Book Review: The Blender Girl Smoothies by Tess Masters

I'm not exactly a breakfast or a lunch person. Somedays I can get so caught up in all the task that I need to do that I forget to eat an actually meal. I'll admit that's not the most healthy lifestyle but it's something I've always done since I started jr. high school. It's definitely a habit I never learned to break. However I do love making smoothies so far I only ever made smoothies with yogurt and a few fruits. I've always wanted to up my game and make more unique and flavorful smoothies but I never really know where to start or what goes and what doesn't. So I was excited when I saw The Blender Girl Smoothies on Blogging for Books.

I tried a variety of smoothies that were really tasty though the ingredients might say other wise.I thought I'd list a few things I enjoyed about this book. 

Teaches You How To Create Your Own Smoothie:

Most recipe books don't really teach you how to put together your own recipes from scratch but this book does. It teaches you the fundamentals of how to make a smoothie, how many servings you're meant to put for each, and how to incorporate nuts, seeds, grains, dates, and etc. I was able to make my very own smoothie and it turned out great. 

Find The Right Recipe For You: 

Each recipe has little symbols to explain what kind of benefits you can get from the smoothie. So if you have inflammatory, need something energizing, or need something detoxing. You can choose a smoothie based on what you need or how you're feeling. There's a wide selection within the book. Also there's different categories of smoothies you can choose from light & fruity, clean & green, an exotic ride, and dessert. I got a chance to try one from each. They really are delicious. 

Learn All About Flavoring & Combining Different Things:

In the back of the book it teaches you all bout the different liquids, spices, grains, nuts, fruits, veggies, and etc that you can add to a smoothie. It gives you tips on how to combine the different flavors to make your own unique smoothies. 

Easy To Make & Easy To Find Ingredients: 

This is the ultimate reason why I love this book. These smoothies are fairly easy to make and it's not time consuming, which is perfect for me since I'm always too busy to get something to eat. Also the ingredients aren't too hard to find I prefer fresh but I realized unless your making smoothies everyday maybe frozen might be the way to go. 

I love this book, it couldn't have came at a better time. I've been making smoothies for breakfast that hold me off until lunch. I believe if you're mom on the go, college student, or you're a smoothie fanatic then this book is definitely for you.

Click these links to learn more about Tess Masters & The Blender Girl Smoothies. 

Book Review: Between The Dark and The Daylight by Joan Chittister

The conscious and the subconscious it's one of the many things we learn in psychology. Your conscious is apart of the brain that usual functions while your awake unless your day dreaming then that's your subconscious. Your subconscious is where you keep all the unwanted feelings or thoughts you don't want to deal with during the day. It's a mechanism we all seem to have one way or another.

Once you're headed to bed and the day ends those unwanted thoughts and feelings come out and play. Since the day is ending there's nothing we can really do to keep our mind off of those thoughts so you're forced to think about them. Most of us just continue this process daily never really resolving those issues we keep hidden in our subconscious. However the more you ignore them the worse those feelings get, which eventually will take a toll on you. If that sounds like something you do or something you struggle with. Between The Dark and the Daylight: Embracing the Contradictions of Life is a great book to help guide you on that journey towards figuring those thoughts that haunt you at night.

Joan Chittister definitely touches on some big internal struggles we have in life. She talks about contradictions in life I never really saw before like how to find liberation in loss or the emptiness of accumlication. I enjoy her perspective on these contradictions, their enlightening. I like that she just doesn't come out and say "You need to this.. or you need to do that.."

She shares personal experiences, stories, quotes, and other forms of examples to explain each chapter. I believe setting it up like this is easier to relate to or understand. The chapters seem to be just a few pages long in that way it's not an overload of information. All those aspects put together allows you to truly ponder on each chapter, take the information and apply it to your life in a way that the lessons are more meaningful to you. I love that way of learning. It's not enough just to read it and learn it but you need to be to apply it.

Overall I believe this book has helped me on my journey through self-actualization and contentment. It was an eye-opening book that has truly changed the way I deal with internal struggles. I know it doesn't happen overnight and it starts with me.
I enjoyed reading this book and give it 5 stars.

Check these links out to learn More About the Author or More About The Dark and The Daylight: Embracing the Contradictions of Life

Disclamer: I received this book free from Blogging for Books in exchange for this blog post. However all opinions are solely my own.

Review: #GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso

So many bloggers I know have been talking about how amazing #Girlboss is. I'm not one to pick-up books about business. However while I was waiting for my nephew in the library #Girlboss caught my eye and I thought why not try reading it. The first few chapters and I was hooked. I understand why this book was on everyone's Must Read list and it's definitely on mine as well.

Currently reading #GirlBoss. Such an inspiring & motivating book. #summerreading #summerreadinglist #reviewcommingsoon

A photo posted by Jazmine (@withlovejazmine) on Jun 11, 2015 at 2:14pm PDT

Sophia Amoruso is the founder and CEO of Nasty Gal clothing company. In Girlboss she shares her story as to what lead her to who she is and what she has created. I believe what made me admire her is she shared the not so glamorous parts of her life. I think it's great that she was being honest because sometimes we believe that success just happens over night with no failures what so ever. Which isn't true and she's open about her failures and is humble about her success and I find that inspiring.

I love her perspective and the personality she put into her book. It makes it interesting and enjoyable to read. There was never a dull moment for sure. We don't have to be rich to accomplish greatness. It's truly a start from the bottom now you're here story for several of us. The advice and lessons you read in the book to me are universal. You can use them for your business or you can use them in other areas in your life. Overall I enjoyed the book and never wanted to put it down. All there's left to say is you better get ready to tap into your inner Girlboss when you read this book.

What's on your reading list this summer?

Bohemian Meets Contemporary an Eshakti Review

Disclaimer: I do get some sort of compensation for this review however all opinions are solely my own. 

Eshakti asked me to do a review on their new line of Bohemian and Contemporary clothing for this summer. I gladly accepted. I was really excited when Jane emailed me offering the opportunity to participate even happier when she told me that the line was bohemian and contemporary. 

My whole goal this summer to dress more bohemian ever since I saw Vanessa Hudgens Coachella outfits. I the bohemian look because it has a lot of loose and flowing pieces which makes it 100% more comfortable. Not to mention they incorporate a lot of patterns and colors which is always fun to play around with when making outfit decisions. So I decided to do exactly that. I took a few of my favorite bohemian clothes from Eshkati and styled them creating the perfect summer outfits that will definitely make a statement.

Dress: Lace Inset Crepe Tunic $35.95

I chose this dress because it's like a blank canvas you can do so many different things with it plus it's cute. As I stated above this is a flowing dress so it's comfortable to wear. It doesn't have to fit your body an particular way, it's simple, and it's beautiful. I chose to go the bohemian meets a little bit of edge by using black accessories. However I could see this being paired with yellow or orange accessories and instead of a hat you could choose a flower crown. Just so many possibilities when it comes to this dress and it's a wise purchase because of that.

Jumpsuit: Graphic Print Crepe Halter Jumpsuit $64.95

I decided to add a little more color to my selection of clothing. Though jumpsuits don't actually look all that great on me I still love it. I loved the color and the pattern on this particular one. As the one above I am loving this whole hat idea of summer. I believe you can pair this outfit with brown or white accessories however I chose brown and hints of gold because it seemed fitting. Perfect for a lunch date.

Pants: Tile Print Crepe Pleat Pants $58.95

I am in love with this pants. I've been searching high and low to find a pair of these that I actually like. Of course I love the pattern and colors they chose. I am not much for crazy patterns and colors all in one outfit. That's why I loved these. They choose a pattern that isn't too out there as well as choosing colors that compliment each other. For a top to go with these you can with any color or pattern  you'd like. As I said I don't like to go too crazy so I chose plain white one. I wanted to add another hat to this however I think a flower crown would do just nicely as well.

I will admit I don't wear much contemporary clothing. When I saw the first few contemporary pieces on Eshkati I fell in love with a few of them. A few pieces reminded me of Jess's style, a character in New Girl. I actually loved her outfits and thought they were cute. So I decided to give it a whirl and this is what I came up with.

Blouse: Abstract Print Organza Tunic $51.95 
Bottoms: Pleat Waist Tailored Shorts $51.95

This top has to be one of my favorites, the pattern and color reminds me of the ocean and the coral in the ocean. It's perfect for summer. This was one of the hardest outfit to accessorize I didn't know which color I should use so I decided to do the two color that stood out the least which were blue and pink. It's paired with brown sandals because any more color to me would be too much. The shorts also come from Eshkati I enjoyed the style of them and thought they'd be a better pair. Making this the best summer outfit.

Dress: Blouson Cotton Knit Dress $38.95

I enjoy an accessory challenge that's why I tend to choose the plainer items sometimes because there is so much beauty in the simple things that you overlook. So when I saw this I knew exactly how I would wear it. I've always loved the way light pink seems to compliment navy blue. That's why all the accessories are pink but I always see white, red or a lighter shade of blue going good with this dress. Another thing I like doing to simple dress like this is adding a belt in the middle. It just doesn't add a little touch of something different to make it stand out more but according to What Not To Wear it also makes you look thinner somehow.

Bottoms: Side Stripe Floral Jogger Pants $64.89
Blouse: Graphic Embellished Chiffon Tank $64.95

I loved these pants, it was the simplest yet cutest design. I love the colors that were incorporated plus I am a big fan of floral. The top also comes from Eshkati it's actually apart of the bohemian line. So this is an actually bohemian meets contemporary design. I think they're a great pair though. Similar to the bohemian pants with these pants you can pick any top you want however I stayed with white. Also similar to the first contemporary design I chose the color for the accessories by what colors were in the bottom. I am a fan pastel so I took the light blue and light pink.

Hopefully this inspired you to make some amazing summer outfits of your own. I mentioned in another sponsored post why I loved Eshkati Link HERE I'd like to revisit that because it's one of the main reasons why I enjoy their store.

It feels great to have the ability to customize their clothes because there has been so many times I wished other stores offered this. At Eshkati you can customize the clothes you buy to fit you precisely ensuring you'd be comfortable in it, as well as customizing to fit your style and personality. That's how it should always feel when you're shopping. You should be able to wear clothes you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful in because you're definitely all of those things. Eshkati promotes that and understands that and it's something I admire.

So hopefully this post has helped you come up with some amazing summer outfit ideas. If you saw anything you liked from Eshkati or if you been eyeing something else from them. Don't forget to use the $35 off coupon code below. The coupon expires on the 21st of this month so you better to take advantage of it plus they've been having a few sales on certain items. So enjoy it while it last.

GC CODE: SWEETSERENDIPITY35Valid till 06/21/2015
Enter this code in the 'Gift Coupon / Referral Code' box at checkout
Only one gift coupon can be used in an order
Not valid on previous purchases / purchase of gift cards.
This gift coupon cannot be transferred, re-issued or exchanged for cash.
Minimum order value $30.

If you're thinking of trying some of these summer outfit ideas or have a few of your own tag me @WithLoveJazmine in your instagram post. I'd be happy to see what you've come up with. 

What did you think of these Summer Outfits? What have you been eyeing at Eshkati? 

Book Review: The Happiness Project

It’s been forever since my last blog post. I feel horrible for abandoning my blog like this. However school always comes first, it has been quit a course load for me the last few weeks. It feels like after spring break the homework came piling in not to mention the semester is ending next month. I really don’t know where all the time has gone. Somehow I managed to get in some leisure reading. So today I have another book review for you. I just got done finishing The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.

I know I am a little late as seeing the book came out in 2009. I’ve seen a lot of people saying how good this book is. However this was my very first official self-improvement book.  I’m not really a fan of them but when I saw this book on the self I thought why not. At that moment I thought it would be the perfect book for my goal of self-actualization and possibly an inspiration to my own journey of happiness. Since my break-up I’ve been attempting to find my own happiness and so I decided to buy The Happiness Project. I have to say it was exactly what I needed.

The book is all about Gretchen and her journey through finding happiness. She’s a wife and a mother of true. One day she realizes that she’s not as happy as she could be and comes up with her very own happiness project to get her there. She actually started her happiness project in January and it lasted the whole year. Each moth she had different goals she accomplished that she thought would make a difference in her happiness and life.

Throughout the whole book she always makes it clear that everybody’s happiness project is different. So your happiness project depends on you. It could last a year, a few months, or even longer. I think reading her story and journey was really inspiring. While reading I was thinking about my own happiness. ”Am I the happiest I can be?” “What could possibly make me happier than I am?” This book has really changed my perspective on certain aspects of my life. I’ve been thinking of starting my own happiness project soon.  

Are you the happiest you can be? What could make you happier?

6 Reasons Why I Am Addicted To The Voice

I realized I don't share much about my favorite things on here whether it's tv shows or products that I run into from month to month. So I decided to shake things up today and share a few reasons why I love watching The Voice. For those of you who may not know what The Voice is it's a singing competition show that's shown on NBC. I love it because it's not like American Idol or any of the other singing competition shows out there. It's very unique.

The first few weeks are blind auditions where the coaches can just listen to the persons voice in deciding whether they'd like them or not, after that the coaches have a face off and pair them with other teammates on their team to challenge against each other, last stage in the show is the live playoffs where the singers left sing their hearts out and the audience, which is us at home, decided who we think deserves to win. Here's 6 reasons why I am so addicted.

1. ) Blind Auditions: 

I like the whole idea that the coaches are basing their decision solely on the persons voice. It's like the perfect example to not judge a book by it's cover. It's amazing to see the judges reactions when they hit the button to turn their chair and the person standing their isn't really what they expected. I think it helps because I feel like if they were to see the contestants preforming it might change different aspects of their decision. I've seen it when some judges wish they turned their chair but they didn't. I just really love the whole concept of it. 

2.) Chemistry With The Judges: 

I love the chemistry within the judges. They joke around and poke fun at each other and it makes the show funny. There is never a dull moment when you see Adam Levine and Blake Shelton insulting each other. You know at the end of the day they're just joking, or we hope so. However it's makes the show a bit more interesting. Especially when the competition really starts. 

3. ) It's All Up To The Singer: 

If the contestant has more than one chair turned who's team she chooses to be on is entirely up to her. I like hearing each of the coaches pitches on why the contestant should pick their team. I also love the idea that the contestants singing future is ultimately in their hands. It's also great when you're watching the show to imagine if it'd be different if they picked a different coach.

4.) The Power Of The Steal: 

During the face off's when the coaches put two of their own people up against each other. The coach has to choose only one of them and the other gets sent home or another coach could steal them. I love this because it's giving them another opportunity to make their dream a reality. However the coaches only get 2 steals throughout the face-offs so of course they try to choose it wisely. Nonetheless I think it's a very good invention. Who doesn't love a second chance? 

5.) The Voice Save 

During the live show where the audience gets to choose which singers will move on. The ones that didn't make the proper votes the first time around get to do a another performance and leave their heart outs on the stage and try to win Americas vote via twitter or on The Voice App. This is why I love the show it's full of second chances. America only gets to save one person however once again it's giving someone a second chance at their dream. Who doesn't want to be apart of that.  

6.) The Voice App: 

They just made this last season and I am loving it. They updated this year so we can actually play along with the coaches during the blind auditions but it wasn't blind for us of course because we can see the singers. However you got a chance to press the button if you'd turn a chair for the singer the ones who actually did get a chair turned on the show get added to your favorites list.

There was also a part in the show where we got to be just like the judges and vote solely on the persons voice. Which I thought was really exciting. They didn't show the person singing on TV just the judges. It was a nice experience pretending to be the judges for a night. The Voice app is also an easier way to vote for your favorite singers. Not to mention they send reminders to your phone when The Voice is on so you never miss a beat.

Do you think you could be a coach on this show?

Freedom Is Blogging In Your Underwear by Hugh Macleod Book Review

I found this book while thrift shopping last month and all I can say is "Another man's trash is another man's treasure". I know that's cliche but in this case I don't care because it's true.

As soon as I started reading I fell in love with the book. In the beginning he explains how the book is all about personal freedom and how the internet provides us with that freedom. However throughout the whole book I was just thinking that no one could've explained why I blog better than he just did. I know that sounds dumb because it's my blog in the first place but he explains it in a way that someone who doesn't blog or doesn't see the point in blogging could understand. 

Illustration From The Book

I enjoyed the order of sequence he put each topic he addressed. He explains the internet and why it's opened this new door to all these different possibilities. Then he proceeds to go in and share how it's benefited him and how it can benefit us. Lastly he explains how magical the internet and blogging is. He goes in depth how it allows us to build connections and relationships with people around the world, how we want share experiences or knowledge, and most importantly how we can become beacons of the internet. A great point he made is that blogging and our real lives aren't separate things. I completely agree with him blogging is apart of my life it's not just something I do on the side. It's become a huge part of my life and I love ever second of it. I think towards the end he really makes you think. He ask "Are you a beacon? If not, don't you think you should be?" 

Illustration From The Book

I think my favorite part is the the ending he says "I spent the last few thousand words telling you about the power of the internet, when all along the power wasn't there.... The power is within you- the same place it's always been" I loved this book because it's such an inspiration.  He shares parts of his journey and experiences throughout the book that help give you a little motivational push. 

Illustration From The Book

Throughout the book he also has his cartoons to help illustrate parts of the book. I loved that this book didn't have to be over 200 pages long to inspire me. He kept it simple yet intriguing. It was really a fun book to read. This was also my first time reading a book about blogging and I don't regret it all. 

What Are Some Of Your Reasons For Blogging?

Girl Online Book Review

If you read my Beauty Guru's & Websites that inspire me you'd know I'm a big fan of Zoe Sugg, when I heard she was making her very first novel I just had to read it. Girl Online was not what I expected it to be at all. I assumed that it would be about Zoe and her online journey, more of like a bibliography. However after reading the book I was quite amazed. I've never read a book that captured the struggle of being a teenage girl. 

I am going to give a little summary of what the book is all about, don't worry I am not giving anything away. Girl Online is about a teenage girl named Penny who has a secret blog and suffers from constant panic attacks. Penny's life gets completely turned upside down. She's given the adventure of a lifetime when her mom and dad have some business to take care of in New York and she's asked to join them. While Penny overcomes several of her fears while in New York, she's also falling in love with a boy she just met. However this boy has a few secrets of his own. This secret may affect Penny in several ways. 

I love how this books captures the awkwardness of being a teenager. In most books they always seem to make the girls completely flawless and it's always been that feeling I wish I was one of those girls. In Girl Online you can tell Penny is very social awkward and quirky which makes it more relatable. Instead of wishing you were that girl you realize you are that girl, it makes you feel normal. Girl Online goes over every major event you encounter when growing up your first relationship, friendships, maturing, and the digital age. This book was more than just a story, when these events unfold throughout the story you see the way Penny handles them and it actually inspires you to conquer the same events in your own life with the same attitude. I think another element I loved about it was that Penny was a blogger so it's very relatable. During the book you actually get to read some of her blog post that's where she becomes a big inspiration. Of course like every teenage book there has to be a little romance. I believe the relationship between Noah and Penny was my favorite thus far. Since Penny is social awkward she tends to embarrass herself throughout the book, it shows you that someone can  like you for who you are quirks and all. I love watching the way their relationship grow through the book. 

Overall I think this was amazing book for Zoe first novel. I think I can see a lot of her personality throughout the book. The best thing I loved about this book is how Penny could any one of us, and we were her in some point of our life. I also enjoyed how inspiring the book was even if it was just fiction. I think I recommend this book for girls everywhere to read. I was thinking of buying a copy for my niece because she loves reading it'd be a great book for her. I think mothers and parents are always looking for a way to explain life to teenagers and think this is a wonderful book to somewhat do that. It has a lot of problems we've all faced as a teenager and Penny handles it very maturely and she's brave. I think regardless whether it's fiction or not it's inspiring.  What is your most awkward moment?

eShakti Review

Happy Wednesday Everyone! Today I'm really excited to share and talk about eShakti, who approached me to do a product review. eShakti is an online clothing shop who sells gorgeous clothes that you're able to customize to fit your style. I believe the saying "It's not all about you." is an exception here. eShakti provides clothing for sizes 0-36W, their motto is "Real Fashion for Real People." It's such a lovely motto especially if you've been through body insecurities. it's nice to know there are other options out there that enable you to create an item that you know you'll love and that's unique just like you. You get to customize the length, sleeve, bust, waist, and ect. It's a granted that it'll fit just the way you want it because you're the one who puts in the measurements. Now I get to share with you the product I chose out. I was not instructed what to write all opinions expressed are my own. I don't receive commission from any of the sales made. 

I picked one of their skirts. I liked how the measurements weren't done like S,M,L,XL, and ect. It actually goes by your waist size like 30,32, 34, and ect. I don't know how many times when going shopping I have to try on so many things because the size seems to always vary depending on stores at least here I was ensure that it'll fit perfectly. I also got to pick the length of the skirt and I decided to try something new and chose the option believe my knee. The amazing thing is they also ask for you height so they know just how long below the knee is. If you didn't want any changes done to the style there's always the option as shown but honestly who wouldn't want to alter something to fit you perfectly. Overall I just loved the experience. My package came faster than expected and when I opened it up it was quite a surprise because it was the first time I ever had a skirt that resembled the bottom of a ball gown. However I really do love it and most importantly I love how I feel in it. It's now added to one of my favorite skirts. 

I also got a little surprise for you as well now until 01/05/2015 you guys get a 10% discount off your purchase if you use the code: sweetserendipity
Note: Code has to be entered in the ‘promotional code’ box.   It is not case-sensitive.  

Code can be used any number of times until the validity period. 

It can be clubbed with any other promotional offer, gift coupon or gift card in the same order unless explicitly specified otherwise in the offer conditions.

This discount code is not applicable on clearance / sale, gift cards & overstock categories.

Not applicable on previous purchases.

I hope you guys find something you like there and customize it your own personal style. 

What's your biggest struggle when shopping?