SOCIAL MEDIA

Thursday, January 28, 2016

3 Vegan Recipes to Try

I've always wanted to go fully raw vegan or just regular vegan, but it's always been such a hassle. In my house we eat meat practically every day so it can be very difficult to stray from routine. Earlier this week I decided to try going vegan for a week. For those that are vegan I completely understand that it's a lifestyle, but I'm not quite sure I'm ready (or would ever be ready) to fully convert my lifestyle to vegan. For now, I want to try going one week and see how it goes and take it from there! I truly believe that this will greatly benefit my health as I am the type of person that can often stray from healthy eating habits when I am not strict with myself. 

As far as eating goes so far I have found that a lot of my favorite foods are actually vegan. The most difficult thing is definitely dinner though because I typically like a comforting, hearty meal like chicken, steak or pasta. These are three recipes from an awesome vegan YouTuber that I found that I'm super eager to try. I made the lentil soup the other day and it was delicious! Not something I would necessarily make, but nonetheless it was super good. Tonight I'm trying the stuffed peppers which look absolutely amazing. I'll let you know how they are! :)

Here are three vegan recipes to try (also, on a budget!). 

You can watch the video here to see all the steps in action or read them here!


 Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes


Spicy Red Lentil Soup


Stuffed Bell Peppers

What recipe do you want to try?

Xoxo
Wednesday, January 27, 2016

What's on My iPhone

Well hello. It's me. Nope, I didn't fall off the face of the earth. Okay so here's my excuse for no blogging last week. Basically I still had two college applications to finish (ugh, I'm always waiting until the last minute), a dance competition this weekend and a lot of work from all of my classes. Needless to say I wanted to take a little break from blogging for the week. I'm back though and today I'm sharing with you what's on my iPhone. Over winter break I broke my phone for two weeks and it was nice to finally get a new phone and upgrade to the 6s. I didn't think there'd be much of a difference from the 5s to the 6s, but trust me...there is. I absolutely love it and the camera quality is seriously amazing.

One of my favorite videos to watch on YouTube is a what's on my iPhone video. For some reason I love seeing what other people have on their phone...maybe I'm just nosy. Today I'm sharing with you what's on my iPhone and a little summary of my favorite apps and how I organize them. 


On my main page I have all the standard apps that come with the phone like photos, maps, iTunes, etc. I added to this page Spotify (my favorite way to listen to music), Snapchat (of course! add me: asprinkleofkate), Fitbit and GoPro. The GoPro app is just about the coolest thing ever because you can control your GoPro from your phone. It also makes sharing pictures and videos easier than ever.


On the second page I have all of my apps organized into different categories as pictured. I find that this makes my apps easier to locate and also is much more aesthetically pleasing to me.


As far as photography goes I absolutely love using VSCO to adjust my photos to my liking. I really like the filters F2 and A6 (as recommended by Frannie). Snapseed is another favorite and is especially great for brightening up photos.


This is probably my most used category because it houses all of my social media. I'm definitely a Pinterest and Tumblr addict and you can follow me on those @asprinkleofkate. Hootsuite is another great app to help schedule Instagram posts and tweets because I am notorious for taking a ton of photos and just never posting them.


Last but not least I have my productivity folder. I probably use LinkedIn and PayPal the most because they are essentials for my life. PayPal is where I deal with payments from my blog, etc. so it's easy to control money from there. LinkedIn is a great networking tool and I'm constantly building connections online and adding information to my profile.

Now I'm wondering...what's your iPhone? 

Xoxo
Friday, January 15, 2016

TGIF


This week has been super chill. I am definitely living the luxurious life as a second semester senior right now, enjoying having two study halls and minimal homework. I am still waiting for the semester to pick up, but so far, so great! A bunch of bloggers my age have been sharing their college decisions and I couldn´t be happier for them! I will most definitely be sharing my college choice as it is decided. I have yet to hear back from many schools so my post will be delayed to probably around March! I hope it is worth the wait! Here are a few things I've been loving this week.

+All Natural Skincare
I stumbled upon Youth To The People skincare the other day and it seems to be just what I need. All natural and filled with amazing ingredients like kale, spinach, vitamin C, green tea and vitamin E. My skin has been feeling the winter blues recently with more breakouts than usual and exceptional dryness. I've been attempting to combat the dry weather, but my skin is not cooperating whatsoever. These products look absolutely amazing and I may just have to give them a try.

+Gray Malin's Home
I've loved Gray Malin for quite some time now and just recently rediscovered him on Sammy's blog. His home is seriously unbelievable. It is everything #goals! His home is so colorful, bright and fun. You truly just have to see it for yourself! You can read Sammy's post here and you can read another post about his home here. Definitely work checking out!

+Creating A Morning Routine
I'm thinking of doing a post all about my morning routine (maybe even a video) because one of my goals this year has been to establish a strict morning routine. This guest post by Maxie McCoy is exactly what I needed to create a daily morning routine that I stick to each day. I have found that by waking up earlier and having more time to get ready my day is so much better because I am less stressed to frantically get ready.

Have a great weekend!

Xoxo
Thursday, January 14, 2016

Crunching The Numbers


One resolution that I have not been succeeding at recently is eating healthier. I consider myself decently active (going to dance every day after school), but at the same time I could most definitely do more to lead a healthier lifestyle. One thing I have been striving to do is snack less (I am guilty of snacking far too often) and eating healthier meals. It can be especially difficult to eat healthy at school just because I am the type of person to run out the door before school starts so packing a healthy lunch is not always easy. I have come to the realization that I am healthiest when I go grocery shopping on my own time and purchase foods I know I will actually eat. This makes packing a lunch so much easier and when I find delicious and healthy foods I am so much more excited to plan meals with them. 

One of my absolute favorite "desserts", as I like to call them, are Chobani flips. If you have yet to try them to have to! They are seriously so delicious. My absolute favorite flavors are the peach pistachio (don't knock it until you try it) and the caramel crunch. The caramel one is perfect for a light dessert because it satisfies that chocolate and caramel flavor that I often crave, but in a much healthier way. When Chobani mentioned to me that they were introducing the new Chobani Simply 100 Crunch I knew I had to give it a try. These yogurts are delicious and taste so similar to the Chobani flips that I know and love! Plus, they are only 100 calories! It is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing major calories. 

Chobani challenged me to crunch the numbers in 2016 by seeing what I could add to my daily routine that would make my life even more healthy. They have shared with me 12 super easy ways to burn an extra 100 calories throughout your day. I think the one I am most eager to try is 18 minutes of ice skating. I have a new indoor ice rink right by my school and Millennium Park is just downtown so ice skating is not out of reach. Plus, I have yet to go this year! Not only is it super fun, but also a great workout! 

Let me know if you try out any of the new Chobani products and how you like them. 

What is one way you are going to strive for a healthier 2016?

Xoxo
Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Mini Instagram Recap

One of my blogging resolutions has been to post more consistently on Instagram. I've grown my following quite a bit over the past year and a half that I've had my Insta, but I still feel that I'm lagging behind and haven't even hit that 1,000 follower mark. To grow my follower base I've been attempting to post more often and with better and brighter photos. I think it's super difficult to stick to a specific feed when first starting out because it takes a little while to choose your aesthetic. 

If you're still not following along (which you totally should be!) feel free to follow me here! I'd really love it if you did. Here's a little recap of what I've been up to on Insta lately. 

 I was really sick over the weekend and spent all of Sunday laying in bed. I'm truly not complaining though because it allowed me time to rest and relax and just take a break. Winter break was definitely super chill, but ever since school started back up it's seemed to just be go-go-go. Sometimes it's super nice to take a well needed rest and being sick is a great excuse to take it!
The weather here in Chicago has been freezing. I'm seriously thinking of moving to Hawaii. Even just the one block walk from my car to school is absolutely awful! I've been pulling out the hats, scarves, coats and gloves but there's nothing that is making this weather any more bearable!

Xoxo
Tuesday, January 12, 2016

A Cozy Night In

A Cozy Night In

Because of the freezing weather, the winter is my favorite time to stay inside and stay cozy. I'm all for  taking any night and having a cozy night in all to myself. I truly value spending time alone and just being able to reflect and think to myself. If you're someone that is constantly on the go I highly recommend spending one night a month where you pamper yourself and spend a night in, go to bed early and relax. These are my essentials and what I like to do on a cozy night in.

I start of by getting my room nice and comfortable. I like my bed to be made before I begin my night routine so it's that much more comfortable to crawl in at the end of the evening. I also like to light a candle so that my room smells amazing and sweet. I never use my overhead light because I think it's too harsh, but I like turning on my two sets of white string lights and my bedside lamp.

One of my favorite things to do on a cozy night in is to take a nice hot shower or bath. I personally prefer taking a shower, but baths are nice when I'm feeling sick or fatigued. If I'm taking a bath I most definitely have to use a bath bomb from Lush because they are incredible. After I bathe I like to slather my body in lotion to keep my skin from getting chapped from the winter air.

I love wearing cozy pajamas and warm socks on a night in typically because the weather is absolutely freezing outside. I love getting all cozy in my bed with an extra blanket or two, sipping on some hot tea and reading a book or watching a movie. Finally, when I'm feeling tired (and usually pretty early in the evening) I turn off all electronics and get some sleep. I used to always listen to music before I fell asleep, but I realized that tuning out all electronics and external sounds is the best way for me to fully sleep and rest my body.

Shop my essentials below:

What do you like to do on a night in?

Xoxo
Monday, January 11, 2016

Cold Weather Essentials

Cold Weather Essentials

In honor of tomorrow's high being 10 degrees F I thought I'd share my cold weather essentials. The beginning of December was super mild and I loved that I could spend time outside and not freeze. Now we're re-living the polar vortex that was last winter. These are my personal essentials of what I need to survive a Chicago winter.

Gloves and a scarf are an absolute must. You simply cannot get by in January in Chicago just wearing a coat. Especially when I am driving it is nearly impossible to drive without my hands being warm. I'm not the biggest fan of hats, but this one is super cute. I like how simple it is and how soft (hello cashmere). Earmuffs are another great option if you want something that won't mess up your hair. These are earmuff headphones! So cool!! Warm socks are a great essential too and these adorable Sperry saltwater boots (right now under $60!!!). I personally wear bean boots myself, but these are a great alternative (and without a month long waitlist).

Shop my cold weather essentials & similar items below:

Xoxo
Friday, January 8, 2016

TGIF


What an exhausting week! Between being the first week back and having dance practice before another competition, I've had my fair share of soreness and exhaustion this week. Although I've been busy, school has not been overwhelming yet. Being a second semester has been great so far. I'm feeling much less stressed and also having two study halls doesn't hurt. Here are a few things I've been loving this week!

I felt super inspired this week to create a 101 in 1001 list. I'm so stoked to check off each on my list before the time is up. There are so many things I'm so excited to do! Inspired to make a list of your own? Let me know! One of mine is to inspire someone so let me know if you were inspired ;).

Someone please transport me to a beach ASAP! I need the sun! I'm obsessed with all things Gal Meets Glam, but this is by far one of my absolute favorite looks Julia has ever created. The beach, the dress and the sandals just totally complete the look!

I've been kind of obsessed with tumblr recently and have been reblogging things like crazy. Be sure you're following along

Wanna be updated every time I post anywhere? Of course you do. Also, be sure to follow by email or join my site via Google Friend Connect. I would so appreciate it. Here are all my links again for you!

Instagram: @sprinklesofkate
Twitter: @asprinkleofkate
Bloglovin': A Sprinkle of Kate
Pinterest: @asprinkleofkate
YouTube: Katelyn May

Have a great weekend!

Xoxo

Thursday, January 7, 2016

101 in 1001


Towards the end of 2015 I felt like I was not really living. I don't know exactly why this realization came to me, but I'm glad it did. I felt like the last two to three months of the year I was just waiting for the weekend, waiting for a break or waiting for something to happen, but nothing happened. I've been eager to try 101 in 1001, but was simply waiting for the right time. Now that I'm headed off to college next year I don't think there could be a better time to create a bucket list of 101 things I want to accomplish in 1001 days.

Start date: January 7, 2016

End date: October 4, 2018

1. Decide on a college.
2. Go on a trip paid for entirely with my own money.
3. Go camping.
4. Go skydiving.
5. Read a book a week for 3 months.
6. Meet 5 blogger friends in real life.
7. Buy a new camera lens.
8. Have a sleepover outside on a trampoline.
9. Surprise someone.
10. Go back to New York City.
11. Vote in a presidential election.
12. Go surfing again.
13. Read 5 classic books.
14. Go to a drive in movie.
15. Buy someone's drink behind me at Starbucks.
16. Go to a fashion show.
17. Connect with a brand via my blog.
18. Reach 1,00 followers on Instagram.
19. Send 50 handwritten notes.
20. Go out of the country.
21. Stop drinking soda.
22. Read all Nicholas Sparks and John Green books.
23. Visit Cape Cod.
24. Take a calligraphy class.
25. Workout 5 days a week for 1 month.
26. Attend another blogging conference.
27. Put $5 in savings for every goal accomplished.
28. Don't shop for one month.
29. Brush my hair twice a day, every day, for a month.
30. Get a "real job".
31. Travel to Europe.
32. Get a facial.
33. Go a month without drinking Starbucks.
34. Drive a Vespa.
35. Host a tea party/go to tea with friends.
36. Volunteer.
37. Have a photo shoot in downtown Chicago.
38. Give 10 just because gifts.
39. Run a 5k.
40. Go unplugged--no computer, phone, TV--for 48 hours.
41. Visit a new coffee shop.
42. Try 10 new restaurants.
43. Graduate high school!
44. Wake up at 6:30 (school days only) every day for 3 weeks.
45. Blog consistently.
46. Have a graduation party.
47. Go to a friend's lakehouse.
48. Go two months without Taco Bell baja blasts.
49. Learn how to grill.
50. Go to Lollapalooza (round two!).
51. Spend a day in the city with my family.
52. Go to work with my dad.
53. Stay with my sister for a weekend in Lincoln Park.
54. Go a week without makeup.
55. Go two weeks without using heat on my hair.
56. Begin paying for gas with my own money.
57. Go out to brunch with friends before we leave for college.
58. Visit 5 friends/family members at college.
59. Make 3 new friends.
60. Collaborate with someone on my blog.
61. Inspire someone to make a list of their own.
62. Go on a hike.
63. Send a message in a bottle.
64. Take a jazzercise class.
65. Send 20 love letters.
66. Write in a journal each night for 2 weeks.
67. Take photos in a photo booth.
68. Take the Amtrack somewhere.
69. Find a signature pair of jeans.
70. Go to the Adler Planetarium.
71. Get my palms read.
72. Send a care package to someone.
73. Go ice skating.
74. Eat fully raw vegan for 1 week.
75. Decorate my dorm.
76. Go 1 week without complaining.
77. Get a debit card.
78. Visit an art museum.
79. Go 1 month without eating out.
80. Spend an entire day at the beach.
81. Leave a love letter for someone to find.
82. Go to a Cubs/Sox game.
83. Paint with watercolors.
84. Go apple picking.
85. Watch a sunrise.
86. Watch a sunset.
87. Go to a midnight movie.
88. Take a solo day trip somewhere.
89. Go sailing.
90. Go to bed early every night for one week.
91. Guest post for someone's blog.
92. Go antiquing/thrifting.
93. Take a senior ditch day.
94. Try a juice cleanse.
95. Go rock climbing.
96. Go skiing (again).
97. Donate blood.
98. Star a new family tradition.
99. Skip first period to go out to breakfast.
100. Come up with 101 things (lol!).
101. Make a new 101 in 1001 list when this one is complete!

Woohoo! Let's get started!

Inspired to make you own list? Let me know if you do! & feel free to steal my ideas! Be sure to stay updated on what I've completed on my page.

Xoxo
Wednesday, January 6, 2016

10 Things To Do in the New Year


1. Drink more water.
Um, just do it, okay? You can thank me later.

2. Get more sleep.
Was it just me or was 2015 the year of zero rest? Besides winter break I feel like I was just go-go-go all the time and getting more sleep is so beneficial to your health and necessary to live a healthy lifestyle.

3. Eat well.
This one sounds difficult, but I'm not saying go fully raw vegan for the rest of your life (trust me, I've tried). Try to make healthy choices daily while not restricting yourself completely. Get a side salad instead of fries, water instead of a diet coke; these little things can add up!

4. Save your money.
I know, pretty much everything at J.Crew is perfection, but saving money will only help you in the future. Travel plans? College in your future? You need money to do this stuff!

4. Spend some time alone.
It seems like in high school everyone is always constantly with people and need people to survive. I'm not saying relationships aren't good, but everyone needs time to think by themselves and everyone needs to learn to be content with being alone.

5. Say yes to adventure.
This seems like a no-brainer, but try something new! You know that workout class you've always wanted to try, but would look like a fool doing? Yeah, go do it!

6. Make to-do lists.
I'm one of those people that instantly forgets things right after people tell them to me so this is an absolute must to ensure that things get done.

7. Get on a sleep schedule.
Along with sleeping more you should also try to not vary your sleeping too often. Try to get at least eight hours each night consistently.

8. Make your bed.
I mentioned that I want to do this, but seriously you'll feel so much more accomplished.

9. Drink tea.
I'm not sure why but I feel like people that drink tea have their sh** together. And it's a nice way to relax before bed.

10. Enjoy your life.
Be grateful for all that you have. Love your life. If you don't like something change it. Be positive!

Xoxo

P. S. I just noticed that I have two #4's lol
Tuesday, January 5, 2016

{Outfit} Freezing Temps




TOGGLE COAT // SKI SWEATER (SIMILAR) // BLACK DENIM // LONGCHAMP // BOOTS

It has been incredibly cold here in Chicago and I have been forced to break out the winter jackets. I have been agitated a lot recently because I realized that summer is just my season. Winter is not my time of year whatsoever because I despise coats, pants, boots and layers. I'm super into throwing on a swimsuit and a dress and flip flops and heading out the door. But, because I currently live in Chicago (I say currently for a reason) I have to layer up if I want to survive the freezing temperatures outside.

Did you notice I cut my hair? I only cut off two inches, but it truly has made the world of a difference. My hair feels so healthy and great now! It's become a little difficult to style, but it was a necessary chop. 

Oh, and please pray because I'm going back to school today and I'm not sure how I'll survive. I managed to make it through four hours of practice yesterday for dance, but I'm not sure if I can survive eight hours of school after having two weeks off. Wish me luck!

What's your go-to outfit for cold weather?

Xoxo
Monday, January 4, 2016

Realistic Goals for 2016


I'm typically the type of person with their head constantly in the clouds. I'm such a dreamer and that isn't always a bad thing, but often I get stuck dreaming and it's difficult for me to snap back into reality. This year when thinking of resolutions for the new year I wanted to pick resolutions that were actually realistic and that I could stick to. Some of these are super simple and easy, but can be effective if maintained. I've let a few of these slide for the first few days of January because I am still on winter break, but I'm headed back to school tomorrow and I'm set on maintaining these goals as I head back to school.

Make my bed every day // This is something that truly takes 3 minutes in the morning, but can drastically change your entire day! Whenever I make my bed I begin my day feeling more productive, don't opt to get back in bed and if nothing else in my room is organized it makes my room look just a little bit better. 

Only eat at the table // I am someone that constantly is eating in my bed. Gross, I know. For some reason I just like to be cozy and comfortable when I eat so I tend to bring little snacks up to my room to enjoy while watching YouTube videos or relaxing. This needs to be stopped! First of all, it's just plain gross, but also it's super unhealthy of me. 

Eat breakfast every day // Since middle school I've been skipping out on breakfast and I've come to the conclusion that this is not good for my health. What tends to happen is I don't eat breakfast, am starving by lunch and then continue to eat snacks throughout the day because my body is craving the nutrients I missed from not eating breakfast.

Take more photos // Not in a sense of saving snapchat selfies, but like actual photos. I feel like everyone gets so caught up in taking photos on Snapchat and posting it to your story and taking photos just to post them everywhere, but this year I want to take photos just for myself. Photos are a way to save a memory, not just to inform all of your "fans" of what you're up to. Update: people don't really care. 

These are just a few simple things I want to change in my life for 2016. I'm eager to hear...

What are your resolutions for the new year?

Xoxo