Macrobiotic Bowls

This post is a bit ironic, because all I've done today is eat junk food.

In my defense- it's been rainy and just sad, so comfort food is a must.

Right? Right.

Yesterday I saw a video from Blogilates (I've talked about Cassey and all of her awesomeness before here) and I just had to share.

As much as I love pizza... and brownies... and grilled cheese, nothing beats roasted veggies and that's exactly why I need to share this video with you all.

YouTube link here

Are macrobiotic bowls becoming a thing? I need to try this ASAP. Have you seen any yummy recipes or videos lately? Let me know!

With love,

Recipe: Olive Garden Breadsticks

Happy Sunday!

Alright, usually happy and Sunday don't go in the same sentence because it means one step closer to Monday- but today is looking a little bit different.

Why? For starters, I leave for Ireland TOMORROW. All the butterflies and excitement are truly starting to sink in. Ah!!!! Getting ready to go off on a big adventure is a big 'happy' for me. T MINUS 24 HOURS.

Secondly, to make this Monday even better I'm sharing the recipe for Olive Garden breadsticks. Oh yes, you did in fact just read that wonderful sentence.

There's  just something about Olive Garden breadsticks. I've seen people eat a whole basket themselves (totally not me). Unlimited salad and breadsticks is an event  to be celebrated. They are just too good.

The recipe I'm sharing this morning was on the Today show. After it aired, my brother and I ran to our nearest electronic device and found the recipe online. (here it is!!!)

Look at how beautiful they are. Oh goodness.

I'm not going to lie, this does take a big chunk of your day to do. BUT perfection takes time and the end result, is in fact those heavenly breadsticks we all know and love. 

If there's a downfall to this recipe, it's that these breadsticks aren't unlimited.

Oh, and did I mention the recipe also tells you how to make the equally as famous Olive Garden salad? Go forth and create these tomorrow for dinner! Best. Monday. Ever.

With love,

What's Cookin', Good Lookin' (DIY Face Masks)

Hey there, beautiful!

The other day as I was driving to work Demi Lovato was on the radio talking about her new single. Amongst other things, the topic of skin care routines came up and I had to keep listening.

 I mean, have you seen her? Girl's got perfect skin! Turns out, Demi started playing around with DIY face products since childhood. Long story short, she inspired me to find DIY face masks and body scrubs. 

So I went to Pinterest, tested some out and they were amazing. I've realized that what you put on your body is almost as important as what goes into it. It sounds so cliche but just you wait, you'll see and feel the difference too.

Here are 3 quick skin care ideas to help you feel refreshed and fabulous without having to shell out money at the store! 

Chances are you have these ingredients in your kitchen, leaving you with zero excuses and one step closer to happy skin.

Acne mask: 
3 tablespoons of honey
1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon 

Cinnamon  dries out skin, which may sound contradictory, but it helps bring all the unwanted "stuff" you'd rather not have on your face to the surface. Acne's got nothing on nutmeg, as it helps erase acne scars and reduces all those pesky bumps present. Last but not least, honey has antibacterial properties which is perfect after all of cinnamon and nutmeg's hard work.

Mix all three ingredients together and apply to your recently washed face, then wait 15 minutes. 

You could take this time to watch the remaining 15 minutes of that one episode from Orange is the New Black, season 2. ( I know, greater things are coming up in season 3 like Ruby Rose, but I just don't have time to power through) 

Or you could put on some relaxing music and some Christmas lights- this is what I usually do and it. Is. Fabulous. 

Skin brightening:

If you feel inclined to do any of these DIYs, do this one. Why? Because it's only one ingredient: egg white.  See, it's already easy!

Egg white is the good part of the egg. When applied to our faces,  egg white adds magnesium and B-2 which give skin a healthy glow and help combat wrinkles. It also contains lysosomes- which I know know from my biology course- which break down  unwanted bacteria.

Crack and separate your egg, putting the egg white in a bowl. Wash your face with warm water and then apply  the egg white to your face. 

Be very careful in doing this, like most products that go on your face, steer clear of getting things near your eyes.

Wait 15 minutes, and then peel off to reveal shiny (in a good way!) skin.

Body scrub:

2 cups of brown sugar

1/2 cup of olive oil (OR coconut oil)

 1/4 cup honey

 Brown sugar helps open up your pores, olive oil keeps skin smooth and coconut oil is... amazing. It works wonders for many things, but in this particular case it hydrates and gives skin a beautiful glow!

Combine all the above ingredients in a medium sized bowl.

Apply when you're in the shower using your hands or a wet wash cloth.

In my findings I discovered that once sealed in an airtight jar, this gem of a body scrub can be used for up to 6 months! Now that's what I like to hear.

Bonus photo: I think Caesar is so over this week. (So am I) Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday!

Now that I know how to utilize different ingredients in my kitchen,  it seems silly to go and buy certain things from the store. I'm interested in learning even more about different DIY skin care tips- so if you have any, send them my way! 

With love,

Recipe: 3 Ingredient Nutella Brownies

Hello there!

Between an internship averaging around 25 hours a week and cramming my brain with biology, I feel like I've barely had time to take a breather this Summer.

It's hard to do the things we have to do in order to (maybe) create even the tiniest bit of free time for ourselves.

 I recently took some of the little time I had to make a super quick and DELICIOUS dessert. (A big shout out to my brother for stumbling across the recipe on Buzzfeed) It was so easy that it would be shame not to share it with you all.

Did I mention that the dessert was Nutella brownies? 

Nutella. Brownies. 

Yes, something this heavenly exists and it's my responsibility to spread the word.

Ingredients:

-  1 and 1/4 cup of Nutella

-  1/2 cup of Flour

- 2 Eggs

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

2. There's no rhyme or reason to which ingredient goes first, making this the most fool proof dessert in the world. 

3. Mix everything with your utensil of choice. We used a fork.

4.  Spray your  pan and place brownies in the oven for 15 minutes. The time will vary depending on the size pan you use. Our brownies took about 25 minutes because we used a smaller, deeper pan than what was shown in Buzzfeed's video.

 To make this dessert even better, my brother and I decided to slap some ice cream on top.  But not just any ice cream. The Vermonter that's grown in me just can't pass up a good pint of Ben and Jerry's. 

We ate our brownies a la mode in these plastic dessert cups from Mozaik- you can find these babies here.  Functional, reusable and the perfect portion size.

Impress your friends. Impress your family. Better yet, just treat yo' self.

Have a wonderful weekend!

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

Recipe: Baby Cheesecakes

You know what I've been missing? A recipe! So let's make this Monday a sweet one.

Anyone who knows me knows I love dessert. Cookies, cupcakes, brownies- anything filled with sugary goodness has  a special place in my heart. One dessert that is equally super easy to make as it is to eat is cheesecake. But not just any kind of cheesecake. I'm talking about baby cheesecake, baby.

The best part? Because they're miniature, it's easier to portion control and each person can add their own topping(s).

I first made these a few summers ago for the fourth of July. With blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and a light base, these petite treats make the perfect patriotic statement. Something to keep in mind  for when July rolls around.

This recipe makes 15 beautiful baby cheesecakes

Here's what you'll need:

1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tablespoon vanilla

1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or lemon extract ( not pictured because I forgot it... d'oh!)

1 egg

A box of vanilla wafers ( you will not use the whole box)

1.  Preheat your oven at 375. Blend  your cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice* ( I used lemon extract) , vanilla and egg with a mixer.

*Lemon juice and extract do exactly the same thing. However, extract is  more powerful so  you must use it sparingly!* 

2. In cupcake pans, place down cupcake liners. Add one vanilla wafer, round side up, into each liner. 

3. Next, add  2 tablespoons of your cream cheese filling to each cupcake liner,which hopefully don't look as topsy-turvy as mine.

4. Place your cheesecakes in the oven for 10-15 minutes.

5. Place your cheesecakes in the refrigerator to chill or in the freezer  if you want to chill them faster. When serving, put whatever toppings (berries, whip cream, chocolate, powdered sugar etc.) you desire on top!

Since I finished all my blueberries during breakfast, I smothered this batch in chocolate and powdered sugar. So yummy.  Hey- in less than 20 minutes, you could be eating these too.

Have a great week!

Best,

Sarah

Made With Love

Hello lovelies,

Good morning and happy Monday!

Coming up next week is a day we all love to hate- Valentine's day.

Ah,  good old Valentine's day- the day crafted by the Hallmark gods.

Love should be shared 365 days; I shouldn't need a special day to tell the ones I love just how special they are to me... 

It also is just a friendly reminder to the rest of us that this is our life:

 If there is one beautiful thing that comes from Valentine's day though it's the fact that candy is at least 50% off the next day. Now that in itself  should be a holiday.

Regardless of my view of Valentine's day, I can't pass up a good DIY. (or those cheesy comic sans Tumblr valentines- don't lie you think they're hilarious too!)

 To start off your week, I decided to compile a list of my favorite DIY's that you can easily make for that special someone.

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

14 Valentine's Ideas that are so easy it's almost a crime! Also, who doesn't love a good play on words? You're still acknowledging the fact it's Valentine's day, but not being all heartsy, glittery and lovey dovey about it. Plus, these all involve food. It's a win win. 

Super yummy and easy! Again, everyone loves food. This literally takes no time at all . It's still a gift without spending a lot. Actually on second thought, you may just want to make these for yourself.

If you already have a special idea for someone,but don't know what to put it in  then these printables are perfect!

This valentine's idea takes some time to do. A girl in my dorm is actually doing this for her boyfriend and I think it's so sweet.  There's something authentically romantic about it. Who doesn't love knowing that others are there for them? Whether you're having a good day, are lonely, being silly or are sad these personal letters can be for any number of occasions at any time of the year.

A purrfect valentine idea for your fellow cat lover or even as a craft for a class or large group.

Another valentine alternative, doodle something special into a banana for your potassium lover. See this idea and many others by clicking here. I personally hate bananas, but this is actually awesome...and the pun. The pun makes it that more "appeeling".  I crack myself up.

I hope my list inspires you or even gives you some ideas for something even more spectacular. No matter what you choose, that special someone will love it. It's the thought that counts on Valentine's day, just as it does every other day of the year.

Best,
Sarah