No Bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls

No Bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls


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So there is NO denying my sweet tooth!  I have tried everything that I can to get rid of it, but it simply won't go away.. how rude, right?!  So sometimes I have to get clever and make something that gets my sweet tooth, but is somewhat healthy.

My one coworker brought in these AMAZING no bake peanut butter energy balls and I was HOOKED!  She put some flaxseed in them, which you totally couldn't tell that it was in there.  However, I usually don't have that on hand.  So I make mine without it!  Here is her recipe that she graciously shared with me and I use OVER and OVER again!

There is really no "right" way to make these no bake peanut butter energy balls!  If you want to use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter.. go ahead!  (You may just have to play around with the mixture of oatmeal to ensure it isn't too wet).  You want to put dried cherries in there?  BAM!  Throw them in!  I put a little bit more chocolate chips in there than what other recipes call for... But I told you that I had a sweet tooth!

No Bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Ingredients


  1.  1/2 cup peanut butter
  2. 3 tbsp honey
  3. 1/4 tsp vanilla
  4. Dash of salt
  5. 1 1/4 cup oatmeal (I use Quaker Instant Oats)
  6. 1/2 cup chocolate chips**
  7. 1/3 cup raisins (optional) 
** 1 tbsp ground flaxseed You can decrease the chocolate chips to only 1/3 cup if you don't want it as sweet.  Also, if you're using more than 1 "chip" (like raisins), then I recommend using at the most 1/3 cup for each of them.
  • Mix all ingredients into a bowl
  • Make into small bite-sized balls
  • Place on nonstick surface and refrigerate for at least 3 hours
  • Can keep these for up to 7-10 days (sometimes after 7 days, they're not as fresh).



The great thing about this recipe is that YOU can make it however you want!  And it is completely NO BAKE!!  All you need is one bowl, and a container or nonstick surface!

Sometimes, I will just place parchment paper in the bottom of a tupperware container and then stack the energy balls on top.  Layer of energy balls, layer of parchment paper, layer of energy balls, layer of parchment paper.. and so on.  This way, I don't have to take up a bunch of room in my refrigerator!

Well I hope that you enjoyed this recipe of my favorite no bake peanut butter energy balls!  Make sure that you pin this to your Pinterest board for future use!!



Thanks for stopping by!

💓-Ashley

Layered Blazer Outfits

This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience.  Please see my disclosure policy here.

I *may* have a slight obsession with my striped knit blazer!  There is NO denying it!! I also love to have one piece of clothing that I can wear numerous times!  So here I have rounded up a couple different and unique options for awesome layered blazer outfits!



Look 1:  Layered with a Hoodie and Sneakers



This may be my absolute favorite layered blazer look!  So absolutely comfortable with a hoodie and sneakers, but then chic with the blazer!  Here is the ultimate layered look!!  I used an old hoodie that I have, but linked similar ones for you!



Look 2:  Layered with a Belt and Pumps



There's no denying that I love these under $50 pumps!  I loved them so much, that I did an entire blog post about them!  You can read it here!  So here I paired the blazer with shorts, pumps, and a leopard belt!  A little bit of pattern mixing never hurt anyone, right?! This would be an awesome outfit to wear to a happy hour or a night out!!



Look 3: Layered with a Chambray Shirt



This is SUCH another cool layering option!  Grab your favorite chambray shirt, and wear it under the knit blazer!  Grab some distressed crop, and those infamous pumps and you're ALL set!! 


Look 4:  Layered with your Favorite Graphic Tee



Here is another awesome layered blazer outfit!  This look is SUPER comfortable!  Stretchy jeans, stretchy blazer, a graphic tee, and sneakers!  How could you go wrong?!  This is a great option for going out shopping for the day!!


Also, my motto is "Choose Happy", so this graphic tee is my absolute FAVORITE!  You could also wear it for the holidays like Christmas and Valentine's Day!!

Look 5: With Knit Joggers and Pumps



If you're looking for a super comfortable work-appropriate outfit, then THIS is your outfit!! How could you go wrong with soft joggers and a knit blazer? You simply cannot!  Comfortable AND polished!


Look 6:  With Knit Joggers and Sneakers



While this isn't super layered.. I still put it in the layered blazer option! If your feet need a break from the pumps, just swap them out for some sneakers! Super comfortable from head-to-toe!!


Which look for you like best?!  With the pumps or the sneakers?!


Here are some awesome layered blazer outfits for you!  Which one is your favorite?!

Thanks for stopping by!

💓- Ashley

Probiotic Coffee




This post may contain affiliate links for your shopping convenience.  You can read more about my disclosures here


I don't know about you.. but when I am running out of the door at 6am (or 6pm) before a shift.. I usually forget ALL of my vitamins!!  Well not anymore!  I get my [much needed] coffee AND my probiotics ALL in ONE with this probiotic-infused coffee!!

Did you know that there is a coffee that is infused with probiotics?! I didn't until I heard about @drinkvitacup ! 

It is a medium-blend coffee that is infused with vitamins and minerals including probiotics, aloe vera, and vitamins B1, B5, B6, B9, and B12! This coffee saves time, tastes great, and makes me feel good with noticable more energy! Oh, and it helps with immunity and the promotion of gut health with the probiotics! It's a win-win! 

It is compatible with most pod coffee machines like Keurigs!



Help your immunity, help your gut health.. feel better with this cup of coffee!! 

Grab yours here!! 

Thanks for stopping by!

💓- Ashley

Change Your Shoes, Change Your Look!


This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. You can see more about my disclosures here.


Change your Shoes, Change your Look!

I LOVE finding different ways to wear one outfit.  With being on a budget, I need to ensure that I can wear outfits numerous ways!  Also, I love how you can just swap out your shoes and bring out a completely different look!  I am going to show you two different looks, and the only thing I changed was my SHOES!

For both of my looks, I'm wearing my favorite striped blazer, a basic black tank, and super soft joggers!  And then all I did was swap out my shoes for two completely different looks!

Can I just say that joggers are the most amazing invention, EVER!  They look classy, but feel so soft like pajamas!  Add in a knit blazer, and that is PURE COMFORT!  I mean, who doesn't want to look classy, but feel like they're wearing pajamas?!

Look 1:  Sneakers



Can I just say that I LOVE that Adidas Superstars are BACK!  My childhood dreams are all coming true!!  Make sure that you are sizing down.  I sized down a WHOLE size in these!!

This look looks trendy but with ULTIMATE comfort!  Sneakers + Knit Blazer + Soft Joggers = COMFORT!  You can't go wrong!!

Look 2:  Pumps



Ahh, these are my absolute favorite pumps!  I loved them so much, I also have them in beige!!  They are quite comfortable, for being a pointy pump!! The pumps just instantly glams up any outfit!!  You're still uber comfortable, but look a little more polished with the pumps!

What do you think?!  Which look do you prefer?  Sneakers or pumps!?

If you have any questions, drop them in the comments!

Thanks for stopping by!

💓- Ashley

Fitness Fridays -- Sports Bras


Sports Bras

This post contains affiliate links.  Meaning I may be compensated for linking these items for you convenience.  See my disclosure and affiliate policy here .

1. Core 10  | 2. Tek Gear  | 3. Champion  | 4. Nike  | 5. Nike  | 6. Syrokan | 7. Gaiam | 8. Champion 

Happy Friday!!  I'm taking a step away from the fitness tips, and talking about SPORTS BRAS!  Ladies, you know if you don't have a good sports bra, and you're trying to work it.. it just doesn't work!  So today, I will be talking about different sports bras and which ones work best with different workouts!!

Sports Bras are described by the impact in which your activity you will be doing.  Most likely, low impact, medium impact, or high impact!  If you are blessed with a larger chest, then I would recommend at least a medium impact sports bras.  Those girls need support!

I wear a sports bra everyday.  Being a nurse, and all the physical aspects of nursing, it is just easier for me to wear a sports bra.  I wear #3 all day at work, and even when working out!  It is my absolute FAVORITE!



Low Impact


Low impact sports bras are for those activities that are more low impact!  Yoga and Pilates are great examples of where you would want a low impact sports bra.  Also, if you like gentle walking in the neighborhood or treadmill, you could get away with it.

1. Core 10
2. Tek Gear

Medium Impact 


I love medium impact sports bras!  I am not the thinnest person around and feel like the high impact squeezes my extra skin and gives we weird lumps.  So I wear medium impact!  I wear this Champion sports bra every day!  They hold up well in the wash, and hold my girls in!!  I wear this for running and lifting!

3. Champion 
4. Nike 

High Impact

High impact sports bras are for those activities that the girls will be bouncing a little bit more.  Running or boxing is a great example of more high impact activities.  My sister, Lindsay, is a marathon runner and wears these Nike sports bras to run.
5. Nike 
6. Syrokan 

Strappy

Sometimes you just want to wear something cute.  Am I right?!  Also, I don't know about you.. but I just sit around in my workout clothes hoping that it will motivate me to work out.  So strappy sports bras are for YOU!  They have various degrees of impact, so you will have to see if you can go running in them!
7:  Gaiam 
8. Champion 



I hope that you found a great sports bra for whatever activity you choose!  Thanks for stopping by!

💓- Ashley


How to Wear a Blazer [For Spring]

How to Wear a Blazer - For Spring



This post may contain affiliate links for you convenience.  Which mean I may receive compensation if you make a purchase through one of my links.  Please see my disclosure here.

I love me a great knit blazer!  You know, the ones that feel like a comfy sweatshirt, but look polished?  Yes!  Those ones!! Well you don't have to just wear them in the fall and winter.  You can easily transition them into spring, as well!  Here I am going to show you how to wear a blazer, various ways, and all spring-appropriate!



Look 1: Butter Denim + Ruffle Tank + Pumps



Here is the first way I am going to show you how to wear a blazer!  This would be appropriate for a business-casual work event, or an evening out with your girlfriends!  I love these pumps and how they instantly make any look more trendy!  They are so comfortable (for a pump).

Look 2: Shorts + Graphic Tee + Pumps



The second way I will show you how to wear a blazer is with shorts and a graphic tee!  I think this MIGHT be my favorite look!  All you have to do is grab your favorite graphic tee, add a cuffed pair of shorts, and those popular pumps, and you're good to go!

Look 3:  T- Shirt + Butter Denim + Sneakers



The next way I will show you how to wear a blazer is another favorite of mine!  I'm not sure if I love this look the best, or the previous one!  Any any rate, here I just used a tee shirt, my favorite pair of butter denim, and sneakers!  It is SUCH a comfortable outfit because everything is ALL COMFORT!  Butter denim.. YES!  Knit blazer.. YES!  Sneakers.. YES!  How could you go wrong?!

Look 4:  Boyfriend Chinos + Pumps



The final way I am going to show you how to wear a blazer is with some boyfriend chinos and those trusty pumps!  Boyfriend chinos are so nice because they are comfortable, but still look polished!

I think you are sensing a theme of this post, right?!  It is all about comfort.. ALL of the time!  Why should you sacrifice comfort for looking great?!  You don't have to!


Here is a real-life version of how to wear a blazer!  I went out for a little girl's day with my sister and we shopped, had some iced coffee, and went and had a pedicure!  Nothing is better than some sister time. 

Also, if you're wondering how I do my top knot.  You can watch a super quick video here.

Thank you so much for stopping by and reading about how to wear a blazer!  Which one is your favorite look?!  Let me know!!  I would love to hear your thoughts!

💔-Ashley

International Women's Day - Jane Campaign


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International Women's Day

Happy International's Women's Day!! Friday, March 8, 2019 is International Women’s Day!  With this, Jane will be celebrating this day with a three day even from March 6- March 8.  If you didn’t know, I have a deep love for Jane.  I also have a deep love for supporting women in all avenues of life, and supporting small businesses.  Here are me and some of my favorite ladies, celebrating LIFE!








Here are some fun facts regarding how awesome Jane is and how awesome they are at supporting women: 
  • Did you know that 88% of ALL sellers on Jane are the owners of their small business?
  • This equates to over 2,000 sellers which are all boss ladies!!
  • Jane also believe in little ol’ me, and has empowered me to be me my own boss lady by this blog!  For that I am forever grateful!


Here are some of my awesome Jane finds, supporting women, supporting small businesses, and supporting Jane. [If you didn't know already.  I have made over 100 personal purchases from Jane!  I absolutely adore this company (even before I started my blogging journey)!  Here are some of my most recent finds! Please note, that these specific deals may not be sold on Jane right now.  Jane has amazing new deals which can change DAILY!]

Addi loves her "pack pack" from Jane.

How awesome is this little Tooth Fairy tooth holder?

 #obsessed with this scalloped hem shirt from Jane!

One awesome Jane shirt, styled three ways!!

#StrongLikeYou

If you want to have tears flowing today..Check out this video (and many others) for the #StrongLikeYou Campaign that Jane has to showcase the strength of women.  Women are strong and resilient beings.  Add in being a mama. .and man are we UNSTOPPABLE!   I was literally sobbing at my kitchen table as I watched this video.  I have had two family members who have suffered (and lost their battles) with glioblastomas.  So this video in particular really touched me.

Extended Sizing at Jane 

Beauty comes in every shape and size!  Jane realized that and now created a landing page for extended sizes!  This awesome new addition has started TODAY and can be found here:  Jane Extended Sizes Landing Page.  This page will include an array of clothing items XXL or higher.  These deals can (and probably will) include standard sizing, as well!

To all of the ladies.. if you need a reminder.  YOU are beautiful.  YOU are amazing.  YOU are awesome!  Keep being strong.  Keep supporting one another.  Keep motivating one another!  I am in your corner, cheering you on, today and every day. Happy International Women's Day!

Thanks for stopping by!

💓- Ashley



How to Style Black Jeans

How to Style Black Jeans


This post does contain affiliate links for your convenience.  Which means I may be compensated if you make a purchase.  Please read my disclosures here.

I absolutely LOVE these black jeans!  They are so comfortable, have so much stretch, and have stayed their true color in many washes!!   And quickly realized how versatile these really were!  I can dress them up with a blazer, or dress them down with some booties!  Here I am going to show you different ways of how to style black jeans!  I recommend sizing down on these jeans, because they do stretch out!

Look 1:  Peplum Sweater and Flats


I know that people are thinking ahead of spring.  But it is just still so cold that I have to wear clothes to keep me warm!  These black jeans were perfect with a peplum sweater and flats for an evening out!  Cute, warm, and comfortable!!

Look 2:  Pattern Mixing with a Blazer


There's no question I love my knit blazers!  They are so so comfortable and chic!  I also love pattern mixing!  Mix it up and be a little unique.  Add in my favorite black jeans and some pumps and you are ready to go!!!

Look 3:  Faux Leather Jacket and Pumps

I think this is my all time favorite look!  I love the look of the faux leather jacket with the stripes and pumps, styled with the black jeans!  Add in a top knot that is on fleek, and your date night just got a little hotter!!

If you want to know how to do a top knot, you can check out my top knot tutorial here.

4. Half-Tucked Striped Tee and Pumps



I used the same shirt, black jeans, and pumps from the above outfit!  I just took off the faux leather jacket, and front-tucked my shirt.  Boom!  You have another awesome outfit!!  You are ready for girl's night!

Look 5:  Denim Jacket, Booties, and a Scarf



I love me a good denim jacket!  I have had this one for jeans and it has been so good to me!  You can wear it with sweats, dresses, black jeans.. whatever you want to!  Add a scarf and some booties, and you styled your black jeans for a cool look!!

Look 6:  A Graphic Tee and a Knit Blazer



A funny graphic tee just makes me laugh!  Especially this one!  I love how a knit blazer and pumps can instantly glam up any outfit! 

You can see how many ways you can style black jeans!  I hope that you found a couple ways to for you to style black jeans.  Which one is your favorite?!

Thanks for stopping by!

💓- Ashley

Best Pumps for Spring and Summer


This post may contain affiliate links.  Meaning I will be earn a small commission for linking these here for your convenience.  Please see my disclosure here.

Before I buy something, especially a pair of shoes, I want to ensure that I will actually WEAR them!  I don't want to spend $50 and have the shoes sit in my closet.  However, if I am going to wear them again and again.. then $50 is a steal!  Also, check on their main website, because I have seen a $10 off coupon work for these beauts!

This ONE pair of pumps will transition you all through spring and summer!  These are SO cute, SO comfortable (for a pair of pumps), and will go with practically anything!


Look 1: Tie-front Tank and Cropped Jeans 


This look is all about polished and casual style!  This tank will also be a HUGE trend for the spring and summer!  These waffle knit, tie-front tops were all of the internet in the winter; so I am expecting no different in the spring and summer!  The top is super comfortable, super cute, and very affordable!  I LOVE the pumps with this outfit to make it look more polished!

Look 2:  Graphic Tee, Blazer, and Shorts



For the second look, I wanted to pair a staple that I already had in my closet; this knit blazer!  So I paired it with cuffed shorts, a graphic tee, and the pumps!  I am LOVING this look!  And that my legs look SUPER long because of the color of the pumps!  

Look 3: A Basic White Tee and Crops



Sometimes, you just need to grab a basic white tee, and pair it with a pair of pumps, to make yourself feel GOOD!  You know what I mean?!  I am loving how polished and hip these pumps are making this look!!  Also, this is one of my favorite white tees.  It is soft, flowy, doesn't hug my mommy belly, and non-sheer!

Look 4:  A Spring Dress



I am obsessed with this geometric print of this spring dress!  However, I didn't want my shoes to make it too busy.  So I put on my trusty pumps, and LOVE the look of it!!

All-in-all, you can see the versatility of these pumps!  They can go from a pair of jeans, to a dress, to workwear!  I also have them in black and they are just as fabulous!


I hope that you love these pumps as much as I do!  And I hope that once you get them, they make you feel as incredible as they make me feel!

You can keep up-to-date, by following me on social media!  I have both Facebook and Instagram!  I would LOVE for you to follow me there!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

💓- Ashley