Crock-Pot Recipe | Soup From Scratch Pt. 1

There's nothing like eating a deliciously healthy and hearty soup on those cold winter afternoons and nights!  Here's a quick and easy way to make one from scratch using veggies, beans and spices you probably already have in your fridge!!  Watch the video and give the recipe a try.  You'll thank me later!

 xoxo  L 

File Cabinet Makeover - DIY Bring On The Glam Collection

$100 Bedroom Makeover!

I'm still in the throws of restyling my bedroom for less than $100.  Last week I shared the antiqued mirror I created for my bedroom for under $10!  So this week, I decided to use the remaining paint to transform this old thrift store file cabinet in a glamorous side table. 

 

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE A VIDEO TUTORIAL?  COMMENT BELOW!
To achieve this look, I picked up an old file cabinet from The Brown Elephant, a local thrift store. I love to donate and pick up items from this place because the proceeds support AIDS research and support services for teens.  They Rock! 

After picking up the file cabinet (which was only $18 and in great condition!) I brought it home, cleaned it with a damp sponge, removed the handles and spray painted the sides with "Chrome" Rustolium Metallic paint.  OPTIONAL: After spraying a side, I blotted it with a towel in a few spots, then sprayed it again.  This gives the surface a shiny and matte antiqued look. Skip this optional step if you'd like a completely even toned finish.

Then I sprayed the handles with "Window Effect" paint.  Last time I used the window effect paint on glass, but today I used it on the plastic. It creates a pewter effect that adds a nice contrast the shine of the metallic surface of the cabinet.

I let everything dry, replaced the handles and voila - a beautifully glam piece for my new bedroom look!  How do you like it?

If you're interested in following my bedroom restyle journey, follow this blog for updates!  :) 

Happy holidays!  See ya soon!

Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo Review

Taste Bud Tuesday: Burgundy Pepper Lamb Tips and Vegetables

Foodie Alert!!!

Every year make a special new meal or two during the holiday season. I'm just loving lamb these days, so I thought I'd share this super easy, quick, healthy and DELICIOUS recipe with you! 

Trader Joe's Burgundy Pepper Lamb Tips and a little pricey, but well worth it! A package usually goes for $15 - $17 but you can serve up to 5 people or do like me - cook half then freeze the other half for later.  GREAT BARGAIN! 

I sear the meat in a skillet on high heat in about 2 tbs of olive oil for a about 3 minutes, then cook it on medium for 4-5 minutes. TIP: Searing the meat first helps to seal the juices inside the meat and results in a beautiful browning on the outside. No need to add spices because it's already been marinaded and unlike some other pre seasoned meats, the flavor is perfect!  And this is coming from a girl who LOVES her spices!

Go ahead and remove the meat from the skillet and set it to the side.  Using the same skillet toss in your sliced or chopped veggies!  I used yellow squash, zucchini, red pepper and onion.  Toss them into the same pan you used for the meat and saute them in the juices created by the meat.  Cook until they soften a bit.  Add a little more olive oil as needed. SMELLS DELISH!

Now add in the meat to the veggies along with a 1/2 tsp of minced garlic. Cook and mix or about 4 minutes on medium heat.  Don't let the veggies get too soft or dry out the meat.  And Voila! 

You can eat this with a salad or add roasted potatoes...what ever strikes your fancy!  You could also skewer the meat after searing it (adding in the chopped veggies on the skewer) and make Kabobs!

Go ahead and try it and hollar back in the comment section below! 

Flat Twist Out | Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker + Almond Jai Twist Butter

DIY Antiqued Mirror Glass - under $10

 I'm so happy to share my latest DIY with you!!! If you like a little glam with an antiqued look, you'll love this!!!  I've been experimenting with this vintage antiqued mirror look since early spring.   I've used in on my makeup brush holder and a small picture frame and decided to

 renew the beauty of an old wall hanging \ frame I purchased about 15 years ago.  I had actually broken the frame but wasn't ready to get rid of it so I thought I'd this beautiful faux look for my beauty table.

It's soothing, beautiful and inexpensive!!! 

Materials used:
Rustolium Metalic Spray Paint in Chrome
Rustolium Mirror Illusion Spray Paint
An old frame

Want a tutorial?  Just let me know by leaving a note in the comments section! :)
Thanks guys!

THE REMIX Cuban Twist Crochet Wig | Natural, Transitioning, Relaxed Hair...

Cuban Twist Crochet Wig for Natural, Transitioning or Relaxed Hair

Guys I love this protective style!  I have wanted to do something different with my hair for a LONG time now and I love the DIY Cuban Twist Crochet Wig because you can change up your look without a long time commitment.  Check out the video and let me know what you think! 

Couldn't Have Done It Without You!

Available at The Girls Rule! Empowerment Boutique

  Hey guys!  

Thank you so much for your feedback on the
No Longer Living The Lye
natural hair tee created Girls Rule! mentees and me!

The proceeds from these shirts will support their
college tour and scholarships, STEM workshops and a variety of
mentoring programs for girls ages 7 - 23.

Because of you guys we are able to ensure that these designs
 as beautiful as the spirit and futures of the girls we serve!

So THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Available at http://504739.spreadshirt.com

They've added several more EMPOWERING tees for
girls and women so please stop by the
Girls Rule! Empowerment Boutique
to let us know your thoughts or to 

gift a friend or family member 

with one this holiday season!  

Again, thank you for all that you do!
Sincerely, L

Comfort Food Friday Recipe: Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pasta

Hey guys! Miora and I are SUCH foodies!  We LOVE good food - and more than that - we love to cook!  And let's keep it real! Our preference is for healthy meals, but every so often we treat ourselves to higher calorie, buttery, tastes great going down then gives you the ITIS and has you feeling boated the next day meals too! 

Like you guys, we have tried and true recipes and dishes we like to eat and those we're really good at creating.  But I'm also ALL IN when it comes to trying new food and I love to cook from recipes.  So when I saw a rendition of this recipe floating around on Facebook, I had to give it a try. Of course I modified it with my favorite ingredients from Trader Joe's and added spinach during the final step to help me feel a little better about the calorie consumption!  LoL. 

This meal is extremely delicious and although it's quite filling, it doesn't leave you feeling weighed down the next day!  WINNING!!!!!  Oh - and if you are cooking for one, I'd suggest cutting the ingredients in half or planning to freeze part of it.   Give it a try and let me know how you like it!  Enjoy!!!!

Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
1/2 - 3/4 lb cooked fettuccine
2 TBS olive oil
1 lb Trader Joe's Argentinian Shrimp or peeled, deveined raw large shrimp (I use TJ's)
1 TBS plus 2 tsp Essence seasoning (recipe below - I think you can buy this, too.)
1 1/2 Trader Joe's Andouille Chicken Sausage or hot linked or smoked turkey sausages, sliced and quartered (I use TJ's)
1/2 cup diced green pepper
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1 TBS minced garlic
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 tsp dried thyme (I used fresh)
1 tsp dried basil (I used fresh)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Essence Creole Seasoning
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme (I used fresh)

Directions
Heat 1 TBS of olive oil over medium high heat in a large saute pan. Season the shrimp with 2

teaspoons of the Essence. Place the shrimp in the pan and saute until almost done. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Place the remaining TBS of olive oil in the saute pan and onions and bell peppers. Saute, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the sausage and cook another minute.

Add the garlic to the pan and saute for 30 seconds.
Add the chicken stock to the pan and scrape with a spoon to remove any browned bits that have formed in the bottom of the pan, about 30 seconds.
Add the thyme, 1 TBS of Essence and 1/2 tsp salt and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the heavy cream to the pan and cook an additional 2 minutes.
Return the shrimp to the pan and pasta to the pan. Continue to cook the sauce and pasta, stirring occasionally, for about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the basil and Parmesan.

Voila!  Enjoy!

Natural Hair | Wash and Go Tips + Tutorial Curl Junkie

Fine Natural Hair Boot Camp | Pre-Poo Tutorial & Recipe

3 Minute Soup Recipe | Pimp My Soup!

Fine Natural Hair | Transition Style Heatless Curls

DIY Spa Manicure Technique + Wet n Wild So Berry On Trend Review

Terressentials Organic Mud Wash Application on Fine Natural Hair

Someone asked me about this product to day.  It's such a staple that I had to remind you guys about it as well.  I think it's a great addition to your fall and winter natural hair regiment as it's very moistuizing and softening.  Mix in a bit of acv for additional benefit!  I use the Lavendar Garden Scent, but pick the one that works best for your hair at www.terressentials.com



Now you guys know I don't like paying for shipping, but i bit the bullet for this one because I love it and usually only use one bottle every 9-12 months.  :)  Let me know how you like it!  L

Fine Natural Hair Chronicles: VaVoom Flat Twist Out

#FineHairProblems #TheStruggleIsReal  #FineHairChronicles



Hey guys!  I could not wait to show you this great technique for getting fuller twist outs if you have fine natural hair like mine.  My 3b, 3c, 4a natural hair is normally a struggle to make full and fluffy, but this twisting and sectioning process made all the difference! 





I'm going to film a high def full tutorial of this process from beginning to end so keep an eye out!



Hope this video helps! 



Do you have any tips for getting your fine hair full?  Please share them below!



Later gaters!  L

Natural Hair | Blow Out and Style on Fine Hair

GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCED!

Super Textured Flat Twist Out On Fine Natural Hair 3c 4a

My Favorite Things | 40+ And Fab Skincare & Makeup Reviews

Hey guys! Check out my favorite skincare and makeup products - the ones I use daily on my 40+ and fabulous skin.  I'll review:


Lumene Firming Night Cream
Lorac Take A Brow
Bare Minerals foundation
Bare Minerals Warmth
Bare Minerals Mascara
Sephora Color Last Lipstick

Hair Type:  Fine hair curly and coily 3B, 3C, 4A and Miora is thick hair 3C, 4A, 4B
Density:  regular - Miora very dense
Join me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoLyeNapturallyMe 
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nolyenaptural

Instagram: Boldlyblendingout

Fine Natural Hair Styles | Bouncy Cocoon Curls - Camille Rose 3c 4a Hair

Crazy Weather Natural Hair Blues - What's Your Go To Style?

It has been one CRAZY week!  The dew points have been off the charts!  It's been raining so bad several flash flood warnings were announced.  I've really just wanted to just pull my hair up into a bun!  Sigh!

But instead of getting frustrated, we decided to experiment with new natural hair styles for fine 3b, 3c and 4a natural hair and my daughter's thick and coily 3c, 4a and 4b natural hair.  The results?  FUN!  Gotta take it all in stride right?

What's your go to style when the weather is acting crazy?  Do you bun it?  Wash and Go?  Protective Style?  We'd love to know!

Easy DIY Space Saving Project For Hair Accessories and More!

Is your flexi rod, curl formers, perm rod or hair tool collection getting out of control?  Do you have a small apartment like me and need a unique way to store odds and ends? 

Well here's a 10 minute space saving DIY project (Do It Yourself) that will leave your space, organized, clutter free and functional!  It's so easy and costs less than $5 to make!  I've been sharing it with curl-friends all weekend!

My daughter and I have quite a large collection of flexi rods and other rollers for use on our Natural Hair (3b, 3c, 4a & 4b) but we are short on storage space in our bathroom so I wanted to come up with a quick and easy space saving way to house them.  Before I just threw them in to an old Ikea CD case and a basket I bought from Target which are both pictured below.  Just to give you an example of how many hair flexible rods I have, container I picked up at Target is about a foot deep!

When I sat down to think about organization and storage options for my long and short hair perm rods and flexi's, I realized that making the option "nice to look at" was important, too.  I'm weird like that.  lol. But is was important to have this realization because I wanted to ability to store the hair products and tools anywhere in my home without creating an eye sore.

Tools I used for this DIY Project:
1.  Quaker Oats Minute Oatmeal containers - empty of-course! ;)
2.  A ruler
3.  A scissors or a straight edged craft knife (I can't remember the proper name for this tool)
4.  Designer papers, scrapbook paper, gift wrap or wall paper. (any of these options will do)
5.  Crafting Glue
6.  Measuring tape

So the first thing I did was use the measuring tape to calculate the length (top to bottom) and width (around the circumference of the container)  of the Quaker Oats container.  Then I cut my scrapbook paper to accommodate the measurements. TIP: add 1/4 - 1/2 inch to your width measurement to ensure it's long enough for the edges to overlap.  This ensures that your seams will meet and the Quaker Oats is completely hidden. 

After measuring and cutting the paper to specification, I used a bit of glue (Elmers glue or craft glue will work) and worked it in along the  wrong sides of the left and right edges of the paper.  (wrong side = the back of the paper.  The side that will not be showing.)

Then I carefully placed in on Quaker Oats container.  Be sure to place in on the container as straight as possible.  If it's crooked, then the rest of your paper will appear off center when you wrap it around the width of the container.  TIP:  Adhere the top and bottom corners first.  Wrap the paper around the container to see whether it's going on straight.  If it's crooked, just pull up the corners and readjust it so that it's straight.

Once you've ensured that the paper has been placed on to the container perfectly straight, rub your finger back and forth over the edge where you applied to glue.  Wrap the paper around the container and repeat.  This will ensure that the glue adheres properly.

Now your container should look like this: 

Now cut out a piece of coordinating paper to cover the lid.  To get proper measurements, I just placed the lid on the paper and cut around it using the straight edged cutting tool I had.  If you are using scissors, just place the lid on the wrong side of the paper, use a pencil to trace around the edge of the lid and cut it out.  Apply glue to the edges of the circular piece you've cut and place it on top of the lid.

Now add your flexi's or what ever you'd like to store in the container and pop it on the self or into it's new home!

I hope you love this space saving DIY project as much as I do!

Tell me what you think of this project! Please comment below!

Bouncy Loose Curls | Curling Wand for 4A 4B Natural Hair

Hey guys!  Check out the beautiful results Miora achieved on her 4a and 4b natural hair using the Conair Curling Wand and Got2B Guardian Angel Heat Protectant! She also used a bit of the Carol's Daughter Macadamea Heat Protectant mixed with Grapeseed oil for extra protection against heat damage.  :) 



Let us know your thoughts!  Have you tried the curling wand?

Stock Your Closets! T-Shirt Day Celebration & Contest!

Many of you know how near and dear the Girls Rule! organization is to my heart!  Why?  Because of the amazing impact Girls Rule! programs have on the lives of girls and the communities in which they live! 

For every $1 that Girls Rule! receives, they return nearly $8 to society in the form of enhanced job and entrepreneurship skills!  Awesome, right?

Join me on T-Shirt Celebration Day &
Participant in the Contest!

Here are the rules:    

1. Shop
the Girls Rule! EmPOWERment Boutique!

FREE SHIPPING JUNE 20-21, 2014!

2. Once you receive your order - post a picture of yourself

wearing or using each item purchased (tag me or post to)

Instagram: @boldlyblendingout

FaceBook: Nolyenapturallyme
Google+: Nolyenapturallyme

(This is how you enter the contest)

note: one post per item ordered.

Ordering more than one item increases your

total number of entries. 

That's it!  The contest will run June 21 - July 21, 2014.
The contest winner will be selected and announced on
July 22, 2014. Winner will be announced in my July Favorite Things Video which will air on Sunday, July 27.

Good luck!!!

CHECK OUT THEIR SHOP 

and enjoy FREE STANDARD SHIPPING on all designs!
No minimum orders, no fine print. 

Just enter PROMO CODE: T-DAY2014 at check out!

Natural Hair Event Recap | Disappointed

Natural hair event disappointment.  I finally found the words to express what I experienced.  What do you guys think?  Am I wrong to feel disrespected as a brand supporter?  I was just so surprised to learn that the SAME thing happened the very next week!

Natural Hair | Updated 15 Minute Wash and Go Fine Hair 3c 4a

Hey guys!  Just updated my 15 Min wash and go process for fine natural hair.  Some things have changed since I made the first video last year but the results are just as great with lots of volume!  What do you think?

Natural Hair | Design Essentials Flat Twist Out Fine 3C Hair

Natural Hair | Best Braid Out On Fine Hair 3C

Natural Hair Event Recap | At A Loss For Words - Fix it jeezuz

Natural Hair | BRIST OUT On Fine Natural Hair 3C 4A

Natural Hair | High Dews Wash And Go Tips For Humidity Fine Hair 3C

Natural Hair | No Heat Curls Grecian Updo Rod Set 4A 4B

Great Natural Hair Styles for 4a, 4b, 4c naturals although it works on all hair types!  I love flexi rodding my daughter's thick natural hair.  Although she has very tightly coiled natural hair, we haven't ever had any problems getting it silky smooth with flexi sets.  When she needed a formal natural hair style from Prom, this was the perfect look!  She came up with the idea herself and really hopes you guys like it!

Tips: Keep hair taut while rodding for smooth curls. Use a strong hold gel. Avoid heat all together by letting the hair dry overnight.  It's a little uncomfortable, but possible!  :)  Enjoy!

No Heat and Low Heat Curls Done Beautifully.

googlec162d4731456c010.html

Run To You - Pentatonix Cover

My daughter and her talented friends covered the Pentatonix (PTX official) song "Run To You" for their vocal showcase performance.  :)  Do you LOVE Pentatonix too?  They are so awesome!!!

Natural Hair | Why I Co-Wash & Conditioners I Use

Everyone has their own perspective on whether to co-wash or not.  In this video I talk about why I co-wash and share a few tips about what conditioners I use and what to look for in a co-wash. :)  I hope this is helpful and that you enjoy the video!  Blessings and love as always!



L

MARCH GATHERING - Meet Me At BOTTLES AND BOTTEGA!

ART N WINE PARTY!
Unleash Your Creativity! Meet me at Bottles and Bottega on Sunday, March 9, 2014!


The plan is a simple one! We're gonna relax, have fun, paint a little and sip a little while creating our own original piece of art work.

DRINK THEME: MIMOSA'S and Mocktails

NIBBLES: Prosciutto wrapped asparagus, fruit salad soaked in a mint simple syrup and other delectable delicacies.

LOCATION: Bottle & Bottega Chicago (South Loop), 1241 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago

TIME: 1-4pm
1:00pm - 1:30pm - Meeting, mixing and munching
1:30pm - 4:00pm - Carefree, cool, hands-on art instruction to make a masterpiece! All materials provided, including paints, apron and canvass. Each attendee will leave with their very own masterpiece!

REGISTER: Registration opens at Noon Feb 15, 2014 and will close on Feb. 28, 2014 at midnight. Space is limited.

  BUY Your Ticket Today! 

See ya there!

Natural Hair | How I Thicken My Fine Hair

Natural Hair | Cocoon Curls On Fine Hair w/ Camille Rose Almond Jai Twis...

Natural Hair | Vlogger Problems

Natural Hair Beauty | My Favorite Things January 2014

1| The SMART Smoothie - Smoothie Boot Camp (+playlist)

Cost Savings way to make smoothies!  #frugal #Yep #ClaimIt

Natural Hair | Curl Junkie Curls In A Bottle Wash and Go (+playlist)

My latest Wash and Go using Curl Junkie's Curls In A Bottle Gel! 

Natural Hair | How I Thicken My Fine Hair (+playlist)

Loving this Deity Plant Shampoo!

Natural Hair | Cocoon Curls On Fine Hair w/ Camille Rose Almond Jai Twis...

To achieve this style I used a bit of water, Camille Rose Almond Jai Twist Butter and Quemet Biologics Alma and Olive Heavy Cream.  Although I have find natural hair, this process left my hair light, fluffy and with lots of body!

Natural Hair | Curl Junkie Winter Wash and Go