Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Try This! Creamy broccoli soup

During the colder months all I want to do is eat grilled cheese and soup.  Unfortunately, when the snows melt and my hibernation body is revealed in spring, I'm not a fan of what I see.  This broccoli soup is a healthy alternative that will still be satisfying.
  • Heat 1 Tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat.  Add 1 diced medium onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.  Stir until tender.
  • Add 4 cups of Cleansing Broth and bring to a boil.
  • Add 6 cups of chopped broccoli and cook, covered, until tender.  Season with salt and pepper.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of baby spinach.
  • Transfer the soup to a blender and add 1 chopped avocado.  Puree until smooth.
  • Garnish with 2 pieces of crumbled bacon
The texture of this soup makes it more filling and satisfying, with the occasional bite of bacon to get you chewing.  I also love the creaminess of it, even though no dairy products were used, so I'm not craving grilled cheese as much.  The subtle heat from the red pepper flakes is the final note of this soup and warms you, and your taste buds, up.

What comfort foods do you crave during winter?

Friday, February 21, 2014

TGAF: Yoga accessories

I'm usually a little belated with my New Year's resolutions and get started a month late.  I've been wanting to try yoga for a while and this month I finally did it.  I'm so glad that I did because I absolutely love it.  As a way to reward myself and encourage further commitment, I decided to invest in a couple items.
  • Banyan & Bo Earth Saver Yoga Mat from Target
    I thought the best investment would be in my own mat, so that I could practice at home.  I awkwardly tested out a bunch at Target, but this was my favorite.  It has sufficient padding for support, doesn't feel sticky and is lightweight.  I also love the relaxing blue color.
  • Capri Leggings from Cotton On
    On a daily basis, leggings that are a little bit sheer can be covered up with longer tops, but I knew I needed legitimate pairs for yoga.  If you're like me and Lululemon and Nike are out of your price range, these are a great pair among many options from Cotton On.  They're comfortable, but stay in place, so I'm not constantly readjusting.
  • T-shirt and tank from Cotton On
    I usually try to diversify my posts, but while I was shopping for leggings I was stunned to find a sale section full of tops under $5.  There were tons of options and I was excited to build my fitness clothing collection in an affordable way.  This shirt is so comfortable and soft, but is longer in the back to keep you covered.  The tank is simple, but the side lace adds a feminine touch.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Wednesday Wellness: Stay away from canned soups

One of the best parts about making my own broth was knowing exactly what was in it and that it would be a healthy contribution to my diet.  I've heard that canned soups weren't good for you, but never took the time to find out why.  After doing some investigating, I definitely will be making my own soup from now on.
  • Some soups have cornstarch added to help make them thicker.  While cornstarch isn't bad for you, it does contribute calories without any nutritional value and should be avoided.
  • Many soups are high in sodium from the addition of salt cubes for flavor.  Excess sodium increases blood pressure and puts strain on the heart.  This increases your risk of stroke and heart failure.
  • The plastic lining inside of cans contains a chemical called bisphenol a (BPA).  This chemical has been linked to several health problems, which include hormone disruption, cancer and diabetes.  Sometimes I just accept that there are toxic chemicals all over the place and live with it, but this statistic completely changed my mind.  A study published in "The Journal of the American Medical Association" in 2011 found that participants who consumed canned soup for five days had 1,221 percent more BPA in their urine than participants who didn't eat the soup.
What foods have you been shocked to find out are unhealthy?

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Try This! Vegtable broth

As I attempt to become a better and healthier cook, I think mastering some basic skills is important.  I'd never made my own broth before and was a little exhausted from the process, but I'm proud of my accomplishment and relieved to know exactly what's in it.
  • In a large pot combine 1 large chopped onion, 6 chopped carrots, 1/2 head of chopped celery, 1 halved head of garlic, 2 chopped large sweet potatoes and 12 cups water. Bring water to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Add 4 cups of spinach and 1/2 cup of parsley and simmer 5 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.
  • Strain the liquid and discard the vegetables.
This broth is a flavorful base packed that's packed with nutrients from all the vegetables.

What do you put in your broth?

Friday, February 14, 2014

TGAF: Gin Gins candy, That Awkward Moment, Mercury glass containers

  • Gin Gins Candy
    My friend, Michelle, offered me one of these candies and, even though I'm not a big fan of ginger, I decided it couldn't hurt to try.  Surprisingly, I fell in love with these quirky candies.  They're extremely chewy and start off sweet, but slowly begin to make your mouth tingle with the spice of ginger.  They're perfect for when you just need a little treat during the day.  If you'd prefer something sweeter they also come in flavors like Caramel, Spicy Apple and Hot Coffee.
  • That Awkward Moment
    I have to admit that I mostly saw this as an excuse to stare at Zac Efron for an hour and a half.  Zac was beautiful as always, but I really enjoyed the movie as well.  It was funny and witty with relatable characters that you'd want as your friends.  It slightly reminded me of New Girl, but without Jess, so it was a lot of hilarious male banter.
  • Mercury Glass Containers from West Elm
    The sale sections at these stores are always dynamite and worth the effort to rummage around.  This week, I blissfully discovered that they were having a major sale on mercury glass containers.  I ended up taking home an angular vase, footed hurricane and log-shaped vase.  The size, quality and low prices on these items was just unbelievably awesome.  The only drawback is that you can't put water in them, so I'm trying to find silk flowers to use instead. 

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Try This! Spiced cashew cream with fruit

I'm not a huge fan of peanut butter, so I was excited to test this recipe as an alternative option.  It's slightly more involved than just opening a jar, but not by much.  I make a batch at the beginning of every week to enjoy and it works out well.
  • Soak 1/2 cup of cashews in 1/2 cup of hot water for 30 minutes.
  • Transfer the cashews and water to a blender.  Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of honey.  Blend until smooth.
  • Enjoy with fruit slices!
The cashews provided just enough sweetness and was balanced by the slight spice of cinnamon.  The simplicity of the cream worked perfectly with apple or pear slices.  I also really appreciated that it wasn't sticky like peanut butter, so I didn't feel heavy and full after eating.

What do you enjoy with fruit?

Friday, February 7, 2014

TGAF: Limited Edition Oreos, Lydia, Pink phone charger


  • Limited Edition Oreos
    These bad boys were released this week to a lot of hype.  Unfortunately, I thought the Cookie Dough just tasted like chocolate filling and was a disappointment.  I liked the Marshmallow Crispy kind much better because it had the buttery, marshmallow flavor of Rice Krispie Treats.  I was surprised that these weren't better after the major success of the Birthday Cake flavor.  I do love the song that Tegan and Sarah did for Oreo though.
  • "Devil" Lydia
    I recently learned that Lydia had gotten back together and put out a new album.  I listened to them occasionally in the past, but was curious about their sound now.  I'm extremely impressed and love the entire album, which is pretty rare.  This new music is much more positive and slightly upbeat, while maintaining the melodic and beautiful sound that makes them unique.  I really recommend that you check it out.
  • Light pink iPhone charger
    This is a bit of a cheat, but I'm so excited about it that I still wanted to share.  My phone charger completely ripped in half the other day, so I needed a quick replacement that wouldn't be costly.  Of course, I immediately headed to eBay and found out that there are tons of phone chargers for sale that are really cheap AND in adorable colors.  I bought this light pink one for under $2 and received in a couple days.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Try This! Blueberry-mint smoothie

This smoothie has been a delightful way to start my day.  It's bright and refreshing, which will wake you up, but not overly sweet, so you won't be overwhelmed.
  • Blend 1 cup of frozen blueberries, 1/2 of avocado, 1/4 cup of orange juice, 1/2 cup of mint leaves, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1/2 cup of water until smooth.
The avocado makes this thick and filling, while the mint and citrus keep it light.  I actually look forward to waking up and enjoying this, which shows how good it is because a)  I'm not a morning person and b)  Since when do I crave a smoothie over a bagel?

What healthy breakfast alternative do you enjoy?

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Valentine's Day gift ideas

It's officially February and the countdown to Valentine's Day has begun.  I decided help lessen your holiday stress by making gift guide lists with some items that I think are sure to be appreciated by your loved ones.

For Her:
DIY Lip Balm Kit from Uncommon Goods - $40
This is a fun project you can do together that will keep both of you totally kissable.

Scented Macaron Coin Purse from Firebox - $15
This present is sweet AND functional!

Be Mine Studs from Kate Spade - $48
These are a sweet and simple way to give your girl some bling this year.

We First Met Here Jigsaw Puzzle from Simply Personalized - $40
I love puzzles, plus this is a cute way to reminisce about the start of a relationship.

Rewined Candle - $28
Should you get a her a candle or wine?  This playful present is a great option.

For Him:
Two-handed Mittens from Twitten - $72
Now you can be affectionate and warm at the same time.

Personalized Fondue Set from Personalization Mall - $33
If the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, then this is a much classier method than a sandwich.

Heart Arrows Bow Tie from Etsy - $13
This is a dapper way to dress up and celebrate the special day.

Close to You Massage Bar from Lush - $8
This vanilla scented bar is a great way to take your offer to give him a massage to the next level.



Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Try This! French lentil salad

I loved the bright colors of this salad and thought it would be a great end to a dark, winter day.  I've never had lentils before and wasn't sure what cooking them would entail, but once all the vegetable preparation was done, this was a really easy meal to make.
  • In a medium saucepan, heat 1 Tablespoon of oil over medium heat.  Add 1 chopped red onion, 1 finely diced carrot and 1 stalk of finely diced celery and cook until tender.
  • Add 1 cup of rinsed lentils and cover with 2 inches of water.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.  Drain, season with salt and pepper and let cool.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 Tablespoon of oil, 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
  • Add lentils, 1 cup of shredded red cabbage and 1/4 cup of torn parsley and toss to combine.
I love lentils!  Why haven't I tried them sooner?  I didn't think this would be a filling meal, but after just one bowl, I felt satisfied.  The lentils provided substance and the vegetables added texture.  The combination of the sour lemon and spicy red pepper flakes was a delightful flavor that transformed the experience.

How do you enjoy lentils?

Friday, January 24, 2014

TGAF: Caramel Flan Latte, ZipList, Pop Potato chips

  • Caramel Flan Latte from Starbucks
    I very rarely stray from my usual drink order, but something about this new latte was calling to me.  I also don't indulge in Starbucks very often, but I've been going almost every day to get my Caramel Flan Latte fix now.  This decadent drink is more like a liquid dessert that is sweet and creamy, but the shot of espresso helps break it up.
I absolutely love this photo that Starbucks is using too.  It's so simple, informative and beautiful.
  • Ziplist
    This website and app have been extremely helpful as I try new recipes and plan weekly grocery store trips.  I use the website as my home-base to add recipes and piece together a shopping list for the week.  Then, I use the app (it's free!) when I'm at the grocery store, so I don't need to remember to make/bring a list.  It's also helpful to have the recipes right there in case I have any questions.  The list is organized by section, so you can stay focused and on track while shopping.
  • Pop Potato chips
    I snacked on some of the goodies from my KLUTCHClub Box and loved these Pop Potato chips in Onion & Garlic.  They were satisfying and bursting with flavor, which made them an ideal snack for the middle of the day.  I'll definitely keep an eye out for these and other flavors in the store to try.  I also tried the Beanfields Bean & Rice Chips in Nacho, but thought they completely lacked flavor and was not impressed.  I'll be sticking with their less-healthy cousin, Doritos, for now.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Wednesday Wellness: Juicing vs. Smoothies

I own both a blender and a juicer.  I just replaced the blade in my blender from using it so frequently.  Meanwhile, my juicer is gathering dust in the garage.
This is my ole, trusty blender.
The recipe that I made yesterday was actually supposed to be a juice, so I wanted to learn which type of drink was actually better for you.

Both options are excellent ways to eat fresh foods that are high in nutrients, but the textures result in different pros and cons.

Juicing is better for sensitive digestive systems.  This is because your body doesn't have to work as hard to break down the food, which allows the nutrients to be delivered to your body quicker.  A drawback of this fast delivery is when juices that are mostly fruit.  The sugar in fruits can cause a spike in your blood sugar and result in unstable levels, which can cause mood swings and energy loss.

Smoothies contain the fiber from the fruits and vegetables, which helps slow down and even out the release of nutrients into the body.  Smoothies are still easy to digest, but the fibers also make them more filling.

Here are some tips for when you make smoothies and juices:
  • Try to avoid using creams or other high-fat additives.  You can use almond milk or coconut milk instead.
  • Even though green drinks are all the rage, try to include vegetables of varying colors because they provide different nutrients.
  • Include more vegetables than fruits because they have higher antioxidants and fewer sugars. 

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Try This! Green lemonade smoothie

I'm trying to start my days with a boost of healthy fruits and vegetable, so smoothies are a great place to start.  This recipe actually says to use a juicer, but I wanted to keep all the beneficial fiber in my drink, so I just made it into a smoothie.
  • Blend together 1/2 lemon juice, 2 cups of spinach, 1 chopped cucumber and 2 chopped sweet apples.
This smoothie just tastes healthy and always gives me tons of energy to start the day.  The lemon juice gives it a surprise amount of tartness that will also help wake you up.

What drink do you start the day with?

Friday, January 17, 2014

TGAF: Terry-fleece dress, Chain watch, Simple cleansing wipes

  • Terry-fleece dress from Old Navy
    This dress is super comfy and warm, which makes it a great way to combine fashion with function during the colder months.  I simply pair mine with some leggings, boots and a scarf for a cozy, casual look.  I wish I could wear this every day.
  • Chain-link watch from New York & Company
    I saw this watch last week and passed on it, but couldn't resist going back.  It fulfills the role of a basic, silver watch, but is also fun and bracelet-ish with the chain-links.  Again, it's also 50% off, which is a major bonus.
  • Simple cleansing wipes
    This is another product my sister got me for Christmas because I'm always complaining about how much I dislike makeup remover wipes.  All of the ones that I've tried have left residue, done a bad job or had too many chemicals.  These wipes work like a dream.  They removed all of my makeup without any effort and left my skin feeling clean and fresh.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Wednesday Wellness: Benefits of portobellos

In my post yesterday, I mentioned that many people substitute portobellos for meat and wondered how these mushrooms were beneficial as a replacement.
They are moderately high in fiber, which is a key substance for controlling cholesterol and blood-sugar levels.  This helps create a filling effect that promotes with weight loss.

Portobellos also contain potassium and phosphorus, which help with muscles, nerve function and bone strength.

They also contain Niacin and Folate, which help with red blood cell formation, energy production and nervous system function.

These are an excellent substitute option that can help you meet your daily vitamin and mineral needs in a tasty and filling way.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Try This! Roasted portobellos with kale

I'm trying to eliminate meat from my diet, which means finding substantial substitutes that will be flavorful and filling.  I know that many people eat portobello mushrooms instead of hamburgers, so I thought this recipe might be a good start.
  • Combine 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1 Tablespoon of honey, 2 chopped cloves of garlic and 1 Tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl.
  • Season 4 portobello mushrooms with salt and pepper.  Arrange the portobellos in a baking dish and drizzle them with the vinaigrette.  Let them marinade for at least 30 minutes and turn them over occasionally.
  • Heat 1 Tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add 1/2 thinly sliced red onion, 2 thinly sliced cloves of garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes.  Cook until softened.
  • Add 6 cups of thinly sliced kale, season with salt, and cook, covered, until bright green and soft.
  • Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Roast mushrooms, flipping them once, for 30 minutes.  Serve topped with kale.

These definitely were a success both in portion and flavor.  The robust, hearty flavor of the mushrooms was balanced by the sweetness of the onion and honey.  The garlic and red pepper flakes added a surprise kick of flavor.

How do you use mushrooms as the star of a dish?

Friday, January 10, 2014

TGAF: Bow watch, Rimmel Stay Matte Powder, Shimmer Lights Shampoo

  • Bow watch from New York & Company
    I needed a new, black watch and decided to take advantage of the post holiday sales.  Luckily, NY&Co had watches for 50% off and I fell in love with this one.  It reminds me of the Kate Spade one, but at a fraction of the cost.  It's sleek and simple, but feminine.
  • Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Transparent
    My sister got me this powder for Christmas and it's one of my new favorite beauty products.  I have combination skin, so sometimes the oily parts sneak through my foundation.  This powder is the perfect way to set my foundation and keep me shine free.  It's also great to put on plain skin to reduce shine.
  • Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo
    My blonde highlights start to look a little dull and brassy in the winter, so I need special shampoo to renew and refresh my hair.  Once a week I use this shampoo and it leaves my hair looking shiny and moisturized.  They also have formulas for brunette and red hair.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

KLUTCHclub Best-of Box

I saw a deal for this KLUTCHclub box on LivingSocial and thought a healthy box of goodies could be a positive start to the new year.  I just received my box and was really impressed and excited about what it contained.  As I try and probably love all the products, I'll include them in my TGAF posts, so stay tuned!  I seriously just spread them all out in front of me on the floor to admire my bounty, so I'm sorry these aren't better posed.

Have you tried KLUTCHclub before?

Drink group:  SEKSI, pearl infused drink; Yogi Detox and Skin Detox tea; Tea of a Kind in Citrus Mint Green Tea
Snack group:  Pop Potato in Onion & Garlic; Beanfields in Nacho; KIND bar in Vanilla Almond; PowerBar Performance Energy Blends in Apply Mango Strawberry and Banana Blueberry
Beauty group:  Soleil Bella razer; Eclos HydraPrimer; Puracyn wound spray; 7th Heaven Detox Mud mask; Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer; Bowbab energizer in Pomegranate Acai Berry

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Wednesday Wellness: Health benefits of pistachios

Pistachios were included in yesterday's Try This! and with all the commercials promoting them, I was curious what all the fuss was about.  They're delicious, but are they worth cracking open all those shells?  The answer is yes.
These nuts are a rich source of Vitamin B6, which helps you have healthier blood and better functioning nervous and immune systems.

They're also high in Vitamins A and E, which improve heart health by fighting inflammation and protecting blood vessels.  Plus, Vitamin E is good for your skin because it protects against UV damage.

Lastly, they contain carotenoids, which aren't found in most nuts.  These protective antioxidants have been linked with improved eye health.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Try This! Coconut trail mix

I usually forget about lunch, both packing it and making it, which results in a major loss of energy in the middle of the day.  This trail mix is an excellent way to get some healthy fats and sustenance without hassle.
  • Combine 1/2 cup of shelled pistachios, 1/2 cup of chopped, unsweetened dried apricots, 1/2 cup of toasted, unsweetened coconut flakes and 1/2 cup of chopped almonds.
The saltiness of the pistachios is balanced by the natural sweetness of apricots, coconut and almonds.  Plus the diversity of textures makes this feel substantial and filling.  I've never been a big fan of trail mix before, but this has me totally converted.  I also like that there isn't any candy or anything in this, so it's actually healthy.

What do you put in trail mix?

Zoya "Color Your World 2014" Promotion

It is a well known fact that I have an addiction to nail polish.  One of my favorite brands is Zoya because their products don't contain major chemicals, last forever and are stunning colors.

Every year they have the "Color Your World" promotion where you can order three nail polishes for free and just pay $12 for shipping.  This is a crazy deal that gives you three quality nail polishes for almost the price of one!

I love this promotion and wanted to share it, but act quickly because it ends January 13th!

These are the colors I snagged this year:

"Sarah"

"Nova"

"Hunter"

Friday, January 3, 2014

TGAF: "Workaholics," Swoop earrings, Baby lips Dr. Rescue

  • "Workaholics"
    I'm pretty obsessed with "The Mindy Project" and one of my favorite characters was Casey.  My sister watches"Workaholics" and suggested that I check it out because the same actor, Anders Holm, is on there too.  I stayed in on New Year's Eve because I was sick, so I figured it would be a good way to pass the time.  Luckily, I loved it and have plowed through the first two seasons already.  The show features three friends who live, work and have ridiculous shenanigans together.  I don't often laugh aloud when watching TV or movies, but I was cracking up the whole time.
  • Swoop earrings from Pennyweights
    This has been one of my favorite locally owned jewelry stores for many years because of the amazing quality of the items and affordable prices.  I went in to get presents before the holidays and ended up picking up a pair of earrings for myself.  They're modern and unique, but also simple enough for daily wear.
  • Baby Lips Dr. Rescue in Soothing Sorbet
    Sometimes I forget to exfoliate my lips in the winter and end up with ugly, chapped lip canyons of lipstick.  Moisturizing and adding a pop of color to my pale face are both important during the season and my sister got me this lip balm for Christmas that does both.  My lips feel smooth and hydrated while they have just enough pigment to brighten my face.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Homemade Thursday: Giant spool table

When I was little, I absolutely loved The Borrowers and I think that's where my adult obsession with oversize items comes from.  Luckily one of my friends is an electrician and snagged me this giant spool to convert into a side table.  It's definitely one of my proudest crafting accomplishments and I'm hoping to get different sized spools to create different styles.
  • Start with a large wooden spool.  Electrical companies and home improvement stores can give you their extras.
  • Clean it up and sand it down.
  • Measure the holes and distance between the top and bottom.
  • I bought dowels that were a smidge smaller than the actual holes, so I could fit the wood glue in the space.
  • Once the dowels are secured, paint the whole piece.  I used a paint with primer to eliminate a step.
  • When the piece is dried you can screw the appropriate weight-bearing wheels onto the bottom.




It's a little laborious, but totally worth it because you'll have a fun, one-of-a-kind piece of furniture!

What experiences have influenced your home style?


UPDATE!  I was in West Elm the other day and noticed that they had a huge version of this table!

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Wednesday Wellness: Mango tea

I've consistently had a cup of tea in my hands for the past few days as I try to fight off a cold.  My favorite has been a mango green tea because it's just the right blend of herbal and sweet.  I've already gone through an entire box!


I was curious why the tea people chose to use mango and did some more research on this tropical fruit.  I learned that mangos are high in Vitamins A, B and C and also contain a range of essential minerals like calcium, potassium and zinc.  All of these would make mango tea a healthy choice and will hopefully pay off.

What teas do you enjoy?