C.C. Solomon's Blog, page 11

Cooking at Home Review: Home Chef

 

So if you don’t know I am on a home cooking kick. For a while now I was all about Blue Apron but I have to admit some of their recipes were starting to not connect with me. Since I don’t eat red meat or pork the options get slim and although you have limited opportunities to pick your own meals there still weren’t many non carb heavy options. Not to say the food isn’t good but I needed a change.

Enter Home Chef. I hadn’t seen as many commercials for them compared to Blue Apron so I was nervous. However, it works just like Blue Apron with a weekly delivery. But here is where it differs. Where Blue Apron only lets you pick three meals a week at the least, with Home Chef you can go as little as one meal a week. Note that they will include shipping feels for orders under $59, therefore you get more bang for your buck if you do three meals a week to even out at $10 a meal; the same as Blue Apron.  And like Blue Apron you can skip weekly meals if you’re going out of town or nothing on the menu interest you.

Also Home Chef gives you more flexibility of meal choices as well. With Blue Apron some meals can’t be ordered together for reasons I don’t get. Home Chef lets you put any meals together. Further there are more low carb options and they even have breakfast options.

As far as cooking and prep, it’s very similar to Blue Apron with each meal taking an average of 45 minutes to prep and cook. I also like that they add how soon you should cook the meal before the ingredients aren’t as fresh.

Finally, regarding taste. So far everything I ate was very delicious. Very flavorful and fits my particular taste buds since I have the ability to be more selective.

Overall I would definitely recommend this service. If anything you can have both services and just rotate weeks depending on meals you might like.

 

[image error]Salmon and green beans with special soy sauce
[image error]Shredded chick sandwich and sweet potatos

 

Unbothered Gal Jamaica Travel Tips

I have been to Negril quite a few times and written past posts about it but I decided to write a different post after my recent venture there. Specifically from the perspective of a female traveling alone or with other women. It might sound crazy to some but not every woman goes on vacation to an island with the hopes of “getting her groove back.” Sometimes you just want a relaxing getaway and nothing more.

Jamaica is a beautiful place but navigating your way through some of the social aspects of it can be tricky. Here is my guide for the cosmo gal who travels to Jamaica and wants to enjoy it safely.[image error]

Hotel: This time around I stayed at the Negril Treehouse Resort. I’ve been to other hotels that I’ve written about and they were nice but one thing that gives Negril the edge is that you aren’t bothered by the vendors walking the beach. I’m not sure if it’s because the location is further down from the center of 7 mile beach or if it’s because security keeps them at bay. It’s also hotel away from Margarittaville and a short cab ride to other main nightlife spots. Also the staff is very friendly (which is a theme for most of Jamaica). A free breakfast buffet is included with local and Westernized dishes. They also have a two for one happy hour every day at the outdoor restaurant/bar located right next to the hotel beach area, pool and Jacuzzi. The rooms are comfortable and I felt safe. They have separate outdoor seating with tables and a swing for each room. We were on the second floor with not much of a view but it was still nice. I would suggest looking into their suites that face the ocean. For a highly rated hotel it is also very reasonably priced. [image error][image error][image error]

Excursions:

If you want to do more than sit on the beach, reading a  book and sipping cocktails (which is a fine plan indeed), think of these other solo safe activities.

Rockhouse Spa– There are many spa services in Jamaica to get massages right on the beach but if you want a bit of a getaway, undisturbed experience going to a spa in a hotel is a nice option. Rockhouse is a hotel on the Cliffs with cute rooms with their own mini cliffs for you to get into the water. The spa offers more than massages and includes facials and body treatments. [image error]

Falls: YS is more populated with tourist, maintained and a little farther away.

Mayfield is less populated, not well maintained but you get more care from your hosts and the waterfalls are just as beautiful. Because it’s not as popular you get more time to experience it which is a major bonus. I’ve been to both and had the better time here. Although this was less popular I still felt just as safe. There are other tourist around so you aren’t in the middle of the land alone with just your host.

[image error] [image error]

Dining- You can really go anywhere to eat alone and not feel like the odd man out. Socializing is different there in my opinion and it’s not just about being seen but rather experiencing. One of my most favorite places to dine is Kabuya. I could have eaten there everyday. Spicy Seafood Medley everyday all day. The drinks are also delish and the ambiance is visually interesting to keep the eyes busy if you are alone.

Nightlife- So this is where I get a bit nervous in the solo traveling game. For some reason men in Jamaica (be they tourist or locals) don’t get the idea of a female, especially a black female, traveling on her own. This is where solo or even traveling with just one other girlfriend get’s tricky. In summary, many local men were overly flirtatious to the point of making me uncomfortable. In one place a guy didn’t even accept my not being interested and my friend and I had to leave. In addition, there is a growing population of local female “escorts”. I was propositioned by an older male tourist. Once he heard me talk and saw my reaction he said he was just joking and walked away. And before you ask, I was not dressed like I was about to work the stage.

For this reason I would suggest being careful with your nightlife options. Certain hotel bars playing live music are a better option for the solo gal to avoid any harassment. The Jungle, the only club in Negril, was also a fun environment  but that isn’t much fun for solo night out so this is a good option to go with friends.

In the end Jamaica is a great place to travel on your own or in a duo. As with anyplace just be smart and talk to trusted locals about best places to go. One of the main pros for solo travel is that it allows you to really get to talk to people and you will find that many Jamaicans are very helpful and only want you to have a good time in their country so that you come back. So enjoy…and relax!

 

Sheet Mask Decoded

I am a sheet mask fanatic. This Korean trend that is now The Beauty must is my favorite way to tackle skin issues without the mess of regular masks. Sure you might look a bit like Hannibal Lector or Jason but hey, don’t look in the mirror.

Beyond the weird look factor, the differing types of masks can be overwhelming. So here’s my guide to which masks to buy (regardless of brand) based on your skin issues.

You can really pick any brand although some brands have more options than others. For newbies I recommend going for affordable brands you can find at  Ulta or Sephora or even drug stores (any place from Walmart to CVS sells them although with more limited options). Brands I like are Tony Moly, Miss Spa, Skinfood, Yesto, Sephora Band and Boscia.

 

Acne/Oily Skin- Masks with these ingredients are good for handling acne flare-ups and oily skin

[image error]

Tee Tree- great for healing the skin and acne

Anything with the word Detox or Clarifying- Anything that helps with cleaning out pores is good for you

Charcoal- also great at detoxifying

[image error]

Rice- great for helping with oily skin

Red Wine- pore tightening

Cucumber- also great for pores

Aloe- great for helping with acne

 

Dull Skin- these masks are all wonderful for helping with dry skin issues and bringing out a glowing and brightening tone

Hyaluronic[image error]

Proposes and Bee

Aloe

Avocado

Rose[image error]

Snail Gel

Vitamin C

 

Dry skin/Wrinkles- Masks with these ingredients help soothe dry skin and attack wrinkles

Gold Caviar [image error]

Seaweed

Pomegranate

Collagen

Retinol

Cucumber[image error]

Now go experiment away and try not to scare anyone with your masks!

 

Beauty Haul: ColourPop

So some time ago I made a beauty purchase to ColourPop (my favorite inexpensive lippie, eyeshadow, and blush brand) and so I’m giving you a quick review of my purchases.

 

Lips: Metallics Jam, 3 way, Zebra

[image error]

I think they look great on medium brown skin. 3 way and Zebra are stand alone for your lips. Make sure your lips aren’t too dry as it can highlight lip lines. Jam looks better topped over another color, especially a nude color. It gives a nice pop as a center lip highlighter.

[image error] [image error]

 Cheeks: Swift Blush and Candyman Highlighter

Both are fabulous on my skin tone. Swift gives my cheeks a bit of color and it’s not overpowering. Especially if I’m going for more of a bold eye or lip look. Candyman gives my skin a nice highlight and is now one of my favorites.

[image error]

Here are some looks with the blush, highlighter and lips (zebra then 3 way)

[image error]

 

[image error]

Hope this helps!

 

 

It’s a New Year But Focus on the Now.

[image error]So each year we start with resolutions and hopes that this new year will be Our Year. Then things don’t go our way and as the year comes to a close we feel more beaten down and then repeat our mantra for the next year. I don’t know about you but I’m over that. I just want to be enjoy each year, each day, as it comes.

So for the new year I say focus on being in the moment and focus on the positive, creative and smart energy you need to get you to full realization of your dreams.

Easier said than done, right?

I’m, after all, a type A gal. My mind is always racing and causing me worry or stress. I sometimes think I can think my way into achieving my dreams. And yes positive thinking can work but not just overanalyzing or rehashing things you can’t control. Instead be in the moment you are in and focus on positivity as if you have achieved what you already want. I want to be thin, successful in my writing ventures, successful with my travel brand, married, a mother and so forth. Some of these things are within your control and others are not. The best you can do is push away the worry and be happy in your day to day with the expectation that you will get what you want.

So some quick things I use to help me keep my energy positive and be in the moment:

Apps

Rhonda Byrne Dailypedia App– This is basically The Secret in daily messages to you to help you stay in positive thinking

Headspace[image error]– Awesome meditation app

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get Away

From Social Media- I have found that social media, especially Instagram and Facebook can be a root of all evil.  Comparing yourself to other people, feeling less than. People are only showing you the good sides of their lives. Don’t believe the hype we all have problems. [image error]

Go somewhere- For me my happy place is traveling and it’s an awesome way to be in the moment, especially if that moment is on a beach

Stay

Build your happiness- If you can’t get away you can find ways to recreate your good vacation vibes at home. Think about vacations you loved and what made them enjoyable. Relaxing in a peaceful environment? Make a trip to the spa. Exploring a city? Check out your city or a nearby one as if you were a tourist. Having a great meal? Book a nice place in your town.

Make your home or a space in your home your sanctuary- I love a good smelling house, warm, low lights and candles. Turn the TV off for a while and read a book or write something. Of work on another creative venture. Basically do something you really like even if it’s for an hour. [image error]

Say and Feel Thanks

This is the most important one of all and can be easy to take for granted or to forget about when we are feeling down. One way to help you be in a thankful mode is to write down on a note card all the things you are thankful for, both big and small. Place it somewhere you can see often to remember. This will also put you in the feeling of thanks as you remember those things you are thankful for. Whenever I hit frustration over not yet achieving a goal I step back and think about the things I have achieved. Puts me in a better space and actually helps me work out the barriers I might have that are preventing me from reaching my goals. [image error]

Well I hope this helps! Happy New Year!!!

 

Four Easy Inexpensive Holiday Glam Looks

It’s the holidays and between Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve parties, this is a busy glam look season. Here are a few quick looks for the gal who likes make up but doesn’t want to go super duper heavy.

Those Red Lips

This is super simple. Keep the eyes bare and go for the lashes with Maybelline the Falsies Push Up Angel mascara (I’m no good with false lashes so I’m all about a good mascara and this one is The Truth). Cheeks are simple pink (this is Wet n Wild Coloricon in Mellow Wine  ). On the lips go for that matte red (L.A. Girls Matte in Frisky). In the alternative, you can line the eyes with a dark pencil (black, brown, or navy blue), smudge the lines with a finger or angled brush and go over the lids with a  bronze eyeshadow. Lips can be dark red or plum (I used Colourpop Lax)

[image error] [image error]

Heavy Metal

Here is all about the bronze eyes and metallic lips. I used my urban decay Chocolate pallet mixing differing shades of gold and brown. You can use any  eyeshadows just use the darkest brown in the outer corners and the lower lash line, a lighter brown on the lids and the gold on the center of the lids. Line the eyes with black pencil. Used my Push up Mascara again. On my cheeks is Essence Silky Touch Blush in Autumn Peach with Avalon highlighter and on the lips is 3 Way from ColourPop.

[image error]

Two Eye Focused Looks

Green Smokey Eyes

I used green eyeliner (any kind) around the eyes, then on the lid I used green metallic eye shadow from M.A.C. (the name rubbed off), in the outer corners and lower lash line I used Bae from ColourPop. On the center lid I used Nillionare also from ColourPop. Remember to blend, blend, blend. Lashes is Push up mascara again on bottom and top. On my cheeks I used Colourpop Swift and highlighted tips of nose, under my brows, corners of my eyes and top of my cheeks with Candyman also by Colourpop. I lined my lips in a brownish pink (or pinkish brown) from NYX and filled it in with Colourpop Rayezor and went over it with My Jam.

[image error]

Quick Cut Crease Eye

I’ve been eyeing the cut crease look for a while but is not an easy look to accomplish. But I gave it a go. Here’s my shortish natural cut crease look as I didn’t want it to stand out too much. This look is great on camera but can be too much for being out in the real world so subtle is best. Use a yellowish/ beige color on the lids, line the top of your crease using an angled brush with dark brown shadow. Also line the bottom lashes with that brown. Using a blending brush go over, with a light touch, the top of the crease with more dark brown shadow. Wing all of this out. Go back over the lid with the beige shadow for any cleanup. For more perfection get a concealer bush and do the touch ups to make the line standout (I even used some concealer for clean up). Do a black cat eye wing on top and line the bottom water line and do a highlight in the inner corners of the eye. Mascara, light peachy blush, some highlighter, pinkish lips. Done. The look is in that eye for that 60s vibe.

[image error] [image error] [image error]

New Post to come in the new year. Until then happy glam-filled Holidays!

Quick Cook: Spice Cake

So for the holidays I’m usually on dessert duty. My sister and mom are excellent cooks and they don’t like to give up certain dishes to me. I get it. I’m not a sit in front of the stove all day make everything like your grandma use to make kind o gal. Baking is my thing. Mix the right ingredients, put it in the oven, keep it stepping.

This past Thanksgiving I made a Quick and Tasty  Spice cake. So here is what I did.

Ingredients

2 cups cake flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon cloves

1 1/4 stick of butter, softened

1 1/4 cups sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 eggs

3/4 cup butter milk

finely chopped nuts for garnish

butter cream frosting (any kind from the store)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two 8-9 inch round cake pans with cooking spray. In a small mixing bowl whisk cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and cloves.  In a large bowl cream the butter, sugar and salt with electric mixer until

fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Beat in the dry ingredients and the buttermilk alternately ending with the dry. After mixing  divide the batter between the two cake pans and bake for 25 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes to check to see if it’s done (the toothpick should come out clean).  Wait until completely cool.

Take first cake out and put butter cream icing on top. Put on second layer and spread icing on top and on the sides.  Garnish with the finely chopped nuts.

Done!

Yum.

Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel

So I got published in another travel group website called Wanderful regarding tips for the black female solo travel. I encourage you to check out the information whether you are a woman of color or not or even if you are going with friends overseas. Thanks!

http://www.sheswanderful.com/2016/11/29/solo-travel-for-black-women/

One Day Trip: Philadelphia

It’s a shame I  haven’t done a post on Philly before. I visit once a year if I can. I really could go more as I am only a two hour drive away. A couple of months ago I decided to do a last minute trip to the city of brotherly love with a gal pal and wanted to share with you some places to check out if you are an cosmo shopping gal like me and find yourself here for  a day or two.

Hotel

We stayed at the Loews  which is walking distance to Reading Terminal Market (where they have all of the food), some shopping, restaurants and bars. Our room was spacious and the hotel was nice with a restaurant and bourbon (my fav) bar inside (Bank and Bourbon). There is also a gym and a pool (which was closed when we were there, grr).

Shopping

If you are a shopaholic like me Philadelphia is a unique town for that. If you only have a short time, I suggest these two areas for shopping:

South Street Area- This is a very hipsterish part of town where you’ll find everything from consignment shops to exotic shops. My favorite second hand store in this area is Greene Street. Chestnut/Market St area is also another good place to do shopping. There are mostly chain shops like H&M and also some boutiques.

Sightseeing

If you can sneak in another excursion or shopping isn’t your thing check out the Philadelphia Museum of Art and see the Rocky Statute and run up the “Rocky Steps” before checking out the art. If you prefer more of a quirky art check out Magic Gardens also in the South Street area.

If history is your thing go see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

Food

Green Eggs Café. This place is super tasty for brunch but has a wait so come early if you can but well worth it!

Zavino– Pizza Wine Bar. Great pizza and drinks. Dark and small, cool spot.

Sampan– Trendy and tasty Asian food spot

Federal Donuts– Unique Specialty Donuts. Oh and Chicken. Fried. Nuff said.

Fun

Karaoke- Yakitori Boy. They have a public space and private rooms for us karaoke fanatics.

Check out Center City for more upscale/cocktail bars such as the Rittenhouse Square area.

Hope this guide helps should you ever find yourself in Philly!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Go If the Election Goes Bad

If your candidate didn’t win or she did and you simply just want some rest after all of that political craziness, here are a couple of places to visit (or stay) to start a new.

Amsterdam– I love a smaller city that is accessible on foot or bike. Amsterdam is a huge biking community. It’s very diverse racially and thought wise. There’s great shopping, eating, and a nice music scene. Also you don’t have to be an expert in Dutch to understand what’s going on. Very welcoming and not too foreign from a liberal, artistic way of life that a U.S. urban cosmo girl should know.

Florence– I fell in love with this city. It’s another smaller town with history and beauty. Shopping is nice, the food is amazing and you aren’t too far from vineyards if you are a wine person. I also found, at the time that I visited, it to be affordable living wise. My sister and I happened upon a real estate office in our wandering and seriously considered purchasing a vacation house (we didn’t get it). A great town to unwind and just enjoy life.

Dublin– So the weather isn’t too great here but maybe that’s why the people are so friendly (well probably it’s the whisky) to stay happy. I think the mood of the city is the reason why I picked it for this list. A nice contrast to the angry atmosphere in this past election among the other negativities and injustices occurring. It was nice to visit a town where everyone smiled and said Hi.

Puerto Rico, San Juan– So I know that this is a US territory so it’s not far escaping but it’s still an escape. The weather is great, the food is delish (if you can’t tell I’m all about the food) and the music scene is quite nice. Also it has a lot of US chains here so if you want something different but not ready for a big leap this is a good option. And you know, the beach.

Cuba– I’ve never been here but why not strike while the iron is hot since we now can visit Cuba and flights are pretty cheap. Indulge in Cuban rum and cigars (which you can now send home to the US if you return). Not sure if you can work here but it’s nice for an escape with the music, food, and vibrant scene.

Toronto– Another place on my visit list. A major plus is that it’s close. It’s diverse, artistic, and pretty busy with lots to do. With festivals, a good food scene, shopping and parks, seems like a nice escape to me from some of the tenseness going on in the U.S. Plus they said we could come if the election didn’t work out.