Category Archives: Family and Life

Mar 22 2015

Homemade Marinara Sauce

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10-minute-marinara-sauce

10-Minute Homemade Marinara Sauce

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yield: About 3 1/2 cups     Cook Time: 10 min

 

 

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1/8 teaspoon fresh black pepper

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:
Heat a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil to the pan, allowing it to warm for 1 minute, then add the garlic and sauté it for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it's golden brown and fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar and crushed red pepper flakes (optional), stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, then season it with additional salt, pepper or sugar, to taste. 

Notes: The strongest flavor of the marinara sauce will depend on what variety of crushed tomatoes you use.

Feb 25 2015

DIY Fabric Art

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pink-grey-baby-nursery-fabric-wall-art

DIY-fabric-art-2

Supples needed:

  1. Frames
  2. Fabric
  3. Hot Glue
  4. Hammer/nails or Command hooks

Instructions:

  1. The first thing you’re going to do is determine how big you want your frames.
  2. Next I cut 1/8 inch off one edge of the cardboard to allow room for the fabric when placing it back in the frame. Then I cut out a piece of fabric about 2 inches wider than the cardboard. After that I wrapped the cardboard like a present with the fabric, hot gluing as I went and then I placed the piece back in the frame.
  3. This project took me less than an hour from start to finish. Can’t beat that! The possibilities really are endless with this simple piece of decor. Get creative! 😀

fabric-on-canvas
DIY-Wall-Art-Supplies_thumbDIY-Wall-Art3_thumb

 

 

 


How-to-Fold-a-Corner-for-DIY-Wall-Art_thumb

Supplies needed:

  1. Art Canvas or Styrofoam model
  2. Fabric
  3. Staple Gun

Instructions:

  1. ​Iron fabric and place on a work surface wrong side up.  Cut fabric leaving enough on each side to staple to the art frame.  Staple once on one side of the canvas and then again on the other side making sure that the fabric is even and snug.
  2. Continue stapling until two sides are complete.  Fold the fabric in on each corner and staple.
  3. Staple the other sides and the corners.

Get creative by adding word/animal templates, ribbons or decorative strings! 😀

 

Feb 21 2015

“Friendships”

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Frendships

  •  As a child you are BFFs with just about any kid who is happy to play with you and life is a blast.
  •  As a teenager your friends have become a small clique of five or less but you're still friendly with other kids. Unless you're a bully and well that's just all kinds of wrong. BAD Bully, BAD! Forget about your local bully (karma's a b**ch, remember that). As a teenager you make pacts to be friends forever which is great and a beautiful thing but with the reality of colleges or entering the work force early THIS, this is where friendships are either kept strong or broken apart.
  •  Ahh college… where you've become a child yet again and are more than willing to hang out with people outside your typical social circle. Having a mosh pit of friends is what makes colleges so damn great, we know it ain't for the college debt. LOL! Long lasting friendships are created at this point in our lives and where we can appreciate the differences in one another.
  •  Becoming a mom, well so much to say here. Life has taken it's toll on you and now those lasting friends are still aroundish even though you've lost a few via: your single friends not understanding your new mom-life, had life-changing disagreements, relocated to other parts of the country/world or just plain lost touch (insert shrug here).  Yes being mom has its tribulations but what can we do. We have social media to help keep in touch with the friends who have moved away or those who don't have children (yet). Sure we'll like you pics and/or status but come on we all know that's not enough to keep you friendship alive. Now we join a local mom/baby play groups just to freaking socialize and in-turn has become your saving grace. Baby brain is NEITHER sexy or stimulating AT ALL! So we meet new moms, gain like-minded friends and pray somewhere out there is a group organizing a GNO (girl's nite out!)
  • Single ladies… well I hate y'all! Seriously kidding! Just keeping YOLOing and appreciate answering to no one but yourselves and freaking travel any/everywhere man!​

The point I'm trying to make is having friends is easy, keeping them… well now that's the challenge.
For those of you who managed to keep that one or few forever friend(s) pat yourselves on the back and consider yourselves really lucky, not many woman are.
 Friends are our extended families and everyone needs them. Friends are our confidants, our sisters from another mother. Friends are our voice of reasoning before wearing something hideous or doing something really dumb. "Friends are people who don't need to talk to every single day, you need to talk to each other for weeks, but when you do it's as if you'd never stopped talking." 

  – Gigi

Jan 28 2015

Pimples And Periods

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 p110185z

Raise you hand if you break out about a week before your period is due.

This happens to me EVERY MONTH. It is the most annoying part of the menstrual cycle for me.
I know when the zits come, the period will be right around the corner.

I am 33 and have battled this forever. I haven't found the right cleanser that helps this situation until now.
Most acne washes are for teenage acne….at 33 we don't get acne, we get pre-menstrual breakouts, and that is on a different level than teenage acne.
A friend of mine who battles the same pre-menstrual breakouts recommended Ambi Skincare.

She said the Exfoliating Wash was the best thing she has ever bought.
So…..I got myself some. $6.00 at your local Walmart.

I took it in the shower with me today! As that monthly breakout situation is currently occurring.
Let me tell you ladies….this stuff is like GOLD!
It gently exfoliates but leaves your skin moisturized….I could feel it attacking the problem areas and after I got out of the shower, my face was cool to the touch and felt so clean. Ambi leaves your skin feeling cool and clean, and the breakouts were noticeably disappearing in just one wash!

I highly recommend this product and if their wash is any indicator of the rest of their line, I think I might try the other products they have.

-PinkerB

Jan 21 2015

Be an ipsy Girl

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Ipsy formely MyGlam Glam Bag September

Have you ever seen a TV commercial for a mascara that looks amazing or a foundation that looks incredible, You go to Walmart or CVS and buy it to find out that it's really not all that, and you just spent $12 on it?

Say goodbye to all that and join ipsy!
I am an ipsy subscriber and I LOVE IT!

What is ipsy?

ipsy is a monthly subscription (like a magazine) but you can cancel at any time.
Take a beauty quiz based on your likes and dislikes and get a montly cosmetic bag filled with 5 cosmetic and beauty products EVERY MONTH!

They are full size products or luxury sample size.
I love it because I can try out all sorts of products and then decide if I like them or not. It has actually saved me a lot of headache when it comes to cosmetics.

So how much is it?
Only $10/month.

P1070221

I actually calculated the total cost of the cosmetic bag and the goodies inside and they amount to MORE than $10.
So it is quite the deal! Designers design a new cosmetic bag for each month.
Each month has a theme. I've gotten some VERY cute bags. One of which was designed by Forever 21 and I use it everyday!

Every month the ipsy stylists put together your personalized Glam Bag based on your likes and dislikes, you get 5 products every month and you can choose to be surprised or peek at your Glam Room on ipsy.com before your Glam bag arrives!

Once you get your Glam bag and try out all the goodies, review them real quick on ipsy.com to get points, add up those points and get FREE cosmetics!!

Like I said, i'm an ipsy girl and have been since June, i've gotten 8 Glam bags so far and have loved the experieince.
It has turned me onto so many products that I now love, and made me aware of the products out there that I don't like.

ipsy is great about thier service, freedom to cancel at any time if you no longer wish to be an ipsy girl, no strings attached.
So how do you become an ipsy girl?

Sign up here:

www.ipsy.com

Once you sign up, you will be put on a wait list, to get off the wait list, follow the instructions….they ask you to follow ipsy on all social networking to get off the list. it's quick and painless, you can unfollow them later if you wish.

-PinkerB

Jan 11 2015

Stay At Home Mom vs. Working Mom

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"The working mom wishes she had more free time to be available to her child, and maybe have coffee after drop-off. And the nonworking woman would maybe like to have something that's a reflection of her as an individual — a label that says she's a capable, creative person who knows about more than just baby formula or after-school programs."

 

Stay-At-Home Mom
Being a staying at home mom is a joyous yet hair-pulling experience. When choosing to stay home don't expect to take long bubble baths, afternoons naps or even having the time to read a book, it's all a fairytale. Just because you're at home doesn't mean you aren't working.

 

 

Working Moms
When you choose to combine motherhood and career in any way, shape of form, there will always be trade-offs, sacrifices and compromises. What is crucial to your happiness as well as your ability to starve off guilt – is reconciling those trade-offs by being crystal clear about why you making them in the first place.
1. SAHM with school-age kids pat yourselves on the back because you can at least clean your home and run daily errands with your consistent naggers tagging alone for a few hours.   1. As a working mom to school-age kids they use the school hours to work part time because you realize you'd be miserable as SAHM and would make your children unhappy.
2. SAHM with toddlers… I'm sorry. I know what your going through. Yes it's all cute baby talk and playtime but when your house is being overrun by dirty laundry, kitchen, baby gear and   etc… you consider completely cleaning one or two rooms a success.    2. Working moms with toddlers… when your child is in daycare at least your home is as clean as you left it that morning.
3. As a stay at home mom we unfortunately are subjected to the "Baby Brain" Syndrome. Baby Brain Syndrome is when a mother has become the leading expert in all things kiddy including but not limited to: knowing all of the words of the latest children songs, your new fav TV show has a squeaking baby chick named Chicka on the Sprout channel, the age group of the books you read don't pass elementary level and you can hands down name every character of your kid's fav Disney or Pixar movie. (My personal fav "Toy Story")   3. Many working moms are limited to being with their children only on weekends or on days off. Don't guilty, you should feel blessed your brain hasn't turned to mush because of your beloved children. LOL! There's no doubt you don't know your kid's top favorite shows, movies and songs but just feel lucky is not all you think about. Meetings, correspondences and office politics are your reprieve from the daily drone of baby talk.
4. Being home all day can be isolating so SAHM may have to put an extra  effort in searching for moms such as themselves. SAHM seek ways to have social/adult interactions by way of park play dates, book clubs, mommy night-outs or joining a mommy and baby class. (Guilty as charged on all accounts)   4. Working moms may have an easier time finding adult interaction because of the work force. Co-workers are seen daily and friendships are created through coffee breaks and lunch dates. Permitting your significant other is with your child, happy hour is another avenue used for social interactions.
5. The reality is that stay-at-home parents can have as much stress as working parents, if not more, depending on the age, temperament and number of kids.   5. Working moms go ahead, relish your solo commute to work or that quiet cup of coffee at your desk. If you were at home full-time, you might be lucky to shower in private.

 

Dec 24 2014

Personal Skin Care Routine For Beautiful, Refreshed Skin!

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BOABWPB

opoil

  1. Shower before you leave the house and always use face wash.

  2. Face wipes, my friends!

    • My complexion is naturally oily, so facial wipes are a godsend! And not any of those special the make-up removing or acne ones either; just the regular ones will do. Think: minimal chemical exposure to your delicate skin.
    • Except they’re EXPENSIVE! $5-7 for a pack of 25 wipes that’ll only last me the week? No, thank you. My advice? Go get some baby wipes. I’m serious, if it’s good enough for an infants butt, it’s good enough for my face. My skin is “as soft as a baby’s bottom” and proud! I buy the 3 pack of HUGGIES Natural Care Baby Wipes (168 wipes). They’re $5.47 at Wal-Mart which comes out to $0.03 a piece!
  3. Moisturize!

    • I always apply lotion after washing my face and especially before bed.
    • I haven’t find a day lotion that I love yet, so I’m testing new lotions all of the time. My favorite night lotion though is Andalou Naturals Resveratrol Q10 Night Repair Cream. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin, and in the morning my face feels totally refreshed! It retails for $24.99, but I’ve seen it for as low as $15 too.


photolpop

 

 

  1. Eat healthy and drink lots of water.

    • Cut out the fried food and junk food–they’re awful for your body and it shows on your skin. Your skin is the LAST organ to receive nutrients, so if you don’t fuel yourself with healthy, fresh foods, then chances are, your skin’s gonna take a beating.
    • Low fat dairy, fruits and berries, salmon, walnuts, whole wheat products, and dark, leafy greens are great for rejuvenating your skin.
    • Also, drink lots of water. Green tea is a goodie too.
  2. Always wash your face before bed.

    • If you’re wearing make up, it’s imperative that it comes off at night. You might not see or feel it, but that make up and those food particles are all up on your face; and if you go to sleep without washing your face, all of that invisible oil, dirt, and grime will be all over your pillow.
  3. Which brings me to my last point! Wash your pillow cases weekly.

    • Your pillow cases are a cesspool of all of the crap that’s every been in your face, so when you sleep on it at night, you’re just rubbing your face into dead skin cells, dirt, oil, etc. Trust me. Do this once a week and you’ll definitely notice a difference in your skin!

That’s it, guys! Did I miss anything? What’s an essential part of your skin care routine?

-PinkerB

Dec 16 2014

Beauty By PinkerB

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BOABWPB
As moms we can often be found in yoga pants, a t-shirt and our hair up in a messy bun.
We are often found struggling to balance nap time with us time.

Picking up various Legos, Barbies, Blocks from the floor, getting the laundry done, the dishes in the dish washer.
The word Beauty often gets lost in all that. 

Raising kids doesn't leave us a lot of time for Mascara, Lipgloss and Hair Products.
Often times we don't have the budget for it.
Cosmetics can be quite expensive….and the time do put it all together can be hard to obtain.

Join me every week (Wednesday's) as I break down those amazing looks for half the cost!
Make-Up Reviews, Tips and Tricks. We will help find ways to put yourself together during nap time.
It is very important as moms to take time for ourselves, looking good makes you feel good. 

A little about me,

  • 30 Something Mom Of 2 Boys
  • Make-Up Lover
  • Ipsy Subscriber
  • Cosmetic Obsessed
  • Blog Author Living in Central Florida

Tune in next Wednesday!

-PinkerB

Dec 1 2014

8 year olds with Attitudes?

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If this applies to you then I'm sorry. I'm sorry you too must endure the highly hormonal and emotional roller coaster that are daughters and even some sons. Some days it's a 3 yr old or 16 yr old teenager that possesses my 8 yr old daughter, whenever the mood strikes. To her life is so unfair, she's bored all of the time regardless of the multitude of electronics, games, books and crafts that are overflowing her room. 
When it's time for chores my daughter transofrms into a 3yr old. She throws herself on the floor whining (Mooomm whyy?? Do I have to?? It's endless) . When things don't go her way and she get's upset, poof out comes the teenager. Stomping, slamming doors and all around brooding for the rest of whenever. 
No longer do I speak in a normal voice or ask for anything nicely. I'm officially the mom who's normal tone over the years has become constant shouting or growling. Gone is soft-spoken mommy, she's now mom the Grizzly. So sad, I wish I can turn back the clock and have my quiet infant once again.
AHH!! I was never this horrible as a child… at least I don't think so? LOL!!
Nevertheless, even with her crazy moodsm she's still defends her sister and friends from bullying and loves to show her appraication for her parents and for that i must say… it's the little moments that count wink 

-Gigi

 

Nov 25 2014

It’s Not Thanksgiving Until…

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We all know Thanksgiving is a celebration of family togetherness, good food, drinking and oh yeah more food!
We also must not forget the memorable moments that make your Thanksgiving an unforgettable holiday year and year.

It's Not Thanksgiving Until:

  1. You first time turkey isn't burnt, frozen or dry as hell 
  2. Someone sets a pan on fire
  3. The 10 second rule is applied
  4. Your local Fire Dept has crashed your burning down the house party
  5. Someone gets nicked by a knife
  6. You have officially become Hostzilla!
  7. A fight breaks out between wives and husbands, mothers and daughters, dads and uncles and let's not forget your inlaws
  8. There's a glass of wine in your left hand and a turkey baster on your right
  9. Someone just has to bring up politics or religion
  10. There's a WTF moment and and O.M.G no they didn't!
  11. The kids and their dads have destroyed have the house
  12. You eat yourself into a coma 
  13. Someone has compliented your Thanksgiving feast by fart, burp or furniture break

Remember to have a Happy Thanksgiving! And don't worry you get a do-over on Christmas!