Art of Verse - And Thanks To You

Thankful for kasamas (comrades) in my life.  This guy right here, knows how to make an Ate tear up! One of his biggest fans of his art and cultural work for our movement.

Nails Did: Nails By Catia - Peaches and Gleam

Kudos if you get the title. ;) Kept the almond shape, but shorter. I was having such a hard time typing. LOL!

Peach - Julep Nayely

Gold - OPI My Favorite Ornament

Holographic Glitter - Julep Paris

Because I have no self control...

I opted for these individual bags versus the big one. Otherwise portion control would go out the door.

Naturalico Jump Rope

Advertorial

Who remembers jumping rope in elementary school?  We also had the American Heart Association 'Jump For The Heart' program in school and I wanted that sparkly jump rope prize.  I think I still have that rope at my parents house somewhere.  Fast forward to about 4 years ago, I began to crossfit was introduced to a speed rope jump rope and consecutive double unders.  OUCH! This definitely takes patience and practice to get down.  Naturalico sent me a rope to test out and I wanted to compare the 3 that I have used to compare.

Included are the rope, instructional card and carrying bag

Instructions are helpful! 

 The other ropes that I had purchased didn't come with instructions.  I had to rely on the coaches to help me get the rope sized correctly.  The instructions laid out a process to get you at a good length based on your height.

Measure twice, cut once.  Well in my case, I didn't have the right/sharp enough tools to cut the excess off after I measured.  You really need some strong wire cutters to get a clean cut before you cap off.

The extra length did not get in the way while I was jumping so its not too bothersome until I can get something to cut it.  I was able to do double unders with the same precision as the other ropes I have  (I'll have a video update of me jumping soon!).  I tested out singles and double unders indoors in my home and did not have any issues hitting the ceiling.  Watch out for floors though, especially if you have hardwood, you may need to put a mat under to protect.

Jumping rope is a great way to get cardio in and you can make it low impact with fast singles.  The trick to double unders is all about the wrist action and keeping your arms close to your body.  Also, listen for the distinct tap-tap sound as the rope hits the ground during the double revolution and use that sound to guide your hands to turn the rope.  This rope does hurt if you hit yourself.  It isn't pleasant and you really have to work to NOT get smacked.  I'm no pro and still get injured sometimes.

Overall I was very pleased with this rope and it is comparable to ones I paid twice the price for. What's also nice is there is a carrying bag!  I love products that have accompanying storage.  If you are interested in getting a speed rope, this is an affordable option.

Cost: $15.99 on Amazon and Prime is available

#jumpropecrossfit

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.

Beauty Mail: March Julep Maven

I forgot to cancel. Argh! Even with the reminder on my calendar. 

Unboxing: Memebox x SoothingSista

Finally getting around to opening this and going to use it today!  Such a fan girl of SoothingSista and happy to have picked up one of her collab quads with Memebox. 

Sutro, Valencia, Candy Rain, Bae Area

Cost: $17 at Memebox

Pros:
-SoothingSista curated - duh!
-Pretty shades that work well with each other
-Pigmented

Cons:
-Might not work with all skintones

Would I recommend this to a friend? YES!  Not only from a great YouTuber, but also a great beauty company,  It is fairly affordable, there is a 90 day guarantee and for a limited time free shipping.

#eyelove

Mom & Dad Are Back!

After being gone for 3 weeks they're back stateside! They brought back my favorite dessert, calamay!

Budgets: Let's Get Real

Now is the time for me to get serious about the future.  As much of a control person I am, finances are hard.  I want to feel like I am secure with more money saved and potentially getting into my own space solo.  I was excited to peruse through properties for sale, but the first battle is tackling what you have to deal with now in order to get there.  I use my phone and other apps quite a bit to track, but sometimes good ole pen and paper can help to see every detail you should be looking at.  I watched this Better Budgeting 101 webcast from BECU and got some ideas of how I wanted to layout a planner to help keep me on track towards better spending habits and achieving a long term goal.

This fits in with my other planner in the A5 case, so I will always have it!

This was a Target One Spot notebook that I created for my budgeting starting this month.  I left a couple of pages in between each section in case I had more to include and separated each section with some page flags.

First page - Budget Goals.

This was pretty easy and laid them out with short, medium and long term goals according to what is feasible and attainable.  First and foremost, save!  Next, pay off the debt.  Last goal of investing!

My least favorite page

Least liked, but the most important.  What is my current situation and how will I manage that,  From here on out, I do not want to see that number increase until I am debt free and on to investing.  

Check boxes are so satisfying when a task is complete!

Make your budget tasks attainable for you to complete in a reasonable amount of time.  I like and do better with having monthly goals.  Don't be hard on yourself if you slip either!  Just try again the next round and note where there were issues.

Starting off a month of tracking along with the goals in mind

I have an app on my phone that I keep track of expenses from my accounts, but not with cash.  I'll get to really see where and how I am spending my money. 

The last written section is a place for notes and thoughts.  I want to keep track how this process made me feel.  The joys of being an adult!  This is a very difficult lesson for me because I have a shopping problem.  I have accumulated so much stuff over the years and need to curb that habit.  

Last portion of this planner was to have a place for all my monthly receipts.  I will keep the current month's receipts, then shred as I move on to the next month.

Another long term goal for me is to focus on living simply.  Thanks to capitalism, many of us have been tempted to acquire and upgrade creating mass consumerists.  No one is going to tell me to not spend, so I have to do it myself and hold myself accountable.  Any tips and recommendations that have helped you with better budgeting?

No Spend March!

As my Soul Sistah put it, financial diet. This month I will not be spending on craft, planning & make up with my own money. I have giftcards that I can use for certain items at least! This month's posts will include advertorials, crafts that have been pending to do and using things I already have. Really need to keep in minds my goals and responsibilities. Have you ever put yourself on a strict spending plan? What were some hits & misses you can share with me?

Hot Chocolate 5k!

Official time 39:20. Haven't ran in months, not bad! Had a good time with friends!

Commitment To Health: 1st 5k of the year!

Bright and early on a Sunday!  Running the Hot Chocolate 5k with my bestie and some of my good friends tomorrow.  I should be sleeping since I am waking up at 5 AM! 

Hydro Flask - Hydrate Your Life!

My sneaky GF Lyna sent me one in the mail.  I have had this bottle on my Amazon Wishlist for awhile and was happy to finally have one of my own!  

40 oz wide mouth

She purchased this from the yoga studio she practices at and can't wait to take a class when I visit!

This thing is HUGE!  I put my arm next to it for comparison.  Not the smallest thing to tote around, but its great to have a large bottle with cold, good tasting water.  I am thinking of getting a smaller one for outdoor activities like short day hikes.

Nails Did: Nails By Catia - Pink Nude, Gold Bling & Negative Space

Another post about my nails!  My gal who did my nails. Catia, sent me the photos she took.  This was my first time getting the stiletto shaped nails.  They're a bit long, but I love them!  Thinking though for my fill, I will have her file these down to a more rounded, almond shape.  I had to have these a bit longer since she did have to apply tips before the gel.  You can kind of see my natural nail, which isn't that long.  My nails are thin and peel which makes it impossible to grow out, so when I do want length, I have to get them added.  No shame, because I'm not trying to front like these are natural.  LOL!

We did add 1 black rhinestone to the ring finger.  I liked the negative space look, but it needed just a little something extra.  The diamond glitter is so pretty and sparkly!  I did have some fall out, but that is expected with this type of glitter.  I might have to add some other glitter if it gets too sparse before my fill .  I'm still getting used to typing and I am so clickity clack on the keyboard!  

Voodoo Tattoo Contest - Congrats Sassy Shears!

We have a winner, a single contestant entry from the Voodoo Tattoo Giveaway!  LOL!  Congratulations Jess aka Sassy Shears!

Ozeri Fresko Duo

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Ozeri was kind to send me a Fresko Duo Salt & Pepper Grinder to test out.  Andrea reached out to me and offered a few items to test out.  Since I needed an upgrade to my current salt & pepper grinders, this was top of my list.  

These were my old grinders.  While they did the job, they weren't great and definitely did not have table appeal.  Haha!  

 The Duo Fresko is definitely more sleek than the TJ's!  This grinder has good weight since it is stainless steel.  Having the chamber made of acrylic instead of glass, I don't have to worry about potential dangerous breakage.

The middle portion that holds the 2 chambers together is secure once you connect them.  I didn't think that each held enough product, but with how fine the grind is, there is plenty.  I had filled these up about 3 weeks ago and use them regularly.  I think if you did change to coarse, it may use more product.  The Fresko Duo is easy and comfortable to use, not to mention it saves space and time with both S&P together in one unit.  This isn't too big either like some grinders that are awkward to use.  Overall, I am pleased with the Fresko Duo and would recommend this if you;'re looking for a nicer looking grinder that is affordable.

Cost: $17.95 via Amazon and Prime is available

#Ozeri

This product was obtained through sent to me for review by Ozeri.  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.

Blue Apron Review - Week 12

I have been so busy the last few weeks that I have had to cancel out on Blue Apron.  This was one of the last ones I ordered and I even missed out on making one dish because I waited too long to cook it.  I really hate wasting food!

So happy to use banana leaf to steam!  Filipino cuisine uses banana leaves often for cooking and baking.  As my Mom calls it, "Nature's Foil."  I love the way rice cakes taste when baked in banana leaf.  This cod dish also had a great taste with a hint of banana leaf.  The rice had great flavors, but I would have liked to use a more sticky rice.  

This was my favorite dish, because I love gnocchi!  It was very rich and could have used a glass of wine with it.  Hee hee!  I made this for dinner one night for one of my besties and she enjoyed it as well!

Again, with how busy my schedule is, I have been taking a break from ordering.  I'll pick this back up again maybe in a few weeks, but for now, this will be it for Blue Apron at the moment!

Quorn Foods

Advertorial

Another great brand that I had the opportunity to try out through Tomoson.  I had actually already tried the last product featured, but definitely wanted to include it in this review.  Quorn is a meat alternative that is soy free.  I was happy to finally see something that wasn't soy based because my GI can't handle a lot of soy products.  Even with a sensitivity to dairy, I still choose milk over soy milk in some of my coffee drinks since most of the bigger chains don't carry non-soy milk choices.  

Here is some info on Quorn that they provided in their product description.

Quorn Foods is the premier producer of meat alternative products worldwide. Based in the UK, our products have been sold in the US for about 12 years now. Quorn's products are made from a naturally occurring protein in the fungi family. The protein is harvested in the fermentation process similar to brewing beer. Because our products are soy-free, they're naturally non-GMO and have a superior taste and texture to other meat alternatives. Compared to meat, Quorn has about half the calories and fat yet is very high in fiber and protein. All products are frozen make a wonderfully easy, healthy substitution in all your favorite recipes. We're certain you'll love Quorn!

Emily from Quorn kindly sent me 3 coupons to choose the product of my liking.  I conveniently bought all the Quorn items at Target.

First up, the Chik'n Nuggets.  If you know me, my go to junk meal is a McD's Happy Meal with nuggets.  Aka Franken-nuggets.  

Take note that these products do contain eggs and wheat.  Not for those who are vegan and/or gluten-free.

I'm about heat and eat sometimes, especially if its a snack.  One serving is 4 nuggets.  That is a snack size to me!

Not the best to nuke your food, but its about convenience sometimes!

Not too bad looking.  The coloring is presentable and these tasted pretty good.  Mind you I did dip these in some ranch for flavor.  I would definitely purchase these again.

Next up, the Chik'n Cutlets.  I was so hungry when I prepared this, I decided to go the quick route again.  I think I would have had much better luck if I seasoned these and cooked them on the stove.

The coloring wasn't great after microwaving.  They had a cutlet appearance, but lacked a good brown coloring after.  The texture of these was a bit more spongier than the nuggets, maybe because of its larger size  

I added this to a salad mix and it was pretty good.  Gave me the protein I was looking for and to have a meat product to the plain salad.  I still have the other half of the package and will be testing this out again.

Last up, the Grounds.  Similar to ground meat, these can be used in a variety of ways.  Like I noted earlier, I had used these before in almost the same recipe.  Pasta with alfredo sauce.  I wanted something hearty to eat for lunch yesterday and now have leftovers for the week.

I did saute the grounds with some garlic prior to adding them to the sauce.  This gave the grounds a bit more flavor.

I also added 1/4 C of mozzarella cheese to make this creamier and it was delicious!  

Overall, I am definitely pleased with the Quorn products I tried.  I would like to see how these would work in some Filipino dishes and have my parents taste test to see if they like it.  While I do still eat red meat, poultry and seafood, this is a great product to include in mix.  Especially for my parents who should be eating less meat and be more plant based.  One drawback is the texture.  I don't mind it, but it may be something acquired to others.  Also, these products may not be easily found.  All the Targets around me carry these items and I have access to one 5 minutes away from me.  If you are having any issues or just want to check where you can find it in our area, take a look at their website http://www.quorn.com/.

#MyQuorn

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.