UPDATES & KLUTCHClub Review!

Hey guys! 

It's been a week since my last post. A while, right? I've been swamped recently with stuff for school - I go back in two weeks, but the Newswire (our student paper) publishes its first issue next week for the freshmen who move in early. Crazy, right? So I have been really busy trying to get everything organized for that issue, like making sure we have a publisher, advertisements, stories, etc. Nuts! 

That being said, I haven't had much time to blog. Even now, I'm feeling a little pressed! I'm nervous about my Cincy Magazine internship, starting in September - and I feel like I will be turning down the opportunity because of the lack of time I will have in the school year. I really don't want to turn down this opportunity, but I feel like Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays will be the only time I have to do homework (all of my classes are on Tues/Thurs, which means a lot of homework on those days). With the internship, I wouldn't be able to actually do much on those days until around 4:30pm, and on Wednesdays, I have a night class. Which means less time. What should I do?

I've also been down and out with something called Parotitis - basically, swollen spit glands. It sucked because I couldn't chew anything and it was really painful. How did this happen? From this stuff:

Don't use it!!!! Seriously. If you read the reviews on Amazon, other people have become sick from using this mouthwash. It's terrible. I don't understand why they don't take it off the market - it's from one of the ingredients in it, called CPC. Gross. Avoid at all costs. I had to take Amoxicillin for 10 days because of it. Thankfully, as soon as I stopped using it, I felt better. 

I've also been trying to get back into my faith. I tend to get fired up about it, and then let that fire die down - now it's time to re-kindle my love for God. Stuart and I are both working on it together - even since he went on a Catholic family retreat and heard a speaker named Justin Fatica, he has been more enthusiastic about what he believes. He's Catholic, and I'm Protestant - so we have differing beliefs, but I'm trying to be more open to learning about his. We are both starting a read through the Bible in one year program, plus I bought some Bible studies for me. I'm hoping Stuart and I can find a study to do together as a couple.

This weekend was also a little crazy. I went with Stuart to Columbus for the weekend for his little sister's 4th birthday, which was a lot of fun! I took them some pretty little sugar cookies (I used this recipe). Aren't they pretty? Princess crowns, glass slippers, diamond rings and Tiffany tea pots! I had a lot of fun making them! Lydia (his sister) loved the cookies - she also got cute little bike for her birthday. Her brother (Simon - 2 years old) loved the cookies too! 

I will say this - I wasn't watching what I ate this weekend. Bad me. But now I'm back on track, counting calories and trying to eat healthier. Working out is escaping me, mostly because I don't have the time right now to dedicate to anything except my massive Newswire and back-to-school to do list. 

This lack of time means I'm quite a bit behind on product reviews. Whoops! That means I'll have quite a few coming your way this week. Let's start with another review of KLUTCHClub! You may have read my earlier review of this company. Well, they loved it so much that they sent me another box to review! How great is that?! Love this company!

What is KLUTCHclub? Well, its a monthly subscription service that provides subscribers with a box each month. That box contains over $50 worth of fitness, health, and wellness products like DVDs, workouts, snacks, makeup, and more. And you only pay $18 a month (or less)! You can subscribe for one month of one year, you choose. This is geared especially towards women. 

The above box is what I was sent this time - June's KLUTCHClub box. 

This box had quite a few things in it. One of my favorite discoveries was the Journey Bar (which I will also be reviewing shortly!). Journey Bars are basically savory nutrition bars, which are so cool since everything currently on the market is sweet. I absolutely love these. They use amaranth inside, which little round superfood seeds. Yum. The flavor sent in the box was coconut curry - and let me tell you - it was DIVINE. It tasted kinda like curry corn bread. I absolutely loved it. Try to find these sold in a store around you!

There was also a small bar of soap from Savy Boheme. It was an African Black Soap - fair trade and organic, like everything else this company sells. It was okay - I don't like bar soaps because they always make me feel really squeaky. However, if you like bar soap, you'll like this. 

There was also Japanese moisturizer from Yu-Be.  This is apparently the #1 selling medicated moisturizer in Japan. Who knew? I tried it on my hands, and I thought it was a little greasy. However, the packaging says it is also good to use on your lips and face for dry, cracked skin. It is a glycerin based lotion with added vitamins E, C, B2 and camphor. This kinda reminds me of Aquaphor or Vaseline. I think I'll try it on my heels, since they are so dry!

Next, Crum Creek Mills (I am also working with them on a review) sent one of their most popular items - Soy Nut Mix. If you like soy nuts, go for it. It's a decent snack mix - it has raisin, chocolate chips, soy nuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. However, it baffles me as to why it was featured on Dr. Oz and Oprah magazine. Hm. I think I just don't have a thing for soy nuts. I didn't really like this, but like I said, if you like soy nuts....give it a try! 

Finally, there were coupons - a free month subscription to My Barre3, $25 to Body Language Sportsware, and $30 off an OG Sack. I tried to My Barre3 workout, and I thought it was a challenging toning workout, but not for cardio. I'm more of a cardio person. My Barre 3 combines pilates and the ballet barre to get in a nice workout that will tone you and make you lean. Sadie, the creator, is a very fun person and I liked her personality a lot. If you are looking for a new workout, this is a good one to try! I haven't used the Body Language Sportsware gift certificate yet, because I really need to stop spending money, but all of their products look great. The coupon doesn't expire until September 15, so I'll definitely use it before then! And the OG Sack - well, I don't do enough yoga to utilize this, so I probably will not be using this coupon. The bags look cool though, and they have a special strap for carrying your yoga mat - check it out! 

Whew. There was your June KLUTCHClub! Are you inspired to buy your first box yet? If so, just click here to get started! 

Thanks again to the people at KLUTCHClub for being so patient with me. Look what I made from their box: 

Isn't it cute? I'm using it to hold books on my dresser in my room! And it's a great way to recycle instead of throwing the box away! Do you think I could win KLUTCHClub's Reduce, Reuse, ReKLUTCH contest? VOTE FOR ME PLEASE!!!

That's all for now, guys. Thanks for reading all of this, and enjoy your summers! 

Much love, 

Daring Bakers: Armenian Nazook & Nutmeg Cake

Hey guys! It's time again for the Daring Bakers challenge of the month! It's a little late at night, I realize, but I still managed to post by the deadline without forgetting :) Go me!

Before we get into the yummy recipes from this month, I have some news... my first 5k is tomorrow at Sharon Woods. I'm nervous, especially because 1) my legs are really sore from doing some leg workouts by the Tone It Up ladies  and 2) today was the first time I've run in a few weeks... and I had to take a brief breather after running a half mile, then walked/ran the last half mile. So I did about a mile today, and my side started really hurting after that. Needless to say, I'm nervous for tomorrow.

We stopped at DeSha's restuarant tomorrow to pick up our running bib, tshirts, and registration info. My parents will be walking and I will be running/walking. I feel so official with my little running bib! :) Anyways, wish me luck because I'm super dooper nervous I'm gonna feel crappy or something terrible!

I also am STOKED for a few reasons. First, school is out in a week!!! Yay!!! This was my last week of school, and next week I just have to slug my way through finals. Then summer is here and I can start my social media internship with Daelia's Biscuits for Cheese. They are essentially gourmet biscuits/crackers used for appetizers that are sold in gourmet grocery stores (ie: Whole Foods, Findlay Market, Jungle Jims, and Dorothy Lane Market).  I even get to go to a gourmet food show (The Fancy Food Show) in Washing DC with my boss in June! Ahhhh so PUMPED. I'm really looking forward to that.

Then, I just found out there is a very high chance that I have received a fall editorial internship with Cincinnati Magazine! That was totally unexpected. THEN, yesterday, Xavier hosted it's new "XavierFest" which featured a ton of free food, vendors, free tshirts, and free music with local bands. It was pretty cool; I love the tshirts and I got SO MUCH free food. It was awesome - I highly recommend StreetPops if you are from Cincinnati. Their key lime pie popsicle was delicious Then, today I went shopping at Target and got two new dresses and some swim short s(which I've been needing for a couple years now and procrastinated on buying...) AND I got to go bowling with the Newswire staff... us journalism geeks sure know how to bowl and party.

Myself and Jake, the outgoing Editor-in-Chief, with our baseball bats

Clearly I am a fabulous bowler (not).

Now on to more exciting things... food! This month's DB challenge.

The Daring Bakers' April 2012 challenge, hosted by Jason at Daily Candor, were two Armenian standards: nazook and nutmeg cake. Nazook is a layered yeasted dough pastry with a sweet filling, and nutmeg cake is a fragrant, nutty coffee-style cake.

First up: Armenian Nutmeg Cake

Oh my word was this cake DELICIOUS. It tastes like a really moist and yummy coffee cake, using nutmeg instead of the traditional cinnamon. As you can see, I loaded the top of mine up with crushed almonds, although the tradition nutmeg cake uses a sprinkle of walnuts. I just happened to have almonds on hand. This was a favorite by everyone who tried it (including myself).  Click here to see video instructions on how to make this cake! I highly recommend trying it. There is also this crust of yummy goodness at the bottom that is actually the dry ingredients of the cake batter - very different and scrumptious. 

Next: Nazook

These were also really good! This was flaky dough, rolled up and stuffed with a crumb filling. You can't really go wrong here. These were really easy to make too! Again, click here for video instructions! These would be the perfect treat for a Sunday brunch (as would the nutmeg cake...)

Overall, I really enjoyed this month's DB challenge.

I'm off to bed so I'm ready to run tomorrow!

Much love,

The Great Debate

Hey friends!

First things first - the winner of the Zevia giveaway (according to random.org) is #28 - G! Congrats! Please email me so I can get your free Zevia shipped out to you!

How has everyone been? It's been another busy week for me. Only 1.5 weeks of school left! How great is that? As usual, I haven't been running because I've been writing papers... and my 5k is quickly approaching. My first 5k is this Saturday. I'm so nervous - especially since I haven't been training! Does anyone have any tips for me about preparing for a 5k? I'd really appreciate all your help!

I also think I may take up walking instead of running, since I'm a terrible runner (at least, I think so). Here's an info graphic I found on Pinterest about walking:

My only problem is I'm an intense cardio kind of girl, and I feel like walking won't do much for me - although it obviously does. What do you think? Do you walk? Do you enjoy walking? 

I'm also about to start a little bit of a debate here. I recently began eating fish. Why? Well, no real reason, really. I ate it once on Sunday when Stuart and I went out to dinner at Outback Steakhouse, and the only vegetarian option they had was some sort of pasta alfredo - and I really did not want a heavy cream sauce. So I decided to get the rare tuna - which was one of my favorites before I went vegetarian - and loved it. I also know I will be eating salmon for dinner this Sunday because Residence Life is taking us all to Montgomery Inn, and, again, there are no vegetarian options.

Which brings up another point - why do so many vegetarians think it's okay to eat fish? Fish is not a vegetable, people. I fully realize that. If you eat only fish, you are a pescatarian - not a vegetarian. Too often I hear "Oh, I'm a vegetarian who eats fish," and I'm thinking to myself then you're not a vegetarian! Uhg. It kills me! Sorry if that offended anyone - not trying to be offensive, but I just don't understand how fish is considered a vegetarian option. There are other ways to get omega-3s and protein.

So, anyways, back to my original question - to eat fish or not? I'm okay with it, I don't eat fish much anyways - as in, basically never - so I think it'd be alright. I can't tell you how many times I've almost gone back to eating meat recently, but I manage to pull myself together and stop myself every time, because I know I would rather have that animal live than be on my plate. Which is the same reason I wouldn't be eating a whole lot of fish.

What's your opinion?

Alright - I'm off to write another paper (yikes), go to class, mail a package, order some things for Newswire, and then go to BW3's and bowling with the Newswire staff. I'm also busy filling out job applications to the Disney store, First Watch, Whole Foods, Sur La Table, Charming Charlies, and much more! Hopefully I'll be able to find a job this summer so I won't be broke!

Adios!
Much love,

Reviews & Giveaways!

Hey guys!

Life, as usual, has been crazy busy. I have a feeling I won't be posting much until summer hits, when hopefully I will be able to post more! I am a bit behind on some product reviews I have, so this post will be putting three reviews into one. But first, a brief update on what's be going on with me!

Running still has not been happening, and my first 5k is on April 28. I'm pretty sure I'm just going to end up winging it and hoping for the best, alternating between running and walking. I tried to to run over Easter break and just ended up with a painful shin, so that didn't work. At least I ran a mile before getting the shin pain and painful stomach cramps.

My role as Editor-in-Chief has been going well and has been keeping me busy. I absolutely love it! It's a tradition that each year the old Editor-in-Chief buys their replacement a Louisville Slugger baseball bat - and I got mine on Thursday. It was bright pink! And it had my name engraved on it. Check it out:

Isn't it awesome?! I have to give a huge amount of thanks to Jake (who I'm replacing) - he has done a great job training me and I really, really appreciate everything he is done. 

I'm also currently looking for a part-time summer job. Seasonal jobs are so hard to find anymore. My mom doesn't believe me when I tell her that no one is hiring only seasonal and they want people who can work through the school year. Hopefully I'll be able to find something! 

I was recently sent a few pretty awesome new products to try out. First up, Rush Bowls. 

I gotta tell ya, I'm a huge fan of these. They are so neat. They come frozen, and each bowl is filled with pureed fruit and some sort of liquid (could be green tea, soymilk, etc), as well as a package of granola topping. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge and grab one for breakfast in the morning! They are so easy. And they taste like sorbet - who doesn't want to eat sorbet for breakfast? 

They are vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free, nut free, wheat free, dairy free, no artificial sweeteners, no artificial anything! And not too high in calories. Overall, I loved these. I thought all of the flavors were delicious: Acai Beach Bowl. Gluten-Free Beach Bowl, Power Bowl, Yoga Bowl, and Oasis Bowl. I tend to have a thing for the tropical flavors. You can learn more about the specific bowls here! 

The Daisy Rating

4/5 daisies

Next: Bee-Free Honee! 

When I first discovered this product, I was a little surprised; I mean, vegan honey? How do you make that? It turns out this delicious stuff is made from apples! 

Although it does taste kind of like condensed apple juice, this is really delicious and definitely feels like honey. I put it on a banana, and I thought it was great. I absolutely love it! If you're a vegan who misses traditional honey, this is a great alternative. I highly recommend this. It pours like honey, looks like honey, but smells like apples. It is tart and delicious. Yum.

The Daisy Rating

4.5/5 daisies

Finally: Zevia! 

I love this company because they make it possible for me to drink pop that is healthy and calorie free. How much better can it get? 

Zevia is a Stevia-sweetened soda that tastes like all of your favorite mainstream sodas: Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, Fanta, etc. I was lucky enough to be sent six of their flavors to try: Grapefruit Citrus, Mountain Zevia, Dr. Zevia, Cream Soda, Black Cherry, and Grape. They also have 3 new flavors available: Strawberry, Lime, and Cherry Cola. 

Although all we tasty, my favorites were Mountain Zevia and Cream Soda. They definitely tasted like the originals! My least favorite my Grape, but that is simply because I do not like grape flavored things. Definitely a personal preference. 

All of the sodas were yummy. They were very fizzy and had strong flavors that were easy to enjoy. These are the perfect substitute for high calorie, sugary sodas!

The Daisy Rating

4/5 daisies

GIVEAWAY

What to try some Zevia for yourself? One lucky PD reader will win a coupon for a 6 pack of their own Zevia to try! Here's how to enter! Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

MANDATORY  - tell me which Zevia flavor you most want to try and why.

Extra entries:

-Like Zevia on Facebook and follow them on Twitter
-Like Passing Daisies on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
-Tweet about this giveaway and tag @cityxlights13
-Subscribe to PD by email (3 entries)
-Post about this giveaway on your own blog and provide the link

-Follow PD on GFC (Google Friend Connect)

Giveaway ends on April 21st at midnight.
OPEN TO USA RESIDENTS ONLY.


Happy entering!
Much love,

WIAW #25 {it's a good week}

Hello dear WIAW friends! I've missed you all!

A lot has been going on this week. First of all, it has definitely been another week of unhealthy eats. I've done way too much overeating and snack on too much desserts and sweet treats (although the pictures I took don't show that)...I'm getting frustrated with myself. I also still haven't been able to run, thanks to homework, again. That is also frustrating... my 5k is approaching and I'm worried I won't be ready!

On the bright side: I was chosen as Xavier University's next Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper! I'm so excited! Honestly, I never thought I would be picked. You know what they told me part of the reason was that they hired me?

I had lots of experience with online blogging. Thanks to my blog, I got the job! How awesome is that?

I also got an A- on a paper (unexpected), a white iPhone (my new form of constant distraction), and tomorrow is the official start of my Easter break. What could be better?

I can't wait to try Jenn's challenge this month - eat an extra serving of veggies every day! I definitely need to do that, as well as cut back on my portion sizes. I'm a much better snacker than regular meal eater, I've discovered.

Some eats this week: {peach soy yogurt, veggie lasagna, brown rice with gardein buffalo wings, bread with lentil dip, and tangerine creamsicle thinkthin bar}

And not to mention...

{Frozen yogurt!}

These were all delicious - I loved every bite of them. And I've been on an intense lasagna kick recently. I crave it all the time! It's terrible! I had it twice this week - two different variations - and I still want more. So, so good. 

This week, I'm looking for some tips on how to restrain yourself from overeating/snacking/etc. What do you do? Does it work? 

Thanks, loves! See you seen and keep the WIAW party going strong! 

Much love,