Paleo Bento Box Lunch

When I switched to eating paleo, I discovered two big challenges:
1. What do I eat for lunch if I can't have a sandwich?
2. Holy crap, this can get expensive.

Now, I'm the kind of person who can eat the same thing every day for lunch, day in and day out {kinda like Jim from The Office with his ham-and-cheese sandwich}.

I realize not everyone is like that, but whether you're like me and just hard boil a dozen eggs for the entire week, or just stumped for lunch one day, this is a great go-to.  Plus it's made from some pretty inexpensive paleo staples that you probably already have in your fridge.

Added bonus, it hits all the paleo must-haves: Protein. Healthy fats. Veggies. Fruits.

This isn't so much a recipe, but my lunch typically includes:

1-2 Hard Boiled Egg {protien}

A few Green Olives {healthy fats}
Raw Veggies {today: broccoli and grape tomatoes}
Some Berries {or other fruit}
Optional: Sometimes I also make this dip to go with the veggies.

What I love is that there's enough different flavors that I keep from getting bored and it's super easy to keep all the supplies on hand throughout the week.

P.S. How perfect would this bento box be if you had to take this as a packed lunch to work?

Pinspiration: Basics + Brights + Mixed Prints

Try as I might, I will always be a tee shirt-and-jeans kind of gal. Though I will admit that those staples can get a bit boring and sometimes a little too man-ish if you're not careful {not that any of you ever look man-ish. Just me} 

But by replacing ordinary blue jeans with teal skinnies and adding a couple of patterned accessories, there's no potential manliness here.

Original: Pinterest
Tee: Gap {$20}
Skinnies: Old Navy {$25}
Scarf: Target {$15}
Belt: Express {$25}
Bracelets: Zappos {$40}

It's the freakin' weekend baby

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I'm about to have me some fun.

{yes, of all the songs in the world, I just quoted an R. Kelly song. And yes, I realize this reference is literally a decade old. Moving on...}

I'm super excited for this weekend.  Tonight, my beloved Cubbies are in town tonight to play the Nationals! I can't wait to endulge in a hotdog and some beer {and potentially be heckled by Nats fans for wearing Chicago gear on their home turf}.  Saturday morning, I finish up my CrossFit fundamentals class {after tomorrow, I can start attending regular classes} and then later that night, some friends of mine are hosting a BBQ.  Sunday will be filled with sleeping in, laundry, and an un-godly amount of Netflix marathoning {no judging- you know you're guilty of it too ;-)}

See you Monday! Until then, enjoy some choice internet finds I stumbled on.

Sometimes life isn't fair.

Everyday of my life.

In love with this photo series.

Can't wait to try making these.

Wait...Trix doesn't come in fruit shapes anymore {#19}

Chomping at the bit to chop it off. Or dye it. Or do *something*

Unique way to choose your drink

This should help with my Sunday plans

Weekend DIY?

I'm not even a hockey fan, but this story is too awesome

Think outside the box

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Current Love: Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain + Balm

I'm nothing close to a make-up expert. I know enough to get my face from "Oh dear God what is that thing" in the morning to decently presentable for work/public outing and that's about it- BB cream, concealer, and blush and I call it a day. 

I have no skills when it comes to eye make-up- it's mascara or absolutely nothing. Anytime I attempt eye shadow, I look like a hooker.  {seriously, it's terrifying} Or liquid eye liner...yikes.....

And don't even get me started with lipstick. I've never been able to find a flattering stick/gloss/stain/anything.  I don't know if I'm just not used to seeing my lips with color on them or if I have the worst skin tone in the world but I've been resigned to using Burt's Bees for the rest of my life. {Don't get me wrong- Burt's Bees will forever be my go-to. I can not profess my love for that balm enough}

But that doesn't stop me from trying to find something {anything} that will work and all my dedication has paid off. The winner? Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain + Balm in Victorian. It gives just the right hint of color. It doesn't rub off. And the balm is pretty moisturizing too. I can't wait to try other shades.

Do any of you have a go-to lip color?

{photo sources: top / bottom

For the record, See Sarah Bake has no business affiliation with Revlon or any of their products. I'm just a fan if this stain and wanted to share it with my readers.

Brownie Batter Larabars

I posted here about my love of Larabars.  They're a great grab-and-go breakfast. I always keep one at my desk, in case I can't get away for lunch one day. And I'm always throwing one in the purse for long roadtrips.

And while I love a company that prides themselves on using only whole, quality ingredients, I have a hard time forking over $20/box. However, the best part about loving something made with whole, quality ingredients? Easily reproducible, and for much cheaper.

And even better? There are infinite flavor possibilities. All you need for the base are dates and nuts {I've found cashews and walnuts work best}. Then you can throw in whatever you'd like.  Dried fruit {cherries, bananas, apples, blueberries}, other nuts {toasted pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts}, spices {cinnamon, cocoa powder}, and anything else you can think of {paleo-friendly chocolate chips anyone?}

I've played around with a lot of varieties and two favorites have been Banana Bread {dates, cashews, walnuts, and dried banana} and Apple Pie {dates, cashews, pecans, dried apples, and cinnamon}.

But sometimes a girl just needs a brownie

Monochromatic Pink

For some reason I've never been one for monochromatic looks.  They tend to remind me of those Juicy sweatsuits everyone wore 'back in the day'.

Or Canadian tuxedos. Either way- not good.

But this one's different- the slight difference in the shades of pink keep it from looking one note and I like how the chain of the cross-body bag breaks it up a bit.

Original: Pinterest
Blouse: Old Navy {$25}
Skinnies: Gap {$27}
Shades: Nordstorm {$24} {same as seen here}
Bangle: Shopbop {$40}
Bag: Zappos {$48}
Heels: Calvin Klein {$40}