Monday, September 28, 2015

Food | Green Chicken & Veg Soup Recipe via Clean & Delicious


I was recently sick and was on the hunt for recipes/foods that would help boost my immune system. In the colder months of Fall and Winter, I typically love to make soups because it's an easy way to make a large quantity of food ahead of time, it packs in ingredients that are lingering in the fridge and tastes great!

During my Googling and YouTubing, I came across this great Channel by Dani Spies who has this amazing food channel and website called Clean & Delicious. Once I saw her delicious sounding soup, it was exactly what I was looking for! (Just look at the title!):

Immunity Boosting Green Chicken + Veggie Soup - Clean&Delicious®. (Click to go to her YouTube)

I loved her video and how simple it was to make. The "Broth Booster" was my favourite part of the soup, which you will see below, and really added a nice warmth and heat to the soup.

@Clean_and_Delicious | www.http://cleananddelicious.com


I loved the fact that it was literally exactly what I was looking for! It has lots of veggies and of course good chicken broth, which helps you feel better when sick. Here is the recipe below:

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Small Onion - Chopped
  • 2 Carrots - Chopped
  • 2 Stalks of Celery - Chopped
  • 3 Cloves of Chopped Garlic
  • 1 Tsp. Ground Cumin
  • 2 Tsp. Dried Oregano
  • 12 Ounces of Shredded Rotisserie Chicken (2 Chicken Breasts) *Boil in Lemon Water to help shred
  • 2 Small Zucchini - Chopped
  • 1/2 Cup Frozen Corn
  • 6 Cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth or Homemade Stock
  • 1 Bunch Cilantro - Stemmed
  • 1 Serrano Pepper (I wanted a lot of heat and used Green Chiles)
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:


1. Heat Olive oil in a large pot and add in onions, pepper, carrots and celery. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 8-10 mins. or until the veggies begin to look tender.

2. While veggies are cooking, blend cilantro, Serrano pepper, 1 clove of Garlic and 2 cups of broth in the blender. Once blended, set aside. (What I lovingly refer to as the "Broth Booster"!)

3. Once veggies are tender, season with cumin, oregano and a little more salt and pepper, stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Add shredded chicken, zucchini, corn, remaining chicken broth and the cilantro broth you blended in the blender. Bring to a boil, reduce down and simmer for 10 more minutes or until your veggies are tender.

Pour yourself a bowl and savour every spoonful of this soup! This soup was so easy and it truly helped me get better. Here are my pics of the version I made:




If you are a soup lover or need to boost your immune system, definitely check out this delicious soup! Happy Cooking!





Friday, September 25, 2015

Coming Soon | Preview of Posts coming up on #BlogbySand

There are a lot of fun posts and things that I am working on and literally cooking up for the blog! So coming soon, here are few of the blog posts I am wrapping up:


Green Chicken & Veg Soup Recipe! (Click to see Post!)

I was recently sick and wanted to eat things to help me boost back my immune system.

This recipe is a gem! It's great when you are sick, or want to boost your immune system afterwards. This is also a great fall/winter soup recipe.

This soup incorporates a lot of great hearty vegetables, along with chicken and an amazing "broth booster" that you make from scratch!

It's delicious, warm, spicy and perfect for the cooler days ahead!








Laura Mercier Contour Kit!(Click to see Post!)

We have seen all the contour kits on the market with all the images on how to use them.

This baby here is a perfect Contour kit for anyone who wants an easy to use kit that gives a softer and subtle version of the famous contour.

I will showcase the product with a perfectly paired fall makeup look!












Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe!

Yummmmy! I can't wait to share this particular recipe.

It's creamy, the chicken is perfectly blended with the sauce and it's a very simple recipe that will impress anyone.

This is awesome paired with Rice or buttery fluffy naan aka naan bread.

I will be sharing both the Butter Chicken recipe plus the Indian Rice recipe as well. This dish will be sure to impress and soothe you on the colder days ahead!








All of the above posts and more makeup looks are coming soon! So please check back soon and happy reading!





Monday, September 21, 2015

Product Love | Maybelline Master Drama Eye Studio | Cream Pencil


My Eye liner series continues with the Maybelline Master Drama By EyeStudio - Cream Pencil in shade Midnight Master. I have never used just one eye liner product for my eyes. Different products offer different benefits for defining the eyes.

For the waterline, which is the inside of the lower lash line, you need an eye liner that will stay pigmented in colour and is long lasting, which can be a hard combination to find. This eye liner does it all!

Pros
  • 16 Hour Wear
  • Bold Pigment
  • Oil-Free Creamy Application
  • Ideal for Waterline
  • Easily Smudges & Stays Put
Cons

  • Creamy texture may be hard to work with, but once it glides it's good to go


I love that this liner LASTED all day. I happened to test it out on a regular day but I also enjoyed this liner recently at a family wedding I attended. From Start to finish, the eye liner did not budge, stayed bold and never faded! From mingling, through emotional speeches (yes I actually got teary eyed during the wedding) to dancing the night away, this eye liner did not move!

Here is a pic from that night, with me wearing that liner!



For years I have experimented with different eye liners in the various forms they come in. I highly encourage you to try different products and you will find what works for you. Be sure to check this liner out!






Friday, September 18, 2015

#Makeup Trends | Best Liquid #Highlighters for #Strobing or Highlighting!!



Whether you want to call it 'highlighting' or 'Strobing', the trend to add a beautiful luminous glow to your skin is definitely not going away! Giorgio Armani has been iconic in reviving and creating this beautiful glow, which have been featured on the models of many of his fashion shows over the years. As with most fashion trends, the makeup styles and looks eventually trickle down to the masses. Now even faster than before with Social Media.

If you are looking to create the JLO Glow, adding highlight or want to be an expert on strobing, be sure to add these beautiful products, the amazing Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheers!

ABOUT FLUID SHEER

Fluid sheer is a beautiful skin illuminating product that offers radiance and glow. The formula is light weight, and easy to work with. It's available in over 10 flattering shades and can be used in multiple ways, a true multi-tasker!
  • Instantly adds glow and illuminates skin
  • Sheer, lightweight texture and coverage
  • Use it as an eye shadow base, blush or bronzer
  • Wear alone for glowing skin or tan enhancement
  • Mix into your favourite foundation to add glow and enhance tonality
  • Popular shades: #2, #10 and #11





SHADE DESCRIPTIONS

#2 Fluid Sheer: A light golden beige sheen. Excellent for spot highlighting/strobing effects on the cheeks and T Zone.

#10 Fluid Sheer: A medium golden bronze glow. Excellent for darker skin tones or adding a golden glow by mixing into your foundation.

#11 Fluid Sheer: A warm peachy shimmer. Excellent paired with blush and applied onto the cheeks.

These products are worth experimenting with since they leave a beautiful finish on the skin and offer multiple ways of using them! I also like that they leave a true sheen and not a sparkle, so it looks and glows like healthy skin. Be sure to check these shades out on your next Makeup Shopping trip!




Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Product Love | Maybelline Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Liner



This week I shared 3 Liner looks using 3 specific liner products. As promised, I would be sharing my reviews on my fave liners at the moment. Maybelline has a series of products in their Stiletto collection from Mascaras to liners. Today I am reviewing Maybelline  Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Liner.



Pros:
  • Great Colour - Black Ink
  • Flexible Felt Tip 
  • Dries Waterproof and lasts all day
  • Smudge proof
Cons:
  • Winged Edge may be tricky if you are used to a brush, but is achievable and looks amazing!

Overall:
This is a great Liquid liner, because it gives you a super black pigment, dries quickly and the line stays put. Maybelline has always made great liner products and this one gets my approval!



Here is a look I did using this product! It lasted the ENTIRE party! I will be sharing this fun look and more Bollywood inspired makeup looks in a few days so stay tuned!





Tuesday, September 15, 2015

What's in my #Makeup Kit? | My Top 5 Must-Haves



Over the years of being in the industry, I have built my Kit to include a number of amazing products from amazing brands. Out of all the products that are in my kit, there are a few key items that I will ALWAYS use and keep restocking them in my kit!

Check out the list below:

1. Ardell Lashes + Duo Lash Glue
2. MAC SkinFinish in By Candlelight or Soft & Gentle
3. Urban Decay Naked Palette
4. Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheers in #2, #10 & #11
5. 88 Original Coastal Scents Eyeshadow Palette

Ardell Lashes: There are tons of beautiful lash companies out there that are making stunning lashes. Ardell in my opinion, give tons of options for Natural, Full and Dramatic Lashes. I can pick and choose from a variety of Lashe styles that can work for any client. I also love that their price point is about $5 and you can get them from Walmart!! The Duo Glue is a must and works the best in my opinion. My fave lashes are in the Natural category in #105 and #117.
Ardell Lashes in #105 & #117



MAC Skinfinish in Candlelight or Soft and Gentle: I love the rosy and peachy gold glow that these particular products give. They look good on EVERY skin tone which makes it perfect for any client that you may have. It goes on smooth and you can place it for a specific highlight or "strobing" look. It also looks gorgeous paired on top of a Liquid Highlight for added glow for Photos.

MAC Skinfinish in By Candlelight

Urban Decay Naked Palette: This was the one that made everyone an addict! Hands down one of the easiest eyeshadow palettes to use for Bridal! It gives you tons of options for Smokey Eyes, Neutral Smokey and Classic Bridal. The shades are beautiful on all skin tones! A mix of semi-matte, sheen and pure shades.

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheers: My secret weapon! This product is the most versatile product in my kit. Fluid sheers are a liquid highlighting product. It gives you the ability to add glow as an after effect, tones and colour corrects foundation, allows for a glowy look when mixed into your foundation and is EXCELLENT as an eye primer to make shadows last. It works beautifully with the MAC Skinfinish noted above.

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheers in #2, #10 and #11


88 Original Coastal Scents Eyeshadow Palette: I love this palette, one of the larger palettes I have! The colours give you a million options especially for dramatic and more creative makeup looks. The colours are very pigmented and last!
88 Original Coastal Scents Eyeshadow Palette


Check out the product links above and see if you want to include at least one into your own personal or professional makeup kit. Be sure to comment below if you have any products that you currently use that you love!





Monday, September 14, 2015

The Many Moods of #Eyeliner | 3 Ways to perfectly shape your eyes!

My Love affair of eye liners started when I was really young! Watching my cousins get ready to go out and seeing how beautiful their eyes looked after they applied liner was like magic for me. I remember back when I first started experimenting with makeup, I started out with eye liner. I wasn't allowed to wear anything else, therefore naturally I became an expert on eye liner, the one thing I could wear.

I played with traditional Kajal from India, to Eye Pencils, Kohl Pencils, Eye Smudgers and Liquid Liners. Some were easy to use, and some took a bit of practice. They all offered very different and unique looks.

Today I wanted to share my top 3 ways of wearing eye liner using 3 different liner products. You will see how each one achieves a very unique look and they all result in beautifully enhanced eyes!

1. Waterline & Mascara
2. Winged Liner
3. Smokey Eyeliner/Shadow Effect

1. Waterline & Mascara 
This is a great look that anyone with any skill level can do. All you need is a good pencil liner that is long wearing. This look is placed in the inner part of the bottom lash line. You can layer the colour back and forth until you achieve the desired darkness of the liner.
Product to use: Kohl or a Kajal Pencil Liner in Black



2. Winged Liner 
One of my FAVOURITE looks to do! A full Liquid liner that "wings" at the end of the eye. The look is bold, unique and fun! You can take your wing as short or as big as you like! This look focuses placement on the top of the eye lid, close to the lash line and then extended outwards and up at the end.
Product to use: Liquid Liner with the Pointed Tip or Fine Brush



3. Smokey Eyeliner/Shadow Effect 
This is more dramatic and a super fun look! You can pair the black liner with any eyeshadow colour, the trick is that you need to use a Waterproof Black pencil and you do the application twice, including the waterline. You line the waterline first and then line the lower lash line as close as possible to the lashes. You start at the outer edge and bring it inwards to the middle of the eye. Take a smudger to "smoke" the rest. Then take your shadow and run it along the entire lower lash line and it will continue to smoke the effect. Add the liner a second time to give drama!
Product to use: Waterproof Eye Pencil and any eyeshadow


Liner can be one of the easiest ways to give your eyes a pop! The products available for liners now come in all forms from Pencils, Gels, Powders to Liquid. Pick the product that feels the easiest and go from there. Have fun and try these out yourself! Be sure to comment or share the post if you like these tips!

TUNE IN this week for my reviews of Eyeliner products that I am loving right now!



Friday, September 4, 2015

Beauty Tip | Changing your hair colour? Use these makeup tips to help your hair look amazing!

Photo Courtesy: Google Images/Rihanna

Have you ever noticed when you change your hair, all of sudden when you put your makeup or your fave lipstick, the makeup doesn't look the same, looks either too dramatic or makes you question your hair change?

A common trend, this time of year, is the seasonal summer to fall transition. It appears in fashion, clothes, makeup and hair. Typically, the hair will be the big change that occurs in terms of colour. Deeper hues and rich tones will take over versus the Summer hues of being sun kissed and golden.

This post, I wanted to share the best makeup tips and tones that you can use when you undertake a drastic hair change. Using these tips, will help your hair transtion pop and will help you see what will look best for which ever hair shade you choose! (Side Note: Other than Platinum blonde, personally I have worn my hair in many different hair tones, so I speak from personal experience that when you change hair and adjust your makeup, it helps you love your hair even more!).

Blondes (White or Platinum Tones)
  • Eyes: Soft Greys + Dark Liner or Soft Browns
  • Cheeks: Soft Pink/Coral Blush
  • Lips: Cool Soft Pinks or Bold Red Lip
  • Celebrity Inspiration:  Gwen Stefani
Photo Courtesy: Google Images/Gwen Stefani

Dark Blonde
  • Eyes: Medium Earthy Brown to Nude Tones
  • Cheeks: Bronze or Brick Toned Blush
  • Lips: Darker Pinky Nudes
  • Celebrity Inspiration: Jennifer Lopez
Photo Courtesy: Google Images/Jennifer Lopez

Brunette
  • Eyes: Light Greys, Browns or Taupe
  • Cheeks: Coral Pinky Blush
  • Lips: Light Mauve or Coral toned lips
  • Celebrity Inspiration: Kate Beckinsale
Photo Courtesy: Google Images/Kate Beckinsale


Red (Mahogany, Black and Beyond)
  • Eyes: Bolder Cooler Shades on eyes. Darker Smudged Liner
  • Cheeks: Cooler Blush mixed with a matte bronzer
  • Lips: Blackcurrant, Deep Burgundy and Magenta Tones
  • Celebrity Inspiration: Rihanna
Photo Courtesy: Google Images/Rihanna
Be sure to have fun and be daring! Once you change your hair, you will feel confident and these tips above can help you transition your hair and makeup to make the perfect statement!