Chicago Diva On A Dime

     I found this recipe online. It's a great treat especially while dieting! A glass is only about 20 calories and makes a great summertime treat. Plus it's a knock off of Starbucks so you'll save some money too. And what Diva doesn't love a bargain? Ingredients: Tazo Passion Tea Low Calorie Lemonade (I use Minute maid LIGHT  pink lemonade) Nectresse  (or other sweetener) First make the Passion Tea concentrate: Brew two bags of  tea for every 8oz of water. Let the tea bags steep for 10-15 minutes. Then place it in the fridge to chill. Then, put your concentrate in the fridge and chill it. Once it's cooled:  mix 2 parts tea to 1 part lemonade. I usually add a little splash extra lemonade so use your own tastes to guide you.  Then added one packet of Nectresse, of course if you prefer sweeter use two. Mix with a spoon and Enjoy! 

      For those who don't know I'm a Buzz agent. I product test new products for them. I receive these items free for giving my opinion. My latest product is Fiber One Protein cereal. It comes in Cranberry Almond and Maple Brown Sugar. What's great about this cereal is it a high source of protein and fiber. Which is great for keeping you feel full longer. I have tried both products dry by snacking on them. I do like both so far. I am a little more partial to the cranberry dry. However, My full review will be posted in next weeks Tasty Tuesday. <img src="https://img.bzzagent.com/image/fiberOneCereal.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=1943071516&Campaign=8299156914&Uid=1536724&token=804bd193de0e23315a09307ceca4d18d" alt=""/>

     StreetstyleChi.com and Ford Modeling Chicago is holding a casting call for Models for a Unicef, Charity event. This is an open call and its for a great cause. Plus its great exposure for any up and coming models.  All the details are listed on the flyer below. 

     Ok so I haven't blogged like I was supposed to the last two weeks. Being sick was part of the reason. But most was the fact that my blogs wouldn't save. Well I am not using my Iphone so I'm back and shouldn't have any problems.

     Ok so I'm a day late. I've been sick and have been fighting with insurance companies for 2 weeks. Ok that not an excuse to not blog. But it's the truth! Anywho, I wanted to update you all on my weight loss. It is Jan 23rd and so far I've lost 10lbs. I have been counting my calories and I added Chia to my diet as of this week. Which means I'm eating more Omega vitamins. I'm have been eating a product called Chia squeeze from Mama Chia. You can find it at Mariano's and most health food stores. I usually just drink it in the morning instead of fruit. Because it is a fruit flavored squeeze. I usually buy the apple but the strawberry is also good.       I am trying to workout more but because of the pain it's been hard. I can't wait to start my new form of therapy in Febuary. Hopefully that will progress into me being able to hit the gym eventually. I do still have 40lbs to make it down to were I was last year but I know I can and being a fifth of th...

     Quite a lot of my friends keep asking me how do I keep winning such random stuff? And yes it is random, Skincare, giftcards, Scrapbooking supplies and even pet treats. As you may know I'm out of work and in pain a lot. So I need to find something to keep me busy even in my bed most the day.. The answer was Twitter parties!      So what is a Twitter party/ Twitter Chat? A Twitter party is usually a chat lasting an hour on Twitter, hosted by a blogger or company. There are questions and answers. For the most part the questions are about you and your family. I've only been to a handful of parties you needed stats or trivia answers to respond correctly. And those usually have given a link to the correct answer. And winners are usually picked randomly. It takes a while for you to get use to the pace of the parties. For me I won a prize after about 5 or 10 parties. But then I was hooked.      So you wanna try? First thing you need is a Twitter...

     Ok as some of you know I've been battling back pain for over a year. So the workouts have been a little hard but I have been dieting! So far I've been counting calories for a little less then 2 weeks. I've also haven't had an alcoholic drink for longer then that. Yup not even one on New Years Eve!       So how much weight have I lost? I'm not sure. My scale says everyone weighs 365lbs. I'm not kidding it's a little crazy. But right now I found out I won't be seeing a check for about 3 months. So new scale or anything else is a luxury I can't afford. But on a good note I know my skinny jeans fit. And before now there was a 1 to 2 inch gap. So yay me! I'm still sticking to the calorie counting. However I'm just using the Lose It app. I think that will be enough help for now. 

     As some of you may know I wrote a blog about Simple Skincare. I love the products especially the wipes. Well as a Newbie Blogger I've tried to get new fans on my Facebook page.  Http://Facebook.com/chicagodivaonadime      So I'm conducting my very first Giveaway! I will be giving away a Simple Skincare gift set. No purchase necessary, open to Us residents only. Winner will be picked on Jan 30th 2014. 

     Well no matter if it's a night out with your sweetheart or girls, you wanna look sexy. But as a Mom some of us forget how to release our inner Divas. We don't have time for the bombshell hair styling and smoky eyes. So what's a girl to do? I have found an easy way to get nice waves in your hair with little effort. I do have to say this only works with longer hair like mine.  1) First you wash and dry your hair completely. This can even be done the night before if you don't have oily hair. 2) Comb your hair and add a thickening mousse to it. Usually about the size of an egg works. Comb your hair with a wide tooth comb. 3) Add Pantene Silky Moisture WHIP to your hair. Concentrate on the ends of your hair especially the tips. Usually a small amount the size of a golf ball works. Comb one more time. 4) Place hair in a low bun. Not too tight with the bun. Now just leave the bun up for 3/4hrs or til it's time to go.  **Just note if you tie your hair too tight you...

     Since last week I did a Alcoholic drink. I decided to make today's Thirsty Thursday family friendly. Since a lot of us, me included wanna lose weight in the New Year. I'm including a recipe for a smoothie that I have made. It claims to help you lose weight. But honestly I just like the taste and it's an easy breakfast for my son too. Oatmeal Strawberry Banana smoothie  1/2 cup of Strawberries 1/2 cup low fat/non fat plain Greek yogurt 1 banana cut up 1/2 cup of rolled oats 1 cup of ice 1 cup of coconut water Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. This recipe makes 2 servings. Enjoy! 

     As everyone is going full force into their resolution. I am going about a quarter the speed. Why? Well the day after the start of the New Year I went to see a new Doctor for my back. Well after a full physical I was in pain. Today is the first day I feel well enough to start back with the challenge. I have downloaded the "Lose It" app and "Fit bit" both work well! I don't have products to work with either app yet. So my suggestion is to use whichever you have a product for.      However, if your like me and don't have a band or matching scale. I'd say download both ad see what works better for you. I do have to say that the LOSE IT  application does offer challenges and even prizes. This is through an offer with Panera Bread. I signed up for it! Prizes include items that work with the app. Good luck everyone no matter what you choose to use to lose! 

     I originally found this recipe online while looking for crockpot dishes. I'm a Mom and always looking for easy and kid friendly dishes. And this is both! It's a Cheesy potato chicken bake. Chicken,tater tots,bacon and cheese. What kid or even husband would say no to that? Honestly I thought would come out as a big pile of mush! But the totts stay crisp and those on the bottom almost come out to the consistency of hash browns.   Here's how to make this super easy dish! Ingredients: 1 bag of Tater Tots 2 lbs of Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts/Tenderloins cut into pieces 1/2 cup milk 2 cups of Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded non stick pan spray 1 lb Bacon, cooked (or you can use real bacon bits to save time) Chopped Scallions Salt & Pepper to taste Directions: Spray the inside with your non stick spray.  place a single layer of tater tots in the bottom.  Add a thin layer of bacon bits or cooked bacon piece...

This is the first of many free samples I hope to offer my Divas. Finish power & free dish detergent. I do not have a dishwasher so I would love to hear what you think! Enjoy! CLICK THIS LINK FOR SAMPLE:  http://strk.gnlinks.com/aff_c?offer_id=382&aff_id=3384

     As most of you know I'm a makeup addict! However, due to my current medical issues I can run out to my MAC store and spend a couple hundred dollars like I've done years ago. Which is good news for you! Bargain products with high end results! I mean who doesn't want that?  One of my favorite looks for a night out is a smokey eye. Usually I do it with shades of Grey. And no I don't mean the book;) Mmm Christian Grey. Anyway, back to makeup. I purchased L'Oreal Studio Secrets in Blackened Smokes.       Its a quad that has four shades of Grey. Its even numbered and there is a diagram on the back to help. Im pretty confident in my application skills but it was great help for a friend of mine who doesn't wear makeup.The quality of the make up was great. It was higher pigment then I'd expect from a drug store brand. The look was great. I can't believe it was only $5.97! I enclosed an after picture with liner and lashes added.       ...

     Keeping with the theme of my Sexy Saturday blog, Skincare Sunday will help with dry skin. As you know most people suffer with dry skin in the winter. I do for one! A few months ago as a Klout perk I received a sample of Freeman Beauty masks. I loved them all but the one that I just HAD TO HAVE was the  Charcoal & Black Sugar Facial Polishing Mask. I do have to say as soon as I seen the Allure Best of beauty award on the package I was intrigued. A product that retails for about $3.99 getting an award? It made my inner Frugal fashionista dance the salsa.      So how did it work? Amazing! I have to agree with Allure. The grainy scrub made my skin feel Summer soft in the dead of winter. I even used a bit of the scrub with my bodywash to get rid of my dry skin on my legs. If it wasn't Below zero I'd have worn a skirt that's how great my legs felt. I now have a new go to facial scrub. So check out this item from Freeman beauty and all their other gr...

     Winter in Chicago leaves me feeling not too sexy. Dry skin, flyaway hair, and hat hair just to name some problems. Ok so I don't have them all at the same time. But for me the number one way to feel sexy? Soft glowing skin. What do I use? Homemade salt scrub! This is great before a date, before you shave, or just to remove that icky dry skin.      You can come up with your own or find a recipe. Basically you just need salt or sugar and oil. I've even used extra virgin olive oil in a pinch.. I have enclosed one I have tried from Veet.  Another great source for recipes is Pinterest... Enjoy your soft skin😊

     Ok so it's a little late in the day but it's been hectic! For my family Fridays I'm going to tackle anything that effects the family, kids, pets and finances. This being the New Year I have decided to start with a financial challenge. Why that? Because for many people it's PAYDAY! And who wouldn't want $1300 by New Year? Or better yet about $1200 near Christmas? I know I do. So join me in this challenge. And let me know how you spend your money.  

     Ok so it's Thirsty Thursday! I will be discussing drinks. But both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks especially since I can't drink at the moment due to meds.      I am going to let you in on the best money saving secret, when it comes to drinking. I am a vodka drinker and usually my preference is Ciroc or Effin. Well at $30+ a bottle I was looking for a cheap alternative for parties. Especially if your having a lot of guests, who do drink. It's New Amsterdam vodka. Yes the GIN company.        I have tried both the Peach and the Berry flavors. They also have a cocoanut flavor that I haven't tried. Those are all flavors that other premium vodkas comes in. So what makes this vodka so good? It's as smooth as a premium brand. However, you won't have sticker shock. It's about $12 a bottle. I always drink it with a mixer. I'm not sure how good it is straight but it's great with lemonade, punch or another mixer. This is also great for par...

     As you may know I tried this challenge last year. However, due to many factors I stopped on the 9th or 10th day. But it is a New Year and the Number 1 Resolution is weight loss I'm trying it again. I'm not going to give you the "New Year New me" speech! But it's a great time to start the Challenge! Especially since the Ab challenge is little hard to read, so starting on the first day is easier! I did choose these challenge because of the gradual increase. Which should help us both. I also picked these challenges because you get a day off every 4 days which is about when I really need it! Of course with all workout plans ask your Doctor first! But if he/she says it's ok! Join me! I personally won't be posting before and after pictures but I will give a weekly progress report!       *I also installed two new apps to help with dieting from the Play Store (I currently have an Android) 30 Day Fitness Challenges and joined Spark People. The 3...

        I did try this in December but due to some medical and family issues it couldn't be done. But I am going to try again!       I'm still at the touch and feel part of blogging. Meaning I'm trying to see what works and what people want to read. I know it's my own "Beba babble" but I want it to be interesting to you! So I am going to do a blog a day! Starting on January 1st, TODAY until Jan 31st. Comments, follows are all appreciated. I am trying to make each one new blog or a repost of a favorite you may have not read. However today being Weightloss Wednesday I will be restarting the 30 day Challenge. Epically since the Number 1 New Year Resolution is Weight loss!      So what's the lineup? *Sundays- Skincare Sundays! This will be product reviews. Tips and tricks to better skin. *Mondays-Makeup Mondays! Makeup, brush and other cosmetic accessories reviews. Plus tips and tricks! *Tuesdays-Tasty Tuesdays! This day is all about fo...