Warm Chopped Chicken, Kale and Quinoa Salad with Toasted Chickpeas

I've been a fan of chopped salads since my days of living in Manhattan in my early twenties.  My friends and I would eat lunch at a cafe near my apartment and order the chopped salad.  It was the first time I had ever experienced a salad that was cut up into little bite-sized pieces, getting a taste of each ingredient in every forkful. I was in love.

Recently, the restaurant, Chopt, opened in my town and I was super excited to try it out.  They have a huge variety of chopped salads, including make-your-own.  They also have a series of salads served warm, with a hot quinoa or rice blend mixed in.  I find the toasty, earthy flavors so cozy to eat, and these are my favorite salads at this popular restaurant. 

Inspired by that first chopped salad in New York City, as well as my favorite warm salad from Chopt, I created this chopped chicken, kale, and quinoa salad, studded with pine nuts, cranberries, and toasted chickpeas, and served warm.  The tangy dressing pulls the flavors together without overpowering them, and this is an easy meal to make.  My husband and I both loved this hearty and healthy salad.  The recipe is gluten-free and could also be made vegetarian or vegan by omitting the chicken.  There is plenty of protein provided by the quinoa and chickpeas.

Splurge vs. Save: Leopard Print Accessories

Leopard print is a hot trend this season, showing up in everything from leopard print shoes to sweaters to belts and handbags.  When it comes to trendy items, I prefer to save money by purchasing lower-priced items that will last only a season or two and splurge on wardrobe pieces that are more timeless.

So, I've put together my finds for some leopard print accessories, so that you can add a hint of this fall trend to your outfit without totally over-doing it.  This list includes leopard print flats, leopard print pumps, leopard print clutches, and leopard print belts.  There is something for everyone's budget.

For shopping details, click on the photo below:

For more style inspiration, check out our Fall Faves and Fashion Friday Features.

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Fall Faves: Must-haves in Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle

I am so beyond excited that the weather is starting to cool down and fall is showing it's colors.  I think fall is my favorite time of year, as I enjoy the changing of the seasons and appreciate the cool down after long hot North Carolinian summers.  This year I am especially excited to incorporate some new fashion, beauty and lifestyle trends into my wardrobe and routine.  Here is my list of fall favorites for 2018.

5 Must-Read Summer Book Recommendations

I've always been an avid reader.  My earliest childhood memories include reading picture books with my parents, and as I grew older, my love for narratives by Beverly Cleary and Judy Bloom went strong.  In high school, I can remember devouring the vampire-themed novels that were popular at the time, then segueing into John Grisham thrillers in my twenties.

These days, I enjoy reading anything from Memoir and Historical Fiction to Realistic Fiction and Chick-Lit.  My favorite books are those that make me think deep, with characters that are relatable and realistic.

Over the years, with life getting busy, reading has often gone to the wayside.  But this summer, I rekindled my love for reading and have been able to finish quite a few novels.  I've put together my summer reading list with five of my favorite reads (well, four books and one series) that you won't want to put down and will keep you turning the pages.

Fashion Friday Feature: Items to Wear Now from the Nordstrom Sale

Early Access to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (for Nordstrom Cardholders only) started yesterday and so many people were trying to purchase online that the website crashed!  This sale is no joke, and clearly, people take it very seriously!

The thing about this sale is that it occurs right smack in the middle of summer when we are all sweating in our shorts and tank tops, dreaming of cooler weather to come.  The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is unique from their other sales because this sale features new fall items at a discounted price.  But it can be hard to gear up for fall when we are sweltering in the heat.

For this reason, I've put together a look featuring items from the sale that can be worn now AND later in the fall.  Keep in mind that you must be a cardholder to access the sale right now.  On July 20, the sale opens up to the general public.

5 Essential Steps and Products for a Flawless At-Home Manicure

Let's face it.  Life gets busy and making it to the nail salon regularly can be difficult and costly.  For this reason, I have perfected the at-home manicure using a product that significantly reduces the dry time and helps to prevent messing up all of my hard work.

One day, I was browsing Nordstrom Rack, and conveniently at the register, they had a display with this OPI quick dry top coat.  I picked it up and gave it a try.  I couldn't believe how quickly it helped to dry my nails.  No more waiting hours to be able to do anything.  This top coat set my nail polish to completely dry within an hour!  Since then, I've also been using this Dry Fast Top Coat by Seche.  It too works wonders.

Fashion Friday Feature: Fourth of July Festivities

Personally, I'm not one to buy themed or holiday clothing.  I prefer to spend my money on pieces that can be worn all season.  But that doesn't mean I don't like to look festive when holidays come around.  Instead, I take pieces that are versatile and put them together to make a "holiday look," like the one featured this week in our Fashion Friday Feature.

This patriotic outfit inspired by the Fourth of July can take you to any casual party, outdoors or in, as well as to watching fireworks or just hanging out with friends in the backyard.

5 Healthy Snack Recipes and Ideas for Families on the Go

My family members are big snackers.  They would prefer to eat a bag of cheese crackers instead of the healthy meals I cook for them.  So, having wholesome and delicious snack choices that are quick to grab and easy to take on the go are important to have on hand.  Over the years, I've compiled a list of our favorite easy snack recipes, which I've listed below.

One of our favorite healthy snacks is Energy Bites.  My girls do competitive gymnastics, so I feel good about sending these to fuel their bodies during practice.  I also love to eat them for a quick energy boost and to fight those mid-day hunger cravings.  Because they are easy to make and last a long time in the freezer, I make a big batch and we grab them when we need a healthy snack option.

I adapted this recipe from Princess Pinky Girl.  My daughters usually help me make these energy bites, and it is fun and quick.  Now they can pretty much make them themselves.

Chocolate Chip Energy Bites

1.  Heat 1 cup of Almond Butter (or your favorite nut butter) with 1/2 cup of honey in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, until you are able to easily mix the two ingredients together.

2.  In a medium-sized bowl, combine 3 cups of oats with the almond butter/honey mixture and stir.

3.  Add 1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips and stir again.  Refrigerate the mixture for an hour or more.

4.  Roll the mixture into balls, then place back into the refrigerator or the freezer in an airtight container.  Enjoy!

Favorite Easy Snacks

Peanut Butter Granola
Greek Yogurt with Fruit and a special ingredient
Apples, nut butter, and chocolate
Pumpkin Spice Cookie Dough Dip with apples or graham crackers
Energy Bites (recipe above)

Follow us on Pinterest, as we add to our Healthy Snacks board regularly.

For quick and easy meal preparation, read about my experience with Home Chef or check out this recipe for a White Chicken Chili in the Instant Pot.

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Fashion Friday Feature: Casual Summer BBQ

There's nothing better, in my opinion, than comfortable summer clothing.  But style does not have to be sacrificed to achieve that relaxed feeling.  This week, in our Fashion Friday Feature, we are showcasing an outfit that can be worn to any casual summer event, including a bar-b-que.  These pieces are versatile and can be mixed and matched with other items in your wardrobe as well.

A summer BBQ should be fun and not a place to stress over what you are wearing.  It's simple to look stylish and be comfortable when you put together easy pieces like these.

Striped Tank

This striped tank by Madewell is a summer staple.  I own this tank in white; it is stylish, comfortable and, best of all, lightweight, but not see-thru!  I'd like to have this tank in every color, including this striped version.  I love anything with stripes.

Scalloped Hem Shorts

How cute are these scalloped hem shorts?  I love the army green color, which can coordinate with so many other colors.  They are a neutral short, but the scalloped detail makes them special. 

Gladiator Sandals

These gladiator sandals are cute and this brand is notoriously comfortable.  The gladiator style adds a pop of a cool funky vibe to this ensemble. 

Woven Tote Bag

Straw and woven bags are hot this summer, and this one is unique and pretty.  It could be used as either a purse or beach bag or both! 

Pops of Color: Red Bracelet and Earrings

Adding a pop of color with accessories is a perfect way to jazz up an otherwise neutral outfit.  Red pairs perfectly with black and white, as well as the army green shorts.  This beaded bracelet is a pretty accent piece in red, and these Kendra Scott earrings are beautiful (and come in a variety of colors, including red), as her jewelry always is.


Click on the pieces below for more details:

I am naming this outfit "Casual Summer BBQ," but where I live, in the south, they call an event when someone grills outside, a "cook-out."   Where I am from, we use the term bar-b-que.  What do you call it?

For more style inspiration, check out other Fashion Friday Features: At the Beach or Pool and A Sunday Brunch Outfit.

We're hosting a #CuratingTheGoodLife Summer Instagram Challenge and would love for you to join us!  It's such fun to connect on Instagram and share new ideas.  Details can be found in this post.

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#CuratingTheGoodLIfe Instagram Challenge

We are very excited here at Living Young and Healthy to announce that we are hosting an Instagram Challenge with our founder, Leigh Hines from HinesSightBlog!

Instagram has become a go-to resource for people to connect with friends, to follow bloggers and influencers, and to gain new knowledge and insight.  Instagram Stories are also so much fun.  I love "getting to know" people by watching their stories.  And I learn a lot; from recipe ideas to fitness tips to fun activities to do with my children, Instagram can be a wealth of information.  If you are on Instagram, we would love to connect with you.  We are @LivingYoungHealthy and @HinesSightBlog.

#CuratingTheGoodLife

Now, on to the challenge.  It's a weekly challenge about how we go about curating a good life for ourselves.  Each week, there will be a new theme. To participate, all you have to do is post a photo or video to your feed or story that relates to the weekly subject.  Use the hashtag #CuratingTheGoodLife and tag both @LivingYoungHealthy and @HinesSightBlog so that we see it and can share our favorites.  It's that easy!

We've already planned out the weekly themes, and the graphic below explains them.  We hope you will join in the fun so that we can get to know you and also learn new ways to curate the good life for ourselves!

Will you play along and share your ideas for #curatingthegoodlife?  We can't wait to see what you post!

For more ways to curate the good life, check out our Friday Fashion Features and Healthy Living posts. 

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Stylish and Fashionable Reading Glasses for Any Woman

It's a fact of life that as we age, our eyesight changes.  Most people start to have difficulty seeing clearly at close distances.  Luckily, an easy fix is a pair of stylish and pretty reading glasses.  I've rounded up a collection of fashionable eyewear at every price point that will make any woman feel confident and attractive.

Fashion Friday Feature: At the Beach or Pool

Memorial Day is around the corner and that means it's time to play at the beach or pool!  We've put together several pieces that will help you look fabulous at either place.

Change up the Dinner Routine with Quick and Easy Meals from Home Chef

Part of living a healthy lifestyle includes making healthy meals on a daily basis for my family.  I have a repertoire of recipes that we love and enjoy, but it can be boring to eat the same dinner on a repeat basis, so I am always looking for new ideas that are quick and easy to prepare, are healthy and that my family will enjoy.

I recently had the opportunity to try out a meal kit delivery company called Home Chef, which helped us sample some new meals and break out of our dinner rut!

Fashion Friday Feature: Mother's Day Brunch

This Friday's Fashion Feature is an outfit for Mother's Day Brunch.  This ensemble is casual enough for a buffet brunch, or dressy enough for a more upscale affair.  The pops of pink and green are perfect for a beautiful spring day, celebrating with the family.

Fashion Friday Feature: Casual Spring Details

It's all in the details!  For our first installment of Fashion Friday Feature, we have put together an outfit that is casual, perfect for spring and features the prettiest of details.

From the top and pants to the shoes, bag, and jewelry, we have it all for you.  This outfit is perfect for a casual lunch, running errands or even a low-key date night!

Top

This white top with blue embroidery is sweet.  It's tiered sleeves provide added detail and the peasant style is flattering for any body type (hides the tummy well!)  

Denim

These skinny jeans from a favorite affordable brand have just enough distressing to look edgy without going over the top.  

Sandals

The wedge sandal is the hot shoe of the season, and this one by Marc Fisher is darling with the ruffle detail on the toe.  The shoe comes in the nude color featured above, which elongates the leg, as well as a beautiful light blue, pink and black.  

Earrings

Teardrop shaped earrings are a perfect accent to a stylish but casual outfit, and these cork ones are so unique.  The gold accent detail makes them even more special.

Bracelet

This bracelet by Madewell is a great accessory to go with the embroidered top.  The pops of color add the perfect amount of colorful detail to the outfit.  

Satchel

The gray color of this satchel is on pointe and the ruffle on either side is adorable.  It's just roomy enough for everyday use.


Click on each item for product details and where to purchase:

For more style inspiration and gift ideas, check out our Fun Finds Vol. 1, Vol. 2 and Vol. 3.  

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Living Young and Healthy Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Effective date: May 24, 2018
LivingYoungandHealthy ("us", "we", or "our") operates the https://www.livingyoungandhealthy.com website (the "Service").
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We use your data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. Unless otherwise defined in this Privacy Policy, terms used in this Privacy Policy have the same meanings as in our Terms and Conditions, accessible from https://www.livingyoungandhealthy.com

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Our Service may contain links to other sites that are not operated by us. If you click on a third party link, you will be directed to that third party's site. We strongly advise you to review the Privacy Policy of every site you visit.

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Our Service does not address anyone under the age of 16 ("Children").
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We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page.
We will let you know via email and/or a prominent notice on our Service, prior to the change becoming effective and update the "effective date" at the top of this Privacy Policy.
You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page.

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If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

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Living Young and Healthy is not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without our permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice.

Fun Finds Vol. 3 | Perfect Gifts for Mother's Day

We all know the old saying, "it's the thought that counts," and we agree it's true.  But...it's also nice to get a gift that is beautiful and treasured.  We've carefully curated the perfect gift guide of items that any mother would love to receive for Mother's Day or any day!  Show your mother, grandmother, sister, or any other woman in your life that you care with one of these lovely finds.

one | two | three | four | five | six | seven

Sunscreen: The Most Important Product in your Anti-aging Skincare Routine

I have mentioned this product in a couple of posts now, but I believe it deserves a post of its own: Sunscreen.

Sunscreen is an essential part of my daily skincare routine.  Even on days when I am not wearing makeup, I put sunscreen on my face and neck.  This is because the sun's harmful rays are out year round, and sunscreen helps to prevent skin cancer, as well as pesky wrinkles.  It's an important tool in my skincare routine and a product I cannot live without, both for health and beauty reasons.

There are many dual-purpose moisturizers and foundations with SPF built in, but studies have shown that the effectiveness of the sunscreen is diminished when mixed with these products.  So it's best to wear a stand-alone sunscreen under your makeup after you've applied your moisturizer.

Fun Finds Vol. 2 | Inspired by Spring

Who else is ready for Spring to arrive?  I can't wait to be able to wear the new spring fashion trends.  Pastels, espadrilles, and straw bags are hot for the upcoming season.  Here are our picks, our "fun finds," ranging from shoes and clothing to accessories and beauty products, that we have curated for the warmer weather to come.

one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight | nine | ten

Insanely Quick and Healthy Breakfast

If you are looking for a quick and delicious breakfast that is full of protein, fruit, and healthy nutrients, we have found the perfect morning meal.  This incredibly easy breakfast satisfies your sweet tooth cravings and keeps you full all morning.

Breakfast has changed a lot since I was a kid.  I grew up on cereal and pop tarts.  For me, breakfast was the fun meal of the day, filled with prizes in cereal boxes and sweet treats. Today still, the breakfast aisle at the grocery store is filled with sugary cereals that offer little nutritional value.

It's hard to find quick and easy breakfast ideas that are nutritious and not highly processed.  That's why I started eating this healthy, protein- and nutrient-packed breakfast daily. It's quick to put together and tastes decadent.

White Chicken Chili in the Instant Pot

Much to my dismay, the groundhog saw his shadow, so that means 6 more weeks of winter.  It has been a cold one, and there is nothing I enjoy more than a warm bowl of healthy chili or soup for dinner on a chilly winter night.  Who am I kidding?  I love to eat soups and chili year-round.

This healthy and hearty White Chicken Chili is a family favorite.  It comes together very easily in the Instant Pot, and can also be made on the stovetop.  I adapted the recipe from an old recipe I got in a grocery store flyer years and years ago when I was in college.

I bought myself an Instant Pot last year to replace my slow cooker.  I loved the idea that I could saute vegetables and ground meats directly in the pot and not have to dirty multiple pans.  And instead of cooking all day, the pressure cooking function allows for putting together a meal in just minutes!

One of my favorite time savers when cooking is this frozen garlic by Dorot.  The minced garlic is packaged in individual cubes and can be added to any recipe.  No need to defrost, it cooks up quickly.  I buy it at Trader Joe's but have also seen it at the local grocery store as well. 

5 Budget-Friendly Skin Care Essentials that Actually Work

Finding products that are both effective and affordable can be difficult.  I have experimented with many skincare products over the years, both high-end and drugstore, and found these 5 budget-friendly items that I've incorporated into my regular skincare routine.  Most of them can be found in the drugstore, at prices that won't empty your wallet!

Winter can wreak havoc on your skincare routine.  Particularly for us ladies with aging skin.  Although I have had combination skin my whole life, I am now noticing the need to use products geared toward dry skin to fight and prevent those pesky fine lines and wrinkles.  These products target those problem areas and leave the skin feeling moisturized and smooth.

Fun Finds Vol. 1 | Inspired by Valentine's Day

Welcome to our first edition of FUN FINDS!  In these posts, we will share things we have found around the internet that are interesting, unique and fun.  Volume 1 is inspired by Valentine's Day.  Any of these items would make the perfect gift for a woman in your life (including yourself!)

one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight | nine | ten | eleven

Affordable Red Wine Recommendations and a Simple Italian Salad

I'll admit it.  I love wine.  Red wine, white wine, sparkling wine, any wine.  During the summer, when it's warm, I look forward to a nice cold, crisp glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, and in the winter I really appreciate a rich, velvety red.

Lately, I have been enjoying Red Blends.  I love how smooth and fruity they tend to be.  I have found three that are not only delicious but affordable as well.  All three of these wines are in the $8-12 price range.

What to Pack for a Ski Trip (to look stylish and be comfortable)

While hitting the slopes on vacation is exhilarating and fun, packing for a ski trip can be daunting.  My husband and I love to ski, and we have spent a lot of time on the slopes.  We enjoy travel and like to incorporate skiing adventures into our family vacations.  

This year my family will spend a week in Breckenridge, Colorado, so it has me thinking about what needs to be bought and packed.  I have curated a list of must-haves for every woman to look chic and stylish on the mountain, but be warm and comfortable at the same time.

It's the middle of winter and you're on a mountain that is 9,000 feet in altitude.  It can be brutally cold!  I find that wearing layers is the most effective way to stay warm and comfortable when in the harsh elements.

Thinking of ski clothes, the first thing that comes to mind is likely a jacket and snow pants.  But really, what you put underneath those outer layers is almost more important.

5 Ways to Workout from Home (little or no equipment required!)

With the new year come New Year's Resolutions.  Personally, I try to live the lifestyle I desire each and every day of the year rather than make resolutions that I may not keep after a month or so.  Plus, life is too short to wait until the new year!

However, now that the hectic-ness of Thanksgiving and Christmas are over, I need to buckle down and get back into the routine of a regular fitness program.  I used to love going to the gym and attending group fitness classes.

These days, life is busier and I find getting to the gym impossible to schedule.  So I've been working out from home by doing online workout programs, many of which have corresponding apps that can be streamed on a variety of devices.

With these 5 workout programs that I have tried and liked, the investment is minimal and you can exercise according to your own schedule, not according to the gym schedule.  These programs are preset, so you know you will get a good workout.  All you need are weights (for some of the workouts) and a mat and you're good to go!