top bag was included for this month.  I'll be switching out my make up bag in my purse for this one which is currently last month's #ipsyLOVE.  I also redeemed some Ipsy points for the eco-beauty good-day day moisturizer.  Love the packaging!

What I got:

-Pur-lisse gentle soy milk cleanser and makeup remover

-NYC Cosmetics Butter Lipstick in Hunk

-Dr. Brandt Pores No More Anti-Aging Mattifying Lotion

-Boo-Boo Cover-Up Concealer

-Vintage Illuminating Face Highlighter in Crystal Pink

What did you get?

the Balm Cosmetics - Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter

I have been wanting this highlighter for some time now and I finally got it!  With a Nordy's Note too, so no money spent!  The powder highlighters I have are too shimmery/glittery.  I don't know how I rocked that, but it goes to show the ever changing an evolving likes and style.  This one is soft in shimmer that it just perks up your face with an inner light.

The swatch on my fingers look super bright!

But blended into my skin, it just shows a nice sheen.  I add this above my blush on my cheek bones, a little bit on my forehead, a little line down my nose, a dab on my cupid's bow and on my chin.  I use a really light hand and my Real Techniques Setting brush.

Cost: $24 @ Nordstom

Pros:
-Light shimmer and buildable finish
-Paraben free
-Compact case with a mirror

Cons:
-Pricey

Would I recommend this to a friend?  YES!  I love it and it has become something I use on a weekly basis.  I haven't found any drugstore brand highlighters that weren't too shimmery or glittery and am open to suggestions!

Leilei Cooks: Salmon Lumpia

I decided I wanted to make salmon lumpia for the Spring Meet Up over the weekend, but not knowing I would be SO busy during the week that I wouldn't have time to shop, prep and cook until THE DAY OF.  SMH!  Well worth it though, because there were none left!  I brought a little over 50 pieces!  This recipe was shared to me by my KasamaSistaAte Donna a few years back when I was helping her prepare for a wedding she was catering.  Simple ingredients and lots of flavor.  

Ingredients:

Salmon fillet 

Baby spinach

Whipped cream cheese

Lumpia wrapper

Yoshida Original Gourmet Sauce

Eggs (for egg wash)

-Clean and slice salmon to small pieces

-Marinade in Yoshida

-Separate lumpia wrappers

-Start your roll on one piece of wrapper first with a bit of cream cheese, add the baby spinach, then add a piece of salmon rolling tightly and tucking the ends

-Use egg wash to seal the end

-Cook at 350 degrees in deep fryer for 3-5 minutes (I had 3 in the basket).  You can also pan fry which will vary - cook until golden brown and salmon is cooked.

I omitted the size/quantity because there are no set figures.  Just make what you feel is a good amount for what you need.  I would also not keep these in the freezer too long, maybe max 3 months or less since these are fresh ingredients.  The best would be to cook and serve as soon as possible.

Make sure you buy a fillet.  I bought a salmon steak and it had the skin attached to it.  I had to use my filleting skills (I have never done it before ha!) and got this cleaned up.  It took longer than I wanted to spend.

Clean and inspect the fillet for bones/scales before slicing into small slices.

Place into a bowl and cover with Yoshida to let marinade while you move on to the next task.  It doesn't take long for the fish to retain the flavor, do not let sit for a long period of time, otherwise it will be salty.

The best lumpia wrapper!  One of my childhood kitchen tasks was separating the papery layers for my Mom as she wrapped.  These tear easily so use care when doing this.  Also, to keep them from drying out, cover with a damp paper towel as you add one after another. My Mom didn't make lumpia often because it is labor intensive, but we weren't deprived because we have so many good cooks in our family and she would order from them.  LOL!

Schmear of cream cheese to start off.

Then the baby spinach on top of that.

Then the salmon next and you roll!

Roll it tight and be generous with the egg wash to seal it up.  When you create your pile, be sure to have them lined up and place wax paper between to keep from sticking between the layers.  Or you can go old school and use the actual plastic the lumpia wrapper came in!

Fry em up!  I had 3 at a time going for 3-5 minutes on 350 degrees and fried using vegetable oil.

Mmmm, the perfect little 2 bites!

Do you have any favorite lumpia combinations?

PNW Planners Group Spring Meet Up

Had the chance to connect with some of the gals this weekend that are part of the PNW Planners Group at the Spring Meet Up.  Most of us only know each other via FB/IG, so it was great to meet in person!  Check out the vlog posted by Emma haha!

 

Beauty Mail: March 2015 Ipsy Glam Bag

Finally! I feel like mine took forever to arrive!

Crafty Leilei: Page Dividers For A Spiral Bound Planner

This post has been chillen for a hot minute.  I made a couple type of page dividers for my Revolutionary planner and like the larger version better than the smaller one.  Both work well for the purpose, so I guess it is preference.

Laminator is bae. Only for that night though!

Really, crafting from bed and watching Coffee Break With Dani!

I took out one page of the blank spiral bound page in the back to use as a template to punch holes.  Then I measured a couple strips of scrapbook paper that I would use for the dividers and laminated them all on one sheet.

After cutting, I took a 1/8" hole punch and punched some holes on the blank sheet to have a guide for the dividers.

After punching holes, I cut slits into the holes so I could attach to the spiral coil in my planner.

I didn't have my clawz then, so I used the tip of the scissors to get the divider attached.

I used these for a couple of weeks, but I wanted something a bit more solid so I decided to make a full page divider instead.  Also, instead of punching holes into the page, you can attach file tabs, punch holes and cut slits to attach them to the coil.

Measure 20 times, then cut.  Measuring and cutting kill me.  Thankfully these turned out great and now I have a template to use to make different ones.

I actually laminated one of them again which was a mistake.  I didn't take off the file tab and it got all wonky.  :\

Unboxing: Julep Maven March 2015

Even with my reminders to cancel, I forgot to for the month of March.  Well, it was a good mix of beauty and polish so I didn't mind too much.  The Pop! Collection for this month were creamy, springtime colors on your tips with a semi-matte finish, brights on your lips and an eyeliner and makeup corrector combination.  I received the Nayely polish in the Peaches and Gleam manicure, Light On Your Lips in Twirl and Get In Line Invisible Lip Liner.  I didn't get to try the lip products yet, but will soon.  Twist looks so pretty!  I already have an invisible lipliner from Urban Decay so I imagine it will be similar.

The cap on the Light On Your Lips Lipstick is magnetic!  Love to hear that click and know that it is secure in my purse or make up bag.

But what is this Julep?  A cheap plastic cap for the liner.  I know this will end up cracking after some time.  It would have been nice to have a metal cap instead.  Ugghh chintzy!

Cost:
Color Treat - Nayely $14 / $11.20 Maven
Light On Your Lips Lipstick - Twirl $22 / $17.60 Maven
Get In Line Invisible Lip Liner - $16 / $12.80 Maven

Would I recommend these to a friend?  Skip or find something similar.  I wasn't completely wowed and feel that these could be found in other brands and at a more affordable price.  If you are a Maven and can snag these, its a good deal if you can get the box, but individually, the prices are pretty steep.