Friday Q&A: Curling Irons, Lenses We Use For Photo Taking, Updates On My Recovery And More
Welcome Friends! I am so excited to share a new segment on CCG called “Friday Q&A”. Often, I receive numerous messages and emails asking me various questions (which I LOVE btw). Questions range from what my favorite eye cream currently is to even questions on the status of my recovery. What better way to answer these things but on my blog, right?! Every week, I will ask for questions on my Instagram Stories and who knows, maybe one of your questions will get answered here! Don’t follow me on Instagram? You can click the link here to add me. So read on to see what questions I answer today on Friday Q&A!
What brand and size curling iron do you use on your hair regularly?
I LOVE my T3 Twirl convertible curling irons! I regularly use my 1 inch curling iron with clip but also from time to time use the 1.25 curling iron as well. Their products are awesome and so easy to use! You can check my set out, here. You can also check out the attachment, here.
I need sunglasses recommendations please!
When it comes to sunglasses, I am a huge fan of an adorable cat eye. I found these for $16 bucks and scooped them up in both blue and yellow! Check them out, here. Also…..my Elizabeth & James sunglasses from last year are now on SUPER sale. You can get those here in 4 different colors for $39 down from $185, but hurry up!
What is your favorite activewear brand right now?
I live in activewear most of the time believe it or not. As a busy mom of four, I usually throw on leggings, a sweatshirt and some sneakers. If you are a Target shopper in the area, you will see me there after school drop off, make-up-less with my hair in a bun. Lately, I am wearing the brand, Sweaty Betty. They have SO MANY cute pieces! From yoga pants, to fun graphic tees with slogans like, ” Ready, Sweat, Champagne” and even ski base layers, they have it all! As I type, I am wearing this sweatshirt. I also wore this ski base layer set, here, in Lake Tahoe. You can check out my Instagram to see them!
What camera and lens did you use with your Lake Tahoe pictures? They are gorgeous!
My husband has become quite the lens collector, however, we actually use the sigma 35mm 1.4 lens on our Pentax K1 more than the others. We love it and have absolutely nothing bad to say about it! One of our best camera purchases thus far! Normally when taking landscape style shots, we use our Pentax wide angle, however, since we had a long hike up the side of the mountain, we packed the Sigma and used that for all those purdy snowy shots!
What is the one skincare product you can’t live without?
Aaaahhh there are a few I feel like I can’t live without, but one item I used religiously is my clarisonic! My face always feels so clean after using it and I do it almost every night before bed. I also notice when I use it, my skin is soft and smooth AND my make up looks amazing the next day. I have had mine for years and it still works perfectly. You can get one, here. Hands down my favorite skincare product!
I’m curious to hear any updates on your recovery?
Welp…..it just so happens I had to go in for an x-ray last week. Insert the “why me” emoji. I have been having quite a bit of back and leg pain which really worried me over the last few months plus I did have a slight fall at the snow last month. Obviously the leg pain is due to nerve damage, however, some days it’s truly unbearable to deal with. Like I’ve said before, chronic pain really eats at you physically and emotionally. I am pretty good at hiding it most of the time, although some days I just can’t. Luckily, the x-ray showed all screws and rods are still in place along my spine. The doctor said told me I need to calm down in the physical labor department, ie. pick Nicky up like a baby, vacuum or dance too much. He also thinks the pain I’ve been having is due to my warped ribs dislocating in and out. Super awesome right? Other than that, I continue to push forward because I have four kids who need me (two of which have this same deformity).
With 4 kids, do you even celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Hahahahaha…..what’s Valentine’s Day? I’m only kidding! Well, if Valentine’s Day lands on a weekday, both my husband and I work. If that happens, I will order food via delivery and we exchange cards and a small gift like candy. My husband and I have a long standing joke about getting me Russel Stover candy (which I’m not a fan of). After 12 years together, he now knows I like my dark chocolate truffles from See’s. If we can get a couple hours away from the kids on the weekend, we usually go to our favorite restaurant for dinner followed by champagne and TV movies at home. Nothing extravagant or fancy. Although if Neil wanted to surprise me with something, I will gladly accept! Hi Neil!!!!!!!
Can you post that chili recipe I see you making on your Instastories?
I will put this on the agenda for one of my next recipe posts. I have a fun tart recipe coming up next week for Valentine’s Day, but after that, I will definitely get my easy InstaPot Chili Recipe up on CCG!
Alrighty, that’s it for the first series of Friday Q&A. Please reach out to me with any questions you may have. Who knows……I may answer them next! Plus, it helps give me something to write about! HA HA. Have a fabulous weekend.
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April
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It’s the ultimate twirling dress! 🙌🏻
Comment TWIRL below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/59b8R #ltkstyletip #ltksalealert
SAVE AND SHARE THIS POST! Check out my Strawberry Cheese Heary Pastries! Perfect for that #galentinesday brunch or for dessert with your loved ones. So yummy and the perfect serving size!
•Preheat oven 400 (this bakes approximately 15 min)
•2 sheets Puff Pastry
•1 egg yolk and 1 egg (for egg wash)
•1 8oz package cream cheese
•1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•10-12 strawberries
Preheat oven to 400 (this will bake for approx. 15 min) Use a heart cookie cutter to cut out your puff pastry hearts and then use a knife to trace a heart into them. Brush on egg wash and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, vanilla, egg yolk and sugar. Add the cheese mixture to your little hearts (only spreading it up to the line you scored). Add fresh sliced strawberries and bake for 15-20 min! This is SO EASY AND SOOOOO GOOD! #recipeoftheday #danish #dessertrecipe #brunchrecipe #recipereel
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This recipe, by far, was a follower favorite last year! So so easy and omg so good! It’s a great brunch #recipe or dessert!
•store bought puff pastry
•raspberries or raspberry jam (I like fresh fruit better)
•6-8 oz of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•1 egg YOLK only
•powdered sugar
•sliced almonds
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Roll out your puff pastry and cut slices down each side (approximately 1 inch) leaving the center intact and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Place the cheese mixture in the center of your puff pastry ( you may have extra leftover). Sprinkle fresh raspberries on top of the cheese. Fold each side of puff pastry one at a time in a lattice pattern. Brush some egg wash on top. Bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle powdered sugar and fresh almonds on top for the finishing touch.
This is perfect for Valentines Day and I dare you to try it! #RECIPE #easyrecipe #recipeshare #brunchrecipe #dessert #recipereels
SAVE AND SHARE MY MOST VIEWED RECIPE! This is one of my favorite and most watched recipes and for good reason! My Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is SOOOO easy to make and perfect for brunch! This can also be frozen and eaten later!
Don’t take my word for it...make it and let me know how fast it was devoured.
•4 large croissants
12-16 oz of cubed ham
•6 oz of shredded gruyere cheese
•6 oz of shredded cheddar cheese
•1/2 cup chopped chives
•6 eggs
•1 cup half and half
•1 tsp. honey
•1 tsp. Dijon mustard
•salt and pepper
Preheat your oven to 375. In a baking dish (spray with non stick spray) add in croissants, ham, cheese and chives. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, honey, mustard and salt and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the bake and press down with a fork. Cover with foil and bake for approximately 50 min. This is such a great family recipe and feeds a good amount of people. So before ya come for me with how much cheese is used ( remember that!
#easyrecipe #breakfastfordinner #recipereels #easterbrunch #brunchrecipes
#AD Who loves a good facial exfoliant?! 🙋🏼♀️ I ran over to Walgreens to get my favorite @stivesskin Apricot Fresh Skin Exfoliating Facial Scrub. It’s made with 100% natural exfoliants (including milled walnut shells and apricot pits), free from parabens and oils and provides a deep cleanse leaving my skin feeling super clean and oh so smooth. I use this 3 times a week and it makes my skin glow. Dermatologist tested and non-comedogenic, vegan and fur baby friendly! It literally checks all the boxes! Want glowing skin? Try #StIves at #Walgreens #StIvespartner
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These ham and cheese hand pies are the perfect #stpatricksday snack! Super easy and so so good! You only need a few ingredients and a cookie cutter!
•clover cookie cutter
•puff pastry sheet
•Dijon mustard
•Swiss cheese
•corned beef (pastrami also tastes great)
•egg for egg wash
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Use your cookie cutter on the puff pastry. Smear a good amount of Dijon mustard on half of them. Add the corned beef and cheese. Place the puff pastry on top like a sandwich. Using a fork, press down around each clover. Brush egg wash over and poke 4 little holes in the top. Bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes. These are SOOOO YUMMY and quite a hit in our home! The kids love them! #puffpastry #cornedbeef #easyrecipe
I just binge watched Renovation Aloha and now I NEED another trip to Hawaii. It doesn’t look like it’s in the cards for us this year with Emma going to Boston for singing (we are tagging along for the last week). Buuuutttt, if we were to go……Which is your favorite and why? Big Island or Kauai? We’ve already been to Oahu and Maui and I love each of them for different reasons. PS, I painted all my doors in the house blue on a whim and I think I love them 💙
Comment DENIM and I’ll send you the details! I call this my errand running look….if you are on the fence about this denim jacket….DO IT!
Comment DENIM below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/57uSO #ltkover40 #ltkactive #ltkstyletip #denimjacket #momstyle #momfit
Today was spent cleaning the kitchen, painting the wood countertops for our built-ins, laundry and changed all the air purifier filters. Happy Monday! #hydrangea #blueandwhite #blueandwhiteforever
Comment TUXEDO for the details…. Tuxedo shirt but make it casual…. Also, the jeans linked are my FAVORITE right now.
Comment TUXEDO below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/56Jtw #ltkstyletip #ltkover40 #ltkitbag #tuxedo #momstyle #casualstyle #chloewoody
SAVE AND SHARE MY MOST VIEWED RECIPE! This is one of my favorite and most watched recipes and for good reason! My Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is SOOOO easy to make and perfect for brunch! This can also be frozen and eaten later!
Don’t take my word for it...make it and let me know how fast it was devoured.
•4 large croissants
12-16 oz of cubed ham
•6 oz of shredded gruyere cheese
•6 oz of shredded cheddar cheese
•1/2 cup chopped chives
•6 eggs
•1 cup half and half
•1 tsp. honey
•1 tsp. Dijon mustard
•salt and pepper
Preheat your oven to 375. In a baking dish (spray with non stick spray) add in croissants, ham, cheese and chives. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, honey, mustard and salt and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the bake and press down with a fork. Cover with foil and bake for approximately 50 min. This is such a great family recipe and feeds a good amount of people. So before ya come for me with how much cheese is used ( remember that!
#easyrecipe #breakfastfordinner #recipereels
This jacket is so darn cozy. Totally bringing this on all our camping trips going forward. 🙌🏻
#happyvalentinesday from Hazel, my feisty little #dappledachshund ♥️
Adding a little sparkle to my #valentinesday look ♥️
Comment LOVE below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/55Hwe
It’s a red Chanel ballet flat kind of day….. ♥️
Can’t believe I forgot to post for #nationalpizzaday on Sunday…🍕🤣 Get this fun look below with my link!
https://liketk.it/55pWw #pizza #valentinesdaylook
Quiet corner of a clean room 💙
Red cowboy boots and turquoise are my jam……seriously though….aren’t these the perfect shade of red?!! ❤️
Comment BOOTS below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/555p8 #ltkseasonal #ltkover40 #ltkmostloved #redboots #cowboyboots
SAVE AND SHARE THIS POST! Check out my Strawberry Cheese Heary Pastries! Perfect for that #galentinesday brunch or for dessert with your loved ones. So yummy and the perfect serving size!
•Preheat oven 400 (this bakes approximately 15 min)
•2 sheets Puff Pastry
•1 egg yolk and 1 egg (for egg wash)
•1 8oz package cream cheese
•1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•10-12 strawberries
Preheat oven to 400 (this will bake for approx. 15 min) Use a heart cookie cutter to cut out your puff pastry hearts and then use a knife to trace a heart into them. Brush on egg wash and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, vanilla, egg yolk and sugar. Add the cheese mixture to your little hearts (only spreading it up to the line you scored). Add fresh sliced strawberries and bake for 15-20 min! This is SO EASY AND SOOOOO GOOD! #recipeshare #recipereel #valentinesday
Hello February! Sharing this cute (and on sale) look that’s perfect for the month of #Love 💙
Comment LOVE below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/54DmM #ltkfindsunder50 #ltksalealert #ltkseasonal #draperjames
Katy | 8th Feb 19
Ahh. Dark choc truffles are the best! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for V-Day.
Jessie | 13th Feb 19
Hi April! Leah just told me about your blog and I love it! I think it’s awesome that you’re sharing your fashion tips ( you’ve been a fashion inspiration since I was like 9, so… 😀 ). I’m going to have to slowly catch up on all your back-posts.
April | 13th Feb 19
Hi Jessie! Thank you for reading! Scolimom sorta took me on a new creative path now that my dancing ability has been strained. Glad you love it!