Tea Talk Time

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Two Thursdays back  was my last “study session” at the Starbucks by my school.

I went there probably too often to study with friends, cram for that impossible Philosophy test, meet my mom for our Wednesday lunch, or just sneak away on my off period when I needed a break from high school.

So Thursday I went with my friends to “study” (yeah, fat chance we were going to study on our second last day of high school) and ordered my  usual tall iced un-sweet green tea (it’s either that or a caramel latte).

When my drink was called, I noticed it was Grande (not a Tall) and was also made by the very nice but shy man I often see. I gave him a big smile and thank you and walked to my cozy chair filled with contentment. Sure it’s a little thing, but it’s also a very thoughtful thing. I love when people do little things to spread some happiness.

It also got me thinking. Yes, there is a lot of bad and evil in the world, BUT there is also a lot of good. We however, do not find the good “entertaining” enough and therefore do not often hear about it.

I think its time to start sharing the good news and not relishing and partaking in all the bad.

Remember, it’s the little things, folks.

What good thing happened in your day today?

Happy Memorial Weekend!

*Last day to enter the Larabar Giveaway!

Larabar Love

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Ever since I became interested in eating healthy and learning about nutrition, I’m always on the look out for healthy snacks on the go.

And ever since the beginning, Larabar has been with me. They were one of the first healthy/all natural products I tried and have bought ever since. All Larabars are gluten-free also which is a major plus.

Recently I was sent some Larabars to try and review.

I was so excited to try the Cappuccino and taste its amazing-ness!

As usual, Larabar did not disappoint.

Want to win 16 Larabars? Enter the giveaway right here!

Special Giveaway!

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A certain anniversary is coming up for New Balance Nicole on May 28th and to celebrate, Larabar is kindly offering a giveaway!

What you can win by entering this giveaway is 16 Larabars shipped straight to your door!

Here is how you can enter:

(USA residents only, please.)

Simply comment on this post with your favorite on the go healthy snack.

*For extra entires:

Subscribe to New Balance Nicole (if you are already a subscriber, just let me know!)

Link the giveaway to your blog.

or

Link the giveaway on Facebook.

Please use a separate comment for each item. That means you can enter the giveaway four times!

Giveaway ends May 27th. Winner will be announced May 28th. 

Ice Cream Overload

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When a new frozen yogurt place opens up in town, obviously, I have to be there pronto.

So I had a good excuse when my cowgirl sister came home from college and had a craving for some fro-yo. I guess we are related?

We got our yogurt (with a buy one get one free coupon) and talked for 2 hours. About halfway through, the worker came to our table and asked if we would like two free mocha frappuccinos that she accidentally made.

Hmmm let me think about that…YES.

So not only did we enjoy a cup full of yogurt and toppings, we also had an extremely delicious mocha frapp.

And all for $3.24.

Needless to say, we were a bit crazy by the end of the two hours.

So anything stupid I did that day, I blame it on the sugar overdose.

Don’t worry, I’m a functioning sugar-aholic when I need to be.

Mother’s Day

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Happy Mother’s Day!

Hope everyone enjoyed a day with their moms/grandmothers and reminisced on all their favorite memories.

The Cowgirl Sister and I got up early to make our mom some traditional “Breakfast in Bed.”

Crispy french toast with a Green smoothie (strawberries, banana, spinach, yogurt, and milk). Plus some roses from our bush. :)

After breakfast we headed off to church for a Mother’s Day special.

After church, we loaded up the bikes, stopped at Chicken Express, got 12 pieces of fried chicken + 6 biscuits + french fries + mashed potatoes and gravy, and headed off to the lake.

We enjoyed a picnic lunch just like old times (we used to always pick up KFC chicken and play at the lake when we were little) and then went on a bike ride on a bunch of new trails!

{Word for the wise…do not eat a months worth of fried food in one sitting then go on a bike ride. I am reminded why I like eating healthy foods more than fried.}

Once we got home, I gave my mom her gift which was an altered, antique book I made in art class that was kind of a scrap-book of my parent’s wedding. I worked really hard on it all year and was very exited to give it to her.

We are currently eating chocolate and fiesta salad and watching Tangled.

What did you do for Mother’s Day?  

P.S. I was just notified that this was the 100th post I have written. Yay!

Care Package

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I sent my sister at college a care package a couple of months back and thought I would share it with you. Getting a gift is one feeling, but giving a gift is a whole ‘nother.

So if you have someone in mind who could use a care package, here is an idea. (Of course, this was custom made to fit her favorite foods! You can easily switch it up.)

Some Swedish Fish for those omega 3′s

A pack of tea for your new tea-pot

Whatever mood you are in, there is a tea bag in this box for it

A LaraBar for that extra strength to climb mountains, swim laps, or do homework

Golden raisins because they are “much better than regular”

A pack of peanut M’M's for those midnight cravings (but this has some substance!)

And last but definitely not least, York Peppermint Pattie Coffee Creamer

I squealed out loud in Wal-Mart when these caught my eye and they happily jumped into the cart.

Hope your having a marvelous month!

April Showers & May Flowers

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April was so busy, yet fun. And now, May is flying by too!

In April…

I turned 18:

It’s a Whole Foods birthday gift card! Get it? I think its beyond creative.

Spent my birthday weekend in the amazing state of Colorado with my favorite outdoor guide:

I also ate some yummy food on the trip, including a roasted veggie pizza that was to die for. Naturally, I remembered to take a picture after I finished my fourth piece…

I did manage to snap some pictures of my airport snacks (how exciting) and my last breakfast in Colorado at a local cafe.

Veggie omelet, hash browns, home-made biscuits, giant chocolate chip pancake, and coffee.

 This weekend, I attended a church conference with my mom which was AWESOME. Not to mention we got chocolate bars the first night, spa gift cards the second night, and had a make your own smores bar the third night! (Plus cupcakes, popcorn, lemonade, and chocolate, chocolate, chocolate.) A foodies’ kind of conference right? ;)

So basically, April came and went within 2.5 seconds. Plus, I am thinking May is going to be pretty busy also with classes finishing up, relatives and friends coming in, graduation shenanigans, and making summer plans. At least it is all things to look forward too! (And with graduation in two weeks, maybe after I will finally have time to blog!)

Happy May Day,

Nicole

Seven Days.

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Here is a quick little workout “challenge.”

To say I’ve been lacking in the physical exercise department is a understatement so here is some motivation (for me and you!).

(adapted from a picture of pinterest)

30 jumping jacks

5 push ups

30 high knees

7 burpees

10 crunches

5 push ups

10 squats

30 jumping jacks

30 second wall sit

5 push ups

30 high knees

Repeat x2.

Ready?

Set?

Jump!

Pinned Image

via

Lately

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Eating Lately:

I won a two pound bag of chia seeds from a Facebook giveaway from Chelsey and could not wait for them to come in  the mail.

The first thing I put them on was an oatmeal pancake topped with greek yogurt, strawberries, chia seeds, and maple syrup (put on after photo).  Yum Yum….my body was very thankful for all the nutrients.

Ok so I actually havent had fro-yo for about two weeks but this was the first time I photographed my addiction so I wanted to put the picture on here.

I actually ate this right after I had a doctor appointment about IBS/stomach problems and was told to eliminate dairy for a week and see how I felt. I tried not to think about the fact that dairy is my main protein source and I have at least 3 servings a day (milk, yogurt, cheese, fro-yo). And the fact that I put cheese on pretty much everything. But, if my stomach will act normally with no dairy, I will oblige. Personally I think its more than just dairy (although I would be SO happy if it was just that) because I have problems for years but we will just have to see.

Doing Lately:

School.

Counting down to graduation (29 days!)

Homework.

Stress.

Papers.

Projects.

Stress.

Minimal exercise.

School.

Basically, every week is spent doing homework and work during the week and weekends are spent preparing graduation stuff, (more homework,) finalizing college preparations and trying to catch up on some sleep.

Oh and while I am mindlessly getting through the next month, I’ve got a very great singer who will keep me company:

Oh Pandora,  how I love thee.

Loving Lately:

I just found Chasing Big Dreams blog today and am already in love! Carrie is such an encourager and dream chaser…so inspiring.

I would love, love to work at this bakery. :)

I might just need to get this app. My sleeping has been anything but restful lately!

To say I love peanut butter is a huge understatement. But Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Peanut Butter? Just give me spoon!

What have you been up to lately?

Anyone else struggle with a dairy/lactose intolerance?

Easter Sunday

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Happy Easter! How did you spend this lovely Sunday? I usually work on Sundays so it was quite enjoyable having it off. :)

Check out my Easter basket!! The Easter bunny must have known it’s my last Easter at home till I’m away at college. ;)

I hate to admit it but somehow all those little peanut butter eggs are gone….

I also spent the day questioning my dad as to why this little duck didn’t end up in my basket. I have only been hinting for a month. ;) I think our pool would suit him just well.

And to end the day, we went on a great rainy bike ride. God’s nature never ceases to amaze me.

Have a great night!