Ricotta Meatballs

Meatballs are a classic dish in Italian homes. My mom always made the best homemade meatballs when I was growing up. The whole house would smell like garlic and sausage. 

Ricotta and I have a love hate relationship. I hate the texture, but when it is mixed into meats and sauces I love the moisture it adds. These meatballs are sure to satisfy any Italian craving.

What you need:

1 cup skim ricotta cheese

1/2 pound ground pork

1/2 pound ground sirloin 

1 egg

1 tbsp parsley

1 tbsp garlic chopped

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

1 can crushed tomatoes 

1 cup of your favorite pasta sauce

Olive oil 

A sauté pan with lid.

Directions:

Heat pan over medium heat. Add in oil. Enough to just cover the bottom of the pan. Mix all ingredients and shape into equal size balls. You can use a cookie scoop here. Drop all the meatballs carefully in the oil and cook until brown on all sides. About 5 minutes each side. Lower heat to medium low and add tomatoes to the pan. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until meat is thoroughly cooked.

Serve with pasta or alone and enjoy!

Searching For That Idiot Proof Chocolate Chip Cookie

  What is "idiot proof" ? I myself could be considered a chocolate chip cookie "idiot". For something we make so often how are there so many variations of the same cookie? 

It seems like every time I find my perfect recipe- I move. This doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is. Getting to know your oven is a long process. When I first moved to Georgia I lived in an apartment with a new electric oven. My go to recipe was the one on the back of the nestle bag. So easy and simple. (You would think) After the apartment I lived in a house with my first gas oven. A dream for cooking, but my nightmare for baking. I switched to the New York Times perfect cookie recipe there. Then last year this time I rented a room in a very old lake house. The electric oven there would heat to 350 then take a little break so I was never exactly sure how my cookies would turn out. Usually undercooked. Now I am in my own home with a new gas oven. Again a total dream to cook with, but baking ... It has been taking some time. Until now. This recipe after 6 months of testing is it! 

It is not as over the top sweet as most recipes, but the perfect soft gooey middle and thick crunchy crust is my favorite. 

(Adapted from bromabakery- the best baking site ever)

Idiot Proof Chocolate Chip Cookies

What you need:

1 stick unsalted butter room temp

3/4 cup light brown sugar packed

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 1/4 cups king aurther all purpose flour

1/2 tsp kosher salt (or fine if you don't like to taste the salt)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp baking soda 

1 tbsp cornstarch ( make sure this is not expired) 

1 large egg

1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks

1/2 cup milk chocolate chips 

Preheat your oven to 350. 

Mix together butter, sugar and eggs until you have a fluffy light brown concoction. Add in vanilla. In a separate bowl mix the flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt. 

Stir the dry ingredients into the butter sugar mixture until just mixed. Do not over mix. That will create a dense cakey cookie. Add in the chocolate chips by just folding the batter a few times. 

Put mixture in the freezer for about 10 minutes. I highly recommend doing a test cookie first. 

Roll mixture into balls and top with kosher salt, natural sugar or more chocolate! Bake for about 10-12 minutes depending on your oven. The sides will be golden brown and the middle will have just set. Let cool on a baking rack.

Enjoy with a glass of milk!

20 Minute Tuesday

What do you do when you are starving, but really just do not feel like putting the effort into cooking? I usually keep a few staples around the house just in case I have a night when my fingers start itching to dial delivery.

#1. Grilled Chicken. I usually buy huge family packs of chicken and freeze them in individual bags for the week. I try to grill off at least 3 chicken breasts to keep in the fridge ready to add to a meal. My favorite marinade is salt, pepper, garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil.

#2. Pasta. We try not to eat pasta more then once a week, but some how I always have a plethora of pastas in the pantry. I like whole wheat linguine and fiber enriched angel hair. Gluten free options are great as well. Just remember not to cook those as long.

#3. Bottled Organic Marinara. Tomato sauce is huge in our house. We eat it on everything. I just discovered Bertolli premium sauces at Target. The caramelized onion and balsamic vinegar sauce is the best!

#4. Parmesan Cheese. Enough said.

I completely forgot to plan something for dinner tonight. When I got off work I was so tired and just did not want to think about cooking anything. When I started looking through the pantry I realized I had plenty of things to make one of my favorite meals in a matter of minutes. 20 to be exact.

What you need:

Pre grilled chicken breasts (2)
One jar of marinara
Whole wheat linguine
Fresh mozzarella
Fresh Parmesan
Crushed red pepper
Sea Salt
Crusty garlic bread (optional, but sooooo worth it)

How to do it:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bring some salted water to a boil and add in the pasta. Cook as directed. In an oven safe pan/skillet add 2 cups of marinara, sliced grilled chicken, and fresh mozzarella. Bake for 15 minutes until cheese is melted. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 a cup of pasta water. Add pasta and reserved water back into the water pot. Pour the skillet of sauce, chicken and cheese into the water pot. Toss everything together. Season with sea salt and crushed red pepper. Top with fresh grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy with bread. You can thank me later ;)

Sweat Proof Makeup- How I Get My Makeup To Last Outside

Wearing a full face of makeup in the Georgia heat is tricky. I filmed a tutorial so you can see step by step what I did before spending the day in the sun. This is not a "by the pool" look. This is a full makeup look for those days when you are going to be outside, but still need to look your best. 

http://youtu.be/tQoyYMcqeZQ

First step- moisturizer 

I washed my face and used a light moisturizer about 30 minutes prior to starting my makeup. This is going to give your makeup something to stick to. 

Using a long lasting foundation. Relvon color stay whipped is my favorite formula for outside. It does not budge!

Apply cream products with your fingers. I applied my concealer, bronzer and highlighter with my fingers. Heating the product with your fingers really allows you to push it into your skin. 

Waterproof eyeliner to tight line

Setting cream with powder. I used powder versions of each product to set my creams. This is going to prolong the wear.

Use a matte lip stick or just lip balm. If you want to do a bright color stay with a stain or matte product. I also love gloss for easy touch ups. 

Setting spray. I use rose water spray, but anything to set your makeup will help keep it from streaking.

I hope you enjoyed my tips! This look lasted 2 hours at an outdoor festival in 90+ degrees without any need for touch up!

Products used: 

Revlon color stay foundation

MAYBELLINE lumi concealer

Rimmel translucent powder

Urban decay basics pallet

Buxom blush

Lorac tantilizer bronzer

MAYBELLINE bb bronzer 

Buxom liquid highlight 

The balm mary loumanizer highlighter

Urban decay perversion mascara 

MAYBELLINE matte lipstick 

Mac eyeshadow texture

Mac gloss (discontinued) 

Rimmel scandal eye liner bronze 

Kat Von d water proof eye kohl 

Lazy Sundays

Normally, I am stuck at work on Sunday mornings. This weekend we went to the Atlanta BBQ festival and I decided to take a long weekend. 

Our church message today was on finding happiness. I felt like it was completely appropriate seeing as how that is typically what everyone is striving for on a day to day basis. 

Isn't it funny how every time you are going through something you are suddenly given the exact message you need to hear? Whether it be a sermon or devotional, a news report, even just a friend calling to check on you the exact time you need someone. 

Two months ago I was having a hard time seeing what was in my future. In reality you can never know what the future holds, but it is good to have goals. 

Some of my goals were to find a job that I truly loved, to invest more time to blogging, to consistently go to church, to finally live the healthy live style I knew so much about.

I'm happy to say that these goals really pulled me out of a tough spot. A lot of opportunities have presented themselves and I am excited to see what my future holds. 

Do not be so hard on yourself. Today I enjoyed pancakes, steak, hashbrowns, and eggs. Not really part of my diet, but the pancakes are an organic mix from trader joes, the steak was a half portion of extra lean top round, the hashbrowns were cooked in a little light butter rather than oil. There are lots of things you can do to enjoy a "cheat" meal without feeling like you have ruined the whole day. 

Set goals. Do what makes you happy. Stop living a life that doesn't feel like your own. 

Enjoy your Sunday!

How I Do My Makeup For Work

 I like to do my makeup very natural for work. I usually focus on my eyes. Since my shifts are usually between 10-12 hours I need my makeup to stay alllllll day! I'm honestly too busy to touch up anything throughout the day other than lip gloss. 

Tutorial On This Look

What I used- 

Revlon color stay in the whipped formula

MAYBELLINE Dream lumi concealer in radiance 

Urban decay naked skin concealer light warm

Rimmel stay matte powder in translucent

Naked basics pallet 

MAC texture single shadow

Rimmel glam eyes liner 

Cover girl mascara in bloom 

Too faced chocolate bronzer

Mary loumanizer (the balm)

MAC Dame blush 

Jordana fabulash in taupe 

Bare minerals gloss in party starter

I hope you enjoy getting ready with me!

Buttermilk Pancakes

 

  There is a tiny diner in North Carolina that has completely stolen my heart. The restaurant is so small and hidden that word of mouth is genuinely their best advertising. 

   The first time I tried their pancakes I literally teared up. I have never had a pancake so light and airy. My first bite completely melted in my mouth. Since then I have searched for a similar recipe. Finally I think I have found one!

This recipe is adapted from ohsweetbasil.com

2 cups of buttermilk

2 cups of AP flour

3 tbsp of sugar

1 tsp fine salt

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla extract 

1/2 tsp butter flavoring 

1 tbsp melted butter

2 eggs

Whisk together buttermilk, flavorings, and eggs. Add in all dry ingredients. Do not over mix. Add in cooled butter. Cook on medium heat until golden brown. 

Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Chocolate Marscapone Frosting

My favorite part of tiramisu is the creaming Marscapone custard. I wanted to make a light chocolatey frosting for a chocolate cake. I considered cream cheese, but that felt too heavy. I didn't want a traditional buttercream because that seemed too sugary. Marscapone just seemed like the right fit. Rich and buttery, but not too sweet. It pairs perfectly with chocolate cake. 

What you need: 

4 ounces of marscapone (I found mine at publix in the specialty cheese section)

1/4 cup dark cocoa powder unsweet 

1 cup powdered sugar 

2 tbsp 2% milk (or cream or whole milk) 

1/2 stick of room temperature butter 

I highly recommend using a hand mixture. A whisk could also work. You really want as much air as possible to get a whipped texture. 

Whip together butter and marscapone. Add in cocoa powder and sugar. The mixture should be dark and very thick. Add in milk one tbsp at a time. Depending on your preference you can add more. The frosting should resemble a whipped cream in the end. Do not over mix. 

Enjoy! 

Monthly Favorites - July 2015

Today I want to share all the things I have been loving the past month! 

My every day fragrance has been heavenly summer. I usually go crazy over any summer scent Victoria's Secret releases. They are usually warm and coconut-y. This one is light and fresh. I definitely get a hint of grapefruit. 

https://www.victoriassecret.com/beauty/dream-angels/victoriarsquos-secret-heavenly-summer-fragrance-mist?ProductID=244683&CatalogueType=OLS

Moisturizer has always been a love hate relationship. I have combination skin and I feel my face get really tight after washing, but my tzone gets oily throughout the day. This month I used the oil free Mario Badescu moisturizer and love it! It just melts into your skin so quickly leaving a great canvas for makeup. 

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod6200801

Most used foundation was obviously rimmel London 25 hour foundation with comfort serum. I could not stop using it! This foundation is just so comfortable and light weight. 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Rimmel-Lasting-Finish-Foundation-200-Soft-Beige-1-fl-oz/43250044

When I am bronzing my face and need something quick and natural I have been reaching for my MAYBELLINE bronzing BB cream. This cream really just looks like my skin, but better. So far I have only found it at Walmart. 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Maybelline-Dream-Bronze-BB-Cream/44888895

If I want to bronze up my face a little less naturally and a lot more glowy then I use my Betty loumanzier. Super glowy and pretty without tons of glitter. It is a tad on the warm side so keep that in mind. 

http://m.kohls.com/kohlsopenapi/productmobile.html?productID=1527167/thebalm-betty-lou-manizer-bronzer-eyeshadow-compact.jsp

I have been trying loads of drugstore mascaras trying to find a cheaper alternative to my benefit they're real. This isn't exactly a dupe, but Rimmel glameyes mascara has an amazing formula for a great price. 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Rimmel-Glam-Eyes-Mascara-Extreme-Black/12531942

Hampton farms nut varieties have definitely been there to help curb my sweet tooth when I'm working. My current favorite are the chipotle honey cashews. Check the link below for places you can buy them. I get mine from publix in the produce section. 

http://www.hamptonfarms.com/where-to-buy

Tuna has been my go to lunch. I usually have two packs with siracha and a side of hummus. Bumble tuna in water packets are really easy for work lunches. They always seem to be on sale as well. 16 grams of protein, zero carb and zero sugar. Can't beat that!

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bumble-Bee-Premium-Light-Tuna-In-Water-2.5-oz/15136807

I hope you enjoyed my favorites! Let me know what you have been loving lately! 

Day time smokey eye using only drugstore

Lately I have been forgetting about the huge variety of drugstore makeup. Some of these products are just as good if not better than high end makeup. The only thing I forgot was my highlight! I love cream drugstore highlighters, but I could not find a powder highlight that I love. 

Please watch my tutorial below to see how I got this affordable day time look!

http://youtu.be/U5NHai5lp-4

Products used-

MAYBELLINE matte pore less foundation

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod11861007

MAYBELLINE dream lumi 

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4070009

MAYBELLINE baby skin 

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod6370971

Rimmel glam eyes liquid liner 

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod6380075

Rimmel glam eyes mascara 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Rimmel-Glam-Eyes-Mascara-Extreme-Black/12531942

Ulta eyeshadow 

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod3570089

Ulta lipgloss 

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod12831187

ELF - blush 

http://mobile.eyeslipsface.com/face/blush/Studio_Blush

ELF- baked shadow 

http://mobile.eyeslipsface.com/eyes/eyeshadow/Baked_Eyeshadow

Milani baked bronzer

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Milani-Baked-Bronzer/17655656

NYC bronzer 

I can find the exact one, but this is very similar 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/NYC-New-York-Color-Big-Bold-Bronzing-Powder-0.59-oz/43167998

NYX shadow lol

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4141605#

Let me know what you think!