Teriyaki sauce tends to be hit or miss with me. Half the restaurants I've had it at are good and the other half are not so much - BUT I've found the most delicious teriyaki sauce. Seriously. I wanted to drink it.
Ingredients:
1/4 Cup soy sauce
1 Cup water
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp garlic powder
5 TBS brown sugar
1-2 TBS honey
2 TBS cornstarch
1/4 Cup cold water
Directions:
In a sauce pan, mix all ingrededients EXCEPT the cornstarch and 1/4 cup of cold water. Begin heating.
In a separate bowl or cup, mix the cornstarch and cold water and dissolve. Add to the sauce pan.
Heat until sauce thickens to desired thickness.
If you make it too think, you can always add some water to thin it out.
Simple. Easy. Delish!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Meal Planning
If you're a newlywed like I am, you may struggle with meal planning as I have. Unfortunately, I forget grace to myself so when I would plan in my head to do something, when I would get home from work we usually didn't have all the ingredientsand then we would end up eating dinner at 8 or 9 PM....which is LATE! Thankfully, my friend Ashleigh introduced me to meal planning and a fun way to do it too! Enter the Menu Board.
Add additional decorative stickers if you'd like. And you're done!
Just write on the glass with a dry erase marker, and you've got a nice dry erase menu board that can be made for under $10!
This is absolutely fantastic - and I have no idea why I didn't think of it before I found this! It's a printout to help organize the weeks shopping list - not only does it help with meal planning, but it helps the entire grocery store trip not be overwhelming or excessively long since it's broken down into department. I actually enjoy going to the grocery store now, which is something I used to HATE doing. And I mess up dinner a lot less now that I'm planning more adequately and intelligently.
I hope that this helps anyone who may be struggling with overwhelming grocery store trips or making dinner :)
Happy dinners!
S
Now, apparently, this is old news - my mom informed me that she used to do this all the time! She thought I already new. :) Anyways, this board is really easy to make and it's brilliant.
All you need is:
an 8x10 picture frame
a piece of scrapbook paper; whichever color/print you'd like
letter stickers
decorative stickers (optional)
a dry erase marker.
Directions:
Make sure that your scrapbook paper is cut down to 8x10 and then put it in the picture frame.
On the glass of the frame, using the letter stickers, add the word: "MENU" (or whatever you want it to read - MEAL TIME, MEALS, GRUB, etc.) Then on the left side of the frame, add letters to signify the days of the week.
Add additional decorative stickers if you'd like. And you're done!
Just write on the glass with a dry erase marker, and you've got a nice dry erase menu board that can be made for under $10!
Another thing that I have found to really help with this is this spread sheet of sorts frm theprojectgirl.com:
This is absolutely fantastic - and I have no idea why I didn't think of it before I found this! It's a printout to help organize the weeks shopping list - not only does it help with meal planning, but it helps the entire grocery store trip not be overwhelming or excessively long since it's broken down into department. I actually enjoy going to the grocery store now, which is something I used to HATE doing. And I mess up dinner a lot less now that I'm planning more adequately and intelligently.
I hope that this helps anyone who may be struggling with overwhelming grocery store trips or making dinner :)
Happy dinners!
S
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Post Thanksgiving
I love this time of year! Family, friends, colder weather, cozy sweaters, Christmas music and family. :) This Thanksgiving we were blessed with being able to spend it with Anthony's side of the family. It was nice to Moms & Pops again and it just made me more excited to be able to see my mom, siblings, niece, nephew and my in-laws next month! This year we are thankful for SO many blessings! I launched my business and it's been successful, I was able to reflect on 2 wonderful years with the best little ones ever, we made a big decision to leave Cali and move to the Zona, we were both blessed with jobs here pretty fast, we've made more friends and we adopted a bunny. We've had some downs, but the ups outweigh them. We've learned even more how important prayer and family are, and it has pretty much solidified my desire to have a big family again :) This week A's work has really taken off, and we continue to pray that it will continue in this way. Sunday we have an appointment for Christmas pictures, which I'm not quite sure A understands my excitement on it, but I'm really excited for it haha! I'm also looking forward to decorating for Christmas and getting the kids gifts! It's amazing to see how God is working in our lives here, sometimes it's hard to believe the blessings He has poured out on me and A over the last 3-4 years, seperately and together. God is so good and we are so thankful for all He has done and are looking forward to the things He will do in the future.
We hope that all our friends and family had a great Thanksgiving and that you were able to reflect on all the blessings God has graciously given to you!
In Him,
S
We hope that all our friends and family had a great Thanksgiving and that you were able to reflect on all the blessings God has graciously given to you!
In Him,
S
Monday, November 14, 2011
oh my goodness.
My boss must think I'm a HUGE dork!
(for some background information: my work schedule is: Tues/Wed = full day, Thurs = half day).
And now, the texting conversation.
Me: Just so you're aware - I'm still sick.... can't talk bc I have no physical voice
Boss: Ok...keep me posted.
Me: Will do
....
Boss: If you feel up to working when you wake up tomorrow youcould do half day tomorrow and full day on thurs....whateve rworkds! Call or text tomorrow and we can decide then.
Me: Ok....todays monday right?
Boss: Yup :)
Me:oooooooo I get what you're saying. Hah! It's all the hair dye, the fumes must have affected my brain.
Me:.... cause thursday is usually a half day....
REALLY?? REALLY??
(for some background information: my work schedule is: Tues/Wed = full day, Thurs = half day).
And now, the texting conversation.
Me: Just so you're aware - I'm still sick.... can't talk bc I have no physical voice
Boss: Ok...keep me posted.
Me: Will do
....
Boss: If you feel up to working when you wake up tomorrow youcould do half day tomorrow and full day on thurs....whateve rworkds! Call or text tomorrow and we can decide then.
Me: Ok....todays monday right?
Boss: Yup :)
Me:oooooooo I get what you're saying. Hah! It's all the hair dye, the fumes must have affected my brain.
Me:.... cause thursday is usually a half day....
REALLY?? REALLY??
Oh my Sanitation!
I recently received (ok bought) a "training" DVD from a well known Make Up Artist and/or Company. By recently, I mean yesterday. In my excitement to learn more about my art, I ripped open the packaging and popped the first DVD in! I have to say I was horrified at things this Artist and/or Company said was ok to do.
For all make up artists, aspiring make up artists, and people receiving the service: it's really not ok to put the product on your hand before using a brush to apply it to a client's face. If you have to pour out some of the product before using a brush, use a clean palette not your hand. Also, don't use your fingers on a client's face either - it's ok to do this on yourself, but not on a client. Use a brush or a sponge. It keeps away excess germs and dirt which can clog pores and cause acne, and it's just kinda gross - would you want someone you barely know putting their hands on your face?
I will say that this particular DVD had some excellent tips and techniques which I am grateful to have been exposed to, but the unsanitary things that were said to be ok was horrifying.
For all make up artists, aspiring make up artists, and people receiving the service: it's really not ok to put the product on your hand before using a brush to apply it to a client's face. If you have to pour out some of the product before using a brush, use a clean palette not your hand. Also, don't use your fingers on a client's face either - it's ok to do this on yourself, but not on a client. Use a brush or a sponge. It keeps away excess germs and dirt which can clog pores and cause acne, and it's just kinda gross - would you want someone you barely know putting their hands on your face?
I will say that this particular DVD had some excellent tips and techniques which I am grateful to have been exposed to, but the unsanitary things that were said to be ok was horrifying.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Arizona: healing and growing
Arizona has been really good for us. It has been a time where we have had to rely 100% on God and trust that He knows exactly what is best for us. We have struggled here, but that's ok. God is in control and He is doing a good thing.
One thing it has made me face more than before is my pride and my "need" to limit myself before God. I have always struggled with pride and I am so thankful for the people God has placed in my life who have humbled me and shown me grace in the area. It has been a learning experience, but I still have WAY more to learn; I will continue to do so utnil the day I die. The lifestyle and pace here is so much nicer than what I'm used too. I feel like I can just be me and not have to worry about what I look like - what I dress like, how my hair is, how my make up is. And I think this allows for me to be more real with people. I have admitted to more than I have in the past, as I feel I have more freedom in Christ - which has EVERYTHING to do with my reaction to the world, and not necessarily the people in my life. We shouldn't hide things we struggle with because of what someone might say, that is more damaging than anything else. God wants us to be open and honest with our brothers and sisters, he wants us to share our burdens - afterall we're not in this alone.
I am thankful for the fact that He has brought us here, I am thankful that it hasn't been stress free, I am thankful for the opportunities to break down walls, I am thankful for the opportunities to grow closer to Him, I am thankful for the ability to rejoice in Him, I am thankful for growth and I'm thankful that I have room to grow and always will.
One thing it has made me face more than before is my pride and my "need" to limit myself before God. I have always struggled with pride and I am so thankful for the people God has placed in my life who have humbled me and shown me grace in the area. It has been a learning experience, but I still have WAY more to learn; I will continue to do so utnil the day I die. The lifestyle and pace here is so much nicer than what I'm used too. I feel like I can just be me and not have to worry about what I look like - what I dress like, how my hair is, how my make up is. And I think this allows for me to be more real with people. I have admitted to more than I have in the past, as I feel I have more freedom in Christ - which has EVERYTHING to do with my reaction to the world, and not necessarily the people in my life. We shouldn't hide things we struggle with because of what someone might say, that is more damaging than anything else. God wants us to be open and honest with our brothers and sisters, he wants us to share our burdens - afterall we're not in this alone.
I am thankful for the fact that He has brought us here, I am thankful that it hasn't been stress free, I am thankful for the opportunities to break down walls, I am thankful for the opportunities to grow closer to Him, I am thankful for the ability to rejoice in Him, I am thankful for growth and I'm thankful that I have room to grow and always will.
Sickness & Sin
You know what I hate about sickness? The fact that something has infltrated my healthy body and has made the entire thing unhealthy - and I could have avoided it had I been willing to listen to the signs I saw on Sunday. But that's a lot like sin, isn't it? It can be avoided if only wer are willing.
God created us in His perfect image and He created a world that was "good" (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31). Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." So here we have a "good world" and man that is created in God's perfect image, which is "very good".
And then along comes sin, the diliberate disobedience to the known will of God (thefreedictionary.com). In Genesis 2:16-17 is reads, "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of he knowledge of good and evil you sall not eat, for in the day tha you eat of it you shall surely die." God's will for Adam was to not eat of that particular tree - enter sin. The serpent came on the scene and tempted Eve by making her doubt God's will, though He had been very clear. It could have been avoided, had she taken the proper steps, had she stuck to her guns. Eve's initial response the serpent was "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, 'You shall not eat of the gruit of the tree that is he midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die'" (Genesis 3:2-3). Her initial response suggests that she was willing to be obedient, but the serpent keeps on her and quickly tempts her to disobey God's will. It started out as the smallest hint of doubt and deception and it has infiltrated EVERY aspect of our lives ever sinc. This sickness started out as the smallest hint that something wasn't right, when my voice started going after 1 worship set, and I chose to wave it off like no big deal, similar to Eve wavig off the LORD's warning.
Life would be so much easier if we would just heed the warnings at the beginning and obey God, but it's not always that easy.
God created us in His perfect image and He created a world that was "good" (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31). Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." So here we have a "good world" and man that is created in God's perfect image, which is "very good".
And then along comes sin, the diliberate disobedience to the known will of God (thefreedictionary.com). In Genesis 2:16-17 is reads, "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of he knowledge of good and evil you sall not eat, for in the day tha you eat of it you shall surely die." God's will for Adam was to not eat of that particular tree - enter sin. The serpent came on the scene and tempted Eve by making her doubt God's will, though He had been very clear. It could have been avoided, had she taken the proper steps, had she stuck to her guns. Eve's initial response the serpent was "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, 'You shall not eat of the gruit of the tree that is he midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die'" (Genesis 3:2-3). Her initial response suggests that she was willing to be obedient, but the serpent keeps on her and quickly tempts her to disobey God's will. It started out as the smallest hint of doubt and deception and it has infiltrated EVERY aspect of our lives ever sinc. This sickness started out as the smallest hint that something wasn't right, when my voice started going after 1 worship set, and I chose to wave it off like no big deal, similar to Eve wavig off the LORD's warning.
Life would be so much easier if we would just heed the warnings at the beginning and obey God, but it's not always that easy.
Monday, November 7, 2011
1 year!
A year ago today, at this time, I was sitting in the lobby of the Montage with my mom, bridesmaids, friend/make up artist/hairstylist, and one of Anthony's co-workers (also a hair stylist) awaiting my room to be ready (which was late) so that we could start getting ready for my WEDDING! Today I look back on this past year and see how faithful and loving God has been, is and always will be. We've had our ups and downs this year, but all for the better. We made some big decisions, moved to a new state, started a new church, are presently fostering a bunny (we can officially adopt her on November 21!), but most importantly grew in Christ together and trusted Him more than we have in the past. So I felt it only necessary to share something that has been a great tool in our marriage, though I wish I had gone through it more regularly than I have.
Shortly before we were married, it may even been right after we got engaged, my in-laws gave Tony & I a prayer card each. Mine reads: Lifting My Husband Through Prayer; his reads: Lifting My Wife Through Prayer. You can get these cards for $0.99 at FamilyLife.com and are perfect to tuck into your bible as a reminder to pray for your spouse during your quiet time!
I will share with you a little of what is on mine, I don't know where Tony's is, so I can't share that - but I would GREATLY encourage buying it from FamilyLife.com where you can have all of it on it - they have such great resources there! In fact, they would be nice to get for a part of a gift :)
[I won't give everything listed on my card; it's quite descriptive and provides a LOT of Scritpture references]
"Lord, I lift my husband to You today and pray, according to Your Word, that:
Again, I would highly suggest checking it out:
Lifting My Husband Through Prayer
Lifting My Wife Through Prayer
Shortly before we were married, it may even been right after we got engaged, my in-laws gave Tony & I a prayer card each. Mine reads: Lifting My Husband Through Prayer; his reads: Lifting My Wife Through Prayer. You can get these cards for $0.99 at FamilyLife.com and are perfect to tuck into your bible as a reminder to pray for your spouse during your quiet time!
I will share with you a little of what is on mine, I don't know where Tony's is, so I can't share that - but I would GREATLY encourage buying it from FamilyLife.com where you can have all of it on it - they have such great resources there! In fact, they would be nice to get for a part of a gift :)
[I won't give everything listed on my card; it's quite descriptive and provides a LOT of Scritpture references]
"Lord, I lift my husband to You today and pray, according to Your Word, that:
- You give him strength to lead, time to know his family, and a passion to manage his home.
- You bless his work and show him daily how to honor You in his attitude and spirit; confirm the work of his hands unto Your purpose.
- He will be a wise steward of our finances and all we possess, remembering that all things are Yours and entrusted to us for Your purposes.
- He will love You with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength and hate evil.
- He will be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger
- You protect him physically, mentally and spiritually
- You give him the desire to teach and model a godly lifestlye for his children.
- You will instruct him and teach him in the way he should go; give him peace in the circumstances and integrity in decisions he must face today.
- He would meditate day and night on Your Word, pray without ceasing and stay faithful to Christ to the end.
- He would develop strong relationships with other godly men."
Again, I would highly suggest checking it out:
Lifting My Husband Through Prayer
Lifting My Wife Through Prayer
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Life with the Bunny
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Confidence
It is absolutely AMAZING how God works in our lives and I cannot contain the joy He has given me this week. We have been busy lately with trying to restart our businesses out here (Anthony Colello Hairstyling & Make Up by Sara Colello) and have been working hard to get booked for photoshoots.
Earlier in October we had the opportunity to work on a calendar shoot with Miss October and a couple weeks ago had the opportunity to collaborate with Pink House Boutique & Eloquent Photography for an advertisement that will run in JAVA magazine along wtih at least one other magazine, a window display and possibly a few websites. This past weekend we had the pleasure of working with 2 brides and 2 great photographers (31 Photography & Frank Wise, Digital Obsession) and have received some of the photos already - talk about efficiency!
God has really been showing me a lot through all of this -in short, it's ok to be confident in yourself. I don't know where, but somewhere in my life I came to the conclusion that confidence was this evil, terrible thing. I've had bursts of confidence in my life, though I can't recall any time where I felt completely confident for an entire day, until last Friday. It's definitely freeing to get to the point of understanding that confidence does not mean cocky and that it's ok to say that you are good at something - not that I ever thought that someone else saying they were good at something was bad, I just had it in my mind that if I said I was good at something it was bad. Not sound thinking, but I have felt confident since last Friday and it's weirding me out. I want to talk with people, meet people, hand out my business cards, admit that I'm good at what I do and it is SO incredible freeing. God created me to glorify Him, and if I'm shying away from my talents that is NOT glorifying Him. He gives us talents so that we may work to the Lord and give honor to Him. I am saddened by the fact that I have lost out on so many great opportunities to do just that, but I am rejoicing in the fact that I have many more opportunities ahead of me in which I can. He has blessed us abundantly and we will use our talents to work for Him.
While we work on re-building our businesses out here, please like us on facebook, visit my website, and help us spread the word in AZ!
Anthony's Facebook
Sara's Facebook
Sara Colello - Make Up Artist
In Him,
Sara (& Tony)
Earlier in October we had the opportunity to work on a calendar shoot with Miss October and a couple weeks ago had the opportunity to collaborate with Pink House Boutique & Eloquent Photography for an advertisement that will run in JAVA magazine along wtih at least one other magazine, a window display and possibly a few websites. This past weekend we had the pleasure of working with 2 brides and 2 great photographers (31 Photography & Frank Wise, Digital Obsession) and have received some of the photos already - talk about efficiency!
God has really been showing me a lot through all of this -in short, it's ok to be confident in yourself. I don't know where, but somewhere in my life I came to the conclusion that confidence was this evil, terrible thing. I've had bursts of confidence in my life, though I can't recall any time where I felt completely confident for an entire day, until last Friday. It's definitely freeing to get to the point of understanding that confidence does not mean cocky and that it's ok to say that you are good at something - not that I ever thought that someone else saying they were good at something was bad, I just had it in my mind that if I said I was good at something it was bad. Not sound thinking, but I have felt confident since last Friday and it's weirding me out. I want to talk with people, meet people, hand out my business cards, admit that I'm good at what I do and it is SO incredible freeing. God created me to glorify Him, and if I'm shying away from my talents that is NOT glorifying Him. He gives us talents so that we may work to the Lord and give honor to Him. I am saddened by the fact that I have lost out on so many great opportunities to do just that, but I am rejoicing in the fact that I have many more opportunities ahead of me in which I can. He has blessed us abundantly and we will use our talents to work for Him.
While we work on re-building our businesses out here, please like us on facebook, visit my website, and help us spread the word in AZ!
Anthony's Facebook
Sara's Facebook
Sara Colello - Make Up Artist
In Him,
Sara (& Tony)
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