Simply Smile

Over the last week, I have been trying to see the beauty in everything.. I'm sure some of you are aware that my boyfriend and I broke up and things have been, well... tough. Trying to see everything through a positive light is comforting, but hard right now. These are some of the shots that have brought a smile to my face. Nothing special.. just trees, traffic and a quote. But I hope it brings a smile to yours too.

The perfect quote

a reminder that Life goes on, even after the harsh winter

the sun will always try to shine through the clouds, and so should I

a rainy day, is the perfect day



she gives me all the love I need..



Protein Bars

My rule of thumb.. or eating.. is if I can't pronounce the ingredient list in a product, then I won't be putting it in my mouth. I look at some labels and wonder if there is any actual food in it, or is it all additives and chemicals. I don't like putting foreign/unnatural items in my body.. I don't even like taking Tylenol.

So I pulled a recipe and adapted it a bit to provide you an excellent protein bar with Omega-3's. Perfect for after a work out or as a meal/snack (only because they contain about 200 calories each if you cut your 8x8 in pan into 8- 10 bars.

The main source of protein is from the nuts- which also provide good fat and they usually have low or no GI value, so you don't have to worry about a blood sugar spike. The flax seed is a good source of fiber and the cranberries have antioxidant power. The chia seeds and coconut oil provide extra benefits too!!

Take a look at the first few ingredients of the popular EAS protein bar, and the ingredient list goes on...

[[Whey Protein Isolate, Glycerine, Fractionated Palm & Palm Kernel Oil, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Calcium Caseinate, Milk Protein Concentrate, Maltitol Syrup]]

Can I get some real food?

This is the recipe I used as a base and then added to it. I didnt add the carob (chocolate) layer on the top or the vanilla extract. I subbed organic honey for her vegetable glycerine and added cranberries and pistachios. Hope you like it!

Funny for your Monday

I'm sure a lot of you feel like this when you are on your way to work.. I know I do!! But the sun is shining, so go forth and make it a great one.. a great week, in fact. Here is some funny for your Monday, enjoy xo

get your weekend on

breathe, just breathe...

image

I have never had to endure so much stress in my life before.. this weekend I will just be trying to keep it together. I hope you can enjoy this beautiful weekend.

steal or splurge

I was at Nordstrom the other day and I  fell in love with some of the beautiful bracelets they were featuring in their cases. That being said I immediately went home and started online shopping for similar styles. Because between you and me, I love Kate Spade, but I couldn't afford a whole arm party of their pretty baubles.

Here are a few designer accessories and some less expensive versions. Either choice will make a perfect addition to you look... So are you the type to splurge or save on these fun pieces?

 Kate Spade New York Spade Bangle  $38

Contrast Rectangles Bracelet $6.80 



Celine Clutch $395

Gap Two Tone Leather Clutch $40



Chan Luu Semi Precious Stone wrap $168

 La Preciosa Stainless Steel Leather Cord Wrap Bracelet  $20



Fun with your Girls

After the other week, I was finally able to start thinking a little positively... A little. My friends and family have been here for me and keeping me busy. Which is such a blessing!!

I started my new job with my company and I have a good feeling that it was a smart change. I have always been a little geek-y and I tend to gravitate to the analytical roles so moving into an operations position was a logical step. I'll post pictures of my first day of work outfits tomorrow. I finally can wear cute outfits and no nylons, unless I want too.

I brainstormed a few fun ideas of things to do with your girlfriends. Aside from the usual "going out to dinner" and "happy hour" I thought it would be good to branch off into other activities, cause lets face it.. Girls don't want to gain weight with dessert and cocktails every night. I hope the list inspires you to have a great Girls Night Out.. or In!! Enjoy xo

1. Plan a girls movie night and have all the usual munches that girls love. I think M&M's, popcorn, dark chocolate bark, and gummy worms are always a hit. Some of my favorite movies are Mean Girls, Legally Blonde, Bridesmaids and He's Just Not that Into You.

2. Sign up for a fun dance class, yoga or Zumba..depending on what your friends like to do for fun. It might be nice to try something out of your comfort zone and see what else you might be into. I'm told that when you're single, it's all about self discovery.

3. Have a pedicure/ manicure day at a fun nail salon. It is all the rage right now, and haven't you been interested in trying a fun nail design or shellac? Plus, a lot of salons in my area have wine or cocktails that they serve with your appointment.

5. Maybe you have been interested in going wine tasting. Invite a few friends and make a day of it. When you are at the winery, ask if they will give you a tour of the grounds and give you a little educational background on the types of wine they sell. BONUS: Then when you shop for wine for your next Girls Night In- you have more knowledge on the brands or favors that you like.

6. Have a Girls Night In. Bake some cupcakes during the day and invite your friends over for a decorating party. pick out some sparkling wines, buy some fun toppings and yummy frosting. You can have candles and good music then have a chill night at home. Not too many girls can say no to something sweet!

7. Even though it is the most cliche out of the bunch, a girls night out for drinks and dancing is always a good idea. Invite everyone over to your place before hand for appetizers and drinks, then pick a fancy place to go out to. Since you won't be spending money on food, I think you can splurge when it comes to your choices. And everyone had a good excuse to get dolled up.

im sorry

I was asked last week why I write this blog…

I used to love to scrapbook, but since no one prints photos anymore, I too changed my craft. I started this as a New Years Resolution, but I wanted it to document me. To show my life, my thoughts, my goals- somewhere.. and if anyone was interested they could read along with me. I also want to help people, and make their life easier. I wanted to share my yummy recipes, to inspire them to work out and be healthy, and to help them plan their weekend. I can’t turn off this desire to help people, but right now I have to help myself.

I’m sorry I can’t makeup my mind sometimes, and it annoys you when I ask too many questions. We don’t see eye to eye on chores or goals or sleep schedules.. but I know your heart and your dreams and the lines on your face, that form when you smile- better than anyone else in the world. We were partners and walked on this road we call life for so long, I keep looking back hoping you’ll grab my hand when I least expect it. But I don’t think you will. You’ve told me you won’t.. you’ve told me you don’t want to.

Do you know what it’s like to loose a part of yourself? Oh, you do.. your appendix- but I was there for you. I was there for you for every ailment, and I never discredited you, no matter how small it was. I just took care of you. I don’t even believe that you think my hip hurts all the time. And I don’t know which hurts more. It’s not like pain could impact your happiness or mood.

I cant stop listening to Ho Hey.. but everyone says listen to something else instead.. Stop thinking about it, you? You mean, stop breathing? I can’t do that right now because I have to keep swimming. The tides coming in and the current is strong but I have to keep pushing, because quitting is wrong. I feel like I’m screaming for help and I’m thankful to everyone who is by my side.. but I’m screaming for you. I’m so scared about my life changes- and I don’t have the same support as before.. will I make it? I just want my life back, my everything back.

I’m usually quiet but I know how to listen.. but I didn’t hear you asking for help or telling me there was something wrong.. you just hid behind your work. I feel left out.. I feel embarrassed.. I feel alone. I guess I should have known when I was not invited to anything to do with your start up. I didn’t even get to see your remodel of the box.. even though I asked and asked.. why did you want to keep me away? I was your biggest cheerleader..

I just feel cheated. But I guess I can see your struggle. All your friends are getting married or having kids, and you haven’t even found yourself yet. "You better hurry up, life’s passing you by" is what you think… so you did. Even though it was bad timing for me, it was good for you I guess. I can tell after re-reading this that I might be ready for that role.. but you’re not. You’re too involved with yourself.. and that’s ok.. I hope you find what you’re looking for.

"I am thinking it's a sign
That the freckles in our eyes
Are mirror images and when we kiss
They're perfectly aligned"----

I’m sorry I didn't fit your puzzle piece.

 

I’m going to be taking this week off from my blog.. I just don’t have the resources or the drive right now. I hope you have a great week. And Happy Valentines Day to those of you that celebrate <3