Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Quick and Easy Tomato Alfredo Spaghetti Squash

Hey everyone! It's been a looooong time since I've had enough free time to make a good post, but since it's Dead Week at Purdue, I've finally been able to catch my breath.
As any other college student will tell you, Dead Week is a time of quick cheap meals, little to no makeup, and maybe the occasional change of clothes. With the stress of classes and finals, nourishing yourself for optimal performance is likely the farthest thing from your mind. However, getting your share of nutrients can have a huge impact on how well you can focus and retain information!
While I've been holed up all day with Pediatrics and Public Health notes, I took some time away from the books to cook something super filling, packed with nutrients, and really delicious: my favorite staple, spaghetti squash!
I know that pretty much all my recipes on here have been about spaghetti squash, but when you're eating healthy on a very tight budget, it's the way to go! At only 70 cents per pound at my local grocery store, it's one of the cheapest vegetables, and does a fantastic job keeping me full for hours. Its versatility can't be beat, either. I've tried it in casseroles, pasta dishes, stir fries, and even as a breakfast boat!

This recipe is a delicious mix of marinara and alfredo, and can be whipped up in about 15 minutes.

Here's what you'll need:
1. 1/2 cooked spaghetti squash
2. 1 can diced tomatoes (I used No Salt Added)
3. 1/3 to 1/2 cup light Alfredo sauce (I used Classico)
4. 3 large handfuls of fresh spinach
5. Salt and pepper to taste
6. 1 tsp minced garlic
7. 1/4 cup diced onion
8. Basil, oregano, and thyme to taste (I used about 1tsp each)
9. 1 tbsp butter or oil

Start cooking your spaghetti squash. For the sake of time, I microwaved mine.
In a skillet, cook the garlic, onion, and butter/oil over medium heat until the onion is soft and transparent. Drain a little bit of the water off of the diced tomatoes, and add to the skillet. Bring to a boil and turn to low heat. Add your spices. Let the liquid reduce until there's about 1/3 cup left, then stir in the spinach and alfredo sauce.
Once your squash is done cooking, use a fork to scrape the flesh out, and add it to the sauce. Mix the ingredients together until the squash is well coated. Serve immediately.

Hope you like this recipe, and good luck with finals!


How to cook your spaghetti squash:
Cut in half and discard seeds. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes
OR
Cut a few slits in it and microwave for 8-10 minutes. Cut in half and discard the seeds.

Love pumpkin seeds? Spaghetti squash seeds are just as good! Learn how to roast them here.



Monday, August 5, 2013

Stretch Your Back to School Budget

College students are notorious for being tight on money. I know I'm always looking for ways to make my dollar stretch, especially after my tuition went up and my budget did not. Thankfully, there are lots of ways to make your money go farther on your back to school shopping adventures!

Groceries
Now, I know that I'm at an advantage in that my cooperative house includes weekday meals in my rent, but there are still times when the meal isn't necessarily healthy or a good idea for me to eat (I'm lactose intolerant. I don't think my sisters would want me eating that creamy potato soup). I always need to get something to eat on those occasions and on the weekends, and groceries are probably my biggest college expense behind paying for tuition. So how can I still eat clean and stay within my budget?

1. Keep Cheap Staples
I always have a small bottle of olive oil and vinegar, quick brown rice, whole wheat sandwich thins, preservative-free deli meat, eggs, almond milk, oatmeal, a can of beans (always rinsed before use), organic spinach, tomato, onion, apples, bananas, and carrots, as well as at least one bag of frozen veggies and frozen fish fillets. These products are relatively cheap, and you can do a lot with them. I can get frozen veggies for as cheap as $1.20 at the local grocery store, and they often boast more nutritional value than the fresh varieties, since they're picked at peak ripeness!

3. Buy Local and Seasonal
Fresh produce can get crazy expensive, but buying local, seasonal fruits and veggies can really cut down on the price, as well as the amount of pesticides used on the products.

4. Spend More Where it Counts
I keep a list of The Dirty Dozen produce in my purse. The Dirty Dozen lists off the produce that has the most pesticides in it, and these should be purchased organic whenever possible to avoid harmful chemicals. If it's not on the Dirty Dozen, I don't buy it organic if it's not in my budget to do so.

2. DIY Cleaning Products
Instead of buying expensive disinfectants, I mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide, 1 part white vinegar, and 2 parts water in a spray bottle. These combined ingredients work better than bleach at killing bacteria, and it's much safer, too! Need a scrub? Mix in some salt or baking soda.
I also make my own jewelry cleaner by making a paste out of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (you can also just use water), and using a toothbrush to get into cracks and crevices. My engagement ring sparkles more than when I first saw it!

Beauty
1. Spend More on Your Basics, Less on "Fun Items"
You can find some good foundations at the drugstore, bu they won't be the $4 ones. My favorite is Revlon's Colorstay 24 hour foundation. I use it for more special occasions or when I need long lasting coverage and oil control.  I've also yet to find a primer or other dupe that does as good of a job as my Mary Kay favorite (but if you know of one for an oily girl like me, I'd love to try it out!)
When you want to get something a little less necessary, like setting spray or a new lip gloss, go a little cheaper. I love elf products for this reason. They're usually $1-$3, but are still decent quality for the most part (their eye liners are awful, though).

2. Review Before Buying
If you're interested in trying out a new product, Google reviews for it first. You might be really excited about a buzz-worthy new blush, but the reviews might say it blows. The Drugstore Princess is my personal favorite reviewer.

3. Hidden Gems
Some of my favorite beauty finds aren't actually beauty products at all. For excellent oil control, I use a little dab of milk of magnesia on a cotton ball. A generic bottle is around $3 and it lasts for months (and you can always use it for its intended use, too).
I use olive oil for my hair and nails. For nourished nails and cuticles, rub clean, naked nails with a cotton ball soaked in olive oil. I also leave it in freshly shampooed hair overnight about twice a week. I just finger comb the oil in, braid my hair, then rinse and style in the morning. My curly hair gets dry and frizzy so easily, and the oil helps keep my ends healthy.
Vinegar is a great anti-fungal ingredient to add to foot baths before an at-home pedicure. I wear closed-toed shoes and sneakers a lot, and this helps prevent athlete's foot.
Instead of buying a separate scrub, I mix baking soda into my favorite cleanser and body wash a few times a week. You can also mix it into your shampoo for super soft, squeaky clean hair.

4. Skip the Brush Shampoo
Instead of buying the expensive makeup brush cleansers, I clean my dry brushes with a mixture of vinegar and hot water. It kills bacteria without ruining the natural bristles.
For my foundation brush, I can just get away with using some of my face cleanser.

5. Dollar Store Deals
Great things to get at the Dollar Tree: emery boards, manicure sets, pumice stones, toe separators for pedicures, cotton balls, rat-tail and wet-hair combs, benzoyl peroxide acne cream, clear lip gloss.
Things I regret from the Dollar Tree: Nail Polish, Eyelash curler.

6. Perfect your Technique with Cheap Products
Not sure you can pull off a liquid liner cat eye? Try it out first with a cheap liquid liner until you know you can rock it. If it's not your thing, you haven't invested much. Also, don't borrow a friend's liners or mascaras if you want to try something. Buy your own to prevent infections.

Got these Joe's Jeans shorts for $12 and the tee for $6 at Plato's!
Clothes
1. Goodwill Can Be Your Best Friend
My mom and sister started me young shopping at thrift and consignment stores, and I'm still hooked. If you have the time and patience to sort through embroidered denim jackets from the 90's, you'll probably find some pretty cute clothes! I've even found brand new items for pennies. Goodwill is especially great for DIY fashion projects like cutoff shorts, and for finding basic comfy tees.  My favorite consignment store up in Minnesota sells designer clothes for super cheap. I got a pair of J Brand black jeans and Citizens of Humanity classic flares for only $60. I almost always find something for $8 at Plato's Closet, too. Look up a few stores around your campus and check them out!

2. Student Discounts!
Stores that discount include J. Crew, Charlotte Russe, Banana Republic, The Limited, Necessary Clothing, Ann Taylor, Club Monaco, Vineyard Vines, Kate Spade, and many more. Just ask!

3. Become a Skilled "Saler"
Buy your clothes off-season, and rummage through the sale sections first. I like to stock up for winter clothes in the summer, and vice versa, because stores sell them for big discounts. With extra coupons and other deals, I can get clothes for up to 75% off!

4. Look at TJ Maxx/Marshall's for your trendy clothes. They're hit and miss, but I've found some adorable tops. I also buy my sunglasses here. I love brand-name quality, but I refuse to spend more that $12 for something I'm highly likely to lose, break, or scratch.

Furniture/Decor
1. Browse Pinterest for DIY projects and make your own decor! It's fun, affordable, and you'll have a story to tell.
Glittery Bottle Pinspiration! Matt was making homemade jerky in the background. Yummy!

2. Thrifty Pieces
I love shopping for old pieces of furniture at thrift stores and flea markets, then refurbishing them myself. One of my favorites is this old desk chair I bought for $19, sanded, and covered in about $5 worth of teal paint. I now have a classy statement piece I really love!
Thrift stores and flea markets are also fun places to find home decor, funky lamps, vintage vases, and other cool pieces you wouldn't find at Pier 1 or Target.

Happy shopping, and good luck saving!

Have any more dupes, tricks, and tips for saving money?? Let me know!

Monday, July 22, 2013

Southwest Inspired Stuffed Peppers

Stuck in a clean food rut? With a seasonal plethora of local produce, summer is a great time to experiment with new veggie recipes for cheap! Tonight I tried my hand at these baked peppers stuffed with quinoa, black beans, avocado, tomatoes, and corn. To add extra bang to the stuffing, I mixed in a really easy lime-cumin dressing.


This recipe is gluten free, vegetarian, and only 368 calories per pepper! Nix the cheese, and you have a vegan-friendly meal for 342 calories. If you want to make the recipe cheaper, just substitute brown rice for the quinoa. It's still delicious and filling!

Stuffed Pepper Ingredients:
6 bell peppers, any color
3 cups quinoa (or brown rice), cooked
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes, drained
1 can corn, drained
1 avocado, diced
1/2 cup reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese

Dressing Ingredients:
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp oregano
1/3 cup lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp garlic powder

To make the dressing, just mix all the ingredients together.

Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 350 and prepare your quinoa as directed on the package (I use a 2:1 water to quinoa ratio in a rice cooker). While your quinoa is cooking, cut out the tops of your peppers.
I used colored peppers, but green ones would also be good, just a little less sweet
Mix together the beans, tomatoes, corn, avocado, and green onion with the dressing. Add extra cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder to taste, and mix in your quinoa once it's cooked.

Stuff each pepper, using a small spoon to press the mixture into every crevice. Put all the peppers in a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
I had a little stuffing left over, so I just threw it into the dish.
After 20 minutes, garnish the peppers with cheddar cheese, then cook for another 10 minutes. Let cool a couple minutes, then enjoy!

Let me know what you think, and what you did to make the recipe even better!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Bread to the Nations

Today's blog post is short and sweet, but it's so dear to my heart that I had to share.
If you're a busy college student like me, you might struggle to find the time to personally seek out ways you can help others. I know I've really had a hard time with this last year, even when I planned philanthropies for my cooperative house. Well, here's an opportunity for you to help families in need without even leaving your room!
A friend of my family has been working with a nonprofit organization called Bread to the Nations, and my mom and I have found a chance to use or hobbies and talents to support this ministry.

"Bread to the Nations is a Christ-centered nonprofit organization working in Carrefour, Haiti. [Their] mission is to restore God’s model to families and communities in Haiti by strengthening the church and strengthening families."
"Bread to the Nations works with and through the God-ordained institution of the local church to fulfill basic physical needs, maintain the family unit supported by the local church as God’s intended model for raising children, and to prepare and empower the next generation of Haitians to develop and utilize their God-given gifts and talents to work as productive citizens and faithful followers of Christ."

One of their outreach programs called Medika Mamba, (literally "Peanut Butter Medicine") is helping Haitian children recover from Kwashiorkor and other severe forms of malnutrition through an entirely Haitian product. Because Haitians make the product, Medika Mamba not only helps children, but also stimulates Haiti's economy.

 There are a few ways you can help: 
1. Make a financial donation directly do the organization.
2. Join the organization and go to the front lines yourself
3. If you could use an update to your wardrobe, shop at RPL Designs on Etsy. At least 10% of every purchase you make will go directly to Bread to the Nations and Medika Mamba. Don't see anything you like? Check back later! We're always making something new! 

Please take a couple minutes to look into this amazing ministry. Maybe you'll be called to help, too!

Monday, June 24, 2013

Guiltless Mocha Meringue Kisses

This summer I tried making meringue cookies for the first time, and it's opened up a door to light and airy delight for way less calories than your average cookie.
I wondered if I could successfully combine two of my favorite things, dark chocolate and coffee, into a delicious fluffy cookie. It turned out amazing, and I ended up eating more of the batter than the finished product. If you love anything Starbucks, you'll adore these little bites of heaven. This recipe makes about 3 dozen meringue kisses (or 60 meringue bites), at only ~50 calories per cookie. So have two or three, and don't feel a twinge of regret!

Here's what you'll need:
3 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup sugar
3/4 to 1 cup mini dark chocolate chips
1 1/2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
Parchment paper
Gallon-sized Ziplock bag (optional)

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, add the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt. Beat on high speed until the egg whites
make soft peaks. Continue to beat in the vanilla extract and slowly add the sugar 1/4 cup at a time until the meringue makes stiff peaks. Turn off the mixer and gently fold in your coffee granules, cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
Stiff peak
Next, scoop your meringue into the Ziplock bag and push it into one bottom corner. Cut off the corner so it makes a 1/2 inch opening. Gently pipe bite-sized or 1 tbsp amounts of batter onto the cookie sheets. Alternatively, just spoon dollops of meringue onto the sheets.

Bake in the lower half of your oven for 12-15 minutes, until the tops are firm and dry. Check often so they don't over bake. Let them cool completely on the cookie sheet before removing with  a spatula. Voila! Beautiful, light little cookies that melt in your mouth!
Om nom nom nom

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Beating The Burnout

My brain is shot from 32 weeks of 3rd-year nursing school. I just don't have the energy for studying anymore. What's worse, I'm completely addicted to the internet. I end up looking at pictures of corgis and thousands of recipes, then find that I just lost 30 minutes. I still have exams to chug through before I can go on a little mental vacation, so what's a girl to do to get out of the burnout bind?

1. Bite-Sized Chunks of Discipline
If I really need to get determined to study something, I'll set a timer for 30 minutes. For half an hour, I am not allowed to get off track, surf the internet, reorganize my desk, file my fingernails, make grocery lists, gawk at my split ends, text my bff, check my tumblr, plan tomorrow's outfit, or grab a snack. Bored? Too bad, self. You're gonna sit your butt down and work this chapter out.
When those 30 minutes are over, take 10-15 minutes to just relax. Grab your snack, check your facebook, look at pictures of corgis in bow ties, drool over recipes on Pinterest. Whatever. This is "you" time. When the break period is over, take another 30 minutes to really sit down and focus.
Depending on how shot my brain is, I can usually do this for up to 3 hours without needing to take a big break. Breaking your studying into chunks is scientifically proven to help you process information better, and it will help you feel more in control of your study habits.
Really enjoy those 10 minutes of cute animal time

2. Schedule in Sleep
Your brain won't work as efficiently if you haven't gotten some good sleep. Power down the laptop and get 8 hours of shut-eye.

3. Learn Your Rhythm
Everyone has a certain time of day when they're most productive at certain things. For me, I'm the most mentally energized in the late morning. That's when I try to get most of my studying done, because I know I'm less likely to get distracted. Think about when you usually are most focused, and schedule in your study time then.
Other times might be better for exercise. A study done at Purdue University found that students who worked out at the recreational center twice a week had higher GPA's than those who didn't. It might just be because it's a great way to relieve stress, but it could also be the increased circulation to your brain that helps you better process information.

4. Feel the Buzz
Caffeine is the oldest trick in the book for sustaining mental performance, but it sure does work! Try to stay away from energy drinks, and stick to coffee and tea. Also, limit yourself to 6 cups of coffee or less. While coffee has a lot of health benefits, it can also cause anxiety if consumed in excess. The last thing you need is a racing heart when you're already freaking out about exams!

5. Reward Yourself
If you've managed to get a lot of studying done, don't let your hard work go to waste! Have an evening with your girlfriends, or just veg out with your favorite tv show. The worst thing you can do to try to beat your burnout is to force yourself to keep studying when you're absolutely miserable. If you've worked hard, you deserve to relax a little and give your brain some time to solidify all that information.


Good luck with your finals!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Health Tips from the Spanish Lifestyle

The beach in Valencia
I had the amazing opportunity to go to Spain with my family over spring break. I learned so much from this trip, and I noticed a few cultural differences that seemed to make the Spanish culture healthier than the American lifestyle to which I'm accustomed.

For one, Spaniards aren't so fast-paced about everything. They don't usually start work until 9 or 10am. They take a two to three hour work break in the afternoon, and really take their time in the evenings over a light meal with family and friends.
 In the US, we really hate wasting time. We're always rushing to do things. We push our kids into days packed with school and extracurriculars. College students drink pots of coffee to pull all-nighters. Adults work overtime at the office to get a promotion. I've noticed in myself that I have a hard time just savoring free time. I always have something I should be doing, and it crowds my mind. To put it simply, I just don't know how to relax. It's almost a foreign concept to me. Even crocheting is busywork incorporated into my relaxation time. Since I've come home from Spain, I've become more conscious of how worked up I feel after a long, hard day, and I'm starting to worry about the affect it's having on me. Maybe it's time for me to clear up my schedule a little bit and just learn to chill out already.

A relaxing day in beautiful Toledo
Secondly, Spanish eating habits are more metabolically friendly. They eat their largest meal in the middle of the day. In some non-touristy areas, they even served five-course meals for lunch! When we eat a big meal then go to bed, whatever we don't need for tissue repair is often stored as fat. Eating most of your calories in the morning and afternoon gives your body time to use them.

Jamón, manchego cheese, and Spanish wine for tapas!
Third, tapas are pretty much the best idea ever. You order a few very small plates of food, and split them with your family or friends. Then, you order a second round or go to a different restaurant or bar. The time it takes to get that second round of food gives your brain time to process how full you really are. You end up eating less because your hormones have time to catch up with your stomach. Another great thing about tapas is the variety. Instead of chowing down on one delicious dish, you can try several! Next time you go out with your friends, try splitting a few appetizers instead of ordering individual plates. Maybe the tapas idea will strike a chord with you, too!


I had a great Spring Break, and I hope this post helps me share some of the trip with you!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Spaghetti Squash

Savory, a little tangy, and so very filling
I know I just posted a spaghetti squash recipe, but this second experiment was so good, I had to share it with you! Not only does it pack six servings of veggies in one dish, it's also loaded with protein from the Greek yogurt and turkey bacon! Something this healthy shouldn't taste so good. =)
This recipe makes 1/2 a spaghetti squash, which turns out to be around 2 cups, depending on its size. If you want to use the whole squash at once, just double the recipe.

For the "pasta" dish:
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti, or 1/2 cooked spaghetti squash (microwave directions here)
- 1/2 cup frozen California Vegetables, thawed
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced tomato
- Garlic powder to taste (or brown minced garlic with the onion)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Basil to taste
- 3 strips turkey bacon, cooked and cut into pieces

- 1 tbs olive oil

For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 to 1 tsp lemon juice (add to taste)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper

- Oregano and Basil to taste
Mix the ingredients together until smooth

Heat the oil in a skillet, and add the onion. Cook on medium heat until soft. Add the spaghetti/squash, veggies, and turkey bacon. Cook until all the ingredients are hot. Turn the heat to low, and stir in the sauce. Season with parmesan cheese and herbs. Enjoy! And try not to wolf it down too fast. ;)



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Monday, February 25, 2013

Garlic Ginger Spaghetti Squash Stir Fry

I've recently started a love affair with spaghetti squash. It's filling, low-calorie, nutritious, and low carb! Since it was only 74 cents per pound at my grocery store, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to do some experimenting.
 I have a stir fry obsession, so I wanted to substitute this for lo mein. I was pretty skeptical about how it would turn out, but it was great! The squash really soaked up the sauce, and made for a delightfully crisp stir fry.
Spaghetti squash is only 42 calories per cup. It also has 0g fat, 2g fiber, 1g protein, and 10g carbs. What a great noodle substitute!

According to my calculations, it was probably around 170 calories for two cups of stir fry, including the sauce and oil. I didn't add any meat to this dish, but it would be delicious with some pork or chicken!

This recipe makes enough for 1/2 a spaghetti squash, and only takes 15 to 20 minutes to make.

For the veggies:
- 1/2 cooked spaghetti squash
- 8oz frozen stir fry veggies
-1 tbs oil

For the sauce:
- 1 tbs cornstarch
- 2 tbs soy sauce (use reduced sodium if you're watching your salt intake)
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Mix the following ingredients well together until they form milk chocolate-colored liquid. The cornstarch will thicken the sauce once it's heated.

Directions:
I used a fork to mix the ingredients better.
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your frozen veggies and cook until hot. Meanwhile, cut slits into your spaghetti squash, put on a plate, and microwave for 8-9 minutes, or until soft and steaming from the slits. Cut in half, and save one half for later (or double the recipe). Carefully scoop out the seeds, then scrape out the squash with a fork (be very careful! It's hot!!). Add the squash to the stir fry veggies, and mix with the sauce over medium-low heat until the sauce is thickened and everything is hot. If you want some extra fun, scoop the stir fry back into the empty squash, and have a stir fry boat!
There you have it! Cheap, filling, and delicious! Let me know how you like it!

The final product. MMMMMMM



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Saturday, February 9, 2013

How to Treat Winter Skin Problems

I've been getting a lot of questions lately about skin problems. Winter is notorious for bringing out the worst in our skin, from red blotches to painful, cracked hands. Here are some at-home remedies for your winter skin bummers.

1. Dry Skin
Dry skin usually requires several interventions to get under control. It all should start in your shower. I know nothing feels better than a hot shower on a cold day, but that hot water also strips your skin of the natural oils that keep moisture in. Choose warm water instead, and use a creamy body wash. If your skin is getting a little scaly, try making your own body scrub out of olive oil and used coffee grounds or sugar. The oil will moisturize yours skin while the grains slough off dead skin.
Once you get out of the shower, try adding some olive oil, a thick lotion, or vaseline to the driest areas of your skin. I usually need extra moisture around my joints, so I'll go over these areas with my favorite cream, Eucerine Original Healing Soothing Repair Cream.  I also use this lotion on my dry, cracked hands. It's one of the few lotions I've tried that soothes my knuckles after constantly washing my hands at a hospital.
Since I don't want to use such a thick lotion everywhere, I'll go over the rest of my body with a ligher lotion (my favorite is Jergen's Firming). Also, if your skin is really dry, try to avoid lotions with alcohol in them, because this can make your skin dry out more.

2. Cracked Feet
Even though winter feet are usually covered up, it's important to keep the skin intact to prevent infections. To get rid of the cracks, start by soaking your feet in some warm (not hot!) water. I like to add some vinegar and oil to the water. Vinegar will help kill fungus and some bacteria, and the oil will start to soften the skin to ease exfoliation.
Next. grab a pumice stone or other exfoliating device, and go to town on those calloused feet. Rinse and dry your feet, being sure to dry well between the toes. Apply vaseline to your feet, and wear some socks overnight, or for a few hours while you're at home. If your feet tend to get sweaty, apply a little cornstarch between your toes to keep them dry and prevent fungal infections.

3. Oily Face
I've noticed that my face can get even oilier and acne-prone in the winter as a reaction to the dry air. To help combat this, use a cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Next, apply a moisturizing lotion. I've used a lotion with salicylic acid in the past, but my acne has gotten so hard to control this winter, I had to switch to a prescription antibiotic lotion that works wonders. At night, use a rich, oil-free night cream that is non-comedogenic (doesn't clog pores). This will help nourish your skin, so it doesn't need to over-produce oil. I use Simple Vital Vitamin Night Cream a couple nights a week to help replenish my skin.
I've also started using Milk of Magnesium on my t-zone before applying makeup. It keeps my skin shine-free for hours, and I haven't had any bad reaction to it. When combined with my favorite primer, I don't have to touch up my makeup all day.

4. Tight Face
If your skin isn't an overreacting oil slick, it might be dry, tight, and painful. To help treat this, use a a creamy cleanser and an oil-based eye makeup remover. You can even use olive oil on a cotton ball to remove the most stubborn eye makeup, then rinse with warm water. Use a day lotion formulated for normal to dry skin, like Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer.
My eye area tends to get tight when I don't give it the proper TLC, and after a bout of contact dermatitis under my eyes, I started getting really picky about my eye creams. My current favorite is Clinique All About Eyes. It's a little expensive, but totally worth the splurge. My under-eyes would get cracked and painful after each allergic outbreak, and I haven't had a bad reaction since I started using this.
It's also important that you use a night cream. Since you have dry skin, you can get away with using something thick, like the Simple night cream, every night.

5. Contact Dermatitis
This looks like no fun =(
Contact dermatitis can have a wide range of severity, and often starts out as red blotches. The irritated skin itches, burns, and can be quite painful. If your allergic reaction isn't that bad, try taking some benadryl (diphenhydramine if you're going generic) and applying hydrocortisone ointment to the affected area.
If the rash is more severe, has persisted for several days, or is all over your body, you need to see a health professional. If you start to have shortness of breath with your rash, go to the emergency room. You could be having a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency.
Persistent rashes are usually treated with a short course of steroids to help reduce inflammation. The steroid might be in a cream or pill form.
It's also important to try to figure out what caused the reaction, so you don't come into contact with it again. Maybe it's a new laundry detergent or perfume. Sometimes it's almost impossible to narrow down, so you might have to do a systemic run-through of your different products and try cutting one out of your routine at a time.

6. Dull Skin
Try adding a little extra glow to winter skin by applying a little extra oil to your joints, along your collar bone, and on your shoulders. Rub it in well, then apply your daily lotion. Want even more glow? try brushing a little highlighter or light shimmery eyeshadow along the shoulders and collar bone. For special events, I'll cheat luminous skin with Victoria's Secret Rockin' Body Luminous Perfecting Body Cream. I don't think it makes me look "5 times sexier" as they claim, but it adds a beautiful glow and smells delicious.


I hope these help solve your winter skin problems! Leave a comment or contact me if there's something else you want covered. =)




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Friday, January 4, 2013

Finding My Joy Again (and Again)

The hot cocoa potato chips were interesting
2012 has been pretty crazy, and the new year has gotten me thinking about the lessons I've learned in the past year. 2012  was a tough teacher on finding my own happiness and falling in love with my life again.
After he graduated last May, my fiance Matt (just a boyfriend at the time) moved to Chicago to start working in the Windy City, and I was left to pout at Purdue. We had grown so close and interdependent in the past year and a half we'd been together, and he took a huge part of me when he left. I suddenly found myself in an identity crisis. While I was with him, I was still myself, but I had gotten used to having him there to lean on. Now, I needed to reestablish my equilibrium.
I had a decision to make. I could wallow in self pity and be miserable for the next two years of a long-distance relationship, end the relationship I loved so much, or focus on getting the most out of the next two years and push my grief behind me. I chose to grow, because being stuck in grief mode wasn't doing me any favors.
Finding my happiness again wasn't easy. There was a lot of crying myself to sleep, a lot of doubt, and a lot of soul searching. For a couple months, the decision to break up or stick with it was at the front of my mind, but the thought of losing him was more painful that the temporary grief of our change in circumstances. Matt and I didn't mesh well after he left. I felt neglected, and he must have felt a little leashed by his long-distance girlfriend. In spite of that, he and I both pushed through. We spent hours on the phone, talking about our issues and growing closer in the process. Despite our distance, we've grown closer in the last six months because we've struggled together. We know what we want from our future, where our relationship fits into that future, and how to talk through any hardship life throws at us.
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I fight off my self-pity in several ways:

1. I stay busy, so I don't have time to feel sorry for myself. Although I still find time to pout a little (Rome wasn't built in a day, and I'm not a very good builder), I think I would be miserable without the packed schedule. Being involved on campus gives me a sense of importance. People depend on me do do my part, and I feel fulfilled when I'm able to succeed.

2. I surround myself with supportive friends and positive people. It's amazing what confiding in a friend can do to boost your spirits, even if the problem isn't solved. I've never valued the sisterhood in my house as much as I have this year. My sisters have been my lifeline. With them, I've laughed through my tears, danced in spite of my circumstances, and smiled at the future. Thank you, ladies, for keeping me on my feet when I couldn't do it myself.

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3. I did a lot of praying. Whenever I feel overwhelmed with sadness, stress, anger, depression, whatever, I take a deep breath and pray like I hadn't in a long time. It's just broken me and a big, strong, capable, and loving God. There's a special kind of comfort that comes from praying. Verses I grew up memorizing come to mind, like Jeremiah 29:11: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' Declares the Lord, 'Plans to give you hope and a future.'"

4. I embraced my hobbies. I love crocheting and crafts, so I started working on making infinity scarves during the summer (it was a weird sensation making chunky scarves in 100 degree heat), and didn't stop until right before Christmas. I was able to save a TON of money by giving homemade, meaningful gifts this year. I'm also a helpless healthy foodie, so I spent a lot of time in the kitchen trying out new recipes and healthy alternatives to my favorites.

5. I took the Insanity challenge, then moved up to the Asylum. I'm strict with myself about my exercise schedule, and try my best not to miss a workout. I truly believe that exercise is what keeps me from needing a prescription for antidepressants, and research has proven that just walking for 30 minutes a day can boost your mood and improve your health. Since I've made working out a big priority, I've been able to better control my stress, depression, and anxiety (I have a minor panic disorder, but that's for another post). Losing weight and getting a six-pack was just a sweet bonus to my improved mood.

This one's the most important:

6. I changed my attitude, even when I couldn't change my circumstance. As Abraham Lincoln said, "We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." I can either feel sorry for myself, lonely little long distance relationship girl, or be really happy because I get to enjoy some of the single life and a wonderful significant other. I don't think I'd get as much out of my college years if Matt were here. I'd turn down some opportunities because I'd want to spend time with him. But since he's not here, I can welcome opportunity when it knocks on my door, and even invite it in for a healthy snack (I found a new recipe on Pinterest that Opportunity should try!). I interviewed for Purdue Old Masters and got a position as a hostess. I became president of my house. I made a lot of new friends. My GPA is great (well, for a nursing student, it's great). I started a blog to help other college students. I'm not sure I would have accomplished all of this if he was still on campus. And on top of all of these great blessings to rejoice about, God has given me an overflowing blessing through my supportive fiance, true friends, and a family who loves me unconditionally. I have so much to be thankful for!

The takeaway from 2012 is I can CHOOSE to view my situation as positive or negative, and so can you. When I take responsibility for my feelings, I decide what those feelings are, and how to react to them. That doesn't mean that I'm always smiling, or that life is all sunshine and rainbows. Bad things still happen. People are still going to disappoint you, and you'll hurt them, too. You will face injustice. You don't have much control over your circumstances. The one thing you DO have within your power is how you choose to react to all of it. Choose to find the joy in your life, and joy will be found, again and again.

Here's to a joyful 2013.


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