6.30.2013

Á La Mode

Although we most frequently use the term á la mode to get ourselves a side of ice cream, when I first watched the movie Little Miss Sunshine, Steve Carell's character shared it's original meaning..."á la mode" in French translates literally as "in the fashion." I loved that. I also love all things fashion. I know we've started as a food blog here on Buff Chickpea, but I really don't like such set-in-stone restrictions, so let's talk fashion. Maybe tomorrow we can chat about my favorite beauty and skin care products. As long as I have this tiny space inside this enormous cyber-world, I'd really just like to share whatever I'm into á la moment.


Any reference to Mean Girls kills me


I just snagged this gorgeous Red Valentino jacket on clearance at TJ Maxx. I had to. 


Told ya.


Blair Eadie via Instagram wearing this super cute Suno dress


 Grace Coddington. I also  "The September Issue." If you consider yourself a lover of all things wearable, and haven't seen this Vogue documentary, check it out. 


I need to recreate these cropped tee's I saw on the Glamour Mag Instagram. Brunettes for the win!


I love a high-waisted bikini, and recently bought one myself, but does anyone else feel like they need to be vacationing in Europe to get away with it? I guess it won't be the first time my fashion choices stand out. Although I really just wish I was on my way back to Rome (more about that later). 


Acid wash is everything. So are the girls from Target Does It Again. I think we could be great friends. If you adore Target as much as I do, check them out. I bought the dress on the left (at Target of course!), hoping to make it look a little more like the dress on the right. Who knows when that will happen. Any excuse to buy something, right?  


Nicole Richie at the 2013 CFDA Awards killed it in Marc Jacobs. I want to wear designer gowns!


Always.

6.29.2013

Blueberry + Cucumber + Mint Super Smoothie


I'm a girl of habit. If I find something that works, I typically stick with it. Platforms are everything, yoga pants get me, coconut oil will change your life, and if my hair isn't in a top knot, you've caught me on an off day. I wish I could say those habits also included daily gym sessions, but for some reason I can't get that one to stick. I mean I'm no sloth. I'm good about getting some cardio in a few times a week, but I wish I could get a strength training routine down. I really just need to retire right about now-ish so I can live the quaintrelle lifestyle I was born to live. Working just gets in the way of everything I'd really love to be doing...waking up carefree, sipping a morning green juice, catching up on my favorite websites over my lemon tea, exercising my well rested body before taking down my usual breakfast smoothie...aaahhh the good life. Imagine waking up to a Saturday schedule everyday? I think I'd be really good at that. If I could just somehow transition from my current nanny status to stay-at-home wife/mom status I think I could realize my full potential.

"Hi. I'm Earth. Have we met?" Back to those habits. They most definitely include eating the same food day in, day out for months/years at a time. I go through food phases. I seriously don't get sick of anything (besides working). I know it's good to vary your diet and all, but honestly, when I come up with a new delicious meal, I look forward to eating it. every. day. You do you. I'll do me. And I'll throw in a multivitamin just to cover my bases.

Making smoothies has become somewhat of a routine for me. My sister thinks I've given up on solid food all together. I haven't. It's just an easy way to ensure I'm getting in the nutrients my body needs, and this blend is packed to the brim with all the good stuff. I've come up with some killer frozen drink combinations, but this one is pretty much how I start every day. If I'm fueling up before a workout, I usually top it with some raw chocolate granola. I use coconut water, but use whatever you like - regular old water works great too. I love adding mint to my smoothies, but if I'm all out, I'll throw in some cinnamon. I pretty much always add the blueberries, but I'll vary the cherry part with what I have in the freezer. Pineapple is another favorite. Half a banana is delicious. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries - all good. The coconut oil is a recent addition, but I find it really makes me feel more satisfied, not to mention how great it is for your overall health and wellbeing. After you measure some into your smoothie, slather some on your face, and get back to that housewife dreaming.

Blueberry + Cucumber + Mint Super Smoothie
If your blender is not very high-powered, try peeling your cucumber for a smoother drink
Makes 1 large smoothie

1 cup coconut water, almond milk, or liquid of choice 
1/2-3/4 cup frozen wild blueberries
1/2 cup frozen cherries
1/2 cucumber, unpeeled and diced
a few sprigs of mint
vanilla protein powder (I use this one)
1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
2 cups spinach, packed
a few stalks of lacinato kale
1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

Add everything to your blender and give it a whirl. Although I wish I could say I blend this up every morning with my Vitamix, unfortunately I'm still waiting on that one. I do use the Nutri-Bullet however, and love it. Really. It's a little on the small side, so typically I blend everything but the spinach, then jam in as much spinach as possible for round two of blending. It creates such a smooth drink, I imagine it being similar to the holy grail of blenders, just on a smaller scale. But if you're ever looking to surprise me with a gift, I'll gladly accept a Vitamix!

*BTW, I took the smoothie picture before adding in the spinach/kale. Greens have a way of muddying up the color of a lot of drinks. Sometimes the colors are so pretty, I refuse to add the greens.

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