Family * Travel * Food

How To Make The Perfect Margarita

Hello, April! It's that beautiful time of year where we get to see the changes of spring take place. I spent the weekend outdoors with my family planting flowers, weeding garden beds, re-potting plants, and doing our big annual clean-up. The warmer temperatures and longer hours of sunlight have gotten me excited for the warmer months. 

One of our favorite beverages year 'round is a good old-fashioned homemade margarita. We do not like those pre-made mixers at all. If you are looking for a very good margarita recipe (with a little bit of kick) you are in the right place. My neighbor shared this recipe with me a while back that she got from our other neighbor. It's so good and we make it all the time! The great part if you do not need any fancy bar equipment or even formal glassware for serving. This recipe is perfect for girls' trips, girls' night in, or parties. 

How to make the perfect Margarita

Ingredients: 

2 cups of good white tequila (we use Jose Cuervo)
2 cups of triple sec
2 cups of fresh or bottled lime juice (we use this one
2 cups *sugar plus 2 cups water to make a simple syrup

Directions:

The first step is to make your simple syrup. The key is to fully dissolve the sugar into the water. It's best to chill simple syrup before adding to the other ingredients. Stir all ingredients in a pitcher and serve over plenty of ice. If you prefer frozen margaritas, you can blend with ice. It's delicious either way. 

*I use a little less sugar because I don't like my drinks too sweet. You can adjust to your taste. 

Tips:

I serve mine on the rocks with a simple wedge of lime. You can use margarita glasses with salted or sugared rims. I will be experimenting with strawberry, mango, and raspberry purees to make some exciting flavors. If you want, you can make half the recipe or even double it.

If you have been on the hunt for a good margarita recipe, you will love this one. Let me know if you decide to give it a try. Thanks for stopping by today.

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How to Recover After a Breast Augmentation

In the event you are considering breast augmentation, you might want to read this guest article for some insight before you make a decision in regards to the recovery process.

Breast augmentation recovery needs patients to minimize their physical activities for about a week before resuming their daily activities. The amount of time and the downtime needed for a full recovery to take place depends on the incisions made, the implant size and if the breast implant was positioned below or above the pectoral muscle.

Breast augmentation is among the most requested cosmetic surgery, and continuous improvements are being refined so that women can undergo the procedure, recover and get back to their daily activities as soon as possible. Since the breast augmentation surgery and the results are the most crucial points, recovery is also an important step for the best results to be shown.

If you plan to go for breast augmentation, you may end up spending a good amount of time deciding on the surgeon to go for with the budget you have. These are important aspects of the surgery that should be considered, but you should also plan for the amount of time you need to take from work to heal in a good environment as you avoid any strenuous activity.

As you take your break, you need to be aware that you will not be seated or sleep for the entire week; you are allowed to do some small less strenuous activities, but you should also be careful to ensure that any activity you are taking will contribute positively to your recovery process.

If you are planning to get breast enhancement, you need to spend a good time studying about the surgery and the recovery timelines. Once you are aware of what to expect, and you prepare to follow the instructions of the surgeon, you will have a great chance of maximizing the chances of a great surgery that will give you satisfaction and confidence in your looks.

Subglandular versus submuscular placement

The position of the breast implant always revolves around two regions, below or above the pectoral muscle. This position is also dependent on the goals, lifestyle and other factors. The most invasive of the surgeries is the submuscular placement because this method requires the separation of the pectoral muscle for the implant to fit after the incision on the skin is done.

Submuscular placement is the recommended position for women who are not into physical activities that engage the upper body and women who also desire natural looks. As we have described, submuscular placement is invasive, and it requires downtime of about one week from any physical activity like jogging. After the week is over, the patient should avoid going to the gym or lifting any heavy object for about four weeks. But for patients who go for subglandular placement, they can get back to work after four days of rest.

Depending on the implant placement, healing garments also contribute to the rate of recovery. For instance, patients who have undergone submuscular placement should put on a 2-inch wrap bandage above the breast. Once the surgery is done, the implant will start to harmonize with the breast tissues and the muscles to gain a more natural appearance.

You might be shocked when you notice that your breasts are high even after a few weeks of surgery, especially if you have undergone submuscular placement. It is possible for the breasts to look high for a long period (2 to 3 months), but after the muscle traps the implant at this position, it will release it to fall into the pocket with time.

After a subglandular placement, the patient should wear a conventional bra that does not have an under-wire that hinders the implant falling into place. Take note of the position of the incision, because it plays a role in the recovery process.

Incision location

The first kind of incision we are going to look at is the inframammary incision which is done at the crease located at the bottom of the breast where the chest wall and the lower breast protrusion takes place. If this is the best position for the implant to be positioned, then you be advised to rest for at least four weeks before resuming your daily activities that involve the upper body.

During the recovery period, you should avoid lifting your arms over your head to avoid any strain from impacting the upper body, to allow proper healing to take place.

There are other incisions that do not need a lot of time for recovery. For instance, if the implant is placed through an incision that is done around the nipple, there is practically no body movement or strenuous activity that directly targets this location. An incision procedure that produces the last scarring is called a TUBA (transumbilical) placement.

In TUBA placement, an endoscope which is a surgical tool that has a thin pliable tube with a small camera on its end is used to place a deflated saline implant in the navel, through the incision made. A saline solution is added to the implant for it to get to the desired size.

The size of the implant

There are various sizes of breast implants, ranging from women who desire a huge burst, to women who want to achieve moderate alignment and any other size in between. The size you choose affects the recovery duration. For instance, larger implants exert a lot of pressure below the pectoral muscle, leading to stretching of the overlying skin. The net effect is a recovery that takes longer.

Do not smoke

We should all be aware that smoking tobacco has a lasting negative effect on our health. But it gets worse if you are smoking while going through a recovery that follows a breast implant surgery. Nicotine shrinks the blood vessels, which lowers the oxygen levels in the body organs. Since cells have to divide for the wounds to heal, they require oxygen which is delayed when you are smoking.

Conclusion

For more information on breast implant procedures to help you achieve your desired result, call Dr. Douglas Steinbrech, breast augmentation surgeon practicing in New York on (347) 983-9560. You may also log on to https://www.drsteinbrech.com and schedule an appointment in the New York or Beverly hills offices.
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Callaloo Box- Trinbago Seafood Themed Edition (Giveaway)

It's so hard to believe that we are already well into the month of March. The year is flying by already and spring is in the air. I am excited about getting to do more outdoor cooking since the weather is warming up. Just in time, we received the March Trinbago seafood box from one of our favorite subscription box services, Callaloo Box.

Callaloo Box is a monthly subscription box service that offers tastes from the Caribbean including sauces, seasonings, marinades and more. This is perfect if you don't have access to purchase these types of products. I've talked about it before and believe me when I say, they are more expensive on Amazon, so don't be afraid of the cost. I've done the math for myself, and Callaloo Box is a great value.

So what's in this month's Callaloo Box?

Inside the box:

Constance Estate Garlic Infused Coconut Oil, Chief Lime Pepper, Karibbean Flavours Green Seasoning with lime for Fish & Seafood, Chief Tamarind Chutney, Karibbean Flavours Dried Sea Moss, and Karibbean Flavours Fish & Chief Fish Shaker Seasonings.

These fish seasoning packets are perfect to use to marinate fish, or to use while cooking. They are very robust so a little goes a long way! For extra flavor, try adding a little bit of green seasoning.

One of my favorite types of sauces is tamarind sauce. It goes so well with fried fish, seafood fritters or pholourie. It has the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors. The Chief Lime Pepper is perfect if you want some added tangy, fiery-heat to dishes. I like having mine with cook-up rice and grilled chicken. You can even add some into your dishes as they cook. Let me tell you though, it's HOT HOT HOT!



Constance Estate Garlic Infused Coconut Oil is ideal for sauteing vegetables, or in any dish you want a good garlicky punch. It is very strong and absolutely delicious! A couple tips: To get your coconut oil in liquid form, soak the bottle in a tall container with hot tap water until it melts. You can even pour the coconut oil in a container to scoop out as needed, which is what I did. 

If you love lime, this green seasoning is for you. Be careful not to use too much, because it can be overpowering. I feel like this would be better on chicken than fish. 

Last, the dried seamoss or Irish moss is something I have not tried yet. You can use it to make a sweet beverage with (directions on package). I did some research and it is believed to be good for regulating your thyroid and to help with joint pain. I'm definitely going to have to experiment with it!

Purchasing options: 

One-time purchases
You will receive the current month's box offerings.  You will be charged only once when you purchase.

Subscriptions
The final day for new subscribers to sign up for the current month's box is the last day of each month. Subscriptions auto-renew on the 15th of each month and every 2nd month for 2 month deliveries.

Shop the Callaloo Box grocery store for individual items. This is a great way to get specific things in the event you don't want an entire box. They also have a Callaloo Snack Box if you're craving goodies from 'back home'.

If you create an account at Callaloo Box, you can earn rewards. Also, if you use this code: MOMFILES5, you will get $5 off your first box with subscription or a 1 time box purchase.

Giveaway
The very sweet ladies from Callaloo Box have offered us to host a reader giveaway. One lucky winner will receive their very own Callaloo Box shipped to their doorstep. Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will end on March 26, 2018. Please follow entry rules in Rafflecopter widget. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!
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The Best Summer Countdown Sale Begins In Myrtle Beach, SC

Raise your hand if you're ready for summer! *both hands raised* In case you are in the summer vacation planning stage, you should check out what Vacation Myrtle Beach is offering.

Splash Into Savings At Vacation Myrtle Beach Properties

Vacation Myrtle Beach, one of the largest hotel groups in the Myrtle Beach area, featuring 14 oceanfront properties and nearly 4,000 accommodation units, launches its best ever Summer Countdown Sale where the longer you stay, the more you save!

“It’s time to plan your summer vacation and prepare to enjoy the best of the beach life.  If you’re dreaming of a beach getaway filled with sun, fun, and amazing adventures, it’s waiting for you here in beautiful Myrtle Beach, South Carolina,” stated Matt Klugman, director of sales & marketing for Vacation Myrtle Beach.  “And, with our Countdown to Summer Sale, you’ll be able to take advantage of the very best prices and special summer season deals at all of our Vacation Myrtle Beach oceanfront resorts.”


To maximize savings with The Summer Countdown Sale, here are the details:

  • The longer you stay, the more you save (save up to 44% if you stay 3 nights, 48% if you stay 4 nights, 50% if you stay 5 nights, 52% if you stay 6 nights)
  • The Summer Countdown Sale applies to reservations made between March 15-29, 2018 (for travel during the summer months) 
  • Guests may add “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” waterpark tickets to their reservation and save up to 75% on resort credits
  • The 14 Vacation Myrtle Beach properties offering The Summer Countdown Sale include:
Beach Colony Resort – BeachColony.com
Beach Cove Resort – BeachCove.com
Captain’s Quarters Resort – CaptainsQuarters.com
The Caravelle Resort – TheCaravelle.com
Carolina Winds Resort – CarolinaWinds.com
Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark – CrownReef.com (You can check out my review here)
Forest Dunes Resort – ForestDunes.com
hotel BLUE – hotelBLUEmb.com
Landmark Resort – LandmarkResort.com
Ocean Creek Resort – OceanCreek.com
Palace Resort – PalaceResort.com
Palms Resort – PalmsResort.com
Sea Watch Resort – SeaWatchResort.com
South Wind on the Ocean – TheSouthWind.com


Beautiful weather, championship golf, shows, activities, Southern cooking, and more… why wait a moment longer?  Plan your summer vacation and choose from 14 oceanfront properties offered by Vacation Myrtle Beach with this limited time sale. 
For more information, visit VacationMyrtleBeach.com or call 855-285-4416.

About VacationMyrtleBeach.com Resorts
VacationMyrtleBeach.com is the official vacation site of Myrtle Beach, S.C., offering the guaranteed lowest rate on nearly 4,000 accommodations units, ranging from studios and efficiencies to one-bedroom suites and two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom condos. VacationMyrtleBeach.com resorts also offer a wide range of award-winning properties and Myrtle Beach's best on-site amenities including pools, water parks, lazy rivers, whirlpools, restaurants, oceanfront pool bars, bowling center, tennis center, racquetball courts, fitness rooms, miniature golf course and even South Carolina’s first swim-up pool bar. Ask about our special rates for accommodations and meeting space for retreats, meetings, and conferences. 
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Cinnabon Introduces Cold Brew Iced Coffees

Coffee lovers can enjoy the velvety smoothness of cold brew with the indulgently satisfying flavors only experienced at Cinnabon. 

Cinnabon®, the brand that set the bar with fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, today announced the debut of hand-crafted Cinnabon Cold Brew Iced Coffees. These refreshing new beverages are available in three indulgent flavors reminiscent of the irresistible aroma guests crave:  Signature Cinnamon Roll, Vanilla and Salted Caramel. The cold brew process creates a perfectly balanced and distinctively smooth cup of coffee, providing a delicious on-the go treat enjoyed on its own or paired with any Cinnabon baked good.


Cold Brew Iced Coffee is steeped over time versus roasted, which delivers over 60% less acidity than traditionally brewed coffee and iced coffee. This method provides the desired boost of caffeine with a naturally smoother and sweet profile; the perfect base for the delicious flavors offered at Cinnabon. With spicy hints of cinnamon and creamy traces of the brand's beloved cream cheese frosting, The Signature Cinnamon Roll Cold Brew provides the irresistible Cinnabon experience in a cup. The seasonal Salted Caramel flavor is ideal for guests looking for their favorite sweet and salty fix, and Vanilla adds a classic, subtle sweetness popular among coffee lovers.

"Our new Cold Brew Iced Coffee is so over the top delicious, we know our guests will see this as another reason why they can't resist the temptation of Cinnabon," said Jill Thomas, vice president of global marketing. "With additional beverage innovations to come later this year, we're excited to offer a one-stop destination for out-of-this-world premium drinks to pair perfectly with our world famous cinnamon rolls."

Cinnabon Cold Brew Iced Coffees are now available in 16-ounce and 24-ounce sizes for the suggested retail price of $2.99 and $3.39, respectively. For the perfect pairing, fans can top any size bon with a creamy caramel drizzle and a salty toffee crunch for an additional $0.50!

For more details on the new Cold Brew offerings and to stay connected to all things Cinnabon, follow the brand on Twitter and Instagram at @Cinnabon, like it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Cinnabon, follow on Snapchat at TheRealCinnabon, or visit Cinnabon.com
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