That's All Folks!!

After almost two years of writing this blog, I've decided to stop.  Please visit Novel d'Tales for more information and where to find me now!

World Elephant Day!!!!

Today is World Elephant Day - my favorite *holiday* of the entire year.  Elephants are by far my favorite non-domestic animal (although I love all animals).  To celebrate today.. here are my favorite elephant pics!

The gorgeous Willy form the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Cleveland, OH. My little sister took this one!

It was dinner time at the Cleveland Zoo when we too this one. Female #1.

Such a gorgeous elephant. The second female at the Cleveland Zoo.

Female #1 again. She's more of a taupe instead of grey. Love it!

Scotty! This was taken at his first birthday party in Cleveland. He was so tiny!

Elephant sculpture at the Cleveland zoo. They had several, but this was my fav.

Last but not least, the pink elephant cake I made for my 20th birthday.  This was take right after I finished, so the cake *fleas* weren't removed yet. haha! Not too bad for only 1 batch of frosting, 2 - 8in cake rounds and some black food gel!

Now, go hug an elephant!!

Happy World Elephant Day!

Updates!

So after realizing my harddrive on my *new* laptop is just done...(sigh) I'm back to using my old, but ever faithful laptop.  Let the mischief rebegin! haha

I've been testing out some organic products for a while now (three weeks ish..?) and have found my favorites.

Raw Cacao Powder
Coconut Sugar
Coconut Flour

The coconut flour isn't very easy to use, but I like the challenge.  It can absorb a ton more moisture than regular all purpose flour (or wheat flour).  BUT it made phenomenal dog treats!  My dachshund prefers homemade treats to store bought, especially the new recipe we made.  I haven't perfected it yet, I try to remember and share when I do.. but here is the general idea.

Apple Dog Treats:
Coconut Flour
Eggs (yolks and whole)
Sugar free apple sauce (I made my own)
Apple - cubed and peeled

Basically, I just took a whole cup of the flour, added about two cups of apple sauce, one yolk and two whole eggs then just threw in a bunch of apple chunks.  There was no exact science when I made it, but they came out well!  I chilled the dough for about an hour, then rolled it, cut it out into "bone" shapes and baked at 325*F until very light in color.  These were crunchy, healthy treats that Yosuke loved!  We still have plenty left as he only gets 2-3 treats per day.

I'm really excited to try out coconut flour for baking with "human" treats, but haven't had a chance yet.  Has anyone tried it before?  Happy Update Day!

Experimenting Update: Chocolate Fun!

Decided today I would pamper myself with a chocolate facial, scrub and hair mask. mmm... chocolately goodness.

Chocolate Facial - tightens and cleanses pores (and smells so good!)

Milk (2 to 4 Tbsp)

Raw Cacao Powder (2 to 4 Tbsp)

Mix the milk into the cacao powder until it forms a paste.  I used 4 Tbsp of each.  Brush onto your clean, dry skin.  Relax for 15 minutes or until mostly dry.  Rinse with warm water, pat dry face and apply moisturizer.  Your skin will feel tighter and your pores will be completely cleaned!

Chocolate Scrub - exfoliates and tightens

Raw Sugar (I used coconut sugar)

Raw Cacao Powder

Honey or Oil

Mix all ingredients together. Smooth over skin in circular motions.  Rinse with warm water.  Pat dry and apply lotion.

Chocolate Hair Mask - This is for dark hair only!  It will darken you're hair a teensy bit.

Raw Cacao Powder - 4-6 Tbsp

Natural, Sugar Free Vanilla Yogurt - 4-6 Tbsp

Honey - 1-2 Tbsp

Mix all ingredients together.  Section hair into four sections (six if you have thick hair).  Smooth into hair from root to tip as evenly as possible.  I used a wide tooth comb for help.  Let sit for 15 to 30 minutes.  The longer you let it sit, the darker your hair will be.  

My hair is just at my collar bones, so I used 4 Tbsp of cacao and yogurt plus 1 Tbsp honey.  You may need to make more for longer hair.  I let mine sit for 20 minutes.  I have medium brown hair with a blonde tone (not dyed).  It darkened it slightly, but wasn't very noticeable.  I love how it made my hair feel and smell though!

Happy Chocolate Day!

Experimenting Update: Chia Seeds

So I've been trying to incorporate the chia seeds every day (sometimes twice a day) into my diet.  My fav way of using them so far is in my water at work.  I work in retail, talk to people ALL day so I drink a ton of water.  I've been adding about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of seeds to 16 oz of water.  The seeds soak up the water super fast, and get bloaty like tapioca pearls.  If you use too many (which I've totally done...) then it's a tad weird to drink... all gooey and gelatinous... blech!

Anywayysss... I really like these!  They make me feel full-er without eating so I can go longer between meals if needed (do not recommend, but helpful if you're mega busy).  They help my stomach feel better if it's a little off that day AND add extra fiber to my diet...which is always good.

Try them! :)

I have added them to food too - salad, pizza, cheese and egg sandwich, ice cream... - barely even noticed they were there because they are SO tiny!  Happy Chia Day!

Experiment: Homemade Hot Chocolate!

Another experiment! muahahahahahahahaha!

Grab your fav mug... lets make some super yummy homemade hot chocolate.  Sure to melt away every ounce of stress, sad faces or unhappiness.

What you'll need:
2 Tbsp. Viva Labs Raw Cacao Powder
1-2 Tbsp. Viva Labs Raw Coconut Sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
1 Cup or 1 mug full of milk
Small sauce pan
Stove
Whisk

1. Measure out the milk using your fav mug.  I like giant cups of hot cocoa, so I opted for a HUGE mug.
2. Pour the milk into the sauce pan, add the sugar and vanilla.
3. Turn on the burner to a medium heat, let the milk heat until frothy.
4. Whisk in cocoa powder.  Let remain on heat for another 2 minutes.
5. Pout into mug and drink!

Please note: I used the ingredients I had at my house to make this.  If you do not have raw sugar or raw cacao powder, you can sub in unsweetened cocoa powder and regular white sugar.  Viva Labs did not ask me to write about this, I chose to.  I was sent the products for review consideration, however I am going to state my honest opinion.

Sit back, relax, enjoy!! Happy Experimenting!!

Experiment Day 2 - Cacao Powder and Coconut Sugar

I had the few ingredients hanging around to make a chocolate facial mask and chocolate sugar scrub, so I decided to relax and enjoy the chocolate!

Choco-Banana Facial

• 1 tsp. Raw Cacao Powder
• 1/2 Organic Banana
• 2 drops almond oil or extract

Mash up the banana until smooth (I used a fork). Add the cacao powder and almond, mix until smooth.  Some chunks will remain from banana.  Smooth onto face and let sit for 10 - 15 minutes.  Relax!  Enjoy the chocolaty goodness... mmm...  This mask will make your face feel soft and relaxed while leaving a pleasant scent. ahhh... I love it!

Chocolate and Coconut Sugar Scrub

• 1 tsp. raw cacao powder
• 2 - 3 tsp. raw coconut sugar (the more sugar you use, the more course the mixture will be)
• 1 Tbsp honey or oil (I used olive oil)

Mix all ingredients together.  In small circles, put the scrub on your skin and continue to rub for 15-20 seconds.  Rinse with warm water then add lotion.

I really loved the sugar scrub!  My skin felt amazing - tight, soft and glowy AND smelled ah-ma-zing!  The sugar smells just like brown sugar (caramel-y) and the chocolate just enhanced the scent.  The scrub should be stored in an air-tight container to keep it fresh.

So far the experiments are going really well.  Still debating on how to use the maca powder.  I tried a teensy bit for flavor and ICK! It is definitely an acquired taste.  That will have to be masked.  By lots of fruit...

This is so much fun!! Happy Experimenting!

Viva Labs New Organic Products!

I was recently contacted by Viva Labs - a company that sells organic, healthy food items on Amazon.  A while back I worked with them testing out their extra-virigin organic coconut oil (and LOVED it).  They asked if I was up for helping again, and of course I said yes!

They sent me five different products to test:

Coconut Flour

Coconut Sugar

Chia Seeds

Maca Powder (this isn't available for purchase yet)

Cacao Powder

Over the next month, I'll be testing out all five of these products for both myself, my dog and in my beauty routine.  I'm really intrigued to see what happens!

Out of all the products on the list, cacao powder (coco powder) is probably the most well known.  It is the raw form of coco beans, but powdered.  It is bitter, but super chocolately.  This is the key ingredient in my all-time fav sauce for Spanish/Mexican cuisine.. mole!!  Now that I have some, I'm totally going to make my own mole. woo!

I've decided to test out the chia seeds first.  Read more about them here.

Day 1 was successful.  I added 1 tablespoon of chia seeds to a cup of cold tap water (mainly just to see what happened).  The seeds soaked up the water and gradually sank down into the water.  They don't have much of a taste at all, just like tapioca pearls but WAY smaller.  I actually enjoyed drinking my water with the seeds.  I did keep a spoon handy to stir the water though.  Thinking a waterbottle next time so I can shake it up.

Hmm.. what to do next? Any suggestions?

If you've tried these products, let me know you're favorite way to use them!  Happy Testing!

Cute n' Cuddly

Sera and Yosuke were cuddling next to me.

BIY: Homemade Chai Latte (No Foam)

I'm not much of a coffee drinker, but I'm a huge fan of tea.  My favorites are Chai and the Greys (Lady Grey, Earl Grey, Rose Grey).  My absolute fav is mixing multiple teas together - White Chai + Maharaja or Roobios Chai is THE best blend.

Anyway, now that you know how much of a tea fanatic freak obsessed I am... here is my favorite recipe for homemade Chai lattes - using a Keurig!

Chai Latte (No Foam; Homemade)

Image Source

Supplies:

Keurig (coffee pot or tea kettle works too)

Microwave

Travel mug with tight fitting lid OR Mug and tin foil

Black Chai (I'm in love with the Private Selection Black Chai at Kroger, plus it's only $2 for 16!)

1-3 Tbsp. Sugar (I prefer raw cane sugar or regular white sugar)

2-4 oz. Milk (I use 2% for the creamy taste)

1/2 tsp. Cake Spice or Pumpkin Spice or Cinnamon

Whipped Cream

Directions:

1. Brew a small cup of hot water (6 oz).

2. Add one bag of the Chai, add in desired amount of sugar (I add 1 Tbsp) and 1/2 tsp of spice.

3. Steep tea for 5 minutes in mug with lid on tight or tin foil over the cup to help keep extra hot.

4. While steeping tea, put 2-4 oz. of milk in a microwave safe cup.

5. With two minutes left in steep time - Microwave milk on medium heat until small bubbles form on top/around edges. I usually go 45 seconds for 4 oz. 30 seconds for 2 oz.

6. Once 5 minutes is passed, add hot milk to tea. Stir well!

7. Allow to cool slightly, top with whipped cream and cinnamon, then enjoy!

I've never liked foam on my latte, but if you do you can create foam on the stove by whipping the milk while it heats with a whisk.  It won't quite be the same, but close! :)

Happy Chai Day!

{Review Day, Giveaway & Blog Tour} The Road to Nyn

It's Review Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Title: The Road to Nyn

Author: Brian G. Michaud

My Rating: 5 Stars

Book Blurb:

In a land where magic is outlawed, a young boy is living a double life. Although Kay is training to be a knight, he has been secretly studying the forbidden ways of magic with Alamin, a powerful but eccentric wizard.

After passing of the Trial of the Rings and being raised to squirehood, Kay has decided to tell Alamin that he is going to leave his magical studies behind. And why not? Kay hasn’t ever cast a spell without something going seriously wrong–like the random appearance of frogs or hungry wolves–besides, Kay could be banished from the kingdom just for associating with Alamin.

Kay’s plans are quickly obliterated when a horde of goblins attacks his village and captures his family and friends. Now, with his home lying in ruins, everything has changed. Along with Alamin and Felix, a self-serving kleptomaniac sprite, Kay embarks on an adventure that takes him across the Kingdom of Gaspar and into the dark and treacherous caves of the Goblin Realm. What Kay doesn’t realize is that his journey is leading him on a collision course with the Lord of Nyn – a being so powerful that none dare face him...not even Alamin himself!

About the Author:

Brian G. Michaud lives in a small town in Massachusetts with his wife, Kim. When he is not reading or writing books, he can be found teaching music at a local elementary school or rocking out on guitar with the band, Too Loud.

My Review:

Young Kay has quite the decision to make - will he choose to stay a squire and live a life that his whole village is counting on, follow his heart and become a man of magic just like Alamin, OR will he be able to have both?

This is enchanting tale is a must read!  I absolutely loved every second of it.  As a child, my favorite books were those of King Arthur, Merlin, the Knights of the Round Table, and the Three Musketeers.  I still love these stories of adventure, magic and heroics.  This one is no different than all the greats.  The Road to Nyn captured my attention from the first page, and kept it until the very end.  The characters were flawless - each one filling their role perfectly, and developing at a great speed.  The story itself was simply astounding!!  It was funny, serious, witty, chocked full of adventures and magic, plus so much more.

The Road to Nyn instantly transports you to another era and world - one I would have loved to live in.  I thoroughly enjoyed feeling this story unfold - not just reading it, but truly feeling like I was there.  This is the first book since The Angel Chronicles by Amy Lignor that has made me this excited.  I need more!!

Please, pick up this amazing novel on Amazon.  Read it once, then read it again and again and maybe even a fourth time... You will NOT regret it!

Giveaway Time!!!!!

Enter below to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card! If you win, use the gift card to get this book for everyone you know!

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What are you still doing here?  GO GET THIS BOOK!  Happy Review Day!

DIY: Blackened Key Pendant

Yes. More DIY! You can thank Pinterest. heh.

So, this time I went through all of my jewelry.  I found every single earring, broken gem, tarnished pendants, etc. that I had and found what I wanted to refurbish - my very first key pendant.  I LOVE keys, especially as a necklace.  I have oodles of them, but want more!  This super simple project gave me a brand-new key to show off. yay!

I forgot to take before pictures, but this is roughly what it looked like.  It was quite tarnished from over-wearing a very inexpensive pendant.

Photo on Etsy

I took some fine sandpaper I had from my old pastillage work (sugar) and roughed up the key a bit more.  I tried to take off any remaining silver paint and make the surface ready for paint.  I then took some black acrylic paint (from my sugar work) and added two coats of the paint, letting it dry between coats and making sure I got in between all the swirlies.

I let it sit overnight just to ensure the paint was completely dry.  In the morning, I painted the key with my gel-finish top coat nail polish (from Forever 21, it was only $2!). And voila!  My "blackened" key is all done!

Looks so much better in person. This pic is miserable!

 I love the final product.  I was going to add some gems, and still might later, but I loved the final look as is.  Colored keys are so unique and look lovely!  This makes my second colored key - the other being a Kingdom Hearts key with a red top.  I definitely think more colored keys are in my future. Maybe I'll turn some modern keys into something more ornate... hmm...

Happy DIY week!

DIY: Jean Shorts and Dog Toys!

For the first time in a (very) long time I have two days off in a row. Without asking for them. Without plans. Without procrastinating on something.  And I didn't know what to do with myself.  All I kept thinking was..."What do "normal" people DO with this much time!?!"

And that's when I got crafty!

After surfing DIYs on Pinterest for way longer than I'd like to admit, I got out my sewing stuff and made some shorts!  I turned two pair of old jeans into shorts for the summer.

So, I took the two pair of old jeans (don't know how these two pair of jeans survived my clothing purge,but glad they did!) and refashioned them based on these instructions.  I found Sarah's tips very very helpful, especially cutting at a slight angle so the back isn't too short.  She gave very specific instructions on how she measure's her ideal short length too!!

The light wash pair ended up being a smidge tight in the thigh (fitted jeans), so after searching Pinterest for a few cute ideas to make them comfier, I settled on this one.

Photo

I cut a V in the side of the shorts, added the insert and voila! I then rolled up the edge a little, because I didn't like the "perfect cut" line on the bottom.  yay! Perfect and cute!

I then decided to clean out my sewing kit.  The kit has a very large bottom to keep fabric scraps in.  I had an old (sadly shrunken) cream wool cardigan in there.  Yosuke stole it, started playing with it and would not give it back.  He looked as if his long lost friend had returned!

Since he wouldn't give it back without whining, I decided to make him a rope toy.  I cut the back of the sweater into five 1 inch strips.  I then braided all five pieces together (thank you baking classes for teaching me a 5 piece braid!) and secured the ends with a few stitches and a knot.

He loves it! He has been playing with it for about an hour now.  yay!  He is a serious chewer though, so this is going to be a "treat" toy. :)

Because I had all of the materials on hand, these projects were completely free.  Even better!  The braided rope will definitely be something I make more often.  I like to go to thrift stores to find cheap jeans to cut up each year.  Since it's summer time, jeans are usually mega cheap at Plato's Closet!

I love being crafty, and with my new job I have the time to!  yay!!  Happy DIY day!

Wordless Wednesday: I'm NOT a girl.

Happy Mother's Day!!

Happy Mother's Day to everyone wonderful, talented, amazing, loving, caring, nuturing, kind Mother out there!  Take some time today to say thank-you to the woman/women who raised you.  They deserve it!  THANK YOU MOM AND GRANDMA! I love you both! Happy Mother's Day!

It's Here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's here!!!!!!!!!!!! The launch has officially begun!  *happy dance* *kermit flail*

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Come hang out with us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter!  Join in the party for fun conversation, prizes, writing help and so much more!  I'm so excited to be part of this amazing project.  I truly believe it will change the way writers plan their books and bring readers some incredible new books!  Happy Launch Day!

TOMORROW!!!

So. Close!

{Blog Tour, Giveaway and Review} Stealing the Moon & Stars

Title: Stealing the Moon & Stars

Author: Sally J. Smith & Jean Steffens

My Rating: 3 stars

Book Blurb:

Jordan Welsh and Eddie Marino, Scottsdale private eyes, are hired to find out who’s stealing from the Moon & Stars Children’s Foundation. Foundation employees are suspected, but just as the pieces start falling into place, Jordan discovers a hidden agenda that puts her in the crosshairs of a crime lord. Who can she trust? 

Everyone has a dangerous secret, and the bodies are piling up. Even her partner, Eddie Marino, has a dark and mysterious past. Does she dare act on their attraction? Will it destroy their partnership?

The two have landed in a hornets’ nest. Nothing to do now but stir it up.

Book One in a new series featuring Jordan Welsh and Eddie Marino.

About the Authors:

Arizona native Sally J. Smith lives in Scottsdale with her husband. The rarest of breeds, an adult who was born in Arizona, she has been a writer since she could spell. These days she stays busy at her chosen professions of writing (novels, short stories, and articles) and freelance editing. When a free moment appears on the horizon, she’s out the door to a attend a play, a movie, a concert, or just take a long walk in the desert—if the temperature’s under a hundred. Other works include The Ghost Wore Polyester.

Jean Steffens also lives in Scottsdale with her family. She’s a mother, reader, movie fan, and the Steffens’ family chauffeur. She’s also active in church activities. Like Jordan Welsh, PI, Jean grew up in Chicago near Lake Forest. Jean’s mother, however, was nurturing—baking cookies, carpooling kids to school, kissing boo-boos—unlike Jordan’s mother, who’s allergic to the kitchen and thinks a carpool is a hot tub in a limo. Jean’s published work includes “The Night Before Christmas” in the Desert Sleuths Sisters in Crime Anthology, How Not to Survive the Holidays.

My Review:
What a great book!  I don't get the pleasure of reading many PI novels that are actually interesting!  Jean and Sally created the ultimate PI/romance book. I was guessing until the very end about the culprit.  I loved watching as the characters evolved - Jordan and Eddie's romance/friendship/work relationship; Jordan's relationship with her family (specifically her mother); and the dynamics between Jordan and several other side characters.

The only down fall to this book is that it was a teeny bit predictable for some things.  However, this didn't take away from the overall mystery, which made me very happy!  This is a great, light-hearted read.  I highly recommend it for those readers who like PI, mystery and light romance!

Enter the giveaway below to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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Follow the authors on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.  Happy Reading!

Get Excited!