SimiSodaPop.com | A Refreshment Of Bubbly Gossip

Koda Kumi Themed Everywhere In Japan.. Promotion On Trucks & In Stores

2012-01-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hey Dolls!
Wanted to share some photo's of all the Koda Kumi Themed Everywhere In Japan.. Promotion On Trucks & In Stores for her newest release "Japonesque".
Have you purchased a copy or two yet? ;)
I have! & Love each cover of the 4 different versions!
Be sure to check out her new album and I know you will all love it!
It's truly the best album of 2012!!

Photo from: http://www.facebook.com/kodagumi

xoxo
Simi

TV Tonight: Bitchin’ Kitchen "Veg-Head Extravaganza!"

2012-01-25T15:48:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!
One of the tv shows ill be watching tonight is "Bitchin' Kitchen", Nadia G. will cook up vegetarian friendly dishes..
"sweet, spicy and creamy Channa Dhansak jam-packed with ginger and tamarind. She’s also bringing you some Gluten-free Buckwheat Pancakes topped with tender new potatoes, and gooey melted Raclette cheese. Finally for dessert, she’s wow-ing you with a sumptuous (and vegan) Dark Chocolate & Caramelized Banana Pie!"
Sounds so tasty, I'm looking forward to the Dark Chocolate & Caramelized Banana Pie, also the Gluten-Free Buckwheat Pancakes sound soo good, I think it would go cool with the jam!
Looking forward to this episode because I love animal free meals! :)
I read that Nadia eats vegetarian 80% of the time! I love that!

Source & Photo from: http://bitchinlifestyle.tv/ & http://www.brookspr.com

xoxo
Simi

TV Tonight: Whitney "Codependence Day"

2012-01-25T15:05:00.000-08:00

Hey Lovelies!
Tonight at 8/7c pm will be a new episode of NBC's Whitney titled..
"Codependence Day"
"Roxanne hires Whitney as her office assistant to spy on her work nemesis. Guest starring Kathy Griffin!"
This episode sounds super funny, I can't wait for it!!
Be sure to check it out tonight!!

Source & Photo from: NBC.com

xoxo
Simi

Victorias Secret Will Release New Fragrance Titled "Incredible Daring" In February

2012-01-24T17:26:00.000-08:00

Hey Dolls!

Victorias Secret will release a new fragrance titled "Incredible Daring" On February 8th.

Just in time for Valentines Day, this scent will release in a "Eau de Parfum", "Scented Mist", & a "Scented Body Lotion"

It's decribed as a "Fresh. Sexy. Incredible Daring. Dewy freesia, luminous orange flower, naked musk.". Sounds so lovely!! Excited to get my hands on a few bottles for gifts and myself! :)

Be sure to check this one out on it's release in February!!

Source & Photo from: The Spring Fashion 2012, Vol.1 Issue of Victorias Secret Magazine. &

http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Satellite?ProductID=1325900423766&c=Page&cid=1265721033038&collAssetType=LBIProductSet&pagename=vsdWrapper&CatviewLink=p84-1325900671804|1265721033038|1325900423766

xoxo

Simi

TV Tonight: 90210 "Mama Can You Hear Me?"

2012-01-24T15:52:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!
Wanted to share with you all what I'll be watching on TV Tonight..
90210 is on in a little over one hour, depending on where you live.
I have been counting down the days till this episode ever since last week's episode!
Last week unfolded so many stories and this week/tonight we will get to see all the good..
"Lies, secrets, deception. There's no hiding from the past."
Be sure to check out tonight's episode titled "Mama Can You Hear Me?".
I'm so excited to see Annie take down that mean girl stealing Liam.
Also I was so surprised but kinda had a idea that the guy Sliver is seeing, his child is Adrianna's daughter!!! I'm happy to see this story!!
Here are some previews and clips to check out below..

Source & Photo from: Youtube.com

xoxo
Simi

Koda Kumi Releases New Album "Japonesque" Today (Review)

2012-01-24T13:43:00.000-08:00

Hey My Beautiful Readers!
It's already January 25th in Japan time which makes it the OFFICIAL RELEASE DAY of...
Koda Kumi's brand new album "Japonesque".
OMGAABC! So happy, Congratulations Kumi on your tenth and VERY FABULOUS album,
I have been O.B.S.E.S.S.E.D with it and replaying the songs over and over again and I have also purchased a copy of the album for each of my friends and family as we all huge Koda Kumi fans!
This album is truly and easily one of her (if not) her best album!
It's simply gorgeous delicious and divine!
It contains 17 songs plus a introduction song and a interlude.. and my top favorites are "So Nice", "Boom Boom Boys" and "Escalate".
My top favorite softer songs are "Everyday", "Slow" and "You Are Not Alone (Live Version)"
I love everything about this album.
The artwork is so beautiful and The Introduction song leads you right into JAPONESQUE with a beautiful classic but a gorgeous touch of Kumi Japanese vibe. I totally wish they would make a full version to this introduction song, it's so addicting. I love the instruments
So Nice feat. Mr. Blistah reminds me of a part two to their duo back in 2006 titled "Candy". It's such a sexy song (the music video is super gorgeous too!!). (One of my top 3 favorite songs!)
Next is "Boom Boom Boys", when I first heard this song I knew it was going to be a hit as it's super catchy lyrics and slight soft rock sound and the music video also does a fabulous job of capturing the song. It's one of my top 3 favorite songs on the album so crazy cool! I can't stop singing it!!
V.I.P. feat. T-PAIN ever since this song was first released I'm been loving it. It's catchy tune and fun sound makes is ultimate dance song, the music video is so fun and I love the fashion in it. The addition with T.Pain is really nice too! But I do wish he his part was a bit longer and wish he was in the music video for the album version!
Slow feat. Omarion I adore this song, the music video is super divine and the sound of Kumi & Omarion just really flows so nice, I hope they team up again! Perhaps Kumi on a Omarion song next? :)
Brave is the first soft ballad on the album and, just like other Kumi ballads, it has you ready to tear up. Sounds a bit like 1000 no Kotoba (2003) meets come back (2001).
Everyday is a super cute addictive pop song which me tear up a bit.. "Everyday kanashi toki mo!" Kumi acts super cute in the music video too!
In The Air a song I tear up, soft light beautiful beat and lyrics are divine. The music video is so lovely too!
You are not alone Acoustic version is next, I like it but I do prefer the original version more. I really love the lyrics of this song no matter what, it's another one that makes me tear up!!
It's beautiful message DON'T give up on anything. No matter the struggle, you're not alone!
The Interlude follows.. A really nice again classic japanese sound and catchy tune.. again wish they make it into a full song!!
Escalate.. this song is so extra flawless it's the ultimate party song, I love it's very original music video concept! SO HOT! Her hair styles and everything about it is so perfect! I find this song stuck in my head, and I love it ever since I first heard a Preview/Clip! (One of my top 3 favorite songs!)
Love Me Back is a epic song! The music video with her sexy cop and nurse outfits are so sexy!
No Man's Land is another light rock song, I love rock-Kuu! She makes it SOUND super sexy! This song and music video takes you on a journey that rocks hard!
Ai wo tomenaide is a very touching sweet but strong song.
KO-SO-KO-SO love love love it's sound, been a favorite of mine for months! Very catchy sound and the lyrics are stuck in my head!!! SO GOOD!
Next song is Lay Down, which fits with ESCALATE & Boom Boom Boys. Koda Kumi's getting into the clubbing music and it fits her so perfectly! I love it's fresh clubbing sound. I wish Vancouver clubs would get some Koda Kumi music, that would be sure to get people going!!
Love Technique is next, such a adorable cute pop song, just like "Everyday. A bit like Koi no Tsubomi (2006) mixed with D.D.D. feat. SOULHEAD (2005).
Poppin love cocktail feat.TEEDA = A.D.D.I.C.T.I.V.E. I love TEEDA's voice in this song, it flows so amazing with Kumi!
Last song off Japonesque is All for you, another one which makes me tear up, which she wrote specifically for her fans. She loves and cares about her fans so much and dedicates this one to everyone for sticking with her through everything. THANK YOU KUMI.. WE LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU!

I'm so happy with "Japonesque" is another FLAWLESS Kumi album and will be my top favorite album playing for the 2012 year! Easily the BEST 2012 ALBUM? Am I right? ;)
Be sure to pick up a copy of the CD+2DVD version so you can watch all the music video too & a special dvd filled with her previous releases ad's.
Very CATCHY! Her talent really shines EXTRA special in this album.. won't you say it's her best album?!! :)
Enjoy it everyone!! (I've been listening it while typing this blog!)

Check it out at your local music store or purchase it online iTunes here:
http://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/japonesque/id494240619?l=en

Source & Photo: http://rhythmzone.net/koda/index.html

xoxo
Simi

What I Love: "From the Heart" Cupcakes

2012-01-24T05:35:00.000-08:00

Hey Lovelies!

Valentines Day is just around the corner, what better way to celebrate and get in the mood to make these elegant "From The Heart" Cupcakes.

Check out the recipe below..

Prep Time

35 Minutes

Total Time

1:55 Hr:Mins

Makes

24 cupcakes

Cupcakes:

1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® devil's food cake mix

Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box

Frosting:

1 cup white vanilla baking chips

1 container Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting

Chocolate Hearts:

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 teaspoon shortening

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. Make and bake cake mix as directed on box for cupcakes, using water, oil and eggs.

In medium microwavable bowl, microwave white baking chips uncovered on High 45 seconds. Stir; if necessary, microwave in 15-second increments, stirring after each, until chips are melted and smooth. Cool 5 minutes. Stir in frosting until well blended. Immediately frost cupcakes, or pipe frosting on cupcakes.

Line cookie sheet with waxed paper. In 1-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave chocolate chips and shortening uncovered on Medium (50%) 30 seconds. Stir; microwave in 10-second increments, stirring after each, until melted and smooth. Place chocolate in small resealable food-storage plastic bag; seal bag. Cut off tiny corner of bag. Squeeze bag to pipe 24 heart shapes on waxed paper. Refrigerate 10 minutes to set chocolate. Garnish each cupcake with a chocolate heart. Store loosely covered.

Makes 24 cupcakes

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens:

Change the wow in these cupcakes from hearts to initials, numbers or free-form designs, using the melted chocolate.

Nutrition Information:

1 Serving (1 Cupcake)Calories 260(Calories from Fat 110),Total Fat 12g(Saturated Fat 5g,Trans Fat 1g),Cholesterol 25mg;Sodium 210mg;Total Carbohydrate 35g(Dietary Fiber 0g,Sugars 26g),Protein 2g;

Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 0.00%;Vitamin C 0.00%;Calcium 4.00%;Iron 6.00%;Exchanges:1/2 Starch;0 Fruit;2 Other Carbohydrate;0 Skim Milk;0 Low-Fat Milk;0 Milk;0 Vegetable;0 Very Lean Meat;0 Lean Meat;0 High-Fat Meat;2 1/2 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:2;

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!

xoxo

Simi

Koda Kumi Releases Her New Music Video "Slow feat. Omarion"

2012-01-22T23:55:00.000-08:00

Hey Dolls!
Check out below Koda Kumi's new music video for her song "Slow feat. Omarion" off her new album to be released on January 25th 2012.
It's a really soft song with a gorgeous romantic scenery.

slowfeatomarion by Bored4Lyfe

Source & Photo from: Dailymotion.com

xoxo
Simi

My Favorites: Top 5 Magazines

2012-01-22T14:55:00.000-08:00

Hey Pretty People!
Today I wanted to share with you all my Top 5 Favorite Magazines to read and that are on my coffee table currently!
Check them out below..
1. ViVi - I adore this magazine it's filled with my favorite asian celebrities and fashion and just everything, it's the perfect and my most favorite read and it inspires me everyday! check out the current March issue featuring my favorite singer Koda Kumi!!
2. Happie Nuts - I'm LOVING the new 2012 February Issue, such a gorgeous fashion fun filled magazine.
3. Betty Crocker Recipe Booklets - I'm a lover of baking and cooking so this is my favorite recipe inspiration booklet, they release every couple of months and last issue I'm in love with called "Christmas Cookies".
4. Best Health - I love to study nutrition and health facts and among all the "heath" magazines this one is my favorite, it has the same beliefs as me, and I just feel this one is the best and relates to me well!
5. Canadian Living - I love to check out this magazine and read about new grocery/goodies products and I adore it's holiday issues especially, the subjects in the magazine is so wide-rage and very informative.

xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

2012-01-22T05:29:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!
A nice recipe titled "Hot Chocolate Cupcakes" are for today!
Check it out below.. aren't they so cute?!!

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
1:25 Hr:Mins
Makes
12 cupcakes

1/2 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® devil's food cake mix (about 1 2/3 cups)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 cup Betty Crocker® Whipped vanilla frosting
1/2 cup marshmallow creme
1/4 teaspoon unsweetened baking cocoa
6 miniature pretzel twists, broken in half

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 12 regular-size muffin cups.
In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil and egg with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
Bake 17 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
In small bowl, mix frosting and marshmallow creme. Spoon into small resealable food-storage plastic bag; seal bag. Cut 3/8-inch tip off 1 corner of bag. (Or spoon mixture onto cupcakes instead of piping.)
Pipe 3 small dollops of frosting mixture on top of each cupcake to look like melted marshmallows. Sprinkle with cocoa. Press pretzel half into side of each cupcake for cup handle. Store loosely covered.
Makes 12 cupcakes

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens:
If you like peppermint, frost these fun cupcakes with the frosting mixture, and sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes.
If you have only one pan and a recipe calls for more cupcakes than your pan will make, cover and refrigerate the rest of the batter while baking the first batch. Cool the pan about 15 minutes, then bake the rest of the batter, adding 1 to 2 minutes to the bake time.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Cupcake)Calories 200(Calories from Fat 80),Total Fat 9g(Saturated Fat 2 1/2g,Trans Fat 1g),Cholesterol 20mg;Sodium 180mg;Total Carbohydrate 28g(Dietary Fiber 0g,Sugars 20g),Protein 1g;
Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 0.00%;Vitamin C 0.00%;Calcium 4.00%;Iron 4.00%;Exchanges:1/2 Starch;0 Fruit;1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate;0 Skim Milk;0 Low-Fat Milk;0 Milk;0 Vegetable;0 Very Lean Meat;0 Lean Meat;0 High-Fat Meat;1 1/2 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:2;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

Manicure Monday: Coming Up Releases In The Nail Polish World

2012-01-22T04:43:00.000-08:00

OPI’s Spring 2012 Holland Collection

Essie Spring Spring 2012 collection A Spring to Invest In

The China Glaze Colours From The Capitol collection

Butter London’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection

Deborah Lippmann 2012 spring collection

Hi My Beautiful Readers!
Hope your Monday morning is going great!
I have been browsing the different coming up releases in the nail polish world, and I wanted to share with you all about the collections I'm most excited about!
Photo's are above and descriptions are all below!

* OPI: New spring 2012 Holland Collection (available February 8th) which offers a wide range of eye popping colors.
* Essie: New Spring 2012 shades from the A Spring to Invest In (available February 1st) collection,
I'm OBSESSED with the colors and most excited to try this collection! So VERY SPRING Fruity and Pastel! :)
* China Glaze: A New collection from the company will be titled Colours From The Capitol, which launches in early March 2012 to coincide with the March 23rd release of The Hunger Games, really liking these ones too.
* Butter London: Spring/Summer 2012 collection, has such super cute shades don't they?!!
* Deborah Lippmann: 2012 spring collection, a photo has been leaked but the names have not been released yet, they look sparkly and pretty!

Got a favorite?
xoxo
Simi

Health Minute: Benefits of Almonds

2012-01-21T17:41:00.000-08:00

Hey Lovelies.
Love Almonds like me? But Wonder it's health benefits?
Here read up on another "Health Minute".
Almonds don't just make a healthy snack, they're a great addition to recipes, too.
I love snacking on almonds and yummy creamy almond milk throughout the day, almond milk is filled with vitamins and pure almonds ounce per ounce are the most nutrient-dense tree nut. In one ounce it's around 23 almonds. They're an excellent source of vitamin E and magnesium, and a good source of protein and fibre. I read a study conducted by the University of Toronto in 2006 on people with high cholesterol found one ounce of almonds a day, along with other heart-healthy foods, reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol. What's more, research has found that up to about two ounces of almonds daily does not cause weight gain and can actually help in weight management. It's hypothesized that the fibre in almonds may block some of the nuts' fat and calories (about 160 calories per ounce) from being absorbed by the body.

Some GOOD Ways of Almonds Serving Ideas:
* Sprinkle a handful of Almonds on your morning oatmeal/&pancakes or waffles.

* Sprinkle some Almonds on your Salad, for a great start to your morning

* Drink a glass of Almond Milk everyday, it's nutritious and super yummy replace your milk or soy milk for almond milk!!
* Almond-Orange-Cardamom Cookies, so yummy!
* Chocolate Almond Smoothie, smoothie anyone! ;)
* Sprinkle a handful of Almonds on your hot chocolate's whipped cream as a pretty and healthy topping
* Almond-Currant Couscous, I've been obsessed with couscous lately and Almonds + couscous it's a healthy take on a side dish!
* Make a yummy nutritious dip of fresh almond & herbs

So go get trying some of these ways of Almonds in your daily diet!

Stay Healthy..
xoxo
Simi

I Love It TV Show: Whitney

2012-01-21T16:39:00.000-08:00

Hey Dolls!
Wanted to share with you one of my top favorite tv shows at the moment.
Called "Whittney" starring the very funny Whitney Cummings.
Here is a little about the show from nbc.com:

NBC's new multi-camera comedy "Whitney" is a hilarious look at modern day love, which centers around Whitney (Whitney Cummings, "Chelsea Lately") and Alex (Chris D'Elia, "Glory Daze"), a happily unmarried couple. Together for three years, the duo is in no rush to get hitched, which seems to get a mixed response from their friends.
Whitney's close circle of girlfriends includes, on one side, Lily (Zoe Lister-Jones, "The Other Guys"), a romantic idealist who loves being in love, and on the other, Roxanne (Rhea Seehorn, "The Starter Wife"), a recent divorcee who is practical, cynical and dreading being single again. Lily and Roxanne's opposing points of view only exacerbate Whitney's own complicated outlook on relationships.
Completing their close-knit group is Neal (Maulik Pancholy, NBC's "30 Rock"), a real modern day Renaissance man - sensitive and cool, who knows a little bit about everything and happens to be dating Lily. On the other end of the spectrum is Whitney and Alex's next-door neighbor Mark (Dan O'Brien, "How I Met Your Mother"), a police officer and total bachelor, who claims to be the ultimate player, but likes to talk a good game.
At the end of the day, Whitney and Alex realize that while their relationship might not be perfect on paper, they really do love each other - and that works for them.

You can check out the next episode of Whitney on..
Wednesday, Jan 25th 8/7c
"Codependence Day" (TV-14)
Roxanne hires Whitney as her office assistant to spy on her work nemesis. Guest starring Kathy Griffin!
Next episode sounds super funny, I can't wait for it!!

Photo from: NBC.com

xoxo
Simi

Koda Kumi - Japonesque Album - Listen Online

2012-01-21T16:25:00.000-08:00

Hey Lovelies!
Koda Kumi's album "Japonesque" is releasing on January 25th, so until then you can listen to the album online.. check it out below.. I have been O.B.S.E.S.S.E.D with it and replaying the songs over and over again and I have ordered the album for all my friends and family as we all huge Koda Kumi fans!
This album is truly and easily one of her (if not) her best album!
It's simply gorgeous delicious and divine!
Listen up below.. and tell all your friends about this album!

10th ALBUM ~ JAPONESQUE [CD-RIP] by Koda Gumi Thailand

Source: www.SoundCloud.com
Photo: http://rhythmzone.net/koda/index.html

xoxo
Simi

I Love It Perfume: Vera Wang Princess Night & Dior J'adore

2012-01-21T15:46:00.000-08:00

Hey Beauties!
Time for another "I Love It Perfume" posts.
I been getting lots of great emails for you guys requesting more of these posts so, I will definitly do more for you!
Well today's is a treat, it's not one but TWO fragrances I love also perfectly fit for a Valentines Day gift to your loved one they are called..
Vera Wang Princess Night & Dior J'Adore.
First up is the Vera Wang Princess Night.
I simply fell in love with the bottle of this one right when I first saw it online.
It looks so pretty deep purple sparkly.
Princess Night is glamours sweet and perfect for those late nights out with your loved one.
A sparkly chic sweet scent of:
Notes:
Wild Berries, Watermelon, Raspberry, Jasmine Petals, Orange Flower, Passion Rose, Plumeria, Crushed Sugar, Creamy Woods, Sensual Musk, Vanilla.

Next one is Dior J'Adore.
This one you might reconize from the flim/ad on television with the Film Stars Charlize Theron & Digitalized Hollywood Icons. In the ad it shows beauty Marilyn Monroe holding the bottle of fragrance titled Dior J'Adore.
I think this is one of the most elegant looking fragrance bottles, I love it's beautiful gold color and pearl trimmed. It's a deliciously sexy but sophisticated feminine fragrance featuring notes of..
Mandarin, Champaca Flowers, Ivy, African Orchid, Rose, Violet, Damascus Plum, Amaranth Wood, Blackberry Musk.

Be sure to check out both these lovely addictive fragrances at your local beauty counter..
or at Sephora.com and at your local Sephora Location!
Be on the lookout soon for more "I Love It Perfume" posts on my favorite fragrances! :)

FTC Disclaimer:
I purchased both these fragrances for myself.
All opinions are my own.

xoxo
Simi

Koda Kumi - Japonesque Album - Introduction Song

2012-01-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

Hey Adorable People!
Check out what I just found, the introduction song off her album "Japonesque".
I'm in L.O.V.E. with it, I think it captivates the album BEAUTIFULLY and so very perfect it's such a gorgeous sexy soft melody and her light vocals in the background makes it wonderful and very "Japonesque".
I'm addicted & already pictures dance moves to it!
Check it out below.. & be sure to pick up a copy of her new album "Japonesque" on it's release day January 25th 2012!!

Kumi Koda - Introduction ～JAPONESQUE～ by utajp

xoxo
Simi

Koda Kumi Featured As Cover Girl For ViVi March 2012 Issue

2012-01-20T14:54:00.000-08:00

Hey Cupcakes!
Koda Kumi will be featured as cover girl for popular magazine ViVi on the March 2012 issue.
As her new album "Japonesque" release day is approaching soon, to celebrate she will be featured in the magazine, I think the cover photo is so pretty!
Be sure to check out the issue and pick up a copy on it's release on January 23rd!
Just in time for the new album!
LOVELY!

xoxo
Simi

Koda Kumi Releases Her New Music Video "Boom Boom Boys"

2012-01-20T13:50:00.000-08:00

Hey again!!
The brand new music video for Koda Kumi's new song "Boom Boom Boys" has just been released!
Check it out below, it's such a super crazy fun filled party light rock sound song!
I'M OBSESSED WITH this song & music video (as with all Kumi music! ha! :)
It's such a wicked track and the music video does a EXCELLENT job of acheving the look from the addictive song!
I can't stop singing this song, it's on reply over and over all day long, I've been so excited for this music video and her whole album to be released and so far... it's just 5 DAYS AWAY FROM "Japonesque".
You gotta check out the music video below..

bbboyz from baesamor on Vimeo.

Source & Photo from: Vimeo.com

xoxo
Simi

Koda Kumi Releases Her New Music Video "So Nice feat. Mr. Blistah"

2012-01-20T12:50:00.000-08:00

Hey My Pretty People!
The brand new music video for Koda Kumi's new song "So Nice feat. Mr. Blistah" has just been released!
Check it out below, it's such a super sexy & flirty song, very catchy and GORGEOUS MUSIC VIDEO!
I love everything about it and I think it goes so well with the song.
I'M IN LOVE with Mr.Blistash part! ooooooooooh amazing!
Watch it below..

sonais from baesamor on Vimeo.

Source & Photo from: Vimeo.com

xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Cherries Jubilee Cheesecake Bars

2012-01-20T05:43:00.000-08:00

Hey Lovelies!
Here is a simple recipe for "Cherries Jubilee Cheesecake Bars".
I adore the color of this treat, so cute!

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
3:05 Hrs:Mins
Makes 36 bars

1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® cherry chip cake mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 container Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy cherry frosting
3 eggs

Heat oven to 325°F. In large bowl, beat dry cake mix and butter with electric mixer on low speed until crumbly; reserve 1 cup. In bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch pan, press remaining crumbly mixture.
In same bowl, beat cream cheese and frosting with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in eggs until blended. Pour over crust; sprinkle with reserved crumbly mixture.
Bake about 45 minutes (about 42 minutes for dark or nonstick pan) or until set; cool completely. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours until chilled. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.
Makes 36 bars

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens:
A dollop of cherry yogurt mixed with whipped topping gives these yummy bars a special finish!

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Bar)Calories 170(Calories from Fat 90),Total Fat 10g(Saturated Fat 5g,Trans Fat 1g),Cholesterol 40mg;Sodium 180mg;Total Carbohydrate 19g(Dietary Fiber 0g,Sugars 13g),Protein 1g;
Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 6.00%;Vitamin C 0.00%;Calcium 4.00%;Iron 0.00%;Exchanges:1/2 Starch;0 Fruit;1 Other Carbohydrate;0 Skim Milk;0 Low-Fat Milk;0 Milk;0 Vegetable;0 Very Lean Meat;0 Lean Meat;0 High-Fat Meat;2 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:1;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

What's On My Playlist... January 2012

2012-01-19T14:55:00.001-08:00

Hey Lovelies!
Thought i would post a "What's On My Playlist" post today,
I have been loving lots of new songs lately & wanted to share with you some of my top favorites!

1. ALL 17 SONGS OFF Koda Kumi's New Album "Japonesque"
2. Inna - La Bamba & Ai se eu te pego (Live @ The Show) (check on her youtube! = amazing!)
3. INNA - Endless (Speak One Remix)
4. NS-Yoon-G - The Reason Why I Became A Witch
5. Chae Yeon - Look Look Look
6. Nine Muses - News
7. Daddy Yankee - Luvumba

xoxo
Simi

Brave - Koda Kumi "Japonesque" Inspired - A Beauty & Fashion Look! By Simi

2012-01-19T09:45:00.000-08:00

Brave - Koda Kumi "Japonesque" Inspired by simisodapop featuring a tahitian pearl necklace

Hey Dolls!
Another Koda Kumi "Japonesque" Inspired fashion post today!
This look is inspired by the song "Brave" which sounds like such a soft song and features beautiful soft light pretty colors. So I created this look featuring light creamy Whites and A Little Gold, the jewelry is sweet & elegant pearls, diamonds and golds. The makeup is very pretty and sweetly soft and very romantic. I used a very pretty liquid eyeliner and a mascara that adds fullness and for the lips are very nudeish light romantic pink. For nails use Hey Everyone!
Another Koda Kumi "Japonesque" Inspired fashion post today!
This look is inspired by the song "Slow" which sounds like a really cute romantic song featuring Omarion. So I created this look featuring light Vanilla/Gold/White/& A Little Blackand the jewelry is simple and eye popping light gold's/sliver/& A Little Black. The makeup is very simple and pretty/cute. I used a very pretty liquid eyeliner and a mascara that adds fullness and for the lips are very nudeish light romantic pink. For nails use O.P.I's soft beige color "Samoan Sand" it completes the look with the soft light beige cream color.
For the hairstyle you can style it a pretty and elegant up-do full of loose/tight curls (which looks like Kumi's style in the photo located to the left of the fashion photo look.)
Hope you like it!

xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Mini Cookies ‘n Cream Stuffed Cakes

2012-01-18T05:01:00.000-08:00

Hey Pumpkins!
Hope your morning is going great! A treat titled "Mini Cookies ‘n Cream Stuffed Cakes" recipe is today..
Check it out below..

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
1:30 Hr:Mins
Makes
24 servings

Cake Layers:
1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® triple chocolate fudge cake mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box

Cookies ‘n Cream Layer
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
12 creme-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed

Ganache Layer:
8 oz semisweet baking chocolate, chopped, or chocolate chips
1 cup whipping cream

Garnish:
6 creme-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed

Make cake batter using cake mix, water, oil and eggs as directed on box. Bake 24 cupcakes in greased muffin cups (do not line cups with paper baking cups). Cool completely.
Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, sugar, 1/2 cup whipping cream and the vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy. Fold in 12 crushed cookies. Refrigerate until ready to assemble cakes.
Place chocolate in heatproof bowl; set aside. In 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave 1 cup whipping cream on High (or heat in 1-quart saucepan over medium-low heat) until cream is hot but not boiling. Pour hot cream over chocolate; let stand 1 to 2 minutes. When chocolate is softened, mix with spoon until all chocolate is melted and mixture is silky and smooth.
To assemble cakes, cut each cake in half horizontally. Spoon about 1 teaspoon cream cheese mixture onto bottom halves of cakes; cover with top halves of cakes. Drizzle chocolate mixture over tops of cakes. Sprinkle crushed cookies over tops for garnish. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
Makes 24 servings

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
A teaspoon of espresso powder can be added to the cake batter for a variation in flavor.
Cake can be made into one large cake by baking it in two 9-inch cake pans and adding all the cream between the two cake layers. Then, top with the chocolate and crumbled cookies.
Cake can also be baked in mini muffin cups for an extra small dessert.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Candy Cane Cake

2012-01-16T05:50:00.000-08:00

Hey Lovelies!
It's still snowing up a storm in my city so I still consider it the "holidays" ha.
So here is a yummy-full recipe titled "Candy Cane Cake".
Check it out below..

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
2:20 Hrs:Mins
Makes
12 servings

Cake
1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white cake mix
Water, vegetable oil and egg whites called for on cake mix box
1/2 teaspoon red food color
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
White Icing
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk or water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla, if desired

Decoration:
Crushed candy canes or crushed hard peppermint candies, if desired

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Generously grease and flour 12-cup fluted tube cake pan. Make cake batter as directed on box. Pour about 2 cups batter into pan. In small bowl, pour about 3/4 cup batter; stir in food color and peppermint extract. Carefully pour pink batter over white batter in pan. Carefully pour remaining white batter over pink batter.
Bake and cool cake as directed on box.
In small bowl, mix white icing ingredients. If necessary, stir in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until smooth and spreadable. Spread over cake. Sprinkle crushed candy on top. Store loosely covered.
Makes 12 servings

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens:
Fluted tube cake pans can be a challenge to grease. Try this: Place a dab of shortening on the outside of a small food-storage plastic bag. Slip the bag on your hand and rub shortening on the inside of the pan. Repeat with more shortening until every nook and cranny is greased. Give the inside of the pan a good sprinkling with flour, shake excess from pan, and your baked cake will slip right out!

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)Calories 240(Calories from Fat 70),Total Fat 8g(Saturated Fat 2g,Trans Fat 0g),Cholesterol 0mg;Sodium 280mg;Total Carbohydrate 41g(Dietary Fiber 0g,Sugars 26g),Protein 2g;
Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 0.00%;Vitamin C 0.00%;Calcium 6.00%;Iron 4.00%;Exchanges:1 Starch;0 Fruit;1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate;0 Skim Milk;0 Low-Fat Milk;0 Milk;0 Vegetable;0 Very Lean Meat;0 Lean Meat;0 High-Fat Meat;1 1/2 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:3;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

Slow - Koda Kumi "Japonesque" Inspired - A Beauty & Fashion Look! By Simi

2012-01-16T01:19:00.000-08:00

Slow - Koda Kumi "Japonesque" Inspired by simisodapop featuring snowflake jewelry

Hey Everyone!
Another Koda Kumi "Japonesque" Inspired fashion post today!
This look is inspired by the song "Slow" which sounds like a really cute romantic song featuring Omarion. So I created this look featuring light Vanilla/Gold/White/& A Little Blackand the jewelry is simple and eye popping light gold's/sliver/& A Little Black. The makeup is very simple and pretty/cute. I used a very pretty liquid eyeliner and a mascara that adds fullness and for the lips are very nudeish light romantic pink. For nails use Butter London "hoorah henri" it completes the look with the soft light vanilla cream color.
For the hairstyle you can style it gorgeous light curls, "big curls". (which looks like Kumi's style in the photo located to the left of the fashion photo look.)
Hope you like it!

xoxo
Simi

Health Minute: My Favorite Healthy Breakfast Meal

2012-01-15T10:52:00.000-08:00

Hey Pretty People!
One of my new years resolutions was to keep a better organized daily eating routine.
So while I have been writing up in my little journal about meals and trying some fresh recipes for January and thought about my morning favorite foods, I love Oatmeal with a dash of Cinnamon, also I have been obsessed with Post Shredded Wheat Cereal for the longest time and it's just such a healthy cereal that is unique & very hard to find a cereal that contains NO SUGAR AND NO SALT, made with only100% Canadian whole grain wheat! SO AMAZING!
A healthy diet containing foods high in potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure — a risk factor for stroke and heart disease. Post Shredded Wheat cereal is sodium free.
The Benefits of Whole Grains are plentiful!
Post Shredded Wheat is a source of B vitamins, iron, zinc, magnesium and a very high
source of fibre.
I hate food that claims it "healthy" for you but I'm such a label reader that when I read the ingredients list, its like "come on this is NOT HEALTHY AND HAS ICKY INGREDIENTS".
So I defiantly recommend Post Shredded Wheat Cereal, I adore it with a dash of Cinnamon and I'm ready for the day!
Yummy and SUPER healthy!
I'll post more soon of my favorite cereals & healthy finds.

xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Cookie Dough Cocoa

2012-01-14T05:30:00.000-08:00

Hey Lovelies!
Here is a recipe today called "Cookie Dough Cocoa" read up on how to make this simple and delicious!

Prep Time
05 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
Makes
4-5 cups of cocoa

Cocoa
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 pint cookie dough ice cream
5 cups water

Toppings:
Whipped cream
Mini chocolate chips
1 cup Cookie Crisp® cereal

In 3-quart saucepan or large pot, whisk together butter, brown sugar, and ice cream over medium-high heat until melted. Add the water; cook and stir mixture until steaming.
Serve in mugs, topped with whipped cream, mini chocolate chips, and cookie crisp cereal.
Makes 4-5 cups of cocoa

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
Tips:
This cocoa recipe is so versatile! Just swap out the cookie dough ice cream for one of the flavors below, for a fun twist on classic hot cocoa.
Perfect Peanut Butter Cocoa:
Use peanut butter ice cream, instead of cookie dough ice cream. Garnish with Reese’s Puffs® Cereal.
Double Chocolate Crunch Cocoa:
Use chocolate Ice Cream, instead of cookie dough ice cream, in the recipe. Garnish with Cocoa Puffs® Cereal.
Lucky Vanilla Bean Crème Cocoa:
Use vanilla bean ice cream, instead of cookie dough ice cream, in the recipe. Garnish with Lucky Charms® cereal.
Mexican Caramel Cocoa:
Use dulce de leche ice cream, instead of cookie dough ice cream, in the recipe. Garnish with Cinnamon Toast Crunch® Cereal.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

Boom Boom Boys - Koda Kumi "Japonesque" Inspired - A Beauty & Fashion Look! By Simi

2012-01-13T22:54:00.000-08:00

Boom Boom Boys - Koda Kumi "Japonesque" Inspired by simisodapop featuring star jewelry

Hey Dolls!
Here is a fashion post for you all today!
It's called "Boom Boom Boys".
another Koda Kumi, "Japonesque" inspired post..
"Boom Boom Boys" sounds like a light rock, very catchy chours & fresh sound, I'm so excited to hear and see the full version of this song! I got inspired, so I created this look featuring light blues/dark blues/black/ shades and the jewelry is beautiful sliver & golds sparkly and bold. The makeup is sexy dark black eyes with gorgeous eyeliner and I would add fake lashes and/or bold mascara and the lips are a light soft pretty pinkish, I adore "Whirls & Twirls" by MAC Holiday 2011 Collection. It goes perfect with this look!
For the hairstyle you can style it in a sexy french braid with a little bit of hair to the left side of your face and add a little light minty green bow to the back, (which looks like Kumi's style in the photo located to the left of the fashion photo look.)
Hope you like it!

xoxo
Simi

Koda Kumi Releases Preview For Upcoming Music Video "No Man's Land"

2012-01-13T08:56:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!
A little special-ness for my fellow Koda Kumi fans today!
A new clip/preview of one of her new songs upcoming music videos "No Man's Land" has been released.
I'm really counting down the days till the album it's going to be another GREAT ONE!
I love the black & white look/concept of the music video, I'm excited to her more and see the full video!
Be sure to pre-order "Japonesque" releasing on January 25th!!!

Check it out below..

Source & Photo: Youtube.com

xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Cinnamon Roll Cookies

2012-01-12T05:22:00.000-08:00

Hey Lovelies!
A recipe today called "Cinnamon Roll Cookies", a favorite of mine!

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
Makes
2 to 3 dozen cookies

Cookies:
1 pouch Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
5 tablespoons butter, softened
1 egg

Cinnamon-Sugar:
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, mix Cookie ingredients with fork until soft dough forms. On lightly floured surface, roll out dough with rolling pin until about 1/4-inch thickness.
In small bowl, stir together Cinnamon-Sugar ingredients. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar evenly over cookie dough. Roll up dough into tight spiral; cut into 1-inch slices. Place on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool while making icing.
In another small bowl, stir together Icing ingredients until smooth, adding enough milk for piping consistency. Spoon icing into resealable food-storage plastic bag. Seal bag; cut off tiny bottom corner of bag. Pipe icing over top of each cookie. Let icing set until firm before serving or storing.
Makes 2 to 3 dozen cookies

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
Keep your cookie sheet clean by covering it with parchment paper.
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookie Rolls! Change up the flavor of these cookies by using Betty Crocker® peanut butter cookie mix, and adding a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the icing recipe.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Servings)

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

So Nice - Koda Kumi "Japonesque" Inspired - A Beauty & Fashion Look! By Simi

2012-01-11T19:57:00.000-08:00

So Nice - Koda Kumi "Japonesque" Inspired by simisodapop featuring clutch bags

Hey Dolls!
Here is a fashion post for you all today!
It's called "So Nice".
For the next few fashion posts, I'm going to be doing looks inspired by my favorite singer Koda Kumi!
As her new album (10th album) "Japonesque" release day is getting closer, 13 days till its release.. I have been addicted to her new clips/previews of the songs and love the look of the photos of the new songs music videos.
So I hope you all enjoy these beauty & fashion looks!
"So Nice" sounds like a very sexy song, I'm most excited about this music video so when I saw the photo I got super inspired, so I created this look featuring red/gold/nude shades and the jewelry is beautiful diamond and ruby's. The makeup is sexy dark black eyes with gorgeous eyeliner and mascara with a hint of pinkish red tones, and the lips are eye popping sexy red/cherry color.
For the hairstyle you can style it in a dramatic stunning up-do like Kumi in the photo located to the left of the fashion photo look.
Hope you like it!

xoxo
Simi

Health Minute: Benefits of Cinnamon

2012-01-11T07:58:00.000-08:00

Hey Lovelies.
Love Cinnamon like me? But wonder it's health benefits?
Here you can read up!
Available throughout the year, the fragrant, sweet and warm taste of cinnamon is a perfect spice to use during the winter months.
It can be bad if you have cinnamon in the wrong way.. Bad ways of Cinnamon include: cinnamon sugar, cinnamon buns, cinnamon swirl raisin bread.. But if you don't have it the bad way, Cinnamon and your health benefits from it are really amazing for you!
Cinnamon can help lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in people with type 2 diabetes, and a recent study found that adding a little over a teaspoon to rice pudding even helped tame blood sugar in people without diabetes. Cinnamon also contains polyphenols, antioxidants that create healthier arteries and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Also another benefit is Cinnamon is a very energizing scent that has also been found to help increase alertness.

Best thing is Cinnamon Ground/Sticks added to so many different things makes it taste so yummy!
Both ground and stick forms are equally healthy, I tend to use ground more but in drinks I use sticks and ground. You don't need to grind your own, store bought ground is equally healthy.
Sticks have a shelf life as 1 year and Ground is 6 months.
I aim for about 1/2 to 1 1/2 teaspoons (or one to two sticks) a day.
So incorporate some of the nice spice into your daily diet!
I adore Cinnamon most around the winter months/the holidays, it just is such a beautiful scent!

Some GOOD Ways of Cinnamon Serving Ideas:
* Skip the flavored oatmeals/cereals/&pancakes and here's the healthy way, Add 1/2 to 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon to hot oatmeal or cold cereal, or a tablespoon to pancake batter. I love cinnamon most in oatmeal!
* Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon straight into your coffee, latte, or cappuccino.
* Sprinkle Cinnamon and drop a Cinnamon Stick and some honey into your morning drink, I love Warmed Almond Milk.
* Make a healthy vegetarian pumpkin pie from scratch and I like to add a little more than 1 teaspoon.
* Healthy Cinnamon Toast.. Drizzle Flax Seed Oil onto whole wheat toast and then sprinkle some cinnamon and drizzle some honey and enjoy!
* Cinnamon in beans like in your Burritos/Nachos are delicious!
* Skip the high sugared, high fat flavored yogurt and Stir 1/2 teaspoon into plain yogurt. Its healthy and so yummy!
* Spiced nuts are high in salt and mostly bad for you, so here's the healthy way. Coat 2 cups of raw nuts with a mix of 1/4 cup honey and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and roast at 350F for 15 minutes.
* Make a healthy dip for your veggies, Mix 1/2 teaspoon into 2 tablespoons peanut butter. :)
* I like to mix 3 - 6 dashes of Cinnamon into my morning smoothie. A hint of bliss!
* Add ground cinnamon while making curries.
* Toss 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon over broiled grapefruit or bananas.
* Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon over sweet potatoes or carrots.

So go get trying some of these ways of Cinnamon in your daily diet!

Stay Healthy..
xoxo
Simi

Nine Muses Releases New Super Pretty Sweet Spiced Music Video For “News”

2012-01-10T07:03:00.000-08:00

Hey Lovelies!
Kpop's Nine Muses is back and ready to get you talking with their new song, "News"
A glamorous music video about.. an idol was dating this guy, and he did something and they broke up. But then it comes out into the tabloids. So the break up, is 'News' and the 'News' prevents her from expressing her feelings.
It's a very catchy and truthful story.
Check out the music video below..

Source & Photo: Youtube.com

xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Red Velvet Thumbprints

2012-01-10T05:43:00.000-08:00

Hey Sprinkles!
Here is a recipe to check out called "Red Velvet Thumbprints" so cute and bite sized.
A lovely treat for a date night!

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
1:15 Hr:Mins
Makes
42 servings

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
4 teaspoons red food color
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 bag (11 oz) white vanilla baking chips (about 2 cups)

Heat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper.
In large bowl, beat butterand sugar with electric mixer on medium speed about 2 minutes or until creamy. Stir in egg, food coloring and vanilla until well blended. On low speed, beat in flour, cocoa and salt until blended.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. On cookie sheets, place balls 2 inches apart. Press thumb into center of each cookie to make indentation, but do not press all the way to the cookie sheet.
Bake 12 minutes or until set. Cool 2 minutes; quickly remake indentations with end of wooden spoon, if necessary. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 10 minutes.
In small microwavable bowl, microwave white baking chips uncovered on High 30 to 50 seconds, stirring once, until softened and chips can be stirred smooth. Spoon melted chips into resealable food-storage plastic bag; seal bag. Cut off tiny corner of bag. Twist bag above melted chips. Squeeze bag to fill each thumbprint cookie. Let stand until set.
Makes 42 servings (1 cookie)

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)Calories 130(Calories from Fat 60),Total Fat 7g(Saturated Fat 4 1/2g,Trans Fat 0g),Cholesterol 15mg;Sodium 70mg;Total Carbohydrate 15g(Dietary Fiber 0g,Sugars 9g),Protein 1g;
Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 2.00%;Vitamin C 0.00%;Calcium 0.00%;Iron 2.00%;Exchanges:1/2 Starch;0 Fruit;1/2 Other Carbohydrate;0 Skim Milk;0 Low-Fat Milk;0 Milk;0 Vegetable;0 Very Lean Meat;0 Lean Meat;0 High-Fat Meat;1 1/2 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:1;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

Clips/Previews Of Songs From Koda Kumi's New Album "Japonesque" Have Been Released

2012-01-09T20:09:00.000-08:00

Hey My Beautiful People!!
OMGAABC!
I'm so happy I cannot hardly type..
Clips/Previews Os Songs From Koda Kumi's New Album "Japonesque" Have Been Released!!
All my fellow Koda Kumi fans you'll be AMAZED from these clips, they all feature such fresh and super cool sounds paired with her sexy voice!
I love all the clips and I'm counting down the days till her full album is released!
Until then, I'll be replaying and replaying these clips! Won't you too? ;)
My top favorites are "So Nice FT. Mr. Blistah" SOUNDS SO SEXY AND like "Candy" or "Shake It" part #2 right? :) next favorite is "Boom Boom Boys" OMG love the couros hook its so catchy and H.O.T.!! next favorite is "Escalate" gets me moving! loving IT!
These top 3 favs are not measured by anything because I LOVE them ALL EQUALLY!
I'm so excited for this new album to be released by Koda Kumi on January 25th!!
Check out the clips/previews below and be sure to purchase a copy or two ;) or her album on it's release!

Koda Kumi - JAPONESQUE Previews (KLJames@AHS) by KaledKalil

Source: Soundcloud.com
Photo: Koda Kumi's Official Website http://rhythmzone.net/koda/index.html

xoxo
Simi

NS Yoon-G Releases Brand New Mini Album “Neo Spirit” TODAY! (Review)

2012-01-09T04:46:00.000-08:00

Hey Cupcakes!
It's the release day of Kpop's NS Yoon-G's first Mini Album titled Vol. 1 - "Neo Spirit".
I'M OBSESSED with her mini album and have been loving it in my workout playlist music!
It contains 5 songs a little of fast & slow songs, also has the instrumental version of "The Reason I Became A Witch" (LOVES IT!). A definite album to purchase asap!
My favorite song off the album is.. "The Reason I Became A Witch".
So be sure to check out her mew mini album "Neo Spirit".

xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Baked Apples with Cinnamon Roll Yogurt

2012-01-08T05:24:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone.. :)

Here is a recipe perfect for a lovely Sunday treat while watching the return of DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES!!! OMG I'M So SUPER excited and this treat is what will be lovely for my Sunday Desperate Housewives party!!

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Total Time

40 Minutes

Makes

8 servings

4 medium apples

1 container (6 oz) Yoplait® Light Thick & Creamy cinnamon roll yogurt

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

4 large marshmallows, cut in half

Heat oven to 400°F. Cut each apple in half lengthwise; scoop out seeds and cores.

Spoon about 1 tablespoon yogurt into each of the apple centers. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Place filled apples in ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish. Pour water into baking dish until half full.

Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until apples are tender. Set oven control to broil. Top each apple with marshmallow half. Broil apples with tops of marshmallows 4 to 6 inches from heat about 30 seconds or until marshmallows are golden brown. Serve warm.

Makes 8 servings

Nutrition Information:

1 Serving (1 Serving)Calories 80(Calories from Fat 0),Total Fat 0g(Saturated Fat 0g,Trans Fat 0g),Cholesterol 0mg;Sodium 15mg;Total Carbohydrate 18g(Dietary Fiber 2g,Sugars 13g),Protein 1g;

Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 2.00%;Vitamin C 4.00%;Calcium 4.00%;Iron 0.00%;Exchanges:0 Starch;0 Fruit;1 Other Carbohydrate;0 Skim Milk;0 Low-Fat Milk;0 Milk;0 Vegetable;0 Very Lean Meat;0 Lean Meat;0 High-Fat Meat;0 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:1;

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!

xoxo

Simi

Ask Simi: "What Is Your Top 3 Favorite Nail Polish Shades?"

2012-01-07T23:15:00.000-08:00

Hey Dolls!
I wanted to answer another one of your questions emailed to me recently.
I have been asked a-lot recently "What Is Your Top 3 Favorite Nail Polish Shades?".
So right now my top three favorite have got to be..
I always say a good red, minty green and light purple are one of the most best shades to have.
I love these choices I go for all the time! :)
* Nicole By O.P.I. - "Tinsel Tips" Stuck in the Chimney - my favorite! I adore this color its a very simple and sexy stunning red beautiful with all outfit choices! ADORE IT!
* Nicole By O.P.I. - "Justin Bieber Collection" My Life Safer - a gorgeous eye popping minty green like the lovely Tiffany & Co. logo, this color looks so nice on my skin color, its amazing!
* OPI - Rumple's Wiggin' - is a light, soft lilac purple creme nail polish color. From the OPI Shrek Forever After Collection, Summer 2010.

Hope you enjoyed reading my reply to your question also I included photos of the shades on me, and if you would like me to answer your question next all you have to do is email me your question to my fan email at:
simisodapopquestions@hotmail.com
Then, I reply to it in a "Ask Simi" post soon. :)

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

Bling Bling Bling - A Beauty & Fashion Look! By Simi

2012-01-07T21:55:00.000-08:00

Bling Bling Bling by simisodapop featuring crystal chandelier earrings

Hey Lovelies!
Here is a fashion post for you all today!
It's called "Bling Bling Bling" inspired by one of my most favorite songs by my favorite singer Koda Kumi!
It features white/diamond and gold tones with stunning red lips and pinky shimmery eyes and cheeks and a very simple and sexy black liquid eyeliner look!
Hope you like it!

xoxo
Simi

Post Game Coverage With Simi - NHL CANUCKS VS BRUINS JANUARY 7TH 2012

2012-01-07T13:25:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!
Was the Canucks Vs Bruins game amazing or what?!!
We did it my Canucks fans!
We got another crack at them and beat the Bruins 4 - 3 just moments ago in Boston!
It was one of the most anticipated matches on the NHL calendar which took place this morning where the Vancouver Canucks (25-13-3) made their first and only visit of the year to the TD Garden against the Boston Bruins (26-10-1) in a rematch of last season's Stanley Cup Final.
It sure lived up to all what was expected!
Here are the game recap..

GOAL SCORERS:
VAN: R. Kesler (PPG, 05:41 - 1st) , A. Burrows (PPG, 15:21 - 2nd) , H. Sedin (PPG, 19:47 - 2nd) , C. Hodgson (PPG, 01:09 - 3rd)
BOS: B. Marchand (14:57 - 1st) , R. Peverley (07:12 - 2nd) , D. Krejci (01:51 - 3rd)
GOALIES:
VAN: C. Schneider (W) BOS: T. Thomas (L)

Next game.. Monday @ 4:30pm at Florida Panthers..

Source & Photo's from www.Canucks.com

xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Pecans

2012-01-06T05:18:00.000-08:00

Hey Dolls.
Check out this recipe for a gorgeous cupcake called "Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Pecans".
Don't they look so pretty, and p.s. the cups are from reynolds.

Prep Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
1:30 Hr:Mins
Makes
18 cupcakes

2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® yellow cake mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box
2 containers (12 oz each) Betty Crocker® Whipped cream cheese frosting
1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

Heat oven to 350ºF. Place paper baking cup in each of 18 regular-size muffin cups. In small bowl, stir together sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
Make cake batter as directed on box. Fill muffin cups about 1/2 full. Spoon generous 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon sugar onto center of batter in each cup; top cinnamon sugar with the remaining batter divided evenly among cups. In each cup, swirl batter with toothpick to create a spiral effect.
Bake about 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
Place frosting in decorating bag fitted with round tip #20. Starting at outer edge of cupcakes, pipe frosting in spiral pattern, gradually elevating to a peak in center; garnish with pecans.
Makes 18 cupcakes

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
If you have only one pan and a recipe calls for more cupcakes than your pan will make, cover and refrigerate the rest of the batter while baking the first batch. Cool the pan about 15 minutes, then bake the rest of the batter, adding 1 to 2 minutes to the bake time.
If you do not have a decorating bag, you can use a resealable freezer or food-storage plastic bag. Simply snip a small opening at one bottom corner of the bag before piping frosting.
If you prefer, you can substitute any nut of your choice for the pecans or omit them altogether.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

Ask Simi: "What Is Your Favorite Eyeliner Style?"

2012-01-05T20:46:00.000-08:00

Hey Dolls!
I felt like answering another one of your questions emailed to me recently.
I have been asked multiple times "Simi, What Is Your Favorite Eyeliner Style?".
Well I used to love just a pencil, but then I tried gel and didn't find the right one, it was nice but I still kept on searching for a new love.. so then I tried a liquid eyeliner and have been obsessed ever since!
It really depends on what your looking for in your beauty look, the look I wear everyday just suits a liquid eyeliner best!
So thats my favorite! :)
Some info on each.. pencil is simple and quick mostly its your first eyeliner type (be sure to not tug on your eye lids it may cause premature wrinkles!).. and gel is good for thicker eyeliner styles and its silky and you can play around with the brush well, and liquid is just amazing for me and what I always recommend, it may take a few extra minutes but once you get the hang of it then it gets easy and the look and finish is incredible! I love it's long lasting finish! :D
Hope you enjoyed reading my reply to your question and if you would like me to answer your question next all you have to do is email me your question to my fan email at:
simisodapopquestions@hotmail.com
Then, I reply to it in a "Ask Simi" post soon. :)

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

NS Yoon-G Releases Music Video for "The Reason I Became a Witch"

2012-01-04T07:40:00.000-08:00

Hey Dolls!
NS Yoon-G (formerly known as NS Yoonji) is back with a sexy & fierce filled with rockin' fashion music video of her new single titled "The Reason I Became a Witch".
I'm obsessed with her new mini album and LOVE LOVE LOVE her new music video!
It's my favorite music video at the moment and her spunky solo comeback is sure to excite fans!

Check out the music video below & be sure to pick up a copy of her album on it's release day (January 9th 2012)!!

Source & Photo: Youtube.com

xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Mini Red Velvet Cheesecakes

2012-01-04T05:32:00.000-08:00

Hey Lovelies!
Hope your morning is going great!
Check out this recipe for "Mini Red Velvet Cheesecakes". So yummy and pretty fit for Dec/Jan/Feb my favorite months!

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
3:00 Hrs:Mins
Makes
16 servings

24 thin chocolate wafer cookies (from 9-oz package), crushed (1 1/4 cups)
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 packages (8 oz each) plus 4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 tablespoons red food color
3 eggs
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoon granulated or powdered sugar
Chocolate curls, if desired

Heat oven to 350°F. Place foil baking cup in each of 16 regular-size muffin cups. In small bowl, mix cookie crumbs and melted butter. Divide crumb mixture among cups. With back of spoon, firmly press cookie crumbs in bottom of each foil cup.
In large bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Gradually beat in 1 cup granulated sugar and the cocoa until fluffy. Beat in vanilla and food color. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until well blended. Divide batter evenly among baking cups (cups will be almost full).
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until centers are firm. Cool 15 minutes (cheesecake centers will sink while cooling). Refrigerate in baking cups at least 1 hour; cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour longer before serving.
In chilled small bowl, beat whipping cream and sugar with electric mixer on high speed until stiff. Spoon whipped cream on chilled cheesecakes. Just before serving, garnish with chocolate curls. Cover and refrigerate any remaining cheesecakes.
Makes 16 servings

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
Storage:
Cheesecake freezes beautifully! Wrap airtight and freeze up to 5 months. Thaw in the original wrapping in the fridge 2 to 4 hours.
Making Chocolate Curls:
Place a bar or block of chocolate on waxed paper. Make curls by pressing firmly against the chocolate and pulling a vegetable peeler toward you in long, thin strokes. Small curls can be made by using the side of the chocolate bar. Transfer each curl carefully with a toothpick to a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet or directly onto cheesecake. Don’t have time to make chocolate curls? Sprinkle whipped cream with baking cocoa.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)Calories 290(Calories from Fat 170),Total Fat 19g(Saturated Fat 11g,Trans Fat 1/2g),Cholesterol 95mg;Sodium 210mg;Total Carbohydrate 23g(Dietary Fiber 0g,Sugars 18g),Protein 4g;
Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 15.00%;Vitamin C 0.00%;Calcium 6.00%;Iron 4.00%;Exchanges:1/2 Starch;0 Fruit;1/2 Other Carbohydrate;0 Skim Milk;0 Low-Fat Milk;1/2 Milk;0 Vegetable;0 Very Lean Meat;0 Lean Meat;0 High-Fat Meat;3 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:1 1/2;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

Ms. Gingerbread - A Beauty & Fashion Look! By Simi

2012-01-03T03:26:00.000-08:00

Ms. Gingerbread by simisodapop featuring a crew neck shirt

Hey Dolls!
Here is a fashion post for you all today!
It's called "Ms. Gingerbread" inspired by one of my most favorite holiday treats! Gingerbread men!!
It features warm and yummy color tones, perfect for the winter!
Hope you like it!

xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Mexican Hot Cocoa Cupcakes

2012-01-02T05:29:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!
A nice recipe today called "Mexican Hot Cocoa Cupcakes"
Check it out below..

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
1:10 Hr:Mins
Makes
24 cupcakes

1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® devil’s food cake mix
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/4 cups milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs
1 container Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting
Additional ground cinnamon for garnish

Heat oven as directed on box. Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.
In large bowl, beat cake mix, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, the milk, oil, vanilla and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on high speed 2 minutes. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake cupcakes and cool completely as directed on box.
Frost cooled cupcakes with vanilla frosting. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon.
Makes 24 cupcakes

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
Spice things up by stirring 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne) into the vanilla frosting.
For even more pizzazz, top cupcakes with red pepper flakes, cinnamon candies or chocolate shavings.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

CONTEST/GIVEAWAY- Frosted Sweetness! Goody Gift Bag 2012!

2012-01-01T10:28:00.000-08:00

Hey Gorgeous Readers!
It's a beautiful Sunday morning and I hope your January fresh new year is going fabulous so far.
It's time to host my Monthly Goody Gift Bag Contest/Giveaway again.
The first one of the 2012 year,
With little goodies that I love & purchase some extra for you guys too because I think you may love them too.
Just to say how much I appreciate you all for reading my site and loving it!
I would like to call this month's Goody Gift Bag:
Frosted Sweetness! Goody Gift Bag 2012!
I thought of this month's prize to be filled with my most favorite January goodies.

The items in this months giveaway are:
Koda Kumi - JAPONESQUE (ALBUM+2DVD)(Japan Version)
Koda Kumi - LIVE TOUR 2011 - Dejavu - [Blu-ray] (Japan Version)
GUESS - BELLA BEAR NECKLACE
China Glaze - Let It Snow Nail Polish Holiday Gift Set

I went out and purchased all the items as usual with my own money!
The approximate value of this months prize is:
$260 Dollars Canadian

I hope you all enjoy entering this months Contest/Giveaway & be sure to tell your friends and family to enter too!
Remember ONE CONTEST ENTRY PER PERSON!

& Here are all the DETAILS ON HOW TO ENTER!

The Giveaway: One of my readers will win the
"Frosted Sweetness! Goody Gift Bag 2012!"
Main Entry: Enter at this form here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFVnMW4tY1JuTEFuS1hROEhBTjg5dWc6MQ

How many times can i enter?
ONE Entry PER PERSON!
Fill out the form with your details and be sure to keep up with my site for more fun contests! :)

Who can enter? - Open to US/Canada & International Residents!
As I host all my "Goody Gift Bag" Contest/Giveaway's.. I love to make it worldwide available so ALL MY READERS CAN ENTER!

The Contest/Giveaway will end on:
- January 21st 2012 -

FTC Disclaimer:
I purchased all products listed in this post with my my own money.
I host these contest/giveaway's FULLY on my own & LOVE sharing my top
favorite products with you.
All opinions are my own.

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T05:01:00.000-08:00

Hey EVERYONE!!
Yay it’s 2012!! Happy New Year!
I hope everyones night was filled with tons of fun!
I had a fantastic time at Times Square with my family to witness the LOVELY LADY GAGA perform and do the final countdown. I had a amazing time and I'm so excited for all my plans in 2012.
I wish you all the best of luck in the New Year and I hope life brings you many new and wonderful things in this new year!

P.S. Did you get a New Year's kiss?!! I did! ;)

XOXO
Simi

Make Those New Year's Resolutions! Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T13:22:00.000-08:00

Hey Lovelies.
Happy almost New Year everyone!
2011 has flown by so fast but lovely,
I have been thinking of my new year's resolutions and have so many plans for 2012 and thought I should wish you all a happy holidays and a happy new year!
I have been so blessed with all you amazing readers.
I thank you all for your kind and sweet messages. I try to read each and every one of them.
They truly brighten my day any time!
Keep in touch & see you in the next post in 2012!!

XOXO XOXO XOXO
Simi

5 Juicy Questions For... Alex O'Loughlin

2011-12-30T23:36:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!
My fellow Hawaii Five-0 fans & Alex O'Loughlin fans, I have the scan and interview of him in the new issue of Womens Health Magazine.
Thought the questions and his answers were cute so I wanted to share this with you.
Enjoy!! :)

--- --- ---

5 Juicy Questions for Alex O'Loughlin
The Hawaii Five-0 star gives the details

1. Since your job is very physical, how do you chill out?
I live in Hawaii, and the trails and mountains here are just magic. Surfing and trail running chill me out. I like reading too. And playing my guitar—I wish I were better.

2. Finish this sentence: A woman looks hottest in…
A sarong and my T-shirt—that's pretty good. But I love her dressed to the nines too. Guys want to see the diversity of beauty.

3. What would you consider to be the secret to a successful relationship?
(Laughs) I was hoping you were going to give me some tips! OK, look, it's so cliche, but it's true: honesty and communication. And a good sex life.

4. What still boggles your mind about women?
There have been many times when I thought I was having a logical discussion with a woman, and then I'm left sitting alone, confused, trying to recount how it went down. You guys are so much smarter than we are.

5. You just won yourself even more female admirers. How do you know when you're really into a woman?
When I am really into a woman, the way I look at other women changes. The other women on the planet kind of fade away. And the majority of my energy goes to that person. I'm a very attentive lover.

Fast Talk

Shower song?
All my songs are shower songs. I have a terrible voice. But I'd say "Johnny B. Goode."

Boobs or butt?
Both.

Ideal superpower?
Flying.

Pet peeve?
When people drink the milk and don't buy new milk.

What do you sleep in?
Nothing.

Source: http://www.womenshealthmag.com
Photo: http://www.alexoloughlin.org/

xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Hot Cocoa Mousse

2011-12-29T05:46:00.000-08:00

Hey Pretty People!
Here is a recipe called "Hot Cocoa Mousse". I adore treats like these and this is one of the most yummiest treats ever! Check out how to make it below..

A fun twist on a traditional hot chocolate. This Hot Cocoa Mousse is an elegant looking dessert that is incredibly simple to make. Serve in coffee cups for an adorable presentation.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
Makes
8 servings

1 pint (2 cups) heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 packages (1.25 oz each) instant hot cocoa mix
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
Whipped cream, if desired
Ground cinnamon, if desired

In medium bowl, beat whipping cream with electric mixer on high speed until cream begins to thicken.
On medium speed, beat in powdered sugar and cocoa mix until blended. Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and the vanilla; beat on high speed until soft peaks form.
Spoon mousse into individual dessert dishes. Garnish with whipped cream; sprinkle with cinnamon. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Makes 8 servings

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
Serve this hot cocoa mousse in small coffee cups. The presentation is adorable, and looks just like a cup of hot cocoa.
Change up your mousse by using different varieties of hot cocoa mix—milk chocolate, dark chocolate, mint—all would be delicious.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Healthier Banana Nut Muffins

2011-12-27T05:43:00.000-08:00

Hey Dolls!
Check out how to make "Healthier Banana Nut Muffins" with this recipe below.
SO yummy!

Learn to make this recipe with our how-to article.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
Makes
18 muffins

Muffins:
1 very ripe avocado
2 eggs
1 box (15.5 oz) Betty Crocker® banana nut muffin mix
3/4 cup milk

Icing:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 to 4 tablespoons milk

Heat oven to 350°F. Place paper cupcake wrapper or baking cup in each of 18 regular-size muffin cups.
Cut avocado in half; remove pit. Scoop avocado flesh into large bowl; beat until completely pureed. Add eggs; beat until well mixed. Add muffin mix and 3/4 cup milk; mix until smooth batter forms. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
Bake 18 to 20 minutes or just until muffins spring back when lightly touched in center.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, beat powdered sugar, melted butter, almond extract and 2 tablespoons of the milk with whisk until icing is smooth and runny. If necessary, add additional milk by half tablespoons until perfect drizzling consistency.
Remove muffins from muffin cups; place on cooling rack. Drizzle icing over warm muffins. Serve warm.
Makes 18 muffins

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
Fruity Patootie:
Try adding a cup of fresh raspberries or blueberries to the batter to boost the flavor and health value of these muffins.
Top It!:
If you don't want to frost your batch of muffins, try sprinkling the tops of each muffin with a little cinnamon and sugar before baking.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

Candy Cane Lane - A Beauty & Fashion Look! By Simi

2011-12-25T10:31:00.000-08:00

Candy Cane Lane by simisodapop featuring bloomingdales jewelry

Hey Lovelies!
Merry Christmas!
I felt like making a beauty & fashion post today.
So here it is!
It's called "Candy Cane Lane" inspired by a christmas special I was just watching with my mom!
It showed some beautiful christmas lights on gorgeous homes! It was truly amazing!
So I wanted to make a post featuring some of the main colors of the holidays red and white. As I did green, orange and chocolate brown yesterday. I thought todays would be super fun for you all!
Totally going to be wearing this today!! :)
Hope you like it!

xoxo
Simi

Wishing You A Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T10:06:00.000-08:00

Hey my pretty people!

I wanted to wish all you a Merry Christmas to all those of you who are celebrating today and happy holidays to all!

I'm busy baking & cooking up a storm and celebrating this beautiful holidays with my family.

I'm so excited for this years festivities I have planned, also for my new years eve I'm so excited my friends and family and I will be seeing Lady Gaga and more perform at Times Square in New York!

I'm so excited to see what she what she has planned!!

It's a lovely Christmas today and going to be a gorgeous New Years Eve !

I hope all of you are enjoying this festive season and I wish your day is filled with tons of fun and warmness!

xoxo

Simi

What I Love: Dark Chocolate Mousse

2011-12-25T05:39:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!
It's Christmas and I wanted to post a recipe that's lovely for today!
Dark Chocolate Mousse is a amazing treat to eat while opening gifts with your family.
So check out the recipe below..

Create a deep, dark chocolate mousse in just 15 minutes using Greek yogurt and five other ingredients.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
Makes
6 servings

1 1/2 cups skim milk
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1 box (4-serving size) chocolate instant pudding and pie filling mix
1 container (6 oz) Yoplait® Greek Fat Free honey vanilla yogurt
1 1/2 cups frozen (thawed) reduced-fat whipped topping
1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries

In small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of the milk and the chocolate chips. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended.
In medium bowl, combine remaining 1 1/4 cups milk and pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk for 1 to 2 minutes or until mixture is well blended and thickened; stir in yogurt.
Blend melted chocolate into pudding mixture; fold in whipped topping. Spoon into individual dessert dishes. Top each serving with additional whipped topping and raspberries. Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving time. Store covered in refrigerator.
Makes 6 servings (1/2 cup each)

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
Substitution:
You can use strawberries to top this tasty dessert instead of the raspberries, if you like.
Make-Ahead:
Spoon pudding into individual serving dishes; cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Top with the whipped topping and raspberries just before serving.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)Calories 250(Calories from Fat 80),Total Fat 8g(Saturated Fat 6g,Trans Fat 0g),Cholesterol 0mg;Sodium 280mg;Total Carbohydrate 37g(Dietary Fiber 4g,Sugars 27g),Protein 6g;
Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 6.00%;Vitamin C 15.00%;Calcium 15.00%;Iron 8.00%;Exchanges:0 Starch;1/2 Fruit;2 Other Carbohydrate;0 Skim Milk;0 Low-Fat Milk;0 Milk;0 Vegetable;0 Very Lean Meat;0 Lean Meat;1 High-Fat Meat;0 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:2 1/2;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

Minty Orange Dream - A Beauty & Fashion Look! By Simi

2011-12-23T10:32:00.000-08:00

Minty Orange Dream by simisodapop featuring leather tote bags

Hey Pretty People!
Happy Christmas Eve's Eve. :)
I felt like making a beauty & fashion post today for the 23rd.
So here it is! I call it "Minty Orange Dream" as heavily inspired by my famously festive delicious hot chocolate, I love the minty chocolate taste and yummy fresh orange zest! sooo good! :)
This look is perfect for the days leading up to christmas as its so festive and pretty!
Hope you like it!

xoxo
Simi

The Holly Jolly Holiday Tag

2011-12-23T05:50:00.000-08:00

Hey Lovelies!

Yay! It's Christmas Eve's Eve! I love the 23rd! All the last minute rushing around before the big day, cooking and baking up a storm, and hanging out with your family while listening to christmas music and watching christmas movies around the fireplace. I adore it all.

I wanted to do "The Holly Jolly Holiday Tag" that is going around the internet.

So here are the 20 questions and my 20 answers, hope you enjoy it!

1. Favorite Christmas Movie?
* How the Grinch Stole Christmas & Home Alone & Christmas with the Kranks would be my favorites! I also really love The National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.
2. Are you on the Naughty list or the Nice list?
* I'm on the nice list for sure!
3. Show us an embarrassing Christmas Card photo! (WE KNOW YOU HAVE ONE OK)
* I actually dont have a embarissing one, I like each and every christmas photo for a special reason. :)
4. Have you ever had a White Christmas?
* YES! I mostly do get a white christmas, I hope it snows this christmas! As I remember last years was so gorgeous!
5. Where do you usually spend your holiday?
* At my famliy's house with my family! :)
6. Play or Sing your favorite Christmas Song!
* 'Cause I just want you here tonight.. Holding on to me so tight.. What more can I do.. Baby all I want for Christmas is you.. Ooh baby All the lights are shining So brightly everywhere And the sound of children's Laughter fills the air And everyone is singing I hear those sleigh bells ringing Santa won't you bring me the one I really need Won't you please bring my baby to me... <3 Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas" is my ALL TIME favorite Christmas song, it just brings back the best memories! SO LOVELY! Also Britney Spears "My Only Wish (This Year) is a really sweet christmas song! and Christina Aguilera "This Christmas" is a lovely song. Also Justin Bieber's "Mistletoe" & Michael Buble "Cold December Night" seems to be 2 favorites this year too! Some Christmas tunes I also like are Hilary Duff''s Christmas Album.
7. Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?
* Yes in my family we open one present each on christmas eve. It's mostly some pj's or holiday mug or Christmas CD/Movie/Game, something that we can use for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning!
8. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
* YES! Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen. and MY FAVORITE RUDOLF! ;)
9. What holiday tradition are you looking forward to most this year?
* Holiday BAKING & COOKING! I'm a lover of baking especially for the holidays! Its just so lovely and festive!
10. Is your Christmas tree real or fake?
* My Christmas trees are fake. So much easier, they are perfect and only missing the "tree smell" but I have candles for that! :)
11. Hands down, what's your all-time favorite holiday food and holiday sweet treat?
* Holiday food, would be vegetarian lasagna with cheesy baked potato and vegetarian gravy. Ooo I also adore Roasted Holiday Peppers, and for holiday treats I love Shortbread & Gingerbread Cookies and Chocolate Cupcakes with White Chocolate Center & White Chocolate Peppermint Icing, and I love Hot Chocolates and Mochas too! (some recipes from me are on another post!)
12. Be Honest: do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better?
* I LOVE receiving gifts, because it's such a fun surprise to see what your loved ones bought for you. But I really do love going shopping and picking up items for my friends and family. It can be a little tricky sometimes to really search for the perfect items for my loved ones, but in the end their reaction to their gifts are totally worth all the tricky-ness!
13. Show us your tackiest Christmas attire (ex: Ugly Sweater)
* I don't have any tacky christmas sweaters but I totally wanted to have a "Ugly Christmas Sweaters Party" this year, but I already had a few Christmas parties, I ran out of time, but I do own some cute christmas light up necklaces and earrings. :)
14. What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?
Paris & Italy is lovely during the holidays, or somewhere nice and snowy like the mountains.. :)
15. Does your family have a special holiday recipe you like to help make?
* Vegetarian Lasagna is my specialty, I make a fab one! But my family all likes to bake together! Gingerbread Cookies and Cupcakes and Pies are our favorite!
16. Are you a pro-present wrapper, or do you fail miserably?
* PRO-Present Wrapper for sure! I ADORE wrapping presents and their are so many styles of wrapping and decoration, its all my favorite thing! I love it.
17. Most memorable Holiday moment?
* Probably any christmas eve's eve and christmas eve and christmas day!
I just love all those days and to choose one would be so hard.
18. What made you realize the truth about Santa?
* What? I don't really get this question! :)
19. Do you make New Years Resolutions? Do you stick to them?
* Yes and Kind of.. I'd say 75% I stick with, 25% I change a bit.
20. What makes the Holidays special for you?
* Having a wonderful Family & Friends! and being blessed with a lovely life! Thank you.

xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Sriracha Veggie-Cheese Balls and Sauce

2011-12-23T05:11:00.000-08:00

Hey Lovelies!
Here is a Veggie & Cheesy appetizer recipe perfect for your holiday parties!
Check it out below..

Looking for wonderful appetizers made using Original Bisquick® mix and Green Giant® frozen broccoli? Then check out these baked cheese balls served with sauce - perfect if you love Thai cuisine.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
Makes
25 Servings

Veggie-Cheese Balls:
2 cups Green Giant® frozen chopped broccoli, thawed, squeezed to drain
2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese blend (8 oz)
1 cup Original Bisquick® mix
1 egg
1 tablespoon finely chopped red bell pepper
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce

Dipping Sauce:
1/2 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons sriracha sauce
2 tablespoons sliced green onions (2 medium)
2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray or grease bottom and sides of 15x10x1-inch pan.
In large bowl, stir together veggie-cheese ball ingredients. Slightly wet hands with water for easier rolling; shape mixture into 1-inch balls; place on pan.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix dipping sauce ingredients.
Immediately remove balls from pan. Serve warm with sauce for dipping.
Makes 25 Servings

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
Do-Ahead:
•Cover and refrigerate unbaked balls up to 24 hours. Bake as directed. •Cover and freeze unbaked balls up to 1 month. Heat oven to 350°F. Place frozen balls on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until brown. •Bake as directed; cover and freeze up to 1 month. Heat oven to 350°F. Place frozen balls on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until heated through. •Bake as directed; cover and freeze up to 1 month. Place 6 frozen balls on microwavable plate. Loosely cover with waxed paper. Microwave on High 45 seconds to 1 minute or until heated through.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Veggie Ball)Calories 70(Calories from Fat 40),Total Fat 4 1/2g(Saturated Fat 2 1/2g,Trans Fat 0g),Cholesterol 20mg;Sodium 170mg;Total Carbohydrate 4g(Dietary Fiber 0g,Sugars 0g),Protein 3g;
Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 4.00%;Vitamin C 4.00%;Calcium 8.00%;Iron 0.00%;Exchanges:1/2 Starch;0 Fruit;0 Other Carbohydrate;0 Skim Milk;0 Low-Fat Milk;0 Milk;0 Vegetable;0 Very Lean Meat;0 Lean Meat;0 High-Fat Meat;1 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:0;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

AFTER SCHOOL Releases New Music Video For New Single "Rambling Girls”

2011-12-23T00:20:00.000-08:00

Hey Beauties!
The full music video for Kpop "After School"'s new Japanese single "Rambling Girls" is finally released!
In "Rambling Girls" the girls perform a eye catching sweet n' soft dance, with cute and pretty space like slivery dresses. I love the song and music video also the dance is very addictive!! This will be one of my most played songs for the holidays/winter! :)
Can't wait to hear more new tunes from "After School" soon.

Check out the music video below..

Source & Photo From: Youtube.com

xoxo
Simi

Whole Foods Shopping and Cooking Up A Holiday/Winter Dinner (Ideas and Recipes By Simi)

2011-12-22T07:23:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!
It's the gorgeous Holidays.. my favorite time of the year.. huge family and friends gatherings, yummy food and beautiful winter happiness feeling, and I was thinking to create some dinner ideas for you to share with your family & friends during your holiday dinner & winter gatherings.
I call it "Whole Foods Shopping and Cooking Up A Holiday/Winter Dinner (Ideas and Recipes By Simi)".
Growing up, I have been to many holiday parties and they all served so much meat products, but being a vegetarian it was a bit tricky for vegetarian options, now I'm all about hosting gatherings for the holidays fit well for both meat eaters and vegetarians. Also I know I adore children but also know how picky they can be around the dinner table so, all these meal options are ALL CHILDREN approved! :)
I took to shopping at my favorite grocery store.. Whole Foods. Because it has all the ingredients and products that I love and adore. I also really adore their beautiful selection of decorations and random items for my parties. I like their instore setup of how easy it is to shop around and browse though their lovely products available.
I have 12 ideas and recipes by me Simi! to share with you all today, filled with gorgeous products all available at Whole Foods. Also because I do love beauty products too! I picked up a yummy holiday scented beauty product item that you all will adore. :)
I hope you enjoy reading and it inspires you to check out your local Whole Foods and the wonderful holiday/winter products they have to offer.

1. White Kisses Peppermint Mocha
(a addictive drink that gets you into the Winter Wonderland spirit)

* 3/4 Cup of Freshly Brewed Allegro Coffee "Celebration Caffe Vintage 2011"
* 1/4 Cup of 365 Whole Foods 2% Partly Skimmed Organic Milk
* 2 Drops of Simply Organic Peppermint Flavor
* 2 Pieces of Green & Blacks White Chocolate
* Dollop some "Isigny Ste Mere Creme a la Vanilla de Madagascar Whipped Cream" in a beautiful spin around
* Then finish off with some shavings of Chocolate from Green & Blacks Bars (White + Mint).

2. Minty Orange Dream Hot Chocolate
(mint and orange goes so well together, I adore this yummy-full drink)

* 1 Cup of Warmed up Milk (I used Whole Foods 365 Brand 2% Partly Skimmed Organic Milk)
* 2 Heaping teaspoons of Silly Cow Farms Hot Chocolate Mix in flavor "Chocolate"
* 2 Drops of Simply Organic Orange Flavor
* 2 Pieces of Green & Blacks Mint Chocolate
* Dollop some "Isigny Ste Mere Creme a la Vanilla de Madagascar Whipped Cream" in a beautiful spin around
* Then finish off with some Mint Chocolate Chips and Zest of Fresh Orange.

3. Let It Snow Spiced Hot Chocolate
(a very snowy winter feel, perfect for sitting by the window on a cold snowy day!)

* 1 Cup of Warmed up Milk (I used Whole Foods 365 Brand 2% Partly Skimmed Organic Milk)

* 2 Heaping teaspoons of Silly Cow Farms Hot Chocolate Mix in flavor "Marshmallow Swirl"

* 2 Drops of Simply Organic Vanilla Extract

* 2 Pieces of Green & Blacks White Chocolate

* 1 Teaspoon Of Frontier Cocoa Powder

* Dollop some "Isigny Ste Mere Creme a la Vanilla de Madagascar Whipped Cream" in a beautiful spin around

* Dust with some "Frontier All Spice Powder" and "Frontier Cinnamon Powder"

* Then finish off with some White Chocolate Chips

* And for a pretty decoration add a "Frontier Natural Product Co-op" cinnamon stick on the side of the whipped cream.

4. Chocolate Cupcakes with White Chocolate Center & White Chocolate Peppermint Icing
(so moist and addictive! no eggs too, I love these!)

* 2 - 1/2 Cups Whole Foods 365 Brand All Purpose Flour

* 1 Cup Water

* 1 Cup Packed "Wholesome Sweeteners" Brown Sugar

* 1/3 Cup Ghirardelli Cocoa

* 2 Teaspoons Whole Foods 365 Baking Soda

* 1 Teaspoon Salt

* For "2 Eggs" I used 2 Teaspoons of "Orgran Gluten Free No Egg" with 4 Tablespoons of water (mix them together well before adding in mixture)

* 1/2 Stick "Lactantia" Butter, Softened

* 1 - 1/2 Teaspoon Simply Organic Vanilla Extract

* Then once poured into the baking cups put, 1 Lindt White Chocolate Ball in each middle of Cupcake.

Cook for 18 - 23 minutes checking carefully and test with a toothpick to insure fully cooked and then take out from oven and let sit for 15minutes and you can start on the "White Chocolate Icing".

White Chocolate Icing:
* White Chocolate (I like Green & Blacks White Chocolate!), melted on stovetop for a couple minutes on very low, do not burn!
* then take off burner and add 3 drops of Simply Organic Vanilla Extract to Melted White Chocolate, then decorate cupcakes! add some crushed peppermint candy canes for a festive fun look! :)

5. Gingerbread Men & Friends
(sooo good with a drink from one of my three recipes above!)

* 1/2 "Lactantia" Butter, Softened

* 1/2 Cup "Wholesome Sweeteners" Brown Sugar

* 1/2 Cup "Wholesome Sweeteners" Molasses

* 1/3 Cup Water

* 3 + 1/2 Cup Whole Foods 365 All Purpose Flour

* 2 Teaspoons Whole Foods 365 Baking Soda

* 2 Teaspoons "Gathering Place" Ground Ginger

* 1/2 Teaspoon "Olive Grand" Ground All Spice

* 1/2 Teaspoon Frontier Ground Cinnamon

* 1/4 Simply Organic Ground Cloves

* 1/4 Teaspoon Salt

(I love them plain just without any icing and such dunked into a hot chocolate or warm drink, but also sometimes I do enjoy a little white chocolate icing on top of them!)

6. Chocolate Banana Bread
(a treat that everyone is sure to love!)

* 2 Cups Whole Foods 365 Brand All Purpose Flour
* 1/4 Cup Whole Foods 365 Organic 2% Partly Skimmed Milk
* 1/2 Cup Butter Softened
* 1/3 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
* 2 "Eggs" is equal to I used 2 Teaspoons of "Orgran Gluten Free No Egg" with 4 Tablespoons of water (mix them together well before adding in mixture)
* 1/2 Cup Mashed Ripe Bananas
* 2 Tablespoons of Unsweetened Applesauce
* 1/2 Teaspoon Simply Organic Vanilla Extract
* 1 cup (250 mL) Chocolate Chips
* 1/2 Teaspoon Whole Foods 365 Brand Baking Soda
* Pinch of Salt, Cinnamon, & Nutmeg

In large bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and spices; add chocolate chips. In separate bowl, whisk together bananas, butter, milk, applesauce, vanilla extract and egg replacer mixture; pour over flour mixture and stir just until blended. Spread in greased loaf pan.
Bake in centre of 350°F (180°C) oven for 25- 35 minutes or until cake tester inserted in centre comes out clean. Let cool in pan on rack for 15 minutes. Turn out onto rack; let cool completely.

For a pretty topping Dollop some "Isigny Ste Mere Creme a la Vanilla de Madagascar Whipped Cream" in a beautiful spin around and sprinkle some white and mint chocolate chips around & add some festively yummy, "Divine" Chocolate in their limited edition bar "Milk Chocolate with Spiced Cookies". = YUM!

7. Vegetarian Lasagna & Cheesy Baked Potato with Vegetarian Gravy & Green Beans
(both vegetarians and non vegetarians will gobble this dish up like there's no tomorrow! :)

Vegetarian Lasagna:
* Box of Tinkyada Rice Lasagna Pasta

* 1 Tin of Crushed Tomatoes (Makes it nice and thick!)

* Half a tin of Canned Tomato Sauce

* Veggies (Spinach Broccoli & Carrots)

* Marble Cheese on each layer + Sprinkled on top of Lasagna!

Bake for 45-minutes - 1hour and then let sit for 15minutes, then serve up!

Baked Potato with Vegetarian Gravy & Green Beans:
* Bake a Potato then serve with Cheese sprinkled on top (once popped back in oven for a minute of two) and then pour Vegetarian Gravy on top.

* Fried Onions, Garlic and Salt (Brown the onions so the gravy is more brown!)

* Whole Foods 365 Brand Flour

* Organic Valley Cream Cheese

* Pacific Foods Vegetable Broth

Dish up with a side of some freshly steamed Green Beans! mmm.. :)

8. Roasted Holiday Peppers with Tzatziki
(mmm.. very flavorful and colorful served with a fresh tzatziki, which finishes it beautifully!)

* Red & Green Peppers enough for one or two per guest at your party

* Fry up a vegetable mixture of your choice "Broccoli, Spinach, Brussels Sprouts, & Carrots

* Rice can be added too! though for this time I didn't use any rice

Bake in oven at 375F for 45min - 1hour (depending on pepper size). Then let sit for 5minutes before serving. Dish up with a side of freshly made Tzatziki.. (Organic Organic Yogurt, Garlic, and Shredded Cucumber & some freshly squeezed Lemon. I love Red & Green Roasted Peppers for the holidays, so very festive and tasty! "Roasted Holiday Peppers with Tzatziki" are everyones love!

9. Italian Creamy Pasta with Artisan Ciabatta Baguette
(so creamy and tasty and very italian!)

* Cook up "Rustichella D'abruzza "Fusilli Colbuco" Pasta

* Then when cooked drain pasta and put in some chopped garlic & some "Organic Valley Cream Cheese" also add..

* a bit of Whole Foods 365 Organic 2% Partly Skimmed Milk to make nice and creamy/milky cook for a few minutes till milk and cream cheese is nicely warmed up & creamy/milky.

Serve with some Steamed Broccoli & side of a few slices of Artisan Ciabatta Baguette from the "The Artisan Bake Shoppe".

10. Polenta topped with Avocado and Mozzarella Cheese and Garlic Bread
(I love love love polenta it so delicious with the avocado and cheese and garlic bread!)

* Bobs Red Mill Polenta (Cook up, follow directions on package)
* Add some Broccoli for Taste and top with some chopped Avocado and Sprinkle some L'Ancetre Mozzarella Cheese, serves well with a few slices of Garlic Bread, made with "The Artisan Bake Shoppe" Ciabatta Baguette & fresh garlic butter!

11. Focaccia Bread with Winter Soup & Havarti Cheese
(I adore soups, especially this winter soup, because of all the winter veggies and yummy brown lentils!)

* Focaccia Bread (Terra Bread Brand) + "Dofino Havarti Cheese"

* To make the winter soup bring to a boil

Pacific Foods Vegetable Broth and

your favorite winter veggies and spices, I love Carrots, Butternut Squash, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, Celery, Spinach, Onions, Parsley & Brown Lentils, also Spices to taste. Then cook till preferred taste and dish up with the Bread and Cheese! A perfect winter dish, will keep you warm on those cold wintery nights!

12. Hugo Naturals Artisan Soap "Peppermint"
(I have been loving Hugo Naturals soaps from a little while now and I really adore this holiday "Peppermint" scented soap. Its so super yummy!)

* Hugo Naturals - Artisan Soap "Peppermint" Scented. (This is my favorite soap at the moment and most favorite right now for the holidays!) Pick some Hugo Naturals Soaps and products up at your local Whole Foods Market! :)

Overall..
I hope you all enjoyed reading this post and I had so much fun doing it for you all.
Be sure to go to the WholeFoodsMarket.com site to see where nearest location is to you.
Whole Foods has a amazing selection of goodies for your holiday and winter parties,
They have a lovely selection of holiday decoration, bakery goodies, gifts, and many more treats!

For more detailed information of any of the ideas and recipes I posted or to ask me any questions about this post, be sure to email me at my fan mail email:
simisodapopquestions@hotmail.com
I always LOVE hearing from you! :)

I have been getting some very early requests to do some Valentines & Easter Drinks & Baking recipes and posts, I think thats a wonderful idea and I'll hopefully do that for you all in the next coming months in time for those lovely celebrations!
So be sure to be on the lookout for those posts in the early 2012 year! :)
But for now.. I hope you have a warm and lovely Holidays & New Years with your friends and family! & I'll talk to you soon!

FTC Disclaimer:
I'm working with Whole Foods on this lovely Holiday/Winter post, I put most of my own money into this purchase and post's ingredients from Whole Foods, They also sent me a small gift card to help a bit with the purchasing of the products. :)
I adore shopping at Whole Foods, I love to do all my big grocery shopping for all my holiday parties and such at Whole Foods, because they seem to have everything I like and need, It's a perfect one stop for all items shop.
Be sure to also check out their very nice selection of food gift baskets, to save some time for your party, also fruit, cheese and veggie platters, and gorgeous flower arrangements at: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/shop/index.php
& All ideas and recipes are FULLY MY OWN.
All Opinions are my own.

Happy Holidays!
xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Divine Caramel Sauce

2011-12-21T05:58:00.000-08:00

Hey Beauties!
I adore Caramel anytime of the year.. but ESPECIALLY around the holidays!
So here is a super yummy "Divine Caramel Sauce recipe perfect for the holidays. :)
It also goes really well with the recipe from Monday's post the "Gingerbread Pancakes".

Four ingredients and two steps is all you need to make this luscious caramel sauce that’s ready in 45 minutes - perfect homemade dessert topping.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
Makes About 2 1/2 cups sauce

1 cup light corn syrup
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 cup whipping (heavy) cream

In 2-quart saucepan, heat corn syrup, brown sugar and butter to boiling over low heat, stirring constantly. Boil 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in whipping cream; heat to boiling. Cool about 30 minutes. Serve warm. Store covered in refrigerator up to 2 months. Reheat slightly before serving if desired.
Makes About 2 1/2 cups sauce

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
Divine Toasted Pecan-Caramel Sauce: Add 1 cup chopped toasted pecans after cooling in step 2.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Tablespoon)Calories 80(Calories from Fat 30),Total Fat 3 1/2g(Saturated Fat 2g,Trans Fat 0g),Cholesterol 10mg;Sodium 25mg;Total Carbohydrate 13g(Dietary Fiber 0g,Sugars 10g),Protein 0g;
Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 2.00%;Vitamin C 0.00%;Calcium 0.00%;Iron 0.00%;Exchanges:0 Starch;0 Fruit;1 Other Carbohydrate;0 Skim Milk;0 Low-Fat Milk;0 Milk;0 Vegetable;0 Very Lean Meat;0 Lean Meat;0 High-Fat Meat;1/2 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:1;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

My Life: The Holidays

2011-12-19T12:17:00.000-08:00

Hey Dolls!
How is your December Month going so far? :)
I hope everyone is having a fun and festive filled lovely holidays!
It was my birthday party over the weekend and I had a WONDERFUL time.
I love to host my birthday parties each year in New York, its just such a gorgeous beautiful scenery for the holidays and I adore all the shopping there and it's nice to visit with friends and family back there.
So I'm only back in Vancouver for a few days to attend some Canucks games and then I have to fly back to NY for Christmas.. :)
Just wanted to check in with everyone and let you know in a couple of days i'll be posting a lovely holiday post titled "Whole Foods Shopping and Cooking Up A Holiday/Winter Dinner (Ideas and Recipes By Simi)". So keep your eyes open for that! :)
I hope you all have a gorgeous holidays and I wish you Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas & A Happy New Years!
I have to get back to wrapping presents and listening to holiday music!.. currently in the cd player.. Michael Buble's holiday album "Christmas"! I ADORE IT! :)

xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Gingerbread Pancakes

2011-12-19T05:19:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!
A perfect holiday pancake recipe is below, called "Gingerbread Pancakes".
Check it out..

Spice up your morning with pancakes flavored with rich apple butter, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
Makes
18 pancakes

2 1/2 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1 cup milk
3/4 cup apple butter
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 eggs

Heat griddle or skillet over medium-high heat or electric griddle to 375ºF; grease with cooking spray, vegetable oil or shortening. (Surface is ready when a few drops of water sprinkled on it dance and disappear.)
Stir all ingredients until blended. Spoon batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto hot griddle.
Cook until edges are dry. Turn; cook until brown.
Makes 18 pancakes

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
Serve With:
Crispy strips of turkey bacon or sausage links would make a nice accompaniment to these delicious hotcakes.
Special Touch:
Sprinkle these pancakes with chopped pecans, and serve with warm maple syrup.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)Calories 115 (Calories from Fat 45 ),Total Fat 5 g(Saturated Fat 1 g,Cholesterol 25 mg;Sodium 250 mg;Total Carbohydrate 17 g(Dietary Fiber 1 g,Protein 2 g;
Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 0.00%;Vitamin C 0.00%;Calcium 4.00%;Iron 4.00%;Exchanges:1 Starch;1 Fat;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

Google's "Let It Snow" Feature Makes A Pretty Internet Winter-Wonderland

2011-12-18T14:10:00.000-08:00

Hey Beauties!
My brother just told me about this super cute thing on google for the winter! :)
Go to google and type in "Let It Snow" and leave your page alone for just a minute, don't click anything and BOOM! SNOWFALL COMES DOWN! SO BEAUTIFUL AND PRETTY! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Then with your mouse you may write in the "snow!".
SO CUTE AND FESTIVE!
Look at my writing in the snow above. :)

Have FUN!
Happy Holidays!
xoxo
Simi

Smooch! XOXO - Into the Night with Armani Exchange - A Beauty & Fashion Look! By Simi

2011-12-18T13:06:00.000-08:00

Smooch! XOXO - Into the Night with Armani Exchange by simisodapop featuring a floral shawl

Hey Dolls!
Hope your Sunday is going fabulous!
I felt like making a beauty & fashion post today.
So here it is! I LOVE this look, I call it "Smooch! XOXO" as I was heavily inspired by the gorgeous glamourous Dior Flim/Ad & the very beautiful Marilyn Monroe and New Years Festivities!
This look is perfect for the holidays and it's black, gold and red and green colors are simply divine. :)
Totally going to be wearing this on New Years Eve!! ;)
Hope you like it!

xoxo
Simi

Entertainment: Dior J'Adore Film Stars Charlize Theron & Digitalized Hollywood Icons (NEW FILM/AD)

2011-12-18T09:32:00.001-08:00

Hey Dolls!
I've been seeing a ad so much on T.V. recently that I wanted to talk about!
I simply adore it, it the new commercial for "Dior J'Adore". It stars the very stunning Charlize Theron and features some stunning Digitalized Holywoods Icons. Longtime spokesmodel Charlize Theron has been with the French company Dior since 2004.
Seven years and one giant scandal later and Charlize is back for Dior with a new TV spot for the fragrance. The simply stunningly elegant glittery ad features a very captivating Charlize alongside Grace Kelly, Marlene Dietrich and my favorite the AMAZINGLY GORGEOUS Marilyn Monroe, digitized back to reality. WOW when I first saw this ad, I was like "HEY OMG! THAT'S GRACE KELLY, Marlene Dietrich & the oh! so gorgeous MARILYN Monroe.. how did they do that?!! Ha I was so surprised and happy to see all these elegantly gorgeous wonderful women on tv again!
This is such a gorgeous original commercial. I love the idea!
If you listen closely, you'll even hear Marilyn Monroe say "Dior" while holding the bottle of fragrance!I love DIOR for doing this.. and celebrating their beauty in a true high end beauty/ fashion commercial it's so cool too see, they did such a amazing job on it! I love at the end you can see all the women in a line together in the back while Charlize heads out on stage to walk the runway in her beautiful gold Dior Gown.. :)
In true French fashion, the video was View the new J'adore movie now, filmed exclusively in the 'Galerie des Glaces' at the 'Château de Versailles'.
Directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud
Starring Charlize Theron & Hollywood Icons
Music : Heavy cross by Gossip (Everything is So LOVELY about this ad!)
I have been so obsessed with the commercial and the song that can be heard in it.. <3 It!
This is simply the most gorgeous & glamourous ad ever featuring all my favorites! Adore IT!

Be sure to check it out if you haven't seen it yet!..

& Here is the song in the video called "Heavy cross" by Gossip

Photo: Youtube.com

Enjoy!
Happy Holidays!
xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Gingerbread Cookie Cocktail

2011-12-17T05:10:00.000-08:00

Hey Dolls!
I absouletly adore gingerbread.
So here is a recipe for a "Gingerbread Cookie Cocktail".
Sounds yummy right? :)
Well you can also minus the alcohol ingredients in it and it still tastes amazing. That is the way I actually only drink it! :) I add Almond Milk/Coconut Milk instead of the Vodka, and instead of Chocolate liqueur I add a touch of chocolate shavings. :)
Check out the recipe below..

The Betty 10 Big Hot Holiday Trends! Share these trends and recipes with your friends.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
1:10 Hr:Mins Makes
1 cocktail

Gingerbread Simple Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons mild-flavor molasses
1-inch piece fresh gingerroot, peeled, sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cloves
Gingerbread Cookie Cocktail
Orange wedge
Brown sugar
1 oz Gingerbread Simple Syrup (2 tablespoons)
1 oz vanilla vodka (2 tablespoons) (I add Almond or Coconut Milk!)
1 oz half-and-half (2 tablespoons)
1/2 oz coffee liqueur (1 tablespoon) (I add a touch of chocolate shavings instead!)

1. To make Gingerbread Simple Syrup, mix sugar, water, molasses, gingerroot, cinnamon sticks and cloves in 1-quart saucepan. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; set aside 1 hour to cool. Strain syrup into glass jar; discard spices. Cover jar, and refrigerate until needed. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.
2. To prepare cocktail, moisten rim of chilled martini glass with orange wedge. Sprinkle brown sugar onto small plate, and dip moistened rim into the sugar to coat lightly. Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Add 1 ounce of the gingerbread simple syrup, the vodka, half-and-half and coffee liqueur; cover and shake. Strain into martini glass.
Makes 1 cocktail (1/2 cup)

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Cocktail)Calories 210(Calories from Fat 30),Total Fat 3 1/2g(Saturated Fat 2g,Trans Fat 0g),Cholesterol 10mg;Sodium 15mg;Total Carbohydrate 27g(Dietary Fiber 0g,Sugars 26g),Protein 1g;
Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 2.00%;Vitamin C 0.00%;Calcium 4.00%;Iron 0.00%;Exchanges:0 Starch;0 Fruit;0 Other Carbohydrate;0 Skim Milk;0 Low-Fat Milk;0 Milk;0 Vegetable;0 Very Lean Meat;0 Lean Meat;0 High-Fat Meat;0 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:2;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

My Favorites: Fragrances/Perfumes Of Winter

2011-12-16T06:47:00.000-08:00

Hey Pretty Readers!
I wanted to make a post and share "My Favorites: Fragrances/Perfumes Of Winter".
So I have five to share and here they are!

*Midnight Fantasy by Britney Spears (A gorgeous sexy warm and yummy-full fragrance, one of my all time top favorites.. Luscious seductive fruity floral with gorgeous warm tone too, plus the bottle is so pretty!)
* Paris Hilton by Paris Hilton (The very first Paris Hilton fragrance release, a very fresh and sophisticated light fruit and floral scent. Adore this one!)
* Just Me by Paris Hilton (So AMAZING, my all time favorite fragrance, scent is gorgeous and I just love the warm sexy vanilla white rose raspberry and light floral scent.)
* Fairy Dust by Paris Hilton -(A more heaver scent filled with beautiful floral tones.)
* Dream Angels Heavenly by Victorias Secret (The name really fits the fragrance so well, its a very soft fresh light and romantic sweet scent, so heavenly!)

Hope you enjoyed reading this post and might be inspired by the fragrances, and put one or two on your Christmas Wish List! :)

Happy Holidays!
xoxo
Simi

Koda Kumi Confirms Her Pregnancy!

2011-12-16T03:40:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

It's official!

My favorite & most adored Singer Japan's gorgeous Koda Kumi,

has made it official on her site that she is expecting her first child!

So happy for Kumi! <333 :)

Rumors of her pregnancy started flying shortly after she revealed that she was getting married to BACK-ON vocalist and guitarist, KENJI03. She was planning to keep the pregnancy a secret for a bit, till a later stage of the pregnancy, but with all the confusion from the media, Kumi decided to release the news today for her fans!

On her official website, Kumi wrote:

“Hello everyone!

I wanted to report this to my fans first, but I discussed it with my doctor and was told not to make an announcement just yet since I’m not in my stable period of pregnancy. This is why I wasn’t able to report it to everyone at that time.

After the reports came out, a lot of people became confused. That wasn’t my intention, and so I decided to make this announcement earlier than scheduled.

At this time, I have been gifted with a new life!

With this new life, I pray everyday that the three of us will enjoy life as a family.

I hope everyone will continue to watch over us with warm eyes.

As for the tour, I have my body to think about, so I am currently discussing it with my staff.

I should be able to make an announcement early next week, so I hope you will all wait for me.“

Congratulations, again Kumi! <3 Love you and wish you and Kenji03 all the best in your pregnancy & life together!

Source & Photo:
http://natalie.mu/music/news/61412 & http://rhythmzone.net/koda/index.html

xoxo
Simi

Wintermint - A Beauty & Fashion Look! By Simi

2011-12-15T05:18:00.002-08:00

Wintermint by simisodapop featuring fogal tights

Hey Dolls!
Hope your holidays are going great!
I felt like making a beauty & fashion post today.
So here it is! I love this look, I call it "Wintermint" as inspired by the lovely holidays and minty fresh chocolate and the Justin Bieber Nicole By O.P.I. fabulously festive and pretty color "My Lifesaver".
It's the perfect look for winter parties and winter dates! I adore it!!
Hope you like it!

xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Iced Hazelnut Coffee Coolers

2011-12-15T05:06:00.000-08:00

Hey Lovelies!
I adore Hazelnut flavor in coffee and drinks. So here is a very tasty recipe for "Iced Hazelnut Coffee Coolers". Check it out below..

Serving coffee shop coffee coolers at home is easy. Here's the secret.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
3:10 Hrs:Mins
Makes 12 servings

2/3 cup instant coffee (dry)
1 1/2 cups hazelnut-flavored nondairy liquid creamer
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
8 cups milk
Whipped cream, if desired
Ground cinnamon, if desired

In medium bowl, mix coffee, creamer, water and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, stirring until coffee is dissolved.
Pour into 2 ice-cube trays. Freeze at least 3 hours or until hardened. Transfer cubes to plastic storage container or bag.
For each serving, place 2 coffee cubes, 2/3 cup milk and 4 water ice cubes in blender. Cover and blend on high speed about 20 seconds or until blended and slightly slushy. Pour into glass. Top with dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle of cinnamon.
Makes 12 servings (1 1/2 cups each)

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
Success:
Each cube in a standard ice-cube tray holds about 2 tablespoons. If you have trays that are slightly larger or smaller, you'll need to adjust for that difference when making these coffee coolers.
Variation:
For those who enjoy a stronger coffee flavor, use 3 coffee cubes for each serving of these coolers.
Special Touch:
For an extra-easy dress-up, drizzle hazelnut coffee syrup or chocolate syrup over the whipped cream.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)Calories 165(Calories from Fat 65),Total Fat 7g(Saturated Fat 3g,Trans Fat ncg),Cholesterol 10mg;Sodium 95mg;Total Carbohydrate 19g(Dietary Fiber 0g,Sugars ncg),Protein 6g;
Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 6.00%;Vitamin C 0.00%;Calcium 20.00%;Iron 0.00%;Exchanges:0 Starch;0 Fruit;0 Other Carbohydrate;1 Skim Milk;0 Low-Fat Milk;0 Milk;0 Vegetable;0 Very Lean Meat;0 Lean Meat;0 High-Fat Meat;1 1/2 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:nc;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

My Favorites: Top 5 Beauty Products Of Winter

2011-12-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

Hey Snowflakes!
I wanted to make a post and share "My Favorites: Top 5 Beauty Products Of Winter".
So here they they are! Enjoy!

* My first favorite beauty product of winter is my VERY MUCH LOVED Clinique Chubby Sticks Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in shade "Super Strawberry", love the name it sounds so cute n' yummy! It's so moisturizing and it's such a pretty "Sheer Berry Pink". I love love love it!
* My 2nd item is my Shimmer from the Burlesque Smashbox Holiday Kit from last year (2010). I adore this Shimmer, its so gorgeous & super pretty for the holidays!
Just a little & it looks so beautiful on your cheeks! I love it's nude-ish gold-ish pink-ish frosty cute tone. :)
*My 3rd item is another item from the Burlesque Smashbox Holiday Kit from last year.. (I hope they re-release this collection again! ha!) This is the Double sided Lipgloss. It's 2 sexy shades, one bubblegum light n' airy pink and the other a very sexy romantic berry red. I love this one especially for the holidays!
* The next is my Lady GaGa lipgloss from MAC. It's the first Edition one that's a romantic candy pink color, perfect for me and goes well with my next favorite!
* My next item.. is my Korres Mango Butter Lipstick in shade "Frost Pink" it's SO GORGEOUSLY PRETTY! This with the Lady GaGa lipstick is so yummy! I ADORE it's perfectly pale pink shimmer tone.

Hope you enjoyed reading these "Top 5 Beauty Products Of Winter" post and be sure to check them out non your next beauty shopping trip!

Happy Holidays!
xoxo
Simi

What's On My Christmas List?

2011-12-14T06:58:00.000-08:00

Hey Dolls!
Happy Tuesday!
I have been getting tons of emails asking me "Simi What's On My Christmas List?".
So I wanted to make a post to share with you what I'm hoping Santa will bring me for this Christmas! :)

* The number one item on my list is The 90th anniversary Candy Apple Red Artisan® Series stand mixer from KitchenAid, I ADORE baking like so much and I've been eyeing this gorgeous shiny "Candy Apple color" for this beautiful mixer. It also matches my favorite holiday nail polish color! ha. :)
* The next item on my list is the fragrance Prada Candy, I have been loving this fragrance since it's release and I'm already needing another bottle! It's so yummy carmel sexy scented, I'm in LOVE with it.
* Next is the very adorable Jingle the Husky Pup Interactive Storybook and Plush from Hallmark, I can be such a kid sometimes.. But come on it's so CUTE right!?? I love husky pups, they are so cute! :)
* The next item is another stuffed animal.. It's the very adorable Merry Chris Moose from La Vie En Rose. They have so many Moose inspired items this year, I love it all!
* The Moose it Up! Merry Chris Moose sleepwear at La Vie En Rose is the next on my list, It's all SO cute! I love the Dreamy Striped Robe, Cable-knit Booties with Buttons, and the Red Joy Merry Chris Moose Cami, Merry Chris Moosie Long-sleeved Top, the Sleepshirt and pants.
* For Jewelry this Christmas, I've been eyeing the oh so gorgeously pretty Alexis Bitter Sugar Dust Large Hinge Bracelet in Grey. It looks like such a fabulous piece.
* And the last but not least item on my Christmas List this year is Sweet Vegan: A Collection of All Vegan, some Gluten-Free, and a Few Raw Desserts by Emily Mainquist. I love baking and cookbooks and reading recipes so this cookbook is one on my list for sure! It looks great, as you know I love animal free options, this is filled with Vegan/Gluten-Free/Raw recipes.

Hope reading my "What's On My Christmas List" post inspired you all for items that can be on your list too or even items to purchase for your loved ones!

Happy Holidays.
xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Pumpkin Cookies with Browned Butter Frosting

2011-12-13T05:01:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!
How much do you love pumpkin pies? Well here is a recipe for "Pumpkin Cookies with Browned Butter Frosting" ... mmm yummy! :)
Check it out below..

Pumpkin and spice star in a melt-in-your-mouth cookie topped with a special homemade frosting.

Prep Time
1:10 Hr:Mins
Total Time
1:55 Hr:Mins
Makes About 2 1/2 dozen cookies

Cookies:
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup (from 15-oz can) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
2 eggs
2 1/4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

Browned Butter Frosting:
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 to 4 tablespoons milk
1/3 cup butter (do not use margarine or spread; it will burn)

Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, 3/4 cup butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, until well blended. Beat in pumpkin and eggs until well mixed. On low speed, beat in flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
On ungreased cookie sheets, drop dough by heaping tablespoonfuls.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until almost no indentation remains when touched in center. Immediately remove from cookie sheets to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 45 minutes.
In medium bowl, place powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 3 tablespoons milk. In 1-quart saucepan, heat 1/3 cup butter over medium heat, stirring constantly, just until light brown.
Pour browned butter over powdered sugar mixture. Beat on low speed about 1 minute or until smooth. Gradually add just enough of the remaining 1 tablespoon milk to make frosting creamy and spreadable. Generously frost cooled cookies.
Makes About 2 1/2 dozen cookies

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
Special Touch:
Spice up these cookies by adding 1/8 teaspoon each ground cloves and ground ginger with the flour.
Substitution:
Instead of making Browned Butter Frosting, use a 1-pound container of Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy dulce de leche (caramel) frosting.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Cookie)Calories 190(Calories from Fat 60),Total Fat 7g(Saturated Fat 4 1/2g,Trans Fat 0g),Cholesterol 30mg;Sodium 135mg;Total Carbohydrate 29g(Dietary Fiber 0g,Sugars 21g),Protein 2g;
Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 15.00%;Vitamin C 0.00%;Calcium 0.00%;Iron 4.00%;Exchanges:1/2 Starch;0 Fruit;1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate;0 Skim Milk;0 Low-Fat Milk;0 Milk;0 Vegetable;0 Very Lean Meat;0 Lean Meat;0 High-Fat Meat;1 1/2 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:2;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

Ins & Outs: Holidays Goodies, Sweet Scents, And Chipped Nail Polish

2011-12-12T19:09:00.000-08:00

Hey Pretty People!
I'm just blogging and listening to some Michael Buble music.. something about his music around the holidays just really goes so romantically festive.. especially his new Christmas album!
So here are some "Ins & Outs" of the moment..

Ins:
* Festive Drinks. I love Hot Chocolate (Homemade) with a dollop of vanilla whipped cream & some cinnamon on top. Delicious.. Also Starbucks during the holidays are lovely, I adore their Peppermint Latte. I like to make the Starbucks Christmas Blend Coffee at home too.
* Beautiful Dark and Romantically festive Nail Polish colors.. I love the Tinsel Tips collection from last years release from "Nicole By O.P.I. also Justin Bieber's Nicole By O.P.I. shades in, My Lifesaver & Redy to Runaway Love.
* Christmas/Holiday Shopping!! LOVE it.. so many things to look at during this time of the year, I love going to all the stores and seeing all them decorated so beautifully! It's so wonder picture perfect! Also when a store is playing Christmas music by Michael Buble or Mariah Carey.. wow! That just makes my day! I adore it! :)
* Holiday Scented Candles! I love candles but around the holidays I tend to go more for them, probably because all the companies release all these yummy-full scents! Right now I'm loving Bath & Body Works - Slatkin & Co, Marshmallow Peppermint, Dark Chocolate Mint & Hot Buttered Rum. also their candle sleeves are so cute (gingerbread men adorable!!). I'm also loving the Glade Winter Collection Candles, The Peppermint Crush, French Vanilla, Apple Cinnamon & Spruce it up, are all fabulous!
* Baking!!! I love love love baking around the holidays especially! My favorite of the moment is.. Mint Creme Brownies!
* Perfumes.. I have been loving the "Prada Candy" a very sophisticated warm romantic yummy-full scent perfect for the holidays! "Sweetly Addictive". also the Neiges perfume by Lise Watier has always been a favorite of mine & Burberry Body & Midnight Fantasy by Britney Spears are another two favorites of mine. :)
* Holiday Movies.. I love holiday movies.. don't you? I adore Home Alone, The Grinch & Santa Baby the most.
* Holiday decorating.. so fun.. put on a beautiful christmas album and decorate all around your home while drinking & eating your holiday treats!
* Chocolate.. Lindt Mini White Chocolate Balls are so yummy! & Pot Of Gold Milk Chocolate Truffles are delicious.. other favorites of mine include.. Hershey's Almondillos, Andes Mints & Ovation Mint Sticks.
* Holiday inspired Beauty Products.. I've been spotting so many lovely holiday scented soaps, body washes, lip-balms and more from all over stores.. including my favorite beauty/bath product store LUSH (their Snowcake Soap Bar is amazing!)

Outs:
* I hate chipped nail polish! Don't you?!! I just really have always hated it and I feel that every time I spot a littlest chip, I have to run and get my nail polish and fix it ASAP! But the pretty-ness of the perfection once it's finished is the most beautiful thing.
* Christmas Scrooges/Grinches. I understand if you may not like or celebrate christmas but all I ask is just don't try to ruin and bring down everyone else's holidays.. :)

Hope you enjoyed reading these 12 "Ins & Outs" post.. and Happy Holidays!!

xoxo
Simi

What I Love: Pumpkin Pie Milk Shakes

2011-12-11T05:55:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!
You know how much I adore pumpkin pie so I love this recipe!
It's how to make "Pumpkin Pie Milk Shakes". It's simply divine! :)
Check it our below it's very easy and fun to make..

Enjoy this delicious pumpkin pie shake garnished with whipped cream and cinnamon sticks.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
10 Minutes
Makes 2 servings

2 cups vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
1/3 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon
1/8 slice cold baked pumpkin pie, cut into chunks (from 9-inch pie)
Sweetened whipped cream, if desired
Cinnamon sticks, if desired

1. In blender, place ice cream, milk and pumpkin pie spice. Cover and blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. Add pie chunks; cover and blend until smooth, stopping blender to scrape down sides if necessary.
2. Pour into 2 glasses; top with sweetened whipped cream and garnish with cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.
Makes 2 servings

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 serving)

Recipe & Image from: www.bettycrocker.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

What I Love: New York White Chocolate Cheesecake

2011-12-09T05:51:00.000-08:00

Hey Dolls!
How are you?!!
Here is a recipe for a gorgeous luxurious treat that is super yummy-full called "New York White Chocolate Cheesecake". Check out the recipe below..

Get big "wow" factor with this luxurious dessert, with white filling and dark sauce thanks to convenient chocolate chips.
Prep Time: 1 Hr
Total Time: 7 Hr
Makes: 16 servings

INGREDIENTS:
Crust:
1 (9-oz.) pkg. chocolate wafer cookies, crushed (2 1/4 cups)
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Filling:
2 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 (12-oz.) pkg. (2 cups) white vanilla chips or 12 oz. vanilla-flavored candy coating, chopped, melted*
1 cup whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla

Chocolate Sauce:
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup boiling water
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla or mint extract

DIRECTIONS:
Place 12-inch square sheet of foil on rack below center oven rack in oven. Heat oven to 325°F. In medium bowl, combine crust ingredients; mix well. Press in bottom and about 1 inch up sides of ungreased 10-inch springform pan. Refrigerate while preparing filling.
Beat cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, beating until smooth. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Quickly add melted chips, whipping cream and vanilla; beat until smooth. Pour into crust-lined pan.
Bake at 325°F. for 55 to 65 minutes or until edges are set; center of cheesecake will be soft. Turn oven off; open oven door at least 4 inches. Let cheesecake sit in oven for 30 minutes or until center is set.
Remove cheesecake from oven. Cool in pan on wire rack for 1 hour or until completely cooled. Carefully remove sides of pan. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
In small heavy saucepan, combine chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon butter and boiling water. Let stand 5 minutes. Whisk chocolate mixture until smooth. Add 3/4 cup sugar and corn syrup; mix well. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low; boil 8 minutes without stirring.
Remove saucepan from heat. Stir 1/2 teaspoon vanilla into chocolate sauce. Cool 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Sauce will thicken as it cools. Serve cheesecake with sauce. Store cheesecake and sauce in refrigerator.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft):
Wrap outside of springform pan with foil; prepare cheesecake as directed above. To help prevent cracking, place pan filled with 1 to 2 inches water on oven rack below cheesecake during baking. Bake at 325°F. for 60 to 70 minutes.

Nutritional Information:
1 Serving (1/16 of Recipe)Calories 485(Calories from Fat 280),Total Fat 31g(Saturated Fat 17g,Cholesterol 105mg;Sodium 250mg;Total Carbohydrate 46g(Dietary Fiber 0g,Sugars 38g),Protein 6g;
Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 16.00%;Vitamin C 0.00%;Calcium 8.00%;Iron 6.00%;Exchanges:2 Starch;1 Other Carbohydrate;6 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:3 ;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Recipe & Image from: www.pillsbury.com

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi