Motivation Monday

It's a slow day here in our little home... The animals wouldn't get up, and I had planned to be at the gym at 9. Needless to say, that didn't happen. However, I did get in there at noon. Not what I planned, but hey! I got in there, and I kicked a little ass. 

Anyone that knows me personally knows the magic morning rule: "Don't talk to Tori until she talks to you or she has a cup of coffee in her hand." I can't help that I'm not a morning person. Staying on track with my fitness and nutrition isn't easy when I want to start the morning with a sugary cup of coffee. Unfortunately, no matter how many times I try, I can't seem to acclimate my taste buds to black coffee, or tea for that matter. My solution?! Find a way to make the shit healthy. And so, I did.

Healthy Protein Frappuccino!

8 ice cubes

1 c. cold-brewed coffee

1/2 c. almond milk (or milk of choice)

1 tsp. cocoa powder

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. sugar

2 scoops protein of choice!

(I've been using Spirutein Cookies n' Cream protein. So yummy!)

Have you ever tried to make a frappuccino at home, and it just comes out all chunky and weird? The protein acts as the gum that Starbucks uses to make the correct consistency. I know, because I work there (Saturdays), and I know how these things work. :P

What healthy ways do you use to perk yourself up in the morning?

Who's going to try this?! I'd love to know how it turns out for you!

Friday Favorites!

1. DIYs

I was a busy lady last weekend. You may have seen this if you follow my Twitter. *hint, do it.*

2. The Group

I took them to a job fair yesterday, where they got free things. This happened to the PINK dog on the way back...

3. Pumpkin. Spice. Lattes

I'm really ready for fall. It's my favorite time of year.

What's Cookin' Wednesday

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Like I said, I swear we don't eat noodles every day. To be quite honest, I was going to post the Aloo Gobi (an Indian dish) I made the day after this, but... that took a little more effort. Also, boyfriend just loves Italian. I would totally just stuff it with a bunch of cheese, but I guess you gotta add a veggie in there. Plus, the spinach gives a bit of protein to the dish.

This is a meal that you can just toss all the things together and walk away. Super easy for a busy week night. At first, the stuffing of the shell can be a bit tedious, but once you get the hang of it, it goes quickly.

 

Ingredients:

25 jumbo shells

1 c. mozzarella cheese

15 oz. Ricotta

1/4 c. parmesan cheese

1 egg

12 oz. bag of spinach, thawed

1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 c. mozzarella cheese

Salt & Pepper to taste

Sauce:

28 oz. can crushed tomatoes

1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp. onion powder

How to:

Preheat the oven to 350°.

Bring water in a large sauce pan to a boil, and toss in the noodles. Cook until al dente and set aside. While those are boiling, start on the stuffing! In a bowl, combine the ricotta, parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and mozzarella. Squeeze all the extra water out of the spinach and mix that into the cheese. After you've done this, if you choose, you can make the sauce by simply combining all the ingredients in a medium saucepan. If you don't want to do that, you can simply use your favorite red sauce. Spread about a 1/2 cup of this on the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan.

Once the noodles are done, drain them and rinse. Put a generous amount of stuffing in each shell, placing each in the 9x13. When they've all been stuffed, pour the rest of your sauce on top of the noodles. Spread the remaining cup of cheese on top and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Pop that in the oven for 30 minutes.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Are there any recipes your curious about? Comment below!

As always, let me know if you try this and how it turns out! (:

1D Autographed Makeup Giveaway!

Good afternoon, ladies!

I've got something special for you this afternoon! (:

The makeup line by One Direction, for those of you who have been waiting, is finally launching in Macy's! So far, I've read great reviews on the line. There are three different kits, which you can see in detail here: http://bit.ly/1DMakeupLooksCollection. Personally, I love red lips and a smokey eye, so the Midnight Memories kit looks wonderful. You can follow all the buzz on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MakeupbyOneDirection! While looking at a couple reviews of the collections, I ran across this article by Fashion Frugality. She says that the shadows apply and blend nicely and that she really enjoyed the lipgloss. If you aren't a teen, and 1D is your guilty pleasure, rest assured! She says these collections aren't just for the young!

US Release Dates:
Macy's - August 11th
Stage Stores - August 25th
Dillards - August 25th
Beauty Brands - August 25th
Lord and Taylor - August 25th

Midnight Memories Kit

This week, I'm doing a giveaway for a One Direction makeup set!!! Wooooo, free makeup! More of a plus for you if you like 1D!
If you win, you get *drumroll please*:
One of the collections
A look book
Autographed limited edition collectable keepsake tin with removable sleeve

Doodle stencils

So, what are you waiting for!?
Click Here to Enter!

When you enter, you will be asked to give your email, like the FB page, and post to Twitter. 
For extra entries, you can refer your friends, pin it on pinterest, or like the twitter page! They're giving away up to 50 sets, so don't miss your chance!!!

#makeupby1D
#thelookscollection
#markwins

This giveaway is possible thanks to Brandbacker!

Liebster Award!

Liebster Awards!

Well, good evening!

I was nominated for the Liebster Award by Beauty on a Beer Budget! You know that I'm-new-and-nobody-reads-the-random-things-I-put-up feel? Yeah, I think this is to let ya know that that isn't always true. (;

So the rules are:
1. Post 11 Random Facts about Yourself
2. Answer the 11 questions that the person who nominated you will post
3. Nominate 11 blogs with under 200 followers, let them know you're nominating them, and post your 11 questions for them!

11 Random Facts About Me!

1. I've watched all three The Lord of the Rings movies so many times I can almost quote them word for word.
2. I have an obsession with lipstick. Especially red lipstick.
3. I had wanted to be a veterinarian since I was about 5, mainly because animals don't talk as much as humans. Then I switched to Psychology and the Social Services when I couldn't get past chemistry. (Makes sense, right?)
4. Boyfriend and I have been together for about 2 1/2 years.
5. I'm a California native, and I (and boyfriend) fully intend on moving there.
6. I am obsessed with pin up and that time period.
7. I find the human psyche overly-interesting. I could spend hours trying to analyze why someone does something or prefers something.
8. If my cat wasn't really mean to other cats, I'd be a cat lady. But I love her too much to make her angry.
9. Boyfriend and I went to Loved to Death (from the show Oddities) while we were in San Francisco, and he's promised me a lobotomy set when I get my Master's. I'm really excited about that...
10. I have a slight case of anxiety and social anxiety. So, like, I do something really awkward and then brood over it for weeks after. I think I'm getting better with it?
11. I get bored with my hair color pretty easy, and I do all my coloring on my own.

11 Questions to Answer

1. Why did you start blogging?

I use blogging as a creative output. Also, while helping my boyfriend transition to being a vegetarian, I was like, "I bet others would like to know some recipes to help them transition, too." So, here we are.

2. What is your favorite thing to do to relax?

During my down times, I will either be reading a book or playing video games (typically Skyrim or LOTRO).

3. What's your favorite thing to cook?

I just asked boyfriend, and he said Mexican. This is a true statement.

4. What is a pet peeve of yours?

CHEWING. The sound of chewing makes me cringe. It's called misophonia...

5. What's your favorite beauty product?

Urban Decay's Naked Basics palette. I use it nearly every day.

6. Who would you consider your style icon?

Everyone says I dress like Jessica Day (up there ^) from The New Girl. So, let's go with Zooey Deschanel.

7. What's your favorite splurge item?

I'm gonna say cheese. Maybe you're talking about makeup, but the answer is cheese. :P

8. What superhero power would you like to have?

Flying. I have some grand road rage.

9. What's your favorite movie?

Collectively, The Lord of the Rings.

10. Name a guilty pleasure!

Um, ice cream. Any flavor, any time.

11. Pick an animal that best describes your personality!

Boyfriend says a tiger, because I like to have control of situations, and I'm very blunt.

I'm Nominating...

See the World in PINK

The McClarnon Situation

Just Jenny

Little Blushing Birdie

Ramblings of a Subscription Addict

This Teacher Wears Makeup

Brendy Beauty

Pretty Loved

WhatzBuzzin

A Scholar Life

Yours Truly, Kyle

My Questions for You!

1. Why did you start blogging?
2. What is something you live by?
3. What is your favorite lip color?
4. Where would you like to visit?
5. What is your favorite cocktail?
6. Favorite coffee shop?
7. Who is your favorite author?
8. What is your dream job?
9. What is your go-to outfit?
10. What is one of your guilty pleasures?
11. How did you think of your blog name?

Thanks to Beauty on a Beer Budget for my award!! Definitely check her blog out, as well as all the other nominees!!

Motivation Monday

I hate running. Hate. It. As a busty lady, it just doesn't work for me. No thank you, it hurts. Literally, the last time I ran on the treadmill, both straps on my sports bra came undone. Well, isn't that just so helpful!? But I suck it up, and I do HIIT on the treadmill.

HIIT stands for high intensity interval training, and it's supposed to burn more calories for longer. I like the sound of that. So, the goal is to get your heart rate way up, then normal, then way up, etc. My personal favorite for this on the treadmill is to lunge for a 1.5 minutes, walk 1 minute, run 1.5 minutes, walk 1 minute, and repeat. Slowly, I'm building my endurance, and my lunge/run time will increase.

Literally, the only way I get through 25 minutes of that is my music. I haven't really touched on the type of music I listen to, but let me assure you, it helps. A lot of it is hardcore, with the occasional upbeat pop song.

What do you guys listen to at the gym? Do you have anything else that gets you through a workout!? I'd love to know! (:

Friday Favorites

1. Boots!

Who else is ready for fall!?

2. Anberlin

My absolute favorite band. <3

3. Office things

I have this weird love of having a cute, organized desk. These were on clearance and adorable!