Friday Funday!

Tiramisu Dip

I did it. I made something, I photographed it, and, now, I'm posting it. It's been a while guys, a long while. Sometimes, I'm like, "yeah! I'm going to make this and take some pictures!" Then it doesn't come out as pretty as I want, so I don't. Oh, the woes!

I'm headed to my friend's tonight for dinner, and I agreed to make dessert. She loves tiramisu, but I'm much too lazy for that on a Friday. So, let's make it a dip, which is also just perfect for summer! (In my opinion..)

Ingredients:

8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

3/4 c. mascarpone cheese

1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/4 tsp. instant coffee

1/8 c. chocolate chips

Vanilla wafers for dipping!

How to:

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add in the mascarpone and combine. Mix in half the powdered sugar at a time, just to avoid having a cloud of sugar in your face.  Toss in the coffee and vanilla and combine! In a food processor, pulse the chocolate chips until they're pretty fine. 

Place your dip in whatever serving bowl you'd like and sprinkle as much of the chocolate as you'd like. Serve that up with some vanilla wafers, and you're good to go!

Refrigerate if you happen to have any left over!

So, can we discuss something completely irrelevant for a moment? While working on this post, I was watching True Life. Who even knew they still made this show? Remember when it was like, "True Life: I have OCD" or "True Life: I have Tourettes"? The only problem these kids have now? "True Life: I hate my butt" and "True Life: My family hates my boyfriend". 

The epitome of first world problems...

Anyway! This recipe is amazeballs, and, hopefully, it'll pass the tiramisu lovers test! I'd love to know if you try it!

Mother's Day Gift Guide

It's May!

Why, hello there! I apologize for the looooooong silence. I have a tendency to get overwhelmed by the amount of things I decide to take on. However, we'll have time to catch up in later posts!

Does anyone else have an awful time thinking of what to get their mom's for Mother's Day? If not, kudos to you, man. I've thought of a list of fool proof gifts, and decided I'd help all of us out. I might just be posting this so I can look at it next year, though. (; 

1. Personalized bracelet

Everyone likes personalized things. This could be anything from getting the word "mom" on something, to getting your (and your possible siblings) birthstone on rings, bracelets, or necklaces. 

You can find this one here.

If you have a little extra $$, this necklace is awesome.

Target has this bracelet! Not exactly personalized, but cute!

2. Anchor bracelet

I'm pretty sure I got my mom an anchor bracelet last year with a little card that said, "thanks for always being my anchor." If that note wasn't attaches, sorry mom! It was supposed to be! Here are a few cute bracelets:

This one is basically perfect for this note, and your mom!

I bought this one for my mom last year!

3. Spa basket

Let's face it, our mom's are probably exhausted from dealing with our shit for the past 18+ years. Or however long you've been alive. A basket with Lush products, fuzzy socks or slippers, body scrubs, wine, face masks, etc would be a great "thanks for dealing with me!" Here are some item ideas:

Lush has this massage bar soap conveniently called, "Love You Mom," or this slightly creepy bubble bar. If  you head over to the site, or store, they have a whole section of Mother's Day special products.

Do you remember my review of these? They're heavenly, and Target sells little individuals!

4. Candles

My mom is a candle fanatic. While you could definitely add a nice one to your spa basket, you could also get her a nice candle warmer and candles to go with it. Maybe some cute, decorative candle holders she'd love for the coffee table? The options are endless. 

Target has these or this birdcage, as well as plenty of candles to go with them.

World Market has these awesome hanging mason jar lanterns.

5. Cool cards to go with your brilliant gift

I personally despise cards. I hate trying to pick one out for someone, especially sappy ones. I'd rather just get something obnoxiously sarcastic and call it a day. 

Of course, Etsy has wonderful cards. You can find these here and here.

6. DIY vases, jars, scrubs, etc. 

even if you aren't in grade school anymore, she'll still tell you she loves what you've made! If you're tight on cash, DIYs can be really easy. 

I adore these easy DIY stamped bowls. They'd be great for mom's rings!

This simple watercolor mug is also a perfect DIY gift!

These gold-striped vases are great for spring and your mom!

Do you guys have any gift suggestions!? I'd love to hear them... I still haven't gotten anything! (;

Hack Your 2.0

Keurig 2.0 Hack

Hello, you lovely humans. So, for Christmas, I received the Keurig 2.0. I was just ecstatic. I ran out to the store for those tasty little Gevalia K-cups with the froth packs, only to pop it into my Keurig and get this message:

 

Excuse me!? The whole reason I, personally, got a Keurig was because of the hundreds of options I had. I was unaware that the 2.0 didn't have nearly as many options. I also came to find out that you get the same message when you want to use the refillable K-cup for your own coffees.  That was pure madness to me. I have so many coffees that I love that you can't find in K-cups. For example, local roasters. I also noticed that some of the bloggers I watch won a 2.0 (you lucky, lucky humans). So, I did a bit of research to find out how I could use these refillable cups. 

Turns out, Keurig was basically trying to cut down on the amount of external cups you could use. If you don't get that, I'll put it plainly. They wanted you to only use K-cups by Keurig and be greedy with all the profits. I get it, really I do. But that's not convenient for me. (: So I found a hack, and I thought I would share it with you! Because we all need delicious coffee.

What You'll Need:

1 Solofill Cup K3*

1 2.0 approved K-cup

Utility knife

Hot glue gun

*I found mine at Target for $11.99. According to all the things I read, this one fits and works the best!

How To:

Using your utility knife, carefully cut the foil top of the K-cup off. Don't waste that coffee!! Dump it into your reusable K-cup, or a bowl to put in your K-cup momentarily. Make sure there are no jagged, bumpy edges on your foil top. You want it as smooth as possible. Now, take your hot glue gun and dab glue around the rim of your reusable K-cup. Carefully place the foil top on top of your reusable K-cup. Place your newly hacked reusable cup in your Keurig. Now enjoy whatever coffee you feel like, whether Keurig wants you to or not! (:

I hope there's someone out there that was sorely disappointed finding that 'Opps!' message that this helps!! I'm now enjoying my Casi Cielo in the morning!

Go, Bucks!

Buckeyes

Guys. It never crossed my mind that there may be people in the world that don't know what buckeyes are. I think growing up in Ohio, you just assume everyone knows who the Buckeyes are, and what the delicious treat is. Of course, most people know who the Buckeyes are. So, most of us know that OSU is in the championship today! As an Ohio State alumni, it's basically obligatory that I know something about what's going on with the football team. Don't get me wrong, I take pride in graduating from OSU! Today is the perfect day to pull out these heavenly things out of the fridge for the game!

Forewarning: If you have a peanut butter problem, plan on taking these to work or... somewhere. Anywhere but your fridge.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. peanut butter

1/2 c. butter, room temperature

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 box (1 lb.) powdered sugar

1 bag semi-sweet chocolate

2 Tbsp. shortening

How To:

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter and butter until well combined. Add in the vanilla. Then slowly beat in the powdered sugar. You might have to switch to using your hands in order to combine the ingredients. Once all the powdered sugar is mixed in, start rolling into balls. Pop those in the fridge for about 30 minutes to an hour. When you ready to finish them, lay out a piece of foil or wax paper on a cookie sheet. In a double-broiler, melt the chocolate and shortening, whisking until it's nice and smooth. Now, using a toothpick, dip the peanut butter ball in the chocolate. Swipe off any excess chocolate, and place on the foil/wax paper. Once you're all done, pop those into the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate harden.

Bam!

You're done! Take those babies to a party and be super popular because they're delicious!

Is there a treat that's native to where you're from!? I'd love to know!

Motivation Monday!

Fit Affinity

Is anyone else looking for the "new year, new you" motivation!? Let's be real, everyone says it. Recently, I saw that Fit Affinity had lower body workout guides on sale for $2.99. Uh, what? Couldn't pass that up! So, for $2.99, I got a 12 week workout plan! About a week later, they had the extension on sale for $2.99, as well. Or buy them both for $5.99. For $6, I now have 24 weeks of workouts. Pretty hard to deviate from that!

FYI, IT'S STILL ON SALE HERE UNTIL 1/5/2015!

For anyone who is just beginning their fitness journey, the guide comes loaded with how-to's for the moves, as well as some nutrition facts. I've looked through them, and I'm pretty damn pumped to start it! I'm sure I'll toss my own favorites in the gym, too! The pages also feature some fit chicks, I'm assuming to motivate you. (;

Here's a little snippet for those of you who aren't quite sure!

I'm super excited, and I'm starting this today! What are you guys doing to help meet your goals this year!? Let me know in the comments below!

Goals for 2015

New Year, New Goals!

A new year is the perfect excuse to set new goals. And actually stick to them. I know for most, we fade out of that mindset, but there's just something that seems like a challenge at the beginning of the year. You've got 6 months till it's summer. I'm not huge on shorts or bathing suits, but it'd be nice to don some cute high-waisted skirts or shorts this summer!
I would love to start a little support group for anyone else that would like to fulfill their goals! I've said this before, but if you'd like to be little friends on the myfitnesspal app, add me! toriiix30

My goals for 2015:

Cut out something different each month

(January: refined sugar)

Drink more water & green tea

Work out at least 4 days a week

Eat cleaner

Take fun workout classes

Blog more

Spend more time with people I love

Save, save, save $$ for my California trip in the winter!

I would love to know what everyone's goals are! Share in the comments! (:

Christmas Cookie Week Pt. 2

Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies, Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies, & Candy Cane Kiss Dip

Is anyone else around here extremely last minute? I've been meaning to post this baby (since yesterday), and I've just been hammered with stuff! Working 10s, last minute plans with friends, and getting ready to leave for the holiday. So, It appears "Cookie Week" is a two week business. Don't mind me and my slack! So, these are my final cookies. Not to fret, I'll be posting a Peppermint Dip and Cranberry Brie pastry, as well. (Hopefully tomorrow. If not, I am BEHIND!) So, my fellow procrastinators, let's get to it.

Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies

These chocolate mint chip cookies are another that I make yearly. They're my brother's favorite, and , therefore, I feel obligated to make them! Plus they're delicious, and mint is just a Christmas flavor. Of course I need to make them. 

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2/3 c. sugar

2/3 c. packed brown sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

2/3 c. cocoa powder

2 c. flour, sifted

1 bag mint morsels of your choosing

How To:

In a large bowl, whisk together butter and vanilla. Using your hand mixer, beat in the eggs, sugar, brown sugar, and baking soda. Carefully mix in the cocoa, until the mixture is combined well. Slowly add in the flour, adding about a half a cup at each addition. Mix well! Now fold in the mint morsels. I used Nestle's dark chocolate and mint chips with a some broken up Andes mints. Stick this in the fridge for at least an hour. When you're ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325˚. Using a tablespoon, plop balls of dough on a greased (or wax paper-lined) cookie sheet. Bake these for 10-11 minutes. Let them sit on the baking sheet for a minute or two, then transfer to a cooling rack!

Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

Anyone that knows me, also knows I will eat spoonfuls of peanut butter straight out of the jar. I'm pretty sure peanut butter is my first true love. So, of course, the perfect peanut butter cookie is needed.

 Ingredients:

1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, melted

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 large egg

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 c. peanut butter

1 1/4 c. flour, sifted

Extra sugar, for rolling

How To:

In a large mixing bowl, start by whisking the butter and vanilla together. Using a hand mixer, beat in the egg, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and peanut butter. Slowly beat in the flour. As always, I do about a 1/2 cup at a time. Beat this until it's mixed well. Eat the dough, because it's amazing. Pop this dough in the fridge, too. Also for about an hour or so. Preheat the oven to 350˚.  Use a spoon to scoop the dough out. Roll them into balls between your hands and roll in sugar. Place your little dough balls at least 2 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet. Bake these for 9-10 minutes. Let them sit for a minute or two, then transfer to a baking sheet. They're going to seem like they might need to be in there a little longer, but I promise, they don't. They're going to be chewy and delicious and heaven.

Candy Cane Kiss Dip

When you're entertaining on Christmas eve, it's definitely necessary to have more than just cookies. I'm sure, by now, they've all had their fair share of eating dough and an excessive amount of cookies. So, this dip is perfect. It also happens to be ridiculously easy. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

40 Candy Cane Hershey Kisses

1 (7 oz.) jar of marshmallow cream

4 oz. cream cheese

How To:

Using a double broiler, melt down the kisses. If you don't have a double broiler, boil water in a medium-sized pot. Place your kisses in a metal bowl, and set the bowl over the boiling water. Stir the kisses as they melt down. Once melted, beat in the cream cheese and marshmallow fluff. BAM!! You're done. Place this in the fridge until it's serving time. Serve it up with some chocolate graham crackers, or whatever else you can find!

Have a wonderful Christmas!!