How To Make Iced Coffee Concentrate At Home And Save Your Money

 "The smell of fresh-made coffee is one of the world's greatest inventions."  Unknown

Having a batch of iced coffee concentrate stored away will save you lots of time, and money.  Contrary to popular belief, coffee is great for your health as it is anti-inflammatory, good for your brain, and rich in antioxidants.  

How To Make Iced Coffee Concentrate

Ingredients

1 lb. ground coffee (medium to rich roast)

8 qt. cold water

Half-and-half (healthy splash per serving)

Sweetened condensed milk (2-3 tablespoons per serving)

Note:  Use skim milk, 2% milk, whole milk, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and syrups.

Directions

1. In a large container, mix ground coffee with water. Cover and allow to sit at room temperature for twelve hours or overnight. 
2. Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth and set over a pitcher or other container. Pour the coffee/water mixture through the strainer, allowing all liquid to run through. Discard grounds. 
3. Place coffee liquid in the fridge and allow to cool. Use as needed. 
4. To make iced coffee, pack a glass full of ice cubes. Fill glass 2/3 full with coffee liquid. Add a healthy splash of half-and-half. Add 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk (can use plain sugar instead) and stir to combine. Taste and adjust half-and-half and/or sweetened condensed milk as needed.
5. YIELDS: 24 servings
6. 
   

                                                            Source:  Pinterest

This recipe is courtesy of The Pioneer Woman.  

Celebrity Homes From Architectural Digest That Will Inspire You

If you are lacking design creativity and want to take your decor to a new level, celebrity interiors might just be the answer to put the joy back into decorating. Celebrity homes have style and panache and make a statement that you can easily translate to your home's interior even if you are on a budget. Below are my favorite celebrity interiors that you can incorporate into your home no matter where you live.

Scott Disick

Love him or hate him, Keeping Up With The Kardashian's Scott Disick's home is stunning. The design style is modern minimalism with clean lines and contemporary architectural details.  The color palette is neutral tones with black and white and a hint of grey and beige.  See below:  

                                                           Source:  AD

Travis Barker

This famous drummer's home is peaceful and tranquil featuring earth tones, casual one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, a breathtaking view and lots of plants and foliage. The kitchen has a cozy vibe with a striking black fireplace - the focal point of the room.   See below.       

                                                                 Source:  AD

                                                             

Dakota Johnson

Dakota Johnson, the daughter of 80's superstar, Don Johnson has a beautiful, LA home.  An airy, colorful, and unique dwelling with a gorgeous landscaped backyard.  The perfect dream home.  See below:

                                                               Source:  AD

For more inspiring celebrity homes visit:  Architectural Digest

Bamboo Flooring The Perfect Flooring Alternative For Stained Carpets

One of the best choices for updating and replacing stained carpeting and scuffed hardwood floors is bamboo flooring. Bamboo flooring is obtained from the bamboo plant and is eco-friendly, sustainable, attractive, strong, and easy to install.

The Benefits Of Installing Bamboo Flooring:

● water resistant

● easy to maintain

● adds a contemporary aspect to your home

Types of Bamboo Flooring:

● Strand-woven

● Made from the remaining strands of the stalk of the bamboo stalk and is twice as strong

as vertical and horizontal bamboo.

● Vertical

● Bamboo planks are placed next to each other in a vertical direction before being

pressurized to create a smooth finish.

● Horizontal

● Similar to vertical but the bamboo planks are placed horizontally before being

pressurized in order to show the growth rings of the stalk.

Colors of Bamboo Flooring:

● Natural

● Carbonized

● Stained

Flooring Tips:

● Choose a 100% bamboo product for the best results

● Research the best installation method; whether DIY or hiring a professional

Shop Home Depot for a beautiful array of sustainable bamboo flooring.  

                                                             Source:   Google

Shop QVC For Vera Bradley Handbags And Accessories

"Accessories are everything. To me, they’re more important than the clothes"

– Rachel Zoe

Quilted cotton handbags, luggage, and accessories one name says it all - Vera Bradley. 

For over 30 years Vera Bradley has been designing luxury quilted products with unique paisley patterns, plaid prints, and florals.

Company History

Owners Patricia R. Miller and Barbara Bradley wanted to create a brand of feminine luggage

and handbags after observing the lack of feminism in other designer products in the

marketplace. The company is named after Barbara's mother Veronica, who worked for the

company as a sales representative in the Miami, Florida area. Veronica Bradley was also an

ex-model for Elizabeth Arden in the 1930s. Vera Bradley is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a

town full of rich culture and a hometown feel.

A Philanthropic Company

Since 1998, the Vera Bradley Foundation for breast cancer research has contributed over $15

million for breast cancer research.

The Collection at QVC

The collection consists of rolling luggage, handbags, baby bags, wallets, wristlets, phones and

laptop cases all with the Vera Bradley signature print fabric.

                                                         Weekender Travel Bag

                                                       Cotton RFID Turnlock Wallet

                                                             Signature Miller Bag

                                                               Recipe Tin Box

 

                                                              Source:  QVC.com

Vegetarian Recipes -How To Make Spiced Carrot Apple Soup For Your Immune Health

Source:  Getty Images

Carrots are a great source of lutein necessary for eye health and contain a high level of 

carotenoids, which help to decrease your risk of cancer.

Apples are a powerful antioxidant and are rich in fiber which aids in digestion and lowering

cholesterol.

Spiced Carrot Apple Soup is a great way to combine the power of these two veggies, see recipe

below:

Ingredients:

2 cups carrots, peeled

1 medium ripe gala apple peeled

1/4 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 Tbsp. butter

Directions:

1. Place carrots in a food processor and pulse until chopped.

2. Spoon the carrots into a saucepan and set them aside.

3. Place the apples ginger and cinnamon in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

4. Add the mixture to the carrots in the saucepan.

5. Add the broth to the carrot/apple mixture and heat on medium until warm, approx. 8

mins.

6. Ladle warm soup into bowls and top with nuts if desired. Serves 4.

Style Report - Fashion Basics For The Everyday Girl

• “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.” – Coco Chanel

Fashion trends come and go, but wardrobe basics are always in style. Basic, classic pieces

stand the test of time, help to build your wardrobe, and serve as a foundation for everyday wear.

Here is a list of must-have basics for the fashionista:

Basic White Shirt

A classic crisp button-down white shirt is essential, easy to wear, and feminine.

Black Pants

Professional and appropriate for any occasion. A must-have for wearing to the office.

Black Leather Pumps

A versatile, basic shoe that can be worn from the office to date night.

Trench Coat

Stylish, contemporary addition to your cool-weather fashion closet.

Pencil Skirt

Tailored, sophisticated, and flatters any figure type.

Bootcut Jeans

Casual yet chic. This type of jeans balances out your overall figure.

Blazer

Tailored and chic. A blazer instantly updates a tired outfit.

                                                 Crisp White Shirt and Black Trousers

                                                            Classic Pencil Skirt 

                                                  Boot-cut jeans with a fitted blazer

                                                          Source:  Pinterest

Style Tips:

● Buy clothes that can transition from day to evening

● Hang outfits on good-quality hangers such as Joy Mangano Huggable Hangers

● Always wear a pair of good quality sunglasses with UV protection to complete your outfit

● Shop Amazon for fashion basics that are moderately priced.

Style Report- Fashion Fixes We All Need

Sometimes we just need a little help to fix some beauty or fashion issue gone wrong.

Well, those sticky situations are no longer a problem as listed below are some beauty and fashion fixes we all could use.  

Fashion Problems:

Boots That Sag:

Use Boots Stay, an easy-to-use strip that is placed inside the boot to keep it supported.

http://bootstay.com/

Bra Straps That Show

Replace your bra straps with Strappy’s. Remove bra straps and replace them with this jeweled strap.  

https://fashionfirstaid.com/products/boot-stay-adhesive-sag-preventers

RingsThat Spin On Your Finger

Try BlingGuardBlingWraps. Just wrap the transparent strip around your finger and it will keep your ring stationary.  

 http://blingguard.com/products/blingwraps

Beauty Problems

Conceal Blemishes On Legs

Try mixing body oil with shimmer and apply to legs or use spray-on pantyhose products available at your neighborhood drug store.  

Hair Static

Tame those hair strands by rubbing a sheet of fabric softener sheet over them.

                                                              Source:  Pinterest

"Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they notice the woman." —Coco Chanel

How To Makeover Your Life in 30 days

We all need to reinvent ourselves now and again but especially since going through the turmoil of the last two years. Our lives have been disrupted in many areas including work, friendships, and relationships. The one thing we can do to bring our focus back to ourselves and improve our well-being is to reinvent ourselves and give our life a makeover.

Connect With Nature/Plants

Being in nature reduces the production of stress hormones, boosts our immunity, reduces anger, and increases pleasant feelings leading to a more stable emotional state. Nature in essence is healing to the mind, body, and soul. Being in the outdoors makes us more mindful of what we feel and see around us.

Donate To Your Local Charity

'No one has ever become poor by giving.' - Anne Frank

Decluttering your closet/space works wonders for your mental health by making you feel calmer, confident, and more in control. Our brains love order and focus so when our personal space feels disorganized we tend to feel drained and lacking in focus. If you are on a self-care journey like most of us are, decluttering is a must.

Seek out a charity/thrift store and donate, donate, donate.

Take A Social Media Pause

Scrolling on social media is a form of entertainment and can distract us from our day-to-day lives but excessive use of social media does more harm than good. Too much screen time leads to exhaustion and burnout. Schedule a day during the week where you unplug from your phone and instead read a book or magazine. You will not regret it.

Makeover Your Bedroom Into A Sanctuary

Your bedroom is your sanctuary and it should reflect that. Update your bedding, sheets, and comforter to a more luxurious feel that your budget will allow. Turn your bedroom into a place you go for pure relaxation by adding draperies, a potted plant, and a diffuser/candles for aromatherapy, so you can get the best night's sleep and wake up refreshed. Getting efficient sleep is paramount to your physical and mental health.

Start A Workout Routine

A 20-minute workout routine (low impact) releases feel-good hormones inside the body (serotonin and dopamine). 20 minutes of working out helps to promote a better mood for up to 12 hours after exercising and helps to reduce the stress hormone cortisol. If you are lacking in energy a 20-minute workout is for you. Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients into your tissues causing your cardiovascular system to work more efficiently.

Have A Movie Night

Whether you are single or married a movie night is a great form of entertainment when you don't feel like going out or paying an exorbitant amount of money for a movie ticket. If you want to escape your everyday reality, elevate your mood, appreciate art and have fun, incorporate a movie night into your life.

Start A Small Business

If you have a hobby that you are passionate about why not turn that passion into a profit. Benefits of starting your own business:

Escape Your Corporate Job

Explore Your Creativity

Build A Brand

Personal Fulfillment

Learn New Skills

Financial Rewards

Work From Home/Anywhere

Control Your Own Destiny

If you want to change your life and go in a new direction consider reinventing yourself with these steps above but make it personal. Only you know the type of lifestyle that you want to pursue that will aid in your health and happiness. Give your life a makeover. Here's to the new you!

How To Make Black Bean Veggie Burger With Couscous

"To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art." - Unknown

         

Black Bean Veggie Burger With Couscous

Source:  womansday.com

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup couscous

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium red onion
• 2 clove garlic
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 medium carrots
• 1 can vegetarian refried beans
• 4 English muffins
• Kosher salt
• Pepper
• Lettuce
• Sliced avocado
• Red onion
• Tomato
• 
  

Directions:

1. Place the couscous in a medium bowl. Add 1 1/4 cups hot tap water, cover and let sit for 15 minutes; fluff with a fork.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add all but 1/4 cup of the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and thyme, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon cumin and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
3. Add half the carrots (about 1 cup) and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes more; remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Fold in the refried beans, then 1/2 cup of the prepared couscous.
4. With wet hands, form the mixture into four 3/4-inch-thick patties. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties until browned and heated through, about 3 minutes per side.
5. Fold the remaining carrots, onion, tablespoon oil, and 1/2 teaspoon cumin into the couscous along with 1/4 teaspoon of each salt and pepper. Serve the burgers on English muffins and top with lettuce, avocado, onions, and tomato, if desired. Serve with the couscous.
6. Serves 4, prep time:  approx 25 mins

1. 
   
   

Style Report - Shop HSN For Designer Steals And Deals

 “Happiness is not in money, but in shopping.”

— Marilyn Monroe

The Home Shopping Network commonly known as HSN sells top designer brands, for a lot less than retail and is one of the top home shopping networks, thanks to its new Chief CEO  David Rawlinson II. David has partnered with top brands such as Jennifer Lopez, MAC Cosmetics, IMAN, Mary J. Blige, Lancome, Bearpaw, Fitbit, just to name a few. Their product sales have helped to skyrocket the company's broad market appeal.

HSN's product listing is varied, from designer handbags, shoes, jewelry, electronics, and bedding. Their top beauty brands are Lancôme, Carol's Daughter, and Benefit Cosmetics. 

Their fashion and accessories department consists of designers such as Jessica Simpson, Skinnygirl Jeans,  G by Giuliana, and IMAN.

HSN show hosts are professional, knowledgeable, and interact well with their customers despite a live broadcast. Customers can call in live and speak with the designer or give a review of the product that they purchased.

Their products are shipped within 3-5 business days and arrive intact and in good condition. Included with your shipment is a printed invoice of your purchase and return/exchange instructions. They have a 30-day return policy for all items.  HSN supports numerous charity organizations including The March of Dimes, The Alzheimer's Association, The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and UNICEF.

So if you want designer deals head on over to HSN.com ladies, it’s a great place to shop!...designer products without the designer price tags.

Source:  Getty Images

                                                                            Travel Essentials
                                                                             Source:  HSN

                                              

The Rustic Luxury Style of Decor

 “Decorate your home. It gives the illusion that your life is more interesting than it really is.” —Charles M. Schulz

One of the most trending styles of design is the Rustic Luxury style.  It encompasses high-end furniture design and blending that with rustic elements (i.e. nature) to produce an upscale look in your abode while still remaining casual.  

How To Mix Luxury With Rustic:

• Browse thrift stores for unique finds
• Use pieces that have a similar color palette
• Incorporate sophisticated materials like marble
• Bring in warmth with candles and blankets
• Include raw wood beams, and wood flooring
• Keep the look simple
• Peruse magazines for inspiration
• Add modern light fixtures
• Make things cozy

Elements of The Rustic Luxury Style

• Patina Artwork
• Modern Books
• Warm Neutral Vases
• Rope Baskets
• Marble Bookends
• Wrought Iron Candles
• Rustic Coffeetable
• Birch branches
• Soft textiles
• Nature-inspired decor

Marrying rustic and luxury elements produces a beautiful aesthetic that is timeless, harmonious, and polished.  

Below are a few examples of the Rustic Luxury Style of Decor:

                                 

                                                                   Source:  Google

                                                                   Source:  Pinterest

                                                                    Source:  Elle Decor