Brownies--Fully Loaded

I'm a baker.

I can't seem to get enough of baking desserts or making bread, but I was never able to wrap my head around cooking. And I don't think that's so bad. I mean, my mom cooks, and then I make dessert. Done deal.

Come join my photo quest as I make my own "loaded" brownies--filled with marshmallows (my favourite in a brownie!), and half Mr. Goodbars and Krackel candies. My mom recently bought a four-pack brownie mix, which I opted to use this time rather than make my own mix. The brownies were supposed to finish around the 30-minute mark but, with the extra large marshmallows, it took around 50. Either way, it was worth it.

Having today off from school is a wondrous treat--I got to spend time with my almost-one-year kitty Pika, who seems to have an addiction with boxes. I also am starting a c25k plan today--is that bad? My running addiction has picked up this week and I can't seem to find any reason to stop, but why would I? ;) Has anyone tried the c25k app? I read the ones that were supplied in the Google Play store and it seemed like everyone was very content with the application.

Baylee

The Magical World of Lush: Haul

For my sister and I, Lush is a very dear store. We first went to a smaller shop in London, where I was finally able to understand why so many people LOVE Lush! The atmosphere was one thing, but the quality and the ingredients used made the experience a super A++++... if it was graded.

Anywho, a Lush just happened to open around us and, as we haven't been to one in about a year, we decided to go together and see what trouble we could get into. The whole store was booming with music that people twenty feet away could hear, and it was troublesome to try and talk to the salespeople, but nonetheless I have an awesome haul to share with you!

Massage Bars

While I'm still learning as to how to use these (if you can give me a better idea, tell me in the comments!), these are the two that I picked up: Strawberry Feels Forever and From Dusk till Dawn.

I had seen From Dusk till Dawn featured in many Youtube videos and the reviews online seemed to give it a thumbs up, and it smells absolutely lovely. It kind of has this pez-like scent (do they still make those?) but it isn't overpowering. It also doesn't seem to make me sparkle which, surprisingly, Strawberry Feels Forever did.

The Strawberry Feels Forever is, of course, strawberry-scented, and I bought it on impulse. I knew that if I didn't buy it, I'd probably regret it, and it smells perfect! It's not overpowering on the skin (I have a very sensitive smell at times), and seems to give just a hint of scent when worn for a while.

This cute little display is called Bunch of Carrots (Bubble Bar). I'm pretty sure that this one is seasonal and, since I wanted to hit the fifty dollar mark (if you spent more than fifty, you had the opportunity to spin a wheel and get a free prize--who doesn't want that?!), I bought it, even though it was a little overpriced for my liking. Thankfully they don't smell like carrots, but rather "clean"--not strongly perfumed like some of their products. The smell somewhat reminds me of a plain Dove soap bar, which I rather love, but I didn't think this product was anything out of the ordinary.

Bath Bombs

Who goes to Lush and doesn't buy a bath bomb? Not me!--well, at least not this time ;). I have heard brilliant things about the Dragons Egg, which smells heavenly, and the Pink mini bath bomb was too cute to pass over! I was going to buy sexbomb as well, but I couldn't get myself to fancy the smell of it (sorry guys!). Bath bombs are totally fun and popular but, knowing that I can only sit in a bath for about five to ten minutes, I can't bear myself to use it. I saw a tip on Pinterest stating that you can crumple the bomb and place it around a room (placed on something like a bag, of course) and the whole room will smell delicious! I will most likely try this technique rather than using it in a bath and, if it's the best thing in the world, I'll tell you :)

I'm just adding this picture of the Pink bath bomb just because the flowers are so adorable on it, and it has a very nice presentation!

So, do you go to Lush often? Have you tried making any dupes of your own? I noticed that a lot of products were a bit pricey, and I probably will try making my own copies, but I felt like treating myself, and I strongly believe that every woman needs some pampering! Plus, does anyone else enjoy the fact that they show who made the product, with a sticker of their face? So cute!

Baylee

Eating to Nourish the Body: Controlling your Intake

As with most of my experiences, I tend to "discover" a new idea through church that doesn't apply to just my religious background but to other parts of my life.

As my religious readers may know, yesterday was Communion, where the congregation eats the "body of Christ" and drinks the "blood of Christ". It's every first Sunday of the month and the reason for this event is to remember (and celebrate) what Christ has done for us. I attended a baptism for one of my newest cousins (yay Adley!), and the pastor at her church said "today, we will eat this bread for the nourishment of our bodies". Not once have I heard a pastor say this, nor have I heard such a simple statement have such a great idea behind it.

I know, I know--what the heck is so important about this? Well, many of us overeat--whether it be because we just like to stay in the kitchen for most of the day, or we like to eat, etc. etc. I, for one, LOVE food. I can't get enough of it. For the past couple of months I've noticed that I'm taking less time out of my language and pilot learning so that I can mindlessly eat whatever I want. The outcome? I feel guilty for not putting enough effort and passion into the things I love, and for letting this overeating get to me. To be in control of your body is to be in control of what you do. It's as simple as that.

So, how do we stop overeating? One of the best things is to avoid food. Yes, it doesn't sound like fun, but you'll be able to focus on tasks that have to get done. If I indulge at the supermarket and buy that box of OREOS, you can be sure that they are staying in the back of my cabinet where I won't see it. Start drinking tea and water while doing other tasks, because we sometimes mix up "thirsty" with "hungry".

If you're hungry, and you've already eaten a meal, then go a snack such as fruit or nuts. After lunch, I tend to prowl the kitchen cabinets for something that "looks good". Instead, I will force myself to stop looking, to think about what delicious fruits we have, and eat an apple. Fruits and nuts can be such a filler! Usually after an apple or banana I'll feel full, and thus I won't have the desire to stay in the kitchen any longer. Even better, buy only healthy foods. This way you won't have the temptation at home, staring at you right in the face.

If you're more adventurous and love to stay active, workout instead of walking through the kitchen. I'd recommend working out after an hour of eating a meal, just so that you don't feel weighed down or sluggish. If you've already done your workout for the day (kudos to you!), then go for a walk. Find a Pinterest challenge if you want to watch your fave TV show (or during the commercials!). Anything! As long as you're moving, you'll begin to remember your goals and why you don't want that chocolate hiding above your fridge.

Eat these!

So, now that we have ways to stop our overeating tendencies, how do we eat to nourish our bodies?

It's rather simple--eat clean. Those two words sound easy until you begin your journey to cleaning up your diet and eating things that will make your body feel like a 10 ALL DAY LONG. What does clean eating include? Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meat. Not only does nourishing your body make you feel better, but it also helps you to tone yourself (with some working out). The 80/20 rule if a life saver for me, which is where you eat 80% healthy foods (such as the ones listed above) while the 20% can be the not-so-good-for-you food. Keep in mind though, that 20% should NOT include fried chicken legs at KFC. Make sure that you AVOID TEMPTATION AT ALL COSTS, and speed up (but surely not over the limit ;) ) once you see these fast food places because we do NOT want you stopping there!

Lastly, eat in 5-6 small portions a day. This way, you won't face any energy plummets because you haven't eaten for six hours. Always carry small snacks such as nuts with you so that you also don't feel the need to buy junk food on the go.

I hope that this helps you to understand that eating to nourish the body is NOT mindless eating--nourishment comes from giving your body the vitamins and nutrients it needs to power through the day with good-for-you energy!

Baylee