Power Boost Breakfast

Well, it's the last day of March and I'm still sticking strong to my New Year's Resolution of creating a healthier lifestyle. In fact, I'm down 6lbs this month! I'd attribute that to the fact that I've upped my workout game from 2-3 times a week to 4-5 times a week. This means a lot more soreness and fatigue, and a need to increase my protein and carb load. So I figured why not start with the most important meal of the day? 

I used to skip breakfast almost everyday. Terrible, I know. I didn't think that I had time for breakfast. And besides, I wasn't even hungry anyway... So no harm done right? But really, my body was so used to being denied food in the morning that it stopped sending hunger signals to my brain. Not good. And as far as the whole not having time excuse, that was just pure crap. There is always time to take care of yourself if you make it a priority. Now that I work out first thing in the morning most days, I need to eat breakfast and a hearty one at that. My new favorite breakfast...scrambled eggs with red onion, avocado, and smoked salmon on toast. 

Smoked Salmon

I love the salty flavor and a little bit goes a long way. Smoked salmon is an excellent source of protein and  omega-3's. It's also a great source of iron, something most women don't get enough of. An iron deficiency means less oxygen circulating in your blood, which leads to fatigue (plus other very bad stuff) and Ain't nobody got time for that!

Eggs 

Ah where do I begin? Vitamin B, Vitamin E, Vitamin A. Lots of different vitamins and nutrients all in one little egg. 

Avocado

There is a reason that avocados are a super food! Packed with fiber and essential nutrients; avocados are a great source of healthy fats. Avocados level out your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, and help your digestion. Plus, they contain oleic acid, which helps to make your body feel full. 

Red Onion

I honestly just added these for flavor, but it turns out that they function as an antioxidant too! 

Oatmeal Wheat Toast

When people are trying to lose weight (as I am), bread seems to be one of those things that is automatically eliminated. But not all breads are created the same. In fact, whole grain breads can be an excellent source of fiber and minerals. 

This breakfast covers so many different food groups, fills me up, and helps meet many of my daily nutritional requirements. Plus, it tastes amazing so I love it. 

Eat Clean & Stay Well 

A Day in the Life: Weekend Edition

For this month's version of A Day in the Life of a Dental Student...I thought that I would mix things up a little by showing what my weekends look like. I've been told that weekends can be wonderfully relaxing and have even been fortunate enough to experience a few of these myself. But for the most part, my weekends are typically longer than my school days. Or at least they feel that way. 

March Budget

Hello Lovelies. As usual, I'm linking up with the Budgeting Bloggers to share what I bought and how much I spent on clothes and accessories this month. I've been so excited that the weather is warming up (at least here in the South), so my March purchases are defintiely a reflection of that. 

Weekend Fun!

It's time for some Weekend Fun! I mean that kind of ironically of course because being a dental school student leaves very little time for fun. Weekends are actually my best study days, but you guys I try so hard to make sure I have at least a little fun each weekend. So between hitting the books I managed to squeeze in a lunch date, some amazing workouts, and some good old fashioned me time! 

Créme de Menthe Brownies

Top of the morning to ya Lads and Lassies and Hooray for St. Patty's Day 2015! What better way to celebrate a holiday (or any day for that matter) than with some sweet treats? And nothing pairs together quite like chocolate and mint. I love chocolate in any form really, but my absolute favorite way to have mint is with a créme de menthe liquor. I knew I needed to figure out a way to merge these two loves and today seemed like the perfect time to debut the 

choclatey gooey minty goodness 

that is these brownies!  

Afternoon Tea at the Jefferson Hotel!

Husband and I were in Richmond Virginia this weekend for a wedding. And if you're ever in Richmond, there is one place that you have to visit...

The Jefferson Hotel! 

High class elegance with a unique history...this place has it all. And since it was a dreary day outside, I couldn't think of a better way for Tom and I to spend the afternoon than cozying up inside with hot tea and scones.

We headed to Richmond's historical district and while all of the buildings there were beautiful, nothing stands out quite like The Jefferson. 

3.14-15 Happy Pi Day!

Happy Pi Day Everyone! This one is particularly special indeed because today's date makes up the first 5 digits of Pi...that won't happen again for another 100 years! Husband double majored in math and finance so we always celebrate Pi Day. With everything I've been trying to cram into this past week, I kind of forgot to plan ahead for it. But we couldn't let today go by unacknowledged so at the last minute, I used ingredients that I already had in my kitchen to whip up this triple berry pie to help us celebrate 3.14-15 right!

SunRise!

I'm a morning person thru and thru. It's always so quiet and solitary first thing in the morning. I have the gym all to myself during my workouts and the peace of the morning makes for the perfect study time. By 10AM, I've accomplished more than some people will all day and I love that. But what I look forward to the most about my early mornings is getting to see the sun rise... such a beautiful sight to witness and it happens everyday! Why would you ever want to sleep through a sunrise?   

loving these reflective windows...

Leather Boots, Navy, & Pearls

After my "Spring Preview" you may be surprised to see me all bundled up again, but that warm weather was very brief indeed. We were teased with a few days of perfect sunny 75 degrees, but then a cold front set in with freezing rain. Only in the South can you experience every season in one week! It may be a while yet before it's consistently warm so until then my floral prints and mini skirts are on stand-by. For now I'm wearing my comfy winter clothing and my favorite boots as much as possible. And I'm loving that this whole ensemble is pulled together with pops of 

Navy and Pearls

Friday Five!

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!

Just thought I'd pop in and share my highlights from this week! 

First is this inspirational quote! It's literally been getting me through all those moments this week where I've just wanted to stay in bed, hide from the world, and not do anything. When I don't want to go to class or go to my 5AM workout...I've been reminding myself of this. Because no matter how I feel in the moment, I'll be thankful for showing up in the end 

Spring Preview

I don't know about you guys, but my instagram feed has literally been filled up with the same photo over and over again. And I'm just like-we get it already. You like to wear Hunter Boots in the Snow and drink Starbucks. Let's do something different! Can you tell that I am so over this winter weather and ready for it to be Spring? 

So Long February...

I have to be honest, I'm kind of excited that February has come to a close. There were some scary family health issues, I had strep throat meaning that I missed A LOT of school, and unfortunately I had to deal with being bullied by a classmate. Definitely glad to close the door on all of those hardships. But in every period of darkness, there is always good to be found, should you choose to focus on it. And that is exactly what I'm choosing to do. So on that note, here are my February Highlights! 

A DIY Valentine's Day Wreath for the Door and some Delicious Chocolates