Brownie

Chocolate Brownie Cheese Cake

July 12, 2017

I've missed you guys!

For those of you who read my post Pinch ME, I'm Dreaming, you can imagine what I have been up to! *Brace yourself, wedding season is upon us. lol

In between bookings, the office, the studio, gym life and maintaining what social life I have left I have been experimenting in the kitchen! Every time I come up with a new recipe or cook a 3 course meal I think to myself " I AM SUPER WOMAN" My poor boyfriend has had to repeat it back to me on occasion for reassurance me of my super human powers.

I have been experimenting a lot with Ketogenic/ Low carb recipes. I have been making so many goodies I am DYING to share with all of you, BUT for my return I felt something AMAZING was needed. And what better way to apologize for being M.I.A then with some home made, guilt free, cant have just one slice, cheese cake.  OH YEAH. Its THAT good.

I made this for my hunnie the other day. I really do love cooking for him. And for the most part he loves to eat what I make. 

* Keto Friendly*



Chocolate Brownie Cheese Cake


·         Brownie Base:
·         3 tbsp of Butter
·         3 tbsp of Cocoa Powder
·         3 tbsp of Almond Flour
·         3 tbsp of Truvia Blend
·         2 Eggs
·         1 tbsp of Vanilla extract
·         Cheese Cake:
·         8 ounces of Full Fat Cream Cheese
·         2 tbsp Truvia Blend
·         2 tbsp Full Fat Sour Cream
·         1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
·         2 Eggs
·         Chocolate Topping:
·         2 Ounces of Dark Chocolate
·         2 tbsp of Butter
   

Instruction:
  1. Preheat oven to 325F, and grease a 8" Cheesecake pan. 
  2. Mix all dry ingredients.
  3.  In a microwave safe bowl, melt butter. 
  4. Add butter and eggs to dry ingredients. Mix well until smooth 
  5. Spread brownie mix evenly in greased cheesecake pan. Bake for about 6-8 min MAX.  You want the sides to be set, but the middle to still be a bit gooey. 
  6. Remove from heat and put aside to cool while you prep your cheese cake mix. 
  7. Reduce oven temperature to 300F.
  8. Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor. 
  9. Pour cheese cake mix over the cooled brownie.
  10. Bake for 25mins
  11. Lets the cheesecake cool down before releasing the sides.
  12. In a microwave safe bowl , melt butter and chocolate together for about 30-40 secs depending on the strength of your microwave. 
  13. Mix well until smooth. 
  14. You can pour it decoratively over the cake, or cover the entire top of the cake. BE CREATIVE. :)
  15. Place the cake in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.


Below I've added a link to the Truvia blend I've been using in all my baking recently. I really hate the taste of sweeteners, but I find this one doesn't leave that obvious after taste. I get it on amazon. Most of your local grocery stores should carry it though.



ENJOY

xo


J.R

Cleansed and Refreshed

April 12, 2017



Hi Loves,

For those of you who follow me on my social media accounts, you know that on March 30, 2017 I started my 3 day juice cleanse, followed by 2 days of Puree vegetable soups.

As promised here my video on my experience with juicing and my current diet.  



My 5 Day Detox Breakdown

My 3 day Juice Cleanse was provided by Anti Vice. I found them locally through google. 

Here is a break down of my three days :)

Breakfast

MORNING AFTER
cucumber, coconut water, blueberry, kale, lemon

Mid Day Snack

GREEN GIANT
cucumber, celery, kale, spinach, romaine, lemon, chlorophyll

Lunch

ALL STAR
apple, carrot, celery, beet, lemon, ginger

Afternoon Pick Me Up

ILLUMINATOR
grapefruit, orange, pineapple, cayenne pepper

Dinner

GREEN GIANT
cucumber, celery, kale, spinach, romaine, lemon, chlorophyll

I was having at least 500ml of water before and in between my juices. I made some homemade vegetable broth that I would usually have with my Dinner. 

On The 4th and 5th day I would have a juice for breakfast and for snacks.For lunch and dinner I had vegetable puree soup. On the 6th day I started a clean diet of Ketosis.

The movie I mentioned in my video is " Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" you can find it on Netflix :)


Follow me on my social media accounts for instant shenanagans. :) 





Pinch Me, I'm Dreaming

April 10, 2017



It was around this time last year that I was getting ready to start preparing for my first day as an official Jr. Makeup Artist for the Jen Evoy Makeup Team. I remember laying awake in bed before my very first booking, not be able to sleep from all the excitement and anxiety I had.

Ever since I can remember I had wanted to be a makeup artist. I use to play beauty parlor with anyone I could get my hands on. My poor mother had to endure afternoons filled with fuchsia lip stick, blue eye shadow and blotchy pink cheeks. Did I mention I also did her hair.

I have officially worked my first wedding season in 2016, and to this day I still feel like I need to pinch myself. When you dream about something for so long its almost hard to accept that it has become your reality. After 1 year of being with the team I finally earned my spot on the Jen Evoy Makeup Studios website. Which was a huge deal for me.

I had the privilege of getting dolled up by one of the senior artists at Jen Evoy Makeup Studios for my official head shot. I swear after that day I must have visited the company site 3 times a day just to see if my photo had gone up in its reserved spot.

One sweet day, as I was doing my daily check, there I was. Little ole me, mixed in with a bunch of strong, talented, passionate and driven group of women. It was not only an honor, but I felt like I finally made it.



Working with the Jen Evoy Makeup team this past year I have gained so much confidence in my art, and in myself. I have learned so much and cannot wait to continue to learn and perfect my craft. I feel so blessed to be able to work along side such a wide group of talented and amazing women.

I must admit, waking up at 4am still feels like a chore, but nothing can replace the feeling of doing what you love and in turn sharing what you love to do with someone else.

I cant wait to share some of my work with you guys, and all the fun adventures that come along with being a Jr. Makeup Artist for the JE Team.

If you want to check me out on their site check out the link below.
http://www.jenevoymakeupstudio.com/about



xo

Joana Rita








Body Positive RANT

March 17, 2017


Hello My Darlings,

I was backing up my cell phone the other day and I found this GEM! I filmed this last April, but the feeling is just as strong!

I want to apologize for all the F Bombs. Just one of them days!

Enjoy xo



Happy FRI-YAY 

xo

Joana Rita

Sample Source Freebies :FALL 2016

March 07, 2017

ey Loves!
If you haven't already heard about Sample Source Canada, YOU'RE WELCOME. 😊

Sample Source offers you the chance to try new products with free samples.  This is a great way to make informed choices while you shop. BUT its also a great way to get some FREEBIES and wicked coupons.

Check out my video below sharing what I got in my Fall 2016 Sample Source pack.



Wanna Sign Up? Of curse you do😉

To register all you have to do is fill out a profile,  watch your email for sample pack subscriptions.  Pick the available samples you would like to try whenever their are any available.  And wait for them to show up at your door. Easy Peasy.


For more information or to register to Sample Source click HERE

Hope everyone had a beautiful weekend!

Xo

J.R 

CAULIFLOWER. BACON. CHEESE. SOUP.

March 01, 2017

You read that title right! Cauliflower. Cheddar. Bacon. Soup. YUM

It was a cold and rainy day. The kind that makes you want to shnuggle up, throw on your old ( but AWESOME) Backstreet Boys t-shirt , brightly colored flannel pants, wrap yourself in a large blanket, cape style and catch up on some Netflix. No hesitation on my end. I quickly made it top priority to lounge and got caught up on Glee. 


When I finally came out of my cocoon I had a craving for a hot bowl of soup. 
Now my only issue with this particular craving and I feel like I have issues with most of my cravings, was that I was facing a ketogenic dilemma. 

Soup is delicious! Its food for your soul, it takes you to your warm and fuzzy spot and makes you feel like all is well in the world, except in mine. In my world soup is the carbohydrate master!



For those of you who don’t know OR you're among the lucky human beings out there who don’t have a carbohydrate issue, a Keto diet in short is one that requires you to limit your carbs. I'm talking 20-30 grams of net carbs per day. So back to my soup dilemma, did I mention that I'm Portuguese and all our soups start out with potatoes and water. YEP. 


Do you know how many of my daily net carbs I'd be sacrificing for that starchy bowl of soup? NO THANKS.  So me being the healthy rendition/ if it fits my diet queen I decided to experiment. 

I have heard of broccoli cheddar cheese and cauliflower based soups before. So I got to thinking, (Channeling my inner Carrie Bradshaw) and that's when this delicious soup was made.




Here it comes you guys.......

Makes me happy Just thinking of it.


 I'm just gonna leave this photo of bacon right here..... 

CAULIFLOWER. BACON. CHEESE. SOUP.

Ingredients
  1. 1 Whole Cauliflower  
  2. 1 medium sized onion
  3. 1-2 cloves of garlic
  4. 1/2-1 cup of Cheddar Cheese Grated
  5. 1/2-1 pack of BACON - Extra Crispy and Crumbled Bits. 
  6. 1/2 Cup of butter
  7. Salt and Pepper to taste. I added a pinch of chili flakes as well.
Directions

  1. Chop up Cauliflower, onion and garlic.
  2. Place into a pot, I used a pressure cooker.
  3. Add enough water so that all ingredients are fully covered in water.
  4. Cook for about 15-20 mins.  
  5. While you are waiting for the cauliflower to cook, start cooking your bacon. You can use a frying pan, or a grill. Just make sure they're crispy. Started grating the cheese.
  6. Once you can easily pierce the Cauliflower with a fork, it’s ready. Mash together all the ingredients in your pot until all well blended. 
  7. Add Chicken flavored bouillon cube and butter.
  8. Add Bacon bits and cheese. Make sure you are constantly stirring so that the cheese gets melted into the broth and doesn't create cheese balls or clumps
  9. Add salt and pepper. A pinch of Chili flakes for a bit of a kick.

That's it! This is a super easy recipe to make. You can get creative by using different type of cheese. I sometimes like to add a handful of croutons to the soup for some added texture.
 And in case most of you are like my family member....you'd ditch the croutons and take an extra sprinkle of bacon. 


 ENJOY!
I love hearing feedback! Please let me know if you try the recipe out!

xo.
Joana Rita


Simply Protein Chips

February 22, 2017

Hello my Loves!

I am excited to introduce one of my new topics " YUMMY FINDS"

I dont know about you guys but I am ALWAYS on the hunt for a healthy, yummy, feel good treat.

I am constantly seeing my Instagramers posting and endorsing  yummy protein loaded traditionally "junky" meals or snacks. Mac and cheese, muffins, pancakes, ice cream, peanut butter, and bars to name a few.

Unfortunately for me and most of my fellow Canadians most of these delicious items are only available in the U.S. However you do have the option of having them shipped to you. But with our luck by the time you pay the exchange rate, shipping and possibly customs its just not worth it.

So this brings me back to my new and exciting topic of "YUMMY FINDS"

Along my get healthy and fit journey I have found some really great healthy food/snack items that meet my daily diet needs. So I welcome you to try out some of my Yummy Finds!


For My first find I am excited to share that this past summer I have discovered Protein Chips!

I was up north doing some grocery shopping for the weekend. I was strolling the healthy option isle at the local Super Center when I found Simply Protein Chips.

They where available in 3 flavors at the Midland location. Spicy Chilli, BBQ Tomato and Sea Salt and Cracker Pepper.


These delicious snacks have a low glycemic index, which helps balance blood sugar levels and don’t contain any sugar alcohols which can cause some major stomach issues. The Best part is that one serving is packed with 15 grams of protein.  They are high in Iron, not fried and they are made from Non GMO Pea Protein.
If we have any Keto friendly dieters out there these babies have 9 net carbs per serving, but with the 15 grams of protein they are a great satiating snack.

I have found them at my local Metro, Sobey's and Super Center.  If you are a Amazon junky you  can also find them HERE for sale.

Happy Snacking! 

xo


J.R




Dark Chocolate Chip Keto Cookies

February 15, 2017


Today we are going to talk about cookies. Chewy. Delicious. Golden brown little bites of heaven. I would have to say cookies are my guilty pleasure. Unfortunately, Mr. Christie doesn't cater to my lifestyle,or the cookie isle at any store for that matter.



This past month I have been experimenting with coconut and almond flour. I have been successful in creating delicious little choke bombs. Each one of my creations have been tasty, but both flours have the tendency to absorb liquids and be quite compact. I wanted chewy, airy and moist cookies. Lets be honest, what I really wanted with a fresh baked Chocolate Chip cookie from Tim Horton's.


But I, Joana Rita, master of the healthy rendition am not quitter. Also, my cravings were wicked intense. So I googled my little heart out and created a mash up of what I had tried before with what I was finding online.


THEY TASTED AMAZING! CHEWY PERFECTION.

I was so excited. I know I say that about everything, but I'm honestly just a firecracker of energy when I'm happy. If rainbow vision was a thing, I would be classified a unicorn.




Also, can I just say how frustrating it is when you are trying out a diet specific recipe online and you feel like you need to go on a spiritual journey just go get the ingredients. 1 cup of Grass fed, grain fed, organic, non gmo, free range, vegan friendly, soy free "insert random ingredient here" . I'm all for being diet specific, but my baking ingredients need to be convenient for me. I dont want to have to go to 4 different stores to make a batch of goodies. BUT I encourage you to swap my ingredients for their "cleaner"counter parts if that is what you're more comfortable with or have any dietary restrictions.



Now for the moment you've been waiting for.

Dark Chocolate Chip Keto Cookies


INGREDIENTS:


1 Cup of Almond Flour

1/4 cup of Coconut Flour
1/2 Teaspoon of Baking Soda
1/2 Teaspoon of Salt
3 Tablespoons of Butter
3 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil
6 Tablespoons of Peanut Butter
1/4 cup of Sweetener/Brown Sugar.
Teaspoon Vanilla
2 Eggs
15-30 pcs of Dark Chocolate split in halves.(see notes)


Directions
  • Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
  • Blend together, Fats, eggs, peanut butter and Vanilla until you have a smooth, well blended mix.
  • Combine wet and dry ingredients into the blender.
  • Break Chocolate chip pieces.in half and add to batter.
  • Makes 6- 12 cookies
  • Bake for 10 mins at 350.

Recipe Notes
  • I used a 50/50 ratio with my fats( butter/coconut oil). When I first made these cookies I just used butter. I did find with the 50/50 ratio they came out a bit softer. I say use either or. If you dont have coconut oil, butter will do just fine. 
  • I've tried PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter and Regular Peanut butter. Didn't notice any may differences. So I say use your nut butter of choice. I think Almond butter with be just as delicious.
  • As far as sweetener goes, I dont particularly like the taste of it. I used 1/4 of a cup and found it sweet enough. If you dont have any sugar restrictions in your diet use your sugar of choice.
  • I used CHIPITS Dark Chocolate Chunks. It has 4 grams of sugar per 15 pieces. Feel free to use regular milk chocolate. Again I was trying to keep this recipe as Keto friendly as I could. 
I have made this recipe a couple times. I find you can make LARGE cookies, and or 12 snack sized cookies. It honestly just depends on how much you willing to share. :) 

And.....

ENJOY

xo

Joana Rita






Charmed, I'm Sure.

February 10, 2017



Is it just me, or is everyone else just as excited and curious about the Charmed Aroma craze?

I'm not going to lie, I have been creeping the website ever since I found out about the company. I absolutely LOVE the idea of it.


Want to skip to the reveal? SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM :)


For those of you who have been living under a rock *cough MEN. Charmed Aroma is this beautiful, deliciously fragrant candle. The fun part is that hidden within the wax is a RING! Every ring is different. Different style, size and worth. If that wasn't already amazing, if you splurge a bit more on their Crystal Collection  you can reuse the "jar"as a jewelry box or keep sake.

My dear friend Tania surprised me this year for my birthday with a Charmed Aroma Candle. Which was perfect. I had been eyeing them for some time now. Had my online cart filled with Vanilla Bean, Velvet Peach and Coconut Vanilla. They all sounded so delicious. But my indecisive nature could never quite commit.

Just to give you an idea of my love affair for candles I am the woman who struts into Winners, by passes the purses, cosmetics and cheeky lingerie and heads straight to the candle section. I spend, what seems like endless hours smelling each and every candle. I even create little groups of them on shelves. I section them off  from favorite to least desirable. I proudly horde a handful in my shopping cart and take joy in selecting which lucky winner gets to come home with me while I browse the other isles.

If you ever in Winners and find candles scattered through out the store, you are welcome. :)

So back to my lovey birthday gift. I received the special edition Apple Cinnamon Vanilla Crystal Collection Candle. Most of you would assume I went home and lit that candle asap. But quite the opposite. I waited. I'm not sure for what exactly. But I felt like a special candle needed a special occasion. To my surprise the candle was so fragrant that even as it sat on my dresser the delicious smell filled the air in my room.

On a cold Friday afternoon I found myself snuggled up in bed, Charmed Aroma lit, glass of wine in hand devouring a good 50 shades of Grey inspired read. I know, I know, my Friday nights are WILD.

To My surprise and annoyance the candle took FOREVER to burn down. I have to say the entire experience was magical and worth the $30.00 a pop.  Charmed Aroma candles are great quality, smell amazing, are long burning and you get some bling at the end.





Check out  Charmed Aroma for more info. They also have charmed bath bombs and body butters.


x.o

Joana Rita









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