WIAW: House Bunny, Eating Alone, and Income Report!

August 6, 2014 by Christine Skari

Oh hello, Wednesday, you snuck up on me! Actually, this whole summer has been sneaking by. I swear, I know it’s pretty typical for bloggers to do the whole “OMG HOW IS IT ALREADY [insert month], but really. August?! While I still have over two months off from my normal college classes for summer break, the weather is already starting to cool down and I feel like the Santa Barbara coast really didn’t heat up too much. I mean, I really shouldn’t be complaining with the temperature still being in the low 70s most days, but I’m not ready for the heat to be over with! Bring on the pumpkin spice lattes, though. I’m always ready for those 😯 .

Anyways, here are my eats for the day!

Breakfast:

Brown Sugar Banana Oats

I usually make them by cooking 3/4 cup oats on the stovetop with half a sliced banana, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Then, I top the whole shebang with light brown sugar and occasionally some walnuts. Mhmm.

Lunch:

Just a salad from a build-your-own-salad bar on campus before my chemistry lab.

Snack:

Nuts+chocolate chips x 3

OH. And how cute is this lil bun?!

My sister, Marie, goes to UCSB and lives about a 5 minute walk away from me in her own house with some of her friends. A couple of days ago, they got a house bunny and it is the cutest.thing.ever. Seriously, she weighs only one pound and fits into the palm of your hand practically. When you pick her up she just looks like a little snowball and she absolutely melts my heart.

Snack Round Two:

I was feeling pretty peckish all afternoon, so I heated up some chicken and rice soup and ate it while watching an episode of The Kardashians. My brain cells probably melted a little, but sometimes some mindless tv is the perfect way to unwind.

Dinner:

Chicken teriyaki+asian salad+miso soup+California roll

Today’s dinner was a little weird since it’s one of the first times that I’ve gone to a sit-down restaurant by myself. I drove back home from SB for the next few days alone since Kyle is already back in our hometown, and I grabbed some food after loading up the car on my way out of town. Granted, the restaurant wasn’t formal at all, but it still felt strange! Also, all this food was only around $10 😯 . Score.

Starbucks:

I got a vanilla latte with nonfat milk for the ride home. I always feel better with something to sip on when I drive at night to help keep me focused, especially when I’m driving alone. While I prefer caramel macchiatos more, it was a nice treat!

Annnddd there you have it! Eats for the day!

On another sidenote, I’ll be putting together my income report for July soon and was wondering if there’s anything you guys would like me to touch on! If you don’t know what I’m taking about, here’s my first income report from June that explains what they’re all about .

Happy Wednesday!

Balance Bar Giveaway Winner Announced!

July 24, 2014 by Christine Skari

Hi everyone! Quick post to announce the random winner of my Balance Bar Giveaway.

*drumroll please*

Congrats to Peggy Perry who won for tweeting about the giveaway! I’ll be sending you an email tonight.

Thank to everyone who participated! You guys are the best

Weekend Things

July 20, 2014 by Christine Skari

Back to Monday.

WHY.

I have a midterm for my organic chemistry lab today and a lab report due tomorrow, so this post is going to be on the shorter side. I hope you guys had a great weekend!

Pizza Night:

Kyle and I picked up a couple of Costco pizzas for a pizza night at my house with some friends and ohhhhhh myyy gosh. They’re HUGE. And so cheap. A college kid’s dream.

I’m sorta kinda running more!

For me, the hardest part about running is getting out the door. Well, that and the actual moving part. So all of it, really… One thing that does make it a little easier is the view I get at the end of a certain route I go on:

On the topic of exercise, let’s talk injuries. Most people get them from doing extensive cardio or pushing themselves a little too much with the weights. I get mine from ramming myself into a table while out dancing with my friends and tripping up our stairs. Yes, UP the stairs. The result? A bruise the size or a crater on my shin and a strained hamstring. I like to tell people I got them fighting a bear. Obviously winning at life over here.

Balance Bar Goodie Giveaway!

Last day to enter the giveaway for a buttload of balance bars, an adorable fruit infusing mason jar, and Balance Bar branded headphones! Enter if you haven’t, time’s running out!

Swimsuit Shopping

I’m going to be vacationing in Hawaii in a month or so with Kyle and his family, so I’ve been in the market for a new bikini or two. As usual, I happened to fall in love with one that was out of stock the next day, so fill me in on some good online sites to shop at if you have any recommendations!

I’ve also been eyeing a few from Victoria Secret since they’re having a sale…

I really like the idea of teal and gold one, but I don’t want the girls slipping out all willy nilly and flopping around 😯 . Also, you’re welcome for that image hahah.

Mangoes

Yesterday I ate 3 full mangoes in one day. Today I’m left with only two very unripe ones and am not sure what to do with myself. If you haven’t tried them yet, pick one up from your grocery store! They’re the perfect summer fruit and I have plans on making a Mango Orange Protein Smoothie soon with tart greek yogurt and plenty of fruit chunks. Doesn’t that combination sound dreamy?

And that’s all for now! Time to get caught up with some reading and then hit the hay.

Question of the Day: What have you been up to this last weekend?

10 Cute Ways to Package Food Gifts

July 18, 2014 by Christine Skari

If you’re anything like me, you love giving away the meals and treats you make. I’m a weird food blogger in that if I’m not cooking at least partially for others, I’m extremely lazy and will usually just end up eating cereal for dinner or heating up a microwavable meal since I don’t feel any urge to get creative in the kitchen just for myself. Thinking about it now, I guess it could stem partially from cooking narcissism in that it’s fun to show off to others what you make, but I think the majority of comes from being raised in a family where food is a way of showing love.

When I was growing up, every Friday night was set aside for dinner at my obachan’s house (Japanese grandma). I’m lucky in that I lived smack dab in the middle between my extended family, with my cousins and grandparents living less than a five minute drive up or down the road. Friday nights were the best and some of my favorite childhood memories come from those Friday night dinners: using chalk to draw imaginary roads and peddling our kiddy bikes around for hours, climbing trees, running away from the skunk that lived in the bushes (terrifying, but exhilarating), trying to make a campfire by rubbing sticks together, but most of all, the food. I come from a line of women who are amazing cooks and my obachan is no exception. Fresh sashimi arranged beautifully on a plate and hot and crunchy shrimp tempura were two of my favorites, but there was no end to the goodness of her slow-roasted lamb or homemade sweet sushi rice. Those Friday nights were the best.

Now that I’m all grown-up and off at college, I don’t get the opportunity to head over to her house every Friday night, but whenever I’m back in my hometown I find myself asking “Is there obachan’s house tonight?” and most of the time the answer is a happy yes.

Anyways, I lost myself in that big paragraph when the initial point I’m trying to make is that food=love to me. Here are some creative ways to package all that love!

Retro Oven Cupcake Box via Claudine Hellmuth

Is this not the cutest thing you’ve ever seen? Claudine offers a printable version in her etsy store and all you need is a printer, cardstock paper, and some basic office tools like scissors and a glue stick to put them together. Also, she includes 6 different color choices for the oven. OMG NEED.

Paper-Plate Goodie Holder

Such a simple concept, but I love how the final product turns out. Just take an ordinary paper plate, fold, and dress it up with an adorable ribbon.

Simple DIY Cupcake Holder via Bird on a Cake

A little plastic wrapping from your local craft/grocery store, a small desposable cup, and a ribbon! Instant cuteness.

Jam and Baguette Gift Package via Martha Stewart

Being a self-declared baguette babe, this is a total must.

Accented Brown Treat Bag via The Party Studio

Brown paper bags don’t just need to be a vehicle for school-time lunches anymore! Use craft scissors to make a scalloped fold-over top and attach a few fun labels.

{Free Printable} Brown Treat Bag via The Pretty Blog

Soo apparently you can print on brown paper bags?! WHAT?! Why am I just learning about this now?

DIY Cake Pop Bags via Cakeinkevents

A little more of that craft-store plastic wrap, some twine, and a printable label and you got yourself a wedding-favor worthy gift!

Pimped-Out Cookie Box

I love how beautiful and rustic this cookie box is. Just take an old brown box and fill up different paper containers with some delicious treats!

Homemade Baking Mix Jar

Okay, okay. This is just way too freakin’ cute 😯 . Layer in the dry ingredients for your favorite cookie/cake recipe, stick on a label, and PA-ZAMMMM! You are everyone’s favorite secret santa.

Sweet and Savory Breakfast Set via Country Living

I died when I saw how lovely this is. Then, I looked into mini cast-iron skillets and apaprently you can get them for under $6 each at online stores like this. Guess where all my money is going?

So there you have it!

Question of the Day: What is your favorite way to package food gifts?

Balance Bar Giveaway!

July 14, 2014 by Christine Skari

Hi friends! Today’s an exciting day because I’m hosting a delicious and fun giveaway that’s sponsored by the kind people at Balance Bar. They contacted me to help spread the word about their Summer Shape Up Challenge that’s hosted by the lovely Holly Del Rosso, who hopes to inspire us to pick up some healthy habits this summer.

“Many of us tend to hibernate during cold winter months and don’t know how to get back into a balanced workout routine once warmer weather hits. That’s why I’m excited to partner with Balance Bar® for the “Balance Summer Shape-Up Challenge” to help us all move more, start eating a bit healthier and to feel good about ourselves while we enjoy summer by feeling our balanced best.”

One thing I absolutely love about the Summer Shape-Up Challenge is that it focuses on sustainable and realistic health goals that everyone can benefit from. After reading her top tips for shaping up, I found myself agreeing with each and every one of her philosophies and ideas on how to spiff up your workout routine, meals, and water consumption.

Here are her main tips:

Take your workout outside. Outdoor workouts are challenging and refreshing so try paddle boarding, surfing, cycling, yoga in the park or group runs like a 5K.
Eat seasonal fruits and veggies. Most fruits and veggies are at their peak during summer months and by eating them you’re adding more nutrients to your diet. Look to add a host of different colors to your meal with various fruits and vegetables. Try grilling vegetables (corn, eggplant or zucchini) for a delicious side to your dinner or add juicy fruits (blackberries, peaches and melon) to your morning breakfast.
Find a buddy to workout with. By partnering with someone, you’re more likely to work out when you say you will and it’s also a great way to catch up with old friends. Some of my favorite “buddy workouts” include biking, outdoor dancing classes, canoeing, and of course, hiking (with a healthy picnic at the end!)
Drink more “fun” water! It’s important to drink a plenty of water especially in the summer when you’re more prone to dehydration. I like to make infused water mocktails to make water more exciting and delicious and only adding 20 calories or less. Buy some fresh fruits, slice them up and add to your water. My favorite combinations are peaches and strawberries, strawberries and mint or cucumber and watermelon and you’ll want to drink it all day in fun infusers like these from the Ball® brand.
Eat many small meals. When you eat smaller portions more frequently, your metabolic rate tends to be higher (meaning you can burn calories more easily). I always tell my clients to eat 5-6 small meals a day that are packed with nutrients, including a snack in between each meal with something like a Cookie Dough Balance Bar® which will keep you full longer and help curb your appetite. Balance Bar® is also a great snack to put in your purse or gym bag so you always have a nutritious snack on-hand and can avoid making those bad snack choices at that last minute and when on the go.

Annnnnd guess what?! You guys get the chance to win the same mailer full of goodies as I did!

Let me tell you, the minute I got the package in the mail it was officially the BEST DAY EVER. I (not so gracefully) tore open the surprise box and was greeted with the fabulous site of a ton of their cookie dough and peanut butter flavored bars, a pair of nifty Balance Bar-branded headphones, and the cutest fruit-infusing mason jar that brings out my inner hipster (I kid, I kid). Between my housemates and I, the bars were demolished in just a few days and I can attest to how tasty they are. I usually find most protein/health bars to be less than enjoyable, so the fact that I was stashing a few bars to hide from my friends just goes to show how much I enjoyed them. Also, shhhh. Don’t mention that to them 😉 .

Have I mentioned how much I love my new mason jar? I’m pretty bad at staying hydrated and drink way too much coffee. The fruit infuser I was sent is just what I need to inspire me to drink more of the good stuff and I’ve been having a great time exploring delicious new fruit combos!

Here’s how to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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