Delicious Recipes

Caramel Popcorn

A few weeks back my friends and I celebrated “Friendsgiving”  One of my friends made some delicious homemade caramel popcorn.  For me it was love at first bite!  She gave me the recipe and I have been enjoying homemade caramel ever since!  So simple and delicious.  While I prefer to eat all of this homemade caramel popcorn myself, this recipe is perfect for giving away as gifts during the holiday season.

Homemade Caramel Popcorn | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Caramel Popcorn

Ingredients:
1/2 to 3/4 unpopped popcorn
(simple instructions below on how to pop kernels in the microwave using a brown paper lunch bag.)
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup white corn syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla
Optional: chopped nuts, sprinkles, chopped candy bars, M&M’s
Directions:
1. Pop popcorn and place in a large metal bowl.
2. Combine sugar, butter and corn syrup in heavy cooking pan.
3.Cook on medium heat; stir constantly.
4. When sauce turns medium caramel color, remove from heat and add vanilla.
**Warning: Be extra careful!  The caramel is so super hot that if even a tiny bit gets on your skin it will burn soooooo bad!  Also, don’t stand directly over the pan  when you add the vanilla.  It will bubble and steam when you add it to the hot mixture.**
5. Immediately pour over popcorn and stir with a long handled metal or wooden spoon.
6. Enjoy and try not to eat the whole thing yourself 😉
Paper Bag Popcorn Popping:
  1. Measure 1/2 cup popcorn kernels into a lunch sized paper bag.
  2. Loosely fold just the very top of the bag over so the kernels don’t spill out. Tape it shut (or you may end up with a microwave full of popcorn!)
  3. Lay the bag in the microwave taped side down.  Shake the kernels to spread them out evenly in the bag.
  4. Microwave until there are no more than 3 seconds between popping sounds. (My microwave usually takes 2 min 30 seconds, but I stand by and listen very closely!)
  5. Carefully remove the bag and open it carefully, the popcorn is hot! Enjoy!
Beauty Subscription · Free/Good Deals · Health/ Fitness · Review

Love with Food December Box

Snack smart. Do good!  Love Food!

I love God, I love my family, and I LOVE food. So, that being said, it is only natural for me to order a box called “Love with Food“. If you’d like to try it out for yourself,  I have a referral code you can use to get your first box for 40% off.  That’s a great deal!  Here is the code  http://lovewithfood.com/invite?m=e&ref=2ReL

Love with Food December Box | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

What is “Love With Food” you ask?  It “helps you discover new organic or all-natural snacks delivered to your door every month. Our subscription membership starts as low as $7.99/month. Every month, Love With Food members will receive a curated box of unique, hard-to-find tasty snacks which varies based on seasonal themes.”

For every box sold, they donate a meal to several food banks such as the Feeding America Network and Share Our Strength – No Kid Hungry. Help end child hunger one meal at a time!  Click Here to LEARN MORE

 

Love with food | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Dark Chocolates with Creamy Coffee Filling by Cafe Britt Once again, dark chocolate, I couldn’t eat this one either.
PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter by Bell Plantation Kinda weird, didn’t quite taste like peanut butter, but with so little fat, I bet it would work awesome in a smoothy with bananas.
Hint Of Lime Navy Bean Chips with Sea Salt by Beanitos I have already found these at my local grocery store and bought them. So delicious!


Fruit Leather by You Love Fruit very interesting!  My kids were not impressed at all but I enjoyed the flavor
Midnight Brownie Gluten-Free Cookies by Goodie Girl  Once again, dark chocolate, I couldn’t eat this one either.
Sweet Corn Crunch Dried Snacks by Sensible Foods  Yeah, these were really weird!  They tasted just like canned corn, only they are dehydrated.  Not a fan!

Love with food | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Chocolate Peppermint Stick Mini Bar by LUNA One of my favorite things is chocolate and peppermint together!  This was only 90 calories and was delicious!

Liquicroc Caramels by Maison Pecou This was a dark chocolate candy, and sadly for me, I am allergic to dark chocolate.  Que the sad music with the small violins 😉

Bonus Items: Tea by Numi Tea I really like Numi teas.  I have bought this brand in the past and have always been impressed.

Bonus Items: Love With Food Chapstick  I have been loving the chapstick!  I always have to have some sort of gloss or chapstick on my lips so I was happy that this is a good one.

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Health/ Fitness · Jillian Michaels Body Revolution · Make up · Review · Weekly Product Highlight

Maybe You Missed It?!

Hello to all those that might be new to Looking Joli Good!  

I really appreciate you stopping by to read what I have to say!  While some have been with me from the start, others may have just joined in!  Here are some of my posts that you may have missed…

Beauty Youtubers I Love!

You have got to check out these great Youtubers!

Easy DIY Makeup Remover

makeupremover
Easy DIY Makeup Remover

Weekly Product Highlight~Mascara

You’ll need the Easy DIY makeup remover if you are going to wear this Colossal Volum’ Express waterproof mascara.  Check out all my weekly product highlights by clicking HERE

Maybelline VOLUM' EXPRESS® THE COLOSSAL WATERPROOF MASCARA IN GLAM BLACK. | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

This or That: Yes to grapefruit daily facial scrub and Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator

Spoiler alert!  I prefer the Yes to Grapefruit.

Grapefruit Exfoliating Scrub Comparison | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Easy DIY Makeup Remover

Ebates

Get paid to shop online

I just got my first check from Ebates the other day!  Awesome!!!  Check it out and start making money for shopping online!

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution

Lots more Body Revolution reviews to come!

wpid-wp-1447122272758.jpg

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

Lots more delicious recipes to come!

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Make up · Review · Weekly Product Highlight

Weekly Product Highlight: Maybelline COLOSSAL VOLUM’ EXPRESS® WATERPROOF MASCARA IN GLAM BLACK

Mascara is my jam! Lol!  I love to have beautiful eyelashes.

Snuffleupagus' eyelashes | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comWhile I do have longish lashes, they are super straight and droopy. They remind me of Snuffleupagus’ eyelashes from Sesame Street. I have to curl them or they stick straight down.  They cannot handle regular mascara, I have to use waterproof mascara if I have any prayer of keeping a curl.

I am so jealous of all you girls that never have to use an eyelash curler!  My sister has naturally dark curled lashes, so not fair!

All that being said, I am super particular about mascaras! I expect A LOT from my mascara.  I want a beautiful natural yet volumized, lengthened, not clumpy look with no flaking and an all day hold.  That isn’t too much to ask for is it?!

I have gone through a lot of trial and error with mascaras.  Unfortunately, it took me a while to figure out that I needed to be wearing a waterproof mascara. I have a whole graveyard of mascaras that did not work for me!   After doing some research and trying so many different mascaras, I have finally found my all time favorite waterproof mascara.

DeepDark Brown Eyes | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I love the Maybelline VOLUM’ EXPRESS® THE COLOSSAL WATERPROOF MASCARA IN GLAM BLACK.  It gives me a a beautiful natural yet volumized lengthening not clumpy look with no flaking and an all day hold.  That is exactly what I am looking for 😉Maybelline VOLUM' EXPRESS® THE COLOSSAL WATERPROOF MASCARA IN GLAM BLACK. | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

What does the Maybelline website have to say about it…

COLOSSAL LASHES IN JUST ONE COAT!
CREATES 7X THE VOLUME, instantly
WATERPROOF COLLAGEN FORMULA + MEGA BRUSH

Why You’ll Love It

For the lushest, most gorgeous smudge-proof lashes.
• Waterproof collagen-enriched plumping formula and exclusive Mega Brush build 7X volume with one quick sweep
• Contact lens safe and ophthalmologist-tested
• Waterproof, also available in Washable formula

For Best Results

Sweep brush from root to tip to plump lashes and achieve dramatic volume. Do not let dry between coats. Removes easily with soap and water or Expert Eyes® Moisturizing Eye Makeup Remover.

The Maybelline website claims that you can easily remove this mascara with soap and water… um no!  You definitely need an oil based waterproof makeup remover!  I personally recommend that you make your own using my simply DIY makeup remover. 

makeupremover
Easy DIY Makeup Remover

What about you? Have you tried any of the many Maybelline mascaras? Have you tried the Colossal Volum’ Express Waterproof Mascara? What has your experience been? Did you love it? Hate it? Holy grail? Just ok? Did you have any clumping or flaking? Have you noticed anything different from what I found? Let me know in the comment section below.

*Some of the above links are affiliate links

Laura lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagramPinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness · Jillian Michaels Body Revolution

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Workout 3 Review

**Please see update below

Phase 1 Workout 3 for Weeks 3 and 4

What will you need?  exercise mat and free weights (3, 5 or 8 lbs depending on your strength level)  Get ready to squat!  Regular squats, sumo squats, chair squats, and step out step in squats. wpid-wp-1447122272758.jpg Just like workout 1, workout 3 is focused on the front of the body.  It incorporates some yoga moves as well as strength training.  Right away you will notice that the workout is more intense than 1+2, but you will also notice how much stronger you already are. Where can you expect to be sore the next day?  
  • Chest
  • Shoulders,
  • Abs,
  • Triceps
  • Quads
The workout is broken down into 4 circuits; each of which are repeated once with  one minute of cardio  in between the circuit repetition.  Some of these things are harder to name/explain.

Here is a breakdown of phase one workout one

Warm-up
  • Jumping Jacks
  • Cat Cow Stretch
  • High Kicks
  • Lateral Leg Swings R/L
  • Jumping Jacks

Circuit 1:

  •  Push-ups
  • Down Dog with ankle grab R/L
  • Alternating Backwards Lunges-advanced modification-add weights
  • Plank walks outs
Cardio -1 minute Jumprope

Circuit 2:

  • Sumo Squats with tricep extension-advanced modification- add heavier weights
  •  Camel yoga pose with ankle stretch (looks a lot easier than it is.)
  • Squat press -advanced modification-add heavier weights
  • Cable press with static lunge
Cardio -1 minute Punches with half squat-repeat circuit 2

Circuit 3:

  • Plank to Crescent pose back to plank
  • Crab position with dip
  • Side Crunches R/L
Cardio -1 minute- Plie Hops-repeat circuit 3

Circuit 4:

  • Tree pose with Lateral raises-use liter weights – right
  • Plank ups (these are so hard, but I love them)
  • Tree pose with Lateral raises-use liter weights – left
  • Inchworm crunches
Cardio -1 minute-Skiers-repeat circuit 4 Cool Down/Stretches I have finished the first two weeks of phase one and the first week of the second half of phase 1-workouts 3 and 4.   I was super sore from the workouts the first two days, (I woke up in the middle of the night in pain because I rolled over and my muscles were so sore from the workout!) but thankfully, after that not much at all.  Maybe take some motrin before going to bed. 🙂 I will write a detailed review of Workout 4 soon. If you are interested in my review of Workouts 1+2 and Cardio 1 click HERE. Follow along with me as I journey from Flab to FAB! I hope this was helpful if you are trying to decide if Jillian Michaels Body Revolution is right for you! Here is one of my very favorite Jillian Micheals quotes:

“You have no idea the strength you have within you!”

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterPinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all three.

Update:

Initially, I found Jillian Michaels’ approach to exercise and dieting highly motivational. Her intense workouts and strict dietary guidelines pushed me to achieve remarkable physical results, which fueled my motivation and determination. I embraced her no-nonsense attitude and believed that pushing my body to its limits was the only way to achieve success. However, as time went on, I began to realize that this approach was taking a toll on my mental health. The relentless pursuit of physical perfection and the constant pressure I placed on myself led to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a distorted body image. It was then that I decided to change my perspective and adopt a more balanced and loving approach to my body. By prioritizing self-compassion, listening to my body’s needs, and embracing acceptance, I discovered a newfound sense of mental well-being. This shift in thinking allowed me to find joy in movement, cultivate a positive relationship with my body, and ultimately, achieve a healthier and more sustainable approach to overall well-being.
Beauty Subscription · Review · Weekly Product Highlight

Not Your Mother’s Whip it up Styling Mousse

Weekly Product Highlight~Hair Mousse~

Not Your Mother's Mousse | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comFortunately for me, I have a great hair cut that without much fuss falls into place on its own.  Unfortunately for me, I am not without hair issues, I have very straight somewhat fine hair that doesn’t have much volume.

I have used all different types of volume inducing products and mousses in the past.  Overall I am usually pretty wary of them, mostly because they can end up sticky and heavy.  Not so with this Not Your Mother’s Whip it up Styling Mousse.  It isn’t like that at all. It is lightweight, so easy to apply, and gives my hair extra lift at the roots. I was surprised how much volume it put into my hair without weighing it down.

Another awesome thing about this mousse is that a lot goes a long way!  It is smooth, thick, and creamy.  It doesn’t leave my hands feeling sticky.  I absolutely hate it when through out the day if I run my hands through my hair and they end up with a sticky feeling.  That doesn’t happen at all with this mousse! Yay!

If all that isn’t already good enough, it smells absolutely delicious! It has a sweet vanilla cupcake frosting scent!  I love products that smell great and work awesome!

If you want to check out the Not Your Mother’s brand here are links to their Instagram and Facebook pages

What does the Not Your Mother’s website have to say?

Does dreaming of vanilla bean crème brûlée leave you weak in the knees? Then Whip It Up will definitely have you believing in sugar plum fairies. This delicious vanilla cupcake scented mousse is rich in moisturizers to tame those frizzies as well body building volumizers for big hair dreams. It may smell sugary sweet, but this salon formula styling mousse won’t leave your fingers (or your hair) sticky!

Shake the can well. Turn can upside and dispense a small amount into the hand. Work evenly through hair, concentrating at the root to create volume and hold for any big style you crave. Proceed with styling.

**While I did receive this product from Influenster to test and review, as always, all the opinions are my own.**

If you are interested in trying out Influenster for yourself, use my  referral link to check it out! www.influenster.com/r/1049268

Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness · Jillian Michaels Body Revolution

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Cardio 1 Review

**Please see update below

Phase 1 Cardio 1 for Weeks 1 through 4 

What will you need?  Good supportive athletic shoes, that’s it.

While this phase is meant to be low impact you will still be sore when you first start out.

No warm up for this workout, it starts right up with the circuit.  Each of the eight parts is done for one minute and repeated through twice for a total of three times.

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Cardio 1 Review | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Workout:
1. March in place
2. Hot/fast feet
3. Punch it out in a half squat position
4. Jog in place
5. Running Man (I HATE this one)
6. Speed bags (doing this for 1 minute is a lot harder than you might think it would be.)
7. Kick outs with arm circles (Jillian also calls them mummy kicks)
8. Suicides

Repeat twice.

Cool Down/Stretches

I have finished the first two weeks of phase one and now moved on to the second half of phase 1-workouts 3 and 4.   I was super sore from the workouts the first two days, but after that not much at all.

Follow along with me as I journey from Flab to FAB!

I hope this was helpful if you are trying to decide if Jillian Michaels Body Revolution is right for you!

Here is one of my very favorite Jillian Micheals quotes:

“This is where it matters the most. This is where lives are made, in these moments when you can choose whether or not to say ‘I cant’ or ‘I can.’ It is a choice that will either make or break you for life.”

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on Facebook Lookin Joli Good

**Update:

Initially, I found Jillian Michaels’ approach to exercise and dieting highly motivational. Her intense workouts and strict dietary guidelines pushed me to achieve remarkable physical results, which fueled my motivation and determination. I embraced her no-nonsense attitude and believed that pushing my body to its limits was the only way to achieve success. However, as time went on, I began to realize that this approach was taking a toll on my mental health. The relentless pursuit of physical perfection and the constant pressure I placed on myself led to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a distorted body image. It was then that I decided to change my perspective and adopt a more balanced and loving approach to my body. By prioritizing self-compassion, listening to my body’s needs, and embracing acceptance, I discovered a newfound sense of mental well-being. This shift in thinking allowed me to find joy in movement, cultivate a positive relationship with my body, and ultimately, achieve a healthier and more sustainable approach to overall well-being.

Review

This or That: Yes to grapefruit daily facial scrub and Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator

I am going to be starting a new series called this or that comparing two similar products.

For my first This or That I am going to compare:

 Yes to grapefruit daily facial scrub
and
Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator for Combination Skin

I have normal to combination skin. I live in the North East where the weather has gotten colder.

Let’s see what the products claim…

 

Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub

Yes to Grapefruit Correct & Repair Daily Facial Scrub | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub is a gentle daily exfoliator to help slough away dead skin cells and restore your skin’s natural radiance. It is formulated with Lemon Balm to help calm and repair damaged skin and Grapefruit, which naturally evens skin tone and enhances luminosity, leaving skin soft, smooth, and naturally hydrated.

MAKES SKIN BRIGHTER, CLEARER, AND MORE RADIANT!

  • 99% Natural
  • Petroleum, SLS, & Paraben Free
  • Cruelty-free”

 

Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator for Combination Skin

Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator for Combination Skin | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Combination skin has specific cleansing needs. To look and feel its best, it needs the right clean and specific care. Go beyond clean… 

Customized Cleansing: Daily gel exfoliator targets T-Zone to deeply cleanse away oil and impurities.

Skin Type Specific Care: Formula, infused with antioxidants, Grapefruit and Pomegranate softens dry areas to balance skin.

Results:

In 1 use: Excess oil is removed and skin is smoothed.

After 1 week: Skin’s texture is refined and complexion balanced.”

My Findings

Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub
$10 for 4 oz
99% Natural
Great natural real grapefruit scent
Does not lather
After daily use for a month my skin looked more radiant and felt smooth

Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator for Combination Skin
$8 for 5oz can often get it on sale and use coupons
Finer grain of exfoliant
Lathers
Pleasant perfume grapefruit scent, not a natural grapefruit scent
After daily use for a month my skin was dryer with less oil

Which to I prefer…Drum roll please!

Yes to Grapefruit Correct & Repair Daily Facial Scrub | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Yes to Grapefruit Correct & Repair Daily Facial Scrub

 

I have used the entire bottle of Yes to grapefruit daily facial scrub.  I love the scent of it and the way it makes my skin look and feel.  With daily consistent use, I feel like it did make a difference on my skin’s appearance and feel.

I would repurchase the Garnier Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator for Combination Skin.  I have enjoyed using it these last few weeks.  I feel like it is just not the right choice for my skin at this time of year.  I will try it again in the summer months and see if my skin reacts to it in a different way.

Let me know what other types of products you would like to see compared.

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com