Author: candaceinthecity

Hi there! I'm Candace, a 35-year-old dog mom (I also have two cats who tolerate me) from Orange County, CA, where I enjoy the food, beaches, and education at my fingertips. When I have a spare moment, I enjoy trying new recipes.

Organizing My Blog

candaceinthecity

Since my chemotherapy treatment ended on February 22nd, I’ve started to feel better and be inspired. Also, I got my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on Easter Sunday and will be ready to do more activities, early May. I’ve been in a compromised position for about five months because of chemotherapy, during a pandemic.

There is so much to look forward to. I have plans to go places and I’m in the process of getting back into self care. I also want to get my blog organized. When I started my blog last year, I didn’t realize there would be so many different things to write about. I’m into a lot of things. For example, cooking, baking, makeup, skincare, travel, animals, friendship, giving back and the list goes on.

Blogging is something I’d like to accomplish and I do enjoy reading other people’s blogs. I find myself reading Bloglovin’ and getting inspired from other people’s blogs, as well. Also, blog writers post on certain days or post certain topics on certain days. For example, “Throwback Thursday” or “Makeup Monday”. I hope to keep my followers engaged in doing something like that. And not be all over the place. I guess I’m still trying to find my niche. To sum it up, I’m working towards building a stronger WordPress site. It’s all very exciting. And if you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out to me. Thank you

-candaceinthecity

Adding Lip Care To Your Anti-Aging Or Beauty Routine

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There is an extra step to my skincare routine. During my daytime skincare routine, I use a scrub on my lips and during my night time skincare routine, I use a lip mask. The two products that I use are the L’Occitane lip scrub (Using a lip exfoliator regularly helps to remove dead skin and encourage the skin regeneration process) and the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ( Lip masks have begun popping up in beauty stores all over the world. They are like face masks, except they are applied just to the lips). The products I mentioned do come in different scents of your choice.

Although, you can find similar products, elsewhere or make your own. Adding lip care to your anti-aging or beauty routine can help support fuller, softer lips for a more desirable appearance. If lip care wasn’t on your to-do list before today, it will be now!

-candaceinthecity

My Skincare Routine

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Years ago, in my mid twenties, I attended beauty school to become an esthetician. Although, I soon realized I didn’t want to be an esthetician as a career, I took away a lot and am proud of myself for graduating. It became more of a hobby of mine. I even attended makeup artistry school, further down the road and am a certified makeup artist.

Next month (May), I’ll be turning 36. I had to take a break from my skincare routine due to chemotherapy. During chemotherapy I washed my face with a gentle facial cleanser and used a gentle facial lotion. Since chemotherapy ended on February 22nd, I’ve decided to get back into my old skincare routine. It has evolved from my beauty school days.

Usually, my skincare routine is basic: cleanse, tone, scrub 2x per week, lotion and go. Sometimes sunscreen. And when sunscreen was a must, I’d use a facial lotion with sunscreen already in the ingredients to make life easier. But there is still so much to learn about skincare. And I want to get back into it.

There are new words in the market of skincare. Words like retinol, collagen, clean beauty… There are problem areas and concerns certain products target. It can be overwhelming and expensive. The list goes on.

To ease into a new routine, I have decided to start with the basics. And I’m relieved I can use scrub, again. My go to scrub is Pore-Balance™ Facial Sauna Scrub. It’s been a staple of mine. I’m also implementing serums. For example the L’Occitane Perfect Reset Duo.

Stay tuned for hits and misses.

-candaceinthecity

Choosing the Right Dog

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Dogs are beautiful. I love dogs and if I could, I would even have a farm full of them. I’ve had many dogs over the years. Currently, I have two. A Shepherd/Husky mix and a chihuahua. Recently, two people in my life, my friend and my brother mentioned they were looking for a dog. But I could go, on and on about dogs.

Due to my friend and my brother’s status, they are looking for a certain dog in mind. Through connections that I know, I gave them a few selections to choose from: cavaliers, frenchies, and standard poodles. But my friend has hopes for a pomskie and my brother has plans for a medium dog who he doesn’t have to walk every day. My brother mentioned a few breeds to me, as well. I hope I can assist in any way I can. After all, I love dogs. 

In addition, I, as well am looking for a dog. I don’t know how much time my Shepherd/Husky has left. She has arthritis due to an accident she incurred before we met. I’m leaning towards a standard poodle but my boyfriend is leaning towards a labrador and we both suggested a bull terrier. But honestly, we won’t start really looking until after she passes.

-candacinthecity

The Next Blog Topic – Self-Reflection of 2020

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I’m a firm believer you must always keep polishing what you are passionate about. Keep educating yourself around your passion. Overcome burnout surrounding your dreams by continuously educating yourself. You’ll never be bored.

I came across a great article that was right up my alley by Grammarly. An app I’ve been using to help me become a better writer. The article gives exercises on self-reflection. Giving me the opportunity to reflect on growth in the past year. Also, giving me my next blog topic.

Check it out here: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/journal-writing-prompts/

Christmas Spirit Shenanigans

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Of course the cyber deals came and went. Oops, I wasn’t prepared and what I had my eye on slipped out of my hands when the product I wanted sold out online. I guess I have good tastes when it comes to glasses. I wanted the Chelsea DeBoer ones from Diff eyewear. My eye doc says I can bring any frames I choose by and he can put prescription lenses in, on site. I signed up for the restock alert.

Getting into Christmas spirit, it’s time to move on and purchase Christmas gifts and a belated house warming gift for loved ones. It’s that time of year. I’ve noticed Williams Sonoma seems to be my go to store, full of gourmet foods: gluten free bread mixes, olive oil, wine pairing chocolate… I can’t forget Papyrus greeting cards from Target. Ooh, the possibilities (homemade cookies, my famous reindeer beer/pop)… Maybe you are feeling the same way.

– candaceinthecity

Autumn Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup ❤️

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Why not, wake up on Thanksgiving morning and make a HUGE pot of soup! Actually, I think it was a crazy idea, since I’m the only one eating it. Luckily, my mom says she’ll take some when she sees me next (When she drops of a traditional Thanksgiving plate of food for me in the next couple of days).

It’s hard making these recipes from “mom” blogs, when it’s just the two of us at home (My partner and I). Also, I plan on never making one of The Pioneer Women’s recipes ever again. I could have fed my entire block. There has got to be a recipe book out there dedicated to feeding only two people. But really, it’s not the end of the world. I enjoy cooking.

And it is a tasty soup. I’ll be eating it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the next week. Below is the recipe for the Autumn Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup: https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/autumn-carrot-and-sweet-potato-soup.html

Here is how mine came out (Tasty and delicious):

Happy Thanksgiving

– candaceinthecity

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

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It’s been quite sometime since my friend introduced me to banana bread. She was such a good cook and told me banana bread was easy. Since then, I’ve tried to recreate her banana bread. In search of a simple, easy recipe has led me to https://www.foxyfolksy.com/chocolate-chip-banana-bread/?fbclid=IwAR3vmXeoA_jPCXHzOFy2bA-DrpLpQ5528v_yNojMZ3RT2n4PXmq0MiRkfho. It’s a recipe for banana bread I have on repeat. Check it out.

Are you a fan of banana bread? Do you have a good banana bread recipe? Do you prefer making your banana bread with butter versus oil?

– candaceinthecity

Covid-weary Menu Plans for Thanksgiving 2020

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No one wants to hear about the Covid stink but the countdown to Thanksgiving begins with 32 more days until Christmas. Thanksgiving is different this year. My Thanksgiving will be minus family members who couldn’t travel to see us due to the surge in COVID-19 cases. And wearing a face covering at Thanksgiving dinner at my parents place sounds unappealing to me. I would wear a face covering to save lives but due to the absence of people who couldn’t make it, our traditional Thanksgiving festivities were canceled.

My partner and I have decided to have a small gathering of just the two of us at home. We have decided to not do a traditional Thanksgiving menu plan. Instead, my partner and I are ordering takeout to throw into the Thanksgiving mix. Also, a lot of restaurants won’t be open on Thanksgiving. We plan to celebrate on either Wednesday or Friday to be able to either catch one of our favorite local eateries open for business or beat the crowds.

The three restaurants to choose from for our Covid-weary menu plans for Thanksgiving 2020 are: Chili’s, Olive Garden, and Cucina Alessa. My partner is leaning towards Chili’s. Seeing we had spaghetti for dinner last night (Sunday night), I might prefer food that is not Italian. Chili’s baby back ribs sound good. It’s the foodie in me talking again.

Also, my mom will be dropping off a traditional Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving for us from what she is making. She lives about a twenty minute drive away from us and we all will be wearing face coverings. It works out. We can have the best of both worlds. And, I’ll have to admit I’ve never prepared or baked a turkey in my life. Never have I ever made the side dishes. Preparing a Thanksgiving dinner is something I want to practice in odd months after the New Year. Conquering a Thanksgiving feast is something I’ve always wanted to learn. Maybe you are the same way.

Warm wishes for the holidays!

– candaceinthecity

Spice Goals (Getting to know my spice rack.)

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On Instagram, I find myself following accounts such as https://instagram.com/riorganize?igshid=mf3c1oq7b1we and https://instagram.com/thehomeedit?igshid=i5gp2nns7u5n. The accounts are a meticulously neat persons dream. I don’t know why but I’m drawn to pictures of luxurious organization or reading blogs at http://www.bloglovin.com about home decor. It’s a mindless self-indulgence of something I aspire towards (mastering closet organization or building a dream kitchen…). Then reality hits and I think to myself when will minimalist decor be on it’s way out. I don’t even know those people (whoever they are?). Although, seconds later I’ll be browsing The Container Store’s website. Lately, I’m interested in the kitchen category and I found myself ooing and aahing at spice racks. I have a vision of organizing my spices. It’s a future project in the works. A goal of mine. Perfect for an amateur home cook like me.

I feel an organized spice rack may help me become a better cook. It might assist in recognizing the spices I do use and eliminating those spices that are unidentifiable to me. Also, I’m inspired to ditch the grocery store aisle of spices and shop from a dedicated spice merchant or even shop at a spice specialty shop online. This could expand my mind by starting with a kit or something. There is so much to learn. For example, what spices are go good together. And I cannot wait to get started.

Who knew getting to know one’s spice rack could be a goal. Goals are what sets the rhythm in my life. Goals keep you motivated without feeling adrift in the world. And once you have completed a goal it brings self-confidence. I have many goals. There are many different goals you can have. You can also ask yourself, “Is there one goal that you would like to accomplish in this lifetime”?

– candaceinthecity