Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake Recipe

I love bundt cakes. They are great for bringing to parties or the office. Bring it whole or slice it up and serve on a platter. Personally, I like serving them whole because if you have a beautiful pan it looks like you spent so much time in the kitchen.

Nordic Ware makes the best pans. They will last you a lifetime if you take care of them. Just remember NOT to spray anything in them. Here is their site with products: https://www.nordicware.com/our-story#.VmWs1GSrSCQ

I found this recipe from Taste of Home. They are member-created recipes that you know will please your guests. The ingredients are simple and you probably have most of them at home. Here is the link http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chocolate-chip-pound-cake

Snapshots: 

-The dough came out very thick.

-Grease your pan (I used Crisco), then lightly tap some flour in there.

-Make sure you spread the dough evenly and get out the air bubbles.

-After letting it cool, invert it. The recipe calls for a glaze, but honestly, a little powdered sugar would be just fine. It's moist, sweet, and delicious on it's own!!! 

30-Somethings CAN Wear Forever21

Forever 21 has great, affordable clothes for the current trends. However, I often find myself wondering if a 30-something can pull them off. My two recent purchases are great, cheap, and decent quality.

First, the Mini Shift Dress! These are everywhere and I love them. They are not too tight, but look fashionable with leggings and boots. I ordered a Small, and aside from the arms, it fits great. I have long arms and should have went with the Medium. The fabric is thick and stretchy. Decent for less than $25!!!

The faux fur snood is also from Forever21. It comes in different colors, but I went with the brown tones because I can mix and match it with everything, even the black shift dress.

Clean-Eating 30 Minute Tilapia Dinner

This is something I threw together on a Wednesday night for my husband and I. It took 30 minutes, and was so simple that any busy working gal can do it, even when you are tired from a long day!

We buy the frozen tilapia from Cost Co, so I defrosted them overnight in the fridge. I seasoned it with lemon juice and a smokehouse spice rub from Williams Sonoma. Bake it for 15 minutes on 425 degrees.

Meanwhile, on the stove I sauteed up some zuchinni, peas, spinach, and then threw in some brown rice (Trader Joes microwaveable bags.....time saver!!!!!!). I seasoned this with garlic, pepper, onion, some lemon juice, and a tad more smokehouse seasoning.

Throw it all together and it was pretty amazing, and healthy!

Cacao Find!!!!!!

My most recent trip to HomeGoods led me to find a bag of raw cacao! I have searched for this in many stores, usually finding it to be $20 or more. This was only $6!! It is a powder consistency so it is easy to blend. I will be adding it to smoothies and yogurt for a healthy dessert option.We all know that we should be eating chocolate EVERYDAY, right?

The brand is Sunfood Superfoods

According to my Tone It Up ladies, "cacao is the raw form of chocolate, before all of that cream and sugar is added, which makes it the perfect guilt-free snack." Read their post on superfoods here: 

http://toneitup.com/2015/11/your-guide-to-superfoods-from-lauren-conrad/

Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal Cups

This recipe is a recent find from Eating Bird Food's Brittany Mullins. Here is the link: http://www.eatingbirdfood.com/baked-pumpkin-oatmeal-cups/

I have enjoyed many of EBF's recipes...they are simple, clean, and delicious.

These were a great option for breakfast, as well as an afternoon snack for some energy.

This is the batter. They came out as dense muffins that you could break apart. Heat them in the micro to melt the chocolate chips. Mmmmmm!

Fun Foodie Find

The other day at Home Goods I found this yummy treat. Always looking for a healthier option than the traditional chip, I gave these a try. The bag didn't last two days! The seaweed doesn't overpower the taste, and the subtle saltiness fulfilled my craving. I am trying to see where I can find them in stores. 

Gimme Chips Seaweed Rice Chips 

#organic  #TIU 

SEPHORA VIB

The long awaited Sephora VIB sale has commenced. I put my order through yesterday, and will post the goodies when they arrive!