Protein Pancakes for the Win!

Protein Pancakes for the Win!

 

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PROTEIN PANCAKES. Where have they been all my life!?!?

Today I will be sharing with you how I created my first successful batch of protein pancakes! I used two items and a child could do this but hey, why not share.

HOW TO:

 

  • Mix one cup of Kodiak Cakes mix (shown below, purchased mine at Target), with one cup of water
  • Mix together to create your pancake mix (for thicker pancakes use less water)
  • If you would like to add more flavor you can add vanilla extract or peanut butter however I kept it plain!
  • Pour mix onto your pan (spray non-stick spray prior & set stove to medium temperature)
  • Let mix sit about one minute on each side then flip over until it is golden brown/a little dark
  • Added sliced strawberries and bananas on top and it was PERFECT! ENJOY
  • YOU’RE DONE!!

 

 

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*Also, I successfully did 6 unassisted pull-ups at the gym today. By the end of my workout I did about 20 total and I shocked myself! A year ago I couldn’t even do one. Just goes to show ya that with hard work and dedication you get stronger mentally and physically!

 

Meet you here again soon,

Sami

Outfit of the Day

Outfit of the Day

Its that time again, and no I don’t mean all of our favorite shows returning to TV, I mean the start of second semester!!!!!

Although this is semi depressing, it is also inevitable and with that, we need to wake up everyday and just be ready to take on the day!

I wanted to do an outfits of the week, however today I am dressed like an actual boy so unfortunately that is going to have to wait until next week.

But, I figured I would talk about my outfit for the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! This used to be a really big deal back in the day, and when I say back in the day I mean like 2 years ago…

The energy to pick out an outfit is going to diminish anyway so why not let it happen the second day of school ay?

JK I totally picked out a cute outfit for today, but decided to go to the gym during my break so I wore gym clothes to school. Who am I kidding.

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OUTFIT DETAILS:

Turtleneck sweater: Old Navy on sale for 10 dollars! What whattttt

Leggings: Lululemon (do I wear any other form of pant????)

Shoes: Steve Madden slip ons

*Trying out the middle part cause I woke up like that (literally)

 

December Favorites!

December Favorites!

Well helloooooo!

Today I will be discussing my current favorites. Or I guess my favorites from December? A December favorites.

The last few years I have controlled myself when it comes to buying new makeup. However, over the last month I really don’t know what happened but I am assuming the reason why my wallet is currently empty is because I blacked out in Sephora three too many times.

Below I have a list of my favorites of the moment, from makeup to music to food and everything in between! I hope you enjoy!

  1. ANASTASIA BROW WIZThis product has really changed the game for me when it comes to eyebrows. I have tried every Anastasia eyebrow product on the market thus far, and this is by far my favorite. The most precise and quick application that I have discovered and a TRUE holy grail product for me.

 

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2.  OATMEAL AND AVOCADO FACE MASK – Purchased this face mask about a month ago and I absolutely love it. I am a die hard lush fan, however this face mask being four dollars TOPS is insane. So incredibly gentle and good for your skin. I use it about two times a week and leave it on until it dries/hardens then wash it right off!

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3. MAYBELLINE FIT ME CONCEALER-  Instead of investing in a high end concealer from Sephora, I was on the search for a concealer from the drugstore that would still do the trick, and I found one! This concealer does a great job at covering up my under eye circles while still brightening and highlighting! I would definitely recommend setting this concealer with a powder however, because I have noticed it tends to crease in the lines under my eyes. But for the price you can’t beat it!

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4. MAC WHIRL LIP LINER/FAUX LIPSTICK/VELVET TEDDY LIPSTICK–  I successfully found my everyday pairing! I have heard great things about these specific colors and had to pick them up for myself and I am so glad I did! These colors are incredibly natural while giving you that “my lips but better” look. Velvet Teddy is very similar to my lip color while Faux has a pinkier mauve look, but they are both perfect paired with Whirl!

 

5. STATEMENT SUNGLASSES-  Sunglasses are one of my favorite accessories. They can do so much for an outfit at such an affordable price. Trendy sunglasses are all the rage now, and although I have a few of my own already, it can never hurt to amp up your collection a bit.

 

6. SILVER COIN NECKLACE & CHOKERS- Over this past month I’ve realized that I am either wearing little to no jewelry at all, a choker necklace, or a huge statement piece. I had been lusting over the Free People coin necklace for a while but couldn’t justify spending 90 dollars on it. However, while doing some searching I found a dupe (but better) on Amazon and I LOVE IT. It’s the perfect statement necklace not to mention the quality is A+! However, if you’re on the opposite side of the spectrum and enjoy a toned down look I love chokers with crystal pendants attached. I found my first one at a flea market for a dollar but found a duplicate on Colabination🙂

 

7.  WHAT A TIME FOR MUSIC, WOW This is a really dangerous topic because once you get me started I don’t think I have the willpower to stop. Soooo much good music came to my attention this month my ears were truly blessed.

Trap Soul- Bryson Tiller —- What an album.  Some of my favorites—> Sorry Not Sorry, Exchange, Overtime, Right my Wrongs. Listen now, and thank me later.

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In Return- ODESZA —- The ultimate feel good tracks. This album was my fuel when studying for finals last year, and I just forgot about it. But, it has made a return and i’m so happy it did. Love me some ODESZA. Some of my favorites—> Say My Name (obviously), All We Need, Sun Models, Always This Late. 

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Lastly, It would be morally wrong if I didn’t include the obvious…. Adele and Bieber. Enough said.

 

NOW for my favorite part… FOOD.

If you know me in real life, you’d know that I am actually the pickiest eater probably ever. So when I find something that I do like I tend to become obsessed with it until I become completely sick of it (normal right?). I’ve been on an acai/smoothie bowl kick for a while now and UGH ARE THEY GOOD.

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I usually tend to make smoothie bowls over acai bowls because they are sweeter, but if you want the benefits of acai, you can find acai packets in any natural foods store! For smoothie bowls however, I use frozen fruit of my choice which is usually strawberries, blueberries and TIP: peel a banana and freeze it, then let it defrost a few minutes and chop it in a 3 pieces then throw it into your smoothie! Makes the smoothie a really thick and creamy consistency while adding the banana flavor! Then I add about half a cup of milk, greek yogurt of my choice, and blend it up!

Adding ice isn’t necessary because of the frozen fruit, in fact I think adding ice makes it too thin and watery which is not the consistency were going for!

Then the fun part which is adding the toppings. For the photo above, I added honey roasted granola, carob chips, and coconut flakes! But, you can always top it off with fresh fruit, chia seeds, or whatever you’d like! You’d be surprised at how filling this is! Try it out for yourself instead of spending the money on one!

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AVOCONTROL! Just recently got over my fear of avocadoes, and have been experimenting with avocado toast! For this I used 2 pieces of carb style bread which is 5 carbs a slice, mashed up some avocado, added salt and pepper then drizzled some balsamic on top! Sooo good!


 

I hope you have enjoyed me rambling on about my current favorites and maybe try one or two of these things out for yourself!

Meet you here again soon,

Sam

 

5 Ways to Survive Winter In Philadelphia

5 Ways to Survive Winter In Philadelphia

Winter is approaching and unless you live somewhere sunny and 75 year round you MUST be prepared for the winter season… (did anyone catch my song reference?).

Isn’t it a coincidence that our beds get 1000x more attractive when the winter months roll around? It’s technically not our fault for missing a few days of work/school when our fuzzy blankets are holding us hostage.

Now, although the best way to survive the winter in Philadelphia is probably by packing up and moving to California.. I am here to offer some realistic ways of doing so.

I believe when it comes to surviving the winter months, which involves a minuet amount of sun and light, positivity is key! I have found myself thinking about this a lot actually. How is it that I am supposed to survive the winter months when I attend school four days a week, it is bitter cold out, and always dark? If you catch yourself being down in the dumps on those dreary days, just know you’re not alone. 

 

So, with that being said I have something very fun and exciting! Who doesn’t enjoy a nice list now and again? I have compiled a list of my TOP 5 WAYS TO SURVIVE WINTER IN PHILADELPHIA... or winter in general if you are out galavanting somewhere else:)


 

HOT YOGA 

About 2 months ago I tried my first hot yoga class and it was truly something else. I can honestly say I have never in my life sweat more than I did in that single class. I had never dabbled in the world of yoga prior to that class, and I LOVED it. Hot yoga made me feel so refreshed mentally and physically and it was the perfect gateway into the world of yoga. I DEFINITELY plan on taking frequent hot yoga classes within these winter months. Nothing quite like a 105 degree room to help you see life a little more clearly, right?

 

A GOOD READ

Sometimes I forget that Netflix doesn’t need to be my only pastime. I swear it has taken over my life and it has been a serious problem for the last few years now. HOWEVER. Reading is good for the soul too! I know I’m not the only one who climbs into bed after a long day. Despite the assignments and real people work I should be doing, there are those times when I put those things on the back burner just to simply relax… take a breather… and remember that there is more to life than getting a bad grade on one single test. I have compiled a list (yes ANOTHAH ONE) below of some of my favorite blogs that always help to take my mind off.. well.. life. 

 

COLABINATION —-> When you feel like stepping into a world of creativity. All within a click of a button you can learn about tons of new designers and other bloggers!

WHO WHAT WEAR —-> One of my favorite fashion blogs not only for amazing fashion inspiration and photos, but there is so much advice, news, trending topics and more on their many many posts that I always catch myself  clicking on.

WE WORE WHAT  —-> Love this blog whenever I am in dire need of some amazing fashion inspo. There is not one look that doesn’t leave me in awe not to mention all of these amazing pics are shot in NYC which is one of my favorite places. 

 

ALL ABOUT THE BASICS

I may go to a fashion school, but when those insanely cold months roll around you will most likely see me dressed in my comforter walking to class. Therefore, winter is really all about the basics. 

Basic hoodie —> Pair your favorite hoodie with some with some ripped jeans or leggings and call it a day. Am I right?

Throw on a beanie —> Comfort and warmth = key. Throw on a basic or a fun beanie and it not only covers up a bad hair day, but the fact that you can’t really feel your ears.

Duck duck boots —> Over the summer I purchased my very own pair of duck boots and I am very excited to wear them during some delightful snow storms! Sometimes I find my Hunter boots to be a little too heavy and clunky so these are a nice change of pace:)

OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE NEW 

No better time to rid your closet of all of its old worn self then with a little cleaning! Nothing makes me feel cleaner and more organized than cleaning out my closet/room. If you have a walk in closet like myself, you know things tend to get lost in the shuffle.. and when I say lost in the shuffle I really mean sweaters end up in shoe boxes and my left boot ends up shoved in a corner. Under another sweater. So one of those nights where it’s too cold to even leave your house, OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW! There are so many places nowadays that offer money for used clothing. The last time I took my clothes to Plato’s Closet I got 60 dollars! So…. the moral of the story is the more you sell the more money you have to revamp your wardrobe and visit all of your favorite online shops. You probably know where I’m getting with this… yes below I have listed all of my favorite online stores when my shopping addiction gets the best of me. Enjoy:)

 

 

 

KEEPING CALM WITH COFFEE

Those days where you are really needing some YOU time, take a little break from your hectic day and relax! Find a cafe (there are tons in Philly) and simply breathe! You can bring your laptop and get some work done, or just bring a book and let your mind escape. The winter in Philly can be brutal, so coffee and warm drinks are key.

THE 23 BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN PHILADELPHIA 


In the midst of all the madness, whether it be work, school or life related.. REMEMBER to take time out of your day to just chill out. You don’t always have to be on ON mode. Everyday ends so another day can begin.. another opportunity to get $h!t done! I hope you successfully survive the winter months in Philadelphia, and soon enough we will be welcoming summer in with open arms:)

Meet you here again soon,

Sam