Homemade Sunflower Butter

Does your diet consist of staples? I'm sure some of you eat a variety of items each day, but do you have something you eat more than five times a week? For me it is oatmeal. I eat oatmeal each day for breakfast and sometimes I make protein balls with it or I bake it into cookies, but all-in-all I eat oatmeal like it is going out of style. Alongside my oatmeal I like to mix in a couple tablespoons of sunflower butter, but when I am stretched for money I opt for the less healthy counterpart – peanut butter.

Recently I have been really stretched financially so I've used peanut butter, but I went to Trader Joe's this morning and grabbed a bag of roasted, unsalted sunflower seeds. Let me just add in that I went Whole Foods first and priced a 12-ounce bag of seeds for $3.99 but I figured they would be cheaper at Trader Joe's. They were definitely cheaper! For a 16-ounce bag it only cost me $1.99 and that was too great of a deal to pass up. 

I've been wanting to make my own sunflower butter for weeks and finally got around to purchasing the products and actually having the time. So, get ready for the easiest and healthiest option for sunflower butter! 

Ingredients: 

2 cups of roasted, unsalted sunflower seeds 

1 teaspoon of salt (optional)

1 blender

Directions:

1. Take two cups of roasted, unsalted sunflower seeds

2. Add to a blender and blend (scraping sides often)

3. Once a powder is created continue to blend until liquified
4. Once liquified add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of salt
5. Blend until smooth and liquid

Note: the heat from the blender blades will release the oils in the seeds and that will speed the liquifying process along.  I also used the whip feature at the end of the process just for texture.

Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 100 per tablespoon 

DIY Pantry Canisters

I normally don't post crafts on my blog, but this was too cute not to post. Nick and I have been cleaning nonstop but I did take a break, while cleaning the pantry, to make some new pantry canisters out of upcycled bread crumb containers.

I used leftover contact paper that I bought several months ago from the Dollar General. It was discounted for $2 and I have used it for multiple crafts. I wrote labels and taped them onto the canister and called it a day! 

Easy Greek Popsicles

Looking for a delicious yet healthy popsicle? Well, these Greek yogurt popsicles are a perfect fit. They're as easy as 1,2,3.

Why go grab froyo at expensive prices when you can have the "real" thing without all the added ingredients?

Items:

Large container of Greek yogurt (your preference)

Popsicle molds (this recipe will yield 4 popsicles)

Directions:

1. Place around 1/4 - 1/2 cup of yogurt in each mold. 

2. Freeze for several hours or overnight. 

Enjoy! 

Calories: 95      |   Total Fat: 0     |   Sugars: 13.5g    |   Protein: 8.5g 

*For easier popsicle removal run under warm water for 30 seconds to a minute and pull straight up on the stick. The popsicle should slide straight out and look flawless!

Friday Favorite: Dress Like A Cow; Eat More Chicken

This week's edition of Friday Favorite takes a look back at three year's worth of FREE Chick-fil-A.

I usually don't like to eat fast food, not only because it is bad for you but it can be quite expensive and did I say it is bad for you? Yeah, so this is a love-hate post about Chick-fil-A's awesome yet terrible-for-you food as well.

Since 2012 I have participated in Cow Appreciation Day and it is pretty simple.
1. Dress like a cow
2. Get free food
3. Go over your caloric intake for the day
4. Be happy

On the weekends I tend to not count calories because I am so strict during the week, but recently I have been counting calories on Fridays. I knew this morning that I would be dressing like a cow and eating a delicious dinner so I prepared appropriately for my meal.

If you've not checked the calories of your favorite fast food meal this might be a shocker for you, but usually they're not that great! I walked 3.64 miles this afternoon, burned 680 calories and still didn't burn enough to compensate for my Chick-fil-A dinner.

*Spicy Chicken Sandwich - 490 calories
*Medium Waffle Fry- 323 calories

I will leave this post by saying I love Chick-fil-A's meals and I really appreciate the fact that they give you a free meal for simply dressing like a cow. I also leave you with this: have cheat days where you don't count calories or watch what you eat; it is healthy, but just be mindful if you're eating meals like this on a daily basis! 

Plus Size 4th of July Outfit

Hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July. I wanted to post a quick review of my patriotic outfits for the holiday! I had work on Thursday so I kept it business causal (for Charleston) with the first outfit. The second outfit is definitely casual and perfect for a breezy night by the water for fireworks.

By the way this was mine and Nick's first fireworks shows. Last year we forwent all the shows and headed back to Bama to meet my family for the first time so it was nice getting to relax all day with fun festivities.

Remember: you can look great in budget-friendly attire! 

Dress: Ross - under $18
Belt: JC Penney - $2.98
Heels: Cato's - $3
Headband - Dollar Tree - $1

Total Outfit: $25

Dress: Cato's - under $20 

Blouse: Ross - $8 

Shoes: KMart - $20 

Headband: Dollar Tree - $1 

Total Outfit: $49

I refuse to pay over $20 for a dress and $25 for shoes, but I still get compliments constantly on my outfits. You don't always have to gut your wallet for a cute outfit! 

Weekend Waffles With Revealed Secret Ingredient

Nick has been craving waffles for weeks now so we finally made some on Thursday night but we also had some today for breakfast. As I started to make the mix Nick asked me if I put _____________ (the secret ingredient) in it. Of course I hadn't put the ingredient in because I hadn't even thought of it. 

Needless to say I mentioned how I couldn't believe I hadn't thought of putting that in the mix and I poured about 1/4 cup of it in and proceeded as normal. The waffles turned out delicious and I couldn't help but rave about the secret ingredient Nick knew about but I hadn't thought of before. 

You might have thought of this ingredient before, but it is coffee creamer! Who would have thought?

$25 Subway Giveaway

This weekend I reached 8,000 page views and that means it is time for another giveaway! This giveaway will be a $25 Subway Gift Card and I would love for you to win it! Entry is very easy so look below for ways to enter and better your chances each day!

Rules and regulations: Giveaway is open to legal, US residents. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to claim the prize. This giveaway is not related to Subway in any way. 

Good luck and enjoy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How To Whiten Your Teeth

So you're wanting to whiten your teeth but you don't have the money for expensive dentist visits and you don't feel like your enamel being stripped from your teeth either. I have a quick fix that is absolutely worth it! The simple solution is activated charcoal. You can buy activated charcoal at select pharmacies. I couldn't find it at Walgreens, CVS or Rite Aid but I did find it at a mom and pop pharmacy for right at $12 for $125 tablets.

Now, you may be asking how CHARCOAL is safe and effective so here is the answer to that as well! Activated charcoal is NOT the same as charcoal you grill with. This is a VERY important fact to know. Activated charcoal is porous and attracts the stains (tannins) on your teeth. Charcoal you grill with is not porous and contains impurities.

Because activated charcoal draws tannins and toxins from your body it is also known to absorb any type of medication you may be taking. So, please be aware of this before you apply the charcoal for teeth whitening purposes. If you're unsure just do a little more poking and prodding to find an answer.
Quick fact: activated charcoal can be taken to cure gas, overdoses and poisonings, etc. 

How to whiten your teeth:

1. Dissolve 1-2 tablets in a small (dipping sauce size) container. 

2. Brush your teeth as normal.

3. Use another toothbrush to brush the mixture onto your teeth.

4. Do this until you feel like you're satisfied. 

5. Rinse your mouth.

6. I like to brush again just to ensure there isn't charcoal left over.

7. Repeat 2-3 times a week. The following photo was taken after five applications. 

Mother's Day Giveaway

I just have to take the time to let the world know what an awesome mom I have. She is so talented, strong and plain out amazing. I submitted her to win a Lane Bryant makeover for Mother's Day. I would like to ask you to take a moment out of your time and vote for her to win this trip to the Lane Bryant headquarters to receive a $500 makeover.

If you'd like to read my submission it is below. If you'd like to vote for her please click here.

Rules:

1. The mother with the most votes via Facebook will receive the makeover. 
2. If you vote please share with your friends so they can vote as well. 
3. If you decide not to vote for my mom at least read my submission. I want to brag and show everyone how exceptional my mom really is, because she deserves every bit of the recognition she could potentially receive because of this contest!  

My Submission:

For the past nine years my mom has worked two jobs, at times three, to ensure my brother and I had everything we needed. My dad had a series of surgeries throughout my middle and high school years and eventually lost his factory job while I was in college. My mom supported our family with her tiresome schedule because both jobs barely put her earning over minimum wage, $7 in Alabama.

With her grueling hours and admirable determination she was able to ensure our well being, to allow my brother and I to join high school clubs, take advanced courses in high school and overall better ourselves. She was a huge factor in ensuring that we were also able to attend The University of Alabama so that we could better ourselves and not struggle like she has. Because of her I was a first generation college student and my brother is set to graduate this year. Last year my mom had to give up one of her jobs because of her deteriorating health and now barely makes ends meet, yet works upwards of 40-60 hours a week. When she was 18 she got to model for Lane Bryant at a local mall and still has the photo as a memento. Now, I live eight hours away and haven't seen her in months. I couldn't think of any better way to celebrate her than with this opportunity that deserves more than I could ever put into 250 words.



Please remember to vote for my beautiful, inside and out, mom by clicking here.

Fudge Crumble

I found a recipe for the 50 Year Old Lunch Lady Brownies and decided to make my own batch. I have made these several times and have altered the preparation process each time. The way I choose to make this delectable dessert doesn't enable to brownies to set-up like a normal brownie so beware; they turn out more like a lava cake.

WARNING: this fudge crumble is not for the faint at heart and I only eat these on rare occasions! They're very high in calories, sugar, etc.

Ingredients: 

Brownie

1 cup butter
1/2 cup cocoa
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
4 teaspoons vanilla

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients together until well combined. This batter will be thick so don't worry. 

2. Pour into a well coated 9x13-inch pan. I use coconut butter to grease a glass pan. 

3. Bake at 350º for 20-25 minutes (depending on how gooey you like your brownie to be). 

4. When done remove from oven and generously poke holes throughout the cake. 

5. Let sit for 10 minutes while you make the icing. 

Icing

1/4 cup softened butter
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients until a frosting texture is created. 

2. Pour over the brownies ensuring icing seeps into the holes you just created. 

3. Let the icing soak into the brownies and repeat until icing is completely gone. 

Enjoy! 

Servings: 12

Non-iced calories: 374 per brownie 

Iced calories: 534 

*If you would like a Mint Fudge Crumble simply add a few drops of mint extract to the icing and there you go! 

Foodie Penpal

Here is what I got in my first month of doing the Lean Green Bean's Foodie Penpal program. If you're interested in joining for May you need to click the button below to get signed up because it ends at 9 p.m. EST tonight!  

--> If you're interested in joining the Foodie Penpal program please click here!

Plus Size Date Night Outfit

Nick and I had our date night and I felt like jazzing up a little more than normal so I decided to share what I wore and how much it didn't cost! Living on a budget at its best!

Blouse: $11 at Ross

Skirt: I got this black lace skirt several years ago at a Lane Bryant outlet store. I don't remember exactly how much I paid for it, but I know it was under $20. 

Shoes: I bought these shoes for $21 at Ross in August. 

*Prices are all rounded up. 

Basically, the only thing I bought for this outfit was the blouse and it was under $12. The rest of the outfit I already had. 

Foodie Penpal Reveal

April 2014 Foodie Penpal Reveal Day

This was my first month to participate in The Lean Green Bean's Foodie Penpal program. I was really excited when I first read about it and couldn't wait to be paired with my match; my match was Molly from Pennsylvania! I didn't realize how hard it would be to convey what I like and what I didn't like until I needed to let her know. I gave her a very vague list and when I received the package it was like she had known exactly what I really wanted! She definitely did not disappoint! 

The card was very sweet and gave some personal insight as to why she chose what she did. Thanks, Molly, I appreciated such a sweet card! 

The first things to go:

1. That was gone within the first night. 

2. Eaten by the next day. 

7. Eaten for dinner the night I received the box!

8. We sprinkle this on most of our food. We tried it in eggs and it is actually quite delicious! 

4. Finished the jar off at work the following week. 

We are still working on eating all the goodies Molly sent my way! If you'd like to visit her blog please click here.

--> If you're interested in joining the Foodie Penpal program please click here!

I can't wait to get my match for next month! 

Tips For Free 5K Registration

Since December 2012 I have successfully registered and participated in three 5Ks for free! That is a $112 value (at early registration prices). Want to know my tips and tricks? Well, here you go.

1. Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer
2. Look for freebies, sweepstakes, giveaways, etc.
3. Have friends with the in. 

Volunteer:
I volunteered the night before the Run or Dye 5K and got free entry into the race. I volunteered four hours of my night doing something that I actually found to be real fun and saved me a $47 registration fee. If you count that up into hourly wages, it equals right at $11.75/hour. Not only did I get to volunteer with my boyfriend, each of us get free registration, two free t-shirts and met some nice people but it helped reach my bucket list item of participating in at least one 5K a year.

Freebies, Giveaways and Sweepstakes:
Another 5K I got free registration to was through my workplace. I was one of the first 30 employees to turn in the 5K application and got free registration. That's it, that's all I did. Not only did I get the exact same packet as the participants who payed the $30+ registration fee, but I got it all for free!

Have Friends with the In:
My first free 5K came when a friend asked if I would like to join her team and, of course, I said yes! How could I pass up a free 5K with a friend? Also, I recently had another acquaintance mention her team's 7K team and if I would join, but unfortunately I had to turn that invitation down due to other commitments.

That's it friends; that's what I have. There aren't a lot of tricky secrets to getting free registration. Just be on the lookout and you'll find free registration!

UPDATE: As of today, yes a day after this original post, I snagged another free 5K! So, knock this list up to four free 5Ks. I snagged this free registration by being another giveaway. See guys, they're definitely out there you just have to look!

Avon Wedding Sets

Spring is here and that means so is wedding season! If you're not quite ready to walk down the aisle this season, but you're looking for next season, here are some amazing sets from Avon that will make you do a double take.

All sets are $44.99.

If you're interested in purchasing any of these sets my sister is an Avon representative and she will be more than happy to work with you so that your wedding ring needs are met! You can visit her shop by clicking here.

Dark Chocolate Covered Oatmeal

I love oatmeal; I will be the first to admit it. I love everything about it. I have ditched the packet oatmeal and started making my own from plain quick-oats and water. I typically add sunflower butter, honey, peanut butter, bananas or strawberries to it. Not only do I fix it for breakfast, but I also fix it for dessert. The following is a dessert recipe I randomly threw together last night to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup quick oats
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Hot water
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/8 cup coconut oil
1/8 cup unsweetened dark cocoa (or enough to mix with oil but still contain liquid form)

Directions:

1. Mix oats, how much cinnamon and nutmeg you prefer, with just enough hot water to make it the consistency you like.
2. Once mixed add the brown sugar and stir several strokes to ensure mixed.
3. In a separate bowl add liquified coconut oil and cocoa together until smooth.
4. Pour the cocoa mixture on top of the oatmeal until completely covered.
5. Freeze until desired temperature and consistency

Serving Size: 2
Calories: 265
Protein: 7g
Sugars: 14g

Enjoy!

Vegan Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownie

Healthy Mint Chocolate Strawberry Covered Brownie

As most of you know I have a sweet tooth, but I try to stay on the healthier side of the dessert spectrum. In honor of the Strawberry Festival Nick and I are going to at Boone Hall Plantation today, I made the following dish. I first got the idea from one of my favorite food blogs Jelli Bean Journals. 

With this recipe I simply made healthier brownies (from a box) and added a healthy chocolate covered strawberry to the top.

A) Did you know you can make your own hard shell chocolate sauce with two ingredients?
B) Did you know you can substitute oil and eggs for an avocado and water in brownies?

Well, check my recipe below to get the dish!

Brownie Recipe

Box of brownie mix
Avocado
1/3 cup of water

1. Pour brownie mix into mixing bowl.
2. Smash one avocado into the mix.
3. Add 1/3 cup of water and stir with spoon about 50 times.
4. Bake brownies as directed on box.


Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Strawberries
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
dash of mint extract (optional)

1. Pour coconut oil into bowl
2. Dump coco into the oil
3. Splash some mint extract in the mix
4. Mix all ingredients
5. Wash strawberries and place on plate
6. Drizzle chocolate sauce on strawberries
7. Place strawberries in freezer for 10-15 minutes
8. Place on top of your brownie

Enjoy!

Why You Should Have A Bucket List

I believe Bucket Lists are important. I didn't have a bucket list until 2012 when my co-worker and good friend, whose blog you can read about here, showed me a bucket list from Charleston Magazine. Now, obviously, this was a pre-made bucket list but I have added things to the list as I started marking items off.

I realized how challenging, fun and rewarding my ever-growing bucket list had become. I think it is important for everyone to have a bucket list for several reasons, which I will list below, but mainly because we all have things we want to do and most of us typically say, "I will get around to it someday." But more often than not we never get around to it or if we do then we don't catalog or note it. I have my bucket list and I have crossed off, dated and photographed (most) of my bucket list items. Each time I look back at my bucket list I see the dates from over a year ago and it always brings back memories and also gives me a feeling of self accomplishment because I have set out to cross off these items and I have been since this list was created. So, enough with my opinions as to why we should all have lists of our own and to the reasons it makes sense to have a list.

REASONS TO HAVE A BUCKET LIST 
1. Everyone needs a hobby and something to look forward to. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed so why not try doing what you want to do now. Stop wasting time and start living.
2. It helps you set, stick to and accomplish goals.
3. It improves your quality of life and brings about happiness and motivation.
4. Self gratification
5. Makes your life feel meaningful (even though all lives are meaningful this gives us control of what we want and what we do to an extent).

Although I have been hard at work marking items off my bucket list, I'm still not even halfway done. I've done 27 items (mainly with Nick) but some items with other people. It is something I am proud of and work hard at.

Do you have a bucket list, if so, let me know what some of your items are by commenting below!

Turning 25: My Birthday Weekend

So, Sunday I turned 25-years-old. I was really excited because as I mentioned to my co-workers "I feel more legit" now. I posted several months back about what my teenage self would think of me now. If you'd like to read that you can do so here  and I believe that my teenage self would be ecstatic. 

Of course, turning a quarter century old, I have done some reflection and I am excited about where my life is headed and I am very happy with where I am now. I enjoyed the entire weekend as if all three days were my birthday and here are some pictures to prove it. 

Friday:

On Friday I snagged first floor parking in the garage (which only happens every blue moon and just so conveniently on my 24th birthday also), my coworkers decorated my desk with a banner and four birthday signs to bring in the big 25! I went for an awesome 3+ mile walk, as usual, and it was a magnificent 80+ degree day. When I got back from my walk my coworkers surprised me again with a scrumptious birthday cake (three layers: chocolate bottom, cheesecake filling and chocolate top with chocolate icing)! Once off work I met my amazing boyfriend and we had our normal Friday Night Date Night at Ye Ole Fashioned and ate until our hearts were content and our stomachs were about to bust!


Saturday:

So, Saturday morning we woke up and headed to brunch (I say brunch because we went to a buffet and they were in the process of switching breakfast for lunch; therefore, I received a plate of each)! We then headed to Folly Beach and explored the outermost edges of America! We went to the very end of Folly where neither Nick or I had been and realized it was beautiful up that way and that the waves were a lot better and that's why all the surfers were there instead of where we normally go. Either way it was beautiful and it was overcast which led me to believe it might be that way the entire day (as it was supposed to be anyways) but it wasn't because a few hours later it was sunny and warm! After we spend about half an hour exploring that side of Folly we decided it was TIME! It was time to go get the spray paint and paint the boat I had been wanting to paint and knock off my bucket list for so long. It actually only took around 30 minutes to cover up half the boat's painting and cover it with my writing. 

After writing on the boat we decided to head back to the beach and spend some quality time in the sand and surf! The water was great for a good thigh-high splash and we made sure to get in and we even grabbed some seashells too. We have started a collection in a nice vase since our room is nautical themed.

Once we spent a couple hours at the beach we decided it was time for dinner. I had my eyes set on this quaint-looking seafood restaurant that sits right on the edge of Oak Island Creek. It has a few picnic benches located in the screened-in side porch and all their food is fresh and fried; just how I like my southern seafood. I mean, come on, when you're in the south there is only one way to have your seafood and that is fried! Nick and I split the seafood platter which was enough for Nick and I to split and still have a little left over. We started with an appetizer of she-crab soup and it was so delicious we bought another bowl!

I ate from my first food truck, Tokyo Crepes, (bottom left) and they were delectable. It was a nice dessert addition.

After we stuffed our faces with all the delicious food we then headed to all the tourist-y shops and browsed around until the sun started to set and then we headed back to the beach so we could view the beautiful boneyard beach and the Morris Island Lighthouse. Both of which were on my bucket list!

Boneyard beaches occur when the ocean erodes barrier island shoreline until it is skeletal remains of tree trunks. 

Sunday: 

On my actual birthday Nick and I had Firehouse Subs (each a sub, chips and regular drink) for $11.40ish. If you show your ID at their restaurant you receive a free medium sub. This is a $6 value! Once we had our lunch we traveled to Mt. Pleasant for the Hone and Bee Expo which proved to be very successful! Nick bought the best honey I've ever tasted and I got to sample honey cotton candy! We got to see bees on the hive, sample lotions and candles that are straight from bees' wax and learn about what to plant to attract honey bees. This was all really interesting to me because I did a research paper in college about honey bees and how they are in danger of extinction. 

After we spent some time at the expo we headed over to Baskin Robbins for my praline ice cream birthday cake. The lady did a decent job decorating my cake but smudged my name a little, but she made up for it by using purple icing (my favorite color) even though I didn't tell her.  After dinner we had a celebration with sparkling cider and a slice of ice cream cake while watching Bob's Burgers! I couldn't have asked for a better ending to a wonderful birthday weekend! 

Future:

My boss suggested that I set a goal for myself to accomplish during my 25th year, since turning 25 is a special and monumental event. So, with that being said I have set out to accomplish a big feat I have wanted to finish for a while. I really want to jog an entire 5K. I have done a couple of 5Ks and have jogged some during the event, but hopefully during this year I will be able to prepare appropriately and by the time I turn 26 I will have jogged an entire 5K!

Cheers to a new birthday year and being able to spend it with the man I love!

Thank you, Nick for everything you've done for me over the past year especially making my past two birthdays amazing and rememberable. I love you.

Three Ingredient Healthy Peanut Butter Balls

Is your sweet tooth managing your diet? Are you looking for something that will quiet your sweet tooth all the while letting you fit into those snug pants? Look no further my friends. If you're anything like I am you think peanut butter was sent from the heavens and that it is worth its weight in gold. OK, maybe that is an exaggeration, but still, it is really good! Even though I have made the switch to Sunflower Butter I still prefer the good old peanut butter in my peanut butter balls!

The good thing about these peanut butter balls is that you can easily make them with the kids and feel OK in letting them have a couple.

This three-ingredient dessert is sure to please!

Additional Information:
Calories: 120 per ball
Servings: 12 balls 
Prep Time: 20 minutes 
Freeze Time: 30 minutes