Pre-Wedding Beauty Tips

This post is sponsored by Centrum, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

You all know that I am serious about my beauty routine. It's something I don't compromise on. Now that the wedding is officially one (!!!) month away I'm doing all the things I can to stay on top of it. But it can get a little hard. There are all the outings, the celebrations, and the indulgences that definitely take a toll on my skin, and in turn, are affecting my time management skills. With all the things on my mind, like finalizing the officiant, collecting RSVPs, getting guest favors in order, I need max efficiency when it comes to beauty. Especially since stress can affect you on many levels. No thank you!! There are a few things I've been doing to keep in check that require minimal thought and effort. Like so minimal I don't even need to think about it. Which is amazing for lowering those stress levels! And I'm about to spill...

Here are the latest three beauty hacks I've been incorporating into my wedding routine:

Beauty foods
Water dense foods have really been helping to improve my hydration levels and keep me looking plump and dewy. If you look in my fridge there is usually a wide assortment of fresh fruits and veggies. I love snacking on them, taking them to work, or having them cut and prep for when I am ravenous and need something to tide me over before dinner is ready. I recently read that celery is great for hydration, carrots can provide nutrients for my eyesight, and veggies like spinach can help build on my fiber intake. You can really never have enough greens, right? Just drizzle with some olive oil and lemon and you're all set!

Beauty Supplements
This is something I introduced into my routine this year and I'm hooked. Taking Centrum Multigummies Multi+Beauty requires no effort or thought on my part, which I love. I can work on my beauty routine without even thinking about it. I have the bottle out on the counter with my beauty items, and the flavours are cherry, berry, and orange! Best part? They really work to support your beauty from within. It's not just a cosmetic fix! The gummies are a multivitamin that is formulated to maintain eyesight, bone health, and metabolism. They also contain essential vitamins (including biotin) to promote thicker hair, healthy skin and stronger nails. Efficient, effective, just what I need right now! Plus-- my hairdresser actually told me my hair looked so great on my last appointment!


Gua Sha
I can't get enough of this little tool. It's a self-care, beauty technique that is said to help with circulation, help reduce puffiness, lift and firm the skin as well as smooth fine lines and wrinkles.  If you are familiar with a jade roller, it's similar to that. You glide the tool over the face in an upward motion to move the liquid and build up out of your face. It's amazing for contouring and really de-bloats the face. Here's a quick video to get you started on how to do it. I just slather on some face oil or serum and glide away. The stone has a grounding/calming effect so the ritual is very therapeutic to me. Try it out next time your reading, watching tv or lying in bed.



Do you have any other beauty tips to spill? I can't wait to keep you posted on the wedding journey! Time is just flying by!

*This post is sponsored by Centrum.

Have you tried Centrum Multigummies Multi + Beauty supplement? For more information, visit www.centrum.ca.

MultiVitamin/Mineral Supplement. Always read and follow the label.

Sexy Strawberry No Bake Collagen Fudge

Happy [early} Valentine's Day, beauties! Oh baby, do I have the treat for you. I got into one of those "I just need to make something sweet but I don't even want to wait for something to bake" mode. You know what I mean. And obviously, when this happens, all I want is almond butter slathered on something. 

What I came up with is a healthy, no-bake strawberry collagen freezer fudge recipe I just had to share.

So I whipped out these adorable little ice molds that I picked up at Miniso for $3 and got to the cupboard. I just pulled out a random selection of ingredients and decided I would make these sexy strawberry collagen bites. If you don't have the collagen or sex dust on hand, don't even worry! All you really need is almond butter, coconut butter and a topping. You could throw in some dark chocolate here or whatever you'd like. They take literally 10 minutes to throw together and you'll have a delish batch of "fudge" to store in your freezer for when the sweet craving hits. It's creamy, tastes kind of like a strawberry wafer and will leave you excited for the day ahead. *wink wink*

P.S.: Did I mention they are packed with healthy fats, contains no refined sugar and will improve your hair, skin, nails, joints and gut all at the same time? All thanks to the COLLAGEN.

... you know I love collagen... you can read more on that here. 

But since this is a Valentine's Day treat I thought I would pack it with a few sexy additions. A little sex dust (totally optional) which is just a natural adaptogen that spikes creativity and energy, and goji berries, which are full of antioxidants and also boost your mood and energy.

Here's the recipe and some links if you want to stock up on some goodies!

S H O P   T H E  P O S T 

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Bread

I was always impartial to banana bread. It got a big "meh" from me. There are so many other desserts to be had so I always overlooked it! Until I started making it myself and playing around with different recipes. And when you factor in the chocolate chips, the added peanut butter and homemade granola topping on this recipe, you have yourself a winner! Not going to lie, I even add another swipe of almond butter on top of it! Can't stop the almond butter addiction!

I love this recipe because there is no sugar added, no butter, and it's totally gluten-free! It's made with coconut flour which is high in fiber and protein. Even for the granola topping, you can make it using gluten-free oats, use a store bought one, or omit it completely. Looking to make this vegan? Try substituting the eggs for flax eggs. I haven't tried it but I imagine it would work! I adapted this recipe from Ambitious Kitchen to make it peanut buttery and delicious!  I'm so happy with how it turned out. I hope you try it out! I mean, I know you have a few overly ripe bananas on your counter. And the best part about this... all you need is one bowl! YES. Fewer dishes and less time to throw together. It's an all-around winner. Seriously who has time to do more dishes...  I sometimes avoid recipes just because they call for more than one mixing bowl. Dead serious. Anyways, check out the recipe below! You'll love it. Breakfast, snack, before bed. Just do it. Then let me know how much you love it!


Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Bread 
adapted from Ambitious Kitchen 

Ingredients:
3 small to medium ripe bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup all natural peanut butter (crunchy is bomb in this recipe!)
2 eggs
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup granola (for topping)

Directions:
Line an 8x4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper and preheat oven to 350 degrees
Combine bananas, vanilla, peanut butter in a large bowl and mix using an electric beater
Add eggs to mixture and combine
Add in coconut flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt and mix
Stir in chocolate chips (save a few to sprinkle on top)
Pour batter into pan and top with a few chocolate chips and the granola (if using)
Bake for 30-35 minutes (make sure your toothpick comes out clean, you don't want it underbaked)
Let cool completely in pan (*essential), remove, slice and enjoy!

S H O P  T H E  P O S T:

Book:



Life changing granola:
 
Marble tray:
 
Peanut Butter:
 

Coconut Matcha Energy Bars

Oh, my word. Ladies and gentlemen... enter into my newest creation and obsession-- The Matcha Bar! I literally just devoured one so I am in full out matcha heaven at the moment, so let me bask in my enthusiasm. 

As far as match lattes go, I can take them or leave them. I'd just usually rather have coffee! With that being said, the health benefits of matcha are so superior that I did buy some matcha powder a while back and have been determined to make the most out of it, adding a teaspoon in smoothies, and such. When I saw Rafia from Eat With Raf post a matcha ball recipe I was excited to try it out. Since then, I've adapted the recipe and have been making them non-stop! They are seriously the perfect afternoon treat. You can full out satisfy your sweet craving, skip the extra coffee and enjoy a jolt of alertness without the crash.  If that's not enough let me describe these bars further. You have a touch of sweetness from the honey, a pinch of vanilla flavour, and pure coconut bliss! Tell me that isn't enough yum to go out and make them right now? Also, they literally take eight minutes to prepare. I know this because I timed it. 

Okay-- so those health benefits of matcha I was speaking of... Curious? I'll break it down and then, YES, I'll share the recipe!

**Detoxifying -- bursting with chlorophyll which is a detox agent

**Antioxidant -- more antioxidants than regular green tea to fight cancer and fight inflammation

**Chilled energy -- burst of alertness/energy without the crash

** Fat burning --  boosts that metabolism 

Matcha Coconut Bars

ingredients:

*this recipe makes about 7 bars, you may want to double it!

1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut

2 tablespoons of almond flour

1 tablespoon of Vital Proteins Vanilla + Coconut Water Collagen Peptides (if you don't have you can add either another scoop of almond flour plus a dash of vanilla extract, or a scoop of vanilla protein powder)

1.5 tablespoon honey (I just use a heaping spoonful)

1/2 tablespoon of ceremonial grade matcha powder (I use Genuine Tea because it's not too bitter, and they are Canadian based) 

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 tablespoon hemp hearts 

2 tablespoon dried goji berries (optional)

 ** totally optional: I added a handful of Bran Buds for a little extra fiber and ended up loving the crunch! 

directions:

1. Add coconut, almond flour, collagen, honey, hemp hearts, coconut oil and dried gojis to blender and pulse until combined

2. You could roll mixture in balls, or press down into pan 

3. Sprinkle some whole gojis, and dried coconut on top

4. Chill in fridge to set and cut when cold

Do you love matcha? Let me know if you'll try these. Even if you're not a matcha lover, I totally think this will have you hooked! 

Blueberry Vanilla Collagen Smoothie with Vital Proteins + Giveaway

Collagen... what is it? Why do we need it? What are the benefits?

I was just as curious as you. You may have seen some of my recent Instagram stories regarding collagen peptides and are wondering what's the deal. Rewind to last year when I discovered Vital Proteins thanks to The Balanced Blonde and Shut The Kale Up. I kept seeing them pour these little blue packs into their morning coffees and I needed to investigate! 

P.S. there is a giveaway AND a video below, so keep scrolling!

What is it?

Collagen is a protein found in the body. It promotes the growth of healthy hair, skin, nail, bones, and joints. But when we work out and get older, it breaks down and cannot replenish enough on its own. Collagen is great for the skin and getting that glow, too! Once it hits the bloodstream it acts as a binder for water and hyaluronic acid (you know how much I love H.A.), therefore holding in that moisture and resulting in plump, hydrated skin. Beauty-full? Yeah, I'd say so too! It also promotes a healthy gut since it is filled with amino acids.

Best way to increase collagen?

Ingest it. Topically it's not as impactful. Ingesting pure and natural sources of collagen is the best way to get it right where you need it. 

What's the deal with Vital Proteins?

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (aka collagen in powder form) are sourced from grass-fed, pasture raised bovine hides.No, not vegetarian or vegan, but they are gluten free, dairy free, paleo friendly and whole 30 approved! With each scoop, you are getting 20 g of collagen. That's insane. The difference between regular protein? Collagen protein has higher levels of amino acids which help to give us the strength for stronger joints, and skin elasticity.  The original is tasteless and totally dissolves in liquid. They also have flavoured products such as Melon Mint, Mixed Berry, and my favourite, Vanilla Coconut Water.

How to use?

The possibilities are endless! Stir the original in coffee (no taste and totally dissolves), add to smoothies as a protein boost, or shake with water. I love adding a scoop in my energy balls, baked goods (like pancakes and cookies) and mixed in with oatmeal and soup.

Here's a recap:

**20 g of collagen, 18 g of protein with 1 scoop
**tasteless and dissolves completely
**beauty boost & anti-ageing-- glowing, healthy skin, nail and hair strength
**strength-- bone & joint health
**gut health-- all those amino acids

Let's put it to use, shall we?

Here's a detox smoothie recipe that I am OBSESSED with. Try it out! 

Blueberry Vanilla Detox Smoothie

ingredients:

1 handful greens (spinach, kale)

1/4 cup frozen zucchini 

1/4 cup frozen blueberries 

1 scoop Vital Proteins Vanilla & Coconut Water
1 tablespoon flaxseed meal

almond milk (however much to result in your desired consistency, start with 1/2 cup and add more milk or ice as needed)
extras: I always add in some maca powder (for balancing hormones) or ashwagandha (to release stress/anxiety), or Brain Dust (for a boost), and almond butter to make it extra creamy. Feel free to add some frozen banana slices if you'd like it a touch more sweet!

top with your faves: granola, nuts, seeds, etc!


GIVEAWAY!!! Vital Proteins and I are teaming up to give you the ultimate pack-- the Vanilla & Coconut Water Collagen Peptides AND a pack of the original Collagen Peptides! All you have to do is enter below. Super easy! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Contest open to Canadians AND US residents! Thank you to Vital Proteins for allowing me to share a product that I love! 

Chocolate Chia Mousse from Joyous Detox & Giveaway

Okay- let me just say that Joy from Joyous Health is probably one of the sweetest, most genuine people I've come across in the food blogging world! She's a certified holistic nutritionist, author, blogger, mother and to top it up she is insanely bubbly and always smiling! She changed her life and her health with food and has since gone on to do such amazing things, all while inspiring others to live happy, healthy lives. 

I first started following her blog, Joyous Health and became hooked on her simple, incredibly healthy and delicious recipes. I was so excited to finally meet her at the launch of her second book, 'Joyous Detox', which is a detox plan and cookbook. I literally started bookmarking every page because I loved learning about all the foods and how to fuel your bod in the best way possible. Oh, and the recipes are just amazing! The spinach-chicken burgers are like a weekly thing in my kitchen... and don't get me started on the dips! Soooo delish! And ridiculously easy to throw together. 

Today I'm teaming up with Joy to share one of my favourite desserts/snacks from the book-- the Chocolate Chia Mousse. I'm also giving away a copy of her new book, Joyous Detox! The mousse is so creamy, naturally sweetened and packed with superfood ingredients to make you feel good. You'll never need another box of pudding mix again! Be sure to stop by on Instagram today to enter. And trust me on this one... if you're always on the go, looking to make simple yet delicious recipes and learn how to fuel your bod with the best, it's a recipe book you need in your life!

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Chocolate Chia Mousse

Ingredients:
4 Medjool dates pitted
1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
1/2 cup raw cacao powder
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/4 cup real maple syrup

Directions:

1. Soak dates in water for 2 hours. Drain
2. Add dates, coconut milk, cacao powder, chia seeds and maple syrup to blender and blend until combined.
3. Chill for 30 minutes or so.
4. Pour into bowls and garnish with additional toppings such as strawberries, bananas, cacao nibs, or coconut flakes.

Huge thanks to Penguin Books Canada for gifting me the book, and to Joy McCarthy for offering to give away a copy of her book!

Almond Butter Super Seed and Goji Granola Bar

These are the ultimate energy boosting, superfood snack! You guys, I can't stop eating these bars. First of all, you should know that I am a huge granola fan. I would eat it every day if I could keep it around long enough. I'm just a huge nut and seed lover, so when I saw this recipe on Ambitious Kitchen I literally jumped to the pantry.

Make these easy, energy boosting almond butter, sunflower seed and goji granola bars tonight! 

I adapted the recipe just a bit with what I had on hand. Subbed out the sunflower butter with almond butter, took a pass on the dried figs and added in goji berries and raisins instead. I also took a pass on the chocolate drizzle to keep them more breakfast friendly. Still loaded with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, flax meal, chia, and oats, they are beyond good, and good for you! Although the original recipe is nut-free (mine is not), these are still gluten-free if using certified gluten-free oats. The almond butter and honey come together to create such a subtly sweet, chewy mixture that binds all the tastiness together and then every once in a while you'll get a sweet pop from a raisin or goji! I just made these on the weekend and must divulge that there are barely any left! B even approves! (I love it when he approves of my nutty creations!)

They are so incredibly easy to put together and if you don't count toasting the seeds they really are a no-bake. I urge you to make these as soon as possible. They are the ultimate superfood bar and you know exactly what is going into them. Later grocery store bars with added sugars and weirdo ingredients!

Superseed Granola Bars
Makes 10-12 bars

Ingredients:
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup raw almond butter (or any nut/seed butter you have)
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
pinch of sea salt
1/4 cup flaxseed meal
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/3 cup mixed dried fruit (I used goji berries and raisins)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
2. Spread oats, quinoa, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds on parchment lined baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes
3. While toasting, place almond butter, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt into sauce pot and simmer on low heat until combined
4. Remove from heat and add to bowl with toasted oat/quinoa mixture
5. Add in flaxseed meal, chia seeds, and dried fruit
6. Line a 9x5 baking dish with parchment paper and pour in the granola bar mixture
7. Pack down tightly with your hands (you may need to get your hands a bit wet to pack down)
8. Place in freezer for 20 minutes to set, then move to fridge

I like to enjoy these at room temperature! Get ready for a seriously delicious and good for you burst of energy with these little ones.

Recipe adapted from Ambitious Kitchen

Pumpkin Spice Granola

I am addicted to granola. Constantly eating it, trying out new recipes, and never getting bored of putting it on everything from yogurt, smoothies, to just straight- up shoving handfuls in my mouth. My go-to recipe is the granola clusters from the Oh She Glows Cookbook, but with the arrival of fall I wanted to make something festive and full of pumpkin flavour! You all know I looooove Buddha Brands Co.-- their coconut water is so pure and delish, and the coconut chips are so amazing (remember these recipes). They are launching a limited edition flavour for fall-- yes, Pumpkin Spice Coconut Chips with Turmeric! I have become slightly obsessed. They are so crunchy, so light, so packed with flavour, and so healthy! And turmeric is so, so good for you! It has great anti-inflammatory properties, and it regulates your cholesterol. I decided to take a basic granola recipe and add these in with some other fall spices to make the ultimate pumpkin spice granola for fall. It didn't last long in my house! If you saw me make it on snapchat (username: gabpacifico), you would have noticed half the pan gone as I was explaining the recipe! This recipe is a great, healthy snack and so festive. Pair it with a homemade pumpkin pie latte, or chai tea latte for a delicious snack!

The ingredient list may seem long, but feel free to substitute with what you have on hand! No rules here!

Ingredients:
makes: 1 baking tray of granola

2 cups whole grain oats
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup dried goji berries
1 tablespoon chia seeds
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1/4 tablespoon nutmeg
1/4 tablespoon sea salt
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup dates (soak the dates for 20 mins in 3/4 cup water, SAVE WATER!)
5 tablespoons date water
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 teaspoons maca powder (great for females)
1 package Hungry Buddha Pumpkin Spice Coconut Chips c/o

Directions:
1. Mix together oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, goji berries, chia seeds, cinnamon, nutmet and sea salt in large bowl
2. Blend (use food processor, Magic Bullet, etc.) maple syrup, drained dates, date water, coconut oil, maca powder until a smooth texture forms
3. Add wet date mixture to dry oat mixture and stir to combine
4. Add Pumpkin Spice Coconut Chips to bowl and stir to combine
5. Place on parchment paper lined baked sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 27-30 minutes (longer if want a crunchier granola)

Want more pumpkin?!
What To Do With Leftover Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin Cookies & Pumpkin Pie Latte
Fall Themed Brunch