How to use OPI Black Shatter Nailpolish February 2, 2011
Posted by graciegrapes in Beauty.26 comments
Katy Perry Collection by OPI
A couple of weeks ago OPI released their Katy Perry Collection which included 5 “colors”; the most interesting of the set is Black Shatter! Black shatter is different in that it is more of a topcoat of sorts, the directions with the nail polish states:
“Apply one coat of Black Shatter over any completely dry Katy shade for an irresistable “shattered” look.”
As the polish dries it separates on the nail creating a broken look over your initial color. What you get is a customized look without having to go pay for nail art/manicure. Plus, due to the effect you don’t have to worry about being overly neat or perfect with your application. However there are some tricks getting the ideal look.
Happy New Year! January 2, 2011
Posted by graciegrapes in Uncategorized.add a comment
Happy New Year everyone!
I know I haven’t been posting in a while…. nursing school definitely picked up the pace this fall semester, and I’m not sure if it’s going to be letting up any this coming one :-/ In addition to my normal classes I also got accepted for a perioperative nursing externship! While I am definitely looking forward to this semester it’s going to be a very busy one!
In between school I do still have to maintain a life, and part of my goals for this years will be to save up more money and start getting back in shape. Part of saving money will mean getting back on track with cooking my own food; definitely the best way to save money! So I will do my best to post up my adventures with cooking and baking 
I am also going to try and calm down with buying make-up and beauty products, but I have managed to build up a nice collection that I need to rediscover; I also have a couple of product reviews that I need to catch up on.
Getting back in shape has been LONG overdo for myself! I tend to have cycles of working out and being lazy, but this past year or so has definitely been the longest lull that I’ve had. I do have the P90x workout program, but I’m not sure if I’m going to start out with it since I don’t want to burn myself out. Perhaps I will build up to them after some easy workouts at the gym 
Well, hope everyone had happy holidays and I am looking forward to the new year!
Gyro Subs September 13, 2010
Posted by graciegrapes in Food.1 comment so far
Gyros have been a favorite of mine ever since I had my first one on the Atlantic City boardwalk at the age of 5 or 6! During a shopping trip to BJs I decided to gather up ingredients to make an easy version of a gyro.
Gyro Sub
For directions on how to put this delicious sandwich together… Keep Reading!
Updated Skin Routinue August 28, 2010
Posted by graciegrapes in Beauty.add a comment
Since I first posted my skin routine it has undergone quite a bit of change. Starting in April or May my skin, not just on my face, went out of control! A 2 week vacation to Las Vegas resulted in improvement, but the moment I got back to Virginia the dry skin and itchiness came back. Since the eczema had just gotten so out of control I signed up for health insurance and finally saw the dermatologist. That was 2-3 weeks ago and I have seen a ton of improvement. My dermatologist really helped to get the eczema on my body under control.
While I was in the waiting room I read an article disputing whether facial moisturizer was necessary or not. One of the arguments stated that moisturizer, particular over-moisturizing, can cause more dryness as it causes the skin cells to be “lazy”/inactive about natural moisturization. After some thought I decided to try cutting back on the lotions and creams that I slather on my face. I was very skeptical at first, but I have noticed my face not being so dry. Definitely a reduction in flakiness!
Morning:
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – If I wore a lot of makeup the day/night before I will wash my face, otherwise I will just rinse with water.
- Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub – I use this maybe 2-3 times a week to exfoliate
- Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream – I have been using this for a little over a month and I really like it. It’s kind of odd at first since it’s not like lotions I’ve used before. I will be writing a review soon, hopefully.
- Sunscreen before makeup – currently I am using Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion SPF 55
Night:
- Pond’s Deep Cleanser & Makeup Remover – I use this by wetting my face with warm water, then massaging the cream all over my face. This stuff is amazing and gets EVERYTHING off without stinging my eyes. I rinse with warm water and wipe my face with a warm, damp washcloth to make sure I get all of it off
- Neutrogena Makeup Removing Wipes – If it’s a late night, and I’m too lazy to wash with Pond’s I will use these wipes
- Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion – I prefer the new formula, Daily Advanced Ultra Hydrating Lotion, but I ran out and I have the normal one left. Since I use it as a “pre-moisturizer” it’s fine
- Clinique Moisture On Line – I picked this up at the CCO on a whim; I think it might be discontinued since I didn’t see it at Sephora or at the Clinique counter. Dry skin on the face makes my skin wrinkle, so the anti-aging components in this cream work great. I use it after allowing the Cetaphil lotion to soak in.
Definitely cut back on the number products I was using!
Summer Steak with Chimichurri Sauce July 12, 2010
Posted by graciegrapes in Food.add a comment
For 4th of July weekend I went home and before going back to Richmond my mom hooked me up with a package of steak and corn!! This past week the boyfriend and I decided to try out the Special K diet, so the only real cooking I have to do is dinner. Naturally I want to make the one meal I cook really count
Package of steak!!
Fresh Parsley for the Chimichurri
After browsing KraftFoods.com I found two recipes to try out… Summer Steak and Chimichurri Sauce. I am always looking for different ways to flavor my steak, and I LOVE chimichurri sauce! For those who aren’t familiar, chimichurri sauce is an Argentinian green sauce made sing parsley. It’s usually served along side grilled meats, or even used as a marinade. This recipe is basically a quick and easy version, but it’s not too far from the taste of authentic chimichurri.
Summer Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
For my steak dinner… Keep Reading!
Quick Grilling Rub/Marinade June 29, 2010
Posted by graciegrapes in Food.add a comment
When the weather really started warming up here I was hit with the urge to start grilling. Low and behold when I went to fire up the grill propane tank was empty. That was probably 2 weeks ago.
This past weekend the boyfriend and I finally got around to getting a new tank. Last week on Yahoo I found a recipe for Grilled Lime-Curry Rubbed Hanger Steak, so that was the first thing I made!
Grilled Lime-Curry Rubbed Pork Chops
For this incredibly simple rub… Keep Reading!
Horchata! June 18, 2010
Posted by graciegrapes in Food.1 comment so far
For those of you who don’t know what horchata is… it’s a refreshing drink of Hispanic origin. I would describe it as a cinnamon-y milk, however this recipe does not contain milk. I believe you can find a powder mix for horchata in Latin American markets, or even the Latin American section of the grocery store. I have never tried the powder mix form, but I have heard that it’s no where close to homemade. Plus, horchata is quite simple to make with this recipe.
The first time I had horchata was in high school at a meeting for either the Latin Student Assoc or Salsa Dance Club at my school. I just recall sampling multiple desserts and then being hand a cup of, what appeared to be, spiced milk. I didn’t know what it was at the time, but it was good!
Try out this simple recipe… Keep Reading!
Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting June 16, 2010
Posted by graciegrapes in Food.add a comment
So a couple of weeks ago I had the biggest craving for coconut cupcakes so I found a recipe, gathered my ingredients, but never got around to actually making the cupcakes. It’s actually probably been about a month or two now, and I’ve had plenty of opportunities to bake the cupcakes but nothing.
This past week has been quite stressful with school: 2 tests and a paper, on top of discussion questions and a group project. Today was the 2nd test, and I’m pretty caught up on work so I decided to make the coconut cupcakes!
This recipe incorporates coconut milk into both the frosting and cakes. The cakes are dense, yet airy at the same time. The coconut flavor comes through nicely without being overwhelming. Will definitely be making these again!
Coconut Cupcake with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting
For my much awaited coconut cupcakes… Keep Reading!
Cajun Shrimp June 11, 2010
Posted by graciegrapes in Food.1 comment so far
Normally I don’t do much to my shrimp when I cook it; pretty much just follow what’s on the Old Bay seasoning can or simple steam. Today I wanted something a little different and I was scanning through the food section on Yahoo and found this recipe for “Cajun Shrimp.”
Cajun Shrimp served with white rice and corn
To see how it turned out… Keep Reading!
Potato Salad… hold the mayo! June 10, 2010
Posted by graciegrapes in Food.add a comment
To serve along with my hot dogs (topped with New York onions) I whipped up some potato salad. Personally, I think I’m pretty picky when it comes to potato salad (and cole slaw). One thing I detest is too much mayo! In fact I don’t really like mayonnaise… something about the taste. If I can taste the mayo then I don’t like it; same goes for salad dressing, which to me tastes like tangy mayo.
Luckily I happen to find this recipe from The Nellys on the Food Network. Their recipe calls for salad dressing, which I replaced with mayo since I don’t keep salad dressing on hand. Salad dressing probably would have added more of a tang. This was my first time trying to make potato salad and I think it turned out pretty good.
Definitely no mayo taste here 
Potato Salad with my hot dog!
For the recipe… Keep Reading!
