Thrifty Recipes~ Smoothies

 I'm not sure about all of you, but I always get a ton of sweets around the Holidays.  Being an administrator at a child care center, people want to acknowledge you by giving you a small token gift, which usually is some sort of food.  I find this to be very thoughtful, but after 2 weeks of binge eating sweets, I'm ready for a detox. I need to get my eating habits back on track.  This is why I had the idea to prep some healthy smoothies to keep in my freezer. 

I have a pretty busy work schedule, so I'm always gone.  I love making a smoothie for breakfast or lunch, but I just never have the time to prepare it.  I figured if I had everything all ready to go, I'd be more likely to make myself a healthy smoothy in the morning.

I know that for me, it's hard to get in all the fruits and vegetable servings that I need in a day.  Having a smoothie in the morning helps me get all my servings in without even thinking about it.

 When shopping for smoothie ingredients, I always keep price in mind.  I prefer Greek yogurt in my smoothies for the protein that it offers, but Greek yogurt is usually more expensive than regular yogurt.  This is why I bought a mix.  I made sure to get a few regular Kroger light yogurts, because at $.40 a piece, you really can't beat the price!  I also prefer almond milk in my smoothies for the taste.  Kroger has a great line of organic foods called Simple Truth.  They are very affordable, compared to the other organic foods.  The almond milk was on sale for $1.65, much cheaper then the organic skim milk that I usually buy.  I also try to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.  Unfortunately, with the time of the year, fresh strawberries were $5, so I had to go with the frozen strawberries for the price.  Bananas are always a great choice for smoothies.  They are always the most inexpensive fruit in the produce aisle and they're delicious!

I always try to stretch out my ingredients, that way I'm always getting the most for my money.  I was able to get 8 smoothies out of the ingredients that I bought.  It ended up coasting about $1.40 for each smoothie.  Here are the recipes that I used.  (Keep in mind, I don't always follow the correct messurements, so it's okay to use your best judgement while making these.)

Smoothie #1
1 cup of spinach
1/2 cup of Greek yogurt
1 banana
1 Tbs peanut butter
1/2 cup almond milk

Smoothie #2
1 cup spinach
1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 cup mango
1/2 banana
1/2 cup strawberry yogurt
1 tbs honey
1/2 cup almond milk

Smoothie #3
1 cup spinach
1/2 cup strawberry
1 banana
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt 
1 tbs honey
1/2  cup almond milk

 *Note: Don't freeze the milk! Make sure that you add the milk in when it's time to blend your smoothie.  This will make it easier to blend all the frozen ingredients.*

Once everything is all packed up, you can put your bags in the freezer and they are ready to go for the next time you feel like a smoothie. 

Go ahead and try out these recipes. Let me know what you think!  I hope all of you have a healthy start to 2015!

Avoiding Buyer Remorse

 I know that we have all experienced a case of buyers remorse from time to time.  How many times have you bought something at the store and said "this is cute, I'll wear it one day", then that one day never comes?  We've all made those impulse purchase before.

When you're living on a budget, it's extremely important to avoid buyers remorse at all coast!  No one wants to have regrets, especially when it comes to spending money.  This time of the year can be difficult, with all the after Christmas sales out there, it's important not to get lured in by the price tags.  You want to be sure that your always are making smart purchases on things you will actually use.

Here are a few quick tips on how I have learned to avoid making impulse purchases.

1.) Just because it's on sale, does not mean you have to buy it! 

I've made this mistake before.  I see a great deal on a piece and decide to buy it.  Then when I get it home, I realize that it's the wrong color and I have no where to wear it.  Be smart when shopping.  Ask yourself "Do I need this?" "Can I wear this?" "Is it practical?" If you answered no to any of these questions, put it back!

2.) Try on clothes at the store

If your questioning a purchase, be sure to try it on at the store.  There is no better way to talk yourself out of buying something, than trying it on under those horrible lights in the store fitting rooms.  (This is most likely the reason I have not bought a new bathing suit in 2 years.)  If you still love the piece, despite the lighting and your static electric hair sticking up, then it's worth buying.  If it's still a maybe, put it back! 

3.) Carry your future purchase around the store with you

I find when I build a collection of clothes on my arm, I'm more likely to put it all back before I leave the store.  It gives me time to really think about what I'm about to buy.  I like to spend time weighing the pros and cons of the purchase.

4.) Bring a shopping buddy along

Having a friend with you can be a good thing.  They can be the voice of reason you are looking for while shopping.  For some reason, I make most of my impulse buys when I'm shopping on my own.  Just make sure you bring a friend who also shares the same views as you on shopping. 

5.) Make a list before you shop

I keep an on going list of clothes that I really want to add to my closet right on my notes in my phone.  This way I can always refer to it when I'm out shopping.  Once I find what I'm looking for (at the right price), I take it off the list and add more.  This is the best way for me to avoid those impulse purchase on an item I'll regret later.

Hopefully you can use these tips while your out shopping all the after Christmas sales this weekend!  Have fun shopping with no regrets!

Celebrity looks~ Lauren Conrad

During my sophomore year of college, a show came out on MTV about a bunch of drama prone high school students growing up in Laguna Beach, CA.  This show was of course called Laugna Beach.  Even though I was a college student at the time, I wasn't far from my high school years.  My friends and I could definitely relate to the stories. But it was never the drama on the show that kept me watching.  I loved watching the show mostly to see what the girls were wearing.  There was one girl in particular that was my favorite.  Her friends called her LC.   I remember being obsessed with her chunky white purse, over sized sunglasses and layered tank tops.  I did my best to recreate her California teenage beach style looks.  After Laguna Beach was over, I continued watching LC as she matured, moved to LA and became a fashion intern for Teen Vogue on The Hills.

Lauren Conrad continues to be a fashion inspiration for me as an adult.  Her looks are so classic, practical and chic.  I have to say, I might have to put her ahead of Kate Middleton on my fashion crush list.  I recently read her book Style.  After reading this book, and following her lifestyle blog, I've learned that there is not much that I disagree with this girl, when it comes to fashion.  I just love her basic fashion advice!

These are a few classic Lauren Conrad looks

 With the LC Lauren Conrad line at Kohls, it makes it easy to recreate Lauren Conrad's looks at an affordable price.  I absolutely love this line!  I've found some really great deals on blazers, jeans, tops and even jewelry.  Being the bargain shopper that I am, I of course look through the clearance racks at Kohls to find these clothes at a great price.  Her line can be a bit pricy for me at times, so Kohls coupons are also another great way to save money on her clothes.

 This look is completely from LC Lauren Conrad at Kohls, minus the shoes.  The blazer (exact) I found a year ago. (You can read about this shopping find here.)  I used coupons , and I ended up spending around $12 for an originally $70 blazer.  The jeans (similar) were a clearance find for under $10, and the top (exact)  is new.  It's my favorite top right now!  I found it online at Kohls on Cyber Monday.  It was on sale for $19.99, but I used a 20% off coupon and got it for $15.99.  I wouldn't say that it's one of my best steals, but it was definitely a great deal, especially because I just saw it on sale today for $24.99.

In Lauren Conrad's book Style, she talks about the importance of the LBD (Little Black Dress).  I could not agree more about this.  Black is my go to color.  I love it!  When it comes time to picking out a dress, I always gravitate towards a black dress.  You can't go wrong with black.  You can dress it up or dress it down, add color or sparkle.  Having a little black dress is a must have in your closet, especially if you're trying to be a thrifty shopper.
  

This is one of my favorite little black dresses.  I bought it at T.J. Maxx for my rehearsal dinner almost 4 years ago.  I needed a dress, but couldn't find a typical rehearsal dinner dress, so I went with a dress that I knew best and felt the most comfortable in.  Since then I've worn this dress to a handful of weddings and other occasions.  I just accessorize it differently each time I wear it. 

I love Lauren Conrad's casual looks.  She does a great job at looking youthful, but also mature.

Here is my attempt at recreating her casual style.  My shirt (similar) is a LC Lauren Conrad clearance find.  I tucked it into a dark pair of Jessica Simpson skinny jeans.  Then I accessorized it with a skinny brown belt, leopard flats and some fun bracelets.

What's your favorite Lauren Conrad look?

Simple Sunday

It's been a while since I've done a "Simple Sunday" post.  I decided that today is the perfect day for one.  As I sit here working on my blog posts, watching old Laguna Beach episodes and reading Lauren Conrad's book Style (I'm doing a little research for some up coming blog posts), I realized that I'm having a very nice and relaxing Sunday afternoon.

My Sunday afternoon entertainment

This morning I took Kevin to the airport.  He's heading back to Las Vegas for the final stage of training at his new job.  Even though I miss him terribly when he's gone, I do look forward to a little alone time. 

Yesterday, I stopped by the library to pick up a copy of Style by Lauren Conrad, a book I've been wanting to read for a while now.  Before I left the library, I decided to be nostalgic and check out a season of Laguna Beach, just to relive my early years of college.  While I was in the TV series section at the library, I couldn't pass up a season of Sex and the City.  I decided to go with season 6, my favorite!  With Kevin gone for the rest of the month, I know I'll have plenty of time to watch it.

Today, while I was home enjoying my free entertainment, I came across a quote from the movie Clueless.  So of course, now I'm watching Clueless.  It's turning into the perfect afternoon.  If Kevin was home, I'm sure the Lion's game would be on, but it's just me, so it's girly shows and movies until bed time.

I think most of my married friends would agree with me in saying that even though we love our husbands dearly, at times you still need to have your girly time alone.  Those days where you can just binge watch movies like Mean Girls, Legally Blonde and  Dirty Dancing, all while doing your nails and drinking a glass of wine.

So girls, tell the husband or boyfriend to go out with the guys. Stay in and have a girls day! Days like this are rare, so enjoy!

Katie's Closet~What I Wore this Week

I definitely find it a challenge each week to come up with something stylish to wear to work everyday.  I have my weeks where I struggle, especially during these long, dark days.  This week I decided that I needed a challenge.  I did some digging in my closet.  Here's what I came up with Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (I wasn't a fan of my Wednesday look, so sorry I won't be sharing that one). 

Monday 

Black dress- Target

Sweater- (New) Old Navy

Scarf- Old Navy

Boots- DSW

Leg warmers- Five Below

Tuesday 

Grey Blazer- LC Lauren Conrad

Top- Target

Black Jeggings- Jessica Simpson

Boots- Target

Necklace- Charming Charlie

Thursday 

 Denim button down- Target

Black Jeggings- Jessica Simpson

Black Sweater- Macy's

Shoes- Audrey Brooke- DSW

Necklace- Kohls

Friday

 Stripe Dress- Target

Leggings- Target

Scarf- Charming Charlie

Shoes- Audrey Brooke- DSW

Weekend Wardrobe~Shopping Finds

Yesterday, I did a little bit of shopping.  While I was out, looking at all the cute Christmas gifts, I realized just how much money people spend this time of the year.  Stores do a great job of marketing their products and making you want to buy them.  Shoppers are not only looking for gifts, they are looking for themselves.  Who can resist all the bargains that are in the stores this time of the year.  I too ended up buying myself something.  I was proud of myself for not getting lured into buying any of the beautifully displayed winter items.  Instead, I found some steals in the clearance section.  

I found this light weight grey striped tee shirt and tan sweater at Old Navy in their clearance section.  Each one coast $2.49.  It was hard to resist the price, especially when I know I will get a ton of use out of these.  The stores are packed with all the latest winter apparel, but if you really want to find the good deals, you have to look at the out of season clothes. In my opinion, there are some clothes that can never be out of season, so that tends to be what I fill my closet with.

Here are a couple ways that I used my new "out of season" clothes and turned them into "in season" winter outfits. 

Sunday morning church look

Sweater (New)- Old Navy

Tank top- Old Navy

Shirt- Ann Taylor

Boots- DSW

Tights- Target

Sunday afternoon, errand running look

Shirt (New)- Old Navy

Leggings- Express

Scarf- Five Below

Jean Jacket- Jessica Simpson

Leg warmers- Five Below

Boots- DSW 

 

Dressing for the Holidays on a Budget

It's officially December... time to bring on the Holidays!  Christmas and New Year's are right around the corner.  This time of the year is full of celebrations.  It seems like the entire month is booked with parties and get-togethers to celebrate the season.  Whether it's an office party,  family gathering or a reunion with old friends, having a cute and festive look is essential.  The problem with the month of December is that it can be an expensive month for most people.  You're spending money on gifts, baking, traveling...and anything other expenses that might come your way.  It's not really the time of the year to be spending money on your wardrobe (even though I know we all do).  Instead of buying a whole new Christmas outfit every year, I have a few inexpensive favorite items that help me bring some Christmas flair to my everyday looks. 

Here are a few ideas of how to add the perfect amount of Christmas style to your wardrobe, without going over board and blowing your December budget.

With all the lights and tinsel this time of year, I just love anything that sparkles!  What better way to sparkle, than adding some sequins and rhinestones to your outfit.  I love this look with my sequin top from Charlotte Russe (Similar/ Similar) and my sparkly rhinestone necklace from Target. (Similar)  It's the perfect look for a casual night out with friends. 

Adding a pop of green and red can really take a normal outfit and make it festive.  My green pants and red bead necklace help make the perfect work outfit around the Holidays.  My green pants are from Old Navy (Similar), but I found them at the Salvation Army for $5.  I bought my red bead necklace from Aldo (Similar) years ago.

  This gold shimmery scarf is the perfect way to add some glitter to your look.  I got this one a few years ago as a Christmas gift (Similar/Similar).  I always get a lot of use out of it this time of the year.

Red is the perfect color for the Holidays.  My red sweater from Target (Exact) and my sequin white tank top from Old Navy (Similar) make for the perfect outfit for a casual family gathering.

To top off all my Holiday looks, I like to have nails to go with the season.  I recently picked up this color Sugar Sugar from Sinful Colors at Meijer for $1.99.  It has the perfect amount of shimmer in the dark red color, which makes it my favorite Christmas nail polish this year!

I hope you can all add an inexpensive touch of Christmas to your wardrobe this season!
Happy Holidays!