6 Shockingly Satisfying Protein Shake Recipes

These shakes are great to have as a super quick breakfast or as a nutritious meal replacement when finding time to stop and eat isn't always possible! Cody likes to have one for breakfast before / on the way to school, where I like to have mine before going to work as an energy booster, knowing that I may not get to eat for the next few hours! Below I have shared some of our favourite Protein Recipe's, as well as a few that are little more Festive!

Recipes each make 1 Large or 2 Small servings.

Strawberry Banana Protein Shake.

1/2 - 1 cup of strawberries 

1 banana 

[fruit can be fresh or frozen - ADD 2-3 cubes of ice when using fresh fruit]

1 cup of Almond Milk or Water

1 serving of  Arbonne Vanilla Protein

Mix ALL in Blender (magic bullet or whatever kitchen tool you prefer)

pour into 1 large or 2 small glasses, & Enjoy!

Very Berry Pie Protein Shake

1 cup of mixed (fresh or frozen) raspberries, blueberries, & strawberries.

[ADD 2-3 cubes of ice when using fresh berries]

1 serving Arbonne Vanilla Protein

1 cup of Almond milk

Mix ALL in Blender (magic bullet or whatever kitchen tool you prefer)

pour into 1 large or 2 small glasses, & Enjoy!

Peaches & 'Almond Cream'/ Peaches

& 'Coconut Cream' Protein Shake

1 cup fresh Ontario peaches (frozen will also work)

[ADD 2-3 cubes of ice when using fresh fruit]

1 serving Arbonne Vanilla Protein

1 cup of Almond milk

OR 1/4 cup of full fat Coconut Cream with 1/2 cup of almond milk/water.

Mix ALL in Blender (magic bullet or whatever kitchen tool you prefer)

pour into 1 large or 2 small glasses, & Enjoy!

'Reese's Pieces' Protein Shake

1 serving of Arbonne Chocolate Protein

1 scoop of PB2

1 banana (fresh or frozen)

1 - 2 cups of Almond milk

Mix ALL in Blender (magic bullet or whatever kitchen tool you prefer)

pour into 1 large or 2 small glasses, & Enjoy!

Apple Cinnamon Protein Shake 

1 Red Apple (I like Macintosh) cut up into small chunks.

1/2 a Banana 

2 - 3 cubes of ice

1 cup Almond Milk
1 serving Arbonne Vanilla Protein

Pinch of ground cinnamon 

Pinch of ground nutmeg 

(optional) 1-2 pitted dates to sweeten

Mix ALL in Blender (magic bullet or whatever kitchen tool you prefer)

pour into 1 large or 2 small glasses, & Enjoy!

Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake.

I am not a huge pumpkin fan at all;  I thought that I would share this Recipe as I know MANY of you are... & no this recipe is not mine but has been taste tested by & shared to me by someone who certainly is! 

1/4 cup of Organic Pureed Pumpkin.

1 serving of Arbonne Vanilla Protein

1 - 2 cups of Almond Milk or Water

2 - 3 cubes of ice

A pinch of Pumpkin Pie Spice.  

Mix ALL in Blender (magic bullet or whatever kitchen tool you prefer)
pour into 1 large or 2 small glasses, & Enjoy!

& Don't forget about toppings! Smoothie Bowls have been popping up everywhere & I decided to see what the fuss was about this morning & made myself a Green Smoothie Bowl while finishing up this post using Green Balance & I am SOO glad that I did - Deliciously Sweet & loaded with goodness, that being said I will for sure be trying chocolate on my next one! 
Life is about Balance after all!

I hope that you enjoy these recipes & be sure to let me know if you give them a try;
I always love getting your feedback!

Wishing you a beautiful Day & Week! 

Dream Big Sparkle More Shine Bright

' Back To School ' Essentials

It's Back To School season - and whether or not you are actually returning yourself, the feeling is undoubtedly in the air! I myself will not be returning to school as a student this year, that chapter of my life is over but it sure was a wonderful one - if any of my College, High school, or Elementary School classmates are reading this - I miss you, & i must admit i miss it a tiny bit too WOW that's something I never thought I'd say! Today On the Blog I am sharing a List of what I consider to be 'Back To School' OR Work Essentials & things I was sure to have for Cody who will be heading back to the books! Good Luck & have fun tomorrow on your first day back! I know you'll be reading this because you read & spell check every one - Thanks Again for that, & all you do. Okay enough sappy stuff, let's get back to Back To School & how it is the perfect time to get new stationary Back On Track!

A Cute Book Bag . Even in High school & College [when I was actually attending school] I was never a big Book Bag 'wearer', So it's kind of ironic that I'd start at this point in life; But I've read a lot about how purses  [particularly those of the extremely heavy variety... like mine] are actually bad for your back & posture, (& I do notice it bothering my shoulders after a long day) So I will be attempting to transition to the Back Pack life! I got this bag is from boathouse a few years back.                                                                          
Fruity Socks . from Ardene, because nothing says "Back To School" like fresh socks & undies undies not pictured. 
  

Greens Balance . It can be a challenge to get a good breakfast in when rushing around early in the morning, especially a balanced one with a full serving of fruits and veggies - this keeps it simple by just adding to your water!

Kate Spade Day Planner - a.k.a "My golden polka-doted brain"  [ This is quite possibly the most practical purchase I've ever made & I'd absolutely recommend it to anyone who has a love of lists / stationary. It has 15 months (Aug15-Dec16), an adress book, as well as a section to write notes! ] The Watermelon Pencil Case is from H&M [which I couldn't find on their website but can be found in store].

Pens, Pencils, etc . My Bamboo pen - found HERE.

Sleep Well Spray - Summer is all about long nights & sleeping in; But soon a good nights sleep will make all the difference with early mornings & long lessons. The transition can be difficult for so many and this spray helps you rest easier with less disruptions!    
Energy Fizz Tabs Citrus (also available in Pomegranate) I've talked about these on the blog before, but they are seriously little tabs of liquid energy heaven & without the jitters or crash of coffee and energy drinks! A Tutorial for The DIY Tumbler pictured can be found HERE.    
                                      
Colourstay Gel Envy (just for fun) - because for me, little things like a fresh mani helps to bring a fresh mindset! 
I also just have to chat about this stuff, [it's By Revlon] & I have tried a few others before it, and honestly wasn't overly impressed with the idea of a Gel Manicure until My Mom convinced me to try this one! I truthfully can't be bothered with the process of sitting under that darn UV light, which this doesn't require! You literally just apply the Base + Colour coat & finish with the Gel Topcoat (no differently than you would your regular polish - the dry time is about the same as well) & you're Done!
I never thought I'd say it but I think I have finally been convinced & will be switching to Gel nails from now on!           
 Lip Conditioner ( a necessity) -You're going to need something to keep your lips moisturized despite those dry, stale-aired halls, classrooms and lecture halls!

If you are heading back to school, or maybe you are moving away for the first time to College / University, heading back after a summer at home, or embarking on a new adventure of any kind this fall; I wish you luck & love in whatever you do, & that amazing memories will be made! Remember that you can achieve anything your mind can believe! & of course never forget to ALWAYS...
Dream Big Sparkle More Shine Bright

Replacing Negative Thoughts with Beautiful Colours & Positive Energy

It helps me to create something, that I feel is beautiful, that didn't exist before, and put it out into the world. Sure most times they don't make it any further than my apartment but I find peace in the process of creation.        
 & when it comes down to it the goal of everything I create is exactly that, to slowly replace my negative thoughts with beautiful colours & positivity!    
Because the mind isn't Mathematical - a negative & a negative DO NOT make a postative... In this case the only thing we can do is to attempt to flood the negative with positivity.

One of the hardest parts of this for me, has been learning the patterns of my anxiety-related negative thoughts. Which though difficult has made it easier to control the outcomes of my thoughts & focus on the things I DO want to be thinking about, doing, & ultimately inviting into my life. As well as finding a balance between doing those sometimes not-so-fun things that I may not necessarily think I want to do in the moment, but know will benefit me in the long run & making time for the people, places, and passions I love & bring joy into my life.  Sometimes my anxiety can manifest it's self in some pretty obscure symptoms which makes it difficult at times to truly gauge "is this just my anxiety or is this real"& while I would like to say that I have mastered this - the truth is I haven't & am sometimes guilty of ignoring messages my body is trying to send me to slow down & just write it off as anxiety.

Aside from that some of the other issues I have faced are with people who see it as fake, which it truly never is! One of the good & bad quailities of anxiety is that I have almost no ability to hide or fake my emotions... So if I am smiling and happy then that is real & genuine & I have no way of containing it even if i tried - but on the same hand, I also was never given the ability to contain the not so pretty emotions either, & when I get upset there is no hiding or concealing it either. I guess what I'm getting at is that I feel things in a BIG way - both the good & the bad, so why not let me laugh, smile & create in this moment, even if in the next I am riddled with anxiety! My concentration on the good is not a denial of the bad; it's a shift in focus.

Dream Big Sparkle More Shine Bright

Natural Summer Day Glow 5 Minute Make-up Tutorial - NO BRUSHES NEEDED!!

During the summer months I (and I know many of you) spend the majority of my down time at the beach, swimming, kayaking, camping & at the cottage. I don't typically like to wear any makeup for these activities, & with this summer heat I sometimes just can't be bothered with a full face of makeup. But nevertheless, there are still those days/moments when you want to look a little put together [and not like you've spent the last 5 days playing outside sun up to sun down, showerless]. This also cuts down on packing - No Brushes saves a LOT of space, & all you need to pack are the 6 products I used, for a complete makeup look Using Just Your Fingers in Less than 5 Minutes!!!

Step 1. Before anything else apply a moisturizer with SPF or Facial SPF cream ~ I used Nurturing Day Lotion with SPF 20.

Step 2. Start with cc cream which is a fantastic all in one product, I did a mini product review on this a while back which you can find HERE.

 

The Next 2 Steps can be done individually or simultaneously.
Step 3. Using the Sheer Glow Highlighter Apply a small amount to your finger and dab onto your Highlight areas, Under the eyes, down the nose, under your brows, & in the corner of your eye, as well ass your cupids bow to give your lip extra dimension.
Step 4. Then grab your Bronze Sheer Glow Highlighter & using the same application process, apply instead to your Contour Zones to create shadow & bronzing where the sun would naturally hit your face; the cheek bones, outer portions of the forehead, sides & bridge of the nose, & chin.

 
   
Step 5. Next I used It's A Long Story Mascara - & apply 1-2 coats.

Step 6. Lastly apply your choice of lipstick, lip gloss, or lip chap. * If you are going to be in the sun I recommend using one with an SPF. I used the Arbonne Lip Saver (Sold Out) - A similar product can be found HERE.

Some of the best memories are made in Flip - Flops.

Happy August! - Thank you for reading. Wishing you a beautiful last month of Summer, full of sunshine & good memories! & Always

Dream Big Sparkle More Shine Bright

DIY Upcycled Mason Jar Tumbler & Canada Day 2015 Photo Round-Up

Creating Your Own Mason Jar Tumbler Lid.

This super Simple 2 Step process using NO POWER TOOLS will transform any mason jar lid into an adorable Tumbler lid! Perfect for any of your Summer Events, Parties, OR just to take with you On The Go & are incredibly inexpensive & simple to do!What You Will Need:

~ Mason Jar(s) & Lid(s)

~ Straw(s)

~ Hammer

~ 3/4" Step-less Taper Bit
~3/4" Screw

~ A thick book / scrap of wood (to work on)

Step #1. You are going to want to begin (regardless of if you do end up decorating them or not) by puncturing the Hole in the Lid. To do this you will want to use a 3/4" step-less taper bit ( I attached a photo of the one I used below), place on the lid where you would like your straw to be & begin gently tapping with your hammer until punctured. Once you have punctured through continue hammering the bit completely through.

Step #2. Begin threading the screw through the whole to spread the metal.
If needed use the screw to gently push the metal on the lid open slightly to allow enough space for the straw to pass freely(as shown in the photos above).

If you decided you want to leave yours as is, that fit your straw and Enjoy!
Step #3. Optional Using a Non-Toxic, Water Proof paint decorate your lid however you'd like!

During the Month of July I will be participating in the ‪#‎STMplasticfreejuly‬ (Save the Mermaids Plastic Free July) challenge to Quit all single-use plastics for the month of July. Using this Tumbler to replace any unnecessary throw-away bottles!

" The challenge is quite simple. Attempt to refuse single-use plastic during July. "Single-use" includes plastic shopping bags, plastic cups, straws, plastic packaging...basically anything that's intended only to be used once and then discarded. Remember it's not going to be easy! It's a challenge, not a competition so do not worry about being perfect."

If this sounds like something that interests you I encourage you to join the challenge & help spread the word! All of the information can be cause at savethemermaids.org.

Canada Day 2015 Round-Up.

Yesterday was Canada Day & I hope that you managed to get out between the spurts of poring rain & wind storms and enjoyed the sunshine! Things have ben chaotic around here so for the first time ever I didn't put up to many decorations aside from a few red & white decor items I already had laying around. I did however make the DIY Mason Jar Tumbler which came in handy yesterday! 
We started our day with Canadian Flag Fruit Pure Popsicle's for breakfast (they are actually much more nutritious than they look, & I shared the recipe yesterday which if you are interested, you can find it up on the @Upcygirl Instagram. 
It was pretty cold here in Ottawa but we did get bundled up in our Red & Whites & headed downtown to catch a glimpse of the madness! It was kind of stunning to see how many people made it out despite the off and on downpour of rain.
We walked through the market & got some fresh fruits and veggies from some local vendors to bring home (out of the rain) for dinner.
We can actually see the Ottawa Fire Works from our Balcony so we decided to stay in & enjoy them from there with the company of our cat, snuggled up nice and warm in blankets!

Be sure not to forget to check out the Save the Mermaids Plastic Free July...

Floods of humanity, lakes of peace, rivers of gold, the tides of war; all we are and do is linked to the water of life.”

— David Mead, Early Settler, Wyoming, 1789

Dream Big Sparkle More Shine Bright

CANADA DAY Inspiration & DIY Beaded Fringe Crop Top

Canada Day is right around the corner & I have slowly started to prepare by digging out all of my red & white dishes, decorations, & of course clothing! 

I have shared a Tutorial on the DIY Canada Day Top, as well as my tablescape from Last Year's Canada Day Celebrations.
Check back in a few days to catch this years!

Downtown Ottawa Canada - Canada Day 2014.

DIY Beaded Fringe Crop Top (scroll down to bottom for DIY tutorial)

Custom silk & satin floral headpiece: By: Nixie Available for purchase through the Upcy Shop.

This was something I woke up and did frantically decided to do the morning of Canada Day. Hung a  Red & White Tassel Garland, & drew a quick mini art 'print' which you can't really see in this photo (which in the only one I snapped that day) it says "Keep Calm & Love Canada". I painted a pair of Red & White recycled glass bottles that I used to stick the Sparklers & Paper Straws into, added a lantern candle, a table runner & some coloured napkins all of which I already had laying around the apartment. As far as food / drink goes I kept it super simple, wine & some home made cookies in cute little Red & White paper cuplets!

DIY Beaded Fringe Crop Top

What You Will Need: 

~ A Tank Top / T-shirt 

~ Mixed beads

~ Scissors 

DIY Beaded Fringe Crop Top

DIY Beaded Fringe Crop Top

(I apologize for the complete lack of photos)

Step #1. Starting off with A Tank Top, OR by trimming the sleeves & neck off an old T-shirt.

Step #2. Using a sharp pair of scissors & beginning at one of the side seams start cutting strips from the bottom of your top, up (however high you wish your Crop to be) about an inch apart - the fabric will stretch and thin out, so be sure to not cut your strips to fine.
Continue this process around the entirety of your top.

Step #3. Once your slits have been cut you will want to go back through and individually trim the bottom seem line of the top off each fringe strip. (I know you are probably thinking that this would have made more since/ been easier to do prior to cutting the fringe but leaving it intact until after will give you a better shape to follow when cutting & prevents your top from twisting or rolling up/out of shape) As somewhat shown in the photos above.

Step #4. Pull gently on each strand & string on your beads! (The ones I used & pictured below are ones I have had since the 90's & were SO HARD to find for a period, but now you can pretty much find them at ANY Dollar or Craft store.) Just as a reference I added 4 per fringe but you can put as many as you'd like!

Keep Calm Love Canada 

Dream Big Sparkle More Shine Bright

Beach Bag Essentials

Summer 2015 has started & the weather has been warming up steadily, Bring on the long summer days & nights at the beach!

 Ever since I was a child I have loved the water & when summer rolls around you would find me outside from sun up to sun down! Not much has changed since then, I still can think of no better way to spend the entirety of a day then outside; at the beach! 

Here you have what I consider to be my beach bag essentials!

•    Beach Blanket - Similar HERE
•    Water Bottle - Similar HERE
•    Head Phones
•    Bikini Cover Up - This is actually intended to be a scarf but I love it as a cover up!
•    Bug Replant - I use Awaken Rejuvenating Body Mist - It is All Natural, Vegan, & contains very few ingredients but works as a natural bug repellent due to the Citrus!
•    Sun Glass - Similar HERE
•    A Good Book - Right now I am currently reading "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me & Other Concerns - By Mindy Kaling" - I got this book for Christmas & it is one of the books on my Summer Reading Goal list, & I am loving it so far - It's nice to know I am not the only one who stresses/thinks about some of the things she talks about.
•    Bathing Suit - The pieces I happened to picture here are super random & honestly ancient, the Top I believe is from Walmart & Bottoms are Micheal Kors... Talk about Top & Bottom... 
•    Hair Tie & a Head Band - Both from Ardene
•    Lip Chap with SPF - Similar HERE
•    Mini First Aid Kit
•    Renewing Body Gelee - Some poor soul always forgets or decides to skip the Sunscreen and ends up with a nasty burn - this stuff provides instant pain relief and will also reduce the redness and limit the after peal!
•    Sunscreen - I use Arbonne Liquid Sunshine Mineral Sunscreen
•    Flip Flips - Also from Ardene... They have no shortage of fruit clothing & accessories!
  Now Get Packed & Get to The Beach!!
  

  Dream Big Sparkle More Shine Bright