So, I’ve been gone for, like, ever and where have been? Oh, you know, here….there…everywhere…nowhere. Is that vague enough for you? Because the truth is, I’ve been doing nothing. My camera broke, and I was unable to take pictures so I got super bummed and no longer wanted to blog. I have recently tried out a new form of blogging called vlogging, which most people have hear of. So, please, check out my oh so adventurous life in my very first vlog: I’m ‘Bout That Vlog Life.
Hello Friends and 
Welcome to Monday Munchies. First off, Happy Martin Luther King Day. Yes, it is a holiday. You don’t get the day off for nothing. And second, If you have ever read my About Me page (or have scrolled down long enough on my home page) you will know I like to cook and bake and eat. Boy do I love to eat. The smell of food just makes me happy. Except if it’s mushrooms. I hate the smell of mushrooms. Anywho, because of this (my love of cooking and baking, not my hatred of mushrooms), every Monday I will post a little something new I have tried to cook, and this week it is maple-cinnamon apple and pear baked oatmeal that I got from the Oh She Glows cookbook. I recently checked it out from the library and found so many that I wanted to try, which for the coming Monday Munchies I will be trying a few recipes out of it. This is my first attempt with this particular recipe and the outcome was less than disastrous, which I am happy about.
Today’s Monday Munchies Song:
The Little Daylight remix version of Sweater Weather by the Neighbourhood, spelt ever so British-ly.
Like I mentioned earlier, I did use different ingredients than what was said in the book, but before you scold me, just let me say it was not my fault. I could not find what I was looking for.
Actually, looking at it now, there actually wasn’t that much of a difference. Instead of gluten-free rolled oats I used gluten-ful old-fashioned Quaker oats and instead of walnuts (sister has a nut allergy), I used almonds. Also, instead of green Anjou pears (which my Costco did not have at the time) I used Bosc pears which I thought would make it mushy, but it actually had the opposite affect, they were one of the only firm things after the oatmeal was baked.
Also, I used half coconut sugar half brown sugar because she gave me the option of using either one and I had both and I couldn’t choose. Man, I’m so good at this.
And in my rush to finish before what little light I had disappeared, I had a few fudge-ups in the process. Like, I completely forgot to peel the apples and pears. It wasn’t until I had finished baking did I realize this, so total fail. Also, I think I let 
the oatmeal and milk mixture sit to long, because the oats actually started soak it up.
One thing that was hilariously annoying, is the fact that my little sister was “helping me” during this entire debacle. She had me mixing things I wasn’t supposed to mix, or mixing things too much. And then I had the worst time trying to open the applesauce from Trader Joes AKA the Applesauce of Death. All of us tried opening the darn thing up, but it never worked. I think It laughed at me while I was trying because it would squeak, but then never really be moving. That had to be one of the most tedious things ever because I had to dial back the urge to slam it on the counter, though it probably wouldn’t have worked anyways because I’m pretty sure the thing was indestructible. I felt like SpongeBob trying to open a bottle of ketchup but not even running it under warm water helped. *sigh* Then, my brilliant younger sister realized that it had a plastic seal on it. OH. MY. GAHD. It had a seal on it. I can’t even. The darn thing didn’t even bend! I had no way of knowing! Gahh! I don’t even… Never mind. Despite that everything ended up turning out pretty well.
Like a thick, not-too-sweet oatmeal cake. I’ll be trying something new for next Monday. If you try this recipe, tell me in the comment section below! 🙂 Until next time. Sage Out.
The first thing you probably think of when you hear lemon is sour. Or maybe yellow or lemonade. It could also possibly that nasty flavor in virtually every candy bag. That’s completely understandable. I, personally, think of all four at the same time which I think is actually virtually impossible so I probably don’t do that. Anywho, I had many run-ins with lemon water before I decided to make it apart of my morning ritual. As someone who is constantly looking for ways to better herself, I asked my sister for an easy, natural way to balance my pH, which has been known to throw your body out of whack when off balance (Side effects include: acne, body odor, dry skin, unhappiness, etc etc). She sighed, and reluctantly told me to try fresh lemon tea, then asked me why I didn’t look it up my self. I ignored the last part, and asked her to tell me how to make it. I drank it everyday for about a week, until I forgot. Then tried it again months later as part of a diet we were trying, and stopped (the diet and the regular drinking of lemon water) as soon as I had a craving for turkey burgers. One brisk morning, after realizing that we were out of apple-cinnamon tea, I decided to try it again and have since stuck with it.
As a part of my morning ritual, I drink 10 oz of warm lemon water. But before I get into how it’s down here are some of the benefits of drink fresh lemon tea–
Interesting Facts, Tips, and Benefits:
Directions:
It is incredibly easy to make, but it varies depending on your weight. Because I am under 150 pounds, I am supposed to drink somewhere between 8 and 12 oz of water, so I drink 10.
Boil one cup of water, and squeeze a half a lemon into your cup. That’s it. Do not drink boiling and burn your tongue, because that won’t help any, and you can always juice the lemon using an electric juicer, but just make sure it is one ounce, for 150 lbs and under and that it is fresh no matter your weight. You can ignore any seeds you may get, but stomach the pulp if you can, it contains many health benefits. If it is over 12 oz, drink over the course of a couple of hours because your body can only metabolize 12 oz of water at a time.
I made a PDF that includes more benefits, tips, a how to guide on how to drink it depending on your weight, and facts about lemons and how much they help your body. It’s not long, only 5 pages–well, 4 if you don’t include the Resources, and 3 if you don’t include the cover. But how fun would that be? Not very. Until next time. Sage Out.
If you have any other questions, you can ask in the comment section, but you can also find most answers in the free pdf. Your Welcome.
Click Here for the free PDF:
15 Sweet Facts About Lemons and Lemon Water
*Side Note: Today was supposed to be a Fitness Friday, but due to the lack of sun this morning I was unable to take the pictures that I wanted to. But there should be a fitness post, next week. See you then ^-^*
Welcome the new segment of sagedandconfused that I like to call “Wandering Wednesdays” in which I “wander” and post about my findings and experiences. This gives me a chance to post something new every Wednesday, which is pretty flipping exciting if I do say so myself. Today, I went to Target and Costco at night which is fitting seeing how the freaks come out at night anyways. I didn’t see any, but it would’ve been really cool if I would’ve.
Normally I hate going grocery shopping. It’s long, boring, and when I get home, we have to clean out the fridge and make room for the new food. Then wash all of the empty dishes and containers, which is straining and time consuming. Not only that, but it’s been cold recently and it gets dark a lot sooner than it does in the spring and summer months. But there is something about going out at night, that makes it more exciting.
(And look, a comet! I’m kidding. I’m not an idiot. I know that is not a comet. Obviously that is the UFO from the first season of the X-Files.)
You get to see the people that keep the same time as you do (though, when this picture was taken it was only just before 5 p.m. PST), the employees are grumpy because they have been working since early in the morning and don’t want to bother with helping you grab the bread because you’re only 5’5″, and you get to forget what you had actually came there to get because its late and you are really only looking to get back home and watch TV then go to sleep. Costco, was actually a lot emptier than it usually is, which only reminded me that I was in a warehouse full of bulk options and substantial sizes of things you don’t need that much of, like cotton balls (Daria, anyone?). Target, on the other hand…
…was full of unnecessary things I needed. Whenever I go to Target I break away from the pack to go look at the new t-shirts they got in. I have a mild obsession with graphic t-shirts, tank tops, sweaters, boy shorts and caps. Really anything with big words on it. My real love is graphic t-shirts in the men’s department because they had all of the funniest sayings and quotes but is seems as though the “Young Woman” section is stepping it up, because it was the hardest thing for me to put these sweaters back down.
Also, because I have a love for most things comic book (including DC Comics), I recently started watching “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and all I have to say is “Did you hear about Ward? That’s messed up right?!” Totally blew my mind in a really angry “WHY THE H#LL DID THAT HAPPEN?!” sort of way. I felt (feel) betrayed. The only thing I can do is remember how absolutely amazing the Avengers: Age of Ultron trailer looks, and fangirl over that. Having James Spader in it was what sold it for me, and I more than looking forward to him being a villain. I already know he is going to rock at it. With it being released in my birth month is also a plus.
I don’t usually go for the sunglasses, but when I do…
I’m also not much of a purse girl, but today I felt unwittingly compelled to indulge in my inner girl and grab all the bags I could get my hands on.
Then I have a nice talk with some wallets, and wonder shortly why my assistant wasn’t talking back.
What is the first thing you go for when you visit Target? And how annoyed were you with Ward’s change in character, if you watch Agent’s of S.H.I.E.L.D.? Do you hail hydra? Or are you a sheild? Join me Friday, as I go over some basic yoga moves for “Fitness Fridays”. Until next time. Sage Out.
So I was having a bad face day. You know, one of those days when your skin is extra dry, and you look at least 50 years older than you actually are? Where it feels like no matter how much lotion you put on you are still dry? Yeah, one of those days.
I’m sure there is a logical reason for this. Like, a monster came and sucked the moisture out of my skin while I was sleeping or I am in some freak re-run episode of Grimm and a spinnetod wesen has desiccated the skin on my face. It could also be because it has gotten colder, and we have been keeping the heater on longer than usual so it has dried out my skin. Or the fact that I live in the middle of the desert so it is naturally dry here. It’s all plausible, but I am going for the re-run Grimm episode.
Anywho, before this dry skin debacle, my sister and I had looked up a new, healthy, natural face mask that we could use on our skin when we got the chance. Though we had heard about it before, we decided to look up a yogurt and turmeric face mask after watching an episode of The Mysteries of Laura where Meredith Bose mentions what she uses on her skin to make it look like that of a pre-pubescent boy (man, I watch a lot of TV). Her skin regimen includes a yogurt and turmeric mask. And because of my bad skin day I decided to use a similar mask. It consists of Greek yogurt, honey, and turmeric. Despite the obvious, here’s why you should use it:
The Benefits:
Now for that good-good…
Warning: For fairer skin tones, this may temporarily dye your skin.This appears as more of a glow than anything and lasts only a few days.
Directions:
Rinse face with luke warm water and pat dry. Mix together a spoonful of yogurt (enough for a single use, first try), a teaspoon of organic honey, and around a tablespoon or two of turmeric to the point that it is a bright yellow. While face is still slightly damp (not dripping) use your clean finger tips to slather the yogurt mixture onto your face and neck. Try to avoid your hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows (unlike me)– If done too many times it will dye those as well. Keep on for 20-30 minutes. It will tingle slightly and it will smell strongly of turmeric, but in the end, you hardly notice and the time passes by quicker than you’d think.
After that, you rinse your face and neck, pat them dry and apply your favorite moisturizer. That’s it. That alone restored my faith in my skin.
I have started doing this a couple of times a month and have thoroughly enjoyed it. But remember, it does stain your skin slightly (more so the lighter your skin), but more in a slight glow than anything. There was a stronger glow my second time around so it appeared as though I was sun-kissed. If you try it, tell me how it went. Until next time. Sage Out.
A couple of days ago I made a list of Happy New Years in 15 different languages. I have now made a list of 13 different ways to say happy new year in English. So, consider this a part 2 to the first list and my last hoorah for 2014.
There are only 13 because I couldn’t think of 15. If you guys can think of anymore, put them in the comment section below. Remember, guys: “Don’t take life so seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyways.” Your New Year will be great because I said so. Sage Out.
2014 is ending and the New Year is coming quickly now that Christmas is over. For me, this year has been full of discoveries and realizations. I would go into that but I don’t really remember all of the discoveries and/or realizations. But I will say, it has been slow and fast, easy and hard, happy and sad– truly a big ball of contradictions, but I am glad I went through it so that I will not have to go through it ever again. Ever.
Now, I know that not all countries and religions celebrate the New Year on January 1st. What I am not sure about is whether all countries and/or religions even celebrate the new year. But, I have, regardless, procured a list of happy new years in 15 different languages other than English.
Content Warning: contains almost curse words.
In light of the fact that it is the holiday season and most of you will be spending the time with your families, finding out that your cousin is gay, and your uncle is divorcing your aunt because she is actually a he, I have decided to make a list of curse words that I wish I could, but sadly cannot, say. Now, before you look at me with your judging eye let me explain.
I can’t not say these words because we are an immensely strict Christian family, or because I am not of age (many kids my age curse), or because my tongue will burn if I do. But actually because I am scared out of my mind. I actually think my mom would let me get away with saying at least one of these, but every time I open my mouth to do it I have a mini panic attack. I mean, I actually feel rebellious when I sing “Uptown Funk” because in the outro he says “uptown funk you up” and it sounds so much like the “F-word”. When I rap along with a Young Money song I literally sound like I am stuttering because I pause at every curse word.
Imagine having to sing the radio version of “I Don’t F*ck With You”. Do you know how lame-o that is? It takes away from the sharpness of the song. If Big Sean had actually came out with just that version of the song, I have no doubt it would be nowhere near as popular as it is now. It’s even worse when my mom says “What did he say?” during a movie but I can’t reply or it takes away from the funny when I do because he cussed. *sigh* So, I am going to type the words I would like to say out loud. Heavily censored, of course.
Sentence Enhancer #1: D*mn
And all of it’s derivatives. That includes, but is not limited to: D*mmit, Godd*mn and Godd*mmit. Do you know how many times I have stubbed my toe and have had to yell “Oh! Darn It! That hurt really bad!” when it could’ve easily been wrapped up in a nice “D*MN” package? Too many to count.
Sentence Enhancer #2: B*tch
I can only imagine how fun to say it must be for most of you reading this. Do you know how many b*tches I have come in contact with but have had to settle with calling a “B-word” or “witch”? (and always behind her back) I might as well have just called her a meany or a dodo head, because that’s how big of an affect those words have.
Sentence Enhancer #3: F*ck
And all of it’s derivatives. Just typing it is spicy to me. Like eating wasabi alone, which I actually like to do when I eat sushi. I would type out all of the derivatives but I’m afraid I’d get flagged.
Sentence Enhancer #4: Sh*t
And all of it’s derivatives. Including but not limited to “sh*thead and bullsh*tting”. I wouldn’t even use this word in an obscene way. Just when I was surprised or scared or when my heart was beating. The obvious times.
Sentence Enhancer #5: *ss
One word. Music. Do you know how many songs are about what this word symbolizes, nowadays?! Do you know how lame it is to say “butt” in replace of that?!
Oh, yeah. And “p*ssed”. I mean, why not. I get p*ssed just like the rest of you. Just when I do it, it’s called “really mad”. Keep in mind, I mean to offend no one. This is just my personal opinion. Also, what curse words do you wish you can say to that family member this holiday season? Tell me in the comment section below. Sage Out.
I don’t know if you guys know this but, I don’t like blueberries. There is a long story behind the reason why, but all that matters is that at the end of the day I can’t eat fresh blueberries. Yes, fresh blueberries. I know it’s weird, but I find them disgusting. They taste like medicine. I can eat them frozen (like in a smoothie), I can even stomach them baked (sometimes). But I cannot eat a fresh blueberry. They’re gross. The reason I bring this up is because, everybody else in my family loves them. They can eat them on anything sweet, and I just don’t understand this nonsense. Take the other day, for example. They put them on chocolate chip pancakes.
Who needs blueberries when there are chocolate chips? I can understand strawberries, bananas, or even raspberries (which I love) but blueberries are just a bit much in my personal opinion. Maybe that’s because I find them disgusting. I had the very same thing for breakfast, by the way, and it was still very good without the blueberries.
I don’t know if down the line I’ll like blueberries. It wouldn’t be completely unheard of for me because there was a time when I didn’t like avocados, cream of wheat, or mushrooms as well. Either for their smell, texture, or both. But now I can stomach avocados, but only sometimes; and I can handle cream of wheat but only a little. And the only time I can stand mushrooms is when they are on a pizza, and even then I have to take off the big pieces. There’s actually a list of foods I don’t like or have to be cooked a certain way or can’t eat too much of with getting nauseous. My sister actually says I don’t like “food” but that’s impossible because I eat all the time and enjoy it. So, there. I would go into that now, but I am going to have to save that one for a rainy day because I know just how badly you guys want to hear about it.
What foods don’t you guys like as much as I don’t like blueberries (among other things)? Tell me in the comment section below! Until later. Sage Out.
Went to Trader Joes. Everybody loves TJ’s. It’s convenient and there are a lot of fresh foods that you can get when you don’t feel like waiting for the Farmer’s Market to open. So, when we went a month ago to grab some things I needed for a recipe for almond-pesto wheat pasta (my sister has a nut-allergy) I decided I would take pictures while we were there. But, notice, all of the pictures we took are outside of Trader Joes. Here’s what happened:
Before we left that afternoon I’d asked my older sister, Ari, to take pictures of me while we were out. She agreed to do it but as soon as we got there she dispersed, having forgotten about what I asked her to do. I didn’t think much of it until we were talking about leaving (which we wouldn’t do for another 10-20 minutes) and I asked her one more time if she would take the pictures for me. She said, “Uhm, okay… where do you want it?” She sounded nervous and was looking around, shifty-eyed as I grabbed my camera out of my bag. “Over there, by the bread.” I said handing her my camera. “Are you okay?” I asked and she responded with a quick, “Yeah, I’m fine. We should… wait until there aren’t as many people over there.” She said. And I agreed and we quickly went on our merry way, that is until we were about to leave for real this time, and my mom and other sisters were at the cash register about to pay for the food.
“You ready?” I asked her. “Yeah. Okay.” She said and we walked over to the bread, now feeling slightly rushed as the cashier quickly rung up our things. “There are just so many people over there.” She muttered and I looked up at her with a grin, “Are you nervous?” I asked.
“Yeah! I’m nervous! There are so many people– Like, employees and stuff– and I don’t want them to catch us.” It felt like a heist and we were about to steal something but there were cops everywhere. Like trying to jack a car on Mafia II and there are police looking everywhere for you. And all we were trying to do was take a picture.
“Okay, maybe if we take it quick. They won’t notice us.” I said.
“Okay, okay, okay, okay, kay, kay, kay.” She said, still looking a little hesitant. “No. I can’t do it. There are too many employees. What if somebody catches us.”
“Okay. I understand. We won’t do it.”
“Noooo. Okay. We can do it. I said I would do it for you, so I’m gonna do it.”
“You don’t have to…”
“No. Come on, let’s do it.” We walk toward the bread and we stand over there and she is looking around very apprehensive and suspicious. I tell her once more that we do not have to do this because I fear they are going to think we are trying to steal something and she answers, “No. I just– I’m nervous.” I tell her that I understand and suggest she stands between the aisles in front of the bread so that nobody can see her. She couldn’t do that either. When we finally get outside because my mom was becoming impatient– for good reason, too. It took us eight years.– Ari suggested we take pictures in front of the store, which she was totally down for, yet I was really nervous about. But I still agreed to do because we were going home and I had no idea what else we’d take a picture of. Oh the joys of being a beginner lifestyle blogger.
Tell me, were our struggles worth it? Lie to me– unless it’s what I want to hear, then tell me the truth. Until later. Sage Out.
Saged & Confused 