Tasty Tuesdays - #40 - Mediterranean 7-Layer Dip

{Recipe via}

If you're tired of taco dip - throw this one into your repertoire.  Trust me - it'll be a hit!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. hummus
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 2 canned artichoke hearts, chopped
• 2 roasted red peppers (4 halves), diced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp minced flat-leaf parsley
• Kalamata olives, chopped (optional), for garnish

Instructions:

1. In an 8- by 8- square serving dish, spread the hummus evenly on the bottom.  Layer the tomatoes and cucumber over top.
2. Dollop the yogurt over the vegetables, then gently spread with a rubber spatula.  Sprinkle the yogurt with salt and paprika.
3. On top of the yogurt, layer the artichoke heart, roasted red peppers and feta cheese.  Sprinkle the parsley over top and garnish with olives.
4. Serve with fresh vegetables, pita chips or crackers.

J. Crew, I Love You... - #40 - Collection Chiffon Wonder-Dot Blouse

{Available here}

There's nothing better than a delicate blouse paired with a more rugged utility pant!  I think the description J. Crew gave this one pretty much says it all - "better than confetti - it's a party in top form"!

Music Mondays - #40 - Pharrell Williams

{Available here}

The past year has been huge for Pharell.  From his collaborations on "Blurred Lines" and "Get Lucky" to his hit single "Happy" from Despicable Me 2.  His new album finally dropped and the list of friends that joined him on it is equally impressive.  Here's the YouTube link to sample the entire album "G I R L"...

Pep In My Step!

{Top- Asos, Pants- (old, but same style here) Gap, Shoes- (old) Steve Madden, Necklaces- (old) J. Crew}

It's Friday!!!  Thought I'd put a little pep in my step with this oversized peplum tee.  Skinny jeans and flats help to tone down the volume.  Have a great weekend!

Fashion Fridays - #39 - D'Orsay Flats

{Images via}

D'Orsay flats are EVERYWHERE right now!  And why shouldn't they be?  They're comfortable, chic, and flattering to the foot (especially when paired with a cropped or cuffed pant!)  Here are a few options that are currently available.  Are you going to get in on this trend?  I can't lie - several pairs have already come home with me!

{Steve Madden - $79.95}

{Nine West - $85.00}

{Nordstrom - $79.95}

{Dolce Vita - $79.99}

{Sam & Libby - $27.99}

A-Tisket, A-Tasket...

{Top- (old) J.C. Penney, Pants- (old) J. Crew, 

Shoes- (old) Talbots, Necklaces- (old) Anthropologie & Fossil}

Okay so the basket weave pattern of this top isn't brown & yellow like the song, but still...  :)

Splurge {vs} Save - #39 - Floral Cut Out Sweatshirt

{Left- J. Crew, Right- J.C. Penney}

Spring is the perfect season for sweatshirts!  Time to ditch your woolly coats and keep your layers a little lighter!  I love the feminine detail of these floral cut outs.  J. Crew's is on the left on sale for $49.99, while J.C. Penney is offering the one on the right currently on sale for $24.99.  What would you do?  Splurge or save?... 

Thrifty Thursdays - #39 - The Thrill Of Brazil...

{Available here}

Nothing beats a fresh mani/pedi for Spring!  While over the years I have accumulated quite the polish collection - I am always a sucker for a new shade!  For Spring - OPI is offering the Brazil collection.  It has a little something for everyone.  My personal favorite?  Red Hot Rio!  I'm not very good at doing nail art on myself, but this video sure is inspiring...do you think you could do it?

Keep It Simple...

{Top- (old) Forever 21, Pants- (old) Old Navy, Shoes- Target, Necklace- (old) J. Crew}

Nothing wrong with a head-to-toe black outfit - chic, simple, and classic!  Don't you agree?

Wellness Wednesdays - #39 - Oil Pulling

{Article via}

I recently heard about oil pulling and decided to look into it further.  Apparently it has been around for hundreds of years.  So what is all the fuss about? 

What is Oil Pulling?

An ancient remedy for tooth and gum problems that hails from India.  It is renowned for providing natural teeth whitening and strengthening and nourishing the gums.  Oil pulling is the act of swishing a natural oil around in the mouth first thing every morning to clean and nourish the teeth and gums.  It is said to remove plaque and eliminate toxins as well as providing overall health and wellness benefits.  When you search “oil pulling” online, you will find many testimonials from patients who were suffering from tooth and gum problems and found relief with this simple and innovative practice.  These testimonials recount amazing benefits that reach beyond oral hygiene.  People say that the practice of oil pulling has helped clear up infections, headaches, skin conditions, liver problems, arthritis, allergies, asthma and many more problems.  This only makes sense because it is well known that bacteria in the mouth can cause problems throughout the body.

How Do You Do It?

It is really very simple.  You just use a natural oil such as olive oil, sesame oil or coconut oil (I've been using coconut oil because it seems the most palatable as well as it has antibacterial properties).   You swish a tablespoon or so of the oil around in your mouth for twenty minutes.  (I do mine first thing in the morning while I'm getting ready.)  It is important to swish the oil around for the entire twenty minutes to break down plaque and root out bacteria.  As you swish, the oil will pick up saliva and bacteria and work its way deeply into the crevices in your gum tissues.  When you spit the oil out, it will be white.  You should spit it into a trash can rather than into your sink or toilet because the oil can interfere with your plumbing.  Be careful not to swallow the oil because it will be full of bacteria.

Benefits Of Oil Pulling May Include:

• Helping to strengthen the gums, jaws and teeth.
• Helping to prevent gum disease, cavities and even gingivitis
• Helping to prevent bad breath
• Provide a holistic method and remedy for dealing with bleeding gums
• Helping to prevent dryness of the mouth, throat and the lips
• Helping to prevent general soreness around the area of the jaw

Many Believe That The Benefits Of Oil Pulling Go Beyond The Mouth:

• Relief for migraines and headaches
• Reducing arthritic inflammation
• Helping to reduce the signs of eczema
• Helping to reduce insomnia
• Reducing the effects of a hangover after consuming too much alcohol
• Helping to support the normal function of the kidneys
• Helping to reduce the symptoms of bronchitis
• May help to reduce pain
• Some oil pullers have even reported that it helped to improve their vision

While it has only been a week for me - I will say that my teeth have never felt cleaner!  I feel like there is no plaque - like I just left the dentist from a cleaning.  I also think it may be helping to clear my sinuses - I notice after I pull that I am able to clear my nasal passages fully.  Strange - but feels great!  I'll check back in on this this practice in another month or so.  From what I've read, it can't hurt - and it definitely might help!  What do you think?  Will you give it a try?...