Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Things I'm Lovin' Tuesday: Suave Coconut Milk Infusion

This is an Influenster sponsored review.
I was given the Suave Coconut Milk Infusion free to try, but every opinion is 100% my own!

Last Summer I started another monthly blog series called
THINGS I'M LOVIN' TUESDAY!!!
If you missed the first few, you can find them:
herehereherehereherehere and here;
and make sure to check back every last Tuesday of the month!

Now onto what I'm lovin' this month...

In this post, I briefly shared my thoughts and reviewed
Suave Professionals Coconut Oil Shampoo and Conditioner.
And I was such a fan of it after the first use,
that I decided to share my love for it with you guys!!!


I'll be honest and was a little hesitant at first.
I was thrilled by the coconut milk, 
but I'm a little bit of a hair product snob,
and wasn't expecting much from Suave.

Well let me just say - lesson learned!
I am no longer anti-Suave 
and it has a lot to do with these products.
They made me a believer in inexpensive hair care!!!

I love the way the shampoo lathers,
I love the way my hair looks after it's air dried,
I love that if/when I re-buy it I won't be breaking the bank,
But most of all - I really really really like the scent!!!

The coconut milk gives the shampoo and conditioner an amazing smell.
It's not too strong or overpowering, but surprisingly it sticks around for hours!
I typically wash my hair at night and when I woke up the next morning after using these,
I WAS STILL SMELLING THE COCONUT!

If you're looking for a new shampoo and conditioner to try,
I highly recommend you give these two a try.
I can't speak on their long-term use because I've only used them a few times,
but so far I've really loved what they've done to my hair!

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Teriyaki Salmon with Sriracha Cream Sauce

I'm a pretty big fan of salmon and am always looking for new ways to make it.
So after seeing this recipe mentioned on this blog more than once,
I decided to head to the store to get the ingredients I didn't have
and made it for dinner for myself not too long ago.

After just one bite I knew I would be making the recipe again.
And of course I wanted to share it's deliciousness with you guys!
I can't eat something super yummy and not share it.
So enough talking, let me show you how it's made!

The Goods:
Salmon
Cornstarch
Soy Sauce
Brown Sugar
Ground Ginger
Garlic Powder
Honey
Mayonnaise
Sriracha
Sweetened Condensed Milk

Combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Sriracha 
and 1 1/2 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk.
Set aside.

Mix together 1/4 cup of water and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
Set aside.

Add 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 tablespoons honey 
and 1 cup water to a small saucepan. 

Heat over medium until simmering.

Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to cook until sauce thickens.
It should take about 2 minutes and coat the back of a spoon once done.

Let marinade cool completely to room temperature.

Place your salmon fillet(s) in a shallow container.

Pour your marinade over your salmon and let sit at least 30 minutes.

I was only making one salmon fillet,
 so I saved the rest of the marinade to use for something else!

Transfer your salmon and marinade to a greased baking dish
and bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.
Salmon is done with fish flakes easily with a fork.

Immediately serve salmon topped with Sriracha Cream Sauce!

Teriyaki Salmon with Sriracha Cream Sauce
Inspired by Damn Delicious

4 (5 Ounce) Salmon Fillets
1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
2 Tablespoons Honey
1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons Sriracha
1 1/2 Tablespoons Sweetened Condensed Milk

  1. Combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Sriracha and 1 1/2 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk. Set aside.
  2. Mix together 1/4 cup of water and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Set aside.
  3. Add 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 tablespoons honey and 1 cup water to a small saucepan. Heat over medium until simmering.
  4. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to cook until sauce thickens. It should take about 2 minutes and coat the back of a spoon once done.
  5. Let marinade cool completely to room temperature.
  6. Place your salmon fillet(s) in a shallow container. Pour your marinade over your salmon and let sit at least 30 minutes.
  7. Transfer your salmon and marinade to a greased baking dish and bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. Salmon is done with fish flakes easily with a fork.
  8. Immediately serve salmon topped with Sriracha Cream Sauce.

Friday, March 25, 2016

Favorite Adoptable Bunnies

Happy Friday you guys!!!
I'm back today for another Friday Link Up!
This week, I'm linking up with THREE different groups.
Make sure to check them all out at the bottom of this post!

Since Easter is just a few short days away,
and I already blogged about my Favorite Easter Candy last year,
this year I'm straying from my normal blog posts and today's will be about
FIVE FAVORITE ADOPTABLE BUNNIES!!!

So why bunnies you may wonder?

Bunnies, specifically adoptable ones, have been a big topic at my office lately.
One of my closest friends and co-workers has been looking for a bunny.
Her and another co-worker are a little bunny obsessed,
so I decided to let them take over today's post.

So without any more out of me,
I'll let Phoebe and Alanna take over.
They've seen LOTS of bunnies over the last few months,
and these are just FIVE of their favorites up for adoption!

Hi Robyn's Hobbies readers!
(Or Mama Robz as we like to call her.)

We both really LOVEEEEEEE bunnies!
In fact, one of us just recently adopted one as our own.
While bunnies don't seem like a typical pet to adopt,
we're here to show you FIVE adorable ones you can adopt in the LA area.

There are many different resources when it comes to adopting a bunny,
but after looking at quite a few, Los Angeles Rabbit Foundation was by far our fave.
They're currently in the middle of updating their website,
but we've found that their Facebook is just as useful too!

Before we show you these five adorable bunnies for adoption,
let's go over a few important things to keep in mind when adopting a bunny!
We want to make sure you're fully aware what you're getting into,
and also make sure you've done your research.

Bunnies require just as much work as any other pet.
They love to be snuggled and get human attention just like cats and dogs,
so make sure you're prepared for this type of time commitment.
Bunnies are MUCH more than just a cute Easter present - they live a long time!

Now time for the bunnies!!!

ONE

TWO
Alexia

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

And because we mentioned that Phoebe recently adopted a bunny herself,
we couldn't end this post without including a picture of her too!
Meet Moo, formally known to LA Rabbit Foundation as Hip Hop.


Now for more Friday Link Up Fun, check out the blogs below!

Andrea and Erika's blogs from Friday Favorites.

April and Christina's blogs from 5 on Friday.

Karli and Amy's blogs from oh hey friday!








Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bites

and then following those up with Quinoa Pizza Bites,
I decided that I really liked the ease of eating these,
so I set out to make a brand new version of my own!

I'm a big fan of the flavor of roasted cauliflower,
so I knew right away I'd be using that.
And after tossing a few ideas around with a co-worker,
I knew I wanted to include lemon and parmesan as well.

Let me show you how easy it is to make these tasty
Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bites!!!

The Goods:
Quinoa
Roasted Cauliflower
Yellow Onion
Garlic
Eggs
Lemons
Parmesan Cheese
Salt
Pepper
Parsley Flakes

Cook quinoa according to your package directions.

In a large bowl, combine your cooked quinoa, roasted cauliflower, 
diced onion, minced garlic, both eggs, most of your parmesan cheese, salt, 
pepper and parsley to your liking, lemon juice and zest and mix to combine.

Stuff filling into greased mini muffin pans
and top with remaining parmesan cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes,
until tops are nice and crisp.

Cool in muffin pans for about 5 minutes,
then remove and finish cooling on wire rack.

Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bites

3/4 Cup Uncooked Quinoa
1 1/2 Cups Water
2 Cup Roasted Cauliflower
1/2 Cup Diced Yellow Onion
2 Cloves Minced Garlic
2 Eggs
Salt, Pepper and Parsley To Taste
1 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Juice and Zest from 1/2 a Lemon
  1. Cook your quinoa according to package directions.
  2. Roast your cauliflower (I did mine with juice and zest from 1 lemon, salt, pepper and olive oil.)
  3. In large bowl combine everything (reserve 1/4 of the cheese for topping) and mix well.
  4. Stuff filling into greased mini muffin pans and top with remaining cheese.
  5. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes until tops are nice and crisp.
  6. Cool in muffin pans for about 5 minutes, then remove and finish cooling on wire rack.


Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Bubble Bath Review: Dr. Teal's Epson Salt

This is an Influenster sponsored review.
I was given the Dr. Teal's Epson Salt free to try, but every opinion is 100% my own.

Hellllllllllllllllllllllllo Wednesday!
It's time for another bubble bath review and I'm so excited about this one.
It's not about your typical bubble bath, but instead Epson Salt for the bath!

I've used Epson Salt in the past many times,
so I was really excited to try this and share my thoughts with you.

As mentioned above, I received these from Influenster in return for a review.
I was really thrilled about the lavender scent and couldn't wait to use them.
In fact, it was my first VoxBox item to be used for review!

Dr. Teal's Lavender Epson Salt

The size of the bag was perfect for one bath!
I really liked the ease of not having to measure out the salt,
like I've had to do with other Epson Salt I've used in the past.

Of course I have something to drink and read while I soak!


Pour the entire bag of Epson Salt under warn, running water.

Sit back, relax and let the Epson Salt start to absorb into your skin.

And don't forget to set a timer so you don't soak too long!

So are you wondering what I thought?
I LOVED the Dr. Teal's Lavender Epson Salt
and will most likely be buying more soon.

They definitely helped my sore muscles,
but I think my favorite part was the scent!
The lavender made it so easy to just soak and relax.

Monday, March 14, 2016

Mini No Bake Cheescakes!

Growing up, my mom let us pick what kind of cake we wanted each birthday.
I remember both my brother and dad requesting her cheesecake almost every year.
This cheesecake wasn't a typical cheesecake, but instead more of a cheese pie.
And the best part is that it's not even baked, so that makes things even easier!

While brainstorming dessert ideas to make and share on the blog,
I remembered this cheesecake and how delicious it was,
so I decided to make it myself, but put my own little spin on it!
Instead of making one big no bake cheesecake, I made eight mini ones.

Making cheesecake can be a little intimidating,
but like I already said - this isn't your typical cheesecake
and you don't even have to put it in the oven!!!
Now let me show you how to make these babies.

The Goods:
Mini Graham Cracker Crusts
Cream Cheese Block
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Lemon Juice
Vanilla Extract
Cherry Pie Topping

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until soft and fluffy.

Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix well.

Now add your lemon juice...

And vanilla extract, then mix once again.

Pour the cheesecake mixture into the mini graham cracker crusts.

Chill in refrigerator at least three hours, until cheesecake is set.


It's delicious as a plain cheesecake...

But I personally prefer it with some cherry pie topping!

Mini No Bake Cheesecake

8 Mini Graham Cracker Crusts
8 Ounce Cream Cheese Block
14 Ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/3 Cup Lemon Juice
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 Can Cherry Pie Topping

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until soft and fluffy.
  2. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix well.
  3. Now add the lemon juice and vanilla extract, then mix once again.
  4. Pour the cheesecake mixture into the mini graham cracker crusts.
  5. Chill in refrigerator at least three hours, until cheesecake is set.
  6. Eat either plain or with some kind of yummy topping. 


Saturday, March 12, 2016

DIY: Pom Pom Cone Cards

If you've followed my blog for any time,
you're probably already aware I make my own cards.
Proof can be found here, here and here.
And I'm always on the lookout for new card ideas.

While waiting in line to check out at a store recently,
I saw a gift bag out of the corner of my eye,
and immediately knew I wanted to use the idea,
to turn it into a bunch of different greeting cards.

So not too long after seeing the gift bag,
I went to Michael's to purchase some pom poms,
and got to work on creating my cards.
Let me show you how simple they are to make!

The Goods:
Pre-folded Cards or Card stock
Pom-Poms (I used two different sizes)
Textured Beige Scrapbook Paper
Hot Glue Gun
Hot Glue Sticks

Cut a bunch of isosceles triangles out of the beige paper.
I cut two different sizes because I had plans to use two sized pom-poms. 

Using your glue gun, secure the cones to the paper however you desire.

Next continue by adding three (or more) pom-poms to create your ice cream cones.

And that is it folks!

Super easy, yet super cute card for someone special's birthday!


Thursday, March 10, 2016

How To: Homemade Green Juice

I'm a BIG fan of green juices,
but I'm not a fan of paying 7+ dollars for one.
Yes, I do so from time to time because it's easy,
but it's just as easy to make one at home if you plan ahead!

And since it's so easy, I figured I'd show you how to do it yourself today!

I've used both a blender and a juicer to make green juice,
but today I'm showing you how to use your blender.
You can use whatever fruits and vegetables you'd like,
but below is one of my FAVORITE green juices to date!

The Goods:
Kale
Romaine
Parsley
Green Apple
Pear
Kiwi
Ginger
Orange
Lemon
Lime

Squeeze your citrus juices, then add all the other ingredients to the blender.
I use the liquefy setting on my blender, because I want it as smooth as possible.
You can add a little water or some ice to thin it out if needed.

Once blended, you can either drink as is and get a TON of fiber...

Or you can use a fine mesh strainer to separate the liquid from the pulp.

I just use a rubber spatula to help push the juices through.

And you're left with a delicious and refreshing glass of green juice!

And of course a TON of fiber that you can toss or use in a compost!

That's it folks!
Super easy.
Super yummy.
Super good for ya!