TSU

December 01, 2014

If you haven't already felt the Tsunami, what are you waiting for?


Tsu, pronounced "Sue" is a new and rapidly growing social media platform.

 In its simplest form,  Tsu is a free social media platform that shares 90% of its revenues from user content. You get paid for what you share. Based upon the popularity of your posts you generate a profit.


I heard about Tsu back in October, and I have been using it ever since. There has been some kinks since the beginning but I notice that daily the Tsu team has been fixing all bugs, and making Tsu more user friendly.

If  you have any experience with online advertising then you understand that what you generate is based on amounts of clicks/views. Depending on how popular your site is will define the amount of residual income you generate from ads on your site. The same idea is applies to Tsu.

Now lets not all be fooled. Tsu wont make you RICH, but it sure is nice knowing that what I post has value, and that I receive royalties from what I've been posting.

How Does Tsu Work?
Tsu works the same way as many other social media networks do. Tsū generates income from advertising, partnerships and sponsorship. As this revenue is generated, Tsū keeps 10% to cover the costs of running the site and then pays half of the remainder to the user that created the content (YOU). The remaining half (so 45% of total profits) is divided up amongst your Tsū network (your Family Tree) using Tsū unique algorithm.

How do I join Tsū?

To join Tsu you need exclusive invitation received from an existing user. 
Making Money on Tsu
Tsu isnt going to make you a millionaire over night. Lets get that straight. You wont see any money in your"bank" for a while. I have been playing around with Tsu and I trying to figure out what to post vs maximize profits and this is what I found
1) Build your network! Invites users with your exclusive invitation. Follow members and add friends.
2) Post content with value. Don't post just because, post things that YOU like. 
3) Be Social! Post, Comment, Share. 
4) Have Fun



Why I love it
 TsÅ« enables you to share any posts you make with your other social networks (Facebook/twitter), enabling you to update across the net without having to repeatedly compose.
Everyone on Tsu is very friendly. I haven't seen any cyber bullying of any kind. Nothing but love on Tsu.
Its a great way to reach a wide audience that you wouldn't have access to on Facebook or Instagram.  
Very user friendly and attractive interface. Lots of amazing, positive content and feedback from users.

Overall a great new social media network to be apart of that values its users.

Come Join me in Tsu! My Short Code/Invitation code is Jorita :)

Ebates

November 27, 2014


Today I want to talk to all of you about Ebates. I recently stumbled across Ebates as I was doing some online shopping. 

For those of you who aren't familiar with Ebates it's basically an online shopping portal that pays you to shop online.

"It's really quite simple. Just like almost every other online shopping site, we get a commission from the stores when you make a purchase. Instead of keeping that money - we share it with you! - This is the statement right off their website.


They have a wide number of Canadian and American online stores. Each store will give you a percentage of your purchase back. Cash back refunds are anywhere from  1%, to 15%.  They often host double cash back events.

The great thing about Ebates is that you get $5.00 just for signing up. They also offer a referral program. $5.00 for each person that signs up under your referral.


I've made a total of $14.86, and have already received a cheque for $9.84. Its not A LOT of money, but bottom line is I am getting cash back on everyday purchases I would normally make. I tend to wait for a sale, and then I'll purchase my items through Ebates. I get more bang for my buck  that way!
Sharing is caring you guys! Check out Ebates! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I aim to do most of my christmas shopping through Ebates this year to maximize on my budget.

Ebates.ca

xo

J.R

Healthy Rendition : Pumpkin Spice Muffins

November 24, 2014


As much as I love my Pumpkin Spice Bread, my family seems to devour it in less then a day! I'm flattered that they enjoy it so much. But I cant seem to keep up with the requests. I keep telling them "I AM NOT TIM HORTONS".

I thought about it and I figured if I baked the recipe in muffin pans it might help out with portion control. Another thing I found was the outside edges were more crunchy as a muffin. I love the recipe both ways, but for packing lunching or portion control I find the muffins better.

However if I have guests over I will bake the recipe as a bread. I prefer the presentation of the pumpkin bread vs muffins.


Pumpkin Spice "Muffins"

Prep time: 15 minutes 
Total time: 45-50 minutes 
Yields: 12 Generous Muffins

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Oatmeal Flour 
  • 1/2 cup brown rice flour
  • 1/4 Tapioca Flour
  • 1/2 loosely packed brown sugar ( or sweetener of choice)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp cardamom
  • 1 1/2 cup pumpkin purée ( Canned or from Scratch)
  • 1/2 cup pureed carrots or sweet potatoes ( Baby food works as well)
  • 3 tbsp. no sugar added maple syrup (or honey, agave or similar natural sugar)
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, almonds and pecans
  • 1/2 Fiber One Cereal (Optional, I need the extra fiber )
 Cooking directions


  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Grease and flour a loaf pan. Muffins Pan works as well for portion control/meal prep.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together flours, sugar, soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices.
  4. Next, in a small bowl, stir together pumpkin, puree, syrup, and water.
  5. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, combining until everything is just moistened and forms a thick batter.
  6. Fold in chopped nuts and Fiber 1.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared muffin

    pan and place in the center rack of the oven.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.


Enjoy!

xo

J.R




Healthy Rendition : Chili

November 19, 2014


Brrrrrrrr. It is cold outside! Nothing like a yummy bowl of my Healthy Rendition Chili to warm you up! J 


Ingredients

1 Package Ground Turkey/Chicken
1 Package Extra Lean Ground beef.
1 750ml Bottle of Tomato Sauce
1 500ml can of Kidney Beans (Rinsed Well)
2-3 cups of Kale Finely Chopped
I package low sodium chili powder
1 Medium sized Onion chopped
3-4 Gloves of Garlic chopped
1 tbsp Olive Oil






Directions

  1. In a frying pan cook turkey and ground beef. Once cooked drain fat and set aside.
  2. In a large pot add olive oil, chopped onion and garlic. Allow ingredients to brown. 
  3. Add kidney beans, ground turkey and beef.
  4. Stir and allow flavours to co mingle for about 3-5 minutes. 
  5. Add in tomato sauce and kale.
  6. Bring to a boil and reduce heat.
  7. Add half to entire package of low sodium chili powder. Amount of chili powder used is a taste preference.
  8. You may add a dash of salt and pepper. 

To finish off, I always like to add more garlic powder (as I do to everything). Also if you prefer your chili with a kick add some red pepper flake or cayenne powder.

You can serve the chili with a side of brown rice or quinoa. I find it filling on its own due to the amount of protein and fibre content.

I hope you guys enjoy this one! I'd love to hear some feedback from you guys. Have you tried any of my healthy renditions? Do you have anything you would like me to try and healthy rendition?

xo


J.R

The Almighty African Cocoa Butter

November 14, 2014

Winter is just around the corner and for most of us that means dry skin season. 

I don't know about you guys but when it comes to moisturising I'm terribly lazy and all around forgetful. I buy all the "miracle" creams, the amazingly good for you exfoliators, and of course the bedtime socks to lock that moisture in. But honestly, ain't nobody got time for all that! 

One day on one of my online shopping trips I was intrigued by this brick of African cocoa butter.  It was an actual brick of butter!

"Crushed and pressed by hand in Ghana, Africa, cocoa butter is obtained naturally from the cocoa bean. This rich, cream-colored butter offers a beautiful, dark chocolate-like aroma and contains no preservatives, chemicals, or fragrances. 

This creamy-rich butter soaks into your skin offering high antioxidants, due to the tocopherols and polyphenols properties that suppress free radicals and can soothe skin."

I had read the product description, all the great reviews, and I thought to myself, "I need to try this". 

When I received my package I was very excited and eager to test it out. It smelt absolutely delicious! The only problem was it was solid as a rock! Now I might sound repetitive, but again, solid brick of butter.    

So here I was in my room trying to run this heavenly scented brick of butter up and down my legs. You can imagine how well that went.  A couple of failed attempts with lighters and microwaves visits later I had discovered the best way to apply it. 

Did I mention melting butter with a lighter and having it hot, runny butter drip on your legs is not my idea of a pleasurable experience.  OUCH

I soon figured out that the blow dryer was the easiest and safest way to melt the cocoa butter. 

For my "first" application I began to slowly melt the cocoa butter with the blow dryer and apply it to my hands. I then massaged the cocoa butter onto my legs. I was so pleased at how wonderful it felt on my skin, and the smell was delicious.

 Now because it is butter you want to make sure you're not over using the product. I found that a little goes a long way. Just continue to massager the cocoa butter into your skin and apply more as needed.

Instantly I noticed my skin felt softer and the appearance of my skin was also improved.  

Now what I LOVE so much about this product was that for the next couple days my legs felt and looked replenished. Didn't feel as dry as they usually would if I skipped a day of moisturising, which I usually do. 

I know LOVE to use my African Cocoa Butter all over my body. It has been amazing for my dry skin but has also improved the appearance of my skin. My skin has never felt so healthy.

With continued use it has also helped to reduce the appearance of these tiny annoying bumps on my arms and on the back of my thighs.  

I find that for best results, take a hot shower, or bath. Make sure to exfoliate your skin, and then butter up!

Overall I am in love this product. Great moisturiser. It does last long. Great for any dry skin issues. Smells delicious. Also great go to for bare legged night out.

Give it a try for yourself.

Coastal Scents Cocoa Butter, 16 Ounce

Let me know how you like it 

xox 

J.R 


Curls, Dumbbells & Glitter

November 10, 2014

First off I wanted to say Welcome to my blog! Thank you for stopping by :)
What is Curls ,Dumbbells & Glitter? Its me, in a nut shell. 

I am known for my crazy curls, I'm on my get fit journey and what girl doesn't love a bit of glitter? I thought it was the perfect title for my personal blog. 

This blog will be all over the place. Just like I'm all over the place. Recipes, product reviews, make-up tutorials, works out and dear diaries. I'm definitely indecisive about most things. But when it comes to my passions I am focused. 

 I have a Strong passion for creative expression, and I find myself constantly taking the drivers seat of that passion with inspiration and a positive outlook. I may be all over the place but I am grounded. 

I went to school for Make-up Artistry. I'm an X-treme eyelash technician and have my own handmade jewellery line. I also had fantasies of being a writer. But that book will never be read, that story will never be told, and the heart ache never felt. 

A lot of my close friends have had to suffer from my excitement to jump from one project to the next. Fearing I will never stick to one thing.  Some may even say I am misguided.  

Truth be told I don't feel misguided. I don't feel as though I am dabbling in to much. I feel blessed to be able to express myself freely through all the creative outlets that speak to me.  

So I say welcome to Curls, Dumbbells & Glitter. Join me on my adventures. I hope you enjoy my posts, try some recipes, and test out some of my favourite products 
  
But most of all, I hope through my passions you find inspiration to follow your dreams, or to try something new. Because that's the beauty of it all. Its never too late to try. 

Xo 

J.R 

Butternut Squash Please

November 06, 2014

Soups on! I don't know about you, but as soon as the leafs begin to change colour I automatically start to crave soup.  

Nothing like a good hearty warm bowl of soup on a chilly day. Makes me happy just thinking about it. 

Most of my inventions in the kitchen are a matter of "what's in my fridge". I'd like to think of myself as an inventive cook. I always try to make use of any ingredients I have available to me. My creations aren't always amazing. But damn when I get it right, YUMMO :)

That's when my Butternut Squash soap was born :) 

Ingredients 
1 medium sized Butternut Squash chopped and peeled 
2 medium sized carrots chopped and peeled 
2 cups Cauliflower (optional) chopped and rinsed 
1 medium onion chopped  
1 TBSP Olive Oil 
3-6 Gloves of garlic 
2 Turkey legs 
.5 Portuguese Chorizo mild or spicy.( or any sausage of choice) 
Season to taste. 
Salt 
Pepper 
Garlic Powder. 

Direction's 
  1. Bring Turkey legs, Chorizo and 2-3 Gloves of garlic to a boil.  
  2. While you're waiting for the ingredients to boil, peel/Chop butternut squash and carrots. Rinse/ Chop cauliflower. 
  3. In another pot add olive oil, chopped onions and 2-3 gloves of garlic finely chopped. Allow to get golden brown. 
  4. Add all chopped vegetables to the pot with your caramelize onions and garlic. 
  5. Pour just enough filtered Turkey stock into the pot to cover the amount of veggies. Dont forget your Garlic! Bring everything to a to a boil. 
  6. Once all ingredients are cooked , use a hand blender to purée your soup. 
  7. Chop up chorizo into thin slices. Remove turkey from turkey leg into small bite size pieces. Add both to your soup 
  8. Season with 1-2 chicken flavoured bullion cubes. Salt and Pepper to taste and always,always garlic powder. 

Recipe Notes 

  • The Amount of Garlic used is completely up to you. I LOVE garlic. Buy you can always reduce the amount according to your preference. 
  • Turkey stock can be filtered using a kitchen filter before poured over vegitables. 
  • Chorizo can be thinly sliced or you can ground it up in a food processor.  
  • Also if you find the soup too thick add more water or Turkey stock if you didn't use it all. 

This is one of my favourite soups to make. I love the flavour that the chorizo brings to the butternut squash.Lets be honest, I love ANYTHING with chorizo. 

Hopefully your family enjoys this one as much as mine! 

Xo 

Joana 


Healthy Rendition: Pumpkin Spice "Bread"

October 31, 2014



Today I thought I would share one of my newest creations with you guys! Most of you who know me personally know that I am a huge fan of taking my favourites foods and accepting the challenge of making them healthy! I have been on my get fit/healthy journey going on 3 years now. I found that one of my biggest challenges was dealing with the typical boring bland "diet" food. Thus came my life long mission to master the Healthy Rendition!

For today's Healthy Rendition we are going to make Pumpkin Spice "Bread". I just LOVE the delicious aroma of baking pumpkin dishes. 

Before we begin I would like to say I prefer to make everything from scratch rather then using store bought or canned. I roasted and pureed my pumpkin for this recipe.  Its very simple to do. I will make a quick post about that. Also I will be posting my favourite recipe for pumpkin seeds.

Pumpkin Spice "Bread"

Prep time: 15 minutes 
Total time: 45-50 minutes 
Yields: 1 loaf

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Oatmeal Flour 
  • 1/2 cup brown rice flour
  • 1/4 Tapioca Flour
  • 1/2 loosely packed brown sugar ( or sweetener of choice)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp cardamom
  • 1 1/2 cup pumpkin purée ( Canned or from Scratch)
  • 1/2 cup pureed carrots or sweet potatoes ( Baby food works as well)
  • 3 tbsp. no sugar added maple syrup (or honey, agave or similar natural sugar)
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, almonds and pecans
  • 1/2 Fiber One Cereal (Optional, I need the extra fiber :) )
 
 Cooking directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Grease and flour a loaf pan. Muffins Pan works as well for portion control/meal prep.
  3. In a large bowl, mix together flours, sugar, soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices.
  4. Next, in a small bowl, stir together pumpkin, puree, syrup, and water.
  5. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, combining until everything is just moistened and forms a thick batter.
  6. Fold in chopped nuts and Fiber 1.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and place in the center rack of the oven.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.


I hope you guys enjoy this Healthy Rendition as much as my family does. I almost want to call it baked cereal because of the oatmeal. I find I used a lot of Oatmeal instead of flour in my baking. I'm just starting to experiment with tapioca flour. I find its adds a nice chewy/gooey texture.


Pumpkin Spice "Bread" makes a great midday snack. Also good to have with you if your on the go. Power packed with fiber, protein and good fattys. This one is a powerhouse of goodness!

Your feed back is always welcomed!

Happy Halloween!


xox Joana

Black Charcoal Facial Mask

October 30, 2014

I was particularly excited about a Topbox subscription I received a couple months ago. To my surprise(as I always am when I get my TopBox package) I received a sample of the Belvida Charcoal Mask.


I though to myself " Charcoal, for my face? Isn't that what we use to BBQ? Weird, but I let my enthusiasm of face masks take over and I proceeded to tested out the product.


This stuff was REALLY thick, felt like slime and was SERIOUSLY BLACK.


While I sat in my room with this goopy black stuff on my face I decided to do some research and I was amazed. What I learned is that this dark organic substance provides a number of amazing health benefits. I am all about the benefits!

How this stuff work.
  Activated charcoal and regular charcoal are almost the same. The only difference between the two is that activated charcoal has been created for medicinal use. To create activated charcoal, regular charcoal is heated with a gas that causes the charcoal to expand, creating a absorbent surface that traps toxins. Activated charcoal works because it chemically binds other substances to its surface and can absorb thousands of times its own weight.


The Benefits
1. Draws out toxins and poisons
Mixing a capsule of activated charcoal with a bit of water and cornstarchcan help cure bee stings, poison ivy rashes, snake bites, spider bites and other poisoning bites. The active charcoal works by drawing out poisons from insect and spider bites. I assume this would also help with reducing any swelling or itching caused by the infamous mosquitos we get swarmed by every summer.


2. Improve Skin's Health
  Because we already know activated charcoal removes toxins, it can help reduce the occurrences of acne and other skin impurities you might suffer from.


3. Whiten Teeth
Black Powder to whiten teeth? SAY WHAT!? But its true! All you have to do is sprinkle charcoal onto a toothpaste loaded toothbrush, and brush away. Lets be honest though, you're going to look ridiculous but on the plus side it is odorless and tasteless. If you create a regime out of it you will gradually notice a difference. How often you wanted to brush with Charcoal all depends on the sensitivity of your teeth. With all tooth whitening agents they can weaken your tooth enamel over time. My suggestion would be to start off 1-2 a week and go from there. 

4. Body Detox
Because activated charcoal does such an amazing job ridding your body of toxins, some people also use it to rid their body of built-up toxins. The length of these cleanses can vary, but they often last a week or two.


Just like with everything we would put into our bodies, if you aren't sure if the methods mentioned above are for you, you could always consult your family doctor or do some research yourself. :)


I can now understand why this is becoming so popular in the beauty industry. When I removed the mask my face felt stripped of all impurities, I had a bit of a glow, and my face did really feel clear. I have oily/combination skin and being able to have visual evidence that there was some binding going on was immediately rewarding. Syranara Black Heads! Toodles!


If your not up for spending too much on this product and would like to try it out for yourself try this easy DIY mask.


DIY Charcoal Mask


What you need
1 Teaspoon Activated Charcoal
2 Tablespoon Aloe Vera Juice or Gel
2 Tablespoons Rose water. ( You can just use water)
1 drop of essential oil (Tea Tree, Eucalyptus )
Directions
Mix everything together.
Apply a thin layer to your skin.
Leave for 10 -15 minutes
Rinse with water :)




xox


Joana

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