Banana Java Smoothie

Remember when I went to the Farmer's Market a couple weekends ago? Well, I've been craving the Java Juice smoothie that I had there so I decided to make my own! It really does taste exactly like the one I had. The best part about this smoothie is it doubles as breakfast and my morning caffeine. Don't hesitate to add more espresso powder if you're having a really rough morning. I was struggling today, but this smoothie helped me through. You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of peanut butter to make this even more tasty.

Ingredients
1 ripe banana
2 teaspoons espresso powder
1 cup chocolate soy milk
6 ice cubes

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until you reach desired consistency. Yum!

DIY: To Do Board

I need to have a to do list in order to function from day to day. I also need to be reminded that I have a list of things to do. I made this super simple to do board and it helps me keep track of my life and it's also cute. I used a large frame just because it's the same size as scrapbook paper, but any size frame would work. You can make this for your grocery list, calendar, or menu for the week. It's totally up to you! Also, if you can't find the color frame you want in 12 x 12 (it took me a while and I found it at Hobby Lobby) just spray paint one. 

What you need:

1. 12 x 12 frame (any size would work)
2. Pretty scrapbook paper
3. Black letters or a Sharpie
4. A dry erase marker

Instructions

Use either black letters or a Sharpie to add the title to your scrapbook paper. Put the paper in the frame. Use a dry erase marker to write on the glass. Easy.

Birthday in Baltimore

Last night I went to PBR at Power Plant Live! in Baltimore to celebrate the birthday of one of my best friends. She recently moved to Baltimore and is still getting acquainted with the city. Her new place is adorable and I know this won't happen soon, but I seriously can't wait to get a place of my own. As a half housewarming half birthday gift I got her some champagne glasses and a bottle of champagne. We all had so much fun and the birthday girl even got on the mechanical bull. J has been trying to get me to get on one for forever and I just can't. I'm pretty sure he won't stop trying to convince me until I do it. Oh well!

Surprise Splurge

I wasn't expecting to splurge yesterday, but it happened. After work I headed to the mall for a 50% off everything sale at Loft. I had already purchased these great cheetah loafer flats from Target and I wanted to build a new outfit around them. A pair of burgundy pants (not online) and a black tie neck blouse later I had a cute new outfit to wear, oops! Not only do these pieces look great together, but they're also pieces that I can use in many other ways.

Pssst. Check out my best friend at Fashionably Clearance for some ideas of where to get similar pieces.

Roasted Fall Medley

It's finally starting to feel like fall in Maryland. Since I've been seeing so many great fall vegetables at the grocery store I decided to make an easy roasted meal. The only real work required for this recipe is some chopping. My favorite part of this has to be the butternut squash, it just melts in your mouth. If you don't like sweet potatoes you can substitute baby red potatoes and if you don't like brussels sprouts you can always substitute broccoli.

My whole kitchen smelled like thyme and rosemary after cooking this. Those smells always remind me of Thanksgiving and family and warmth. Fall is just getting started and I can't wait to continue being inspired to make comfort foods that are easy and delicious.

Ingredients

1 red onion, chopped
1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped
1 butternut squash, peeled and chopped
2 cups brussels sprouts, halved
3 sweet turkey sausage links
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt
Pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2.  Put all vegetables into a 9 x 13 baking dish. Add olive oil and herbs and toss to coat. 
3. Place uncooked sausage in the mixture and make sure to flip about halfway through cooking. Cook for 45-50 minutes. 
4. Slice cooked sausage and mix with vegetables before serving.

Ranch Pretzels

Since meeting J he has introduced me to a lot of new things. One of my favorite things has to be Wege Broken Sourdough Hard Pretzels and you can only get them in a small area of Pennsylvania (or you can order them online). So every time we go to visit friends I obviously have to buy like 10 pounds of them. When J found this recipe for ranch seasoned pretzels I knew I had to make them and I knew that I wouldn't be able to stop eating them. You can definitely make this recipe with other sourdough pretzels, but I can guarantee you that it's a million times better with Wege pretzels.

You can find the recipe here. I generally only add 1 cup of oil, 1/2 tablespoon of dill weed, and 1/2 tablespoon of garlic salt. If you like more go for it, but I think less is better.

Chapstick Season

It is definitely chapstick season. I make sure to have chapstick in every convenient place - my purse, my backpack, my car, and my nightstand are the usual spots. This year I decided to splurge a little on my lips. Fresh beauty products at Nordstrom have a Sugar Lip Polish and Sugar Lip Treatment that I absolutely had to try. The lip polish is amazing and makes your lips so smooth, using the lip treatment after keeps them smooth all day. Although these products are a little pricey it's totally worth it. Keeping my lips moisturized throughout the fall and winter seasons is a must.