Posts tagged kooiman
Communities Help Local Ronald McDonald House Charities, Here's How

Next time you see a way to donate to RMHC, consider giving a few coins, or more! I have been involved with the Ronald McDonald House Charities since college. I was the philanthropy chair for RMHC in Alpha Delta Pi at UNCW. I am proud to have been an ambassador for them here in Sydney for the last year. Watch this video to see how local communities can help make a difference in the lives of seriously ill children receiving treatment in hospital. RMHC provides a home away from home for their families. It is an amazing charity.

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How to Keep Blonde Hair Healthy and Bright, An Interview with my Hair Stylist in Sydney

Want to know how I keep my blonde hair healthy and bright? It’s not always easy. Being out in the sun and swimming in salt water can really dry out my hair. I had a bad experience when I was pregnant where my hair became so dry and brittle it was like straw. I’m not sure if it was because I became so low on iron or what. I did have to have an iron infusion because my levels got so low. Babies suck everything out of us don’t they!? LOL All worth it of course but that was tough. My energy levels were so low and my hair looked bad!! I did a lot to get it back to where it is now. Watch this interview I did with my favorite stylists in Sydney to see what they advised! Stylist Bondi Beach. Woot woot!

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How I Feel Home for the Holidays, While Living Half a World Away

"I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas." It's always been one of my favorite Christmas carols and something my brother and I used to cross our fingers for every year. Sledding, snow men, snow angels, snow cream, snowball fights - it doesn't get much better for a kid. Growing up in North Carolina, then beginning my TV anchoring career in Ohio, and spending five years at Fox News Channel in New York City - I was lucky enough not to just sing about having a white Christmas, but actually have a white Christmas - a number of times.

This year the only white Christmas I'll be seeing - isn't snow - but white sandy beaches. Santa will be riding a Sea-Doo instead of a one horse open sleigh, and ugly Christmas sweater house parties will be replaced with ugly Christmas wetsuit beach parties. For real! You see it's summer where I live. I live in the place Americans fondly refer to as The Land Down Under. I'm not complaining, just noting the stark contrast.

I'll be kicking off my Christmas morning with a cool swim at Australia's most iconic beach, Bondi Beach, and then heading to my brother-in-law's house for a poolside Christmas feast with 'prawns' the size of your fist! That's 'shrimp' for folks in our corner of the world!

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Tasty Turkey Taco Chili

This turkey taco chili is so simple, delicious, and nutritious! I have made it about 100 times, 100 different ways. After a lot of trial and error, this is definitely a recipe worth sharing! Let me know on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube if you try it!

  • INGREDIENTS:

  • 1.25 lbs ground turkey (.5 kg turkey mince)
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 can cannelli beans
  • 1 can sweet corn
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 carton beef stock (can also use chicken or veggie)
  • 2 sweet peppers (red/yellow/orange)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 packet guacamole seasoning
  • GARNISH:

  • arugula/cilantro/avocado/Greek yogurt/cracked pepper
  • INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Combine kidney beans, cannelli beans, sweet corn, crushed tomatoes, and guacamole seasoning in large pot. 

  • Stir ingredients in large pot. If you will be at the house, go ahead and begin cooking on low. 

  • About an hour or two before you want to eat the meal, brown the ground turkey with the taco seasoning. Also chop and sauté the peppers with a bit of taco seasoning.

  • Combine cooked turkey and peppers with everything else in the pot. Increase the heat to medium. Stir periodically. It is ready to serve in about and hour. But it can be held for a good while on low.

  • This is a mild chili. I've added Frank's Hot Sauce in the past for a little kick. I think that adds just enough zing, but prefer it just like as I've laid out above. 

  • Garnish as you wish. I like to use arugula (rocket as they say in Oz) and avocado. I add Greek yogurt, lime, and cracked pepper when I prep it for my husband. Choose your own adventure!

  • ENJOY! 

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Best Beach Hair Products Under the Sun

I like to use beach sprays two ways... I'll give my mane a little misty mist... spritzy spritz before I head down to the sand... and let the wind do the styling for me.... Or I'll use it on dry hair that is looking limp and haggard... to give it some swagger. ;-) Give it a whirl... You'll be singing... "I Whip My Hair Back and Forth" in no time!

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How to Get the Perfect Pink Pout

I just discovered a super fun and flirty pink lipstick and have to share! I normally wear more neutral colors like MAC Brave Lipstick with MAC Cultured Lipglass (gloss) or MAC Please Me Lipglass (gloss) on top... But this new MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande lipstick makes such a statement. I've been getting so many compliments. It's not an everyday color in my book... but it is definitely a head turner... and screams energy and confidence!

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