Saturday, December 8, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
HELLO!!!
I know, I've been MIA for quite some time. Needless to say, my summer was quite busy and life moves so fast when you are on autopilot. Over the past 1 1/2 months I've been on a journey to a healthier lifestyle with the ladies of the FB group Getting Sexy with Kendra and its been challenging at times but oh so rewarding. I'm down @22 lbs. and feeling good.
and LT also celebrated bdays
Here's where I began my journey
about 3 weeks ago
Everything is kinda big, especially my pants.
Same pants!
and more recently
So things are going pretty good, cravings aren't too bad and workouts are getting better.
In other news, the nephew-son turned 21 back in late July!
he spent his bday across the country in San Diego
and both lpl
seen here before our dinner cruise in New orleans last spring
and LT also celebrated bdays
the cupcakes and cocktails themed bday party was so much fun!
Very nice to hang out with these ladies!
We ended our summer with a road trip to Savannah, I'll do a separate post about that.
I'll try not to stay away so long this time. I blame Instagram,
I'm addicted, follow me at lgardne2.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Monday, July 16, 2012
SUMMER FAVS 2012 PART 2
My first video, and yes I look a hot mess and y'all know I don't care. I had fun filming it but hell uploading it. I eventually used Youtube and listed it as private. so hopefully the masses won't see me acting a fool.
Let me know what you think, I know the sound is low. Sorry. I'm an amateur!
Enjoy, Les
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Friday, June 15, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Fathers' Day Brunch
Unfortunately Fathers' Day falls on my weekend where I like to absolutely nothing! In lieu of going out or preparing a huge dinner, I'm going to make brunch. Brunch won't sting too much, I mean Btho and I have to eat anyway and as long as I'm not in the kitchen all day, I good with it. The menu willbe short and sweet, eat and get on outta here. Lol, but I'm so serious about that. I want my house cleared out by 3 p.m.
The Menu:
Waffles (new waffle iron will be Btho's gift)
Bacon
Sausage
Home Fries
Eggs (to order)
Juice
Coffee/Tea
Fruit Salad
Banana Pudding (to go)
What are your plans for Father's Day?
The Menu:
Waffles (new waffle iron will be Btho's gift)
Bacon
Sausage
Home Fries
Eggs (to order)
Juice
Coffee/Tea
Fruit Salad
Banana Pudding (to go)
What are your plans for Father's Day?
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
THE COALITION Trailer - OFFICIAL
Monica Mingo &Team Sizzle's latest and greatest! I wanna see it now, today! What y'all think?
Monday, May 21, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Jill Scott - Blessed (Official Video)
Love the song, but I'm undecided on the video...really means I don't like it. Lol!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
I'm a stickler...
But damn some peeps need to just calm down and go with the flow sometimes. Its sickening that I can count on everything that comes out of her mouth to be some by the book bullshit!! Hate to see her azz coming and that's not a good thing. Speak of the devil and here she comes.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
FEBRUARY FAVS, BIRTHDAY EDITION, I know its late!!
I recently celebrated my 42nd birthday! Here's my favorite gifts:
NAKED palette, Urban Decay. Thanks Camel and family!
Wusthof Silverpoint II knives from DBuffet and lPL beautifully gift wrapped. These knives are no joke!
Clarisonic MIA2, I love using this day and night! Along with my Philosophy Purity cleanser
FRESH Sugar Lip treatment with SPF 15, this stuff works really well and has a lemony citrus scent that I love.
PANDORA Leather double wrap bracelet, "L" charm gifted by my dear friend CW!
CURLBOX ANYONE?
Have you heard of this? Would you join?
Its a monthly subscription for hair products that cater to curly hair.
This month's box
STRAIGHT HAIR STYLING...
POMADES:
I only use pomades on dry hair and since I rarely style my hair when its dry, I'm trying all the pomades that I've collected on my straight hair. Here's a few that I love!
JANE CARTER'S NOURISH & SHINE, $22:
KAREN'S BODY BEAUTIFUL BUTTER LOVE MANGO, $18:
HICK'S EDGES, $17:
OYIN HANDMADE BURNT SUGAR POMADE, $12:
I only use pomades on dry hair and since I rarely style my hair when its dry, I'm trying all the pomades that I've collected on my straight hair. Here's a few that I love!
JANE CARTER'S NOURISH & SHINE, $22:
KAREN'S BODY BEAUTIFUL BUTTER LOVE MANGO, $18:
HICK'S EDGES, $17:
OYIN HANDMADE BURNT SUGAR POMADE, $12:
STRAIGHT HAIR STYLING....
I had my hair straightened on March 2nd, and for the most part its still straight, but the edges, not so much! So I'm trying to make it through this week before I'm back to my shrunken curls. I still have a few straight styles I want to try, here's one:
My inspiration for the GRECIAN BUN by Laila from Fusion of Cultures
My results:
My inspiration for the GRECIAN BUN by Laila from Fusion of Cultures
I think I could have done it a lil neater but I was in a rush to get out the door, it literally took me 2 mins. Also, I tried to get a second day out of the style but it flattened out overnight.
Monday, March 12, 2012
SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS
I was inspired tonight to make smothered pork chops after reading Monica Mingo's post regarding the same.
I started out with these beauties,
After seasoning, I sliced up onions and green peppers and sauteed them in canola oil and butter.
Removed the onions and peppers from the pan and added about 2 cups of canola oil,
then floured the chops and fried them until they were golden brown and removed them to paper towels.
After draining all but 2 tbsps. of the oil from the pan, I added 2 tbsps. of flour and cooked to until brown.
Then I added about a cup of chicken stock and after it came to a boil I added back the onions,
peppers and chops.
After simmering for about 30 min., I served with rice, peas and corn muffins. Enjoy!
After simmering for about 30 min., I served with rice, peas and corn muffins. Enjoy!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
MY FIRST CAKE, 2012
My birthday is Saturday, this is my first cake.
Red Velvet from Cakeman Raven in Brooklyn!
Red Velvet from Cakeman Raven in Brooklyn!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
25 CHEAP FOODS THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOU...
Protein
1. Canned salmon: $2.89 for 14.75 ounces (59 cents per serving)
Get your Omega-3's for less. Salmon is full of these healthy fats, which help lower cholesterol and prevent heart attacks.
2. Chicken breasts: $3.49 per pound (87 cents per serving)
Easy-to-prepare, chicken is full of lean protein, which helps keep you fuller longer.
3. Natural peanut butter: $3.39 for 16 ounces (42 cents per serving)
Skip the sugary, processed varieties and spread the real stuff on whole-grain bread. Throw a tablespoon in smoothies or yogurt, use it as a dip for carrots and pretzels, or mix it with a bit of low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar and garlic, then thin with water for a quick sauce.
4. Canned beans: 84 cents for 15 ounces (22 cents per serving)
Bulk up soups and stews while getting protein and fiber. Try chickpeas or black beans if you're not a fan of kidneys or pintos. Drain, rinse, and blend with lemon juice, garlic, cumin and a bit of vegetable broth for a quick dip.
5. Eggs: $1.99 for a dozen large (17 cents per serving)
Not just for breakfast, eggs are among the easiest foods to cook. If you're watching your cholesterol, scramble one egg and two egg whites. Add onion and spinach and you've got a great omelet.
6. Dried lentils: 79 cents per pound (20 cents per serving)
Full of protein and fiber, lentils cook in just 15 minutes! Throw some in soups and stews or cook with curry powder for a quick, spicy meal.
7. Almonds: $3.99 for 9 ounces (44 cents per serving)
Get vitamin E, fiber and protein while satisfying a crunchy craving. Nuts are rich in an amino acid that could be linked to heart benefits. Chop a few raw ones and throw them on yogurt.
Fruits
8. Frozen fruit and berries: $2.99-$5.99 per pound (75 cents-$1.50 per serving)
Throw some in the blender with milk or yogurt for a healthy treat. Frozen berries can be used in oatmeal or drained and baked into muffins and quick breads.
9. Apples: 68 cents each
They might not keep the doctor away, but apples are actually full of antioxidants, which help slow the progression of age-related diseases.
10. Bananas: 35 cents each
Slice one on your morning yogurt or oatmeal for some added fiber and only 100 calories or so. Snack on a potassium-rich banana to prevent cramps after a workout.
11. Grapes: $2.99 per pound (75 cents per serving)
Freeze grapes for a low-calorie dessert or snack. Grapes--especially the dark purple ones--contain plenty of antioxidants that are known to help heart health.
Vegetables
12. Romaine lettuce or other hearty lettuce: $1.99 per head (66 cents per serving)
Banish the iceberg and choose sturdy Romaine for your salads. It will give you more fiber and nutrients, plus a satisfying crunch.
13. Carrots: $2.79 for 3 pounds (23 cents per serving)
Mom was right. Carrots are good for your eyes, thanks to the antioxidants, including beta-carotene, in them. (That's what makes them orange!) Dip them in hummus (made from canned beans), natural peanut butter or low-fat dressings.
14. Frozen spinach: $2 for 16 ounces (50 cents per serving)
Thaw and drain this good-for-your green, then toss it in omelets, soups, stir-fries and pasta sauces. Spinach is full of vitamins A, C, K, plus fiber and even calcium.
15. Canned tomatoes: $1 for 14.5 ounces (28 cents per serving)
Choose low-sodium varieties and throw a can in pasta sauces and chili to stretch a meal. Puree a can with a cup of skim milk and season to taste for your own tomato soup. You'll get a dose of vitamins A, B and C and lycopene, an antioxidant known to prevent cancer.
16. Garlic: 50 cents per head (5 cents per serving)
Ditch the bottled and powdered stuff if you want to reap more of the myriad health benefits. Pungent and tasty, garlic can help lower cholesterol and blood clots, plus it can have a small effect on high blood pressure. Crush or chop it to release more of the antioxidants.
17. Sweet potatoes: $1.49 per pound (37 cents per serving)
Aside from being sweet and delicious, these bright root vegetables are a great source of fiber and antioxidants. Bake, mash or roast them--you'll forget about those other, paler potatoes.
18. Onions: 97 cents each (32 cents per serving)
Like garlic, this smelly vegetable is full of health benefits. Onions have been proven to lower risks for certain cancers, and they add flavor with few calories. Try roasting them to bring out their sweetness and cut their harsh edge. (If you well up while cutting them, store onions in the fridge for a tear-free chop.)
19. Broccoli: $2.49 per pound (63 cents per serving)
Broccoli is like a toothbrush for your insides. Full of fiber, it will provide you vitamins A and C, plus fiber and a host of antioxidants. Broccoli is a superstar in the nutrition world.
Whole grains
20. Whole-grain pasta: $1.50 for 13.25 ounces (45 cents per serving)
With a nutty flavor and a subtle brown color, whole-wheat pasta perks up any meal. Start with half regular, half whole-wheat pasta, then gradually add more wheat pasta for a burst of fiber and nutrients.
21. Popcorn kernels: $2.39 for 32 ounces (30 cents per serving)
Air-popped popcorn has just 30 calories and a trace of fat. Pop a few cups, spritz with olive oil or butter spray and sprinkle on your favorite seasonings for a guilt-free treat.
22. Brown rice: $1.49 for 16 ounces (19 cents per serving)
Brown rice is a great side dish, but you can also use it to help stretch your ground meat. Mix a cup of cooked rice with 8 ounces of lean ground beef next time you make meatloaf to save 45 calories and five grams of fat (and some money) per serving.
23. Oats: $3.19 for 42 ounces (15 cents per serving)
Oatmeal is a hearty breakfast, but you can also cook sturdy steel-cut oats in chicken broth for a savory side dish. Or, mix oats with ground turkey to stretch your meatballs.
Dairy
24. Quarts of low- or fat-free yogurt: $2.49 for 32 ounces (47 cents per serving)
Buy large containers of plain or vanilla yogurt, then add real fruit. You'll save money and calories by not buying fancy single-serve yogurts.
25. Gallon of skim milk: $3.04 (19 cents per serving)
It really does a body good. Full of calcium and protein, milk can help stretch a meal. Pair an eight-ounce glass with a piece of fruit or a granola bar for a filling snack.
1. Canned salmon: $2.89 for 14.75 ounces (59 cents per serving)
Get your Omega-3's for less. Salmon is full of these healthy fats, which help lower cholesterol and prevent heart attacks.
2. Chicken breasts: $3.49 per pound (87 cents per serving)
Easy-to-prepare, chicken is full of lean protein, which helps keep you fuller longer.
3. Natural peanut butter: $3.39 for 16 ounces (42 cents per serving)
Skip the sugary, processed varieties and spread the real stuff on whole-grain bread. Throw a tablespoon in smoothies or yogurt, use it as a dip for carrots and pretzels, or mix it with a bit of low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar and garlic, then thin with water for a quick sauce.
- 5 Healthy Nutritional Balanced Diet Tips - Nutrition For Health
- The Top 10 Health Myths Finally Exposed!
4. Canned beans: 84 cents for 15 ounces (22 cents per serving)
Bulk up soups and stews while getting protein and fiber. Try chickpeas or black beans if you're not a fan of kidneys or pintos. Drain, rinse, and blend with lemon juice, garlic, cumin and a bit of vegetable broth for a quick dip.
5. Eggs: $1.99 for a dozen large (17 cents per serving)
Not just for breakfast, eggs are among the easiest foods to cook. If you're watching your cholesterol, scramble one egg and two egg whites. Add onion and spinach and you've got a great omelet.
6. Dried lentils: 79 cents per pound (20 cents per serving)
Full of protein and fiber, lentils cook in just 15 minutes! Throw some in soups and stews or cook with curry powder for a quick, spicy meal.
7. Almonds: $3.99 for 9 ounces (44 cents per serving)
Get vitamin E, fiber and protein while satisfying a crunchy craving. Nuts are rich in an amino acid that could be linked to heart benefits. Chop a few raw ones and throw them on yogurt.
Fruits
8. Frozen fruit and berries: $2.99-$5.99 per pound (75 cents-$1.50 per serving)
Throw some in the blender with milk or yogurt for a healthy treat. Frozen berries can be used in oatmeal or drained and baked into muffins and quick breads.
9. Apples: 68 cents each
They might not keep the doctor away, but apples are actually full of antioxidants, which help slow the progression of age-related diseases.
10. Bananas: 35 cents each
Slice one on your morning yogurt or oatmeal for some added fiber and only 100 calories or so. Snack on a potassium-rich banana to prevent cramps after a workout.
- The 6 Rules To A Healthy Lifestyle: Diet 101
- Nutrition: Bad Vs Good Food
- How to Develop Healthy Eating Habits
11. Grapes: $2.99 per pound (75 cents per serving)
Freeze grapes for a low-calorie dessert or snack. Grapes--especially the dark purple ones--contain plenty of antioxidants that are known to help heart health.
Vegetables
12. Romaine lettuce or other hearty lettuce: $1.99 per head (66 cents per serving)
Banish the iceberg and choose sturdy Romaine for your salads. It will give you more fiber and nutrients, plus a satisfying crunch.
13. Carrots: $2.79 for 3 pounds (23 cents per serving)
Mom was right. Carrots are good for your eyes, thanks to the antioxidants, including beta-carotene, in them. (That's what makes them orange!) Dip them in hummus (made from canned beans), natural peanut butter or low-fat dressings.
14. Frozen spinach: $2 for 16 ounces (50 cents per serving)
Thaw and drain this good-for-your green, then toss it in omelets, soups, stir-fries and pasta sauces. Spinach is full of vitamins A, C, K, plus fiber and even calcium.
15. Canned tomatoes: $1 for 14.5 ounces (28 cents per serving)
Choose low-sodium varieties and throw a can in pasta sauces and chili to stretch a meal. Puree a can with a cup of skim milk and season to taste for your own tomato soup. You'll get a dose of vitamins A, B and C and lycopene, an antioxidant known to prevent cancer.
16. Garlic: 50 cents per head (5 cents per serving)
Ditch the bottled and powdered stuff if you want to reap more of the myriad health benefits. Pungent and tasty, garlic can help lower cholesterol and blood clots, plus it can have a small effect on high blood pressure. Crush or chop it to release more of the antioxidants.
17. Sweet potatoes: $1.49 per pound (37 cents per serving)
Aside from being sweet and delicious, these bright root vegetables are a great source of fiber and antioxidants. Bake, mash or roast them--you'll forget about those other, paler potatoes.
18. Onions: 97 cents each (32 cents per serving)
Like garlic, this smelly vegetable is full of health benefits. Onions have been proven to lower risks for certain cancers, and they add flavor with few calories. Try roasting them to bring out their sweetness and cut their harsh edge. (If you well up while cutting them, store onions in the fridge for a tear-free chop.)
19. Broccoli: $2.49 per pound (63 cents per serving)
Broccoli is like a toothbrush for your insides. Full of fiber, it will provide you vitamins A and C, plus fiber and a host of antioxidants. Broccoli is a superstar in the nutrition world.
Whole grains
20. Whole-grain pasta: $1.50 for 13.25 ounces (45 cents per serving)
With a nutty flavor and a subtle brown color, whole-wheat pasta perks up any meal. Start with half regular, half whole-wheat pasta, then gradually add more wheat pasta for a burst of fiber and nutrients.
21. Popcorn kernels: $2.39 for 32 ounces (30 cents per serving)
Air-popped popcorn has just 30 calories and a trace of fat. Pop a few cups, spritz with olive oil or butter spray and sprinkle on your favorite seasonings for a guilt-free treat.
22. Brown rice: $1.49 for 16 ounces (19 cents per serving)
Brown rice is a great side dish, but you can also use it to help stretch your ground meat. Mix a cup of cooked rice with 8 ounces of lean ground beef next time you make meatloaf to save 45 calories and five grams of fat (and some money) per serving.
23. Oats: $3.19 for 42 ounces (15 cents per serving)
Oatmeal is a hearty breakfast, but you can also cook sturdy steel-cut oats in chicken broth for a savory side dish. Or, mix oats with ground turkey to stretch your meatballs.
Dairy
24. Quarts of low- or fat-free yogurt: $2.49 for 32 ounces (47 cents per serving)
Buy large containers of plain or vanilla yogurt, then add real fruit. You'll save money and calories by not buying fancy single-serve yogurts.
25. Gallon of skim milk: $3.04 (19 cents per serving)
It really does a body good. Full of calcium and protein, milk can help stretch a meal. Pair an eight-ounce glass with a piece of fruit or a granola bar for a filling snack.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
JANUARY FAVS... BEAUTY PRODUCTS EDITION
COACH POPPY FLOWER EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY, $46 Sephora.
MAC Matte Powder Blush - Raizin, $19.50 Nordstrom.
Mac Satin Folie Eyeshadow,$15.00 Nordstrom.
Wet n Wild Coloricon eyeshadow collection - Petal Pusher, $4.99 Walgreens.
Elf Magical Maroon Pigment, $1.00 Target
Queen Collection Liquid Makeup - Rich Mink, $7.99 Walgreens
Queen Collection Concealer - Cocoa, $2.99 Walgreens
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