Energy Bites {Saw it. Pinned it. Did it.}

Y'all... this girl is tired. The past two nights I have tossed and turned so much in my sleep that even the cat got outta bed. I don't know what my deal is... maybe I'm not tired enough? I'm not anxious about anything or super stressed out... just not sleeping. Which then makes me stupid tired - take today for example, I forgot to put earrings in and my rings on. I never forget that. Ever.

What do you do when you can't sleep??

You know what I do?? Make energy bites! {okay, you got me - I didn't make these in the middle of the night, but maybe I should think about that...}

I've noticed the Energy Bites, Balls, Bars - whatever you want to call them all over Pinterest and I've thought about making them a few times but... never got around to it.

Have you seen these? Have you made them?

{Source}

However, in luau of eating healthier these days - and my incessant cookie craving - I thought it was time to give these babies a go...

First discovery, they are stupid easy and quick to make.
Second discovery, they weigh in at about 120 calories per bite. {Which is 120 good quality calories!}
Third discovery, they do taste like a cookie. Like a no-bake cookie without the extra chocolate and sugar.
Fourth discovery, make these. And devour them. {So maybe that's more like an order than a discovery ;)}

Ingredients:

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup honey

1 1/3 cup oats

splash of vanilla

1/3 cup chocolate chips

{I'd have liked to add flax seeds to this but I didn't have any on hand.}

Put all those ingredients in a bowl, mix until everything is combined well. Then roll into little balls... maybe an inch? I don't know... this recipe made about 14 bites. Put in the fridge for 30 minutes then they're ready to eat! 

I won't lie, I tested the energy bite goo dough while I was rolling them. It was pretty tasty! I don't think I'd add much more to them - I kinda like the simpler things when it comes to sweets. But these completely satisfy my cookie craving {okay, that's a lie - but it's close}. I take two to work with me so I can have a mid morning and mid afternoon sweet treat. 

Thank. You. Pinterest. 

Have you made these? Did you add different ingredients?

I'm linking up with Katie and Steph for Saw it. Pinned it. Did it. Thursday! 

Happy Thursday, lovelies!

Random {Recipe} Rainy Wednesday

...if only Wednesday started with a R - we could have had some serious alliteration going on. Random Recipe Rainy Rednesday... hm, doesn't work so well, huh??

Speaking of random - every, single day I watch my cat go from the floor, to the coffee table, to the couch... as if the coffee table is the portal to the couch. Cats baffle me sometimes.

Please tell me that where ever you are it's not raining... we had one beautiful sunny day then BAM... rain. It's making me beyond sleepy. Kinda just want to crawl in bed and read for the rest of the evening. Anyone else? I think all Ohioan's are suffering from seasonal depression something fierce. We need warmth, sunshine, sand in our toes... what? Ohio has lakes...

Anyways, on with the recipe, Jackie...

Carnitas, Quinoa, Veggies --- Mexican One Pot Wonder.

When I was home a couple of weeks ago I happened to snag a few packages of freshly butchered pork. There's something about knowing exactly where that meat is coming from that makes it that much better. Thank you, Dad and Uncle Kelly!

Ingredients:
Pork Shoulder
1 large jar of salsa
1 onion - diced
1 yellow bell pepper - diced
1 orange bell pepper - diced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup of uncooked quinoa
1 1/2 cups water
mexican spices or taco seasoning
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

This meal was so easy. I put the pork shoulder in the crockpot in the morning with the jar of salsa poured over top of it - threw a few dashes of chili powder, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper on it and let it cook all day long.

When I got home I began to pull the pork out of the crockpot and shred it - it had already fallen clean off the bone and began to shred itself. I discarded all but about 1/2 cup of the liquid in the crockpot.

In a large pot - drizzle your EVOO on the bottom and throw in the onion and peppers {you could omit this or add more veggies} let those saute for about 10 minutes on med-high heat. Once the onions are almost translucent put the pork and the 1/2 of cooking liquid into the pot. Stir it to get everything combined - you can add more seasoning at this point if you'd like. I let that cook for about 5-10 minutes.

Next pour the can of diced tomatoes {with the juices} into the pot, add the water, and the UNCOOKED quinoa. {The brand I had was already rinced and drained - but make sure you do that first if you need to}. Let simmer, uncovered on med-low for about 25 - 35 minutes or until the quinoa has uncurled and is cooked through.

I served this with a little bit of cheddar cheese on top and a few tortilla chips for dipping. But it's absolutely delicious just eating it without any extras {that's how I had it for lunch today!}.

And with only 463 calories per serving. It made for a healthy, super easy, and yummy dinner!

Recipe adapted from here.

Happy hump day, loves!

p.s. Don't forget to use code HAPPY for 25% off at Nora & Jac.

Linking up with Shanna for Random Wednesday!

Happiness is...

making a dinner that was almost too delicious.

and healthy. That's a double win, kids!

getting to the gym. 

a productive day.

a sleepy, cuddly kitten.

Monday nights with The Bachelor.

a summer storm.

sweet friends.

freshly painted nails.

30 minute phone calls with my mom. 

the little things. 

not dreading waking up in the morning to go to work. 

truly enjoying your job.

leopard print.

Jack Daniels.

soy caramel mocha's from Starbucks.

Dad texting me that he misses and loves me. 

What's on your happy list? Leave me a comment with yours!

p.s. Because YOU make me happy... here's a 25% off coupon code at Nora & Jac just for my blog readers! Enter HAPPY at checkout! Plus, there's always free shipping ;)

Have a good Tuesday, sweet peas!

Oh Monday...

Oh Monday - you always come so quickly. I'm convinced Saturday and Sunday must just be shorter days.

I'm linking up with Carissa for Miscellany Monday. Here's my collection of random via my instagram feed. Do you follow me? You should {jacmaries}.

I have oatmeal in my smoothie this morning. I have read a few recipes where this was one of the main ingredients and I wasn't entirely sure how I felt about it. {Kinda like the spinach thing...} but I thought I'd give it a try this morning. And let me tell you... my smoothie seriously tastes like a liquid blueberry muffin. 

Which kinda sounds gross when you think about it.

But it's really yummy... I promise. 

Did y'all watch the Oscars last night? I didn't. I watched about 15 minutes of the red carpet... followed by about 5 minutes of the awards show and I was just bored. BUT... 

I did check out the dresses, and... here are my favorites...

Maria looks insane in hot pink. My heart stopped a little when I saw this dress. It's just perfect. She always nails it. Always. Sandra, she's gorgeous. The Jen's and their dudes... flawless. And Naomi... I LOVED that gown. It was so unique but still so classy. Way to go ladies. 

Anne Hathaway on the other hand - was. not. a. fan. 

I'm waiting for the gas company to come check our meter so I can actually go to work. I really, really wish he'd get here soon. This waiting thing is for the birds. I really don't love things that throw off my routine. It's annoying.

I made the mistake of looking at baby clothes this weekend at Kohl's... they had a leopard print bathing suit for Harper. With a little ruffle. Omg. I was dying. I had to convince myself that she didn't need it... yet. I mean, c'mon it's barely warm enough to wear flats let alone thing about bathing suits! 

Alright kittens, it's time for me to be productive while I wait for what feels like forever for Mr. Columbia Gas.

Happy Monday!

The Sunday Currently...

Reading //  Beautiful Creatures. My roomie read this book a little while ago - and kept raving about it. Then I saw the previews for the movie and thought hmmm... that could be interesting. So, after searching for what seems like forever - I've finally found myself a book I'm loving. {And no, I probably won't see the movie - I'm weird like that.}
Writing //  This post... does that count?? I should be writing a letter to my dear friend Jackie - we are pen pals but I have completely dropped the ball lately. #shameonme
Listening to //  The Wedding Planner... and now The Lion King is on. Am I too old to watch this by myself??
Smelling //  Italian food. I made some pasta for dinner. And the smell is still lingering. And it's kinda mixed with the Vanilla candle I have burning... interesting smell. 
Wishing //  That I could get my ass to the gym, I just can't find the motivation. Ugh. It's so frustrating. 
Wearing //  Yoga pants and a tshirt. I've been cleaning/organzing/purging my closet {aka room} all afternoon. However, I was dressed decent to go out for lunch... so that counts, right?

Please excuse my apparently dirty mirror and pile of laundry behind me. 

Loving //  Floral. Which isn't all that out of the ordinary but it's everywhere right now and I love it! I found some cute things at Kohl's this weekend on clearance and it was all pretty florals. And mint. I'm loving it. 

Feeling //  Accomplished. My closet and room has seriously needed a massive cleaning. And it's nice to remember what clothes I have...

Now... watching a little bit of the Oscars - I really just like to see what everyone's wearing. So far... The Jen's {Aniston and Garner} looked stunning. 

Happy Sunday night, loves!

I'm linking up with Lauren for The Sunday Currently.

Friday Letters...

Dear Ohio - that little ice storm? Yea, not so cool. I think winter has overstayed it's welcome. So you can just bring spring anytime now. 

Dear Beautiful Creatures - You are just the book I've been looking for. I haven't been able to get into a book in so long. Thank you for that. I can't wait to read more... 

Dear Life - you've been real funny lately {and I don't mean funny in the "haha" sense}. Causing too much drama, making me question my strength and patience, however, I'm so glad that things are blowing over. That this all may be fixable. 

Dear Walmart - These coral/orange jeggings I bought yesterday... totally digging them. So comfy and bright! Who'd have thought they came from you!

Dear Harper - I am so glad I got to spend most of my weekend last weekend making you smile and being silly with you. I love seeing you grow and discover the world already. I can't wait to spend more precious moments with you. I didn't know I could love something that wasn't mine so much. 

Dear Nora & Jac supporters - You are amazing. I'm so grateful for the support and love I have gotten in the last two months. I'm working on some new stuff for spring and I'm hopeful that you'll love it just as much as you loved the cowls!

Dear Yoga - I'm so glad we finally got to spend some time together last night. I had been needing that for quite awhile and I feel so much better. I'm pretty sure we will meet again tonight! 

And dear new followers - thank you. It's tough building a blog again, but you all make it so worthwhile. 

I'm linking up with Ashley for Friday's Letters. 

Happy Friday, pumpkins! 

Mani Thursday. {Saw it. Pinned it. Did it.}

Do you all follow Emily's blog? Cupcakes and Cashmere? If not - you should. Girl has insane style. 

Anyways, she posted the above video last week and I knew that I needed to try that with my nails soon - it's so simple and yet so fresh and different!

So I thought I'd do it and link up for Saw it. Pinned it. Did it. Thursday with Katie and Steph. Kinda perfect, huh??

I chose to go with a Tiffany blue shade {China Glaze - For Audrey} and a deep mint shade {Sally Hansen - Mint Sprint}. 

First paint your nails with two coats of the lighter shade. When that layer is completely dry take the darker shade and carefully paint only half of your nail. I only did one coat of the mint - it goes on pretty opaque.

I didn't love this. It was easy enough - but I think I would have liked it better if the colors were more contrasting. 

Once my nails were dry and ready for top coat - it dawned on me... GLITTER! Glitter fixes everything, right? 

I had bought this little pot of nail art glitter at Meijer a few years ago and never really used it - it's really pretty, but the glitter is a bit coarse and I don't love that feeling. However, I thought I'd give it another try... 

I painted a little stripe of top coat on the mint color and dipped each finger into the pot of glitter... 

I ended up with a slight ombre glitter effect. Which looks really fun in real life but doesn't translate too well on camera... I took WAYYYYYY too many pictures to end up with only two that looked semi okay. 

But just as I had hoped - the glitter saved my manicure. So it's true... glitter does save everything. 

So... lesson learned... not every nail art idea works out exactly how you envision it - but lucky for me, it's just paint and will come off in a couple of days and onto the next nail project!

p.s. Don't you just LOVEEEEE the For Audrey color?! It's one of my absolute favorite polishes. 

p.s.s. Don't forget to "like" me on Facebook - there may be some cowl deal coming at ya soon!

Happy Thursday, pretties!

I'm the kind of girl who...

• could wear cowboy boots everyday.
• dreams in bright, vivid color.
• has internal debate every morning about whether or not to wear makeup - makeup usually wins. You. Are. Welcome.
• finds peace behind a sewing machine.
• still sleeps with a fan on.
• would rather be barefoot. {Yes, over wearing cowboy boots - but that's not socially acceptable ;)}
• doesn't like condiments. None of them.
• can't stand the feeling, look, thought of velvet.
• always makes fun of her eye color {shit brown} - but honestly, I think I'd look soo weird with anything else.
• would rather watch a movie on DVD than go to the theater. Unless it's a scary movie.
• stops reading a book series if it becomes too popular. I don't like to be reading the same thing as everyone else. I still haven't finished Twilight or Hunger Games because I got tired of the hype.
• thinks Damon, Deacon, and Sonny are the sexiest men on TV. So... I like a dark, brooding guy, what of it?
• will continually try to make amends.
• would rather eat a cookie or ice cream than anything else.
• prefers whiskey over wine.
• will never be a morning person - no matter how hard I try. Or wish. 
• can fall in love with a cat in 5 seconds. 
• mentally plans her wardrobe every night as she's falling asleep. 
• always has her nails painted. 
• feels too much and says too little. 
• will contemplate for the next 30 years over getting a tattoo... I always think about it... I'll never do it. 
• can be one of the guys just as easily as one of the girls.
• craves the sand between her toes or strong summer storm when life is kicking her in the ass. 
• would do anything for the people she loves.

What kind of girl are you? {or guy... but I'm assuming it's mostly chics who stop by these parts.} Link up with Holly at Running in Stilettos - or leave it in my comments! I kinda loved this prompt {great idea, Holly!}!

Happy Tuesday, y'all - although I'm going to think it's Monday all. day. long.

p.s. Did you know I'm on Facebook as well?! Well I am - hurry go "like" us - never know when something fun may happen over there!

Weekend Shenanigans...via Instagram

My weekend wasn't too full of shenanigans actually... But I'm linking up with Sami's Shenanigans - basically so I have an even better excuse to post adorbs pictures of my niece.

I came home to see the fam and Miss Harper. And I did just that. A quiet, chill weekend at home is good for the soul. So is shamelessly goo-goo and ga-ga'ing at a 6 week old. We I determined that she thinks her Aunt Jac is very entertaining - I mean, who can blame her?! ;)

one// it was snowing something fierce on my way home. But then I got home and notta. #weird

two// i found this lovely jacket hanging in my closet and I love it. 

three// Saturday morning was spent cuddling this cutie pie.

four// when I'm home - Emmy is constantly with me. #cats

five// in love with this face. 

six// I had a styling session with Mom - revamped her closet, made new outfits, and gave her a couple things to spice up her wardrobe.

seven// sewing. Feels nice to get behind this machine again.

eight// homemade sausage and mushroom pizza on a whole wheat crust. Delicious.

nine// those little moments. 

p.s. if you don't follow me on Instagram - you should. {jacmaries}

Not pictured// I spent my Friday evening hanging out with my bro for some much needed catch up time. I went out for a couple of beers Saturday night. And didn't leave the house Sunday. It's nice to just chill out with no agenda for a couple of days. Love spending time with my parents. 

And on another note - I just saw previews for Fashion Star with Jess {Jessica Simpson to the rest of you - but I have a lifelong love for her, so we go by just Jess #dontjudge ;)} and I can't wait to watch it! Another guilty pleasure reality show.

How was your weekend, lovelies?

The little things. {Goodies and Berries}

It's Friday. Which means two things... I get to go home and see the family for the first time in awhile and it's time for "It's the Little Things Friday"... And let me tell you... this week was made by just that, the little things.

Unexpected little gifts for Valentine's Day. An energy drink, an insulated mason jar cup, a book, socks, and a starbucks to go cup. My friends know me well! 

Pretty glitter candle finds. It matches my glitter bunny and I got it for .94 cents at Target. Can't beat that. 

Actually getting my liquid liner on straight and berry lips that stayed on through lunch. 

Knowing that I get to see this face this weekend! {For the first time in over a month!} I miss her.

Have a fantastic weekend, friends!

Black Hearts. {Manicure}

I tend to ignore Valentine's Day for the most part... it's a silly holiday - and very easy to become slightly bitter when you're single. However, I try to not go the bitter route and just see it as an excuse to love pink, red, and hearts even more.

Is this not the cutest Valentine's Day card?

Oh, and the conversation hearts. BEST PART! {yellow is my favorite - feel free to send me a bag full! ;)}

This is a bucket of fun... we used this for Valentine's Day Mini Sessions {no, it's not full of candy hearts... its full of paper then a layer of candy!}

But the absolute best part... an excuse to give yourself a fun manicure. Not that I ever need an excuse for that.

\

tools:

Red polish - I used OPI: Girls Just Want to Play {my favorite red polish}

Bright pink polish - China Glaze: Flip Flop Fantasy

Black polish - L.A. Girls: Blackout

Masking tape

Scissors

I painted my nails all red with one pink accent nail on each hand. I then let those dry completely. Then I tore off a piece of masking tape and folded it in half lightly then cut a heart out of it - ya know, like we were taught how to do in elementary school. Then very carefully peeled the tape apart and VOILA! there was a cute little heart.

I placed it on the nail I wanted to have a heart on. Make sure it's completely stuck around the heart to ensure that it doesn't bleed. Then paint that black heart! Let completely dry - slowly peel the tape off and slap on a coat of top coat and you have yourself a pretty little Valentine's Day manicure. 

Fun, right?

Oh and as I special Valentine's Day gift to you all.. I have one of these pretties... {the pink cowl}

Up for grabs. $20 - free shipping and ships ASAP. There's only one available - so act fast! Go here to get yours now!

I'm linking up with Katie and Steph for Saw it. Pinned it. Did it. 

Happy Valentine's Day, lovers!