Sustainable & Creative Living
I’m always trying to find or come up with healthy, easy to make snacks. Preferably sweet and/or cinnamony ones! I love the taste and texture of chickpeas in salads or roasted plain with garlic salt, but I thought they’d taste good with a sweet, cinnamon flavor. After some experimenting, I came up with this recipe for sweet Roasted Cinnamon Chickpeas to satisfy both [Read more…]
With Easter just around the corner, we’ve been doing lots of Easter crafts in my house. This Paper Plate Easter Bunny Craft is one of my favorites. I took an old favorite— the cotton balls on a paper plate idea and added a little flare. Most of these items you should have on hand but if you don’t, [Read more…]
With Earth Day coming on April 22 this year, it’s a fun month to teach young kids about the beauty of the world around us, including all the living things in it. The value of recycling is also a very important concept that, if taught at a young age, can hopefully instill a strong foundation and appreciation for reducing waste. Many of these Earth Day Preschool Activities are simple and fun ideas that can be [Read more…]
Gratitude for simple pleasures has always been something I try to remember and practice. Sometimes, though, it’s harder than others to remember something that seems like it should be so easy. Lately, with everything that’s going on, it’s become a lot easier. With the coronavirus being a big, unavoidable part of our lives, we’re all reminded of how precious life and family are. We’re also all looking for ways to stay safe, healthy, calm, and [Read more…]
I love yoga. It’s become one of my favorite ways to relax my mind and body when I need it most. One thing that doesn’t relax my mind though– is thinking about all the nasty stuff that’s on my yoga mat, especially after an intense sweaty practice! Anyone who practices yoga knows that it doesn’t take long for your mat to build up dirt and grime. This is why I’ve created an easy DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner with just a few ingredients.
Hot tea is a great home remedy for a sore throat, even my doctor prescribes it when I’m suffering from a bout of strep or severe allergies. One of my favorite teas to drink when I’m sick is from Starbucks- Venti Honey Citrus Mint Tea- not only delicious but also runs about $5 a pop. That can add up pretty quickly when my throat bothers me for a week or two! In efforts to avoid going broke with daily Starbucks runs, I created [Read more…]
Lemons are one of those foods I like to have on hand in the kitchen to use as a quick, zesty flavor additive for chicken, veggies, tea, and, of course, ice water. They are packed with fiber and vitamin C, which makes the health benefits through the roof. Some specialists also believe that lemons aid in the prevention of kidney stones. As a long time sufferer of kidney disease, my nephrologist often praises the number of lemons I must eat as a result of my citric acid levels.
Lemons are such a versatile fruit, but I often find myself with a [Read more…]
Coming up shortly I’ll be attending a masquerade fundraiser ball where I get to dress up, have a nice kid-free dinner, adult conversation, and hopefully lots of wine! This is an event I’ve been attending annually for the past few years, and although I know it’s coming every year, I usually find myself running around last minute for a dress and fun new mask. This year I decided to think ahead and give myself some time to make my own. Mask not dress- I’m not that talented! Check out my [Read more…]
Whether or not it’s a special holiday like Valentine’s Day or a birthday, it always feels good to receive a bouquet of fresh flowers as a gift. If you’re like me, you’re all smiles when you get one. Also, if you’re like me, you want your blooms to last as long as possible. These 10 Tips To Make Fresh Flowers Last Longer will help prolong the life of your bouquet. [Read more…]
One of my son’s favorite snacks is a cake pop from Starbucks. Surprise, surprise right- so is every other kid’s in America. I made these adorable DIY Fake Cake Pops for my son to bring to school and add them to his VPK class Starbucks store. [Read more…]
If you’ve ever had yummy Greek treats like spinach pie or baklava then you know that infamous tissue-thin, light as a feather, melt in your mouth crunchy goodness is phyllo dough! The layered crunch comes from being brushed with oil or butter and then baked into light, flaky pastries. Growing up, I remember my mom using phyllo dough to make huge cheese and spinach pies that were never fully eaten and then later stored in the freezer for months. Over the years I’ve learned to incorporate my own twist on a nice family tradition but also scale it down a bit. These tiny Feta Stuffed Phyllo Bites are the perfect finger food for [Read more…]
There are certain scents that always remind us the holidays are here. We all have our own favorite. The smell of pine trees may be your favorite, but if it’s orange and cinnamon, then this DIY Holiday Stovetop Potpourri will definitely fill your home and your senses will Yuletide joy!
It’s Christmas time and I’ve got another fun scavenger hunt for those doing a little traveling this holiday season. If you plan on spending any time in the car with kids this Christmas—holiday shopping, a road trip to visit family, or even just a trip to the market, make sure you grab this Christmas Scavenger Hunt and a marker. [Read more…]
