What's Hot

Cool! Awesome! Stellar! Rockin'! . . .

There are some things that are just plain cool! So in this section, I'll be sharing things that, to me, are just so very awesome! :) Check them out!

It's-It Ice Cream

Just picked up these yummy ice cream cookies and couldn't resist having one for breakfast! haha..They are great and made right here in California! #breakfast #icecream #itsit #yummy

Love,
Torri ;)

Lancome - Beauty Products

I was on the search for "the best" skincare products, and I thought I would give these items a try from Lancome. And, I can truly say that I am highly impressed! They are a bit pricey but when you order them in a set, you get a discount - not much, but it still helps! Macy's often gives free gifts with purchase - so that kind of psychologically alleviates the sting you may feel in your pocketbook after purchase. ;)

Before I got these products, I had heard a lot of good things about the Genifique line. Not only from reviews of people who had bought it, but also from my own sister who I gave it to as a gift one Christmas. I just had to try it for myself! After using it, I was really impressed with the softness of my skin and the way it seemed to "glow." I've been stuck on this stuff ever since!

So there you are! If you're looking for some skincare products that actually work, look no further than #Lancome. I really stand behind their products and the makeup line is also AWESOME!

Love,

Torri :)

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Hello all!

Sorry I haven't written in awhile, but I've been plenty busy!  Work has been very hectic these past couple of weeks, and since I am working on my Ancestry DNA cooking videos, I've also had no time to blog like I want.  There's a lot of editing involved, not to mention, cooking of the dishes!  ;)  I am glad to be doing this little project though because I am increasing my baking/cooking skills.  My dream is to one day own my own teashop where I make pastries to serve with tea, so this little baking project is very helpful, as it allows me to make different types of sweets.

All in all, everything's great.  My sister and I went to the Medieval Times Restaurant and Tournament in Buena Park this weekend and we had a blast!  Check out my footage from the event (below).  I put together a cool video to show just how extra awesome this place is!

Hope you are all well!

Goodnight!

Love,
Torri ;)

Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Universal Studios Hollywood

*~*Expelliarmus!*~*............Harry Potter's here!!!! Can't wait to go explore the awesomeness soon!! I am sure the lines at Universal Hollywood are MILES long, as it's just opened! It was the same way for Transformers when I went to see that - we waited in line for 2 hours, but the ride was WORTH every minute of the wait! ^^ I'm sure this one will be, too, but I'll give it a few weeks to die down a little. hahaha!

Beauty, Hair, and Weight Products!

Ok.  So my skin is very oily and I can't stand it!  I put on my make-up and within an hour or so, my face becomes greasy and I have to dab it with tissues!  I finally got fed up with it and researched some products online that help to control oil.  Behold!  I found the Clean and Clear Advantage Oil Absorbing Cream Cleanser!  Each morning before I apply my make up, I wash my face with this stuff and I got HOURS upon HOURS of non-oily skin!  Goodbye tissue dabbing!  This stuff is remarkable!  If you have oily skin like me, I recommend that you check this one out today!

On to the next... For the longest time, I have been searching for a hair product to help straighten my hair and to help it thicken back up and grow.  Who would have known that a product so old, in that it's been on the scene for 50+ years would be exactly what I have been looking for!  Sulfur 8 hair oil is what I have been looking for!!!  Ths stuff is amazing.  I have been using it each day - it's nothing like other hair oils that weigh your hair down - trust me!  In my opinion it's more of a medical ointment.  Anyway, I apply it everyday and massage it into my hair.  I love the tingling sensation that I get from it because it makes it seem like my hair is growing that quickly!  Hahah ;)  I had and area in the back of my head (due to over processing by a hair salon) that never seemed to grow.  I talked with my doctor - dermatologist- about it and she said that it had come from a chemical and if I wanted it to get better, I'd have to go natural and not relax anymore.  She was WRONG!  My mother (thank God for your knowledge) told me about Sulfur 8 and I can't tell you how impressed I am with the way my hair has grown in the back!  I've got about 2 inches now and it's blending in so nicely with the rest of my hair you can't even tell there was a problem there.  ....So if you're looking for a hair oil that will make your hair healthy, shiny, and will keep it growing, please pick up this up today!  You want be disappointed!

So...if you don't know already, let me remind you:  I'll be going to Hawaii for vacation for 1 week next month (July 2013).  Since going to Hawaii requires being on the beach and wearing little clothing, I decided to lose a few pounds.  Not that I'm fat, but just because I want to tone up so that I won't look pudgy in my swimsuit.  Hahah  ^^ The main area that I wanted to target was my stomach.  I read about the waist belt by Gold's Gym on Amazon and decided to give it a try.  I found it at Wal*Mart for $5.  When I run or walk on my treadmill, I put the waist belt on and it works MIRACLES!!!  After my workout, my stomach is wet with sweat!  I've lost about 5 inches using this thing!  I'm so excited about it!  If you're looking to lose some weight around your mid section, you should definitely check this out!

Stay tuned from more HOT products!
Love,
Torri ;)

The Wok! :)

So I was shopping the other day in Wal*Mart with my sister when I came across this GREAT wok for $30. I've always wanted to know how to make great stir-fry, and I get sick of always going to the Chinese restaurant getting food that is not healthy and that's greasy and makes me break out! BLAHH! I've always known that I can make the same dishes at home WAY better and healthier, which is why I purchased this Wok! It's great! It has inspired me to do loads of different types of Asian cuisines! If you love Chinese food as much as me, but want to cut back on the calories, grease, and money, please go an purchase a wok today at your local Wal*Mart or Target! :) You'll feel like a true Iron Chef! :)

Silken chicken for chicken stir-fry

Fresh veggies added

My very own chicken potstickers! :)

Chinese food fit for an emperor :)

Sims 2

Okay, so I have already mentioned in some early posts that I am a HUGE computer game NERD! But it wasn't until my friend and my sister turned me on to the Sims that I found out that I am ADDICTED to computer games. The Sims 2, that's right, Sims 2 (not Sims 3) has got to be the most exciting game that I have ever played. I cannot believe how much time I am spending playing it! The little 'sims' are so important to me, and there isn't a day that goes by that I won't get on and "check on" them. hahahaa :) They have hugely become a part of my everyday routine/life. If you're thinking about getting the Sims game, I highly reccommend that you get Sims 2; it is much better than the Sims 3, which I found extremely difficult to figure out. There are loads of expansion packs that come with both games. So far, I've only got one - Sims 2 Seasons. It has yet to arrive from Amazon, but I tell you, I am counting the days until it's arrival! I imagine I'll spend more sleepless nights in front of my laptop, eyes red from fatigue, playing it! :) I am so excited about this game!

Tasty, but guilt free Kashi cookies!

I am a complete cookie and sugar monster. However, I'm trying to lose some weight, which means that I have to cut sugar and cookies out of my diet substantially, so could you imagine how excited I was when I found these new, healthy Kashi cookies!! The good thing about these is that you can eat as many as you like and not feel EXTREMLEY guilty for doing so. :) Another plus about these cookies is that they come in a variety of favors. So far, my favorite two are chocolate chip and and oatmeal raisin/cranberry. YUMMMY!!! These cookies are definitely an A++++!

Downton Abbey

I am a huge fan of this period piece series about a wealthy British family, the Granthams. I have been watching it endlessly! It comes on PBS and recently, Netflix has streamed season one! This series is very interesting, as it tells the story of the happenings inside Downton Abbey, an extraordinary English Manor house. If you love period pieces, I totally recommend that you watch it! There's always something interesting happening at Downton. :)

Best BBQ Sauce on EARTH

Looking for the best BBQ sauce?? I could NEVER find a BBQ sauce that was not too sweet, too spicy, or too watery! I searched high and low until, the other day, I decided to try Stubbs. I was very surprised to taste this southern BBQ sauce; it was PERFECT to the taste!

Merlin TV Series

Okay so I was flicking through the channels yesterday and came open this show on Syfy. After 30 minutes of watching it, I was hooked. Yesterday was the the season marathon; I watch it from 9 AM until 11 PM. I have to say in the beginning that I was thinking this show was nothing more than one of those little "teeny-bopper" shows like "Twilight." However, I was surpised when I started to watch it. This series is the perfect fantasy! It's action-packed and loaded with excitement. I really like the show because it's very diverse and features all races of people, which makes it unique and one of a kind.

I am very excited that the new season starts soon. I think I'm pretty much caught up with this past season. I can't wait to see what new adventures Merlin and his friends go on next! For those of you who love fantasies (Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, and Lord of the Rings), you should have no problem enjoying Merlin, which is as perfect and adventurous as those! ;)

BURBERRY FRAGANCES TO DIE FOR

Home Sweet Home!

Ok, so I thought my sister had completely lost her mind when she had stayed up all night playing some computer game that allows you to decorate homes. The next morning, I got up and I could not tear myself away from the computer either! "Home Sweet Home" rocks! The object of the game is that you, the interior designer, please your clients by redecorating rooms in their home that they no longer like. When you do a good job, you will be given money to decorate your OWN house--my favorite part of the game. I think this game is also on Wii and you better believe I'll be getting it, too! ;) If you have an extra $7.00 that you don't have anything better to do with, I recommend spending it to purchase this computer game! Hahaha ^^

Fashion Solitaire

I've already expressed what a big computer game geek I am, right? Hehehe Well, I have found another game that I really LOVE! It's called Fashion Solitaire--it's a dress up game. The goal of the game is to fulfil each model's desires by dressing her in garments that she wants to wear. :) I really like this game a lot because it allows you to design clothes and other apparel--handbags, headwear, jewelry, etc... for different occasions. At the end of each level there's a fashion show and you can take pictures of the models on the runway! ;) Like the other two games that I have posted, I am addicted to Fashion Solitaire! You can purchase this game online for $10--what a steal!

Chicken & Vegetable Quesadillas At Bahama Breeze

These have got to be the BEST quesadillas that I have ever eaten in my entire life! I love quesadillas so much, and whenever I go out to eat Mexican food or American Western food, I have to order them. This past weekend, at Bahama Breeze, a Caribbean restaurant that serves many different types of Latin foods, I had to try them, too! I was blown away! These quesadillas have a hearty helping of ingredients--chicken, red and green peppers, onions, cheese, and cilantro that gives it that deep Latin flavor! The condiments served with it--Pico de Gallo salsa and sour cream-- were also a yummy addition! So, whenever you pass by a Bahama Breeze restaurant, I suggest you stop in and try these WONDERFUL, HEAVENLY quesadillas! ;) My mouth is watering just thinking about them! I can't wait to go back!

Life-saving products for African American Hair

How many of you, particularly African American women, have severe hair damage and don't know what products to use on your hair? I got so sick and tired of getting relaxers only to have hair breakage a few days later. It got so bad that at the nape of my neck, my hair was nearly bald! That's right, nearly BALD due to chemical damage. I was going to a lady in College Park who I know was using cheap relaxers on my hair that were drying my hair out and breaking it. My sister caught her one day trying to put a cheaper relaxer in a professional container and trick customers into thinking that she was using a professional product. Isn't that awful and low class? Well, after my sister saw her doing this, she, of course, had a few words with her and we haven't been back since. This lady was so uncaring, the only thing she did care about was money! And for all of you who are in the Atlanta area, I'll tell you the name of the salon so that you can AVOID it. It's called Heavenly Touch and it's in College Park on Old National Highway.

Anyway, after this experience, I couldn't think of anything to get my hair back together. I was browsing on the Internet looking for products that were good for dry and damaged hair. The only one that kept coming up on search was Aphogee. I found this very helpful video posted by a fabulous young lady named Ateya, who does video beauty blogs on Youtube. I started to follow Ateya's hair regimen, purchasing every product that she recommended to get my hair back together. It's a miracle because my hair has gotten very strong and VERY healthy!! I am sooooo impressed with Aphogee products, that's why, I am posting this video for African American women who may be experiencing the same kind of damage to their hair as I was:



*Aphogee can be used by people with all hair types, but this regimen is strictly for African Americans.

The only thing that I do differently than Ateya, is that I use the Apoghee shampoo called "DEEP MOISTURE." I use this one because I think that with the DRY and DAMAGED shampoo that she recommends, my hair will get too much protein.

If you follow this regimen, your hair will be healthy and strong. I have been using Apoghee for nearly 6 months now and my hair is growing a lot--the bald spot is no longer there!

I believe that it's important for everyone to take care of their hair and to use products that are reputable. I also have found a very good hairstylist, who actually cares about my hair, and uses PROFESSIONAL products on it, which makes a world of difference!

Delightful Hummus...

Okay, so when my sister told me yesterday that she wanted to buy some hummus, which consists of mashed chickpeas, I thought it sounded quite disgusting (the name even sounds unattractive). She kept insisting on it, so I finally gave up and just let her get it. I tell you, when we got home yesterday from the supermarket and tried it, I was blown away! It was absolutely delightful! I love it with Santitas tortilla chips. And get this, you can eat all the hummus you want to eat because it's totally healthy!

Hummus is a dish that comes from ancient Egypt, but now it's apart of the Mediterranean diet, particularly eaten by Greeks. It can be served as a dip or eaten on a pita as a spread. If you decide to buy hummus, make sure it's made by SABRA. They have all types of favors; I prefer the roasted garlic and pine nut one.

Yummy new flatbread pizza!

I'm not really a big fan of store-bought pizza. I prefer to have my pizza from either Pizza Hut or Papa John's. However, my mum introduced me to this new pizza and now, I'm head over heels in love with it! DiGiorno makes this particular pizza with different toppings, but I must admit that the pepperoni and fire-roasted bell pepper one is my favorite! If you're looking for a yummy, inexpensive pizza, I advise you to try this one! Your taste buds will love you for it! Trust me. ;)

Awesome Games!

I was never a computer game geek until I found this game, Delicious 2, which I downloaded free online. I was a huge fan of the Wii game, Cooking Mama, but since I have discovered this computer game that, in my opinion, Cooking Mama can't hold a match to, I have been playing endlessly. Delicious 2 is a game that allows players to cook and serve food to customers in 5 different restaurants/levels: 1. The park (lemonade stand), 2. Bistro (my favorite!), 3. The Italian Restaurant, 4. The Diner, 5. The Sushi Bar . This is a yummy, challenging game that you can get free online at some sites like, http://www.mylifetime.com/ or you can download it for like $6.95 at some sites, too.
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Emily's Tea Garden is a spin off of Delicious 2. In this game, you help Emily cook her way to owning her own tea garden. This game is just like Delicious 2, however, there are different restaurants that you can cook in: 1. Texas/Western Restaurant, 2. Beach side Ice Cream shop, 3. The Seafood Restaurant, 4. The French Restaurant, and 5. Emily's Tea Garden (my favorite). Like Delicious 2, you can download Emily's Tea Garden online. You can't find it free because it's still kind of new. I got mine for $9.95.



I simply cannot say which game is my favorite of these two because they are both so cool! Download them and play for yourself. I'm sure you'll be as impressed and as hungry as I always am after playing. ;)