Like a Bump on a Blog: March 2014

Monday, March 17, 2014

La Bonne Vie Accessory Exchange

I'm definitely going to get into this!

La Bonne Vie Accessory Exchange

If you are anything like me, you love wearing a great accessory. A sparkling necklace or costume ring can just about make your day! Your collection is growing and growing and there are a couple of gently worn pieces that aren’t making it in the jewelry rotation anymore. What to do??! On April 12 , Gather your stylish self and your accessories and head over to Vocabulary Boutique to exchange a few of your gently used baubles & goodies for some “new” and updated jewels! Art in the Find is hosting a La Bonne Vie accessory exchange at the lovely Vocabulary Boutique in Little Italy . The evening will be filled with food, treats (from yummy food blogger The...Read More

How Do You Use Your Time?

This is a great #motivational post!

How Do You Use Your Time?

Laugh away baby. It’s a thousand percent true! You know those people in your life who always seems to get a ton of things accomplished in the same twenty-four hours you might as well have sleepwalked through? They don’t have a secret "time-stopping" power that allows them to get more things done and make you feel inadequate; they just manage their time wisely . And guess what?! So can you!! How? Well, it’s the same way you manage anything! Want to see why you’re not losing weight? Write down what your eating so you can see all those extra calories you’re not considering. Want to know why your bank account is embarrassingly low? Write your income and expenses down. Why wouldn't you also write down HOW YOU SPEND YOUR TIME ?!...Read More

Juice Yourself Skinny

Who's into the juicing thing, and has it worked for you?

Juice Yourself Skinny

2014 is here and Healthy Aspirations are at an all time high! Juicing is a hot topic and for many great reasons. I’ve been an active juicer for about 3 years now, and I am a fan. Now, I’m not really a fan of the long juice detox programs that have you on an extremely low level of daily calories for 3-5 days (or more). Personally, I happen to be too active for caloric restriction and with Boston training right around the corner, now is not the time to cut down on my energy consumption. Juice Detoxes Definitely Have Their Perks Juicing detoxes and Juice Cleanses are all around us and for pretty good reason. They are wildly effective at boosting health. The juicer does almost all of the digestion work for you. By...Read More

Vegan Snickerdoodles

For my #vegan pals, now you can eat Snickerdoodles, too :)

Vegan Snickerdoodles

These vegan snickerdoodles were a huge hit over these past winter months with all my non-vegan friends and family, so I knew I had to share it with you! These light and crunchy, cinnamon sugar cookies are amazing all year round! Enjoy! VEGAN SNICKERDOODLES 1 cup non hydrogenated margarine (softened) 1 1/4 cups sugar 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 2/3 cup all purpose flour 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt In a large bowl, cream the margarine and sugar together for a couple minutes until it's mixed well. Add your non-dairy milk and vanilla and beat till that’s combined as well. Sift in the flour, cornstarch, cream of...Read More

Kickback, Relax: The Ultimate At-Home Spa Night

If you're like most of us, this winter was none too kind on your snow boots, your daily commute and most importantly, your skin. Fret not, you can kill those winter blues by taking in some much needed R&R with a relaxing at-home spa day. And you’re in luck, not much is required to enjoy a cozy night in. Here are some great tips to power through the last few days of winter and get a jump start on a warm and relaxing spring! Every tranquil evening at home should start with a warm bubble bath. Gather lavender, soothing bath salts and your favorite bubble bath mixture and lay back for a calming experience. Don’t forget to turn to a peaceful playlist, forget the day’s stresses and unwind. After the bubble bath, give your face a bit of TLC by creating a mask using ingredients right from your kitchen. Bananas, yogurt and oatmeal all have qualities that provide the ultimate in soothing masks without the price tag of an expensive elixir. Slice a few cucumbers to remove puffy eyes and continue your relaxation process – is that playlist still going? Once you’ve removed your mask, give your fingernails and toenails a spring refresh. File your perfect nail shape, push back your cuticles and whip out your favorite nail polishes. If you’re feeling bold, introduce spring early with a pop of color on your nails. We’ve all been wearing dark and neutral colors long enough! Once your nails are dry, top off your night with a smooth and refreshing cocktail – SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light will definitely

Kickback, Relax: The Ultimate At-Home Spa Night

If you're like most of us, this winter was none too kind on your snow boots, your daily commute and most importantly, your skin. Fret not, you can kill those winter blues by taking in some much needed R&R with a relaxing at-home spa day. And you’re in luck, not much is required to enjoy a cozy night in. Here are some great tips to power through the last few days of winter and get a jump start on a warm and relaxing spring! Every tranquil evening at home should start with a warm bubble bath. Gather lavender, soothing bath salts and your favorite bubble bath mixture and lay back for a calming experience. Don’t forget to turn to a peaceful playlist, forget the day’s stresses and unwind. After the bubble bath, give your...Read More

New Recipes for Skinny and Reduced-Calorie...

Watching your #waistline? Here are a few drink #recipes that will help the cause!

New Recipes for Skinny and Reduced-Calorie...

With all this training for the Boston Marathon, it has been quite some time since I have devoted a post to Skinny and/or Reduced- Calorie Cocktails! So I'm very happy to report today that I have three brand new, skinny and pseudo healthy cocktails for you to try out this weekend! The Inspiration Behind The Recipes for these New Skinny and Reduced-Calorie Cocktails? If you follow me on Twitter or SkinnyTinis on FaceBook , you know I'm a member of the Smirnoff Hub. I feel pretty cool about that relationship because the brand has really been great to work with -- it's a fabulously mutually beneficial relationship! And the best part? Free Booze! Yes, more delicious free vodka than this girl can drink. So it's time to start dishing...Read More

St. Patrick’s Day Entertaining

More St. Paddy's day fun!

St. Patrick’s Day Entertaining

Can we all agree that we are past the stage in life where St. Patrick’s Day means wearing every green article of clothing we own simultaneously? Here are some ideas to class up your St. Patty’s celebrations this year…no shamrock knee-high socks required. · Host a traditional Irish brunch: Since on the day where everyone is Irish happens to fall on a Monday this year, have a brunch with friends the Saturday or Sunday before complete with traditional Irish fare. Head to Pinterest for recipe inspiration. And of course, no brunch is complete without a good cocktail, so try the SMIRNOFF Delightfully Deliciouswith your meal. Delightfully Delicious Serves 4 o 4 oz. SMIRNOFF Sorbet Light Pineapple Coconut o 4 oz....Read More

Spring Is In The Air!

3 Days and counting! Woo! Come on, #Spring!

Spring Is In The Air!

March 20, the First Day of Spring, is almost here! For months, the entire country seems to have been bearing one of the worst winters in recent history. The good news is that we are at the light at the end of the tunnel, so whip out those light jackets and sundresses, it’s time to celebrate! Now that spring is here and we can all breathe a sigh of relief (without actually seeing it), it’s almost too surreal to accept. So how do we do it? Dive head first into spring, that’s how. Go on a shopping spree for your next staple sundress and sandals, plan a picnic in the park or an outdoor excursion, and it’s always fun to get into spring-ing spirit by whipping up a delicious exotic smoothie or cocktail. Whether its baseball season,...Read More

Creme de Menthe Mini Trifle

This looks like a St. Paddy's day party for the taste buds. Yummy!

Creme de Menthe Mini Trifle

Disclaimer: This recipe has been sponsored by Wilton as a member of their Sweet Treat Team. However, all opinions are my own. Never in a millions year did I think that blogging would open so many doors for me. As I mentioned in this post , a door recently opened and greeted me with cookie cutters, baking pans, and so much more! I am absolutely thrilled to be be partnering with Wilton this year as part of their Sweet Treat Team. Over the summer, I tackled my first 4-layer cake and had an absolute blast teaching myself how to do some basic cake decorating with this Wilton starter kit . Then, a few months ago I used Wilton candy molds to make homemade PB cups ...and here I am today, creating my own recipe to share with...Read More

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

A plunge for charity

A plunge for charity

The frigid waters of Minneapolis’ Lake Calhoun served as an initiation of sorts for Josh Radman and Jon Lugo, two new General Mills employees from Washington and Texas. They led a General Mills team in taking a cold dip into the lake recently to raise money for the Special Olympics. Josh and Jon – both... View Full Post

Sponsored post #PlateFullCoOp
Platefull Co-Op

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Brussels Sprouts Salad with Lemon Parmesan...

Thoughts on this #ecipe? I had brussels sprouts yrs ago and hated them. Perhaps a revisit?

Brussels Sprouts Salad with Lemon Parmesan...

Holy moly, if you haven't had a Brussels Sprouts salad before, it's time to get on board. Using my mandolin slicer for the first time, Brussels Sprouts take on a light and crisp texture and make for a perfect - and much more nutritious - alternative to lettuce. Brussels Sprouts Salad serves 2 Ingredients: 10-20 Brussels Sprouts depending on their size 2 green onions, sliced 1 Roma tomato, diced 1 Tbs sesame seeds (optional) Using a mandolin, set it to the finest grade. On mine, this was 5 mm. If you haven't used a mandolin before, it's a little intimidating at first, but you get the hang of it as you go. Spear a few Brussels Sprouts at a time,...Read More

Girls Guide to Surviving the March Basketball...

Love it!

Girls Guide to Surviving the March Basketball...

Whether you’re an avid college basketball fan or you’d rather go for a dental cleaning than watch a game, the sport is hard to escape in the month of March. If you’re somewhere in between those two extremes when it comes to “the Big Dance”, SMIRNOFF has a few tips to make your viewing parties just a little more fun this year. Make your own brackets. Most of the men at the party will likely be treating their brackets as a matter of life and death, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have some fun with it. If you and your girls are basketball fans, start your own bracket challenge and up the ante by buying in with your favorite nail polish or old jewelry. If you’re not a fan, fill out your bracket based on whose team colors you...Read More

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Romantic Lace Candle Holders

Pretties!

Romantic Lace Candle Holders

Learn how to make Romantic Lace Candle Holders. Perfect for Valentine's Day and even Wedding Decor! View step by step tutorial here: http://thediydreamer.com/valentine/romantic-lace-candle-holders/

National Craft Month

Too bad I'm not the crafty type. Someone crochet something and let me take credit LOL

National Craft Month

While the warmer weather is on the horizon it’s still a little chilly out there. That’s why March is the perfect month to celebrate crafts! Harness your inner do-it-yourself mentality and get busy on those projects that have stayed on the shelf during the winter. Disclosure: I am working in partnership with the SMIRNOFF brand and I am receiving rewards for my participation in this campaign. All thoughts/opinions are 100% my own. Drink is intended for those whom alcohol is legal and appropriate. Please Drink Responsibly!

Saving Light and Calories

Daylight Saving time is almost here, and here's a calorie saver for the beach body!

Saving Light and Calories

It’s almost time for the best hour of sleep you’ll lose all year. No, not late night shenanigans or midnight marathons of your favoritereruns. Daylight Savings Time! After the long, dark, crazy winter we’ve had in much of the US this year, that extra hour of sunlight saved cannot come soon enough. How to celebrate this bright and shiny savings, you ask? It’s tricky. Once Mardi Gras has passed, March is no time for indulgence but the time to start planning for lighter clothes and leaner lifestyles. In honor of saving light , check out this celebratory cocktail that saves calories and start dreaming of swimsuit styles and long, light-filled evenings. SMIRNOFF Sorbet Berry Teeny Bikini •1.25 oz. SMIRNOFF Sorbet...Read More

National Women’s History Month

Which woman/women inspire you?

National Women’s History Month

Did you know that March is National Women’s History Month? The official theme for 2014 is Celebrating Women of Character, Courage and Commitment. Take time this month to reflect on these three Cs in your own life and look for ways to celebrate the courageous, committed women who inspire you all year long! Disclosure: I am working in partnership with the SMIRNOFF brand and I am receiving rewards for my participation in this campaign. All thoughts/opinions are 100% my own. Drink is intended for those for whom alcohol is legal and appropriate. Please Drink Responsibly!

A Taste of Mardi Gras

In the spirit of Mardi Gras. A toast with my #DrPepper (it's a school night, after all)

A Taste of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras kicks off on March 4 with Fat Tuesday. If you can’t make it to the popular destination of New Orleans to celebrate, host your own Mardi Gras party with friends. Here are a few tips to help you recreate the celebration: ·King Cake is the most well-known food to celebrate Mardi Gras. It’s a ring of dough, streaked with cinnamon and decked out with sugar in the traditional colors of purple, green and gold. If you aren’t up for baking a cake, an easy alternative are baking cupcakes with purple, green and gold frosting. If you still want to stay within tradition, place a small plastic doll figurine inside one of the cupcakes or on the cake. The person who reveals the dolls is supposed to bring the next year's King...Read More

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)