Treat Mosquito Bites Naturally

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Summer is here, and, along with the long fun summer nights, comes the more unpleasant gift of mosquito bites. Mosquitoes have often stood between me and my love for the outdoors during the summer. To escape suffering from the constant, annoying itch, I used to choose to stay indoors. However, in reality, that was never an ideal solution.

Through the years, I have tried a lot of home remedies to treat mosquito bites. Many have not worked, but a few have remained loyal in treating them. Today, I will be sharing with you four of my favorite home remedies to cure mosquito bites and one remedy to prevent them.


Remedies to Cure Bites -


1. Mix milk and cold water in equal parts. Take a paper towel or hand towel and submerge into the mixture. Apply the towel to the bite, in compressing motions. Milk soothes the bite and reduces the inflammation. It also decreases the itching.


2. Apply dabs of raw (unpasteurized) honey to bites. Honey is an anti - bacterial and anti - inflammatory agent. It prevents infection and reduces redness and itching.


3. Take tea bags soaked in ice water and pat them on the bites. Tea has several antioxidant properties. They fight off infection and prevent tenderness, itching, and inflammation. The cold temperature of the tea bag is also very soothing.


4.  This one is my favorite! Apply aloe vera to the bite. From an aloe vera plant, break the leaves to access the "juice" within the plant. Apply that gel like "juice" to the bite. Aloe vera is an excellent healing mechanism. It not only heals, but it reduces swelling and tenderness from the bite. It also reduces inflammation and itching. I also add 2 drops of almond oil to the aloe vera for some extra protection.


Remedies to Prevent Mosquito Bites -

1. Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple Cider Vinegar is an excellent mosquito repellent. However, it takes a while for it to do its job. Apple Cider Vinegar has several beneficial factors that range from weight loss to curing ailments. However, when it comes to mosquitoes, the smell keeps them away. ACV has B complex proteins that make your skin smell different to mosquitoes, keeping them away. I usually add two tablespoons of ACV in one cup of water and drink it in the morning. It takes a while to notice it working as a repellent. I don't know if it is a mental thing, but I do notice a decrease in mosquito bites when I have been taking the mixture of water and ACV for a while.

If you try these out, comment and let me know if they work for you as they do for me. Also, follow me on all my social media sites.


XOXO S


Disclaimer - These treatments are concoctions from personal experiments and old family remedies. I am in no way an expert.  I am just sharing what works best for me.

Summer Outfit of the Night: Bold Prints and Colors || TSD Lookbook Chapter II

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Hello All!

Last night was my baby sister's graduation party, and that obviously called for an outfit that was an original from my closet. One of my favorite types of clothing are patterned and bold colors.  So, I decided to include both of them in my outfit for the night.


Here's the look

Printed maxi skirt - Gap
Red top - Express
Silver Arm Cuffs - Aldo
Necklace and earrings - Forever 21




Comment and let me know what you thought of the outfit. Stay tuned for more posts and follow me on all my social media accounts for updates on posts.

Hope you all have a splendid day!


XOXO S

Healthy Vegetarian Lunch Recipe: Healthy and Quick Alternative to Pizza

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Who doesn't love pizza? It is one of America's most consumed meals, but are we masking the unhealthy factors of pizza behind its deliciousness? Pizza is a very easy meal to get. If you live in New York City, you know that there are several pizza places that sell you monster size slices for a dollar. That's a great deal, but it's time to not sacrifice your health ALL THE TIME. Go ahead and enjoy that slice of pizza once in a while, but if you are a daily pizza consumer, this recipe is a must try for you.

LET'S GET TO IT!


This recipe is only 350 calories. Preparation time is about 10 minutes.


Ingredients:


 1 tbspn of hummus (I used Sabra Red Pepper Roasted Hummus)

1 whole wheat/whole grain tortilla (I used a Mission Life Balance Whole Wheat Medium Tortilla)
1 cup of spinach
0.5 cups of chopped yellow onions
1 baby red radish
2 tbspn of shredded fat free Monterey pepper jack cheese (I used Great Lakes Monterey pepper jack cheese with Jalapenos)
0.5 tspn of oregano


Steps:

1. Thoroughly wash the spinach, peeled radish, and peeled onion.
2. Chop up the onion and radish.
3. On the tortilla wrap, add the spinach.
4. Then add the onions and radish.
5. Following that, add the cheese. (I couldn't find my shredder. So I just cut some up to the equivalent of what the recipe calls.)
6. Place the tortilla wrap in a toaster oven for about 5 minutes.
7. Once you take the tortilla out of the toaster oven, add the hummus and spread it across.
8. Sprinkle on some oregano.
9. Enjoy!





Hope you enjoy this quick, healthy alternative to pizza! If you try it out, comment on this post to let me know how it came out! Also please share/like me on all my social media sites to get updates on blog postings! Merci beaucoup!
Bon appétit, mes amis!
XOXO S

Homemade healthy snack recipe: How to make homemade oatmeal bars

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Today after taking a walk with my mom, I was searching for my favorite protein/granola bar, but knowing my luck, we obviously would not have any. We did however have oatmeal, so I started putting things together and I ended up with homemade oatmeal bars. 




1 serving has approximately 50 calories. This recipe makes about 10 servings. Preparation time is about 30 minutes. 

Ingredients:
3 cups of oatmeal (I used Quaker's original, but you can use any)
1 cup of flax seeds
1.5 tbsp of honey
1 cup of cranberries
2 tspn of cinnamon
4 tbsp of almond butter 


Steps:
1. Take the oatmeal, flax seeds, cinnamon, and cranberries and mix them together in a bowl. 
2. Add the honey and almond butter.
3. Mix all the ingredients together.
4. Place the mixture in a fridge. Allow for the mixture to harden. This will take about 20 minutes. 
5. Cut into squares and enjoy! 1 serving is two small squares. 

To store the oatmeal bars, place squares of them in a container and refrigerate them. They should last for about a week or two.

Also, if you don't want to eat this as a bar, it can be eaten with plain fat free Greek yogurt. To eat it like that, before you place the mixture in the fridge, put some of it in a bowl and then top it off with the Greek yogurt. 

You can also substitute fat free chocolate chips instead of the cranberries for a sweeter taste.



I enjoyed my oatmeal bars with a berry smoothie! This is a great snack if you are on a budget and/or diet. 
Remember to comment if you tried this to let me know how it came out. Also, follow me on Facebook, bloglovin, pintrest, instagram, tumblr, and twitter for updates on posts. 


Bon appétitmes amis!

XOXO S


Quote of the Day: Your Daily Boost of Inspiration

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NOTHING LASTS FOREVER. NOT EVEN YOUR TROUBLES.
− Arnold H Glasgow

So, the next time you are about to give up on something or you are about to lose hope that everything will not be okay, just take a moment to relax. In the end everything will always be okay! If you go through life with a positive attitude, it will be much easier.

Everything will be okay!


XOXO S

Healthy Vegetarian Breakfast: Veggie Egg White Bread Bowl

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Hello again!

The most important meal of the day - breakfast - can be a struggle sometimes. Personally, I am not such a big fan of breakfast, only for the reason that I am not a morning person. On the contrary, I do adore breakfast foods any other time of the day. One of my favorite dishes to eat for breakfast are eggs. Not only are they tasty, but they are very healthy as well. Like I stated in one of my previous blog posts, I am a vegetarian. My friend's sister who is a doctor informed me that the egg whites are considered the "vegetarian" part of an egg, and not the yolk. The egg white is pretty much the chicken version of placenta. (My apologies for the gross analogy) Ever since then, I only eat egg whites and not the yolk. Plus, egg whites contain no carbohydrates, so it is an excellent addition in the diet of anyone who is trying to lose some weight. 


Eggs are extremely satiated with beneficial qualities. They are full of protein. Eggs will keep you full for a long period of time, thus aiding in the weight loss process. They will also maintain your cholesterol levels. If I haven't sold you on it yet, eggs also help sharpen your memory. This was found to be true when it was discovered that eggs have choline, which helps in brain development. Furthermore, leutin and zeaxanthin are two antioxidants present in eggs that help protect your eyesight from UV damage.






Now let's get to the fun part!


One serving has approximately 300 calories. This recipe calls for ingredients for one serving, and the preparation time is about 35 minutes. 


Ingredients:


Whites of 2 large eggs or egg whites substitute (such as Egg Beater)

½ of a green bell pepper
½ of a red bell pepper
½ of a yellow bell pepper
½ cup of chopped onions
½ cup of chopped tomatoes
½ cup of black olives
½ cup of chopped spinach
½ cup of chopped kale
¼ cup of jalapenos 
 ½ of a whole wheat/whole grain kaiser roll
 ½ tbsp of fat free grated parmesan cheese
salt and black pepper to taste
½ tspn of cayenne pepper
2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
1 nonstick pan
toaster oven


The veggies I chose can be substituted to personal preference.


Steps:


1. Thoroughly wash all veggies and proceed to chop them all up. 

2. Once all chopped up, mix all the veggies together, adding the salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything up. 
3. In the pan, add 1 tbsp of olive oil and turn on your stove to a low simmer. Let the pan warm up slightly.
4. Add the mixture of veggies to the pan. Sautée the vegetables until they are slightly brown. 
5. Take the roll, and remove the inside of it. In other words, hollow it out. Do not throw the bread pieces away. 
6. Take the sautéed veggies and place them in the bread bowl you just made.
7. In the same pan, add another tbsp of olive oil and allow it to heat up. Add the egg whites, and scramble them up. 
8. Add the scrambled egg whites and the inner part of the bread (which was removed in step 5) over the veggies in the bread bowl. 
9. Bake the bread in a toaster oven for about 15 minutes. or until the egg whites turn slightly brown. 
10. Once baked, sprinkle the parmesan cheese over it. 
11. ENJOY!

Hope you enjoy this egg white breadbowl! If you try it out, comment on this post to let me know how it came out! Also please share/like me on all my social media sites to get updates on blog postings! Merci beaucoup!

Bon appétit, mes amis!
XOXO S

LACE IT UP: OOTN || TSD Lookbook Chapter I

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Just thought I would quickly share my OOTN! Tonight I went out to dinner with my family, and after spending most of my day trudging through MCAT practice tests, I wanted to get a little dolled up. Unfortunately, I hadn't unpacked my luggage from school. I didn't have any of my other nice dresses out, so I recycled an outfit from earlier on this week (from my sister's graduation). When it comes to recycling outfits, just call me the Kate Middleton of New Jersey...yeah, okay I guess not. 



Dress - Dress Barn

Cardigan (because it is always a little chilly in restaurants) - Macy's 
Watch - Kohl's
Pearl bracelet - Stole it from my mother 
Other two pearl bangles - Forever 21
Statement Necklace - Forever 21
Much like the rest of my wardrobe, my shoes were still packed in boxes, and me, being the lazy girl that I am, just couldn't walk over to unpack them. That is why, when I took this picture, I did not know what shoes I would be wearing yet. I ended up wearing wearing nude wedges, which are PERFECT FOR THE SUMMER!



^^FOTN. I opted to wear a neutral eye with a pink/fuchsia lip! Comment below if you want to see the makeup tutorial/post for this look.


Comment below if you want to see more OOTD/OOTN!

Much love to you all!

XOXO S 

Poor Little Rich Girl

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Oh you don't have the latest Michael Kors watch or the newest smartphone upgrade? Please explain in more detail how much your life absolutely sucks.

Maya Angelou once stated, ''I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'' I cannot even begin to explain how profound this thought is. 


Yesterday, I was studying at a Starbucks when a group of girls who looked like they were the new and upcoming Regina George, Grethchen Wieners, and Karen Smith of 2013 walked in with smug looks. Needless to say, they walked into the Starbucks with their runway struts as if they owned the place, and as if by the sway of their hips they would have all eyes on them. They were complaining about how their lives would be over if they didn't go shopping for this party. (Yes, I am aware that eavesdropping is not virtuous, but what the ear hears, it cannot control. Frankly speaking, they were too loud to be ignored.) I guess I am ignorant, but I didn't know that it was possible to die if you did not go shopping. As they stood in line to order their cappuccinos, an elderly woman happened to bump shoulders with one of them. What ensued next completely infuriated me. The pretentiousness in their voices made my blood boil, and I am not one to easily be affected by outlandish behavior. The girls, so disrespectfully, started yelling and saying, "Watch where you are going you old (insert swear word) lady. Ughh poor people should just not be allowed in public, look how rude they are." Umm excuse me? In the words of Sara Bareilles, who died and made you king of anything?

I did not know how to react to this preposterous behavior. Should I have been an angry, upset, annoyed, insulted, or have ridiculed the impudence and presumptuousness that I was so gratefully able to experience. We live in a country and generation where, or at least where I would like to believe, our reputation and "class" lies within our personality and hard work. I  hate to say this but arrogance will get you nowhere in life. Whatever happened to humility? The negative effects of arrogance is something I have learned through horrible experiences, and I never ever want to go down that path again.

People often forget how lucky they actually are. We often find ourselves overlooking the important things in life because they are so small that we take them for granted. I am not going to lie to you, but I have been to that dark place of shallowness.  I am not proud of it, but I, Shipra Sharma, am glad to say that I am a recovered shallow b****h. I used to take all the things I had for granted and often found myself bragging about the things that I did have. However, unlike those girls, I never ever put anyone else down. Now, without getting into the mind of sixteen year old Shipra, I am happy that I now realize the importance of all that I do have. 


This realization hit me when I entered my first year of college. I started working with a charitable group called the Science Notebook. We basically organized science days and science lessons for  underprivileged children to raise an awareness and interest in science. Through working with these children, I soon started to realize how lucky I truly am. Many of these children could not even afford backpacks, and one little 7 year old boy told me how he wished he could buy a pack of Spider-man pencils and a book for his upcoming birthday because he never had his own pencils or books. I was in complete awe. Pencils were something I guess I took for granted. In the following months, along with a friend, I began a charity called Hope Smiles that raises money for the education of underprivileged children. Throughout my whole life, well up until college, I always fought with my parents when I didn't have the newest brand named pair of shoes or handbag. 
I frequently complained when my parents didn't take me shopping. In the end they always somehow managed to get my sister and I what we wanted, but they always, along with that, told me that I should be happy with what I do have and to never equate materials to happiness. That, by doing so, I will never be satisfied or content. My teen self always ruled that off as "they didn't really love me" or that they didn't understand how important it was for me to have those things.  I now understand what they meant by that, and they were so right too. That day, when that little boy told me what he wanted for his birthday, I reevaluated my whole life til date and was overcome with disappointment at myself. I never wanted to be the person that I had become. That day I had an epiphany and I swore to myself that I would never ever take anything for granted ever again. I am now happy to say that I am content and at peace with all that I have, and I honestly do not need more. I have a loving family, amazing friends, access to education and medical care, a roof over my head, clean water and food, clothes. That is much more than a large percentage of people around the world. 


Another thing that really got to me was when I went to watch a documentary called Girl Rising with my sorority sisters last semester. The documentary focused on the importance of equal educational opportunities for girls and boys around the world. It explored the world of young girls across the world and how, due to a lack of education, they were continued to be suppressed. At that moment, I felt like I had truly been blessed with a great life. I juxtaposed my life to what would have happened if my parents remained in India. I probably would not have the educational opportunities or freedom that I took for granted. I really am lucky for all that I have. 


Now, I am not saying to not indulge in luxury at all. If you are given the good fortune and capability to indulge, go ahead and do so, but be humble about it. My parents worked, and still continue to work, very hard for their money. That ideal is something I have adopted from them. If I want something, I will work hard for it, but now I will never brag about anything. Also, I will always remember to be appreciative about what I do have and be okay if I do not expand my materialistic closet. It might seem too unrealistic, or communistic/socialistic as some of you may say, but I really do hope that one day the world is a place where all children can garner the same luxuries. I hope that every child is given the opportunity to have a good education, clean water, food, a roof over their heads, a loving family, clothes to cover their bodies, and a long healthy life.


I have no right to criticize those girls because at one point in life I feel as though I was one of them, but for their sake, I hope that one day they realize what I have - that they have the same epiphany that I was graciously given. If they continue down this road, they will only end up in a ditch pervaded by loneliness and eternal dissatisfaction.


So, the next time you want to put someone down or complain about a luxurious item you do not have, just stop and take a moment to realize what you do have. Never let arrogance get to you. Be humble. Be appreciative. 


The sooner you appreciate all that you have, the sooner you will be content and at peace with life. 


"Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." 

-Antonio Smith

XOXO S

PS - If my parents are reading this, I just want to thank them for all that they have done. They came from another country with nothing and worked so hard to provide my sister and me with all the luxuries we do have. They selflessly only gave with never wanting anything in return, except our happiness. They only had one dream - to provide us with a better life and a better education than they had. So, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. Thank you for spoiling us, but also for making sure that we realized the importance of what we had. Also, I am so sorry for being so annoying and a brat back in the day. 

Face Time Friday: Fight Aging, Acne, Stretch Marks, and Much More with Turmeric Masks

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Turmeric has been used to heal many ailments for centuries. It is an ancient Indian secret, and boy were they smart to utilize such a beneficial spice. So what exactly is turmeric?

Turmeric is derived from the rhizome of plants from the ginger family. It is used for a variety of things, from cooking to curing several diseases. It has antiseptic, anti - inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant qualities, to name the least. Several studies have been performed in which turmeric was found to have the power to cure diseases, such as Alzheimer's, cancer, arthritis, and diabetes. The power of this very inexpensive spice is a thousand - fold. However, since today is Face Time Friday, let's talk about what it does for the money maker: our beautiful visage. 


As I stated previously, turmeric is an antiseptic, anti - inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant agent. By using it on our skin, the anti - inflammatory qualities fight redness, blemishes, rosacea, and the tenderness under our eyes that cause bags and dark circles. It's antibacterial and antioxidant qualities disinfect the skin of all the dirt and residual "gunk" we expose it to on a daily basis. This allows for the prevention of acne. Turmeric is also a natural exfoliant. It removes dead skin cells to reveal a more brightened skin tone. 


In addition to the turmeric, the mask that I will tell you about has four other other key ingredients: milk, yogurt, gram flour, and honey.  Milk has lactic acid, which serves to exfoliate and rejuvenate skin cells. It also contains many vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, and E. These vitamins, together, provide the skin with hydration and moisture, which leaves your skin feeling like that of a baby. Yogurt, another dairy product, has some extra benefits than milk does. Yogurt is a substance full of proteins, zinc, and enzymes. These work together to provide a clearer complexion as yogurt is a lightening agent. It also has antioxidant properties that protect your skin, thus preventing acne. Yogurt also helps balance your pH level, which is vital for keeping your skin healthy and young! Yogurt also has soothing qualities, so it can be used to alleviate the pain from burns, while it heals them as well. Another very beneficial ingredient is honey. Honey is also an antibacterial agent, thus it disinfects the skin. Raw honey, which is what we will be using, also moisturizes the skin and restores pH levels as well. Honey also replenishes lost nutrients. Last but not least, gram flour is a common substance found in the kitchens of many Asians. When used on skin, gram flour tightens the skin, reducing wrinkles and stretch marks. It also removes dead skin cells, rejuvenating the skin. It is also a whitening agent. It clears the complexion and evens out your skin tone. It also lightens hair. So, it lessens the appearance of facial hair when used in face masks. 


Fun fact, for these reasons, turmeric has been used for beauty/cosmetic purposes in the form of a mask for brides and grooms before their weddings in Southeast Asia.

(Yes, I know I look creepy lol, but it is all in the name of beauty haha)

Now, let's get to the fun stuff.

How to make this mask.


1. Wash your face thoroughly, removing all makeup and any other products on your skin. Gently pat skin dry, but make sure to leave it a little moist. 


2. In a glass bowl, add 1.5 tbsp of turmeric, 1 tbsp of honey, 0.5 tbsp of milk, 0.5 tbsp of yogurt, and 0.5 tbsp of gram flour.  Make sure the honey that you use is raw (unpasteurized) and has a semi - liquid consistency. If it is hard, microwave the jar for about 10 seconds. The honey I use is Himalyan raw honey from Trader Joe's. 


3. Mix all the ingredients until the consistency of the mask is that of a paste. 


4. Using a clean foundation brush or the back of your mixing spoon, apply the face mask to your skin. Make sure the application of the mask is thick overall. Start from your chin. Apply it in circular motions, moving upwards. By applying it going up, you are prompting the skin to be lifted, which is ideal for the prevention of aging, sagging skin. 


5. Allow for the paste to harden, and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Rinse your face using the same technique as the application, moving in circular motions going upward. Once the face mask is off, wash your face off with a gentle cleanser. I use Cetaphil.


6. Once your face is completely washed off, use a washcloth to gently PAT your skin dry. 


I usually apply this face mask twice a week at night. I then follow with a toner and moisturizer. By putting this on at night, it will allow for all the nutrients to be absorbed and the chance for your skin to rejuvenate itself. 


Now, a couple of disclaimers:


I am not a professional. All the information I have acquired is from my own research and what my mother/grandmothers have told me as I grew up. Many of the secrets that I have shared with you are commonly talked about and known in Southeast Asia. Also, there is a chance that turmeric and the other substances might not be suitable for your skin. If you know that these ingredients will not negatively affect you, then GREAT, continue as you were. However, if it is the first time that you are using these ingredients. Test it out on a very small portion of your hand to see how your skin reacts to it. Lastly, turmeric has very HIGH staining capabilities. That is why you should use a glass bowl when making the mask. Also, make sure to have your hair pulled back, and wear clothes that you wouldn't getting dirty when applying this, just in case of any spills. In case the mask does fall anywhere, immediately clean that area. 


So next time you are on the search of materials to help your skin, look no further than your kitchen. Remember, beauty is very simple. 



Comment below if you tried this out, and don't forget to share it!



XOXO S

Smoothies Series: Why So Green? Recipe for a Green Breakfast Smoothie

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Eww greens. We've all been through that phase where anything green has, frankly, just disgusted us. I guess in terms of those super healthy green vegetables, our inner child will never die. However, it is time for you to put on your big boy/girl pants and to get over the "ickiness" of them. 

Green drinks are the latest diet fads. It is a staple diet secret for many. To include this in your daily diet is completely justified because of its wide range of benefits. I try to drink one green smoothie a day, usually for breakfast. Green smoothies have been found to be a key to weight loss. There are so many varieties of green smoothies; so, go crazy with them. Add your favorite fruits, vegetables, and nuts. The green smoothie recipe I will share with you today has spinach, strawberries, a banana, almond butter, yogurt, and ice. 


Haven't sold you on the green smoothie yet? Well maybe these benefits will. Green smoothies are jam packed with nutrients and minerals. You know how they say, "diamonds are a girl's best friend". Well, greens are the diamonds for your body. Green smoothies also fulfill a large percentage of your daily vegetable and fruit intake. Greens are dense in carotenoids, vitamin K and fiber. The fiber in spinach helps in digestion, boosts your metabolism, and speeds up weight loss. It also has vitamin E and C, beta - carotene, zinc and manganese. These are all antioxidants and help with high blood pressure. Strawberries are also full of nutrients and antioxidants, plus they are so delicious to indulge in during the summertime. The vitamin C in strawberries boosts immunity, prevents wrinkles, fight bad cholesterol, and protects your eye sight. Bananas are full of calcium, potassium, iron, pectin, and vitamin B-6. The calcium and potassium give you energy. aid in weight loss, and lower your blood pressure. The iron in bananas relieve anemia and boost your circulatory system. Vitamin B-6 helps to strengthen your nervous system and boosts the production of white blood cells, and lastly the pectin aids in digestion. Yogurt is a probiotic that provides your intestines with "good" bacteria, aiding in digestion. Yogurt also provides your body with calcium, vitamin B-2, B-12, potassium, and magnesium. Last but not least, almond butter is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are the type of fats that reduce levels of cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart ailments Almond butter is a healthier alternative to peanut butter. 





So, let's get to it.

This recipe is for one serving size and has approximately 250 calories. The preparation time is about 10 minutes.


Ingredients:


1 cup of spinach

5 to 6 medium sized strawberries
1 medium sized banana
1 spoon almond butter
2 spoons fat free yogurt
1 cup of ice
Nutribullet or any other blender

If this is your first time trying a green smoothie, you may want to add 0.5 cups of 100% white grape juice to add a little sweetness to the smoothie. Once you become comfortable with the taste of the smoothie, you can stop using it. 


Steps: 


1. Thoroughly wash the spinach and strawberries. 

2. Chop up the strawberries and bananas. 
3. Add all the ingredients to your NutriBullet or blender and blend everything up.
4. Enjoy your smoothie.

You may want to drink your smoothie with a straw to prevent the green color from staining your teeth over time. 



Take control of your health and join my Green Drink Challenge. By drinking one green smoothie a day, you are on your way to a very healthy, long life. 
Bon appétit, mes amis!

XOXO S


The Food Series: Eating Clean–Recipe for a healthy, fresh Summer Salad

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We have all heard the expression, “What you put into your body is what you get out.” Although this is not a formula derived out of the labs of Einstein, it is easily forgotten. The maintenance of your health lies within you. Only you have the power to control how you want to live your life. We live in a generation where everyone is constantly on the go, from school to work to the stresses of a hectic daily lifestyle. It is easier to grab unhealthy fast food when in a rush, and believe me I know how tempting that whole ordeal is. I have fallen victim to the Crunchwrap Supreme from Taco Bell many at times. However, it is vital to have the control and tolerance to overcome the urges. Take about 30 minutes out of your crazy 24 hour day to make yourself a healthy lunch and dinner. Now, is that to much to ask for in order to maintain good health?

Personally, since I am a vegetarian, clean eating is something that I have enjoyed from even before the fad existed. One of my favorite things to eat are salads because of the wide diversity of options you can choose from. I find myself at my local farmer’s market way more than I would like to be because of all the wonderful options of fruits and vegetables. I am always experimenting with new salad recipes. Since it is summertime, one of my favorite salads to eat have a mixture of fresh fruits and vegetables.


Here is the recipe for a new salad I concocted while fighting off boredom in the kitchen today.



saladcleaneating



This salad is made from all organic materials and has a calorie count of 145 per serving.

Preparation time: 25 minutes



Materials Needed for one serving:


Most items were bought from the local farmer’s market, except the walnuts, cranberries, and apple sauce which was from Trader Joe’s.


1.5 cups of spinach

1 cup of medium sized strawberries
1 cup of fresh kale
0.25 cups of crushed walnuts
0.25 cups of cranberries
1 cup of cherry tomatoes
1 cup of mixed red, yellow, and green bell peppers
4 small radishes
10 baby carrots
1 Earth’s Best Organic Apple Sauce


Steps:

1. Thoroughly wash the spinach, strawberries, kale, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, radishes, and baby carrots. Let them sit in a bowl of water for about 5 minutes to ensure they are completely clean. Dry them once they are thoroughly rinsed clean.

2. In a bowl or plate, place the spinach and kale.


3. Then chop up the strawberries, bell peppers, radishes, and baby carrots. And place them over the spinach and kale. Add the cherry tomatoes as well


4. On top of that, add the crushed walnuts and cranberries.


5. Top it off with a serving of the Apple Sauce. This will serve as a healthy alternative to salad dressing.





And voilà! There you have it, a healthy, clean alternative to your lunchtime McDonald’s meal.

Bon appétit, mes amis!

XOXO S

I. The Shipra Diaries: the Prologue

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When in life do we get to figure out who we are? What we want from this life? What type of person we are? Honestly, I wish I had an answer to these ethereal questions. I may not know what type of person I am, but I do know what type of person I want to be in life, which is more than what I can say about any other average twenty year old. Life has thrown many obstacles my way, and although the overcoming of them, frankly speaking, sucked, I got through them. Now, this will not be a collection of episodes of superhero type adventures, where I triumph the hardest of struggles life throws at people. I am a firm believer in that if you think positively and optimistically that positive things occur around you. That is my primary purpose of starting this: to spread positivity. I have used my love for fashion, makeup, health, hair, and writing as my escape from reality many at times. Whether it be stress from school or the drama of daily life, I have found solace in the latest Vogue magazine, testing out new hairstyles, exploring the wonderful world of youtube gurus, and writing out my accounts of everyday life. Thus, the sparks of a brilliant idea had ignited - starting a blog. Here came the birth of The Shipra Diaries. I am jumping on the bandwagon of sharing my life through the wonderful resource of the internet. I could not think of any better way to utilize the phenomenon of the internet than to share my stories in the hopes of helping others. Hopefully, my stories of health, beauty, and life inspire others to live a more round about life. I will not drop to any stereotype of the people my age of being materialistic. Yes, products will be reviewed and such, but this blog will not be a superficial retreat. My goal is to allow people to see the wonders of health and beauty to have a well rounded, simple lifestyle. So here I am, a twenty year old college student, trying to figure out life while sharing with you my escape from reality. If you are like me and enjoy reading about the newest trends and healthy lifestyles, this is the place for you. So sit back and enjoy the ride, and I can guarantee you that my unique sense of fashion and beauty will take you on a journey of escape from the monotony of everyday's troubles

XOXO S

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