Friday Favorites

Oh, this week. I am glad this week is over. I have my big ol’ Finance final tomorrow morning and I know NOTHING Finance related. I’m just ready to get it done and hope I pass it so I don’t have to re-take the course. If you need me…i’ll be studying all night long. Sigh.

But it’s still Friday and we’re linking up with Erika, Andrea, and Narci for Friday Favorites today!

When I’d paint my nails or get them done as a young lass I always got pink…or red because they were always safe and my FAVORITE. So a couple years ago I made a vow to not do either of those colors so I could branch out. Last week however, I went with this pink Flirt Alert and love how bright it is. It just puts you in the mood for Spring!

Last Thursday Reeana and I met up at Starbucks after not having seen each other in a while. I got there early to do a little quiet time and read. Meeting up at Starbucks with one of my best girl friends and drinking coffee is for sure one of my FAVORITE things. Oh and don’t forget to read my thoughts on Hoda’s book. That was a FAVORITE too.

But another FAVORITE of ours happened to be when this lady walked in and legitimately had these dragon spikes weaved in through her braid. What in the actual heck? It all made sense when we walked out and she was knitting yarn characters together…

I created my own little ham, egg, and cheese. When I was young (apparently I am reminiscing today) my FAVORITE breakfast used to be ham, egg, and cheese sandwiches from Casey’s General Store. Now that I can no longer have cheese and bread I improvise. This morning I threw canadian bacon, egg whites, and spinach into a pan to heat up/cook And then melted some cheese on top. Hey…it works! 😉 And tomatoes on the side because it’s one of my FAVORITE things to eat right now too.

I told you last Wednesday that I was so excited to try out Shakeology because eveerryyyoonnneee talks about how it is their FAVORITE. Well, it finally came in the mail Wednesday night. We already had plans for dinner…

…but first thing yesterday morning I made it! I asked Kylie why it was so little and she informed me that you’re suppose to put more liquid in it #shakeologyfail #imanamateur. I liked this one it tasted like brownie batter so I’m excited to try the strawberry (probably today).

You can’t read my tank, but it says “the gym is my happy hour”…here’s a red one. I think mine came from Target but it’s only the plus size one online. (Target has buy one, get one 50% off all women’s clothing and shoes right now by the way!!)

My Insanity class was at 4:30 this day, so I got there around 4:10 to stretch, get out of the house, relax, and take this necessary selfie. ALL MY FAVORITES. I get compliments and I feel like a powerhouse in it. Don’t you have clothes that make you feel powerful too?!

I did this the other day and I know I’m awkward, but I wanted to share my FAVORITE easy little exercise to do right now.

Soooooooo…

1.It’s weird watching yourself on video, I made some strange faces.
2. I’m sorry for all the “um’s” I didn’t prepare before hand this was improv!!!
3. Super cute thing I do with my hands at the end…*covers eyes*.
4.  THIS stability ball comes with 2 workout dvds, a yoga band, and a pump. Such a good deal for less than $14!
5. I hope you still love me after watching this. After all I did thank you (haha I don’t know why, I think for watching)!

Okay have a super weekend!!! Come Monday I am going to be a happy camper. No class for 3 weeks! Booyah!

What’s Up Wednesday: January

Oh, Wednesday is here! I don’t know if i’m excited about it or not! Ha!

Link up with Mel, Shay, and Sheaffer for What’s Up Wednesday today. Every last Wednesday of the month, we all blog about what’s been going on with us. If you missed my posts last year, check them out!

What I’m eating:

Lately, it’s been a lot of my creamy chocolate fudge protein shake. I’m pretty sure I have one every day, if not, then every other day.

In the mornings, i’m swearing by my toast (I love the charred black on it so I like to burn my toast), avocado smeared on top, and then scrambled egg whites on top of that. Throw on some pace picante and you have a nutritious, filling breakfast.

I made my peanut butter cup protein pie when Morgan was home…and all I got was ONE SLICE and it was gone. She ate the whole thing in like 2 days. It’s good, friends, it’s good.

What I’m reminiscing about:

Well, since I just mentioned Morgan…i’m reminiscing about her being home this past month. She was excited to go back but we had some fun while she was here!

What I’m loving:

Lately, it’s been sleep. When I can get some sleep that is…I feel like i’m constantly tired. Monday night I crashed around 11:30, like didn’t even get my episode of One Tree Hill in because I was so tired. Well yeah, I woke up at 8:15 yesterday morning with no reason to. WHY BODY, WHY?

What we’ve been up to:

Mom has been gone this week visiting her dad so my pops and I have been watching The OC together like we used to. Other than that, we’re just trying to survive on leftovers, dirty laundry, and paper plates 😉 I kid about all that…we’re self-sufficient when she’s gone but it’s easier when she’s doing all those things. Haha

What I’m dreading:

Probably if anything, work this weekend. I’m working two jobs while i’m going to school full-time, so the last thing I want to do is wait tables on the weekends. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

What I’ve been working on:

Creating a healthy balance for myself…

Between work, school, sleep, exercise, food, seeing my family, a social life, and “me time” i’m just trying to find the right balance in a healthy way. Feel free to let me know if you’ve mastered it all. Share your tips!

My blog friend Angie did a great job talking about self care in her guest post, you should read it here.

What I’m excited about:

I officially activated my gym membership on Sunday. So now that i’m “up and running”, i’m ready to keep on it with my group exercise classes…but also (because this is just me) i’m a little nervous because now i’m like “I won’t like it”, “This is 2 years”, “What if I get bored with it?”, you know…just being my normal anxiety-filled self. Working on that too!

What I’ve been reading/watching:

I talk about what i’m reading on next Wednesday, February 3 for Bookworm Wednesday!! You should link up with Katie and I for that.

At night, you can find me re-watching an episode of One Tree Hill before bed. Am I the only one that loves the older seasons better?? I kind of feel like that’s how it is with all my shows though. My dad and I are thinking of not even going into season 3 of the OC because it gets all dark on us.

What I’m listening to:

Right now, i’m typing this post during my break in between classes so i’m hearing students walking around, typing, talking, etc while i’m playing NF radio on Pandora.

But when I get out of my night class, i’m heading home to finish watching this week’s Bachelor episode! Watching some of my favorite shows has become my “me time” lately when I need to relax!

What I’ve been wearing:

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, these leggings (well and other pairs) are on. When i’m sitting in classes all day I do not want to be uncomfortable. I always have some leggings and a t-shirt/tank/sweatshirt on.

And then MWF,

I’m wearing my work clothes with my coffee. Coffee is part of my uniform on those days. It’s just what M,W, F calls for 🙂

What I’m doing this weekend:

I’m working Friday night, which i’m bummed about because I could have gone to a family dinner.

Saturday is going to be my relaxation day. I usually always try to have one day each weekend where I don’t have anything to do. This gives me time for exercise, schoolwork, blogging, etc. I totally recommend this if you’re not doing it already!

Sunday i’ll probably do some yoga before I work the dinner shift at work.

What I’m looking forward to next month:

Next month, i’m looking forward to…uh…nothing right now. There’s honestly nothing about February that gets me excited. It’s cold, there isn’t a holiday off from school. Well I guess I can be excited because it is a short month???

Oh wait, I know…

Fuller House premiering at the end of the month!!

What else is new:

Nothing that I haven’t already shared!

What is my favorite Valentine’s Day treat:

As I looked at this question, I definitely thought of those little Debbie chocolate brownies with the icing and sprinkles. So random, but that’s what came to mind! However, #thankyougluten I can’t have them. Maybe i’ll try and make my own??

Last year, I made a heart shaped cake for my family because i’m #sosweet 🙂

Nothing too exciting, but that’s what’s up this month!

Creamy Chocolate Fudge Protein Shake

You guys.

I finally accomplished something i’ve wanted to for a while.

I found a protein shake that I love.

I found a dessert I love.

I found a snack I love.

I found a breakfast I love.

All in one. Because this protein shake has been breakfast, lunch, a post-workout snack, dinner, and a dessert for me at some point. I can’t get enough of this thing! But I try not to have one every day because I don’t want to burn myself out and hate it (this happens to me a lot, ha!). Normally creamy is a word that would make me sick (hello food allergies) but not this time.

I named the shake Creamy Chocolate Fudge Protein Shake because that’s exactly what it tastes like. Chocolate Fudge. In a Protein Shake. And extra creamy.

I mean look how good!!! Chocolate and peanut butter anything is right up my alley. I’ll swear by this shake.

I’ve been playing around with some of my favorite ingredients hoping to find a protein shake that I like. Usually protein shakes taste chalky to me or have a high calorie count…like more than a normal meal should be. Usually protein shakes are for body builders, etc. because they are meant to give you a lot of protein (obviously) and in essence, replace a meal. But I like them for the added nutrition to my diet as a snack. Or quick meal if i’m on the go.

A few days ago, my favorite health and fitness trainer, Kayla Itsines posted a blog about post-workout smoothies. Um, I love her. I love blogs. And I love smoothies. So I clicked…and found a recipe where she was using pretty much the exact same ingredients to what the ones i’ve been mixing and matching. Check out her blog post for other smoothie recipes! The only difference with hers was the addition of two ingredients.

What you’ll need:

1 scoop protein powder* (THIS is the most important part!!!)
1/2 avocado (I know it’s weird, but this is what makes it creamy)
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp pb2 (can sub almond putter, peanut butter, jig’s powdered peanut butter)
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp rolled oats (I use my gluten free Bob’s red mill)
1/2 frozen banana (frozen is important. it gives it the icy/shake texture)
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
5 ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until you get your desired consistency. And really, you could take peanut butter out, or the chia seeds, add some flaxseed, whatever you like. If you want less calories and fat, take out the avocado. This is such a simple, nutritious, and filling shake you won’t be able to get enough of! High fiber, low sugar. Yes please!

Nutrition:

398 calories, 19.6g fat, 24.9g (net) carbs, 17.7 fiber, 8.1g sugar, 19.1g protein

*This is what makes my protein shake. I currently use Orgain Organic Protein Powder. I have tasted and tried so many protein powders over the past couple of months and this one is by far the best tasting. I have to be picky about my powders because they can’t have lactose or gluten so that automatically sets me back…but this one exceeded all my expectations! This is plant based and food allergy friendly. I found mine at Costco for about $30. And no, I wasn’t paid to write a post for them! I just truly like it.*

You can absolutely double the recipe. I would be too full if I did that, but some people can handle more in a sitting than me! Now i’m off to make one…with a side of egg whites and cottage cheese. #givemealltheprotein

Enjoy!!