Delicious Recipes

Making Smoothies Even Easier

Making Smoothies Even Easier | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Photo from PopSugar

While recently out with one of my friends, we were discussing the pros and cons of healthy eating.  While I love the way eating right makes me feel, I said that one of the things I don’t like about eating healthy is all the chewing involved.  Some times I just want to get the nutrition without having to graze on the veggies all day long.

One of the things that I love about using smoothies as a way of getting in all my veggies is that  you can throw all kinds of great things in there from kale and spinach or beans and chia seeds.  It is a great way to get in all the fiber, protein, and healhty fats you need for the day.  And with a bit of prep work smoothies can be so fast to make!  Put it into a portable cup and you’ve got a quick healthy meal on the go.

Making Smoothies Even Easier | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Blueberries are one of my favorite things to add to my smoothies!

All you need is 20 minutes of prep time once a week, and instead of 5 to 10 minutes to make a smoothie each morning, all you’ll need is about 60 seconds! Smoothie freezer packs are also such a great way to use up fruit that’s almost too ripe to eat.  (I love to wait to use my bananas until they are super ripe and sweet!)

These packs are made with just five ingredients: kale, bananas, blueberries, mango, and avocado. They add up to 243 calories, which means that you can add any extra ingredients like protein powder or almond milk. Of course, you can always make your own creative combinations as well.  I personally love to make smoothies with strawberries, pineapple,  peaches, cucumbers, and carrots.

5 Days of Smoothie Freezer Packs

INGREDIENTS

10 cups spinach or baby kale (or a mixture of both)
2 1/2 bananas
2 1/2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
2 1/2 cups mango (I used frozen)
1 1/4 ripe avocados

NUTRITION

Calories per serving 243

DIRECTIONS

  1. Grab five freezer-safe sealable plastic bags and divide the ingredients between them. Add: 2 cups of greens, 1/2 a banana (sliced), 1/4 cup blueberries, 1/4 cupmango, and 1/4 avocado.
  2. Close them up and feel free to write any notes on the bag such as the date or ingredients you want to add later, then place them in the freezer.
  3. When you’re ready to make your smoothie, empty the contents of the freezer pack into your blender, add the extra ingredients like water or coconut water, almond or soy milk, protein powder, flaxmeal, chia seeds, cinnamon, beans, tofu, or whatever you please. Blend it up and enjoy!

Source: Calorie Count

Here’s the calorie breakdown of other smoothie ingredients you might want to add to your blender:

1 cup unsweetened soy milk: 80 calories
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk: 40 calories
1 cup coconut water: 43 calories
1 serving (about 35 grams) vanilla protein powder: 110 calories
1/2 cup nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt: 83 calories
1/2 cup vanilla soy yogurt: 105 calories
1/2 cup coconut milk yogurt: 90 calories
1/2 tablespoon chia seeds: 30 calories
1 tablespoon flaxmeal: 40 calories
1 serving soft tofu (1/5 package): 60 calories
1/4 cup cannellini beans: 50 calories
1 tablespoon almond butter: 95 calories

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on Facebook Lookin Joli Good.

Tips and Tricks

Tip Tuesday #9

Tip Tuesday Make up tips and tricks every Tuesday | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Here is another tip for Tip Tuesday…

I always tend to apply my foundation and concealer first and then my eye makeup. Unfortunately, this often results in fall out creating what looks like dark shadows under my eyes (not the look I am going for!)

Tip Tuesday...| lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

 Instead, after my foundation, I have recently been starting with eye makeup and then applying my concealer afterwards. That way, I can easily clean up any eye shadow that falls below my eyes. I also soak a cotton swab or two in makeup remover to have on hand to quickly and easily clean up any of the left over fall out. To finish, I apply my concealer under my eyes for a bright perfect under eye area.

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on Facebook Lookin Joli Good!

No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #15

One of the main reasons people give that they can’t workout is no time!  Well this quick cardio needs no equipment, doesn’t require a lot of room, and it only takes 10 minutes!! You definitely have 10 minutes to spare!  This one is quick easy and a lot of fun!

10-Minute Fat-Blasting Circuit

 

Remember to keep good proper form and warm up before and stretch after you exercise!

Are you enjoying these “No Gym? No Problem!” posts?  If so, you can check out the rest by clicking HERE!

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on Facebook Lookin Joli Good

Beauty Subscription · Make up

But… I Really Do Like To Buy More and More New Makeup!

Well, as I have recently mentioned, I have really been trying not to buy new makeup…easier said than done! I really like to browse the makeup aisles! I love to look at all the new things!  I love to get great deals on makeup!  I love to buy all the makeup!  

Unfortunately, I don’t have a ton of space to store all the many beauty products that I buy. I have so many makeup products that I have used one or two times and completely forgotten about.  I also have so many awesome products that I don’t give enough love to.  I have decided that I am going to be going on a strict No Buy!  I will be shopping but it will be in my own stash.  Hopefully along the way I will discover some new loves and rediscover some old goodies!

But... I Really Do Like To Buy More and More New Makeup! | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
I can hear all the beautiful things calling out my name!

Here are my self imposed rules to my No Buy…

  1. I can repurchase a product if I run out of a holy grail product that I always use on a daily basis. (ie my Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal  Mascara is running low and I know I am going to have to buy another one soon.)
  2. I can purchase/repurchase hair care and skin care items as they run out and need to be replaced.
  3. Ipsy and Walmart Beauty Subscriptions are not included since they are automatic subscriptions.
  4. Although, Target Beauty Boxes are going to be included in this self imposed No Buy.  I have so many stacked up filled with product samples that I have never used.
  5. When I feel as if I want to buy something new I need to first stop and ask myself “Do I already own something very similar to this product?”
  6. I need to try out and use up products and samples that I already own.
  7. Chapstick/lip balm is a major necessity, so if I see a new one that I really want to try, I can get it…Never mind, that totally goes agains the point of what I am trying to do.  No new chapsticks/lip balms.  I definitely have enough already!

What about you?  How do you decided when to cut back on your spending?  Do you have a monthly makeup budget?  If so how much do you usually spend?

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on Facebook Lookin Joli Good.

Delicious Recipes

Healthier Energy Bites

Why Reese’s Easter PB eggs do you have to be so temptingly delicious?! The holiday edition of Reese’s peanut butter cups tastes even more awesome than the already awesome regular Pb cups.

Why Reese's Easter pb eggs do you have to be so temptingly delicious?! The holiday edition of Reese's pdcups tastes even more awesome than the already awesome Pb cups. | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

So while I really want to be eating Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, instead I will be good and snack on some of this healthier option of an Energy bite.

I find that just one or two of these little bites will be just enough to fill me up and stave off unwanted afternoon snacking.

Healthier Energy Bites | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cup oats  (dry)
  • 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (I love crunchy, but smooth is fine of course too.)
  • 1/4 cup almond butter (if you don’t have any almond butter just use 1/2 cup of peanut butter.)
  • 4 Tbsp honey (use local raw honey for an added immune boost.)
  • 4 Tbsp mini chocolate chips
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extractAdditional ingredients for added flavor and nutrition…
  • 1 Tbs chia seeds
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 scoop vanilla flavored protein powder of your choice.

DIRECTIONS

  1. Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl using a spatula
  2. Place mixing bowl in refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour
  3. Roll mixture into equal size bites (I use my 2 tsp scoop to make them all uniform)
  4. Store in refrigerator until ready to eat

Healthier Energy Bites | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comMakes 8 servings, Each serving is quite a few of the 2 teaspoon sized balls.  You won’t be able to eat too many without feeling sick to your stomach, so the chances of eating an entire serving is not likely.
Macros (per serving): If the above recipe is followed without the additional ingredients…

  • Calories – 338
  • Protein – 10 g
  • Carbs – 37 g
  • Fat – 18 g

Let me know if you make them and how you like them!

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

haul · Make up · Review

“Recent” Target Haul Review

Well, I have really been trying not to buy new makeup…easier said than done!  I bought all this stuff waaaay back in February and have been using most of it ever since.

wp-1459775350166.jpg

Here is a list of what I got (with links):

Essence matte sun club bronzers This bronzer smells like summer and sunshine that is a plus.  That is kinda where my love of it ends. It is just ok.  I found that it tends to be a bit on the orange side rather than bronze.  It works fine for adding color to my face, but it is definitely not my go to bronzer.

Garnier Clean + Nourishing Cleansing Oil For Dry Skin – 4.2 fl oz So, what can I say about this cleanser to convey how much I LOVE it!  I wear waterproof mascara everyday and on the days that I work I always wear waterproof eyeliner.  This cleanser takes off my waterproof makeup perfectly and makes my face feel moisturized at the same time. 

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Daily Anti-Acne BB Cream – Light/Medium (2 oz)  I LOVE this one too! I recently wrote an entire post singing the praises of this BB Cream.  

It is hands down my go to every day base.  It is very easy to blend and gives light to medium coverage.  One of my favorite things about it is that as it brightens and evens out the skin it still has a very lightweight feel on the skin.

Neutrogena Pore Refining Daily Cleanser  Despite the fact that I bought this all the way in February, I still haven’t used it yet.  The main reason that I haven’t tried it yet it because we went on vacation to Florida right after I bought it and the bottle warns “Sun burn alert”  Because it has an alpha and beta hydroxyl in it it can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

Even though I haven’t tried it yet…Here is what the product claims…”Pore Refining Daily Cleanser starts working on contact to instantly reduce the look of large pores and improve skin’s tone and texture. Week after week, it continually reduces the appearance of pores for clearer and smoother skin.
This dermatologist-tested alpha and beta hydroxyl formula delivers visible results by removing dead skin from your face while smoothing over rough, uneven patches for improved skin texture. It penetrates to deeply clean pores so they appear smaller and less visible. Skin is instantly smoother and more even toned. Minimize the appearance of pores with continued daily use.”

Olay Regenerist Luminous Overnight Facial Mask Gel Moisturizer, 4.5 oz  This is another major winner!  I LOVE this one too!  I don’t use it every night, maybe two or three times a week, but it leaves my skin feeling so nourished and smooth.  I highly recommend this Olay Overnight Mask!  It is a bit pricy for a drugstore product at $24, but it is totally worth every cent!  It has a nice clean fresh scent that is not too overpowering.  As it says in the name it is a gel not a cream and I really like the way it feels on my skin as well as the way it makes my skin feel.

Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio  I actually bought this for my sister.  I already have this one and I know that I love the Wet N Wild Walking on Egg Shells Palette.  It is a great little eye shadow palette for creating a beautiful eye look. I love these smooth and creamy shadows.  She really likes these shadows as well.

Wet n Wild Color Icon Ombre Blusher  Ok, so here is the thing about this blush…I really really like this product, but NOT as a blush.  When put onto the cheeks it kind of gives an ashy appearance, it isn’t a good look!  But when used as a highlighter  or an eye shadow it is gorgeous!  I love to use it as an eye shadow on a quick 5 minute makeup days!

Target Haul | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Of course, I paid for all of this stuff myself.  I wish that someone else had bought it for me, that would be nice😉

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on FacebookLookin Joli Good

Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness

Fab to Flab…

Today has not been a good nutrition day for me.  To be honest, recently I have not been eating as healthy as I should be.  I let the holiday candies get me very time!  Easter candy is especially a major weakness for me! I have also let afternoon snacking sneak back in, and that has always been a major downfall for me!

Cadbury Mini Eggs candies Cheesecake Dip | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

While I am no longer actively trying to lose weight, I still need to eat the right way not only in order to keep all the weight off, but also, more importantly,  in order to be healthy!  Since I have been on maintenance I have not gained any weight, but I easily could if I continue to eat poorly and allow myself to snack.

I have not been as strict about keeping a food journal.  I have to admit, journaling really keeps me accountable for what I eat which keeps me on track!   So, I have decided that I am going to have to have to start food journaling again.  It is tedious and time consuming, but it is so effective!

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on Facebook Lookin Joli Good!

Tips and Tricks

Tip Tuesday #8

Tip Tuesday: Make up tips and tricks every Tuesday | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Here is another quick tip for Tip Tuesdays…

Think outside the makeup box

Tip Tuesday Taupe Eyeshadow | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Invest in a good matte taupe eye shadow like Urban Decay Buck, Bobbie Brown Taupe, The Balm Matt Patel from the Meet Matte palette, or one of my favorites Taupe from the Lorac Pro Palette.  You don’t just have to use that matte taupe eye shadow in your crease or on your eyelids.  You can use a matte taupe eye shadow to fill in brows, line eyes, and even blend under your cheekbones for a quick and easy contour.

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

PS: No affiliate links in this post, just a bunch of links to help you know what types of shadows I am talking about 😉

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on Facebook Lookin Joli Good!

No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #14

You may not realize it, but flexibility is just as important for you as strength and cardio!  Sometimes I am so sore from a previous intense workout that I need to focus for a few days on flexibility and stretching.  This is a quick 10 minute flexibility workout by (my favorite) Jessica Smith!

Remember to keep good proper form and warm up before and stretch after you exercise!

Are you enjoying these “No Gym? No Problem!” posts?  If so, you can check out the rest by clicking HERE!

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on Facebook Lookin Joli Good