Xander...

It's 100 degrees outside, but Xander is either laying in the sun or snuggled up in a big, warm afghan. Silly kitty...

Monday's Meal - Do-It-All Marinade

Gus & I really like a good marinade, so when i saw this recipe in one of the issues of "All You", I knew it would be one we would use a lot.

Do-It-All Marinade
Prep: 5 minutes
Yield: 2.5 cups
Cost per serving: $0.25

Ingredients:
3/4 c. olive oil
1/2 c. soy sauce
1/4 c. Worchestershire sauce
1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
2 TBSP. lemon juice
2 TBSP. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. pepper
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 TBSP. finely chopped fresh parsley

Directions: Whisk all ingredients together. Pour marinade over chicken, steak, or pork; cover and chill meat for at least 5 hours. remove meat from marinade, discarding marinade. Pat meat dry and cook as desired.

PER SERVING (2 TBSP): 82 cal, 8g fat (1g sat), 0mg cholesterol, 0g fiber, 0g protein, 2g carbs, 43.1mg sodium

My notes: I used this on salmon - yummy!! I put the salmon in a gallon-size ziploc bag & poured about 1/2 c. of the marinade over it. Then I just zipped it up & popped it in the fridge with the fleshy part of the fish face-down in the marinade. No mess - no fuss - no clean-up - and my hands never touched the salmon! I let it marinate for about 5 hours (I know you're only supposed to marinate salmon about a half hour, but that doesn't give it enough flavor for us), then Gus grilled it. Absolutely delicious!! Even Buddy loved it.

I stored the rest of the marinade in a bottle in the fridge. I figure it should be good for at least a week, maybe two. I have some pork & chicken, so I plan to try the marinade on that as well.

Facial Moisturizer Reviews

I've tried several facial moisturizers recently - some were anti-aging, some were just "plain" moisturizers - so I'm going to share my thoughts on each. I don't usually use a moisturizer on my face (other than I Feel Pretty's Pretty Pearlfection Facial Lotion), but some of these were really nice.

Algenist Concentrated Reconstructing Serum
Pros: thin, clear serum with a nice consistency, absorbs quickly & completely, no discernible fragrance
Cons: Very pricey; comes in a dropper bottle (I would have preferred some type of pump bottle that didn't expose the product to air - especially at this price level.)
Repurchase? No - mostly due to price
Price: 1 oz. - $95
Ingredients: Water/Eau (Aqua), Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Niacinamide, Algae Exopolysaccharides, Tetrapeptide-21, Beta-Glucan, Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Malus Domestica Fruit (Apple) Cell Culture Extract, Inula Crithmoide Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Leaf/Stem Extract, Glucosamine HCL, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract, Ergothioneine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Lecithin, Sorbitol, Xanthan Gum,  Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceteareth-20, Sclerotium Gum, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Benzoic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Citral, Fragrance (Parfum), Phenoxyethanol.
Product description from the Algenist website: "A smooth, advanced anti-aging serum formulated with a high concentration of the revolutionary ingredient alguronic acid to rebuild skin firmness and elasticity while restoring skin density and elasticity. Wrinkles are minimized and skin radiance is boosted."
Note: I used this for almost two weeks & I don't think I saw any difference. Maybe someone who wasn't already using anti-aging products would see a difference. For the price of the product, I would've liked to have seen some change within 2 weeks.

Boscia Recharging Night Moisture Cream
Pros: this is probably a good moisturizer for those who require a thicker, more moisturizing cream
Cons: smells like ashes/charcoal, too thick/greasy for me (and probably for those who tend to be oily or prone to breakouts)
Repurchase? No
Price: 1.4 oz. - $44
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Squalane, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Stearate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Leaf Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium (Willowherb) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Ampelopsis Grossedentata Extract, Phytosterol, Glycogen, Hydrolyzed Yeast, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa (Peony) Root Extract, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Stearic Acid, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Carboxymethyl Dextran, Potassium Carbomer, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Extract
Product description from Boscia website: "A concentrated moisturizer that works overnight to nourish and revitalize the skin. Repairs, strengthens and improves skin elasticity and firmness."

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Shipping Information:

This product can be shipped to any country to which SkinStore currently ships.

DOT Restrictions:

There are no restrictions on the delivery of this item - you may elect to have this item sent Next Day, 2 Day, or through our standard delivery method.

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Note: I really hate that so many of the Boscia products have that nasty ashtray smell.

DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-free Moisturizing Dew
Pros: clear, lightweight product with no fragrance, absorbs quickly & completely; comes in an airless pump bottle
Cons: may not be moisturizing enough for those with dry skin
Repurchase? Probably - this is a nice product for those who like a light moisturizer
Price: 1.67 oz. - $38
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Squalene, Beeswax, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Sodium PCA, Triethanolamine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Allantoin, DMDM Hydantoin, Polysorbate 80, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Propylparaben, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice.
Product description from DDF website: "An oil-, fragrance-, and dye-free moisturizer for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. Contains aloe vera, vitamins A, E and C, and grapeseed for comfortable hydration. Will not clog pores. Lanolin-free."
Note: This was one of my favorites. It's a very nice oil-free, fragrance-free, lightweight moisturizer that comes in an airless pump bottle & isn't outrageously priced.

L'Occitane Radiance Moisturizing Cream
Pros: none for me
Cons: thick cream that never completely absorbed, slightly medicinal fragrance, caused a lot of itching on my neck (most likely due to the fragrance)
Repurchase? No. I think this product has been discontinued, but I wouldn't buy it if I could.
Price: ?
Ingredients: I'm not going to bother typing them since the product doesn't seem to be available
Note: I really wish cosmetic companies would stop putting so much fragrance in their products. So many people have sensitivities - and this one was very heavily fragranced.

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation
Pros: lightweight, white lotion-like product that absorbs quickly & completely
Cons: may not offer enough moisture for those with dry skin; it's in a jar (I wish it came in an airless pump bottle like the Truth Serum)
Repurchase? Possibly - I liked this one a lot
Price: 1.7 oz. - $45
Ingredients: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Dimethicone, Stearyl Alcohol, Tribehenin, Glycerin, Steareth-20, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethiconol, Sucrose Dilaureate, Polysorbate 20, Cyclomethicone, Octyldodercanol, Xanthan Gum, Pisum Sativum (Pea Extract), Steareth-2, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Seed Extract, Sorbitol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract, Berberis Vulgaris Fruit, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Vaccinium Myrtilus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limomum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Calcium Ascorbate, Dimethyl Sulfone, Superoxide Dismutase
Product description from Ole Henriksen site: "So sheer in texture, this luxurious oil-free cream feels light and silky as it penetrates the skin and helps fade discolorations such as freckles, age spots and sun damage without the use of chemicals. Instantly nourishes and retexturizes the skin, smoothes facial lines and provides intense free radical protection to prevent further damage."
Note: This was one of my favorites - if it came in a pump bottle, I would've already bought a full-size

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster
Pros: lightweight, oil-free, orange-colored serum that applies easily & absorbs quickly; contains antioxidants; non-irritating & didn't cause breakouts; love the airless pump bottle that the full-size product comes in
Cons: I felt that it left my skin feeling slightly tacky, but it could be that I applied it too heavily (I don't think I did, but who knows?)
Repurchase? Maybe.
Price: 1 oz. - $48
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Calcium Ascorbate, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Oleth-20, Hydroxyethylcellulose, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Benzophenone-4, Sodium Hyaluronate, Thioctic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Fragrance (Parfum), Yellow 6.
Product description from Ole Henriksen site: "Like a daily vitamin for your face, this high powered vitamin C complex helps smooth out lines and wrinkles and prevents further damage. Loaded with antioxidants to fight off environmental aggressors and moisture-binding ingredients to keep your skin nourished and protected, this aromatic serum is absorbed instantly and penetrates to the deeper layers of the skin to provide long term results. Sensitive skin prone to irritation will benefit immensely from the calming properties of this oil-free serum."
Note: My skin seems to like the Ole Henriksen line of products. I will probably buy this one in the fall & use it throughout the winter months.

Monday's Meal - Boston Cream Cupcakes

I love sweets. They make me smile - and they taste oh-so-good. Boston Cream Pie has always been one of my favorite desserts, but I rarely indulge. And since the doctor has put the kibosh on my fat, sugar, & starch intake, I haven't had many sweets at all. Sigh.

I found this yummy-looking recipe for Boston Cream Cupcakes on the Hungry Girl website - and since they're fairly low in fat, sugars, & carbs, I thought I'd give them a try.

Hungry Girl's Boston Cream Cupcakes

(click here for a printable copy of the original recipe)

Ingredients:
Half of an 18.25-oz. box (about 1 3/4 cups) moist-style yellow cake mix
1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)
3 tbsp. chocolate frosting, room temperature
2 tbsp. light chocolate syrup
One 60-calorie sugar-free Jello vanilla pudding snack 

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1 no-calorie sweetener packet (like Splenda or Truvia)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with baking cups and/or spray with nonstick spray; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, egg substitute, and 1/2 cup water. Whisk thoroughly. Evenly distribute mixture among the cups of the muffin pan.

Bake in the oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 20 - 22 minutes.

Allow cupcakes to completely cool. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine chocolate frosting with chocolate syrup and mix well. Cover and refrigerate.

Once cupcakes have cooled, use a knife or narrow spoon handle to create a small centered hole through the top of each cupcake, stopping about midway through the cupcakes. Set aside.

Open pudding cup and stir in vanilla extract and sweetener. Place pudding in one of the bottom corners of a sealable plastic bag. Remove air and seal. Snip off a small part of that corner with scissors.

Gently squeeze the bag and evenly pipe pudding through the hole in the bag's corner and into the holes in the cupcakes.

Evenly spread frosting-syrup mixture over the cupcakes. (Don't worry if some of the pudding filling gets mixed in!)

Serve and enjoy! (Refrigerate leftovers, if you've got 'em.)

MAKES 12 SERVINGS

PER SERVING (1 cupcake): 114 calories, 2.5g fat, 193mg sodium, 21.5g carbs, 0g fiber, 12g sugars, 2g protein -- PointsPlus® value 3*

__________

My observations:

The cupcakes were very tasty & moist - not quite as moist as they would be if you followed the directions on the package, but still very good. They were a little more dense than usual - almost more like a poundcake (but not quite).

The pudding was really good with the vanilla & Truvia added. Unfortunately, it tended to get a bit runny after 24 hours (even refrigerated), so I recommend only making as many cupcakes as you can eat within 24 hours.

It was difficult to make an opening in the cupcake because the cake was "sticky" and wanted to stick to whatever I used to make the opening. I ended up with openings that were larger than I wanted. Next time, I won't try to save time & I'll use my frosting bag/tip to fill the cupcakes.

The frosting/glaze was tasty, but it was too runny for me. It didn't harden at all (even in the fridge), so it oozed off the top of the cupcakes & down the sides of the liners. MESSY!!! Next time, I'll make a true glaze that will harden & be less messy.

Overall, these cupcakes were really good & I will definitely make them again with a little tweaking!

Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer

How many disappointing products have you tried in your search for the perfect concealer? If you're like me, it's way more than you expected - and you're tired of looking. Well, look no further!!

I read about Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer somewhere - and it had really good reviews. I've been wanting to try it for awhile now, but that would involve a trip to Sephora to get samples - and I always seem to forget.

Luckily, an Ulta recently opened about 5 miles from my house - and they carry Amazing Cosmetics. Gus & I stopped in there the other day to take advantage of the $7.99 Shaper hairspray deal, and while I was there, I asked for a sample of the Amazing Concealer. A salesperson helped me determine that Medium Beige was most likely the best color match, and she gave me a generous sample to take home. (There are 10 different shades.)

This stuff is truly AMAZING!! I love it! It has a wonderful consistency, is easy to apply, and offers great coverage. And you only need to use a tiny amount! They gave me about a teaspoon of product - I've used it for a week and I haven't even made a dent in the sample. I apply with a small concealer brush.)

This stuff stays in place all day long - even when I'm cleaning the house or exercising. It doesn't separate at all - it really is unnoticeable except for the fact that it has completely concealed whatever you were trying to conceal. Skin just looks like perfect skin.

Pros: great consistency, easy to apply, waterproof, no creasing, lasts until you remove it with cleanser, a tiny amount gives great coverage, doesn't look "cakey" under powder
Cons: ? - I can't think of any. Price may be a factor for some, but the smaller tube is affordable & should last a long time.
Repurchase? Yes - ASAP!!
Ingredients: Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Petrolatum, Lanolin Oil, Ozokerite, PVP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, Cucumbar Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol. May contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI77492)
Price: $28 for 0.2 oz., $42 for 0.5 oz.
Note: I was a little concerned about breakouts when I saw the first three ingredients, but so far, I haven't had any problems. If I do have issues down the road, I will update this review. Also - when the salesperson tried the Medium Beige concealer on my skin, I felt it was a little too light - but the darker ones seemed to have too much peach in them. After trying it for a week, the Medium Beige is definitely the right shade - so be sure to try the product for a few days before deciding on a color.