I'm Featured on Midwest Living's Website!

I was approached last week on Instagram by Midwest Living Magazine, asking if they could feature one of my photos in a segment on their website called "20 Cleveland Instagram Photos We Love."  Of course, I said yes!  I was very excited to have one of my photos be featured in something for the first time!  I guess all those times I sat on the roof of my parking garage at work waiting for the perfect sunset/skyline pictures has paid off!  Hopefully, I can be featured in something else very soon.  Thank you so much Midwest Living Magazine!  To see all my Instagram photos, follow me @cheydiorphoto

Click here to view all 20 photos!

Women Are Like Apples

I remember my mom printing this "poem" out for me one day when I was having a hard time with a break-up.  It was so inspirational and really lifted my spirits.  I decided to tweak it slightly, and share it with all of you.  Hopefully, by posting this,  I can pass along that good feeling my mother passed to me years ago.

8 Subscribe-Worthy YouTube Beauty Vloggers

1. MakeupByTiffanyD (Tiffany Denny)

Tiffany got her start on YouTube back in 2008, and I discovered her not long after that.  I have been watching her longer than any of the other gurus I am subscribed to.  She has a variety of different videos, including makeup tutorials, hair tutorials, home decor, favorite beauty products of the month, etc.  I believe Tiffany made it big on YouTube with the success of her eye makeup tutorials, and she has since gone on to be one of the most successful YouTube Beauty Gurus with over 700,000 subscribers.  She is so engaging, and makes you feel like she's in the room speaking to you.  I can relate a lot to Tiffany, and could see being friends with someone like her.  These, and many other reasons, are why she is my favorite YouTube Beauty Guru.

2. DulceCandy87 (Dulce Tejeda)

Dulce also got her start on YouTube in 2008.  I have been watching her for 2-3 years, and have found her videos to be very creative and very well made.  She is such a positive young lady.  You can tell she is truly devoted to what she does, and is always so openly appreciative to her subscribers.  She came from very humble beginning, but has come a very long way.  She is also one of the most successful YouTube Beauty Gurus with over 1 million subscribers.  Her videos cover a variety of topics, such as makeup tutorials, hair tutorials, nail tutorials, favorite products of the month, and even a bit of her personal life with her husband and son.

3. MissGlamorazzi (Ingrid Nilsen)

Ingrid got her start on YouTube in 2009.  With nearly 2 million subscribers, she has become what I like to call the "America's Sweetheart" of YouTube Beauty Gurus.  This girl is so bubbly, it's crazy.  But she's not bubbly enough to make you crazy.  She is such a sweet and engaging girl who definitely knows what she's doing.  Her videos are so fun to watch, and are very well made.  She covers everything from makeup, to hair, to her signature "GIY" (Glam It Yourself) projects.  I have only been watching her for a few months, but I became a subscriber after the first video I saw.  I promise, this girl will reel you right in.

4. MMandL Show (Michelle Money & Laura Armstrong)

Michelle and Laura got their start on YouTube in 2011 when they decided to start showing how Michelle styled her hair.  They have since gone onto being one of the funniest duos to watch on YouTube.  These ladies are THE best of friends, and it shows.  They aren't worried about making perfectly professional beauty videos, they just love to have fun with what they do.  Their goofiness and humorous energy is sure to make you smile.  And the best part is, you always learn something from their videos.  They cover everything from hair tutorials, makeup tutorials, product reviews, fashion, and even advice on life.  You may recognize Michelle from season 15 of ABC's The Bachelor and season 2
of Bachelor Pad.  

5. Luxy Hair (Mimi & Leyla)

Mimi and Leyla got their start on YouTube in 2010, and came out with their own line of affordable clip-in hair extensions (Luxy) shortly after.  These sisters focus mainly on hair tutorials, and most of their tutorials incorporate their Luxy Hair extensions.  They started off doing videos together, and would sometimes trade of and on, taking turns making videos.  Most of the current videos feature only Mimi (left).  Their videos teach you very unique and fun hairstyles as well as helpful haircare tips.  I began watching them a few months ago, and always look forward to seeing what they'll come up with next.  I also am considering purchasing a set of their extensions.  Has anyone tried them?

6. Lo Bosworth

Most of you probably know who Lo Bosworth is.  The starred in the MTV hit shows Laguna Beach and The Hills.  She has recently (2013) started making youtube videos featuring hair & makeup tutorials, cooking, home decor ideas, and fashion advice.  She's fun to watch, and is such a natural beauty.

7. Michelle Phan

Watch out YouTube world, this girl knows a thing or two.  She got her start on YouTube in 2007, and now has OVER 5 MILLION SUBSCRIBERS!  This young woman is a phenomenon in her own right.  She's been called the "Accidental Millionaire."  I started watching Michelle a few years ago when I was looking for a Black Swan makeup tutorial to try on a rainy day.  She has produced some of the most creative ideas with makeup over the past 6 years, and has recently launched her own cosmetics line em cosmetics.  Her videos feature mainly makeup tutorials and advice, but she dabbles in a bit of everything.

8. Anna Saccone

Anna got her start on YouTube in 2009, and has also published her own book The Style Diet.  With over 5 million subscribers, this Irish beauty has become a definite YouTube celebrity.  She really does it all in her videos.  She covers makeup, hair, cooking, healthy eating tips, home decor, and takes you on her journey as a new mother.  Though I can't yet benefit from her motherhood tips, everything else she does is fantastic.  She is so charming and lovable, and is a great inspiration and role model for young women.

First Time at the West Side Market (Cleveland)

After four years of living in the Cleveland area, I have finally visited the West Side Market.  I know, shameful.  It was so much more than I expected.  More colors, more hustle and bustle....and the quality of the produce astounded me!  I've never seen such beautiful fruits and veggies.  I didn't really go to buy anything, it was just something for my friend Liz and I to do on a beautiful mild fall day.  I did, however, end up buying some spectacular strawberries, blackberries, and a few avocados (my staple food item, as you will learn).  It was just so fun to explore the market, take it all in, and get a few shots with my Nikon. 

Must-Have Beauty Products: Part One

Rose Salve

I cannot remember the last time I have had chapped lips since I first bought this.  And for that reason, this product will forever be a staple item in my purse.  I picked up this particular brand (C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve No. 012) at Bath & Body Works several years ago, because I needed something moisturizing for my lips.  Let me just say, it does the job impeccably.  I was sick of buying lip glosses that just sat on top of my lips, and had a sticky finish that would stick to my hair and never really moisturize my lips.   It's emulsified with extra-soothing rose extract, which helps ease irritation and condition the skin.  Now, here's the best part:  It can be used not only on the lips, but on the face, cuticles, elbows, knees, or any other patch of dry skin you may have.  I have a terrible habit of picking at the dry skin around my fingernails, so I sometimes massage it into my cuticles, and it really helps to soften them and lead them on the path to healing.  This product does what it says, it's affordable ($5.50 for a tin which will last you FOREVER), and it smells divine!

A Dependable Eye Cream

It's so important to start the fight against aging early on, rather than try to reverse it (which is virtually impossible without invasive or costly procedures, of course).  I am 29 years old, and have been using an eye cream for about 4 years.  However, I recommend starting use before that.  Around 24 or 25 years old was when I, personally, started noticing wrinkles / darkness under and around my eye area.  At that point, I couldn't erase it completely, but I was determined to slow the progression of it.  I've used a few different brands (depending on my budget at the time).  One product isn't going to work best for everyone, so do your research and find one that will target exactly what you're trying to remedy.  For me, it it mainly wrinkles, so I am currently using the Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle Correcting Cream.  It was voted a Most Valuable Product of 2013 in Redbook Magazine.  You can purchase it anywhere that sells Clinique products or on Clinique's website.  I got mine at Dillard's.

 

Eyeshadow Primer

I started getting really tired of my eyeshadow creasing years ago, and finally discovered the miracle of eyeshadow primer thanks to MakeupByTiffanyD.  I wish this product had been around a lot longer than it has.  It basically prevents your eyeshadow from creasing, and keeps it in place throughout the day.  I have only ever used Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion, so I can't speak for any other brands.  However, Urban Decay does it right.  I can't say enough good things about this product!  I've even done some impromptu swimming with makeup on, and my eyeshadow literally still looked perfect when I emerged from the pool.  This stuff is simply a must-have if you wear eye makeup on a regular basis.  I NEVER go without it when I wear makeup.

Foundation Primer

For those of you who wear makeup often, you know it's a challenge to keep your face looking as fresh at 5:00pm as it did at 8:00am.  This is where the amazing invention of the foundation primer comes in.  Think of foundation primer as a paint primer.  It gives the skin a smooth, mattified finish, while keeping your skin's oil production from ruining your makeup throughout the day.  I have oily skin, especially when I wear makeup, so I started using a foundation primer about a year ago after revelling in my success with using eye primer for years.  I've tried several brands, but the only one that seems to control my oil and keep my makeup in place is the L'oreal Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base.  Just like the eye cream, the same primer will not work for everyone.  Everyone's skin is different and has different needs.  This one just happens to work well for oily skin.   Again, do your research, and find one that works best for your skin type.  I use it every time I wear makeup, but if you don't have a big problem with oil, you may only need to wear it in the summer months or when you know you'll be active.  If you have extremely oily skin, you may want to pair your primer with an oil controlling foundation.

Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

Going back to the fight against aging skin, especially around your eyes, it's imperative that you give your skin a break from makeup at night.  You skin naturally regenerates while you are sleeping, and it needs to be able to breath without anything holding it back.  I never go to sleep without washing my face and removing every trace of makeup.  Gentle cleansers do a great job of removing most of your makeup, but they will almost never remove all of it.  You've got to have a gentle eye makeup remover on hand.  I currently use the CVS brand Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover.  It's closely compared to the L'Oreal and Nutrogena brands.  I, personally, like the liquid form of eye makeup remover rather than a cream/lotion/etc, because my skin feels much cleaner once I've used it.  I just put some on a cotton ball and gently rub it over my eyes to remove whatever my cleanser left behind.  It's also not a bad idea to swipe it across the rest of your face to grab leftover foundation, etc.  You do not need 2 different types of makeup removers for face and eyes.  The one for your eyes will do the job for both!

Cuticle Trimmers

As I mentioned before, I have an awful habit of picking at my dry cuticles.  I used nail clippers for years to clip them, and they are just NOT designed for that purpose at all.  I've found that once I purchase cuticle trimmers, my cuticles don't grow back as jagged as they did before.  Always remember to use a salve, lotion, cuticle softener, or cuticle oil and push the cuticles back before trimming them.  This will help them to grow back more evenly and be easier to manage in the future.

A Hair, Skin, and Nails Vitamin

This one is a no-brainer.  The best way to take care of your outer shell is to take care of it from the inside.  There is only so much topical products can do.  Taking a daily vitamin that targets the health of your hair, skin, and nails will do wonders for your appearance.  There is just NO excuse not to do this.  It's way too quick and easy.  I just recently started taking these, and I have already noticed a difference. Pre-natal vitamins work just as well.

Dry Shampoo

Contrary to popular belief, washing your hair every day is not necessary.  In fact, it's recommended that you don't!  Washing your hair too often can cause your hair to become dry, brittle, and damaged (especially if you use hot tools on a regular basis).  The only downside to not washing your hair daily is that for most of us, our hair tends to look greasy, flat, and lifeless.  Thankfully, most dry shampoos are able to solve this problem.  They come in aerosol form and powder form.  I currently use Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Dry Shampoo (aerosol).  This has, by far, proved to be my favorite.  I have tried a couple other brands, but usually the smell is off-putting, or they just don't give me enough boost.  Just lift you hair up in sections and spray the roots only, then fluff your roots with your fingers.  This stuff is amazing for when you're in a hurry in the morning, or when you're unable (or don't want to) wash your hair.  I sometimes still need to run my flat iron through a few places to get rid of kinks and bumps left by sleeping, but it's much better for your hair than stripping the oils, using a blow dryer AND and flat iron over the entirety of your hair on a daily basis.

I hope you've enjoyed part one of my must-have beauty products and will benefit from it!  Stay tuned for more installments!

From Grandma's Kitchen: Creamed Eggs on Toast

This was always one of my favorites, growing up.  The recipe is originally from my grandma (my mother's mother), but my mom made it quite a bit.  This makes for a great breakfast, but we almost always had it for dinner.  

Ingredients:

8-10 hard boiled eggs, sliced (directions for the perfect hard boiled egg)

3 Tbsp butter

3 Tbsp flour

2 cups milk

1/4 - 1/3 block of Velveeta cheese (cut into 1 inch cubes)

Salt & pepper to taste

Bread of your choice (I used rye, my favorite)

Directions:

Melt butter in sauce pan.  Once melted, remove from heat.  

Add flour slowly, stirring constantly to prevent clumps, until smooth.

Add milk slowly, stirring constantly to prevent clumps, until mixed.

Once milk is mixed in, return pan to burner (medium heat).

Add Velveeta chunks, and stir frequently until sauce thickens.  This may take 10-15 minutes.  

You may need to turn the heat up slightly to speed up the thickening process.  Be sure to stir constantly if it begins to bubble, to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

Once cheese sauce has thickened, reduce heat to low, add eggs, and wait a few minutes before serving (to allow the eggs to warm up).

Toast the bread of your choice, pour the egg/cheese sauce over top, and serve.

Enjoy :)

Have old eggs?  Not sure if they're spoiled?  Here's how to test your egg's freshness (mine were exactly one month old, and all but 2 were still fine):

Homemade Pecan Butter

What you'll need:

1 cup pecan halves

1/2 TBSP olive oil

A few pinches of ground cinnamon (or to your desired taste)

1 pinch ground seat salt

Food processor

(I used my Ninja, because it has a small canister that is perfect for something like this)

[You can multiply this recipe if you need more than 1 cup of pecan butter]

Directions:

Place all 4 ingredients in food processor.  Pulse a few times until the pecans are chopped to a very fine powder.  Open the food processor and scrape down whatever is on the walls.  Continue to process the ingredients for 5-10 seconds at a time (scraping what is stuck of the walls of the processor as needed throughout the process, to ensure even blending) until the pecan butter is the desired consistency. 

Storage/Serving:

Keep refrigerated for optimal freshness, and stir before each use.

Enjoy!