Red lips in the daytime

Hi everyone!  Since I've recently cut my hair short I've realized that I can get away with  playing up my makeup a little more in the daytime.  I've really been experimenting with bright lips but I have to say red lips in particular have been my go to color.  I am definitely guilty of feeling like maybe wearing a red lip in the middle of the afternoon might seem a little too much!  BUT I've discovered it can be pulled off and it can look amazing on EVERYONE!  Here are some tips and tricks that I think are worth knowing.

1.  Skin should look like your skin.  By this I mean very little foundation needs to be used.  I usually go for a tinted moisturizer or a very light layer of foundation.

2.  Minimal eye makeup looks more relaxed and casual.   A light cream color or skin toned eye shadow, maybe with a little shimmer, all over the lid and some black mascara does the trick.

3.  ALWAYS line your lips!  This goes for any bright color lipstick and red lips are no exception.  Apply a lip liner all over your lips will help the lipsticks staying power as well.

4.  Layer, Layer, Layer, and more Layering.  This is so key if you want your red lips to last for a long time.  Apply a thin coat of your red lip of choice and use a lip brush to spread and cover all over your lips.  Once you've done that blot your lips with a tissue.  Repeat application and blotting a few times until you get the color intensity you want.

5.  Confidence is key.  If you walk out of the house and feel awkward, you will no doubt look awkward!  I think you'd be surprised at the positive reactions you will get from your bold red lips.  So just channel your inner Gwen Stefani and have fun with it!

Warning:  Pictures you are about to see contain my no makeup face, haha.

BEFORE

AFTER

Thank goodness for makeup!  Happy Monday!

Spicy Tofu Surprise

Happy February everyone!  To start February off I thought I'd post a recipe since it's been awhile.  So one day it was dinner time and I was hungry...(haha) there wasn't much in the fridge or pantry so I had to get creative.  I chopped, mixed, sprinkled, and sauteed to my inner chef's desire and came up with something I will call Spicy Tofu Surprise!  I took my first bite, gave myself a pat on the back and shoveled the rest in my mouth promptly!  To make sure I wasn't imagining the goodness of my dish, I made it again another night for my husband and he confirmed that it was worthy of a blog post.  SO here it is!

What you'll need (makes about 2 to 3 servings):

-1/2 a medium onion, chopped
-1/2 cup brown rice, cooked as instructed on box
-1 1/2 cups frozen carrots, thawed out
-3 slices of tofu (extra firm), about half inch each, then cubbed
-1 tbsp olive oil
-1 oregano (I used dried but I suggest using fresh if you have it on hand)
-1/2 tsp parsley (again fresh would be better)
-1/2 tsp cumin
-2 pinches of garlic powder
-2 pinches of cayenne pepper (more or less if you like)
- salt
-pepper
-3/4 cup spaghetti sauce
-Red or White wine

(Sauteed mushrooms would also be good added into this as well)

Step 1:  Pour yourself a glass of wine and take a sip, cooking is much more fun this way!

Step 2: Pour olive oil in pan and turn stove to medium-high heat.

Step 3:  Add your onions and saute for about 2 minutes

Step 4:  Add tofu and saute for another 2 minutes

Step 5:  Add carrots, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, cayenne, and cumin.  Stir and saute for another 2 minutes.

Step 6:  Add cooked rice and spaghetti sauce and stir to mix everything together.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7:  Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.

This is what your end product will look like, a little like mush, but GOOD mush!  Enjoy!