Thursday, March 17, 2016

Why Its Important to Get Your ZzZzZzzz

Sleep...something most of us don't get enough of and something that I also think is extremely underrated. I feel like everyone is in a routine of being constantly tired, that most of us don't even know what it is like to feel fully rested anymore. Sleep not only helps us feel our best mentally, but it is also a factor in our weight goals. A recent article from Duke Health states that, "Lack of sleep triggers the release of hormones that stimulate hunger and appetite, especially for those high-calorie, carbohydrate-dense foods like cookies, chips and ice cream..." and that "Going to sleep is the best way to satisfy that craving."

Another way that I like to think of it is this: Think about the energy you lose for every hour of missed sleep. During the next day, your body is going to crave quick sources of energy (cue the high fat/high sugar/simple carbohydrate snacks). Unfortunately, a diet high in these types of snacks will lead to an unwanted weight gain.

So, my challenge to you is to try and get 7-8 hours of sleep per night!

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Super Bowl Cake Pops!

Hope everyone has exciting Super Bowl 50 plans! For me, the Super Bowl consists of homemade pizza and wings...nothing healthy at all. This year I wanted to add something to the party, so I decided to make Carolina Panther themed cake pops! To be honest, I really didn't think they would turn out as good as they did!

Ingredients:
White cake mix
Vanilla or cream cheese cake icing
White chocolate chips
Cake/popsicle sticks (I actually used skewers)
*Optional food coloring and sprinkles



Directions:

Make the cake mix according to the package and bake.



Let cool and crumble cake in a bowl



Mix in icing (1/2 cup total or 1/4 cup if making two different colors like I did)



Roll crumb/icing mix into balls and place on baking sheet. Once all are rolled, put the sticks in and freeze for one hour.



After the hour is over, melt chocolate in bowl and dip pops! Decorate if you want.







GO PANTHERS!

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

World's Best Hot Chocolate

If you're in the mood for a super delicious and rich hot chocolate this season, I have got the recipe for you! The recipe makes a lot, so share with your friends. 

Ingredients:
1 bag of chocolate chips
1 can of sweet and condensed milk
1 and 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
6 cups of regular milk *use skim if you want to try to make it a "tad" bit healthier ;)
*optional marshmallows and chocolate syrup for topping

Directions:
These are the easiest directions around. Put everything into a crock pot and turn it on until its all melted and hot. 



Monday, December 14, 2015

Festive Weekend Recap: Raleigh Edition

This Friday I made my way to Raleigh for a weekend full of fun with my best friend, Kate. We started the weekend by going to a Christmas party!

Before: Getting ready...it felt like we were back in our App State apartment...mirror selfies, music blaring, and counter top scattered with makeup.
After: Some things will ever change
On Saturday, we decided to start the day and fuel up with an AMAZING bunch from Benelux Coffee. Next time you find yourself in Raleigh, be sure to stop by and grab a coffee from here!

Between their signature waffles and lattes and Kate's quiche and iced mocha, I can't decide what was best.
 We then decided to go to the Governor's mansion. They were holding a free open house. 



Going to the Governor's mansion made us want to explore some of Raleigh's other historic homes. Next we went to the Moredecai House and were able to go inside the house itself as well as walk around the property (including the separate kitchen and garden).





I was OBSESSED with this garden. Exactly what I would like to have at my own home one day.

President Andrew Johnson was born in this house


It was definitely a weekend full of fun and adventure! 

Friday, December 11, 2015

Giveaway Alert!!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! To help in getting into the giving spirit, I will be giving away a $25 gift card to one of my favorite stores, Sur La Table (valid in stores and online)! Whether you are shopping for yourself, for a holiday party, or buying a gift for someone else, you will be sure to find the perfect kitchen accessory here. 


To enter my giveaway, simply follow me on Instagram @aubreyjarman and follow the directions under the post! The giveaway starts at ???pm and a winner will be chosen this Sunday at ???pm! Good Luck!


From my Family to Yours!

For the last 4 years, my family has sent out Christmas videos instead of cards. You can laugh with us or at us, as long as you're smiling we don't care! Merry Christmas from us to you!


Sunday, December 6, 2015

Graham Cracker Pecan Pralines

Tis the season for holiday parties...and also the season for busy, scattered schedules. This is the perfect sweet treat that you can make when in a time crunch! 

Ingredients:
One pack of Honey Maid Graham Crackers
1 cup of crushed pecans
3/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar

Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line baking sheet with foil and completely cover with broken graham crackers.




Melt butter in pot and add in sugar and pecans. Bring to a boil and cook/stir for 3 minutes. Spread mixture evenly on graham crackers and bake for 12 minutes. 

Don't make the same mistake I did...LET THEM COOL before breaking apart and tasting one...that caramel will be scalding hot. 


Kitchen setup...I think I work best when I have everything all together.