Glowing Green Smoothies aka How I Gave up Diet Coke

{I am a total caffeine addict.  Well, now I can say that I USED to be completely hooked on caffeine.  I would always have a couple cups of coffee in the morning and a Diet Coke in the afternoon (sometimes two if I was stressed).  And I can't even begin to think how many I consumed while I was in college.  So, I know you are totes wondering - Molls, how did you do it?!?!

One of my besties, Lauren, became a vegetarian last year, and now is a vegan.  Check out her blog about this journey, and don't worry, she is not a crazy person pushing her living style on you, she just discusses her eating and beauty habits.  So... Lauren tweeted about Kim Synder, a clinical nutritionist who caters to celebs and fabulous people.  (Which by the way, Kim retweeted me the other day.  I almost died.  Now, back to the point).  I went to Kim's website and found a clip of her Today Show appearance.  She made Glowing Green Smoothies, her signature drink.  This smoothie contains fruits and vegetables.  Yes, veggies.  When I first saw it, I thought, "This lady is crazy, that looks like the sickest drink ever".  

 

But, Hoda claimed that it actually tasted like fruit.  So, a few weeks ago I thought, what the heck, I'll try it.  So, I added spinach leaves to my fruit smoothie...and... my life was changed.

I have not followed Kim's smoothie recipe to a tee, but I usually include a banana, splash of orange juice, blueberries and/or strawberries and/or apples, ice, and a heaping amount of spinach lettuce.

 

I promise, you can't even taste the green veggies.  You just taste the fruit.  Now, it is not going to be as sweet as an Angel Food from Smoothie King and the color really is green, but I swear, it tastes great.  So, I started making these for breakfast three weeks ago, and I am not turning back.  I have given up my morning coffee (I have splurged on a Pumpkin Spice Latte, but can you really blame me?) and my daily Diet Cokes!  Now, the DC effort has been a little harder, but I made a conscious decision (and was also scared by Kim's thoughts on Cokes) that these drinks are doing nothing for my health, even if they are zero calories.  So, three weeks later, I am proud to say that I have not consumed a Diet Coke.  Now, don't let me fool you... about a week ago, I pulled one out of the fridge and thought "One won't hurt".  Well, I could not even take three sips of it, my body was not used to all the chemicals and caffeine. It is now used to getting energy through fresh produce.  It looks like my addiction has been cured.  Not to mention, I feel fabulous and lighter. 

If you are just looking to get some healthy tips into your life, check out Kim's Blog.  Now, I am just learning from her tips and don't live and die by them, but she really has good thoughts about eating and living healthy.  Plus... her body is to die for, so she must be doing something right.  Now... I just wish that it was easier to give up chocolate.  Have you given up caffeine?  How did you do it?}

Emmy Red Carpet Recap

{Ahh... as you know, award shows are my favorites.  And I love the Emmys because not only do I love television, but it is also fun to have an award show to watch in the fall.  As you know, award season starts in January and goes through the beginning of March.



Jane Lynch did a phenomenal job as host and the musical numbers added a little spice between the "Best Writer" acceptance speeches.

I was excited to see Modern Family sweep the comedy awards, but I would have liked to seen Glee get an Emmy too.  My other favorite win was Kyle Chandler, who played Coach Taylor on Friday Night Lights.  Great show, so sad it is now off the air.

BUT... let's get down to my FAVE part of the night... the fashion!  Let's start with my picks for Best Dressed:

Sofia Vergara.  Flawless in Vera Wang.  Loved her earrings.  Need I say more?

Connie Britton, aka Tammy Taylor from Friday Night Lights.  Hottie!  Love the skirt, and can I please get the number for her personal trainer?

I am literally obsessed with Kerry Washington and this dress.  The red sequins and sheer train made it stand out from the other red gowns last night.  The gown looked great on stage, I wish I could have seen it in person.

Lea Michele in Marchesa... need I say more?  So effortlessly gorgeous.  I love how she wore her hair down.

Though this dress is simple, I love how Kaley Cuoco pulls off a vintage feel with this black lace one shouldered gown and red heels.  Plus, I love her show and think she is just hilarious and adorable.

I just love Emily Blunt (Mrs. John Krasinski...sigh).  She always looks so polished, and I love the deep blue color, lace, and ruffles on this Elie Saab gown.

Heidi Klum... one, can I have your legs?  Two, you looked FAB in this Christian Siriano creation.  I love the full, ruffled skirt.

Jayma Mays... you are truly one of my favorites.  Many critics did not like this dress, but I love the tired look and sheer lace top.  I would rock this frock by Zuhair Murad.

Julie Bowen looking gorgeous in a plunging sequined gown by Oscar de la Renta.  Love her in this dress.

Another sequined favorite... Claire Danes in Oscar de la Renta as well.  I love the color and fit of the gown.  Plus, she is just so chic and gorgeous!

And Finally... my three fave looks of the night (I could not just decide on one!):

LOVE this sequined metallic dress worn by Rachel Taylor, a new Charlie's Angel and a former Grey's Anatomy guest star.  This one has a bright future ahead of her.  I love how she styled her hair simply to contrast with the shiny"ness" of the dress.

Kate Winslet - so timeless, gorgeous, and what a movie star should always look like.  Red was definitely the color of the night, and she rocked it in this Elie Saab.

Gwyneth Paltrow can do no wrong in this lace Pucci.  I am dying for that dress and her body.  If I had that stomach I would wear that dress to the grocery store.

Now... on to some of the looks I was not crazy about:

 Darren Criss - I love you.  You are so talented and that suit is great.  BUT...the glasses?  Really?

Another sad one for me - Dianna Agron.  The color is great, but the dress...blah. 

 Krsiten Wiig... I just can't get into the color.

 

Amy Poehler... another one where I love the color, but I wish that her styling was different.  I would have loved this dress with her hair down.

And the worst dressed in my opinion:

Julianna Marguiles.  Why oh why?  I know it is Armani Prive, but I just can't get past the large bedazzled items on the bodice.  Def a miss.

Who were your best and worst dressed picks?  I am looking forward to tuning into the E! Red Carpet Special tonight.}

{photos via in style & people}

THANKS - On to Round 2

{A big XOXO to all of my fans.  I know, all 20 of you, but seriously... I got this email in my inbox this morning:

Dear Lucky Lifestyle Contributor Contestant:

CONGRATS!  You have made it to the next round! The Lucky Lifestyle Contributor community and the staff at Lucky were quite impressed with your work. We cannot wait to see what you will do next! Good luck in the next round and make sure you tell your friends to vote for you.

CHALLENGE 3: Entertaining, My Way

1. It is time to set the scene-and table-for a dinner party for four or more, with party-perfect makeup, outfit and recipes.

2. Create a menu and theme, showing pictures of the invitation, hors d'oeuvres, main courses and table settings.

OMG.  I am so excited! Now... I just have to start prepping for an amazing dinner party.  I have a few ideas up my sleeve...  And yes, I will be asking you to vote again.  And I appreciate all the support.  I will write about each of you when I win.

On another note, MGB and I went to Pittsburgh last weekend for my friend Kacey's wedding.  Since my phone and camera were not with me (I am so bad about that) I only managed to snap one picture - and it is of my chalkboard creations.  I was feeling a little Missoni inspiration on the welcome sign.  (BTW -  Are you as excited as I am about the new Missoni for Target collection?  Heart beating very fast... I will have to dedicate an entire post to this.) 

Do you like?  If so, I will make them for your next event, home, invites, etc..  I am doing some "Mollieesque" calligraphy on some invites for a dear friend's bachelorette party.  I will post pictures of those soon.}

Please Vote Today!

{Shameless plug today, but if you have a few minutes, I would really appreciate if you vote for me in the Lucky Magazine Style Contributor Contest.  (And Please vote TODAY as it is the last day!)  If I win, I get all sorts of FAB things, and I will of course remember all of my loyal supporters.  I wrote an entry on Working Girl Style + Beauty.  You can vote here: http://contribute.luckymag.com/blog/my_go_to_beauty-134/working_girl_style_beauty-550#.Tl50k2J4hos.twitter

Below is my entry, which you can also read on the website.  I know, it is a little cheesy, but fashion is supposed to be fun!}

When I started my development communications job two years ago, I had to adjust to a typical office environment after working at a laid back non profit organization. You may think, what is laid back?  Basically, I could wear a basic white tee and shorts to work.  After a slight culture shock, I knew that I had to keep a little zest in my new work wardrobe.

This look is perfect for my job now.  The splattered color adds a punch to a classic silhouette  And since I love to add a certain flair to outfits (even at work) I pulled out a vintage brown belt and tied it on to accentuate my waist. I always think a brown or black belt is always a great thing to add to any outfit.  Not only does it remind me of a certain 1950s vavavoom, it also is an accessory that makes you look pulled together.  Just throw on a pair of nude pumps, and you are ready for your 9:00 a.m. board meeting.

Having my hair pulled back is the best for my job, since I am always on the go.  Whether it is a meeting with the boss, setting up an event or catching up over lunch with a colleague, I need a look that shows I am together and polished.  Since I have naturally curly locks, I only shampoo every two days.  Between shampoos, I tease my roots then add a little dab of leave-in conditioner to ends.  For this messy updo, I teased my roots, pulled my hair in a loose bun, and then carefully added the bobby pins.  I do have a lot of hair - so if you have thinner hair, I suggest spraying some dry shampoo and extra teasing.  My makeup is natural as well; I used an eye base cream and added a little color to the crease of my eyes.  I accentuated my brows, then added bronzer.  (Bronzer is my BFF, since I have such fair skin.)  I added the bronzer in a “c shape” on my cheeks to my forehead and then dabbed on a light blush.  Three things to tie up this look: colored lip gloss, eyelash curler, and my SPF moisturizing lotion.

After sending my last email, I love to head to head to dinner with my husband or girlfriends.  Where I live, you dress up for dinner with a southern flair. 

“Wedges!” I scream in delight when my husband asks what I have on my feet.  These shoes make my short legs longer and add dressiness for dinner dates.  This pink and orange shift is dressed up with my shoes, but can be paired with flats for a more causal look.

I let my hair down when it is time to celebrate.  I toss all but two bobby pins in my wallet, run my fingers through my curls (sometimes I add a small dab of leave in conditioner), pull back my shorter layers in the front with the extra bobby pins…voila, I am done!  I still like to look naturally glamorous with my makeup, so I add a tad more bronzer and blush, darker crimson lip color and darken up the creases in my eyes.  Wiggle that mascara wand while you are adding a few extra coats, then spritz a flowered musky scent… take a deep breath and admire at your final look.  If you think you added too much, take a cotton ball and wipe off the extra product, too little and you can always build onto what is in front of you.  Grab your favorite jewelry (I am loving these chandelier earrings), clutch and you are ready to go.  Go enjoy that sushi and wine special, you look fabulous.

Back to Blogging

{August has been a busy month, thus the lack of blogging.  My life partner and I purchased a home

Angie got married

Whitney moved to Knoxville and pledged Kappa 

Kim K got married

B and J are having a baby

AND I am desperately trying to get back into workout mode, but these pink cookies just are not helping.  As another apology for being a terrible blogger, please take this recipe as a peace offering.  Also, I am now accepting tips on how to get my booty back in shape.  I will pretty much do anything, except the grapefruit diet.

Pink Cookies 

1 box strawberry cake mix
1/2 bag dark chocolate chips
1 egg
1/4 c water
1/4 c flour
1/2 c oil

Mix all ingredients, roll into small balls, place on cookie sheet, and then bake for 10 minutes at 350.  Warning, these are addicting, I have been known to eat 8-10 in one day.  Gross, I know.  But so good at the same time.}

{celeb photos via people}

I apologize...

{I have been a terrible blogger.  Please enjoy this catchy tune that I just can't get out of my head, and I promise, I will be back tomorrow.

PS I totally wish this song had come out when I was in college!}