Browsing Category: Life

SPRING PRINT: Classic Palm Print

31 March, 2015 Laytee Samida

Golden Girls!

That’s where I first remember seeing the classic palm print! Bonus point for anyone who can point out why. (Hint: Its the design of one of the ladies bedroom)

Anyway, although this iconic print is a bold and a little overbearing, it’s making a comeback in various styles this spring, including on clothes, accessories, and home decor.

Despite me not being a fan of prints, let alone big, bold prints, I must admit that I’m looking for a couple of ways to subtly incorporate this iconic print into my lifestyle and luckily I’ve found plenty of options to conquer this small tasks. I’m think a pillow or small printed picture of a palm leaf is my best option.

In the meantime…

PARTYSKIRTS by Skot in Classic Palm Print –
Tropical Palm Print Tee –
Banana Palm Pillow –
Green 93 Tropical Palm Tree Wallet –
Freshly Picked Palm Leaf Print Moccasins –

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Easy and Delicious Detox Water Recipes

30 March, 2015 Laytee Samida

I’m over all the extra lumpiness I absorbed over the holidays and tax season. Oh, I know I’m not the only one that eats out more than usual once that tax return direct deposits lands in their bank. Oh, ok.

Anyway, I’m finally back to paying attention to my health. This past weekend, I finally joined a gym again after 3+ years and I’ve been cutting back on some of my favorite, but high caloric food choices. More trips to Whole Foods and less trips to Popeye’s has made a nice difference. However, the main thing that has really made an impact of my new health goals is the introduction of detox waters.

Water is a great way to rejuvenate your system. It helps to flush out the bad stuff and keep your body hydrated. Still, some people aren’t a fan of water and it can be very boring. However, there are plenty of ways you can pump up your water by adding fresh fruits, veggies and herbs that can not only improve the flavor of water, but your health. Plus, they are delicious and refreshing.

So, since the weather is warming, I’ve decided to try more detox waters and here are some detox waters recipes we need to try.

Mint Lemon Cucumber Detox Water – 3 Liters of Water/ 1-2 Lemons/ 1/2 Cucumber/ 10-12 Mint Leaves/ Steep Overnight– Not only has this been my favorite detox water as of recent, but it’s been my favorite beverage of choice for the past couple of weeks. It’s so refreshing and helps your health and slimming your belly fat, supposedly. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients.

Lemon: Lemon water makes for a powerful detox drink; lemon juice helps to cleanse and alkalize the body. Add one thinly sliced lemon to a large pitcher, or squeeze fresh lemon juice into your glass. Lemon also aides in digestion and boosts your immune system.
Mint: Mint adds a touch of sweetness without the sugar, and it also helps settle your stomach and aids in digestion.
Cucumber: Adding a few slices of cucumber to your water makes for excellent re-hydration, and cucumber contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Apples and Strawberries Water – This water is ideal for improving your skin and digestion. If you are interested in a detox to improve your skin, you should check out this recipe.

Dr. Oz Fat Flush Water – This is the next detox water I’m planning on trying. It’s from by Dr. Oz and contains grapefruit, tangerines, mint, and cucumbers. This recipe is full of ingredients that flushes toxins out of your body and turn fat into fuel. Get the recipe here.

Pineapple Mint Water – Last year is the first year that I flavored a glass of water with a few cubes of pineapples and it was amazing. So, this pineapple mint detox water, which is supposedly good for anti-inflammatory, joint pain and arthritis. Check out this recipe here.

Watermelon Mint Water – This delicious water is great for improving liver function, digestion, and cramps. Check out the recipe here, if interested.

I hope you find a detox water that peaks your interest. Also, feel free to point out more detox waters not listed here by leaving a comment below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Stay Stylish!

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Pie Recipes for Pi Day

14 March, 2015 Laytee Samida

Today is March 14, which might not mean anything to most people. However, the inner geek in some of us know that March 14th is also National Pi Day, because in the intricate world of mathematics, Pi (π) is know to equal 3.14…March 14….get it?! Sheesh, I hope you do.

Anyway, every year, to commemorate the pointless piece of awesomeness, some people (me included) partake in making and/or eating some form of pie….with an e. Although the only thing they share is the fact that they sound exactly alike, on March 14 they are like Peanut Butter and Jelly, respectable on their own, but fun when they are together.

So, for this lovely day, I have decided to share some of my favorite pie recipes.

When it comes to desserts, I’m usually a cold girl (i.e. Ice Cream, pudding, custards…heavy dairy, apparently). However, when it comes to warm desserts I would pick pie over cake almost every time with the exception of birthdays, because…well, you know…birthday cake is delicious on birthdays.

Back to pies. They are so warm and comforting and everything else that Stifler said to Jim in American Pie,which was not about pie. Sidenote: It was hard for me to eat pie after watching that movie.

Okay. Pie is awesome and there are so many ways and recipes for pie and here are some of my favorite for today, National Pi(e) day. So, here are some delicious pie recipes for pi day.

Can you start a list of pies without apple pie? Well, you can, but not me. This is the easiest, delicious recipe for a classic apple pie.

On to another classic pie; pecan pie. Most of the people I know aren’t a fan of pecan pie, but not me. If you are like me, here is the classic pecan pie recipe I break out every Thanksgiving.

Like I said, I love cold and creamy desserts. Plus, I love citrus flavors. So, a nice key lime pie always hits the spot, especially on a warm day.

Pies aren’t just for dessert. Chicken pot pies are one of the ultimate comfort foods. I love this one with the delicious flaky crust.

My favorite dessert, hands down is cheesecake. I could (might have.) eat a whole in a day. Although it’s not called a pie, let’s be real, it’s a pie. This cheesecake looks so mouth-watering. Yum! Plus, this a no-bake vanilla cheesecake recipe. Winning!

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Weekend At Home: Uses for Lemon Oil and Peppermint Oil

7 March, 2015 Laytee Samida

Over the past couple of years, I’ve been experimenting with a few different oils, mainly for my hair and skin. The main oils I used, consistently, were coconut and olive oil. Soon after, I introduced myself to others including argon and Moroccan. Eventually, I became obsessed with oils and their many uses.

The latest oils I’ve been using on frequent occasions are lemon and peppermint; 2 of my all time favorite scents.

Although there are quite a few uses for peppermint and lemon oil, the main reason I wanted these oils were to use as natural home fragrance by warming them up in oil warmer. Both of these scents are very clean and fresh, which is what I prefer my home to smell like.

Scents aside, these 2 aromas provide other uses around the home. So, keep reading to see some more uses for lemon oil and peppermint oil.

Peppermint:

For bug bites, use a combination of peppermint essential oil and lavendar essential oil to quickly dismiss the itch! It’s really similar to the logic of using toothpaste or menthol cream, but without the messy paste. Remember to dilute with a carrier oil if you are sensitive to straight essential oil on your skin.
If you have a problem with ants in your house, leave a peppermint soaked cotton ball in their pathway. They’re not big fans of mint and you’ll have the nice aroma lingering in your home!
To remove ticks from your pets, place a drop of oil on a cotton swab and swab the tick until it unhinges its head, allowing you to remove it without the risk of it breaking.
Give your trash can area a break and add a few drops to the bottom for a pleasant minty aroma.
Add it to paint to reduce or eliminate fumes as you are painting. Add as many drops as necessary until the paint odor has been replaced by a refreshing minty smell.

Lemon Oil:

Keep a bottle of lemon oil in each bathroom and add 5 drops or so directly into the commode water to instantly freshen the area. The oil remains there until someone comes along and flushes it away. This is a fabulous way to freshen up your bathroom during the day or before company is to arrive.
Use 6-12 drops of Lemon essential oil in a spray bottle mixed with distilled water to use in the bathroom as an air freshener. Or you can diffuse Lemon essential oil to clean and disinfect the air in any room.
Use 1-2 drops of Lemon essential oil to remove gum, oil, grease spots or crayon.
Add 2-3 drops of Lemon essential oil to water and spray counter tops to sterilize them.
Soak your dishcloth overnight in a bowl of water and a drop of Lemon essential oil to disinfect and kill germs.
Add a drop of Lemon essential oil to your dishwasher before the wash cycle.
Rub a drop of Lemon essential oil on your hands after using a public bathroom.
Use a paper towel soaked with several drops of Lemon essential oil to sanitize bathroom fixtures and toilet seats.
Rub a drop of Lemon essential oil to clean a butcher’s block or other cutting surfaces.
Put 10-15 drops of Lemon essential oil in each gallon of carpet cleaning solution to help pull out stains and brighten the rug. This also leaves a fresh smell in the room.
Drop a cotton ball soaked with Lemon essential oil in your vacuum bag and fill your home with the refreshing scent of lemon while vacuuming.

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Finding Your Strength

5 March, 2015 Laytee Samida

In my current journey to living the life I want and destined to have, I’ve been focused on my unearthing my passion and strengths. Some people tend to focus more on their weaknesses, by either trying to strengthen it or dwell in it. Even I’m guilty of doing this myself, deep in my heart and mind, I knew that wasn’t the right area to focus. However, I didn’t know how to find, focus and increase my strengths.

So, when I saw Strength Finder 2.0, it instantly spoke to me and urged me to buy it.

To help people uncover their talents, Gallup introduced the first version of its online assessment, StrengthsFinder, in the 2001 management book Now, Discover Your Strengths.

Loaded with hundreds of strategies for applying and finding your strengths, the book is set up as follow:

StrengthsFinder: The Next Generation

I: Finding Your Strengths
(A 30-page overview of strengths psychology and how the Gallup system works)
II. The StrengthsFinder (www.StrengthFinder.com)
(If you haven’t taken it before, the code to take the test is provided in a packet inside the book. You actually have to buy the book to take the test)
III: Applying Your Strengths
(After getting the results from your online assessment, there are 150 pages outlining each of the 34 themes including what people with that strength look like, how to manage them, and ideas for action if you have that strength).

This book is an easy read with informative and information that creates a guiding light to the path you need to find and focus on your personal strengths to, ultimately, lead you to the life you want and deserve.

Stay Stylish!
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