31 Mar 2012
ebrown33Posted under Food
This past Christmas, my sister got me the best present! Here’s the gift that has been supplying me with some delish hot drinks:
The Back to Basics: Cocoa Latte Hot Drink Maker!
Just looking at the box, I knew it was going to be fun. Since receiving it, I’ve been supplying my friends and family with a steady influction of foamy hot chocolate, cafe lattes, and milk steamers. By using ingredients that most of us already have in our cupboards, I can now create cafe style drinks that are healthy, because most importantly, I’m controlling what goes into the machine and how many calories each drink has!
This latte maker comes with a small recipe book of ideas to get you started. Once you add all the desired ingredients to the Cocoa Latte Maker, put the lid on, and press the ‘On’ switch. The maker starts to mix and heat the drink at the same time! When it is the perfect temperature for drinking (turns out just right!), the maker will turn off to let you know it’s ready. While dispensing the beverage, you can hit the “froth” switch to create a super foamy drink while it comes out!
If you decide to look into this appliance, check out this link on Amazon to purchase : http://www.amazon.com/Back-Basics-CM300BR-Cocoa-Latte-Hot-Drink/dp/B0002TUVQM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325793636&sr=8-1. Here is a recipe I have tried that has turned out great!
Creamy Hot Chocolate: Add all ingredients to the appliance and hit ‘On’. After it is mixed and heated, press ‘Froth’ as you dispense.
1) 2 cups of milk (preferably fat-free)
2) 1 tsp. of vanilla
3) 1/8 cup of sugar (the recipe calls for a 1/4 cup, but that makes it almost too sweet)
4) 4 tsp. of unsweetened cocoa powder
Serves: 2
Honestly, I’ve probably been having way more fun with this thing than most people do… but it’s just so cool.
Check it out!
Love, Liz xoxo
25 Mar 2012
ebrown33Posted under Everything in Between, Exercise/Physical Activity
1) Thou shall control ‘the stare’. At the gym, it is SO easy to let your eyes glaze over and stare at those around you: the juice-head using the weights, the 90-year old woman who is sadly way more fit than you are, the girl with the perfect body. Stop focusing on others and concentrate on YOU!
2) Thou shall wipe down the equipment you use. It is common courtesy and you know you would get angry if the person before you didn’t do the same.
3) Thou shalt not wear your workout pants outside of the gym. There is a place and time for leggings and at the gym, embrace them! But once you’re outside of the locker room or the comforts of your own home, ladies, please put on some real pants.
4) Thou shalt not use the gym as a dating service. While yes, there are many attractive people at the gym, it’s just not the right time to strut your stuff and ask for numbers. Don’t deny yourself the opportunity to strike up a conversation, but wearing extra makeup and straightening your hair before a workout defeats the purpose of what you’re really there for.
5) Thou shall beware of certain “extra” gym amenities. You’re going there to get fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Don’t cancel it out by tanning your way to a skin-cancer diagnosis in their tanning beds or tacking on the calories you just burned by purchasing their fitness bars and drinks that are often loaded with sugar.
6) Thou shall wear flip-flops in the showers. PLEASE. I beg you.
7) Thou shall only purchase a gym memberhip if you will truly take advantage of it and use it. Gym memberships can be expensive and are a big financial decision to make. But if you truly will use it (at least a few times a week), it’s a great investment! Investing in your health is one of the best things you can do. You will feel better, look better, and God willing, live a longer life!
8 ) Thou shalt not be competitive. Going back to comparing yourself to others, remember that you are YOU. Just becaue the man next to you can run 10 miles at a time without pausing for water doesn’t mean you can or should. Listen to your body and do what it needs and craves. Always challenge yourself, but never kill yourself in order to compete.
9) Thou shall encourage others to come to the gym with them. It’s fun to work out with a relative or a friend. It takes your mind off the pain, pushes you, and is a great encouragement regarding your fitness goals. I see tons of people at the gym who bring along a friend and they seem to have so much more fun! Workout “buddies” are popular for a reason,
10) Thou shall buy cute gym clothes! If you have the means, buy a couple of cute outfits to wear at the gym. There’s something about your booty looking cute in your yoga pants that just motivates you to go harder and do better.
24 Mar 2012
ebrown33Posted under Beauty
I remember Tyra Banks had an episode of her talk show where she revealed her most precious “beauty secret” she used every night. And the funny thing was, this is one of my beauty secrets as well! (But I suppose it’s not much of a secret for either of us anymore…) But what’s the fun of having a secret if you can’t share it?
Tyra and I both know how great this product is and so many women overlook it! No, it’s not just for burns or diaper rush or any of those other miserable things. This product takes great care of my face, lips, and other imperfectoins. ITTT’SSS: Vaseline!
I for real. love Vaseline. I know it’s far from attractive and not the fanciest thing, but give the lil guy a chance! Here are some of the things I do with Vaseline every day:
1) Before bed most nights, I will rub a small amount on my eyelids, lips, and the creases between my nose and lips. These are the places that tend to dry out the most. After using face washes with Benzoyl peroxide and other harsh cosmetics, my skin can dry out really quick. After using Vaseline, I wake up with refreshed and relaxed skin!
2) Vaseline can make your heels super smooth! After an evening shower, pumice the rough parts of your feet with a pumice stone, lotion them, and apply Vaseline to the rough spots! After you apply the vaseline, put on a pair of comfy and loose socks for bed! When you wake up, your heels will be super smooth and cracks will be reduced. It’s best to do this at night since you won’t be walking around and just getting the vaseline all over the floor! 
3) Want to reduce the appearence of your stretch marks? Rub a little Vaseline into them. Typically, stretch marks are hidden by clothes and there’s no need to worry about them, but for some that are unruly and pop up where you don’t want them, massage a small amount of Vaseline into the marks and use a powder or body shimmer overtop to deflect the marks. It really does reduce their appearence!
4) To create and maintain healthy cuticles, use some Vaseline. Massage an extremely small amount into nail cuticles once or twice a day and your cuticles will stay moisturized and healthy.
5) Like rough spots on your feet, Vaseline is great at keeping other stubborn areas like your knees and elbows from becoming too dry. Rub a small amount into any area on your body that is prone to drying out.
6) One last tip that I recently discovered is that Vaseline helps the scent of your perfume hang around longer! Wherever you spray your perfume or body mist, swipe some vaseline onto it before hand (your wrist, neck, etc.) Somehow, the vaseline causes the scent to “hold” longer; meaning you don’t lose the smell of your fragrance within a short time.
I love this for my lips. It tastes SO yummy!
So rock the Vaseline, people! (men included, don’t be shy). Multi-purpose, great price, miraculous cures 
Love, Liz xoxo
17 Mar 2012
ebrown33Posted under Food
Hey guys! Here’s a day in the life. For some reason, I’m always really curious as to what others eat. I love the YouTube videos where people explain what they get at the grocery store or what they pack in their lunches for work. While I’m not exactly “video-saavy”, I thought I might compile a list of typical things I eat for meals and snacks on the weekdays so you can compare and contrast!
On weekends, I usually eat out for dinner once or twice and/or eat something “not-so-healthy” for other meals. But on weekdays, I pretty much stick to my healthy routine. Here are items I eat for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, and Desserts. (**Note: I don’t eat ALL these items for each meal, just one or two! haha)
Breakfast
1) Cereal (Honey Bunches of Oats, Special K, Shredded Wheat, Raisin Bran, Fiber One 80 cal. squares)
2) One or two slices of wheat toast. (I sometimes add two tablespoons of Jiff peanut butter, Smuckers Fruit Preserves, or two tablespoons of fat free Philidelphia cream cheese)
3) Whole wheat waffle with the toppings mentioned above or fresh fruit (Strawberries, blueberries, banana)
4) Fat-free Yoplait yogurt
5) Two whole eggs, cooked over- easy
Lunch : **My lunches are somewhat boring and small, because I usually eat snacks after breakfast and before dinner!**
1) Oatmeal ( I microwave 1/2 cup of quick oats with 1/2 cup of water. In my oatmeal, I sometimes add two tablespoons of Jiff, Fruit Preserves, cinnamon, a tablespoon of cocoa powder plus a packet of sweetener, or fresh fruit)
2) Sandwiches (mozzerella, grilled cheese, ham, turkey, tomato, avocado and bean sprout, Pb&J….endless possibilities!)
3) Fruit salad and cottage cheese (the salad typically is composed of banana slices, apple and orange chunks, and orange juice)
5) Leftovers! I know that’s general, but whether it be grilled chicken or a baked potato from the night before, I never let food go to waste!
Dinner
1) Veggie burgers on wheat bread
2) Salmon burgers on wheat bread
3) Grilled chicken tenders (Grilled with mushrooms, peppers, onion, tomato, spices) with feta cheese
4) Stir-fry (Usually includes shrimp or chicken, whole-grain rice, and assorted veggies with soy sauce)
5) Veggies “Steamers” (broccoli with cheese sauce, corn, Asian Medley….love these!)
6) Soup (I like Campbell’s Select and Progresso Light)
7) Whole wheat pasta with marinara sauce or olive oil (topped with chicken or shrimp) or Annie’s Mac and Cheese
8 ) Frozen pizza (not the whole thing!!) from Kashi. Usually a couple of slices fills me up!
9) A baked potato topped with a 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar and a tablespoon of ‘Bacos’
**Snacks
1) Light String Cheese or Babybell cheese
2) Triscuits with salsa
3) Cottage cheese (1/2 a cup)
4) Protein or granola bar (I like Chewy, Larabars, Special K, Kashi, or Cliff)
5) Keebler cracker packs
6) 1/2 an avocado
7) 1 piece of fruit or a cup of fruit cocktail
8 ) Fruit leather
**Dessert : Please indulge with moderation! (oxymoron, I know, ha)
1) A couple of cookes like Oreos, NutterButters, or Keebler Elves!
2) Fat-free and sugar-free ‘Jello’ Instant Pudding
3) 1/2 a cup of ice cream (If it’s a half cup serving, I don’t bother worrying with the “healthy” kinds)
4) A packet of instant hot chocolate or a cup of soy milk with a tablespoon of intant coffee (instant soy latte)
5) A couple pieces of candy like Sweettarts, Twizzlers, or 1 Reeses cup
So this is a typical week of eating for me! I really do eat the same things everyday, but I’ve found what I like and what works. I encourage you to do the same! Shopping for ingredients and meal-planning is a no-brainer when you stick to what your palate desires. Hopefully this list gave you a couple ideas of thing you would like to incorporate into your weekly diet!
Happy grocery shopping!
Love, Liz xoxo
02 Mar 2012
ebrown33Posted under Food
Pancakes are one of my favorite foods! I found this ‘healthier’ pancake recipe in college and have been making it for several years now. It’s handy, because it serves 1! (So you don’t have to share, mwahaha).
Oatmeal is a heart healthy food and is slow to digest, meaning it will keep you full longer than other breakfast foods like your bowl of Fruity Pebbles or other sugary cereal that contains large amounts of processed sugar. (Alas, I love Fruity Pebbles and still insist on eating them occasionally, however) ha!
These pancakes are great for the bod, will keep you full until lunch time, and won’t destroy the morning workout you might have already performed. (It will enhance future ones with ingredients that provide tons of energy and slow-burning calories!)
Recipe for my Oatmeal Pancakes:
Ingredients:
1) 1/2 cup of quick oats
2) 1/2 cup of whole-wheat flour
3) 1 tablespoon of baking powder
4) 1/4 cup of fat-free milk or soy milk
5) 2 egg whites
Directions:
1) Combine oats, flour, and baking power in bowl and mix thoroughly. (You may want to add a couple sprinkles of salt, but I don’t think it needs it!)
2) Combine milk and egg whites in bowl. Use a whisk to properly froth the whites.
3) Combine all ingredients, both wet and dry until mixed thoroughly. Mixture should not be too runny. (If you don’t like the texture of the oats and prefer your batter to be extra smooth, you can always run the ingredients in a blender until they meet your desired consistency!)
4) Prepare a non-stick skillet using a quick squirt of Pam Cooking Spray. (Try to avoid butter or oil.) Heat the skillet to a medium temperature setting.
5) Pour half of the mixture into a skillet and form a circle. When pancake batter starts to bubble on top and the edges begin to harden, you can flip it! To cook, each pancake should take about a minute on each side, depending on how hot your skillet is. Always feel free to make a small cut in the middle of your cake to test it!)
Yumyummy! Now you have a wonderful, homemade breakfast! (and you can brag that it didn’t come from a box)
**I like to top my oatmeal pancakes with two tablespoons of peanut butter, two tablespoons of fruit preserves, fresh fruit, or sugar-free syrup!
Here is one of my favorite brands of sugar-free syrup. It doesn’t have an after-taste like some sugar-free products can have and is extremely low in calories: Vermont Sugar Free/Low Calorie Syrup
Enjoy!
Love, Liz xoxo
25 Feb 2012
ebrown33Posted under Exercise/Physical Activity
Yes, I bought it. Yes, I’m doing it. Yes, it’s hard.
This is kind of a pointless post, because I can’t necessarily review it yet. But LISTEN! I’ve bought P90x, a fitness DVD-set that includes multiple workouts to be performed once a day. I’ve been doing it for several weeks now and I am seeing results quickly, no joke. After two weeks, I’m already down 8 lbs. (Probably just from the amount of sweat that it produces).
I can’t quite review P90x yet since I’m only just starting, but let me tell you, I feel this is going to be a great tool. It is a 90-day fitness program so after the 90 days, you KNOW you will be hearing all of my opinions!
Wish me luck…it’s going to be needed.
Lots of love, Liz xoxo
22 Feb 2012
ebrown33Posted under Food, Spirit
I WANT IT ALLL
Some treats here, some dessert there: harmless, right?
Sweets and other types of “non-healthy” foods we consume aren’t necesarily evil, sinful things. A cupcake after dinner shouldn’t make you feel ashamed and guilt-ridden. Gluttony, however, is a sin and comes into play when our desires for these types of foods overtake anything else in our lives, whether it be family, friends, activities, thoughts, and most importantly, GOD. Being gluttonous not only affects our spiritual and mental health, but obviously, our physical health as well.
Gluttony is one of the sins that I struggle with and have constantly fought with most of my life. If you are a gluttonous person like I can sometimes be, there is hope, my friends!
Here are some quick examples of my gluttonous lifestyle of the past: (can you relate?)
1) When I have been on diets, I would seriously google pictures of desserts and other fatty foods and literally lust over them! I denied myself treats for so long that I became obsessed with looking at pictures of them and imagining eating them all! This took up time when I could have been focusing on much more important things and gave the food I was lusting over way too much power.
2) While on diets, I would allow certain treats for myself. However, after the first or second bite of a weekly dessert or something of the sort, I would completely lose control and want the ENTIRE thing for myself. If I allowed myself a cookie, I would binge and eat the whole bag. If I wanted a piece of cake with the family, I would become irritated if someone else’s piece had more icing or looked bigger than mine.
3) When I would become gluttonous and lust after certain foods, that would be the only thing I could think about until my palate was satisfied. My desire for the foods I deprived myself became so strong that I would forget everything until I could get my hands on those foods, whether it be a cookie, cheeseburger, margarita, donut, candy bar, etc. (Usually something not good for me: laden with fat and sugar). Forget studying, social events, family time, or sometimes, even work. I HAD to consume the foods I desired and nothing could stand in my way.
So those are just a few examples of my gluttonous behaviors in the past. While I do have tendencies to go back to those behaviors, I’ve found that I’ve been able to overcome a lot of my gluttonous habits and focus on things that are much more important.
There are a few reasons why I was gluttonous and how I have been striving to overcome it. Here’s what I have been able to reflect on over the past year or so:
1) One of the biggest things I’ve learned (something that many have experienced and learned only after extreme-dieting) is that I can’t deprive myself anything anymore. This is SO important! The minute I cut out desserts, I want them. To the point of being consumed by thoughts of them. The minute I say I won’t waste money at Starbucks anymore, I dream about mocha lattes and cafe carmels. It’s ridiculous. But it seriouly took me a long time to learn that it’s OK to eat a piece of pie on a holiday. It’s OK to eat a couple of cookies and stop when I’m full.
By taking the power away that food had on me, I had control and lost a lot of my desire for it.
2) I’ve found that by staying busy and filling my schedule and thoughts with things that don’t have to do with food, my gluttonous mind doesn’t even get the chance to dwell on the things I desire. When I’m running to work, a workout, and then a visit with a friend, I hardly have time to think about that chocolate cake in the fridge.
3) I’ve also found that my gluttonous desires are reduced when I stay active and concentrate on my workout routines. When I’m fitting into my jeans properly and my booty is looking tight, I have less of a desire to binge on junk food: things that could cancel my workout efforts and reduce my hopes for bikini season
4) Lastly, I’ve found lots of forgiveness and hope with GOD. I use to pray daily that God would free me of my food struggles and help me focus more on Him and other things that are more important than my gluttonous thoughts were. God has been answering my prayers and relieving me of the bad habits I use to possess.
Here are some scriptures having to do with food that have truly made me aware of my gluttonous tendencies and have helped me to think of other things:
Luke 12:23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing
1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God
Proverbs 23:21 For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags
Is eating 4 of these in one sitting really worth it?
I hope that my struggles with the sin of gluttony have helped you realize some of the unhealthy habits you may have with food or the unhealthy emphasis and power you may allow certain foods to have over you.
Do you have gluttonous tendencies you hope to overcome?
Share your story!
Love, Liz xoxo
15 Feb 2012
ebrown33Posted under Beauty
One of my favorite cosmetic items is MASCARA!
Even on days when I want to let my pores “breathe” and wear minimal makeup, I typically still have mascara on my lashes. Throughout the years, I’ve tried different brands, fearing that I’d fallen into a makeup ‘rut’ and wanting to try something new; But the products are never as good as my trusted brand!
Here’s what I’ve been using on my lashes since forever:
Maybe shes born with it...
1) WOOOOO I love Maybelline! And their Great Lash (BIG) mascara has won my heart. I first coat my lashes with this mascara. I like the “big-brush” version they have created, because it easily coats all of my lashes, even the tiny ones in the inner corners. This product is great at seperating individual lashes and doesn’t clump.
2) And another Maybelline mascara! I discovered LashStiletto mascara by Maybelline a year or two ago and it’s a great addition to what I already use. This product is all about the length! Typically, I will use Great Lash first and then use ‘Stiletto’ as a second coat and for my bottom lashes. The specialized brush does a great job at again, seperating lashes and avoiding the tacky “clump”.
3) On a side note, I also use Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara for my eyebrows. It’s a great tool for defining unruly/ thick brows and keeping them in place.
**Tip: Use this clear mascara before applying your powder and other face cosmetics. If not, it will cause the powder to settle in a weird way and will give you a “dusty/peeling” look around your eyebrows..ha!
Maybelline products aren’t expensive at all and can be found at most drugstores, grocery stores, Target, Meijer, and Wal-Mart.
I’ve found that sticking with classic brands is guranteeing great results!
Love, Liz xoxo
08 Feb 2012
ebrown33Posted under Beauty, Everything in Between
1) Thou shalt not match their jewelry directly to their clothes. If you do this, you will look like a 12-year old cheeseball. Remember, things should “go”. Not necessarily “match”.
2) Thou shalt not resort to bold, neon, plastic jewelry any longer. Bohemian, earth tones, and natural looking pieces are in. Put your precious large-stone rings and thick, bright earrings away until it’s their time again.
3) Thou shall embrace the scarf. I thought scarves would be a quick turnover when they initially hit the scene again a couple years ago. But scarves have stuck, and they’re fabulous. Get creative and learn to tie them different ways. A thick, colorful scarf is flattering and fashionable.
4) Thou shalt let the waist “breathe” and throw out your high-waisted belt. These are being phased out anyway and if you’re not a super model, they probably aren’t doing anything for your figure.
5) Thou shall resort to old-school accessories. Homemade friendship bracelets are always in. Hey, why not throw on your VBS WWJD bracelet as well?
6) Thou shall use their significant other as an accessory. (No, not as a piece of meat or a trophy!) But if you’re with someone and you love them, shoot, they make you look better! Wear your significant other on your arm and show them off. A healthy relationship compliments your overall appearence!
7) Thou shall refrain from hair accesories. (Except simple headbands.) Scrunchies, feathers, jewels, multiple braids, etc. are a bad look.
8 ) Thou shall refrain from unnatural piercings. Yes, all piercings are technically “unnatural”. How do I put this….some people can just pull off piercings better than others. I see people on the streets and think, wow, their piercing is so unique and creative. And others I think, that is just sooooo wrong on them. Compliment your features. Accomodate to your peronal style. If you’re the 40-year old CEO of a company, no that eyebrow ring looks dumb.
9) Thou shall pay good money for classics. To look more put together, give in and if you’re able, spend a little bit more money on classic, sustainable pieces. A $100 watch looks better than a $10 watch and will last you much longer.
10) Thou shall be beautiful and use accessories to compliment your look, not overtake it.
04 Feb 2012
ebrown33Posted under Food
Mozzarella has become one of my new favorite ingredients to work with. It’s so yummy and takes little effort to make a great lunch time meal using it. Here are two recipes I have come up with using mozzarella that I eat at least once a week. The first is a Mozzarella and Tomato Sandwich!
1) Mozzarella and Tomato Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients:
1) Two slices of wheat or rye bread. Pick something with a decent amount of fiber and calories to keep you full!
2) Two generous slices of mozzarella cheese. (I buy mine in “ball” form. Many grocery stores sell it this way and it is easy to cut.)
3) Two generous slices of a ripe, red tomato
4) One tablespoon of olive oil
1) Black pepper (the amount depending on how much you like!)
**Optional: 2-4 basil leaves, lettuce leaves, or bean sprouts
Directions:
1) Toast the two slices of bread until they are golden and crispy
2) Slice two pieces of mozzarella (about one centimeter wide) and store the rest in an air-tight container with a teaspoon of water so that it doesn’t dry out!
3) Slice two piecesof tomato (as thick as you want!)
4) Put the mozzarella and tomato on the bread, stacked in whatever way you would like. Drizzle the olive oil onto the sandwich and sprinkle the pepper to taste.
Serves: 1
The next recipe is something so delicious, you would think it would take lots of time to make! With no cooking/toasting/sauteeing involved however, it only takes seconds! I’ve come up with a Mozzarella Salad that’s easy, yummy, and packed with flavor.
Mmmmm lots of veggies with nutrients
2) Mozzarella Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
1) 1/2 a ball of mozzarella cheese (balls are usually sold in “baseball” size amounts)
2) 1/2 a large tomato
3) 1/2 a large red bell pepper
4) 1 tablespoon of olive oil
5) several sprigs of cilantro or 1 teaspoon of dried cilantro leaves
6) 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
**Optional: Feel free to keep adding veggies! I like 1/2 cup of cubed cucumber or 1/4 cup of sliced black olives. It’s up to you!
Directions:
1) Slice mozzarella into small cubes
2) Slice tomato and pepper into cubes, strips, or small pieces. Any way you prefer!
3) Mix mozzarella, tomato, red pepper, and cilantro together. Don’t stir vigorously; Just toss.
4) Once ingredients are mixed, drizzle olive oil onto salad and sprinkle pepper to taste.
Keep mozzarella salad in the fridge! It should hold up to 3 or 4 days.
Serves: 2
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