For the love of Breakfast

Protein Pancakes with Blueberry - Dates Sauce.

T his is kind of a food diary of what I've been having for breakfast for the past two weeks. As you may already noticed I am forever trying new recipes and combinations. Eating whole foods has made my body and soul feel nourished and healthy. Eating organic isn't difficult as most people think. Taking time to understand nutrition will get you to a healthier lifestyle, you'll have more energy and overall feel better. Personally I love to cook and I do a lot of research on food nutrition, new and popular trends and I favour the vegan diet as it supplements with whole, raw ingredients. Lately I've been loving porridge (a lot!) after my morning run. It makes me feel nourished and recovered. There are so many variations you can try and that's what is important, not to get bored by eating the same thing everyday! I hope you get some ideas from this post :) 

Orange cocoa porridge topped with organic raw tahini, toasted sunflower seeds, organic raw cacao nibs and cinnamon and maple syrup sliced peaches.

Peach porridge with banana topped with raw walnuts and dried apricots.

Banana - Pecan Amaranth porridge topped with toasted pecans.

"Carrot Cake" Porridge topped with organic raw tahini and raw goji berries.

Orange Cacao Porridge topped with raspberries, organic raw cacao nibs, shredded coconut and orange zest.

Apple - Quinoa porridge topped with apple slices with cinnamon and maple syrup.

Detox Smoothie: kale, ginger, raw honey, frozen blueberries and cinnamon.

Healthy Snack Ideas│Recipes

H ere are a few snack/ breakfast/dessert ideas to change things up a bit, if you're looking for breakfast ideas only check out this post. I don't snack everyday but when I do, I do it once a day, either mid-morning or evening before dinner. Sometimes I crave sweet things but I hate the idea of getting trans fats, too much sugar o simply carbs to satisfy the craving! However, I do indulge on these things sometimes >.< But I try to make the healthiest version of what I'm craving. Anyway, one of my favourite food bloggers The Vegan 8  posted a few weeks ago this recipe. She makes the best food and it just takes 8 ingredients to do it! I followed the instructions just like on her blog, here's the recipe.

Spicy Caramel Lemon "Swirl" Bars by The Vegan 8

Mine look way different from hers because I only had dried shredded coconut at the time so I couldn't get the coconut butter right. But they still tasted delicious! Also, the "swirls" didn't happen for me, haha! But they were so yummy, I want to make more!

Cashew Cardamom Chia Pudding - Serves 4 (Adapted from The Kitchn)

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup hazelnuts
• 3/4 cups cashews
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 3 tbsp agave nectar 
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

In food processor, puree the water, hazelnuts, cashews, vanilla, agave and cardamom. Try to really get it pureed or if you prefer to have chunky nuts on the pudding (like me) don't puree it as much. Mix in a medium bowl the chia seeds and stir to combine. Pour the mixture in 4 medium glasses or dessert bowls and cover with plastic. Refrigerate over night. When ready to serve garnish with fresh fruit or nuts.

I found the pudding didn't have a thick consistency, I think it's because of the water. Next time I'll switch to almond milk or add less water.

Cranberry Banana Yogurt Parfait - Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup multigrain cereal (I used Kashi Go Lean Crunch!)
• 1/2 banana, sliced
• 1 tbsp dried cranberries (or any other dried berry such as blueberries)
• 1/2 granny smith apple, sliced or diced
• 1/2 tbsp shredded coconut (optional)

Layer all ingredients in an air tight container for on-the-go or on a medium bowl for breakfast. 

Protein Smoothie - Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened or vanilla almond milk
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup pineapple, diced
• 1 cup strawberries
• 2 tbsp protein powder (I used Manitoba Harvest Hemp Protein Powder)

Blend spinach and almond milk first. Add pineapple, strawberries, banana and protein powder and blend again. 

Hope you like these recipes! 

Weekly Favourites │3

I t's all about the eyes for me this week, I've been feeling and looking so tired... Lucky for me there's nothing a good eye cream, false lashes and mascara can't fix! After getting on with this powerful combo I feel much more awake. I start with the Origins GinZing refreshing eye cream to kinda conceal those terrible under eye dark circles of mine, the cream has a bit of a shimmer/sparkle to it so it gives a nice glow and it feels so refreshing! Eyeshadow wise, I've been sticking to the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette. I apply W.O.S under my eyebrows and all over my lids lightly, Naked 2 in the outer corners creating a V shape for depth and Venus in the inner corner to brighten! It's quick and easy. Most days I just do winged liner and the eyeshadow combination goes great with it. For lashes, I've been applying the Dior Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum almost religiously. Every morning before mascara and at night before I go to bed. My lashes look fuller though I don't think they will actually grow longer, but we'll see. After the serum I apply Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retroglam Mascara* in Extreme Black, the wand on this mascara is amaziiiing. It has a concave shape so it gets every eyelash on my lids! Finally, those days when I want to add a bit more to my eyes I put the Dolly Wink eyelashes. My favourite are #10 Sweet Cat and #4 Feminine Style. 

What are your favourite eye products?

*Product received complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

Soft Tones│Style

P lease excuse the terrible cropping I did to this picture, I am in serious need of a tripod! This was actually last saturday's outfit. The weather that day was perfect to wear these crochet/ lace shorts, cami and platforms all in the same hue. I went to see one of the many World Cup's matches to a sports bar (but it was a fancy one so the outfit didn't seem out of place :') ) but who cares anyway right? I get to wear whatever I want :3 I just hope there are many sunny days ahead cause I've been loving high waisted shorts!

Shorts - Forever 21 / Platform Sandals - Zara / Cami - Zara / Ring - Forever 21

Weekly Breakfast Ideas│Healthy Recipes

S o you know breakfast is important, right? Everyone agrees is the most important meal of the day. And in fact, it is true. I find myself making wiser choices for the rest of the day when I get a nutritious breakfast and I'm not starved by lunch time! But sometimes I just don't have the time to prepare a cooked meal like oatmeal or other porridge variation, so I often pack yogurt parfaits with fresh or frozen fruit or blend smoothies. I have a few recipes for you from this week and last week's breakfasts. I hope you get some ideas, and remember: don't skip breakfast! :) 

Blueberry Banana Yogurt Parfait - Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup whole grain rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsweetened plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 banana, sliced
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 1 tbsp (15 gr) goji berries

Place all in ingredients in any order and enjoy!

Kiwi Banana Granola - Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup whole grain rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsweetened plain yogurt
• 1 kiwi fruit
• 1/2 banana, sliced
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 1 tbsp (15 gr) goji berries
• 2 tbsp cranberries or any dried fruit

Arrange all ingredients in a plate and dig in! 

Chia Seed Breakfast Porridge - Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/2 banana, sliced
• 1 tbsp organic cacao nibs
• 1 tbsp (15 gr) goji berries
• 8-10 raw almonds

In a small saucepan add water and bring to boil, add the quick cooking oats and reduce heat to low. Simmer until oats are cooked (don't worry if the consistency is too runny, it will thicken as it cools) Add vanilla and chia seeds and stir. Serve immediately and add the rest of the ingredients. 

Green Smoothie - Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup strawberries
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 cup zucchini
• 1 kiwi fruit

Blend almond milk and spinach first, then add strawberries, kiwi, zucchini and banana. Enjoy! You could also add 1 tbsp chia seeds or ground flaxseed for extra yumminess! 

Let me know what you think of these and do share if you will try any :)

Zuchinni & Banana Mini Muffins│Recipe

M uffins! Yum. I used to make muffins a lot a while ago, but I always used bad ingredients like white sugar, butter, etc. Now that I'm mindful about what I eat (especially when I'm cooking) I try using clean ingredients all the time. I no longer see the point in eating something that isn't nutritious and doesn't help my body stay healthy. So I came up with this recipe, mini muffins that are high in fiber, low in fat and delicious! I recommend using fresh zuchinni and a very ripe banana. These two ingredients will add moisture to the muffins! And since they're "mini" you can eat them without feeling guilty. The other key ingredient on this muffins is ground flaxseed, a great source of omega-3 and fiber!

I talked about Agave Nectar in my last food post, I prefer using this instead of sugar because it's a natural sweetener derived from well, agave. It makes it a better option than sugar because sugar is processed and it has no nutritive value, other than calories! And agave has a low-glycemic index, which means it won't sharp rise or fall in blood sugar. I hope you enjoy this mini muffin recipe, and share it with your loved ones :) 

Current Favourite Hair Products│Haircare

M y hair has been through a lot this year, I had it bleached and then I went silver, then lilac, then pastel pink, then medium brown. And now, I'm just trying to grow it out. Seriously, don't bleach your hair! Is the worst thing you can do it, even if you have the best hair dresser, most expensive products, your hair will be damaged. Mine got damaged, and I'd probably do it all over again, it grows back anyway :3 Being so desperate to get it healthy, I tried a million products. Trial and error, that's what it's all about! I have gone through a few tubs of deep conditioners, leave-in creams and what not. When I finally got it back to medium brown I went to a salon and got a brazilian keratin treatment by INOAR and  my hair improved so much, then I cut out the fried parts and now it looks healthier :) I'm currently loving this products and it's lower maintenance now, which is a relief!

Redken Extreme Anti-snap: This is a leave in treatment which helps fight breakage and split ends. It's designed for extremely fragile or weakened hair. It has helped my hair tons! I have a very weakened area on the back of my head and using this after shampooing made it smooth and less prone to breakage.
OGX Argan Oil of Morroco: I use this oil after shampoo in my whole hair, it helps it dry faster for some reason and gives shine to my hair. Plus it's quite inexpensive and great quality!
Amika Oil Treatment: I mostly use this oil as a finishing product when my hair is already dry or styled. It gives shine, eliminates frizz and it smells soooo good! I also like to add a few drops of this oil to the Amika Nourishing Mask, it's like a bomb to my hair!
OGX Anti-breakage Keratin Oil Shampoo & Conditioner: After getting done the aforementioned treatment by Inoar, I was advised to use sulfate free shampoo and conditioner, this line has keratin protein to increase elasticity and argan oil to condition the hair. I don't even need a deep conditioner when I'm using this combo!
Redken All Soft Heavy Cream: I leave this mask on for about 20 minutes and apply heat, my hair looks and feels extra soft! I have used almost all of it, it's that great!

What are your favourite hair products at the moment?

No-Bake Healthy Energy Bites│Recipe

E ver since I got the Yummly App on my phone, I spend some minutes of my spare time looking for yummy and healthy recipes. I wanted to try the energy balls/bites for a while now, they're so popular! The best part is that they're so easy and quick to make, plus they're healthy and nutritious. I made chocolate ones because who doesn't love chocolate? Plus, we all get sweet tooth from time to time and having a healthy option is a good idea. I found this recipe and adapted it. I switched from honey to agave nectar because it has a very low glycemic index and rather than increasing body fats it assists in the breaking down of body fats. So it's healthier and vegan friendly :) I also removed the chocolate chips simply because I thought the cacao nibs were enough, but you can adjust them to your own preference. This energy bites are great for snacking post workout or as a dessert!

Red Quinoa & Black Bean Salad│Recipe

A s promised, I'll be posting recipes :) Mostly healthy, low calorie, low sodium, low sugar recipes. So if you're in for healthy delicious food you're reading the right post! Quinoa is considered a super grain simply because it's full of protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, riboflavin and  has a high content of manganese. It's a great alternative to vegans and vegetarians and well, it's quite delicious! I love quinoa because there are so many things you can do with it: salads, protein bars, quinoa granola, quinoa cakes [think hot cakes], cereals, you name it! And then we have beans, also packed with protein, fiber, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper and zinc! And since beans are so hearty, they keep you feel full for longer!

This salad is extra fresh, packed with protein and flavor! Delicious!

I hope you enjoy this salad recipe :)

Lime Crime Lipstick in Centrifuschia│Review & Swatches

Lime Crime Opaque Lipstick in Centrifuschia ($.18.00) is a bright fuchsia with a creamy texture that wears for soooo long! I only had tried No She Didn't and Mint to Be, shades that aren't as (everyday) wearable, but Centrifuschia is bright and perfect for a pop of colour in my makeup! The formulation is excellent as per usual, as all of Lime Crime's lip products. I find that it wears well for 3-4 hours and the stain it leaves behind is lovely, less bright but still noticeable. The formula feels smooth and moisturizing on the lips which is nice :)

Do you like wearing bold lipstick? 

Weekly Wishlist│2

I've been running 3-4 km in the mornings, it's so refreshing to breathe fresh air first thing and I get so pumped after. I wear Nike Free trainers and my feet seem to be happy with them, though since I run on trail they seem to be getting a bit abused. I've been wanting the black and white Nike Rosherun forever, but they're always sold out EVERYWHERE :( I decided I'd love to have the green ones anyway. Other than sneakers I've been crushing over cleated soles, sandals and Jeffrey Campbell's of course. Also, ROMPERS! so comfy and versatile :) What are you crushing on at the moment?

1. Unif tee / 2. Jeffrey Campbell boots / 3. Missguided Platform Heels / 4. John Sack Playsuit / 5. Nike Rosherun trainers / 6. Juju Jellies Sandals

Sunny Day│Style

I t's been so long since my last post! I've been wanting to do hauls and recipe posts, but I'm still working on it. The last couple of months I have been trying to get healthier and eating right has been extremely important. So I'll be sharing my recipes for lunch, dinner and snacks. Stay tuned if you're interested :)

Oh, I did dyed my hair brown & chopped it! :( Keeping up with bleached hair is a pain in the butt! I do miss it sometimes, but I'll probably go back to it sometime (ahem, when my hair grows again!)

Maxi Dress - Forever 21 / Boots - Jeffrey Campbell / Fedora Hat - Forever 21 / Crossbody Bag - Mango / Rings - Forever 21

Turmeric Face Mask & Tea Tree Oil Face Scrub│DIY

F or the past weeks I've been trying out home made face masks and scrubs, most of what I've tried out has worked for me. You know, nutmeg, egg whites, cinnamon, oatmeal... I really like doing some research on what the ingredients are good for and which benefits I'm getting from them. I'll try to post every single one I've done so far, let me start with these two: Tea Tree Oil Face Scrub & Turmeric Face Mask.

Above you can see the items I used, including the Origins Checks and Balances Face Wash, to start off with a clean face. Afterwards I applied the scrub, massaged it for a few minutes and then rinsed off. Finally I applied the Turmeric face mask and left it on for about half and hour. Though, 20 minutes is more that enough. 

Tea tree oil is known for its antiseptic, antifungal and antibiotic properties. It has many benefits from soothing itching and irritation from bug bites, skin infections and it even works against dandruff! It is also a natural remedy to cure pimples as it acts as a disinfectant and soothes the skin. I use this scrub to prevent breakouts and keep my skin clear, it leaves my skin feeling soft and exfoliated.  If I need a quick fix for a pimple I gently dab a tiny amount of tea tree oil directly on the afected area.

Here's what you'll need:

- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar

- 1 tablespoon of raw honey

- 1 tablespoon of olive oil

- 3-5 drops of tea tree oil

Once you've mixed all of the ingredients, gently scrub your face with the mixture for 5 minutes. Remember to do it gently as sugar may scratch your skin. 

Ingredients:

Sugar - acts as a gentle exfoliator without leaving residue that might clog pores, it has moisturizing properties that prevent skin from drying.

Honey - contains antibacterial properties, attracts moisture and is full of antioxidants.

Olive Oil - works as a cleanser, moisturizer and is full of vitamin A and vitamin E, these antioxidants help restore skin elasticity.

Tea Tree Oil - has powerful antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.

To finish off right, there is the face mask. Turmeric is very popular amongst Indian brides, as they use it to brighten skin before their weddings. The spice is high in antioxidants that slow cell damage, has anti-inflammatory properties that help with acne, dry skin, psoriasis and eczema.

How to make your own turmeric face mask:

First mix the following ingredients

- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt (or milk)
- 1/2 tablespoon of honey

Apply a thin layer of the mixture onto your face and leave it on until it dries (the thicker the paste/layer, the longer it will take to dry) Then rinse with lukewarm water and follow with a moisturizer. At first, it might seem like the yellow pigment won't come off your face, but don't panic. It will :)

Hope you have fun doing these! As a tip, I recommend doing a test on skin with the two main ingredients as sensitive skin may suffer from side effects.


Will you be trying this DIY facials?

No FUN - 2 Looks│Style

H ey guys! I've been blogging every.single.day! I'm happy about that. I finally have some more spare time so I can do it :) Today was so windy and a bit chilly, but I didn't check out the weather forecast so I improvised. I'm always borrowing my boyfriend's clothes cause I love how they look on me, oversized but not too much. I still haven't worn actual "boyfriend jeans" cause the fit is really weird. The girls version of boyfriend jeans are way better, I think I'll stick with that. On other note, I got my fourth tattoo on tuesday, I really like black (non-coloured) tattoos and simple lines, I got a map tattoo this time because I love traveling and seeing new places. I've been lucky enough to travel to a few places and I think it has opened my mind and I just love meeting new people and learning from other cultures. Anyway, I came up with two different outfits today, both wearing the exact same things. Either layering or removing items to create different looks. I'd say they're both "street style" looks but one is obviously more relaxed than the other. Which one do you like best?

Sneakers - Nike / Skort - Nasty Gal / Crop top - American Apparel / Denim Jacket - Boyfriend's / Beanie - NO FUN / Shirt - Thrifted / Bag - Mango