Chocolate Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cupcakes

I made these for our preggo friend who invited us to dinner the other night.  She requested chocolate cupcakes and of course I had to give her what she wanted.  All that you need is a box of devil's food cake, a cup of shredded zucchini and a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.  Follow the directions on the cake mix, but add slightly less oil than you normally would.  Once all is properly mixed, stir in the zucchini and chocolate chips.  Bake according to the directions on the box.  I used this vanilla buttercream recipe, it doesn't compare to store bought icing and makes such a difference.  What you are left with is a cupcake that is super moist, lower in fat and higher in fiber.  I may or may not have eaten at least 5 over the weekend ; )

Scenes From The Weekend

{pretty shades of spray paint from Christian's new store. Opening soon! Details to come.}This past weekend was definitely a great de-stresser. I got in two sessions of hot yoga, spent time with family and friends, and just relaxed. I hope you have a great week!

 {on the way to yoga}

 {been making good use of my baby rings lately}

 {I need to take notes from my niece and get a pair of zebra shoes}

{made turkey club lettuce wraps with avocado and cilantro mayo}

Eye Candy of The Week

{um, FABULOUS!}

What a week this has been! Beyond happy that it is finally Friday. Some plans for the weekend include hot yoga with my sisters and sister-in-law and dinner at our friends house. Can't wait to just be able to relax and put this stressful week behind me. I hope you enjoy your weekend to the fullest!

 {love this bathing suit}

 {a pop of color can brighten any outfit}

{ombre nails have never been easier}

images via Advanced Style, Honestly WTF, Mr. Newton, Refinery 29

Pinterest

 

{a few of my pins}

Although I've had a Pinterest account for a few months I rarely used it.  I've been toying around with it for the last couple of days and now I see how this can become an addiction.  I'm constantly inspired by different images online or in magazines.  This site is basically your own ORGANIZED virtual inspiration board.  You can follow me here.

Salted Pistachio Lassi

The other night my sister-in-law, Mari and I took our first hot yoga class. The experience was traumatizing yet completely invigorating when all was said and done. I am actually going back for another session tonight. Anyway, the point of my story is that when I got home I didn't really want to eat anything too hearty. I decided to do a take on this salty/sweet lassi. This high protein, low fat smoothie definitely hit the spot. Here's my version...
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup almond milk
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
2 tsp agave nectar
1/4 cup roasted and salted pistachios
Place the pistachios in a food processor and pulse until the are fairly fine. Remove about two teaspoons of the pistachios and set aside.
Add the remaining ingredients to the food processor and blend until well-combined.
Serve over ice, if desired and top with the reserved pistachios.
Makes two servings

DIY: Microbead Nails

{silver microbeads & Hello Merlot by FACE Stockholm for JCrew}

This was the result of me toying around with the idea of creating a studded effect on my nails with the use of microbeads. Pretty simple and definitely eye catching. All you need is nail polish in the color of your choice, microbeads (I bought mine at Michael's), an orange stick, and some clear polish.

Step 1: Paint your nails with two coats of polish. Finish off with clear topcoat

Step 2: Dip the pointed end of the orange stick into the clear polish.

Step 3: Dip orange stick into the beads.

Step 4: Place beads in random patterns onto your nails.

Step 5: Add a final layer of topcoat and let dry.

Scenes From The Weekend

{on our snowy brunch date}

Happy Monday!  This weekend Chris and I re-cooped from getting our teeth extracted like champs.  We even went on a snowy brunch date on Saturday.  Yesterday we spent time with both of our families and watched the game.  What a nail biter!!  Major congrats to the Giants!  Here's a little peek into our weekend....

 {enjoyed some of my mom's homemade Chinese rice}

 {started on a little DIY}

 {did a little damage at Forever 21}

{my sisters, mom, & I indulged in some vegan cupcakes from Sweet Avenue Bake Shop}

Eye Candy of The Week

{a half moon mani & some red lipstick are perfect for adding drama to your ensemble}

I'm happy that the weekend is here, but not so happy about that fact that I have to get two wisdom teeth pulled out today.  The next couple of days will consist of relaxing, some Netflix, and a nice, comforting batch of lentil soup.  Have a great weekend!

 {so pretty and sophisticated}

 {seeing stars and loving it}

 {in love with this burgundy leather skirt; on a side note how cute is Michelle Williams?!}

{I have a feeling mint will be my go to color come springtime}

Images via Karla's Closet, Cheetah is The New Black, Fashion Zen, Popsugar, & Ring My Bell

Essie's Navigate Her Spring 2012 Collection

{Navigate Her - A pale sage green. I'm all over this}

I always get really excited when Essie is about to launch a new seasonal collection.  Next month their new spring 2012 shades will be released.  Essie's Navigate Her is super feminine and fresh with a mixture of brights and pastels.  The inspiration for the collection is "the self-made woman who knows what she wants and exactly how to get it".  I'm totally sold.  Here is a breakdown of the colors...

 {A Crewed Interest - a pretty peach. My top pick!}

 {Ole Caliente - a reddish coral. A definite classic}

 {Orange, It's Obvious - bright tangerine. The color of the season}

 {To Buy Or Not To Buy - a lovely lilac with shimmer. Usually not crazy about shimmer, but I think I will give it a try}

{Tour de Finance - fushia with shimmer. Very fun for spring}

Zuppa Toscana

This soup is perfect for the bitterly cold weather we have been experiencing lately.  It is inspired by one of my favorite soups at the Olive Garden, yes the Olive Garden.  For the recipe click here.

Scenes From The Weekend

{the view during my cold morning jog on Saturday}

 Here are a few shots of this past weekend according to my iPhone...

 {the perfect ending to a fun triple date with my brothers and sisters-in-law}

 {the cutest Giants fan ever!}

 {delicious Italian & Vietnamese style meatball subs made by Matt & Ben}

{Chris and Josiah were hanging out in Josiah's play pen}