Miracle Mascara for a buck!!!

I am ALWAYS searching for a good mascara but at the same time I don't like just buying a bunch of different ones to try cuz mascara can be kinda pricey, especially the good ones.  So i was at the dollar store the other day and came across a mascara made by Loreal which is made by the same company that makes Lancome, the expensive department store brand, so I decided to try it (it was only $1).  Hands down it is the most faboulous mascara I have ever EVER used! I seriously looked like i was wearing fake lashes and for the first time ever my mascara didn't flake into my eyes throughout the day.  Its called Loreal Paris Bare Naturale Luminous Lengthening Mascara and the color I got is 805 Blackest Black. The best part is its all natural, paraban free and actually nourishes your lashes while its making them look fantastic. (Its also safe for allergy sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers).  I went back to the store the next day and bought several more for when I run out!!

Hawaiian Tropic Island Radiance -Creme Lotion- Self Tanner

Dun Da Da Daaaah!!! My first featured product is self tanner, huge surprise I'm sure.  I looooove to be tan but started to feel really guilty about going to the tanning bed so I started using self tanner.  I've tried at least ten different versions of self tan and this one is by far the most natural and easy to apply...and it cost less than $10.  To get it even cheaper I usually wait until i have a $5 off coupon at Ulta but you can also find it at Walmart or drugstores.  This one doesn't have instant bronzer so the upside to that is its not gonna rub off on your clothes or bedsheets (a problem I've definitely had in the past).  Also, a tip to keep it from streaking is to apply in a quick circular motion, not long strokes.  In short, if I was trapped on a desert island with only one beauty product, this would be it...not including lip gloss of course because its not a beauty product, its a life saver!

Startin Fresh

I'm really excited to be taking my blog in a new direction! I hope you will all stay with me.  I'm constantly trying out new products of every kind and I'm always looking for a great deal (ask anyone, I define bargain shopping)!  So I thought it'd be rewarding for me and and everyone to share what I find!  Whether its the latest greatest or its been around for years, I'm sure I've purchased it in some form. So why waste money on things you aren't sure about, let me do it for you! Anytime I find an amazing product at a great buy, I'm gonna celebrate by sharing my absolute honest opinion with you! Stay tuned because I will be posting my first product tonight!!! See ya soon!

Guilt-Free Apple Cobbler (really!!)

So the other night it was really cold in my house and I really wanted to make something dessert that would warm me up.  I've baked apples before and its alright but I was thinking how good apple cobbler sounded so I got in the kitchen and whipped up this Guilt-Free Apple Cobbler.  It was so easy and so good it's hard to believe its also completely healthy!  Now if you aren't on phase two of the HCG diet you can add homemade whipped cream-not the fake stuff- or some vanilla frozen yogurt on top and I can only imagine how tasty that would be (I'll be trying that in about a week :)!

Christy's Guilt-Free Apple Cobbler

1 apple - chopped

1 Grissani bread stick

1 tsp cinnamon

1 packet Truvia (or any brand of stevia or xylitol)

2 T extra virgin coconut oil

In a individual sized baking cup, fill with the chopped apple.  Crush the Grissani bread stick and sprinkle it on top.  In another bowl melt the coconut oil just until it turns to liquid, then add the cinnamon and stevia, stir well.  Pour the coconut oil mixture on top of the apple and bread stick then bake in the oven until a fork can be easily inserted in a piece of the apple (probably about 20 minutes).  Remove from the oven and enjoy immediately!

PS-If you are wondering if the bread stick stays crispy, it does, it actually gets crispier and kinda makes the dish taste like it has nuts sprinkled on top...absolutely delicious!

Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil should be used every single day!  If you have done the HCG diet before, you know that it is not on the original protocol for Phase 2 but I have done quite a bit of research on it and coconut oil isn't stored as fat like other oils.  This miracle oil is turned into energy in your body and actually promotes weight loss rather than deferring it among sooo many other health benefits!  I will say though if you are on phase 2 of the diet I would limit it to about 5 - 6 Tbs a day. You don't need to count the calories in coconut oil as again it is used for energy in our bodies and not stored as fat.  There are so many uses for this delicious oil.  Instead of using butter in your recipes and cooking, replace it with extra virgin coconut oil.  Use it to grease your pans for baking.  Since it is solid unless warm, you can even use it as a super emollient moisturizer on your skin!  I put it in almost every recipe I make and it hasn't affected my weight loss negatively at all!  I'll be posting lots of recipes coming up that all contain coconut oil and I'd love to hear your ideas! 

Chicken Soup

This recipe is sooo simple and delicious, if you are on the HCG diet like me it accounts for 1 meat and 1 vegetable and if you arent it is just a wonderful treat on a cold night.  To make my week much easier I always cook a big batch of chicken over the weekend and this week I shredded it and it has turned out to be very versitile.  If you aren't on the diet like me you can always add more veggies and ingredients to your liking.

Chicken Soup
-3.5 ounces of shredded or chopped cooked chicken
-1/2 cup chopped celery
-1 cup of water
-1 T Braggs Amino Acids (it tastes kinda like soy sauce)
-1 T Coconut Oil
-Seasoning Salt
-Pepper
-Garlic Powder
-Onion Powder

Combine all of the ingredients in a small pot and turn the stove on medium heat until boiling.  Reduce the heat and let simmer until the celery is tender.  Pour in a bowl and serve!  It tastes just like chicken noodle soup except no noodles...I didn't even miss em!

Sorry the picture is a little blurry, bunny thought it smelled really good and was jumping on my lap while i was trying to take it!

I'm Back!!

Hey Everyone, its been a long time since I've posted but now I'm back!  I moved to Arizona a few months ago and since then life has been a bit hectic.  But after moving to a several different places here we've finally settled into a beautiful house with a kitchen I'm willing to cook in again!  I'll admit,  I fell off the bandwagon while in housing limbo and gained some weight back that I'm none too proud of but the HCG diet has come to the rescue once again!  This time around I've been coming up with some excellent recipes that have made it smooth sailing!  I'm still on phase 2 of the diet so the foods I can have are pretty limited but I think my recipes can be easily adjusted for everyone to enjoy.  My favorite has definitely become the apple meatloaf.  I try to think of things I'd like to eat and use my diet foods to recreate them.  I'll try to post a picture soon but its just so good I usually eat it as soon as it comes out of the oven!

Apple Meatloaf
-3.5 g lean ground beef
-1 small apple
-1/4 cup onion
-1/2 tsp Rosemary
-salt, pepper and other seasonings to taste
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Add all ingredients to a food processor and make sure everything is evenly combined and chopped.  Move mixture to an individual sized baking pan (I found a cute little mini-baking pan that is about 2 inches x 4 inches) and bake for about 45 minutes.  Enjoy immediately!  This recipe is for one serving but you can multiply it if you're cooking for more than just yourself!

More recipes and tips coming soon so stay tuned!