Bjork’s Biophilia

6 Apr

Bjork’s new album- Biophilia-which was released in October 2011 was partly recorded in an iPad and it is an “app album” that contains each song as a separate app. And if you have an iPad can play games, watch videos and change the songs remixing it into your own version.

I know, I know, this is old news, but I just recently found out about it and wanted to share, just in case you didn’t know about it either.

I mean, how cool is this? An interactive album that allows me to change a song and make my own version of it?!

I heard that the track named “Virus” has a video of a virus taking over a cell and eventually killing it, but you can stop it from happening! Yeah, that’s right! But if you do you can’t listen to the rest of the song.

I loved this! Going to download mine now!

20120406-223731.jpg

Tags: , ,

A little list of my favorite beauty stuff

1 Apr

I have to confess that I am obsessed with everything beauty: make-up, cosmetics, parfum, lotions, shampoos, hair care, nail polish…the list is endless.

I am always reading, researching and requesting samples of the newest stuff out there, so my friends always come to me for advice on what they should buy. This is why I decided to post a small list of my favorite everyday products. Here it goes:

1. Vichy Pureté Thermale Puryfing Foam

I love this facial cleanser! It is foamy, and leaves my skin so clean and soft. It has mineral spa water, shea plant and vitamin E on its formula, which makes my skin feel very hydrated after washed. I use it in the morning and at night, with my Mia Sonic, to remove all make-up and impurities of the day.

The price is excellent, around $18 dollars, and it can be found in most drugstores.

2. Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleaning System

This is the best new gadget I have acquired in years! I love it so much, I give it as gift and I tell everyone about it, because I think everyone should own one. My life (and face) has changed after this. I kept reading about the Clarisonic Classic on different magazines and websites, and dermatologists raving about its benefits, so I was curious to try it. The price was not friendly at all, so, after some consideration I decided to buy the baby one, which is half the price($150) and came with some extra lotions and creams at Sephora.

So I wet the brush with running water, put some facial cleanser on it, wet it again, and started cleaning my wet face holding the Mia in circular motion. I could not believe my eyes, what came out of my skin, even after I had used Eye Make-up Remover, and Make-up Remover Wipes. The brush, my face and the water were full of make-up residues that would not have been removed. I was immediately converted!

It is so worth it! My skin has never been so soft and free of blemishes!

3. Dr. Brandt Lineless Eye Cream

I like to change and use different eye creams, so my skin does not get used to the same one, however this is my favorite of them all. Its formula has vitamins E and C, and it is packed with antioxidants such as Green Tea, which reduces inflammation, and therefore, puffy eyes! It combines anti-aging ingredients that reduce fine lines and wrinkles and also puffy eyes! For me, this is perfect, since my eyes are so puffy in the morning,I use it after I apply some Clinique All About Eyes Serum Roll On (which is kept on my fridge).

4. Caudalie VinoPerfect Day Perfection Cream SPF 15

Brightened my face, makes my face look so fresh and dewy, quick drying, lightweight and fast absorbing. In the winter I like to put it on my face before my tinted moisturizer.

5. Premier Cru La Creme


Pure Awesomeness! That is all I have to say to define this cream. So I will just copy what is on sephora.com’s website so you understand what I am talking about:
” three signature patents: titrated Resveratrol and Viniferine from Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte grapevines, and grape-seed polyphenols combine to create unparalleled age-fighting power. This exclusive formula’s rich texture leaves skin velvety-soft. It regenerates and redensifies skin, filling wrinkles, firming and lifting, and minimizing dark spots for an evenly luminous look.”
That’s all folks!

6. Tarte Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20


Smooth Operator has been around way before this craziness about “BB creams” started! BB stands for beauty balm, which means that is an all-in-one multipurpose cream that is a tinted moisturizer , sunblock, foundation and treatment. So you can skip all the steps and layering stuff in the mornings.
I am in love with this because it is all natural, without any chemicals. It is packed with fruit acid, green tea, chamomile, Amazonian clay, vitamins, all kinds of awesome ingredients that make my skin looks healthy and free of blemishes!
I guess this is my number one favorite! Can’t live the house without it.

7. La Mer The Treatment Powder Foundation SPF 15

According to La Mer’s website, this lightweight powder is infused with gemstones that capture light to reveal a naturally flawless complexion. I just know that I love the way my skin looks when I use my brush to put the powder in strategic spots such as my forehead, tip of nose, and under the eyes. It hides away imperfections and blemishes. I use it on top of my tinted moisturizer, so it doesn’t look chalky or too matte.

8. Guerlain Terracota Bronzing Powder

Aiaiai…I can almost feel the wind and smell the coconut tan lotion every time I wear this bronzing powder. It makes my face look just like I spent the whole day soaking in the sun at a beautiful beach somewhere bellow the Equator line!

It looks so natural, as if I were not wearing any make up at all. Just make sure you get a shade that is not so different than the color you would look if you spent the day at the beach. I have two different shades that I alternate and use one in the winter and the other in the summer, since I wear sunblock all the time.

9. Channel Joues Contraste Powder Blush


This color is beautiful and it illuminates the skin.

10.C.O.Bigelow No 12 Rose Salve Balm

This balm is always on my purse, in my car and I use it in my lips, cuticles, elbows, anywhere that needs moisture. And I love the smell!

Let me know what YOUR favorites are!

Disclaimer: all pictures posted here were obtained from sephora.com or the product company’s website.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

O Rio de Janeiro continua lindo

1 Mar

20120229-235905.jpg

20120301-000118.jpg

20120301-000206.jpg

20120301-000237.jpg

20120301-000445.jpg

20120301-000506.jpg

20120301-000519.jpg

20120301-000526.jpg

20120301-000555.jpg

20120301-000610.jpg

20120301-000632.jpg

20120301-000651.jpg

20120301-000705.jpg

20120301-000809.jpg

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Greetings from Rio

27 Feb

20120227-121750.jpg

Tags: , , , , ,

Fruits, Vegetables and Juicing Fast – Day 2

3 Dec reboot2midmornjuicecup

Haven’t blogged about my fasting for a couple of days… I have been busy, and this Fasting Diet is a lot of work! All the washing, prepping, juicing, blending…oh, and trying to fit it all in my refrigerator!

I had a great night of sleep, and it was actually very hard to get out of bed, I was so sleepy and my muscles were sore, as if I had done exercise the day before. I still had a headache and low energy.

I started my day with hot tea with lemon. Then on to the breakfast:

Excellent juice this morning! Pinneapples, apples, blackberries, kiwis, mint and coconut water in the blender! I was happy! I drank it all fast!

Mid Morning Juice

I have to say this was the worst juice I have ever drank in my life! It has beets,carrots, celery, tomatoes,parsley, radishes and a jalapeno pepper. The recipe called for a lot of parsley, but I used less. I am trying to adapt the recipes to my taste buds, and to what I have in my pantry and fridge. I did not like this one! It took me over 2 hours to finish it and I left some on the cup, way too nasty!

Lunch

Another green salad with your favorite veggies! Nice!

Snack and Dinner

Curried zucchini, spinach, leeks and basil soup

This soup was light and tasty. As with all the other recipes, I twist it to accommodate my palate. So with this one I added some red pepper flakes, and yellow curry powder. I was delicious! The hubby didn’t like it that much, but he does not like soup…well, more for me…haha

Roasted Acorn Squash with Mushrooms and Thyme

This recipe for dinner was my favorite. I roasted the squash first, then placed on top a mix of onions, garlic, thyme and mushrooms sauteed in extra virgin olive oil. I roasted it again for 10 minutes and Voila!!Awesomeness! Even my husband that does not like squashes in any way, shape or form loved this one.

Another herbal tea with lemon before bed, and and Advil. I tried not to take anything but I could not handle my headache anymore.

Day 2 is gone and I am so happy is much easier than what I thought it would be!

Fruits, Vegetables and Juice Fasting – Day one

30 Nov reboot1greenjuice

The day before starting our Detox fasting I went to get groceries buy and prepare the ingredients for the next day. Groceries were so expensive! I bought provisions for two days, and spent $103. I also bought Flax Seed Oil for $9, and 4 boxes of tea for $12. I didnt find cherries, mushrooms and some other stuff, so I will switch it around.Also, I did not buy it all organic, because of the prices. For example one bunch of organic red radishes is $1,49 vs. 49 cents of the regular kind.

I understand now why there is an obesity epidemic! Nobody can afford to eat healthy in America!

First thing in the morning

We woke up excited and anxious about the Fasting. Had a mate tea with lemon and stevia. I know I am not supposed to have caffeine, but I don’t consider mate to have caffeine, it is actually a different stimulant that it has. And well, I am very addicted to coffee, so just by eliminating it from my diet or ten days is a big difference already.

Breakfast

Breakfast was Baked Apples with Cherries, Raisins, Cinnamon and Agave. We didn’t have cherries, so I substituted for Pears. It was very good. I couldn’t finish the whole thing, and I had to save half and eat it forty minutes later.

Mid-Morning Juice

The mid-morning juice was fine, a mix of apples, kale, celery, cucumber, and spinach. It is not something you can just drink in one sip. It took me about an hour to finish it. And I wasn’t hungry.

Lunch

For lunch we had the Green Reboot Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing, which was basically all the greens you want with your veggies of choice. The dressing is a basic vinagrette that can be made in the blender, and very tasty. I added some alfafa sprouts, which are ok, but bean sprouts are not because they are hard to digest.

Snack

I was starting to get hungry when snack time came, and was excited about this concoction. It was carrot juice, blended with avocado, coconut meat, ginger, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and olive oil. It was a pleasant mixture of sweet,salty and spicy. I couldn’t finish the whole thing. I also started feeling sleepy, with low energy and had a headache.

Dinner

Dinner was supposed to be a green salad, and Broccoli, Snow Peas and Green Beans Steamed with Honey Ginger Garlic Soy Sauce Dressing. I said supposed to because we could not even eat the salad! Yep! That is how full we were. Pretty amazing! And the dressing is so delicious, it tastes great with the veggies.

Steamed Green Beans and Broccoli

By the time I was done with dinner my head was pounding, and I felt like my head was foggy, almost like I was dizzy. I took a nice bath and went to bed, proud for having being able to finish Day 1! And it was not so hard! I guess the hardest thing was not to have coffee in the morning. Okay, maybe the headache,bloating and indigestion are things I am happy about, but I guess it is my body reacting to the extreme changes I made in my diet today. And I am fine with that.

One thing that I noticed was that every time I changed the channel there was something about food, Fast Food Nation was on, then Dr. Oz show about families going hungry in America because they cannot afford to put food on the table. I think you just became more aware of what is happening.

The first day is over and I am looking forward for tomorrow!

Tags: , , , , , ,

Bye-Bye Thanksgiving, Hello Detox! Juice Fasting After the Holidays

29 Nov

Even though I didn’t grow up celebrating Thanksgiving in Brazil, I became used to looking forward the whole year for it, since it is my favorite American Holiday! I love all the autumn spices and flavors…Julian apple cider, brussel sprouts, pumpking, squash, and an endless list of awesomeness!

This year was not different, and I cooked again all my favorites: Herb Butter (Rosemary, Sage and Thyme) Roasted Turkey stuffed with Meyer Lemons and Sweet Onions; Brussel Sprouts Au Gratin, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Relish and Brazilian Farofa (toasted cassava/yucca) flour with shredded carrots, raisins and walnuts. A friend brought some nice iraqui flat bread. For dessert, I made Frozen Passion Fruit Mousse and Semisweet Chocolate Ganache Pie, and my chef friend brought Pumpking Bread Pudding with Rum Caramel Sauce…Heaven!!

Everything was perfect, and as we feast on these goodies the conversation went on to “Fasting”. It turns out there is a movie out called  “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead” that inspired my friend to want to start juicing. Another friend, who is an expert on the subject ( I remember fasting on fruits this summer while camping on the desert because he convinced us it would be a great opportunity) started to go over the benefits, while my hubby said he did not understand why people do it and would probably never be one of these people.  Well, he already had agreed to do this Brazilian soup diet for a week with me after Thanksgiving, but see you he diet is not so strict. For a whole week you can drink a delicious vegetable soup plus solid foods which change on a daily basis, mainly fruits and vegetables but one day you can have one baked potatoes and on another 2 days you can have a small steak…Yep, this is how brazilians detox and do diets, keep the meat!

Well…Then two days later another friend came over and insisted we watch that movie, and he was also inspired to start the Juice Fast Program. Could this be just a coincidence? But I don’t believe in coincidences!Specially when you hear the same story from three of your closest friends – and they don’t even talk to each other! I took it as a sign, and after watching the movie and visiting their web site I figured: “What the heck? It doesn’t hurt to try!” I have done many Fastings before, but usually they involve solid fruit and veggies, and one time I did a Fast for a Spiritual Vision Quest where I didn’t eat or drink anything including water for four days…this cannot be that bad….

The hubby agreed we forget the Brazilian soup diet and try this one instead, so I went to the movie website and clicked on the link to the Juicing Program.

Reboot Program

It is called Reboot and you can fill out a questionnaire and register if you want, so they can advised which of their three plans is best for you.

All their Programs include solid fruits and veggies, so we choose to do the 15 day Reboot Standard Program, but we will do it for 10 days. The first 5 days it is a combination of solid fruits and veggies and the juice, then 5 days of only juicing, then it goes back to the first 5 days of mixed juices and solids.

We decided to say goodbye to food by having me cook a Brazilian favorite: Beef Strogonoff with Crimini Mushrooms, Basmati White Rice and Shoestring Potatoes. We even had soda and chocolate, to make the transition easier…

Not really because Reboot advises to prepare for a whole week before by eating healthier, eliminating processed foods, sugar, oil, animal protein, etc…

But well, it is the intention that counts, and we are very excited about detoxing our bodies and starting the New Year with a clean mind and body.

Wish us luck!!!

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

The road from San Diego to Pismo Beach

22 Nov

California never ceases to amaze me! We took the U.S. 101 from San Diego to Pismo Beach and the GPS was set to find the shortest route. It took us from the Coast Highway to the mountains, where the temperature and vegetation changed drastically. We drove by parts of the Cleveland National Forest and beautiful Santa Ana mountains, where we saw wineries, lakes and animals. Amazing!

Tags: , , ,

Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill Restaurant – Las Vegas

16 Nov Tiger Shrimp Tamale


at Ceasars Palace
877.346.4642

I recently went to Vegas with the hubby to celebrate my B-Day. We had a blast, and of course, great food, since Vegas has becoming one of the best spots for foodies. The majority of the best chefs in the world have restaurants there. That is why I was not planning on eating at Mesa Grill. I had a huge list of places I wanted to try, and to be honest I was never too attracted to Bobby Flay’s Southwestern Cuisine.
But we were at Ceasar’s, and starving when we walked by it, so I decided to look at the menu, and I was delightedly surprised.
The restaurant was quite empty for lunch. It has a very colorful decor with an open giant grill and a partially visible kitchen, which made me happy. I love to watch how different kitchens work and their dynamics…every kitchen builds its own ecosystem!
The service was excellent, the only thing I was not very happy about was the proximity of the tables, we could hear our neighbors’s conversation.
Well, our food was so amazingly perfect and delicious that I have to admit that I became a Bobby Flay’s convert, yes, I did! I loved everything about it; the presentation, flavor profiles, and taste.
I just wish I wasn’t so full so I could have tried one of his scrumptious desserts…

 

Bread Basket

Blue and Yellow Corn Muffins and Asiago Jalapeno Sourdough Bread

The bread basket was so delicious I had to control myself and stop eating those warm and delicious wonders before it was too late. We still had appetizers and entree ahead of us. The corn muffins are made with layers of blue and yellow corn, and have red bell peppers and cheese inside. The sourdough bread had just the right amount of asiago cheese and diced jalapenos.

Appetizer

Tiger Shrimp Tamale

Wow!! I love tamales! It reminds me of something we have in Brazil called Pamonha, wich comes from theTupi language pa’muña wich means sticky. The recipe is pretty much the same, corn based dough wrapped in corn husks and steamed or boiled. In Brazil it hasbeen prepared by native brazilian indians for hundreds of years, even before Brazil was discovered by the portuguese in the year 1500. You can buy it on the roadside straight from the indians. Also, people sell homemade Pamonha on the streets and they drive by neighborhoods and yell from a megaphone,letting everyone knows they are on the area.So everybody comes out of their houses to buy them, kind of like the ice cream trucks and their music here in the U.S.
In Brazil, pamonha usually is made in only two versions; sweet or savory without any fillings, while in Mexico you can find a wide variety of fillings going from pork to pineapple and raisings.
They are near and dear to my heart, so I am always on a quest for the perfect tamale.
Bobby Flay’s tamale had just the perfect ratio of dough, filling and dressing. The dough was fluffy, not super dense and heavy like most tamales out there. The shrimp was cooked to perfection and the cilantro dressing gave it a nice finish. Do I have to say more? It was love at first bite.

Entree

I know, I know, Could I have been any more daring to try new dishes? Cheeseburger? Let me tell you, when I saw that ginormous grill and the burgers on other guest’s tables I could not resist the temptation and order one. It was woryh it! One of the best burgers I have ever had in my life, and believe me, I have eaten burgers everywhere.
And the Southwestern Fries were beyond spectacular: crispy, not oily, hot, and sprinkled with yummy spices.

 

 

Dessert

It made me so sad I was full and had to skip dessert, because they all looked phenomenal! So, I took a picture of the menu to keep it in mind the next time we go there.

Overall it was a great meal where everything was perfect from the ambiance, to the service and food. I can say I am now a Bobby Flay’s convert and I will be coming back for more!

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Super Easy Beurre Blanc

18 Oct lagoustinepasta

Beurre Blanc literally means “white butter” in French. It is basically an emulsified sauce made by combining white wine, vinegar and cold butter. Vinegar is sometimes substituted for lemon. It is perfect for fish, or any seafood.

Classis French Beurre Blanc does not have cream, however many chefs prefer to add cream in order to “stabilize” the sauce, so it makes it last longer when serving it at a restaurant Just like any protein emulsion, it will quickly separate and break if overheated or solidify if too cold. So, it is always better to serve it immediately after preparing.

It can be modified by adding flavored vinegar to it. This is what I did. I had some Tahitian Vanilla Bean Vinegar home, and I decided to make a Vanilla Beurre Blanc to compliment the beautiful Langoustine tail I had. Vanilla blends perfectly with lobster, it is a marriage from heaven!

I bought some fresh Spaguettini from the pasta restaurant by my house (actually cheaper than buying Barilla!) and made a wonderful Spaguettini with Langoustine Tails in a Tahitian Bean Vanilla Beurre Blanc.You can find very affordable frozen Langoustine tails at your local Costco or Trader Joes. I know it sounds so fancy and elaborate, but it is not! It is a super easy recipe to impress your friends next time you cook them dinner ! Enjoy!

Tahitian Vanilla Bean Beurre Blanc

Ingredients

1/4 cup dry white wine

1/4 cup white-wine vinegar (or any other vinegar you have, flavored or seasoned is better)

2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot ( or any type of sweet onions)

1/3 cup heavy cream; salt and pepper to taste

1 sprig of thyme

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-size pieces and chilled

Instructions

1) In a small sautee pan, boil the wine, vinegar, and shallot(or onions) over medium heat until liquid is reduced to 2 to 3 tablespoons, for about 5 minutes.

2) Add cream, salt, and white pepper and boil for about 1 minute.

3) Reduce heat to medium low, lift the pan from heat, and add one to two tablespoons butter, whisking constantly. Add remaining butter one piece at a time, whisking constantly and adding new pieces before the others on the pan have completely liquefied (the sauce should have a consistency of hollandaise), lifting pan from heat occasionally to cool mixture.
Remove the pan from heat, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

4) Pour sauce through a cheesecloth on top of a strainer into a serving container, pressing on and then discarding shallot and thyme. Serve immediately.

Langoustine

I bought one pound of frozen Langoustine Tails and let it thaw on my fridge for a day. The next day I patted the dry with a paper towel, and quickly sauteed them with some butter and salt. No extra seasoning required, because you don’t want any other flavors clashing with your wonderful Beurre Blanc.

Cook the pasta according to directions but turn the oven off one minute before ready so it is al dente(to the teeth). Scoop the pasta out of its water and place it on the Beurre Blanc Sauce so it finishes cooking on it for about one or two minutes.

Add the sauteed Langoustine, some grated Parmesan, and Bon Appetite.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

← Older Entries

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.