Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks

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These Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks are so tender and delicious.  Easy too... here's what you'll need...

• 2 large Ahi Tuna Steaks
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp whole peppercorns
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp ghee
• Dipping sauce:  Coconut Aminos & Wasabi Powder (optional)

1.  Pat the tuna steaks dry.  Sprinkle with the salt and cayenne pepper on both sides.

2.  Heat the olive oil and ghee over medium high heat.  I used a thin cast iron pan.  Once hot, add the peppercorns and cook for about 5 minutes...until they start to soften and pop open.  I like to crush the peppercorns with the metal spatula.

3.  Add the tuna steaks and cook for 1 1/2 minutes per side for rare.

4.  Remove from pan and slice them 1/4 inch thin with a sharp knife.

These seared ahi tuna steaks will be crusted on the outside and rare on the inside...just like you'd be served in a restaurant... :)

For a wonderful Dipping Sauce that will make you feel like you're in a sushi restaurant.... mix a desired amount of wasabi powder into coconut aminos!

They have great flavor from the peppercorns and a little kick from the cayenne.  Very flavorful.  I hope you enjoy these Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks!  I served it alongside my steamed artichokes and homemade mayo!  Yum.

-Note:  when preparing this dish and cooking it rare, sushi grade tuna is recommended.  I found these Wild Ahi Tuna beauties at Costco.

The real reason to set Goals

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Why do you set goals?  I think the reason anyone wants anything in life is because we think we'll feel better in the having of it.  But why do we feel better in the having of it?  I think it has much more to do with the person we become by achieving the goal, rather than the actual reward.  I believe that's where the true joy of achieving goals comes from...

Anyone can set a goal.  Achieving a goal takes work.  It takes commitment and discipline.

I'm going to talk about physical goals here, because many of my readers are embarking on the Whole30 and setting physical goals...

Recently, one of the creators of the Whole30 Program, Melissa Hartwig, posted a very inspirational explanation why their shirts say "I Am Whole30" instead of "I'm doing the Whole30" or "I finished the Whole30".  It's based on the psychology of change and habit.  She doesn't want you to just DO the Whole30 (start eating healthier).  She wants you to BE Whole30 (BE a healthy eater).  She explains that the stronger you can self-identify in this way, the more likely you are to hold to your new desired behaviors.  Let it become part of who you are.  Give yourself opportunities to have small wins.  Go out to eat and BE Whole30.  Be faced with temptation and BE Whole30.  She says this sends a FAR stronger message from you to you, and you may be surprised at the power of this daily affirmation.

This way of thinking can apply to many goals you set.  Anytime you're trying to create a new habit, 1)  build it into your identity and  2)  give yourself opportunities to prove that this is who you are.  I love this concept.  I'm going to enjoy my shirt even more now... because I AM Whole30.

I'm incorporating this concept into my goal of living by my budget.  Instead of having a budget, I AM my budget.  I'm excited that by making it part of my identity, it's become part of who I am... and therefore I feel proud to work toward my financial goals.

Setting goals is one of the most important things you can do.  It's done so much for me.  Not just to get something...but to become someone you're proud to be.  :)

To learn more, read my other posts and get excited to set goals!  Become the someone you're supposed to be!

How to Set Goals in 5 Simple Steps

5 Rules for Setting Physical Goals

Financial Freedom Guide

Happy WifeStyle's Guide to the Whole30

Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lash Mascara Review

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*** GIVEAWAY DETAILS AT THE END OF THIS POST! ***

If you follow me on social media, you may have seen that @mascara_mum recently sent me this Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lash Mascara in the mail as a thank you for putting a smile on her face with my posts!  Wow, so generous...she definitely put a smile on MY face because mascara is my favorite makeup product!

My first impression of the product was good because it was like no other mascara I'd seen before.  It came in this beautiful case and had two wands inside.  I'd never heard of Younique products... what a cute, clever name!

I looked online to see how to apply it and found her instructional videos on how to apply and remove it.  It's completely waterproof... but comes off easily with any cleanser!  I never buy waterproof mascara because it's so hard to remove completely...so I was skeptical.  I do use false lashes on very special occasions because I love how big they make my eyes look, but I think they are difficult to apply.  If these can give me that look anytime I want, I'm in!  Here goes...

First, I put it on one eye to see the difference.  Wow.  Huge difference.

You first apply the "transplanting gel", coating all the lashes on one eye (I just did my top lashes).  While the gel is still wet and sticky, you immediately follow with the "natural lash fibers"... applying halfway up the lash to the tips.  It looks a little "feathery" at first as the fibers attach, but it will smooth out.  That's because they are actually tiny fibers being attached to lengthen and go beyond your natural lashes!  Take an up close look...

Follow with one more coat of gel to set it.  If you're satisfied, you're done!  If you want a more dramatic effect, keep going and apply as many coats, alternating gel and lash, until you achieve the look you want!  I put a little gel on my lower lashes to give them a subtle look...I just like the lower lashes enhanced, not longer, but you could put the fibers on the bottom too if you like.  Tip:  Hold both tubes in one hand and apply with the other hand.  Recap as you go so you don't mix up the tubes!  This gives a crazy cool false lash look and they are very black!  It's fun...lash galore!

I mentioned earlier that mascara is my favorite makeup product.  I actually don't wear a lot of makeup.  If I'm just running errands, my "go to" is some powder for shine, some mascara on my lashes... and lip gloss.  I think mascara makes the biggest difference, for me, to feel "done"...it makes my eyes look a lot bigger.  I love this t-shirt that I've seen on Pinterest a few times...there are days I can relate;)

So what else do I use?  If I'm spending a little more time on myself or going somewhere special, I use bareMinerals Complexion Rescue foundation (yes, I did a blog post about it too!).  It's the lightest, most hydrating, foundation that I've tried.  It smooths out my complexion...without a heavy, cakey feel.  I love it.  I also might do a little contouring with eyeshadow under my brow bone with a darker color to create more depth on my eyelids.  (I learned that trick from one of my favorite people in the world, Stevie Nicks...she has always done that trick;)  I love highlighter too.  I use Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up! which creates a beautiful glow to my cheekbones, brow bone and bridge of my nose.  It looks really natural compared to others I've tried.  Ok, I'm getting off on a tangent here...back to the mascara.

The big test was to see how my husband liked it.  I came out and blinked at him a few times and asked him what he thought.  He loved it.  He said it looks like I have false lashes on...but better.  He definitely thought it made my eyes look bigger.  :)  Good, must be husband approved!

I've used one other drug store brand "fiber" mascara before.  It was a while ago, so I don't remember the brand, but it came in one tube that was double ended...one wand on each end.  The first step coat went on white and then the second coat was black, which was strange.  All I remember is I didn't really like it.

So, the next tests for me were... Is it really waterproof? and Does it come off easily?  Yes, and yes.  I splashed my face with water a few times and it didn't budge.  I rubbed my eyes a little while wet and it started to smudge a bit, but not a lot.  I proceeded to wash with my regular cleanser that suds up as I normally would.  It came off so easily.  It didn't take any more effort than regular mascara and left NO residue.  That's a first for me with waterproof mascara.  :)

So, the final test for me was the ingredients, of course.  Being the health advocate I am... I always look at ingredients, not only in my food but in my products too.  I was very pleasantly surprised.  There are no junky ingredients in this.  The 100% Natural Fibers are actually taken from Green Tea!  The Transplanting Gel has ingredients like water, beeswax and collagen.  The black color comes from Iron Oxide which is a natural-occurring mineral, giving the gel it's striking black color.

Oh, and in case you're wondering... I decided to review this mascara because I loved the product.  I only review product that I love, use and would recommend to you.  I in not way am being compensated for this review.  I know some bloggers are compensated for writing positive reviews, so I want to take a moment to make that clear;)

I have close personal friends who have gotten eyelash extensions, but they're difficult to maintain.  I've gotten my eyelashes dyed black before.  I loved it, but it didn't last long.  I'm excited about this fun product that can help boost women's confidence.  The woman who sells this told me that since she's been using this product, she's started wearing more dresses!  That's fantastic!  It shows how little things that make us feel pretty can make a big impact on our lives.

I'm excited to have this product to play with.  SO EXCITED....that I contacted the person who sent it to me and we have partnered up to do an Instagram GIVEAWAY.. for one lucky winner to win this product...along with a few other goodies!!!  She is going to donate the product and I am going to host the giveaway!!  Maybe that winner will be you!  Keep an EYE on us over on Instagram!  HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

• Go to Instagram... follow @happywifestyle and @mascara_mum.
• Look for this pic on my page:

• Repost this pic (by screenshot or regram app) with the "#HWSLashes" hashtag so I can see your entry.  (Don't forget to tag me if your account is private or I won't see it)
• Enter as many times as you like, limit once per day.
• Extra karma points for tagging friends in the comment section of the pic that you think would like to enter!  Thanks for helping spread the word as this is my very first giveaway! :)

Details of giveaway:  Only open to US residents.  Only enter on Instagram.  This contest will be open until Sat April 18, 2015 at 9pm PT.  Winner will be announced the following day on Instagram.  Good luck!!

Can't wait?  Want to transform your lashes from "okay" to "oh, wow!"... you can learn more and find the product, among others, at mascaramum.com.  It sells for $29.  I hope you've enjoyed this review!  Have a fantastic weekend! :)

FYI ---Yes, these photos have been touched up.  Airbrushing does wonders to skin and is a girl's best friend when posting a "close up" at 43 years old, so bear with me... LOL!  But the lashes are NOT TOUCHED UP and I focused on the eyes to make that area stand out.  

Chicken Satay with "Peanut" Dipping Sauce

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I actually didn't know what Chicken Satay was exactly before seeing this recipe.  All I knew was how good it looked! :)

Chicken Satay is a Thai dish of chicken skewers that is typically served with a peanut dipping sauce.  A few tweaks and this becomes a delicious paleo-friendly version...

Ingredients for Chicken Skewers:  Prep time: 2-4 hrs    Cook time:  8-12 mins    Serves:  5-6

• 1 cup unsweetened full-fat canned coconut milk
• 3 cloves garlic, grated
• 1-2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2.5 lbs chicken tenders

Instructions:

1. Combine coconut milk, garlic, ginger, curry powder and salt in a small mixing bowl.  Mix until combined.  (I used a whisk;)
2. Marinate chicken with mixture for 2-4 hours.  (I used a large ziplock bag which worked great)
3. Soak wooden skewers for a minimum of 1 hour, prior to grilling.  (I put them in a 9" x 13" baking dish filled with water)
4. Preheat grill to high heat.
5. Skewer chicken tenders with the pre-soaked wooden skewers.
6. Grill over medium-high heat for 8-12 minutes, turning as necessary to cook evenly.
7. Serve with "Peanut" satay dipping sauce. (Recipe below; I made this ahead of time)

Ingredients for "Peanut" Satay Dipping Sauce:  Makes 2 cups

• 1 cup sunflower butter or raw almond butter (I used almond butter)
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup hot water
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
• Juice of 1/2 lime

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor.
2. Blend until a creamy, smooth consistency.

It's a delicious sauce... creamy and nutty with a spicy "kick"!  I made this Thai dish last Sunday for a "thank you" lunch for our friends that helped us out big time recently by babysitting our French Bulldog Stella...last minute for a whole week!  We are so grateful.  Thank you Meredith for taking such good care of her...and thank you Shawn for adjusting her, her chiropractic care you've given her has really made a big improvement.  Her facial paralysis is looking a lot better.

I always get a little nervous cooking something new for guests...if I've never made it, let alone tried it before!  This was a hit!  :)  What a nice, relaxing Sunday.  Good food followed by a really fun card game that they brought, "Phase 10".  We went out and bought it the next day and my husband and I have played it every night since!  LOVE!  I used to love playing rummy...it's similar but way more fun.

This recipe is from my very first Paleo cookbook I ever bought...  "Make it Paleo" by Bill Staley and Hayley Mason.  I love the recipes and beautiful big photos in this cookbook.  They recently came out with "Make it Paleo II"....can't wait to get it.  My friend got it and said it's amazing!  

If you're looking for a fun, different, delicious dish for guests or family....this recipe won't disappoint.  Enjoy!

Why you should take business talk outside the home

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My husband and I recently made a commitment to take business talk outside the home.  It's made all the difference... Why?

Does this sound familiar?...  Your spouse, or you, come home after a tiring, rough, stressful day at work only to unload all the stuff onto your spouse and kids.  You no longer greet each other lovingly, you no longer talk about the "positive things" about your day because the "negative things" take precedence.  Before you know it, your dinner conversation is about money and work... and the mood for the evening is shot.  

We've all heard about keeping your personal life out of the workplace, but we aren't as diligent about keeping our workplace out of our personal life.  We need to make this a priority.  But how?

You need to learn to be present where you are.  Essentially you need to have two different selves...your work self and your home self.  You need to get into the right frame of mind before you walk through that door at home...just like you do at work.  If that takes driving around the block a couple of times to get there...so be it!  So when is it okay to talk business at home?

Never talk business in the kitchen or bedroom.  Your home is your sanctuary for your family.  It needs to be a loving, safe, positive space.  If you have a home office, you can designate a place in your home where you talk about business.

Here are a couple of ideas to take business talk outside the home:

Schedule it.  My husband and I are scheduling a weekly meeting to talk about anything business related.  This is also our time to check in and discuss business, goals, savings, and planning for our future.  Here's the important part....take this meeting outside the home.  My husband and I are going to a coffee shop and spending about an hour discussing our business.  As time goes on, it'll be about a 30 minute meeting.  It removes this vibe out of the home.  Not that this talk has to be negative by any means.  We left our last meeting so invigorated and happy because it made our plans clear and more important than if it was discussed in the kitchen while cooking.

Ask permission.  So many times we catch ourselves just blurting out what's on our mind and all of a sudden you're spiraling into business talk again.  It can be a hard habit to break if you've been doing it for a while.  Make a conscience decision to break this habit.  Write it down so you don't forget what you want to discuss.  Sometimes the other person is in the middle of doing something and they aren't in the right mindset to discuss that right now!  I realize that it's not always practical to schedule an official meeting if you have one quick question, etc.  Sometimes you do need to talk business right now.  In those instances, ask permission.  Simply say, "Hey, is it okay if we talk about this...."  By doing this, the other person can choose if this is the right time, and usually adjust and give the other person their undivided attention... instead of half listening while doing something else.  This is a good time to go into that home office for a quick chat or go for a walk.  Walking and talking is an excellent way to talk about things.  Ladies....this is a great way to talk to your husbands who don't usually like having "talks".  :)

I hope this helps you as much as it's helped us.  I'd like to thank Dr. Baker of New Beginnings, our life coach, who helped us realize how important this is.  Take business talk outside the home.  Be home when you're home.  That's your time.  Hold each other accountable and have fun with this.  I'd love to hear your ideas of how YOU keep your work and home separate.

-photo credit at top:  found via Pinterest, originally from love and literature

Frenchie Friday

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Happy Frenchie Friday!  We are making a change!  We want to let you know that "Stella's" Frenchie Friday posts will be every so often instead of every Friday... so they are more special.  :)  She recently has suffered some neurological issues and has gone from looking like a puppy at 8 years old, to showing her age a bit.  Our little angel gave us quite a scare but is doing very well.  She is happy, hungry and playful.  She's still just as beautiful to us and we hope her facial paralysis, and condition improves.  Send love her way!  :)

But guess what, want to see more of darling "Stella"?  You can find her more often over on Instagram and Facebook... Thank you to those who have let me know that you love her fancy French face!  She has been my loyal sidekick since day one here on HWS.  Enjoy your Friday... "Stella" just received her latest tropical themed #BarkBox, and therefore has a very busy weekend planned;)