Pinterest Made Me Do It #1: Mason Jar Salad

Here's something you may not know about me, I am not much of a salad eater. I don't usually order a salad unless it comes with my meal or my mother has made it with dinner and I'm obligated to. In a recent attempt to eat healthier than I have been, I stumbled across MASON JAR SALADS. I know this isn't a "new" concept, but it is new to me. I decided to give it a whirl when I started meal prepping for the week.

 

Here are all the things I used to make this wonderful work of DIY art:

 

1 Mason Jar (any size is okay, personal preference really)

1 bag salad mix (I used hearts of romaine)

1 bag of parmesan cheese

1 jar of caesar dressing

Misc preferred toppings ( I used cherry tomatoes and also wanted croutons but I forgot to buy them!)

 

1. First, clean your mason jar. That's pretty self explanatory but needs to be said.
2. Second, clean your lettuce and vegetable toppings (if any.)
3. Now, the trick to the mason jar salad is LAYERING. Always start with your dressing at the bottom and work your way up.
4. Add your dressing, not too much, I learned the hard way that there is such a thing as too much Caesar dressing.
5. Now add your lettuce, add to your hearts desire, but not too much, we still need room for our toppings!
6. Next, add your toppings!
7. Lastly, pop that lid on and stick that sucker in the fridge!
8. YOU DID IT!!

I actually really enjoyed this super easy trick. It saves dishes and it super yummy but also healthier than most snacks!

 

I give this *****/*****

(Those are stars. 5 out of 5)

 

Here is my finished product!

 

I hope you have found this post helpful, and if you liked it, let me know!

Also, follow me on snapchat: shepink94  to see more of my awesome photos like this one *sarcastic laugh sounds off in the distance*

 

 Have you seen any Pinterest posts you're too afraid to try? Let me know in the comments below and I will try it out for you!!

 

Jaclin

 

When Bad Things Happen Part 2

A few months back, when the attacks on Brussels occurred, I wrote a post on our morbid curiosity of events of that volume. Now, just days after the attack on the Pulse night club in Orlando I question the world around me. When the attacks on Brussels and Paris occurred, it was easy to move on and let everyday life continue. That was probably due to there being an ENTIRE ocean between Us and them. I spent many weeks praying for the victims and their families and also all those affected by the vicious attacks. Tonight, nearly 48 hours after the Orlando attack, I question how easily we as a nation were so easily able to get back to our normal routine. We sat at home Sunday night watching the Tony Awards and then woke up Monday and made our journey to work. At least, thats what I did. I spent Sunday afternoon with my mother and nephew. We went grocery shopping and snuggled on the couch till it was time to go home. It has only just hit me, really, that there was an awful, terrifyingly senseless attack on a community that did NOTHING to deserve it. What scares me even more is that it happened only 7 hours away from my home. SEVEN HOURS. That is absolutely terrifying. Attacks like this could happen anywhere and everywhere. Sadly, they do happen everywhere. I am not going to preach my opinion on gun laws or politics because that is not what I want this blog to be about. I want to tell you to hold your family close, tell them you love them. Our days are numbered on this earth, and we are not promised anything. Cherish the time you have been given and don't waste the time you have.

Listen to what Lin has to say, I am so glad this world has been blessed with people like him.

When Bad Things Happen...

Something I have realized recently is that most people (including myself) have a morbid curiosity. When bad things happen we find ourselves stuck watching CNN or reading BBC World News articles. We want up to the minute updates so we know what's going on. Honestly, can you blame us?  We live in a world where we have come to expect these horrible acts to occur. The only real question is, when?

I first noticed this when the Paris attacks happened last November. I was leaving work for the day on a Friday afternoon when my coworker came running up asking me if I had heard about the attacks. I left work and hour later than I normally do because I was stuck to the TV watching the scene unfold. I then drove the hour long car journey to my mothers and listened to the BBC World Service. With hardly any updates, I went to dinner with my phone near me. I spent the rest of the night with my Mom and her husband glued to CNN. That same day, there was an attack in Beirut. It was lesser known than they Paris attacks but still just as horrible. I noticed this again yesterday, when I heard about the attacks in Brussels. Driving to work I heard on a local station briefly what happened then proceeded to listen to the BBC. Once I arrived at work, I sat at my desk with a live update tab open from CNN so I could periodically check it through the work day. I know for a fact that I am not the only one who did this, other coworkers but even family members as well. I have no tie to Belgium. My family is German and Native American, no one I know lives in these countries yet I feel the need to keep a constant update. Its almost as if we (some of us) feel the need to mourn with other nations. Our mourning may be less personal, but we mourn for what's to come. I for one am afraid to see where our world is going, the violence against innocent people just to get a point across.

Just a little random food for thought on this Wednesday! Sorry for the ramble, but let me know what you think of everything going on in the comments below.

Jaclin:)

Read With Me # 1

I love reading, I am a reader through and through. I usually go through spells of reading book after book and get completely lost in the characters and their stories. If you asked me 10 years ago what my favorite book was the answer would still be the same today, Harry Potter. The stories have such a deep powerful message below the interesting story and vibrant characters. I absolutely adore every bit of the series. Currently I have been delving into the world of Chick-Lit. I hate the name, but love the genre. Most books in this category are side-splitting funny and have a wonderful story about finding love or even yourself. I wanted to share with you guys some books that I have read lately but also one that I would like to read next!

1. Anything by JoJo Moyes. OOOOOOHHH MYYYY GAAAWWWDDDD (Chandla BIING!). I watched the trailer for Me Before You and instantly knew it was a book that I needed to read. I polished it off in a day and absolutely adored it. Her main character Louisa is incredible. She is quirky and constantly the but of her families jokes but doesn't let that get her down. I connected on so many levels with all the characters. It was beautifully written and touched on a subject that many would not dare to go near. P.S. I currently have the followup book sitting in my floor waiting to be read. I can'y bring myself to read it though TOO MANY FEELS.

I also read One Plus One that is also by Moyes, incredibly funny with a main character that is a completely joy. It follows Jess who has had a shit storm of a life for two years. Working two jobs and trying to take care of her daughter and stepson while her husband has been off doing god knows what for two years. It also follows Ed, a tech mogul who just got himself into HUGE trouble. He offers to help Jess when she is at one of her lowest points and their dynamic is to die for! I recommend to anyone with eyeballs and can read, because it would be terribly difficult to you know, read if you didn't know how. Okay, I am rambling. WOW. 

2. I recently started watching Outlander, its a period/scifi/drama type show. I had heard great things about it and decided to give it a go! 
Guys, IT IS SO GOOD! Honestly, I am only five episodes in and I just now am realizing its based off of a book. I know, I am way behind. Anyways, the show is incredible, the dynamic between Jamie and Claire is great. Claire is a strong willed independent woman and Jamie is the man that every woman want and every man wants to be. I am sure the books (yes books! there are 8 in the series!) won't disappoint.

3. Lastly, I will mention this series to my last breath SOZZ, Harry Potter. I have realized that Harry Potter is the thing  that not only brings me happiness but also helps me get through the tough times. There is no limit for my rereading or rewatching the series and I love it. I have been going through a rough time and decided to purchase the audiobook version of Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban to treat myself. I already have the CD version of Chamber of Secrets and I love Jim Dale who narrates them. POA is not only my favorite book but also my favorite movie, Remus Lupin holds a very special place in my heart. I listen mostly while I am in the car so its taken me a while but it felt like a great purchase on my part! 

What have you you guys been reading lately? Let me know in the comments below!

Credit to all picture owners. Each found via google search. 

February Goals

January was not the best month for me. THERE I SAID IT. It was touch and go, with a bit of a mental breakdown towards the end. Now it's February, and Monday, I've decided to finally get moving on somethings that just need to get done! 

1. Actually get organized. I spent so much time talking about it last month that I never actually got anything done. I pinned all kinds of tips and made lists but when it came down to it, my bedroom looks the same.

2. Drink more water. Towards the end of last month, I did really well drinking water. I slowly started drinking less coffee, tea, and Diet Dr Pepper and was filling those voids with water. If your soda addiction is as strong as mine, try seltzer or sparkling water. You can find loads of flavors and they give you the same satisfaction with out all the yucky additives!

3. Take my own advice. I am a constant ball of anxiety, its a VERY well known fact about myself. I can dish out some of the best tips for how to control it and feel better but lack the control to actually do it myself. I was given an amazing book called Calm by Michael Acton Smith. I have heard amazing reviews so I will let you know what I think!

4. Lastly, I want to get better at blogging. Going along with getting organized, I have found loads of tips and trick for becoming a better blogger but have not actually put them into motion. I am slowly but surely building my little corner of the internet up here so be patient and I promise you wont be disappointed!


Do you have any goals for February? Let me know in the comments below!
Find me on Social Media and come say hello!

How I'll Be Ringing In The New Year!!

If there is one thing I love more than going out, it would be staying in! I am a homebody by nature but I still love a good night on the town. Just when the rest of the world won't be out as well! For NYE, I prefer a quiet night in where I pamper myself and relax after a long week. Here's what I'll be doing to ring in the new year!

1. I'll dress to impress my bed! A comfy sweater, leggings, and fuzzy socks are a staple for me during the colder months! 

2. Every year I tell myself that I'll stay up and watch the countdown; which rarely happens. Usually it's Netflix for me, but this years I'm in the middle of re-watching the Harry Potter movies so I'll be spending my night with the Weasleys! 

3. I'll use tonight as a good pamper evening! Complete with a bath, body scrub, and a heavy duty skincare routine! 

(If you would like to see that routine, let me know in the comments below!!) 

4. Lastly, the night wouldn't be complete without a hot drink! Cocoa, tea, or coffee, anything will work, just something to make you feel cozy while you snuggle under a duvet and ring in the new year! 

That's what I'll be doing to ring in 2016, what are you guys up to?! Let me know in the comments below! 

Jaclin:) 

My Current Obsessions #1

As time goes by, the things I find myself fascinated with tend to change. Personally, I find something to obsess over and I fully immerse myself in it until something else comes along. Last year it was the walking dead. Right now, it's Doctor Who. I call it, The Never Ending Cycle of Being A Fangirl, or NECBAF for short. Personally I love finding new obsessions to indulge in but also finding out what other people are liking as well! So here's a little look into my Fangirl brain and what I've been liking lately!

1. As stated above, I have been completely obsessed with Doctor Who. I am very late to the party but I always try to not be one of those people who is into something while everyone else is too. Bandwagon, if you will. I randomly decided it was time to give it a go and started with the new revamped series. I was halfway through the first episode and wasn't sure if I could get on board with it. Enter: Christopher Eccleston and that damn smile that Nine gives Rose at the end of the first episode. I WAS HOOKED.

 

I mean LOOK AT THIS!!!

2. My biggest celebrity crush is probably Domhnall Gleeson. I first saw him in the last two installments of the Harry Potter series portraying Bill Weasley. Yesterday, I rented About Time, which he stars in alongside Rachel McAdams. I watched it then ran out to buy the DVD copy of it. He was charming but also adorably awkward. I have watched it 3 times since then and have no shame. In all honesty, Richard Curtis made another incredible film. He cannot be beat.

3. Lately, I have been taken with not feeling well for most of my day. This had made me want to make my room a bit more cozy for when I get home from work!  I have added a ridiculous amount of twinkly lights and cozy blankets and it feels like a sanctuary. It makes a load of difference when you are feeling poorly to come home to a nice space!

4. The weather is finally starting to cool down and our days are getting shorter. THIS IS MY FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR!! I absolutely adore cooler weather and shorter days. I cant tell you why, it just makes me so happy!

5. Lastly, I have fallen in love with Giovanna Fletcher. She is a London based writer, who is married to my favorite McFly guys, Tom Fletcher. Late last year I purchased Billy and Me on my kindle and finished it within the day. IT WAS PHENOMENAL. She wrote beautifully and spoke straight to my heart. I found an online book seller and purchased all 3 of her books in paperback form and I cant wait to finish them all! 

I am going to stop talking now, because I think i have gone on long enough! 

What have you been obsessing over lately? Let me know in the comments below! 

Jaclin:)