3 - Ingredient Mini Pumpkin Muffins

Ok, these little morsels are to die for. I seriously could eat 10 in one setting. My beautiful Sister Jessica passed along this recipe to me and I've bought the ingredients I see fit. And the best part? Only 3 ingredients! All this recipe calls for is:

1 box of cake mix

1 can of Pumpkin

1/2 bag of cinnamon chips (Hershey's) 

Now, I like to buy the organic/all natural ingredients.

I do have to order the cinnamon chips online but the Hersey's brand is absolutely delicious! 

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Will look dry at first but just keep mixing until incorporated. Divide evenly among muffin pan. Make approx. 36 mini muffins.

Bake at 325 degrees.

Mini muffin pan - 15 mins

Regular size muffins pan - 30 mins

Store an an airtight container for about a week. I like to freeze mine right away and reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds. My 4yr old loves these for a snack! 

Seriously, try to not eat 10 in one sitting! Cheers! 

Mock Sangria

I'm entering my 26 week of pregnancy and with these hot summer days I sure am craving a good refreshing drink! Minus all the sugar, alcohol of course and unnecessary preservatives. 

Tonight I made a Sangria Mocktail! Crisp, refreshing, and healthy I might add! Enjoy and happy hot summer days! 

Sangria Mocktail Recipe

Equal parts Unsweetened Cranberry Juice and Sparkling Water. (Can make a pitcher or just a glass)

Add slices of fruit: sliced oranges, lemons, and limes are my favorite. Can add berries too as those are in season now.

If you would like it sweeter you can use sweetened cranberry juice and/or Sierra Mist. Equally as delicious with a sweeter twist! 

Serve very cold.

Cheers! 

Banana Ice Cream

Tonight my 2.5 year old got out of the bath and asked me for a banana for snack. Well, our bananas just came in our bi-weekly farmbox yesterday and, they are still a bit green... 

Hungry toddler, no ripe banana = meltdown! 

Well, luckily, I keep some peeled bananas in the freezer for my green smoothies and I just so happen to have one and a half  left! Thank goodness my heart is screaming! I asked my son if he wanted banana ice cream instead? Much to my relief he nodded in absolute approval! Whew! Dodged another bullet today!  So, here is the recipe for a healthy, delicious, quick, mommy and child approved ice cream!

1.5 frozen bananas

3* tablespoons of milk

Blend in a good processor or blender until it resembles creamy ice cream. Add more milk if the consistency is crumbly. Top with fresh fruit, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, sprinkles, etc! 

Serve immediately. Serving size 3. :-)

Here's to dodging bullets today, ice cream makes everything better! Xx 

Harvest Flatbread

My family and I make flatbread for sure once a week. It's simple, easy, and delicious. I always make the crust from scratch but with this easy fail proof recipe, it's a go to favorite.

Crust: http://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/205113/master-pizza-dough

Note: I don't use corn meal but use Coconut Oil Pam Spray on the pan instead.

Next, top uncooked crust with a drizzle of olive oil, and any toppings you would like! This is a great meal to add any left overs you have lingering, veggies, apples, potatoes, greens, squashes, that have started to wilt or are ripe and ready!

Tonight's Harvest Flatbread was inspired by, hello Fall! Yippe! My family and I did our annual apple picking this weekend at the orchard so I HAD to add some apple to the mix! Mmmmm!

Harvest Flatbread:

-Add 1/2 a ranch seasoning packet to the crust dough when mixing.

-top flattened dough with olive oil.

-top with chopped Kale, pre-cooked sweet potato cubes, cubed apple pieces,  and grated mozzarella cheese.

Bake 400 degrees for approx. 20 mins.

We always like to dip our flatbreads in sauces. Ranch, bbq, marinara, Italian dressing, etc! Enjoy!

Summer Pops

In search of a yummy Popsicle without any disgusting artificial ingredients, chemicals, and unnecessary preservatives for my 2 year old to eat this summer, I found nothing... So, what to do? Make my own of course!

We are past the 4th of July but here are my delicious, healthy, red, white, and blue Popsicles! We can continue the patriotism right?! Plus it's strawberry season here in Michigan so let's eat them while we can! 

Containers: Target

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Fresh strawberries

1/2 cup Fresh Blueberries 

6oz container Greek Yogurt 

1-2 tps. Agave/honey/maple syrup

Blend each fruit separate from one another in a blender or food processor with 1-2 teaspoons of a sweetner of your choice until a smooth consistency. Either agave, honey, OR maple syrup. Sweeten to your liking. 

Next mix in a bowl the yogurt and sweetner.

Start to layer your smoothly blended ingredients into your Popsicle holder.

I started with red. Pour red into the tip of each container about a 3rd full. Next layer the yogurt, lastly layer the blended blueberries. Make sure there are no air pockets between layers so the pop can set up.

Place in the freezer for several hours until set.

When ready, take one 1 pop, one by one, run a little warm water over the outside of the container and wiggle the pop out. Enjoy!! Healthy, delicious, and toddler approved! :-) 

A Favorite Salad

I am a big fan of salads. That being said, they cannot be boring! I love the simplicity of throwing a delicious salad together, getting lots of vitamins and minerals, and taking bites while chasing a toddler around! 

My simple summery salad recipe:

Leafy greens. I prefer Kale or a firmer lettuce. (As much as you like)

Chopped avocado (about 1/4 avocado)

Sliced strawberries (about 3)

Seeds ( I like sunflower seeds and prefer Nature Box!) - today I used Honeycomb. I like several tablespoons.

2 tablespoons of unsweetened shredded coconut.

Drizzle of olive oil

Drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Today I used Fustini's Pomegranate Balsamic Vinegar.  

Don't be afarid to experiment with other fruits! Melon, grapes, blueberries! I use what I have on hand. ;-) 

Enjoy! 

Spring Essentials

Spring has finally sprung here in Michigan so I finally got to take a trip to two of my favorite stores in Holland.

I felt it was time to add some new jewelry to my wardrobe and no better place than Spring Sweet.

My choices for this season and into summer are:

Golds! I feel like gold just shimmers well against brights and floral prints!

 1.) A long gold geometric necklace. Perfect for tanks and dresses.

2.) Gold half cuff bracelet for special occasions and date nights.

3.) Gold Triangle ring. An everyday statement piece.

4.) A peachy bib necklace for peasant tops, sleeveless blouses, and pretty dresses.

Next I popped over to Frances Jaye. Despite my urge to buy everything in the store for me, I picked up some super fun brightly colored socks for the Hubby! These will be super cute with loafers and a cuffed jean on him. Love some sunny yellow! 

Happy Spring!

Www.francesjaye.com

Www.springsweet.com

Love my Lips

It's Valentine's Day in just a few short days! One way to spice up your current look is to have a set of luscious lips! 

First, exfoliate and moisturizer! My favorite duo? VSPro Smooth FX Lip Scrub and Balm. Find it online or in VS stores if they have makeup. 

Second, wear a fun sassy color! Here are some of my favorite picks for some poppy sweetheart lips! From pinks to mauves to reds, it's all about bursting with color!

From left to right, top to bottom starting with pink.

1.) MAC - Satin Pink Nouveau A20.

2.) Revlon Super Lustrous Shine - 801 Pink Cloud. (Sheer) 

3.) Revlon Super Lustrous Matte - 002 Pink Pout. 

4.) Revlon Super Lustrous Crème - 473 Mauvy Night.

5.) Revlon Super Lustrous Matte - 010 Wine Not.

6.) MAC - Ruby Woo AB0. 

7.) Revlon Super Lustrous Crème - 740 Certainly Red. 🌟 

8.) Revlon Matte - 007 In The Red. 

🌟 - #7 is probably one of my favorite red colors, especially for V-day. It's a good cool balance with a hint of blues so it will surly make those teeth seem a little brighter. I love the creamy texture as well, won't dry out your lips.

Whether you spend V-day with a significant other, your girl friends, family, pets, spread the love! Tell someone how special they are to you and how much you care about them! Love makes the world go round! 

Post your pouty lips on Shimmer and Charisma's Facebook! 💋

Xo!

What's in a year?

Happy New Years Eve!

Okay as most of you know, I'm not big on making resolutions but rather solutions!

This year I'd like to take some time to reflect back on 2013. I have to admit, the thought of getting one year older or gaining another new year ahead excites me almost out of my skin! Like, really? I get to keep this life still? How lucky am I?! I feel so accomplished to have completed yet another year. Full of tears and cheers. Disappointment and success. Hatred and love. Disbelief and affirmation. The downs allowed me to cherish the ups even more. I said the downs before the ups to acknowledge the fact that it's not always peaches and cream but, there seems to be a rainbow at the end of every storm. I feel balanced, harmonized, at peace. I'm grateful to have what's in a year. Just enough time but not too much. Change in months, alterations to seasons, growth. The sun will rise and the moon will glow. That I am grateful for. 

2014 - 

Welcome! I'm looking forward to our journey! To accomplishing another year. To making memories and smiling so much it hurts along the way. I hope to each day become a better wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter, daughter in law, sister in law, best friend, and mentor to the most important people in the world to me. I hope to inspire people. To make them laugh, smile, believe, and cherish. Here's to continuing my fitness journey and reaching new heights. Pushing myself to believe and act outside of my comfort zones. To being brave and confident. 

Aspire each day with me! Thanks to all of you for following me though another year. 

Cheers!! 💕💌

Beach Babe Giveaway!!

**photo from Toneitup.com

Hi S&C's! Happy two years to the blog today! Wow time flies when you are having fun! I cannot thank you all enough for following me on this journey through recipes, makeup tips, self empowerment, and music.

As a big thank you, I'm doing a Giveaway!!!! Beyond all the song lyrics, mascara, and filling of bellies, I love to workout! And let's face it, with all those yummy recipes, I've got to! Working out is good for the mind, body, and spirit! Refreshes you! 

I have followed Karena and Katerina of Tone It Up for about 3 years now even through my pregnancy! They are hip, innovative, inspiring, talented, and beyond gorgeous! I'm apart of their nutrition plan as well as their workouts. It's been the most inspiring and motivating group of women that I have ever been involved with. You guys are going to love them! I happen to have an extra copy of 1 of only 2 of their Beach Babe Workout DVD's and I'm giving it away to one of YOU! Who wouldn't want to look like a beach babe year round?!

Here's how to win:

"Like" Shimmer and Charisma on Facebook.

"Follow" Shimmer and Charisma on Instagram. 

Get a friend to like S&C.

And

Comment below or on Facebook or both of why you should win this Workout DVD!

Easy right?!

**United States only this time. Sorry! 

Check out Tone It Up @ www.toneitup.com

Cheers you guys to a happy healthy weekend! Xx

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

I found this incredible recipe on Familyfoodfinds.com and I had to share it with you all. It's pretty simple and incredibly delicious! I told my husband yesterday I would make it for Monday nights dinner and he has NOT stopped talking and texting me about it! I'm telling you, it's that good! 

A couple things I change; I like to use flour tortillas. They end up being a bit gooeyer, yes I said gooeyer, but they are so flavorful and soft. I also use frozen corn because thats surely to be available year round. I serve this dish with black beans, guacamole and sometimes Mexican rice. Although, it can entirely stand its own! 

Enjoy! You won't be dissapointed! ;-)

You can find the recipe at: 

http://foodfamilyfinds.com/recipe-easy-and-creamy-white-chicken-enchiladas/

Mixing Prints

I love to mix prints. From skirts to shirts, and pants to scarfs! The key however I think is to stick with similar and complimentary colors. 

This day I chose blue stripes with a floral skirt. Both items were purchased at www.francesjaye.com

I like to keep the jewelry simple and chic as well so you don't look like your whole closet threw up on you! (Chuckles)

Another print favorite of mine are polka dots! I think dots pair well with florals as well. Have fun mixing it up!

Xo

Amy

Be Brave.

(Me and my little guy)

Today one of my beautiful sisters sent me a music video and it touched my heart and soul in so many places I wanted to share it all with you! It's by Sara Bareilles and the song is called Brave. You can watch the video here: http://youtu.be/QUQsqBqxoR4

Being brave is probably one of the hardest things to do in life. Why? Consequences, judgment, fear, disapproval, dissatisfaction? Wow that was a lot of negative words! But how many times have we seen bravery honored? And let's not forget the amazing feeling that penetrates deep down inside us that says, YES! Doesn't it feel good to be brave and be you?!!! 

Today and everyday let your heart be free and say what you want to say and be who you want to be. We only get this one shot at life so we might as well make it count right?! Be good, be bold, be kind, be loved. Be brave. 

Xoxoxoxox

Amy 

Nailed it!

Hey guys!

So, I'm loving the nail trend right now of rocking one color different on one nail such as the ring finger. I've done colors with just a shade different but today I went for bold and beautiful since I just received these new colors for my Birthday! What do you think? What styles are you rocking these days?

Show me your tips on Facebook and now follow me on Instagram! Just search, Shimmerandcharisma :-)

Loves <3

Ulta Haul

Hi my favorite blog followers! I thought I would start to post new products that I am trying out and my beauty purchases. Comment on here or on my Facebook page if you want to see more and/or a tutorial for any of the products!

For this weeks Ulta Haul I got:

1.) L'Oréal 24 Hour Infallible Eye Shadow in Eternal Sunshine and Amber Rose. I love this eye shadow. I've tried it before but not these colors. The shadow is highly pigmented and a powder yet glides on like a cream and blends well.

2.) NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk. I bought this white pencil for lining my water line for a wide eye day look.

3.) Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! A huge lover of Tarte, trying out one of their other mascaras.

4.) Benefit Concealer and Corrector in Boiing and Lemon Aid. For under eye brightness and conceal trouble spots.

5.) Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. This primer is anti-aging while reducing the appearance of fine lines and pores. This provides a silky canvas for your foundation.

6.) Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in the color Precious. It's the perfect nude lip stain without being too dry or sticky at all. Has buildable coverage too.

So far I've tried almost every product except the eyeshadow in Eternal Sunshine and I'm very happy with all my purchases!

Hope I have inspired you today to try something new!

<3

Happy NYE!

2012, lets reflect shall we? I'm not usually one to want to look back on the "past" but rather than just wish it away just yet, I thought I would utilize this post to reflect back on the amazing things that happened in 2012, only to preempt myself to what wonderful things could become of 2013!

Reflections~
1.) I got to vacation!
2.) I got to spend time with my family this year who traveled from far and wide.
3.) I realize what friendship means to me. Finally!
4.) I gave birth to the most beautiful baby boy in the world!!!! -sure I'm bias! ;-)
5.) I maintained my health, happiness, and most importantly I gained more love in my heart and my home for my Darling Husband, Sweet Baby Boy, and gifted Border Collie.

This short but sweet list only makes me so grateful to have all that I do and makes me so thankful for all that is to come in our bright future of 2013!
Toasting to all my valuable readers and supporters out there, thank you for being apart of my blog. So much love to you all. May 2013 bring all that warms your heart and soul, and all the glamours your world!
Cheers! <3 Amy

Holiday Nails

I wanted to add some fun flair to my nails for this holiday season but, I wasn't so tickled with Grinch Green and Peppermint Candy Red. So I went for a more glamorous effect! I chose OPI - Samoan Sand as my base and Essie - Set in Stone to add some sparkle to my tips!

Here are some tips to getting the most perfect nails:
Trim them short and smooth.
Make sure your nails are clean of any lotions before painting.
Paint 2 Coats of nude polish to get good coverage.
Allow ample dry time between coats.
Lastly, make sure when your nails are finished to keep those hands supple with a good hand lotion!

Upload photos to my Facebook page of your holiday nails! I want to see them!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! <3

The Day Look

Keeping your daily make up look simple and clean is always a good idea. Especially when you are busy with work, being a stay at home Mommy like myself, or just being busy during the holidays!

Here is my simple day look for a fresh face with some of my favorite products and brands!

What you need:
-Tinted moisturizer
-Under Eye Concealer
-Loose Powder
-Bronzer (optional) adds a little glow
-Peach Blush
-Cream Colored Eyeshadow
-Brown eyeliner
-Mascara
-Clear Mascara to tame brows
-Lip Balm

The list may seem long but it's really the basics for a fresh face. It also will set the canvas to switch to an evening look!

Lash Love

My love for luscious long lashes will never fade as I'm always searching for the best and favorite mascara. When I went shopping recently for my favorite Benefit go to's they were out! "Minor panic!" So I tried a new kind! I welcomed Tarte Cosmetics Gifted Amazonian Clay Mascara into my love for lashes. Much to my surprise, I'm in love with this!!!!!! I heart Tarte for their natural eco products, no animal testing, and adorable packaging. This mascara is a perfectly balanced formula with a more matte finish. The wand is ideal for creating length and a double coat adds thickness. I like to curl lashes first to separate the hairs, then apply mascara.
I'm in lash heaven!! Yes the photo I took is of my own lashes after 2 coats of Gifted! I'd say this would be a great gift this holiday season! ;-)

<3 from my lashes to yours!

Autumn Munch

Sweet and Salty are my favorite when it comes to a dessert, or....sometimes a snack! Oops!
I ran across this yummy treat idea and had to make it for my husband and family! So simple, festive, and did I mention incredibly addictive?!?! Its unbelievably delicious!

Here is what ya do!

Grab a large bag of White Chocolate Morsels (24oz)
1 Bag of candy corn (about 2 cups)
2 cups of pretzel sticks (break the up a bit)

Line a baking sheet with wax paper

Melt White Chocolate over a double boiler or by directions on back in the Microwave.
Pour into large bowl and combine with candy corn and pretzels. Reserve some to top for decoration.
Once combined gently, pour over wax paper and even into a thick layer.
Decorate with reserved candy corn and pretzels.
Place baking sheet in fridge or freezer for about 1 hour until chocolate is firm.
Remove and break into desired sized pieces

I placed mine in treat bags and tied with colored string for gifts! So simple and absolutely delicious!