spring shoe

It may have been 20 degrees last night in Kansas City. I may have been boycotting my coat closet for the past month against the weatherman's advice. And right now I'm inconveniently obsessing over these shoes from Zara. Aren't they amazing? Best shoes I've seen all season.

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energy bites

Today I'm going to tell you about these delicious energy bites I've become a major fan of lately. I am one of those people who prefer 6 small meals (or constantly grazing) over 3 large ones a day. While I'd love to snack on jalapeno potato chips every afternoon a few hours after lunch, my pencil skirts won't allow for much more waistline to cover. I found this recipe a while ago and have created my own version that I really love. So if you're like me and need a little pick-me-up between meals, try these all-natural, protein-packed energy bites out!

Here are the ingredients I use:

Since this picture, I've started using Natural Jif, and actually like the taste more than the regular Peter Pan. I also use less honey and vanilla than the recipe in the link states because I enjoy the nutty flavors over the sweet. Here are the measurements I have found the most delicious:

1/2 cup natural peanut butter

Less than 1/3 (but more than 1/4) cup honey

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup old fashioned oats

3/4 cup unprocessed wheat bran

1/3 cup unsweetened coconut

1/2 cup slivered almonds, chopped fine

The end result - about 12 of these yummy balls of goodness!

oh so oily

I have been reading tons of articles lately about the benefits of using natural oil as a part of your health and beauty routine. At first I figured these folks must all be nutso granola to the extreme people. Then I started reading Amazon reviews and became truly intrigued. Longer lashes, smooth skin, all natural ingredients? Yes please.

A few weeks ago, as part of my recent job acceptance shopping spree, I bought Josie Maran's argan oil from Sephora. This stuff is amazing. I use it most every night and in the mornings if I know it is going to be cloudy out. (It doesn't have SPF, so if the weather is going to be nice or I'm going to be outside a lot, I use my old faithful Lumene Vitamin C+ lotion.) A little goes a long way with argan oil, and it moisturizes while barely feeling like there is anything on my skin. At first it seemed counterintuitive to be putting oil on my combo skin; oily in the T zone and dryer elsewhere. I can honestly say this oil leaves my face feeling light and hydrated, not oily, and the best part - no break outs!

Another variety I am super interested in getting my hands on is castor oil. I have a minor major obsession with eyelashes - my own and everyone else's. Isn't it every girl's challenge in life to find the perfect mascara? (I'm still looking by the way....) Apparently castor oil is like a natural Latisse. I mean, sounds way too good to be true, am I right? Wikipedia says there is no scientific proof that castor oil promotes hair growth, but it's so darn inexpensive I might as well give it a try. I'll report my findings, of course.

Are there any other kinds of oils you're a big fan of that I should try?

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