Going Green!

Juicing

With the start of the new year I became really interested in the juicing craze.  I had been researching the concept a lot and became aware of the multitude of health benefits.  I also recently watched  Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, and it really made me think about what I am putting into my body daily.  While I don't think I could survive on just juice for 60 days like they did in the documentary, I did seriously consider ordering a cleanse.  That was until I realized that I could do it better myself and save a lot of money.  We actually have a juicer already and I could purchase all of the ingredients myself and make the juice to my liking.  Let me add that the thought of drinking vegetables has always kind of turned me off...the look of V-8 makes me cringe!  I use spinach often in my smoothies but aside from the color, you can't even notice it.  So I was determined to make juice that tasted good while being good for me.  I made it my personal goal to replace one meal a day with juice.  I'd say I have stuck to this about 75% of the time since January 1st.  On days I have a tough workout I might need to add a little snack with the juice to properly fuel my body, and on weekends, I don't always include the juice (weekends are tough on diets!)  But, for the most part, I think I've done pretty well!  Not to mention how healthy my hair, skin and nails have been since starting.  Keep in mind that juices are different than smoothies.  Juices are lower in calories and don't include the indigestible fiber.  This makes the nutrients more readily available to your body and can give you an energy boost due its quick delivery to the blood stream.  I still have my daily protein smoothie in the morning to get me going, and have my juice at lunch or dinner.  I've included my favorite juice blend below and I encourage all of you to give it a try if you haven't already!

Lauren's Green Machine
2 apples (any kind, I usually use Gala or Macintosh b/c they are my favorites)
3 celery stalks
2-3 carrots or a handful of baby carrots
1/2 cucumber
1-2 cups of spinach
1 cup kale
1/2 lemon (rind and all)
teaspoon of ginger

1. Add all ingredients except ginger to your juicer one at a time.
2.  Add ginger to finished juice and stir.
3.  Pour over ice and drink immediately for the maximum benefits (also the juice can turn an undesirable color the longer it sits do to oxidation).
4. Clean juicer immediately (this can be daunting, but done quickly once you get the hang of it).

Composting

After getting into the groove of juicing, I began to realize how much pulp I was discarding from the juicer each time I used it.   My boyfriend and I decided we should not be wasting this!  That's what brought about the idea of incorporating a compost bin in our house.  I had already expressed my desire to grow a garden in our yard this spring, and what better way to get it started then with compost from my own house.  I have seen them before, but didn't realize how easy t is to make your very own.

I came across this great site for everything you need to know to start composting on your own:
http://www2.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home

DIY Compost Bin

Growing

Another project I want to tackle this year is growing a garden.  Once all of this snow has melted and the weather warms up, I can start prepping my garden for some of my own flowers, fruits, and vegetables.  I can't wait until I am able to go pick something right out back to use in my daily cooking!  Until then, I am starting small and working on creating my own little herb garden.  I think herbs and spices completely make the meal and am always adding things to food to change up flavors.  I saw this herb garden on Pinterest and am determined to make one just like it:

DIY Shoe Organizer Herb Garden

You can visit http://www.birdsandblooms.com for directions and things will you need to make your very own.  Great blog as well!   Once I have my compost I can add in my herbs and have easy access to all the ingredients I need to make my meals delicious!  I can't wait to make it pretty and cute with the little labels like this one too!

I am looking forward to my "Green" journey ahead! :)

Top 10s for February!

Some things I am LOVING right now:

1. Leather Leggings

Love, love, love leather leggings right now!  Here are some of my favorite celebs rocking them and me wearing my own pair from OBVI boutique (owned by my fabulous friend, Antoinette).

2. Pointy-toed heels

These are back in a BIG way.  I got rid of the many pairs I had a few years ago because I was sure the rounded toe was here to stay.  Well I have to say, these days I prefer the pointy over the rounded, they are much more chic and modern.  And I know it's crazy to say that a shoe has a "slimming" affect, but for some reason, I really think they do!  Here are some of my picks:


Coppertina by Kristin Cavalleri for Chinese Laundry (pink)
BCBG d'Orsay Pump (leopard and red)

 

3. Rompers & Jumpsuits

I know these have been around for a few seasons, and I've always liked them, but I think there are a variety of colors, styles and lengths for all body types and personalities right now.  My favorite is the classic black pants or shorts romper, although I've been having a difficult time finding a good one!

Khloe K's look is my ultimate favorite!

 Love these short styles for summer or a night out.

4. Crop Tops

If you think the modern crop top is just for teens and twenty somethings, you're wrong!  This style, when done in the right way, gives a subtle sexy and high fashion vibe to your outfit.  And they aren't just for skinny-minis either.  We're not talking whole stomach exposure, but just a hint of skin showing where top meets bottom.  I have been dying to try one myself, but have been hesitant.  Since I am hitting up Atlantic City for a bachelorette this weekend, it might just be my time!

Love these celeb looks:

      My kind of crop top:                                                                Vanessa Hudgens looks flawless here:

5. Leopard and Lace

These are two textures that will never go out of style for me.  They have been a staple in my wardrobe for quite a long time now and I can't see myself giving them up anytime soon!  I think they are classy and can be dressed up or down.  They are my go to to spice up any outfit.

6. Chevron Everything!

I know some people are way over chevron after its overkill in the last year or so, but not me.  I love this pattern so much I have incorporated into every aspect of my life: classroom, house, wardrobe, phone case, you name it!  I really just love all accent patterns (stripes, polk-dots, ikat) and think they can show the playful, girly (and very chic) vibe of your personality in subtle ways.

7. Monograms

I am kind of obsessed with my name and my initials.  I will buy anything with my name or initial on it.  I just think it makes it more personable and gives it more character.  I love writing initials on anything as well (hence the various items in my Etsy shop).  They never go out of style!

CWonder sweater, bracelets, and bags

Anthropologie Initial Mugs

MGram phone case

Necklaces both from Etsy

8. Brights

I LOVE bright colors and think they are a great way to make a statement.  I am known for wearing LOTS of black, but that's because I love to brighten it up with a pop of color (yellow, hot pink, electric blue, orange).  I am loving all the neon out now and can't get enough of it.  

Look at these amazing new sneakers the boyfriend got me for v-day:

LOVE!

Some other fun colorful finds:

9. Nudes

I love everything nude because it is oh so classy and goes with EVERYTHING!  My favorites right now are nude lips, nude nails, and always a classic - nude heels!

My favorite nude lip combo:

MAC lip liner in Subculture, lipstick in Creme d'Nude, and cremesheen lipgloss in Boy Bait

10. Style icon:

Kristin Cavalleri

She has such amazing style, even when prego!  I love everything she wears and she always looks great.

Check her out, she's wearing all my faves: leather leggings, pointy heels, and all black!

Burlap Wreath

Well, the burlap is back again!  I desperately needed a decoration for my front door since taking down the Christmas decorations last month.  It has looked so bare, but I wasn't quite sure what I wanted.  After seeing all of the burlap wreaths on Pinterest and Etsy I decided to try making one myself that could span the seasons.  I chose a smaller version since the front of my house is pretty small.   Visit Lauren's Little Things to purchase one of your own! They are completely customizable by color, size, accents, etc.  I love the finished product and now my door is welcoming and easily identifiable for the trusty mailman. :)

My Valentine

In honor of Valentine's Day (a few days late!) , I wanted to share a picture of my Valentine.  I also wanted to share the breakfast I prepared using a simple heart cookie cutter.  It's a great way to add some novelty to any meal for your significant other or your kids.  Who doesn't want to eat heart-shaped toast?! (or dinosaur grilled cheese,  truck pb&j, or star french toast for that matter...)  The possibilities are endless!

Made with Love

I always look for any excuse to make some treats and the snow and Valentine's Day were more than enough reason to get baking!  I made some delicious treats in personalized bags for my loved ones and love the way they came out!  I went with red velvet brownies, M&M pretzels and good ol' chocolate chip cookies.  It was my first time making the red velvet brownies and let me just say they were AH-MA-ZING!  I will definitely be making these again!

I found this fabulous brownie recipe on Pinterest, it's from 

Yeah We Bake.

Enjoy...every last bite!