Weekend Snapshots

 Picture Perfect Day in the country.

 Mini Golf before it started to pour!

 An attempt at outfit photos. Then the rain started. Oops.

 A perfect day at the beach. 

 Rib Fest.

Pink nails to match my ice-cream

Green Smoothie Challenge: Take 2

I tried in April to do the Green Smoothie Challenge from Simple Green Smoothies but I didn't make it through the entire month. I got sick and just didn't feel like having smoothies everyday. I decided to start the challenge again this week for the month of July. I am really hoping I can stick to it and have a smoothie a day. I will most likely be drinking mine for breakfast and am not sure yet if I am going to blend it the night before or throw everything into my blender (minus the liquids) the night before so I just have to blend and go in the mornings. Anyone have any suggestions for quickly making smoothies in the mornings?  

This is my favourite green smoothie recipe but I love how the challenge emails you shopping lists and a ton of new recipes to try. What is your favourite recipe?  Let me know if you decide to join the challenge as well! 

Jaclyn

After I wrote this I was on Flipboard and I came across this article. It talks about the health benefits of spinach and how it is good for your brain. All the more reason to join me and drink your greens! 

Me Date

Last night I did something out of the ordinary for me. I took myself on a date. I was supposed to go out with friends but they decided on a movie that I didn't really want to see. So I thought to myself, should I go out with my friends and spend two hours at this movie I have no interest in seeing or should I do something with my time that I really want to do. I decided to take some me time (don't worry my friends were not upset at all). I took myself out to dinner at one of my favourite cafes and then I decided to get my nails done. I had been meaning to get them done for a while but never really had the time.  Since I don't get them done often its such a nice treat. I think I am going to make "me dates" a more regular thing. I would love to go see a movie alone, I have never had the courage to so in the past.

Where would you take yourself on a date?
Jaclyn

Binge TV

It is no secret that I love TV. My classmates always marvel at how I find time to watch as much TV as I do. Its almost sad if it weren't so good. haha. I am known to keep up on all the TV shows and randomly reference them here or there. While I love watching TV live (as in keeping up with a show week to week) my favourite thing to do is binge on shows. Something I am known to do in the summer especially. Pick a show (or two) and watch every. single. episode. That is just what I plan on doing this summer with Parenthood (and potentially others. I am open to suggestions).

My Top 5 TV show Binges:

Gilmore Girls - This goes without saying. It should really be at the top of everyone's list. It is probably the best show ever made. I could (and do) watch this over and over again, that my friends is a sign of an excellent tv show. Its basically timeless. 

 The OC - This is your typical teen drama. I actually never saw an episode while it was on TV, then once summer decided it was about time I watched it.  Its one of those series that you can just sit down and watch show after show and not get bored or tired of the characters. Plus Seth is like my ideal guy and I have the biggest girl crush on Rachel Bilson.

 Grey's Anatomy - I didn't watch the first three or four seasons when they first came out on TV. So naturally, I had to catch up. This show has become a Thursday night ritual but it is just as fun to binge on. I love handing the seasons to a friend and asking so what part you at now. Good times. 

 One Tree Hill - I have two seasons left of this and I do not want it to end. Teenage drama and basketball, yes please. 

How I met Your Mother - The BF and I watched this on Netflix during the school year (which was probably not the best idea ever). The first few seasons are amazing then it begins to go downhill.  But unlike the other shows these episodes are only 20 minutes long which is awesome when you want to watch something quickly and don't have a ton of time.

What are your favourite TV shows to binge on/ suggestions for what I should watch next? 

Jaclyn 

Summer Beauty Essentials

With summer just around the corner its time to start lighting my beauty routine and including some more products with SPF. The hot summer heat means that I don't want to layer a ton of make up on my face and I hopefully have a nice natural glow. Here are my summer beauty essentials: 

Sunscreen - Sunscreen is a must in the summer. I burn very quickly so I always start out with a good base of sunscreen. I love this one because it goes on smoothly and isn't greasy at all. 

BB Cream - I tend not to wear foundation in the summer but I do still like some coverage. I am loving this BB Cream. It is light and has SPF 30 so I can skip the sunscreen step and be out the door that much faster. It provides a light coverage thats just enough to cover those imperfections. 

Lipgloss - I love a shine on my lips but we can't forget that they also can burn. This lipgloss has some protection and a great shine. 

Mascara - I can't leave the house without. I have been using Great Last since forever. I love blackest black and will only use waterproof if I know I will be going swimming that day. 

Nail Polish - I love a bright polish in the summer and Essie has a ton of great shades to choose from. I currently have this one (Mesmerized) on my toes!

What are your summer beauty essentials? 

Jaclyn

Iced Tea

As the weather is heating up and summer is fast approaching I have been loving Iced Teas. I drink tea all day long and that usually includes some iced tea. I usually always have a pitcher of iced tea on hand.  I find herbal teas make the best iced teas but I also have some other favourites as well. They all are on the fruity side because that is my personal preference.  To make my iced tea I brew my tea as normal and if I am going to be drinking it right away I will strain it over ice, if not I will put the entire pitcher in the fridge to drink later. 

Here are my favourite iced teas from David's Tea

What is your favourite iced tea flavour?
Jaclyn

Summer Reading

One of my favourite things about summer (or all breaks from school) is that I can read for pleasure. I love reading and as soon as I have a break in school I seem to devour books. For a while I felt guilty reading for pleasure when I could be reading textbooks. This year I did my best not to feel guilty and read more for pleasure. I did find however, that I was often too tired at night to read and often opted to watch tv instead. Now that its summer I am ready to dive into this book list: 

 It is no secret that I love Lauren Graham. I am hoping her awesomeness shines through in her novel. 

 I have seen this on a number of must read lists and my mom said it was good. So I will be giving it a read.

 Part of my goal to read all of Jane Austin

 I have been meaning to read this FOREVER. Loved the Kite Runner.

Another book that I have seen on a number of lists. Just took it out from the library. Can't wait to start it. 

I am sure my list will grow as summer goes on. I will be sure to share more with you soon. 

What's on your summer must read list? 

Jaclyn

Quiet Nights

Sometimes you just need a quiet night in. A night to yourself. Sometimes I love just curling up on the couch with a glass of wine, some chick flicks and painting my nails. Its the perfect me time. I needed it to recoup from exams and assignments. It was the perfect way to relax and say hello to summer! 

How do you relax? 

Jaclyn 

Third Year Thoughts

Wow. Its hard to believe that third year is coming to an end. I just handed in my final assignment today and I have 2 exams left this week before I am done. Craziness! This year has flown by. I have no idea where the time went and I am not sure if I am ready for it to end. I have enjoyed this year so much. It has been an amazing experience and one I know I will remember for the rest of my life.

I started my business program this year and it was such a change from science. I am loving it but I am also excited to continue with science again next year. This year has been an amazing learning experience. Having time now to breath and reflect on this past year has made me realize just how much I have learned, changed and grown. I feel like my way of thinking has changed and developed. I can now make a decision when a decision needs to be made. I am no longer scared of presentations. I like standing up in front of people and talking. Its fun, different and challenging.

 I loved the fast pace of the program and I loved all the amazing and wonderful people I met. My year would not have been the same without my amazing classmates. We spent many late nights together stressing and laughing. The number of inside jokes we have grew daily and continues to grow. They have become my second family and the class would not have been the same without each and everyone one of them. While it has only been a year I feel like we have grown up together. We have been through a lot. A lot of stress and a lot of wonderful times. It feels like graduation all over again.

This year was tough academically and there were a lot of tears but I am sad to see it come to an end. It is an experience I will never forget and one that I am glad I pushed myself to do it. I am excited for summer and the possibilities that it holds. I can safely say that this year has taught me a lot both inside and outside of the classroom. It I feel has prepared me most for what lies ahead. It was an unforgettable year and I think it rivals first year for best year yet.
Jaclyn

Peach Crisp

Lately it seems like there are peaches EVERY where! Is it just me or have peaches been extra delicious this year? I walked past a display of them at the grocery store and couldn't help myself from buying a basket. They were extremely fragrant and my mouth immediately began to water. I just had to have some. 

Turns out a basket of peaches is a lot for one person to eat alone. Who knew? So I decided to make one of my favourite fruit desserts (and by dessert I mean breakfast, because I have been totally eating for breakfast all week with Greek Yogurt).    

Peach Crisp Recipe 

Adapted from How Sweet It Is. 

Ingredients: 

3  peaches, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons loosely packed brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

crumble

1/3 cup old-fashioned oats

1/3 cup loosely packed brown sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lay peaches in a baking dish and sprinkle with brown sugar and salt. Toss to coat, then set aside.

In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt, stirring to mix. Mash in softened butter using a fork or your hands, until coarse crumbles remain. Sprinkle topping all over peaches. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until crumble is golden on top. Serve immediately with ice cream or yogurt.

It smelt sooooo good coming out of the oven. It was the perfect amount of crumble to peaches (because the crumble is really the best part). 

What is your favourite peach recipe?
Jaclyn

A little bit of sparkle

Jeans: 7 for All Man Kind. Top: Jacob. Sweater: The Bay. Shoes: TOMS. Hat: Forever 21  

I've had these jeans forever and they are super comfortable but I never know how to wear them.  I always feel like it just doesn't look right. I am so used to my skinny jeans. However I loved them paired with this top, it added that touch of sparkle that was needed. The sweater is a recent purchase and I absolutely love it. I know I will be wearing it well into winter it is the perfect amount of cozy for studying. 

I got this hat a few weeks ago and have been wearing it ever since. 

How do you style your boyfriend jeans?
Jaclyn

Chevron Nails

I have a thing for painting my nails. I hate it when they are chipped and immediately have to redo them. I love trying new designs and usually do them free hand and get a little to ambitious. I however kind of like the way these turned out.  They aren't perfect but I love the colour combination of the grey (its more grey in real life), blue and white. 

 My tools

My first attempt at adding the pattern. 

My right hand of course is a bit messier. 

What is your favourite nail design right now?
Jaclyn

Nail It

I have an obsession with my nails. I hate it when they are chipped, and I am constantly redoing them. I love OPI polishes but just recently discovered essie polishes. I knew they existed but I had never tried them. I wanted a bright blue colour since I was going for a nautical theme at the time and couldn't find an OPI one that I liked, so I decided to go with this shade from essie.

mezmerised by essie

My nautical nails.  

Close up of my free hand anchor 

I loved the colour so much that when the nautical design started to chip, I repainted them and added glitter to my ring finger. I used my Sally Hansen top coat (pictured above) as a glue to adhere loose MAC glitter I had from a long time ago. 

What is you favourite nail polish?
Jaclyn

Summer Reading

 Just Finished: Swapping Lives by Jane Greene

This would be a great beach read. It was a great book to read during summer school. It gave me that escape that I needed. 

Currently Reading:  Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda 

So far I am LOVING this book. It is about a girl who is adopted from India. It follows her life, the life of her biological mother and the life of her adopted mother. I recommend this for sure!

Up next: Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon 

I am super excited to read this book and take part in  The Everygirl's Book Club.

What are you reading this summer? 

Jaclyn

Summer Beauty

In the summer I like to keep my make up light and fresh. I find it takes too much effort to apply a ton of make up in the heat.  I choose to feature all Sephora items as they are easily accessible online.   I love the tinted moisturizer its a lighter version of the foundation I normally use and adds just enough colour.  I find in the summer a bit of mascara and a touch of blush is all I need. I love the light colour and added SPF of the Sugar lip gloss ( I recently discovered this, it was the Sephora Beauty Insider's Birthday gift this year!).  Of course if I don't wear any make up, I always apply some sunscreen!

What is your Summer Beauty Routine?
- Jaclyn

Tropicicalia

I have become OBSESSED with Tropicalia by DAVID's Tea. It tastes like a Pina Colada! There are huge chunks of pineapple in the tea and it smells divine.  It is going to be a summer staple, thats for sure. It already has me dreaming of the beach.

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