Crushed Peppermint Cheesecake

This peppermint cheesecake features a homemade Oreo cookie crust and crushed peppermint candy topping. It's hard to imagine a more festive holiday dessert.

Ingredients

 

12 ounces creme-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, such as Oreos, broken into pieces 

3 tablespoons melted butter 

 

1 1/2 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature 

3/4 cup sugar 

1/3 cup sour cream 

4 eggs 

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon vanilla 

 

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/3 cup coarsely crushed peppermint candy

Preparation

1. Place cookies in a heavy zip-lock plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. Pour into a buttered 9-inch round springform pan and pour melted butter over crumbs; mix to coat, then press evenly over bottom and about 1/2 inch up sides of pan. Bake in a 300° oven until crust is slightly darker and looks a bit dry, about 10 minutes (leave oven on).
2. Meanwhile, in a bowl, with a mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese and sugar until well blended. Beat in sour cream. Add eggs one at a time, beating to blend after each addition. Beat in flour, vanilla, peppermint extract, and salt until smooth. Pour cream cheese mixture into pan over baked crust.
3. Bake until edges are just golden and center jiggles slightly when pan is gently shaken, about 1 hour. Run a knife around edge of pan rim. Place pan on a wire rack and cool cheesecake completely in pan. Cover and chill until cold, at least 4 hours or up to 2 days. Run a knife around rim again, then release rim. If any liquid has pooled on surface of cheesecake, blot dry gently with a paper towel.
4. Decorate top of cake with crushed peppermint candy, pressing it in gently with your hands.

Note:

PREP AND COOK TIME: About 1 1/2 hours, plus at least 4 hours to cool and chill

 

Enjoy <3 RaneeB.

My Weight Loss Journey SECRET!!

People have been asking me what's my secret to losing weight & how did I loose it so fast!!!

Well today I'm going to give everyone my secret because clearly I can't keep a secret this great from my love mufins!!!!

 

 

1. NO Red Meats... Only Fish, Chicken, & Turkey.
2.  Nothing white (like potatoes, white bread, cauliflower & etc.
3. ONLY whole wheat / Whole grain breads I eat whole grain waffles I love waffles! Lol
4. Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables.... NO canned fruits or veggies (the have lots of sugar & sodium.
5.  Infused water & 100% Juice (NO Pop/soda) ABSOLUTELY NO SWEETS (candy, cake, pies, cookies, ice cream & etc.)

I get healthy snacks like veggie chips, wheat thins, hummus w/ pita.

 

 

Just changing the way you eat will make you drop the weight instantly!!!! I honestly haven't incorporated exercise yet in w/ my diet & look just how much I lost already! 

 >>>>> WEIGH IN: January 2014 - 300lbs. November 2014 - 209lbs.  #GoodLuck

<3 RaneeB.

 

 

Best Friends OOTD!

Hey everyone! Today is the day for the best friends outfit of the day post! LETS GET STARTED!!

My whole outfit came from a local clothing store here in Kansas City, called Viva Fashion Mart. The sneaker wedges are from Burlington Coat Factory.

Me:

Shirt: size 2x ( sizes run small at the store .... I'm a size XL or 1X but had to get a 2X for it to for me just right ) - $13.99

Jeans: Size 18 ( sizes run small at the store .... I'm a size 16 but had to get a 18 for it to fit me just right ) - $22.95

Shoes: Size 10 - $30

My best friend Alex's whole outfit came from the store H&M. His Shoes came from the store Pac Sun.

Alex: 

Shirt: Size: Small - $22.00

Pants: $24.95

Shoes: $30.00

New e.l.f. Haul!

S/O 2 @officialelfcosmetics & my puffin got me rockin the new Matte Lip Color in the shade "Nearly Nude" ♡♡♡♡ #RaneeB

Got this from Hy-Vee in their beauty department for only $1

2014 +PLUS+ Size Summer Outfit of The Day!

So lately I've been playing around with my style & trying new things. I can truly say that I DO LOVE THE BODY I'M IN!!!

OOTD!!! - Forever21.com: Black/Cream Jumpsuit Size 2x $27.80, Red Bodysuit 2x $10.80, Necklace $5.80, Bracelets $7.80, Triangle chain ring bracelet $4.80 & Last but not least is My Purse - Steve Madden ......

- Stay Confident & Be You!  #RaneeB

Chicken Summer Time Fling Pizza

As you now know, I started working at the Chateau Avalon Hotel, Spa, & Wine Bar. I've been coming up with new ideas in the kitchen.

Probably Put This On The Menu.... Made another grilled flat bread pizza w/ tomatoes, onions onions, orange bell peppers, pesto sauce, grilled chicken chiffonade spinach, red pepper flakes and cheese.

Enjoy!!

My Fav. Beauty/Makeup Items 4 Spring

NYX Matte Finish Fini Mat Setting Spray $6 (GlamTress Beauty Store)

CoverGirl cgsmoothers BB cream $5 color shade #815 (medium to dark) (CVS)

Simple - sensitive skin experts eye make-up remover (FREE Gift)

jordana #46 purple eyeliner 99cents (Walgreens)

jordana twist & shine moisturizing balm stain  #01 nude chic $3 (Walgreens)

jordana twist & shine moisturizing balm stain #04 candied coral $3 (Walgreens)
Nude by Rihanna 1.0 FL oz.  - Burlington Coat Factory $20

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/KansasCityzFinest

Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/MzKCzFinest

Twitter: @MzKCzFinest

Instagram: @mzkczfinest

My Blog: www.foodfashion-raneeb.blogspot.com

My Daily Morning Glow Routine

Hey my Luvz! For some time now I've been asked how do I get my face so clear & how do I get that "Glow-Like" effect. Well..... this morning I'm going to tell you how I do it! - Lets Get Started :)

Step #1

 First thing in the morning after I brush my teeth is to wash my face. I use a Facial Cleansing Buff (Regular Texture) right along with a Facial Cleansing Bar. The buff is like an exfoliator; it lifts off dry, dulling skin cells. It also gently cleanses away makeup, dirt & excess oil. Leaving your skin smooth & soft.
The Facial Cleansing Bar won't leave a pore-clogging residue. It also doesn't have any harsh detergents, dyes, or hardeners. Plus, it is hypoallergenic!

Directions:

1. Lather the buff with warm water and the cleansing bar (or your favorite skin cleanser).
2. Gently cleanse your face with slow, circular motions.
3. Rinse face thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
4. Rinse the buff thoroughly & air dry (For best results, replace the buff often)

Step #2

Next I use an Oil Free Face Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin (You may use whatever moisturizer that fits your skin type). It keeps my face from drying out. :( - Dry & flaky skin is #NotHot Lol

Directions:

1. Use 1 pump and smooth onto face (I personally use 2 to 3 pumps because my skin is so dry) (For smoothing, you can use either your hands or a makeup sponge) - I personally use my hands. Use daily, alone or under makeup. May be used morning and night.

Step #3

YAY! (Last Step) - OMG I freaking LOVE LOVE LOVE this stuff! "What is this you may ask?" It is COVERGIRL cgsmoothers BB cream. This 1 Multi-Action BB Cream with 10 skin friendly benefits like, natural looking radiance, sheer color, all day hydration, improving skin elasticity, lightweight, helps skin feel smooth, & covering to help instantly improve skin's appreance .
The Good Stuff - Tinted moisturizer + Sunscreen broad specturm SPF 15

Directions:

1. Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. (You may use your hands or makeup sponges)



 

Cleansing Buff & Facial Bar - Dollar General $1.00 each

Moisturizer - Dollar General $3.00

COVERGIRL BB Cream (Shade #815 Medium to Dark) - CVS Drugstore $5/6.00

(Perfume in Background) - Lol if anyone was wondering >>> Reb'l Fleur by Rihanna 1.0 FL oz. & Nude by Rihanna 1.0 FL oz.  - Burlington Coat Factory $20 each

Reb'l Fleur by Rihanna 1.7 FL oz. - TJ Maxx $20

 

 

My routine is Affordable, Quick, Easy & IT ACTUALLY WORKS!!

<3 RaneeB.

2014 +PLUS+ Size Spring Outfit of The Day!

Cardigan, Hi-Lo Tank Top, Jeans - Size 20, & Sketchers Sneaker Wedges - Size 10 >> ALL From Burlington Coat Factory

Sorry that I couldn't give you all the prices...... I was too excited, so therefore I popped the tags off and threw 'em in the trash! Lol  That won't happen next time :)

Photographer: Christina Watley
Location: 2823 Main Ave. Kansas City, MO

<3 #RaneeB

Spring Strawberry Salad with Chicken

"This is a great recipe as both an entree and a side dish…..with or without the chicken."

 

 

Ingredients

Makes servings USMetricAdjust Recipe (Help)

2 largeboneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

2 tablespoonsolive oil

2 tablespoonsbalsamic vinaigrette salad dressing

1 bunchfresh spinach, rinsed and dried

1 pintstrawberries, sliced

4 ouncescrumbled goat cheese

1 (5 ounce) packagecandied pecans (such as Emerald® Pecan Pie Glazed Pecans)

2 tablespoonsolive oil

2 tablespoonsbalsamic vinaigrette salad dressing

 

Directions

1. Place the chicken breast meat into a skillet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinaigrette over medium heat; cook and stir until the chicken is browned, no longer pink in the center, and the juice has nearly evaporated, about 10 minutes. Remove the chicken to a bowl and let cool.
2. Place the spinach into a salad bowl; scatter the strawberries, goat cheese, and candied pecans over the spinach. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and top with the chicken. Serve slightly warm or chilled.

Enjoy!

Plus Size Beauty: Spring 2014 Lip Color Trends

One of the makeup trends that I will be embracing this spring is bright, bold lip color. There’s something about vibrant shades of lipstick that instantly get you in the mood for warmer weather and summer fun. If you typically stay away from bold colors, give this trend a try. Try something new.

 

 

 

 

 

Lovemarc – Matte Lip Gel in Matte Hot Fuchia, Sephora

BOBBI BROWN?Lip Color – Shimmer Finish in Pink gold Shimmer, Sephora

Colour Riche Lipcolour, Saucy Mauve, Ulta

Rouge Ecstasy Color & Care Lipstick, Corals, Neiman Marcus

Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick, Neiman Marcus

MAC Heroine Lipstick, Nordstrom

What do you think of these spring 2014 lip color trends? Do you have a signature lip color? If so, tell me about it!

 

Top 5 Most Fashionable Foods

Guacamole "Pasta"

 

 

 

 

 Coco Cola

The clever technique of using both a seltzer charge and a cream charge gives you a foamy, snow-white dessert with an almost ethereal lightness.

 

 

 

Red Wine Caramel Apples

Red wine reduction is a simple yet sultry addition to the caramel that enrobes these apples .

 

 

 

 

Vinegar-Glazed Grilled Chicken Livers and Onions

Grilled red onion wedges and tender little chicken livers are glazed with a Spanish-influenced sweet-and-sour sauce.

 

 

 

Passion-Fruit Gelées

These delicate gelées are wonderful for company-the passion-fruit purée gives them golden color and heady tropical flavor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plus size Christmas party fashion

I decided to share with you all some of the sites I like to look at for fun stuff as well as some fun stuff you all might like for your Christmas parties too…

This first set is from Maurice’s.

You can find fun dresses at Eshakti! It is like Modcloth but for plus size women, goes up to size 36! And most of their dresses are under $50!!

Did you know Forever 21 has a plus size section!? It is only online, totally worth looking into!















Last but not least, Torrid. This is one of my favorite stores, it is slightly edgy without being too over the top. Feel free to leave a comment on where you find your favorite plus size finds!















<3 RaneeB.

Recipe #18 - Acorn Candy Cookies

 

Acorn Candy Cookies

 

 

 

Ingredients
1 tablespoon prepared chocolate frosting
 

24milk chocolate candy kisses (such as Hershey's Kisses®), unwrapped

 

24mini vanilla wafer cookies (such as Nilla®)

 

24butterscotch chips

 

 

 

Procedure

Smear a small amount of frosting onto the flat bottom of a candy kiss. Press onto the flat bottom of the vanilla wafer. Smear a little more frosting onto the flat bottom of a butterscotch chip, and press onto the rounded top of the cookie. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Set aside to dry, about 30 minutes.

NEED A COSTUME?

+PLUS+ Size Costumes For Women

Here Are Some PLace To Look For A Costume This Halloween!

 

 

Lane Bryant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Party City

 

 

 

 

 

One Stop Plus

 

 

 

 

 

Amazon

 

 

 

4 Hottest +PLUS+ Size Looks for Fall 2013

I am super excited about fall 2013 because I feel like this year
fashion has gone back to real dressing. This season we are seeing
the return of tweed, ladylike leather, embellishment and plaid!

Back in the day, there were very few plus-size brands that even produced apparel based on designer trends. Nowadays, plus-size brands and retailers are finally catching up with the times and seeing that plus-size women want the same trends we see on the runway. For fall 2013, there were so many wonderfully fun and edgy trends for plus-size women to dabble in, no matter your size. Here are four of the easiest and coolest trends in plus-size for every budget.

 

 

 

Leather

We saw leather make its appearance back in 2012, but this year the world has fully caught on to its chic appeal. From leather skirts and leather tops to leather dresses, this is a must buy for fall.

 

 

Forever 21 Faux Leather Dress (Forever 21, $25)

ASOS Curve Leather skirt (ASOS, $90)

ING Faux leather Laser cutout top (Macy's, $36)

NYDJ Faux Leather Front Leggings (Bloomingdale's, $130)

 

 

 

 

Gray

As much as fabrics and styles are trends, colors are trends too. The color gray is having a moment. Try one of these plus-size pieces to get in on the trend.

 

H&M Plus Ruched dress (H&M, $30)

Forever 21 Plus Jeggings (Forever 21, $15)

Monif C. Button Front Dress (Monif C., $188)

 

 

 

Plaid

Yes, the schoolgirl look is back but in a much more grown-up way. Try a plaid blazer with jeans, a plaid peplum top with a pencil skirt or a full plaid skirt with a black turtleneck for a modern yet trendy look.

 

Merona Plus-Size Plaid blazer (Target, $40)

ASOS Curve Tartan Peplum Top (ASOS, $34)

Jibri Plaid Full skirt (Etsy, $140)

  

 

 

Moto jackets

If your style is classic or sophisticated, then get ready to edge it up with a cool moto jacket. Moto jackets are a great way to add a little flair to your wardrobe. Throw it over a dress for a downtown chic look. Already have one in black? Go for one in a rich vibrant hue!

 

Michael Kors Crinkle leather jacket (Bloomingdale's, $505)

Marc New York, By Andrew Marc (Nordstrom, $450)

Calvin Klein Plus Moto Jacket (Bloomingdale's, $180)



Fall 2013 Lipstick Color Trends

 

Strike a Pose: Here the following hues make your look more feminine and fabulous: silver grey together with dull brownish-yellow color. While wearing crimson and pink, you will get all the compliments.

 

 



Light Touch: Light green and light blue tones are considered to be the trendy colors of fall 2013. Golden yellow tones give you flexibility and frailty.

Sole Statement: Steel blue tone together with light purple creates liveliness and tenacity. Grey hues are reflected especially in art.

Fur Real: Here vivid yellow shades and lime green tones are to be mentioned. These colors are considered self- dependent and wholehearted.

Balancing act: Dark brown and coral tones create exaltation, while pink and orange hues give you complete and absolute energy and enthusiasm.

 

Luxury: Deep burgundy creates affluence. While with olive hues you are paid much attention to. Purple tones provide an elegant appearance.