Delicious Recipes

M&M’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

I have a major sweet tooth! Despite the fact that I have been trying to eat more healthy lately, when it comes to M&M’sChocolate Chip Cookies I cannot resist them!  They are one of my very favorites.  Here is one of my favorite recipes

M&M's chocolate chip cookies | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Chocolate Chip M&M’s Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cup flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup
  • 1 3/4 cups M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F degrees.

In a large bowl, cream butter and both sugars until well blended. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix to combine.

In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking soda and salt together. Slowly add these ingredients into the butter mixture and stir until combined.Fold in the Chocolate Chips and M&M’s and chill the dough for 1 hour, or overnight.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto a lightly greased tray, about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 8- 10 minutes for chewy cookies or 12-14 for crispy cookies.

Enjoy!

Try not to eat them all yourself 😉

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Beauty Subscription · Make up

Ipsy Glam Bag May 2016

It’s that time of the month again!  No, not that time of the month, but the time to receive another ipsy glam bag!  I feel as if I have been getting them earlier and earlier every month!

This month’s theme is travel. “Destination Chic by ipsy”  The card is a post card that is meant to be filled out and sent back, it says:

Ready Set Adventure
Whether you”re hitting the road or enjoying a staycation, we want to hear all about it!  Fill out this card and send it back for a chance to be featured on ipsy social media.”

ipsy glam bag may 2016 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

If you don’t know what ipsy is you can check out my previous post all about it by clicking HERE

This month’s glam bag is super cute! Instead of the usual zipper closure it has a fold over top with a center snap.  Ipsters got a bag with either a blue, pink, or purple background with a icons of world travel themed pattern on it. I got a blue one. The bag itself is made of a smooth silky feeling fabric both inside and outside. The feel of it kinda reminds me of what a trench rain coat feel like.

ipsy glam bag may 2016 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you have already seen what I received.  If you don’t follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you totally should be 😉 !

Here’s what I got in my glam bag this month…

ipsy glam bag may 2016 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

If you don’t already subscribe to ipsy but you are thinking about trying it out, I’d love for you to use my referral link https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=uqdkx

ipsy glam bag may 2016 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Épicé International Hydrating Mask Weight: 1 oz

“WHY THIS PRODUCT’S FAB: With warmer weather around the corner, you’ll need to keep yourself and your skin hydrated. This refreshing mask uses Kaolin Clay to absorb oil and impurities without stripping your skin of moisture!”

ipsy glam bag may 2016 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

HanaleiLip Treatment Weight: 5 ml

This product has Hawaii’s rare Kukui Nut, that is supposed to heal and protect against dryness.  I hate having dry lips, so I am interested to see how I like this lip treatment.

“WHY THIS PRODUCT’S FAB: This rejuvenating Lip Treatment will make your chapped lips a thing of the past. Using Kukui Nut oil, antioxidants, agave and grapeseed oil, your lips will be smooth and moisturized in no time!”

ipsy glam bag may 2016 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

INSPR Beauty Eye Fluff Brush

I can always use another eye shadow brush for blending and buffing. I both love and hate getting brushes in my ipsy glam bags.  I have gotten some great brushes that I use daily and I have gotten some others that are just ok.  This one is nice and soft.  I hope that it is a good one that gets the job done!
ipsy glam bag may 2016 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Hikari Cosmetics Shimmer Bronzer Weight: .25 oz

I am not s huge fan of sparkly blushes and bronzers, maybe because, even thought it kills me to say, I’m a bit closer to 40 than I am 20.  I can definitely use this this bronzer as an eye shadows or highlighter.

ipsy glam bag may 2016 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Smashbox X-Rated Mascara Weight: .10 fl oz

I have used Smashbox Mascaras before and have always liked them. I love mascaras and always like to try out new ones.  Hopefully this one is as good as the other ones I have used.   This mascara’s “fiber-loaded formula” is supposed to be clump, flake and smudge-proof!  Sounds like a winner, I hope it lives up to the hype!

How about you?   Did you get an ipsy’s glam bag?  What did you get in yours?  Were you happy with your samples?  Do you get any other monthly subscription bags/boxes that are worth trying out?  Let me know in the comments below.

If you don’t already subscribe and would like to try out ipsy you can use my referral link by clicking HERE!  Also, if you are interested in seeing my other recent posts about ipsy click HERE!

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Tips and Tricks

Tip Tuesday #13

Tip Tuesday Make up tips and tricks every Tuesday | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comHere is another tip for Tip Tuesdays…

When it comes to face makeup, no one wants to have a cake face!!!  Let’s be honest, sometimes it happens despite the best efforts!  This weeks tip can help to cut down on mid day makeup cake up.

When I want to keep my face looking fresh throughout the day I will reapply some loose face powder.  To prevent the powder from becoming cakey on my face, I always blot off the excess oil first.  Doing this simple step will prevent the powder from sticking and clumping to the oil and instead will give you the fresh face you are looking for.

You don’t need special blotting papers or sponges! I find that gently pressing a paper napkin or paper towel to my more oily areas does the trick perfectly.  One of the best paper napkins to use for oil absorption comes from Starbucks!  Those little brown paper napkins do the trick perfectly!  Whenever I am there I grab a handful for my purse.

Starbucks Napkins are perfect for blotting! | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Let me know what you think if you try it out!

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Make up · Review · Weekly Product Highlight

e.l.f. Eyeshadow Palette -Mad for Matte

~Weekly Product Highlight~e.l.f. Eyeshadow Palette -Mad for Matte~

 

I had ordered this e.l.f. Eyeshadow Palette -Mad for Matte a long time ago, and it took so long to arrive that I had almost given up on it and then had I actually forgotten about it.  Unfortunately, it is sold out on the elf website, but can usually be found at Target and CVS and Target.com.

e.l.f. Eyeshadow Palette -Mad for Matte lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
I just love matte neutral shadows!

 

I purchased this matte palette on the recommendation of Tati from GlamLifeGuru on YouTube.  She always give the best recommendations, so I knew that it was going to be a great palette.

Here is what I think about this palette…

Pros:
This 10 shade palette only cost $10!
The shadows are smooth and creamy.
They apply easily and blend like a dream.
You can easily get a complete eye look out of this one palette.
There are so many options for a great crease shade and several great transition shades.

Cons:
While there are 10 shades in this palette several of them are so similar that when used together they look like the same shade.
It can end up looking muddy if blended all together.
It is constantly “sold out” so it is not easy to get your hands on.

e.l.f. Eyeshadow Palette -Mad for Matte e.l.f. Eyeshadow Palette -Mad for Matte lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Yes, there are actually 10 shades swatched in this picture.  I am just so ghostly pale that 3 blend right in rather than stand out!

What does the elf website have to say about the Mad for Matte Palette…

“details

Achieve both beautifully bold or subtle everyday eye looks with these perfectly curated 10 matte eyeshadow shades. This collection of hues is ideal for shading, highlighting, and defining the eyes. The satin matte shadows can be used as a liner, on the lid, and in the crease of the eye for an expertly contoured and blended look.

how to use
  1. Apply dry all over the eyelid with a brush for a subtle wash of color or apply wet for a vibrant effect.
  2. Start with a light color and apply the shade all over your eyelid as a base.
  3. Next, apply a medium shade over the eyelid and the eye crease using the crease brush.
  4. Finally, apply the darkest shade over your eyelid. ”
e.l.f. Eyeshadow Palette -Mad for Matte | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
I love the packaging, it is so simple and sleek.

Have you tried this palette yet?  What did you think?  I think for an overall inexpensive  brand, E.L.F. has some really great products!

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Make up

Lorac Pro 3

I am a huge fan of the cosmetic brand Lorac. Every thing I have tried has been awesome.  Here is sneak peak of the new @loraccosmetics Lorac Pro 3 palette!!! I can’t wait to get my hands on this! Should be available sometime at the beginning of the summer.  (Photo credit goes to a screenshot of Tati Westbrook @glamlifeguru video today)

Lorac Pro 3 palette | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
I cannot wait to get my hands on this gorgeous palette!

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

Tips and Tricks

Tip Tuesday #12

Tip Tuesday: Make up tips and tricks every Tuesday | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comHere is another tip for Tip Tuesday

I HATE chapped lips!!! I cannot even handle when my lips are dry at all!  If you want to exfoliate your lips quickly and easily without using a messy scrub you’ll love this tip…

Simply apply a thick layer of moisturizing lip balm to your lips and let is sit for a good amount of time.  I will usually apply it after I brush my teeth when I first wake up and go about my morning routine.  Then using a clean dry wash cloth, put your finger into the cloth making a little glove over your finger.  Using circular motions rub the balm off your lips exfoliating your lips at the same time.  The texture of the wash cloth will work as an exfoliator without having to use any other product.  Keep in mind that the lips are a very delicate area, so be sure that you don’t rub too hard!

I hope that you enjoyed this tip!

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Love and Life

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s day to all you Amazing Loving Strong Happy Selfless and Graceful Moms!

Happy Mother's Day! | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I am so thankful to have been blessed with two wonderful loving healthy children.  I have also been blessed with a wonderful loving and healthy mother!

Happy Mother’s Day

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Make up · Review · Weekly Product Highlight

e.l.f. Powder Blush Palette

~Weekly Product Highlight~ e.l.f. Powder Blush Palette~

You need this in your life!  I am telling you, stop what you are doing and go get this e.l.f. Powder Blush Palette! Ok, maybe that is a little dramatic, but these blushes are really awesome!  They give the face such a beautifully pigmented glow!  I am so impressed with the quality of these blushes.

e.l.f. Powder Blush Palette | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comThey come in two different options: light and dark.  I have the light palette, but the dark one is so beautiful, I think eventually I may get that one as well.  For only $6 you get 4 beautiful different shades of blush.

Upside…each of the pans can be popped out. So if you want to rearrange or interchange the colors of this palette with one of their other palettes you can.  It can also be interchanged with the products from the e.l.f. Total Face Palette as well.

Downside… these shades are only offered together  in this palette and not sold individually.  While they do not have the exact shades sold separately, they do have some similar shades such as the Studio Pressed Mineral Blush in Jet Setter and Cabo Cabana; or the Studio Blush in Blushing Rose or Berry Merry.  Personally, I think the blushes from the palette are much better than the ones that are sold individually, imo.

e.l.f. Powder Blush Palette | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I am going to be honest with you, the first time I applied this blush I wasn’t expecting it to be quite so pigmented and I may have ended up looking a little bit like a clown!  That is ok, I love me some blushed cheeks, haha! Since then, I have found that applying the blush not only with a very light hand but also by applying it with a stippling brush.  This gives me a much better, more natural look.

e.l.f. Powder Blush Palette | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

What does the e.l.f. website have to say about this …

details

This beautiful blush palette holds 4 gorgeous shades to mix and match throughout the year for a custom blended color. Great for contouring, shading, sculpting, and highlighting, these silky smooth blushes create a beautiful pigmented glow. With a mixture of complimentary matte and shimmer finishes, you can achieve a professional look every time.

how to use

Choose your preferred blush shade and apply to the cheeks or area you wish to contour or highlight and blend in.

What about you? Have you tried any of these e.l.f. Powder Blush Palette?  What do you think?  I would love to hear your opinion!

 

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PS: My sister is the one who first told me about this e.l.f. Powder Blush Palette (the same sister that told me about the oh sugar lip balms.)  I love sharing things I love with people I love?!

Health/ Fitness

5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Workout

5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Workout | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

1. Just do it!  You may not feel like working out, but let me tell you, you will not regret it!  You will only regret the times you skipped not the times you did it!

You'll never regret the workouts you do, only the ones you don't!

2.Be consistent!  The more often you exercise the greater impact it will have on your life.  As with many things consistency is what brings results.  Long term health is more important than short term results.

3. Have a plan!  If you are new to exercising and working out, make sure you have a plan!  Have you ever heard the saying “Fail to plan, plan to fail”? It is so true.  Having a plan will also help you to not waste your time. If you are going to take the time to work out give it your all!  Don’t take the easy way out, do your best.  Be completely present in what you are doing.  Think about the muscles you are working

4. Keep moving!  Even if you feel like you might keel over, keep moving.  Even if you have to move super slowly, keep moving.  If you are moving then you will keep going, if you stop to take a break, you might be able to convince yourself that you don’t need to continue. Anything worth doing is worth doing right!  Make the most out of your time.  Putting in an intense workout for 30 minute is worth way more than an hour long session at only a half effort .  Keep moving!

5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Workout | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

5. Don’t give up!  Even if you miss a day here or there, or haven’t been consistent at all, that doesn’t mean you have to give up!  Just remember, January may be the start of the new year, but you can start a new healthy lifestyle any day you want to!  Most people give up on their New Years resolutions by February. You got this, don’t let that be you!  Don’t give up!

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Delicious Recipes · Lifestyle

Roasted Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Roasted Broccoli and Cheddar Soup | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Ingredients

  • 1 large bunch broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1 1/2 cups of carrots cubed
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped (I don’t like the flavor of thyme, so I skip this ingredient)
  • 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth or broth of your choice
  • 1 1/2 cups aged cheddar, shredded
  • 1 cup milk (or cream)
  • 1 tablespoon grainy mustard (optional)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Toss the broccoli florets and carrots in the oil along with the salt and pepper, arrange them in a single layer on a large baking sheet and roast in a preheated 400F/200C oven until lightly golden brown, about 20-30 minutes.
  2. Heat the oil in a large sauce pan over medium heat, add the onion and sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and thyme and sauté until fragrant, about a minute.
  4. Add the broth and broccoli, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
  5. Mix in the milk, cheese and mustard, let the cheese melt and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Puree the soup with a hand blender or in a food processor or blender and enjoy!

Another option: If you like a thicker, creamier but healthier soup use pureed white beans instead of the milk or cream.
And still another option: If you don’t care about healthier but like an even tastier soup, start the soup out by cooking 4 strips of bacon,instead of the oil use the grease to cook the vegetables and serve the soup garnished with the crumbled bacon.
And yet another option: Add diced ham. (I love to add ham to this soup! Yum!)

You know I love to use my crock pot!  Here is an option for the slow cooker…
Slow Cooker: Follow above step 1-3, place everything but the milk and cheese in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-10 hours or on high for 2-4 hours. Then mixing in the milk and cheese, letting the cheese melt and then pureeing the soup.

So delicious! Enjoy!

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