Casual Chic

Okay, so let me preface this by saying I live in Florida so we basically get all four seasons in one week. No joke. On this particular day it was 65 and only called for light, breezy layers so this ensemble was perfect! First of all, I don't think anyone can go wrong with boyfriend jeans and a white tank. They were sort of meant for each other, don't ya think? The leather jacket, heels and cute bag (of course) were just enough to sass up this classic look. I have to say, i've had these copper/brownish heels for a few months now and have had the hardest time pairing them with anything so i'm loving that they worked as a pop of color against the other neutral tones. What I really love most about this outfit is how simple and understated it is. The absolute perfect blend of casual and chic. 

Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

So chia seeds are kinda my obsession right now. Like, they're my thing lately. I've even been planning my meals according to what I can sprinkle a little chia on top of (Which is EVERYTHING so meal prep hasn't really been that hard) But if you do not know what chia seeds are, you're about to become just as obsessed. They're these tiny little black(ish?) seeds that oddly enough are super high in fiber and have a solid amount of protein. And they're sooooo versatile! I sprinkle them over my eggs, on my oatmeal, throw them into my morning smoothie, anything to give my meals that extra healthy boost. And then I discovered you can make pudding with them. That's right. Super healthy and super delicious pudding!! Awesome for breakfast, great for dessert, or even just a yummy snack.

Ingredients

1 cup almond milk

1 cup low fat greek yogurt

2 tbsp grade B maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup chia seeds

raspberries

almonds slices

(about 4 servings)

Directions

So all you have to do is mix everything except for the raspberries and almonds together in a bowl, cover the bowl in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator over night. Done! Once you're ready to eat it you can simply put it in a bowl with some raspberries and almonds slivers and call it a day. I decided to make these cute little stackables instead! I just alternated layers of chia pudding and raspberries than topped it off with more raspberries and a sprinkle of sliced almonds and extra cinnamon for garnish. So easy, so delicious. Enjoy!

Xx, Allie

Recipe adapted from Simply Happenstance

Fitness Wish List

Geometric pant / / Fitbit / / Sports bra / / Blue pant / / Socks / / Coral mesh tank

Infused water bottle  / / Wireless earphones / / Sea foam tank  

Seriously, there is nothing more motivating to me than new work out gear. Every single time I feel that i'm falling off my work out routine or slacking on my healthy lifestyle I literally force myself to go buy something new. I mean, think about it. How great do you feel when you walk into the gym with a new get up? For me, I work out harder, run longer and find that my whole day is much more productive. When adding to my workout attire, I look for detail and bright colors which is why I fell in love with this coral tank with mesh backing and this sea foam, low back tank. I love how light and breezy they are. Perfect for workouts in the Spring. Fun leggings like these geometric capris and these whimsical blue tights are a must have. I also love the back detail on this sports bra and think these socks are the cutest things. Lately i've really been into infusing my water with fruit so this sleek water bottle is perfect and will probably be my first purchase from this wish list. These wireless earphones are probably the best things ever. Not only will they stay in place during cardio but they're also wireless so there's no need to have my phone strapped to my arm any longer (Yayyyy!!!) And who doesn't want a Fitbit?  They're actually pretty chic, no? I honestly cannot wait to track my levels without new gear and then with new gear to compare the differences in my workouts.

Xx, Allie

My Everyday Detox Go-To

Ok, so… confession time. I am seriously addicted to this detox water. Like, total junkie status. I'm talking the second I wake 

up every morning, this water is the first thing on my mind. Not only is it completely rejuvenating and refreshing, but (because 

I don't drink coffee) this is my go-to "caffeine" Actually, it's wayyyy better than caffeine. It's like caffeine on steroids mixed with a 

ton of things that are kind of amazing for your body. Ready to ditch the latte yet? 

Anyways, the ingredients are super simple. All you need is 8 ounces of room temperature water, the juice of 1 lemon, 

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper, and 1 tbsp. grade B organic maple syrup - I usually find this at WholeFoods. Then you just mix it up, 

drink it down and reap the benefits! What exactly are the benefits? Well… lemons help to balance the pH levels in our bodies 

(aka they're alkaline), they also help with digestion and increase your energy levels - caffeine who?? The cayenne pepper is this 

little concoctions secret weapon. This is what kickstarts the detoxification process and also has anti-everything properties

(cold, headache,…) you can see the list here. The maple syrup provides antioxidants, vitamins and minerals (Grade B is supposedly 

richer in minerals than Grade A) AND the entire drink promotes healthy skin. I mean… I can't. It's perfection in a glass.

I've even been known to substitute my pre-workout supplement once or twice for this gem of a drink just because of how awesome 

it makes me feel. I would highly recommend giving it a try!

(**side note: if your planning on drinking this often, you definitely want to invest in 

a glass straw or two so the acid doesn't wear the enamel on your pearly whites!!**)

Xx, Allie 

Apple Cider Mimosas

For months now I have been waiting until it was completely appropriate to make these delicious apple cider mimosas. The opportunity came this weekend when I had some friends and family over for a little soiree to kick off the holiday season. These mimosas were the talk of the night, no doubt. And they were super easy which makes entertaining that much more enjoyable! I literally just poured store bought apple cider into a pitcher and sliced two fresh apples to throw in and really amp up that flavor. I then set out a bottle of champagne and let the guests determine their own ratio's (I say 3 parts champagne to 1 part cider, but hey, thats just me!) So delicious, so worth making.

Happy Holidays! 

Pumpkin Spice Protein Bars

GUESS WHAT!? It's finally beginning to feel like Fall in Orlando… FINALLY.

Not only has this shift in weather inspired a change in my workouts, it's also inspired a change in my food! Especially when it comes to my 
protein bars. Normally I go for store bought bars because they're quick and easy, but there's something about fall that makes me want to 
get all Suzy homemaker and what not. Which led me to make these amaze Pumpkin Spice Protein Bars! My favorite part about these bars 
are their portability. They're so easy to grab n' go! Absolutely perfect for a healthy girl with a busy schedule. Not to mention they're 
pumpkiny, cinnamony, chewy bars of awesomeness. So delicious!! A Bonus? These bars have high protein, looooww sugar, zero preservatives 
AND the ingredients are super easy to swap out.

Recipe below! Xx

PUMPKIN SPICE PROTEIN BARS
10 bars (can vary depending on how thick you cut them)

Ingredients:
DRY:

2 cups Rolled Oats (Old Fashioned)

104 grams (about 7 scoops) True Athlete Natural Whey Protein in Vanilla
(This brand eliminates all impurities, banned substances, artificial sweeteners, etc. Love them!)
1/2 cup Chopped Pecans
1/4 cup Pumpkin Seeds
1/4 cup Raisins (I used golden and red)
1/4 cup Rich Dark Chocolate
1 cup Spelt Flour (I got mine at WholeFoods)
1 tbsp. Cinnamon
1 tbsp. Pumpkin Spice
3/4 tsp. Baking Soda
3/4 tsp. Baking powder

WET:
1 1/2 Bananas (mashed)
1 cup Pure Pumpkin Puree
3/4 cup Egg Whites
1 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract
1 1/2 tsp. All Natural Peanut Butter
1 1/2 tsp. Honey

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375F
2. Mix all dry ingredients together until combined.
3. In a medium bowl, mash bananas until frothy. Add remaining wet ingredients and mix until incorporated.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix together (Don't be afraid to use your hands here!)
5. Line baking dish with wax paper. Pour mixture into the dish and spread out evenly.
6. Bake 17-19 minutes.
7. Once cooled, cut recipe into bars and Enjoy!
Make sure to store bars in the refrigerator in an air tight container for up to a week. 

This recipe was adapted from thehealthyfoodie.com