Simple & Easy Acai Bowl

So, it's the new year and like many Americans, I am trying to be a new me. I fell way off the bandwagon when it came to exercising and my general well-being toward the end of the year and really need to find some kind of motivation to get back into it. My husband is in our home gym 5 days a week and I can't get my butt in there...in fact I try hard to avoid it. There's a lot of things I want to work on within myself, which includes but is not limited to: eating better and getting to a happy place with my body appearance, fixing my sleep schedule so I can wake up earlier and have the proper energy to care for my children and get shit done, think and be kinder and boost my businesses.

I know this all sounds like a lot to tackle, but I believe that I can and want to do these things. 

When it comes to my body image, I'm not necessarily obsessed with the number. I would much rather look better in the clothing that I have. But my famous words are, "I'm allergic to exercise." It's just because I really do not enjoy exercise even though I know that it makes me feel great afterwards. I also absolutely hate to diet. I truly love food. Just the word "diet" makes me want to break all the rules. And knowing I can't have something just makes me want it that much more.

In the past, I have seen the most change when you take carbs out of your diet. I have done a no carb diet before and it was really tough, BUT it worked. I think I lost 5 lbs in just one week. But I didn't get to enjoy my food much. So, instead, I'm just bringing healthier foods into the house and trying to cook more than eat out (although with 4 kids and a husband who have commitments here and there it's damn near impossible). And instead of go carb free, I've chosen to go low carb.

I know that fruits and some vegetables have carbs, but it's healthier carbs. I live in a place where rice is served with breakfast, lunch and dinner, but I've mostly cut it out. My focus will be on eating fresher produce and meat. I am also looking for simple recipes that don't take a lot of time and effort so I can still stick to my healthier options despite our busy schedule. Here is a really easy recipe for an açaí bowl brunch that I like to eat.

I started with frozen açaí packs that I found at Costco. These are meant to make these delicious bowls. You should typically add a liquid so it is easier to blend. Hopefully you have a better blender than I do, because mine kept getting stuck and air bubbles kept getting trapped inside. Such a pain (insert eye roll here). Anyway, once the frozen açaí was decently blended (it doesn't have to be pureed yet, just chopped up enough that you can add more frozen ingredients to the blender. Next I add an organic mixture of fruits and kale that come prepackaged at Costco as well. With all the berries, you really can't taste the fruit. I like using frozen fruit because it keeps the bowl nice and cold and refreshing and also tends to have a lot of sweetness. You can add any frozen fruits you like. After that, I try to add some protein whether it be peanut butter (I actually prefer almond butter) and chia seeds or protein powder (for my husband). For toppings, I like a little crunch so I'll usually add some type of nut, granola and/or fresh fruits. Today I only had a coconut cluster snack and some peanut butter. Good enough for me and it was delicious. Let me know what kind of sweet fruity goodness you like to make. Let me know if you try this and enjoy it as well.

Here's to a happier healthy me in 2018.

XOXO,
Stephanie

2 For Me, 1 For You

How many of you adopt the two-for-me-one-for-you rule of thumb when Christmas shopping? I do, I do! And I really don't mean to, but dang those sales and cozy sweaters and twinkling lights that all call my name...more like scream my name! Now, I live in a warm climate and I enjoy buying gifts for others and I also have adopted the concept that if it will break your heart to leave without an item, it is worth taking home (it has to be love), but that didn't seem to stop me from buying numerous sweaters and cozy hats and blankets or from buying more for myself than anyone else. It was madness and I felt guilty, but sooooo good.

Anyway...there were a bunch of amazing sales that I shopped at. I frequented stores and website alike and found some great deals that were just too good to pass up. I found myself even shopping at store I  don't typically frequent, but I found so many things at H&M, Zara, Target, Nordstrom and many many more.

This is just a small haul I decided to photograph right after I had gotten them. The rest pretty much went straight into my closet to be used almost immediately. Some of them can be found on my instagram. These particular items were from Nordstrom and Target. They may no longer be in store anymore, but it's worth a look just in case. 

This Topshop pajama set was everything. I don't even know exactly what it is about them, but I loved it. Even the girl at the counter said it was cute and thought it could be used as separates for a daily look. It is a little thin, but I don't mind that it's a bit see through as I probably won't use it outside of the house and also won't cause me
to overheat. ;)

This sweater with the bubble sleeves from Nordstrom was a random find in the clearance racks. The color was something I didn't already have and the tie detailing with the keyhole was so fun. It's comfy, casual and easy, but still chic. These leggings are also new and I think I found them at Nordstrom Rack. I've been on the hunt for leggings that aren't see through and have been coming up super short. I don't know why it's so hard to find. Even if the material is thick, if you bend over just right, ta-da. No bueno. If you have suggestions, leave them in the comments. Thanks!!!

This sweater is so much fun. I also randomly found it in the Clearance racks at Target. The main part is a regular cotton, sweater material, but the bubble sleeves are a thinner cotton material with a fun ribbon tie detail. I couldn't pass this one up. It was just so different and interesting.

This criss cross floral top was on the clearance racks as well. I originally bought it because of the way it hung on the hanger. It looked kind of like a kimono style top that tied in the front, but when I tried it on and realized that the strings were different length, I knew it was meant to be crossed and one string was supposed to wrap around the body and tie at the front. I don't mind it that way, but I think  I will use it both ways if I can figure out how to disguise the longer string. The floral print is cute and it was a great price.

This last item is obviously not from Nordstrom or Target, but just thought I'd include it since I tried it on at the same time. I love the rose gold detailing of these leggings. I'm not sure if I'm actually going to work out in these or just use them as everyday pants. I'm obsessed with Rose Gold err'thing right now. 

I have a serious shopping problem, but I'm trying to give my credit card a break and trying to let it recover some so I'm steering clear of the malls for a little bit. I'm also trying to ignore my email account filling up with sale messages. But it does kind of help that I've been distracting myself with organizing and cleaning the rest of my life and home. The sales are slowing down as well what with the end of year sales coming to an end and holiday sales being long gone. Hope you found some cute things for yourself as well. While you don't need to get out of hand like I often do, it's still nice to treat yourself once in a while. Happy New Year and may you find all the deals and feel all the pretty feels this year!!!

XO,

Stephanie