Paleo Meatza Recipe

Hello, lovelies! I hope you're all having a lovely spring day. As I am readjusting back at home, I'm also readjusting my diet. I ate way too much junk and the typical "college food" this year. To turn my diet around, I'm slowly inching my way back to the Paleo diet.

Tonight, I made a "meatza" pizza, which is a regular pizza, but instead of the glutenous bread crust, the base is all meat. It is so easy to make, and it's a guilt free meal.

Yields: 8 pieces

Ingredients

Crust

2 lbs. ground turkey

1/4 cup onion

1 tablespoon garlic

2 eggs

Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

14 oz pizza sauce

3 cups of mozzarella cheese

1 cup of pepperoni

1 green pepper

1/2 onion

2.25 oz black olives, canned

1 tablespoon oregano

Directions

Preheat oven to 450°F.

Combine ground turkey, onion, garlic, eggs, and salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon, or if you're feeling dedicated, go ahead and use your hands!

Lay a piece of parchment paper over a pizza stone or rimmed baking sheet. Put meat mixture on the parchment paper and flatten with your hands. Regarding the thickness, I prefer a thick crust, but some people like a thinner crust, so press until you are satisfied.

Note: The meat will shrink once baked.

Bake for 20 minutes. While the "crust" is baking, prepare toppings.

Remove meat from oven. Be very careful of the excess juices surrounding the meat. You may need to drain juices before adding toppings.

Drop oven temperature to 350°F.

Add pizza sauce followed by cheese, pepperoni, chopped green pepper and onion, black olives, and sprinkle oregano over the top.

Cook for 10 more minutes or until cheese is melty. 

Cut slices and serve. Devour!

I hope you enjoy this recipe. If you are interested in more Paleo recipes for the summer, let me know in the comments! 

xx Amanda

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

The Happy Skin Tag

Hello, lovelies! Well, school is over for the year. I (somehow) completed my first year of college. Yay for less stress! However, my skin is a little hard to get along with because of the stress that correlates with finals week. 

I have had people ask me for an updated skincare routine, but I watched Tanya Burr do a video about her skincare solutions and tips, so I thought this would be a fun way to shake up the usual blog posts. 

Here are the questions to The Happy Skin Tag... and my answers. Enjoy!

How would you best describe your skin?

My skin is quite dry. It always feels tight and I tend to find dry patches on my face occasionally (mostly during the winter). If there is any oil on my face, it most likely will be on my forehead.

What are your main skin care concerns?

I have noticed recently that my skin is getting bumpy and rough. It doesn't have that nice glow I used to be complimented on all the time. It's also not smooth to the touch; it just looks a bit dingy.

What's the weirdest natural ingredient you have used in your skincare routine?

Honey, maybe? I just don't like sticky stuff, especially when I am spreading it all over my face. I don't like it getting in my hair.

How do you describe happiness?

Positivity, bliss, laughter, joy, cheer, peace of mind.

Describe your skincare routine in 5 words.

Wiping away another crazy day.

           OR... rejuvenating, cleansing, softening, simple, fast!

What is your top skin care tip?

Don't put your usual face moisturizer on the "bags" of your eyes. Regular face moisturizers are too heavy for our delicate under eye area, making the bags heavier and more prominent. You should consider getting a different, lighter moisturizer made for under eyes. I've been really loving Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Eye Repair Serum. 

What makes you laugh everyday?

Let's be honest, I'm pretty easily-entertained. Lots of things make me happy and make me laugh. If I had to say anyone, though, I would say Zachary. Even in my worst moods, he can always manage to make me happy again.

What steals your skin's natural radiance?

Sleeping with make up on, lack of sleep, not drinking enough water, and drinking alcohol.

What are your top tips for healthy, glowing skin?

Cleanse, exfoliate (2x weekly), moisturize, and DRINK WATER! These are the easiest things to do to achieve beautiful looking skin.

What's your skin care 101?

8 hours of sleep at night (10pm - 6am are the best!), drink water (I don't think I've stressed that enough), find your best skin routine (they don't have to be complicated).

What's your happy place?

My bed is always a comfortable place to just relax, but just being with the people I love makes me happy too.

I'm still planning to do an "updated skin care routine" post, but hopefully that gave you some ideas on how to improve your skin care routine! Do you have any helpful tips and tricks to getting glowing and healthy skin? Leave them in the comments!

Read about my newest skin care haul here!

xx Amanda

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

Natural Solvents for Seasonal Allergies

I'm so proud to say that this article was published in Iowa Central Community College's student newspaper, The Collegian, April 28, 2015 Ed. I am thankful for all the opportunities I have had while writing with this wonderful group of people, and I cannot wait to continue writing for The Collegian next year!

xx Amanda

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

Spring has officially arrived in Iowa: the sun is shining, the grass is getting greener, and everyone is enjoying the outdoors. The only problem with spring’s presence is the raid of allergies coupled with it; however, over-the-counter medications are not the only route to cease the allergies.  

Studies have shown that the ingestion of probiotics resulted in a reduction of symptoms in children and adults with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) by reducing the allergic response to house dust mite. All stomachs can benefit from probiotics when needing help with digestion and immunity. 

According to Dr. Julia Buchkina, MD, MPH, a Family Physician at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, “The theory behind it is over activity which leads to an imbalance in the colon. Probiotics may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis, but the therapeutic effect remains to be further investigated." 

Another trick to calming allergies is to fill up on butterbur, an herbaceous plant. Taking a specific butterbur leaf extract seems to decrease nasal inflammatory mediators and decrease nasal symptoms in patients with hay fever. 

In addition, ingesting more vitamin C will block a mass of allergies. Vitamin C prevents the formation of histamine when compared to the typical over-the-counter options, which work by interfering with the histamine after it is produced. 

Buchkina adds, “Allergens can cause certain cells in the body to produce histamine, which is responsible for common seasonal conditions [like tearing and a runny nose].” 

A shocking step is to eat onions, apple skins, and citrus fruits. Increasing the intake of quercetin, which derives from these foods, will benefit an individual’s diet and can help minimize the occurrence of watery or itchy eyes, and hay fever. Taking this collectively with vitamin C each day will give optimal results. 

Buchkina comments, “Quercetin has been proven effective for allergies and asthma.”  

An alternative for vitamin C would be supplementing with fish oils. Healthy types of oils are necessary in the formation of every cell in the body, making important components of essential fatty acids. 

Buchkina states, “Since fish oil is anti-inflammatory, it is useful in treating and preventing allergies, cholesterol, skin moisturizing, and bowel function.” 

An additional step for those dealing with pesky seasonal allergies is to look for adrenal support. Supplements that support adrenal (stress) glands can be useful in maintaining energy and reducing the effect of stress and allergies on the body. 

Buchkina says, “Supplements like these are necessary so the immune system can function. Try consuming more proteins and fats and less sugars and caffeine.”  

Diet plays a huge role in an individual’s overall health. A recent study done in Greece found that merely following a Mediterranean diet, which is abundant in unprocessed foods and antioxidants, had a shielding effect for children with asthma and allergies in that region of the country. 

Buchkina adds, “Paying attention to your diet is one of the easiest things you can do when dealing with allergies. Give your body the nutrients it needs and aim to follow a hypoallergenic, anti-inflammatory diet during allergy season. Especially during this time of the year, you need to eat healthy foods that produce good bacteria in your body.” 

In addition to consuming good bacteria, Buchkina adds that chewing on a small piece of raw honeycomb on a daily basis will act as a vaccination. If done daily throughout the year, the participant will be exposed to small amounts of pollen, becoming immune and preventing allergies from the outdoors. 

Buchkina’s final piece of advice for fighting seasonal allergies is nasal irrigation. Clinical research shows hypertonic saline nasal irrigation 3 times daily significantly reduces allergy symptoms after 3-6 weeks of treatment. Nasal irrigation also reduced the use of oral antihistamines in these patients.  

Buchkina comments, “Nasal irrigation is quite useful, and I recommend it to many of my patients. Research shows that nasal irrigation decreases indications of inflammation including histamine and leukotriene levels in patients with allergies.” 

Each one of these tips will help those dealing with seasonal allergies. The effort to calm the sneezes, the watery eyes, and the runny noses have just gotten a lot simpler now that over-the-counter medications are not the only option. With these simple steps, it is now a lot easier to enjoy the spring season.

Estēe Lauder Skin Care & Make Up Haul

Hello, lovelies! Today has been one of those spring days where it's foggy and rainy and the weather overall is just general crap; but you know what they say, "April showers bring May flowers." I wish it could just be, "Amanda is tired and groggy so make her cheery by bringing the sun out again."

I remembered that last week I purchased some new beauty findings at the Estēe Lauder counter at Younkers and figured maybe looking at those would bring me into a happier mood. I also thought maybe, just maybe, my readers friends would like to look at my collection. Perhaps these skin care and make up products will inspire your newest, freshest spring look.

Warning: Be ready for a vast amounts of accents in this post. Typing them was a struggle.

Skin Care

Estēe Lauder recommends a special order for this skin care regimen so I'll list these items in that order for you!

First: Estēe Lauder Perfectly Clean Cleanser

I have been loving this product for the few days I've been using it. It's a two-in-one product, which means you can use it as a daily foam cleanser or a purifying mask. I usually just cleanse twice a day and use it as a mask once during the weekend for a treat.

Second: Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Eye Repair Serum

I have never used an eye serum before being introduced to this product. It's supposed to work as a kind of moisturizer, but it's made to be extra light so your under eyes don't feel drowned by the weight of a typical moisturizer. I apply this just at night, and I think the best way to apply this is by putting three dots of the serum around the eyes at the outer corner, in the center under eye, and inner corner. Rub in GENTLY with your ring finger. It seriously works wonders.

Third: Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Repair

Similar to the Eye Repair Serum, I've never used one of these before. This product claims to repair signs of age. I'm only 18, so I don't really have wrinkles, but I'm taking precautions for the future. I just massage the Night Repair in a sweeping motion in an up-and-out direction. When repairing this, go all the way to the hairline, and don't forget your neck!

Fourth: Estēe Lauder DayWear Creme

All I can say is that this is one of the best moisturizers I have ever used. It is amazingly light weight and it smells so fresh. I feel like I just walked out of a field of flowers! I apply this product after the Clean Cleanser in the morning and after the Night Repair in the evening.

Make Up

You can incorporate as many or as little of these products into your daily beauty regimen as you'd like. 

Estēe Lauder Double Wear Light {Intensity 1.0}

If I could ever recommend a foundation to someone, it would definitely be this one! The part that really sold me on this product was that it's FOR ALL SKIN TYPES! You heard (read) it right here, folks. My skin has a tendency to get dry, then oily, then back to dry. This inconsistency conflicts with my make up quite frequently. This make up is long lasting and very light. I will say it does not have the highest amount of coverage, but I don't typically need loads of coverage on a day-to-day basis, especially in the warmer months. 

Estēe Lauder Pure Color EyeShadow Quad {Ombre à paupières}

(Sorry! I couldn't find a link to this one.)

First of all, the packaging is beautiful and springy, which really caught my eye. This quad features four colors: 2 satin, 1 shimmer, 1 matte. These neutrals are going to be great for an easy to do look this spring and coming summer. My favorite shade is undoubtedly {47 Nude Fresco} which is the far left shade in the palette.

Estēe Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara

I love how this formula makes my lashes look so full. Someone actually asked me if I was wearing falsies whilst wearing this mascara. I'm so happy I get to add another mascara to my collection! Love it!

Estēe Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick

{61 Pink Parfait} {25 Melon} {12 Beige}

These colors are all so beautiful and appropriate for this time of the year. Each one is long lasting, vibrant, and keeps my lips moisturized for a long time. Recently, I've been really getting into the orangey-toned pinks, so I'd have to say my favorite shade is currently {Melon} which is in the middle in the picture below.

Accessories

With my purchase, I received two portable bags to hold my new products while traveling. Unfortunately, the most traveling I'm doing now is going back and forth between school and home. Oh well, these bags are adorable and hold more than you'd expect by just looking at them. Designed by Lisa Perry.

I hope you enjoyed this post! What are you using in your spring skin care or make up regimen? Let me know in the comments!

xx Amanda

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

Chocolate Easter Nest Cupcake Recipe

Hello, lovelies! Tomorrow is Easter! Do you know what that means? Family time; warm weather; and best of all, food! For my family's Easter get together, I've made cupcakes for dessert, but I made them a bit more festive. Also, if you gave up sweets or desserts for Lent, this will definitely be a treat for you!

Here we go!

Ingredients

Cake:

1 package of yellow cake mix

1 cup of water

1/3 cup of butter, softened

3 large eggs

Topping:

1 container of milk chocolate frosting

5 cups of shredded wheat, crushed

1/2 cup chocolate, melted

1 bag mini chocolate easter eggs

Utensils:

2 cupcake tins

24 cupcake cases

2 mixing bowls

2 wooden spoons

2 cooling racks

1 microwaveable bowl 

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Mix the yellow cake mix, water, butter and eggs together in mixing bowl for 2-3 minutes until smooth.

Place cupcake cases in cupcake tins.

Pour the cake mixture evenly into cupcake cases about 2/3 full.

Bake in center or higher rack for 14-19 minutes or until a fork inserted into the center of 
the cupcakes comes out clean, then cool on cooling racks.

Ice cupcakes with milk chocolate frosting just enough to cover the tops, don't worry about putting loads on each cupcake. 

Prepare chocolate by breaking up, if necessary, and putting it in a microwaveable bowl. Melt the chocolate for 2 minutes on 50% power (watch carefully to check it doesn't burn and stir occasionally). Add the crushed shredded wheat to the melted chocolate and leave to cool, ensuring the shredded wheat is nicely coated in chocolate. Press handfuls of mixture gently around the top of each cupcake.

Decorate with mini chocolate eggs on the top of the cupcakes. I used two for each one but feel free to add more or don't use any at all. You can also use little fluffy chicks or Peeps if you'd like.

There you go! Your delicious Easter treat is ready to go! I hope you try these out for Easter or any other occasion this spring! I hope you all have a happy Easter!

xx Amanda

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

LUSH Haul {Easter Edition}

Hello, lovelies! Easter is so close and for some reason this makes me really happy! I'm not really known as an "Easter fanatic" but I'm especially excited for this year's time around. I think I like that fact that Spring really feels like it's upon us and the warmth is something I've been yearning for since October. 

However, the warmth isn't the only thing that I'm loving in correlation with Easter. I'm also loving LUSH's Easter Collection! Yeah, you're probably not surprised, but I just feel the need to show you my findings, Easter and not Easter related findings.

Hope you enjoy!

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Easter!

Bunch of Carrots Bubble Bars

This bunch of carrots seriously looks like they are picked fresh out of the garden, but on the contrary, they smell super sweet and fruity! Three carrots come in a bunch, so I'm looking forward to three heavenly baths that will put a spring in my step.

You want my recommendation for a good bath time snack? Carrots.

Hoppity Poppity Bath Bomb

To be honest, this isn't my favorite scent (too much lemon-fresh stuff, I'm more of a fruity girl). So you're probably asking me why I got it... Well, there are vibrant green popping candies that will crackle and pop whilst it fizzes in the tub! Now tell me that doesn't sound like an exciting bath?!

Doesn't this photo make you want to hop into the bath?

Immaculate Eggception (Yellow) Bath Bomb

First of all, hehe, punny. Second, shhh! It's a secret! Inside this mega bath bomb is a surprise! When I shake it I can hear the mystery! I want to use it so bad but I'm disciplining myself and waiting until Easter to use it! Good, Amanda, very good.This egg is worth three baths: 2 halves of the egg once cracked, and the special surprise! Stay tuned for pictures... or maybe I shouldn't spoil the surprise. What do you think?

Is it Easter yet? I want to uncover this mysterious mystery!

Not Easter, but still Spring worthy!

Avobath Bath Bomb

This is the perfect "pick me up" for tough mornings, afternoons, evenings, etc. Popping this in the bath as a defogger will be such a relief as the lemongrass scent jolts through the air.

The Comforter Bubble Bar

Does anyone else think it's super satisfying crumbling bubble bars under running water. No? Just me? Okay. Well, feeling it dissolve in my hand feels fun and it's exciting to see purple water streaming between my fingers. Seeing big bubbles can be exciting too. I know, I'm a child. All of this stuff is... comforting... hence the name. Do you know what makes it more comforting? This bar makes two baths! Woot woot!

Avobath and The Comforter accompanied by a candle. Not modeled at all.

Miranda Soap

If you weren't aware, Miranda is made of kiwi which has amazing beneficial qualities for the skin. Kiwi will cleanse, tone, and brighten your skin... at the same time! It's kind of weird that I get excited to use soap, but I don't care; I always look forward to using fruity things and Miranda is the perfect way to get soft and lovely smelling hands!

Strawberry Feels Forever Massage Bar

I love this massage bar! It's so easy to use and it's a relaxing part of my regimen. Just glide the fruity bar along your skin and it melts from the warmth of your body. It's nice in the middle of the day for a refresher or after a nice LUSH bath.

Sympathy For The Skin

Don't let the fact that you're rubbing mushed bananas all over yourself throw you off; it's amazing. Bananas are known for helping the skin becoming more flexible and relieving cracked, hard worked areas (hands, elbows, feet, etc.).

P.S. It smells more like vanilla than bananas.

You've Been Mangoed Bath Melt

OMG! Just, omg. If you know me personally, you will know that I love mango. It's my favorite fruit, soft, touchable hands down. Whether I'm eating them or slapping stuff that smells like it all over my bod, mango is the only thing for me! Holy cow, I got off subject. Mangos are worth it, though. Anyway, this is no ordinary bath melt, this one helps to soothe the skin, condition, and moisturize the skin. LUSH recommends you use it in the morning to get the day started, but I say, "What the heck?!" Do what you want, girl! Go crazy and get MANGOED!

Apologies for that long mango-induced novel.

Miranda, Strawberry Feels Forever, Sympathy For The Skin, and You've Been Mangoed lounging bath side.

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 I hope you like these kinds of posts, and maybe you'll be inspired to hop to LUSH and pick up some spring worthy staples!

Happy Easter!

xx Amanda

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore