Stuffed Butternut Squash

I found this recipe floating around Pinterest and new I had to give it a try. Butternut squash are always great but there is something about eating them in the fall and winter. They are so hearty and so good for you, it's hard not to love them! 

I modified the recipe a little to create the most delicious filling vegetarian dish I've had in a while. It was full of flavor and was really easy to make. I know all you meat eaters would love this dish too -- I honestly didn't miss the meat at all!

What you'll need
1 large butternut squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes
3/4 cup mushrooms,  I used baby portabellas
2 cloves garlic, diced
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
salt & pepper to taste

What to do:

1. Preheat oven to 400°.  Slice squash in half longways and scoop out the seeds. Place each half cut side down in a 9x13 pan and pour 1/2 inch of water in the bottom. Place pan in the oven and bake until tender, about 45-60 minutes. Once done, remove from oven and set aside.
2. While the squash is cooking, cook your quinoa. I love to make mine in a rice cooker becuase I can just throw it in with some water and I don't have to worry about watching it. Stove top works just as well though!
3. While squash and quinoa are cooking, heat olive oil and add the garlic and mushrooms in a large skillet. After about 6 minutes add your sun dried tomatoes. Saute mixture until tender but make sure to not overcook it.
4. Once squash is done scoop out the insides, leaving 1/4 - 1/2 inch on the sides and bottom. Drain water from the pan and return the squash to the pan cut side up.
5. Mash the scooped out squash and stir in the cheese. Add quinoa and mushroom/sun dried tomato mixture to the squash and stir. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Scoop filling evenly into the butternut squash halves. Sprinkle the top with cheese and return to the oven.  Let bake for 10-15 additional minutes or until cheese has melted and the tops begin to brown.
7. Enjoy!

You will have to let us know if you try this one out! Do you have any favorite squash recipes you'd like to share? Leave them in the comments! 

Fashion Trend: Graphic Sweaters

I've been seeing graphic sweaters everywhere lately! They are so much fun and I really like how you can make such a statement without saying anything. This look is easy to throw together and gives everyone a sprinkle of your personality. Here are some favorites of mine that I've seen around lately. I really want one of those mustache sweaters (shocking, I know) and how cute would that kiss print sweater be to wear for Valentine's Day? 

1. Forever 21 Polka Dot Sweater - $17.50

2. Forever 21 Mustache Graphic Sweater - $19.50

3. Forever 21 I Heart Mustaches Sweater - $19.80

4. Forever 21 Kiss Print Sweater - $22.80

5. LC Lauren Conrad Lurex Heart Sweater - $20.00 on sale!

6. J. Crew Take a Bow Sweater - $98.00

7. Zara Oversize Zebra Sweater - $59.90

8. Zara MOI ET TOI Sweater - $49.90

I obviously am a huge fan of this trend -- I've been wearing my LC Lauren Conrad heart sweater that Jay got me for Christmas a ton lately!  

What are some of your favorite ways to rock this trend? Do think this look will stick around through spring?

Recipe: Clean Eating 3 Bean Chili

One of my favorite things about winter is the food. Warm, hearty dishes take over and one of my favorites is chili. Nothing beats a hot bowl on a cold night. I love to serve it with a side of cornbread for an extra delicious and filling meal. It's a great way to get a bunch of protein while still eating clean. Here's one of my favorite recipes that I've found. 

Clean Eating 3 Bean Chili

(adapted from the Gracious Pantry) 

What you'll need: 

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3/4 cup carrots, chopped

1 (15 oz) can died tomatoes, no salt added

1 (15 oz) can fire roasted tomatoes 

1 (15 oz) can black beans

1 (15 oz) can pinto beans

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans 

2 tsp. ground cumin

2 tbsp. taco seasoning

3 cups vegetable broth 

What do to:

1. Saute the carrots, onions, cumin and taco seasoning in the olive oil using a medium sized soup pot for about 5 minutes 

2. Add all other ingredients and stir to combine 

3. At medium heat, bring to a boil

4. Allow to boil for approximately 10-15 minutes and turn heat to low 

5. Let simmer for 30-45 minutes stirring occasionally (the longer you let it cook the more flavorful it will be)

6. Allow to cool and serve with a little bit of cheese, sour cream, tortilla strips or anything else you'd like to garnish it with.

Do you love warm comfort foods in the winter? Let us know if you try this recipe out! 

Review: H2O+ Sea Salt Hydrating Body Gloss

I hope you all had a fun and safe New Year celebration! Another great gift I received from my future mother-in-law this year was a huge basket of H2O+ products. I love the H2O+ line and was thrilled to get a ton more new products to try out. One of my favorites in the basket was the Sea Salt Hydrating Body Gloss. This stuff is amazing. 

I suffer from extremely dry skin in the winter. Even when I used a ton of expensive thick creams and lotions nothing really seemed to do the trick -- until now. This body gloss goes on like an oil but isn't sticky at all and makes my skin instantly smooth. I spray it on as soon as I get out of the shower and it dries instantly leaving me with silky smooth, great smelling, soft skin. 

I love the spray applicator on this product. It makes it so easy to apply and doesn't leave a mess. I've used baby oil, coconut oil and vitamin E oil on my skin before, and while they are great hydrators, they all left a huge mess for me to clean up afterwards. Not something I want to deal with -- especially if I'm in a rush!

The scent of the body gloss is amazing. It reminds me of a day at the spa and isn't overwhelming at all. It gives a great glossy look to my skin -- I can't wait for the summer months so that I can show off my hydrated legs. 

Have you tried any of the H2O+ products before? What are your favorite products for battling dry skin? 

Review: Eos Lip Balm Sphere

I must have a dozen different lip balms laying around my house and in my purse. Especially during colder months, I'm constantly reaching for lip balm to help prevent dry, chapped lips. One of my favorites is eos lip balm in sweet mint.

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According to the eos website, the product is 100% natural and 95% organic. It contains ingredients like vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba oil to help keep your lips smooth and moisturized. It’s also free of gluten, parabens and petrolatum and it isn’t tested on animals.

The balm comes in a cute little egg-shaped package that’s easily recognizable and easy to find if you throw it in your purse. The top twists off and you apply the product directly from the base. A pet peeve of mine is having to apply a lip balm using your fingers. Another convenient part of the packaging with this product is that the surface of the balm is large enough for you to apply it to your top and bottom lips at the same time. The product will also last you a long time. 

The sweet mint balm has a really cooling effect on the lips and smells wonderful. (There are also six other kinds available, including summer fruit, lemon drop, strawberry sorbet, honeysuckle honeydew, medicated tangerine and pomegranate raspberry.) The product goes on clear and isn’t greasy or thick. It provides excellent moisture. The balm doesn’t feel caked on after you apply it. No matter how many times you run it across your lips, it feels like there’s a very thin layer of product. It’s great for everyday use and even better to help soothe chapped lips during winter. I keep one of these in my nightstand and apply it before going to bed.

Though eos lip balms are typically higher priced than other balms, I think it’s definitely worth it for the pay off you get with this product. It’s one lip balm you will make sure doesn’t disappear on you!

Battling Dry Skin

Not only do I hate cold weather, I hate what it does to my skin—dry flaky patches, cracks, more visible fine lines, an overall parched feeling. None of it is fun, but you can do your part to help battle and overcome dry skin during the winter months. Here are a few tips:

Drink water: Enough said—I’m sure you guys already know this, but it’s the easiest thing you can do to help save your skin. If you don’t like water, find ways to spice it up. Add a lemon, lime or orange to help provide some natural flavor. If that doesn’t do it for you, eat foods (like cucumber or watermelon) that have high water content. On the flip side, skip foods that will dry your skin out, like alcohol or anything salty.

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Consider your face wash: Do you use a foaming face wash every day? How many times do you exfoliate per week? If the answers to these questions are “yes” and “more than once,” you’re doing your skin a disservice. Foaming facial products are notorious for drying out skin, which is great for oily or acne-prone skin or for the summer months, but skip it once it gets cold. Try a creamy cleanser, or one made with very gentle ingredients. My year-round favorite is Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleanser (starting at $9, available at most drug stores). If you’re exfoliating several times per week, STOP. You might think that because your skin is flaky that means there are layers of skin wanting to be removed through exfoliation. That isn’t the case. Flaky skin is a sign that you and your skin aren’t properly hydrated. The best things you can do in this situation are to increase your water intake or intake of foods with high water content, use a gentle face cleanser and moisturize. Exfoliating once a week, or even every other week, should be fine for winter if you encounter this problem. Some people even recommend only washing your face at night and just splashing water on your face in the morning, but I’ll leave that up to you if you want to try it!

Consider your moisturizer: As with your wardrobe, your skincare routine has to evolve with the changing seasons. If the skin on your face is dry, maybe all you need is a denser face cream. If the skin on your body is dry, one great thick-and-creamy lotion you may want to check out is Aveeno® Daily Moisturizing Lotion. Apply it as soon as you finish showering or bathing to help lock in moisture. And if you don't use an eye cream, try one out this winter. Cold and dry weather makes fine lines on the face more visible. Keeping the eye area hydrated can help minimize the appearance of those lines.

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Change your makeup: If you use mineral makeup or powder every day, find alternatives for the winter. Switch to a liquid foundation or B.B. cream that can provide a little more hydration. I don’t use powder at all. If it’s a part of your makeup routine that you just can’t let go of, consider using much less during the winter or putting it only in spots where you really need it, like your forehead or nose. You could also skip powder blush and choose a cream product.

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Turn down the water temperature: Yes, I know it’s extremely difficult to take a shower using lukewarm water—especially when you just woke in the morning and are going straight from your toasty bed to the bathroom. But, hot water is a killer for your skin. If you can’t commit to showering with cooler water, at least make sure to turn down the heat as you wash your hands throughout the day. And never, ever wash your face with hot water!

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Ditch your loofah: When you use a loofah or wash cloth in the shower, it’s providing exfoliation for your skin even if you’re using the gentlest of body washes. Try skipping these items in the shower at least a few times per week and make sure you moisturize your entire body when you step out of the shower.

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Baby your hands: If you’re in your twenties or thirties and your hands look like that of an 80-year-old woman’s, the weather could be to blame. Try not to expose your hands to hot water, and make sure you moisturize immediately after getting your hands wet. I usually carry travel-size Jergens lotion in my purse, gym bag and keep bottles on my desk at work and in all my bathrooms at home. While you’re at it, make sure you take the time to moisturize your cuticles. When the cuticle/nail area is dry, it begins to crack and really shows the effects of dry weather. At least once per week, take the time to use a cuticle oil or cream. My favorite is Burt’s Bees® Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. If you can, do this once per day for amazing results.

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Take care of your feet: Feet easily get dry and cracked during the winter. Fortunately, it’s not too hard to get your feet feeling soft and hydrated. The first thing you can do is to wear socks—all the time. If you walk around barefoot at home, don’t. Every night before I go to bed, I take a handful of lotion and rub it into my feet, and then I put on a pair of cotton socks. Try it once and you’ll be hooked! If you have the time, also use an oil or cream for the cuticles on your toes. If your feet are in really rough shape, try a heavy duty product like Dr. Scholl’s® For Her Ultra Overnight Foot Cream.

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Don’t forget about your lips: Chapped lips are so uncomfortable and they look terrible when they flake. To prevent chapped lips, exfoliate them once per week and use a really dense lip balm, like Carmex. Also make sure to carry around lip balm and apply it throughout the day, particularly after eating, drinking, brushing your teeth or being outside. Stay away from using products like lip stains during the winter—these products tend to be drying on the lips and will just exacerbate the look of chapped lips. 

Do you have any tips to beat dry skin during the winter?

Five Great Winter Coats

Though I don’t like the cold weather, I love buying coats and accessories to help me stay warm. Here are five winter coats that I’d love to add to my collection:

Quilted Faux Leather Bomber Jacket, TheLimited.com

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Wool Cotton-Blend Pea Coat - Mango.com

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 Anne Klein Women's Pea Coat, Amazon.com

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Wool Jacket, HM.com

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Bengen Winter Short Women's Fashion Casual Hooded Down, Amazon.com

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What coats are you lusting after for winter?

Preparing for Cold and Flu Season

Winter is creeping up on us, and that means cold and flu season is near. Keeping yourself healthy during the winter months involves more than just eating right and exercising. It’s so important to make sure you’re keeping you and your surroundings extra clean to eliminate germs that could potentially make you sick. 

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Check out a few of these tips that can help cut down your risk of catching a cold or flu this winter:

If you touch or shake hands with anyone, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. Touching someone else is an easy way to pick up germs, and washing your hands is the simplest way to eliminate them. Think about it—someone might be carrying cold or flu germs and just not displaying symptoms yet. Better safe than sorry. And if you know someone is sick, the best thing to do is avoid getting close to them if possible. 

While you’re at it, don’t touch your face. Touching anything and then touching your face is like asking to get sick. Germs can get in your body so easily through your eyes, nose and mouth.

Get plenty of rest. As colds and flus are being passed around this winter, don’t let something as simple as not getting enough sleep be the catalyst for making you sick. When you don’t get rest, your body is more susceptible to taking in those germs.

Clean, clean and clean some more. Though you should be meticulous about cleaning and disinfecting your surroundings year-round, it becomes even more critical during cold and flu season. If you touch someone with a cold and don’t wash your hands, you could bring those germs into your home. You might touch all sorts of things around your house and spread the germs. Be overly-cautious and take the time to regularly clean and disinfect things like your car keys, phone(s) and purse. In addition to these everyday items, make sure you are disinfecting things in your home that you touch often—like your TV remote, light switches or doorknobs.

Don’t share. Avoid sharing personal items like makeup, towels, drinking glasses or even food. The more you touch items that someone else has used or touch, the more likely you are to pick up germs. And with things like sharing food and/or drink, there’s really no way to disinfect once you’ve shared. Just forgo these things while cold and flu are running rampant.  

Do you have any other tips for avoiding illness during cold and flu season?