If you live in America you’ve heard this phrase over and over.  “I have serious acne problems”.

Some people know how to deal with it, and some people just live day to day living with acne.
Although there are different ways to deal with acne problems these three steps can definitely make an impact on your face.
I want to share with you 3 simple ways that you can deal with skin acne problems that you can start today.

This first one is probably going to be hard for some people, but its the truth. (Oh by the way, I’m not a doctor, all I know is that this works for me and, really that’s all that counts, when it comes down to what my face looks like).
So, back to the “truth”.

Whether you like water or not, this is going to be your best bet.

1.  A person should have at least 64 ounces of water a day. I have about that much or a little more.

*Note: Everyone’s body is different depending on body weight and what the person is doing throughout the day. The temperature on the day also has a major effect on how much you should drink.  Rule of thumb. If its 200 degrees outside, don’t stop at 64

Water is the best for a person because it just cleans you out. Period. It works for me and it works for lots of people.
So that means stay away from the “cokes”, “sugar drinks and everything that is not water. There is much more that I can say, but all I know is that I do it and I see results, instantaneously.

2.    The second way to deal with acne problems is to stay away from the candy and sweets. Ok!! you can indulge every now and then, but I’m telling you, you will notice it right away, once you’ve indulged.
This is how it works for me, and I am telling you the honest truth.  If I have any type of chocolate or sugars one day, you can bet I’ll have a pimple, zit, whatever you want to call it the next day.  No joke!!
If you ever wake up one morning with just a horrible outbreak, try to remember what you had the day or night before.  I’m 99.9 percent sure that you had that chocolate cake.:)

3.  The third way that you can deal with your acne problems is taking care of your face. Be on a good skin care regimen and be consistent at it.
I’m going to tell you that “most” people that have acne problems are “oily faced” people. The ones that are not oily faced and have acne might be because of their diets.  Again I’m no doctor, all I know is that I’ve seen results with what I’ve done and I know when I’ve done wrong!! M&M’s???

Ok so you’re oily faced and you use some sort of skin product and you use it and then you stop and then you use it and then you stop.  Well, there is alot to say here, but many peoples lives are busy and forget to keep up with their skin care regimen.  I’m even guilty sometimes with that

But… you also have to make sure you’re using the right stuff.  Did you read that?
Now there are alot of good stuff out there and I’ve tried many things and some of it definitely works.

The thing that most people have a problem with is the amount you pay for some of these products. Believe me I’ve been on the high end and the low end. “Soap and water”;)  I’ve even sold some high end stuff.

What matters is not how expensive a product is, but what works for you and your skin. Of course most people are pretty tight with their money  now a days, but they would give up that same amount for a latte at Starbucks:) or that chocolate bar that’s going to break them out.

The fact is  that you want to be aware of what can help you and what can harm you. Many acne products have salicylic acid in it.

From experience, the more it has in it for me, the more irritated I get.
That is a main ingredient in many acne treatment skin products. If your face is prone to break out make sure to look at the percentage of salicylic acid.

If you find some product that is very expensive,but is specifically for acne try the first two steps along with a product that is natural(ex.fruits, vegetables etc.) but focused on keeping the shine away.  Also there are many places where you can get a trial size, that you can try for a little while.  Again you want to make sure that something is going to work for you.  Watch for other people that have used the same and ask them as well.

The honest truth is that people for the most part, don’t care about the mumbo jumbo. All they care about is, did it work for you??? Will it work for me??

Ok, even though this was pretty long these simple steps are SIMPLE.

— Drink plenty of water
—Healthy diet.  No chocolates. Sugars.. (or at least watch it carefully, and not on the way to your mouth:)
—Good Skin Care Regimen

I hope this helps you and let me know of your results. I know it will work for you.

P.S. Contact me for recommendations for skin care products. Very inexpensive and they work for me and others.

Kenia McDonald
Independent Beauty Consultant
kmcdonalddesigns@yahoo.com

Dressed up cheesecake. Taken from the taste of home New for 2010 “Whats for Dinner”!

What you”ll need:

1/2 cup milk chocolate toffee bits

1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping

1 frozen New-York style cheese cake (30 ounces) thawed

Chocolate syrup:

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine toffee bits and caramel topping; spread over cheesecake.  To serve,drizzle chocolate syrup on dessert plates;top each with a slice of cheesecake.

Now is that simple or what.  The result is outstanding and impressive.

Hope you enjoy it.

Some people don’t like seafood;however,if you do, I think that you will enjoy this simple shrimp macaroni salad recipe.
It doesn’t take long to make and it doesn’t take much time either.
This recipe is taking from the taste of home book that I love! http://budurl.com/recipebook
Here it goes:

Preparation time is around 15 minutes. Total time is 30 minutes

Gives about 16 servings.

What you will need is

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni

1 to 1-1/2 pounds cooked small shrimp

1 package (16 ounces) frozen peas, thawed

7 to 8 celery ribs, finely chopped

1 small onion, finely chopped

Dressing:

1-  3/4 cups mayonnaise

3/4 cup French salad dressing

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1-1/2 to 2-1/2 teaspoons paprika

1 to 2 teaspoons salt

1 to 2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 to 2 teaspoons pepper

Step 1:  Cook macaroni according to package directions;drain and rinse in cold water.  In a large bowl, combine macaroni,shrimp,peas,celery and the onion.

Step 2: In another bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients.  Pour over salad and toss to coat.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours before serving

There are not many people who “do not” like pizza, so this is going to be a winner for everyone.  I hope you enjoy it and make sure you post on our post your comments page if you tried it.

Prep time: 15 minutes/total time 30 min Yield: 6 servings

1 tube(11-1/2 ounces) refrigerated corn bread twists

1 can (16 ounces) refried beans

1 can (4 ounces)chopped green chilies

2 cups(8 ounces) shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese or Mexican cheese blend

1 can (2 1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained

Chopped tomatoes, salsa and sliced green onions, optional

1.  Unroll the bread twists and press onto a greased 12 in. pizza pan.  Bake at 375 degrees for 11-13 minutes or until lightly browned.  Combine the refried beans and chilies;spread over crust to within 1/2 inc. of edge.  Top with cheese and olives.

2.  Bake 5-8 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted.  Cut into wedges.  Serve with tomatoes,salsa and green onions if desired.

Till next time.

For you cinnamon raisin bread lovers this recipe should satisfy all your cravings, as long as you have a little time set aside to do it.

This recipe is perfect for those ladies that have no children in the home, or even those that do.

If you have children old enough to help out, this would be perfect.  Whenever I bake cookies or brownies or anything that requires stirring, I always let the kids know, and of course they thrilled to help out.

***Today’s tip- When you think your kids are in the way when you are cooking, just let them help out.  It might take a little longer, but at least you are spending time with them and creating memories for them.***

40 minutes preparation, 1 3/4 hours rising, 30 minutes baking

Makes 2 loaves

2 cups milk

4 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/4 cup chilled solid vegetable shortening

1 1/4 teaspoons salt

2 packages active dry yeast

1/4 cup warm water(105-115 F.

5-6 cups all-purpose flour

Filling

5 tablespoons butter, softened

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

6 tablespoons dark raisins

Glaze

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

1-2 tablespoons milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. In a saucepan, heat milk until bubbles appear around edges.  Combine sugar, shortening,and salt.  Add hot milk;stir well.  Cool to lukewarm(95-105 degrees F.)

2. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.  Let stand until foamy, 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Add yeast mixture to milk mixture.  Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and set on low speed, beat flour into yeast mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, until a stiff dough forms.

4.On a floured surface, knead dough until smooth and elastic, 5 to 10 minutes, adding more flour to prevent sticking.  Place dough in a large greased bowl, turning to coat.  Cover loosely with a damp cloth;let rise in a warm place until doubled, 1 hour.

5. Grease two 9×5 inch loaf pans.  Punch down dough.  On a floured surface, divide dough in half.  Using a floured rolling-pin, roll each dough half into a 13×9 inch rectangle.

6. To prepare filling, spread softened butter evenly over each rectangle.  Mix together sugar and cinnamon;sprinkle evenly over butter.  Sprinkle with raisins.

7. Starting with a short side, roll up each rectangle, jelly-roll style.  Tuck in ends.  Place loaves in prepared pans.  Cover loosely with a damp cloth;let rise in a warm place until double, 45 minutes.

8. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.  Bake loaves until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped, 30 minutes.  Turn loaves out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

9. To prepare glaze, mix together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla;glaze should be thin.  Spread glaze over tops of loaves.

Todays recipe comes to us from Great American Home Baking. Stat tuned for more recipes and “things u should know”

As a mother of 3 young children, making something delicious and simple.  If you have about 35 minutes to spare you can make this meal.  The rest is up to your great “oven” .

This “Chicken Pie with Corn Bread Topping”  comes from Great american Home Baking book that I have.  It’s great because the meals are easy and delicious.  Enjoy.  You will need the following:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 cup chicken broth

3 medium carrots, sliced

1/4 cup(1/2 stick) butter

1 small onion, sliced

1 large clove garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

8 ounces mushrooms, sliced  (2 cups)

1/2 heavy cream

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Topping

1/2 cup yellow cornmeal

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 large egg

3/4 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon butter, melted

1. In  a skillet, combine, chicken and broth. Cover;bring to a boil.  Reduce heat;simmer,turning once,until chicken is cooked, 5 to 10 minutes.  Transfer chicken to a plate;let cool.  Strain broth into a small bowl;reserve.  Shred chicken.  Wipe skillet clean with paper towels.
2. Meanwhile, bring a saucepan of water to a boil.  Add carrots;cook until tender, 5 minutes.  Drain well.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.  Add onion, garlic, and pepper;cook, stirring frequently, 5 minutes.  Add mushrooms; cook, stirring frequently, 5 minutes. Stir in flour;cook for 1 minute.  Gradually stir in reserved broth and cream.  Bring to a boil;cook,stirring constantly, until thickened,1 minute.
4. Remove from heat.  Stir in chicken carrots, and parsley.  Spoon filling into a 1-quart baking dish.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
5. To prepare topping, mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
6. Mix together egg,buttermilk, and melted butter.  Stir into flour mixture just until dry ingredients are moistened.  spoon batter over chicken mixture.
7. Bake pie until topping is golden brown, 30 minutes

Preparation time for this recipe is 35 minutes, 30 minutes baking.

I hope you enjoy this.

Till next time.

-Kenia

I got this recipe from one the subscription that I had to http://homecookingmagazine.com years ago.  I want to make sure and give credit to the right people.  Anyways.. Here is the recipe

3 cups flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

2 cups cooked or canned pumpkin

1 1/4 cups oil

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease 2 8x4x2-inch loaf pans.

In large bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, salt and baking soda.  In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, pumpkin and oil.  Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.  Fold in chocolate chips.

Pour batter into prepared pans.  Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until done.  Cool for 10 minutes in pans.  Remove to a wire rack to cool.  Serves @32.

Simple yet divine.  I hope you enjoy it.  Let us know on our comment page if you tried it and how it turned out.

Till next time.

Today’s topic and insight is about the uses of baking soda.

Keep a box of baking soda in the glove compartment of the car as an effective emergency extinguisher for an engine fire.  Should a fire occur, turn off the ignition and toss the soda on the engine.  Soda also smothers a blaze should a fire start in a seat cushion or floor mat…. Keep a sprinkling of soda in the ashtrays.  It will prevent cigarettes from smoldering in the car.”

(not that I smoke… or ever will inhale a cancer stick)… anyways.

This excerpt is taken from one of the best books there are from Bert Bacharach How to do almost everything / Bert Bacharach

Until next time…..

In  How to do almost everything / Bert Bacharach, he gives some great tips on washing clothes.  I hope they are of help to you.

• When you’re washing colored material, a teaspoon of Epsom salts added to each gallon of water will prevent even delicate shades from fading and running.  Bleeding can also be prevented by addition of two or three teaspoons of salt to the wash and rinse cycles of the machine.
• When a lot of coffee is left over, freeze into cubes and use to add to the rinse water for dark garments.  For some reason, this prevents lint from sticking.  Another way of removing lint is to add a a half cup of vinegar to each gallon of the last rinse water.  This will also prevent dark cottons and linens from graying.  There will be no vinegar odor.
• Add 1/4 cup of vinegar to last rinse water to soften colored socks that are grimy.
• A good way to launder a shirt in an automatic washer is to button shirt front, then turn shirt inside out-thus holding sleeves on inside and keeping them from getting tangled.
• Clean ribbons, etc, by putting them in fruit jar half filled with a good cleaning fluid.  Put top on, shake well, rinse fabric and hang in air to dry.

I know I enjoy taking these tips to heart and using them, I hope that they are helpful to you as well.

Grab the book for yourself.  Its awesome!!

Till next time…

• Craft ideas
• Uses of different things in your home that you can use every day
• Recipes
• much more…..

Keep up with our posts.. We will post more than once a day.

There is so much you should know

Till next time