Beauty Tips We Love

The classic Cat Eye is one of the most timeless and classic style that a girl can wear. While it may take a little practice, it is truly worth the work to get that perfect winged liner. Works for almost every eye shape:)

Butternut Mac-n-Cheese dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, grain-free option

Add to blender or food processor:
2 packed cups of cooked butternut (I cook whole butternut in the oven at 400 degrees for about an hour. No need to cut or poke them. Remove the skin and seeds after they've cooled.)

1 can of full-fat coconut milk (I use Thai Kitchen because it is the richest)
2 tbsp Earth Balance Butter Spread (I use soy-free)
1 tsp Herbamare
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp garlic powder

Puree well.

Boil one bag (12 ounces) Tinkyada noodles for 8 minutes to partially cook them.

Strain the noodles, and put them back in the pot.

Stir in the sauce.

Add the noodles and sauce to your baking dish.

Tear 2 brown rice tortillas into pieces and add them to the blender or food processor.

Puree until very fine.

Add 1 tsp of Earth Balance.

Puree again.

Sprinkle the crumbs over the top.

Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes.

Cooking Tips from Kara!

I want to share with you some valuable info I found from this Cooking Light article about top fat fighting foods (adding my two cents and additional research, of course:) Research shows that some foods make you feel full longer and raise the body's metabolism so you burn more calories though out the day. Here are the top 5 fat fighting foods and a little bit about them:

1.) Berries:
-Fiber rich and low calorie
-The most antioxidant rich foods you can eat
-Increase the production of hormone (adiponectin) that stimulates fat burning
*Bonus* The antioxidants in blueberries protect you from premature aging
-Tip: Buy organic whenever you can. Frozen is just as beneficial as fresh. So good over Noosa honey yogurt!

2.) Eggs:
-Help combat cravings and control hunger all day long (very important to eat a protein rich breakfast)
-6 grams of protein per large egg plus healthy fats
-only food naturally containing important nutrient Vitamin D
*Bonus* Promotes healthy hair and nails due to the high sulphur content
-Tip: Make a batch of hard boiled eggs at the beginning of the week so can take with you on the go. I like to have mine in the morning mashed up with a little butter, salt, and pepper and serve with my favorite gluten free millet bread.

3.) Greek Yogurt:
-2X as much protein and 1/2 the sugar as regular yogurt
-Contains priobiotics for digestive health and the much needed Calcium
*Bonus* Helps you lose total body weight when eaten regularly, but especially belly fat!
-Tip: I prefer Fage brand 2% and 0%. Can be served with fruit and cereal at breakfast, with salad at lunch, a yogurt smoothie as a snack, added to salad dressing at dinner, with honey and fruit for dessert.. the options are endless:)

4.) Green and Oolong Tea:
-Caffeine and catechins rev metabolism and boost fat burning
-Calorie free and antioxidant rich
-Been proven to help fight cancer, aid in depression, and relax the body/mind
*Bonus* Shown to help with wrinkles and signs of aging!
-Tip: try to drink either green or oolong tea throughout the day, iced or hot. Great with lemon and mint or with a splash of cream/almond milk/(any milk or substitute of choice).

5.) In-shell Pistachios:
-6 grams of protein per ounce, plus healthy fats to keep you satiated
-Study shows that eating in-shell pistachios resulted in eating 41% less calories compared to those who ate shelled nuts (shells trick the brain into thinking you've eaten more than actually have)
*Bonus* Contain vitamin E, which aids in healthy and beautiful skin!
-Tip: I buy the snack packs in bulk from Costco, Sams Club or Amazon.com from Wonderful brand.. that way they are already portioned out for me and I can take them anywhere! Great for a pre or  post workout snack with a piece of fruit.

xoxo,
Kara

Foods We Love: Fat Fighters

I want to share with you some valuable info I found from this Cooking Light article about top fat fighting foods (adding my two cents and additional research, of course:) Research shows that some foods make you feel full longer and raise the body's metabolism so you burn more calories though out the day. Here are the top 5 fat fighting foods and a little bit about them:

1.) Berries:

-Fiber rich and low calorie

-The most antioxidant rich foods you can eat

-Increase the production of hormone (adiponectin) that stimulates fat burning

*Bonus* The antioxidants in blueberries protect you from premature aging

-Tip: Buy organic whenever you can. Frozen is just as beneficial as fresh. So good over Noosa honey yogurt!

2.) Eggs:

-Help combat cravings and control hunger all day long (very important to eat a protein rich breakfast)

-6 grams of protein per large egg plus healthy fats

-only food naturally containing important nutrient Vitamin D

*Bonus* Promotes healthy hair and nails due to the high sulphur content

-Tip: Make a batch of hard boiled eggs at the beginning of the week so can take with you on the go. I like to have mine in the morning mashed up with a little butter, salt, and pepper and serve with my favorite gluten free millet bread.

3.) Greek Yogurt:

-2X as much protein and 1/2 the sugar as regular yogurt

-Contains priobiotics for digestive health and the much needed Calcium

*Bonus* Helps you lose total body weight when eaten regularly, but especially belly fat!

-Tip: I prefer Fage brand 2% and 0%. Can be served with fruit and cereal at breakfast, with salad at lunch, a yogurt smoothie as a snack, added to salad dressing at dinner, with honey and fruit for dessert.. the options are endless:)

4.) Green and Oolong Tea:

-Caffeine and catechins rev metabolism and boost fat burning

-Calorie free and antioxidant rich

-Been proven to help fight cancer, aid in depression, and relax the body/mind

*Bonus* Shown to help with wrinkles and signs of aging!

-Tip: try to drink either green or oolong tea throughout the day, iced or hot. Great with lemon and mint or with a splash of cream/almond milk/(any milk or substitute of choice).

5.) In-shell Pistachios:

-6 grams of protein per ounce, plus healthy fats to keep you satiated

-Study shows that eating in-shell pistachios resulted in eating 41% less calories compared to those who ate shelled nuts (shells trick the brain into thinking you've eaten more than actually have)

*Bonus* Contain vitamin E, which aids in healthy and beautiful skin!

-Tip: I buy the snack packs in bulk from Costco, Sams Club or Amazon.com from Wonderful brand.. that way they are already portioned out for me and I can take them anywhere! Great for a pre or  post workout snack with a piece of fruit.

xoxo,

Kara

http://www.2noblecrows.com/2012/08/5-best-fat-fighting-foods.html

“K.Crow’s Nest” Vintage Designer Finds for July

PL Buyer and Blogger Kara Crow Hatch has found them again! Amazing vintage gems you won't want to miss! 

Amazing vintage turquoise/coral fringe necklace.
Such a statement.. great casual and dressy.

Vintage Givenchy gold-tone/pearl tassel necklace.
The perfect versatile necklace.

Vintage Christian Dior "moon" earrings (left).
Vintage Givenchy oval pearl earrings (right).
Perfect cocktail earrings!

Vintage Christian Dior "artsy leopard" hinge bangle.
Looks awesome with gold bracelets piled on!

Vintage Christian Dior turquoise/rhinestone delicate bracelet.
Precious designer layering piece.

Vintage Dior gold "leaf" necklace. Stunning.
Looks beautiful on its own or layered with other
long gold necklaces. Can't go wrong here.

for more of Kara vintage finds and to read her blog follow her at : http://www.2noblecrows.com

2 Noble Crow’s Patriotic Party

1.) Gucci bag
2.)Krispie Skewer Recipe
3.) Inspiration pic from Pinterest; love everything
about this look!

Both bikini and cut out tee from Planet Blue

1.) Chanel look taken from Pinterest; um obsessed.
2.) Red, White, and Blue Sangria recipe here!! Genius.
3.) Precious matching shorts/crop top set from Planet Blue

1.) Inspiration: Brigitte Bardot looking white hot in her bikini.
2.) Gucci nautical suit from net-a-porter.. timeless.

1.) Precious Patterson J. Kincaid Star Blazer from Shopbop.com..
so cute with the pale pink jeans.
2.) "All American girl" styling inspiration pic taken from Pinterest
3.) Fresh American Flag berry and cheese platter

1.) Classic American style inspiration pic taken from Pinterest. Can't go wrong
with this look! Or with a Birkin:)
2.) Current/Elliott faded denim star jacket from shopbop.com.
3.) Red, White, and Blue(cheese) pita pockets recipe

1.) Carrie Underwood rockin a Haute Hippie flag tank..
available at: Pink Lagoon Boutique (call)
2.) Jamie Oliver's refreshing and healthy berry
red, white, and blue "ice cream" made with yogurt.

1.) Stars and Stripes Equipment Star tie blouse..Relaxed and in spirit:)
2.) Amazing Isabel Marant peasant blouse and cool Rag and Bone cut offs- a subtle way to
express your patriotism. Available at net-a-porter.com
3.) Blue Life striped dress with stunning back detail.. the perfect cover up. At: Planet Blue

"Photographed by Vogue alumna Claiborne Swanson Frank, American Beauty features over 100 portraits of quintessentially American women such as Lily Aldridge, Solange Knowles, and Jenna Lyons—each of whom possesses an original blend of grit, grace, glamour, and gravitas that echo far beyond the pages of this oversize hardcover."

Patriotic Party...God Bless American Style:

I love this time of year where we get to dress in All American duds and the smells of outdoor barb-e-ques and firework smoke fill the neighborhoods! We are very blessed to live in such an amazing country! Here are some of my fave patriotic looks and delicious recipes!

xo,
Kara

to read more from Kara Crow Hatch follow her blog at: http://2noblecrows.blogspot.com/2012/06/patriotic-partygod-bless-american-style.html

Red Mountain Resort Trip

Red Mountain Resort Trip; Best Weight Loss Tip Discovered:

Just got back from Red Mountain Resort in Utah on a wellness/relaxation trip with Jenny! I haven't felt this rested and at peace in a long time. Here is a typical day for us:
    Wake up at 6 a.m. in order to hit up the healthy breakfast buffet before our daily hike. The buffet offered just about everything and in a nutritious manner.. there were buckwheat pancakes, steel cut oats, hard boiled eggs, millet toast, fresh fruit, coffee with organic soy milk, organic chicken sausage, tofu scrambles, etc etc.. a dream come true. And the best part about it was that it had the nutrition facts posted on the buffet menu. Love that.. so you know what you're getting into:) Then we would meet for our daily hike and be gone from 7-10ish.. just in time to be back for stretch class or yoga (there are various classes offered all throughout the day). The dining room is open between meals where they offer refreshing fruits, cold water, and Tazo passion fruit iced tea (it's 105 degrees there so def necessary). Then we would hit the pool and read/chat for a couple of hours before lunch (same buffet style with nutritional info, offering salad bar, daily soups, lean meats, etc). We would then return to the pool for water aerobics class or more reading...or, one day we scheduled a massage in the afternoon (much needed and deserved after all the exercise), where we steamed and lounged in the plush reclining chairs over looking the mountains before our treatments. Finally, we would get showered and ready for our sit down peaceful dinner where we would order from a menu of different entree specials (again, with nutritional info). In addition, you get salad bar, daily fresh soup, and choice of decadent dessert! Then we would go back to our rooms and hit the hay early so we would be refreshed for our next morning hike! You have got to come here! Now, for the best part of the trip....
    When we arrived, we received a schedule of all the offered events. I noticed there were a couple of seminars available by author and M.D. Michelle May (who just coincidentally happened to be there the same time as us) about her book, "Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat". So, being the health and nutrition nut that I am, I signed us right up for her guided lunch of "how to eat mindfully". Best $25 I've ever spent. In that hour, she changed the way I view food. Of course, we bought her book, which I highly recommend to anyone who has ever struggled with dieting, guilt, overeating, etc. She helps you change the way you think about food and how to live a mindful, balanced lifestyle. You can read the first chapter here to see if it's for you.  We even ended up on the same hike as her and of course were asking her a million questions haha. She's been on Dr. Oz show-how cool?! and lives here in Phoenix too! Here's a little more about her book:
"After twenty years of yo-yo dieting, physician Michelle May discovered a peaceful, joyful relationship with food. With down-to-earth language and uncommon sense, she offers a rare prescription for optimal health of the body, mind, heart, and spirit. Dr. May will help you:
·    Stop obsessing about food and start loving it ·    Resolve mindless and emotional eating ·    Rediscover when, what, and how much to eat without restrictive rules ·    Learn the truth about nutrition in clear and practical terms ·    Stop using exercise as punishment for eating ·    Experience the pleasure of eating the foods you love—without guilt or bingeing
·    Develop powerful patterns of thinking to live the balanced, vibrant life you desire"   
    Anyways, it was the most amazing experience full of joy and learning and I'm feeling renewed, refreshed, and inspired. Here are some pics!
xoxo,
Kara

http://2noblecrows.blogspot.com/

Vintages Finds from 2NobleCrow’s Kara Crow Hatch

Check out some amazing new vintage finds coming to Pink Lagoon from Blogger and Buyer Kara Crow Hatch....gorgeous tribal jeweled bibs, gold cuffs and of course some amazing Dior and YSL.

http://2noblecrows.blogspot.com/2012/06/vintage-finds-for-may-kcrows-nest-for.html

Inspired by the Oscars

So, watching the Oscars really inspired me to want to work on my grooming maintenance a little more:) Every one's skin was glowing and bodies were perfect.. depressing depressing.. but anyways.. I was walking through Nordstroms with my mom yesterday looking for some sort of self tanner and the cosmetics lady recommended this xen-tan red carpet blend tanner where you can adjust your tan depth/moisturizing ratio each time. I'm a product whore so of course I bought it.. plus I use this line's face luxe tanner and love it. Also, this same lady told me about their new service at Nordstroms where they are trained by Anastasia (eyebrow genius to the stars) to shape/pluck/wax/groom eyebrows for only $30 per time. I made an appointment for next week. They also sell these kits by Anastasia that help you stay on track with the brow grooming process.. if I like the service I will definitely buy the kit. Lastly, I was watching E! yesterday after this lil trip to Nordy and Dr. Perricone was being interviewed on his tips to having glowing skin and how to slow down the anti aging process. Basically, when it comes to skin, you are what you eat:): Water, salmon, tons of greens, lean proteins, nuts, oats, etc etc.. but the fact that it is actually proven to make your skin "glow" makes me want to go out and buy 200 bottles of Columbia Gorge "just greens" at whole foods for my skin's sake (although that would be ridiculous, seeing as they have expiration dates and are $4 a piece so it would be quite an investment).. but anyways.. you get the point. So, this is what the meticulously groomed and glowing stars at the Oscars have inspired me to do:)

Cooking with Kara!

One of my fav new recipes I had to share, Mexican Chicken Hominy Soup....so delish and healthy!

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/mexican-chicken-hominy-soup-50400000108351/