Yummy Bites for Your Valentine!

Or for yourself and your Valentine too. You don’t need one to enjoy this yumminess!

Sweet and Sexy Asian Meatballs

1 package (12 oz.) of  Italian meatballs (fully cooked) Or you can make them from scratch!

1/2 cup of Asian hoisin sauce

4 tsp. brown sugar

2 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar

1 tsp of Sriracha hot chili sauce

1 clove of fresh garlic minced

1/2  tsp. of ground ginger

At the end before serving add sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to garnish.

In a saucepan add all of the above ingredients but not the meatballs. Warm up the ingredients and keep stirring.

Next, add the meatballs,stir, cover and cook. Prepare on medium high heat until done.

I like to serve over Jasmine rice. Your house will smell divine! And serve with delicious aromatic jasmine tea 🍵 .

Add a dash of something naughty and sweet and some Prosecco and you are all set!

As I always say I love to COOK and entertain for one or for a crowd.

Enjoy these yummy bites!

Happy Valentines Day!

PS

 

 

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Dumpling soup to warm your body & heart!

We woke up to 80 degrees last week and today to temperatures in the 30’s in sunny Florida. Who says we don’t get cold weather? Here in Jacksonville Fl we do!

So I warm us up with food! Soup and dumplings are my Southern husbands favorite.

Dumpling soup requires making dumplings first. Afterwards you place in the soup broth. But I like to also  CHEAT and make it easier by cooking the broth and ingredients below and using frozen dumplings for the soup already made and found at the Asian grocery store. Obviously, serving dumplings alone with a cup of green jasmine tea is a perfect meal in itself!

Here is what you will need:

1 package of wonton wrappers

1 bunch of scallions sliced

8 oz. of ground pork (or shrimp)

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/2tsp. of sugar

1 tsp of soy sauce

*For Dumpling soup I also like to add baby corn pieces (available by the can)

And cut up a few snow peas or baby bok choy.

The meaning of eating dumplings at Chinese new year means MONEY! They are shaped like a golden piece. Hence that’s why we eat them.

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Put  8 to 10 cups of chicken broth, a piece of fresh ginger (peeled) 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce,  sprinkle of sesame oil, S & P to taste in a soup pot and bring to a boil. Then simmer the broth.

For soup I also like to add baby corn pieces (available by the can)

Or a few pieces of baby Bok Choy for some healthy greens.

Garnish with sliced scallions on top of soup after you have added the dumplings.

Ready to serve.

For another recipe I also like to Steam Dumplings (and get a quick steam facial from the bamboo steamer when I pull them out). Next, I like to add them to a saute pan with a dash of oil and  little water and cook their little bottoms until crispy and a bit brown edged. So delish!

A healthy cup of hot Asian tea ends a meal or snack beautifully. And although I NEVER saw a fortune cookie in Hong Kong I still love those crunchy vanilla delights with the secret message inside.

Happy Chinese New Year...Gong Hei Fat Choy! 

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Beauty 🍬 🍭 Candy💄

I named my blog BEAUTY CANDY and do you know why?

 I love ❤️ so love ALL things beauty and candy🍬

I have a sweet tooth! 🍭 And all those candy colors excite me and stir my imagination and creativity.

I own a makeup 💄 studio that is filled with all things lovely! Things to make you look good, feel good and smell good.

I also am in love with all things BEAUTY and beyond. I think a woman without lipstick 💄 💋 is like a day without sunshine 🌞. Just wearing a dash of lipstick is such a boost to one’s spirits and complexion.

I am a wifey, sister, makeup artist, skin therapist. I also am a speaker in the spa and beauty industry. I guest speak across the country and beyond to esthetician’s, plastic surgeons, makeup artists, spa and salon owners.

I enjoy guest 🎤 speaking at events,luncheons and dinners as well!. I cover … topics on Beauty,wellness, fashion and lifestyle. These programs are for the girl next door not beauty PRO’s.

I love sharing a piece of me in your inbox and happy 😊 you read my blog.  

I also love ❤️ reading YOUR blogs and enjoy your words too!

I would love to hear from you. Tell me more about you. The reason I started my blog was to make you feel good 😍. To make you smile! To teach you. To entertain you.,To share journeys ✈️ and beauty adventures of my life with you!

Feel free to tell me what you’d like to see or learn about on my blog. Message me.

Or comment here.

I hope the start of the new year 🎉 is going well for you. Don’t rush it. Enjoy each day one glorious day at a time.

XOXO

Noreen

Shopping got you feeling tired and down?

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Try this Smoothie filled with Superfood your body will love!

What you will need is:

1 cup of frozen blueberries

1 cup of almond milk

2 cups of baby spinach

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1 banana

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Place all of the above in a blender and puree until smooth. It will be lush and rich and thick.

Dreamy and creamy and energizing before or after your holiday shopping and rushing around!

YUM!

Take care of yourself!

 

 

Easy Chinese Bourbon Chicken — In Dianes Kitchen

Yummy and easy to make… Simply had to share especially with these crazy busy holidays! Enjoy Diane’s awesomeness.

This is the best tasting and easiest homemade Chinese Bourbon Chicken recipe I have ever had! I always loved the Bourbon Chicken at the Chinese restaurants but never found a recipe to come close. This recipe is made with skinless, boneless chicken thighs where you pour marinade over the chicken, let it sit in the […]

via Easy Chinese Bourbon Chicken — In Dianes Kitchen

SHOP on,Gorgeous!

Last weekend was Shop Small Saturday all across the country started by American Express. I participated in it proudly again this year. And here are a few takeaways of what girls bought for their  besties or themselves.

Stocking Stuffers or token gifts…

Remember it is the thought that counts not the price OR how much you buy for that person! And you know what the real reason for the season is!

Makeup Brushes by the set are a coveted gift a girl struggles to get for herself. So many to choose from and it can be overwhelming. Buying ala carte is not the best thing to do unless that is your budget. It is cheaper and chicer to buy a set. And you don’t have to spend a fortune for them. Remember the $ dollar $ quality is not the same as a boutique.

Wine,rose,champagne  wine holders  chic and so versatile. Use them for booze, décor and or to rest your bling and baubles on. They say wine is most gals best friend over any other libation. Add a few gourmet or edible delights like below and you have a gift that won’t be forgotten!

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Lipsticks are always in style and putting together a set of a variety of them for your mom or bestie can be so much fun! Add a gloss or balm and they love you forever.

*Add a lip brush and you’re all set. Yes, they are still in.

Bath and Body Treats are so lovely! And SO NEEDED. When you shop you can get a lot of little pieces. Aromatic and hydrating are best for the skin. And aromatherapy is so relaxing and mood lifting and calming.

Candles are always a good idea!

Palo Santo,Sage and herb plants are both unique and practical too.

Fragrance is a very personal thing. So, I usually only give it in bath and body lotions not necessarily by the bottle. Unless you know the exact fragrance they love.

 

 

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I hope I got your juices and creativity going for finding that perfect token gift or stocking stuffer.

Have fun and happy Shopping,Gorgeous!

 

 

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Panera Bread Mac & Cheese — In Dianes Kitchen

Can’t wait to try this recipe this weekend. In Dianes Kitchen never disappoints!

 

What a delicious copycat recipe of Panera Bread Mac & Cheese that is full of white cheddar and white American cheese. This is easy to make and it is made completely on top of the stove. This was very, very good and it takes less than 30 minutes to make. Source: Six Sisters’ Stuff Copycat […]

via Panera Bread Mac & Cheese — In Dianes Kitchen

Energy!

Looking for a natural boost from plants 🌱 that you can enjoy after a long day of of holiday shopping 🛍 , or at your home 🏡 or your office?

The holiday season can be a very stressful and hectic time.

But Mother Nature to the rescue!

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Plant or grow a potted plant at your desk or in a sunny 🌞 window. Basil and peppermint work wonders!

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When you need an aromatic energizing lift!  All you do is take a piece of the plant and rub the leaves between your fingers to release their scent! Smell your fingers and the plants. Breathe in deeply and ENJOY!

 

So aromatic and uplifting.

I love you Chicago again and again!

I traveled to Chicago recently but it wasn’t long enough! Although I travel ✈️ there often. I never get tired of exploring new places and visiting some of my fave places too.

Here are a few highlights from my trip.

I love staying at the W hotel on the lake and I also love to stay at the iconic Palmer House. But this time I stayed with my husband at the Residence Inn 700 in the Loop. What a beautiful stay! Such cozy Suites with fabulous beddings and a kitchen with a dishwasher, huge refrigerator and mini loft bing room space area.

I discovered a beautiful church around the in corner in a section they call the Loop. I fell 😍 love! I attended several masses and services. A gem 💎 in the heart of downtown. Run by Franciscan friars.

I love shopping the magnificent Michigan Avenue. AKA the Miracle Mile …

So many shops so little time! One of my fave fashion shops is called Akira. Also since I love 💕 all things fun I shop at Riley Rose!

Food glorious food is another thrill in Chicago! I never get tired of their hot dogs, donuts and dim sum in Chinatown! Oh and this time I discovered a real chocolate filled bao delight! Warm and fluffy and so delicious.

I so wanted to go for a spa day but after doing everything else no time left.

Have you been to Chicago? Lately? Do share.

The Beauty in TEA Time!

There’s so much beauty in sipping a cup of TEA. The process alone is so relaxing and calming…especially when I have time for it. Not just a quick cup of it in the morning.

How about you do you like coffee or tea or both?

A few weeks ago I had a flight delayed in Atlanta and instead of going to the Delta Sky Club we chose to go to P.F.Chang’s. Stressed from running from one Terminal to another. Tired because the day had been very long and just wanted a cozy spot to compose and chill. Their tea is delightful iced or hot. But my fave is hot served in this pot. This is the way they serve it. By the time we had a few potstickers and two pots of tea we were so chilled out for our next hour flight home with a midnight arrival. Look for them on your next trip via Atlanta.

If you’re not traveling and at home. Save the tea bag or tea leaves from your tea and enjoy a facial steam with the leftovers. I like chamomile flowers found at your local fancy market. Lavender buds are also another great choice and both are calming. All you do is add the flowers or buds to a bowl of hot or very warm water you boiled from your tea pot. Place a lightweight towel over your head and go near the bowl for the steam to hit your face. Be careful. Do this for at least 10 minutes.Double-duty beauty! Inside and out.

So next time you’re stressed,rushed or just plain need a few minutes to yourself.

Skip the wine and have some tea time!