What I Love: Raspberry Mousse Brownies

Hey Dolls!
How are you?
Ok, So if you know me well, you know that I'm obsessed with Raspberry & Chocolate treats!
I just think when you mix the two (Chocolate & Raspberries) you get SUCH A AMAZINGLY GOODNESS that I just cannot stop eating.. ok, well I try to not eat too much of the two but, they truely are my FAVORITE OFF ALL TIME dessert treat duo.
So today's recipe is for "Raspberry Mousse Brownies"..
OMG DOUBLE ABC.
This dessert is so heavenly delicious.
Want to learn how to make it? Read below:

Brownie mix, chocolate chips and whipping cream create a chocolate lover's dreamy indulgence.
Prep Time

20 Minutes
Total Time
4:30 Hrs:Mins
Makes
18 servings

1 box (1 lb 2.4 oz) Betty Crocker® Original Supreme Premium brownie mix
Water, vegetable oil and egg called for on brownie mix box
1 bag (6 oz) semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)
3/4 cup whipping cream
3 tablespoons red raspberry jelly
1 cup Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy cream cheese frosting (from 16 oz container)
1 1/2 teaspoons whipping cream
Fresh raspberries, if desired

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Grease bottom only of 8-inch or 9-inch square pan with cooking spray or shortening. (For easier cutting, line pan with foil, then grease foil on bottom only of pan). Make brownies as directed on box. Cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours.
Reserve 2 tablespoons chocolate chips for drizzle. In medium microwavable bowl, place remaining chocolate chips, 3/4 cup whipping cream and 3 tablespoons raspberry jelly. Microwave uncovered on High 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once every minute, until chocolate is melted. Stir until mixture is smooth (there may still be a little undissolved jelly). Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Add frosting to chocolate mixture. Beat with electric mixer on high speed 1 to 2 minutes or until well blended and fluffy. Spread over cooled brownies, smoothing top.
In small microwavable bowl, microwave reserved 2 tablespoons chocolate chips and 1 1/2 teaspoons whipping cream uncovered on High 30 to 45 seconds, stirring once, until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in a few additional drops of whipping cream to thin chocolate, if necessary. Drizzle over frosting mixture. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or until set.
Cut into 9 squares; cut each square diagonally in half to make triangles. Garnish with raspberries.
Makes 18 servings

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
Variation:
Fresh strawberries or chocolate-covered coffee beans instead of the raspberries are other tasty garnishes.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)Calories 240(Calories from Fat 90),Total Fat 10g(Saturated Fat 3 1/2g,Trans Fat 1g),Cholesterol 25mg;Sodium 135mg;Total Carbohydrate 37g(Dietary Fiber 1g,Sugars 28g),Protein 1g;Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 2.00%;Vitamin C 0.00%;Calcium 0.00%;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 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:2 1/2;*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.


Recipe & Image from: http://www.bettycrocker.com/

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

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We Are Alike.. Did You Know? Celebrity Megan Fox's Phobia

Hey Dolls!
I recently spotted this article on the MSN Entertainment website and thought I would share it with you all.
It was telling the many different "Celebrity Phobia's" and I spotted one of gorgeous star Megan Fox and clicked it. It said this:

In an interview with Allure the "Transformers" actress confessed she is an out-of-control phobia of germs that prevents her from using public washrooms and dining at restaurants. "Every time someone uses a bathroom and they flush, all the bacteria is shot into the air," she told the magazine, adding her refusal to dine out is because of eating utensils. "Putting my mouth where a million other mouths have been, just knowing all the bacteria that you carry in your mouth? Ucch!"

I LOVED reading that, because I DO NOT find that weird at all her phobia's because I'm the EXACT same!
I don't like public washrooms and eating at restaurants, for the same reasons as Megan!
It's so cool to see a celebrity have the same thinking as me, I have always been a fan of her and this just made me love her more!
I WISH more people would think like us. :)

To read more "Celebrity Phobia's" check out the link below:


Source: http://entertainment.ca.msn.com/celebs/photos/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=27314168&page=3
Photo: Zimbio

xoxo
Simi

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Random About Me Facts

Hey Dolls!
I was browsing the web and I went to the site of Virgin Radio Dubai and found these fun "Random About Me Facts". I thought it would be fun to start this tag around the blogging/vlogging world!
Here are the questions and my replies to them!
Enjoy! :)

IF I WASN’T BLOGGING/KEEPING MY SITE UPDATED I’D BE…
Well, My favorite things to do are.. Travel, Learn New Languages/Cultures, Go Shopping, Cook/Bake Treats, Go to NHL Sports games & Play Video Games!

MY CELEBRITY CRUSH IS…
Shia LaBeouf

THE SONG THAT BEST DESCRIBES ME IS…
I have two one song and one melody.
rhe song is by a Korean Singer named HyunA, she's a AMAZING performer/dancer/ and artist and I feel like she's my twin, she reminds me of myself, we are very similar in things and I feel her song called "Change" suits me very well.
I LOVE the dancing/and lyrics! VERY ME! :)
& The melody is music called "COCONUT GROOVE" it's from a PSP game titled "Dead or Alive Paradise" and I ADORE the song because it just feels like me and reminds me and takes me back to gorgeous & fun memories! Very tropical/beachy/summery feel to it! :) LOVE it! Oh and I LOVE Coconut's too. So its titled perfectly.


I HAVE A FEAR/PHOBIA OF…
BUGS! Spiders/Flying Bugs.. I HATE Bugs!

IF I COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ONE PERSON, IT WOULD BE …
Koda Kumi

I BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW I COULD…
Cook, Bake, & Sew all delicious treats and trendy clothing.

MY FAVORITE DVD IN MY COLLECTION IS…
My favorite Japanese singer Koda Kumi's Dvd of her live tour from 2007 called "Black Cherry".
The beginning of her "Entrance" of her hopping out of the tank of water.. is just amazing, & NEVER DONE BEFORE!!
Will never forget that tour! Simply Break taking! I LOVE IT!.

THE ULTIMATE TV SHOW IS…
Ok I have six major favorite TV shows and can't pick just one, so here I go..
Desperate Housewives, 90210, Hawaii Five-0, Ghost Whisperer,
I Love Lucy, and Two and A Half Men

I HATE IT WHEN…
I HATE when people lie, I would take the straight up truth any day rather than a lie. Just tell me the truth, is it that hard?

MY FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN DUBAI IS… (If you have never been to Dubai or don't live there, then list where your most interested in eating in dubai..?)
India Palace – Garhoud, Because of the Vegetarian Options!

I found these fun "Random About Me Facts" questions here: http://virginradiodubai.com/on-air/simone/

Photo: http://www.thedubaimall.com/en

xoxo
Simi

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Barielle Nail Polish: Shades "Swizzle Stix" & "Do Unto Others" & "Blossom" (Review)

Hey Dolls!

Today I have my review on 3 Nail Polish Shades from a brand called "Barielle".

They are a newer brand for me to try, I was very impressed by their look and note to all that Barielle products are free of formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate and also safe to use throughout your pregnancy. SO AMAZING!!

I love that sound of makeup/beauty products being free of bad icky ingredients! :)

I thought these were such cute and fun colors for the spring/summertime and just HAD to try them out!

So here are the three shades I tried and my thoughts on them..

Swizzle Stix: A really cute light pastel creme blue.

Do Unto Others: A blue/green jelly cream, with a light beachy mermaid color tone.

Blossom: A creamy opaque peach, really fresh and romantic look, perfect for date nights.

Overall..

I liked these colors and the idea that this brand does not use any bad ingredients in their products.

But I found their texture and formula of their nail polish to be a little thick, it was easy to apply and didn't look bad, but I wish it was a bit more thinner texture, as when it dried it looked a little too thick, for even just one - two coats.

But I recommend to use just one - two coats and really do soft swipes,

They are really pigmented and do apply nice, when you work really carefully and it then it will leave a super soft creamy look.

I'm looking forward to trying more different colors soon, maybe around winter time, hopefully they will have some fall/winter colors with more darker tone shades, as darker warm themed colors are more what I look for and go for year round in a nail polish color.

Check out Barielle at their links below:
http://www.barielle.com 
http://www.facebook.com/Barielle
http://twitter.com/barielle


FTC Disclaimer:
I was sent all the above mentioned items from Barielle a possible review.
All opinions are my own.

xoxo
Simi

CONTINUE READING

What I Love: Chocolate Pancakes with Strawberries

Hey Dolls!
Want a brighter way to spice up your monday morning breakfast?
Well here is a very tasty & scrumptious chocolate treat to eat.. "Chocolate Pancakes with Strawberries"
Do you want to learn how to learn how to make these colorful babies..?
Keep on reading and check it out below:

Come and get 'em! Yummy pancakes made with chocolate soymilk and topped with berries and yogurt make a great day starter.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
Makes
4 servings

3/4 cup light chocolate soymilk
1/4 cup fat-free egg product
1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
3/4 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
Sliced banana, if desired
Yoplait® Original 99% Fat Free French vanilla yogurt, if desired

In medium bowl, beat soymilk, egg product and oil with wire whisk until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients except strawberries, banana and yogurt.
Spray griddle or 10-inch skillet with cooking spray; heat griddle to 375°F or heat skillet over medium heat. For each pancake, pour slightly less than 1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle.
Cook pancakes until puffed and dry around edges. Turn and cook other sides until golden brown. Serve with strawberries, banana and yogurt.
Makes 4 servings (2 pancakes and 1/4 cup strawberries each)

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
Success:
The key to making great pancakes lies in bringing the griddle or skillet to the right temperature. Heat griddle or skillet over medium heat (375°F) for about 10 minutes before cooking.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)Calories 190(Calories from Fat 40),Total Fat 4 1/2g(Saturated Fat 1/2g,Trans Fat 0g),Cholesterol 0mg;Sodium 260mg;Total Carbohydrate 32g(Dietary Fiber 2g,Sugars 10g),Protein 6g;Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 4.00%;Vitamin C 20.00%;Calcium 15.00%;Iron 15.00%;Exchanges:1 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 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:2;*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.


Recipe & Image from: http://www.bettycrocker.com/

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

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HyunA Performs "Bubble Pop!" on 'Inkigayo Mutizen' And 2NE1 Performs Next Week!

Hey Everyone!
Kpop's show "SBS’s Inkigayo" is back again, and I wanted to share with you my favorite performance, which was... HyunA singing "Bubble Pop!" with extra sexy cute pink pumps and a super cute high ponytail.
And announce that girl group 2NE1 will be performing on... NEXT WEEKS Show!!
So exciting.
Can't wait to see their as always stylish & fun outfits!

Check out HyunA's performance below & watch the preview of 2NE1 on Next Week's Show:





Source: Youtube
Photo: Youtube

xoxo
Simi

CONTINUE READING

What I Love: Italian Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad

Hey Everyone!
How is your Saturday morning going?
How about have a grilling party later today?
Need a recipe for a deliciously fresh & fun "Italian Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad"..
Well take a look at how to make it below:

Fire up the grill, and make use of those fresh vegetables from your garden or a favorite farmers’ market to create an easy, one-of-a-kind pasta salad.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
27 Minutes
Makes
8 servings

1 small zucchini or yellow summer squash , cut into 1-inch slices
8 cherry tomatoes
1 medium onion, cut into eighths
1 package (8 ounces) fresh mushroom
1/2 cup reduced-fat Italian dressing
1 package Betty Crocker® Suddenly Salad® classic pasta salad mix
1/3 cup cold water

Toss zucchini, tomatoes, onion, mushrooms and dressing in large bowl until well coated.
Brush grill rack lightly with vegetable oil, or spray with cooking spray. Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat. Place vegetables on grill, using slotted spoon. Grill uncovered 4 to 6 inches from medium heat 4 to 5 minutes, turning once and brushing with remaining dressing in bowl, until crisp-tender. Refrigerate vegetables uncovered in single layer while making pasta.
Empty Pasta mix into 3-quart saucepan 2/3 full of boiling water. Gently boil uncovered 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Using same bowl with any remaining dressing, stir together Seasoning mix and cold water; set aside. Drain pasta; rinse with cool water. Shake to drain well. Cut grilled vegetables in half if desired; stir vegetables and pasta into seasoning mixture. Serve immediately, or refrigerate.
Makes 8 servings

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
Serve With:
You can serve this salad alongside grilled meats, but it’s equally delicious as a meatless main dish.
Success:
Brush the grill rack with vegetable oil or spray with cooking spray before heating grill. This will reduce the chance for injury from fire.

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)Calories 120 (Calories from Fat 20 ),Total Fat 2 g(Saturated Fat 0g,Cholesterol 0mg;Sodium 590 mg;Total Carbohydrate 24 g(Dietary Fiber 2 g,Protein 4 g;Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 4.00%;Vitamin C 4.00%;Calcium 2.00%;Iron 8.00%;Exchanges:1 Starch;2 Vegetable;*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.



Recipe & Image from: http://www.bettycrocker.com/

Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

CONTINUE READING

What I Love: Black Forest Dream Bars

Hey Dolls!
Do you like Chocolate? Check! Cherries? Check! & Whipped Cream? TRIPLE CHECK!
Well here is a recipe for a OH SO PRETTY dessert called "Black Forest Dream Bars"
Learn how to make them below:

Prize-Winning Recipe Fall 2010! Chocolate, cherries and whipped cream layer into a delicious dessert bar.


Prep Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
3:40 Hrs:Mins
Makes
20 servings


1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® double chocolate chunk cookie mix
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed


Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, oil and egg until soft dough forms. On ungreased cookie sheet, drop 3 tablespoonfuls of dough 2 inches apart to make 3 cookies. Bake 12 to 13 minutes or until set. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, press remaining cookie dough in bottom of sprayed pan. Reserve 1 cup cherry pie filling for topping; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and the remaining pie filling with electric mixer on medium speed until blended. Spread cream cheese mixture over crust in pan.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until set. Cool 30 minutes. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until chilled.
Spread whipped topping over cream cheese layer. Top with spoonfuls of the reserved cherry pie filling. Coarsely crumble baked cookies; sprinkle over top of bars. Refrigerate at least 1 hour for flavors to blend. To serve, cut into 5 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.
Makes 20 servings


Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
Substitution:
Raspberry pie filling makes a good substitution for the cherry.


Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)Calories 320(Calories from Fat 140),Total Fat 15g(Saturated Fat 8g,Trans Fat 0g),Cholesterol 35mg;Sodium 190mg;Total Carbohydrate 43g(Dietary Fiber 0g,Sugars 30g),Protein 3g;Percent Daily Value*:Vitamin A 8.00%;Vitamin C 0.00%;Calcium 4.00%;Iron 6.00%;Exchanges:1/2 Starch;0 Fruit;2 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;3 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:3;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.


Recipe & Image from: http://www.bettycrocker.com/


Enjoy!
xoxo
Simi

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McDonalds Happy Meal Toys - Star Wars The Clone Wars & Strawberry Shortcake

Hi Everyone.
Check out the newest McDonalds Happy Meal Toys.
They are Strawberry Shortcake & Star Wars The Clone Wars.
Next Happy Meal toys are The Smurfs!


Photo: www.happymeal.com

xoxo
Simi

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HyunA Shows Support For Young Girl Group GP Basic

Hey Everyone!
Recently HyunA from Kpop group 4minute showed her support for young girl group GP Basic.
HyunA met the girls from group GP Basic backstage at “Music Core” last week and gave them some advice.
She told youngest member Janey, “I feel like I’m looking at a younger version of myself when I see your amazing dance and rap skills. I know there will be hard times, but if you keep working hard, there will good days ahead. Don’t give up and try your best.”
The members have commented, “We’re fans of HyunA unnie so we were really touched by the fact that she approached us and talked to us. We’ve been going through hard times because of some anti-fans, but we will keep working hard with more strength.”

I think that's so sweet of HyunA to talk with them backstage & I do agree that member Janey does feel like a young version of HyunA.
It would be cool to see HyunA team up with them in a new song!


Souce: http://news.nate.com/view/20110720n18158
Photo: Cube Entertainment & GP Basic Entertainment

xoxo
Simi

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