A Light and Natural Spring Look

Hello everybody, 

I just posted a brand new Beauty is on the Inside tutorial for you! It is a quick and natural spring time look, perfect for the on the go mom, college kid, or teen. I used BB cream for a very simple and quick coverage and added a lipstick at the end (mostly because am obsessed with how it makes me look and feel) to really five the eye a focal point. Who doesn't want people to stare at their lips while they talk? I hope you enjoy this tutorial and come back on Friday for another one, though it maybe a review or a first impressions video. 

Let me know if there is a look you want to see! You can do that so many ways:

On Twitter, use #imperfectparentbioti to leave me a suggestion and follow me @cscagel

On YouTube, where my video waits to be watched at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgt6L0ShBZk

Email me at caitlynne.p.scagel@gmail.com

Or follow me on Instagram @caitlynnescagel and leave a comment under my snap shots.

And of course! You can leave a comment down below! I hope to see you again tomorrow!

Warm wishes. 

What's In My Purse

Hello loves, 

Today I wanted to share with you what is in my purse. A lot of beauty people do these posts, and I just wanted to share with you how I not only keep my purse clean, but also keep it organized and at the same time, be prepared for most situations. 

Note: This is not my baby bag, this is just my purse. While my hubby is home, he carries the baby bag, because he is my hero, and I will do a baby bag post in two weeks' time, keep a lookout for it. 

For now, this is what is in my purse:

First off, my purse is an American Eagle by Payless bag. It is camel, white and navy, and I saw it and fell in love with it. It has a detachable shoulder strap and brass hardware. It just felt like summer to me when I saw it. The most important feature of this bag is that it has a lot of pocket and pouches to put things into so I can keep my items organized. Everything has a place. 


 

This is my Jessica Simpson wallet in brown and forest green with gold hardware. 

I have a Revlon by Marchesa manicure kit in here, just in case I break a nail while I'm out. 

These are my keys. 

I have a small bottle that I keep my pills in, stuff like Gravol, Tylenol, and Gas-X. Hey, you never know! I also keep a personal pack of tissues, just in case. 

Next are my George (ooo) brand sunglasses. I have yet to get nice ones, so for now, these are it. 

Next, I have my lipstick case. In here, I keep two mint flossers, a neutral coloured hair tie, and my Hurraw Black Cherry Tinted Lip Balm. And, I also keep blotting paper in my purse for when I am wearing make-up. 

Next is a big nerd one for me, but I keep a sewing kit in my purse. Yes, a full sewing kit. I got it from Micheal's for $1.50 and it has never let me down. It has all the things you need in an emergency in it, and I love it dearly. It doesn't take up much room, as you can see, it is smaller than a cell phone or a deck of cards. It doesn't pop open on me, and it fit perfectly into my little zipper pouch. 

 

And last, but not least, I always have a bottle of water in my purse. Always. I have been drinking a lot more water lately, and this helps me. This is not the water bottle I use, I have reusable ones that save the earth and are pretty, but this is the one I DID have at the time from a baby shower I went to last weekend. 







Well, that's everything. I know I didn't go a lot into all of the organization, but you can think of this as a mashup of Reduce, Reuse, Reorganize and Beauty is on the Inside. 

I hope this helped you a little. I am not a make-up re-applier, so I never carry any make-up, other than my lip colour in my hand bag because I feel like that is a waste of time, and I'm a mom, when will I have time to re-apply my make-up throughout the day? Answer: I don't, so why am I going to weight my purse down with useless things? I don't. I keep my bag minimal, which means I can easily find everything and I don't have to do a huge purse clean sweep at the end of every week. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and I hope to see you soon. 

Warm wishes. 

For the veggie lovers on this lovely Meatless Monday

Hey everyone!

About a month ago, my family started Meatless Mondays. It is healthy, light and still hearty. I love cooking meatless. It not only makes me feel a little better about what I am feeding my family, it gives me a lovely sense of satisfaction to know that I can please not only myself, but the total carnivore that my husband is with a huge plate full of hearty grains a vegetables.

This is a chili that my family has gone to for a meatless meal time and time again, even before we started meatless Mondays. It is rich, hearty, and full of rich spices and an earthy sweetness. it is deep and dark and rich and homey, and just so lovely with a dollop of 0% Greek yogurt, or even plain 0% yogurt and a piece of crisped bread or a biscuit. The nutritional information for this recipe is based on the chili and the yogurt, not the carb on the side.

I hope you enjoy this lovely chili and if you try it out, leave a comment or better yet, send me a picture!

Sweet Potato, Black bean, Chipotle Chili

Canola oil cooking spray
1 red onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced on an angle
2 diced garlic cloves
1 TBSP chili powder
1 TBSP cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp coriander (or fresh cilantro: 2 TBSP)
1 chipotle in adobo
2 (.5 lb) sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (14oz) container of vegetable stock
1 (15 oz) can drained and rinsed black beans
1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
6 TBSP plain 0% yogurt (greek or regular)

For this dish, to get on the table quickly, I suggest peeling, chopping and collecting all of your ingredients while you heat your pan on medium low heat. This lets you multi-task and doesn't get your pan too hot while you work. Just watch your kids! They can be tricky, especially around hot stoves.

Chop your onion and carrots. Spray your pan and throw in your onion and carrots. You really want them to get lovely and soft and caramelized. About 5 minutes. Add in your spices and let them bloom only for about 1 minute. You don't want them to burn, just to bloom and become deliciously fragrant. Then add in your diced garlic. Lovely!

Then add in your chipotle in adobo, careful this is deep and dark and moorish and spicy. It really works well with all the lovely light and sweet flavors of the carrot and sweet potato. A little goes a long way. if you can't find this, then you can used ancho or smoked chili powder. Let that bloom for about 30 seconds.

Add in your sweet potatoes, your canned tomatoes and your stock. Let that boil for 20 minutes, then add in your beans. Let those simmer in the chili for about 10 minutes more and your chili is ready.

This dish serves 6. it is healthy and light and delicious but also filling and hearty and savory.

Portion out 1 and 1/3 cups of chili with 1 TBSP of yogurt and some cilantro leaves.

Good for any cold, wintery night, especially on Meatless Mondays!

Nutritional Information:

Calories 251
Total fat 3g
Carbohydrates 46 g
Sugar 12 g
Fibre 13 g
Protein 12 g

Warm wishes.

Home made Lemony Whipped Cream

Hello all,

I just wanted to give you a mini post. Super fast, super simple, super lovely.

Lemon Whipped Cream.

None of that processed suff here, just lemon juice, sugar and whipping cream. It's light and fluffy and creamy and can be served along side berries or cobbler or even something as rich as chocolate cake. I love it and hopefully you will too.

You will need a hand beater or a stand mixer, measuring cups and a container to store your whipped cream.

This makes a lot of whipped cream, so you can always scale it down or make this when you will be having a party or a lot of guests over. it keeps in the fridge for a week, and however long you want in the freezer.

1 L of whipping cream
1/4 cup sugar, 2 lemons, zested and juiced
Extra lemons, or even lemon extract to taste.

Pour all of your ingredients into the mixer and mix from low to high speed for about 1 minute. Go longer if you want it really fluffy, only about 30 more seconds. Taste your lovely creamy, tart mixture and if you want more lemon, add the juice of half a lemon, or a 1/4 tsp of lemon extract until you like it.

And enjoy.

That simple.

Enjoy!

Warm wishes.

DIY Earrings

Hello again, 

So I wanted to do this post to show you guys how easy it is to make your own earrings. I will doing this for different pieces of jewelry throughout the year, but right now I have the materials to make some earrings, so I decided to make those for you today. 

It is so simple and all of the materials you can find at your local craft store for very very cheap. I think I bought all these things for less that $5. I mean it. You can make beautiful pieces of jewelry that no one else will have that you can wear with pride. And when people ask you where you got your earrings you can smile and say, I made these. And watch the shock on their faces. It makes you feel all warm inside. 

So, all you need are two pairs of needle-nose pliers, a pair of snips, copper wire, earring medalions of your choice, beads of your choice and earring hooks. 

 Now, cut a length of wire about 6 inches long. 

Next, thread it through the decorative part of the earring. 

Next, tie a very tight double knot, using the pliers as your fingers to ensure that the knot if very tight. 

Next, thread both sides of the wire through your bead. 

Then, tie both of the wires through the earring hook making sure to double knot it and make sure it is secure. 

Cut off the excess, repeat with the other earring and you have yourself a very pretty pair of earrings that you paid less than $5.00 for. 

Happy crafting!

P.S. I will post a picture of myself with the earrings on tomorrow when I lost my outfit of the day. 

Warm wishes. 

DIY Lip Plumper

Hello all, 

I just made this product the other night. It was so easy and made with easy and accessible ingredients that I found in my kitchen. 

Again, if you buy organic, then this product will be organic. I use this product when I want plumper lips before I put my makeup on. If you're really good, then you could possibly even leave it on your lips while you are doing your make-up and then just wipe it off and apply your balm and your lipstick or gloss. 

I have only used this product twice so far, but I think if you are looking for a lip plump that you don't have to on the upwards of $25.00 for, then I would recommend using this. It is completely customizable for your lips. I would recommend using a lip scrub before you use this because it also helps plumb your lips and make them more red. 

I hope this works for you, I thought it worked for me, it left my lips tingling and full and red. 

What you need:
Brown sugar
Ground Cinnamon
Ground Cardamon
Cayenne pepper
Ground cloves 
White sugar, fine
Olive oil
Honey
Pure peppermint extract
A small travel container

Mix 2 parts cinnamon, one part brown sugar, one part white sugar, one part onlive oil, one part honey, one part peppermint extract, one part cayenne, one part cardamon and one part clove. Mix on a peice of wax paper. It should resemble wet sand, but very dark. It has a beautiful spicy aroma, and you can't even taste the cayenne. 

Hopefully this will tingle and help make your lips nice and full. 

Top with your favorite lipstick or gloss. For a big lips tutorial, come see me again soon. 

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Very easy and very simple. 

Warm wishes. 

DIY LIp Scrub

Hello everyone!

Have you wanted a lip scrub to exfoliate your dry chapped lips in the winter? What about all year round? Want to be able to go into your kitchen and find your lip scrub all the time? Then this is the post for you!

This is the easiest lip scrub I have found. I have been using it for a few months now and it is just as good as a store bought exfoliator, and you can eat it! It can even be organic if you buy organic ingredients. And the best part: these are items that are in more people's kitchen all year round. 

I hope you enjoy this tutorial. 

This is what you will need:

brown sugar

honey

white sugar, the coarser the better, but regular sugar will be just fine

olive oil, or your favorite oil (sunflower, walnut, flaxseed, grapeseed, etc

a small travel container, you can find these at Walmart and drugstores like Walgreens and Shoppers

One part brown sugar

Two parts white sugar

One part honey

One part oil

Mix together on a piece of wax paper and then pack into the tin

That is it! It's that easy!!! Your mixture should resemble building sand, crumbly but sticks together a little. 

I hope you enjoyed this very easy tutorial. 

Warm wishes. 

AcneFree Therapeutic Sulfur Mask Review

Hello everyone! 

Today I am exhausted. But that is because I shot several tutorials/ reviews yesterday while juggling cleaning the house and HelperBaby. The good news is that my LUSH products came in and I will be doing a review of them in the near future. I am very excited to try them! 

The other bit of good news is that today my husband is home for the next two days, and we go to Ottawa tomorrow, so I will document that for you guys and hopefully you will enjoy seeing the capitol with us. 

I will be posting some make-up tutorials soon, and a few recipes. all in good time. I think I need to come up with a schedule so that I am not just posting make-up or cleansers, or hair, or recipes all the time. Balance. That's the word I was looking for.

Just to remind everyone, I have combination (mostly oily) acne prone skin. I have a yellow undertone to my skin and redness on my cheeks and around my nose. I also have several broken capillaries. 

On to the actual review now...

Today's review is of the University Medical Pharmaceuticals AcneFree Therapeutic Sulfur Mask. 

This is another one of my Old Product, New Reviews.

This mask is a decent mask. My mother picked it up for me a thousand years ago, more like two, to try and help me take care of my acne prone skin. And because I was a punk, and of the firm belief that magic would one day happen to my skin upon reaching 20, I only used it once, and it sat, gathering dust, under my sink. 

Now that I am well into my 20s, I can say with absolute certainty that skin magic does not happen. At least, not to me. 

So, I have finally stared doing something about it. Here are some pictures of me from the end of high school to now. 

 

As you can see, my skin has had good days and bad. Maybe you can see that. I don't know. Now that I look at it, my skin looks quite good in all these photos. Let me see....

There we go.

I have tried a thousand different products. Some have worked, some don't. I say that this mask is a winner. 

The mask itself is white with blue beads infused into the formula. The instructions say to massage into the skin until the entire mask turns blue and for maximum absorption to leave it on for 10 minutes. This is exactly what I did. I even set a timer. 

Meanwhile, I brushed my teeth, flossed and Scoped, brushed my hair with my leave-in conditioner, put on some deoderant, Bio-Oiled myself up, and by the time all of that was done, it was time to remove the mask. This product is in my top three masks. The mask hardens as it dries and tightens my skin, making me feel like it was toning and tightening my pores. As it dried, I saw tiny little pin pricks all over my T-Zone, which I assume is where the oil was being drawn out of my pores. The directions say to remove with water and towel dry, so that is what I did. Aren't I am obedient little pup? 

I did use an exfoliator (see post on Pomegranate Scrub ) before I used this mask, and my pores looked clean afterwards, so to say that the mask did all that would be a fib, but I definitely think that the mask helped tighten my skin and pull more oil out. I think that the mask made my skin softer and my skin tone more even. 

This mask goes for $6.97 at Walmart, which is where I purchased mine, for 1.7 ounces. I, personally, think it is a good buy for people looking for a mask to try. It doesn't irritate the skin, it doesn't smell like sulfur, it doesn't cost a lot, and I think, if you were to use it once a week, that it could improve the look and feel of your skin overtime. It is a refreshing, tightening, toning and pore cleansing mask that is affordable, yet effective. 

I hope you enjoyed this review, or it helped you out a little. My next review will be on the LUSH products I have, so come and check it out on Sunday. 

Check Instagram tomorrow (caitlynnescagel) for a sneak peek at my Ottawa blog post!

Warm wishes.