5 Great Lipsticks for Valentine’s Day

It’s almost Valentine’s Day! If you like getting all dolled up for a night on the town with your sweetie, you’ll need a festive classic red or pretty pink lipstick to complete your look. Check out these tried-and-true colors:

MAC Lipstick in Russian Red

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Tarte LipSurgence Matte Tint in Lucky

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CoverGirl LipPerfection Lipcolor in Siren

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Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire and Ice

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Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Plushest Punch

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Happy Valentine's Day!

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! 

Bedtime Stretching Routine

In addition to my nighttime skincare and teeth cleaning routine, one thing I love to do before I hop into bed is stretch. It’s a great way to wind down and relax. And not only is it relaxing, stretching is great for your body.

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Head and Neck

• Slowly roll your head in a circle three times. First, to the right then to the left. 
• Gently press your chin into your chest to stretch the back of your neck. Place your head backward to stretch the front of your neck.
• Gently press your right ear to your right shoulder to stretch the side of your neck. Switch sides.

Upper Body and Arms

• Make big forward circles with your arms. Switch and move your arms backward.
• With your arms at your sides make forward then backward circles with your shoulders.
• Raise your right arm above your head and bend at the elbow so your hand is resting on your upper back. Use the opposite arm to gently pull your elbow to the left. Switch arms.
• Place your right arm straight out in front of you then bring it across your body. Place your left hand on your elbow and gently pull. Switch arms.
• Straighten your right arm. Place the palm of your right hand on a wall and turn to your left to stretch your shoulder and chest. Switch arms.
• Move your hands in circles to target your wrists. Once you’ve made clockwise and counter-clockwise circles, gently pull your hand backward then push it forward.

Mid-Section

• Place your hands on your lower back and lean backward as far as you can go.
• Place your right hand on your right hip. Raise your left hand toward the ceiling and lean to the right. Switch hands and do the other side.
• Place your hands on your hips and keep your legs steady. Slowly move your upper body in a circle, focusing on stretching your abdominal and lower back muscles.
• Place your arms straight out in front of you then bend them at the elbows. Keep your legs steady and twist side-to-side, moving your arms along with your torso.

Lower Body

• Stand on your left foot. Bring your right leg forward so that your thigh touches your chest. Pull your leg toward your torso with your hands. Switch legs.
• Stand on your left foot. Bend your right knee so that your foot touches your butt. Gently pull your foot back to stretch the front of your thigh. Switch legs.
• Bend over and toes your toes.
• Get into a lunge position but straighten your back leg. Switch sides.
• Crouch into a sumo position and twist side-to-side.
• Sit on the floor. Place your right leg straight out and tuck your left foot toward you. Reach over and grab your right foot. Switch legs.
• Place your legs out in front of you. Reach out and grab your feet.
• Perform a butterfly stretch by tucking your feet in toward you and gently pressing your knees down.
• Move your feet in circles to target your ankles. Once you’ve made clockwise and counter-clockwise circles, gently pull your feet backward then push them forward.

Depending on how long I want to spend stretching, I may include more stretches. After a few weeks of nightly stretching, you’ll notice that not only does it relax you but your body will associate the routine with your looming bedtime and it’ll help you sleep!

Do you have a nighttime ritual that helps you relax?

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?

Make Breakfast More Interesting

I love oatmeal. It’s easy to make and it’s a quick breakfast. It’s got lots of health benefits too—it can lower cholesterol, has antioxidants, is high in fiber, can ward off certain diseases and much more.  

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But, sometimes it does get boring. Here are a few ways to spice up your oatmeal without adding a ton of calories:

1. Take a cue from a classic sandwich and stir in a dollop of peanut butter and jam.
2. Pick a fruit, any fruit. Bananas, apples, blueberries or strawberries are all great choices. If you have a little extra time, you could cook bananas or apples to caramelize them and add extra sweetness.
3. No time for fresh fruit? Pick a dried fruit (or combine a few) like prunes, raisins, cranberries, apricots or berries.
4. Stir in some vanilla or almond extract.
5. Are you a chocolate lover? Sprinkle some chocolate shavings over the top.
6. There are a bunch of varieties of granola out there. Pick one and stir it in.
7. Add a dash of cinnamon.
8. Stir in a small amount of Nutella.
9. Mix in shaved coconut.
10. Sprinkle brown sugar over the top.
11. Drizzle maple syrup or honey on top.
12. Add almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews or any other kind of nut.

What other ways do you spice up an otherwise plain breakfast?

Restaurant Style Guacamole Recipe

Mexican food is one of my favorite things to eat. I could probably eat it every single day but I think Jay would not be thrilled with this idea. Give me some chips and guacamole and I'm the happiest person in the world. I've been working to perfect making guacamole at home so I don't have to go out for it all the time (my wallet is thanking me for this!) and I've finally got it down. I made it twice this past weekend for different parties and knew I had to stop being selfish and share it with all of you. I hope you enjoy! 

What you'll need: 

4 ripe avocados

1 large tomato 

1 jalapeno (find the biggest one you can if you like it a little spicy) 

1 small red onion

1 bunch cilantro 

1 lime

Salt to taste 

What to do:

 1. Finely chop the tomatoes (removing the seeds), jalapeno (leave some seeds if you want it hotter), onion and cilantro and put it all in a large bowl. 

2. Slice the avocados in small chunks and add them to the mixture. I've learned that if you slice the avocados in half and then make diagonal cuts both ways while it's still in the skin and then scoop out the contents it will give you the perfect size (and it's not as messy).

3. Stir up all of the ingredients until you reach your desired consistency. Some people like their guac a little chunky and others like it silky smooth. It's totally up to you. I like to have it mostly smooth with some chunks in there. 

4. Slice your lime in half and squeeze both sides into your mixture. It may seem like a ton of lime juice but trust me -- the avocado neutralizes a lot of the flavors and you will hardly be able to taste it.

5. Sprinkle with salt, mix, add another dash or two depending on your preference and mix again.

6. Grab a big bag of chips and enjoy! :) 

Let us know if you try this recipe! Are there other appetizer recipes you'd like to share? Leave them for us in the comments!

5 x 15 Butt Workout

On days when I don’t make it to the gym but still want to squeeze in a quick and effective workout, I have a few go-to routines depending on which body part I want to target. When I want to target the butt area, here are a few moves you can do at home. All you need is a mat!

Roll out your mat and get on all fours—all of these exercises are performed from this starting position. And, like the title of this post suggests—do these five exercises fifteen times. 

1. Leg kickbacks: From the all fours position, lift one leg up and bring your knee to your chest. In a fluid motion, press your leg out behind you so that your leg is straight. Be sure to squeeze your butt muscles as your leg becomes fully straight. Bring your leg back in toward your chest.

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2. Leg pulses: Place your leg straight out behind you and point your toes. In quick movements, pulse your leg up about 9 – 12 inches always returning to your leg to its original position.

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3. Leg raises: Place your leg straight out behind you and bend your knee to a 90 degree angle so that the sole of your foot is facing the ceiling. Tighten your muscles and pulse your leg upward as if you’re pressing your foot to the ceiling. 

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4. Leg curls: Place your leg straight out behind you and curl your foot in so that it touches your butt. Return your leg to its starting position. 

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5. Side lifts: From the all fours position, left your leg a big off the mat and slow swing your knee out to the side (kind of like a dog near a fire hydrant).

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Do all of these exercises with one leg without stopping or resting your leg back down on the mat. Then, switch legs. Try to complete the routine at least three times. I usually try for four or five rounds.