I don't wanna grow up!

If anyone knows me they know my love for all things Disney. I get asked all the time, “Why?!”, I get the looks, and stares of disbelief. Yes, I am 33 years old and yes, I love Disney! I especially love Walt Disney World. I love the sights, the sounds, and yes, this will sound crazy but, even the smells. There is nothing like walking into the Magic Kingdom and seeing the castle. My cares, worries of everyday life just, wash away.

I'll never forget the first time I visited the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. I have never forgotten that experience and I want to share that with others. I have since then taken my family. I love seeing my daughters face light up every time she meets one of her favorite characters.

Not only do I have a love for Walt Disney World but, also Disney movies. We just recently saw Monster's University (at our all time favorite summer spot at the local Drive-in). The jokes are kid and adult friendly. The Disney truly makes those movies come alive! In the world we live in today, with violence and sadness, we all need to step back and forget about life, even for just a second. I believe that’s what Disney helps us all do, at times.

So if you're one of the many out there that raise your brows at others who love all things Disney, I leave you with one of Walt's quotes:

FYI- Thru July 31^st get free Dining with 5night/6day select resort stays September 2 through September 25, 2013!

Summertime + Grilling!!

Happy summer!

I've noticed now that the weather is warmer, I tend to become a little more of a foodie. I love grilling and going out to eat. Here in Lexington, we don't have many options for “real” good food on a budget. So we tend to stay in for most meals. I've been playing around with some ingredients for a good steak marinade. I believe I have struck the proverbial GOLD! I'm terrible about following recipes, I am notoriously known for throwing things in a pot with a pinch and dash of this and that.

So what's my golden recipe you ask? Let me start by saying, balsamic vinegar is key. You also want to start with a good cut of steak, Angus of course (it retains the marinade the best). Rib-eye or my new favorite top loin (in non-fancy meat terms New York Strip) I had to look that one up haha. I'm usually cooking for just the hubby and I, little one is a recent vegetarian. So here's what you'll need:

4 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp thinly sliced garlic

1 tbsp minced garlic

olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

So very simple, and very few ingredients. Like I said, with cooking you don't always need exact measurements. Have fun with it and experiment!

What I do is, I put the steaks in a glass container. I like to use a corningware casserole dish. Place the steaks side by side. I use a fork to “prick” the meat so it will absorb the marinade. I then make little slices in the steaks, big enough so I can put the slivers of garlic in the slits. Next sprinkle on the salt and pepper to both sides. Then drizzle on the balsamic and olive oil, now I leave this up to you. I really LOVE olive oil and balsamic so I use quite a bit! So use at your own taste. Make sure both sides a evenly disbursed. Lastly cover in the minced garlic, again on both sides. What I like to do is prepare this about 40 minutes prior to grilling, I usually cover in plastic wrap and sit at room temperature. I have also left in the fridge overnight.

I do have the luxury of having a husband that worked in a restaurant kitchen, so I let him do the grilling. Serve with fresh summer veggies from a local farmers market. Make sure to grill to your liking, and enjoy!

Get out you're shotglasses...for...wait, what?!

The sun, the warmth, the summer fun has begun! So we need to make sure to protect our skin.



So let's get out our shot glasses. Wait?! What?! Not for drinking but for measuring. A shot glass amount of sunscreen will do your body good. Squeeze out an ounce. That will keep you protected. You need a sheer amount, no need to go out looking like a ghost. Make sure to put sunscreen (SPF30) on 15 to 30 minutes before going out. This gives the sunscreen enough time to be absorbed into your skin and offer you ultimate protection. Apply it all over.  Put it on after your shower so you get it everywhere.  Reapply every two hours if you are outside, every 30 minutes if you're sweating or swimming, even if the label says it's waterproof.

Also, let's not forget our furry friends. Like us, pets should have sunblock applied tips of ears, nose and belly. Cats love to sunbathe and some dogs will too, belly up. Be careful though. make sure you are using a pet friendly sunscreen. Sunscreen for babies will do just fine for our fur babies. Just make sure it's dry before licking! As always Please consult with your veterinarian prior to using any human products or medications on your pet.

Wishing you safe summer fun,
Amber

5 tips to healthy beautiful skin.

It seems with our busy schedules and hectic lives we forget the simple things, like taking care of our bodies, skin, and over all health. So here are 5 easy tips to help with everyday skincare...

Always wear sunscreen with at least a  SPF15 or higher (30 is recommended) to avoid premature aging and sun damage. The easiest way to do this is to use moisturizer and/or foundation with built in SPF.

Don't forget to moisturize! There are so many moisturizers on the market your skin type. Use moisturizer during the day that can go under your makeup, and don't forget to reapply at night while you sleep, when skin is more absorbent. To lock in the moisture, make sure to apply it while skin is still damp.

Let's not forget one of the simplest daily routines, drinking water. Water hydrates skin and cleans out harmful toxins. Drink the recommend 8 glasses of 8oz per day. Dehydrated skin has a tendency to look worn and lined, whereas hydrated skin looks vibrant and healthy.
 Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. These are high in antioxidants and help provide protection against the environment.

Last but not least, a good nights sleep. When you are in your deepest stage of sleep, cell and tissue repair begins. Limited or restless sleep cuts into this restorative process. To attain a good night's sleep, try doing something that relaxes you, whether it be listening to relaxing music, reading a book, or taking a warm bath.

So don't forget to take care of yourself and your skin.

Happy skincare,
Amber

My oh my supersonic glowing skin...

     Ok guys, I am the biggest skeptic out there. Since I first heard of the Clarisonic I was like really?!, what is this thing going to do for me? So I read about them and asked around to see what people thought, read some online reviews ( oh yes, the good and the not so good, yikes!) I thought about buying one, but just couldn't bring myself to.

Ok, I'm going to have to rave about this product a little. (ok, who am I kidding...a lot!)

 So about a month or so ago, my most wonderful hubby surprised me with the Clairsonic PLUS. I was a little bummed that I had to wait 24 hours (I know, right?!) for it to charge. I am very impatient when it comes to that kind of stuff, but never the less I waited. So when I first used it I followed the directions and it has a little timer inside that beeps for each section of the face. (Totally friggin' cool, I know!) It wasn't harsh and I love how the head of it doesn't spin so your hair doesn't get tangled in it. Now at first I will say I was getting a little upset because I was breaking out. I think I was over doing it a little. So I started using it once a day (at the end of the day) with the cleansers it came with. So all of that dirt, oil, and grime came out, and now I have softer, smoother, and glowing skin. Let me tell you, this thing has changed my life! I have pilaris keratosis (the ugly little bumps on the backs of your arms and tops of your legs) That little body brush head that it comes with sloughs those suckers right off! I wish I had taken before and after pics that's the kind of results I was looking for. I am in LOVE!!

So now I'll give you all of the specs and tech talk mumbo jumbo. Straight from the momma's mouth (ok their website teehee) "The Clarisonic PLUS Sonic Skin Cleansing System features three speeds for the face and a body mode for cleansing areas of the body needing extra care and attention. Hard-to-reach areas are even easier to clean with our new Body Brush Extension Handle. Sonic Skin Cleansing improves skin tone, reduces the appearance of pore size and helps skin care products work their best.  The Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth skin. In just 60 seconds, the micro-massage action removes 6X more makeup and 2X more dirt and oil than cleansing with your hands alone. Removing more dirt and oil from your pores also helps products work more effectively."

I am going to keep using the Clarisonic, I'm loving the result and I can see and feel how much healthier my skin looks and feels.

So what are you all waitin' for?!

Have any of you tried Clarisonic? What did you think?

From my glowing skin to yours,
Amber

So it's the weekend!! that means...

So right now I'm in Asheville, NC with my in-laws. So we all know what that means....

     DING DING DING!!! Yep, you guessed it, it's drink time!! So what a better place to share my recipe of my favorite anytime, but especially summer time drink! Now before I post my recipe, I don't have a name for it. So if you guys have any suggestion, I'd love to hear them.

Anywhosie...

Here's what you'll need:

One VERY LARGE GLASS (I prefer glass, but you can use a plastic cup, if you plan on drinking a few too many ;) )

Enough ice to fill your glass. ( I fill mine up to the top, but some like less)

A shot glass, but you can also eyeball it if you'd like ;)

Spiced rum, I use Kraken.

Orange Juice ('cause you need those antioxidants and vitamin C!)

Pineapple Juice

A lime

A straw or a fancy umbrella if you have one!

So first find your perfect glass or cup. Fill it with ice. Use one shot glass (most are 1 1/2 oz) of your spiced rum. 1 cup o.j. 1/2 cup of pineapple juice and a squeeze of lime. Stir and enjoy!

My hubby and I have used this recipe in many variations, so feel free to play around with it.

Have a great weekend guys, and safe and happy sippin'!

Uh oh...What's your skin care no no?

Mine, (I'm so embarrassed to say aloud and even type it) is not washing my makeup off at night. I don't always do this, but it does happen.

     Ohhh, how many times have we stayed up late working or studying or come home late from partying, knowing that we should wash our face before bed, but we’re just too tired and lazy to? Our skin is also exposed to oil, dirt, and even pollution. So it's even more important to wash your face in the evenings. Your skin needs to breathe when you go to sleep, but if it is covered in a thick layer of makeup, it can’t, right?? Leaving makeup can only lead to more inflammation that can generate free radicals and collagen breakdown. And just how many of us want to lose more collagen?!

 Not only the skin gets affected by this process of neglect. How many of us wear mascara? How many of us don't do the best job of removing it? The eyes are the most sensitive yet most neglected in make up removal. Mascara makes eyelashes firm and inflexible. So, if you rub your eyes when asleep, you can break them easily. Do we really need to lose more lashes? I know I sure don't.

So girls let's make sure to wash those faces!!