Healthy 5 Minute Chickpea Salad

Just like everyone else, I lead a very busy life.  Finding time to prepare meals just seems impossible.  I am always look for cheap, easy and healthy meals that I can easily pack up and take to lunch for the work week.  One of my favorite things to make is different variations of chickpea salads.  Chickpeas are packed with fiber, so they keep you full all day long.  Throw in some veggies and some kind of light sauce and you are good to go!  One thing you need to watch for, though is they are packed with sodium, so buy the reduced sodium versions.

I thought I would share a quick recipe that I often make to carry me through the week.  I often have these ingredients lying around and it's easy for me to pack up for a lunch and take to work.  I also love that it's so easy to make and it normally keeps me pretty full throughout the day.

Ingredients:

1 Can of garbanzo beans

1/4 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)

1 cup of cucumbers (diced)

1/4 cup of feta cheese

2 TBSP olive oil

Juice from 1/2 lemon

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1/2 TSP dried dill

Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

Drain the chickpeas (AKA garbanzo beans) and toss into a large bowl.  Next cut your grape or cheery tomatoes in half and toss with the garbanzo beans.  Add in your diced cucumber and crumbled feta.  Stir in your oil, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar.  Add your dried dill and stir.  Lastly, add in your desired amount of salt and pepper.   This will either make 2-3 large salads or about 4-5 side dishes.  Enjoy!!

Fall Fashion Essentials

Summer is slowly coming to an end, sigh, but that only means fall is approaching! There is just something about fall that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I love cozying up in big knit sweaters while drinking my pumpkin spice latte. The cool-crisp air really is something special that can only be annotated by fall. Fortunately, with the onset of a new season comes shopping! This season, we are seeing a lot of comfortable clothing turned glam (i.e. the embellished tee and joggers), leopard print layers, and graphic prints. If you're struggling with what pieces to add to your fall wardrobe, don't worry! I have it all taken care of for you! See my list below for items to snag on your next shopping trip.

 1. The robe jacket- This one by Vince looks oh-so-comfy.  Totally swooning over this option.

2. Western booties- I am totally obsessing over these ones from Steve Madden - for sure going on my fall must-have list.

 3. Extreme turtle necks- This version from Necessary Clothing looks like something I am willing to live in throughout all of fall and winter... maybe even spring?

4. Rocker statement necklace- Dannijo successfully created the perfect touch of edginess for your fall look with this rocker statement necklace.

5. Statement bags- Graphic prints are all the rage this season - from sunnies, to knits tops.  Kate Spade is a trend-setter when it comes to this fashion statement; and hand bags are her specialty.  This Kate Spade bag will complete any look this fall.

6. Capes/ponchos- Now you don't need an excuse to leave the house wrapped in a blanket!  This H&M poncho will keep you warm and fuzzy while maintaining your style.

7. Leopard layers- Layering is still in... and so is leopard print- so try this leopard jacket from WHBM

8. Midi Skirts- The perfect way to add a touch of feminine flair to your fall pallet.  I love this one from LuLus

Coconut Hair Mask Treatment

 

I have always been envious of one of my best friend's hair.  She could always grow it so long and it looked gorgeous, thick, and healthy.  I always tried to imitate her long-locked look, but my hair just never looked as good.   Every time I tried to grow it out, it just looks unhealthy and straggly.  So one day I finally asked her how she grew her hair so long and it still looked healthy.  Her response: Coconut oil.  Ahh, now this makes sense.  No one could really have that beautiful of hair without a secret weapon, right?  So it got me thinking, maybe I should try using coconut oil in my hair.  I have used it before to make body butter and sugar scrub, and I have always been amazed at how this simple household ingredient can work such moisturizing wonders. 

After scouring through many blogs and tutorials on hair care treatment, here is a recipe I concocted based off of the needs I was looking for. It's so simple and easy, I have no idea why I haven't tried it before.

     1/2 cup of coconut oil     
                1/3 cup of honey                   

 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar 

 I used coconut oil as my main ingredient to moisturize and strengthen my hair.  Honey, helps to condition and will also lighten your hair over time.  Lastly, I used a small amount of apple cider vinegar which helps remove product build up and increases shine.

Mix the ingredients together and melt in the microwave for about 45 seconds.  If the coconut oil is not fully melted, that is okay, just keep stirring and it will eventually melt.  If you let the mixture sit for a little bit, it will separate, which is fine, just stir again.  

I applied to my damp, brushed hair using a wide paddle paint bush concentrating on the ends.  I then pulled my hair up into a bun and let sit for about an hour.  Then just wash it out as normal!  I actually had to wash my hair out twice.  I have pretty fine hair, so the coconut oil did not fully wash out after the first wash.  Just make sure you thoroughly wash your hair after the application.  If you have really course hair, you may want to apply this mask every few days or once a week.  For fine hair, every month or so should help to moisturize and strengthen your hair.  The recipe above should last you a few applications.  Feel free to double or triple to make it last longer.  The coconut oil may begin to harder over time, so just pop in the microwave to remelt.