Friday, August 10, 2012

Friday Favorites:: Olympics

In honor of the 2012 Olympics going on this past week, this segment of Friday Favorites are going to be all about the Olympics!

Favorite Olympics Fact::
Did you know?
The tradition of lighting an Olympic Flame started with the ancient Greeks.  The ancient Greeks idolized the power and fire.  In Greek mythology, the god Prometheus stole fire from Zeus and gave it to the humans.  To celebrate the passing of fire from Prometheus to man, the Greeks would hold relay races where the athletes would pass a lit torch to one another until the winner reached the finish line.  This started the tradition of a sacred flame lit from the sun's rays at Olympia, which stayed lit until the games were over.
This flame represented the "endeavor for protection and struggle for victory."  It was first introduced into our Modern Olympics at the 1928 Amsterdam Games.  Since then, the flame has come to symbolize "the light of spirit, knowledge, and life."

Favorite Olympic picture:: How beautiful does the moon look under the rings during sunrise?

Favorite Olympic collaboration:: Call Me Maybe??

Favorite Olympic quote:: well said

Favorite Olympic funny:: You can help but laugh :)


Favorite Olympics Nail Art:: These athletes don't let anything pass them, not even their nails!

The Olympic rings on British archer Amy Oliver
American flag mani on Missy Franklin
More flag nails on German tennis player Angelique Kerber
Favorite Olympic unity::  Amazing how the whole world can come together in an (almost) perfect sounding harmony, with a little help from John Lennon that is.




Thursday, August 9, 2012

What's to Eat?? Salsa and Chutney Lovin'

So this past weekend, my sister had her housewarming party, which means nonstop cooking!  It was a success so all the cooking was worth it!  Here's a very cute pullout cupcake cake in honor of their house someone made! 


Here is only A THIRD of how much food was made! Almost everything was made by us.  My sister loves healthier food, which means cooking yourself and that way you can see what goes in it, unlike if you bought it elsewhere.


Our family, especially, my sister and I, LOVE condiments, ESPECIALLY salsa; and that's a bit of an understatement.  We have found over the years different recipes to have tastier, fresher salsas.


Mint Chuntey::
This indian condiment is the perfect blend of mint, peppers, and cilantro.  It's minty smell makes the whole house smell amazing.
What you will need::
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup teaspoons of lemon Juice or squeezed lemons
  • Equal parts of mint to cilantro (we did 1 bunch each)
  • couple of chillies (we love our food spicy, so we add 4-6, but this will differ depending on your spice tolerance)
Make sure to wash the cilantro, chillies, and mint thoroughly.
Start by adding the mint and chillies into the food processor.  If you aren't sure about your tolerance, add one pepper at a time and taste to your liking.  Next add salt and lemon juice.  This too varies to tasting.  Add any extra peppers.  Last, put the cilantro in to give it its nice green color.
Also, some people who do not like the spice as much, or even if you want a colder, yogurt-y taste, mix in some regular yogurt with some of this chutney.  Try it out to see if you like it as well! We usually mix 2:1 of yogurt to chutney and just keep adding more to taste!
 Enjoy!!



Tomatillo Chutney::
 This is definitely my favorite type of indian chutney.  Its blend of tomatillo and peppers is the perfect condiment to my indian dishes!  Mixed in with some chole or samosas, and you will not stop eating!
What you will need::
  • handful of tomatillos (how ever much you would want to have)
  • couple of chillies (again, to taste, depends on your tolerance.  I usually add 4-6)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup of lemon juice of squeezed lemons (again, this as well is to taste)
  • salt to taste (1 -2 teaspoons is the amount I usually do)
  • 1 bunch of cilantro
Make sure the thoroughly was the tomatillo, cilantro, and chillies.
Start by slowly adding the tomatillos until liquified.  Now add chilies to taste.  You may also add salt and lemon juice now as well.  Blend all together and add more chillies, salt, and lemon juice to your preference.  Finally add the cilantro and mix well.  You may now serve!


Tomatillo Salsa::
This roasted salsa is a nice alternative to regular salsas found in the grocery stores.  I've found that it is healthier too!
What you need::
  • 8-10 tomatillo
  • 2 jalapenos
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 1/4-1/2 of lemon juice or lemons squeezed (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon of salt (to taste)
  • 3-4 garlic coves
  • 1/2 red onion
First, you want to place the tomatillos and jalapenos in the oven at 400 degrees for 10-15 mins to be roasted.  Halfway through, you want to turn them over.  Then you will put them slowly in the food processor  until liquified.  Add onions, garlic cloves, salt and lemon juice as well and blend together as shown in the picture below.  Last, put the cilantro in and blend in well.  This salsa is now ready to eat!


 Enjoy these salsas and chutneys with your meals and chips!  Which one did you like better?
ps, don;t forget to =) when your mouth is spiced up! 

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

OOTD:: Black and Cream


Today's outfit of the day is inspired by neutrals.  Black and cream is just a classic combination that it could work for just about any occasion.  I love that I could get my favorite nautical look in the cardigan but still keep it toned down to classic, non-overwhelming colors.  Some may think that black and cream could be either dull, old, or formal looking, but here is a great way to play these two color combos together and get a fun, yet classy look!  
I added a simple bow necklace from Forever21 paired with a BCBG necklace.  The white/creme shine paired with the gold accents from the cardigan buttons works perfectly.  Add some black sandals to complete the look!


ps, don't forget to =)

Monday, August 6, 2012

Mani Mondays:: Simple Glitz

What's a girl's best friend?? GLITTER!! As many of yall have done, I am just loving the one nail being different  look! And nothing to glitz up your nails like some glitter power!  Also, this is a great look for summer days and nights, when you want to shine in the sun and lights!

Are you going to sparkle this summer??
ps, don't forget to =)

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Leaving on a Jet Planeeeee ✈

I just want to say sorry for slacking on posts and emails lately; ended up traveling up north to see my sister and brother in law! They just had a housewarming party and with all the cleaning and cooking, this week sure has been keeping me busy!  

Speaking of traveling though, most people don't know what to wear or what to pack.  Since I am only going to be here for two weeks, I brought only one bag full. Here are some essential, easy packing tips::

  • bring the basics:: basic color tops and skirts. you can always dress it up with jewelry, hats, shoes, or scarves
  • make sure to pack at least two dresses:: a casual and semi-formal one; you never know!
  • CARDIGANS!! I'm a huge fan of cardiagans:: they keep you warm and can be easily taken off!
  • a pair or two of shorts
  • leggings
  • casual chic tops
  • rompers:: can be dressed up or down and so comfy, need I say more??
Remember, you could have just a two pairs of shirts and pants/shorts/skirts, and they can easily be transformed into an entirely different outfit just by being creative!
Here's what I packed::

Through all my traveling experiences, I learned rolling your clothes helps for more room.  It also helps in keeping your outfits together and an easy choice in the mornings.

I know many friends who always wonder what to wear to the airport.  You never know if you might meet somebody famous! I always say casual chic.  You want extremely comfy shoes since you will be walking a lot.  I like to pack a light cardigan for cold planes or airports; you never know the weather!  For girls, usually leggings, boots/sandals, and a comfy tee does the trick! I love hats and like to wear them to style my outfit up a bit!  For guys, usually shorts/jeans, and a polo or tee works great. The goal is to be comfortable and be ready to take shoes off easily. Here's what I wore::

More posts to come about all the food and party! Check back soon!
ps, don't forget to =)