Risotto... rice pudding!

Last night for dinner I made a simple, but delicious honey garlic balsamic chicken that I found online.  It was nice and savory... but then I started craving something a little on the sweet side.

I was looking through my bookmarked recipes on Pinterest, and remember a risotto rice pudding I'd seen.  A risotto rice pudding with brown sugar and vanilla, to be exact!  (Recipe from Joy the Baker)

I've attempted risotto before, and I find the stirring to be daunting... but rewarding in the end.  This rice pudding made with arborio rice was warm, delicious, and filling.  I added oat bran (to make it a tad healthier) as well as a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the original recipe.  I also sprinkled a little cinnamon sugar on top.  Yum!

Pretty good for a weeknight at home.

(Oh, and I reheated some for breakfast today... and it was even more delicious than I remembered!)  :-)

Bluff Creek Stables

Bluff Creek Stables

My friend MTM and I went horseback riding today at Bluff Creek Stables.  Her husband is allergic to horses, and she had never been on a horse before... so of course we had to go do it!  We found this amazing Groupon for a discounted lesson, so we decided to go together, helping check something off her bucket list.  (And since I helped, I completed one of my own Before I'm 30 tasks!)

Me and MTM

Penny and me

Bluff Creek is a piece of heaven on earth.  It is just gorgeous!  I had never ridden in an English saddle before, and I felt very proper.  It was definitely more difficult than Western to me, because your posture and balance make such a difference.  I really enjoyed the lesson, and kind of wish I could continue, so I could learn to go faster and have more control.

Oh, and on a side note, they teach you how to groom your horse!  No spoiled brats here!  You curry comb and brush your own horse before you go out...  they teach you everything at Bluff Creek.  I couldn't say enough good things about this beautiful facility, friendly staff, and enjoyable afternoon!

Riding like a proper English lady

Meeting Madison's pony, Moo

What's your skin care routine?

If you're like me, you've had some problems with oily skin and blemishes, some that might have left a few scars... physical and emotional!

When I got my first facial, I also got a lesson in skin care that I've really taken to heart.  While I do recommend a product like ProActiv for moderate acne (it worked wonders for me, and many others I know!), a good skin care routine can help you maintain healthy, bright skin.


And it doesn't have to cost you a ton of money.  I used to buy into the pricey products (I still have a weakness for Estee Lauder's Idealist), now I use a simple four-product combo that has really made me a happy camper!

My Routine...

(1) Daily Cleanser:  Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser ($14).  It comes in a HUGE pump bottle (you won't buy this often!), and it sits right on my sink. This is my morning and evening face wash, when I don't use my exfoliator.  Use cold water so that your pores don't open up!

(2) Astringent:  Witch Hazel (~$3).  Just buy it generic at your drugstore, put it on a cotton pad, and spread on your face.  I should do this daily, but I usually only get around to it every few days.

(3) Exfoliator:  St. Ive's Sensitive Skin Apricot Scrub ($4).  I leave this in the shower, and use it instead almost daily instead of my Cetaphil so I can slough off that dead skin!  It's their 'gentle' formula, so I don't have to worry about it being too harsh.  I love this, and it's so affordable!

(4) Daily Moisturizer:  Eucerin Everyday Protection w/SPF 30 ($9).   This sensitive-skin face lotion is my daily moisturizer and sunscreen in one!  If my face is raw and dry, it's the only thing that doesn't make it sting and burn.  I love it, and the scent is mild, like sunscreen.  I discovered it at a drugstore, and now I won't buy anything else.

The grand total for all of these products?  I spent $30.  That's it!  HALF the price of even a little bottle of an expensive department store bottle of anything.

I still have my occasional hormonal breakout, but I really think this has improved the way my face looks, and it gives me a great blank slate to work with when I'm applying makeup (always start with primer, like the Smashbox Photo Finish one I use!)

What's your skin care routine?