Cinco de Mayo Essentials

Between last minute quizzes, projects and prepping for final papers, my school life has been pretty hectic. I am trying to fit in as many Southern California memories that I can, over the next 28 days. As a result, my blogging life has suffered recently…… so I apologize! I will be back with some fun new features including more videos and “how-to” posts once things start to slow down.

Living in San Diego there is a little taco shop on every corner in town. While I do have my favorites, they are all pretty superb. The one thing that I will miss when I move home to the Bay Area is delicious Mexican food but I will bring the Taco Tuesday Tradition home with me and forcibly make my family adapt to the fact that every Tuesday we will have tacos. Mexican food (and Italian) are the two types of food I never get tired of. This weekend will be overflowing with fun festivities. Between watermelon coolers on the beach, chips, guacamole and salsa for lunch and delicious tacos + casseroles for dinner, my mouth is already watering. As finals quickly approach, I will thoroughly enjoy my last (free) weekend and without a doubt, I will make sure it is one that I will always remember. Let’s just hope the weather stays gorgeous. Here are some of my favorite Mexican foods that I will serve at our dinner party on Friday. My personal favorite is the Chicken Tortilla Casserole. I love to make this casserole, primarily because you can prepare it in advance. If you know that your week will be busy then you can prepare the casserole early in the week and then pop it in the oven to cook when you’re ready to chow. You can also plan ahead and slice, dice and chop all of the condiments and toppings in advance so you can enjoy your guests when they arrive. Believe me…..It will knock peoples socks off!

Margarita’s

Tortilla Casserole

Shrimp Tacos

Guacamole

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Finally Friday

{ My productive place }

For some reason this week went by slower than ever. I don’t know if it’s because I was really looking forward to the weekend or if I was just really over school this week. Tomorrow I head to LA for a quick trip. I am excited to be able to spend some time lunching and relaxing with good company. Hope you all have an amazing weekend.

{ Fresh Ingredients }

{ Working/Playing in the studio }

{ Ready for the game today }

{ Homemade cinnamon swirl bread }

Healthy is always a good choice

I prepare Smoothies daily….. in fact, so often that they have become a part of my daily routine. I enjoy a flavorful, satisfying smoothie either as a meal replacement or a nutritious, revitalizing snack. I generally have one for lunch or for breakfast depending on how hectic my morning is…..but I make a smoothie at least once a day! I always love experimenting by trying new smoothie flavor combinations. My sister and I text each other pictures as well as the ingredients for our daily fresh, healthy concoctions. Yesterday she texted me a picture of her kale, spinach and almond milk smoothie and then I texted her a picture of my “GRANGO” smoothie (recipe post next week). The best thing about making smoothies is that it’s almost virtually impossible to make a bad one. Most of the time you don’t even need to get out measuring cups to whip up a smoothie. Some days after the gym, I feel like a power “green” smoothie so I throw in a handful of spinach, mixed berries, some water and some ice. Other days I feel like an acai bowl in which case I toss the acai juice in the blender with yogurt and fresh fruit and top it all off with honey, more fresh fruit, and granola. This Spring (and Summer) get your smoothie game on.

Check out some of my favorite recipes below and be sure to check back in as I always post new recipes!

I would love to hear what your favorite combinations are! Leave your favorite smoothie combos in the comments section below and I will try and replicate and possibly even feature it on a future post.

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Shop it like it’s hot – Boohoo.com

Floral Romper – Boohoo.com | Sweater – Forever21 | Wedges – “Nicole” ShoeMint

Before class the other day I was reading People StyleWatch magazine and I came across one of my favorite online boutiques in the magazine. Boohoo.com has so many amazing affordable pieces that range from flirty and feminine to boho chic. Yesterday morning the marine layer was thicker than ever but by mid-day the gloominess wore off. This adorable lightweight, floral romper has been hanging in my closet for the past week and I have anxiously been waiting for a nice Spring day to be able to wear it. A colorful, comfortable romper from boohoo.com is calling your name. The material is free-flowing and the floral print makes this romper a perfect Spring-Summer staple garment. Head over to boohoo.com to purchase yours now.

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Black and White

Dress – Forever21 (also seen here) | Shirt – Nordstroms | Tights – Target | Booties – ShoeMint

I am always looking for a pair of versatile shoes that can be worn over and over with a variety of different fashionable wardrobe styles. I love the edgy biker vibe these booties give off when paired with pretty much anything. I can’t wait to wear them with a variation of fun floral dresses this Summer. These ankle cut boots will instantly add an edgy yet simple & feminine wardrobe change to any outfit.

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