Addicted to Diet Soda?

Cracking open a can of diet soda instead of regular pop? As this may seem like a good idea at first, but research continues to show an alarming truth between diet soda consumption and weight gain. Though the sweet, bubbly drinks may taste good, they're certainly not good for your body. Diet sodas may not have the sugar or calories of regular soda, but it's filled with other health-draining chemicals, including caffeine, artificial sweeteners, sodium, and phosphoric acid. Also don't forget to click on the links down below for more info.
 
Ask the Diet Doctor: Can Diet Soda Make You Fat?

1. Change your attitude! It's normal to believe that consuming a can of diet soda, instead of regular soda, will shave calories off your daily intake, but that kind of mentality will get you in trouble.


The Worst Drinks for Your Body
 
2. Search for caffeine substitution. You're craving caffeine and all you can think is that delicious soda but go for the diet so you won't feel guilty. But rather than sip on something bind with hard-to-pronounce artificial sweeteners, explore other energizing options. Turn to green tea, fruit smoothies, or a variety of other healthy creative alternatives to pump you up through the afternoon.
 
15 Creative Alternatives to Coffee

3. Get your buzz elsewhere. It's a bubbly buzz and sweet flavor, soda makes your lips trimle for the taste to come. We get it. But you can trick your mind and taste buds into thinking the same thing about different drinks such as sugar-free fruit beverages, sparkling water or just plain water.
   
4. H2O is the way to go. Though diet soda doesn't cause dehydration, those who habitually consume it tend to use it as a replacement for plain water. Try to keep a refillable water bottle handy at all times and take a long gulp before you drink anything else.  Water it's calorie-free, caffeine-free, inexpensive, and readily available.
 
5. Cold turkey! If you're a diet soda lover or even a regular soda lover, it won't be easy to swear off the pop right away. Detach yourself off slowly and be prepared for withdrawal symptoms. It WILL get easier over time. In fact, you may soon find that you prefer other, healthier drinks. I'm still having problems detaching myself completely but it has been better.

Greek Yogurt Anyone?

New Year's is around the corner and I'm sure all are wondering what would you be wearing, where would you be going but lastly what would your New Year's resolution will be. Like most I make the same one and fail two weeks into it. Eating healthy, working out blah blah blah, so I decided to change it up this year and start my resolution this week. Why wait after the holidays I might as well get into the habit now. Plus I have to admit the last couple of days I've been feeling so energetic and I'm sure it has to do a lot with my eating intake. My favorite diet indulgence is snacking on Greek yogurt.

Greek yogurt has become a favorite choice for yogurt lovers across the world, with its ultra-thick texture and protein levels. Wholesome and healthy, this was my first time ever trying and whoa was I surprise of the taste. It's plain alright but the sour taste turned me off right away. After the unpleasant taste I encounter I decided to put some fruit and a trail mix I had with me. I have to admit the taste was much better and knowing I was making a healthy choice made me feel much better. Given the entire buzz surrounding this super-satisfying snack, I decided to find out for myself which brand is the best. I bought three different Greek yogurts and dipped my spoon in these three different companies.

Yoplait Greek: Despite a smooth and light texture and a milder flavor this wasn’t very sour which I did like but despite that it wasn't sour it didn't really taste like Greek yogurt—just a thicker version of regular plain yogurt.

Fage: This rich-tasting, silky-smooth and creamy yogurt had a slightly sour tang to it. Although the sourness was a bit too much it was generally a hit if you add some fruit for a sweeter taste—and the yogurt’s texture made up for the difference. This was one of my favorites out of all three hands down. 

Dannon Greek: A little sour, a little sweet, it had a balanced tanginess and had a fairly creamy consistency. After adding some fruit and trail mix the sour taste was not noticeable at all.

My Week With Marilyn Monroe

I finally went go watch "My Week With Marilyn Monroe" with Sarah. I was so excited because I love Marilyn. I was a bit disappointed only because even though her character was right on point, I didn't like her hair. Yes I noticed it, it had a red tint to it and I wanted to see more of a platinum blonde. Anyways "My Week With Marilyn Monroe" may be an eye-opener to generations too young to remember the allure of Marilyn like me.

It's based on Colin Clark's memoir of a week as third assistant director. Michelle Williams played the role as Marilyn Monroe, she was newly married to intellectual playwright Arthur Miller at the time. Marilyn captured her emotional neediness and her power to entrance on and off screen. I think she played the incoherent part very well as well as the drug abuser side of Marilyn. It was kind of funny to see the scenes where Michelle as Marilyn captured  the heart-breaker and seductress part right on point.

Michelle Williams must surely be nominated again for an Academy Award as Best Actress. As for Eddie Redmayne also did great in the challenging task of playing Clark, a 23-year-old who has to toss up between a relationship with a pretty wardrobe mistress (Emma Watson) and a chance of love with the most famous attractive woman on earth.

Even though I was not crazy in love with the movie I think it's worth seeing. This is a bittersweet story of first love.

Love Birds = Two Birds

I was lounging at home watching David Tutera. He's amazing; he does the most amazing extravagant weddings. One in particular caught my eye because of the bridesmaids' dresses. They can be worn in so many ways, its bandeau friendly and maternity friendly. They have amazing colors, it's also available in four lengths and three different styles: Classic, Rosette, and Two-Toned. To be honestly truthful its a little on the pricey side BUT I think it's well worth the investment. On the plus side it can be worn for different occasions not just bridesmaids dress. I'll post a few photos of Ariane's two birds masterpiece.

Scentsy = Happiness

You can spend minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even months over analyzing a situation; trying to put pieces together, justifying what could have would've happened...or you can just leave the pieces on the floor and move on. Because in 3 words I can sum up everything I know about life: "life goes on". Because the struggles make you stronger, the changes make you wiser, and happiness has it's own way of taking it's sweet time. Life isn't always beautiful but just because I've been having the most terrible days doesn't mean tomorrow won't be the best day of my life. I just have to get there.


Sorry about the depressing start to my post, but I'm still recovering and on that note I'll begin by sharing what makes me smile on these bloomy days. It's Scentsy! The smells are so awesome. I have some favorites and not so favorites after purchasing them.

Of course since I'm new I had to purchase the warmer, and I was happy to see the cutest warmer ever! This cupcake was made perfectly for me. I also recently purchased their Scentsy Travel Tin in Weathered Leather it gives your car a new car smell, a must try.  Anyways they have so many fragrances I couldn't choose so I bought a few that I smelled from some samples. I'll be giving my personal reviews on these bar fragrances down below.

♥ My Dear Watson has a sophisticated fragrance. It's a refreshing minty smell which I liked very much. From reviews I've read this fragrance is adored by new and returning customers.
♥ Luna has a floral but yet manly fragrance. I loved it on the sample but as a fragrance for my bedroom I wasn't crazy over.
♥ Simply Irresistible bar smells like a male cologne and I LOVE it. This happens to be in my top 3 favorites.
♥ Kahiko Hula is a new Scentsy bar and let me tell you I drool over this fragrance. It smells exactly what it sounds like. Reminds me of Hawaii and it's very fruity and believe me I hate fruity smells but this one smells awesome. This surely made the top favorites.
♥ Pima Cotton has a clean smell and OMG I swear this bar has a Gain fragrance. This Scentsy bar will remind you of fresh laundry and I believe it's a must. Top 1 on my favorites.

If you're a Scentsy junkie let me know which one is your favorite...

Our Lady of Guadalupe

The story of Guadalupe began in 1531 in Mexico City, where the Virgin Mary appeared four times to the Indian peasant Juan Diego. Mary told Juan to go to the bishop and ask that a church be built on the hill so she could be close to her people. The bishop doubted and asked Juan for proof. He asked Juan to have a miracle be performed by Mary. Juan returned to the hill and found roses growing where there had only been cactus. Juan wrapped the roses in his cape along with a picture of Mary to show the bishop. The bishop was convinced and the chapel was built in her honor.

Before the Christmas season officially begins on December 16, day when the first Posada takes place, Mexicans join together for festivities of La Virgen de Guadalupe known also as Our Lady of Guadalupe, on December 12. This is one of the most important dates in the Mexican calendar.


On this date, thousands that are faithful to Our Lady of Guadalupe, from all over the country make the most important pilgrimage. As a little girl I remember my relatives going to Mexico to celebrate, many make the trip in bicycle, or walking to the destination where the Virgin Mary is kept. Years ago I can remember my aunt taking the hike and arriving in her needs for sacrifice and sign of devotion and gratitude for a favor received. Many also pin milagros which means miracles near the statue. The small objects are shaped like hearts, arms, or legs, and symbolize the giver's thanks to cure.

This practically takes place everywhere where there is an altar to the Virgin Mary, a special celebration is held on her day. Usually in the past I would get up at the break of dawn to go to church and pray, you would bring your beautiful flowers and candles to put at the altar. Not just me though, by the early hours of the morning, in every niche and cranny of the country, the burst of fire crackers are heard.


In my family we celebrate La Virgen de Guadalupe by having a rosary on behalf of her and have a cookout. As for the kids they are dressed in Juan Diego's outfit. They always look so cute. Now that's fashion ; )

   

15 Beauty Tips

There are endless beauty tips, in the world of beauty to keep you looking great. Below are some tips that I would love to share and if you have any that I did not mention please feel free to share.

1. Always wash your makeup brushes, to fight against potential bacteria and breakouts.

2. Want to get voluminous hair in the morning? Tie your hair into a loose high pony tail. This lifts your hair off the scalp, resulting in more height at the roots.
3.  Manicure with shimmery shades, your manicure will last longer because of the stronger resin.

4. Key to a really good fake tan is to exfoliate correctly before application. It gives a clean, smooth and even base for the product to work properly.
5. Finish your nail lacquer application with a horizontal stroke at the top to seal the polish and prevent chipping.
6. Use a lipstick as a cream blush.
7. Can't seem to hold the volume up in the crown area? Try crimping pieces of you hair underneath and spray hairspray. Let it dry then brush through it as usual.
8. Use two different face cleansers. A heavy duty one in the evening and a milder one in the mornings.

9. To make your lips appear fuller, take a white eyeliner or white eyeshadow and highlight the cupid's bow. I do this all the time in my makeup routine.
10. Have oily skin like me? Well take some napkins and take them apart where you have two small pieces and blot your face with them. It's free and it works just like blotting papers.
11. Run your eyelash curler under hot water or blast it with a dryer before using it to get a curlier result that lasts. Perfect for those night outs where you want to look your best.

12. Mix in a bit of your favorite foundation onto your moisturizer and voila you have tinted moisturizer.

13. If you have fine baby hair, dry shampoo would become your new BFF. Even after washing it spray a bit onto your roots to give a lift that lasts all day.
14. If you get yellow nails after wearing dark lacquers, try scrubbing with a nail brush and whitening toothpaste.
15. My all time favorite beauty tip, is mixing your lotion with a bit of olive oil or baby oil for baby soft an all over soft sheen.

Sweet Tooth

I am a little obsessed with peppermint or anything minty. I believe everyone has their favorite foods, snacks and etc. and mine happens to be anything with mint.

Anyways guys I was doing some browsing through Pinterest and found a recipe from Glorious Treats for chocolate peppermint cupcakes. I tweaked the recipe to fit my taste but I also didn't make my chocolate cupcakes from scratch like she did. I also found a recipe for Peppermint Popcorn from Plain Chicken. Hope ya'll enjoy the recipes.

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

Ingredients

Cupcakes

♥ 1 box of Betty Crocker Super Moist devil's food cake mix

water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box

♥ 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract

♥ 1/2 tsp of peppermint extract

Directions

Line muffin tin with paper liners. Heat oven to 350F.

♥ In a large bowl, stir together cake mix with all ingredients.

♥ Fill liners 2/3 full with batter.  

♥ Bake cupcakes for approximately 18-23 minutes.

♥ Let them cool completely before frosting.

Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

1 bottle of red food coloring

1 contanier Betty Crocker whipped cream cheese frosting

1 tsp peppermint extract

1/2 tsp of vanilla extract

crushed peppermints is optional to sprinkle on top

Directions

♥ Blend cream cheese for 30 seconds.

♥ Add vanilla and peppermint extracts.

♥ Beat until fluffy

♥ Before filling a large piping bag with frosting, add some red food coloring to a toothpick, and draw two vertical lines with the red dye on the inside of the piping bag. Then carefully fill the piping bag with frosting.  Squeeze some frosting into a bowl until you begin to see the red stripe, then frost the cupcakes. 

♥ Optional top frosting with crushed peppermint candy canes

 Hapiness is Homemade

A Taste Of Christmas

I know maybe everyone has put their Christmas tree up because I know I have, but if you have not or need some inspiration for this year or even next year I'll leave you with some photos. I have to admit I'm not a big holiday person and I don't know if is because I've never actually celebrated it because of work or just bad experiences in the past but I love decorating and any excuse is good. If anybody knows me we they should know I'm obsessed with peppermint and that is my current decor at home now. I LOVE white Christmas trees but I'm yet to convinced my mom to get one, maybe next year. Hope ya'll enjoy.

Here's my son's small Christmas tree in his playroom and my all time Christmas obsession : )

Sweet Peppermint

I'm so happy on how our peppermint Christmas tree came out. I know that if it was a white tree the red will pop beautifully.

Whimsical Decor

You're big on tradition? No problema you can bring some whimsy into your Christmas decor, try decorating a second tree in your child's playroom. I'm actually thinking of buying my son a small one for his room and let him decorate it.For this whimsical Christmas tree with colorful, bold ornaments and sock monkeys for a playful look. The colors and toy ornaments blend well into a kid's room.

Sweet Ornaments

When I saw this photo I almost died of happiness. It's so beautiful and is a white tree which is perfect. Candy canes are a popular holiday treat. Here they chose a white tree to create a strong background for the candy-cane ornaments. The red berry tree topper enhances the bold red ornaments.

Rustic Repurposing

Decorating a tree with household items for a vintage look works well too. The garland is made with white strips of bed sheets. A galvanized tub sits at the tree's base, and vintage license plates and wooden ornaments bring a rustic look. Hanging burlap sacks instead of traditional stockings completes this rustic look.

Wild Wild West

Who said Christmas trees are only for the living area? Decorate a small tree to complement your kids themed room. All these ornaments give it a Western look.

O Christmas Tree

Decorating your tree with red and gold decor brings an elegant touch. The red tree makes a bold statement, while the musical-note ornaments are a indication to Christmas carols.


Blooming Design

Visit your local craft store for a variety of silk flowers, like garden roses, hydrangeas and magnolias. Scatter the flowers throughout the branches and then top the tree with richly textured ribbon and a few well-placed ornaments for a high-end designer look.

Perfectly Natural

Celebrate the winter season with a nature-inspired Christmas tree. Mix in a variety of pinecones, leaves and birds throughout the branches, as well as a few metallic elements to add interest and sparkle. Plus these colors look so good and complement each other very well.

Bring Out the Color

Even if you don't embrace color in your everyday decorating, Christmas is the one time a year you can go overboard. Search for ornaments in bold red, blues and greens and pair them with metallics, like silver and gold. I actually do like this very much only because color is outside my comfort zone and this would be the only time I could pull it off.

Truly Patriotic

Deck out your tree in America's hues: red, white and blue. In 2008, the White House's East Room featured this beautiful evergreen full of glass ornaments in the nation's favorite colors. Show your true Patriotic spirit and go for something new.

Match Your Decor

Whether your home is traditional, shabby chic or contemporary, find a tree and ornaments that fit into your design. Did I mention how bad I would like to have a white tree? In this photo they dressed a white tree with vintage ornaments to complement the shabby chic living room and I LOVE the color combo. I've always wanted to try these colors.

Remember When...

Many people like to collect ornaments. Many collect ornaments on vacations, during major life events and when you or your children participate in hobbies and sports. Each Christmas you'll be reminded of your family's adventures and favorite memories. This Christmas tree is the perfect example for all those beautiful memories you like to keep on this holiday.


Classic Meets Mod

Mix trendy with the traditional. Classic red and gold ribbons and elegant flowers contrast well with feathers and contemporary large Christmas lights. I'm not a traditional kind of gal but mixing both together can be a good compromise for those couples that just can't decide.

Copper and Teal Color Combo

One of the hottest new color palettes is copper and teal, which is an update on the chocolate and robin's egg blue from the past few years.
Tip:When using larger ornaments, place them deeper into the tree so that the color radiates from the center. Pay attention to placement. If you're eyeing some special ornaments this season, you don't have to buy a lot of them. By placing them in the front, your guests will never know you only have a few.

Fa La La La

Eye Candy

You have to love Hollywood for the generous eye candy! Here’s my tribute to the 15 hottest celebrity men and women to lust over. It’s practically impossible to include everyone’s favorites, but I tried.


Seriously, what would we do without the men who are as much a part of our fantasies as they are of reality?

1. David Beckham transforms most of us into giggly teens. Being that he's an athlete and looks like he does. Brownie points for being a good father and one of the hottest.
2. Paul Walker is a handsome fellow especially when he’s sporting a stubble, gorgeous blue eyes, a lean body and the fact that he makes street racing hotter.
3. Alexander Skarsgard is one of the hottest vampires ever! I wouldn't mind his teeth sinking into my neck from this Swedish actor. He's been voted Sweden's sexiest man FIVE times and I don't disagree.
4. Justin Timberlake came from N Sync from being a teen idol to becoming a good eye candy who can sing, dance, and act. 
5. Ryan Gosling I think is so freaking gorgeous and he is super talented. Plus I never get tired of watching "The Notebook" I wish I was the one being picked up by him in those strong arms.
6. James Franco and those curly locks of him and oh-so-fine face! He's an awesome actor, painter and aspiring writer. He is also about to teach a third-year graduate class at NYU’s School of the Arts.
7. Will Smith is one of Hollywood’s sexiest fathers. He ages very well and he's a huge goofball which is good in a man sometimes.
8. Jay Hernandez subsequently hit success with his role opposite Kirsten Dunst in "Crazy Beautiful". He is also one of my favorite Latin actors : )
9. Jose Antonio Dominguez Banderas better known as Antonio Banderas, is a Spanish film actor, film director, film producer and singer. I can never get enough of him for sure.
10. William Levy is a hot Cuban-American actor. He was first signed by Next Models, and later participated in two shows transmitted by Telemundo.
11. Eric Bana has incredible looks and a racing car enthusiasm : )
12. Shia Labeouf  he may not fit my usual definition of hot but there’s definitely something about his boyish looks and nerdy charm that makes girls swoon.
13. Milio Ventimiglia he’s the quiet and has a mysterious side that sort of drives the girls wild. Plus who's not a sucker fot super-heroes with powers.
14. Hayden Christensen has some captivating eyes and has the cutest grin that I can't get out of my head.
15. Brad Pitt he’s Brad Pitt! That smile of his, those eyes, that body! Plus, he’s a phenomenal actor, a great father, and he’s got a wicked sense of humor.

I'll continue this for the gentlemen. Ah, sexy women… Whether you love them, hate them or envy them for their perfection, you can’t deny that the world of glitz and glamour would be rather dull without the magic that these sexy women exist. Now for the top 15 hottest females according to me...haha

1. Charlize Theron her lips, her eyes, her cheekbones, her talent, and her body. She’s also incredibly smart, and few can resist her real accent, which comes courtesy of South Africa!
2. Adriana Lima her curves and those pouty lips that drive men crazy. She's an Angel from walking Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows. She is married to Marko Jaric and has a beautiful little girl.
3. Rosie Huntigton-Whiteley  she is one hot Victoria Secret model that now has move into acting, you might remember her from "Transformers".
4. Jessica Biel her gorgeous eyes and killer cheekbones. She's been on and off with the hottie Justin Timberlake.
5. Salma Hayek has the cutest accent, luscious skin tone and that thick hair we all women envy. I love her in the film "Bandidas" with Penelope Cruz as well.
6. Halle Berry has the brightest smile, awesome body and let me mention she ages very well. No matter how many years go by her beauty and grace, she seems to be the hottest women in the world.
7. Zoe Saldana has beautiful skin and eyes. She has big talent and is Latin. Her father is Dominican and mother from Puerto Rico. For all the nerds yes she was in Star Trek but I love her in the film "Colombiana"
8. Miranda Kerr has the cutest Australian accent but besides being a bombshell she is the cutest thing ever. She also has the cutest dimples I've ever seen. She recently had a baby boy that is so adorable you just want to pinch his cheeks.
9. Eva Mendes this women is hot all over! Her curves to those gorgeous dark eyes.
10. Penelope Cruz besides her cute accent she has a bangin' body, charming sense of humor. Her generosity makes her sexy as well. She had a few lovers but Javier Bardem stole her heart; the two married and had their first child.
11. Natalie Portman she’s smart and beautiful. Her pronounced cheekbones and ALL assets as well. She's been in "No String Attached" and her big break in "Black Swan"
12. Scarlett Johansen everything about this girl is sexy. She's got a beautiful face, flawless skin, pouty lips, gorgeous body and is amazingly talented.
13. Mila Kunis from her sense of humor to her full lips, gorgeous smile, flashing eyes, and adorable body, this girl is gorgeous from head to toe, inside and out!
14. Leighton Meester while we know her and love her from her portrayal Blair Waldorf, on Gossip Girl. Did you know that her parents were in jail for drug trafficking when she was born. Leighton has come a long way don't you think?
15. Kate Beckinsale she’s got a beautiful smile and her talents starring in "Underworld" She is one hot vampire.

I can’t say anything else, but phew! These are some seriously hot women and now I need to go look into the mirror and sulk! Hope that both ladies and gentlemen like the post. Please feel free to leave your comments and tell me which of these hotties are your favorites.