My family and I had a wonderful time taking an impromptu stop downtown to visit this larger than life rope sculpture in the heart of Oklahoma City. The terra cotta color, of which its name is inspired, is vibrant and adds a contrast to the lush greenery that it winds through. 

Sunny days and perfect weather have been few and far between, so we jumped on the opportunity to get out and explore something new outdoors. Our little one had a great time sitting on the piles of rope - observing and feeling its texture. I'm so glad we can take him outside and enjoy the warmer weather! 

It's just amazing that this is 1.4 million feet of recycled lobster-fishing rope painted with 350 gallons of terra cotta colored paint. The renowned New York based artist, Orly Genger, was inspired by Oklahoma's red dirt and brick walls when deciding on what color to paint it. Oklahoma sure has a lot of that! It's incredible how much rope this was and how much work was put into this.

Seeing the landscape of vibrant colors of spring and summer after a long winter is so rewarding and fulfilling. It makes me take on a greater appreciation for the colors that we tend to overlook. 

"The earth laughs in flowers." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

My guys and their smiles. Love them! I can't wait to take my oldest son here - he would enjoy this so much. This is a perfect spot to let your kids run around for hours!

I was impressed with this sculpture - it inspires me to discover more of Oklahoma's art scene. There's a thriving art community here, and I hope to experience more of what makes this place unique.

Here's a snippet of information about the artist and her work: 

“Made of 1.4 million feet of recycled lobster-fishing rope, and painted with 350 gallons of terra cotta colored paint, “Terra” will weave its way through the center section of Campbell Park, located at NW 11th and Broadway, just north of downtown Oklahoma City. The installation opens Monday, October 20, 2014, and runs through October, 2015.

“When visiting Oklahoma I was taken by the vastness of the open landscape and envisioned a line that would travel in a continual motion winding through the patch of land on which the work sits,” said Genger. The artist said the term “red dirt” inspired her color choice, “which relates both to the clay-like nature of the earth, and to the bricks with which we build walls.”

Dubbed the “rope wrangler,” Genger hand knits and shapes hundreds of miles of discarded lobster rope into massive sculptures that traverse the space and incorporates the piece into the landscape. Her art encourages visitors to explore the terrain in a new way and interact with the larger-than-life pieces.

Since 2005, Genger has completed several large-scale installations featuring colorful masses of hand-knotted rope. These include Red, Yellow and Blue in Madison Square Park, New York City and deCordova Sculpture Park in Boston and most recently, Current”

— http://oklahomacontemporary.org/exhibits/current-exhibits/orly-genger/

See her other renowned sculptures:

"Current" Austin, TX

Madison Square Park

Madison Square Park

Madison Square Park

Madison Square Park

Madison Square Park

Did you enjoy this post? I look forward to sharing more of my discoveries with you. There's always something beautiful out there to experience!

xo stina

Moving away from my island home has caused me to crave some pretty random things that I would have never thought twice about when I was living there. If you're from Guam or have lived there, you may be familiar with Sakura Noodle House and their "mysterious" salad dressing. I have always wondered what was in it because it had such a unique taste and can be addicting. Their salad bar was one of my favorite parts about eating there because of all of the toppings that I could add to my salad -  especially the croutons! It's one of those restaurants that was always so comforting to go to and their food always tasted the same every time.

So, what's so special about it, you might ask? For starter's, it's salty, tangy, and creamy - not exactly the healthiest of dressings, but it sure makes for a tasty salad that you'll want to go back for seconds. Pile on the veggies because this dressing makes it all taste like it's not even good for you! My family loves this dressing (it even gets compliments). I tried to get it to taste as close to what I remember, so you can also adjust it to your liking if it's not spot on like the real deal (but I believe it's pretty close). Hope you enjoy it!

Guam Sakura Style Japanese Salad Dressing

Author: Hello Lovely Living

Published May 28, 2015

Servings: 3-4

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 0 mins

Total time: 5 mins

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup mayonaise
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 1/2 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp low sodium soy sauce

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients until combined.

Notes

• I only had red wine vinegar available, but you may use regular vinegar or rice wine vinegar instead.
• For a completely smooth consistency, you can blend it in a blender.
• To control the saltiness or tanginess, adjust the soy sauce and/or vinegar as desired.
• You may use regular soy sauce, but you may have to adjust the amount due to the higher salt content.

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If you end up getting addicted to this dressing, you can thank me later! At least it will help you get more greens in your diet, and that is always a good thing, right? 

Let me know in the comments what other recipes you would like for me to share. Are there any restaurant-style foods that you miss from back home? I'd love to hear from you!

xo stina

DIYs just make me so happy. Here's one that will give you something to do with all of those cereal boxes that you always think, I can make something out of these, but usually end up throwing them away. I've been hoarding boxes for months now because I've had a plan. So glad to finally do something with them and share the joy that is organization! 

Who can relate to me when you search for organizers and come across beautiful ones, but when you look at the price, you have to pinch yourself? I just don't get why a piece of plastic or wood has to be so expensive. I blame Target's expensive organizers for my lack of organization. Hahaha! Anywho, this is why I am just so excited about this DIY. I am on my way to having a prettier bathroom cabinet! 

Here's what you'll need:

• Misc. boxes (cereal, oatmeal, etc.)

• Gold spray paint - I used Krylon Metallic Gold

• Paper cutter

• Double-sided tape

• Pen

• White card stock paper (not pictured)

Step 1

Open your boxes at both ends and flatten.

Step 2

Mark where you need to cut. You can decide what height you would like for your boxes. If you are using them for your drawers, measure the height of your drawer and mark your boxes accordingly. Mark both ends of your boxes. 

Step 3

Use your guides and trim both ends of your boxes with your paper cutter. I am trimming mine at 4", so it helps to have a ruler so you don't have to mark every single box. 

You will end up with two boxes like this:

Step 4

Spray paint your boxes on the outside only. 

Step 5

Place double-sided tape where the former adhesive was and firmly secure shut.

Step 6

Cut out pieces of card stock to fit inside the bottom of your boxes.

Use any paper you like. I was just thinking how pretty it would be to use paper with designs on them. You could also use washi tape to line the top edges of the boxes to add a pop of color. 

And you're done!

I plan on revamping my whole bathroom cabinet with these. Aren't they so easy to make? I love repurposing things. It feels good to know that I didn't spend an arm and a leg on organizers!

I hope you guys enjoyed this new DIY! I'm telling you - I have tons of DIYs that are sitting on the back burner until I find the time to do them. My little one is king of my life, so it's hard to squeeze in "me" time. DIYs are so relaxing. 

Have an amazing day, and check back for more!

xo stina

I love discovering pretty things - and today, I bring you something that will make any mom giddy on Mother's Day! But before we get into it, Happy Mother's Day to all you lovely ladies out there who do the most important job in the world. A job where you are paid in kisses, hugs, smiles, laughter, and the never-ending love that you get to experience from your little (or big) ones. I am blessed to have two sons, one who is 13 and a little one who just turned 6 months. It's amazing how much love you see in the eyes of your children and the admiration that comes from them. How great that we get to experience such an unconditional and pure love from our children. They are a gift of true love from an amazing Father! Today, I honor all mommies - to all women who make a difference loving and nurturing the little ones in our lives. 

So, I discovered some really fun and pretty wallpaper resources that I wanted to share with you all. Pretty-up your desktops and phones with Design Love Fest's free desktop and phone wallpapers. I love her site and her style. I'm so glad I found these, as I am always looking for pretty designs. Take a look and download some - if not all! I know I wanted to. She has tons available, so go check 'em out! 

That's how I feel when I find freebies and pretty freebies at that! Thanks to Design Love Fest for the awesomeness. Stop by and say hello to her and let her know I sent you!

Enjoy your day mamas!

xo stina

All images from Design Love Fest

Mother's Day is right around the corner, and I have 10 unique gift ideas to inspire you to step outside of the box this year. Now that just about everything is at our fingertips - thanks to the internet - we can now sit back and let our fingers do the work. Searching for the perfect gift can be simple and straightforward. I don't know about you, but I am an impatient shopper, and a shopping trip can quickly turn into an all day affair because I am also indecisive. I like to do my research first so that I know for sure that what I'm buying is actually what I want. Don’t forget Gramma! And there's just so much out there to be discovered, so planning ahead always helps to alleviate any stress or last minute shopping.

I really enjoyed putting these gift ideas together for you. Let's get inspired!

1. Mother's Day Printable

etsy.com

There are so many beautiful prints designed by very talented artists on creative marketplaces such as etsy. Printables are available for instant download, and all you pay is for the download itself, which is usually very cheap. This 8x10 print is only $5. Just print it out and frame it, and there you have a personalized gift that is not only gorgeous, but affordable!

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View fullsize

< Download my FREE Mother's Day Printable that I created! 

THE PRINT FITS AN 8"X10" FRAME.

STEP 1 • PRINT IT

STEP 2 • FRAME IT

STEP 3 • GIFT IT

 

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2. Dogeared Necklace

dogeared.com

What makes these necklaces different? Each necklace contains a charm with a specific symbolic meaning attached to it. The message or meaning is printed on the card, which adds that personal touch to the piece, making it special and meaningful.

3. Subscription Box

glossybox.com

There are subscription boxes literally springing up everywhere. You can now get almost anything through a subscription service these days. It's the newest way to discover great products, and it is a genius idea at that. It's like Christmas at your doorstep - every month! Who doesn't like receiving gifts? I thought this would be the perfect gift idea for mom. It's a great way to remind her just how loved she is without you having to do the guesswork. Say you think she would enjoy snacks. Do a Google search with keywords snacks + monthly subscription, and take your pick. Beauty? There are tons of others to choose from. There are also many boxes that now feature products catered to the natural and eco-concious consumer such as vegan and organic options. 

4. Food Delivery

beritual.com

Now, this one is along the lines with the subscription box, but I just had to include it. Being a mom myself, I would just love something like this just for the fun of it. What they do is send you a box filled with fresh ingredients for you to prepare a meal that has been pr-measured, prepped and complete with a recipe to follow. I think this is a great way for mom to try something new and out of her comfort zone. There are many companies providing this service, so check out the availability for your area! Here is a great resource that lists some of the different companies offering this service.

5. Casetify Phone Case

casetify.com

The neat thing about Casetify is that their cases are designed by artists or as they call it, "creative makers". So, you can find some pretty unique designs. You can also custom design your own case HERE with photos and uploads of your choice. The possibilities are endless.

6. Scentbird 

scentbird.com

Here's a new product that you'll probably want for yourself too! You know how it takes years upon years to finish just one bottle of perfume? With this subscription service, she can try as many fragrances as she wants. What she gets is a 30-day supply of designer fragrance every month for only $14.95. Let mom pick from 350+ designer fragrances and receive a generous 0.27 oz/8 ml spray. How cool is that?! They currently have a Mother's Day gift where you can get a free deluxe candle set with a 6 or 12 month subscription. 

7. Club W

clubw.com

Club W is the world's only personalized wine club. I'm pretty sure there are millions of moms out there that would just love us forever if we ever signed them up for this service. Three bottles of wine every month delivered right to their doorstep for $39 + $6 flat rate shipping? Ummm...yes, please! I'm sure this is on every mom's mother's day wish list, but she's just not telling you. 

8. Chatbooks

chatbooks.com

Let's admit it, we all have a trillion photos in our phones, on our computers, Facebook, Instagram - everywhere! Why not make use of them and put together a bunch of memorable moments that mom can look back on. These photo books are perfect. They only cost $6 a piece and have 60 pages. You just create the book using their app. Plus, there's free shipping. Easy!

9. Breakfast in Bed

Homemade and from the heart is always the way to mom's heart. Make her feel extra special by making her breakfast in bed. Make sure it is a surprise! As soon as she wakes up, have it already prepared for her. There's nothing like waking up to your family all crowded around you and a delicious breakfast to enjoy without ever lifting a finger. 

10. Succulents

We all know that moms love flowers, but how about something that she could enjoy year-round and that's low maintenance. Succulents are easy to plant, so you can basically place them in any type of container. How pretty would it be to do something like this with her initials? I'm sure she would love it, especially if it was made by you! Find them at home improvement stores or garden centers.

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I hope this was helpful, and if you're a mommy (or soon-to-be) yourself, here's wishing you a Happy Mother's Day! Don't forget to download my FREE Mother's Day Printable!

xo stina

At my house, I always like to make diverse recipes from different cuisines and cultures. Tonight it just happened to be Vietnamese. I basically love all asian foods and dream to someday travel to Asia and delve into the street food scene where I could really taste the authentic stuff straight from the locals while experiencing all the sights and sounds around me. 

I stumbled upon making this recipe by what I remember this dish tasting like back home on Guam. Where I'm from, it's a melting pot of all types of cuisine, so I had the pleasure of enjoying so much of it and being so spoiled! Now that I am in the mainland, it's harder to come by those tastes that I was so used to back home. I've had to learn how to make the dishes that I love, so I am grateful that there are a few asian markets here where I can find almost anything I need.

Lemongrass Chicken can be found at most Vietnamese and/or asian restaurants. The lemongrass gives it a beautiful aroma and mild taste. The star here, though, is the red pepper powder. It has a mild taste, so you can easily control the heat. Korean pepper powder can be found at most asian markets, but make sure to purchase the right one, as there are different types available that look the same, but aren't. I include links below to the asian ingredients that you may not find locally. Let's get started!

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Lemongrass Chicken

Author: Hello Lovely Living

Published April 28, 2015

Servings: 3

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 15 mins

Total time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• 3 chicken thighs (bone and skin removed)
• 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 stalks green onions, chopped
• 3 stalks lemongrass
• 2 Tbsp fish sauce
• 1-2 tsp Korean red pepper powder
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Chop chicken thighs into 1"x 1" cubes. Cut lemongrass at a diagonal into 2" pieces.
2. On medium high heat, in a wok, add olive oil and lemongrass and saute until arromatic and slightly browned.
3. Add chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let the chicken cook without constantly turning it, so it can get nicely browned, about 5 minutes on each side before flipping. Do this for each side until all sides are nicely browned and carmelized.
4. Add onions and saute for 2 minutes, then add fish sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Add red pepper powder and stir to evenly coat the chicken. Cook for 2 minutes.
6. Turn off heat and sprinkle green onions on top and combine.
7. Enjoy with steamed, whit rice.

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

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Easy, huh? This recipe can be whipped up in no time and tastes just like restaurant quality. If you like things on the spicier side, just add more pepper powder. I hope you can try it out! 

xo stina

My husband has been wanting to buy a dry erase board for quite sometime. Thanks to a previous late night Pinterest binge, I had remembered seeing a calendar that used paint swatches and thought, what a neat idea, I want to try something like that someday! I love the simplicity in using a glass surface. What came next was the pitch to the husband. Surprisingly, I was able to convince him to let me do it, which was a victory in itself because I usually get the "that's too girly" card. 

Don't you just love Pinterest! I love getting inspiration and putting my hands to work to make something pretty. I've always loved making things - there's just something therapeutic about it. Dry erase boards can be a big eyesore, and they always tend to get tossed to the side because you just get plain bored of using them - well we do! The cool thing about this project is that it isn't permanent and it is fully customizable. Repurpose it once you get tired of it or simply change the fabric or colors. You could even add in some photos or just about anything. Who else loves multi-purpose projects? Let's get started.

Supplies

• 24" w x 36" h picture frame (glass or polystyrene) I used polystyrene, which is cheaper, but looks comparable to glass.

• 3/4 yard w x 40" h gold burlap or fabric of choice

• 35 paint swatches - I used Behr paint swatches from Home Depot, size - 3.25" w x 6.5" h . You can use any paint swatches that can be trimmed to 2.75" w x 4.75" h. Choose whatever color combinations you like. I went with an ombre/gradient effect. 

• Days of the week labels - I created a printable available for download HERE

• Glue dots or double-sided tape

• Tape

• Scissors 

• 1" circular whole puncher

• Optional: paper cutter (makes cutting everything 10x easier)

• Dry-erase marker

 

Instructions

Back 

Front

Remove the wood backing from the frame. This is what you will wrap the fabric around. With the right side of the fabric facing down, place the board on top of the fabric as a guide and ensure that the pattern of the fabric is straight. Cut the excess fabric and allow 1" - 2" around the perimeter. You will also need to cut the excess fabric on each corner too. Stretch the fabric to make sure that there are no wrinkles and that it is not loose, then tape the fabric onto the back of the board.  

Original Size of Behr paint swatch is 3.25" w x 6.5" h

Cut paint swatch to 2.75" w x 4.75" h

Cut out the days of the week labels and set aside. Trim the paint swatches down to 2.75" w x 4.75" h.

How cute are these once they've been punched out? Save for a future DIY!

Punch a 1" hole in the top center of each paint swatch.  

Starting from the bottom up, arrange the paint swatches on top of the frame and adjust as needed. You will need 7 columns and 5 rows. Use a ruler to help straighten and align them. Allow 1" around the border of the frame and an equal amount of space between each paint swatch - a 1/2 an inch or so.

Once you are happy with the overall placement, place double-sided tape or glue dots onto the back of each paint swatch and press firmly onto the fabric. Make sure to cover the edges of the paint swatch entirely with tape to ensure a strong hold once you stick it onto the fabric. Do this individually for each paint swatch until complete. 

Once you are finished sticking all of the paint swatches onto the fabric, take the days of the week labels and position them on the very top oft the first row. Place double-sided tape onto the back and stick them onto the fabric.

And your board is complete! Take the completed board and assemble your frame back together. Make sure to remove any dust or fibers that got caught on the surface of the glass/plastic before you place it back together.  

Now, the best part - fill in your calendar! On the front of the frame, with a dry-erase marker, write the days of the week within the circles of the paint swatches and the month at the top, then your agenda for the month. You're done! Find a convenient place to display it. I chose my entryway in my kitchen. What a pretty and fun calendar - with the perks of saying you did it yourself! 

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I hope you enjoyed this simple, yet classy DIY project! I look forward to doing more projects like these. There's so much more that can be done to my home to make it "homier" - if that were a word. I love how DIY projects can add warmth to a space. I am all about building memories - and DIYs are perfect for doing that too!

Have fun, and should you decide to make this, please share a photo of it and tag me on social media!

xo stina

This is one of those recipes that can instantly take me back home and comfort me when I get homesick. The ultimate comfort meal. I titled it Chicken Estufao in homage to my Chamorro culture, but this recipe is very much the same as the filipino dish, Chicken Adobo, so I included both. I like my Estufao/Adobo on the sweeter side, so I love to add sugar. My husband likes it on the salty/savory side, but he approves, so everyone wins - not too sweet and not too salty. I love me some garlic, so no skimping here. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed, white rice. Upon simmering, a delicious sauce will come together at the bottom of the pan. Drizzle over your steamed rice and there you have the perfect meal to satisfy all your salty/savory/slightly sweet desires.

There are many variations to this dish, but the main ingredients are soy sauce and vinegar. You can use apple cider vinegar in place of regular vinegar or add in some peppercorns for a deeper peppery taste! Remember, cooking should be fun and flexible. So, have fun with it!

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Chicken Estufao or Chicken Adobo

Author: Hello Lovely Living

Published April 6, 2015

Servings: 3-4

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 30 mins

Total time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in)
• 4 medium carrots, quartered
• 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 stalks green onions
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup vinegar
• 3 Tbsp brown sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a saute pan except the carrots and green onions.
2. Bring to a simmer on medium heat. Simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Add carrots and simmer for another 15 minutes.
4. Turn off heat and sprinkle green onions on top.
5. Enjoy with steamed, white rice.

Notes

• Potatoes can also be added to the dish.
• I like using chicken thighs (bone-in) because they add more flavor to the dish, but you can use boneless chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even pork if you wish.

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I hope you enjoy this recipe just as much as I do! Let me know if you try this recipe, or if you are already a fan of this dish, how do you like yours? What is unique to how you prepare yours? 

xo stina

via Pinterest

I don't know what it is about turquoise and teal -- maybe it's their resemblance to the colors of the ocean -- but I am absolutely obsessed with these colors! I remember walking the beaches of Guam, sorting through the sand, and finding sea glass in all sorts of beautiful colors -- like turquoise, peach, coral, and opaque white. It's those small things that stayed with me and bring back the nostalgia of my island home for me to reminisce upon. I am so glad that I have memories that I can carry with me wherever I go. Just thinking about it takes me back to a calm, peaceful moment on the beach, with the sand between my toes and the wind in my hair.

via Pinterest

Okay, so now that I've relaxed you and got you into the mood, let's take a look at some beautiful rooms that incorporate beautiful sea glass inspired accessories. Everywhere I look, it seems that sea glass accessories are everywhere! It's hard not to want to snag a few things and add it to my home decor. 

See how that wonderful turquoise color adds a subtle pop of color to each space? Imagine yourself coming home from a long day and entering one of these spaces. Could you picture yourself feeling relaxed, calm, and tranquil? That is the power of this color palette.

Colors have the power to evoke certain emotions. Blue hues evoke feelings of calmness and freshness, and when used in a space, lighter shades can give the sense of openness, like the sky. Since shades of blue are associated with calmness, using these colors in rooms where you would go to relax - like the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen are ideal. Want to add a beachy feel to the space? Pair it with various greens, like seafoam. I just love the color of turquoise paired with gold, silver, and white - with subtle accents of driftwood and organic touches, such as orchids or palm trees. 

Take a look at a few decor items I chose that would look amazing in these types of spaces to create a relaxing and calming setting inspired by the sea.

So, what do you think? What pieces were your favorite? Let me know in the comments below. 

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> DIY SEA GLASS INSPIRED STAINED GLASSWARE

There are tons of tutorials out there, but I suggest you do your research quite carefully and read reviews if other people have had positive results. Sadly, I tried my hand at one of the tutorials I found online, and the results were disappointing. I wanted to share it with you all, but I wasn't pleased with the final outcome. Once I perfect a DIY for you guys, I'll be sure to share it! You can also find tons of sea glass accessories online or at home decor and craft stores. 

via Pinterest

Aren't these just the prettiest arrangements! I love the clean, vintage look and feel. You can easily recreate this look by repurposing all sorts of bottles and glassware and staining them in those beautiful hues. Collecting glassware in different sizes and shapes is one of my favorite ways to recycle and reuse. The best part is they're free and you don't need to worry about your kids breaking your expensive glasses again! 

via Pinterest

Thanks for dropping by, I hope this was helpful and inspiring. I love home decor, and I look forward to sharing more posts like this with you in the future.

xo stina 

So, I must admit, I recently spent 3+ hours at Sephora on a mommy's day out with a close friend. She and I have so much in common, and I discovered that a love for makeup was one of them! So, of course, Sephora was on our agenda for the day. Little did we know that Sephora would turn into an all day affair. I had made it a point all this time not to step foot into a Sephora unless I actually planned to spend money and had time to waste. So, this was it! I was finally able to treat myself after a long -- and torturous -- makeup diet. I had not splurged on the high-end stuff in a long time, so I was ever excited to get my hands on some new products to test out.

Yes, everything you've heard is true; Sephora is makeup heaven! Disclaimer: If you bring someone with you, make sure that they enjoy makeup as much as you do. Truth is, they will probably die of boredom if they are just not into makeup! Haha! So, on with my story. It's hard not to get side-tracked and to stay focused on one thing at Sephora -- from makeup to perfume, skincare to nail care -- they have it all. If you're like me and you're indecisive, like to try everything, and compare products, make sure you set aside several hours -- if not the entire day -- or prepare a list that you can take with you of items that you know you already want to try. You'll want plenty of time to try everything, and trust me, you will! Let's get into what I purchased!

Sephora.com is only a click away, so researching first always helps the buying process, especially when you have so many products to choose from.

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Tarte Amazonian clay 12-hr full coverage foundation SPF 15

purchased at: Sephora

price: $38

size: 1.7oz

color: light-medium neutral (light to medium skin w/ yellow and pink undertones)

shades: 25 options

Rating:  5/5 on tartecosmetics.com and 4/5 on sephora.com

always formulated without:

parabens • mineral oil • phthalates • triclosan • sodium lauryl sulfate • gluten

An oil-free, 12-hour liquid foundation formulated with Amazonian clay and non-chemical sunscreen filters.

Product Performance: 

Achieve flawless skin that looks healthy and natural with this supremely blendable liquid foundation that delivers up to 12 hours of satin-matte coverage while protecting skin from harmful UVA/UVB sun rays. Infused with skin-balancing Amazonian clay, the skinvigorating™ formula intuitively addresses your unique skin concerns, helping to improve overall skin clarity and texture, while the full coverage makeup fades over the appearance of large pores, discolorations and other imperfections. With all mineral, non-chemical sunscreen filters, this gentle formula features Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen, is vegan friendly and oil-free. It’s now available in our largest shade range ever to match women’s unique skin tones and undertones.

Powered By:  

• Amazonian clay: nature’s most perfect ingredient for better, longer, truer wear
• vitamin A: antioxidant that retains moisture and helps protect against free radical damage
• vitamin E: natural preservative that also acts as an anti-inflammatory emollient and antioxidant
• mineral pigments: soothe and soften skin

So, I've been eying this foundation for a while now, mainly because Tarte is known for using primarily natural ingredients and does not use phthalates, parabens, mineral oil, triclosan, and sulfates, which are known or probable carcinogens. It feels good to know that there are companies out there that are conscientious of the ingredients they use and are trying to fill the demand for natural alternatives for makeup. I am all for lessening my exposure to synthetic ingredients, so I was curious about this one. Although it is not completely natural, it does lessen my chemical load, and it my book, that is better all around. If you do, however, want to completely avoid chemicals in makeup, the only sure-fire way is to make it yourself or not wear makeup at all -- and I'm just not ready to do either yet, so here goes!

Since I am a sucker for product packaging, I just have to point out how pretty it is. They made sure to appeal to all those earthy mamas out there with a wooden cap. The shade that I was matched with was Light Neutral, and it was a perfect match. I was told by one of the sales reps that this foundation was good for combination skin and that it had build-able coverage. I was able to get color matched by one of the sales reps at Sephora. They use this neat scanner that they place on your skin to determine your Color IQ. According to Sephora, this tool can precisely match your skin with a foundation from over 1,500 available formulas. How cool is that? 

I'll be testing this foundation for a couple months before I do a full review on it. But for now, here's my first impression thoughts on the product.

• Lightweight

• Natural look

• Build-able coverage

• Non-oily

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Laura Mercier Secret Concealer 

PURCHASED AT: SEPHORA

PRICE: $24

SIZE: .08OZ

COLOR: 1.5 (fair to light skin tones)

shades: 12 options

RATING: 4.7/5 ON lauramercier.com and 4/5 on sephora.com

A moisture-rich concealer designed specifically for under and around the eye area to conceal discolorations and dark circles without settling into fine lines and wrinkles.

I've been wanting to purchase a high-end concealer after many years of using Sonia Kashuk's Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette. I basically stuck with it just to use it up before I purchased a different one, but I found that only one of the shades in the palette actually worked well for me. After I used that shade up, the other shades didn't match so well. So, I suggest getting a concealer in one shade unless you can find other uses for the other shades. I've tried the Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation a couple years back and loved it, so when one of the sales reps at Sephora recommended that I try out this concealer, I was highly interested. She recommended it for dry skin because it is hydrating. I also had two other options that I was considering; Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer and another one from Laura Mercier -- the Laura Mercier High Coverage Concealer. I was able to try all three and found that both concealers by Laura Mercier worked really well, and the texture was very creamy. The Nars concealer only had a few shades to choose from, so I couldn't find a shade that was perfect for me.

Ultimately, I actually wanted to go with the High Coverage Concealer, but for everyday wear, I decided that the Secret Concealer would be a better choice. Here are my first impression thoughts on the product.

• Creamy

• Perfect shade

• A little goes a long way

• After a while, I noticed creasing

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So, there ya have it -- I only purchased two products! Sounds like a successful trip to me. With so much to choose from, it's easy to get tempted. I did find many other things that I wanted to take home with me, but I will share those finds in another post. Also, stay tuned for a full review on both products!

Thanks for stopping by, I hope this post was helpful. If you have tried or are planning to try any of the products mentioned, let me know what you think. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

xo stina

I've always been a little intimidated about making pizza -- mainly the thought of making pizza dough from scratch.  I mean, they make it look so fun and easy on TV, but I'm still not convinced about the dough part. One day I will try my hand at it, but until then, thankfully, there are these pre-packaged crusts that I found at Target. I usually get grossed out about the thought of pre-packaged pizza crusts, but these actually looked good. The best part is that they are ultra thin and crispy -- my fave! So, I decided to try them out for the first time, and I am so glad I did! These are amazingly good and crispy, and they are so much better than take-out. I wanted to do a chicken and ranch style pizza, but I realized it needed some pizzaz (in the form of veggies), so I decided to add some asparagus. Perfect -- I already had some sitting in my refrigerator! What resulted was this delicious, gourmet-looking pizza that reminded me of pizza from California Pizza Kitchen. I can't wait to make this again and try other toppings. Turns out, making pizza this way was fun and easy!

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Chicken and Asparagus Ranch Thin Crust Pizza

Author: Hello Lovely Living

Published March 8, 2015

Servings: 3

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 20 mins

Total time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 2 ultra thin and crispy pizza crusts (pre-packaged)
• 2 chicken breasts, chopped into 1" pieces 
• 2 cups asparagus, chopped into 1" pieces
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Ranch dressing
• 1 oz cream cheese
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 Tsp dried basil
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté in olive oil until browned on the edges.
3. Add butter into the pan and let melt, then add garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes, then add in cream cheese. Stir until chicken is completely coated. Add basil and stir well. Set aside.
4. Take 1 pizza crust and evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 of the cooked chicken, then 1 cup of asparagus. Drizzle ranch dressing on top -- once horizontally, then once vertically to evenly coat the pizza. Repeat the same steps with the other pizza crust. 
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until crisp along the edges.
6. Enjoy!

Notes

• If you want to be even more fancy, try grilling your chicken instead! I wanted to grill mine, but doing so in the dead of winter was just not an option for me. Haha!

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With how easy and simple this was to make, I am inspired to make pizza a regular part of my household menu. Pizza is so versatile. Create any type of flavor combination and never get bored again. Plus, homemade is always healthier. Happy Eating! 

Follow @hellolovelyliving on Instagram and see what else is cooking in my kitchen! 

Have you tried making pizza from scratch or semi-homeamde before? Let me know in the comments!

xo, stina

Once upon a time, I was a skincare hoarder

Let's admit it, we women are obsessed with our skin; its appearance, tone and texture, the size of our pores - and let's be honest - we would go to the ends of the earth to find that one miracle product if it would solve our life's mission: perfect skin. It's a symbol of our youth and health, and we take it very seriously. I, for one, have always been a skincare fanatic and have always loved trying new products, so naturally, I was the first to get sucked into the pretty packaging and colorful words. 

Flash forward many products and disappointments later, and finally, something had to give. I was trying all these products, yet getting the same results; I still had poor skin, and I sure wasn't happy that I had spent a lot of money in the process. I struggled with acne, which made matters worse. 

After many years of looking for that "miracle" product, I began a different approach: learn about skin and what it truly needs to be healthy. What I gathered over the years changed my mindset about everything I knew about skin up to that point. 

1. Balance

Everyone's skin is different, but one thing is certain: to achieve optimal skin health, it must maintain a balance of natural oils to keep it hydrated and supple. We are taught from the get-go that oil is bad, but this is wrong. Oil is our skin's way of keeping it hydrated, supple, and protected. 

Introducing the best facial cleanser, it effortlessly removes makeup and impurities while leaving your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated. Traditional skin cleansers tend to upset the natural balance that our skin works so hard to maintain and strips the natural oils away, thus creating a recipe for disaster.

Our skin either overcompensates for that loss by overproducing sebum (the oil our skin produces) or our skin gets insanely dry and we have to load on moisturizers. Moisturizers normally have alcohol in them, which can also be very drying on the skin.

A healthy balance of natural oils is your best friend, so find a mild cleanser that is gentle on the skin. Sometimes skipping a cleanser and opting for your trusty H2O works even better to maintain your skin's balance. It truly depends on what skin type you have and what works for you. 

2. Hydrate  

Hydration is not only good for your skin, it is good for your entire body. This is how toxins are flushed out of your system. And by this, I mean filtered water.

Drinking sugary beverages is terrible for your skin, and they may add to the fact that you are dehydrated. They often contain sodium, which actually makes you thirstier, so no matter how much you drink, your body will not get the hydration it needs. 

To know if you are getting enough water throughout the day, listen to your body. Usually, by the time you are thirsty, you will have already lost one to two percent of your body's total water supply. Simply drinking water can make you look years younger!

See how this woman took ten years off her age by drinking three litres of water a day for thirty days!

3. Natural is best

Did you know that mass-marketed skincare products are loaded with tons of harmful ingredients? Just take a look at the ingredients list and see just how many chemicals they contain. I know it's easy to overlook this, but it is important to know exactly what you are putting on your skin. What goes on you has an impact on your health just as much as what goes in you.

Look for products that do not contain known carcinogens such as phthalates, parabens, petroleum-based ingredients, and other non-plant-derived ingredients. Natural oils such as unrefined organic coconut oil are great for your skin because it does not clog your pores and has healing properties. Others such as jojoba oil, mimic the natural oils that your skin produces, so it does not leave you feeling oily.

Choose organic products whenever you can - to avoid ingredients that contain traces of harmful pesticides. And my favorite: make something yourself out of natural ingredients that you can find in your kitchen! 

Check out the Think Dirty app or the Skin Deep app and learn about the potentially toxic ingredients in your cosmetics and personal care products. 

4. Exfoliate

Like any canvas, you must start with a clean surface. When dirt and dead skin accumulate and mix with sebum, a breeding ground for bacteria is created, which causes acne. This is why it is so important to exfoliate regularly.

Depending on your skin type, you can decide how often it is necessary. Oftentimes, simply exfoliating your skin can make a dramatic impact on its appearance and texture. You can easily make effective masks and exfoliators out of ingredients in your kitchen.

Here's one of my favorite exfoliating masks:

Green Tea Sugar Scrub

• 2 Tbsp Organic green tea

• 2 Tbsp Organic sugar

• 1 Tbsp Raw honey

Directions: First brew yourself a cup of green tea. Take 2 Tbsp of the green tea and add it to a small bowl. Cool it down to room temperature and then mix in the sugar and honey until well incorporated. Evenly cover your face with the mask and let sit for 10-15 minutes or until it dries. Enjoy your cup of green tea while you wait. ^ _ ^ Rinse and pat dry, then follow with your moisturizer.

5. Moisturize 

Moisturizing your skin after you have cleansed will ensure that your skin is well-hydrated and prepared for the day or night ahead. I recommend that you listen to your skin as far as how often you moisturize and what type of moisturizer to use.

Everyone will have different needs and moisturizers are not cut out the same for everyone. What works for me is using a Vitamin E moisturizer, and I have also tried jojoba and unrefined organic coconut oil. Since it is currently winter, my skin has been incredibly dry, so I make sure to slather it on. Moisturized skin is happy skin! 

Sometimes having overly dry skin can also create breakouts because dead skin cells pile up more rapidly, so make sure to exfoliate well before you moisturize.

6. Protect 

Having a diet rich in healthy saturated fats (such as coconut oil) and omega-3s (such as fish oil), and consuming plenty of dark leafy greens, will provide natural protection from the inside out. Vitamin E protects against free radical damage that causes wrinkles, and it also helps to boost collagen production to help treat and repair skin. 

Chemical sunscreens may do more harm than good, instead, I try to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun when possible. I believe that the sun in moderation is good for you, as it provides natural Vitamin D. Should you choose to use sunscreen, learn some background information on the different types of sunscreens available. For those seeking natural methods of sun protection, here's a great resource. 

If you follow all of these steps, you are well on your way to healthier skin! Let me know what works for you in the comments below. 

My skincare products

• Cleanser: Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Cleansing Cream

• Moisturizer: JASON Vitamin E Creme

• Makeup Removal: Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil and Basis Sensitive Skin Bar Soap or Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap

• Breakouts or Spot Treatment: Tea Tree Oil

• Body: Pacifica Body Butter Tuscan Blood Orange

• Underarms: Natural Crystal Deodorant

• Lips: EOS Lip Balm

• Hands: Pacifica Body Butter Indian Coconut Nectar and Ruby Guava (travel size)

When shopping for skincare products, I try to look for those that contain ingredients that are as close to nature as possible. I look for those that do not contain parabens, phthalates, petroleum-based ingredients, or ingredients that are not plant-derived. Many mass-marketed products contain ingredients with potential health impacts such as carcinogenicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergenicity, and immunotoxicity.

Sometimes it is hard to completely avoid certain ingredients, so looking for safer alternatives makes a huge difference in lessening your exposure to toxins. It is also possible to completely remove toxic exposure by going completely natural and making your own skincare products at home and/or using products that do not contain any harmful ingredients. 

The products that I currently use all are within a moderate toxicity rating - meaning that some of my products’ ingredients have potential moderate negative long-term health effects, while some do not contain any ingredients that have a documented negative health impact.

My overall rating according to the Think Dirty app was a 3, which means that my bathroom is rated clean! Despite this, I would still like to continue to switch to completely natural products, so I will continue to look for safer and healthier alternatives. 

Download the Think Dirty app or the Skin Deep app and search from thousands of personal care products to see how your products rate in terms of toxicity and also learn about their ingredients. Choose from safer alternatives.

It's all about finding what works best for you. I hope this post was informative and helpful! Let me know what your bathroom rating is using the Think Dirty app!

xo, stina

I have always loved a great mani and pedi, and so when I discovered that it was possible to do my own gel manicure at home, I was in. However, I was always skeptical. Did it really work? Was it worth the initial investment? I did like the idea that I could maintain a fresh-looking manicure for two weeks or more, be able to do it myself, save money, all the while getting professional results. So, after researching the many gel kits available, I found that Sensationail was actually one of the better ones out there in terms of price, performance, and ease of use. So, I decided to give it a try. This mommy bear was ready for a new set of paws!

purchased at: target

price: gel kit $49.99 | gel color $9.99-$11.99

Rating:  4.5/5 on Amazon.com and sensationail.com

Set Includes:

• Pro 3060 LED Lamp

• Gel Cleanser

• Gel Primer

• Gel Base & Top Coat

• Gel Polish 

• Lint-free Wipes

• Double-sided Nail Buffer

• Manicure Stick 

• Detailed instruction sheet

The kit comes with everything you need to get started and is supposed to last you 10 manicures. After that, simply purchase the Essentials Kit and gel color, and you're set to go for more! Although there are many steps involved, the process was simple and quick. Being that it was my first time, it did take a little longer for me to complete, but that was because I kept referring back to the instructions to make sure I was doing it properly. Generally, it should only take 15 minutes to complete. The gel color looked amazingly pigmented and everything in the kit looked very high quality. 

The gel color that I used was rose gold glitter, and when applied, it was a little blotchy and uneven, so I had to go over it several times to make it as evenly distributed as possible. Maybe this was due to the glitter content, so I will have to see if the solid colors apply better. The brush was a bit small and stiff too, so that could also have contributed to it being hard to evenly coat the nails. I also did experience some slight burning on my nails when I put my nails under the LED light during curing. This scared me at first, but since it didn't last too long--only the first few seconds of each round of curing--I didn't mind it. Other than that, I found the process to be fast and fool-proof. 

Rose Gold Glitter

Taken in direct sunlight.

Sensationail gel polish starter kit - raspberry wine

$39.29

Buy on Amazon

MY RATING: 4.5/5 (.5 off due to the brush being stiff)

PROS

• Professional, salon quality results

• Lasts for up to two weeks or more, low maintenance

• Glossy, long-lasting color and mirror-like shine

• Damage-proof and does not chip

• Save hundreds compared to salon visits

• Safer than UV nails and cures faster

• Easy to use

• Fast application, zero dry time

CONS

• May be damaging to nails

• Nails burn slightly under LED light

• Time consuming removal process

• Gel color was a bit thick when applied

• Stiff brushes

Taken in the shade. Shiny, glossy...everything!

Tip: I do recommend taking breaks in between manicures to let your nails breathe and recover, because constant use can cause nails to become weak and brittle.

This gel kit lived up to my expectations, and I am so pleased with the results. My nails turned out glossy, shiny, and sparkly. I was immediately able to do things and not worry about damaging my nails. It's perfect for anyone who doesn't have the time to do their nails every 3-5 days (did I mention the dreaded drying time), who hates having to deal with chipped nails and smudges, and the frugal mama who loves to do-it-herself and save money. This kit is so worth it; I can finally enjoy fresh, salon-quality nails at home, and you can too!

So sparklaaay!

THE VERDICT: ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

I highly recommend this product and can't wait to try out more colors. Have fun mamas! If you try it out, tag me on instagram using #hellolovelyliving with a photo of your gel mani. I'd love to see it and hear about your experience.

xo, stina

I first experienced the most out-of-this-world chicken wings at a Japanese restaurant on Guam, which immediately became one of my favorite restaurants for authentic Japanese cuisine. Tucked away in the heart of Tumon, but not as well-known as other Japanese restaurants, Wara was like a hidden gem and a mini Japan getaway. My husband and I enjoyed many date nights there -- watching Japanese game shows and admiring the walls decorated with Japanese keepsakes. I just HAD to have these every time I ate there! After all, who can resist something so crispy with a coating of salty, sweet glaze and topped with crunchy sesame seeds!? These wings are addicting, so proceed with caution! 

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Japanese Nagoya Fried Chicken Wings

Author: Hello Lovely Living

Published February 16, 2015

Servings: 3-4

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 40 mins

Total time: 50 mins

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• Potato starch
• Oil for deep frying
• White sesame seeds
• Salt and black Pepper

Glaze Ingredients

• 1/3 cup mirin
• 1 1/2 Tbsp sake (sub. white wine)
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp ginger powder
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, bring the ingredients for the glaze to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until sauce has thickened to form a glaze. Set aside when done.
2. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Coat evenly with potato starch and sprinkle with a dash of salt.
3. Deep fry wings in oil until they are crispy and golden brown - about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and let cool.
4. Place wings in a container and drizzle evenly with glaze, then cover and shake until well coated. Sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds and sprinkle with black pepper.

Notes

• Serve with steamed, white rice.

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Enjoy!

Itadakimasu いただきます ! (Let's eat!)