Opera Singer in the Kitchen

Artistry in Food, Music, and Life

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    Younique: Quality Beauty Products + Giveaway

    August 7th, 2014


    It is no secret that my friends know I like beauty products, well maybe scratch that. Maybe my neighbor and my husband know that I like beauty products but I am very specific in what I wear because I have sensitive skin. A few months ago I learned about a company called Younique and that my friend had started selling the their beauty products as an independent consultant. I was intrigued to see how it would for me so she sent me a few products to try.


    When I am in a hurry I usually find myself only wearing some blush, mascara and lipstick and nothing else because as a mother of two, we are always on the go. I keep a set in my purse and in my bathroom just to have those options for a quick exit. As I perused Deanna’s online catalog I looked at my options especially for my olive complexion. I chose to go with the shade called Seductive. With a name like that I hoped to look at least presentable. Amusing, I know.

    Even though I sometimes wear concealer or powder, I tried the blush with concealer once and one time without it. I liked it on me both ways, which was great because concealer usually would not happen on a weekly base. How do you think it looks?


    The blushes are all mineral-based and 100% natural, chemical free, free of talc, oils, preservatives, perfumes, synthetic dyes, and parabens. What a plus for me! In addition to the color I chose the loose blushers come in 4 other 
    colors.


    I also had a chance to try the awesome Moonstruck 3D Fiber lashes that I had heard others talk about and BOY do they make a difference. My lashes were enhanced! I don’t have to look fabulous for a date night or a girls night out, but I can now have a quick vampy look on a weekday basis. 

    Let me show you what my lashes looked like before I tried the 3D lashes.


    What a HUGE difference. It lasts all day because it is sealed with my own mascara plus the transplanting gel and then with the fiber lashes. I was skeptical as to how it would all work but once I got the hang of the process, it was quick to do the next few times. I am definitely sold.The fibers are made up of 100% natural green tea fibers so nothing strange going on your eyelashes.


    Want a chance to try these? One US reader will get a chance to WIN their own 3D lashes to try at home. Another US reader will get a chance to win the Awake Facial Cleanser.

    Go and check out Deanna’s online store and see what else intrigues you. The Rose Water and the lip glosses look like my next test products! Good luck! 

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    Gluten-Free Wild Salmon Patties and Green Salad

    August 6th, 2014

    Have you had your fill of salads this summer? Even though the weather has not been consistently warm in our neck of the woods we have been trying to salads as our main meals. My husband and I agreed at one point last week that we have not been eating as much fish as we had last year so I decided to change that up.

    I am big about not preparing separate meals for the girls so I really try to make something that the girls will enjoy especially with some sort of dipping sauce. The girls know what a dipping sauce is and enjoy having something on the side so I decided to make some quick salmon patties using canned Wild Alaska Pink Salmon. Even though I would like to use fresh fish I have been trying to use quick pantry items for quick weeknight meals.


    I was able to make these patties gluten-free by mixing coconut flour as the binding agent along with some eggs. The flavors were amazing especially since I added a new seasoning called Sunny Paris Salt-Free Seasoning from The Spice House. What was in this special seasoning?  Freeze-dried shallots, ground Mysore green peppercorns, dill weed, freeze-dried scallions, French basil, French tarragon, French chervil, and finely minced parsley flakes. While you could substitute any spices you like close to this mix you should really get your hands on this gourmet mix. If gave these salmon patties some pizzazz!


    While my oldest daughter enjoyed the patties the youngest was not so excited but I attributed it to teething because I know she is a great eater. While I served it to the girls with a side of pasta and veggies I made ours to go with a large salad. You can use any salad mix but I would recommend a mix of arugula and romaine with chopped English cucumbers, fresh corn, red onions and chopped tomatoes tossed lightly with Ranch dressing. 


    Have you ever made salmon patties? What is your quickest pantry meal on a weekday?

    Gluten-Free Wild Salmon Patties and Green Salad

    by Noelle Kelly
    Prep Time: 20min
    Cook Time: 40 min

    Ingredients (16 patties)

      Salmon Patties

      • Two – 14-ounce cans Bumble Bee Wild Alaska Pink Salmon
      • 1/3 cup coconut flour
      • 2 eggs
      • 1 1/2 Tablespoon Sunny Paris Seasoning
      • (see below for substitution)
      • 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
      • 2 garlic cloves, minced
      • 3 Tablespoons coconut oil

      Green Salad

      • (for 2 people or 2 portions)
      • 2 cups fresh arugula
      • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
      • 1 cup English cucumber, chopped
      • 1 tomato, chopped
      • 1/2 cup corn kernels, canned and drained
      • 1/2 cup whole Kalamata olives

      Ranch dressing

      • or 
      • Lemon and Olive Oil Vinaigrette
      Instructions

      Salmon Patties

      Empty salmon into medium mixing bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients into the bowl and mix until blended well. Using a 1/4 cup measuring spoon, scoop fish and form into patties until you have 16 patties.

      Heat a non-stick pan on medium-high heat. Cook the patties 7 minutes on each side. They will look golden brown. Flip gently.

      *spice sub* 1 tsp crushed black pepper, 3 Tablespoons parsley, dried – 3 Tablespoons shallots, chopped – 1 Tablespoon chervil or green onion, chopped- 1/2 teaspoon dill

      Serve 2-4 patties on top of salad.

      Salad

      Gather all salad ingredients and toss in a salad bowl. Toss with desired salad dressing and serve on 2 plates. Add patties on top.
      Powered by Recipage

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      Mason Entertaining with Aladdin Products {Giveaway}

      August 5th, 2014
      Disclosure: I was sent a Summer Entertaining kit to review. All opinions are my own.


      Our family enjoys entertaining guests and while we have not entertained as much this summer we know that we can continue throughout the year. When we entertain we decide to have families over that we do not know too well to get a chance to know them. Even though I feel like the habit or joy of entertaining has almost gone out of style, my husband and I think it is essential for us.


      The last few times we have had people over I have been able to use the Limited Edition Mason Party Kit by Aladdin which came out this summer that includes the following:
          • 2.5-quart Classic Mason Pitcher
          • 20oz Insulated Mason Tumbler
          • Four 16oz Straws
          • 1 x Shaker Lid (fits on the 20oz Tumbler) 
          •  4 x 16oz Mason Cups 

       
      On one occasion I made margaritas for friends and on another we made a lovely sangria that was super tasty. The set made the informal gathering very cute and fun. While mason jars are fun to use, these are all made of durable and BPA free plastic that do not crack, break or stain. So cool!


      I like the durable straws and the fact that once the straws are in place with the lids, there is no way my kids can take the straws out because there is a wider portion of the straw that prevents it. Score!

      While I enjoy making drinks or pitchers of delicious herbal teas for our family we also enjoy smoothies and have been enjoying them in the insulated mason tumbler. The girls have been using the smaller cups and my oldest has been enjoying the colorful cups.


      The lovely folks at Aladdin have been generous to offer one of my readers a chance to win their own party kit to use for the rest of the summer. If you do not want to wait, they have a a great promotion going on:


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      Chiquita Snack Bites Review + Giveaway #ChiquitaMomsRule

      August 4th, 2014
      Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the manufacturer.  I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog.  My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the manufacturer of the product.


      I am always looking for new snacks or snacks that are healthy and quick to pick up. There are just some days I just want to grab and go when we are heading to the park or to a play date.

      My girls are always asking for a snack and so these apple snacks were a delightful surprise ready to give to my girls after their naps or when on outings. One of the favorite bags were the apple slices with the caramel sauce. It was definitely considered a special treat for my girls.

      My youngest liked the small bags of apple slices and grapes combination just for the grapes but I explained that it was the full combo! Chiquita snacks also packages larger bags of apples for separate recipes. I dipped some in peanut butter or chocolate tahini butter, making them a perfect afternoon snack. Here is an example of a fun recipe:


      These would be good for any kid! Of course, these would not last in my home at all! I am just glad I get to try the carrots with ranch next! Why not have healthy treats for your kids? I am glad we have the option to have these in our fridge.



      Chiquita Bites are available in convenient sizes, including single-serve bags, multipacks and family packs. They’re great for lunches, salads, recipes and sharing!

      • Washed and ready to eat 
      • 30-80 calories per serving 
      • A half-cup of fruit or vegetables per serving
      • A great source of nutrition

      For more nutritional information visit us at: 
      http://www.chiquita.com/Products/Healthy-Snacks/Chiquita-Bites.aspx

      How about helpful tips for making the process of going back to school easier? Here are some tips for getting back to school:

      1. Reintroduce a school year bedtime now to help make mornings easier when school starts again. Each night have your kids go to bed 15 minutes earlier until you’ve reached their school year bedtime.

      2. Promote healthy snacking by keeping pre-portioned snacks easily accessible for your little one – keep fruits, veggies and lunch meat in snack portion baggies on a low shelf in the fridge.

      3. Get organized for the school year by clearing out a small space to dedicate to backpacks, jackets and other school gear.

      4. Cookie cutters are a simple way to spice up lunch or snack time!

      5. Prepare your kids for the mental demands of the school year by incorporating “pop quizzes” throughout the day. Have them spell “banana” as they eat their snack!

      6. Toothpicks make perfect bite-size skewers – they’re easy to eat and your kids will love them! Stack various fruits, cheeses and veggies for a convenient, fun lunch.

      7. Beat homework blues by designating a special area for homework, make sure it’s quite and stocked with all the supplies your little students may need.

      8. Take a minute to surprise your son or daughter with a fun note in their lunch. They’re great for lunches, salads, recipes and sharing!


      Chiquita is running a Moms Rule Back to School Contest currently running on Facebook. Participants may enter for a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree and a year’s worth of Chiquita Bites by commenting on the page with a tip or trick that has made getting ready for school easier. For official contest rules, click here.

      And in addition to the giveaway on Facebook there is a giveaway for all my readers. There is a Thirty One bag available to one US reader thanks to Chiquita. Enter below!

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      August series: Buy Theirs, Get Ours Free Challenge at Giant Food + Giveaway

      August 1st, 2014
      Disclosure: This is a sponsored post through GIANT. All opinions are my own.

      Earlier last month I posted Giant Food Stores Challenge for summer featuring their store brand. Did you enter? Did you check out the deals? Well here is another chance for you to try their brands and at the same time get brand name products for free to test the difference.

      In time for summer travel, products included in the summer’s Buy Theirs, Get Ours Free promotion are lunch meats, snacks and more! On average, customers can expect to save 10-35% by purchasing GIANT’s Own Brands instead of the national brand. For customers who may want to try before they buy, GIANT stores will sample select Own Brands products in-store on weekends.


      Week of July 27th – August 2nd 2014
      • Buy Velveeta Shells & Cheese ( 12 oz.), get GIANT Brand Shells & Cheese (12 oz.) FREE
      • Buy Juicy Juice (64 oz.), get GIANT Brand 100% Juice (64 oz.) FREE
      • Buy Goldfish Crackers (6.6 oz.) , Get GIANT Brand Penguin Crackers (6.6 oz.) FREE
      • Buy Kleenex (80 ct) , Get GIANT Brand Tissues (80 ct) FREE
      Week of August 3rd – August 9th 2014
      • Buy Perdue Fully Cooked Chicken Nuggets or Patties (28.8 – 29 oz.), get GIANT Brand Frozen Breaded Chicken (32 oz.) FREE
      • Buy Cheez-Its (9.7 – 13 oz), get GIANT Brand Cheese Squares (11.5 – 13.7 oz.) FREE
      • Buy Kellogg’s Corn Flakes (18 oz.) , get GIANT Brand Corn Flakes (18 oz.) FREE
      • Buy Listerine mouthwash (33.8 oz.) , get GIANT Brand Mouthwash (33.8 oz.) FREE

      All GIANT Own Brand products are subject to a rigorous testing program, which includes customer feedback to ensure that the grocer is consistently delivering quality and value.


      Check out this neat little recipe using one of their deals!


      While a lot of the products offered are not ones we usually eat, we tried other product offerings that would save us money. How about entering to win a gift card?
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