Kale Love

So we all know that a couple post ago I mentioned my attempting to change my eating life-style. Being completely honest, it's been a daily struggle. I wanted to also share as much possible about my progress, recipes, tips and all the effort put in between. I have been walking for about 2 weeks with a friend of mine and we have reached up to 3 miles in 45 minutes. Again a daily struggle to schedule reasons, but I am pushing it! This morning I decided to finally open up my new juicer and break it in. To my surprise it was quick to assemble and use. I chose to keep it simple, since it was my first actual time juicing on my own. I use to often and still sometimes do get my juices and smoothie fix at "fresh" place called Robeks. 

Black & Decker Juicer from Walmart

So I went with some kale, carrots, bananas and strawberries. I put them in the juicer and watched it pour. It was over all a great experience. My girls enjoyed the example being set so I was even happier! I think next time I will however add a little more fruit, but it was very very good and filling. I had enough energy to allow me to watch a movie kids, catch up on some work, write a few post and spared me some time to even BLOW DRY my hair and its only 5:30 in the evening! Wooohoooohooooooo I have also been able to manage my snacking binges since I have not felt hunger spurs through out the day. Definitely sticking to this!

I hope to give inspiration to many of us going through the same things, so please feel free to comment and share anything and everything that is on your mind regarding your health, struggles or if you have any suggestions or advice feel free to do so and share. Together we will make it through.

xoxoxo

Sunday's Comfort Food

Hey there Hey....

I hope every one is doing quite alright in their little corners all around the world. We live in such a great and big one! I have always wanted to travel. Ahhhhh I can close my eyes and see the clear blue waters in Greece and the night lit by little white homes stacked in line perfectly on a mountain hill.

Images from Google (Greece)

Images from Google (Greece)

I can imagine the feel of the wet sand that looks like clay in between my toes as the clear spakly water rinses them off in the islands of Hawaii. I think there is a beach with all black sand. How cool is that?!?

Images from Google (Hawaii)

Images from Google (Hawaii, Black Sand)

Anyway, I have yet to travel but dream very big!!! So I hope to soon see something other than the beaches here in Miami. I am actually trying to plan a cruise this early summer. It will be my first time ever in a cruise ship let alone away from the South Florida soil, so I am really hoping for it. The reason for all I mentioned above leads me to what the topic of this post is about. FOOD!!! Yummy!!! Just a couple recipes I tried over the weekend and wanted to share. I have a passion for cooking and experimenting with all kinds of flavors and cultures. I think subconsciously I get a satisfaction of traveling within the comfort of my home over a nice warm well cooked meal with lots of LOVE. 

This Sunday's comfort food cuisine was: Baked French Toast, Good ol' Chili w/Cuban twist and last but not least dessert, some DUMP CAKE! It was my first time cooking all these fine recipes. I looked through some web pages such as All Recipes, The Food Network and of course my favorite PINTEREST. I took a couple I liked from each and then made it into my own. They were winners! The kids even asked for seconds. I plan to go to the market sometime this week to make repeat CHILI from how delish it was. Hope you guys enjoy the pics. 

Baked French Toast Recipe:
You beat about 4 eggs and add salt and some vanilla extract.  I used a half loaf of butter crust bread and dipped each slice into bowl with egg mixture. As I layered them in baking pan I sprinkled cinnamon sugar and a few sliced bananas. Bake for about 20 minutes or until crunchy texture at 375 degrees and then topped with maple syrup.

Good ol' Chili with a Cuban twist Recipe: I browned the ground meat in a separate pan. I added complete seasoning and garlic as I browned the meat (the Cuban twist). I then added the cooked meat into a casuela along with 2 cans of stewed tomato's, 1 can of spicy chili beans and some chili powder for a kick of extra flavor. I then added a whole onion without the peel as is (not chopped) with some water & let it boil for about 30 minutes and then simmer for about an hour. DIVINE!!! Did I say Divine?!?!

Some Dump Cake Recipe: Super Super Easy. I bought an aluminum baking pan and buttered the bottom. I then added 1 can of blueberry pie filling and layered 1 can of strawberry pie filling on top. (Yeah yum) I then licked my fingers, LOL and you add vanilla cake mix straight out the bag in powder form without mixing and then top with lots of butter. I cut my stick of butter into little squares & covered the whole top of the cake. You then bake for about 45 minutes on 350 & OMG you can even add some ice cream for some extra wows from the gang!

 Yes it was one lovely cold Sunday filled with lots of warmth! Have a great one guys, xoxo

Keep Calm and Breathe Deeply!

Hey there Hey!

It's been a very hectic day for me today and I am definitely falling asleep on tonight's movie... (shhhh, wink)Before I do, I quickly wanted to share a summary I needed to do for class, from a magazine clip in the Oprah Magazine' that I thought was very informative and useful. I told myself this New Year my resolution would be to LOVE Myself more than anything else, and this article gave me some insight as to how. I love Oprah! She is a woman of such great wisdom and so propitious to humankind.

                               
                                             Feeling Good

          Do you know what we do about 20,000 times a day? They say the answer is one of the main keys to feeling great! Are most critical source of energy is oxygen, so if you haven't already guessed yet, the answer is breathing. Studies have shown proof that through proper breathing techniques you let out a constant flow of endorphins which contribute to the healing process and recovery against a number of diseases and illnesses. Some of which include chronic pain. asthma, digestive and even stress related.

          It was shared that there are 3 breathing techniques that have shown maximum results. 1) Diaphragmatic Breathing, which improves circulation and even recovery from chemotherapy. 2) Alternate Breathing. This one is more of a yoga technique and helps to reduce blood pressure and boost cognitive function. (wow) 3) Bellows Breath and this breathing exercise helps increase alertness, giving you a quick jump of energy. I know I will be practicing this one daily! (Hahahaha)

Conclusion: Who would've known something as simple as breathing could combat against so much negative.

Hope you enjoyed the information. Please feel free to share and pass it along! 

xoxoxo

I confess! Wednesday

Hey there Hey!

So I am really starting to feel on a roll with this Blog writing over here. I actually came across a fellow blogger's post. Her name is SABZ and her post is I confess! Wednesday. Since one of  my resolutions this year as I mentioned in previous post is to LOVE Myself more, I thought, why not try it today with some honesty!?!?! So here it goes....

I confess.....

I confess that I worry to often what others think of me, leading me to subconscious old behaviors that hold me back.

I confess that I am not the perfect Mother. I confess that I am a bit cold. I confess that I am married to a recovering alcoholic. I confess that it stresses me out more than I like to show.

I confess that I need to prioritize my life into perspective. Me, Me and ME!!!

I confess that I am sensitive and take quick defensive measures at any type of criticism including constructive.

I confess that I have low self-esteem. I confess that I cannot do this alone.

I confess!

Thank you so kindly for your time and letting me share. I am really trying to regain myself as a whole. I confessed what I feel have been secret parts in my life right now that need some major extra TLC.

Happy Wednesday and Happy Blogging!!!

Make-Up in 5 & Let's Go!

Hey there Hey It's a beautiful Monday on my side of the Empire. The sun is shining and the weather is sweet!   It's the start of a brand new week, possibly new goals, new routines or agendas. Monday's for some reason seems to be the lingerer of the weekdays and well we all know how it can tend to make us feel from time to time. That is why I choose to consciously see Monday as the start of a new day, for new opportunities and time to create ways for success. Plus I don't think of Monday on a Monday... On Monday, I am already thinking of how it's going to be Tuesday and Tuesday is closer to Wednesday, which is half way through the week, so it's all good! LOL, of course with the exception of some human days here and there.

Sooooo, now that we are all out of breathe, and in the need for speed to rush out of the door, I decided to take today "Monday" as a perfect example to show how we can fit in a little bit of make-up in 5. Since I am not at all a make-up person (the irony) I choose natural and very simple almost everyday. My make-up bag literally only has to hold 6 things! I chose items that are beneficial to my skin always; as I believe that make-up should begin with a naturally great base, which is of your own skin complexion. I also choose items that are practical and give in easy to my need to be quick schedule, especially for a Monday. It's enough that I am putting on the stuff so it has to bare with me. Now I am constantly changing up and trying new things,(being a Make-Up Artist), these specific products I am currently sharing with you have been the best thus far.

                          I will let the pictures speak for themselves!

MAC Studio Finish in C4, Physicians Formula Blush/Bronzer, Ganrier Under Eye Corrector Sheer Tint in Medium/Tan Shade, Sephora aquaproof liner in black, Lorac Tantilizer. MAC So Haute & Naughty Mascara, VS Sparkle Lip Gloss

Love Love!!! This Mascara it's literally 2 coats and DONE!!!

And there you have it. Make-Up in literally less than 10 minutes!!! Please feel free to share any suggestions, ideas or thoughts on the post.

Happy Blogging!!!

Simple Sunday

Hey there Hey!

Hope it's been a nice easy going Sunday in your little nook of the "blogosworld". I can say today was a smooth sail day. So smooth that I was able to whip up a little creativity and make something unusual other than our take out, delivery Sunday's ritual.

Remember in my About Me: Behind The Scenes post, I mentioned creating a "recipe" tab...? I found today's dinner would be the perfect start. As a full time mom, lady, wife, business owner, etc...Coming across short cuts in a day is a definite must and a plus! So there is this website, I don't know if you guys have heard about, named Pinterest, (filled with so many blog links), that has become my new best friend. I am so thankful for all the great information and all the great people that are willing to share. It has actually inspired me to share as much as I can with you in my blog.

Part of today's dinner idea was inspired from a "PIN" I came across. Today's dinner was Baked Potato's with Garlic Chicken. Of course since the ideas that I generate from Pinterest are always infused with "my big fat toe in it" the recipe for the potato's have been tweeked with some of my own pazzazz!

For the potato's I used red ones with the skin. I diced them and then had them soak in chicken broth topped with a little EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) and some salt and pepper before I put them in the oven to bake. Then they were topped with some sharp cheddar cheese, bacon bits and sour cream! For the chicken I simply marinated it with my traditional chicken seasoning, garlic with some sprinkled salt, and used the good ol "casuela" (spanish for pot), to cook and brown them in. It has been my most recent discovery that chicken cooks to its best in a "casuela". The chicken gets browned but stays tender at the same time without drying. Making the chicken all nice and juicy flowing with flavor.

The total cook time including preparation was 25 minutes!!! Can you believe that?!? Lovely!!! Even gave me some time to sip on Sparkling Red Grape with the hubby.

Hope you enjoyed your Sunday shared with the ones you hold close to your heart! Don't forget to stop on by for some weekend recovery and check out SimplyyMayra from Ponder Wonders and link up on Soul Food Monday's to a quick meal for the soul.

xoxo

About Me: Behind The Scenes

Hey there Hey,

Let me start off with saying Happy New Years. I realized that the last time I was on my blog was before Noche Buena, aka Christmas Eve. There is a lot of catching up to do and lots to share!

I have always wanted to post an "About Me", where I write details and things about my life and self to share with my readers. I have yet to post anything because for some reason I felt that it was going to be kind of like a science project or report. Where details must be facts and the paper must be to perfection. LOL Yeah!!! The OCD freak over >_<  I am literally cracking up in my seat as I visualize at would have been the possibilities of a mini biography.

Anyhoot, since I am trying to live a little more consciously, I paid attention to the sudden urge to write this post. So I really look forward to seeing where this spontaneity takes me!!!


I am just going to start with the NOW. If you didn't already know my full name is Zulaima Estrella Rafael (Morales). My birthday is in a couple of weeks!!! Its February 2nd. Yes, on Groundhog Day every year. This particular year I will be 30. The BIG 3 0. I am really excited cause this only means that I am a year wiser at heart with great young looking skin. They do say that a woman's peek is in her 30's. The hubby better watch out!!! I am married to Shaun L. Rafael. I will keep his middle name a secret til I feel the black maling is of use..... (wink wink) We have been married and I won't sit here and lie by saying happily (every marriage has its up and downs), for 7 years now going on 8. All I know is that I won't give up. I have 3 children. My eldest Britney that is 10, my Middle Bridget that is 6 and my Baby Boy Brenden that is 4. Woof, I got out of breathe just mentioning their names and ages. LOL They are a hand and feet full. My house is constantly filled with many kinds of emotions, stages and phases.



Britney aka Roocha, Choony Woony, Britbee wants to go to Hollywood!!! She is an aspiring actress, dancer, singer, you name the talent and she will strive towards it. She brings the life to any gathering and loves to perform entertainment for all. Her most recent talent is Piano. I took piano for 7 years when I was younger so being able to share it with her brings me back to some of my childhood days.

Oops sorry for the momentary intermission. Potty training my son and well, yeah you can imagine the type of accident that requires immediate attention!!! PHEWWWW!!!

Ok, I am back. I believe I left off on Bridget aka, The Yetty, Seboyie, The Bridgebee Jenx. She is the Artistic Diva with an attitude and high sense in fashion of her own. She is shy at times but is quick to speak her mind. Art if her forte!!! Definitely look forward to seeing what changes she makes in this world.

Then there is my little Chumbi, aka ChoochooPO, Brenden. He has Autism. Ironically every day is different even though they are based on the same routine. He is my under cover master mind. I know he holds the secret to life's true happiness and speaks up to 5 languages just not aloud... Yet! He is tender and wise. He is very persistent and gets away with it often due to his keen sense of charm and loving disposition. He is all about hugs and I can't wait for the day he speaks to me for the first time telling me everything he has been depriving us of.

                                             
Ok, so now that I did what they would call the Dolphin Personality Trait, I feel a lot better and I will now begin to speak a bit more of myself. This is MY ABOUT ME, after all. You can already guess that I am all about family and have a hard time putting myself first. But I am sure a lot of you know exactly where I am coming from. Especially us woman. For some reason its become very common amongst us.

Let me begin with I LOVE a good argument. Ever since I can remember, as a child I always wanted to be a Lawyer/ Judge. Even considered Political Science studies in hope to some day partake in one of the worlds most monumentous political debates. So I guess it's safe to say that I LOVE hard cold facts, fundamental information, a challenge, and of course what most of us get extreme pleasure from other than "sexually"?!?! LOL YEP!!! Being right in the end!!! Yes I am perfectionist for hidden subconscious reasons that I am currently trying to discover.

I LOVE the Arts! In my younger years I played the flute, tried the clarinet and tenor sax, and took piano lesson for 7 years. I was also into dance performance but due to family tough times I wasn't able to continue; leaving my blood to shake and boogie at the sound of a rythme or beat! I still dance at family gatherings, with my children in the middle of the parking lot and in the comfort of my own home!!! I am actually starting to crack up as I remember the time I sprained both my ankles playing DDR with my family and friends. (Who sprains their grown up ankles playing a WII game with kids, I do!)

I love to sing. It soothes me and helps to make me feel better. I tend to isolate when I am stressed or upset. Listening to music helps me to express emotions that sometimes are hard to let out in your own words. Music takes me away on a vacation while I am cleaning my house floors... Ok I am exaggerating. Which BTW I tend to do a lot. I guess that tendency is some how linked to dramatic-ness which I can definitely say I get that from my MOMMA!!! Oh yes, MZ. SimplyyMayra from Ponder Wonders!!! They do say the apple does not fall far from the tree. I am batting my eyes right now ^_^

I studied cosmetology and enjoy doing professional make-up and hair styling. I actually do it for a living and have made into a business. I have always LOVED photography growing up. I am very good with the posed shooting although candid is my preference. It't been almost 4 years now that I decided to make it into a career and add into the business (EMPIRE) as well. I like the fact that I get to create a set when doing mini/ seasonal sessions. I get to exercise my creativity and enjoy making my own props sometimes too. I want to get a Cricut soon. Cannot wait to post all about that!

I LOVE to cook as well as bake. Not to boast but I am actually very very good at it. What gives me certain confirmation is that I do not even taste my food as I cook it. I always let some one else try it and it's ALWAYS at the end when it's ready. I usually get told that I stuck my big fat toe in it, and that I cook like a traditional Cuban Abuela. (typical Cuban grandma in English translation) Baking is actually something new that I have added under my belt for a couple years now. I am liking my current chocolate cup cake recipe which I will share in my new TAB recipes I plan to create. I always like to try new things from a variety of cultures. I LOVE FOOD!!! My weakness being SWEETS!!! My most favorite is GREEK Cuisine. MMMM Bakalava yum. I am currently trying to get myself and the fam into a healthier eating life style.

Some other things about me are I LOVE movies! I love to watch them and fall asleep during watching them and then getting to watch them the next day or as many days as needed til completed! HA I love TV Series. My current favorite is Dexter and Nurse Jackie. I enjoy hot chocolate. Not a coffee drinker. Occasional tea. I love all genres in music, including a little ol' country! My favorite color is Hot Pink and I prefer classy and sophisticated when it comes to fashion. I also rather heels than stilettos and have currently begun an obsession for wedged shoes. I am a simple accessory type of gal. I love classical pieces that can be worn every day but stand out in rare beauty. I like two-tone but currently wear most Sterling Silver or White gold when I can afford it. I suffered from a spending habit and thanks to taking accountability it has reduced to almost no impulses for a few months now. Oh Oh and of course what girl doesn't like PURSES!!! (wink wink)

I enjoy the summer sun all year around here in Florida, but enjoy the occasional breezy day from time to time. Hey, who said wanting great skin and good hair sometimes is a crime?1?! I do not wear much make-up and if you knew me well you would know my favorite is always PAJAMA TIME!!! LOL My kids get a kick out of that. Sometimes it's uncomfortable to dress nicely and carry around with all the stuff and the kids. You know what I mean moms out there...?!?

I am also passionately loud about expressing my feelings, thoughts and emotions. Luckily I am from Cuban descent and get to blame my ancestors for this! LOL I usually mean no harm, I just want you to OH SO BADLY agree with me that my tone tends to over power my soft side. OMG I forgot to mention that I am highly sensitive! Which many people such as my friends might say NO WAY... But yes, I can admit that my warrior like exterior is due to being extremely protective of my sensitivity and mooshy feelings!!! I don't know about you guys but I do not like getting hurt, feeling hurt, crying or being a part of any thing that is going to make me sad, upset or unhappy. Gone through to much pain in my past to waste any more time letting certain things take power over me when I am the one with the power and all the answers.

I also wanted to share that I am not at all for Religion but am a woman of GOD. I believe in Jesus and in the Holy Spirit. I have faith and hope that all things are possible through him. To basically sum things up, I am a simple classy lady with all the answers within. I am on a mission to hear my whispers and the words my heart has to share with me in exchange for wisdom. I am LOVE. I am destined to be everything that I have always wanted to BE!!! I am ME!!!

Zulaima Estrella Rafael (Morales)

P.S. "Their are those that say fate is something beyond our command. That "Destiny", is not our own. But, I know fate... Our "Fate" lives within is! You only have to be BRAVE enough to see it..."