Get To Know Me- 25 Questions Tag!

1. Do you have a middle name?
Yes I do :) My middle name is Sandra; only my family calls me by my middle name at home, at school& work I have always been called Blanca. I was called Sandy until I was around 10 yrs old, and decided that I didn't want to be called Sandy anymore, but it was kinda cute.

2. What was your favorite subject in school?
I really enjoyed art! I wasn't extremely great at it but I really liked it.

3. What's your favorite drink?
I hot tea, iced tea in hot weather, and my guilty somewhat prohibited drink soda! ugh!

4. What's your favorite song at the moment?

I have too many, love Ellie Goulding, Lana Del Rey, Elle king, Beyonce, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Miguel (which I have gotten into most recently) Rap/hip hop, R&B- I don’t think I could decide because I love music but always rotate what I listen to so I don’t get bored! Gemini trait!

5. What would you name your children?

I used to tell my sister and mom that I would have 3 girls and name them Noemi, 

Nataly, & Nicole…funny thing is that I don’t have kids yet but these names have been coincidentally used by my dear friends& family. One of my lifetime friends named one of her daughters Naomi (which is the English version), my god-daughter’s name is Nataly (my other lifetime friend’s daughter), and Nicole was recently born to one of my nieces. I’m okay with that it just means I need to look up other names and keep hope that I will have at least one child, I think that as I’ve gotten older I really do look forward to it more than when I was a bit younger!

6. Do you participate in any sports?
No! I always hated playing group sports in school, more so when we had to play classroom against classroom. I don’t think I was any good at it. Blah! 

7. What's your favorite book? 
My favorite book is, and has been for a really long time:

Life Lessons by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross & David Kessler

Two experts on death and dying teach us about the mysteries of life and living.

Really a great read, I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great reminder of life’s perspectives. It’s quite a short book, easy to read and so meaningful, would be the best way to describe it!

8. What's your favorite color?
I will have to cheat here: I like black, blue , brown, purple, aqua/turquoise ..What can I say a Gemini needs options,  that’s really bringing them down for me!

9. What's your favorite animal?( I know technically an insect)
Butterflies!! I don’t even have to think twice. I have a bit of an obsession with butterflies! I love their meaning; at least for me it stands for new beginnings, new found HOPE, FAITH, BEAUTY, GRACE…I have thought of getting a butterfly tattoo for a long time but haven’t had the courage, plus my mom always says that I shouldn't. But, perhaps someday…I might because it’s really symbolic in my life!!  

10. What's your favorite perfume?

I don’t know that I have or can choose a favorite right now, just because I used to collect perfumes (I mean I used to buy more in the past). I’m trying to go through them now, so I never wear the same perfume- I always rotate them (I might do a perfume collection if you want to see them, even if it has been tamed quite a bit in the last few years!)

11. What's your favorite holiday?
 Christmas is my favorite holiday…I really do like the meaning behind Christmas because I am Catholic and I just feel extra cheery around the holidays, plus I love to cook and eat of course!!

12. Have you graduated from High School?
Yes! A really long time ago, gosh I’m old!

13. Have you been out of the country?
Yea, I was born in Michoacan, Mexico! I’m very proud of being Mexican, but really do enjoy my humble life in Los Angeles!

14. Do you speak any other languages?
Yes, my first language is Spanish! Like I mentioned above I feel very proud of my roots. If I ever have children this is definitely something that I would teach them, because in my opinion it’s very important! I also took French in school, so many years ago, that I don’t remember much of it!

15. Do you have any siblings?

Yes! I’m the last of 10 children!! I know that’s a lot! I have 4 brothers, 4 sisters, 1 sister passed away as a baby (the only one born with blue eyes, whom I never met).

16. What's your favorite store?
For clothes I like Macy’s, for drugstore cosmetics Rite-Aid, CVS, or Walgreen's-budget friendly :).

17. What's your favorite restaurant?
I don’t do a lot of fancy eating out because I cook pretty much every day at home. My guilty fast food faves are pizza or hamburger. If I were eating out I love pasta, shrimp, chicken…Real Mexican  food is my favorite. I really am a foodie!! <3….also like to experiment with new recipes!

18. Do you like school? 
Yes, I have always thought that I might go back at some point. Honestly, as we get older there’s less time for the things that we like to do and more is used for the things we have to do. But if you’re a youngster I can’t stress enough-GET YOUR EDUCATION, IT’S SO IMPORTANT!!     

19. Who are some of your favorite YouTubers?
I have so many really! Dulce Candy is up on my list because I share a similar background with her (she’s from Michoacan, Mexico as well) I would love to meet her someday <3 !! I admire her for how far she has been able to go with her work/career; it really takes hard work and dedication to be a high achiever!


20. What's your favorite movie? 
I like a lot of movies; I don’t think I have a favorite though. The genres I enjoy are: comedy, romantic-comedy, horror, drama- (oh! Also animated/cartoons-yes! I’m a big kid!)… I think I recently noticed that I like watching romantic- comedies because I secretly wish that real life were similar, it keeps that light in my heart alive ;)! 

21. What are some of your favorite TV shows?
How I Met Your Mother (which sadly ended recently; re-runs are awesome!),

 Big Bang Theory (Sheldon <3), Two Broke Girls, Grey’s Anatomy!!

22. PC or Mac?
I’m definitely an oldie; I have only owned desktops…because they are most economic, work for me quite well. I have considered getting a laptop in the future-any recommendations??
 
23. What phone do you have?
Most people think that it’s weird that I do not have a cell phone! I don’t really talk on the phone, so I don’t see the need for one. I have owned a couple in the past but gave them up because I really didn't need them.

24. How tall are you?
I’m 5’2 but I really don’t feel too short, unless I’m standing next to someone who is quite tall.

25. Any pets?

Yes, we have a family pet! His name is Rocco, he’s a miniature Pinscher (named by moi). We've had him since he was 3 weeks old!! 

Spring Pop of Color (eyes) !

Hello! I just wanted to show you the look that I have been doing the most recently, now that Spring is here. It has a pop of color in the eyes, yet subtle and still quite neutral. If you feel that it doesn't suit your look or what you might wear on an everyday basis, just omit the colored liner;even though that's really the fun part of it! :) It's too easy not to try-go for it!!

Spring Pop of Color!!

Click below to watch! :)

PRODUCT LIST:

Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow Linen 15S

revlon Photoready Bronzer Bronzed & Chic

Milani Baked Powder Blush Rose D'Oro 02

Milani Baked Bronzer Soleil 05

NYX Single Eyeshadow Chocolate Brown

Jordana MetalRocks Eyeliner Paradise Blue

Victoria's Secret Sexy Spring Eyes Palette

Avon Glow Eyeliner Desert Gold

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Shadow pencil Rehab

L'oreal Voluminous Mascara

Nyx Lipliner Nude Beige

Wet N' Wild Matte Lipstick 902C

Rimmel by Kate Lipstick 14 

Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

Hello! So, you may have now noticed that I've been into baking recently! I admit that I'm not the greatest baker (even though I do love to cook) but I love to learn new things and of  course enjoy the finished products ;) Give it a try, I must say that I really enjoyed how these cookies turned out (happy me!!)...

Ingredients:

1/2-Cup Butter
1/2-Cup Sugar
1/2-Cup Brown Sugar
1/2-Cup Peanut Butter
1/2-Tsp. salt
1/2-Tsp.Baking Powder
1/2-Tsp. Baking Soda
----------------------
1-Egg
----------------------
1 1/4-Cup Flour

Cover 2-3 hours
Bake at 375 degrees 10-12 min
I made 24 cookies (about 1 tbsp sized)


In your mixer put in butter,sugar,peanut butter, salt, baking powder, and baking soda (mix until combined).
Then, drop in your egg-mix everything again. Lastly, drop in the flour and mix until you have your batter;which needs to be refrigerated for at least a few hours so that it's easier to handle (it will slightly harden a bit).

After taking your batter out of the fridge-choose a spoon, measuring spoon, ice cream scoop (whatever works) to get uniform sized cookies. Once you measure them, take the amount of batter separated and turn it into a ball with your hands. Line your baking pan/dish. Evenly line up the balls of batter so that they will have enough space to spread out as they bake.

I was able to fit nine cookies at a time so that they would have enough space to expand. Then, just taking a fork, you can press down on the ball of batter-then press down in the opposite direction and create the hash tag on the cookie (I found that even if I pressed hard my hash tags didn't show up too much at the end,but really didn't bother me because it doesn't affect flavor!!). Place in your oven 10-12 min at 375. I liked mine best left over a little over 10 min because I got that extra toasty,crispy cookie.

This was my final result!! They are really good; not too sweet, they have that peanut butter taste of course but it's not overwhelming :) Give it a try and let me know how they come out! Also, do subscribe to my blog and YouTube Channel. On the blog you find more random posts, and on the YT channel I try to stick to beauty related videos!

See ya!! :)

Haul: Target & Big Lots

Hello! Here's a haul! Go on watch it, I dare you!! haha! Hope you enjoy it :)

WATCH NOW! Haul: Target & Big Lots

Special Lemonade Recipe

Hello friends!
As we are all hoping, some wishing for warmer weather...I will leave you with this "Special Lemonade Recipe". The weather hasn't been all bad in Los Angeles-except for a couple cloudy days in between every now and then. However, I'm sure that sunny days are right around the corner! For those hot summertime days here's is something to cool you off!! Enjoy! :)

You will need:

4 Cups- Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice 

(I will not mention how many lemons because they come in different sizes)

3 1/2 Cups- Water (or more)

2 Cups-Sugar

Ice-(As much or as little you prefer)

Choose yellow lemons that are nice and juicy!

Cut all your lemons in half. Check out these giant lemons!
They really were this big (bigger than the palm of my hand-the picture is not zoomed in).

Measure out 2 cups of sugar.

Here is where the actual work comes in....juice 4 cups of lemon juice; which will be divided in half.

In a pot pour in your sugar and 2 cups of the lemon juice (if you choose you can strain out the pulp and seeds left behind). 
I opted to pour in pulp and a couple seed that escaped,
simply note it can turn it a bit more tart-but it's lemonade, 
so it is meant to be!
Keep/save 2 cups of lemon juice to finish lemonade.

Fully integrate the lemon juice and sugar and start to heat up the mixture on a medium flame.

After 5-10 min you will see the lemon juice
 begin to bubble and you can turn off the heat.

At this point you will see your juice and sugar has turned into a syrup-like mixture and the color is much more vibrant. 
It's almost like creating a lemon concentrate that we 
will add to in order to fully develop it's potential.
This is what makes this lemonade special! Shhh! 
Don't give out the secret (just kidding).
 Let cool, you can place in the refrigerator to chill 15-20 min.

When you are ready to prepare your lemonade simply pour into your pitcher/container. We will combine the sugared-lemon syrup we created, 2 cups of lemon juice that you saved, 3 1/2 cups of water and ice. I like plenty of ice in my lemonade but that is a personal choice. If you feel that it is too tart or too sweet, 

simply add more water.  This will reduce the sweetness or extreme tartness.

What's left to do? Enjoy your lemonade in a shady spot. If you liked the recipe be sure to share with your friends, and let me know! Drop me a line, it would be good to get your opinions.

Oatmeal & Raisin Cookie Recipe

Welcome Spring!! :)

Today I decided to try baking oatmeal and raisin cookies. Baking is not my forte, but I was feeling it today.

So these are pretty easy -at least I thought. This is the first time I make them; they are imperfect but perfectly delicious-golden around the edges and soft/chewy in the center. Give it a try, enjoy, and of course share any tips below!

Ingredients:

1- Cup Room Temp Butter
1-Cup Brown sugar
1/3-Cup white Sugar
2-Eggs
1-Tsp. Vanilla Extract
1 1/2- Cups Flour
1-Tsp. Baking Soda
1-Tsp. Salt
1/2-Tsp. Ground Cinnamon
3-Cups Rolled Oats
1- Cup Raisins

Mix butter until creamy, then add brown & white sugar. When completely mixed incorporate eggs and vanilla (one at a time). In a separate bowl combine dry ingredients and mix well (flour,baking soda,cinnamon,salt). Pour the dry ingredients into buttered sugar and combine them together. Make it all smooth before you pour in your oats and raisins. Grease you pan lightly, drop uniform shapes/circles separated evenly and bake 15-25 min at 350 degrees (depending on your oven). Check for crisp edges and soft centers. Allow a few minutes to cool, then place on cooling rack.

Of course, feel free to use other healthier options into the recipe or substitute any ingredients.

Enjoy! A great way to welcome the beautiful Spring.... cookies are a great way to welcome 

anything!!haha! ;)

Lasagna (without pasta) Using Mexican Squash/Calabacitas

Hello friends! Yesterday I decided to try out a new recipe, you know you may see something similar then put your twist on it. I didn't know if or how it would work, but I have to say for the first time making lasagna without the pasta it was good! You know there is nothing diet related about lasagna because it's cheese,pasta,meat, and more cheese on top. Well, I thought I might try doing a variation using Mexican Squash or calabacitas. I prepped my meat, sauce and condiments and instead of using pasta I used slices of the squash (length-wise). Of course no lasagna can be called a lasagna without delicious bubbly cheese, yumm!! So, this is not necessarily "healthy", but hey lets do it one step at  time! For now I only substituted the pasta and the rest of the ingredients were added as per usual in the creation of a delicious lasagna.

Ingredients:
1 lb. lean ground beef
1/4 onion roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp oil (to add to your pan to cook meat)
garlic salt to taste
oregano
basil (4-6 leaves or as wanted)
4 med tomatoes chopped not too small
6 Mexican Squash-calabacitas (sliced length wise)
1 can tomato sauce
chili flakes (if desired)
1 lb mozzarella
1/4 lb cotija cheese

Start out by mincing your garlic, and cutting the onion so that they can be sauteed in a lightly oiled pan. After they have released their aroma and you gave them a couple minutes, proceed to add the ground beef meat and incorporate the onion and garlic into the meat.Keep your stove on medium to low heat to give the meat enough time to cook without burning. Add garlic salt over the meat,oregano, chili flakes as needed (I don't measure these things,you just have to eye it,taste,if you're not happy add more). As the meat has fully cooked pour over your chopped tomatoes and basil (about 4-6 leaves or more). Wait for the tomatoes to incorporate, release some of their flavor and add your canned tomato sauce.

In an oven-safe container add sauce to the bottom of your dish and begin assembly. Since the squash will be cut length wise you can comfortably form rows then begin to add your meat and sauce over the squash. Continue with a layer of the cheese mixture (mozzarella&cotija grated), and again add a layer of squash. Continue adding the layers until you are both finished with the meat/sauce and squash. Remember to leave enough cheese to be used as a delicious topping for your lasagna.

Put in the oven at 350¨ for 30-45 min depending on your oven. You can cover with foil for most of the cooking and uncover the last 10 min to get a golden-cheesy layer! Bon appetite!! Enjoy it, food is meant to be enjoyed-we may not eat this very often because it's so rich but when we do, we must enjoy!!