My 2nd NatureBox and What I Think So Far...

Hi Everyone! I hope you are having a fantastic day so far! You may remember that I signed up for a Naturebox subscription and you can read more about my first box here.  I received my second box and I wanted to let you all know what I think of the snacks I received.

1) Ranch Kale Chips

Ok so if I am being honest, I could not stand these! There were crunchy, but instead of a chip like consistency they are rather crumbly.  Most of the "chips" in the bag weren't even whole leaves.  I really didn't like the flavor and seasoning either.  I actually contacted Naturebox to let them know I did not like the snack.  They refunded the amount I paid since it was a premium snack and I did not have to mail it back or anything.
Overall Rating: 1 star

2) Fuji Apples

These were actually pretty good.  I have had baked apple chips before, but these are dried so they are a fluffy/chewy consistency. I would definitely get these again! The only drawback was there were less snacks in the bag than what the overall serving size said.

Overall Rating: 4 stars

3) Chocolate Banana Chips

I actually didn't like these very much.  Chocolate and banana are one of my favorite flavor combinations, so I expected them to be banana chips dusted in cocoa powder or something.  They were more like banana chips dusted in cinnamon sugar instead.  They were still ok, but I don't know that I would order them again.

Overall Rating: 2 stars

4) Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites

These were so scrumptious and delicious! They are the consistency of a chips ahoy or famous amos cookie.  They are loaded with chocolate chips, crunchy, just the right amount of sweet, and don't taste any different even though they are whole wheat.  These are definitely a favorite of mine for sure!

Overall Rating: 5 stars

5) Kung Pao Pretzels

These were really good! Spicy and salty with a delicious seasoning on a classic pretzel.  These will definitely be a repeat in my pantry as well.

Overall Rating: 5 stars

6) Garlic Parmesan Pop Pops

I really enjoyed these! They are the consistency of a corn nut and are basically half popped popcorn.  The seasoning had just the right amount of garlic flavoring and the crunch was delicious. I loved how they came in individual packages because that is really convenient for me when traveling. It's weird though because these actually got sent to me again in my next box even though they weren't in my pantry, but the second time they came in one large package and I'm not sure why.

Overall Rating: 4 stars

Alright, so there you have it. I hope this review was helpful in determining whether or not you want to join Naturebox or already have and are not sure what snacks to pick.  If you want to join check out the link here.

What snacks sounded good to you? What other healthy snacks do you like?

Thanks for stopping by!

Transition into Fall

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Hi Everyone! I seriously can't believe that it is already time for fall and leaves are starting to change in other parts of the country.  Growing up in the desert, I've never quite known when to transition into fall because the signs are less obvious.  One night it will get really cold and all of a sudden it's fall lol! 

With that in mind my wardrobe also goes through a similar level of confusion, so I wanted to show you some outfit ideas I love and how they can help ease you into fall attire.  Most of these incorporate light pastel tones, so that your summer outfits that you just bought on sale can get some wear.  The key is adding another layer whether that's a scarf, or a comfy sweater over your normal tank.  If it's not too hot you can also add some cute ankle boots too!

What are some tips you have for transitioning your fall wardrobe?

Thanks for stopping by!

Eat Pretty

Hi Everyone! It's time for another FREE clean eating challenge starting 9/28.  Eating can be the hardest part of your journey to health and wellness, so I want to help you by providing some meal plan ideas, grocery lists, and even eating out tips (yes you can still eat healthy while eating at restaurants).

Our focus for this challenge will be "eating clean by eating pretty."  What does it mean to eat pretty you ask?  Let me explain...it dawned on me one day when we were out for one of our regular fast food runs and I ordered a chicken strip meal.  I was so hungry and I looked down at my meal and couldn't help but realize that it was ugly! The chicken was brown, the fries were yellow, the gravy was a weird gloppy consistency and the toast had "toasted marks," but it was soggy.  Needless to say I ate it, but I was no where near satisfied and I felt like crap afterwards.  If you eat crap you are going to feel like crap end of story!

Enter my epiphany...I decided that I wanted to start eating "pretty."  This means eating food that is vibrant, colorful, well balanced, put together with care and precision, not thrown together on an assembly line. When you eat pretty you start to feel pretty too! How many of you have had a junk food binge and you just feel awful afterwards? Raise your hands...I know I'm not the only one :)  You feel bloated afterwards, fatter than before, and the first thing you want to do is put on a pair of baggy sweats to feel comfortable. 

Let's end the vicious cycle and start treating our bodies better! Think of your food as works of art like the pic above.  Have fun with new recipes, get some ideas from Pinterest, get out of your rut and join me in my challenge.  Let's help each other be better and start eating pretty!

Who's in? 

Comment below with your email and I'll send over some details.

Thanks for stopping by! 

My Picks from the LC Runway Collection

Ruffle Organza Dress

Bow Sleeve Blouse

Lace Open-Back Crewneck Sweater

Velvet and Tulle Dress

Floral Jacquard Midi Skirt

High Waist Soft Pants

I was so excited to hear about Lauren Conrad's runway collection!  Normally when I think of runway fashion the first things that comes to mind are trends that are hard to wear for the every day girl and outrageous price tags.  I am happy to report that this collection is nothing like that.  The entire line is feminine and functional and is available at Kohls on sale for 25% off!

I already ordered a couple of pieces and was able to apply an additional 30% off the sale price with another coupon.  I have always been very pleased with the LC Lauren Conrad clothes from clothes, but I'll let you know how everything is once I get it. 

What are some of your favorite items from her collection?

Thanks for stopping by!

Clean Eating Challenge

Hi Everyone! For those of you that have followed along for a while, you know that I've been focusing on making a lifestyle change this year to improve my overall health and lose some weight. Eating healthy has been one of the most difficult parts of my journey, but it is so CRITICAL for sustainable results. 

I've decided to sign up as a Beachbody Coach in an attempt to help others learn from some of my mistakes and get RESULTS!! I'm kicking it off with a FREE 7 Day Clean Eating Challenge. I realize this journey is different for everyone, so I'll be providing meal plans, grocery lists, and eating out tips for those on the go. We'll be starting on 9/21, so if you are ready for a change and need some group support I'd love for you to join me! All you need to do is comment below with your email and I'll send you more info and get you added to the group! Let's rock this!! I'm so excited and hope that'll you'll join along! :)

Don't forget to follow me on instagram for daily details of my fitness journey.

Thanks for stopping by! 

What I think of my Naturebox Subscription

                                     

Hi Everyone! I recently decided to join a subscription box, but not just any...it's a food one! Maybe it's just me, but the idea of yummy snacks getting delivered to my door every other week sounded AMAZING! :)  So it's called Naturebox and they send you a box of snacks either monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly and you have the option to choose 3 or 5 per box.  I naturally chose 5 every other week. 

The cool thing about it is all there snacks are healthy, natural, and made with no artificial ingredients or preservatives. You get to add snacks to your "pantry" which is basically like your shopping bag/wish list or you can let them surprise you.  I was pleasantly surprised that there were so many to choose from and I guess they add new snacks pretty regularly.  Also if you don't like a snack they claim to replace it for free in your next box.  I haven't experienced this yet, so I'll keep you posted along the way.  Oh, and did I mention your first box is free!

Here is a review of my first box, so you get an idea of the portion sizes and flavor of the ones I selected. 

1) Mango Orange Fruit Chews:

These were actually quite tasty.  If you have ever had other natural fruit leathers or gummies, they are pretty comparable.  Not too sweet and very moist and chewy...just like a gummy should be.  They came individually packaged, which I loved because they are easy to take with me while traveling.  Overall Rating: 4 stars

2) Guacamole Bites:

These were actually really good as well.  They sort of have the consistency of a Frito, but they are not as greasy.  I don't know that I would describe their taste as guacamole, but they have a salty/smoky flavor that I liked.  On that note they were a bit salty, but I didn't mind and would consider adding these to my pantry again.

Overall Rating: 3.5 stars

3) Jalapeno White Cheddar Popcorn:

So this was really good! The kernels are big and fluffy and are just the right consistency between crunchy and soft/fluffy.  The flavor is spot on as well.  It actually had a little bit of a kick to it and coming from a New Mexico native that is saying something :)  It tasted like real jalapeno flavoring and not artificial, so that was a plus.

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars

4) Coconut Cashews:

These were a pretty decent snack as well.  They are dusted with coconut flakes and are more sweet than salty.  The consistency was not what I expected because they were kind of soft and chewy rather than crunchy like a normal cashew, but I didn't mind. 

Overall Rating: 4 stars

5) Sriracha Roasted Cashews:

So I kinda saved the best for last...these were incredible and by far my favorite! They were sweet, salty, crunchy, soft, and spicy all at the same time and the flavor was delicious! For those of you that know me, I am kind of obsessed with Baked Hot Cheetos, which were recently discontinued (saddest day ever!), and these are seriously the only thing that has satisfied my spicy snack craving and filled that void. Yes I said void...I take my snacks very seriously lol. The first picture is kind of blurry, but by the time I realized I had seriously eaten the rest already!

Overall Rating: 5++++++ Stars

I have been really pleased with Naturebox so far and would recommend them to others.  My only issue so far is the serving per bag seem to be off.  I have literally measured and counted each one since I am tracking my calories (more on that in a future post) and a couple fell short of the promised amount. I have already received my second box though, so I'll start munching away and let you know how the other snacks taste and if I experience the same issue with the portions.  If you are interested in signing up check them out here 

Have you ever tried Naturebox? Would you consider it? What are some healthy snacks you like to eat?

Thanks for stopping by!