Monday, January 9, 2017

Smoothie + Popsicles




Easiest Smoothie Popsicles Ever! Healthy + Simple + Delish! #success

Eating healthy gets a bad rep. Many think it is hard, expensive and involves complicated recipes. Well that is FALSE! As many of you know, I am all about a healthy lifestyle but also not about making it complicated. You should never be in an "it's complicated" relationship with your nutrition. It is too easy to not make it a priority!

I mean you could eat these popsicles for breakfast...I am pretty sure that is bad ass no matter how old you are. For this recipe. I placed, greek yogurt, flax seeds, chia seeds, blue berries, raspberries, and strawberries into my NutriBullet. I pulsed and blended all the ingredients together and then blended some more, to ensure everything was pureed to my liking. Then, poured the smoothie mixture in to my Pop Molds. Finally, I place the molds in my freezer and boom a couple hours later I had a smoothie popsicle! Tip* When you are ready to enjoy your popsicles...let the pop molds sit out for a little to allow the popsicles to slightly thaw so you can easily pull them out of their mold.

I switch my smoothie recipes up all the time so I always have a variety of popsicles to enjoy! Hope you enjoy!

xx,

Melody


Monday, December 19, 2016

Simple Paleo Banana Muffins


 
 


Simple Paleo Banana Bread (Muffins)
 
So, I turned my paleo banana bread recipe into a muffin recipe and it was a hit!
The muffins are dense, filling and well, delicious! The recipe is simple and the muffins (with the prep time included), can be made in less than 1 1/2 hours.
 
Recipe:
3 over ripe bananas
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1-2T honey
1/2 cup melted coconut oil
2 cups almond flour (or almond meal)
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
 
Directions:
1.Combine the bananas, eggs, vanilla, honey and coconut oil into a bowl and blend them into a puree or place the ingredients into a food processor (I have used my NutriBullet at times) to create a puree.
2. Add the flour, salt and baking soda into the puree, mix until all the ingredients are well blended.
3. Pour the mixture into (a coconut oil greased) muffin pan.
4. Bake at 350 for 50-55minutes.
 
And...
That's it! You now, have breakfast or snacks for days with one simple recipe! I am a huge fan, of making my meal prep efficient and these paleo banana muffins are a yummy efficient favorite of mine!
 
If you have any questions, let me know, otherwise...Happy Meal Prep Monday!
 
If we don't plan, we plan to fail...and with the holidays amongst us, planning is key in keeping our nutrition on track!
 

xx,

Melody

 
 

Thursday, December 15, 2016

My Christmas List's Top 15


 

Only 9 days left!!
Here are some things I have on my Christmas list or that I have been eyeing up this year! Hope this helps you add some ideas to your list or for your shopping! xx
 


  
http://www.rebeccaminkoff.com/love-crossbody-moon-h16?src=catalog
shop
http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1698182-main-Lhero.jpg
shop
Main Image - Glamorous Cold Shoulder Sweater
shop
Main Image - Steve Madden Edit Bootie (Women)
shop

Product Image: Belle Epoch Velvet Maxi Slip
shop
Main Image - Michelle by Comune Ennis Crop Top
shop
shop
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=41740&vid=2&pid=511455002
shop


 
Dark Wash Super Skinny Jeans
shop

 
Main Image - BP. Fuzzy Knit Pullover
shop
http://www.magenta-inc.com/shop/dinnerware/taste-plates-set-4-gift-box
shop
http://www.magenta-inc.com/shop/drinkware/sip-gulp-mugs-set-2
shop
http://www.magenta-inc.com/shop/dinnerware/serve-platter
shop
shop
http://www.urbanexpressions.net/?rfsn=212562.37b08a
shop

 
 

xx,

Melody

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
   

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Caramel Neutrals

 
 
 
 

 
 
 



 
 
 
Holding onto Fall as long as I can! Hope you are all having a fabulous week! I am looking forward to Christmas but trying to remember to slow down and enjoy the days.  It is so easy to get caught up in the go go go of the season!  Thank god for online shopping or I would have nothing done and definitely would not be taking in the days! Shop this gorgeous vegan leather cross body at Urban Expressions use promo code UE25GQ5J8. Also, this New York & Company necklace is on sale....as well as everything else at New York  & Co. They are having a 50% sale! You're welcome!
 
Styling tip: Caramel and natural neutrals work not only with dark colors and dark denims, like the outfit I have on above but they also look amazing with light colors like whites and creams and a light washed denim. Versatility is everything!
 
Happy shopping!
 

xx,

Melody

 

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

The Easiest Way to Plan


 

  
 



 
 


 Hello Sunshine! I paired up with Eventbrite for this post to talk about a few of my favorite local eateries and activities. Initially, I had mostly used Eventbrite for planning events at work, but with my growing family Eventbrite has become my number one tool for planning mini adventures in my local area. It is so easy and user friendly, that no one in our family has a hard time operating it. We planned this family outing for about 10 of us. We planned dinner and a movie, with an impromptu coffee shop stop!  
 
The way Eventbrite sets up your event is you simply, pick the title of your event, location, date, image, if you would like to include a picture with your event, the details of your event, and then create a ticket. Ticket options are; free, paid, or donation. Free tickets, you simply are just responding if you can or cannot attend.  Paid tickets, could include organizing a dinner or event and having a fee included, or you could use it the way we use it... Since, we already knew we were doing dinner and a movie, the event administrator (in our case, my brother) priced each ticket in Eventbrite, as the amount of each movie ticket. That way he could buy our tickets in advance after we easily RSVP'd and paid for our movie ticket through Eventbrite. This made things easy for everyone and we didn't have to deal with costs or lines for the new movie release we were seeing that night. Donation is also a ticket option, which is perfect for a fundraiser or a holiday donation drive. There is an option to make the event public or private, as well.  My class reunion is coming up and we are using Eventbrite to coordinate. I have also seen it used for bachelorette planning, and for a an intimate event, that was accepting contributions. So really, the opportunities are endless.
Buy or sell Eventbrite tickets here!
 
So this is what we did on our "family date night"...
We went to Burger Yum, which is a newer local restaurant on Second Street, in downtown Harrisburg. It's laid back, old-school, yet urban vibe, doesn't disappoint to say the least! The open grill gives the food that delicious 50's style burger joint taste. But, their Burger Yum sauce is by far what makes their burgers so yummy and original. YUM! Oh and their shakes were loved by many that got them in our party so, I obviously had to try a sip! (I was too full to get my own.) It is easily becoming my favorite burger place in Harrisburg.
 
On our way back to our cars, we couldn't walk past Little Amps without stopping.  My sister-in-law, Stacey and I both got lattes, I know #basic but nothing is basic about Little Amps! They seriously make heaven in a cup. It was a perfect pick me up before we headed to see the new Harry Potter movie, Fantastic Beats and Where to Find Them at Regal. The night was a success and the movie was great! They did a great job making this new chapter interesting.  It may have even turned some non-potter fans with us, into fans...well maybe not that far but they are now, open to watching the original series! So that's a win in my book!
 
After the movies, we talked about where we want to eat for our next Eventbrite "family date night". Some local eateries we plan to go to this winter are.... Cork & Fork for dinner, El Sol, for brunch, we are dying to try out their DIY Bloody Mary bar, Grilled Cheese Plus because what sounds better than a grilled cheese in the winter! Greystone Public House, well because any meal you get there is amazing, and we will definitely be heading over to our new favorite brewery, Ever Grain!
 
What are your favorite local eats for this season and how do you plan your local outings?
 
 

xx,

Melody




Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Mini Facial Regimen




 
 
So I get a lot of questions on how I keep my skin so smooth and fresh looking. My first response is that I make it a priority and that I am a total review reader. Not too long ago I was looking to enhance my skin care regimen. I wanted to make sure I was catching that aging process early on! UGH! I started doing some research on products and trying some different aging/night creams out.  Just so happened, that my girlfriend actually ended up approaching me about Rodan + Fields around the same time.  I am so thankful because I am in love with these products! What's with spoons? My Mom taught me at a young age to freeze two spoons and place them on your eyes to help with puffiness. So while I am letting my Enhancement Micro-Dermabrasion Paste set (as I leave it on a little longer than suggested) I apply the spoons to my eyes.

So here's my "mini facial" bedtime skin care regimen...

Three out of the seven days of the week I use Enhancement Micro-Dermabrasion Paste. The oil-free formula is so light on my skin. The exfoliating elements are super gentle leaving my skin feeling tone and smooth every time. When I first used the micro-dermabrasion paste, this was a pleasant surprise to me as I was expecting a heavy, rough paste. You know where the beads actually can hurt and get stuck in your eyes sometimes. (Just me?)

Next, I apply Redefine Night Renewing Serum. While I sleep this stuff works on all my imperfections! I love the feeling of waking up to nourished skin! Moisturizing is key in the anti-aging department. I know it has to be working because of how fresh, bright and smooth my skin looks every morning.

Lastly, I apply Redefine Lip Renewing Serum. Even if my lips aren't as big as Kylie's I still want to take care of them! I am a huge bedtime lip moisturizing person. You could have found Aquaphor, Burt's Bees, or Coconut Oil on my night stand table any day.  Just like the rest of my skin, I want my lips to feel rejuvenated in the morning. Well, my bedside table may still have some Aquaphor on it but this lip renewing serum has replaced everything else. Not only do my lips feel nourished, the aging process has decreased with the use of it, so yeah...this is a new favorite of mine!

I hope my updated routine helps solve any skin care solutions you may be looking for. There's no better time to update your skin care routine than in the colder months!
 

xx,

Melody

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Simple Ways to Dip Healthier

 

 
 

 
 

 

 
I paired up with Chobani to share some simple ways to dip healthier. I highly recommend trying Chobani's Greek Yogurt and their new Meze' Dip if you haven't already! Their Meze' Dips are so delish, I forget I am snacking on a healthy dip. Another way I dip healthier is by substituting veggies for carbs. For me it is an easy way to get my greens in and veggies always fills me longer. I am often on the look out for healthy dips to spice up my usual veggie snack time. Although I am a hummus lover, I turn to Meze' Dips more frequently, as they have 80% less fat and 65% fewer calories than your typical hummus! Yeah, pretty awesome right! Anytime I am entertaining, going to a get together, or a holiday party (they are right around the corner) I try to bring a healthy snack so I know there is at least one thing at the party I can much on without the guilt. On this post, I included mostly veggies for dipping options, but I also included one carb option, Stacy's Thin Pretzels, as they are a "healthier" carb option, and a household favorite. I typically shop for Chobani Meze' Dip at Target and Giant. This Smoked Onion Parmesan is one of my favorite flavors but I also love their Red Pepper Meze' Dip. Below you will find some other options to make your dipping healthier!
 
 
Happy Snacking!
 

xx,

Melody