Fabulously Faint

2.03.2014

Weekend Celebrations

So a s you know I don't live much of a party lifestyle these days. In fact 2-3 hours is usually my max capacity for fun before I start feeling the effects of my illness. This weekend was full of reasons to celebrate. Saturday I had my cousins baby shower and Sunday my parents and I threw my little brother a surprise 18th bday party . In preparation for all the partyin' I did my infusions late Friday night that way I would be nice and hydrated in the morning when we had to drive to the shower. All of my family and friends are more than supportive so that makes it that much easier. I had a comfy seat and my mom and cousins brought the food to me to avoid getting up as much as possible. I stayed for about 3 hours and since the day was balanced with lots of rest I still had left over energy to get ready for Sunday's big surprise. Most importantly I got to be part of the fun and share in everyone's excitement over the soon to be little man !Seriously, how cute is my niece though?!

One symptom of POTS is brain fog: the inability to think clearly, memory problems and in severe cases a feeling of being in a dream ( this happens because oxegen rich blood isn't getting to your brain). So Saturday after I got home and infused and relaxed I decided to start the cupcakes for the surprise party . I made two of Dakota's favorites Reeses Cupcakes and Churro Cupcakes . I have made both of these recipes before but for whatever reason neither batter turned out right. After a few hours of baking and frustration I went to bed with the intention of either making more in the am or ending up with a store bought cake. Of course I am waaaaay to stubborn to leave my cupcake trial with a fail so I got up early on Sunday and remade both batches. While making the new batters I realized that I had omitted the sugar from the churro batch and doubled the oil in the choc batch hahaha fail all the way around. My friends have a saying for moments like that " Girl, You're Foggin" meaning brain fog is kicking in just stop while your ahead lol. The party went great and my brother was totally surprised! I was able to stay about 3 hours again , eat, have cupcakes, watch presents and watch the first quarter of the game . Hope you all had a great weekend :)

1.31.2014

Beauty Bag Pairs Announced

Here we go ladies these are the pairs that were randomly selected by the sophisticated method of throwing names in a bag and pulling out two at a time . Please contact your partner by Monday to introduce yourself and swap contact info. Please let me know if you have not heard from your partner by Monday. Remember all swaps should include 3-5 items and should be shipped by Feb 15 th at the very latest. Thank you all so much for signing up and joining Kayla and I on our very first Beauty Bag Adventure! The group is small but oh so sweet !!!!!When you receive your Beauty Bag please post and link up to show off your goodies :)

Shadia & Michelle

Kayla & Tessa

Vanessa & Kelly

Brittany & Linzi

Beauty Bag Swap: New Year,New Nails -Last day to sign up!

Today is the last day to join in on the fun!!!!!I have decided to host my first Beauty Bag Goodie Swap with my co-host Kayla @ Boy Oh {Mamas} Boys! Our first swap is all about pretty nails, because what girl doesn't love getting new pretty polishes! We are so excited to host our first swap and meet new bloggers and score some new fun nail polishes!

The Rules:

Follow Brittany & Kayla on Bloglovin'
Follow Brittany and Kayla on Goggle Friend Connect
You must be an active blogger and post at least once a week
This Beauty Bag Swap is all about pretty nails! Bags must include 3-5 items such as nail polish and/or other nail accessories.A fun note or letter is also encouraged!
Sign up by adding your link in a comment on this post by Jan 31st
On Feb 1st I will post a list of who is swapping with who
Once you have your partner we encourage you to check out their blog and get to know each other so you can fix up the perfect beauty bags for each other
All beauty bags should be mailed out by Feb 15
When you receive your bag post a photo of your goodies and link up on The Beauty Bag Swap.Help us spread the word and have a successful swap by sharing this link on your blog !

and before you leave help yourself to some booty poppin' music from my friend Queen Bey.Even if her hair did look like a wet dog at the Grammys she is still my main bitch!

Foodie Friday: Chicken Pot Pie Casserole, Lemon Meringue Cookies

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

What screams rich,creamy, delicious comfort food more than Chicken Pot Pie? This recipe is for a casserole style pot pie, throw it together , add the crust, pop it in the over and voila chicken pot pie on the fly! This meal tasted as good as I imagined.I recommend making a second batch of plain crescent rolls to eat along side the casserole so you can have something to dip in your saucy mixture

Ingredients

2 cans (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup
1 1/4 cups milk
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chicken stock
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2-3 large breasts worth of cooked shredded or diced chicken
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables I used the mix with corn ,peas,and carrots-defrosted so your mix doesn't get watered down
2 cups southern style cubed frozen hash browns -defrosted to avoid a watery mixture
1 can (8 ounces) crescent rolls (I bought a second can to cook on the side just for extra bread to dip in my pot pie casserole )

Instructions
1.Preheat oven to 350 .In a bowl whisk together soup, milk, sour cream,chicken stock, black pepper, parsley and thyme.

2. Stir in chicken, veggies and potatoes. Spray a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish and pour mixture into dish

3.Unroll your crescent rolls (pinch perforations together so that it's seamless) Use a pizza cutter to cut 1/2 strips.Lay them in a lattice pattern on top of your mixture

4. Bake uncovered in a preheated 350 degree oven for 50 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Lemon Meringue Cookies

Have you ever tried a meringue cookie and loved it but you were too intimidated to try making them? Ya, that was me.The just look so pretty and complicated but I finally gave it a shot and they were pretty simple .I used fresh lemons that needed to be used up but you could use any flavor that you like . I am slightly ashamed yet impressed that my family ate this whole batch in one day haha

Ingredients

4 egg whites at room temperature

1/8 tsp sea salt

1 cup sugar

2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Zest of 1 large lemon

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

2.Beat room temp egg whites and salt for 2 minutes until they are frothy. If your using a Kitchenaid ,use the whisk attachment. If not beat with an electric mixer

3.Add sugar in one tablespoon at a time while mixer is on med -high

4.Add lemon juice and vanilla extract

5.Turn up the mixer to high and beat for about 7 minutes until mixture holds stiff peaks.

6.Gently fold in lemon zest until combined.

7.Spoon meringue mixture into pastry bag with a large star tip and pipe meringues onto a parchment lined baking sheet.TIP: DO NOT FILL BAG TO THE TOP! The meringue is full of air and when you squeeze the piping bag the mixture will expand and spill out of the top, I learned this the hard way ....duh Brittany!

8. Bake for 2 hours at 200 .At the end of the 2 hours turn the oven off and let the cookies sit for about 15 min in the oven until the meringues are dried out and have reached the perfect crispy texture

You can find these recipes and other great blog posts on The Freedom Fridays Link Up

1.29.2014

Crafting with an insomniac

It is 5 am and i have yet to go to sleep , thank you chest pain and heart palpitations for reuniting me with my ~~good friend~~ insomnia! Instead of wowing you with a 5 am selfie starring my lions mane and golf ball sized eyes I figured I'd spare you all and share a tutorial for my fav DIY gift: personalized wreaths

What you'll need:

twig wreath

artificial flowers 3 large or 2 large and 2-4 small

wooden letter or word of your choice

acrylic paint

wire

burlap ribbon

glue gun

Step 1: Cut down flowers so that the stems are long enough to pierce through the wreath and leave about 1/2 inch sticking out

Step 2: Paint your letter or word with a color that pairs well with your flower choices. A neutral tan is a good choice because it goes well with most color schemes and keeps that rustic feel

Step 3: While your painted letter is drying start assembling your wreath with the flowers. Stick the stems through the twigs in an arrangement that is visually appealing. The stems of fake flowers will be secured by the twigs so there is no need for glue of anything for this step

Step 4: Glue small pieces of fabric (I use pieces of burlap ribbon) and wire together then glue to fabric wrapped wire to the back of your letter or word

Step 5: thread wires through the twigs of your wreath and twist in the back to secure your letter to the wreath

Step 6: create a bow if you'd like and thread wire through the back of the bow and twist into twigs just like you did with the letter

and there you have it , the perfect gift for any occasion and a quick project to beautify your front door:)What crafty projects have you been working on lately?

While your here check out the Beauty Bag Swap Kayla and I are hosting! Its a fun way to meet new bloggers and score some new polishes ! Help us make our first swap successful by sharing our button on your blog :)

1.27.2014

Take Over Tuesday : Linzi

I finally get the chance to share one of my favorites with you all! Her name is Linzi and she is the writer of Little Gem, a blog all about her two little ladies and all things girly! Go check her out , you won't be disappointed! Make-up tutorials -check ( I mean seriously..how perfect are her brows?) Recipes-check Sweetness- Check Realness-Check . Head over to her blog you will love it!

What's your name? Linzi Scarsella

Where are you from? I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Washington

What's your favorite quote? "When someone else's happiness is your happiness, that's love"- Lana Del Rey

What's your blog name? Little Gem

Why did you start blogging? I started blogging with the encouragement of family and friends. I had been reading blogs for about one year prior.

How'd you pick your blog name? I choose Little Gem because that is how I think of my girls. I wanted to include them in the name since a lot of my blogging was going to be about them.

What's your favorite part of blogging?My favorite part about blogging is being able to connect with other ladies. I have made some great friends through this process.

Where do you find inspiration for your blog posts? I find inspo in my everyday life, whether it be my girls and growing pains. Or cooking something yummy and wanting to share. I also love makeup, especially the affordable kind.

Do you have any special weekly posts?I don't have any special weekly posts but I try to do at least one recipe a week I think my friends would like to re-create!

Three fav blogs to read and why ? I love and follow quite a few blogs! The ones that I started reading in the beginning were Little Baby Garvin and The Honeybee.

Why do you read Fabulously Faint?I read Fabulously Faint because I love Britt! She is beautiful, cheerful, and creative! I love her recipes and her candidness about her POTS. When I found out she was a dancer with D.K. I was obsessed!

5 Random Facts about you:
1. I love cake and cupcakes, I cannot pass them up, ever!
2. I am in love with the Twilight series! I think Bella and Edward are so romantic.
3. I'm totally blind without contacts or glasses. I started wearing glasses in 3rd grade.
4. I've never met my dads side of the family from Cambodia.
5. I have my oldest daughters named tattooed on my arm, I still need to get my youngest name. I feel horrible about it too, she is 2 now!

Thank You for Joining us Linzi!!! Visit Little Gem to read Fabulously Faint's answers. Contact me to participate in a Take Over Tuesday!

1.24.2014

Foodie Friday : Texas Style Crockpot Chili , Orange Dreamsicle Cupcakes

This Texas Style Chili is the perfect warm meal for those days when you have plans and know you won't get around to making dinner unless you start it early. I have made this a few times on my Infusion days because I can just throw it in the crock pot in the morning, open the crock-pot at 5 and BAM delicious dinner is served!Its very hearty since it has stew meat instead of ground beef.
Ingredients

2 lbs stew meat
1 15-oz can diced tomatoes
1- 6 oz can tomato paste
2- 15oz can pinto beans drained
1-15 oz can chili beans drained
1 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp paprika
1/2 Tbsp cumin
1/2 Tbsp oregano
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup beef stock

Instructions

1.Combine all ingredients in the crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

2. Serve with sour cream and cheese

This California weather has been perfect for all the citrus trees. We have a ton of fresh oranges and lemons. It probably comes as no surprise that this means baking time for me :) Orange Dreamsicles are my absolute favorite summer ice cream treat so I figured I'd try to make the sweet treat into a cupcake. Check out last weeks Foodie Friday for Orange Creamsicle Cookies

Ingredients

Orange Cupcakes
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons grated orange zest
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 tablespoons orange juice
¾ cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk ( or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tsp vinegar)

Orange Buttercream Frosting
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter at room temperature
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons orange zest
1 teaspoon orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt until well blended. Set aside
In a large mixing bowl with electric mixer, beat eggs, orange zest, vanilla, and orange juice until blended. Beat in oil, then buttermilk, until blended.
On low speed, beat in flour mixture just until blended. fill muffin tins 3/4 of the way full
Bake 20 minutes until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting:

1.Beat butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy
2. Add in powdered sugar gradually (about 1/2 cup at a time) with the mixer on low speed, slowly increasing the speed until it's combined.
3.Add in vanilla extract, orange juice and zest, then beat on medium-high speed until thick and fluffy

( about 5 min)
4. mix orange food coloring with frosting and top with orange zest

1.23.2014

A little Thursday inspiration

Its been a rough ~~day~~ week to say the least.

I know I'm not the only one so here's a little inspiration on this Thursday morning

1.17.2014

Foodie Friday: Creamed Corn, Arroz Con Gandules,Orange Creamsicle Cookies

This weeks Foodie Friday is all about side dishes. Im a carb junkie and a side dish queen. If the sides are good enough chances are I will skip the main course.The first recipe on this weeks feature is for Creamed Corn...yum ! and to top off your excitement its a crock pot dish ---simple, comfort food!I know you are into it already,unless you are still on your "New Years Resolution" diet, if so sorry to entice you :( If not please join me in over indulging so I don't feel like I'm the only one haha

Creamed Corn

Ingredients:

3 cans whole kernel corn-drained
3/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon dried parsley ( plus more for garnish)
8 ounces cream cheese cubed
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into thin slices

Instructions:

Place corn into a slow cooker with milk, sugar , pepper, and parsley . Stir to combine
Top the corn with butter and cream cheese but do not Stir
Cover and cook on high heat for 2-3 hours
Uncover and stir until butter and cream cheese are well combined
Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 15 minutes
Garnish with parsley

You've prob figured out by now that I LOVE mexican food, well not just mexican but any type of Latin food Spanish, Peruvian,Cuban, and especially Puerto Rican. I grew up with a very good friend who is Puerto Rican and I kinda weaseled my way into the family years ago and haven't left since. I mean who doesn't love big families and huge parties with tons of good food?!As I said before I am kinda obsessed with side dishes, especially carby ones.This is my absolute favorite Puerto Rican dish and luckily I am spoiled and Grandma makes it for me every time I visit! I have finally got it down and can make it for myself when I'm missing my Puerto Rican Fam so I thought I'd share it with you.You can get all the ingredients at your local Mexican market.

Arroz Con Gandules

Ingredients:

2 cups grain rice (rinsed)
4-5 cups beef broth
½ cup sofrito
16 ounce can of gandules
1 tablespoon capers

1 tablespoon green olives (sliced)
2 packets of Sazon with achiote
1 can tomato sauce
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

1. In a largepot or deep pan add oil ,tomato sauce, sofrito, sazon, capers, and olives and cook on high heat for about 3-5 minutes2. Add rice, gandules, salt, pepper and enough beef broth to cover the rice about 1 inch over the rice line Bring to a boil and cook over high heat until most of the broth is absorbed ( about 10 min)3. Once the broth has been absorbed, stir gently from bottom to top - once or twice only( if you stir more it will get too mushy) .Some of the rice will be stuck to the bottom on the pan and will be a little crispy. Puerto Ricans call that Pegao its really flavorful so at this point scrape it off the bottom with your spoon and stir well
4. Turn heat to low ,cover, and cook for 30 minutes or until the rice is tender.

This weeks sweet treat ORANGE CREAMSICLE COOKIES was really good as is and didn't need any tweaking so here is the link to the original recipe on Six Sisters Stuff .Check them out they have some great recipes.

While you're here don't forget to check out the Beauty Bag Nail Polish Swap that Kayla from Boy oh Mamas Boys and I are hosting. Its going to be a fun swap and a great way to get to know some new bloggers! Help us spread the word by sharing our link

1.15.2014

Staying positive during tough times

So this crazy Pneumonia/Virus/Bronchitis deal is finally starting to clear up but this never ending fever is relentless. I gotta say I'm so done being sick, not my regular daily "sick" but this added virus shit is frustrating the hell outta this girl right here!No matter how sick and tired of being sick and tired I get , I try my very best to remain positive because I just think it makes life so much more fun and helps things go smoother.Having a chronic illness is difficult and there are times when I feel overwhelmed with discouragement and sadness.The reality is life doesn't always go our way and if I threw a cry-cry fit every time shit went bad I would be on the road to nowhere fast . I am by no means and expert on staying positive nor am I a psychologist or doctor but here are a few tips for staying positive during a difficult time.I really think that these apply to any one dealing with a hard situation, not just people dealing with illness.

1. Laugh Often: Ok this one may sound super cheesy but honestly it helps. No matter how hard you try to stay mad at someone it is ridiculously hard to do if they can make you laugh right? Right! My point exactly. Laugh everyday even if that means you need to you tube some Twerk Fail Videos like this one. See you just had your laugh of the day....Your Welcome

2. Surround yourself with positives:positive people, positive activities, things that make you feel like you have a purpose. Hanging out with Debbie Downers and people that don't encourage and support you does absolutely nothing for you. On the contrary , people that are willing to listen to you , learn about your illness, and still accept you and love you are people that you need to keep around. Participating in positive activities gives you a reason to get up and the motivation to keep fighting.

3. Replace losses with gains: A big struggle for me since getting sick is dealing with all of the losses that have come my way. If I didn't replace those losses with new things it would be a lot easier to dwell and a lot harder to stay positive. Crafting and cooking have always been things that I enjoy doing but I had little time to do them on a regular basis due to my busy work schedule. My job was a hard loss for me but I have replaced the time with crafting,cooking,blogging,and selling Scentsy. These enjoyable activities replace down time that I would otherwise have to sulk about all of the losses that I've dealt with this year.

Today is Hump Day and I'm linking up with some fabulous ladies thanks to Miss Jasmine!Visit her blog and check out the other ladies while you're there:)

Pages

2.03.2014

1.31.2014

The Rules:

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Lemon Meringue Cookies

1.29.2014

What you'll need:

1.27.2014

1.24.2014

Instructions

cupcakes:

Frosting:

1.23.2014

1.17.2014

Creamed Corn

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Arroz Con Gandules

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1.15.2014