Sandra Hudson

Inspiring Women in Life & Business

Archives for January 2020

by

Dirty Cauliflower Rice

cauliflower dirty rice

 

Dirty Cauliflower Rice

James and I have been trying to eat healthier in our house. We are in the process of completing a Whole 30, so we needed something that was low carb, grain-free and delicious. So, I came up with this dirty cauliflower rice recipe this week and it was delicious!!! I will definitely be making this one again.

Other Info.

Tony Chachere's

Also, if you can’t find Tony Chachere’s seasoning at your local store, you can order it here.

 

If you are looking for a low carb, whole30 version of this Creole food classic, try this. I can’t wait to hear what you think. Drop some comments below and share your thoughts.
If you’re looking for additional healthy recipes to incorporate veggies into your rotation, check out this one. 

Dirty Cauliflower Rice

This Dirty Cauliflower Rice recipe is a healthy spin on the classic Creole dish called Dirty Rice. It is simple, quick, easy and full of flavor! This low carb, one-pan wonder can be on the table in less than 30 minutes!

  • 3 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 lb. ground turkey or beef
  • 1 bag frozen peppers and onions
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 12 Oz. frozen cauliflower rice

  1. Preheat a heavy-bottomed or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and the ground meat and season with 1 tsp. salt, ¼ tsp. pepper and ½ tsp. garlic powder. Brown ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula until it begins to caramelize. If it sticks to the bottom of the pan, that’s ok.

  2. After the meat begins to caramelize, reduce the heat to medium and add the onion and peppers and continue to cook for about 5 -7minutes or until the veggies are tender and the onions are translucent. Add the garlic and the other seasonings and cook for another minute.

  3. Add the frozen cauliflower rice, water and season with salt and garlic powder. Stir to combine and use the liquid to loosen the bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This will give the cauliflower rice its “dirty” color! Continue to cook, stirring often, until the cauliflower rice is tender and there is no liquid left in the pan. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Garnish with sliced onion and chopped parsley and serve!

  4. salt & pepper to taste

Frozen cauliflower rice works best in this dish because it still cooks and holds up to the heat without getting squishy.

by

What is the Difference Between BB and CC Cream and Do You Need It?

Difference between BB and CC Cream

What is the difference between BB and CC Cream?

If you’re confused by what BB or CC creams are supposed to do and are wondering if you should use one, you are not alone. With an ever-evolving alphabet soup of new products launching, it’s easy to get lost in the enticing claims and lettered acronyms. Once you understand the system, choosing which one is the best fit for you is far easier than it appears.

BB versus CC

BB creams are truly luxe and provide moisturizing, luminous coverage all in one. They are lightweight yet creamy, making them ideal for flake-free and clump-free wear. BB creams are formulated to help cover lines, scars, and provide a dewy, luminescent glow for the skin. Oh, and let’s mention that they give you buildable medium to full coverage, for a flawless complexion.

 

BB and CC Cream Comparison

Why Use BB Cream?

I’m not saying that you should use a BB cream to replace your skincare…. just to complement it. I recommend you follow a daily morning and night skincare routine. What BB cream can do for your skin is to offer moisturizing, skin smoothing coverage on top of your skincare. This ensures comfortable, all-day wear. In addition to offering a medium to full coverage.
 
 
 

Is BB cream better than a foundation for your skin?

BB cream is lighter than standard foundation coverage but thicker than a tinted moisturizer. BB creams can sometimes contain sunscreen, but their key ingredients are antioxidants to help protect skin against free radicals and damage from pollution.
 
CC stands for “color correcting” or “complexion correcting”. This product has a bit more coverage than the BB cream while still remaining lighter than foundation. CC creams will work better for those with discolored skin or age spots than BB creams.
 

Can you wear CC cream instead of a foundation?

Yes, absolutely if you are less is more type of person when it comes to makeup. But if the coverage is concerned, then no, cc cream is not better than a foundation. CC cream is basically used by women as a daily purpose cream which acts as a moisturizer, hydrates skin and gives some amount of glow.
 

Is BB or CC cream better for dry skin?

BB creams tend to be oilier than CC creams as they are focused more on hydrating dry skin. The matte finish of most CC creams is also great for those concerned with shiny or greasy skin. Sensitive, dry skin and redness. It’s important to select a BB or CC cream which is hypoallergenic, so it won’t irritate your skin.
 

Is BB cream or CC cream better for aging or mature skin?

Many also include anti-aging ingredients to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and SPF sun protection. The consistency of CC creams tends to be lighter, like a whipped airy texture, and they offer lighter and more luminous coverage than a BB cream.
 

Do you use CC cream with foundation?

Make small circular motions with the brush, starting at your forehead and working down to your chin. Apply foundation, if desired. CC creams smooth out your skin tone and cover blemishes. You can use CC cream by itself, or use it as a primer underneath your foundation.
 

Can CC cream be used daily?

Even the most generous portion of CC cream will often not be enough to protect your face from the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology now recommends using a daily moisturizer with a broad-spectrum SPF value of at least 30. (Hope to fave FARMASI sunscreen products available next month!)
 

Does CC cream dry your skin?

CC creams typically offer a bit more coverage and often protect your skin from the sun as well. … Dry skin often looks dull and can often feel dehydrated. This CC cream will boost radiance and moisturize your skin while giving you a perfect finish so your skin will look its absolute best in minutes!
BB and CC Cream difference
I sure hope this breakdown helps you know what option would be right for your skin. If you’re looking for non-toxic beauty products that won’t break the bank, I would love to help you. I can color match you, or you can shop on your own here. Also, if you are interested in my favorite brand, you can get a 50% discount.
 

So tell me, have you tried a BB or CC Cream before and do you love it???

by

Why You Should be Drinking Pink Salt Water

Pink Himalayan Sea Salt

 

pink himalayn salt

I recently learned something new about pink Himalayan Salt. Did you know that you should be drinking it? Not all salt is created equal. In fact, regular table salt has been stripped of nutrients and bleached. Sea salt, from raised ancient seabeds (like Himalayan Rock Salt), is loaded with minerals and nutrients that are good for you.

Himalayan pink salt is packed with over 84 trace minerals and elements that make it incredibly nourishing for your body. Pink salt has numerous benefits such as: helping the body detoxify, boosting energy, improving digestion, and promoting healthy hair, skin, and nails.

I bet you are now wondering, how exactly do I use this? Well, for starters, you can cook with it. I use it in place of regular salt. To get a boost of caffeine-free energy, you can add a pinch of pink salt to your morning lemon water or smoothie each day. To experience the full benefits of Himalayan pink salt, you can also make salt water sole (pronounced so-lay). This is water that has been fully saturated with natural salt to the point where it will not absorb any more. This is the form of the salt that is easiest for the body to absorb.

Pro-Tip

According to holistic nutritionist Kelly Leveque, pink salt water makes a great sports drink: When we sweat and workout we lose minerals (or electrolytes), and the sole is a great way to add them back in the body with water. Himalayan Pink Salt is packed with over 84 trace minerals and elements, as opposed to table salt that is 97.5% sodium chloride. Excess sodium increases your risk of hypertension, osteoporosis, and kidney disease, whereas the diversity of elements in Himalayan pink salt is shown to create an electrolyte balance within your body, strengthen bones, lower blood pressure, and improve circulation. It also helps to protect the delicate balance of minerals in your cells, avoid excess water retention, and prevent premature aging. Every cell needs a balance of potassium and sodium.

lemon pink salt water drink
 
 

Himalayan Pink Salt Drink

Here is how to make and use your saltwater sole:

1. Fill a jar about ¼ of the way with pink salt.

2. Add filtered water to the jar, leaving a bit of space at the top in case you need to add more salt later.

3. Put a lid on the jar and shake gently. Leave it on the counter overnight to give the salt time to dissolve. The next day you should still see some salt at the bottom of the jar that can’t be absorbed by the water. This is how you know you have a true “sole” solution. (If you don’t see any salt at the bottom, simply add a couple of teaspoons more and let it sit for another day.)

4. To use your sole, add up to 1 tsp of the saltwater to another glass of filtered water first thing each morning. Drink up!

Are you going to give Himalayan pink salt a try?

Tell me in the comments.

by

How to Get Unstuck When You are Burnt Out

If you find yourself stuck or maybe even burn out, perhaps it’s time to explore the reasons why. With some simple self-exploration, you can pinpoint the areas of your life that require change. It may require you to leave your comfort zone, but in the end, you’ll likely find that it was all worth it! Let’s talk about how you to get unstuck when you are burnt out.

 

It’s also important for you to build an action plan. If you stay organized and follow a simple plan of action step by step, there will be nothing that can stop you from achieving your goals.

Here are some ideas that can get you on your way to getting unstuck:

Set Up Accountability. When you hold yourself accountable and keep a close eye on your goals, you’ll be better able to identify when you’re stuck in a rut. The first step is to really figure out why you’re feeling stuck in the first place. I think it’s important to note that even if you are a stay-at-home mom, it is super easy to fall into a rut. (Check out this article about overcoming the mom burnout.)

Set A Time Goal. You’re stuck and you’d like to be unstuck, but chances are you’ve been putting off working toward your goal. You’ve already decided to make yourself accountable and now it’s time to give yourself a time limit – so do it! This can even be a small, attainable goal also to get you moving in the right direction.

Be Not Afraid. Being afraid of change is one of the biggest reasons why you get stuck in the first place. Perhaps you’re feeling trapped in your job and, in order to get the job you’d like, you have to go back to college. You need to get over your fear and see what you need to do to apply. You’ll be happy you did when you land your dream job someday.

Look For Role Models. Find someone who has been through your situation or something similar and see how he or she was able to overcome obstacles. If possible, ask this person questions.

Change Your Thinking. It’s true: your actions first start as thoughts. When you think positive and brave thoughts, you’ll be motivated into action!

Take Time. Remember to take some time for yourself to collect your thoughts. You may discover some insight into how to solve your challenges. Make sure you’re completely alone with your thoughts without any distractions.

Taking Action

It’s easy to remain in your “stuck” situation because it’s familiar and you know what’s going to happen. You might even feel safe. However, eventually, the dissatisfaction you feel will take over and you’ll realize that the only way to get “unstuck” is to take immediate action to change.

Make the Change

Once you choose your timetable, you’ll want to break down your changes into small steps. Track your progress and tweak your system to make sure your changes are making a difference. For example, if you’re feeling stuck in a relationship, you’ll first evaluate where you think the concern lies. Perhaps you aren’t communicating effectively. If so, you can set a timetable of three months to overcome this challenge. You can then break down the problem into smaller steps by reading a book on communication, talking about it with your partner, or attempting counseling sessions. As you go through these actions, you’re constantly keeping a close eye on how it affects your relationship. In the end, you have a firm decision about your relationship’s progress and you no longer feel stuck. If you hadn’t taken action, it’d be impossible to improve!

Repeat the Process

Once you’ve applied this system to one aspect of your life, you can use the same strategies whenever you’re feeling stuck. Whether large or small, there are always actions you can take to break through barriers! 

 

 

We all go through these trying times and it is hard to recover. Hopefully, these practical tips will get you back on track. Have something to add to the list, would love to have your comments listed below.

 

If you love these tips, be sure to check out this post.

xoxo-Sandra

by

10 Ways to Avoid Gaining Weight Over the Holidays

The holidays and fattening food go hand-in-hand. Thanksgiving and the leftovers can last a week. Then it’s only a few more weeks until Christmas. New Year’s is the following week……Ugh!! Let’s not even talk about all the sweets, bread, and baked goods. Studies show that 75% of a person’s annual weight gain happens between Thanksgiving and the end of the year. Make this the year that you avoid holiday weight gain.

Most people associate the holidays with food, fun, and gaining weight. However, you can choose to enjoy the holidays and still eat responsibly. Say it with me….. YES, YOU CAN!

Avoid gaining weight this holiday season by utilizing these 10 tips:

1. Have a healthy meal before arriving at a party or other event that includes food. Feel free to go crazy on Thanksgiving. A single day won’t ruin your waistline. For other holiday events, fill yourself up with healthy food first. Your stomach will be full of healthy food, and you’ll be less likely to eat junk food.

2. Bring a healthy side that you love. Many gatherings encourage the bringing of a dish to share. Ensure that your offering is both healthy and delicious. You can limit your consumption of unhealthy food and enjoy the gathering at the same time.

3. Focus on things other than food. When attending a party, spend your time and attention to the other attendees. Mingle and socialize. Find a healthy snack and a bottle of water.

4. Maintain your normal diet and exercise routine. An occasional lapse won’t do any damage, but it’s surprisingly easy to gain 10 pounds or more within 6 weeks if you aren’t careful. Keep going to the gym and stick with your regular diet as much as possible. Avoid deviating from your routine. If you’re considering the possibility of beginning an exercise program for the New Year, why wait? There’s no time like the present to make your health a priority.

5. Add a daily walk to your routine. Get the entire family together for a daily walk. You’ll burn a few calories, keep your blood sugar under control, and reduce your appetite. Keep the pace enjoyable and you’ll look forward to your daily walk.

6. Walk after finishing your holiday meal. While we are on the subject of walking, this one you can incorporate on the days of your big, holiday meals. Did you know that shortly after eating, if you get up and go for a brief walk, research has found that a post-meal walk, even as short as 15 minutes, can help with digestion and improve blood sugar levels?

7. Eat slowly. The slower you eat, the less you will have eaten when your body finally decides it’s full. The easiest way to overeat is to eat quickly. Chew your food slowly and completely. Talk between bites. Drink plenty of water with your meals. This will also fill your stomach.

8. Wait at least 30 minutes before having seconds. Your first meal was enough to make you full, but your brain just hasn’t registered the information yet. Thirty minutes is plenty of time for your brain to inform you that you’re full. Have a nice chat with your friends or family before re-filling your plate.

9. Take part in a fitness or weight-loss competition. There are plenty of opportunities during the holiday season to lower your weight or increase your fitness. Even if you don’t win, you’re bound to be in a better place than if you’d never competed. Your workplace might have something to offer.

10. Start with salad. Whether you’re eating at home or attending a party, have a big salad before commencing with the rest of the meal. Remember to take it easy on the salad dressing.

Plan ahead this year. It’s easier to avoid gaining weight than it is to lose weight. Enjoy your friends and family during the holiday season. Excessive eating isn’t a prerequisite to having a good time. Focus on making healthy choices and moderation. Have a healthy meal before indulging yourself. You can avoid holiday weight gain by making smart decisions. I believe in you!!

Have any comments or tips to add to the list? I would love to hear from you in the comments.

xoxo- Sandra

by

How to Get Started Using Essential Oils

If you haven’t heard of Essential oils by now, you must be living under a rock. More and more people are branching out into Essential oil usage these days. Essential oils, the fragrant concentrated plant extracts that are brimming with health benefits, a drop or two of which can offer emotional, physical, and even spiritual benefits. If you want to switch to essential oils to support a more natural and holistic lifestyle, but don’t know where to begin, I am about to share with you the safest ways to use them to gain maximum benefits.

What are essential oils:

Essential oils are concentrated natural extracts from plants. Different essential oils are extracted from different parts of the plants: leaves, stems, flowers, roots, resin, etc. Rose essential oil comes from the flowers, frankincense is extracted from the resin of Boswellia trees, tea tree from the melaleuca leaves, and sweet orange oil from the fruit rinds.

Essential oils have distinct properties which help determine their various application. Lavender, for example, is calming and can help induce sleep. These potent and concentrated extracts offer therapeutic benefits. They are widely used in a number of commercial skin and hair care products. Many establishments also diffuse essential oils to promote a calming and relaxing environment. At home, they can be safely used to freshen the house, promote sleep, clean surfaces, treat minor cuts and bites, relieve an upset tummy, etc. Here are some simple and safe ways to use these oils:

Aromatic Use

When you open an essential oil bottle, the first thing that you will notice is the scent. Being concentrated, they have strong scents. Each oil has its own set of unique aromatic compounds, and inhaling its scent has an immediate effect on the body and mind. By stimulating the smell receptors, essential oils send chemical signals to the brain, which, in turn, affects the body emotionally, physically and mentally.

How to Use:

The easiest way to enjoy the aromatic benefits is to simply smell the essential oil by popping open the bottle. You can also drop a few drops in your hands, rub your palms together, cup them close to your nose, and inhale the scent deeply.

You can enjoy their calming scent by diffusing the oils in an aromatherapy diffuser designed specifically for this purpose. I love this REVIVE Ultrasonic Diffuser. It lasts for up to 10 hours with automatic shut-off for home & office safety. Plus, it is budget-friendly.

Top tips:

–   Add a drop or two of lavender essential oil to a cotton ball and leave it near your pillow

–   Use with dryer balls or sheets during the laundry’s drying cycle

–   Add to a spray bottle containing water and a little witch hazel and spritz all around the room

Topical:

Essential oils are extremely popular ingredients in commercial and DIY recipes for skin and hair care. This is because they have a low molecular weight, which means they are readily absorbed by the skin. The beneficial components of the oil sink into the skin and are carried around in the bloodstream. What’s even more interesting is some essential oils are processed and excreted by the body within a day. This suggests that we can reap maximum benefits from essential oils by using them topically. However, there are a few Do’s and Don’ts that need to be followed.

How to Use:

As we mentioned earlier, essential oils (EO) are extremely concentrated and it is important to check which essential oils can be applied neat (directly on to your skin) and which ones need to be diluted (mixed with carrier oil). Carrier oils like coconut, almond, jojoba, etc. are all good options. Also, pay attention to dilution ratios; for beginners, 1 percent dilution is recommended, i.e. six drops of EO to an ounce of carrier oil.

The best places to apply the mix would be the nape, forehead, temples, chest, abdomen, and the soles of the feet. Avoid using on sensitive areas like the eyes, under eyes, inner ears.

Do a Patch Test:

The best way to check for sensitivity is to do a patch test. Just wash and dry your forearm, then apply the essential oil blend to your inner wrist. Leave for 24 hours. Check for irritation or any other adverse reactions.

Top tips:

–   Add essential oils like geranium and frankincense to your skin care products like face creams and body lotions

–   Make your own nourishing hair conditioner by mixing rosemary essential oil with coconut oil

–   Mix essential oils like lavender and peppermint with bath salts or milk, and add this to your bath water for a relaxing soak

Internal:

Internal use of essential oils can refer to placing a drop or two of essential oils directly into the mouth, mixing oils into a beverage, or taking a capsule containing essential oils. Not all essential oils are approved for internal use, so be sure to read the safety guidelines of the particular oil before ingesting. It is recommended to start with one drop of essential oil at a time, and increase to up to three drops to achieve the desired effects. Do not exceed 18 drops daily, divided into 1-3 drop doses. Particular dosage requirements vary from person to person and are dependent on age, weight, and general health. You should always start with the lowest dose possible, and only increase dosage if necessary.

How to use:

Essential oils can replace certain herbs and spices in recipes; however, since they are highly concentrated, a small amount will go a long way. Some essential oils are very strong and potent; it’s best to dip a toothpick in these oils and add to the recipe instead of using drops. You can also add essential oils to a veggie capsule for more targeted applications.

Top Tips:

–   Oregano and basil essential oils can replace the herbs in recipes

–   Start the day with a detoxifying glass of lemon water by adding a drop of lemon essential oil to it

–   Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea in the morning by adding a drop of peppermint essential oil to it

Using essential oils on children

The recommended dilution for topical use on children is 8 drops of carrier oil to one drop of essential oil. If no irritation occurs, you can increase this to 5 drops of carrier oil to one drop of essential oil. Some essential oils should NEVER be used on children under the age of 6 because they can cause respiratory distress, like peppermint oil.

Using essential oils while pregnant or taking prescription medications

Although some essential oils are approved for use during pregnancy, many mothers-to-be choose to avoid the use of essential oils altogether. While some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy, many are still safe for topical and aromatic use. If you are taking a prescription medication, internal use of some essential oils may negatively interact with your medication. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking a prescription medication or attempting to treat a chronic condition with essential oils, you should always consult a medical professional before use.

Promote general wellbeing – naturally!

When used properly, essential oils are a valuable addition to your daily routine. They can be diffused throughout your home to ease stress and anxious feelings, applied topically to alleviate muscle pain and reduce inflammation, and even taken internally to boost the immune system! By following proper safety precautions, you can improve your overall wellbeing in an easy, natural way.

If you are looking for high-quality essential oils that are more affordable, I have been using Revive Essential Oils. REVIVE is not a MLM or Direct Sales company. They eliminate the cost of the middleman, and pass the savings on to you as the consumer. They are able to offer the same quality oils for much less. You also get the benefits of free shipping and great customer service to those same quality oils. I have converted and love it. You can even use the code sandrarevive10 and get 10% off your first order!! See what oils and blends compare to your existing oils here.

#essentialoils #howtouseessentialoils #essentialoilsforbeginners #oilsforbeginners #diffuser #diffusingoils #forbeginners #topically #youngliving #doterra #reviveessentialoils #oilsinthehome #rollerball #aromatherapy #internally #oilsforcleaning #oilsforskin #oilsforsleep #oilsforallergies #holisticmedicine #essentialoilbenefits

Tavala Trim for Weight Loss

  BOOST YOUR WEIGHT LOSS WITH TAVALA TRIM What if I told you that you could drink a supplement called Tavala Trim only one time per day and lose weight, increase your natural energy and suppress your appetite?   I’m not going to lie……I was very skeptical of this product working. As a busy, tired […]