A More FILLING B-fast Smoothay

This is a spin on the Healthy Chocolate Smoothie recipe I posted previously.
I found that I wasn't staying full for very long, so I decided to add a few more ingredients.

Feel free to add/subtract/multiply/rearrange anything you want.

Get concontin'!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (plus more to add if it's too thick)
• 1 tsp chia seeds
• 1/4 cup dry oatmeal
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil (adds richness)
• 1 spoonful unsweetened cocoa
• 1 ripe banana
• A large handful of baby kale or baby spinach
• 1 cup frozen blueberries

Note: You will probably need more liquid because there are more ingredients than the last recipe. So don't be surprised if you have to add more once you get blendin'.

This makes about 32 oz. for me.

A full belly is a happy belly :)

*WARNING: This also induces full bladders.

Favorite ELF Products

What's not to love about ELF?  Cruelty-free, quality products, and it's CHEAP.
Unfortunately, not all their products are that great (that's to be expected when they charge like a dollah for most things). And even though a dollar here and there isn't much, why waste your money trying things you may not like? IT ADDS UP.

So, here are my faves.

For your fas:

Acne Fighting Foundation

So legit.  

I use this errday with a Beauty Blender to cover most of my acne scars and then I go over it with Bare Escentuals foundation.  It's the only liquid foundation that doesn't break me out and it has a bunch of awesome acne-fighting ingredients like tea tree oil.

The downside is the range of colors and the fact that it isn't completely full-coverage.  If you have oily skin like myself, it won't keep you matte, either.  But I just put powder on to fix that problem.

Mineral Blemish Powder

Now that I have discovered this, I kind of can't live without it.

I mix it in with my Bare Escentuals foundation and put it all over my face, and then if I have any blemishes I'll dab some on those spots, too.

I just don't get why you can't buy the powder by itself.  It comes with a brush EVERY time.

Cheeks:

Studio Blush

 In the words of Miley Cyrus, it's pretty cool.

It makes your cheeks a different color than they normally are.

It does it's job.

I wouldn't say it lasts ALL day, but I like it.

 Studio HD Blush

I think this lasts a bit longer than just a powder.  I put this on with a powder blush on top.

I use a small stipple brush.  So far it's the only liquid blush I've liked.

Essential Shimmering Facial Whip

THE perfect highlighter.

I love using this on the tops of my cheekbones for that glow when the lights hit you just right.

Eyes:

 Studio Cream Liner

Cream/gel liners used to be my go-to.  I'm a cat-eye girl all day, every day.

Now I just use a black eyeshadow for my liner, because it's easier for me.

This stuff works well. I use it when I want something more dramatic.

It's also great for your waterline. It lasts.

My only concern is that it tends to dry up kinda fast.

Essential Shimmer Eyeliner Pencil

I love this!

I use it when I'm lazy and just want to smudge some color at the base of my lashes.

Essential Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara 

I have to use this or my brows are all over the place.

I don't use the mascara part, but when the brow side runs out I just switch the brush and use the mascara gel.  It's the same thang.

Studio Eyebrow Kit

I prefer powder WAY more than pencils for my brows.

I don't ever use the wax, but the powder is good.

Lips:

Studio Matte Lip Color

This is a recent discovery of mine and I love it so much.

I have only used Rich Red and Tea Rose.  I love both colors.

They stay on pretty well and they're matte, which is awesome.

I don't even know what to say.  I just can't get enough.

Mineral Lip Gloss 

I'm not really a gloss person, but I do like this gloss.

First of all, I like that it has natural ingredients.  But it also gives you a nice pearly shine without being too sticky. 

Happy makeup-ing!

Healthy Chocolate Smoothie Recipe (Vegan)

I have been making this smoothie almost every single morning for the last 3 years. I never tire of it!
It tastes JUST like a chocolate shake, but it's made with all healthy thangs.

Let's get our chocolate on.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)

1 banana

1-2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1-2 Tbsp. ground flaxseed (optional)

1-2 handfuls of baby spinach

1 cup frozen blueberries


Directions:

I find that if you put the ingredients in the blender in the exact order as above, it comes out better.
Note: Also, make sure you are using bananas that have at least some brown spots on it.  It is both better for digestion and makes the smoothie sweeter.

Then, just blendy-blend-blend until smooth!
I have a high-speed blender, but I think you can do this with a regular blender, too.

It should come out as a dark purple color and taste just like chocolate.
Now you can tell everyone you had chocolate for breakfast and not feel guilty about it.
In this case, I even encourage bragging.

Happy breakfasting! 

DIY Vegan Holiday Gift Basket: Trader Joe's Edition

Can you tell I like Trader Joe's?

Every year, TJ's comes out with a bunch of mouth-watering holiday-themed treats.
However, many of those things are not vegan, which is both sad and rude.
But fear not!  There are still some delicious items in which we can partake.

If you wanna make a cute little vegan holiday gift basket, I have taken the guess-work out of what's vegan and what's not.

Ingredients:

 Oh, Candy Cane tea!  You make the holidays so much more enjoyable!

This stuff is great.  It's very minty with a delicious hint of vanilla, without the sweetness of course.

 

If you want a little caffeine, this tea is also yummy.

I actually drink this all year round.  I STOCK UP.

It's vegan, yo!  You can make hot chocolate or a thick chocolate beverage to sip on out of this, hence the name "sipping chocolate."

The cashier also told me he makes bomb milkshakes out of this, too.

Just add TJ's soy vanilla ice cream!

 

This is one big candy bar.

I haven't actually tried this, but another cashier told me it was really good.

Plus, the wrapper is pretty.

This special holiday-edition candy has dark chocolate, almonds, cranberries, and ginger.

 These are too addicting.  

If you like oreos, candy canes, or the mint/chocolate combo, don't even hesitate.

Just buy them already.

 

Ok, so when I first heard of  cookie butter, I was like OH MAN I NEED SOME OF THAT.

So, I went to 4 different TJ's trying to find it, like a mad woman.

But low and behold, it was sold out EVERYWHERE.

One employee told me that they only got 12 in a day and that there was a 2 jar limit per person.

This only fed my desire to get my hands on this stuff.

A couple months later, it appeared out of nowhere like magic!

I finally got it home and tried it...but I was not that impressed.

It was more gingery than I expected.

BUT this stuff, swirled with some cocoa is addicting!

It's better than Nutella!  I tried this on some pretzel thins and I couldn't stop stuffing my face with it.

So, proceed with caution.

If the person you're giving this gift to likes them some figs, you should get this.

It's very...figgy.  Which means it's delicious!

You can put it on toast or celery or basically anything you want to add a fig taste to...obviously.

And of course, to top it all off, you gotta add some Charles Shaw red.

They have a few options like Merlot and Carbanet Sauvignon, as well as others.

And you can't beat the price at $2.49 a pop! (ha ha, "pop!" get it?)

Just throw all these babies in a basket, slap on a bow, and BAM! 

You got yourself a super sexy, super easy, and pretty cheap vegan gift!

Happy holiday eating!

Online Shopping: Money Saving Tips

Since it's that time of year and Cyber Monday is just around the corner, I thought would let you in on some money-saving secrets!  These are super easy and they really do make a difference.
And if you're a borderline-unhealthy-online-shopaholic like me, the money you save with these tips really does add up!  There is no point in spending more money than you need to!
We college students know the struggle of stretching a buck.

Numba 1:  EBATES

I cannot stress this enough.
You basically get a percentage back on your online purchases.
Yes, the percentage is usually small, but like I said, it adds up!
All you do is:
log on, search for the site you want to shop on, and then click the link on ebates for that site.
It will open a new page and direct you to the site.
After 6 months, all the money you've accumulated will be sent to you via a BIG FAT check (that's literally what it's called), paypal, or Amazon credit!  It's awesome!

 It's like dis.

I've been using this for about 2 or 3 years and I've yet to discover a catch.
Just click the link above to get started!

(Note: Not all stores will be listed on Ebates, but there are a lot that are. The major stores like Target and Walmart are definitely on there.)

Numba 2: COUPON CODES

These can be used in COMBINATION with Ebates.
There may not always be coupon codes for the sites you're shopping on, but always look anyway.
I usually use RetailMeNot, but I just Google search until I find the best one.
At some stores like Skechers, sometimes they will have 30% plus free shipping if you have a log-in account.
Stores such as Bath and Body Works almost always have a coupon code, but it changes all the time.
Sales!  Kohl's and Bath and Body Works almost always have a sale.

 Once you find a code, just enter it into the little box that says PROMO CODE or something of the sort.

 Numba 3: SALES

 The word is so beautiful, it's almost poetic.

Lastly, always be sure to be on the lookout for the sales.  
This is mostly relevant to a couple stores in particular, like Kohl's and Bath and Body Works.
BBW charges a lot for one bottle of lotion, so if you ever shop there, make sure it's on a "Buy 3, get 3 free" day.  And sometimes the candles are 2 for $22! Then, use your coupons in combination with those deals.  
BAM! Money saved.

When used effectively and in the right combination, you can save a lot of money!
So, if you want to avoid the crowds and shop online, be sure to take these tips into consideration.
I am sure there are a ton of other awesome tips out there that I am unaware of, but these are just the ones I use. If you find some, feel free to share!

 

Happy shopping!

Kid President Lays Down Some TRUTH

I often think about how we are using all this technology that we have.

It can be used for so much good!

So many good things can be shared and learned if we use it right.

But it seems that we use it the wrong way a lot of the time.

Kid President lays down some serious truth about our use of the internet.

Like the fact that people spend $600,000 per DAY on Candy Crush.

Really?!

We live in a time of instant gratification and mind-numbing distractions.

This kid has some really valid points. 

Plus, he's adorable and hilarious.

(Sorry this is a little late for the SOCKTOBER thing)

We all have a lot to be thankful for.

This video is so funny 'cause it's all true.
Sometimes we just need to shut the full cup.
You gotta be able to laugh at yourself right?!

 We are bombarded by distractions in this world on the daily.
We are fortunate to receive more and more technological advances that make our lives easier,
yet they seem to be pushing us farther and farther apart from each other.
What really matters?
As you go about your day, take some time to think about how you're using technology
and how you can use it to do some good for your fellow earthling!
And hey, while you're at it, think of at least 5 things you're grateful for.
No matter how bad things are for you, there is always at least 1 thing you can be thankful for.
So, I'll leave you with this...

How are you using the internet?

Mini Rant: Black Friday

Can someone please explain to me what is going on with the world?

Black Friday is no longer Black FRIDAY.
Every year it seems to start earlier and earlier during Thanksgiving week.

Now, retail workers are forced to work on Thanksgiving day!
They not only have to work on almost every other holiday--not to mention that they have to work on the worst day of retail shopping ever (Black Friday)--but now they have to work on THANKSGIVING, too?!
Do you know how stressful it is to work in retail on Black Friday??
Pretty soon it will be called Black Week (that almost doesn't sound PC, but you get what I mean). 
Does anyone else see the absurdity in this?!

When greed, consumerism, and material objects become more important than
family, relaxing on a holiday, and moral values...I think something is very, very wrong.
It's this society.  It's all this commercial BS that is turning family holidays that are supposed to be about love and togetherness into a money-making scheme!!
I can't even handle the chaos of Black Friday, though.  It's too much.
People become real cray just to save a couple bucks.
The social psychology behind how we act in groups is fascinating.

 I mean, this is just scary.
People legit get trampled and seriously injured because of this.

I saw this article about Wal-Mart workers going on strike because of having to work on Thanksgiving.
I say more power to them!
Having to worry about losing your job if you don't work on Thanksgiving is completely ludicrous.
These companies are not valuing their employees.
The people making these decisions probably don't have to work this day.

I don't know if this will make a difference, but I signed this petition for Target to stay closed on Thanksgiving.
I had to try!

GET IT TOGETHER, SOCIETY!

I don't usually like to have angry rants, but in this situation I feel it's necessary to get the message across.

You can always make your own DIY gifts!
Homemade is always better anyway!

I hope you all get to enjoy a magical and ooey-gooey Thanksgiving filled with a cornucopia of love and laughter!!

I am thankful for all of you who have to work on Black Friday.
It takes real strength and patience.
There is so much abundance available to us and it has NOTHING to do with material possessions.
We need to take a step back from all these distractions and think about what truly matters to us.
 Let's be thankful for what we have!

I think Kid President says it best: