NRW: Monkey Bread!

INGREDIENTS
•3 (12 ounce) packages of refrigerated biscuit dough
•1 cup of white sugar
•1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
•1 cup of butter
•2 cups of packed brown sugar
•1/2 cup of chopped pecans (optional)

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease one 9 or 10 inch tube/Bundt® pan.
2. Mix white sugar and cinnamon in a plastic bag. Cut biscuits into quarters. Shake 6 to 8 biscuit pieces in the sugar cinnamon mix at a time, then set to the side.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the margarine with the brown sugar over medium heat. Boil for 1 minute.
4. Begin to layer the biscuit pieces into your pan. After each single layer drizzle the brown sugar/butter mixture over it and sprinkle with pecans if you are using them.  Make sure the last layer is not filled all the way to the top or you will have spillage! There should be about 2/3 left between the biscuits and the top of the pan.
5. Place a cookie sheet or aluminum foil on the bottom rack and then place pan on middle rack. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes.
6. Let bread cool in pan for 5 minutes, then flip it out onto a plate and keep the bundt pan in place upside down for another 5 minutes. Remove the pan and enjoy. The bread will just pull apart.

*You may also use cream cheese to dip the bread in if you'd like. The more, the yummier!

~HG

LOTD: Green and Gold with a hint of Pink

When it comes to holidays, I like to plan out my look - what I'm going to wear, what accessories best match, what hair to buy (don't judge me), what makeup goes with the look, etc. However, this past Christmas I was so busy and stressed I had no other choice but to wing it, despite my constant need for perfection. I was not dissatisfied. I came up with a green and gold look that I am very happy with. I hope you like it too:

Face:

Bobbi Brown Oil-Free Even Finish Foundation SPF 15 in Almond

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Dark

Eyes:

MAC Indianwood paint pot - all over lid
MAC E/S in Humid - bottom lid

Coastal Scents Palette 88 green shadow 3rd column second from bottom - middle of bottom lid into the outside corner
MAC Pigment in Melon - inner corner of lid and on eyebrow bone (as a highlighter)
Stila Smudge Pot - Liner for top and bottom lids
Dior Iconic - Mascara

Lips:
Bobbi Brown Lip Liner in Plum - Line lips and softly fill them in with pencil
MAC Dazzleglass in Baby Sparks

Cheeks:
MAC Mineralize Blush in Superdupernatural
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Porcelain Pink - Under eyes right above blush, lightly dust on the center of forehead, bridge of nose, and chin
 
~HG

I Smell Good Enough to Eat? Why Thanks, I'm Wearing Wedding Cake!

I'm a self-proclaimed product whore, we all know that. When it comes to hair products, makeup, and bath products, I'm all over it. So when some sistagirls raved about LunaBleu's products, I said ok, I've gotta try them!

The names sounded so delish. How about taking a shower in fluffy marshmallows? Or lathering up with pink cupcakes? Yummo! The list of products simply sounded mouth watering! Needless to say, I was eager to place my order. However, we are still in a recession, so it took the strength of God for me not to buy every scent possible. How to narrow it down to just 3 scents??? Le sigh. Now that was a task, and I can't say I completely stuck to it, but I did darn good! Here's what I got with descriptions from her website:


Cotton Candy Soy Cream Body Wash and Goatmilk Cream
The smell of fresh spun Cotton Candy from the fair so sweet and yummy!  

Dragon's Breath Soy Cream Body Wash and Goatmilk Cream

State Fair Treats
A blend of all your favorite State Fair Treats Freshly-Spun Pink Cotton Candy, Funnel Cake with Powdered Sugar, and Delicious Candied Red Apples

Wedding Cake
Formerly My Wedding Cake is a beautiful white chiffon cake with decadant buttercream frosting. Get ready to drool!

Annnd last but not least...

Various Cupcake Cuties Wax Tarts

The wonderful thing about Lunableu is that she also sends you plenty of samples, some even full sized. i received 4 tarts and a hand sanitizer as my samples.I also purchased the State Fair Treats fragrance oils. Lunableu not only has something for everyone, but is also very affordable. The bath washes were only $6.99 and the Goatsmilk Cream was only $7.95 for 4oz. I can't wait for hubby to try out the Dragons Breath. I hear it will make me want to rip his clothes off. Hmph, I'm ready *smile*.

Luna Bleu

~HG

NRW: Noodle Kugel

This is a Jewish dish that is usually served on the Sabbath and during holidays. Since my namesake is Jewish, I'm posting this in honor of him. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:
•1 12-ounce package wide egg noodles
•1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter or non-hydrogenated margarine
•2/3 cup sugar
•2 tablespoons honey
•2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
•4 eggs, beaten
•1/4 cup milk or soy milk
•3/4 cup raisins

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Butter a 9 x 11-inch baking dish or comparably-sized casserole. 
2. Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Cook the noodles just until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and place in a large bowl. 
3. Add the butter, sugar, honey and cinnamon. Stir until the butter is melted and the noodles are coated with the cinnamon and sugar mixture. 
4. Add the eggs and milk, and stir until well blended. Fold in the raisins. 
5. Pour the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the kugel is firm and the top is golden brown. 
6. Cut into squares and serve warm or cold. 
7. Kugel may be stored covered in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days, or frozen, well wrapped in foil, for up to 2 months.

 ~HG

The Good Life

Just finished putting up the Christmas tree with hubby (don't judge us), toasting each other on our first Christmas together as hubby and wife, and slow dancing to Boys to Men singing Who Would've Thought (I'd fall in love on Christmas day). This, my friends, is the good life.

~HG

Do You Glide?

As I've mentioned before, I officially have natural hair. No more creamy crack for me. While I love being natural, it is not always easy. I wear a lacefront wig more often than I'd like, mainly because I can't get my hair styled right. Right now my natural hair is shooorrrttt when curly. Too short for my liking, so I opt not to wear it out curly unless I'm spending a weekend in the house. When it gets to APL curly, then and only then will I wear it out without straightening it. However, straightening as been quite the hurdle. My curls are tightly coiled so no matter what I seem to do, I can't untangle my hair super easily. Moisturizing it while it air dries every hour has certainly helped, but it's still no real solution. Then there's the straightening. I hate hate hate that burnt hair smell I get when I straighten my hair with a flat iron or an electric straightening comb. It makes me feel like I'm frying my hair, and I probably am! So, I quit. I just settled for wearing my lacefront wigs. At least they're cute and allow me to leave the house looking presentable.

Little did I know, there was a miracle on the market. The ladies in my sistagirl group were squealing with excitement over something called a maxiglide, and as I started seeing result after beautiful result, I became curious. Ok, ok, ok, what the heck is a maxiglide and why should I buy it?

Maxiglide is a straightening iron that has pins for detangling, and uses steam to smooth your hair while you glide down to straighten your hair. Hmm, ok, but I was still a little skeptical. I mean, sure enough, I've never tried a straightening device that uses steam, but eh, we'll see. So when asked what I wanted for my birthday, I asked for a maxiglide of course!

During our nice little snow storm Saturday I decided to give the maxiglide a go. I shampooed and conditioned my hair, and then used the products that came with the maxiglide. I heard wonderful things abut them, and I'm a product whore, so I'll bite. Let me just tell you I did NOT like the Beyond Straight product! It made my curls a crunchy, weird mess. Ugh. For me, it was just say no. However, my hair could NOT get enough of The End! It made my hair feel so smooth and look so shiny, yet weightless! I got the handle of the maxiglide in no time, and it only took me 90 minutes to straighten my hair as oppose to the 3hrs it usually takes. I know the second time I use it I will have it down in 1hr. Exciting! Maxiglide took my hair from this

 

to this

Love.It.com. This is the best product E V E R!!! Run out and go get it right now! Actually, you can stay in an get it. They have it on hsn.com for $79.95. That includes the MAXIglide MP Straightening Iron, Miniglide styler, Maxesse Moisturizing Shampoo, Maxesse Tri-Protein Moisturizing Conditioner, Beyond Straight Temporary Straightener, The END Silicone Shine Enhancer, a Detangling Brush, 2 Maxius Travel Cases, and the Instructional DVD. Trust me, it's worth it!

~HG

All I want for Christmas is...

So the question "what do you want for christmas?" has been asked a million times and 99.999% of the time I cannot remember a thing that is on my list. Le sigh. So, I started a list here. I will update it through Christmas eve I'm sure lol. Here goes:

•  brand new tivo. I have an archaic one from when they first came out. I need to be upgraded.
• A wireless printer. Seriously, if I trip over one more wire anywhere in our apartment, I'm going to scream!
• One of those heavy duty mixers with a bowl, and not a knock off either. I need a REAL mixer. Like this one: http://tinyurl.com/y9kkot5
• A gift certificate to MAC and Bobbi Brown, OR a gift certificate to Nordstroms
• Accessories from Aldo. I need more necklaces and earrings.
• Neon colored socks.
• The newest sims game
• Gift certificate to Target
• Any of the following shows on dvd: The first two seasons of Greys Anatomy, the last three seasons of A Different World, and any of the Cosby Shows
• Gift certificate to Borders
• NARS cactus flower cream blush

• mehron palettes

• lush HERBALISM
• Temptu Airbrush makeup system

 RCMA Shinto Palette

• 
  
  Kat von d palette
  
  
  
• 
  
  Lancome COLOUR FOCUS PALETTE 4 OMBRES - Exceptional Wear EyeColour Quad
  
  
  
• 
  
  Cargo Hands of Hope Eyeshadow Palette
  
  
  
  
  
• 
  
  Dior 2-Colour Eyeshadow
  

• 
  
  Smashbox WISH Eye Wish Palette
  
  
  
  
  

~HG

Bank of America, I Quit You!

I have been a member of Bank of America for years, since my second year of college. I've always simply adored them. Finding an ATM machine on every corner, no monthly fees (because they let me keep my account as a "student"), great customer service. I can't even begin to tell you how many times BOA came to my rescue. When I was a silly child I would try to buy $25 worth of groceries with only $2 in my account, but BOA let me! I would pull out my card, inhale 1, 2, 3, swipe, exhale, 4, 5, 6, and beam when that machine said "approved" and I could eat for yet another week. Of course the overdraft fees were nothing cute, but as a broke college student the system worked in my favor.

Not anymore.

Do you know those bastidges are holding my money hostage! My money! Hostage! MY MONEY! Whew lawd, it took Jesus and all 12 of the disciples to hold me back from marching up to one of their branches and holding a sit in. Let me take a few steps back, calm down, and explain.

When I was in High School God dropped two of the most wonderful angels in the world in my life. For the sake of anonymity I'll call them the Scotts. The Scotts helped pay for me to go to High School, and helped pay for college. Imagine my amazement when they said they wanted to help me pay for graduate school. isn't that crazy? Who gives from their heart like that these days? Not many folks I know! Anywho, I had humbly accepted their help. So at the beginning of each semester they supply me with a check that is always so tempting. More money than I've had in my account E V E R! However, it clearly says "scholarship fund" on the check, so I woosssaaahhh, bring myself back to reality, and go online to pay for my classes. So Sunday, I did the same as always. I signed and deposited my check at the ATM knowing the funds would be released by Tuesday, like they always are...right? WRONG! I check my account today and it says my funds are on hold UNTIL DECEMBER 23RD! What the...have they...do they know...maaaaaaaannnnnnn Jesus you better hold me back! So I call them. "Welcome to Bank of America, may I have..." "I want my money. I want my money, and I want it now." I give ole girl all of my information, and she basically tells me there's nothing they can do. They check the system and see that why yes, I do make this deposit twice a year, and no, my check has never been held hostage before, but indeed, I willl have to wait until the 23rd. "I want it back" "excuse me ma'am?" "I want my check back. Give me my check back. I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!!!" Le sigh. Let me just say that today, I still don't have my money back. They released a small portion of the check into my account, but that's all I get for now. That portion doesn't even pay for ONE of my classes. It barely pays for a credit. I kindly let them know that as of December 24, 2009 I will no longer be a member of BOA. I'm done. I'm tired. People have tried to convince me for years to leave BOA, but I just didn't have the issues they had. I was exempt. Well not anymore, and I told the customer service agent "ma'am, don't take it personally when I say this, just think of it as taking one for the team but...I quit you. I don't like you anymore and you really do leave a sour taste in my mouth. I never want to speak to you again, and if I should pass you on the street, I can just about guarandaggontee you that I will NOT be stopping by to make a deposit. We must go our seperate ways. Good bye and God bless". And that's it. Another relationship ended in my life. I'm moving on. To where I don't know, but it'll be far far far away from that piece of crap bank known as Bank of America. Good riddance!

~HG

Two Reasons Why I Love Craigslist

As we all know I just finished having my poorest year ever. Even in the midst of that, while my husband was concerned with making sure the rent was paid, I was here looking at our house in deep despair because I couldn't decorate. Our living room is mixed matched and our dining room table was a folding table, le sigh. I vowed that as soon as I got a little bit of money, I was going to start decorating this place. Well, I still don't have that money, but I went browsing around craigslist anyway, and I ran into this ad:

Dinette Set - $25 (Washington D.C.)

Date: 2009-12-05, 10:30PM EST

Reply to:

This is a cute dinette set, perfect for students/someone furnishing an apartment on a budget.

It is particleboard, Not real wood. And, there is a piece of veneer chipped off one side (i can send another picture showing), thus the $25.00 price.

Round table and four chairs.

I said what the heck! We just need something decent to eat on for christmas, so why not? So I replied to the ad and picked up the table on Thursday. I love it! Of course it's not my dream table, but for $25 it's not bad at all!

Tadaa! There it is. Not bad right? You can't even tell where the chip is! Oh, and those flowers? Surprise from hubby on Wednesday night. God I love that man!

And the second reason I love Craigslist? You can find some of the most invaluable, loving, change your life things on there, like a Pepper:

That is my precious, precious baby boy (yes, I know he's a cat, but he's MY child). I adopted him from someone on craigslist 5 years ago. He'll be 6 years old on Saturday. He's the greatest kitty in ze world!

I encourage everyone to go peruse craigslist to see what goodies they can find. Just don't go picking up a gift that keeps on giving...like a prostitute in the want ads w/ an STD...*shudders*

~HG

NRW: Slow Cooker Turkey Noodle Soup

INGREDIENTS
1 bag of Light 'N Fluffy Egg Noodles Wide Enriched Pasta
3-4 turkey drumsticks
1 stick of butter
1 onion
salt
butter
cayenne pepper
black pepper
garlic powder
Water

DIRECTIONS
1. Season drumsticks really well (more than you would if you were frying or baking them).
2. Place drumsticks along with onion (leave whole), and butter.
3. Pour water over drumsticks filling almost completely, leaving about 3 inches at the top. Season the water well.
4. Turn slow cooker to 8hrs or the equivalent and let it cook over night.
5. Approximately 1 hour before completion, taste the juice to make sure it is seasoned properly. Add more seasoning if you need to. Pour egg noodles in and stir. Continue to let cook for the last hour.
6. Discard onion and enjoy!

~HG

Lauren Merkin Holiday Sample Sale

Lauren Merkin Holiday Sample Sale: Handbags, Clutches and Accessories up to 70% off!!Date: Tue-Fri, Dec. 8-11th: 11am - 7pm & Sat, Dec. 12th: 11am - 4pm Location: 231W.29th St. Suite 201 (Btw 7& 8th ave) Payment: Cash, Amex, Visa, Master Card, Discover Only

via http://www.shebreathes.com/salesvault/2009/12/lauren-merkin-sample-sale.html#

Oooo, a Stila on Sale and Cherry Culture love!

I logged onto Haute Look this morning and look what I found! Too bad I don't get my first paycheck for another week, hmph.

Apparently the sale is on for another 47hr 42min and some odd seconds. Run get that!

Also, look what I found in my inbox this morning from Cherry Culture:

Hmmm, anybody want to get me that NYX Makeup Artist Kit for Christmas? Please feel free!

~HG

NRW: Chocky Chunk Chunk

Two years ago I made this for my husband and he has been begging for it ever since. Little does he know, I'm surprising him with a batch for Christmas. I may even add some marshmallows in there.

INGREDIENTS:
2/3 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup white sugar
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 1/4 cups milk chocolate chips
2 cups pecans

DIRECTIONS:
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
2.In a medium bowl, mix together 2/3 cup butter, 1/4 cup white sugar, and 1 1/4 cup flour until evenly crumbly. Press into 9" square baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes.
3.In a 2 quart saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil. Continue to boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon for about 3 minutes. Pour over baked crust. Spread pecans on top and then cool until it begins to firm.
4.Melt chocolate and pour over caramel layer. Cover the layer completely.Chill the sheet of bars, but don't let it get too cold.
5.Cut into small squares, and serve.

Advice:

• Poke the cookie mixture with a fork several times before placing it in the oven, and then several times after taking it out of the oven. This helps the caramel adhere to the cookie.
• Get a candy thermometer for the caramel. You want to heat the sugar mixture to 250'. If you don't have a candy thermometer, drop a bit of the sugar mixture into a cup of cold water. If the caramel hardens it is probably the right temperature. If the caramel is still soft to the touch when removed form the water, you need to cook it a bit longer. 
• Do not do not do not let the bars get too cold before cutting or they will be hard as heck to cut. Also, make sure to cut them into little squares. There's a lot of bang in these bars!

Enjoy!

~HG