Posted in Beauty, Blog, Health, Self Help

Are You A Make-up Junkie?

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Hey ya’ll! Come on in! Have I got some tea for you! I was just trying out these new products I got from my Friend Mo’Nique.  Just an FYI, I am a make-up junkie. Here in the south, we love make-up. I grew up a tom-boy because of my brothers, but I also loved my dolls! Ever since I was a little girl, I love to play around with nail polish, eye colors, try new foundations, lipsticks, tricks of the trade, anything for my skin, I have probably tried it! Sometimes I will sit up hours on end just watching YouTube videos on tricks and techniques. I try and stay up on the newest brands, or colors, brushes and more.

bcc36f_612a48d025b840e694103d9f75102d89Recently I was blessed to meet a new friend, Mo’Nique, from Flawless Faces by Mo’Nique, a Makeup Artist & Skincare Specialist, specializing in Bridal , Prom & Fashion Makeup. She has a mini spa right here in Birmingham on the south side. The very first time I met her, we had a kindred spirit. Mo’Nique is the most down to earth, sweetest southern woman you will meet.

But her skills? Oh yea, did I mention that Mo’Nique can “Beat that face” as we say in the South. Mo’Nique did my makeup for a print shoot, publishing her studio. My face was flawless, just like the name says. I looked 10 years younger. Now I am good with makeup, but honey, she did that! 1934838_10153175443601086_9058993384497637016_n

I had received a Certificate in Makeup application months before, just as a finality to actually start getting paid to do what I love. However, I learned so much in one hour from Mo’Nique, on things I was doing wrong, that wasn’t taught in class. Most tricks have to be learned by experience in the field work.

Mo’Nique also has a personal line of all Natural Organic Skincare Products such as Organic Cleanser & Moisturizer, Acne Creme, Lip Balms, etc.  I love her facial treatments, and personal services such as aeromatherapy, rejuvenating treatments, and much more. I love, love her lip balm!

bcc36f_eeafd1dc17db4322935f5454611d6253 Mo’Nique’s Makeup Studio offers on location or in studio services for all occasions. She has a range of services offered, from Bridal, to professional shoots, or just that special dinner date. If you are new to skin care, or need a new routine, Mo’Nique can help you with that too. What ever your needs, I am sure Mo’Nique can, and will take care of you! So swing on by, check out her studio.

If you want to take a look closer, go to her website listed below. Look around, at her experience and gallery. The best part I love about Flawless Faces? The pricing. I could not believe the  reasonable pricing of her facials. My skin is so clear, and healthy! Thank you Mo’Nique for being my new friend!

Oh hey! While you are there, take a look at Tha 2nd Look Thrift, in the same suite! I love the name brand clothes, at bargain prices. These two ladies can give you an entire make over for that special day! So hurry on over now. I’ll see you there!

Until next time, stay blessed, stay southern sweet, and stay Flawless!

http://www.niquesflawlessfaces.com/

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Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com

It’s Dinner Time, What Ya Cookin?

Hey ya’ll! Come on in! I’m glad you came! I was just cooking something up for dinner! You hungry? I’ve got some tea for you.

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If you are from the south, That is probably what you will hear if you show up to someone’s house around dinnertime. And us Southerners, we love us some fried chicken and sweet tea. Well, any chicken really, but fried? Oh yeah! I mean the smell of the grease, the whole crusty, seasoned, spicy, juicy bite of it all! I’m making myself hungry just thinking about it.

The only drawback to all this Southern fried food? It’s so fattening! Recently, about three to four months ago, I made a decision to not eat anymore fried foods. I have been successful, for the most part. I slip every now and again. I just can’t help it! It smells so dang good when chicken is frying in all that grease!

Have you heard of JJ Smith? How about this new craze, the 10 day Green Smoothie cleanse? JJ Smith is a Nutritional counselor, popular for her Smoothie cook book “The 10 Day Green Smoothie cleanse”.  I have one, and you can get one to on Amazon.com, or in Walmart book section. (3) JJ Smith is awesome if you need encouragement to get healthy. She has a Facebook page and she also emails out recipes all the time.

10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse: JJ Smith: 9781501100109: Amazon.com: Books

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Now I must tell you, I hate vegetables with a passion. However, I knew I had to do something to lose some weight. But I also knew I can not do another fad diet. I must change my eating habits. So a friend of mine mention these green smoothies to me. First look, they look nasty as heck! A green smoothie? I manned up, I tasted it, and wow! This is really good! I can do this! And, not only are veggies good for us, but the drink in itself, if done correctly, will jump-start your weight loss, increase your energy level, clear your mind, and improve your overall health.

So 2 weeks later, I have actually stuck with it for Breakfast and lunch everyday with a nice, healthy dinner. Now, I have heard some people say they drink nothing but the smoothies and healthy snacks for 10 days. I don’t feel as though this might be healthy. I mean, yes, the smoothie is all greens and fruit. Yes, it is good for your body to increase veggies, but to go without solid food, may be rather difficult for some. And when it is over, you must, ease back to solid food, or you will need to keep a toilet near by. You have pretty much Detoxed your body from everything you have ever eaten. Well, if you eat like I love to, that might not be such a bad thing. The key is to cleanse in moderation.

Which brings me to tonight’s meal. Of course, I am making Chicken! What did you think? But, it’s not just any chicken, its BETTER than fried Chicken. It is called Almond Crusted Baked Chicken, one of JJ’s recipes.

Almond chicken

Once cooked, it looks and smells amazing! It is covered in almonds, which  is going to bake into a golden crust. Then the herbs and spices used taste so delicious. Almonds are a really good source of protein and the egg whites instead of the whole egg, cuts cholesterol.

I have included the recipe below in case you want to try it out. There is a print or share option as well. So get to cooking, and fill up your home with the awesome smell of a good southern home cooked meal!

Until next time, stay sweet, and I’ll pour you up a big glass of sweet tea!

Almond Crusted Chicken

INGREDIENTS:
– 15 ounces of chicken breast tenderloins
– 2 egg whites
– 1 cup of almonds
– 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
– 1 Teaspoon thyme
– 2 Teaspoon oregano
– 1 Teaspoon sea salt
– Sprinkle of black pepper
– Parchment paper

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 °F.
Create the coating: Add almonds, oregano, parmesan cheese, sea salt, black pepper and thyme to the food processor and process until it is an evenly textured consistency.
Put chicken on one plate and the egg whites on another plate and the coating on a third plate. Gently roll the each piece of chicken in egg whites, then in the coating, and put it on the parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes.

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Reference: Copyright © 2011 Adiva Publishing  J.J. Smith – Discover Surprising Weight-Loss Secrets to Lose Weight Fast and Keep It Off!

Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com