Sunday Smoothie Cravings

It's Sunday ladies and let me tell you I could desperately use just one more day of weekend!! Sorry for the lack of posts this past week. I have been busy busy planning a weekend getaway to Depoe Bay Oregon for a girl's trip with my favorite ladies. While the trip was a blast, there might be nothing better than returning home, cuddling your dogs and catching up on some serious R&R. 

While I try to maintain a fairly healthy diet, doing so while traveling can be tricky. Upon coming home all I was craving was a giant fruit filled smoothie. I have always loved fruit and berries but have often found it difficult to get in the required amount a day. A smoothie is an awesome and easy way to do this. Not only is it a simple way to get fruit into your diet, but it is also a tasty way of getting greens, such as spinach as well as other supplements such as protein, flax and chia seeds….(those are only a few add-ins I have tried, there are plenty more I hope to try out and include in coming health posts :)) 

If you follow me on Instagram you have probably seen the two recipes below, there is just something about a delicious berry smoothie that is not only beautiful but seriously addictive as well. I even sometimes use them as a "meal replacement" when I am wanting something light. 

I hope you try the below recipes and let me know what you think! Also, feel free to leave your favorite ingredients for smoothies in the comments, I would LOVE to try out some new recipes! 

BERRY BANANA BLISS: 
1 C berries (I used frozen)
1 C ice
1 packet of Sambazon acai berry Puree 
1-2 scoops whey protein powder
1/2 Large Banana
1/2 C Coconut Almond Milk (reduced fat)
1 t chia seeds

Add all ingredients to your blender, give it a whirl and enjoy!! 

Tuesday Tastings: My love for Avocado Toast

If you follow me on Instagram you know i am one of those people that can't help but snap photos of her food. My most recent food subject being one of my favorite snacks of all time. Avocado toast! Who knew that green mushy stuff spread on toasted bread could be SO DANG GOOD…not to mention good for you as well!?

Avocado is a fruit that is packed with protein and essential fats that your body needs, yes, your body needs fats! Without them, your metabolism slows and loosing weight is actually more difficult. They allow your body to better absorb nutrients, are a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids and can even aid in reducing signs of aging! yep…sign me up! 

All you need for this heavenly recipe is 1/2 of a large avocado, two pieces of lightly toasted bread, (I prefer a high fiber, low calorie option such as Dave's Killer bread, thin sliced bread. It contains 120 multi grains and comes in at only 60 calories a slice.) Next…add any spice you want. I opt for a little sea salt and a lot of black pepper and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Mash up your avocado and spices and spread of your toast...

Add tomato, cucumber or even mix in some egg whites to your avocado for even extra protein and ENJOY! I promise, you won't be disappointed :) 

What are some of your creative way to incorporate avocado into your diet?

Moody Monday: Get Your Knit Together

This cold pacific northwest weather is putting me in the mood for some warm and fuzzies. There is nothing more comforting during the harsh winter months than an over sized knit. Turtlenecks, beanies, sweaters, scarves and socks...I am loving all things knitted, the bigger the knit the better. 

How are you keeping warm? 

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

For more Knitted goodness....

More Forever 21...

NYE...Throw on Some Color

Why not ring in the new year with a pop of color? Jewel tones are always a great choice for holiday attire, and yet year after year I feel like most sway toward black for NYE...even myself! I think cobalt, emerald and fuchsia are awesome alternatives to boring black, not to mention these colors look great on every skin tone....

All above dresses can be found at Nasty Gal

More options for Jewel-toned looks...

More Nasty Gal...

NYE...Leave Your LBD at Home

Happy Friday beauties! I am enjoying my last few days relaxing, spending time with family and friends and doing a whole lotta puppy snuggling. I thought it would only be appropriate to talk party attire today...NYE is right around the corner and I feel like there are so many unique options to look glam while ringing in the New Year without having to resort to your go-to LBD. 

Left to Right: 1 2 3

For a holiday party this past week I decided to wear an all-black jumpsuit, I paired it with a beaded waist belt and simple black patent pointy heels. This was not only comfortable but I felt like it stood out in a sea of cocktail dresses. The Nasty Gal version pictured has a sexy plunging neckline perfect for New Years Eve. 

Sequins and velvet are classic holiday textures, and they look entirely new when showcased in unexpected silhouettes like the above, Nasty Gal romper and Alice and Olivia pant suit...

IF you are loving these styles as much as I am, take a look below for similar options...

What are you planning for your NYE outfit?  Would you rock a pantsuit? 

More Nasty Gal...

Tuesday Tastings: Asian Kale Salad

Kale. That weird leafy plant that I refused to eat for months and months no matter how "popular" it was, no matter how many recipes that had it as a main ingredient, no matter how many salads I pinned on Pinterest. To make short of it...I finally tried it. I liked it. Now....now I am obsessed with it! Obsessed I tell ya! 

Kale is one of those foods I've become obsessed with that I am not ashamed to admit or talk about, unlike my stint of Eggo waffles...(we wont go there...) This super food is packed full of cancer fighting properties and is also a superhero at lowering your cholesterol. Steamed, baked, stir fried, or raw, kale is good no matter how you prepare it. 

Today I am sharing one of my many go-to recipes for an Asian inspired raw kale salad. 

Ingredients:

4-6 large Kale leaves

1 C of matchstick carrots

1 oz Rice Wine Vinegar

1 T of minced garlic

1 t of minced ginger

1 T of lime juice

2 T Sesame oil

1 T Soy Sauce

1 t chili paste

1 pinch of salt 

1 pinch of pepper

*a handful of crushed peanuts for garnish

1. Rinse and remove kale leaves from main stem, chop or tear up the leaves by hand

2. Add your matchstick carrots 

3. Whisk together remaining ingredients in small bowl

4. Add dressing mixture to kale/ carrot mixture and toss together

5. garnish with crushed peanuts

It's that easy! I like to pair this salad with quinoa when I need a little extra protein, this also makes an excellent side to any Asian dish! 

Moody Monday: Gilded Glam

The holiday is officially amongst us...am I ready for it? No. Presents are still being wrapped and sought after in the final hours...When will I learn!? 

On that note, let's get into the spirit of the season with a little holiday glam to get you in the mood....gilded neutrals are my current inspiration; as you will see, rose gold still owns my heart...call it a trend, it will always be my favorite! 

image via: The Glitter Guide

1. Sequin Skirt: Free People 2. Makeup Case: Rebecca Minkoff 3. Watch: Olivia Burton 

4. Eyeliner: Eveko 5. Satchel: Cambridge 6. Bracelet: Gemma Redux