Saturday, December 14, 2013

Montagne Jeunesse Clay Spas

I recently received a #VioletVoxBox from #InfluensterVox and one of the complimentary products for testing was a Montagne Jeunesse Clay Spa Mask. It was the Dead Sea Mud Spa. When I first opened the package and pulled out the mask, it was a bit weird because I had to place it on my face where the holes were. I almost put it wrong if I didn't look at the part where my nose was supposed to stick out. If you want something quick and simple, this is perfect for you. It is not as messy as a regular clay mask and easy to clean off.


Check out these sites for more information on the mask and other Montagne Jeunesse products:

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Dry shampoo? Pretty awesome!

I signed up for a program called Influenster and I'm pretty impressed so far. They sent me my 2nd box of complimentary products and i have tried 2 products so far during my crazy week before and during finals at college. To be able to say that means that these products are quick and easy.

Here's a picture of my VioletVoxBox from InfluensterVox:

The contents were:
Montagne Jeunesse Spa Mask
Goody Athletique headband
Not Your Mother's Dry Shampoo
Sally Hansen Triple Shine Nail Color
Soy Joy

Out of all of the products, I tried the dry shampoo and soy & fruit bar.

I was in such a rush on Saturday that I tried out the Not Your Mother's dry shampoo before heading out to a party and I really love it! It smells good and made my hair feel refreshed!  Here's a picture so you can judge for yourself!


Today is my first day of finals week. All I can say is, too much stress, too much to do, and not enough time!!! Did I mention that my son's birthday was this weekend too? Talk about SuperMom status full force! So, I've been staying up til 2-3am working on final projects and then all I have time for is a cup of coffee before sending my son off to school. When do I have time to eat breakfast??? Luckily, I remembered the SoyJoy bar in my VioletVoxBox so I tried it out. I love soft granola bars so this soy & fruit bar was exactly what I needed! I had a cranberry flavor. It was quick, easy and yummy! I want to try the dark chocolate cherry bar soon!

Here's a pic of me with the SoyJoy bar. Don't mind my crazy hair. It's finals week. :P


For those of you in college, good luck on finals! If you are always on the go like me, try these two products out! I'm glad I did!




Sunday, December 8, 2013

Happy 7th Birthday Bryant!

6 years flew on by.
He's grown up too fast.
Happy 7th birthday to my not-so-little baby boy, Bryant!

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow
Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox
Customize your own picture slideshow

Monday, September 9, 2013

Let me reintroduce myself...

Things have changed since my first blog so I might as well update my introduction.


Hi!  My name is Jackie Tacotaco. I am a mother of a very active 6-year-old boy named Bryant. I am currently attending Hawaii Pacific University to earn a Bachelor's degree in journalism. Being a mom and a college student is not the easiest task in the world but my son is my inspiration. I used to attend HPU back in 2001-2003, but I moved to the mainland for six years. When my son turned two years old, I decided to return to Hawaii and finish my college career. Going back to college was a decision that I made so that I could get a better job and support my son the best way I can. I recently quit my job at Target as a guest service team member and team trainer so that I can take more classes to fulfill my graduation requirements and graduate a year earlier. My mother, father and boyfriend have been very helpful in my recent change in employment, and I thank them so much for their love and support. Even though I have help, I still have the everyday challenge of being a parent. I am the sole caregiver of my son, almost like a single parent, but I try my best each day to love and care for my son. I often call myself "supermom" because of all the different tasks and challenges that I overcome on a daily basis. It's not easy but nobody said that life would be easy! My advice for everyone: no goal is out of your reach because you choose your fate and you can always change your future.



Wednesday, September 4, 2013

The different types of moms



A mom can be any of the moms below! Supermoms can be any or all of these below! The point is that being a mom is NOT easy but we all do out best! Go supermoms! 

To the mom who's breastfeeding: Way to go! It really is an amazing gift to give your baby, for any amount of time that you can manage! You're a good mom. 

To the mom who's formula feeding: Isn't science amazing? To think there was a time when a baby with a mother who couldn't produce enough would suffer, but now? Better living through chemistry! You're a good mom. 

To the cloth diapering mom: Fluffy bums are the cutest, and so friendly on the bank account. You're a good mom.

To the disposable diapering mom: Damn those things hold a lot, and it's excellent to not worry about leakage and laundry! You're a good mom.

To the mom who stays home: I can imagine it isn't easy doing what you do, but to spend those precious years with your babies must be amazing. You're a good mom.

To the mom who works: It's wonderful that you're sticking to your career, you're a positive role model for your children in so many ways, it's fantastic. You're a good mom.

To the mom who had to feed her kids from the drive thru all week because you're too worn out to cook or go grocery shopping: You're feeding your kids, and hey, I bet they aren't complaining! Sometimes sanity can indeed be found in a red box with a big yellow M on it. You're a good mom.

To the mom who gave her kids a homecooked breakfast lunch and dinner for the past week: Excellent! Good nutrition is important, and they're learning to enjoy healthy foods at an early age, a boon for the rest of their lives. You're a good mom.

To the mom with the kids who are sitting quietly and using their manners in the fancy restaurant: Kudos, it takes a lot to maintain order with children in a place where they can't run around. You're a good mom.

To the mom with the toddler having a meltdown in the cereal aisle: they always seem to pick the most embarrassing places to lose their minds don't they? We've all been through it. You're a good mom.

To the moms who judge other moms for ANY of the above? Glass houses, friend. Glass houses.



Tuesday, September 3, 2013

I AM a good mom

Until today, I didn't realize how much work I have done to be a mom and how good of a job I have done.  I have tried my best and I didn't give up even when I felt like I did.  I used to blame myself for my son's disability but it wasn't any one's fault.  I tried to stay strong whenever I could, even if it made me sick.

This month hopefully brings new starts and new beginnings.  My son just barely started taking medicine to treat his ADHD/ODD symptoms.  This is a big thing for me because I was completely against putting my son on any strong pharmaceutical drugs.  I was afraid of the side effects that it could create.  He lasted two years without a psychiatrist.  He started therapy with a psychologist and it helped him a lot.  His anger wasn't as bad and his impulses lessened.  After graduating from kindergarten at a private school, I decided to have him repeat kindergarten at a new school, a public school. I felt bad because I was holding him back but I am so glad of my decision because he was struggling with his work and now he is so successful.  Being born in December might be a reason for his learning abilities but I never blamed anyone for it.  Raising a child with ADHD is difficult enough, but raising a child with ODD is so stressful.  Many people have heard of ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, but not many people have heard of ODD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder.  It's much more different than a disobedient child.  Sometimes, it can be from an imbalance of chemicals in the brain.  I struggled with my son for two years now, and I started him on holistic medicine that was made by a holistic doctor.  It helped a little bit, but I felt like I was just trying to let my son work out his frustrations with his psychologist.  After trying out the holistic approach for eight months, I finally chose the pharmaceutical route.  The psychiatrist was very emotionless, which kind of scared me, but at least he was not reacting to my son's erratic behavior.  When I say erratic, I mean that he was throwing a ball around, moving chairs and couldn't keep still.  It was very embarrassing but at least the doctor could see what I was dealing with.  It broke my heart when I realized that all the behaviors that I checked off on the list was all but a few that dealt with stealing and running away.  I finally accepted that my son's ODD was probably genetic from his paternal side and I had to face it now before it got any worse.  I think that was also the point when I realized that my son needed something to help him function better so that he would be able to learn better and lead a more peaceful life.  After picking up the medicine, I prayed that it would work and wouldn't hurt him.

It's been six days since he's taken the medicine, and I have not had one bad remark about him since then.  I was so used to getting a phone call from the office or the teacher pulling me aside after class that it was a shock and a relief to hear that his behavior had improved much better.  My biggest fear was that my active and sweet little boy would become lethargic like a zombie, but it was better because his sweet side shined and he was able to focus better in class.  I look to this as an answer to my prayers because was crying every night before I went to bed.  Not many people understand the difficulty of raising a child with behavior issues. It's not because I'm a bad parent, it's because he had something that he could not control on his own.  Some people think very negatively about ODD, but now that I have a child with this disorder, I think otherwise because it is actually a disability.  I hope that some people think twice about a child if he or she is misbehaving.  If the parent is struggling and looks exhausted, it might not just be a child acting badly, it might be more than that.  The child might not have control of his or her actions.  Children with autism are sometimes looked at badly but it's not their fault that they can't help what they can or can't control.  The parents of children with disabilities should be applauded because they have the hardest job.

Another difficult job is being a single parent.  Sure, I have my boyfriend helping me but since he's working on a different island, I feel like a single parent all over again.  I'm so lucky to have found someone to love me and also love my son like his own because I made it clear that I come with baggage.  He has been in my son's life since my son was a year old.  Last month, my boyfriend had to work on a different island and my son took it very hard, acting out badly in school and at home.  I really felt like a single parent then because I did it all on my own while taking two summer school courses.

You see, I had to act as a single mom of a child with ADHD and ODD last month and it was not the easiest task in the world.  Being a parent is the hardest job in the world.  Being a mom is a 24/7 job.  Being a parent of a child with disabilities takes over your life.  Being a single parent takes dedication and hard work.  Being a college mom means learning how to balance your priorities and putting your child before anything and everything.

It took many meltdowns and crying to my friends to make me realize that I am not a failure.  They remind me that I am a good parent for trying to take care of my son now rather than later.  They tell me that I have done the right thing for seeking help in any way possible.  They tell me that I am unselfish and loving for quitting my job to take care of my son and to finish school to give him a better life.

I have finally realized that I AM a good parent.






Monday, September 2, 2013

Fysiko Lash Growth Serum: Going on Week 15

So, I tried out this amazing product called Fysiko Lash Growth Serum for about 15 weeks and my eyelashes look amazing!  It was so easy to apply on my eyelash lines, top and bottom.  I even applied it on my eyebrows where I over plucked.  I put it on in the morning and at night before I put on any makeup.  I hardly wore mascara, and when I did put on mascara, I didn't have to buy those expensive lengthening mascaras.  regular mascara just accentuated the length that I gained.  I love the fullness of my lashes now.  I have been fortunate to have participated in this review and it has benefited me so much!  Mascara or not, I have fuller, longer lashes thanks to Fysiko Lash Growth Serum!


Here's another picture showing the difference of my lashes close-up:

What a difference, huh?  Before, I could barely see my lashes!  Now, they look amazing!
If you want longer, fuller lashes, please try this product!!
I highly recommend it!

Check out the website for more information: http://bit.ly/YfBo6O 
Want to see more reviews?  Check out  http://bit.ly/XHai4P

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

The only wish that I can't grant


These last few days have been tough on me.  My son's ADHD and ODD conditions have been worse because I think he has anxiety from all the new beginning and stress.  I have always said that I can give my son everything from the moon and back, but I've finally hit a bump in the road.  I never thought there was something that I could not give my son, but it hurts me to finally find one.  You see, my son has decided that he wants a little brother or sister.  I'm not ready for another one just yet with my busy life with him and college, not to mention my boyfriend isn't ready either.  I tell him my son "no" and he gets all sad.  He tells me how badly he wants to have a little brother or sister and it kills me inside to tell him that I can't give him that.  At least, not yet.  I'm not ready.  For once, my needs come before my son's needs.  It hurts knowing that I can't grant this one wish.  I feel like my son is punishing me for not being able to give him what he wants.  Life isn't always fair.  It hurts making my son realize at a young age that mommy can't always give him everything.


Thursday, August 1, 2013

Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum: Going on Week 10

Longer lashes: Week Ten- "Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum"


I absolutely love the look of my lashes.  I'm supposed to have longer and fuller lashes by the 16th week but I have already noticed quite a difference already.  This serum is quick and easy to apply.  I put on the serum every morning and night along the lash line   If I choose to wear makeup, I let the serum dry before applying eyeliner.  I barely use mascara nowadays because I love the longer, fuller look without the weight of mascara.  I'm not done with the full trial period and I have already told my family and friends about this amazing product.  Many women have tried it out already and they all have success stories like mine.  In fact, when I found out I can try it on my eyebrows, I have been applying it to an over-plucked area.  If you want longer and fuller lashes too, please try this product out. Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum.  

Week 10:





Can you believe that these pics are of my eyes WITHOUT mascara??  I love the results already and I have 6 more weeks to go!  Compare my lashes to the picture that I took before I started using the serum.  I bet you will also agree that they look longer and fuller!

Week 1:


I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.


Friday, July 26, 2013

One less stress

So, this week is almost over and I've had major ups and downs going on in my life.  After juggling school, work AND parenting, I finally decided to give up work to pursue my college dreams and also to make more time for my son.  I have been told many times that it's okay to not be able to do it all like I wanted to.  I'm always trying to be an overachiever and it has finally caught up to me.  So, my lesson to you all is that you shouldn't take on more than you can handle.  Don't stress yourself til you're sick because it is very unhealthy and it's not fair for your children to see you that way.

Sometimes, balancing your life means getting rid of unnecessary stress.  Luckily, I have my family to help me survive with my choice.  It's going to be a challenge and it's not going to be easy, but it will definitely help me with my main priorities in life, my son and my education.

Even when times get tough, never give up.  Sometimes I feel like I have given up working to pursue my dreams but I have actually put work on hold.  It's only temporary.  When things get easier, I can always go back to work.  Parenting is about sacrifice.  I am sacrificing my work life to give my son more time that he needs.  If my family can help me with money, one-on-one parenting is more important than any educational program.  Spending time with my son has more value than being able to buy him the biggest and best toy ever.  My boyfriend is so supportive and he tells me that we will get through this.  It's not a bump in the road, it's a road to opportunity and success.

Life is not worth living when your mind is full of clutter and chaos.
When your body breaks down too often, you are probably overworking yourself.
You are only fooling yourself if you push too hard.
Your body does have limits.  Don't go overboard.
Nothing is permanent in life.
Things can change.
Life is what you make it.  
You choose your own path.



With love, you can get through anything,
whether it is the love from your children or your significant other.  


Everyone can find the peace and tranquility in their soul.
Just close your eyes and let it free.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Detox smoothies


Health is so important especially when you are a parent.  You have to be able to keep up with our active children.  Whenever I'm in a rush and I need to get some breakfast in me, I throw in some frozen strawberries, a few scoops of yogurt, and juice or almond milk into a blender.

I looked up some recipes of healthy detoxifying smoothies to try out.

Silky Mango
1/4 cup mango cubes
1/4 cup avocado
1/2 cup of orange juice
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.



Brain health blueberry dream
1 cup of unsweetened frozen blueberries, thawed
1 small banana
1 tbsp of cold-pressed flaxseed oil
Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

Strong bones green almonds smoothie
1/2 cup almond milk
2 tbsp natural almond butter
1 small banana
1 small handful of kale leaves
Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.



Healthy heart choco-raspberry smoothie
1/2 cup almond milk
1/4 organic, fair-trade dark chocolate chips or chunks
1 cup of fresh organic raspberries
Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.


Healthy dessert in a glass
1/2 cup of almond milk
1 small banana
2 tbsp of natural hazelnut butter
1 tsp of organic, fair –trade cocoa powder
1 tbsp of maple syrup
Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.


Recipes from: http://lifewithnature.com/detox-foods/5-delicious-detox-smoothies-to-shed-belly-weight-and-keep-you-healthy/

Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum: Going on Week 9

Longer lashes: Week Nine- "Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum"


On May 24, 2013, I started using the Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum.  My eyelashes have been more full than they have ever been.  My boyfriend even noticed that my lashes were getting longer, which is funny because I was always jealous of his long eyelashes.  I was able to take only one picture and I love how my lashes look without mascara.  I hate using mascara because it makes my lashes feel heavy but with Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum, I am able to have the full lash look without mascara.


Week 9:


Week 1:


Can you see the difference?  I can!  Fuller, longer lashes!  It's awesome AND amazing!

https://www.facebook.com/Influenster

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Life is...

Mother Teresa, mother of all.  She was so kind and gentle and loving.  Her words were motivational and inspirational.  She was an inspirational figure and role model, putting others before herself and helping those that were sick and poor.  I am proud to say that my family knows how to give back to their homeland, the Philippines.  They started out poor and worked their way up to being successful today.  Although their lives have gotten better than from where they started, they never forget their roots and send back food, money, and clothes back to their true home.  My late grandparents had a big family and struggled to give their kids and grandchildren the best that they could afford.  I wish they knew that they gave me and my entire family the best thing ever, LIFE.  Without them, we wouldn't be alive.  Without them, my family would not have made it to Hawaii.  They inspired me to challenge myself and overcome all my struggles.  I might have learned the hard way, but what they taught me definitely helped me survive the worst in life.  My late cousin also lived like Mother Teresa, living her young childhood to the fullest without a teardrop.  She fought hard til her death, but didn't lose her faith.  Sometimes, when life seems so difficult, just listen to Mother Teresa's words.  It's YOUR life and only YOU can change the outcome.  It's never too late to change your life.  I am glad that I chose to make my life better because in turn, I chose to give my son a better life.


Life Is….
by Mother Teresa

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.


I am constantly searching for inspirational quotes, sayings, and poems every day to help me during my struggles and fears. Some poems and quotes are long with stories and lessons, and some are short and to the point. This poem stood out to me because it sums up how everyone should look at life in simple and inspirational words. The familiar words have such powerful meanings without having to tell an example or story about life. The poem is a story on its own based on how a reader interprets it. Although the subject is what makes a powerful quote, this poem is powerful because of the meaning behind the words.


Sometimes, a sentence with less words can have more meaning. The basic techniques used in this poem make the words easy to understand by many people. When you look at each line, an obstacle or situation about life is presented,and then it is is followed with a suggestion. Mother Teresa stated the facts of life in the simplest terms possible The subject of life is stated in each sentence by beginning with the words, “life is.” The language is very clear and the rules of English are properly used. Each sentence is efficient, using words that are compatible with one another. Mother Teresa puts her audience in awe because she needed no cliches or jargon to make her points about life. All she did was make the words simple and easy to understand, making the words easily to relate to other people’s lives.


The main reason why I chose this quote is because I could relate to everything that was written about life. It is like a summary of the millions of quotes that I have read throughout my life. I feel like many popular sayings about life stem from the lines of this quote such as “life is like a roller coaster,” “nobody said life would be easy,” and “live your life to the fullest.” What I like the most about this quote is that the simplicity of the words create bold statements with deep meanings.



For me, the line that stands out to me the most is,”life is a struggle, accept it.” My life has been full of obstacles and struggles, and I used to regret the decisions I made when I was younger. Reading that one line helped me accept my past and move on to create a better future for myself and my son. Each line of the poem can also relate to each other, based on how the reader defines the words. What makes this poem so successful is the simplicity. Less words allow readers to create their own understanding by using the words define their own lives. This is truly a good piece of writing. Mother Teresa's modesty was shown in both actions and words. I think the best kind of writing is one that anyone can understand and relate to.


Thursday, July 11, 2013

Halfway through my hectic summer

It's been a while since I've written in this blog.  The first half of this summer was actually busy for me and my son.  When it wasn't busy, I felt like I was catching up on sleep.  When I say sleep, I mean sleep that was much needed months ago.



My son started karate as the school year ended and he is doing very well in class.  I am so proud of him.  The only issue is that I can't be present in class while he is learning because he feels the need to look over, which then leads to him getting distracted.  For a child that has ADHD and ODD, distractions come easily.  It's tough knowing that my presence can be a distraction, but I leave in order for him to succeed.  It reminds me of when my mom used to watch and criticize me when I played piano.  Unfortunately, I chose not to continue playing piano because I felt like I never had alone time to practice.  Hula, on the other hand, used to be a passion for me, but when it came to recitals, my mom used to tell me that I didn't smile enough or shake my hips enough.  I guess I don't like criticism from my own mom but I will gladly take criticism from my instructors.  It is so funny mentioning criticism because my son always asks me how he is doing.  I always told myself that I would not judge the way my son does things and so far the encouragement has made him more confident in his creative work.  While my son has been learning karate this summer, I took up baking and decorating cakes once again.



This summer has made me realize that I like to show my talents through my work rather than performing in front of an audience.  I feel like the oddball in the family, but I can't always be the same as everyone else.  My cousins enjoy doing musical performances such as singing, dancing and playing musical instruments.  I would rather show my talents through my writing and baking/decorating skills.



Half the summer has passed and I just started summer school.  I am taking a writing and media class, both of which I am excited to take because it is a combination of writing and creating artistic work.  All the work will be crammed into 7-8 weeks but I am up for the challenge because I am determined to graduate next year.  It is frustrating trying to work and go to school while taking care of a 6-year-old but I have to do what I can to survive the craziness and give my son the best life possible.

I hope that I survive through this summer session because it brings me closer to my goal to graduate.


Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum: Going on Week 7

I just finished my 6th week of using the Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum.  So far, my lashes feel much fuller and a little longer.  I like the look.  Usually when I put on mascara, I don't have much lashes to put them on, but most days, I don't really care about putting on mascara.  It's exciting to know that a serum can help my lashes grow longer.  I recently saw a twitter post suggesting to try the serum on thin eyebrows so I am trying it on one of my eyebrows because there was a time in the past where I loved to over pluck.  Even that eyebrow is starting to fill in a bit.  This is an exciting experience so far and I hope that my lashes continue to grow a bit longer.

So, how does this serum work?  I apply the serum twice a day, morning and night.  It is applied along the lash lines just like you would apply eyeliner.  That's all it takes!  Then, watch your lashes grow fuller and longer!

Week 7:


This is the picture from week 1:


I know that I can see a difference!  I barely use mascara so this is a nice change!

Still interested and want to try it out for yourself?
Visit: http://bit.ly/YfBo6O

Want reviews from other people?
Visit: http://bit.ly/XHai4P



https://www.facebook.com/Influenster

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Detoxifying the natural and easy way




I've looked up many types of ways to detoxify my body naturally.  Most of the time, it's a capsule of some berry or drinking something that you have to cringe when you take it.  How about we simplify our lives and use everyday items that can easily be found in your grocery store rather than have our food in a tablet or pill form?  I'm sure we all eat or cook with these foods at least once or twice a week, so why not find out which ones are naturally beneficial to your body!  Forget those pills and powders that are so costly.  Being healthy should not be so expensive, even though the reality of it all is that eating healthy costs a lot in today's economy.  If you are like me, I do not have the time or money to go on a detoxifying diet for 30 days or so.  I would much rather know that the food that I intake is going to benefit my body without having to give up eating a normal meal.

Use this list to spice up your regular meals or make a fun snack mix with berries and nuts.  If you like some spice in your life, experiment with cayenne or use some herbs to flavor up your meats.  If you like the Asian culture, sip on some green tea or add some seaweed to your meal.  Life doesn't have to be boring to be healthy!  Put your money to good use!  Do your body a favor and detoxify while you enjoy your meals!


  1. Green Tea
  2. Beets
  3. Blueberries
  4. Kale
  5. Cranberries
  6. Almonds
  7. Seaweed
  8. Garlic
  9. Cayenne
  10. Ginger
  11. Parsley
  12. Fennel
  13. Celery
Here are some other ideas that I found:
  1. Drink lukewarm water with honey and lemon.
  2. Like green juices?  Try this: 1/2 bunch of spinach, 2 big kale leaves, 1 apple, 1 kiwi and juice from 1 fresh lemon
  3. Like fruit infused water?  Try apple cinnamon water.  You need 1 large water pitcher or jug.  Fill with water and add 2 sliced up apples and 2 cinnamon sticks.  Let infuse overnight to release the flavor and then add it to ice.  You can refill with water 3-4 times before throwing out the apples and cinnamon sticks.  *Cinnamon and apples are a natural metabolism booster.  Also, one apple is like having one cup of coffee!

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Mommy's chicken noodle soup



My son was sick so I decided to use what I have to make some homemade chicken noodle soup! He doesn't like the veggies but it's always better with veggies like celery and carrots so feel free to improvise this simple and easy chicken noodle soup!


Ingredients for a single serving:
1 or more of fresh or frozen chicken breasts (thawed)
1 Bay leaf
Bullion cubes
1 cup of Noodles (I used macaroni)

Optional:
Carrots
Celery

My tips:
I used a frozen chicken breast so I thawed it out first before cooking.
Adding vegetables gives the soup more flavor and color.  I only omitted the veggies because my son didn't want any.

Instructions:

  1. Boil a pot of water.  Add chicken and bay leaf to boiling water.  Let it boil for 15-30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
  2. When chicken is fully cooked, remove from water and chop into small chunks for the soup.
  3. Place desired amount of water, chicken, bay leaf, 2 bullion cubes and a cup of noodles in a new pot.
  4. Bring to a boil and let it cook for about 9-10 minutes or until noodles are cooked.
  5. If desired, add carrots and celery and simmer for about 10 minutes.  Salt and pepper can be added for taste.
  6. Remove bay leaf right before serving.
Enjoy!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum: Week 2 and 3

I'm in middle of the 3rd week of using Fysiko Eyelash Growth Serum.  So far, I feel like my eyelashes feel a little more full.  I'm excited to see the ending results, especially that my eyelashes should be longer and fuller when I have to attend a wedding in the fall!









Pics from week 1:

Not too much of a difference but I can see a little growth and fullness!



https://www.facebook.com/Influenster

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Cake decorating: my fun hobby

I recently started making cakes again and I realized how much fun it is no matter how late and how much hours I put into making a cake!  I have even tried out different buttercream frosting recipes and learned how to bake sturdier cakes!  I'm so impressed with myself and impressed my family!  It's so exciting to get back into a hobby again.

I've gotten some requests for cakes and I will try my best!  I'm a total perfectionist so every cake I make is never good enough for myself.  Here's to a possible future in a cake business!








I even recruited my cousins and niece this past week to help me make my niece's birthday cake!  So much easier having help but the bonding time was more rewarding. <3  My niece made the instruments.  Good to know that I've taught the young ones something new!