5 Tips to Help You Survive College Finals Week

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LoveV8Protein #CollectiveBias

This week is finals week. The week when every single college student I know gets a little frazzled. The week when we all question our major and our sanity because we stay up all night cramming for a final in the hardest class we have. This week is a make it or break it situation in our classes, I'm aiming for A's across the board and this semester it's going to take some serious studying and brain power to accomplish that. Luckily I have the new V8 Protein shakes and bars to help my nutrition stay on track and these awesome study tips to help me prepare for finals.

Hard work pays off! Just finished a study session and now I'm off to the gym after treating myself to a tasty V8 Protein Shake and Bar! {read more #ontheblog later today!} #busybusybusy #finalsweek #LoveV8protein #ad #cbias #fitfam

A video posted by Lauren Paints (@sunkissed_sweetheart) on Dec 12, 2014 at 9:52am PST

1. Ditch the junk, eat food that's good for you: I'm working pretty much 24/7 on something for the blog and hubs works full time and both of us are in school full time so we don't always have the time to cook a healthy and complete breakfast, lunch, and dinner - especially this week. With my weight loss going so well (read more about my weightloss journey here), I've still been struggling to get enough protein in my diet regardless of what I've been eating. Thanks to V8 Protein, I'm able to eat a delicious protein bar and get some of my veggies in all while saving time! With 10g of Protein and 5g of Fiber in the bars and 12g of Protein and 3g of Fiber in the shakes, I'm happy to snack on these delicious treats!

V8 Protein shakes and bars come in six different delicious and decadent varieties, allowing you the little indulgence you need everyday while still remaining healthy! I love that when I'm sipping my chocolate protein shake I am getting the nutrients from sweet potatoes and carrots and proteins from milk, soy, peas, brown rice, and quinoa! Interested in trying some V8 Protein Shakes & Bars? I found mine at Walmart in the Health & Beauty section.

2. Make the tough stuff into a game: This may seem simple, but it works. Make every single question you are struggling with into a fun game by awarding yourself points when you get an answer correct. This is WAY more fun when you have a study buddy so I suggest one of those as well!

3. Put on some tunes and READ: My final for speech feels like it is full of information that I already know but after my mid-term I know better than to expect him to give us super easy questions. This means I'll need to buckle down and read all these hand-outs so that I get the vital information. Since it's not the most interesting information, I like to rock out to some music that doesn't have words; the Pandora station "Classical for Studying" seems to be a favorite this semester.

4. Take a break and doodle: I know it sounds silly and almost counteractive, but relaxing a little before taking your test will help! I love to doodle so busting out my notebook and sharpies is part of my plan. I suggest you do something that you know relaxes you - maybe read a book, paint your nails, or go for a short walk and get some fresh air. Don't spend too much time "doodling" but enjoy a second to just breathe.

5. Take the time to hit the gym: This week I am going to the gym RIGHT after class. That means I'm showing up in my gym clothes - not so cool, but you have to do what you have to do! I'm excited to burn off calories on the treadmill and really exhaust my body as much as my mind has been.

Do you have any study tips to share? I'd love to hear them!

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#NSNation Update: It's almost over but just beginning!

I'm nearing the end of my Nutrisystem journey, it's been an interesting experience. From learning that I really love most veggies more than other foods and that I love drinking my greens over eating them to getting to being able to indulge in healthy red velvet whoopie pies without guilt - I've enjoyed the journey. Now that it's almost over, I'm sharing a recent photo I took in a dress that is 4 sizes smaller than when I started this journey (don't mind all the stuff on the table, it's my Christmas decor that I have yet to hang).

That's right, I'm four dress sizes smaller. I'm also fluctuating between 18lbs lighter at the moment and I haven't taken my measurements recently but I'm certain those would reflect the weight I've lost as well. I've been slowly adding in my own meals and weaning myself off of Nutrisystem, simply because I only committed to three months AND because I'm excited for non-processed foods! It's the end of my Nutrisystem journey but seems to be the beginning of a whole new lifestyle. I'm so incredibly proud of my results so far and looking forward to losing even more!

I'd like to lose around another 20lbs before I feel my goal has been met so that means lots of green smoothies, visits to Planet Fitness, and lots of dedication lay ahead! Wish me luck!

Parmesan Crusted Mahi-Mahi with a Sweet & Savory Hormel Pepperoni and Pineapple Salsa

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PepItUp #CollectiveBias

This Parmesan Crusted Mahi-Mahi topped with a Hormel Pepperoni and Pineapple Salsa is absolutely one of the most delicious recipes I've ever made. Not only is it delicious, it's easy to make. So easy in fact, nearly anyone can make this dish!

I've always loved preparing quirky foods. Serving dishes that taste delicious but kind of make you wonder how I came up with the flavor combinations makes me happy and I'm so excited about this awesome recipe - It's a real winner! This easy recipe pairs some of my favorite tropical flavors like pineapple and Mahi-Mahi with Hormel Pepperonis, which are so delicious and packed full of flavor.

This amazing fish recipe is unlike any other I've tried but one that I'll be repeating again and again... it's that good! Plus, the salsa is a fun addition to all kinds of meals!

Parmesan Crusted Mahi-Mahi with a Sweet & Savory Hormel Pepperoni and Pineapple Salsa Ingredients: Parmesan Crusted Mahi-Mahi: 1/4 cup flour 1/4 cup sprinkle parmesan cheese Dash of marjoram, oregano, paprika, parsley 1 tbsp garlic 1 egg 1 tbsp butter 2-4 fillets of Mahi-Mahi Salsa: 1/3 cup onion, chopped 1/3 cup pepperoni, chopped 10 sweet mini peppers, chopped 1-2 Serrano peppers (depending on your spicyness preference), chopped 1 cup pineapple tidbits 1/3 cup tomato, chopped Begin by pre-heating the oven to 375 degrees. Combine flour, Parmesan cheese, and spices in one small container. In another container, beat 1 egg. Dip Mahi-Mahi into the egg, allowing it to become fully coated. Remove from egg and place immediately in flour and spice mixture, again coating completely. Place Mahi-Mahi in oven and bake for 18 minutes.While Mahi-Mahi is cooking, chop all salsa ingredients and mix together. Since the salsa recipe is so easy, I was able to make a few friends! This little guy has some "pep in his step": A video posted by Lauren Paints (@sunkissed_sweetheart) on Dec 12, 2014 at 7:45am PST Remove Mahi-Mahi from oven at 18 minutes and apply a small amount of melted butter to the top of the fish. Place back in oven for 7 minutes. Remove from oven and add salsa mixture to the top of fish, bake for 2 more minutes and remove. Add additional salsa if you would like! I served my fish with coconut lime rice, a complimentary side dish that makes this dish extra delicious. Enjoy!

Lucky you, I'm sharing a rocking coupon so you can try making this delicious pepperoni recipe:
Click here to receive a coupon for $1 off 2 packages of Hormel Pepperoni!

New Years Eve Survival Guide - 5 Tips to Make This NYE The Best Yet!

Can you even believe it's almost time to celebrate the new year? I know I can't! With only 31 days left until NYE, I feel it's fitting to share my sure fire tips to make this NYE the best one you've ever had. Whether you plan on spending the night in the club with your girls or having a few cocktails around the fire with your darling little family, I'm sure we all have something planned this year and I'm super excited to celebrate 2015 in a big way!


1. Avoid a hang over at ALL costs! NEVER HUNGOVER is the cure to drinking ails and with zero calories, zero carbs, and zero sugars - it's the best product on the market! As long as you drink 2oz of Never Hungover per 4 drinks, the first day of 2015 will be full of cheer instead of regrets of beer! You can get these little guys on the Never Hungover website, Amazon, and in stores at GNC. Not only do these little shots of love actually help, they taste great! Lauren Conrad, Paris Hilton, and other celebrities swear by these shots and now you're in on their little secret. Grab a pack for you and your friends so that you can head to yoga class on day 1 of 2015 instead of regretting the drinks you indulged in on the last day of 2014.

2. Dress fabulously! Wear something you love, something that really makes you feel like a star. It's the last day of 2014 and the first day of 2015, you better ring it in with some style! Even if you are just spending the evening in with your kids, play dress up as a family and wear your fanciest attire! It's fun to take the time to dress up, no matter the occasion! I am wearing a black lace long sleeve mini-dress and some new black booties. What will you be rocking to ring in the new year?

3. Hire a Driver! You could even volunteer to be the DD, just don't drink and drive! It's not worth putting yourself or someone else at risk. There are even services that offer free rides in most cities; so plan ahead and look around your city for this service, call a cab, call your mother, just don't drink and drive!

4. Use the Buddy System! It may sound silly but using the elementary school "buddy system" is a good way for girls to stay safe. We all know there's a risk when going out and having a few drinks, be sure to appoint a "buddy" to watch your back and your drink while your out. Whether your "buddy" is your spouse or your best gal pal, be sure to look out for each other! Not only can you party safely with a buddy, now you you have someone to make sure you aren't having a wardrobe malfunction, smiling with a hunk of spinach in your teeth, etc.

5. Play Paparazzi! This should be a no-brainer, but be sure to document your evening! You'll want to look back on this epic NYE and remember how much fun you had! Use your cell phone, your digital camera, etc and have fun with it. I'm notorious for my "photo shoots" with family and friends because I want to document all the little bits. It's just fun!


New Years 2015 is going to be epic!! I can't wait to party in style, while staying safe, and now I'll never be hungover again! 

Newlywed Kitchen Must Haves and Classically American Stir Fry recipe #TargetWedding

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target. All opinions are my own.

Target has all kinds of amazing products for newlyweds, nearly everything you could dream of actually. This month I've teamed up with Target Wedding Registry to share what I believe are Newlywed Kitchen Must Haves and a creative Holiday recipe, a Classically American Stir Fry sure to wow your family. It's super easy, the perfect combination of my love for Asian food and my husbands love for classical American food and this dish is full of flavor, vegetables, and love. Perfect to serve year round, but especially perfect around the holidays!

I think every set of newlyweds (or anyone in general, really) should have these staples in their kitchen:

• Threshold Bistro 16 Piece Dinnerware Set
• Calphalon Stainless Cookware
• SONOS PLAY: 5 Wireless HiFi System
• Oneida Tortola 20 Piece Flatware Set
• Natural Home 2 Piece Organic Cotton Hot Pad and Oven Mitt Set - Cream
• Cake Stand with Cover
• Oster 6 cup Blender
• Threshold™ Easton Tumbler Set of 12
• Threshold™ Glass Cylinder Canister Set of 4

My Newlywed Kitchen Must Haves include the dinnerware set because every couple needs to be able to host another couple and have a nice, matching set of plates. The Calphalon cookware so that you and your new spouse can learn to cook together. The SONOS PLAY is a must have so that you can have a little slow dance to your song while you wait for your veggies to cook fully! The flatware because everyone needs freshly polished and brilliantly shining utensils. I think everyone needs a set of clean cut, organic cotton mitts in cream. The cake stand is pretty self-explanatory but you'll want one, I promise. The blender is for smoothies, shakes, etc. - the perfect treats for when your both busy but want something healthy and/or sweet. The tumblers are included so you can stay healthy and hydrated. And lastly, I decided to include the glass canisters so you have plenty of space to store ingredients in your kitchen. There are TONS of other things every newlywed couple will need in their family but this is an excellent start.


Now that I've shared what you'll need and why you should have these items! I'm going to share a recipe you can make using most of these items. Turn on some tunes on your SONOS player and get ready for some good food. It's an odd twist on a classic dish that you'll love!

Classically American Stir Fry

Ingredients for recipe:
2 cups cooked rice noodles
2 small boneless, skinless chicken breast (and broth from boiling)
1/2 medium green cabbage head
4 medium carrots, peeled
1/4 cup onions
4 sweet baby peppers
1 cup frozen mixed veggies
2 tsp. vegetable oil
2 tbsp.  soy sauce
1 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp. whipped peanut butter (or a low-fat option)
1/2 tsp. fresh, grated ginger
2 tbsp. chopped, unsalted peanuts


 Begin making the rice as instructed on package.

While rice cooks, spray a stainless steel pan with cooking spray.

Boil chicken until it's completely cooked, remove from water and let cool, then cut into tiny little bite size pieces. Keep "broth" for later.

Chop cabbage into thin strips (like slaw), chop up onions, and use peeler to shred carrots.

Add all veggies (including frozen) into skillet and toss with oil. Cook on medium-high heat 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are fully cooked (or until they are cooked to the texture you prefer).

Add chicken to vegetables. Stir in soy sauce, peanut butter, and honey (and ginger, optional) and heat through, about 2 minutes. Spoon rice noodles, chicken, and veggies into bowl, add broth amount you prefer (or real chicken broth) and sprinkle with peanuts.

Enjoy!

Now that I've shared our delicious little concoction, I'd love to hear how you add some spice into your Holidays? What items do you think every set of Newlywed's should have in the kitchen?

Don't forget to check out Target Wedding Registry and add the awesome items mentioned above.