Yummy handmade sugar scrub

One of my favorite things to use is sugar scrub. I have tried them all, some are too greasy and some are too flowery. Most are full of unwanted and unneeded chemicals. So I decided to make my own and you can too:)

6 cups of sugar
3 oranges
Orange essential oil
Pink sprinkles
If you have dry skin you can add a few drops of coconut oil.

Use a veggie peeler to peel the skin of 2 oranges. Juice 3 oranges. Put sugar in a mixer add ten drops of orange essential oil (you can make this without it) and blend. In a separate container blend peel and orange juice, I use an immersion blender because it makes the mixture really fine. You want it fine so it doesn't clog your drain. Add the juice to the sugar and blend until fluffy. Adding more sugar if needed or more juice until it is glossy and well blended.
Fill your jars and add pretty tags!
You are all set for great gifts.
Warning: people will ask for refills:)
Enjoy!
Celeste
Www.celestem.com

Starfish

The Starfish Story
By City Year
A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement.

She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!”

The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied,

“Well, I made a difference to that one!”

The old man looked at the girl inquisitively and thought about what she had done and said. Inspired, he joined the little girl in throwing starfish back into the sea. Soon others joined, and all the starfish were saved. - adapted from the Star Thrower by Loren C. Eiseley

Perseverance against great odds and against the criticism of others is the very hallmark of value-based idealism, as is refusing to accept failure. The understanding that we hold in our hands the power to change a life, a mind, or a circumstance today – right now – is a powerful insight and motivator. At the same time, idealistic acts, even highly symbolic ones, have the power to inspire others to act, and sometimes in numbers significant enough to make a major or even complete impact on the problem at hand. Perhaps most inspiring of all is to witness the idealistic power of children and young people in action. The idealism of youth is a powerful force for leading change in the world. Often it is our youth who put into action values that we have instilled in them – but have failed to act on ourselves. The world, therefore, depends on the idealism of youth to lead the way.

Brown butter frosted pumpkin cake

Brown butter pumpkin cake:

2 bags 17.5oz. Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix.
1 30oz. can pumpkin pie mix (not just pumpkin) the pie mix. It's an easy mistake.
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Mix and spread in a buttered, large deep cookie sheet or sheet cake pan. I line mine with foil.
Bake 350 about 1/2 an hour or until toothpick comes out clean.

Brown butter frosting:

1/2 cup butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1 Teaspoon vanilla
3 TBS. milk

Melt butter on the stove and stir until it turns a light to medium brown. Add sugar into the butter, add vanilla. Keep mixing until you like the consistency you like for frosting, adding more milk as you go.

You don't have to let cake cool to frost. That makes me happy!

My final touch was a sprinkle of kosher salt on top:) I'm a push over for the sweet and salty!

This is quick, easy and delicious cake for fall:)
Enjoy!
Celeste

You have time for this!

If you know how to crack an egg and you can spare five minutes ... Then you have time for this!

Cake box brownies or blondies:)
1 box cake mix (any kind)
2 eggs beaten
5 tbs. melted butter
A few cups of chips (I used chocolate and white)

Mix, spread in greased pan, bake 350 degrees for about 20 min. and your done! Cool, cut and pour a tall glass of cold milk:)
Enjoy!
All my best,
Celeste

Warm bakery and bribes

This could not be any easier! If you have an oven, you are halfway
there. I saw this in a magazine awhile ago and it was one of those
recipes that looked way too long and laborious to be worthwhile. I am
rarely up for 17 ingredients and three days in the kitchen, no matter
how good it turns out.

So I cut to the chase, used ready-made pie crust and store-bought jam.
It took about 15 minutes and I didn't even break a sweat. It was less
work than a Rice Krispy treat, and I actually made it on a morning we
were running behind.

Bribery of warm, homemade bakery from the oven always motivates my boys to be more self-sufficient.

1. Ready-made pie crust
2. Jam ( I used strawberry )
3. A fork
4. A pan
5. Powdered sugar
6. Milk
7. Hungry people
8. Almost forgot the oven!
9. Oh, and sprinkles:)

Unroll the crust -- I used it right out of the fridge, but you could let
it sit at room temperature. I used a pizza wheel to cut my crust into
rustic-shaped rectangle-ish type squares because I appreciate the
imperfections of "handmade" things (and run-on sentences:) Cookie-cutters
would be a fun idea when the kiddos are helping.

Than I squeezed out a tablespoon of jam in the center ... all the while
thinking how wonderful these would be stuffed with chocolate for a
dinner party dessert:) a girl can dream! I layered the crust on top and pressed the edges with a fork. I baked them per the pie crust direction on the box for 10-15 minutes, until they started to brown on the edges.

While they baked, I mixed powdered sugar with milk until a paste-like
consistency. It would be yummy to add different flavored extracts to
change up the frosting flavor, but I kept it simple. I frosted them
right out of the oven, and then hit them up with some colored,
crystallized sugar sprinkles!

This would be a great, easy, weekend morning breakfast to do with the
kids! The fillings and toppings are endless! Get creative, and enjoy!
Celeste

Photos by celeste m. Photography
Edited by Ryan Dawson

Check yourself before you wreck yourself

Some of you may be familiar with the saying "Check yourself before you wreck yourself." For those who have not, it means we all get into habits where we may be doing things that don't benefit ourselves or those around us. Or worse, things that we do or say harm others. So it's a reminder to check in with yourself and be honest with how you operate and treat others.
There are times when we all react out of fear or anger. We don't stop to think about what we do or say and it ends up affecting others. Take, for example, you get mad at someone, and instead of saying, "Hey, you hurt my feelings," you shut down and go silent. The silent treatment is actually a form of abuse. Research shows that it actually causes physical pain to those who experience it. Communicate even if you don't know what to say. Saying "I don't know what to say right now, may we talk later?" is far better and doesn't make the situation worse. It just says "let's talk when we are calm and our heads are clear." Set a time to reconvene and stick to it, try it and see where it gets you. Ask yourself, "Is what I'm saying helpful?" or just hurtful. Fight fair. Don't swear or call names. You have to be vulnerable to others if they are going to do the same. Remember you have the same goal. State your issue and let the other person know you need their help to fix it. Good luck and fight fair!

Instant gratification DIY area rug project

This project was fast, cheap and gave me instant gratification, that last part is key:) I had struggled to find a cool, inexpensive way to cover the sun deck shingle. As always I had an idea for an outdoor rug, but my search came up empty. All too small, too expensive or just plain ugly.
Than it hit me as I sprayed the wicker chairs for the deck. Why not spray a rug? I have seen rugs stamped and sold in the stores that were stenciled. So there I went grabbing all my colors, some plastic to protect the deck and my painters tape. I used a rug that was really cheap from Walmart. Those that know me know that I do like imperfection so there was no measuring, just wing it. I ran the tape, pressed it down and sprayed. Within twenty minutes I had a custom rug and it was dry in another fifteen. Now I have to get back to the second coat on the chairs, but I am really happy with my cheap and easy custom rug! Have fun and send me pics:) And yes, Ryan the paint is permenant:)
Enjoy this Glorious day!
Xo
Celeste
Www.celestem.com

A glorious morning surprise

A glorious morning surprise

I bet you had no idea when you decided to pee in your empty water bottle and throw it out the window that it was going to mess with someones glorious morning. Sure ya had to go ... Didn't want to stop, even though there were seventeen places off that exit. And when you decided that driving around with a bottle of your pee next to you was a little too Howard Hughes and pretty gross, you made the choice to throw it out the window so your world was clean, you could of at least made an effort to toss it on the curb. But I get the feeling maybe you didn't have a strong arm or roll model who played catch with you as a child, so we will go easy on that.
 You had no idea that I would be driving along with my boys, all happily singing along to the Avett Brothers only to see it glistening in the sun too late and my brain would go, "Why would someone take the time to put yellow Gatorade in a water bottle?"
And then as my brain caught up with my eyes, came the ugh!
As my boys shouted "What was that?"
Here goes the teachable moment:
Or so I thought ...
"Boys, that explosion you just heard was a water bottle someone filled with urine and threw out their window and it just exploded under my tire."
What started with a comment of, "Why would someone do that?" ended with the car erupting into a stomach holding, gasping for air, can I buy a new lung kind of laughter that only little boys mixed with bodily function can create and ended with, "That was awesome!" and "Mom, it's dripping off the back window!"

Who says we don't have fun in the morning! So here was my lesson for the day ... I needed a car wash anyway and we are still laughing at the physics of how on earth the bottle of pee could of exploded in such a forceful way that you could not recreate it if you tried. There is a challenge for you myth busters! Also we are quite thankful that it was a chilly day ... Usually we have all windows down and sunroof open. That could of been so bad. Picturing dripping eyelashes instead of windshield wipers:/ eek!
So if this was you, do us all a favor and use the garbage, Oh, and pay for someone's car wash today!
Enjoy this glorious day no matter what!
Celeste

Quick spring soup

The perfect soup for a quick lunch on a chilly spring day!

8oz coconut milk (not sweetened)
4oz broth (chicken or veggie)
1 can chicken
1 sprig basil
1 jalapeño chopped (no seeds)
Salt to taste
Pinch of sugar to taste
Garnish with avocado
Bring to a boil than add basil and avocado.
Enjoy this Glorious day!
Celeste

Helpful kids are happy kids

I do not agree with this at all. My take is a good mom has kids that know responsibility and are happy to help. We do this world a great injustice when we cater to our children and than wonder why they are so unhappy. Someday they will have roommates, and maybe a spouse. If they are use to not helping and being taken care of that is just what they expect. Everyone wants a friend or partner to help and not begrudgingly. When we help each other we feel good. They may not like it at first but my boys help and feel good about it. A happy house needs kids that help. Give this world the gift of a helpful responsible person who cares for themselves and those they love. Don't do everything for them so they feel like they should be waited on. There is not a person in this world that will be happy with them. Love them enough to teach them to take care of themselves and others!
Love your kids so that others will love them not loath them:)
Enjoy this glorious day and let your kids help with the dishes!
Celeste

Happy craft

Happiness jar! I know it's big, but I have a high expectation of joy! Painted with acrylic paint and sharpie marker. Everyone that comes to our house can write positive things. Anything that happened or a feeling and put it in the jar. When it's totally full we will have a happiness party and read them. After we do I will put them all in a book. Hope this will inspire you to find your joy! I have done a tremendous amount of crafts in my life, this makes me happier!
Enjoy this glorious day!
And send me pics of your jar!
Xo
Celeste

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”
~Thict Nhat Hahn

Happiness and painted stairs

A philosophy professor stood before his class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2" in diameter. He then asked the students if the jar was full ?



They agreed it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks. He then asked the students again if the jar was full.



They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He then asked once more if
the jar was full.



The students responded with a unanimous, "YES".

The professor then picked a bottle of red wine from under the table and proceeded to pour the entire contents into the jar effectively filling
the empty space between the sand.



The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.



The rocks are the important things - your family, your health, your friends - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, your car.



The sand is everything else - the small stuff."
"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend
all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to care about your health. Go out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, and fix the disposal.



Take care of the rocks first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

This photo is of my steps to my upstairs, it reminds me that every day we choose to live our dreams and that your beliefs don't make you who you are your actions do.
Enjoy this glorious day and dream on!
Celeste

"It's not just a daydream if you decide to make it your life!" she's on fire is the song by Train

Fudge without the pudge ...

For all my chocolate loving friends who like to eat real chocolate and still be healthy! I use greek yogurt to add protein to them. If you really want to go for it put a small scoop of fro-yo between two and freeze! I also make mine like cookies with a small scoop because to me the edges of the brownie are the best:)

No pudge fudge brownie

Servings:
16
Units: US | Metric
1 cup sugar
¾ cup flour
½ cup cocoa
2 egg whites (this is for cake like brownies and is optional)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
2⁄3; cup non-fat vanilla yogurt (a 6 oz. container, Dannon works best)
nonstick cooking spray
Directions:

1
Preheat oven to 350°F.
2
Mix all dry ingredients.
3
Add yogurt and mix well.
4
Batter will be very thick.
5
Spray an 8x8 pan with nonstick cooking spray.
6
Spread batter evenly.
7
Bake for 30-35 minutes.
8
Remove and cool.
9
Dip a knife in warm water and cut into 16 squares.

Blind faith

There are many times in life where you just have to have blind faith. Today, even before a full cup of coffee, I had a moment to challenge that faith. Not to long ago I got a speeding ticket. Yes, I was speeding. I took my ticket. I thanked the officer and proceeded to do as I should and paid a rediculious amount in the sum of $175.00.
Today I got stopped after dropping my son off at school. I was driving up a hill and saw a police officer stopped to my right on a side street at the stop sign. As I passed him he pulled me over. Told me he clocked me at 33 in a 20 school zone. I call bull! Right away he can tell I am not buying it. I surprise myself by basically telling him he is wrong and at that point he starts to apologize and explain he will be giving me a warning. Warning? Come on, like he was doing me a favor? Here is where I realize why he backed down, he was not buying the radar either. Afterward, I drove back to see that I was not even in the school zone when he stopped me, I was between two school zones and after a little research found this...

Traffic Radar Reliability

The use of police traffic radar is so widespread that we naturally assume the technology is reliable. After all, if there were questions about radar's accuracy, would the courts process speeding violations with such assembly-line efficiency?

We tend to take the answer to this question on faith. That may be unfortunate, because radar makes mistakes. Lots of them. Some experts estimate that 10-20 percent of all radar-backed speeding tickets are issued in error; and in the case of radar that is operated from a moving police vehicle the number of bad tickets may be as high as 30 percent!
Our Hope is that more people will realize that traffic radar is not infallible, and will challenge speeding tickets they know they don't deserve. The end result will be a greater effort by the radar industry to build better products, and by law enforcement to use this technology more responsibly.
10. Terrain Error takes place when hilly or curved roadways affect radar's ability to process information. When the patrol car is at the crest of a hill, it is very easy for radar to overshoot the nearest vehicle and instead take a reading from a vehicle on the next hill. Because traffic radar is "direction blind," differences in reflectivity may cause instant-on readings to display the speed of a receding vehicle rather than of an approaching vehicle. So that vehicle "on the next hill" need not even be traveling the same direction as the supposed target vehicle.
So, as much I felt bad giving the nice officer a hard time, I'm glad I did.
He didn't even seem shocked when I said "I see your radar gun, but I don't believe it." and now I know why!
So, stick up for yourself. Technology isn't always correct. If you get a ticket and you think it was false, go to court.
Enjoy this glorious day!
And, um... Slow down;)
Celeste

Cheetah cuff bracelet review

Safari Cheetah Cuff Bracelet by Celeste M. Designs

FILED IN: FASHION DESIGNER REVIEWS, FASHION DESIGNERS, FASHION DESIGNERS - JEWELRY


As a child of a former model, Celeste M. Tober was exposed to fashion at a young age. While other girls were playing, she was crocheting, beading, and turning dolls into fashionistas.

This early show of creativity lead her to take classes at The Cleveland Institute of Art, and eventually pursued the art of floral design at one of the largest couture salons in North East Ohio. After several publications of her work at fashion shoots and the use of her floral designs at runway shows, she launched her own bridal/floral business.

Her priorities changed with the birth of her children, as she decided to focus and stay at home with her family. But this didn’t extinguish her passion to create and didn’t dampen her intuitive sense of style.

While her little ones napped, she started seeking outlets that would allow her creative juices to flow, and at the same time, allow her to continue to stay at home with her boys.

She began to create jewelry by sculpting pieces of sterling, gold filled and 14k gold wire and adding unique gems, stones, and beads from her travels. When boutique owners started inquiring about her jewelry, she knew she had something special with what she started at a jeweler’s bench in her closet.

Today, Celeste has a studio boutique where all pieces are handmade by her, where most are one of a kind, and where custom design is available upon request. That and more is Celeste M. Designs.

Celeste custom-made a bracelet for us. It is the safari cheetah cuff with handblown square cut cheetah and zebra stones, baby cheetah blown glass, bali wood beads and Swarovski crystals with 14k gold filled wire. It retails for $250.

First, let us say that in all the products we’ve reviewed, this is the first time that one was custom-made especially for us. It just goes to show the amount of pride Celeste takes in her work. How lucky for me to be one reviewing it.

Second, when the package was given to me, it was in a beautiful white box secured by a swirly sticker on top. Immediately, I thought, what a wonderful gift this makes (Mother’s Day is just around the corner). Inside the box is a hand painted wooden purse with a bamboo handle that is washed in blue and adorned with a dainty ribbon of blue, white, green, and brown. Inside the purse is the bracelet cradled in marabou feathers and clusters of dried leaves. I felt like a celebrity, with a designer creating a one-of-kind bracelet for me, and delivering it wrapped as a gift at my door.

This bracelet is more than a piece of jewelry, it is truly a piece of art. I stared at it for a long while for I have never worn such an intricate piece of art. The craftsmanship is absolutely superb in the intricate web created by the twists and turns of the wires, and the painstaking effort it must have taken to place the stones, glass, beads and crystals within it.

It makes anything you wear look expensive. I’ve worn mine with everything just because I love wearing it. Nobody else has it and that makes me feel special, and even though the design is on trend with the use of gold and animal print, it’s not trendy. It’s stylish but classic, one that will last through endless seasons.

For an uber chic look, wear the cuff on one wrist and in the other, slip on this Black Patent Textured Lamb Wristlet by Moe Bags. Then, put on your sexiest little black dress, like this Cap Sleeve Matte Jersey Sheath Dress by Nicole Miller. Add a dash of red by slipping on a pair of shoes like the Amanda Peep Toe Slingback by Jessica Simpson. With the cuff bracelet making you feel like a celebrity, you might as well dress like one!

Celestem.com

Weezies.com

You cannot scoop water with your fist

My mom always said you can't get water from a running stream with your fists closed tight and you can't get water with your fingers wide open. But you can with a gentle scoop of both your hands. That's parenting to me:)
It is hard for parents to let go these days, and who would blame us, with all the stories of what happens to our kids when we aren't looking. It can be and should be done, though. We do our children and the world a great disservice when we smother and baby our children. I always say that I'm OK with my kids not liking me for a bit as long as it puts them in a place where others like them. I want my kids to go and know I love them, that I miss them, but I certainly don't dwell on it. When our kids think we are in pain when they aren't with us, they feel bad leaving and they have anxiety about leaving. Sometimes parent will do this on purpose (some don't realize it) because when the kids feel bad leaving it makes the parents feel more needed, wanted and better about their insecurities and fears. I believe that's called projection. This is damaging to kids. Even if you are in fetal position when they go, YOU MUST make them feel good, smile and say, "I will miss you, but I know you will have fun and I can't wait to hear all about it." This is healthy and doesn't put your kids under stress.
I have fears just like other moms, but I know that letting go is part of life and we make them capable by doing so. How awful to be the one kid at a party who can't cut his own food because his mom babies him and thinks that by doing everything for him that is showing love. How sad is a child that can't have fun at a sleepover because he keeps hearing his mom say how sad she will be that he is not with her. If that child calls his mom and needs to be picked up, the mom feels good because he needs her ... this is not good for the child. Children need to build their confidence so they are well adjusted. Love is showing kids how to be independent and capable so they have confidence! Let them struggle at home in a safe place to cut up their food and guide them through instead of setting them up to be crying in front of peers who will make fun of them because they weren't taught. Let them feel good about time away from you so they don't grow up needing constant attention and validation from others.
My kids aren't perfect, and I am not either, but they do their share and we all are happier for it. They know how to strip and make a bed, do a load of laundry and are expected to help with meals, clean up and wash dishes as well as take out the garbage. It makes them better people. They are only 8 and 12, but someday they will be in a relationship and they will have to be a team to make it work. If I do everything for them, they will expect their roommate, partner or coworkers to do the same. This sets them up for failure in life. Self sufficiency is what I strive for. You don't know how? Ask. You think you can't? Try.
They are happier when they help. I am happier when they help. Win win!
As for independence, my 12-year-old has accused me of being overprotective at times. And I tell him this, "If you are going to be mad at me for being a good mom then I'm ok with that." There will always be the "Michael's mom lets him do it." I explain to them that all parents don't make good choices all the time, and just because one choice works for some other child doesn't mean it works for us. That's the long version of "life is not fair!" He doesn't have a cell phone and I will milk that for as long as I can. He is usually with a friend who does and he has not been able to convince me he has to have one yet. Or that he is motivated to pay for part of it. He rides his bike around town or goes for a run and takes a walkie-talkie with him. If he goes up to the local shopping area a mile away I ask him to check in via the Apple Store. Thanks, Apple! He calls, then hopefully always remembers to delete my number from that phone. It's my cutting-edge pay phone deal. He doesn't roam the neighborhood like I used to at 7 or 8 years old. Those were the days when we had to be home before dark and we played hours of made-up games and re-enacted drama from the Dukes of Hazzard and the Bionic Woman (yes, I had the coolest Bionic Woman jump-suit and thought I was all that!)
Sharing your kids with other family and friends is another way to give them independence and confidence. It also gives them other interests to share with you.
I would love to hear ways that you give your kids their wings:)
Enjoy this glorious day!
Celeste

Driftwood hearts on fire shadow box

$39.00 one of a kind driftwood heart had painted, then photographed. Hand distressed white shadow box. Celestemarie25@yahoo.com to order.

Celestem.com jewelry

Celeste m. designs jewelry and inspiration!

Sometimes you have to still eat cake...

So we have been eating pretty healthy. Maybe its time for a treat!
About ten years ago my Mom made this cake. She is now and always will be one of my biggest inspirations. But even the best fall down sometimes, or so we thought ... When she made this we were all a bit confused. The cake was wet, sitting in a pool of milky liquid and smelled like a sweet bowl of frosted flakes that was down to it's last spoonful and soggy.
We all ate it while looking at each other and wondering to ourselves if she had made a little mistake in the baking process. To our delight she did not. This was one of the best cakes she had ever made. To this day I will search it out and never turn down a Luxurious piece ever!
So for the first time I tried my hand at making it. The baking level is difficult. But I did it and I am no rocket scientist in the kitchen. So I say GO FOR IT! I'm sure glad I did:)
Enjoy this glorious day!
Celeste


Tres Leches (Three Milks Cake), Latin America

Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 2002
Show: Emeril LiveEpisode: Latin Flavors

Tres leche cake

Ingredients
Cake:
6 large eggs, separated
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream topping:
1 14-ounce can evaporated milk
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy cream
Icing:
3 tablespoons water
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large egg whites
1 ripe mango, peeled, seed removed, and thinly sliced
1 ripe papaya, peeled, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
Directions
To make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease and flour a 9 by 13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In the bowl of a mixer, beat the egg whites on low speed until soft peaks form. Add the sugar gradually with the mixer running and peak to stiff peaks. Add the egg yolks 1 at a time, beating well after the addition of each.
Sift together the flour and baking powder and add to the egg mixture, alternating with the milk. (Do this quickly so the batter does not lose volume.) Add the vanilla. Bake until golden, 25 minutes.
To make the cream topping: In a blender, combine the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream and blend on high speed.
Remove the cake from the oven and while still warm, poke holes with a fork all over the top and pour the cream mixture over it. Let sit and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight.
To make the icing: Once the cake is completely chilled, in a saucepan combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and stir to dissolve the sugar. Cook until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage, 235 to 240 degrees F. Remove from the heat. In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. While beating, add the hot syrup in a stream. Beat until all the syrup has been added, the mixture cools, and a glossy icing forms.
To assemble: Remove the cake from the refrigerator and spread the icing evenly across the top. Arrange the mango and papaya slices over the top and serve.
Rated 5 stars out of 5

Total Time:
2 hr 4 min
Prep
1 hr 0 min
Inactive
4 min
Cook
1 hr 0 min
Yield:
1 cake, about 10 serving

For your Valentine ...

Celeste m. designs
"Tears of joy" necklace $39.00
Email Celeste@celestem.com to order

Kindness ...

Kindness by Ryan Adams
http://soundcloud.com/ryanadams/kindness 

So you ate cookies and cake for a month ... we all did it ...

It is hard enough to stay on track with being healthy the rest of the year let alone during the holidays when food is a for-front and sweet temptation is at every turn. Don't beat yourself up, think of it as a small chuck hole in the road, fill it with asphalt and steam roll over it!
Getting back on track is all about choices and little changes that make a huge impact on your health. We call them little victories:)
Let's say you are the half-n-half-and-sugar-with-just-a-hint-of-coffee type of coffee drinker ... not mentioning any names, like mine. OK, it was me. Up until about a year ago my morning cup of Joe was packed with fat, calories and sugar. Than I decided to do a little detox.

I came to realize that everything is about little steps and doing something until you get used to it. I am now the cup of Joe with skim milk and no sugar girl. Who knew I could do it. Even if you just do it for a week, I promise you, you will be able to do it for another week, and so on.
A year later, week by week, I added cinnamon, clove, vanilla and even cardamom in my coffee to excite the taste without adding any sugar or fat. Not to mention the health benefit of those spices to boot:)

Here are a few other ideas that are worth sharing.

Would you rather eat bread or cake? Skip the bread basket at all costs. If you know you are going to be dining out and let's say you are hungry before you even venture out the door, eat an apple or a handful of almonds to keep your blood sugar from crashing and you from diving into the bread basket head first. Almonds and apples hang out in your tummy and curb that feeling of hunger until you can eat good food.

Dont skip breakfast ... I am guilty of this one. A cup of coffee is what I crave in the morning, but I find that if I can at least get protein, like eggs, even if you are on the go, grab a yogurt, oatmeal, fruit or a hard-boiled egg to jump-start your metabolism. When you don't feed your body it panics and holds on to fat because it's afraid you aren't going to fuel the furnace.

Always carry water, nuts, fruit, quick snack bars like Luna bars and good food with you. Pack a cooler or throw a few things in your bag. It never fails that I am hungry in line to pick up the boys or when running from one sport to another. If you don't plan ahead you will find yourself eating things you would rather not.

When ordering your food, have it your way ... you are paying for it, so if you want dressing on the side or broiled instead of fried, ask for it. Dont let your others be in control over what you eat. Ask questions, servers are usually very helpful at making your meal heathier.

Find a good protein shake ... they are great when you need some fuel but don't have time for a meal. I like Jarrow french vanilla whey protein shake. I add a scoup of peanut butter, a banana or a handful of nuts sometimes to keep it exciting. You can also add chocolate syrup for a treat. I have tried them all. This one my kids love and will drink with crushed ice as a "milk shake."

Eat on a smaller plate.

Take one scoup or small portion of food and know you can come back for more if you really want. Nine out of ten times I am good with the first scoup.

Fill your dish in the kitchen and then go to the table. You are less likely to get up and refill but more likely to hang out around the table and talk. Make a point to eat as a family.

Read portion sizes and put them in a small cup. If you take the whole bag and sit infront of the TV you have no idea how much you have eaten. Don't deny yourself, just control the amount you have.

Set a reminder to drink more water:) A water meeting. Everyone has a alarm on their phone ... use it!

Exercise. Even a ten-minute walk to start or a mile run is better than not doing it.

I hope these tips will help you feel happier about how you care for yourself. It's all about little victories! Treat yourself well:)

Enjoy this glorious day!
Celeste
celeste m. designs
celeste m. photography
www.celestem.com

Great foods that naturally clean your body inside and make you shine outside!

Fresh Fruits:

Kiwi (2), watermelon (1 cup), papaya (1 cup), grapefruit (one half), and dates. Thoroughly wash all produce.

Amount: Eat up to two fruit servings and two Medjool dates per day. Any more than that and you could get gassy.

Vegetables:

Artichokes, fennel, beets, greens (especially dandelion), hot peppers, cucumbers, bean or broccoli sprouts, broccoli, garlic, and leeks.

Amount: Unlimited.

Grains:

Black rice (has anti-inflammatory properties) and red quinoa.

Amount: Eat one half cup of either choice per day.

Fats:

Avocado (one half), coconut milk (1/2 cup), or walnuts (8). Remember, we’re trying to give our digestive system a rest from working so hard, so don’t go overboard on the nuts, even though they’re small and delicious.

Amount: Eat one serving of one choice per day.

Protein:

Wild salmon (serving size of toilet paper roll without paper), omega-3 eggs (2), or Nutiva hemp protein (2 Tbsp). Blend Nutiva with fruit (above) and one of the beverages (below), or just with avocado and fruit.

Amount: Eat one serving of one choice per day.

Oils:

Extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil for cooking; avocado oil or walnut oil for salads.

Amount: 2 Tbsp per day for cooking; same for salads.

Condiments:

Apple cider vinegar, chili powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, ginger, fresh herbs (especially parsley), limited amounts of raw honey or maple syrup (1 tsp per day).

Beverages:

Water, dandelion leaf tea, fennel tea, detox tea, green tea, or white tea.

Amount: At least two cups dandelion or detox tea per day. At least eight full glasses of water per day.

Exciting Extras:

1 Tbsp E3Live with 1 cup water before eating in the morning. Natural Calm in the evening. E3Live is an algae that’s loaded with B vitamins and is great for energy. Natural Calm is a powdered magnesium for the stressed-out that calms you down at the end of the day.

What to Avoid:

Sugar and artificial sweeteners, dairy products, wheat, caffeinated beverages (except green tea), alcohol, food additives, and preservatives.

From Nutritionist Lauren Slayton

Picking the perfect rose ...

Picking the perfect rose...

Fresh roses photo by celeste m. photography

“The splendor of the rose and the whitness of the lily do not rob the little violet of it’s scent nor the daisy of its simple charm. If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness".
Therese

Picking a perfect rose or bunch of roses may seem easy, but even the most beautiful things in life are not without imperfections.

This is the time of year I see so many buying roses for those they love and one thing comes to mind, do they know how to tell if they are fresh? Will they wake in the morning to wilted, droopy roses? Years in the floral biz gave me some insight ... Of course at first glance they may look fresh and beautiful but really, how do you know? I was in Costco and their flowers were amazing but every one of the bunches were old.

This bunch of roses above are so pretty, I have never seen this kind before, but you can see a dent in the bottom of the center rose where I pinched and it caved in ... old roses:/

What you do is pinch the bulb between your fingers right where the stem and flower meet. If it is solid, then it is fresh, if it gives or is mushy, move on. It is so disappointing to get or give beautiful flowers only to have them wilt the next day so I hope this helps to make your flower shopping a better experience!

Also if you are on a budget and roses are not fitting into it try alstroemeria, they come in many colors and if you buy them still closed or just opening they last a long time! Trader joe's always has a good selection.

And if flowers are not her thing than jewelry is always a good choice:)
Enjoy this glorious day!
Celeste
celeste m.designs
www.celestem.com
celeste m. photography