Till Then Smile Often

Long Hair Don’t Care – Hair Care

For most of my life my hair has been long. Only twice in my life I have cut 6-10 inches off and regretted it each time. My hair was just made to be long. My hair is a little wavy so I can either wear it curly or straight. I try to not use too many products at once time, but have a varied depending on how I style my hair.

I try not to use a flat iron anymore because it really does a lot of damage. So I either use mousse to scrunch it curly or use a round brush and blow dry it straight. I will use a curling iron to get nice beachy waves. Depending on which style I am going with, the products vary. Here are some of my favorite products that I have purchased 3-4 times so they are tried and true. I should mention I didn’t include a picture but I swear by Pantene Moisture Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner.

Beauty - Hair

 

Leave Ins

The Pantene BB Creme is a great leave in conditioner. It repairs, protects, adds shine and smooths flyaways. This is a little on the thicker side so I use this if I wash my hair at night or if putting my hair in a braid or ponytail.

Sebastian Potion 9 I have been using since college and I love it. It is light weight but really coats the hair but still really light and doesn’t feel greasy or filmy.

Healthy Sexy Hair – I got this in my last Ipsy bag and I fell in love with it, even more so than the It’s a 10 products.

Serums

Organix Coconut Milk Serum – I will smooth one or two pumps of this after I blow dry to add some shine and leave it silky smooth.

TRESemme Cashmere Touch Serum – Is my second choice when I am out of the Organix Serum. Both work well but the Organix is my first choice.

Curling

Garnier Fructis Curl Construct – This is my favorite curling mousse. It really makes my curl spring into curls. It does give that wet scrunchy look if you use too much so just depends what you are going for look wise.

Hairspray

Big Sexy Hair – I will use this if I am looking for all day hold for my curls and I don’t mind it being stiff.

Pantene Touchable Finish – This has really good hold but more movement and less sticky.

Dry Shampoo

Not Your Mother’s Dry Shampoo – I really like this dry shampoo because it really blends well.

Heat Protection Spray

Aussie Hair Insurance – It really helps lock in the moisture. I will usually spray this on just after the leave in and only on the ends of my hair where it is most likely to get damaged.

 What are your go to hair care products?

Have you used any of the ones I currently use?

Linking up with Jordon for the Glam Series.

Love Always, Nancy J

Corn Fritters with Lemon Dill Aioli

I have made no secret that I think I was made to live in Texas. I mean the weather, southern hospitality, rugged cowboys, and big hair really holds a place in my heart. If it wasn’t for my family I would move already.  So while I will have to settle for the cold New England weather and just visit Texas on occasion I will settle for cooking up some Southern delights.

Now I am sure there are a million and one ways to make fritters and just as many names for them too. I decided to make these with a little kick and a subtle Aioli to round out the flavors. Don’t be afraid of the horseradish it is a small amount and it doesn’t make this dish spicy. The crunchy outer layer and the smooth inner flavors really made this feel so decadent but it really is a dump and stir easy recipe. So have no fear, this is easy to put together.

Corn Fritters with Lemon Dill Aioli

Ingredients: 1/2 cup flour (and 1 TBSP) ~ 1 Tsp baking powder ~ 1/3 cup Almond milk (or regular milk) ~ 1 egg beaten ~ 1-3/4 cup of corn (cooked) ~ 1/2 Tsp chives ~ 1/2 tsp chili powder ~ 1 tsp horseradish ~ 2 TBSP EVOO

For the Aioli:

3 TBSP Mayo ~ 1/4 Tsp Crushed garlic ~ 2 tsp lemon juice ~ 1/2 tsp water ~ 1/4 tsp dill ~ pinch of salt ~ pinch of pepper

Directions: Make the Aioli by mixing the mayo, crushed garlic, lemon juice, water and dill into a small bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste and mix well. Place in the fridge while making the fritters. NOTE: I originally tried making this with Greek yogurt in place of mayo and it was too runny so stick with the mayo, trust me it is worth it!!!

Mix flour and baking powder with the milk and beaten egg until smooth. Stir in corn, salt, horseradish, chili powder and chives. NOTE: I added a TBSP more flour since it was a little too thin of a batter. You want it to be slightly thinner than a pancake batter but not too runny.

In a skillet heat the oil under medium-high heat. Drop the batter into the oil (about 2 spoonfuls per fritter) and allow to brown for 1 minute per side or until golden brown. Flip using a metal spatula. I made 3 fritters at a time, and two batches. If you need to make smaller batches, change the oil out otherwise the fritters will brown too quickly.

Corn Fritters with Lemon Dill Aioli

Spoon the Aioli on to a plate and spread out in a circular motion. Place a fritter on top of the Aioli. I topped with some tomato slices and some dried herbs. If you are feeling fancy you can top it with some prosciutto.

Corn Fritters with Lemon Dill AioliRecipe Adapted from Cooking Light Corn Fritter recipe.

After you make this dish let me know on a scale of 1-10, just how Southern you feel. 😉

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Corn Fritters with Lemon Dill Aioli
Author: 
Recipe type: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6
 
Corn Fritters with a Lemon Dill Aioli
Ingredients
  • ½ cup flour (and 1 TBSP)
  • 1 Tsp baking powder
  • ⅓ cup Almond milk (or regular milk)
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1-3/4 cup of corn (cooked)
  • ½ Tsp chives
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp horseradish
For the Aioli:
  • 3 TBSP Mayo
  • ¼ Tsp Crushed garlic
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp water
  • ¼ tsp dill
  • pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
  1. Make the Aioli by mixing the mayo, crushed garlic, lemon juice, water and dill into a small bowl.
  2. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
  3. Place in the fridge while making the fritters. NOTE: I originally tried making this with Greek yogurt in place of mayo and it was too runny so stick with the mayo, trust me it is worth it!!!
  4. Mix flour and baking powder with the milk and beaten egg until smooth. Stir in corn, salt, horseradish, chili powder and chives. NOTE: I added a TBSP more flour since it was a little too thin of a batter. You want it to be slightly thinner than a pancake batter but not too runny.
  5. In a skillet heat the oil under medium-high heat.
  6. Drop the batter into the oil (about 2 spoonfuls per fritter) and allow to brown for 1 minute per side or until golden brown.
  7. Flip using a metal spatula. I made 3 fritters at a time, and two batches. If you need to make smaller batches, change the oil out otherwise the fritters will brown too quickly.
  8. Spoon the Aioli on to a plate and spread out in a circular motion.
  9. Place a fritter on top of the Aioli. I topped with some tomato slices and some dried herbs. If you are feeling fancy you can top it with some prosciutto.
  10. Recipe Adapted from Cooking Light Corn Fritter recipe.
 

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It’s Not Over Yet

My weekend that is! I don’t go back to work until Wednesday so the laziness is continuing for a little longer!!

weekendFriday: I got the most amazingly perfect mug (1) from Anna of A Dash of Quirky when I got home. I’ve used it 3 times already, it’s my new favorite mug.

Saturday: I had the adjuster from my insurance come out to look at the damage from the flood to see what it will take to repair everything. Once that was done I headed down to the South Shore to babysit my nieces so my brother and SIL could go on a date. I dropped Seamus off at my Dad’s in case I got stranded since it started to snow around 2pm and was expected to get 6-10 inches. My Dad’s cat (2) put himself in time out. I got to my brothers and we played chase, and then the girls helped make Stromboli. Thank you goes to Steph at Life According to Steph for the recipe. (3,4,5)

The girls ate a little more of the ingredients before it was cooked than should have happened but they had fun helping.  Considering the two handed shovel (6) I think they liked it! The best quote of the night though was “My poop got stuck in there.” Little one is a little lactose intolerance but loves cheese. There was some tears when I left but I promised to do a girls day soon.

Sunday: Basically this was a day doing nothing but resting. I was going to do a million errands but really I just reminded myself I have two more days to get it all done and to take it easy. So I spent it trying to finish my current book. I picked up 3 more books at the library on Friday so I now have 6 books out. They all came it at once, go figure. I also watched a few more episodes of Flashpoint. I went to the grocery store early so I could get some cooking done later.

I took Seamus (7) for a few walks but other than that it was restful. I am looking forward to the next two days to get some more cooking done (like those corn fritters – 8), two a day workouts, and putting together a storage cabinet for the kitchen.

Linking up with Leeann from Join the Gossip

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Friday is Fabulous

Happy Friday!!! I couldn’t be happier for this one since I have a four day weekend! The snow will not get me down!! Just 8 more hours to go until I can put some yoga pants on and rock the laziness!! So here are my five things for this week.

One. I am babysitting my nieces on Saturday so my Brother and SIL can go on a date night for Valentine’s. They are so full of personality and always bring the giggles. They are girls after my own heart. They got smiles for days! Look at them! So precious!

nieces

Two.  This week our hostesses (April, Christina, Darci, and Natasha) are challenging all of the Five on Friday participants to do something a little bit different.  Spread the word about Super Teddy! Teddy was born on November 14, 2013 and was soon after diagnosed with Menkes disease, or “Kinky Hair Syndrome.” Babies with a typical case of Menkes do not live past three years.

From Mary – Teddy’s Mom:

Menkes has no cure, but it does have a copper treatment program that provides hope if diagnosed early. While it is too late for Teddy, I want every other family hit with this tragedy to have hope. Teddy is the message, but we need your help delivering it. Please post his story on Facebook, share on Instagram, tweet #FUmenkes, email friends and family. Tell anyone you can. If you see a baby with kinky hair- think of menkes. I would rather rule it out for every kinky-haired baby than miss a crucial early menkes diagnosis.

There is a  CaringBridge page to update family and friends about Teddy and to spread the word about Menkes. You can follow Teddy on Instagram or Facebook, to show your support.

TeamTeddy

Three. I had so much fun last week coming up with mug selections so I am bringing it back. There is still time to sign-up for the mug swap it is open till February 18th.

Stephanie at Not Entirely Perfect hasn’t found a cupcake she can’t put liquor in.

Give me the Cupcakes Large Mug

Emily from Beauty and The Greek ran her first marathon while she was sick!! Brandi from Realities of Brandi just finished a half marathon just two weeks ago and then decided to run a marathon in TWO WEEKS! So inspiring!

I Run Like A Girl Mug

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If it has Bourbon or Bacon than Maddie from A Tinge of Whimsy is all about it. She was my first blate and became a real friend!

I LOVE BOURBON Mug

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Ashley from Married to the Game is getting married to a Professional Hockey player this year.  She is all about the fitness and looking stunning in her dress.

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Four. Really anything big or small can make someone smile.

Smileeeee

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Five. Well it snowed again yesterday and we had to go into work. my car was covered and I had to try and kick my way out. It started to rain so the snow started to get heavy. Shoveling was not fun but Only 33 Days till Spring!!

snowHope everyone has an amazing weekend!

THE GOOD LIFE BLOG

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You Are Beautiful

So this week I am bring you a Random Act of Kindness that is absolutely FREE!! Basically because this gal is on a budget! Also I want everyone to be able to participate and not everyone wants to spend money. This one is a great way to make someone feel better. Who doesn’t want to do that, besides the Grinch?

You Are Beautiful - Be The C

I placed these on mirrors at the local McDonald’s, Dunkin Donuts, and also on the desks of the people in my Department at work. I am keeping a few in my purse to pass out to anyone I see that could use a pick me up too! For a blank template of the Be The Change cards click here.

birthday

I mentioned last week a boy named Logan Pearsons who is an Autistic boy who is turning 12 on February 24th and is currently dealing with bullies. So a call to arms was put out to get some birthday cards sent his way so please let me know if you want to send him a card and I will give you his address. He is located in Massachusetts.

UPDATE: Here is more on Logan’s story.
Are you considering doing your own Act of Kindness? If not, what is stopping you? Grab a button if you would like to spread the word. The change that we seek in others has to first come from within. This year I hope you decide to Be the Change You Seek.

Till Then Smile Often

 


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Dog Tired and Winter Blues

Happy Humpday!! I can’t believe it is only Wednesday. This week is going by so slowly. I have a lot of work to get done today I am going to leave you with just a few of my confessions.Let’s get to it shall we!

* I have been so incredibly tired lately. Like this kinda tired:

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You wanna know why I am so tired? Because Seamus does this but around the bed at 4:30am. Even though my alarm is set for 5:30am. It is a good thing he is cute!

perpetual motion bulldog

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 * I have a four day weekend starting on Friday and I am so excited. Saturday will be spent with the Insurance Adjuster and then babysitting my nieces but the rest of the days will be spent lazing about and organizing some rooms in the house.

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* Ever since the flooding in my basement I have this irrational fear of going in my basement. The mold issue is really freaking me out and I don’t want to use my home gym anymore until it’s fixed.

* May latest Netflix addiction is Flashpoint.  I mean come on men in Tactical gear, how can I resist.

* I think I have the Winter blues. I am so tired and want to eat and sleep all day and then wake up when Spring arrives. Pretty much I want to Hibernate like a Bear. I will be reading this guide on how to Fight The Winter Blues.

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Linking up with Kathy from Vodka and Soda for Humpday Confession and with Liz from Fitness Blondie for the Hump Day Blog Hop.

Ryan-Gosling-button

The Hump Day Blog Hop

 

 

 

 

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Fig and Spinach Pinwheel

I have to say after watching a lot of Food Network Challenge shows on Sunday I was feeling inadequate in the cooking department. The amazing dishes that they can make on the fly in 30 minutes or less is amazing! Not only that but half the dishes I couldn’t pronounce let alone make.

So to soothe my aching soul I experimented with a new dish. The first time I made this dish I kept the fig raw and drizzled honey before rolling the dough. It ended up a little gritty and a little too sweet then what I wanted. I decided for the second batch to try and cut the sweetness and chewiness of the fig with some balsamic vinegar. This really left the fig very soft and subtle, most of the vinegar cooks off and you can taste just a hit of it in the final dish.  The final result was a touch creamy, and a hint of sweet.

Fig and Spinach Pinwheel

Ingredients: 4 Figs (1/2 cup chopped- stems removed)  ~ 2 TBSP Balsamic Vinegar (Fig Infused preferred) ~ 1/3 cup water  ~ Pinch Salt ~ 4 oz cream cheese (softened) ~ 1 Crescent Roll Sheet ~ 1 Cup Spinach (Chopped) ~ 1 Tsp Garlic Powder

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Remove the stems on the figs and chop into cubes.

Fig and Spinach PinwheelPlace in a skillet over high heat with 2 TBSP Balsamic Vinegar, 1/3 cup Water and a pinch of salt. Once it begins to boil reduce heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the fig begins to soften and the sauce thickens.

Fig and Spinach Pinwheel

Roll out the crescent dough and spread out the softened cream cheese onto the dough. Sprinkle the spinach on top of the cream cheese.

Fig and Spinach Pinwheel

Sprinkle on the garlic powder then spoon on the fig vinaigrette mix.

Fig and Spinach Pinwheel

Roll lengthwise and cut into 1 inch thick slices with a serrated knife.

Fig and Spinach PinwheelFig and Spinach Pinwheel

Place on a greased cookie sheet cut side down.

Fig and Spinach Pinwheel

Bake for 9-12 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.

Fig and Spinach Pinwheel

How are your cooking skills , do you add as you go or follow a recipe?

What is the weirdest ingredient you have used in your cooking?

 

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Rest Required

I have to say I was a little boring this weekend but it was really what I needed after last week. Between the flooding, the snow and being sick I really needed a weekend of doing nothing.

saturday
Saturday: I spent the morning watched an obscene amount of American Horror Story on Netflix. Last week I realized I watched the whole new season but never watched the first 2 seasons.  I did make a really good salad for lunch though. I didn’t get moving until 3pm, but I had just enough time to get to the library and pick up some new books. It felt a little odd not to have a book to read, and now I have four to get started. Then I did some crazy quick cleaning (I get all my energy in the afternoons) including vacumming, cleaning the bathroom (the one I have left, haha), laundry and dishes. I then began taste testing for a new recipe I am working on. It started with the idea of making a pinwheel dish. I really wanted to use fig and spinach. The first batch was a little too sweet and gritty though it wasn’t bad it just wasn’t what I was going for originally. I spent the rest of the night watching TV and knitting.

Sunday

Sunday: This day was all about rest. I had some more cleaning to do, but really I watched a lot of TV. I did get my grocery shopping done early and did a second batch of the pinwheels for lunch and it was even better and really more what I was going for, it was creamier and richer. I can’t wait to share the recipe. The rest of the day was watching movies, snuggling with Seamus and finishes any cleaning I didn’t finish yesterday.

Very relaxing, and not a lot of running around, which I really needed.

*As I was getting a few things ready for work at night I came across an old box of odds and ends. In it was an old letter my Dad wrote me while I was in college. I think it was for mid-terms or maybe when I was really homesick. It was really about the road he took and that he believed in me even if I didn’t believe in myself. It left me bawling. I never would have made it through college without his support and all he sacrificed. So just putting this in to give him props, he deserves it.

What were you up to this weekend?
Linking up with Leeann from Join the Gossip

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Coffee, Shoutouts, and Love

Happy Friday!!! I know it has been a short week for me being as the first part of the week was spent dealing with the flooding of my bathroom and basement. Missed it? Read that disaster here. Then Wednesday was the snow storm so this week actually felt like it flew by. Anyone want to sign a petition to make every work week a 3 day week?! Well if you have been reading for awhile you know Friday I share my 5 favorite things for the week. So here we go!

One. I have a huge obsession with coffee mugs lately. I even signed up for the mug swap that is open till February 18th. Let’s just say I found a few gems lately that made me laugh. This one is for Kathy at Vodka and Soda. I knew we were friends when we discussed poop! Haha!

I Pooed Today! Mug

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This one is for Heather at My Little HEA and for Kate at Another Clean Slate

Go Away Mug

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This one is for Stephanie from Life According to Steph

Know Your Grammar Large Mug

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Two. Speaking of coffee I was at Target last night and I came across the best coffee flavor I have had in awhile. I already have a half bag left in my fridge so these two are going in my freezer so I can make it last. These are a special edition and on serious clearance. Total score! See that super super savings of $3.24 per bag. Boom!

Hot Buttered Rum Coffee

Three. With the flooding and demo of my half bathroom I get to figure out how to put it back together. I haven’t liked this bathroom since I owned my home but I didn’t do anything because who cared, it was a half bath off the kitchen. I am thinking I want to remove the ugly pink tile for white beadboard and yellow paint. This vanity is cute and small enough to fit. What do you think?

Style Selections Euro Style 24-in x 17-in Espresso Belly Bowl Single Sink Bathroom Vanity with Vitreous China Top

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Four. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the support on my Be The Change series. Hope it is inspiring you to do your own Acts of Kindness. This week I posted about leaving lollipops on the windshield or handle of the cars in the mall parking lot. Ninja skills – 1 I also mentioned Logan who is an 11 year old autistic boy who is being bullied and sending him birthday cards. If interested let me know and I will give you his address.

Random Acts of Kindness - #BeTheChange2014

 

Five. This really is the best thing ever. Read it, and remember it!

You wanna know who's amazing and has the cutest smile ever? Read the first word again. #Smile #Flirty #Quotes

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Go get your Friday on and make it count!! I will be dealing with the plumber again on Saturday but I will still be baking up a storm this weekend!

What are you up to this weekend?

THE GOOD LIFE BLOG

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Pass on a Smile – Be The Change

This Random Act of Kindness is something everyone can do. It is really great too because you can leave some in your car to pass out whenever you have a chance. At the Grocery store, at Target, at work, at the Bank, really anywhere there is a random car.

Random Acts of Kindness - #BeTheChange2014

I used one bag of Tootsie Pops and taped them to a card and placed either on their windshield or on their door handle.

Random Acts of Kindness - #BeTheChange2014

Anytime you are in a parking lot you can add one to a car. Just imagine, having the ability to  make someone’s day a little better. It’s worth it right?! Of course it is.

Random Acts of Kindness - #BeTheChange2014Random Acts of Kindness - #BeTheChange2014I passed these out on Sunday when I was in an outlet mall.  It was the perfect place to pass them out since there was hundreds of cars. There were a lot of people getting in and out of cars so I really got to work on my Ninja skills which are still clearly lacking, but getting better! 😉 For a blank template of the Be The Change cards click here.

I also want to share with you an Instagram account I follow @ariellecaputo she is another positive person who does Random Acts of Kindness. Her website and blog is D.E.A.P . – Dream Actively, Endlessly Pursue and she put a call out to send some cards to Logan Pearsons who is an Autistic boy who is turning 12 on February 24th and is currently dealing with bullies. She is trying to get some birthday cards sent his way so please let me know if you want to send him a card and I will send you his address. He is located in Massachusetts.

Are you considering doing your own Act of Kindness? If not, what is stopping you? Grab a button if you would like to spread the word. The change that we seek in others has to first come from within. This year I hope you decide to Be the Change You Seek.

Till Then Smile Often

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