Amina Michele Entertaining & Style

XO TIP OF THE DAY: Manage Your ENERGY

Amina Michele — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:55:04 +0000

Often times we find ourselves losing track of where we are and the days all seem to run into the other. It's time we wake up and realize we need breaks to re-energize and increase productivity. Easier said than done? It doesn't have to be, it doesn't even have to mean a massage on your lunch hour (although that sounds amazing.) When I use to work at a corporate company, when my brain would start to plateau, I would take a 10 minute walk outside and enjoy the weather. When I came back in to the office I was re-energized and ready to take on more, and more efficiently - which is the keyword "efficiency". We need to be more efficient with our lives - and we do this by managing our energy productively. CLICK HERE TO READ THIS GREAT ARTICLE ABOUT MANAGING YOUR ENERGY

thinkingyogi.com

Oats, Oats, Oats

Amina Michele — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 23:56:08 +0000

If you are like me, it's maybe sometimes difficult to really understand all of the oat possibilities there are out there and what oats are best for you on any given day. So I decided to educate myself on some of the better oat options out there... and found, there are just 3 basic oat concepts we should understand. STEEL CUT OATS Even though no real evidence to show for, some people believe steel cut oats are the premium choice for oats bc they don't go thru the processing that rolled oats go thru. This oat is often referred to as the Irish Oat or Pinhead Oat. These oats are definitely heavy in texture, more coarse and have more of a "OAT" taste. Because they don't go thru a flattening process (flat oats take less long to cook) these oats are much more time consuming to make. Scottish oats are basically the same thing as steel cut oats, except that Scottish oats are ground into smaller pieces so they take half the time to cook. ROLLED OATS Rolled oats are the steamed and rolled version of Steel Cut oats, they they go thru more of a process to reach this easy to eat oat. They are also referred to as Old Fashioned Oats. They are a little less chewier then a steel cut oat and because they are steamed and rolled flat they take nearly half the time to cook. There really isn't much nutritional value differentiation between steel cut or rolled oats, it's very minimal in fact. If you want to make breakfast easy on yourself rolled oats like Quaker Oats is a sure fit. QUICK OATS Also commonly referred to as "Instant Oats". These are the most heavily processed of the bunch, they go thru the same exact process that rolled oats go through, then are precooked and dehydrated - you will often see added sugar and salt. They are mushy; it's your best bet to go old fashioned oats over quick oats because these also lack in nutritional value. So whether you choose Steel Cut or Old Fashioned Rolled Oats - you are going to have a delicious and healthy experience! They both get my green light!! See below - Steel Cut Oats, Old Fashioned Oats, & Instant Oats... notice the textures... the middle looks the best right? :)

http://hannasvegankitchen.blogspot.com

Favorite Skinnygirl Cocktail Recipes!

Amina Michele — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 03:56:08 +0000

Who doesn't LOVE Skinnygirl products? I am in LOVE with the Skinny Marg!! Bethenny Frankel knows her brand!! Here some other Skinnygirl cocktail recipes that we think are must "try at least once"! Not only do they taste fab... but they keep you lean and mean :) :) :) - if you don't find your favorites in this article... CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON THEIR SITE!!

Skinnygirl Cucumber Refresher

Ingredients:

4 mint leaves
1 large basil leaf
1 lime wedge
1½ parts Skinnygirl Cucumber Vodka
3 parts soda water
½ tsp. agave nectar

Directions:

Squeeze lime wedge into rocks glass, muddle lime wedge with mint and basil leaves and vodka. Add ice. Top with soda water. Add agave nectar and stir. Garnish with lime wedge.

The Starlet

Ingredients:

1½ parts Skinnygirl™ Cucumber Vodka
2 parts club soda
Splash of no sugar added cranberry juice

Directions:

Pour over ice, garnish with a lime wedge or cucumber slice

Skinnygirl Strawberry Basil

Ingredients:

2 parts Skinnygirl™ Bare Naked Vodka
2 large muddled strawberries
3 to 4 pieces of basil

Directions:

Pour over ice, top with club soda.

Island Cooler

Ingredients:

1½ parts Skinnygirl™ Island Coconut Vodka
3 parts pineapple juice
4 parts sparkling water

Directions:

Pour over ice. Garnish with pineapple.

Skinnygirl Pom-Tangerine Spritzer

Ingredients:

1½ parts Skinnygirl Tangerine Vodka
1 part pomegranate juice
6 parts club soda or sparkling water

Directions:

Pour over ice. Garnish with an orange.

XO TIP OF THE DAY: Get Organized on the Cheap!

Amina Michele — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 21:24:57 +0000

As new year's resolutions start to fall by the wayside (hopefully not, but a lot of you lose your momentum about NOW), don't let your home be one of them. The tree is down, we feel energized it's a new year, what's next? SPRING CLEANING! We are almost there, so get yourself pumped up and the house ready for a rebirth. If you don't have a lot of lute after the holidays, read this article... it's for you! Get organized the inexpensive route - CLICK HERE TO READ

Weddings: Emerald for Summer & Fall

Amina Michele — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:56:35 +0000

The Pantone color of 2013 was announced as Emerald - a rich, lush luxuriant green and although we would love to pretend we are going to see it in Spring for weddings, it will be few and far between. So let's bank on the Summer and Fall wedding season. Here are my recherche picks for wedding inspirations in the most sought after color of 2013. FOR YOUR BRIDESMAIDS This is Donna Morgan, it's a pleated sweetheart neckline chiffon dress that is perfect for any of the warmer months. What is fabulous about this dress is not only can you shop it at Nordstrom for $178.00, but the detailing around the bodice into a flowing skirt is perfect for any body type. Not EVERY Bridesmaid dress has to be strapless, even though most of us love strapless don't we :) This emerald green Heidi Chiffon gown can be found at JCREW for $365.00. Now I don't mean to entice you then take it away, but I checked their website and they said they were sold out of this particular color. What you could do is call and find out when they are re-ordering this color. It normally only takes 3 months to get a Bridesmaid dress. If you are going more vintage or want something more casual - modcloth.com sells a lot of really cute green dresses with different patterns. Add a little twist and playtime to your Bridesmaid's attire. Anne Klein's 'Bruma' Linear Clip Earrings are a beautiful accessory to any Bridesmaid dress or even a Bride. The shape is classic and the gold feels timeless. These could even be a great Bridesmaid gift - and get this - only $28.00 at Nordstrom. LET THEM EAT CAKE Ok, Emerald on a wedding cake might be a little tough - you don't want it to feel like a Shamrock cake... or maybe you do? Either way, there are ways to make a cake look exquisite and be magically delicious.

http://thecaketressblog.com/

http://www.weddingsillustrated.net

styleunveiled.com

DECOR

http://www.inspiredbythis.com

What I love about this emerald green decor is that it's simple and forward. Emerald green glassware and green satin ribbon is just enough to share your color scheme and feel fashionable.

www.elizabethannedesigns.com

If you are trying to find a combination of colors that works with emerald green - we say go to the pink or orange family. It's a nice contrast, but really, emerald green looks great with everything. Golds, pinks, orange, ivories, whites, blues, yellows, etc.

theeverylastdetail.com

It's great to incorporate patterns with your greens. It softens the look as well as adds interest to the look of your design. In this case, they incorporated dueling patterns. Such a great concept!

Good "LUCK" on your wedding day!

XO Amina Michele

www.somelikeitclassic.com

XO TIP OF THE DAY: Reduce Wrinkles (you know you are going to click this)

Amina Michele — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 22:08:45 +0000

My husband tells me to stop sleeping on my belly (... maybe i'll make a deal...i'll get off my belly if I can sleep on your arm every night :) haha), and even though I have trouble admitting (more often than not)... he is RIGHT! One of the simplest ways to reduce those facial lines is sleeping on your backside. There are also several pillowcases out there that are better for your skin too! Here is a great article I fell upon that gives you some other great tips to reduce and prevent fine lines - what was off this list - drinking lots of water and avoiding things like smoking, or making out too much... jk! CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON AVOIDING THOSE WRINKLES AND LOOKING YOUNG FOREVER

Super Baugh 47

Amina Michele — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 18:00:08 +0000

Dude... the Superbowl is here... finally the only day of the year I actually order pizza delivery, yes! I am a college football girl at heart, but what I love about this game in particular is that the Harbaugh brothers (aka the head coaches of both teams) are playing against each other. I wonder if their Mom will wear one of the team colors and Dad will wear the other - either way they both win right? Here are my annual Super Bowl inspirations for your party!! XO FOOTBALL GEAR

BUY NOW

FOOTBALL DECOR

Astro turf beer koozies, how crafty! www.semihomemade.com

And decorate with green astro turf on your tables too http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2012/01/creative-football-party-ideas.html

49rs beer bucket you can buy now at www.sears.com

And a Ravens Beer Bucket! amazon.com

Koozies, cups, and football found at partycity.com

Superbowl 47 party cups! amazon.com

FOOTBALL FAIR

Pizza Pockets! http://celebrateanddecorate.com/

Creative way for cheese and crackers followpics.com

Individual Nacho Mama Cups accordingtonina.com

Like a big pizza pie, or mini pizza pie :) www.halfhourmeals.com

Individual burger and fry bites! bhg.com

Cornbread hot dogs, yum! followpics.com

FOOTBALL TREATS

Love the pretzel field goal cupcakes www.partycity.com

Football cookie pudding cups http://lilluna.com/

Obssessed with these - made of cookies in your cookie aisle and frosting! Amazing and easy! www.withsprinklesontop.net

XO TIP OF THE DAY: Shape Up Apps

Amina Michele — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 20:59:48 +0000

I'm always looking for new tools to get the bod in shape - read this great article on applications or apps that are available for your smartphone or iPhone that will aid you in living a healthy lifestyle. CLICK HERE TO READ - FROM HEALTH MAGAZINE

Matte Sassy Spring Lips 2013!

Amina Michele — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:05:01 +0000

Do you hear the birds chirping in your ear yet? Maybe not, but I'm over winter and ready for some bold wild colors. And really, it's just about time to get those oh so kissable lips some sassy flair. While runways were showing off some girlie fever, we paid extra attention to those puffy pouts. Won't need gloss this spring ladies... bold colored matte lips are all the rage. If you are worried about drying out the pout, just consider matte colors with a little cream or vitamin E or for extra love put some lip renewal pre-lipstick application. Here are our favorite lip color lines that will give you that Spring lip matte look: What I love about these Nars lip pencils is that they have a smooth application. Spring colors are bold so stay with hues like "Pop Life", "Bolero", or "Roman Holiday"!! Nars also makes a fabulous line of Pure Matte Lipsticks that come in a variety of colors. This is one of my favorite colors: Carthage. What I love about these lipsticks is that they are enriched with vitamin E, so along with that matte look is a soft lip! Rimmel London's Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss Collection has some seriously beautiful shades too. Best part about this line is that it stays on for most of the day. The five shades are perfect for Spring 2013 and will give you that matte look you need to fit the trend at a reasonable cost. Bobbi Brown also has a beautiful line of matte lip colors. They are creamy too and will stay on your lips nearly all day. Gotta love Bobbi Brown - she kills the trend EVERY time. Here are all the gorgeous shades - only $24 a stick!

XO Word for the Weekend: canorous

Amina Michele — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 20:49:00 +0000

ca·no·rous [kuh-nawr-uhs, -nohr-]

adjective

melodious; musical.

Origin: 1640–50; < Latin can?rus, equivalent to can?r- (stem of canor song,equivalent to can ( ere ) to sing

Related forms

ca·no·rous·ly, adverb

ca·no·rous·ness, noun

Anne Hathaway - you go girl! - papermag.com