Spring is always the time of the year where I attempt to adjust my diet to a healthier one, especially after an entire holiday season of binge eating. I am not, however, a huge fan of salads, so I try my best to find different kinds to switch things up throughout the week. One of my current favorites is the Caprese salad, with some bowtie pasta tossed in. It's filling, healthy, and extremely easy to make!

Serves: 1-2

3. Toss the grape tomatoes, mozzarella, pasta, and washed spinach in with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Smile c:
~michelle

Happy New Year's!

I can't believe it's already a full week into the new year! This break has just passed way too quickly. In a few hours, I'll be heading back to school. 

To finish the holiday season, of course, I had to make some peppermint bark! I tried this last year, but nothing seemed to work. This time, it was a success! Well, as much as cooking can be for me, and of course, with a lot of funny stories behind it.

The process was split at multiple houses, and involved a lot of transportation - hence, the photo with a grassy background. Since the second house had wooden kitchen floors, I couldn't smash the candy canes in the kitchen. The result? There are quite a few photos of me sitting on the tiled floor of a bathroom, smashing candy canes with my phone. Definitely an interesting way to start the new year.

• 12 oz white chocolate*
• 12 oz milk or semi-sweet chocolate*
• 4 candy canes
• 1 tsp vegetable oil

*Do NOT use Nestle, use Ghiradelli! Nestle's chocolate doesn't melt smoothly - it clumps easily.

3. Before the brown chocolate has completely dried, repeat the process with the white chocolate. Break the candy canes in a ziplock bag with a hard object, and scatter over the white chocolate while it is still soft. Let bark solidify in fridge for no less than 2 hours, and break into pieces.

Smile c:
~michelle

When December comes around, all I can think about are Christmas trees, fairy lights, and peppermint white chocolate mochas. The heavenly mix of peppermint and chocolate is my ultimate holiday season indulgence. The two contrasting flavors pair amazingly together, and no matter what time of the year, it'll always feel like Christmas

Of course, it's not Christmas without some peppermint bark!

Happy Holidays!
Smile c:
~michelle