Must-Have Amazon items

Leave a comment February 24, 2020 skimzey

My Amazon Favorites!

Calling all the amazon freaks! As if y’all needed another excuse to binge order from your couch this weekend – I SO got you. I’ve found some total gems on Amazon and I couldn’t be more excited to share them!

I’ll be honest, most of the stuff I will list below is not a life necessity per say.. but I sure have really enjoyed owning them.

INFINITIPRO by CONAIR

I got my boyfriend this for Christmas since he is always stealing my hairdryer. (his v v intricate hair routine requires one, but apparently not enough for him to have supplied his own)

This blow dryer is a POWERHOUSE y’all oh my goodness. It just gets the job done. Like honestly, shampooing my hair really is already so much effort and then I have to dry my hair too? This tool has cut the time I spend blow-drying my hair in half.

At this point, I’m ordering myself one and throwing my Bed Head in the trash. For $30 you just can’t ask for more than this baby delivers.

KORPARI Deodorant

This is hands down – let me repeat – HANDS DOWN my favorite aluminum-free natural deodorant.

I work in fitness so deodorant is important – like really important! I need something that works and is going to last all day but doesn’t sacrifice my health.

Aluminum-free is so important to me and I have tried so so many different products but this one trumps them all. I just truly cannot live without Kopari.

Not to mention it makes my pits smell like cotton candy, and if that doesn’t convince you then I’m not sure what will.

Milk Frother

I’m not sure that this frother is better than other frothers, but this is the one I own and I adore it. Some drinks just aren’t the same without a lil frothy froth, ya know?

EXTRA Thick yoga mat

I hate a thin Yoga mat and if I’m telling the truth it really upsets me how uncomfortable yet expensive a Lulu mat is. I’ll trade in a logo any day to give myself a little more cush and comfort. This baby could be yours for just $16 and she is thiccc with 3 c’s, mmkay.

SOJOS Polarized Sunglasses

These are just so cute! they are by far my fav pair of sunnies and for how cheap they are I love that they are still polarized!

ICE Roller

After a long day at work, this ice roller is a godsend. In fact im craving a nice cold ice roll across my face as I’m writing this *drool*

Ice rolling has tons of benefits, though, besides feeling amazing so let me explain!

Lymphatic drainage and depuffing, soothing and reducing inflammation, decrease headaches, face serums and products absorb more easily and long term use leads to fewer wrinkles! I could go into more detail but I’ll save that for a whole new post. 🙂

Replenix Sunscreen Moisturizer

I started using this sunscreen because The Skinny Confidential recommended it and I’m hooked. I’m on my 4th order and use it religiously every morning.

This sunscreen is broad spectrum SPF 50 and it contains caffeine and antioxidants to tighten your skin!

Replenix also makes a spray sunscreen for replication through the day that I love as well!

CONAIR Fabric Defuzzer

I actually bought my fabric shaver at Target but it is this same one that is available on Amazon! I think I actually ended up paying more for it at Target, too, so definitely snag yours on Amazon! (plus Amazon gives you color options baby)

I tried a different fabric shaver sold on Amazon before getting the CONAIR and it just didn’t compare, like it worked a little but nothing noteworthy. This fabric shaver really gets in there and leaves your clothes, couch or whatever looking like new!

Also, I trusted this fabric shaver on my Lulu aligns and if you are a legging girl through and through like me, you know what a big deal that is!

Those are my top favorites for now, but my complete list of must haves is here! Let me know if you have anything show stopping that you just cannot live without from Amazon that I need to check out!

If you liked this post you should also check out Be Besties with Your Skin!

Best bars in chicago!

Leave a comment November 22, 2019 skimzey

Chi-Town Breakdown

I’ve bee totally itching to write something a little different lately, and seeing as I had an absolute BLAST in Chicago I figured I should give the deets! Like where I went, what I loved, what I hated and what I wish I hadn’t run out of time for.

So the background of why we picked Chicago goes a little something like this – It was my roomie’s 24th birthday and we decided we should try something a little different. The Ancient Aire Baths had a little (or a lot) to do with our decision on where in the world to go but the rest of our plans were only roughly planned out. We thought we had it down with every day planned out down to the outfits – outfit changes and Instagram-able spots with the cutest photo ops, Duh. But upon arriving we were swarmed with recommendations of things to do from friends.

So we took all the lists we were given and sat down to narrow it down – naturally, the places that were recommended on more than one list were our MUST visit places! Our trip went as followed-

Ancient Aire Baths

First stop Ancient Aire Baths! I cannot recommend this place enough!

Upon arrival, we quickly dropped our bags at the hotel and took an uber straight to the spa. Everything was booked in advance of course and I’m so glad we did! Not a moment was wasted sprawled out on the hotel beds before we set off to explore the city!

The entrance to the baths is in an ALLEY y’all, and come to find out that’s pretty common in Chicago but at the moment we were hesitant as to where in the F our Uber was dropping us off.

The whole experience was so cool and I won’t bore you with all the tiny details but just know that I got hands down the best massage EVER here. 10/10 recommend! Our bath time was split into two sections, one before and one after our massage and it was so so nice to let our muscles warm and loosen up in the hot baths before going into our treatment. Also, force yourself to do the cold water plunge – I promise you won’t regret it!

The only advice I have for coming here is to bring your own hair/skin products for after. We did not and wished we had. They provide a few complimentary products and while the showering supplies were perfectly fine, the hair products available were very cira 2002 (I’m talking hair mouse and Garnier hair gel, like what)

Oh, and before I forget, your time in the baths is timed and supposedly there is a bell sounded every 30 minutes but I don’t remember hearing one at all while I was there… You are able to ask the attendant how much time you have remaining but that’s kinda stress-inducing so I’m not sure what exactly the solution is here… Maybe they can be convinced to put a chic low profile analog clock on the wall? This is my only complaint 🙂

The Beatrix

Next up, dinner!

For our first night in Chicago, we went the no makeup, leggings route and found our way down to the hotel restaurant for dinner which turned out to be excellent! What I find funny about this is that we ate at other hotel restaurants during our stay but for some reason, your own hotel restaurant always feels less glamorous, am I right? Anyway if you ever stumble upon The Beatrix while in Chicago, the hummus and kung pow cauli are musts!

Corey's Bagels

Day 2 started with bagels at Coreys Bagel’s – YUM

We actually went here twice while we were in town because we have a serious weakness for a good bagel!

Skydeck .... kinda

Next, cue failed Skydeck experience. The original plan was to get to the Skydeck right at opening and hopefully before the crowd but we couldn’t tell you if that plan worked or not as it didn’t happen… Already set to arrive late, we were advised by our Uber driver to get a drink or two before conquering the sky deck and If you know me you know that I’m TERRIFIED of heights so this sounded like a great idea!

Once we were slightly tipsy we trekked our way back to the sky deck and got in line – WOWZA y’all that line is no joke. I mean Adele was ready to bail almost before we got in line but I was like “no no no, we will regret this if we don’t do it”

Fast forward 30 minutes I spot a sign that says groups of 3 or less are restricted to 60 seconds on the Skydeck as a courtesy to other visitors waiting in line… Now I already know that it’s going to take my scared ass 60 seconds just to CRAWL out there and then I need at least another 60 seconds to gather my composure and take a photo. PLUS my buzz is already wearing off so at this point I’m ready to bail as well.

I still want to do the Skydeck at some point and I definitely want to go back to Chicago but $25 apiece for a minute of deck time after waiting for what was surely going to be at least an hour was not what either of us had in mind for this trip!

The Hampton Social

The Hampton Social, cute atmosphere, v v picture-perfect Rose All Day sign (if you get lucky enough to arrive when people aren’t eating in front of it. Decent oysters but do not come with crackers? Is that a thing?

Joe and the Juice

Joe and the Juice, adorable coffee and juice bar! Pink cups are adorable! (also for some reason the entire block in this part of Chicago smells like a brownie and apparently, the wonderful smell comes from the Chocolate Factory, I didn’t get a chance to go but it’s on my list for next time!)

Two Dots and a Dash Tikki Bar – So here’s the thing, if you like Tikki bars then definitely check this one out but if a super sweet hangover in a glass isn’t your alcohol of choice then maybe skip this one – You’ll be standing in a small roped-off section unless you came early enough for dinner and a table. On a positive note, however, the cups are cool!

Two Dots and a Das Tiki Bar

Two Dots and a Dash Tiki Bar – So here’s the thing, if you like Tikki bars then definitely check this one out but if a super sweet hangover in a glass isn’t your alcohol of choice then maybe skip this one – You’ll be standing in a small roped-off section unless you came early enough for dinner and a table. On a positive note, however, the cups are cool!

The Boss Bar

The Boss Bar – Just a good ol regular bar, you know what I mean? The music was poppin’ the drinks were how you’d expect them to be and the crowd was happenin’ and sometimes that’s just exactly what you need!

Celeste

Celeste – Go here!! This bar is 4 floors that all have a completely different vibe! The Disco floor and the top Greenhouse floors were my personal favorite!

The Pizza Window

The Pizza Window – Look, this pizza is nothing special but seeing as you’ll probably be hammered when you stumble your way to this spot, will you even care? The answer is no, you’ll just be so happy for a late-night slice.

Cindy's Rooftop

Cindy’s Rooftop – This place is a must yall! It overlooks Millenium Park and the Bean so after you get your classic Chicago pic, come here for a yummy cocktail. The rooftop view is something you just can’t miss!

Flight Club

Flight Club – Flight club wasn’t on any of our lists but I’m so glad Chadd and Adele found it! This was one of the most fun bars if not THE most fun bar we went to. Craft cocktails here are a must, I got the Honey Bee and loved it. Playing darts was just good energy! I do have to say though, this is a day drinking spot strictly! Also, unless you plan on flirting your way into a dart board spot like Chadd did for us, plan ahead and book a reservation! You’d be surprised but apparently its a hot commodity!

Punch Bowl Social

Punch Bowl Social – By far the best punch bowl social I’ve ever been to and everyone I talked to agreed! This PBS was huge and we had an absolute blast bowling! Plus there are lots of photo op spots, so what more could you really ask for??

Ema's

Emas – We had a boozy brunch here and nearly missed our flight back… oops!

I highly highly recommend the hummus sampler! And if you are looking to get a HYPE buzz the espresso martini is delish but if too much caffeine makes you anxious then maybe pass on this one!

Giordano's

Giordano’s – This is where we went for deep dish pizza and it was PACKED so as you can imagine the pizza was delicious! Also, yall listen up! Get the Italian dressing to dip your pizza into – thank me later.

Aloft Hotel

Aloft Hotel – Wait before I go, let me tell you where I stayed! The Aloft is nothing crazy but for what we paid we couldn’t have gotten a better deal! Aloft River North was in the perfect spot and everything we did was very walkable or just required a short Uber! Also, I have to say I’m usually not impressed with the hotel bed/pillow situation (I’m just that person that majorly prefers their own bed) but Aloft had some of the fluffiest most heavenly pillows ever!

All in all, I had a great time and I will definitely be back! There is so much we didn’t get to explore and I’m sure my next trip will have a whole new set of places to check out for eats drinks and adventures. I would love to know where you went in Chicago! So if you’ve been, hit me with all the places I’m missing in the comments!

Be Besties with Your Skin

Be Besties With Your Skin!

So before I start giving skincare advice let me tell you, my skin has been a STRUGGLE for me for as long as I can remember. Even in fourth-grade acne was a thing for me and trust me when I say, it was the absolute biggest source of insecurity. You guys, the day I got glasses I cried, like, sobbed because I realized my acne was so much worse than I had realized.

I thought I had tried everything and I really did feel hopeless but the truth is I wasn’t consistent with anything and I didn’t treat my skin like it was my friend.. so why would it be??

I picked at my face, I touched it constantly, I slept with my makeup on, I didn’t moisturize, I exfoliated with the nightmarish St Ives Apricot (Y’ALL KNOW) either way too much or not at all, I thought face masks were reserved for sleepovers, and I didn’t wear sunscreen… CRINGE like what was I thinking?? No wonder my skin hated me!

I didn’t treat my skin like it was my friend.. so why would it be??

When I decided I was going to start giving my skin some much needed TLC I honestly didn’t know where to start. There are thousands of products out there, so, like which one even goes on first?? How often do I exfoliate, and what even is toner.

Taking care of your skin is SO important and I most certainly wish I had started the good habits I have now YEARS ago, BUT, even though I only started really taking care of my skin maybe a year ago, I have seen the most AMAZING results!! I mean guys seriously I can’t tell you how weird/exhilarating/tear-jerking it was to look at myself in the mirror and realize I had no acne, my pores had shrunken, and even the neck wrinkles I dreaded were improving.

So here’s the TEA. Here are the things I learned and implemented to kick start the sincere apology to my skin

7 Baby Steps to Good Skin

1 NEVER EVER EVER SLEEP WITH YOUR MAKE UP ON! I don’t care how tired or drunk you are. And if you ever have gone to sleep with makeup on (we’ve all done it so don’t lie) I want you to get up right now, go to a mirror and tell your face how deeply sorry you are and that you vow it will never EVER happen again. This is just asking for a break out disaster, you guys.

Plus think about it… makeup isn’t nothing, it weighs on your skin while you sleep creating wrinkles and baggage. I love an oil cleanser to take off my makeup! Right now I use Origins Clean Energy but if you are in a pinch just grab some coconut oil and then finish with a foam cleanser!

2 SUNSCREEN!! Like I am screaming this!! Prevention is key when it comes to wrinkles and signs of aging! If your mother made you bathe in sunscreen and you protected your skin from the get go, then consider yourself a step ahead! (or behind? – just whatever direction looks younger mmmk?) Currently my fav sunscreen is – Replenix Caffeine Sunscreen

3 MOISTURIZE! Do this like your life depends on it! I used to be scared to moisturize because I thought it would make me break out but like that’s like not drinking water because you think you might drown… I like to rotate through a few different moisturizers through the week but right now I’m really into Bliss drench and Quench

4 EXFOLIATE! I cannot with how much I’ve fallen in love with exfoliators! They do wonders for your texture (is that a weird way to put it?) I mean no one can GLOW with dead skin all over their face… And they will kick your black heads to the CURB. Who doesn’t want that!? Bliss also makes really good and affordable peel pads and you can NEVER go wrong with Exfolikate!

5 FACE MASK – LIKE A LOT. You don’t need to be doing a spa day with your besties to treat your skin! Face masks can help with a lot of things and they all offer different benefits so why not take advantage! You really can never have enough sheet masks! I pick mine up from just about everywhere but SoKoGlam is one of my favorite sites to stock up on my masks!

6 DO YOUR RESEARCH – learn your skin! We are all so different in every way, including our skin, figure out your skin type and start there deciding which products are best for you! I highly recommend getting yourself a copy of The Little Book of Skincare. I heard about this book from The Skinny Confidential (another great skincare resource!) and it was a godsend. Like actually. This book is filled to the brim with so much good skincare knowledge.

7 BE PATIENT – You are building a relationship with your skin, some results you’ll see immediately and that is so fun and satisfying but somethings will take more time and thats okay. As much as we all wish there could be one answer and one master skin care regimen it just isn’t that way, but don’t let that discourage you! I promise you will be infinity grateful to yourself for starting a skincare routine.

You are building a relationship with your skin

Your skin is so important and taking care of it is something you’ll never regret – so like why not?? It can be overwhelming at first picking products and creating a routine but start small and before long you’ll be able to read what your skin needs like a book!

Skinny Girl Frape

Leave a comment September 23, 2019 skimzey

SKINNY GIRL FRAPE

Hot girl summer is not over, and frape season is just getting started. So everybody put your hands in the air for a healthy frape recipe! Mhmm, you heard me right, a HEALTHY FRAPE – this is not just a less sugary version that kinda tastes like sweet dirt. This is a full-on, NO refined sugar alternative that tastes great and actually has some killer perks for your body and brain (think Lion’s mane and Chaga).

If you’re like, but what actually are those things? Don’t worry I’ll give you the whole 411 on the situation.

Skinny Girl Frape Recipe

1 frozen banana

2 cups almond milk

1 packet Four Sigmatic Lions Mane and Chaga mushroom coffee mix

Thats literally it!

BLEND AND ENJOY

The Frappuccino 411

Does your Starbucks frape contain amino acids, fiber, calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants? I think no. Sugar, caffeine and a big ol crash are all you get for your $6.25 – 500 calorie mocha cookie crumble. Thank me later for this power-packed alternative!

Lion’s mane has been shown to promote the health and growth of brain cells, this decreases the onset of diseases like Dementia and Alzheimer’s and while this may seem like something way too far off to worry about, just remember prevention is KEY. Lions mane and Chaga both are great anti-inflammatory foods that help decrease oxidative stress in your body – lamens terms? These two offer great anti-aging benefits! Repeat after me, the more antioxidants (and sunscreen) the fewer wrinkles!

Healthy 5 Ingredient Bagels

2 Comments August 27, 2019 skimzey

Healthy 5 Ingredient Bagels

Ya’ll I love a bagel, like really really I could eat one everyday for the rest of my life but goodness gracious do those doughy halos have a lot of calories. Ya girl is trying to get abs, okay, and since abs are made in the kitchen (or so I’ve heard) there have been some changes happening around here. So when I learned I could make myself bagels that had almost HALF the calories… I’m thinking did you say bagels or BAEgels. I’m smitten and this recipe has stolen my whole heart so obviously I have to share!

Healthy 5 Ingredient Bagels

2 Cups all purpose flour (can substitute for whole wheat or gluten free flour)

2 Cups whole fat plain greek yogurt

1 1/4 Tbsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp salt

+ As much Everything but the bagel seasoning as your heart desires

Make sure you have extra flour for shaping the bagels.

Heat the oven to 375°. Combine all ingredients. You know the drill – no particular order here except you’re going to want to do the seasoning last of course.

I used this super cute silicone baking mold specifically for bagels, but you can also just roll your dough and then pinch the ends together.

Since I opted for the baking mold, I sprinkled my TJ Everything but the Bagel seasoning onto the bottom of each bagel…. pocket? hole? crevasse? – (You get what im trying to say) My thinking was that as the bagel rises it will press itself into the seasoning and the result will be picture perfect seasoned doughy curves. – I was right.

If you’re shaping your bagels by hand however, you’ll want to wet the dough on the top side and then sprinkle the seasoning on before popping those suckers in the oven.

Bake for 15 – 18 minutes or until golden. Cool and enjoy!

I put mine in the fridge to store for a yummy breakfast all week!

How to have your BAEgle!

Okay so your bagels are made, cooled, beautiful and ready to be shoveled into your mouth, but after all that hard work you deserve all the toppings! On the weekends when I really get to take my time waking up and making my breakfast I love LOVE a lox bagel! You’ll need smoked salmon, cherrubs (these are the best tomatoes honestly), red onion, and if you’re feeling really fancy don’t forget the capers! For the cream cheese I use toffuti (I’m not dairy free but I do like to limit my dairy products for my skin’s sake) or I opt for no cream cheese and use smashed avocado as my spread. Salt and pepper, always, and enjoy!

SLUT SHAMING & MEAN GIRLS

3 Comments March 14, 2019 skimzey

SLUT SHAMING & MEAN GIRLS

Its about time we girls have a heart to heart.. healthy food is great and all but this post is about a different healthy practice that gets pushed under the fuckin rug and trampled over like that guy you shoved deep into the friend zone 5 years ago. (sorry bud, we are all rooting for ya)

GIRLS. Stop being so BITCHY and INSECURE and own the BADASS self that you ARE.

Stop pushing others down just to bring yourself up and stop comparing yourself by “hotness”

GIRLS. Stop being so BITCHY and INSECURE and own the BADASS self that you ARE.

Apparently this year I’m all about the SUPER late new years resolutions so lets just pile another one on – in 2019 I will not mindlessly gossip about another girls appearance. I will not compare myself to any girl that happens to be dating or sleeping with someone that I have dated / slept with. I will not assure any of my friends that they are prettier than their ex’s new boo. I will not hold hate in my heart as a means to make myself feel better in some fucked up way.

This is my official notice, I refuse to participate in the girl hate. I’m not here for it.

For the last year I’ve really been trying to filter my negative words and thoughts, especially those centered around other women.

We all do it, and if you claim sainthood here, do you girl but you know in your heart I speak the truth.

Stop pushing others down just to bring yourself up and stop comparing yourself by “hotness”

We perpetuate a culture that allows us to be put up against each other.

We have created the premise.

We have provided the tools.

Recently, an ex informed me that I was a 7-8 on my best day and his new boo was a 10/10 on any day

And it made me sad.

Not because I care what number I am to someone on a scale designed to be a hurtful jab, but because I realized that all of the comparing that we do as women sets us up to be targets of this hurtful deteriorating behavior. And girl, if your reading this, I’m here to say you are BEAUTIFUL and I mean that truly.

We women are a powerful force to be reckoned with, but can you just imagine how strong we could be if we could learn to support each other and stand up for each other fiercely?

Not just stand up for your bestie or your main bitch, but stand up for the women you don’t even know, for the ones you disagree with and even those who you no longer call a friend. The thing is, we don’t all get along as humans and that’s just the way things are BUT does that give us the right to degrade someone’s character or judge them by their looks? It doesn’t.

I challenge you to join me in this resolution for 2019 – and well the rest of my life. I challenge you to hold more love in your heart and I challenge you to set an example for all the women around you, young or old.

Life Update: Where TF I’ve Been

2 Comments February 9, 2019 skimzey

Life Update: Where TF I've Been

My life has completely changed since the last time I posted on this blog and I feel like the need for an update is in order. I typically don’t share things that are particularly private or personal to my life, but this time I want to spill the details!

Okay, maybe not all the details.. but I want to recap on the crazy beautiful mess that has been my life for the last 8 months and how I’ve gotten to the point where I’m at, right now.

2018 was a hell of year. I laughed, I cried, I lost people dear to my heart and I gained people I will be grateful for forever. I learned so much about myself and I could not be more excited for what 2019 has in store.

2018 was one hell of a year

Roughly 8 months ago I made the move to Houston from Midland, and guys, ya girl was ecstatic. I appreciate the time I spent in Midland so much but it was not ever home. I wanted to be back in the big city from the moment I moved to the west TX oil patch and it was finally happening.

Then, about 3 months into our move my boyfriend decided we were moving back… Y’all I was devastated and cried almost everyday.

Now listen, I’m not trying to say Midland is a loathsome place, I’m trying to say that I knew the part of my life that was meant to be lived there was over. For me the idea of moving back felt like a step backwards. Like maybe even a leap? Is that dramatic?

Cue being faced with the decision of what to do about my relationship, what to do about the fact that I loved my boyfriend and I absolutely adored our dog.

We decided to try long distance but I think realistically the trajectory of our lives was just focused in different directions.

The decision to stay in Houston was one that came with a ton of judgement but also a ton of support. It taught me who was on my team and it forced me to acknowledge what it was that I wanted. Me! What do I want for my life.

No matter how powerless you may feel, you always have a choice.

At the end of the day, the point was as simple as this – I was not happy before and suddenly I was in my element.

Giving up my dog was absolutely one of the hardest most heartbreaking decisions of my entire life but despite how fiercely I love that little guy the truth is that on my own I can not give him the life that he deserves. That’s a hell of a hit to the ego to admit but for the sake of his life I have to be honest and admit that the responsibility of having a pet is one that I can not realistically carry out at this point in my life.

So here’s the next crazy thing, the job that enabled me to stay in Houston quite literally fell into my lap! Like guys when the universe sends you signs you just have to listen. I met my current boss on Bumble BFF (yes, it’s really a thing) and about a month after meeting her I moved in with her in an attempt (a successful attempt I might add) to get back on my feet a little before moving into a place of my own.

Basically in short, Bumble BFF sent me this wonderful tribe of women who I could not be more elated to know.

A mantra, learned from my Mom, that I’ve tried to hold in high regard throughout my whole life is this – Jump and the net will form. Meaning set the intention, and go for it! I believe that even more deeply now than I ever have.

So as a last impression of this post here are a few things I learned in 2018 and want to work on in 2019.

Cayenne Avocado Toast

Leave a comment September 18, 2018 skimzey

SPICY AVOCADO TOAST & WHAT IT CAN DO FOR YOU!

It’s no secret that I love a good slice of avocado toast! I mean who doesn’t?? Lately I’ve been spicing things up by adding cayenne pepper to the mix and lets just say you HAVE to give it a try. Oh, also, let’s not forget to mention the health benefits cayenne has to offer, This is a super food combo that you don’t want to miss!

Spicy Avocado Toast Recipe

– 1 large whole Avocado

– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

– 1/2 tsp salt

– Spritz of lemon juice

– Two slices of toasted bread (I prefer Powerseed by Dave’s Killer Bread)

Mash the avocado to your little hearts content, spread that baby over each warm slice of toast and garnish with spices. UGH. So good & SO simple.

Cayenne, the superstar

Are you ready to hear all about the benefits cayenne has in store for you??

Cayenne is known as a detoxifier, it both neutralizes acidity and increases circulation! Improved circulation also means improved heart health. But thats not even close to all this firecracker spice can do! The active ingredient in Cayenne pepper, Capsaicin, is thought to both increase your metabolism and reduce your hunger by slowing the production of Ghrelin (the hormone that makes you hungry) making it a great addition to your diet if you are trying to shed a few pounds.

Oh! And I can’t forget to mention that Cayenne is rich in Vitamin A & E which both fight off free radicals that lead to early signs of aging! Say hello to healthier hair, skin and nails!

Tropical Texas

TROPICAL TEXAS SMOOTHIE

This pink smoothie is equally cute as all heck and delicious! I don’t know about y’all but I am all about anything that is equally healthy and perfectly aesthetic on my instagram feed. Oh, and did I mention that the prickly pear that gives this gem her pink color also tastes like bubble gum?? Just when you thought a fruit couldn’t be DREAMY!

Anyway, I’ll stop chatting and just get to the recipe!

Tropical Texas Smoothie Recipe

– 1 banana

– 1 prickly pear (scoop out the insides)

– 2 cups almond milk

– 1 cup pineapple

So simple right?? Blend that baby up and VOILA! Garnish with pineapple slice and find some good lighting because she is SO picture worthy!

photo by Lieselot.Dalle

Benefits Galore!

This entire smoothie is pretty rich in dietary fiber meaning it will not only keep you full longer but it will help foods move through your digestive tract more easily! Fiber also helps lower LDL (the bad one) cholesterol which can lead to poor heart and cardiovascular health.

In addition to being awesome free radical fighting cancer banishers, antioxidants like the ones found in the prickly pear help reduce inflammation. This contributes to easier digestion and overall gut health. Prickly pears are also rich in vitamin c (actually a whole 1/3 of your daily recommended intake!) and calcium so lets just go ahead and stomp out the rumor that you have to resort to cows milk for a good dose of calcium!

This is hands down one of my favorite smoothies so I hope y’all enjoy! And don’t forget to tag me if you do take a picture of your yummy Tropical Texas smoothie!

The Perfect Matcha Latte

As promised, I had to share my new and improved matcha recipe! This recipe is simple and to the point. My other recipe (that you can find here) has more of a nutty flavor and is a little heavier. This version is my fav but I mean try them both and do you! Also you already know I would love to hear which you prefer!

The Perfect Matcha Latte Recipe

– 1/2 tsp of Matcha Powder

– 1/4 cup HOT water

– 1 cup COLD almond milk

– 1 teaspoon Honey (optional)

– Mason Jar

Put the cold almond milk in the mason jar and SHAKE! I’m not kidding. This will make your latte sexy & frothy! You can also stick it in the microwave for 15 seconds for even more volume! Wisk the Matcha, hot water and honey together and finish by pouring the frothy almond milk into your matcha “shot”!

Why I Love Matcha A Latte!

Yeah, we are doing puns, get over it.

As if the taste, pun potential, and caffeine weren’t enough to launch an obsession, matcha has some amazing qualities that deserve a mention!

Matcha boosts your mood and promotes calm concentration thanks to an amino acid called L-Theanine that has anti-anxiety effects and allows the caffeine to burn much slower through your system. Basically, you won’t get a caffeine spike and crash like you would from coffee! Maybe its just me… but this sounds like a natural adderal/xanex recipe for your most productive self!

Matcha is also jam packed with the antioxidant EGCG which is involved in the process of signaling the body to break down fat for energy! We are talking natural fat burner that doesn’t make you sweat profusely!

While matcha won’t magically shed pounds, it will boost your metabolism and help your body chemically with the process of loosing weight!

Matcha also contains lots of chlorophyll. (I mean duh! Just look at that pretty green!)

Lately, chlorophyll has been getting a lot of attention as a natural deodorant that works from the inside banishing all kinds of odor from B.O. to bad breath, but, similar to EGCG, it also has some pretty bad ass antioxidant properties of its own!

Chlorophyll not only promotes healthy skin (YES PLEASE), but also helps your body (esp your liver) detox! Chlorophyll is able to bind to toxic metals and carcinogens and expel them from the body.

One last thing I want to mention is that matcha, unlike coffee is alkaline on your stomach! This is sooo good because overloading on acidic things is a recipe for disaster when it comes to your gut health. PS this also means no yellow staining on your teeth!

Literally this coffee alternative sounds too good to be true but the best part is its not! Try this recipe and join the obsession!