Essie In the Cab-ana and Dj play that song neon 2013 nail polish collection

Hello Everyone,

I am so glad to have my internet fixed because the whole week I was dying to blog. Recently, I picked up some of Essie's Spring 2013 nail polish collections and those will be the colors I will be wearing for the rest of Spring and Summer.

One of the collection is called In the Cab-ana. It's a combination of soft pastel and bold colors. Most of Essie's formula for nail polish goes on nicely with just two coats.

I only have three out of the four shades from the collection:
From left to right: First Timer, Under Where?, Come Here.

Here is First Timer on my nails:

For the Dj Play that Song collection it is filled with bold, neon colors. These colors look great on tan skin. It makes the color pop even more.

I have four out of the six shades for this collection:

From left to right: DJ Play that Song, Saturday Disco Fever, Shake your $$ Maker, and Bottle Service. I also have a white polish in Blanc on the side to indicate if you add white underneath neon colors, it will intensify the color.

I have Bottle Service and Blanc on my toes:

Add some bright colors and have fun!

Until next time, 

stay healthy, beautiful, and inspired.

Have a great night!

<3 <3 <3

Khol's Lauren Conrad Spring 2013 collection and Pier 1 Imports

Hello Everyone,

Ever since Lauren Conrad's Spring 2013 collection came out at Khol's I am smitten with her clothes. Her clothes are exactly my style. They are classic, chic, effortless, feminine, and rarely do you see prices over $70. I have several shirts from her collection and they fit well to my frame. The blazers are gorgeous. I picked up a cream and a gray color blazer because I can pair them up with shorts or jeans for a casual look and a blouse with a skirt or dress pants for a business look, very versatile.  This is the only reason I go to Khol's.

When I was there I also picked up a pair of sandals from Union Bay. I love the aztec pattern and the simple zipper at the back to slip-on.

The next place I went to is my favorite store for home decors: Pier 1 Imports.

I have been looking for a simple white table that I can put near the door and I found just the right one. It was on sale and white just makes everything look clean.

Until next time,

stay healthy, beautiful, and inspired.

Have a great night!

Haul from Forever 21, H&M, and Bath & Body Works

Hello Everyone,

From head to feet to nails...

The best place to buy cheap fashionable jewelry is from Forever 21. Most of my earrings, necklaces, and rings are from here because I wouldn't care too much if I lose them, which I do a lot. I am currently obsessed with stud earring and anything with owls. These owl earrings where calling my name and the flowers were just cute.

I can't wait to replace my heart earrings with the owls....

Another thing that I lose a lot are my sunglasses. So, I got some cheap ones from Forever 21 that has 100% UV protection. Now, I don't feel bad about tossing them into my bag because they were only $5.80.

At H&M, they have cute colorful ballet flats that I wear to run errands. They are comfortable and adds a pop of color to any outfit.

Ballet flat: $12.95

Currently, the candles that are burning in my room are from the Fresh Picked collection at Bath and Body Works. My two favorite scents are market peach and pear. Smells amazing!

On my nails, I am wearing Rose Quartz- a gold color with a hint of rose and green from Revlon Chrome Chameleon Limited Edition

Until next time,

stay healthy, beautiful, and inspired.

Have a great night!

<3 <3 <3

Quirky hobby- My salt and pepper shaker collection

Hello Everyone,

Once in a while I do like to share something personal that not a lot of people know about me, but now, I guess everyone knows. I do have a quirky hobby and it's collecting salt and pepper shakers. It started a few years ago when I purchased my house and I didn't know what to put in a glass display that my grandparents left for me. While looking at decors at Pier 1 Imports, I saw some cute salt and pepper shakers that I just had to get. Ever since then, I am always on the hunt for unique salt and pepper shakers. I do have other quirky hobbies and this is just one of the many.

Here are some of my salt and pepper shakers that I would like to share (I do feel like an old lady with this hobby, but who cares):

My favorite is the dog and the fire hydrant.

One of my favorite drink from T-pumps is the red bean smoothie with red beans and tapioca balls. Just can't get enough red beans in my drink.

YOLO!!!

I am liking the SketchMe app right now! It turns a picture into a drawing. How cool is that! Ok... quirky!

Unti next time,

stay healthy, beautiful, and inspired.

Have a great night!

<3 <3 <3

Olay Fresh Effects Review

Hello Everyone,

Olay has always been known for facial and anti-aging skin care.  They have recently launched a collection called Olay Fresh Effects.

I am always looking for good facial cleanser and lotion. I read a lot of good reviews for the face lotion and decided to try the entire line altogether.

In the morning, I would start with the shine minimizer cleanser because my face can get oily throughout the day. I have oily to combination skin. Some people thinks it makes their skin feel too dry, but for me, I do like it because after I wash my face I usually apply lotion before my makeup. The scent is very refreshing and not overpowering.

I really enjoy the Fresh Effects satin finish lotion. It's "fresh and feather-light," just like what the box says. It does help control the shine and gives my face a satin effect which is exactly what I am looking for. This works great if you have a foundation that you want to sheer out because it's too thick. 

Since summer is coming, it's always not a good idea to pile on a lot of foundation. I usually like to wear BB creams or any tinted moisturizers on a daily basis. I have tried many BB creams and CC creams, this is probably one of my favorite American brand BB cream. Just FYI, this does not cover large imperfections- may need concealer in addition if you want more coverage. This BB cream is good for creating a natural even color and hiding small imperfections. It's very sheer and has SPF 15 which is a plus. 

All-in-all, I do feel all three of these work great together, but if I do need to pick one, I would recommend the satin finish lotion. 

Until next time, 

stay healthy, beautiful, and inspired.

Have a great night!

<3 <3 <3

Cooking with Sugarcookie #16: Noodle soup with chicken and napa cabbage under $20 for 4-5 servings

Hello Everyone,

For those who are price conscious like me, here is a recipe that is under $20 and can be served to 4-5 people. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to make. A lot of the time is spent on prepping and making the chicken broth. There is an easier way by using canned chicken broth, but I always like to use a whole chicken to make the broth and then use the meat on the chicken in the soup.

About to do some magic!

The chicken I picked up from the market is stewing chicken and it only cost $2.27. I use this mostly to make the base for the soup. Any type of chicken would work.

After washing the chicken, I put it in a large pot of water to boil for at least 30-35 minutes. Can be longer if you have the time.

After the chicken is cooked, I remove it from the pot to cool down and add:
a handful of star anise, salt (not too much), fish sauce, soy sauce, granulated sugar,  napa cabbage, fresh ginger, garlic, and green onions to complete the broth.

While the soup is still simmering, I chopped up the chicken into smaller pieces and remove the meat for later. I tossed back the bone into the broth for more flavor.

Other optional items I add to the soup are fried tofu and cilantro.

For the noodles, I like them a little thick, but any type of pho noodle will work. These noodles does not take long to cook. It only takes about 5-10 minutes to cook after the water starts to boil. Cook this separately from the broth.

Now, time to prep other items to be added after the broth is done. 

Based on your preference, either basil or mint leaves are great to add for additional flavor.

Jalapenos, of course, to add some spice.

Bean sprouts and lime

Assemble the dish by adding the noodles first, then the broth, and lastly the additional items on the plate I have above.

Tada!

Bon Appetit!

Until next time, 

stay healthy, beautiful, and inspired.

Have a great night!

<3 <3 <3