Spruce up Your Shadows with some Matte Pigments

If there's something I have quite a bit of, it's shimmery eyeshadows. Between my millions of palettes and MAC eyeshadows, about 95% have a pearlized or shimmer finish. I don't know why it took me this long to realize that I needed some matte eyeshadows in my life.

Say what? Matte eyeshadows? But, aren't eyeshadows supposed to be shimmery? Well, not necessarily. Look at these amazing looks done with matte shadows. There is nothing prettier than a beautifully sculpted eye.

Source: 26.media.tumblr.com via Josie on Pinterest

Source: imgfave.com via Tyana Lin on Pinterest

Source: pin4fun4479.blogspot.com via Vanetta on Pinterest

Anyway, I saw a review for this palette somewhere (can't remember where) and decided I needed it because I needed some matte shadow in my life! I wanted something that was relatively inexpensive and I could create multiple looks from it.

Enter...

TOO FACED MATTE EYE SHADOW COLLECTION

via

The palette comes in very nice, compact, and sturdy packaging (I hate bulky and unnecessary packaging). The palette also comes with a little look book that shows you how to create various looks. I like when a little extra like that is thrown in, but I usually just take one glance at it. I think if you were inexperienced with makeup, this would be very helpful for you.

USING THE PALETTE:

I am wearing the top row of shadows to create my look, along with a bit of Velveteen Bunny (2nd row, far left) as a highlight.

LIKES:
- First of all, you can't beat the price of $36 for 9 shadows.
- The pigment is wonderful. The shadows are easy to apply, no fallout whatsoever, and the consistency is rich.
- I find the shadows very easy to blend and create that awesome sculpted look.
- I really like the color selection of the shadows. I find that they are neutral enough but also aren't just a bunch of browns and blacks. I like the thought of having a violet and blue shade in there. I really like the looks it creates.
- The palette is user friendly, and makeup drawer friendly.

DISLIKE:
- I feel like the top left shade, Tufted Suede, is very close to my eyelid color, and doesn't really provide much for me as far as shadows go. I think it does a good job at evening out the eyelid, but I am just not crazy about the color as something that is supposed to be a highlight. I pretty much only use the other two "highlight" shades as the highlight when I use this palette.

BOTTOM LINE:
- If you are in need of sprucing up your shadows with some matte pigments, I highly recommend this palette.

Are you a die hard shimmer shadow lover or do you prefer the matte look? Do you have any product recommendations for matte shadows? I would love to hear your input in the comments!

Baby O. in Photos {volume 10}

Today is the first day of school with students today! Wishing all of my teacher friends and their kids a great first day!

Since I will definitely be missing my little girl throughout the day today, I thought it only appropriate to have Miss Kennedy take over the blog. She is growing so much and learning so much each day. I just love her to pieces and I have been missing her so much while I'm away from her. Maybe these pictures will help me feel better!

HAPPY MONDAY!
Hope Kennedy could brighten you day just as much as she brightens mine!

Can't get enough of her? Follow me on instagram for more! Fair warning: it's pretty much all I post.

May Books $20 Shop Credit Giveaway!

I want to share something with y'all. The website is maybooks.com. They specialize in custom notebooks, which are all made to order and sewn together by a person. They have great options for their books - academic planners, weekly planners, calendar year planners, bump diaries, meal planners, and just plain pretty notebooks.

via

You see, I am not a huge fan of bulky planners. There's a certain planner that everyone loves, but I just can't wrap my head around why there is so much hype. Yes, the personalization is very cute! The planners are pretty and great as desk calendars, but just not what I needed. I have seen one in the flesh, and I just find it to be way too bulky and the price to be way too hefty. If you love these planners, that's good for you, I just am not a fan.

I love using Google Calendar. Greg and I will put events into our calendars and share them with each other so we both know what is going on with each other at all times. I used to write in a small planner each academic year, and it really helped to keep me organized. I am just very nervous about the upcoming school year. Between school, play rehearsal, Kennedy's mother's day out, doctor's appointments, Greg's schedule, and oh... my social life, I thought it might be a good idea to grab something to keep me on track, alongside my Google Calendar.

I wanted something I could easily throw in my purse / school bag / diaper bag and not take up too much space. When I stumbled upon May Books, I thought it was perfect! I needed something simple. I didn't need stickers or tabs or ziploc bags. I wanted a cute, small planner.

Bada bing!

Ain't she purdy? I love how small it is! It's a little bigger than a 5x7". The only thing I don't like about it is that the monthly calendars are all in the front and the weekly planners are in the back. I kind of wished that the weekly planners were behind each month, in chronological order. Perhaps May Books will read this and take that into consideration for next year? Eh?

Despite that one little qualm, I love mine so much! And since I love my May Book so much, I want to buy one for one lucky reader! Enter to win using the Rafflecopter widget below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

On Going Back to Work (again)

If you've been around for a little while, you know that I'm a teacher and I first went back to work from my maternity leave in March. I had an amazing nine weeks with my little girl, but let me tell you, it was so tough going back.

Today, I find myself in a very similar situation. Here I am, starting work again after summer. Back into the daily grind.

This time is a little bit different. This time I'm going back for a full academic year instead of three months.

Also, Miss Kennedy will be going to a 5-day a week Mother's Day Out program at a catholic church close to my school (so yeah, daycare, but with a fancier name). It's an 8:00-2:45 program, which means Greg will drop her off and I will pick her up. Luckily Greg's job has a lot of flexibility and he will be able to bring her in later or pick her up earlier sometimes. She had an amazing couple of months with Katie, but it would be unfair for us to ask Katie to be committed to us long term, especially if she wanted to put her toddler in school or go back to work. We are so grateful for Katie! 

Anyway, this school year we're putting her in this program and it was highly recommended to us by one of my coworkers. When I visited I just got that vibe that it is going to be a great place for Kennedy to spend her time. There are only 6 infants at the room at most, and not all of the infants will be there every day. There are three teachers in the room, so there is a lot of one-on-one time. I'm nervous about Kennedy going to "school" but I know that she will love the interaction with people and other babies. She is such a social creature. She got a little taste of it this summer when I took her to the gym with me and she got to hang out in the kids club, and she never had a single problem there. So while I know she will thrive, there is still the one tinge of nervousness. Not to mention, I just don't want to leave her. I adore being her mama and the routine we've had over the summer.

Can you blame me? Would you want to leave this angel?

Today is Kennedy's first day of "school." I wish her teachers could text me pictures all day like Katie did. I will probably be the crazy person asking them to.

But what gets me more than having to leave her during the school day, is that I will assume normal job responsibilities again. When I went back from maternity leave, I  left at the end of normal school hours and didn't even look back. This year is different. That means, I'm working after school directing plays and doing the millions of other things a high school theatre teacher and director does. My job is not a normal teacher's job. I don't leave for the day at 3:15 and grade papers at home. I stay after school until at least 5:00 p.m., and on dress rehearsals and show nights, I can be there until 10:00 p.m. This is a bit unnerving to think about trying to do this while at the same time being a wife and a mom to an infant. I feel a little better because I will be taking Kennedy with me after school to rehearsal and have some of the kids be responsible for watching her in my presence as I direct. It might be a distraction to have her there but I'm hoping to work through it.

I feel terrible having Greg be responsible for picking up a lot of the slack from when I will have show nights or other baby-free commitments that will keep me away, although I know he is more than capable of being there for her. He is such a great dad and I am so thankful for him. Why can't I just do it all?!

We're gonna get through this. Going back is always hard, but with hard work and keeping a detailed calendar, I'm sure we can do it.

Working mamas, if you have any advice, please impart it on me! I am sure I am probably freaking out being away from my baby as you're reading this. And yeah, if you could think some good thoughts for me, that would be awesome, too.

8 Months

Today my sweet little Kennedy is 8 Months old! Can you believe it?! Look at those teeth!!!

KENNEDY LATELY:
- We have hit a lot of milestones between seven and eight months, and she is just blossoming and has the most wonderful personality to go along with it!
- When we were on Cape Cod, Kennedy sprouted a tooth randomly one day. She didn't even fuss. Then the next day, she had another tooth, and then the next day... another! She has three bottom teeth right now. She was so happy throughout teething. I know this isn't the end of it, so let's hope she keeps the good attitude up!
- She is getting really close to crawling. When I sit her down on her bottom, she immediately tries to get in a crawling position. She will reach for items and kind of drag herself around on the floor. I'm okay with her taking a while to do this since I haven't done a lick of babyproofing!
- Kennedy wears 9-12 month clothes. Crazy!!
- She enjoys sleeping on her side or stomach and will flip around a lot during the night. She also tosses and turns a lot to get settled when going to sleep... it's kind of cute because her daddy is the same exact way.
- She has started talking and babbling a whole lot more! Kennedy can say "Dadadada" or "Mamamamama" or "Lalalala".
- She still claps up a storm and she is very into copying what you do.
- Kennedy is a pretty adventurous eater. She will try just about everything we put in front of her. The foodie in me rejoices! I have had fun making purees here at home along with giving her finger foods. I practice a mix of Baby Led Weaning along with some purees to get her used to different tastes, and fill her belly up. I usually try to give her something that we're eating that is acceptable for her. When we're at restaurants, she loves chewing on bread or crackers because she feels like she gets to do what we're doing. If there's fruit on my plate, she gets some (like melon or blueberries). If there's avocado on my plate, she gets some. She just tried yogurt for the first time this week and she adores it! I don't really know a whole lot about baby food - I just give her a lunch and dinner and she nurses still.
- I just adore her personality. She is so much fun!

HOW SHE'S GROWN:

Happy 8 Month birthday, Kennedy! We love you so much!

Baby O.'s Must-Haves 0-6: Months

So, I have been meaning to write this post for, oh.... 2 months. I guess summer kind of got in the way of that! Better late than never, right?

I always find it really helpful when others share their favorite items for their babies, so I figured I would do some posts on my darling girl's favorite things. First of all, I can't get over how much crap babies need. It's mind boggling. There is so much research to be done and registering to do when you're pregnant. Having the right things can really help, though.

Kennedy has been a pretty low-maintenance baby for the most part, especially as a newborn, so there hasn't really been much that she absolutely needed. But there has definitely been some things I received as gifts. I wanted to share with you guys some of the things that she enjoyed from birth to six months.

BABY O.'S MUST-HAVES: 0-6 MONTHS

1. Sophie: This is such a fun toy. Yes, it is expensive, so that's why you get it as a gift, of course! Katie got this for Kennedy. It really has helped Kennedy explore chewing. She didn't start teething until after seven months, but she started chewing on her fists and fingers from about 3 months on. She never took a pacifier, but has really loved chewing on this. And it also helps that the toy is completely chemical and BPA free!

2. Fisher Price Rock 'n Play Sleeper: Kennedy basically lived in this thing as a newborn. Since newborns sleep quite a bit, it was very convenient to have her in this because it is so portable. I literally have drug this around the house with her in it while I did chores. When she was really little, I would have her in it in the bathroom with me as I showered. I turned the music up and she just loved hanging out listening to music while I actually got to clean up. She got too big for this around 5 months, which by that point, her feet were literally hanging off the edge.

3. Playtex Drop Ins Bottles (with latex nipple): Transitioning Kennedy to the bottle provided to be a bit of a difficult task. She preferred her mommy to anyone else, but that wasn't an option for her when I went back to work ten weeks later (although having mommy's milk was definitely an option). I did a lot of research as to which bottles to transition her to and a lot of people said that they swore by the drop ins with the brown latex nipple. When you see these in stores nowadays, they come with the clear plastic silicone nipples, so you have to buy extra to get the latex. Sometimes they're hard to find. I haven't found them at Target, but they seem to be at Babies 'R Us and random grocery stores. Anyway, Kennedy ended up doing really well with these when she transitioned. I think the first week was the hardest for her, but it ended up going smoothly thereafter. I can most definitely do a post on my breastfeeding essentials because I have successfully been able to keep her exclusively breastfed while also working.

4. Snap 'n Go: When we were looking at what to get as far as strollers go, we decided not to go with a travel system. We wanted something light but still sturdy. I 100% recommend the Snap 'n Go stroller, and I am so happy that we decided to not go with a travel system. Kennedy's Graco carseat snaps in easily (and it is compatible with most infant car seats), and the stroller folds up so quickly. We have flown on 6 airplane rides with this and her carseat, and it has been so easy to travel with. We also have a Chicco Liteway that we use, and will come in handy once she outgrows her infant car seat.

5. Summer SwaddleMe Blankets: Kennedy was one of those babies who just loved to be swaddled. Unfortunately, she would always break out of her swaddle from regular receiving blankets. I totally forgot we had these and when we started using them, she slept so much more peacefully. They are so easy to use and really are sturdy. We actually swaddled Kennedy until she was about 4 months old. She easily weaned from them. We took one arm out for a couple of nights, the other arm out, and then moved her to footie pajamas or a sleep sack.

6. Infantino Twist and Fold Gym: I really think that having an activity mat encourages babies to enjoy tummy time and rolling over. As soon as we started to put Kennedy on hers, she loved playing and rolled not too much after. I chose this activity mat because it was priced really well and it also easily folds up and stores. I know there are a plethora of activity mats to choose from, and I think a lot of them are alike. I got the "boy" one because I thought the colors were more stimulating for infants, and I would like to be able to reuse it when Kennedy eventually gets a sibling.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Boppy Pillow (that's just a necessity, in my opinion)
Moby Wrap
Wipe Warmer with Light


Mommies, what do/did your babies love at this age? I love hearing your recommendations!

A Blog Friend Filled Summer

If I had my fair share of something this summer, it would totally be blog friends. I am so happy to be able to call all of these fabulous bloggers my pals!

I love seeing my pals at...

BLOGGER MEETUPS

LUNCH DATES

Michelle, Myra, and Michelle!

AND... GIRLS' NIGHTS!

Love me some Heather, Tara, Katie, Michelle, and Myra!

But you know it's official when you get...
BFF BRACELETS!

A huge thank you to Lesley from LesCargo who sent us these awesome navy and pink chevron bracelets. You really ought to go check out her etsy store, because she's got a plethora of amazing nature-inspired handmade jewelry and hair accessories. Go order yourself a bracelet, so you can be our blogger BFF, too! Her ad is in my sidebar as well, so be sure to click on it. You can also like her on facebook here. Y'all know I don't pimp something out unless I like it, and I really like her shop.

All in all, I would say it has been one amazing summer with my blog friends. It is amazing to have such a great network of women! I know I say it all the time, but I seriously love these women. There's nothing like the blogging community, and it makes it even more special when you are able to connect and socialize in real life.... and become best friends! 

Do you have blog friends that have turned real life friends?

More importantly, do you have BFF bracelets?

Body After Baby {part 3}

Need to catch up on my other posts? Read part 1 here and part 2 here.

I have 9 pounds left to reach my pre-pregnancy weight!! I am so excited because I am under 10 pounds to my goal weight! My pre-pregnancy weight was a perfect weight for me, and I am so happy to be so close!

Some of my pre-pregnancy pants and jeans finally fit! Granted, they're my fat pants. I have bought some new clothes to hold me over and I am only one pant size up from my pre-pregnancy size! Yay size 6! This is seriously awesome to me, because gaining 50 pounds can do a real number on ya, girls.

9 POUNDS LEFT!

You know that my shirt rolled like that is too sexy.

I'm pretty sure that my boobs make up 2+ pounds of that weight I need to lose. They're actually really throwing me off because they're so big. I don't know how to dress myself with boobs this big. Oh well. Not like anyone else is complaining...

I know if you look back to my previous post on this topic, you'll see that I've only lost 3 pounds in about two months. Let me tell you something about weight loss while nursing (I know I've said it before). It's sooooooooo slooooow. I know there are tons of women who swear that breastfeeding is the best way for them to lose weight, but it has seriously had the opposite effect on me. My body is holding on to that fat to nourish my baby! I have also read that a lot of women hold onto the last 5-10 pounds until their baby is weaned. I have a feeling this might apply to me. It took a month just to get under the 10 pound mark.

So, what am I doing?

DIET:
The same still applies to me - I can't restrict carbs or calories while nursing otherwise it would have an adverse effect on my milk supply. For the most part, I have been really good. However, while we vacationed, I didn't worry too much about what I was eating. I didn't gain any weight, nor lose any, but I consider that a win. Greg and I started the clean eating plan for dinners on Emeals recently and I have felt better almost immediately. The plan focuses on whole, natural ingredients. Nothing processed, whole grains, plenty of veggies, and lean protein. We have loved it! No, I am not a perfect eater, but it's not worth it to beat myself up over small setbacks. I think what keeps me motivated is the thought of being able to cheat on the weekends or splurge every once and a while.

EXERCISE:
I have been consistently hitting the gym 5 days a week most weeks throughout the summer. Kennedy and I go Monday through Friday, and it's a great part of our routine. She loves playing in the kids club and I am happy that I can have some time to work out by myself uninterrupted. Most days I focus on at least 30 minutes of cardio, and I do strength training on the weight machines and some free weights. I alternate muscle groups. Other days I might take a spin or zumba class. Just depends what strikes my fancy. I don't have a rigorous plan. I just make sure that I'm there, no matter how unmotivated I might feel. I'm so sad that next week is our last week to go to the gym in the mornings because I go back to work August 20th. I'll have to get creative about how to get my workouts in once the school year starts because I am so busy!

I will admit that it can be really discouraging at times to be doing all of this without quick results. I see other bloggers losing weight so quickly and I feel like I must be doing something wrong. Friends are losing at least a pound a week. But I'm not. I'm a nursing mother, and that's the most important thing over anything else. My daughter is beautiful, happy, healthy, and well fed.

And, you know what? I am starting to really feel comfortable in my skin again. I've been this current weight before, and I've always been able to get back. It's just going to be a longer process this time.

Linking this post up today with Kristen and Raven!

HD Powders: MUFE vs. ELF

Everything "HD" in makeup is all the rage, and has been for a few years. Brands like Make Up For Ever, Smashbox, and even Revlon have really capitalized on the idea of being "camera ready". There are endless options out there to discover. After all, don't we all have at least three red carpet events a month to attend? I know I'm always dodging that darn paparazzi and a perfect, camera ready face is a must when I go to the grocery store..

To me, a good setting powder can really make the difference in the longevity and the finish in your makeup. Since I tend to be oily, setting my liquid foundation is crucial.

I am a long time fan of Make Up For Ever's HD Powder. It lasts forever, and is the most beautifully, finely milled powder. It helps my makeup stay for hours, keep me matte, and photographs nicely. The powder doesn't settle into fine lines (isn't that the worst when makeup cakes and ages you about ten years? Nothing like looking in the mirror and seeing your future!) and it's pretty much the most perfect setting powder I had tried.

I then heard about a dupe. And if you know me, I love a good dupe (as recently evidenced by this post). I wholeheartedly believe that if I can find something cheaper that is of the same quality or better, I will use it. I don't care if it's Bonne Bell (even though I don't think Bonne Bell carries HD setting powders). Side note: I just browsed Bonne Bell's website and it is so precious! Tween makeup is hilarz!

I will say, I was pretty apprehensive about this dupe. Because it's ELF. If you knew me (again), you know that I kind of dislike everything ELF, aside from their Cream Liner. Now that I'm typing this, I think I should do a "If You Really Knew Me - Makeup Edition" post. So, even though I would have to shell out only $6, it was a big crap shoot for me.

But I took the gamble.

WHAT'S THE VERDICT?

ELF, all the way. 

You may all collectively gasp now.

$6 is way more appealing to me than the $32 price tag that the MUFE powder has. Not only that, but I think the ELF powder performs amazingly. No, it is not identical, but it has definitely replaced my love for the MUFE powder.

I love sweeping this over my face with a big fluffy brush and then setting my concealer with a fluffy eyeshadow brush. It really does the job, and for 5 times less than what I was using before.

Alright, ELF. You win. This time.

Mascara & Lipgloss Swap Reveal!

Today's the day to show off all the awesome stuff you got from your partner in the swap I co-hosted with Tara and Holly! Feel free to grab this button and add it to your post, and link up with us!


<a href=" http://www.oismeblog.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://sites.google.com/site/megoblogdesign/files/mascaralipglossswap.png" /></a>
I was paired up, by pure chance, with my pal Michelle from Texas Tanners! If y'all aren't following her, you really need to. She is seriously one of the nicest people I've probably ever met, and she's pregnant with twin boys! Can we say holy cuteness?! Holly and Tara did the pairing up in a random fashion (I was out of town when the emails went out) and we thought it was hilarious how out of all the people I could have been paired up with, I get paired with someone who lives literally 15 minutes from me! So, Michelle and I decided to meet up with for lunch for some Tex Mex (I also drug Katie along and the kids were there, too) and hand deliver our swap goodies!

Michelle definitely spoiled me. What did she get me, you ask?

1. L'OREAL VOLUMINOUS FALSE FIBER LASHES (WATERPROOF): Undoubtedly my favorite drugstore mascara right now. Michelle obviously did her homework and read my blog before she went shopping! Funny story - I got her the same mascara in the original formula. Twinsies!

2. STILA LIP GLAZE TRIO: I am a big Stila Lip Glaze fan! The colors are perfect because they are neutral-y but also give a pop. I haven't owned these colors before, either.

3. MAYBELLINE BABY LIPS IN QUENCH: I have the hot pink Baby Lips and I love this product! It was great to receive a product with sunscreen. I think I truly need every Baby Lips shade.

Thank you, Michelle, for the fun gift and our lunch date! I seriously love and have been using everything probably every day! We definitely need to get one more lunch date in before I go back to work!

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

POST ABOUT IT AND LINK UP YOUR POSTS BELOW!

Review & Giveaway: Farouk Royal Treatment Line

When Whitney (who also happens to be a Houston blogger buddy of mine) from Farouk contacted me and asked me if I would like to review and give away some products from the new Royal Treatment Line, I was ecstatic! I am a long time CHI lover. I've used their classic flat iron for well over a decade and I am a huge Biosilk fan. I couldn't wait to try these new hair products!

So, what's so special about the Royal Treatment line? According to their website,

"Farouk Royal Treatment by CHI gives you everything you need to achieve beautiful hair using the finest quality ingredients. Achieve perfect balance and harmony with rare and exotic ingredients of White Truffle and Pearl, which have been coveted by the nobility of ancient civilizations and since for their amazing effect on hair and skin. Try CHI Royal Treament products from our shampoo to styling products."

Products in this line are also sulfate and paraben free! That is a huge plus in my book!

FAROUK ROYAL TREATMENT LINE

Immediately I was blown away by the very thoughtful and luxurious packaging. I mean, I guess it's only appropriate for products from the Royal Line to really be amazing in packaging. I love the little crowns, and they twist open so you can squeeze the product out - brilliant! No need to mess with opening and closing the top. Also, let me tell you something about the smell of these products. OH MY GOODNESS. Pure heaven. Do not let the words "white truffle and pearl" throw you back to my delicious truffle mac and cheese recipe, for it is nothing like that. I cannot get over how amazing these smell. I wish I could bottle it up as a perfume - it's really that good! I also appreciate that each product in the line has the same signature scent. I don't really like it when products of the same line have different scents for each product.

So, let's talk about each product individually.

PURE HYDRATION SHAMPOO
This is formulated for dry and color treated hair, which my hair is both. I loved the way this went on. This is probably the best lathering sulfate free shampoo I've ever used (and I've used a lot, trust me). It feels extremely hydrating yet also cleansing at the same time. And I can't get over the scent.

AQUA CHARGE CONDITIONER
This conditioner is meant to balance and detangle. I always let my conditioner set while I shave and wash my body. I find it to be incredibly hydrating while at the same time not weigh my hair down. I do have fine hair (and it's falling out, thanks to those lovely postpartum hormones) so heavy conditioners are out for me.

PEARL COMPLEX
This product is so darn cool. It's a treatment for hair and skin. Think Biosilk, but times a million. This stuff is so lightweight, but it is amazing at taming flyaways and frizz and fighting this hellish Houston humidity. It makes my skin feel so soft! And remember how I said I wanted to wear this scent as a perfume? Well, the Pearl Complex almost gives me that!

BOTTOM LINE:
I definitely would go out and repurchase these products. It truly feels like a royal treatment using them, and I have used a lot of high end hair care before. The performance is superior. My hair looks and feels amazing, despite it falling out (again, those darn postpartum hormones). And on top of all of that, sulfate and paraben free, which is very important to me. I really think everyone should grab some of these for themselves! It's THAT good! So, do yourself a favor and go like Farouk on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, and stalk their pins on Pinterest! Okay? Good!

If I haven't completely won you over by now, you have chance to win a set of your own! Farouk is generously letting me give a set away to my readers! How amazing is that? Trust me, this is something you want to win.

Enter below using the Rafflecopter widget!

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Insta-Food {volume 2}

If you follow me on instagram, you know that I like to post pictures of my healthy dinners. In a way, it helps keep me accountable for what I eat, helps me get ideas for other healthy recipes, and helps me keep track of the things that I really liked having for dinner.

The past two nights have been a hit and I've gotten requests to post these recipes. I need to get back with posting more about the food I make because I do try to do only healthy food. All of my friends and family know that if I'm cooking dinner, it's going to be something that is healthy. If you look at my blog, all of the meal recipes I've posted are waistline friendly (you know, aside from the desserts, my weakness). I even tricked Katie's with my baked beef ziti and he loved it. Eating right has always been very important to me. Don't get me wrong, I do cheat (particularly on the weekends and when a cupcake somehow finds its way into my hands) and I'm not perfect. I know not everything I make is very "clean" but I never claimed I was a diligent clean eater (although it is important).

Anyway, let's get to it. I have adapted these recipes from Emeals to suit more of my tastes. I would also like to add that it's probably a good idea to pair these dishes with lots of veggies and salads. I also use organic when available.

UPSIDE DOWN PIZZA

Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground beef

1/2 onion, chopped

16 oz. pasta sauce, about 2/3 jar

4 oz shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

4-6 oz reduced fat sour cream (you could also use ricotta)

13 oz can whole grain pizza crust

Directions:

Brown ground beef and diced onions together; drain. Add pasta sauce and simmer until heated through. Pour evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix sour cream and mozzarella cheese together until well mixed. Dollop spoonfuls of cheese mixture evenly onto meat mixture. Cover with the pizza crust. Cook at 350º for 30 minutes.

SWISS CHICKEN

Ingredients:

3/4 lb. boneless chicken tenderloins

1/2 white cooking wine

1/2 of a 10 oz can fat free, reduced sodium cream of chicken soup

3 slices 2% swiss cheese

1 cup stuffing mix

1/2 cup reduced sodium chicken broth

Directions:

Mix wine and chicken soup together. Mix stuffing mix with broth. Layer chicken, cheese, soup mixture and then stuffing mix in an 8x8-inch baking dish. Bake at 350º for 30 minutes. I served mine over organic brown rice.


ENJOY!
What healthy recipes have you made lately? If you've posted about it, leave me a link so I can check it out!