Fab Friday: Stay Fabulous!

Good afternoon, Mochas!

Once again Friday has found us!  I'm going to keep it brief this week. Instead of giving you tips for how to be fabulous, I want to remind you this Valentines Day weekend that you ARE fabulous!  Regardless of whether you have a super weekend planned or nothing special at all, whether you will be "boo'd up" or spending it alone, whether you are giving gifts or receiving them, remember that you are an amazing woman!  You have accomplished much and are closer to your dream life than you know. So today the only tip I have for you is to have fun being your fabulous self! And stay that way!

MML,

Otise

This post is courtesy of Mocha Otise

For more Fab Friday posts, click HERE!

Wellness: Love Languages

Happy Wednesday Mochas! 

Valentines Day is a couple days away and we're all about spreading the love!! Don't be mistaken, Valentines Day is not just about couples. It can be whatever you choose it to be! I believe it's a reminder to GIVE and RECEIVE lots of love!! To yourself, your significant other, your children, your family, friends and coworkers! 

I'm learning that it's healthy to recognize my "love language." The way in which I express and accept expressions of love. This book is still on my list of reads, "The 5 Love Languages," by Gary D. Chapman. Some of you may have read it or already know of it. Challenge yourself this week to tune in to your love language and the love languages of the people around you. Love is a significant part of living well! 

Go to www.5lovelanguages.com and take the quiz! Here are my results. My primary love language was QUALITY TIME! 

Quality Time**
In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, "I love you," like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there – with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby – makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful. Quality Time also means sharing quality conversation and quality activities.

Acts of Service**
Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an "Acts of Service" person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: "Let me do that for you." Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don't matter. Finding ways to serve speaks volumes to the recipient of these acts.

Words of Affirmation**
Actions don't always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, "I love you," are important – hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten. Kind, encouraging, and positive words are truly life-giving.

Physical Touch**

This language isn't all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face – they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive. Physical touch fosters a sense of security and belonging in any relationship.

Receiving Gifts**
Don't mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous – so would the absence of everyday gestures. Gifts are visual representations of love and are treasured greatly.

Have a lovely week and Valentines Day weekend! Xoxo,

Tiffany K.

For more Wellness Topics, Click HERE!

Crafts: 10 Simple Ways to Celebrate Valentines Day

1.  Set a nice table with napkins folded into hearts!

It's easy.  Here's how!

2.  Leave a love trail for a child, friend or a love!

 

3.  Create a festive atmosphere with Valentine inspired centerpieces!

4.  Leave Love Notes!

1 pack of pick post-it's makes this craft! 

5.  Make a heart healthy snack!

Check the cake decorating aisle for small heart cutter

6. Bake a simple heart shaped cake

1 square cake pan = 1 round cake pan = heart

7.  Strawberry Crepes for Breakfast!

 Here's the recipe for crepes!

8.  Make Button Art

9.  Enjoy a little Valentine Pizza

Check the cake decor aisle for tiny heart cutter

 

Buy pre-made pizza dough, crescent rolls or make homemade.

10.  Make Heart Shapes Crayons

Melt broken crayons in a silicone mold

Click HERE for more Crafty ideas!

This post is courtesy of Mocha Kathy.

FAB Friday: Pamper Yourself!

Good Morning, Mochas!

It is Fabulous Friday!  The weekend is upon us and it is glorious!  Soon it will be Valentine's Day and, if we haven't already,  we will all be scrambling to find the perfect card/candy/gift for those special someones in our lives. But what about that special someone in the mirror?  How do you show her some love this Valentine's Day?

This is a question I myself am tussling with right now; what should I get myself for Valentine's Day?  Should I even get myself something?  Well why not! There's nothing wrong with a little self congratulation, I say. I'm giving myself a Valentine's Day treat and I suggest you do too.  Below are a few ideas I have for you to say "Girl I love you!" To yourself:

Wake Up Your Face:  You might be pleasantly surprised at how refreshed you can look AND feel after a good session with a great eyebrow stylist. Cheaper than a facial or massage, clean brows take years off the face, and letting a professional handle the dirty work will leave you feeling like a pampered celeb (and all for $30 or less!). Here are a few places in Bergen county that come highly recommended (disclaimer:  I haven't tried any of these yet, but I do have "treat myself right" appointments scheduled):

Jon Santos at Blush Salon in Englewood

Jon Santos, Blush Salon
3 Grand Avenue, Englewood
201-568-2221
$30 per session, Wednesday-S

Tracy Andreasen at Studio M in Westwood

Tracy Andreasen, Studio M (trained in the Anastasia Method)

90 Center Ave, Westwood
201-664-6700
$25 per session, Thursdays and Saturdays

Nasrin at Panico Salon and Spa in Ridgewood (threading expert)

Nasrin,  Panico Salon and Spa
144 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
201-652-4515
$30 per session, Monday-Saturday(not Tuesday)

Go On A Date... With You:  if you are anything like me, you've probably gotten so caught up in the grind of life that more than likely it's been a long time since you've done anything for yourself, by yourself; even "me time" is spent with others. This week, I encourage you to take yourself some place special. Have a crepe and a cup of coffee at the adorable Sogno Coffee House & Creperie in Westwood (http://www.caffeanello.com). Disappear in The Well Read Bookstore in Hawthorne (http://www.thewellreadbookstore.com/about-us) where you can peruse new and used books, use the free Wi-Fi and relax with a cup of complimentary tea or coffee offered to its guests. Or you can just fall off the grid completely and spend a couple of hours in glorious solitude. Heck, if you're feeling crazy, you can even turn off your phone. You might be surprised at what good company you find yourself to be. 

Whatever you choose to do between this weekend and the next, I just lovingly encourage you to include yourself in those plans. Like the lyrics of one of my favorites songs "Encourage Yourself" say, "sometimes you gotta pat your OWN self on the back!"  So I say to you, this Valentine's Day show some love to yourself! You deserve it!  And something tells me you will be glad you did. 

Stay Fabulous, Mochas!

MML, 

Otise

This post is courtesy of Mocha Otise.

For more FAB Friday Posts, click HERE!

Wellness: M.O.O.D.

Happy Wednesday!!

Have you ever had "THAT" kind of morning? Where everything just seems to start off wrong and continues to spiral!!? Well, that my morning today!!

Unbeknownst to me, my phone died last night after I went to sleep and I didn't think to plug in the charger, so my alarm didn't go off from my phone this morning. My loving husband sleeps with the tv on so when the news came on and said it's 6am. He said, "honey, it's 6." I said ok, (which is the time I normally get up, but I was so tired!) and we both rolled over and went back to sleep. I woke up to myself snoring and it was 8am!! Which was when Erin and I usually leave the house! Mind you, she's up and had been laying in her bed. So, I jump up, tell her to get up and get dressed. I didn't even have time to shower! Don't judge me! I used the restroom, changed, did my five minute makeup face and fixed my coffee. We went out to the car and the garbage truck left our garbage can right in front of our driveway, so I had to walk down the icy driveway to move it so that I can pull my car out. And, of course, I slip and fall! F&$@ it! I left the garbage on the street to the side so my husband can get it later! I got in the car and then realized I was low on gas, I forgot Erin's water bottle and I didn't have time to make my juice. I got Erin to school late but then hit traffic on route 80. Then, I get to work and my kids are going crazy!! Sure enough, last night was a full moon! Ok, now I thought, it's time for me to stop and breathe....

My morning was spiraling and I had to stop it. We have the control to stop it. You may have had worse mornings, but it's all about the M.O.O.D. you choose to continue your day. Mind. Over. Obstacles. Daily. Once you focus your mind over any obstacles you face in a day, things automatically start to go smooth. I accepted the fact that things happen, it's ok, but it can get better! 

Thinking about the positives, Erin dressed herself, made her own snack AND lunch. I put on perfume, kept it moving and made sure my make up looked good ;-) I didn't hurt myself. I drove slow to avoid any accidents. Made it to my school on time, relaxed and had a productive and pleasant rest of the day. 

Remember mind over matter? Practice training your mind to not dwell on the negative, but more on the positive. 

Mind. Over. Obstacles. Daily.

This post is courtesy of Mocha Tiffany K.

Click HERE for more Wellness Topics!

Cooking: Brown Sugar Cake for 1 (with Frosting)

Brown Sugar Mug Cake and Frosting

Real talk - Sometimes you just need a little cake.  Not a lot of cake.  Not cake for the whole family.  Just a little bit of cake to get you though the day.

I've made snack cakes for years.  That's nice when I want a little cake for all 5 of us.  This recipe makes enough cake for just 1 person.

Brown Sugar Cake for 1 (with Frosting)

2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
1 Tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon milk
1 teaspoon oil
drop of vanilla

Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

Mix everything in a bowl

Pour batter into a small microwave safe container.  I use a 4 oz mason jar.

Ready to bake

Microwave for 32 seconds (Based on a 900 volt microwave).

Baked!

This recipe makes what looks like a tiny bit of batter.  Don't worry.  The batter will double in size when baked.

Unbaked batter

Fully baked batter

Now set the cake aside to cool and make frosting.

Frosting (for 1 cake)

3 Tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon soft butter (NOT melted)
1/2 teaspoon milk
1 drop of vanilla

Using a fork, mash powdered sugar into the butter.

Work the butter into the sugar

Add the milk 1/4 teaspoon at a time.  Frosting will be stiff.

Mash butter into powdered sugar

Stir in vanilla.  Believe it or not, that tiny bit of vanilla will make the frosting smooth and easier to stir.

Once the cake is cooled completely, frost the cake.

Bakers Tip:  If you frost a warm cake, the frosting will melt into the cake.  (Some people like it like that.)

Dessert! (or breakfast)

One of my favorite things about this little cake is that it fits easily into a lunch bag.

Nutritional Information:
Cake:  Calories-156, Carbs-25, Fat 5, Protein 3, Sodium 246, Sugar 12
Frosting:  Calories 154, Carbs-24, Fat 6, Sodium 126, Sugar 23

Save a few calories by sprinkling the cake with powdered sugar instead of frosting.


For a chocolate mug cake, CLICK HERE!

For mug brownie, CLICK HERE!

This blog post is courtesy of Mocha Kathy W.

For more recipes, CLICK HERE!