Homemade Soup and Recipe – Lifestyle Tip

I like to make homemade soup for my family during the winter months.  It’s a fairly easy recipe and can be a hearty meal.  As new generation women, we’re busy and need simple ideas to make our lives easier; one option is to make soup.

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Eating soup can be a healthy meal substitute from our normal grilled caesar salad.  Simply cook the recipe, store in ziplock bags, and put in the freezer.  Also, depending on the amount that’s left over, one can store soup (in the freezer) for family sick days.

There’s two easy steps I like to incorporate that’s less time consuming when cooking the recipe.  Number one, use a soup starter mix and number two, take pre cooked chicken breast (from last night’s dinner) and shred for your recipe.  If you want to get “fancy” add vegetables to the recipe as well.

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After you’re done don’t forget to serve in your soups mugs (I found a set at the thrift shop) with crackers or make a batch of crescent rolls on the side.  You can sit back and watch your favorite reality show because dinner’s done!

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BioHarvest: First – Ever BioFood

BioHarvest, a brand that has pioneered a way to provide the benefits of red wine, in one convenient zero calorie packet: VINIA red grape powder.

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What is it really? VINIA is the first-ever biofood (a new kind of superfood) and is free of sugars, calories and alcohol

How do you consume it? Mix the red grape powder in anything you would normally eat or drink (oatmeal, yogurt, water, smoothies, salads, etc.) for a wellness boost

VINIA is now available for purchase in a 30-day supply box for $149.99 at www.BioHarvest.com. Or, consider purchasing a reoccurring subscription for $119.99/month. I’ve included topline key information for VINIA below for your reference.

VINIA™ Key Facts:

  • One serving contains a similar amount of Resveratrol as found in 1,000 grapes or 1 bottle of fine red wine
  • Supports blood circulation, healthy arteries, and blood pressure already within normal range
  • Comes directly from the Avnir red grape; contains NO artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives

About BioHarvest

BioHarvest, a consumer health care innovator, has pioneered a patented breakthrough platform technology to produce the first-ever superfood sub-category, known as “biofood,” made from the essence of fruit and vegetables and cultivated into a fine powder. The company’s flagship product, VINIA, is made from red grapes, and offers many of the benefits of red wine without sugars, calories, or alcohol. BioHarvest uses a clean production process – no solvent extraction used, non-GMO, free from fungicides, pathogens, pesticides and any other residual chemicals.

 

 

Valentine’s Day 2015 in DC – Specials and Gift Ideas

Treat that special someone to a Valentine’s Day they won’t forget. Up the ante this year by indulging in specials from Mari Vanna DC, Shinola, Union MarketDCanter and The Still Point. Whether it’s a relaxing spa day at The Still Point, decadent Russian caviar at Mari Vanna, luxurious leather goods from Shinola, delicious wines at DCanter or a heart-opening yoga session at Union Market, there’s something for every loved one this season.

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Mari Vanna (1141 Connecticut Ave., NW, www.marivanna.ru):
Spoil your sweetheart with an extravagant delicacy at Dupont hotspot Mari Vanna with their special Caviar Prix-Fixe Valentine’s DayMenu. On Saturday, February 14, guests of the Russian eatery will indulge in a menu of one cold appetizer, one hot appetizer and one hot entree for $125 or $150, depending on your caviar choice. Cold appetizer options include Olivier, Vinegret or Herring. Hot appetizers options include red caviar Blinis ($125) or black caviar Blinis ($150). Available entrees include Chicken Tabaka, Chicken Kiev, Sea Bass, Salmon, Beef Kebob or Beef Stroganoff. Diners will be treated to a bottle of champagne for two and a complimentary dessert.

Shinola (1534 14th St. NW, www.shinola.com):
Give a gift of timeless elegance with this Detroit-based luxury design brand, dedicated to producing handcrafted watches, bicycles, leather goods, journals and pet accessories – all made in America. Adorn wrists with the Valentine’s Bracelet in Lollipop Red ($125). Explore the city with The Runwell bike ($2,950) or make sure your sweetie never misses a minute with the Triple Wrap Runwell watch ($825).

Union Market (1309 5th St. NW, www.unionmarketdcom):
Open your heart – and your chakras – with an invigorating free yoga practice on Sunday, February 15 at Union Market’s Dock 5 with yogi Nya Alemayhu. The 90 minute session will channel the flow of love and compassion, bringing harmonious balance to mind, body and spirit. Bring a mat and an open mind.

DCanter (545 8th St. SE, www.dcanterwines.com):
It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without popping some bubbly, and what better way than with a champagne tasting? Make a toast with your sweetie on Saturday, February 14 from 6 – 7 p.m. ($65 per person). Sample 6 champagnes and nosh on artisanal cheeses. Take home a bottle of wine at a special discounted price. RSVP to reserve a spot.

The Still Point (1 Columbia Ave. Tacoma Park, MD | 12451 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD | 10275 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Columbia, MD. www.thestillpointspa.com):
Pamper that special person all month long with luxurious treatments from the Maryland-based wellness spa, with three locations. Choose from two unique experiences, the Chocolate Sweetheart Facial ($55/30 minutes) and the Couples Massage ($218/50 minutes, $290/80 minutes Add on Cocoa Sugar Polish +$140/25 minutes. Price includes 2 guests). The facial includes cleansing and exfoliation treatments followed by a TOMA Skin Therapies #14 Hydrating Antioxidant Mask. The soothing facial is finished off with a blissful 10 minute massage over the neck, shoulders, arms and hands. The couples massage offers a full body exfoliation in relaxing rooms with heated massage tables and heated floors.

Gift Ideas:

 

Shinola’s Valentine EnvelopeDouble Wrap Bracelet or Contrast Dog Leash

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Jami Svay Top Five Valentine’s Day Beauty Tips

Whether it’s a hot date planned with your beau or a girls’ night out, this Valentine’s Day make sure to make a statement with these top five beauty tips. Celebrity makeup artist Jami Svay has worked with Meghan Trainor, Brooklyn Decker, Angie Harmon, among others and top fashion brands Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Laura Ashley, Perry Ellis, to name a few.  She provides tips to create the perfect Valentine’s Day beauty look.

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1. Kiss and makeup…

Ditch the traditional “red” lip and go for a more kissable look like a
delicious nude color. Try: Philosophy’s lip shine in Coconut Frosting it
gives a hint of shimmer with a mild sweet taste.

2. Run your fingers through my hair or maybe not…

Loose the hair spray for the night. Nothing is more un-sexy than hard mane.
Touchable, soft hair is always a “do”. Try: Garnier’s Texture Spray for body
and bounce without the crunch.

3. Give it a glow…

For a quick J-Lo glow add a few drops of liquid luminizer to your
moisturizer. Try: Stila’s All Over Shimmer liquid.

4. Got a private beach…

Nothing says red-hot like bronzed skin. Use along the perimeter of your face
& jaw bone for a more realistic application. Also pick a brand that doesn’t
have too much shimmer. Try: Benefit’s Hoola Bronzer

5. It started with a wink…

Seduction begins with a good mascara! Give your eyes a bambi-like fringe
using lash fibers. It coats & builds on the ends of your natural lashes,
giving the appearance of falsies. Try: Loreal’s False Fiber Lash Mascara

About Jami:

Jami Svay (pronounced s-why) believes having your
makeup done is more than just lashes and liner. It’s beauty therapy.

She excels at finding and highlighting a client’s best
feature. “If I can make someone’s day by making them
look good, then so be it,” she says.

The makeup artist and creator of Tastee Cosmetics, a national line of organic lip products, has been in the beauty business for more than 10 years, working in salons, as a cosmetics representative and as a model.

She decided to forgo college dreams of being a fashion designer once she realized that makeup artistry combined her love of color and fine art.

Building on a personal philosophy of “Everyone has something beautiful, just enhance it,” Svay’s impressive client roster belies her versatility. She has worked on a range of celebrities, including Brooklyn Decker and Michael Jordan.

Svay has traveled to New York, Atlanta, Miami and Los Angeles to do makeup on editorial spreads and runway shows.

She has done work for Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Laura Ashley, Perry Ellis, Essence and Real Simple magazines, among others.

COCOTIQUE Beauty Review: January Subscription Box

COCOTIQUE is the latest subscription box for women of color and diverse ethnicities.  Once you become a member, subscribers receive a monthly box with a variety of (sample) hair, skin, and nail products.  The company also features brands such as Black Opal, Milani, Creme of Nature, OPI, Revlon, and Shea Moisture to name a few.

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The theme of January’s box was to refresh and renew with a collection of products from every category such as cosmetics, bodycare, and fragrance.  The products included were ACURE Triple Action Repairing Morrocan Argan Oil and Stem Cell Shampoo, ACURE Triple Action Repairing Morrocan Argan Oil and Stem Cell Conditioner, BEFINE Assorted Skincare Products, HARVEY Prince Hello Fragrance, NAKED BAR SOAP Lemongrass Grapefruit Foaming Sugar Scrub, NICKLA K New York Quad Eyeshadow, NUBIAN HERITAGE Honey & Black Seed Hand Cream.

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I was excited to receive my COCOTIQUE box and pleasantly surprised at the beautiful packaging.  I can’t wait to fully indulge in every product but the one item I can’t live without is the Honey & Black Seed Hand Cream.

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I’m in between manicures and seeking to restore moisture back into my hands and cuticles.  This luxurious moisturizing treatment instantly restored my hands with a nice cooling effect.  The hand cream’s also formulated with Black Seed Oil, Honey, and Apricot Oil.  It’s the perfect size to carry in my handbag (and use) while wearing a pair of gloves.

I love beauty products that work and COCOTIQUE offers product samples that are infused with natural ingredients and gentle cleansers.  To learn more about COCOTIQUE and become a subscriber click here.

The Still Point at Haven On The Lake Spa Getaway – Media Event Recap and Photos

The Still Point at Haven On The Lake hosted a media event at their new location in Columbia, Maryland. Invited guests enjoyed mini spa treatments, artisan vinegars, and the opportunity to participate in their exclusive Yoga Wall or Bare Essence class.

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Haven On The Lake

Overlooking a beautiful lake connected to Whole Foods Market, The Still Point in Columbia’s considered to be a wellness spa.  Members and Non Members can partake in a variety of services to renew, restore, and rejuvenate the mind and body.  For example, the wellness spa offers nutrition services to design a health program for individual needs. Manicurist perform natural nail services using Deborah Lippmann products (infused with healing ingredients and non toxic chemicals) and provide a therapeutic massage.  If you’re searching for assistance with fatigue, weight gain, detoxification, and hormone rebalancing, The Still Point at Haven On The Lake has doctors on staff for Naturopathic Medicine.

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In addition, the wellness spa offers traditional services such as a hydrating sugar polish, warm salt glow, contouring wrap, healing wrap, detoxifying wrap, and sunless tanning.  I had a wonderful experience visiting the new location and indulged in a theraputic hand massage with Toma Skin Therapies products and exfoliation with epsom/sea salt.  The aromatherapy from Toma Essential Oils also provided a relaxing scent when entering the wellness spa.

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Style + Life + Fashion

Haven on The Lake has become my new favorite wellness spa in the Columbia area.  I am planning another visit (in the near future) to endulge in a renew manicure and acupuncture service.  To learn more about Haven On The Lake click here and follow them on twitter for updates.

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If you like this post: The Still Point Girls Spa Night

Lifestyle Segment on Fox 45 Morning News: Health Benefits of Drinking Tea in Winter Months

I was invited to host a lifestyle segment on Fox 45 Baltimore WBFF sharing the benefits of drinking tea in the winter months. Brewing a cup of tea can serve as an aid with weight loss, stress relief, and help give a boost of energy. Also, black tea is the equivalent of drinking coffee due to a stimulating substance call theophyllin.

Although there’s a social aspect to drinking tea, we have to remember the original health benefits.  Personally, I like to drink tea as a preventative measure against colds and to boost my immune system.  If I’m not feeling well or have an upset stomach, I brew a cup of tea and drink it in the afternoon (or before bedtime) to flush away the toxins.  Below are additional health benefits:

1. Reduce the risk of heart attack

2. Fights free radicals

3. Helps diabetics better process sugar

4. Improve bone density

5. Helps with relaxation and concentration

I was super excited to share the following products and showcase my favorite tea cups. Don’t forget to purchase Carrington Organics Tea, Sparkling Ice Bottled Tea, Downtown Abbey Tea, or visit Caffe bene new tea house (nationwide) for a relaxing experience.

 If you like this post, click here: National Wine Day Television Segment

Jessica Alba Carrying Cinda B Tote

Jessica Alba was spotted earlier this week carrying a cinda b tote while on vacation in Mexico w/ her family.  What’s special about this tote is that it’s stylish, roomy, and has a removable bottom.  I love a chic tote bag because it allows me to carry additional items that can’t fit in my purse.

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Visit cinda b to view more of their handbags and accessories.

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Beauty Box 5 – Review and Favorite Product

Sharing Products from December 2014 Subscription – Jaqua Hand Creme, Absolute! Nail Polish Remover Pads, Juice Stem Cellular Moisturizer, Nanacoco Nail Polish, Luck Brand Fragrance.

My favorite product for this month was the Jaqua Hand Creme – does a wonderful job moisturizing the hands and cuticles; this product also smells lovely. The glitter polish is a nice addition to any manicure, with small hearts included in the lacquer.

Start the New Year with a subscription to Beauty Box 5

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Spa Sonic Pro Skin Care System – Product Review and Holiday Deals

For the last three years I have made an attempt to purchase a Spa Sonic Pro Skin Care System.  This professional face and body polisher was a priority because I’ve seen wonderful results in magazines and blogs.  To my surprise (and excitement) I was able to test this product for the first time last night!

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I opened the package and received a total of 5 attachments that connects to the waterproof device.  As previously stated, yes…this product is waterproof and can be used in the shower, bath, or sink.  The Spa Sonic Pro Skin Care System was a major plus (and not just because this is a product review) for various reasons.  Number one, the speed of the skin care system was appropriate for use on your face, legs, or feet.  Number two, its battery operated which means there’s no need to charge the device prior to use.  Number three, the size of the Spa Sonic Skin Care System is suitable and not heavy in weight.

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I decided to use my Spa Sonic Skin Care System with Pevonia Skin Care Products and received great results.  My face felt smooth and hydrated with the appearance of leaving a day spa.  Overall, I suggest this product to anyone that’s incorporating a new skin care regimen and looking for a product that’s affordable and easy to use.

Spa Sonic is hosting the following deals through the holiday season:

 

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Spa Sonic Pro

Nov 1st  – Dec 30th: $39.99 (Reg $74.99)

 

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Spa Sonic Pro

Dec 7th  – Dec 31st  $49.99 (Reg $74.99)