Recipe Roundup!

I know I posted last week {here} about some amazing Quinoa Bites I tried from Pinterest {follow me here}, but this past weekend I was craving something sweet! Instead of caving and heading to Tim Horton's or Starbucks to satisfy my cravings instantly, I took to Pinterest yet again to find something healthier {I am heading to VEGAS on Thursday you know}! My boyfriend LOVES anything with peanut butter and chocolate so I went on a hunt and found these AMAZINGLY addictive Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Quinoa Cookies {click for link}! The great thing about this recipe is there is no extra sugar, dairy or oils added resulting in a lower calorie dessert! Trust me you will NOT be able to eat just one!*

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked Qunioa
1/2 cup all natural peanut butter
3 tablespoons pure Maple Syrup {I substitute with honey}
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Combine Quinoa, peanut butter, maple syrup {or honey}, salt and oats in a mixing bowl. Mix until ingredients are well combined.
3. Stir in coconut and chocolate chips
4. Line baking sheets with parchment - paper
5. Scoop and mold dough into round tablespoon sized cookies
6. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until bottoms are nicely browned
7. Allow to cool and firm up before eating and storing

Nutrition:
1 cookie = 1 serving

Calories: 80
Fat: 4 grams
Carbs: 9 grams
Protein: 2 grams

Friday Favorites!

Happy Friday everyone! This time next week I'll be lounging by the pools in Vegas! But for now here are my favorite things from the past week! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!*

I'm not really into DYI and arts and crafts... mainly because I get uber frustrated and I'm really not that crafty! But this DIY from Pinterest {follow me here} this week seems like something I'd be able to handle, and adds a super cute touch to your everyday bathroom necessities! Follow the link below to some other cute DIY Candle Jar ideas!

 

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Perfect for a lazy day by the pool! Can't WAIT for summer! Pink Lemonade Margarita!

 

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Girly Rustic Chic Bedroom! This bedroom is to DIE!

 

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I tried this, this past week and it's a delicious alternative to lime or lemon and it really does curve your snack cravings! Healthy and super refreshing!

 

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In celebration of Kate and Will's Royal Baby to be, Butter London has launched a new royal inspired polish, "Pitter Patter". An opaque metallic aubergine to welcome the new royal! Love it!
{Available online only $15 - here}

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The Look for Less! by vodka-caviar featuring aldo necklace

I have always coveted J.Crew products! I think they have perfected chic and versatile business casual for women, making getting dressed every morning easy and fun for the modern day working ladies out there. However, Canada has yet to get J.Crew stores {or at least a J.Crew near me}! As far as I'm concerned J.Crew really jump started the Bauble Necklace trend with their gorgeous statement necklaces {seen here}. As amazing as a 14k gold chain with imported gems sounds, these beauties are always sold out, and lets face it, I'm in no state to go to spend $130 - 250 on a necklace to wear to work! ALDO always has great finds, and they follow the trends and fads so finding that Look for Less is always easy! H&M and Forever 21 also do an excellent job of creating highly popular looks for a beauty on a budget shopper!*

Delivery!

The thing I don't like about ordering clothing online is there is NO instant gratification! Waiting for my packages to arrive seems like the longest 6-10 days ever! But when it finally arrives on my doorstep it's like Christmas! Yesterday my Lulu's dress order arrived and I'm beyond happy with all 3 dresses I chose! I always get a little nervous when ordering, you never know if the clothing will fit true to size, too small or too big, so with this order I followed the websites sizing charts and measurements exactly and everything fits perfectly {with a minor adjustment to be made}! Below are the items I received yesterday for my trip to VEGAS next weekend {EEEK}! Once the dresses are altered I will post some photos so you all can see how they fit and look!

 LuLu's

 

Double Duchess Mint Green Dress -  $46

The top half on this dress is a little big so I'm going to get it taken in.

 

LuLu's Exclusive Bow Down Strapless White & Coral Dress - $35

 

Peek Chic Cutout Black Dress - $41

The hem line on this dress is a little long for me, I'm going to get it raised to just above my knee.

Total including taxes, shipping and duty $139!!! Seriously girls, you can't beat that! Lulu's has a $22 shipping flat rate to Canada....pretty awesome!*

LOVE it or LOATHE it? by vodka-caviar featuring a hidden wedge

I was out at the mall with my friend last weekend; and as I was browsing ALDO I noticed they had quite the selection of these Hi-Top Wedge sneakers....when they first debuted last year I was actually taken aback by how ugly these shoes are. I really don't understand the trend {these are right up there with the horrible Stiletto Timberland's J.LO use to rock here} their chunky and gaudy and now include over the top embellishments. These wedges trick people into thinking your laid back, casual and sporty but in my opinion you look like you're trying way too hard to impress. If you want a wedge why not strap on a cute pair of espadrille wedges?  Sadly, these "sneakers" are everywhere right now and seem to be here to stay thanks to major celebrities and models endorsing them {Miranda Kerr, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce and Elle Fanning} and designers jumping on the bandwagon and charging crazy amounts for these ugly shoes {Marc Jacobs, Giuseppe Zanotti and ASH}. I guess the major question here is do you LOVE or LOATHE this trend? Obviously I LOATHE these shoes and wish they would just disappear! Do you own a pair? Are they comfortable?! Let me know what you think!*

Recipe Roundup!

I think it's fair to say that I'm obsessed with Pinterest {follow me here}, and I am one to attempt most of what I pin especially the recipes! Since I started hitting the gym harder then usual to get "Vegas Ready" I have been looking for quick and easy healthy meal ideas to switch up my everyday fish and steamed veggies {because lets be honest that gets boring quickly!}. This past weekend I found two delicious Quinoa recipe ideas, Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bites and Quinoa Pizza Bites! The great thing about Quinoa is it's considered a grain and is closely related to beets and spinach which makes sense as to why it's packed with tons protein! Quinoa is a much healthier alternative to rice, pasta and even couscous. Below are the recipes and nutrition information for the bites I made this past weekend! {photos are not my own and are via Pinterest}!*

Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bites

 

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Ingredients:

1 Cup - cooked Quinoa
1 Cup - Quick Oats
1/2 teaspoon - cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon - nutmeg
3 tablespoons - brown sugar
1 tablespoon - granulated sugar
1 tablespoon - maple syrup {I substituted honey}
1 Cup - chopped apples
2 eggs, lightly beaten


Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a large mixing bow, add cooked quinoa and quick oats (allow quinoa to cool first). In a seperate mixing bowl combine cinnamon, nutmeg and sugars - add spice mixture to the qunioa and quick oats. Add maple syrup (or honey), apples and eggs until mix is combined
3. Spray your muffin pan (minis work best) with non-stick cooking spray.
4. Fill each muffin slot with 1 tablespoon of the mixture and bake for 15 - 20 minutes
5. Let cool and enjoy!

Nutrition:
Per Bite (recipe yields about 26, tablespoon sized bites)

Calories - 38
Fat - 0.7 grams
Protein - 1.2 grams
Fiber - 0.6 grams
Carbs - 6.25 grams


Quinoa Pizza Bites

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Ingredients:

1/2 - 1 Cup - cooked Quinoa

1 large egg and 1 egg yolk

1/2 Cup - chopped onion (small)

1/2 Cup - Fat Free shredded mozzarella cheese

1 tablespoon - minced garlic

1 tablespoon - dried basil

1 tablespoon - dried oregano

Pinch of Salt 

Pizza sauce for dipping

Directions :

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Combine all ingredients {except the pizza sauce} into a large mixing bowl until well mixed

3. Lightly spray the bottom of a mini-muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.

4. Fill each muffin slot with 1 tablespoon of mixture and bake for 15 - 20 minutes

5. Serve warm with pizza sauce to dip!

Nutrition:

Per 12 Bites (recipe yields about 26, tablespoon sized bites)

Calories - 265
Fat - 6 grams
Protein - 18 grams
Carbs - 33 grams

SHOP MY CLOSET!

Spring is in the air and that means spring cleaning! I decided to do a massive purge of my closet to get ready for the spring/summer season! Here are a few items I purchased and literally have wore ONCE! If your interested in purchasing any of these items please leave a comment below and we will make arrangements! All these items are in PERFECT condition! Happy Shopping!*

DANIER LEATHER - OFF WHITE BIKER JACKET - SIZE MEDIUM
Purchased for $200
Selling for $90

J-BRAND MARIA SKINNY LEG JEANS - SIZE 30
Purchased for $200
Selling for $80

 

LULULEMON SCUBA HOODIE - SIZE 8

Purchased for $108

Selling for $60

 

Clothing SWAP!

Today I'm doing an extra special post! My oldest and dearest friend is hosting a Clothing Swap as a fundraiser to benefit the Neighbour2Neigbour Food Bank and Martha House {click here and here to find out more about these wonderful Hamilton based organization}. If you've been following my blog you know my love for clothing swaps {here}! It's an amazing way to a) snag clothes from your friends you've been coveting forever b) anything remaining can be donated to your local woman's shelter and c) it's an awesome excuse to get together with your closest girlfriends! This particular fundraiser has an added bonus, all proceeds raised go directly to the above mentioned organizations!

Details:

 

If you find yourself in the Hamilton, Ontario or General Toronto areas on May 18th 2013 feel free to stop by with your $2 and a non-perishable food item to support these two great causes. If you have any clothing you would love to donate please comment below and I will forward any and all information you require!*

 #HamiltonClothingSwap

The Look for Less! by vodka-caviar featuring pointed ballet flats

I am all about designer products, but lets face it; unless I save for months and months there is no way I can afford a $500 pair of shoes or a $1,000 purse. I'm always on the hunt for the same look but for a fraction of the price, so I decided to share my findings with you! For my first "The Look for Less" post I chose the super cute Metallic Toe Ballerina Flats! There are so many amazing designer options out there Kate Spade, Lanvin and Miu Miu but there are also amazing affordable options out there as well; these Charlotte Russe flats achieve the same look as the Lanvin shoe but for only $23! Some other options can be found at Aldo, Forever 21 and Top Shop. Happy shopping!*

Trending: Knuckle Rings

Knuckle Rings! I love them! They are so feminine, dainty and can easily accent your everyday jewelry! I've been coveting them on Etsy for months now but didn't want to purchase a set incase they didn't fit my abnormally small hands. However, this past weekend I was browsing Aldo Accessories for a pair of cheap sunglasses to take to Vegas and I noticed they were selling a few varieties of knuckle rings {here} {$8 for 2}, and of course I had to purchase! Here are few cute options that can be purchased online!*

Etsy - $15.99

Shopbop - $39

Wired Jewelry - $24

Etsy - $14.99

Stuff You'll Love!

You'll Love: Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer


Whenever I pick up and magazine I {like every other girl on this planet} find myself drooling over the expensive products they recommend you buy. Sometimes I cave and buy them. But most of the time I opt for the less expensive but equally satisfying alternative. So I thought I would post the products I love and that I buy on a regular basis. These are all things I think are worth spending your time and hard earned money on, and I think you will love as well! 

$42

Throughout the past year I've tried a few different make-up primers {NARS and M.A.C} and I have to say that I like Smashbox's product the best! Since I have acne prone skin I need something hypoallergenic, light weight, oil-free and hydrating {for my crazy dry skin} and this product has all four! This 2012 Insider's Beauty Award Winner immediately quenches skin and seals in moisture for hours allowing make-up to go on smoothly and evenly and last all day all thanks to Hydraplex which is a hydrating extract derived from desert plants. In addition to it's amazing hydrating qualities this primer also helps fill in fine lines and pores without feeling heavy and oily, contributing to a smooth and even end result! 

Use:

Smooth a pea-sized amount over clean skin {I also use Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream before hand}. Wait 2 - 3 minutes and apply make-up.

Price:

You can pick this product up at an location that sells Smashbox! I purchased mine at Shopper's Drug Mart for $42. I know it's not on the cheaper end of the scale, but you really don't to apply a lot for every day use so stretching the products life is easy!*

Friday Favorites!

Friday already! Here are my top 5 favorite things from this week! Enjoy and have an amazing weekend!*

Grilled Pineapple & Turkey Burgers

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Luke Bryan

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Trial Nail Art

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Miu Miu Bow-Embellishd Swimsuit

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Greek lunch with a friend in Banff!

Mint Green!

I hit the mall yesterday to pick up a few things for my Vegas Trip, and I was overwhelmed by the amount of mint green that is trending right now! I love it, it screams spring and is very feminine. I'm so happy to see this colour for the spring, because to be honest I didn't really love the neon trend that was trying to break through. Lulu's online has dedicated a whole line to mint green and everything is super cute!  Take a look!*

Mint Green! by vodka-caviar featuring a mint skirt

Country Music Awards!

So the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards aired on Sunday night and I missed it... BUT was able to watch it on Monday and was mesmerized by the amazing performances. I normally fast forward through the bad performances and long speeches, but I didn't even think of pressing that button during this one. It was a star-studded night with performances by Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swifts, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Band Perry, Luke Bryan....the list goes on. Here are my favorite performances of the night!*

Miranda Lambert - Mama's Broken Heart

Carrie Underwood - Two Black Cadillacs

Luke Bryan - Crash my Party

{i fell in love with him during this!}

Hunter Hayes - I Want Crazy

Friday Favorites!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! This weekend one of my best friends is flying in for a super quick weekend visit. I'm so excited to see her, its been almost a year, so it's going to be an awesome time! On this weeks Friday Favorites I decided to post about my top 5 favorites pins from Pinterest  this week {follow me here}! Have an amazing weekend!*

Mastering the Tuck!

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Basil Lemonade

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Sequin Vase

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Makeup Brush Guide

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Sparkle Sparkle Sparkle

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