Hizles

Golfing {Simple Things Sunday}

2012-04-22T18:17:00.001-04:00

I am so glad that our lessons are finally paying off. Little man has shown more interest in golfing lately and we definitely see improvement in his swing and form. I have photos of his early years with the exact same clubs, I couldn't wait for the day would come when they actually fit him so perfect.

Happy Sunday!

-Hizles

Camera Bag

2012-03-26T20:07:00.000-04:00

I was so thrilled when I heard my door bell ring this afternoon and the postman had my package from Jo-Totes. I had to do a quick post ... I've just finished packing it and it's ready to go with me once I'm feeling better.

Ain't she PUUUURRRTTTY?

I hope to be ordering one of their other popular styles once they come in stock. Now I have no excuse to take my baby with me.

-Hizles

Sick Days {Simple Things Sunday}

2012-03-25T20:04:00.000-04:00

What a Sunday it's been so far .... made it too bed way too early this morning (no, i didn't sleep last night) and woke up 2 hours later to a sick little person. I managed to sneak in a 1/2 hour nap right after lunch only to find my little guy with a high fever. Not much of a Sunday here for us so far, I hope that I don't catch anything from my kiddo.

One of the best things that has totally saved the day has been our iPad. I inherited my husband's old iPad which now belongs to the family and keeps long trips pleasant for everyone all around. Today I would say The Muppet Show Movie has been played about 3 times ... hey, whatever works. Kept the little one from wandering around the house trying to play going up and down the stairs and over heating.

This has to be my favorite moment of the day ... holding hands with daddy and snuggling with Kermit seemed to make things all better.

It's Sunday so don't forget to visit Simple As That by clicking here to see what everyone else has been up to on this Sunday. Rebecca is also doing a giveaway ....

Hope your day has been a lot more exciting and illness-free than mine.

-Hizles

Trying New Things

2012-03-19T18:06:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe I've never EVER had this yummy little vegetable dish in my life!

This Sunday I decided to change up my vegetable side dish from my usual same 'ole boring carrots, asparagus, broccoli, string beans, or cauliflower and try brussels sprouts. Oh my! I searched online to find the best, tastiest way to prepare this mini cabbage and found that roasting it was a big hit by many online.

We loved them. A little bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, stick it in the oven for 30 minutes at 400 degrees and VOILA!

Visit Rebecca's site to see what others have submitted for her Simple Things Sunday .... you might get an idea to try something new or at least to see some awesome photos.

-Hizles

Sunday Dinner

2012-03-11T23:33:00.001-04:00

What to do with a brand spanking new bottle of vodka that has been sitting in my freezer for almost a year now? Get to cooking.

I searched online for the easiest way of making this delicious dish, thank goodness I found The Pioneer Woman. She had the easiest and best looking Penne alla Vodka …. If you’re interested in getting the recipe visit the site, you will not regret making this dish.

This is all I used …

It came out great!

-Hizles

Pickin' at the Farm

2012-03-11T22:23:00.000-04:00

We decided to get our weekend started off one day early and make a field trip out to a local farm with all the kids (not all mine). This was by far the best experience I’ve had with four kids at a farm, none ended up with dirt or mud on their clothes or tracking in dirt into the kitchen floor. It was the easiest way of picking strawberries … standing up while picking with kid’s safety scissors, not at all what I expected.

Not only were their strawberries but we also had the chance to pick beans and hopefully in 2 months tomatoes. I can’t wait!

So what did I do with all those strawberries? Well, there is no way that we would finish the whole batch on our own so ..... we decided to store a few away in our freezer and use them for STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKES …. Yumm! I normally purchase frozen organic strawberries to use for our smoothies or shakes so I thought I’d save my freshly picked strawberries for that. My other option would have been to make a jelly but we honestly don’t eat much of that with our peanut butter sandwiches.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures!

-Hizles

Let's Get Ready {iHeartFaces}

2012-03-08T10:01:00.000-05:00

You may look at this photograph and think, “this is not the best looking photo,” but you have no idea how great it made me feel to put a little bit of makeup on my face, roll my hair in rollers and feel girly again. These past weeks I have been dealing with very difficult issues that I’d rather not get into, let’s make this a happy post. For the first time in a loooooong time I felt beautiful again.

I picked this photo out of the group because it was not a posed picture. One of the best features in my camera is having the interval shooting option, I prefer this a lot over the self-timer or using a remote – a tripod was used too. I selected to have a few pictures be taken every 5 or 10 seconds so it can capture a candid moment. After I got myself ready I took photos minus the rollers and wrap but I wasn’t as happy with them as I was with the photos of me getting ready.

Every woman should feel beautiful with or without the superficial stuff around us. I realized that letting go and not taking care of my appearance because of how I felt was only making me feel worst. I took the time to take a look at myself, not just from the outside but also from within and appreciate all the wonderful things I have in my life. I have a loving little family who supports me, keeps me positive, and reminds me how much I am loved everyday. We may not always be together but we find a way to make it work - It may not be perfect but I am very grateful because without them these times would be very different. I am also blessed to have great people around me who look after me very well … you have to be thankful for good friends and a loving family.

-Hizles

Styling my MacBook Pro with Snow

2012-03-05T23:51:00.000-05:00

I was so excited today to see my package finally arrive after waiting nearly 8 days. I have been wanting a Snow White decal for my MacBook Pro for such a long time now, so I gave in and bought mine on Etsy – I couldn’t find it any where else. I’m not sure how I feel about purchasing through Etsy since the seller goofed, after putting it on my computer I noticed it’s not the correct size, it does not fit exactly right on my 15” laptop.

I’ve emailed the seller and I hope they send me one that actually fits my computer because I just love how cute it looks … would love it even more if it fit though.

Cute, huh?!

Snow White has always been one of my favorite Disney characters. I guess you can say I like all of the brunette characters, which sadly aren't many. My favorite of all would have definitely been a Latina character ... I don't believe they ever had such a princess.

-Hizles

Pre-Spring Planting

2012-03-04T19:13:00.002-05:00

The day started off beautiful … the sun was out and the temperature was nice and warm. I went out, walked the dog and noticed it was beginning to go dark and the wind was picking up. As I walked back the raindrops started to hit my face pretty quick. There go my plans to drive out to the Renaissance Festival later today.

Instead we headed to Home Depot in search for a venus flytrap. We went a few months ago and didn’t find one in stock, today was no different, and my little person wasn’t happy to hear he'd go home with his much anticipated flytrap. So we decided to plant something in our garden. After walking down the aisles looking at different herbs, fruits and vegetables we decided to go with strawberries.

It was a big deal since he was actually the one making the purchase today. Unfortunately, he only had enough for the plant and the pot but couldn’t afford the soil. Dad decided he would fork over the money for the soil since I would also use it for my avocado tree that has grown out of it’s current pot.

As soon as we got home we all got busy potting our plants. I know nothing about strawberries, so I let the Mr. take care of that while I focused on depotting my avocado plant to a bigger pot.

I’ve had this plant for about a year now, my little person planted it at school and now I have taken over the plant, and it has grown wonderfully. I’m very proud considering I normally kill all the plants in the house. This avocado tree is meant to be.

-Hizles

From the Kitchen to the Bedroom

2012-02-29T00:37:00.000-05:00

Hi All!!!

It feels like I’ve been gone for ages and have neglected my little blog once again.

As I took care of a few duties around the house I thought I would grab my camera and take a few shots of the “things” that I love RIGHT NOW. Like the title read … from the Kitchen to the Bedroom … get your dirty mind out of the gutter!

But yes, I wanted to share with you my current favorite kitchen gadget. Seriously, I have no idea how I lived the last 30ish years without one of these in my life. I was not blessed with the ability to be a great cook and to find the right spices to make the perfect blend for a delicious dish. What can I say? I like cookbooks and latetly, I’m LOVING Pinterest … that’s a whole other story though.

A close friend of mine, that is also handicapped in the kitchen introduced me to a Rice Cooker. Yup! I loves me some rice, but lets face it, white rice isn’t the best when you can be having brown or wild rice instead. However, every time I get the cajones to be a bit risky and make brown rice I totally mess it up. My final result is soggy rice. Yuck!

Tonight I actually managed to make wild rice and not sticky wild rice, but actual fluffy rice. It was divine!

If you are rice challenged like I am, I highly recommend you invest in a rice cooker. I didn’t fork out $200 for high-end cooker; instead I purchased a Cuisinart 4-cup rice cooker for about $50. The few times we have had rice I have been using this machine and it has been so easy and effortless.

On to the bedroom …. Bow chicka wow wow!!!

Well, that is where I keep my makeup, skincare and hair products.

As I mentioned in a one of my last posts I have been using less makeup lately. My palettes are collecting dust in the closet and I’ve considered finding a new home for them :-( …

In the past few weeks I have been really enjoying the Garnier BB Cream. I use it as a tinted moisturizer and follow with a drug store powder. The powder that I have loved lately is the Milani Multi-tasker, it’s very inexpensive (compared to high-end powders) and it does the trick to keep my oily face less oily.

On to my hair – while cleaning out my drawers, I rediscovered Phyto Phytolisse serum. After towel drying my hair I rub my hands together with a couple drops of this product and focus on my ends. Result, less frizz – and if I have extra time I will blow-dry and put my hair up in hot rollers. It’s amazing what I find in my drawers some times, I wonder if this just happens to me?

At night I have added this to my routine … EOS Lip Balm in Sweet Mint. I keep one in my purse and one next to my bed. It’s definitely made me want to pucker up a bit more lately. I’m not a big fan of any of the other flavors/ scents but this one.

And finally, my cami, I am totally in love with these little tops. While I was on the other side of the world a few years back, my sister-in-law introduced me to Country Road’s Seam-free Camisoles. I fell in love with how well they held everything while still being soft. They last forever too. Living in the states makes it a bit hard to come across these amazing camis … instead I have found a slight thicker and more shape forming cami. My favorite are the Self-Expression by Suddenly Skinny. It’s not as light as the ones I mentioned before but they are quite nice and help conceal those unwanted curves. The best part is that they fit well under most clothing, a definite staple in every woman’s closet.

Well, now that you have seen my latest favorite items I’d like to share a funny story/photo of something that happened this evening. While I was busy getting things sorted before bedtime my little person decided to give our four-legged family member a face-lift? Body lift? I’m not sure what kind of lift but this is how I found him…

Don’t worry he wasn’t harmed, minutes before he was wagging his tail … with a smile from ear to ear. I swear think this little guy thinks he’s human at times.

Hizles

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream Review

2012-02-07T23:51:00.002-05:00

About two weeks ago I came across the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream. I was excited because I had not seen or hear of a B.B. Cream available at the drugstore. Of course I couldn’t pass up the chance to try it.

I must admit that I can only use the Garnier skin products. Unfortunately, I didn’t have such good luck with their hair product line. Let’s just say that it made my scalp very itchy.

But on to my thoughts …

According to Garnier’s site they states that this product serves as a one multi-benefit product which combines moisture while still providing perfecting coverage for natural even, radiant and smooth skin.

(Photos below taken in natural light)

Pros:

Blends Well

Provides some coverage - considering they only come in two color tones

Moisturizes while providing SPF 15

Light Scent

Priced at $12.00-16.00 US

Cons:

Light Scent (this can go either way, I personally enjoy the clean scent, others might not)

As you can see I personally don’t find any real cons for this product. I have noticed I need less foundation, if any, while using this product. This has become my go-to item every morning along with the Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark-Circle Eye Roller. These two together are my power items everyday and serve as a great primer for a full make-up look.

Most weekday mornings I use both products and follow by dusting loose powder over my entire face - mostly to reduce and tame the shine, I have combination skin so I definitely need a tad bit of powder in the end. You might want to give the B.B. Cream a few minutes to settle in to your skin and then continue with makeup application.

I have not tried any of the Asian B.B. Creams that are out in the market since they are very hard to get a hold of in the states. The closest thing that I have come across in the states is the Boscia’s B.B. Cream, with SPF 27, at $38.00.

I did enjoy the Boscia B.B. Cream but wasn’t a big fan of the gray undertone and cost. I also noticed that it was also a bit more on the dry side than the Garnier brand and as I mentioned before, a bit gray. I’ve read other reviews that most B.B. Creams do have the gray under tone. Garnier’s Light/ Medium version has more of a lightening affect than a gray affect and blends smoothly onto the skin.

Will I be purchasing this item again?

Yes, even if in one month’s time I still do not see big results as far as skin improvement, I would repurchase it because I do like the appearance it gives my face while using it.

I hope you found this helpful and give you an idea of how wonderful I think this product is.

-Hizles

Bux and Legos {Simple Things Sunday}

2012-01-29T23:02:00.000-05:00

We got off to a very late start and missed dates we had scheduled with friends. What can I say, it was a late night last night and we were all running on fumes. Starbucks was definitely needed today.

What better way to spend a Sunday than with coffee and legos.

Hizles

Morning Workouts

2012-01-26T11:04:00.000-05:00

The mornings have been just wonderful this week that I couldn't pass up doing my workouts at the beach.

It's true what they say - The best camera is the one that's with you.

Obviously I don't work out with my DSLR but my iPhone did come in handy.

Fresh air, nature's water mist, and jellyfish at your feet ... WHAT!? Yes, Jellyfish! I was glad I wore my shoes today. Next week the pug will be joining me for a leisure walk on the shore. Keep an eye out for those photos.

-Hizles

{Wordless Wednesday} Dinner

2012-01-25T20:32:00.000-05:00

Here is my Wordless Wednesday ....

This was my attempt at a quick dinner this evening.

I took a bite before taking the photo. Oops!

i Heart Faces {Books}

2012-01-24T22:03:00.001-05:00

My favorite way to spend time with my little one.

Learning about dinosaurs, volcanoes and star wars ... are some of our favorites right now.

- Hizles

Simple Things Sunday - Outdoors

2012-01-22T16:24:00.001-05:00

With such beautiful weather we couldn't pass up spending it outside so we got our "Simple Things Sunday" started early.

Weekends are usually the only days I have time to make pancakes from scratch. Chocolate chip pancakes are the family's favorite, no syrup needed, with a side of fruit.

Yesterday we thought we would take a late trip to the beach. Winter time at the beach in Florida is absolutely perfect weather. We tossed the frisbee around for a while, built volcanoes, and soaked up some Vitamin D. Just before the sun started setting we headed back home.

Since yesterday was all about us and our pug didn't get to enjoy the beach with us we thought we would surprise him by taking him to the doggie park.

I nearly passed out when I saw this Great Dane come greet my Pug - he would have been an appetizer.

After doing a few trips up the ramp and sniffing a few rear ends it was time to go home and get ready to watch the big game.

What a game it's been so far. I have been taking breaks during this post to watch the New England Patriots play the Baltimore Ravens. Personally, I'm a Brady fan so I hope for them to win. Although, after watching The Blind Side I have a soft spot for Michael Oher, what can I say, I can be a big softy sometimes.

Stop by Rebecca's weekly link party to view all of the other photos submitted by fellow photographers/ bloggers/ life lovers.

Let's go PATRIOTS!! I want to see them at the Super Bowl!

-Hizles

Taking a Ride

2012-01-20T22:06:00.002-05:00

This afternoon my four-legged friend hopped in my backseat and took a ride around town with me. He was so cute, I had to take a few pictures of him whenever possible since I was driving but ... had I not been I'm sure we would have had a photo shoot in the backseat. We ran errands most of the day but I could tell he was enjoying his day out. Most days he spends them minding the house so today was definitely a treat. I could take photos of him all day ... he is one of my best models.

By the end of the day he couldn't wait to climb in his (orthopedic) bed.

What can I say? He is livin' the dream.

-Hizles

4" OFF

2012-01-19T15:40:00.002-05:00

So here I am, running late. I finally got around to getting that haircut I mentioned a few posts ago. I was so surprised how much lighter I felt. Funny, right? Who would have thought that cutting your hair a bit would make such a big difference. My plan was to go in for a trim. As I sat on the chair thinking how a trim wouldn't make a difference in the way it looked, I gave the hairstylist power over my hair. While she started to cut an inch off my hair I asked her, "How much do you suggest I take off to get it looking healthy again?" I knew the answer wasn't going to be a good one ... she said, "about 4 inches"

WHAT!?! 4 INCHES! "Fine, just do it," I said to her. It was the best decision I could have made.

Not only was it faster to dry but I feel a bit younger. I prefer this length so much more than what it was this morning.

-Hizles

Beach Bum {Wordless Wednesday}

2012-01-17T19:52:00.001-05:00

Perfect weather for my bum to lie on the beach ...

-Hizles

Football Party

2012-01-16T23:36:00.002-05:00

We had outstanding weather today to celebrate a teammate's birthday at the beach. I must say that the family really did put a lot of thought into the celebration and I know it was all done with love. My little one has already been having input on the plans for his birthday.

I forget how lucky we really are to live in such a beautiful place. The days have been a bit fresh, but nothing compared to the west coast or other parts of the states that can get a lot cooler. Today's high: 73.

My plan tomorrow is to have the beach sand be my couch.

-Hizles

Family Day {Simple Things Sunday}

2012-01-15T21:16:00.000-05:00

Sundays are just family days. No schedules, no plans, no rush to get anywhere ... which is why today we had a late brunch and took a drive across the bridge to one of our favorite diners, Jerry's Deli.

A peek at Collins Avenue.

A little bit of entertainment while the little one waits.

A family day would not be complete if a game wasn't played.

And now off to watch the Golden Globes. Happy SUNDAY!

-Hizles

Celebrating

2012-01-12T22:23:00.000-05:00

... and this is how we do it ...

Trash Packs (Guest Blogger)

2012-01-12T17:36:00.002-05:00

Today my little one wanted the world to see his "trash pack". I seriously don't know who comes up with these things but there is always a phase ... friendship bracelets, mighty beanz, silly bandz ... and I am sure I can go on and on ....

So here is the current craze. TRASH.

- Hizles ... for mini hizles

Time for Change {Wordless Wednesday}

2012-01-11T18:59:00.002-05:00

It has taken me a long time to get my hair to grow out this long and not do anything drastic. However, I feel it is starting to become such a drag to manage all this hair!!!

The plan for tomorrow is to schedule an appointment for change.

-Hizles

Feeling a bit spoiled {Sweet Shot Tuesday}

2012-01-10T21:55:00.000-05:00

Today's photo may not be one of my best shots, especially if entering it for a photo challenge, but I have to give credit to my husband on a job well done. This morning my sweetheart made me a delicious breakfast while I got caught up with the news.

So blessed ... and maybe a little spoiled too.

-Hizles