Deep into my No Spend November, and seriously craving a smoothie bowl from my beloved Nékter. I decided to get a little creative with some items I had on hand, and the end result was delicious. One innocent little prideful picture in my InstaStories prompted several requests for the recipe, so on the blog it goes!

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana

• 1 handful spinach (Optional)

• 1 cup frozen riced cauliflower (Optional)

• 2 scoops chocolate protein powder of choice (I use Arbonne.)

• 1 tbsp cacao (This is optional, but it makes it more chocolatey.)

• 1 handful of ice

• 1/3 cup milk of choice (I use almond milk.)

• Optional toppings of choice: Chia Seeds, Shredded Coconut, Nut Butter, Crumbled Protein Bar, Granola, the works!

(In the bowl pictured, I topped with 1 tbsp chia seeds, 2 tsp cashew butter, and a crumbled Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Kind Bar.)

Instructions:

• Place all ingredients (not including toppings) in food processor or Vitamix. (A regular blender will not work, because there is not enough liquid.)

• After fully blended, pour in bowl, load on the toppings, and enjoy!

Let me know what you add to yours!

XOXO,

Molly B.

Like I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I love my slow cooker. Especially when the weather gets cooler! And I love when I discover that I can make one of my favorite recipes with this carefree method. This recipe for Stuffed Peppers has been on repeat in our house for a few years, and it’s even toddler approved! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers- top and seeds removed

• 2 cups quinoa- cooked and cooled

• 1 16 oz can drained corn

• 1 16 oz can drained and rinsed black beans

• 2 cups salsa of choice

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• Optional Toppings: cilantro, avocado, guacamole, cheese.

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

• Stuff each pepper with the mixture and place inside the slow cooker.

• Cook on high for 3 hours.

• Let cool and top with your choices.

XOXO,

Molly B.

Have you ever seen a super cute piece of clothing and thought, “Yea, but how would I wear it?!” For me, that was these jeans. As soon as I saw them, I was instantly in love. However, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to wear them multiple times or multiple ways. But I have been surprised at how many ways I’ve been able to style them. Here are just a few ideas if you too have been eyeing a pair of printed jeans.

Rocker Chick: Pair them with a graphic tee, leather jacket, and booties.

Pop of Color: Use them as a neutral to highlight your favorite bright hue.

Denim on Denim: Pair with a jean jacket for a different take on the traditional Canadian Tuxedo.

Monochromatic: Pair with one of the colors included in the print for a twist on this chic classic.

I would love to see if you try a pair of printed jeans and how you style yours!

Shop these looks and more via my LIKETOKNOW.IT.

XOXO,

Molly B.

Back in August, I completed a No Spend Month  and am planning a #NoSpendNovember.  One thing that discourages people from this challenge (including myself) is coming up with things to do to entertain themselves and to distract themselves from spending money.  I totally get it, so I put together this list of 60 things that you can do instead of spending money.  I wonder how many we can knock out in a month?!

1. De-clutter your house.
2. Attend free music/movies in the park.
3. Have a picnic.
4. Get outside for a walk, run, hike, or bike ride.
5. Go to a park.
6. Play board/card games.
7. Learn a new skill. (Check out YouTube!)
8. Read a book.
9. Make a new recipe using things you already have on hand.
10. Play with your kids, nieces/nephews, friends’ kids.
11. Create a piece of art for your home using only what you have on hand.
12. Sort, print, and organize photos on your phone and computer.
13. Build a fire in your fireplace or fire pit.
14. DIY something using only what you have on hand.
15. Visit a free museum.
16. Volunteer your time.
17. Camp in your backyard.
18. Go fishing.
19. Explore your library.
20. Take pictures.
21. Make a budget.
22. Re-design a room using what you have at home. (Use Pinterest for inspiration!)
23. Make lists. (holiday, meal plans, back-to-school, bucket list, etc.)
24. Write down your goals.
25. Work in your garden.
26. Take a bath.
27. Host a clothing swap with friends.
28. Write.
29. Draw or paint.
30. Organize your cabinets.
31. Sit outside and take in your surroundings with a good cup of coffee/tea or glass of wine.
32. Deep clean your house.
33. Do the laundry.
34. Do a puzzle.
35. Give yourself a mani/pedi.
36. Iron your clothes.
37. Take a free online course.
38. Organize your e-mail and delete the junk.
39. Stretch/foam roll.
40. Do some yoga.
41. Call or visit a friend or relative.
42. Write a letter to a friend or relative.
43. Organize your personal documents. (tax returns, insurance forms, passport, etc.)
44. Meditate.
45. Sit and talk with your spouse, roommate, friend, or child.
46. Count your blessings and write them down.
47. Do a free fitness workout.
48. Go to a book signing or book reading.
49. Switch up your framed photos.
50. Clean your fridge.
51. Organize your closet.
52. Watch a documentary.
53. Shop your own closet to pair new things together or hack it up to make something new entirely.
54. Plan a yard sale.
55. Do a Pinterest project using things you have on hand.
56. Do a crossword puzzle.
57. Blast music and dance around.
58. Finish a project you’ve been putting off.
59. Clean your garage.
60. Listen to a podcast or TedTalk.

Please let me know if you have any ideas to add to the list!

 

XOXO,

Moly B.

Eating your way through a city is no easy task, but somebody’s gotta do it. And I’m up for the job! But finding all the best spots does require some research and planning. Here are my tips for finding all the best eats on the road.

1. Find out if there is a signature dish of that city or state. Just like Kansas City has our barbecue, most cities and states have their own “thing.” Also controversial like KC BBQ, the locals will have their opinions on where to go. So take their votes and try one for yourself.

2. Use the Food Network’s shows and website. Man vs. Food, Triple D, Cupcake Wars, they will all give you insight on the best spots in any city. Don’t have time to watch the shows? No worries, the website collects all of the restaurants for you to reference at any time.

3. Pinterest. A quick city name search on Pinterest will generate tons of travel guides that fellow travelers have written, compiling all of their recommendations.

4. Instagram. This is a foodie gold mine. Search for hashtags, follow influencers and bloggers in that city, all of the search features make it easy to find lots of yummy food options. Another tip: Post a question box in your InstaStory to get suggestions from your friends that may have been to that city.

5. Organize everything in Yelp. One great feature of the Yelp app is the ability to build Collections. You can add a Collection, give it a name, and add places to that Collection that you want to try. When you get to your destination, you’re able to quickly access all of those places, and you can even sort them by distance.

I would love to hear anything you do to find all the best food when you travel!

XOXO,

Molly B.