Two Girls and Their Groceries

Hello friends!

Every day I fall more and more in love with Ireland. Everyday I also learn to accept that things I may have once viewed as oddities are now a part of my new daily routine. Sometimes you just have to roll with it.

Exhibit A:

Two girls walk into a bar...

Scratch that.

Two American girls walk into a bar grocery store. In Ireland.

The 'in Ireland'  is essential here. When going to the store, there are two things that will shock Americans. One being that food goes bad so quickly. This is because there are no preservatives in food here which is great.

The second thing that is surprising is that one will actually be charged for needing plastic bags to tote their groceries. Yes, you essentially get rewarded for bringing your backpack to the store. It's quite a fantastic set up if you ask me. Reusable bags are lightly pushed in the states- so  it's time to step your game up, America! Ireland is way ahead of us in the grocery game.

Even with both these awesome things, one can still get a bit frazzled when going up and down the grocery aisles. Instead of making one grocery list for the week, the norm in Ireland is to shop a few times a week. However, my determined three roommates and I try to only go once and only once. That never happens.

Every Monday, my roommate Nicole and I go out with our handy shopping list to get all of our food essentials. Today were felt determined to get all that we needed in one trip...

This morning it took two backpacks, a reusable shopping bag and the dreaded plastic bag to get all our goodies home.  Fun fact: cashiers don't have to bag your items since you aren't relying on their plastic bags. 

We both decided to get things for ourselves on top of our communal grocery list. We tried our best to split things up, ultimately leaving with three transactions.  Nicole and I scrambled to pay for our things and also sort them accordingly. Our cashiers waited and waited- and waited for us to get out of the way to move the line along. Even with all their "It's ok, loves" as reassurance, I was convinced they were thinking  "Get the feck out of here already!"

Nicole and I  sat on the floor and hurriedly tried to pile all our things into our bags. I'm sure-actually I know for a fact- that we looked absolutely crazy. Two American girls trying to figure out how to lug all of our crap home, sitting on the dirtiest of floors as people walked in and out with all their groceries like pros.

What a fun way to start off the week. But hey, when your weekly groceries come out to be around 30 euro, who cares about dirty floors and all the people around you experiencing second hand embarrassment?

I hope your Monday was wonderful.

With love,

DIY Valentine's Day Gifts

Good morning!

It's hard to believe, but January has come and gone, leaving us with an ineffable holiday right around the corner...Valentine's Day.

Ah, good ol' Valentine's Day. The day many love to hate. 

Personally, I'm just patiently awaiting the discounted chocolate on February 15th. Let's be honest, who isn't?

Whether you have a special someone this Valentine's day or not, looking for a gift is kind of 'bleh' not to mention stressful and goes a whole lot like this:

 How much money do I spend? 
 Is the whole "don't get me anything" a test and do I, in fact, have to get a gift?
What if they don't get me anything?
Will the cashier know that this box of chocolate is for myself?

No matter how you look at it, Valentine's day screws with all of us.

Fear not! I'm here to help. This post is filled with ideas that cost next to nothing and can be gifted to your significant other, mom, dad, siblings, best friend...maybe even yourself.

* click the hyperlinks below to learn how to create these cute crafts*

The pictures look not only yummy but  are also pretty self explanatory. Find out how to make this treat here.

  Anyone who says they dislike puns is a liar. This website has 20+ food/pun Valentine ideas. Bonus: All the labels shown can be printed out!

This craft fuels my mug obsession and anyone would love to get this. Then again, maybe that's just me.

A craft that was a staple in every elementary school gets an upgrade. Check it out here.

I know DIYing isn't everyone's forte. This post has the best gifts under $10 out there. Glitter, chocolate etc. are no where to be seen, making these perfect gifts to love all year long.

Last but not least, you can't forget about your own room. This banner is just about the darn cutest thing I've ever seen.

 I searched Pinterest high and low last year as well and found tons of cute ideas that may spark your interest, which you can see here.

 

For all my  fellow single ladies (and men!) remember that you don't need someone else, love begins with yourself. Being single actually rocks.

 This is not to put down couples, as you get to spend the day with the one you love! That is a beautiful thing and I hope you enjoy the time you spend together. 

Above all else, remember that Valentine's day is another day on the calendar and that you should do and approach all things and people with love every single day!

Best,

A Look Into My Weekend

Hello there everyone!

I hope you all had a relaxing weekend.  My weekend was quick, but filled with great company and yummy treats.

On Saturday, everyone and their mother (except me) went to see Fall Out Boy and Paramore. One of those people includes my sister, Jen, and I was very jealous. However, I helped Jen get ready for the concert and I'm glad she had so much fun. I spent the night with one of my dearest friends and we watched Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I hate to admit it, but it was my first time ever watching it. I know. The movie was just as fabulous as any concert, but next time Fall Out Boy or Paramore comes around, I'm tagging along!

Tank Top:  Bethany Mota for Aeropostale

Flannel:  Forever 21

Shorts: Forever 21

Shoes: Converse

Nail color: Sinful Colors (I believe the color is called Happy Ending)

 Isn't she cute? Jen also decided to add some temporary green to her hair, and why not when Paramore's Hayley Williams is known for crazy hair? Jen picked up Hot Huez while out shopping and loved that there were 4 colors to choose from. I watched her apply this to her hair in 3 seconds flat with no mess whatsoever. For more temporary hair color ideas, you can look at my pastel post from last week by clicking here!

On Sunday, I was bit by the baking bug. I love baking, but hadn't made anything in such a long time! I made two different cookie recipes that were so delicious and easy I just had to share them with you on this fine morning. 

Quick side note: In between batches, I followed my dog Caesar around the house. (He's been on the blog before: here and here) He was quite sleepy and did not like the fact that a camera was in his face, but he's grown a ton and new pictures of him were long overdue. Plus a sleepy puppy in the cutest kind of puppy.

Flourless Fudge Cookies

 

 

I found this recipe from ihearteating (what an appropriate title!) With only 6 ingredients, these cookies can be made in no time. They are the perfect combination of chewy and crunchy.  These cookies will have you thinking 'Are these fudge brownies in disguise?' Also, if you love eating left over batter, and who doesn't, this batter is to die for, just sayin'.

 

Flourless Peanut butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

My dad found this recipe last weekend and it was so good that we had to make them again in just a week's time. These flourless peanut butter cookies taste just like a Reese's cup- can't go wrong there. These babies take no time to make and by the time they come out of the oven they are already devoured.

There's no specific reason as to why both recipes are flourless.  It just happened to be the luck of the draw.  I know flourless cookies sound a bit weird when flour is what binds dough together and produces fluffy cookies, but I can assure you- no flour, no problem.  Flourless cookies allow people with  a Gluten allergy to enjoy a yummy treat. They're a tad healthier than regular cookies, but still just as sweet!

It's Monday, you deserve a cookie. 

Have a great week!

Best,

Sarah

Media Minute: Bulletproof Coffee

 

Hello everyone,

Happy Friday!

You'll see that this Friday's post is different than usual. While doing some inventory on my blog posts I realized Media Minutes, random findings and topics in the news, were  seriously lacking. As I do Weekly Links every Friday, I thought it could take  a hiatus so I could talk to you all about something I just started noticing as a big trend this week.

*

I once did a persuasive speech in class about why people should drink tea instead of coffee. Most tea has no calories and each type i.e green, herbal, oolong - has different benefits. However, I shouldn't have prematurely thrown the idea of coffee out the window.

Both drinks are healthy respectively and coffee, when done right,  (say bye to loads of cream and sugar) can give you great energy, protect you from diseases such as diabetes and increase weight loss.

 

This week I learned what Bullet Proof coffee is. Maybe I'm late to the party or maybe this trend is just picking up speed, but who would have ever thought to add not only coconut oil, but also butter to their cup of joe?

 

This crazy combination is allegedly working wonders for people. An interview with the founder of Bullet Proof coffee reveals that coconut oil keeps you feeling fuller longer and butter from grass fed cows improves gut health.

Coconut oil in general is extremely good for you. It promotes a healthy thyroid and is a metabolism booster.  It can be used for many non edible things as well such as:
- Make up remover
- Body moisturizer
- De frizz serum
-Sunburn care

As for the butter bulletproof coffee requires? That sounds just as bad as adding excessive cream and sugar, right? If you use the right butter it won't be. When I say right butter I'm talking about salt free and from grass fed cows. Though it has not been proven, many believe that type of butter has the highest form of nutrients.

To test drive this for yourself, you don't even have to run to the nearest store to by the Bullet proof coffee brand. More information on Bulletproof coffee and how to make it  yourself can be found here. 

*
While I'm starting to develop a new found love for coffee, I'm still a tea lover at heart so I'm not quite sure if I'll be trying this coffee trend just yet. Nevertheless, I wanted to let all of the avid coffee lovers out there to know about this.

As this is a new trend, it's hard to determine if there's any substantial evidence to support Bulletproof coffee and its success or effects. What do you all think?  It this just another crazy food trend in the media or something more?

Have a lovely weekend!

Best,

Sarah 

Super Easy and Delicious Parmesan Kale Chips

It seems like everywhere I go I see the mantra 'Eat more Kale!' plastered on shirts, stickers, bags- all sorts of things.  ( see here) While I  do know  residing in the land of all things organic, healthy and local aka Vermont plays a major part in this, one just can't deny that Kale's presence is everywhere.

I had Kale once and in it was in a green smoothie. I drank it and felt super cool and healthy. 
Yet up until writing this post I had no clue at all what Kale even was. Here's a quick Kale 101:

Kale is one of the world's healthiest foods so it's surge in popularity is well deserved.  One cup of cooked kale has only 33 calories. Not only that BUT the leafy cabbage also has a boatload of antioxidants and vitamins along with the power to prevent numerous types of cancer and heart disease. It's been around since the 17th century and will not be leaving our plates anytime soon.

Reading all the benefits of this hearty green prompted me to drive to my grocery store and attempt to make Kale chips.  I then found this recipe and the rest is history. The process was so easy and the result was so super duper delicious that it just wouldn't be fair not to share with you all. 

What you'll need:

- Kale ( a cut and bagged version is a lot easier to handle)

- 2 Tablespoons of olive oil

- Parmesan Cheese

1.  Preheat your oven to 275 degrees. Make sure your Kale is washed and then pat dry. *Also, make sure there are no big stalks on your Kale- they will be tough and not taste good.*

2. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil on to your Kale. Mix this all up to make sure the olive oil covers each leaf evenly.

3. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top- use as much as you want! The more you use, the cheesier your chips will be- yummy!

4. Place your Kale in a thin layer on a baking sheet and then bake for 15-18 minutes. You want  your chips to be crispy and the Parmesan cheese should look golden. 

.... and that's it! I told you this recipe is super easy.

Once out of the oven, eat those babies before anyone else can get their hands on them. In all seriousness, the chips taste better when they are straight out of the oven. When the chips start to cool they begin to wilt and no one wants to eat a soggy chip. 

I think the Parmesan gives the chips a nice touch, especially for Kale novices such as myself. Kale chips are great for when you need a crunchy snack and are so good you'll forget they're healthy. Enjoy!

Best,
Sarah

C is for Cookie

  

Good morning everyone!

Here in the garden state this weekend it was unseasonably warm.

I traded in my sweaters for skirts; it was a far cry from the very chilly Vermont. The warm weather was wonderful even though it, ironically, happened to be during the first weekend of winter.  

Did you know that Sunday was national bake something day? 
My family had yet to bake all of our Christmas goodies this year so naturally  it was appropriate to spend the day creating truffles and cookies galore. Luckily, I had my camera nearby most of the day so I took a few shots of our sugary masterpieces.

Each year, our neighborhood  likes  to give out cookies as Christmas gifts. Everyone gets a slew of chocolate chip cookies, so my family for the past seven years have made Ritz peanut butter cookies and Oreo truffles (amongst other things). People can not get enough of them. 

Seriously.

Seven years and everyone still goes on and on about how delicious  both these cookies are. We only make these once a year  so my neighborhood and family jump for joy when the time comes to make these desserts.

Now that I've told you about these specialties I guess it's only fair I also tell you how to make them. From this moment on, you'll have not one, but two insanely easy recipes to make that will impress your friends and family for a long time.

Oreo Truffles

They sound and look fancy, but are as easy as  one, two, three. Literally.

What you'll need:

- 1 pack of Oreos

- one 8 oz cream cheese

- one  bag of Nestle chocolate chips

Only three ingredients? Say what?

1.  Split up all of the Oreos. Have one bowl for the icing and one bowl for the cookie halves. Gradually grind up the cookie halves into a fine powder and set aside. Mix the cream cheese and icing together. Slowly add the  ground up Oreos or powder into the cream cheese frosting mixture to your liking, but keep some left over as garnish for your truffles later on.

3. Roll the  cream cheese and icing mixture into about a 1 inch balls and place on a cookie sheet covered in wax paper. Let the truffles sit in the refrigerator for about  15 to 20 minutes or until firm.

5. Pour Nestle chocolate chips into a microwave safe bowl and put in the microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring in between each interval until thoroughly melted.

6. Using a spoon, take truffles and coat each one thoroughly in the melted chocolate and  place back on the wax paper cookie sheet. Sprinkle your left over Oreo crumbs on top for a decorative touch.

7. Place back in the refrigerator to allow chocolate to harden. After what will seem like a long hour, you can finally enjoy your truffles!

Ritz Peanut butter Cookies

I guess this is not technically a cookie yet the perfect balance of sweet, salty and peanut buttery goodness leads me to believe otherwise.

What you'll need:

- 1 box of Ritz Crackers, any amount will do because it doesn't matter how many you make

- 1 jar of peanut butter, any brand will do

- 2 bags of chocolate wafers which can be found at Michaels of A.C. Moore in their baking section.  ( NOT to be confused with  the plethora of wafer cookies out there) My family usually goes for one bag of red and one bag of green to color our cookies, but you can choose whatever color(s) you please. How many bags you buy will matter only on how many you desire to make.

Again, only three ingredients- fabulous!

1.  Start by making peanut butter cracker sandwiches. Repeat to make as many as you see fit.

2. Pour chocolate wafers into a microwave safe bowl and put in the microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring in between each interval until thoroughly melted.

3.Using a  fork, take each Ritz cracker sandwich and coat each one thoroughly in the melted chocolate and  place back on to a aluminum foil  covered cookie sheet. 

4. Place cookie sheet in the refrigerator and let the cookies chill for 30 minutes or until firm and then enjoy! 

And there you have it folks.  Two quick and easy recipes that I know will become just as sought after as a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie.

 If you happen to make these, let me know through Pinterest, Instagram or Tumblr ( links are on the left side under ' Stay Conncected') by tagging buzzbootsandberries. These goodies are so unique and yummy that you may just eat them all yourself, and that's ok- it'll be our little secret.

Have a lovely day!

Best,

Sarah

Food for thought: Warm & Toasty

Good morning everyone!

In areas where Electra has hit: I hope you're staying warm and toasty inside with little to no problems regarding  the snow it left behind.

Speaking of warm and toasty...

I love toast. 

 All types of breakfast foods really, but I've always had a special place in my heart for a nice slice of golden bread with warm butter on top.

Unfortunately at school,  no matter how hard I try I get to the dining hall when 'breakfast' is over. Who stops breakfast at 10? Oh college. 

My life would be so much easier if I could just make breakfast whenever I pleased, but my school condemns anything that heats up  ( obviously) so a toaster is a no no and I  then slink to the corner of my room with a bowl of applesauce. I digress.

However, I do commend my school on their great bread selection and its butter and cream cheese spread ( Some days there's even Nutella or Fluff - yum!).  It's all quite tempting when I actually do try to brave the continental section of the dinning hall.

Yet there's nothing quite like being home, making some hot chocolate or tea and creating the perfect slices of toast....especially because when at home, I don't have to stand in a line, maneuver around backpacks or get extreme anxiety as someone breathes over my shoulder waiting to butter their bagel.

Since I love toast of course I've had to take pictures of it while on break thus far.

Plain toast gets boring after a while so I've learned to curate some new things for my taste buds over the years.

The always delicious French Toast

 Babybell, spinach and tomato toast

   Peanut butter and jelly blueberry toast

These were all equally delicious and I can't wait to make some more with avocado on top, or scrambled eggs. Excuse me as I drool.

Today for breakfast, I'm actually parting ways with toast and trying overnight oats for the first time. Super excited for that.

Whatever your Monday may bring make sure to eat breakfast today (and every day) to keep you and your body healthy & happy. 

source: here

Have a lovely day and make things happen!

Best,

Sarah