February 5, 2014

Zesty Shrimp, Avocado, Mango Ceviche Recipe {a healthy + refreshing snack!}

Zesty Shrimp, Avocado, Mango Ceviche Recipe {a healthy + refreshing snack!}


I wanted to share with you one of my favorite healthy snacks,
this Shrimp Ceviche is so easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious!
Made with all fresh ingredients, it's a stunning appetizer to serve at a party...
plus, it looks amazing inside a martini glass FYI!
The lime and cilantro flavors give this recipe a huge kick,
but the mango adds a nice surprise element that really WOW's!
I like to enjoy my ceviche inside corn tortillas or with cucumber!
Be sure to let me know what your family thinks of this recipe...

 Zesty Shrimp, Avocado, Mango Ceviche
  • 1/4 red onion
  • approximately 1lb cooked shrimp 
    {peeled, devained, + chopped}
  • 1-2 jalapeno pepper(s)
  • 1/2 tomato
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
  • 2 large ripe hass avocados
  • 1 mango
  • 1 lime {for the juice}
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste
You'll also want to get something to dip -
crackers, cucumber, tortilla chips, taco shells, etc.
whatever floats your boat!

I typically just pan sear my shrimp quickly on medium heat with a dash of olive oil.

Then in a small bowl combine lime juice, red onion, olive oil,
salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
{ I just add a pinch of each spice and add more once I mix the recipe.}
Let them marinate, it will mellow the onion flavor.

In a large bowl mix together the shrimp, jalapeno, tomato, mango, and avocado.
Combine the two bowls, mixing slowly.
 Then add the cilantro + toss.
 Add additional garlic, salt, and pepper if needed.


 ENJOY!



February 3, 2014

Blogger Opp: #Markerly Blogging Network - What's it all about? + a $250 Am Ex Giveaway




Sponsored

 What is Markerly 
and Why should you join?
Let's first start off with,
this is for my bloggy friends.
Sorry to my other readers,
I just HAVE to spread the word about this network.

If you are a blogger into influencer marketing,
 you will want need to be a part of this website.
Markerly is a full-service managed network with 24/7 blogger support!
It is one of the best blogging networks I'm a part of,
I've heard good & bad things from other bloggers
but all of my experiences have been terrific.
They offer great campaigns that are based upon topics that are actually
entertaining and that I know my readers will love.

One great feature that I have never witnessed beforeis their "heat map".
{pictured below}
This feature allows you to see what people have been clicking on
& interacting with on your posts.
It's great, it not only lets me know what people like about my Markerly posts,
but what really get's clicked on my sidebar and header as well.
They have other excellent features as well,
I'm definitely not a blogger "for the money".
But I do think it is pretty great that they pay their bloggers within 48 hours of posting.
I work for a few other networks that don't pay until MONTHS later.
I love the other networks but Markerly is the bomb dot com  best!
They hook me up with all kinds of companies including big names
such as Levi's, eMeals, and even Super Bowl Sponsored posts.
You can see more about their campaigns and media outreach here.
I honestly love that they only allow QUALITY bloggers to be a part of the network.
It's a great way for brands to connect with authentic bloggers 
and their readers to help the public gain awareness.
I know all of our readers trust our opinions and knowing that only quality, honest reviews 
will be posted via Markerly posts is rather important to me.
 They truly are unlike any other network I'm a part of... 
If you are new to blogging, this is a great company to get your "feet wet" with.
Their campaign managers are always available and very helpful,
I actually have had the pleasure of working with a couple different
members of their team and I must say everyone has been so friendly.


Are you ready to get paid to write for top brands?

Click here to learn more.



Plus, enter to win this awesome giveaway for a $250
American Express Gift Card:





Disclaimer: I may have received a product, sample, and/or compensation to facilitate this review, regardless all opinions expressed above are completely my own.

February 2, 2014

Romance is in the air {6 romantic gestures to make your spouse smile}

It's nearly Valentine's Day + Romance is in the air!
6 Romantic Gestures to make your spouse smile - LaurenPaints.com

  I'm a hopeless romantic and thought I'd share some Valentine's Day cheer,
most of these ideas could be used through out the year to make your spouse smile though.


 1. Surprise her + Surprise him:
6 Romantic Gestures to make your spouse smile - LaurenPaints.com -Surprise Him and Her
{images found here}

2. Learn your spouse's love language and act accordingly:
6 Romantic Gestures to make your spouse smile - LaurenPaints.com - Speak their love language


3. Get romantic like the Parisian's - add a lock to a chain link fence:
6 Romantic Gestures to make your spouse smile - LaurenPaints.com - Locked in Love
{Bridge image found here}

4. Plan an Impromptu Picnic:
6 Romantic Gestures to make your spouse smile - LaurenPaints.com - Impromptu Picnic
{image found here}

5. A Bouquet of Balloons:
6 Romantic Gestures to make your spouse smile - LaurenPaints.com - Bouquet of Love Balloons
{image found here}

6. Plan a trip "around-the-world":
6 Romantic Gestures to make your spouse smile - LaurenPaints.com - Around the world date

{image found here}


Happy Early Valentine's Day,
Ladies + Gents! :)

Fit in Feb: Shop Seasonally {A guide to buying produce in season}


 As we all know,
weight loss really begins in the kitchen...
I've been trying to eat WAY more fruits + veggies
and way less processed foods as of late.
I always have trouble remembering what is technically "in-season"
while at the grocery store so I made up this handy, dandy infographic -
perfect for the produce loving grocery shopper!

I've literally fallen in love with veggies I didn't even know existed...
Cactus Pear in smoothies is awesome
and Butternut Squash in a casserole is amazing!

I pair some protein with two veggies for most of my meals
and snack on fruits occasionally.


Check out this list + head to the farmer's market or
your local produce section and snag some healthy food:
Fit in Feb: Shop Seasonally

 

February 1, 2014

Fit in Feb: Kick Off! {Confession + The decision to change my lifestyle}

February is officially here, which means that Fit in Feb is starting now! 

I'm counting down the days until it's bikini season 
and working towards a healthier, happier version of me.
 I plan to share fitness tips, recipes, and more 
through out the month of February!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm going to start this month off with a confession
and a mission statement.

I weighed in on January 2nd at my heaviest weight ever...
I decided then to make a change,
but as of February I'm making even more of a change.
I'm going to be active daily
and be even more strict with my diet.
I want results and this is the only way it will happen!

105 days until I plan to ROCK my bikini,
I don't think I'll look bangin'
but I know I'll be more in shape than I am today
and that's my main goal.

So cheers to my chunky-ness
but hooray for my future fitness!
{my before picture - at my heaviest weight}

Follow me this month and through out the spring & summer to see my transformation!


January 31, 2014

#CrazyCupid Giveaway Hop - RavPower 5600mAh External Battery Charger {ends 2/15}

sponsored

Welcome to the #CrazyCupid Giveaway Hop!



This little baby will enable you to charge your device and power it up for an additional 6 hours on an iPad, 30 hrs extra talk, 140 hrs extra music and 2-3 charges for most mobile phones The battery pack's compact & portable design offers the ability to charge your phone ANYWHERE, whether you are in a meeting or taking a road trip - The RavPower Charger always comes in handy! Another reason I love this charger is because it automatically powers off within 20 seconds if it is not in use, this saves so much battery power and really does make it convenient to use on the go!






 I think this charger would make the perfect gift for any tech-y in your life, maybe even yourself! I use mine while running errands or while I'm sitting in class, it ensures that my phone will always be fully charged -- which everyone needs! It's the comfort of always knowing your phone is available!

RavPower also provided me with a 4-Port Wall Charger, which makes keeping the External battery charged easy... even if I am charging my tablet, my ipod, and my phone! They all can be plugged into the same outlet and they work perfectly!

Lucky for you,
I've teamed up with RavPower
and they are offering ONE lucky reader an External Battery Charger!

I also am giving ONE other lucky reader a custom painting of their choice!
I love sharing the joy of LOVE with everyone. 


TWO LUCKY READERS WILL WIN!
Enter to win with the GT form below:
{ends 2/15}



 After you enter to win here, be sure to check out all of the other awesome giveaways:
Disclaimer: I may have received a product, sample, and/or compensation to facilitate this review, regardless all opinions expressed above are completely my own.