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Blog Lifestyle

Erin Condren Notebooks | Unboxing

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

Erin Condren just released new Notebooks! So exciting! I love my Erin Condren Life Planners so much but I was really interested in one of the new notebooks for just jotting down quick ideas, making lists (I make a lot of lists), and planning larger events/goals.

There are two versions of the Erin Condren Notebooks — the Keep It Simple ($22) and the Deluxe ($35). You can choose to get the Keep It Simple version or the Deluxe version in either 7″x9″ or 8.5″ x 11″. Use my link to create an account for $10 off.

Both versions have a snap-in ruler, 66 sheets of college-ruled pages, and 10 pages of blank pages. They also have the aluminum coil that the Life Planner has and will accommodate interchangeable covers as well.The Deluxe version has a few extras — stickers, folder pocket, and a ziplock pouch.

I chose the 8.5″ x 11″ Keep It Simple version in hot pink with white lettering in the X Prism style.muffinchanel erin condren unboxing x prism review notebook keep it simple hot pink

The box was larger than the normal Life Planner size to accommodate my large notebook.muffinchanel erin condren unboxing x prism review notebook keep it simple box 8.5 x 11




My Erin Condren Notebook was covered in bubble wrap and bright purple tissue paper.

muffinchanel erin condren unboxing x prism review notebook keep it simple wrapping

I love the 8.5″ x 11″ size for my Erin Condren Notebook. It is a nice standard size that is easy to handle.

muffinchanel erin condren unboxing x prism review notebook keep it simple compared to life planner size

My Life Planner looks like a baby next to my new Notebook! They are both so pretty; I’m so excited to start using the Notebook.

muffinchanel erin condren unboxing x prism review notebook keep it simple life planner size comparison

The pages are lined with cute colorful accents on the corners and borders.muffinchanel erin condren unboxing x prism review notebook keep it simple lined pagesmuffinchanel erin condren unboxing x prism review notebook keep it simple cute lined pages

The blank pages in the back also have super fun boarders and colors.




muffinchanel erin condren unboxing x prism review notebook keep it simple blank pagesmuffinchanel erin condren unboxing x prism review notebook keep it simple blank pages fun colors

Are you getting/have you already gotten one of the new Erin Condren Notebooks? I’m loving mine!

Also, the Life Planners are now 40% off. If you are interested in trying them out, they’re only $20 when you use my link to make your account! See my Review of the 2015 Erin Condren Life Planner.

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Categories
Blog Health + Beauty

Sephora VIB Spring Sale | Wishlist

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

Sephora usually has their VIB Spring sale at the end of March/beginning of April. Last year’s Spring Social was so much fun! VIB’s got 15% off and I picked up some great Tarte foundation and a NARS matte multiple.

I’ve had a few things in my Sephora cart for a while now, but I am waiting for the 15% off before I buy anything. Until then, I thought I’d share my wishlist!

  • Lancôme – VISIONNAIRE LR 2412 4% – Cx Advanced Skin Corrector

I really like this “skin corrector” by Lancôme. I’ve used it for years on and off, but lately I’ve really noticed an improvement in my skin. My face feels hydrated and smooth and looks brighter.

muffinchanel sephora wishlist Lancôme VISIONNAIRE LR 2412 4% - Cx Advanced Skin Corrector

  • Lancôme – Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15 For All Skin Types

This has been my go-to facial moisturizer for a while. I like how it has SPF 15 and is so light weight. I’m really running low, so I hope that 15% off comes soon! 🙂

Lancôme Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15 For All Skin Types

  • NARS – Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (Bettina)

This lip pencil looks like the perfect dusty pink color. It’s a creamy matte lip stain/crayon that looks like the NARS pencils in this year’s VIB birthday set. I think this color would be great for spring/everyday.

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil muffinchanel sephora spring vib wishlist

  • NARS – Radiant Creamy Concealer (Custard)

I’ve heard a lot of good things about this NARS concealer. I’ve been looking for a brightening concealer for my under eyes, but something that won’t crease or look too light/chalky. I’m not sure if this is it, but I’m interested in trying it out.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer muffinchanel sephora spring sale vib 15%

  • Smashbox – Layer Lash Primer

I’ve been out of this for a while and have been getting along just fine, but I feel like it helps my lashes from drying out with different mascaras. I like how this primer doesn’t have those “fibers” and it glides on smoothly.

Smashbox Layer Lash Primer muffinchanel spear spring vib wishlist

  • Marc Jacobs Beauty – #Instamarc Light Filtering Contour 

There’s a lot of hype around contouring the face lately and I’ve been using my NARS matte multiple to define my face more, but with spring/summer approaching, I prefer powders over creams (foundation/highlighters/bronzers).

Marc Jacobs Beauty #Instamarc Light Filtering Contour sephora spring sale wishlist vibe 15% muffinchanel

  • tarte – The Slenderizer Bamboo Contour 

This brush would be great to apply the contour powders and it looks really fun.

tarte The Slenderizer Bamboo Contour  sephora spring sale vibe wishlist
What’s on your wishlist? Are you excited for Sephora’s VIB spring sale?

*word on the street– VIB Rouge will get early access to the spring sale discount. April 12th!

Categories
Blog Health + Beauty Lifestyle

Fitbit ChargeHR | REVIEW

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

Like the Fitbit Flex I had before, The Fitbit ChargeHR is a fitness band that mainly tracks your steps and is a motivational tool to help you be more active throughout the day. The Fitbit app for the phone and the main dashboard on the website are very user-friendly and make it easy to monitor your progress during the day.

I’ve had my Fitbit Charge HR  for just over three weeks now and I’m ready to give my review! The Fitbit ChargeHR comes with a USB charging cable and a wireless syncing dongle.*

Design

The Fitbit ChargeHR has textured wristband that is soft and smooth underneath. The band is .83 inches wide & has a watch-clasp closure that feels very secure. Fitbit Charge ChargeHR fitness band fit heart rate monitor design comfort review muffinchanel watch claspThe display is larger than the Fitbit Flex display and will show your daily activity stats and real time heart rate.

Sizing

Fitbit Charge ChargeHR fitness band fit heart rate monitor design comfort review muffinchanelI got the Fitbit ChargeHR in size Large. There is a sizing guide on Fitbit’s website to help you determine the best size for you. I picked the Large size because Fitbit recommends wearing the ChargeHR higher up on your wrist for a more accurate heart rate reading. They suggest about 2-3 finger widths above your wrist bone which is pretty comfortable to me. I probably could have been great with the Small size band — I’m wearing the Large at the 3rd to tightest hole in order to wear it higher on my wrist.

Charging

Fitbit Charge ChargeHR fitness band fit heart rate monitor design comfort review muffinchanel chargingThe Fitbit ChargeHR was about 50% charged out of the box. I fully charged it before using it and the battery lasted about 4.5 days before I got an email to let me know the battery was low. I’ve consistently gotten between 4-5 days between charges. Charging the ChargeHR takes about 1 hour. The charger plugs into any USB power source and then into the underside of the Fitbit ChargeHR display.

Interface

Fitbit Charge ChargeHR fitness band fit heart rate monitor design comfort review muffinchanelThere is a small button on the left side of the display which lets you toggle through the time display, daily steps, distance walked, calories burned, stairs climbed, alarms, and heart rate. You can customize what categories are displayed and in what order they appear. You can also set a shortcut for a specific display by double tapping the Fitbit ChargeHR. I have mine set to display the heart rate since that was what I was most interested in purchasing the ChargeHR.

Sleep Mode

I really thought the sleep tracking data from the Fitbit Flex was great, and I think it’s even better with the ChargeHR. The ChargeHR automatically records your sleep without having to do anything. With the Flex, you had to tap it to tell it you were going to sleep, but the ChargeHR detects it on it’s own & it’s super accurate. The ChargeHR will tell you how long you slept for and how many times you were restless in the night. It’s awesome.

Heart Rate Monitor

Fitbit Charge ChargeHR fitness band fit heart rate monitor design comfort review muffinchanel lights chargeThe heart rate monitor is accurate. I compared it with a pulse counting app and each time it is within 10 BPM which is great for me. The Fitbit ChargeHR uses LED lights to reflect off your skin to detect changes in your blood. When your heart beats, your capillaries expand & contract, the ChargeHR measures those changes with special algorithms to display your heart rate.

The display shows you live heart rate monitoring and what “zones” you’re in while working out. The three zones — Fat Burn, Cardio, and Peak — are calculated based on a max heart rate of 220 BPM minus your age, but you can adjust it and make your own custom zones. I like to check  my heart rate and see how intense my workout is.

Workouts

If you press and hold the side button, the Workout mode will begin and track your exercise activity. I like to review the workout data because it isolates your heart rate data for the workout and helps me stay motivated throughout the day. My workouts are mostly jogging/running so the Fitbit ChargeHR is tracking my steps as well.

Overall, I love my Fitbit ChargeHR. The heart rate monitoring is the main reason to get this fitness band; it’s accurate and easy to view your data. The band is comfortable and it has good battery life. The sleep tracking feature is better than before and also very accurate.

Categories
Blog Creativity

Valentine’s Day DIY | Paper Flowers

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

This is such a cute DIY that you can easily make for you Valentine or your friends or family. Paper flowers are beautiful and they won’t while like real flowers (and are less expensive)! Your valentine will love that you made them a personalized gift and you will have fun making these fun flowers.

muffinchanel paper flowers valentines day pattern easy quick fun cute gift ideaYou will need:

muffinchanel paper flowers valentines day pattern easy quick fun cute gift idea1. Use the pattern to cut out at least 8 petal shapes, 1 – 2 leaf shapes, and the center flower shape.

2. Use the hot glue gun to glue the petal shapes together at the split — this will create a more realistic petal shape and give the flower dimension.

3. Begin gluing the petals onto one another in a spiral layer.

4. Continue layering on petals until you reach the desired shaper/texture of your flower.

muffinchanel paper flowers valentines day pattern easy quick fun cute gift ideaNext add the tissue paper to the center flower and then add that to the main flower. muffinchanel paper flowers valentines day pattern easy quick fun cute gift ideaNext, you attach the floral wire to a small circle of card stock. This will be the base to attach the wire to the flower. These Valentine’s Day Paper Flowers are super easy to make!muffinchanel paper flowers valentines day pattern easy quick fun cute gift ideaFinally, you add the floral tape to the wire to polish the look. Add a ribbon to the flowers or pop them in a cute vase to give to your valentine!

Other types of Paper Flower DIY is super cute for mother's day or valentine's day. Making more of these this weekend. MuffinChanel.

Check out another DIY HERE. Or Click HERE for my 2014 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide or see another paper flower DIY that’s even easier!

Everything you need for Paper Flower DIY is super cute for mother's day or valentine's day. Making more of these this weekend. MuffinChanel.

Categories
Blog Health + Beauty

Lush Heart Throb Bubbleroon

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

I am loving all of the limited edition Lush Valentines Day products. The Lush Heart Throb Bubbleroon is no exception.

muffinchanel lush heart throb bubbleroon review




This red, heart shaped Bubbleroon is so pretty. With shimmery gold glitter in between these two  heart halves. I only used one half, but you could probably use just a third or even a quarter and have a great, bubbly bath.

muffinchanel lush heart throb bubbleroon review halves

The Heart Throb Bubbleroon smells so wonderful. With Ylang Ylang Oil and Vanilla absolute, the bath was full of bubbles and so fragrant. The bubbles last forever and the water turns a rangy-red color.

From Lush:

Take your skin to paradise

Give your heart to the bath with this Heart Throb Bubbleroon. Skin-softening shea butter and beautiful ylang ylang and geranium essential oils will turn your bath into a silky haven while the bright red heart will make the water a passionate red – perfect for setting the mood! This bubbler also shares its intoxicating, delicately floral scent with our African Paradise Body Conditioner to leave skin delicately scented.

muffinchanel lush heart throb bubbleroon review



Categories
Blog Health + Beauty Lifestyle

Fitbit ChargeHR – First Impressions

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

I’ve had the Fitbit Flex for just over a year and a half and I’ve loved having a lightweight fitness band to track my steps and help me stay motivated about staying active. When I heard about the new fitness bands from Fitbit, I was curious. I’ve always been interested in tracking my heart rate, but I didn’t think a chest strap monitor was right for me. So, when I saw that Fitbit had a new fitness band that could track heart rate — the ChargeHR and the Surge — I thought this would be perfect for me.

muffinchanel Fitbit ChargeHR charge hr fitness bandI started researching the Fitbit ChargeHR but I wasn’t getting all my questions answered. How accurate is the heart rate monitor? How often do you need to charge it? How can I transfer my data from the Flex to the ChargeHR? I kept checking my local Target to see if they were available (at fitbit.com, there is an 8-10 week backorder) and I got very excited when I found the Fitbit ChargeHR at Target yesterday. I decided to buy it today and here are my first impressions.

muffinchanel Fitbit ChargeHR charge hr fitness bandI bought the Fitbit ChargeHR in Large in the color black. I thought I might like the Plum color, but it wasn’t available in store and the Plum display band seemed a little to pink for my liking. I plugged the ChargeHR into my computer to charge it while I went through the setup process.

Some of the first things I noticed:

  • They band is soft and textured. Unlike the flex which feels more rigid and smooth.
  • There is a regular watch band with a latch. The Flex had the pin locking closure.
  • The display is clear and large and the Flex’s screen was minimal with the 5 display dots.

muffinchanel Fitbit ChargeHR charge hr fitness band

I synced up the Fitbit ChargeHR very easily through my computer and Fitbit asked me if I was replacing the Fitbit Flex. I clicked “Yes” and that was it — all of my data was ported over very easily. The entire process took maybe 7 minutes. I’ll do a side by side comparison post soon between the ChargeHR and the Flex.

muffinchanel Fitbit ChargeHR charge hr fitness band replace device

The Fitbit ChargeHR was 50% charged out of the box, and just having it plugged into my computer while I did the setup, took it to 100%.

I then wore it for a treadmill workout to see what the heart rate monitor was like. I ran for 30 minutes and the heart rate seemed very accurate. I also have a Heart Rate monitor app for iPhone that has you key your pulse beats for 10 seconds and it tells you you BPM. Both heart rate numbers were with in 5 BPM each time I tested it.

The band was very comfortable during my workout. Fitbit recommends wearing the band higher on your wrist for more accurate heart rate results. I wore it about 1.5 finger lengths from my wrist bone. I’m excited to see more of my heart rate data throughout the week.

A more in depth review to come after I’ve had time to really use the Fitbit ChargeHR for a while. Let me know if you have any questions so I can include them in my review post. So far, I like the ChargeHR and it’s very comfortable. 🙂

Categories
Blog Health + Beauty

Lush | Valentine’s Day 2015

muffinchanel lush valentine's day 2015 haul cosmetics bath products love haul review

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

It’s that time of year already! Lush’s Valentine’s Day 2015 products are available now and they are super pretty! I’m so excited for this little haul! This year’s collection is so much more fun than last year’s…..although I did love the Neon Love soap from the 2014 collection.

Here are all of the Valentine’s Day 2015 items I got. There are a couple of lip products, soap, Love Locket, and the Prince Charming shower gel that weren’t as interesting to me. I was most excited about the Unicorn Horn bubble bar; so colorful!

muffinchanel lush valentine's day 2015 haul cosmetics bath products love haul lineFloating Flower

muffinchanel lush valentine's day 2015 haul cosmetics bath products love haul floating flower




Heart Throbmuffinchanel lush valentine's day 2015 haul cosmetics bath products love haul heart throbLonely Heart

muffinchanel lush valentine's day 2015 haul cosmetics bath products love haul cupid

Unicorn Horn

muffinchanel lush valentine's day 2015 haul cosmetics bath products love haul unicorn hornI can’t wait to try out these new Valentine’s Day products! Reviews to come!




I also picked up a Comforter and Sex Bomb to round out this haul. I think Lush may be my favorite store….so excited!

muffinchanel lush valentine's day 2015 haul cosmetics bath products love haul favoritesHave you tried any of the new Lush Valentine’s Day 2015 items? What are your favorites?

Categories
Blog Lifestyle

Simple Meals | Breakfast Sandwich

MuffinChanel simple meals spinach egg cheese sandwich main

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

This breakfast sandwich is incredible easy to make and it tastes great. You can make this in the mornings before school or pre-make a week’s worth and warm them up before you head out the door!

MuffinChanel simple meals spinach egg cheese sandwich main easy breakfast ingredients eggs spinach

Ingredients

  • fresh baby spinach
  • 1 egg
  • chopped onion
  • 1 english muffin (toasted)
  • shredded cheese (try pepper jack for extra spice!)
  • salt + pepper
  • cooking spray

MuffinChanel simple meals spinach egg cheese sandwich main spinach

sauté the onions and spinach until the spinach is slightly wilted and the onions are translucent.

Add the cheese and stir until slightly melted

Add your egg, and scramble all together

Add salt and pepper to taste.

MuffinChanel simple meals spinach egg cheese sandwich main finished nom

Add your spinach and egg to the top of your english muffin and place the other half on the top to complete your sandwich.

And you’re done! So easy and delicious. I like to cut up some fruit to eat on the side as well.

MuffinChanel simple meals spinach egg cheese sandwich main norm

Categories
Blog Health + Beauty

4 Tips for Staying Healthy at Work

muffinchanel 4 tips for staying healthy at workThis post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

It can be difficult to incorporate your New Year’s resolutions to be healthy while at work. These 4 tips will help you to stay healthy at work and help you to take care of your body so you can stay on track with your personal goals.

  • Drink Water – It’s important to remember to drink water throughout the day. Water is so important for your body to stay healthy. Plus, staying hydrated can help brain function, which is obviously important at work & your skin will thank you. Avoid sugary drinks like soda — ditch that daily Pepsi and your body will thank you. Invest in a BPA Free water bottle to make drinking water more exciting and convenient.
  • Sit Up Straight – Maintaining good posture is key when working at a desk all day. Engage your abdominal muscles and keep your feet flat on the floor. Good posture will keep your body in alignment and cause less stress on your joints. It can also be a little bit of an ab workout too if you aren’t used to engaging your core muscles!
  • Make a Lunch – It can be tempting or convenient to buy your lunch everyday, but if you take a little extra time in the morning or the night before, you can make a healthy, nutritious lunch. With a healthy lunch ready to go, you won’t make that impulse purchase at Jack In The Box because you’re having a stressful day and you will save a lot of money!
  • Go For a Walk – Getting up and going for a 10 minute walk will help you feel better and more alert. Every step is more calories burned! I’m tracking my steps with my FitBit Flex, but I’m curious about the new FitBit Charge HR which has a heart rate monitor!

What are your tips for staying healthy at work? What do you think about the new FitBit line?

Categories
Blog Health + Beauty

Josie Maran – Argan Sugar Balm Body Scrub

muffinchanel josie maran argan sugar scrubThis post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

Cold weather can make my skin feel dry and irritated. So to help my skin feel better especially in the winter, I like to take a nice warm bath. I’ll use some of my favorite Lush products, a few drops of argan oil, and my new Josie Maran Argan Sugar Scrub!




Josie’s Whipped Argan Body Butter has helped heal my super dry, itchy skin in the past so I knew this argan sugar scrub would be a great exfoliant without causing irritation.

First off, this Argan Sugar Scrub has Josie’s signature Argan Oil. It’s smooth and smells a little like vanilla. The sugar melts into your skin as you rub it in. It’s not scratchy and burn-y like a salt scrub or those little plastic beads in some scrubs.muffinchanel josie maran argan sugar scrub 2You only need a little bit. The sugar scrub is smooth and creamy. muffinchanel josie maran argan sugar scrub resultsOnce you wash it all away the water kind of beads off of your skin. There is a layer of oil or whatever is in the balm part of the scrub that locks in the moisture. Your skin feels soft and smooth all day long.



Categories
Blog Lifestyle

Seize the Day! In just 15 minutes.

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

I like to plan ahead. If my gas tank in at the halfway mark, I’m planning my next trip to the gas station. I like to do things on my terms. I won’t wait until the gas indicator light comes on and be forced to go out of my way to get gas when it might not be convenient, but have to or else my car wont run. My future self always appreciates my present self getting gas before it’s an emergency. It’s a simple way of being in control of your life.

A huge way to take control of your life is to wake up early. Most of us have obligations in the day — work, school, other responsibilities — with so much going on, it can be hard to get up earlier than necessary. I’ve found, however, that setting an alarm just a little earlier can be all the difference in setting the tone for your day.

How many times have you pressed the snooze button on your alarm for 10 more warm minutes snuggled in bed? You may have gotten 10 more minutes in dreamland, but now you are rushed and running late for school. It can be hard to train your body to wake up earlier, but you will be more prepared and relaxed throughout the day.

If you set your alarm just 15 minutes earlier and get up out of bed, you are telling the day that you are in control. You aren’t waiting around for the alarm to tell you what to do — YOU are choosing to get up earlier and you are in control. Get in the habit of going to bed and waking up at the same time, even when there is no obligation to get up. Your body will appreciate the consistency and you will be more productive.

With your extra 15 minutes in the morning, think of all you can do!

  • Yoga/Stretching – Just 15 minutes of stretching can help blood flow and keep your body limber. Any kind of activity in the morning will encourage activity throughout the day.
  • Go for a walk – a 15 minute walk can help you wake up, but also be a good way to clear your mind and sort your thoughts.
  • Meditation – Focusing on your body and your breathing can be so therapeutic. Meditation helps memory and reduces stress. Spending 15 minutes in the morning to center yourself can help you be more productive throughout the day.
  • Make breakfast – hopefully, you are already eating breakfast everyday. But with 15 extra minutes, you can skip the Pop Tart and make yourself some oatmeal and fruit.

Just taking 15 minutes in the morning to take control of your day will set you up for success! Give it a try and your body will thank you.

Categories
Blog Lifestyle

New Year ❤ SMART Goals

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

Happy New Year! Time for a fresh start and new goals. So many people make unrealistic resolutions and get discouraged before they even start, but if you make the right kind of goals, you will be sure to achieve anything you set your mind to.

So how can you make sure your goals are attainable and ensure your success?

SMART goals! You might have heard of this concept in school or at work, but you can apply it to your personal goals as well. SMART is an acronym to help you define your objective in a way that sets you up for success.

What is a SMART goal?

  • Specific – get detailed about what you want to achieve
  • Measurable – quantify what success is/set up a method to measure progress
  • Achievable – how can you make your dream a reality? what needs to happen to reach your goal?
  • Realistic – be honest with yourself about how much work you are willing do do to reach your goals.
  • Timely – set up some time specific deadlines

These five factors can help you formulate goals that you can reach and feel proud about. Think about it, a lot of people say, “I’m going to start working out in January so I can lose weight.” How long does that resolution last? It depends on the person, of course, but the goal is so vague, it can be easy to rationalize and say, “I have done two workouts this week, so maybe I’ll just take the day off and start up again tomorrow.” One day off turns into two and it’s hard to get back on track.

Say instead, that you made a SMART goal about working out — “I’m going to do 4 workouts a week; 1 weight training, 1 yoga, and 2 running for at least 45 minutes each time so that I can do 50 pushups and run 5 miles by the end of the year. I’d like to be able to do at least 25 pushups and run 2.5 miles by July.” This goal is very SMART; it’s Specific about what these 4 workouts are going to be each week. The goals are Measurable and Timely — “50 pushups and 5 miles by the end of the year”. I know what I’m working towards and I know that I can make it if I keep up with my plan — Realistic and Achievable!

Set yourself up for success this year and make your resolutions SMART!

Categories
Blog Lifestyle

Simple Meals | Spinach Pasta with Pesto

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

This recipe is super easy and delicious. It’s a pasta casserole that is perfect for staying warm and snuggly during these winter months. This dish is great for an easy date night dinner or perfect for lunch time leftovers. Yum!

I found this recipe on thkitchn.com and made a few changes to better suit my taste.

muffinchanel vegetarian spinach pasta pesto simple meals quick easy ingredientsIngredients

8 ounces spinach pasta (I like linguine!)
6 ounces fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
2 large shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 ounces Asiago cheese, grated
1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup half and half
6 ounces basil pesto
Freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs
Olive oil

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees. 

Boil 4-6 quarts of lightly salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to the package.

Set cooked pasta aside.

muffinchanel vegetarian spinach pasta pesto simple meals quick easy pasta

Peel, wash, and thinly slice the shallots.

Roughly chop the baby spinach

muffinchanel vegetarian spinach pasta pesto simple meals quick easy spinach

Mince garlic

muffinchanel vegetarian spinach pasta pesto simple meals quick easy garlic

Grate the cheese

muffinchanel vegetarian spinach pasta pesto simple meals quick easy cheese

In a large bowl, combine the half and half, basil pesto, eggs, and greek yogurt. Wisk together until smooth.muffinchanel vegetarian spinach pasta pesto simple meals quick easy sauce

Combine the spinach, cheese, shallots, and cooked pasta in a large bowl.muffinchanel vegetarian spinach pasta pesto simple meals quick easy salad

Lightly grease a 9×9 casserole dish with olive oil and mix in pasta mixture with the pesto mixture.muffinchanel vegetarian spinach pasta pesto simple meals quick easy combine recipe

Bake for 30 minutesmuffinchanel vegetarian spinach pasta pesto simple meals quick easy bake 350

Let cool for about 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

muffinchanel vegetarian spinach pasta pesto simple meals quick easy serve

Categories
Blog Lifestyle

Erin Condren Life Planner | 2015 Review

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

It’s always exciting looking forward to the new year — fresh starts and new goals. One of my favorite things to help me stay organized and keep track of all my new goals is my Erin Condren Life Planner. I got my first Life Planner earlier this year, and I loved it so much that I bought a separate one just for work.

Left, very first Life Planner (Party Pops) Right, 2015 Life Planner (Signature Stripes)
Left, very first Life Planner (Party Pops)                                                     Right, 2015 Life Planner (Signature Stripes)

I’m so excited for my 2015 Life Planner and the extra goodies I got (interchangeable covers, I’m lookin’ at you)! My Erin Condren Life Planner arrived in a purple themed box with pretty purple tissue wrapping.

Everything was neatly packaged inside, wrapped in bubble wrap. I’m so excited for everything! First off, the Planner because it’s amazing! The planner measures 7.25″ x 9.25″ and can fit nicely in my purse. The Life Planners are $50 but you will get a $10 coupon, if you sign up for an account through my link.muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripes zen gems jolly jester

This is the 2015 Erin Condren Life Planner in Signature Stripe Blues. I love the colors and how you can always personalize your covers. Having a planner that is pretty makes me excited to use it. I like planning and making lists anyway, but I find myself thumbing through the pages of my current planner and taking it with me just because I like the way it looks.

muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripes zen gems jolly jester rulerThe Planner has a transparent ruler which can double as a bookmark inside or out; it just clips in and out of the spiral binding (similar to how the interchangeable covers lock in and out). The spiral ring is thick and durable, but doesn’t make the Planner heavy or bulky. In my two previous planners, the spiral binding has never bent.

muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripes zen gems jolly jester ruler coverIt’s not just pretty on the outside. The real fun of all the Erin Condren Life Planners is inside. I love how bright and colorful the designs are on the inside of each Erin Condren Life Planner.muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripes zen gems jolly jester ruler

muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripes zen gems jolly jester ruler 2015 calendar

Near the front, there is a 2014/2015 monthly view calendar. I like how it goes back to July 2014 in case I need to reference any days. Each month has its own color theme and cute accent designs.muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripes zen gems jolly jester ruler closer

Inside the planner, there are tabs for each month to help you easily navigate the Planner. The tabs take you to a colorfully themed month-view of each month.

Just behind each month-view page is the weekly breakdown by day.muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripes zen gems jolly jester ruler week calendar The weekly view shows Monday – Sunday across the top with the date clearly posted. The days are broken down vertically into Morning, Day, and Night categories. There are fun little accents that indicate holidays or special observances near the dates.muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripes zen gems jolly jester ruler

In the upper left corner of each week view, you will find a monthly mini calendar. This is perfect so you don’t have to keep flipping pages in order to see the entire month page. Along the left column, there is a lined section for Goals & Notes. Obviously, you can write whatever you want in that space. I tend to use it for daily to-do’s or weekly reminders.muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripes zen gems jolly jester ruler goals notes

Each month’s calendar has a different color theme, but the same layout. This is amazing for me because the familiar layout makes it functional and easy to navigate, but the new color keeps it fresh and exciting. I remember when I was younger, I’d always want new notebooks before I’d even finished writing in the first — I just wanted a change from the same boring lined pages. That never happens to me with Erin Condren; I love every page and am excited to use it all year!  muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripes zen gems jolly jester rulerThe colored tabs will help you navigate to each month.muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripes zen gems jolly jester ruler month tabsThe Notes tab in the back takes you to amazing lined and blank pages for whatever you want.

After the Notes section, there are tons of stickers built in to the Planner. There are two sheets of just colored stickers in all sorts of colors — pink, purple, grey, blue, green, teal, etc. And two sheets of “pre-printed” stickers that say things like, “Vacation”, “Day Off”, “Birthday”, or “Party”.

There is a folder in the back of the Planner with the Perpetual Calendar & Contacts insert. I choose to keep this booklet at my desk, separate from the Planner. I love how it’s no longer built in to the spiral binding, so I can transfer it to each new planner every year if I choose.muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripes zen gems jolly jester ruler pouch folderThe perpetual calendar is small and sleek. There is a section for your contacts and a Holidays to Remember section.

In the Planner, there is a second folder behind the first (attached). Each folder can hold a fair amount; I’ve never had one rip. I’ll usually put printouts of email confirmations, random notes, or reference materials in the folder.

muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripes zen gems jolly jester ruler folder back

There is a built-in clear plastic pouch behind the folders. It comes with cute freebie stickers from Erin Condren. I like to use the pouch for receipts or to hold stickers that I use to decorate my Planner.muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripes zen gems jolly jester ruler clear pouch

And now to the extras — ErinCondren.com had a coupon code for a free cover but I didn’t see it until I had already placed my order. I was super sad because I would have to pay separate shipping if I “purchased” the cover on its own. I emailed their customer service, and Anne was very friendly and helped me to cancel my first order so I could re-order my planner and take advantage of the free cover promotion without paying separate shipping.  Great customer service is just another reason why I will continue to use Erin Condren planners for years to come.muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripes zen gems jolly jester ruler interchangeable covers

I got two of the interchangeable covers — Jolly Jester and Zen Gems. This is my first time buying the interchangeable covers, but I am excited to have variety and to continue reusing these for all of my future planners. The covers are the same durable, laminated plastic that will protect your planner and it easy to wipe clean.

muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripesI personalized my free cover — Jolly Jester. I really love the colors on this cover and how subtle the personalization is.

muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripes zen gemsAnd I bought the Zen Gems cover. These geometric flowers are so pretty. I love how the personalization is in rainbow colored letters!

muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripes coil clipsI also bought a pack of the coil clips. I thought these would be good for keeping track of invitations or pictures within the planner. I don’t know how many times they can be reused, but I tried one out and it was easy to use and you might be able to get a second use out of them as well.

And finally, you can never go wrong with the elastic bands. I really like the platinum color; I think it goes best with the covers I chose. For me, it’s functional and also seems to visually tie it all together.muffinchanel erin condoner life planner 2015 review stripes covers clips calendar wash tape spiral bound 2014 vs 2015 party pops stripes elastic bands

If you’re considering Erin Condren for a new planner, definitely go for it! And don’t forget to use my link to make your account for $10 off your order. 🙂

Want to see more about my older Erin Condren Life Planners? Check out my very first planner review, or this 2014/2015 Life Planner Comparison or read about the new Erin Condren Notebooks!

Check out my 2016 Erin Condren Life Planner Review.

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