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Chirag Diyora
When I was a kid I loved fruit rolls! They were a great treat in my lunchbox, fun to play with and even more fun to eat! My favorite ones were red – which usually meant they had some sort of strawberry flavoring in them. I have no idea what was in the the fruit rolls of my childhood, but I can tell you exactly what is in the fruit rolls I make for my kids! They are fresh, delicious, and crazy easy to make! Not to mention, they are a great way to use up fruit that is super ripe and needs to be eaten fast!
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 Cups – Fresh ripe (or slightly over ripe) fruit of your choice
- 2 Tbsp – Fresh citrus of choice (lemon, lime or orange)
- Optional: 1/4 Cup Sugar (You can omit completely if your fruit is super ripe and sweet, or use a couple tablespoons of honey or agave if you prefer)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Baking sheet (13×18 or 13×15 both work fine)
- Blender
- Spatula (I use an offset spatula because it tends to work best for spreading in a nice thin even layer)
- Large bowl
INSTRUCTIONS:
- First, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. I like to use parchment because it can be used when rolling up the fruit rolls once they are baked and cooled. You can also use a silicone baking mat. Make sure it covers the whole baking sheet.
Wash and cut your ripe fruit into medium sized pieces that are easy to measure in a measuring cup and easy to blend. Make sure you have 3 cups of fruit and put into a large bowl.- Squeeze 1 lemon, lime or small orange. Measure 2 tablespoons and add to your bowl of sliced fruit. You can also just add it to the blender on top of the fruit.
- Pour the fruit and juice mixture into your blender.
Measure 1/4 cup of sugar and pour into the blender on top of the fruit. As mentioned above, you can omit the sweetener if your fruit is ripe and already very sweet. Adding sugar does make the fruit rolls a little more chewy in texture – more like a store bought fruit roll – but it is delicious no matter what!- Place top on the blender and blend until almost smooth. A little texture is good. Your puree should be thin enough that it pours – and thick enough to stay put when you spread it on the pan.
Pour the mixture onto your lined baking sheet. Use an offset spatula to spread the mixture about 1/8″ thick.- Bake at about 170 degrees Fahrenheit for around 5-6 hours (might take longer depending on the thickness of your batch and what fruit you used. You are baking this low and slow to basically dehydrate it. If the edges start to get dark, take the pan out of the oven and brush the edges with
a little water to help rehydrate it. If they are a little overdone at the end, just cut the edges off or try brushing with more water to make it more pliable. I baked my batch for about 4 hours and then turned off the oven and left it there overnight. My oven takes awhile to cool off so it continued to bake and then fully cooled by morning. If 
you need to bake it a little longer in the morning, that is totally fine, it won’t hurt it at all. If it is pretty close to done, keep an eye on it as you don’t want it to overcook and get crispy. For the first couple of hours you can be very hands off and just let it do it’s thing. After about 2 hours, it is usually a good time to test how done it is. If it is still very soft, set your timing for another 60 – 90 minutes or so and then check it again. Use the tip of your finger to test it by touchingthe center of the fruit mixture.
It should notstick to your finger or leave an indent when you touch it. - Once it is fully cooked and cooled, use kitchen scissors to cut into long strips, roughly 1-1.5″ thick. I eyeball it so my fruit rolls are not perfect – but I think it’s fun that way 🙂 They fit perfectly into kids lunches and you actually know what
is in them! YUM! - Roll the strips into little rolls with the parchment paper and put into an airtight container for easy storage (mason jars or tupperware work great).
- Now, go enjoy your sweet and healthy treats! Don’t forget to share with the kids! 😉 XOXO
NOTE: I made 2 batches which I took photos of for this post. The first was made with 3 cups of strawberries and the juice of a small ripe orange (2 tbsp). For the second batch, I used 1 cup strawberries, 1 cup pear, 1 cup apple and the juice from 1 lime which came out to exactly 2 tablespoons. Both batches came out delicious! Use what you have on hand that needs to be eaten/used up! Also, look for ripe organic fruit on sale! Super ripe fruit is usually being sold for a great price before it goes bad – and it is perfect for these fruit rolls!
Weeknights are always so busy! I wanted to do something easy and fun with the kids as an after dinner activity and treat. Then I remembered Jigglers! I haven’t made Jigglers since I was a kid! I used traditional Jello for this recipe, but I’m sure you can look into Vegan options for this as well.
This is my super simple recipe so you can give them a try!
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 – 6 ounce packet of Jello (I used strawberry but pick your favorite)
- 1.25 cups – Boiling water
- 1 – 9×13 baking pan (Use a Pyrex if you have one – the higher sides help)
- Saran wrap
- Cookie cutters
INSTRUCTIONS:
Line your baking pan (Pyrex) with Saran wrap leaving a little overhang on each side. This will make it much easier to get your Jigglers out later – and makes it so you don’t have to grease the pan.- Next, boil the water in a sauce pan.
- Pour the Jello powder into the boiling water, turn
off the heat, and gently mix with a whisk until completely dissolved - Pour the hot Jello mixture into your prepared pan. Be careful, the liquid is very hot so pour slowly.
- Put the pan into the fridge. Please be sure to clear a shelf so there is room for the hot Jello pan to sit flat in the fridge. Do not set this on top of anything but the shelf in the fridge.
- Let the Jello set in the fridge for 2-3 hours. Do not add any cold water or ice – that will dilute the Jello and you won’t have successful Jigglers!
- Once the Jello is fully set, get out the cookie cutters, make shapes, eat up and have fun!!!!
NOTE:
There is a new NATURAL Jello available flavored with real fruit juice and other natural flavors. It looks like this! I believe these come in a 3 ounce package, so you would need 2 packages to make this recipe.
A VEGAN NOTE:
For those looking for a vegan or vegetarian option, google Vegan Gelatin for some fantastic alternatives. I also found a great recipe (listed below) with information about Agar Agar (vegan) – so check it out! Try out her recipe – so worth it!
Agar Agar Fruit Jellies – The Food Librarian
Floral dresses are sweet, flirty and versatile! There is a beautiful femininity that only florals can provide. You can dress them up or down, wear them short or long, there are florals perfect for weddings, dates, festivals, casual errands, and more. There are so many amazing options out there right now – I had to pull together some of my favorites for you. I hope this helps you find the right floral for you!
The floral dress in this photo, which inspired this post, is one of my favorites! It’s off the shoulder, is the perfect length and flows beautifully. I always feel so beautiful when I’m in this dress. Unfortunately, this lovely dress from Nordstrom has completely sold out. I’m so sad because I know you would love it! These other floral options are also from Nordstrom, and are still in stock (for now)! Take a look and let me know if you have any questions! XO
Women’s After Six Floral Chiffon Off The Shoulder Gown
Off the shoulder, beautiful floral, perfect for a wedding or more formal event. This dress is perfect in so many ways – but please note that it is very long and may need to be hemmed if you are on the shorter side (like me)!
Women’s Jenny Yoo Cassie Flutter Sleeve Surplice Gown
The flutter sleeves on this dress are enchanting! This floral gown is delicate and beautiful. It comes in blush (as seen here) and black. Another perfect floral for a wedding or other formal summer event. Note that this is another long dress. The beauty of a dress that is long is that it can be hemmed to fit you exactly. Pick your shoes and make sure the dress fits you perfectly.
Women’s Missguided Bardot Off The Shoulder Midi Dress
This sassy floral is perfect for so many things! Summer date night, brunch with the girls, a cocktail party, and more. It is form fitting with an appropriate bust and shoulder action. The off-the-shoulder part of the dress fits well and doesn’t ride up or fall down. It is a midi length dress so keep that in mind if you are shorter. I love this dress so much and it’s under $100!
Women’s NSR Ruffle Dress
This sweet little floral is the perfect length, has beautiful ruffles, and is very flattering. I love it can be dressed up or down, and is still a little flirty. I do think it runs a little small so keep that in mind as you order this dress. The great news is it’s under $100 and Nordstrom has the best return policy ever so it is easy to size up or down as needed. I plan on bringing this on vacation to Hawaii! Yay!!!
Women’s Eliza J Floral Print Halter Maxi Dress
This dress is stunning! It is a halter with a beautiful shape and sassy back. This is perfect for a tropical vacation, summer wedding, date, party, formal photos or other fun event! It comes in a couple different prints and has a sash. The fabric is lovely and Nordstrom does a fantastic job shipping this dress so it isn’t wrinkled when it arrives! So worth it!
Women’s O’Neill Cambria Maxi Wrap Dress
Ok – you need this wrap dress! It’s under $60, this blue is stunning, and it can easily be dressed up or down.
-Mic drop –
Women’s Wayf Love Note Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress
This floaty floral maxi is in my top 3 right now. It fits beautifully and can easily be dressed up or down with the right accessories. It covers problem areas and fits beautifully. The waist runs a little small so you may want to size up. Did I mention it is under $90? Honestly – you NEED this dress!
Women’s Bb Dakota Gaila Tiered Maxi Dress
AMAZING! This floral is super flattering with flowing tiers, a high back (easy to cover bra straps) and a sexy neckline. The colors are even more beautiful in person, and it works for a number of events. Don’t hesitate – it’s 40% off!!!
Get your floral on and enjoy!! Happy shopping!!
Sorry I’ve been MIA the last couple weeks. Mom life took hold and I have been swamped! We are moving – which is both exciting and sad for me. We have not found a new house yet, but we’re packing and staging our current home while we look. We will be showing it in less than 2 weeks, so life has been a bit hectic as of late! Kids, dogs, packing, cleaning…holy moly!
I’m excited to find a new house with more space for our family, but I am also sad as we close this chapter in our lives. I know I’m being silly, but Gabe was just a baby when we got our house. Sofia has never lived anywhere else. I know we will make our new (future) house into a home – but it is hard to say goodbye to a place we’ve made so many beautiful memories in and love so much. If anyone has any advice on how to move with young children – I would love it! Thanks in advance!
Ok – switching gears! Lets get to the fun stuff and talk about why you should shop the NORDSTROM Anniversary Sale now through August 6! Being that I love sales, this one in particular was definitely on my radar and is each year. If you had early access – it was amazing! The good news is, they did restock a lot of great items! So even if you missed out on early access, hopefully you still snagged some great stuff! Some of my favorite items from the sale are below. Let me know if you have any questions about the sizing, style, etc. Happy to help my fellow sale lovers out there! xo
Have you seen this sweatshirt? It is so comfy and cute! The inside is super soft and the slit at the neck is perfect (not to mention reinforced so it won’t rip). You can snag this at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale now – and I would recommend getting it before it sells out!
For reference, I’m sporting a size small and it hits a little below the waist. It is not a long sweatshirt, but it is casual fit and very cozy.
I love the fact that it looks great with jeans , workout pants, yoga pants, shorts and more. Being black, I feel like it’s a dressier sweatshirt (if there is such a thing – lol), perfect for running errands in comfort. Clearly I’m a fan.
Now let’s take a look at this Adidas Relaxed Fit Tank, shall we? I have worn this so many times already – and I just got it! This relaxed fit tank is perfect for actually working out – AND – lounging. As I mentioned above, we’re moving, which means lots of packing! Packing with toddlers is hard and I am on the move a lot right now. This tank has been lovely for this process. I’ve also lifted weights and done cardio in it. 
Did I mention that it is on sale right now and SO worth it! Honestly – it is a must – and I might have to get a second one given the sale price! For reference, I’m in an XS. If you want it to be roomier – you can definitely size up as it is meant to be a relaxed fit tank.
Leggings!!! Who doesn’t love leggings!?!
These Spanx Faux Leather Leggings are a serious staple in my closet – and have been for a while. I already owned these fantastic leggings – and when I found out they were part of the Nordstrom Anniversary sale – I made sure to get another pair!
They are faux leather leggings and look amazing with everything.I have them in XS and they fit beautifully!
They are high waisted so they don’t create a muffin top, they look dressy enough to wear with a tunic (see floral tunic here), but you can also dress them down and sport cute flats and a more casual top (paired with sweatshirt below)!
I personally love these leggings with a cute plaid shirt like this Treasure & Bond Relaxed Open Back Plaid Shirt or even a peplum like this Chelsea28 Bell Sleeve Sweater in red
. They are also crazy comfy and easy to chase kids in – BONUS! I had them on for my kids birthday party and they were not only cute – but I was able to jump in the bounce house with them! Ha!
Lastly, this Halogen Studded Stretch Belt.You guys – it is SO cute! I had iton last night with a sun dress and it was perfect. It is very versatile, the studs are small so the belt works with patterns or solids, and the back is stretchy so it fits beautifully instead of feeling (and looking) restrictive. This will work well on hot days with light weight tunics and dresses, and will continue to be a staple into the fall and winter months with heavier tunics, sweaters, sweater dresses and more. Definitely take a look while it’s still on sale! For reference, I got it in a small/medium.
This Fries Before Guys Sweatshirt is cute, soft, flattering, and comfortable. It does run a tag small in my opinion, so if you want it roomier, size up. You can see from the photo that it isn’t tight or fitted – but it’s also not an oversized baggy sweatshirt.
I’m only 5’2″ and it isn’t very long on me. I got it in an XS/Small for reference. It’s still on sale (for now) and definitely worth it!
Also in the photo above are these amazing Halogen Corbin Slide Loafers! They are so cute and very comfortable. I wasn’t 100% sold on these from the photo, but when I got them in the mail and tried them on, I was in LOVE! I’m getting them in the other 2 colors (available in silver and wheat). These can be thrown on with jeans or a tunic dress – so they are very versatile! I hope you can snag these before they are sold out!
This closeup should help you see how pretty these shoes are!
My clutch is by Leith is is currently sold out. I’m in love with it and hope that it’s back in stock soon for post sale folks to snag. 
That being said, check out this Sole Society Jemma Suede Clutch –that is still on sale and very similar in style and comes in oxblood which is a perfect fall color!
Another great option that isn’t part of the anniversary sale but is a crazy deal – is this Bp. Tonal Stripe Foldover Clutch –! It comes in 3 colors black, silver and stone) and is only $25!
This Sole Society ‘Marlena’ Faux Leather Foldover Clutch – is another very pretty option and is a total steal at regular price! It comes in black and used to come in brown – so keep an eye out for other colors that may be back in stock soon!
Have fun checking out the sale! I hope you are able to snag some great buys that will carry you from hot days to cool! Please comment with any questions – I’m happy to help!
My baby girl started preschool this week! Arg! It’s only 2 days a week, but still…very hard on mommy! It was exciting for her, and terrifying for me. I know she’s ready, I knew she would do well, but my stomach was in knots until I picked her up from school after lunch! Why? Because she’s growing up too fast and I’m not ready! Both my kids are!
My son is almost 4 and Sofia just turned 2. I am watching my babies get more independent by the day. Yes – that is a good thing and I am happy. That being said…I am still their mommy and I still want them to want and need me. Baby snuggles are absolutely necessary in my life right now. Watching my pumpkins head for the door with backpacks on is killing me! Ok – I’m done whining (sort of). I would like to share some information that should come in handy when you start looking at preschools.
Try these resources as a starting point:
- Ask friends and parents from your kids activities. Think – swim lessons, music class, art class, Gymboree, parents at the park, etc. Parents usually understand how stressful finding a school can be and are willing to offer up their own favorites in the area.
- Yelp. Do a Yelp search for “Best Preschools in insert your area.” You can’t 100% go off of Yelp, but it is helpful to see the positive and negative reviews that are publicly available.
- Private-schools.startclass.com – A great resource if you are looking to compare private schools.
- Public-schools.startclass.com – A great resource if you are looking to compare public schools.
- Savvysource.com – A site that provides information, reviews and ratings on events, preschools, camps and more in your area.
- Noodle – Use Noodle to do a preschool search in your area and add additional filters like age, program type, teaching philosophy, cost, facility type, and more.
- Winnie – Winnie is an easy tool to search for preschools and daycares in your area. It is user friendly, has filters that include age, schedule, facility, and a map to visually see where the schools are located at a birds eye view. Very helpful when trying to understand your neighborhood options!
- GreatSchools! – Use this site for reviews and quick comparisons. It also has a lot of parenting information like this helpful article on finding the best preschool for your child.
- Winnie – Winnie is a place for parents to connect, get new ideas, discover family friendly activities, and is a great resource for finding schools in your area. They also have a useful app for your phone – totally worth checking out!
What’s Next?
Once you’ve made your list of top schools in your area, give them a call and schedule a tour. Some schools offer tours all year round (by appointment), and others only offer tours during specific months. It’s worth it to call and make all of your appointments, even if they seem far out. You can always cancel, but it’s best to stay on the list.
Once you’ve made your appointments, start to think about what your priorities are. What is most important to you, for your family, and for your child. Write down your priorities because it may help you with formulating your list of questions to bring on the tours.
For me, I wanted a preschool that had a good mix of structure (yes I want my kids to learn letters, numbers, etc.) and play time (indoors and outdoors). Personally, fostering a love for learning is at the top of my list, along with safety and overall happiness.
Another priority for me was that the school be pretty close to our home. I juggle activities for both kids, and I didn’t want Sofia to get stuck in the car for a long period of time for pick up/drop off. It needs to work for the family as a whole (or at least I feel it does).
We eventually got lucky and found a great school that we all love – and it is only a mile away from our home! Will this always be the case for us? Nope! We’re looking at kindergarten options now (for Gabe) and some are farther away from home than I would like. BUT – Sofia will be in full time preschool when he turns 5, so it’ll all work out well. 😉
Once you figure out your list of priorities, start pulling together your list of questions to ask on your tour. I made a sample list below to make it easier. You can use this exact list, or modify it to fit your own needs/wants/priorities. It really should be used as a starting point.
Be sure to have the medical and dental information for your child handy. You will most likely need to provide their vaccination history as well as a plethora of other info on the application and registration forms. It can be intense – but the good news is – if you use something like HelloFax – you can fill out your forms on your computer and the basic info will auto-populate – saving you time! YAY! You don’t need to fax the documents – I use HelloFax to email completed documents all the time. There are other options out there as well – I just happen to like this one 😉
One last piece of advice…trust yourself! A school (not just preschool) might have a fantastic reputation, amazing reviews, and a top notch curriculum – BUT – it may not be right for your child or family. That is not only OK – it is normal! Trust your gut! You know your child best – and your know what isn’t right for them.
As an example, we sent Gabe to a preschool within walking distance of our home. It had great reviews, came highly recommended from a couple of parents in our circle, etc. Fast forward a few weeks in – Gabe did not seem happy, he cried at drop him off, he told me he didn’t like a specific “friend” at school, and my mommy radar went up BIG time!
I spoke with the head of the preschool and she didn’t think anything was wrong. I found out a couple of days later that Gabe was being bullied by another child – and the teachers didn’t notice anything until I brought it up. BIG red flag for this momma bear! Needless to say – we pulled him out of that school and found a different preschool that has been wonderful to date!
Gabe told me something was wrong and I am glad I listened. Even if your little one isn’t able to verbalize themselves well yet, trust their emotions. How are they interacting with the teachers and other kids? Are they happy and playing when they get picked up? Do they seem happy and comfortable? Some kids cry at drop-off but are totally fine the second you are out of sight. That is a different story. Each kid is different – and you know yours 🙂 If you feel like something isn’t right for your child or for your family –trust your kid and trust your gut! Do what you feel is right – despite the reviews and other info out there!
Take a look at the list of sample questions below, comment with any questions you may have, and best of luck as you find the right school for your little one! XOXO
List of Questions:
- What is your educational philosophy – such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf?
- What is the educational background and experience of your staff? Are they credentialed?
- Does everyone on the staff have CPR and First Aid certification (and is it up to date)?
- What is the staff turnover rate?
- What is the average class size and student/teacher ratio?
- What do you offer in terms of activities to help develop gross and fine motor skills?
- What does a typical day look like?
- What is your nap schedule and for which ages?
- What is your potty training policy?
- What food is provided on site (snacks, lunch, etc)?
- How is discipline handled?
- What day and time options are available?
- How are emergency situations handled?
- How much time is spent on curriculum vs. free/open play time?
- Are their field trips?
- What parent participation is needed or required?
- How much notice is needed if we decide to move our child to a different preschool, move out of the area, etc?
- What is your pickup/drop-off policy?
- Is there a strong parent community and do you provide a way for parents to communicate (schedule play dates etc.)?
- Do you have a system for electronic payments?
It’s summer which means sunshine, backyard BBQ’s, running around keeping the kiddos busy, and DRESSES! I am a huge fan of summer dresses – especially because it tends to feel like fall most of the year in San Francisco!
The sun is out – and I intend to take full advantage with sundresses galore! In honor of BBQs and sunshine – I’ve pulled together some of my favorite mustard yellow dresses so you can “put some mustard on it!” Ha!
I’m crushing hard on this off the shoulder mustard maxi dress! It’s from Forever 21 and is under $30. That being said – they just sold out! Arg! So….I’ve linked to other beautiful mustard options and super cute accessories below! Not to mention a little PSA about the upcoming Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and early access this Thursday! WHAT?!? Keep reading for more info – and let me know if you have any questions. I know I’ll be shopping the sale for some AMAZING deals! 😉 XO
This cutie dress from ASOS in on sale right now for under $50. The eyelets are so pretty and I love the midi length. Off the shoulder dresses are everywhere right now and perfect for summer. Stock for this dress is low so snag it soon!
Thank you Lulus for this Magical Movement Mustard Yellow beauty! This dress is made of a lightweight woven rayon with an elasticized halter neckline which makes it very comfortable. It has a wrapping triangle bodice, sassy back (or should I say no back at all), a flowing maxi skirt with high slit, and a sash to finish it off. Can you tell I’m smitten? It’s under $50 and will definitely turn heads! As with all things at Lulus, get it before it sells out!
Ruffles, ruffles, everywhere! How sweet is this ruffle mustard yellow dress? You can show off a little leg while staying super comfortable in this little number. Personally, I love how it’ll work with some wrap flats or wedges. You can get it on sale for $30 right meow!
It’s hard not to swoon when you see this adorable mustard yellow ruffle hem bardot dress! It has an elastic relaxed fit with an elastic waist and tassels to complete the look. I can literally chase my kids in this easy going dress – and then throw on some cute shoes and earrings for date night with my boo! It’s under $50 but sizes are going fast!
Accessories:
I paired my mustard maxi from Forever 21 (in the top photo) with this clutch from Charade. It has beautiful floral embroidery with beaded and sequin accents. It also has a shoulder chain if you don’t want to hold it like a clutch. The flap top has a magnetic snap-button closure with a tassel accent, and the interior has a slip pocket. It pairs perfectly with solids – I’ve worn it with my mustard dresses, white summer dresses, jeans with a white off shoulder top, and more! It’s also on sale for $30.40 – so snag it before it’s gone!
For your beach going needs – or simply running errands (hello farmers market) – I have the bag for you! This Bp. Slouchy Straw Tote is roomy with the cutest tassels and a zip top. I don’t use my diaper bags much anymore, but I do love a roomy tote that fits the toddler essentials (diapers, wipes, sippy cups, random toys, etc). I’m obsessed with how cute this is. It’ll match so many summer outfits – and it’s under $50!
These Sam Edelman Sheri Sandal are perfect for summer! They come in putty and black suede, so if you get both colors (which you should since I know you need them), you’ll be able to match everything! The heel is 2.5″ which is perfect for running after your littles – but still sassy with the wraps and a little height. They are on sale at Nordstrom for under $90 and so worth it!
I’m completely obsessed with these Jessica Simpson Reilynn Woven Sandals. They come in 3 colors, but the warm taupe suede (linked) is my favorite for versatility. They have pretty woven straps and an easy zip back with a tassel. They have a nice 3.5″ heel which is stacked for comfort. These are perfect paired with jeans, skirts, dresses and more. Not to mention they are 50% off – and under $60 – right now at Nordstrom!
These Nine West Gweniah Ghillie Lace Gladiator Sandals may be my favorites of the season. I have no idea how to express my love for these – but I can say you need them – STAT! These have a 3″ stacked heel and a comfortable lightly cushioned footbed. The cutouts and lacing make these heels special – and the fact that they are 35% off is a bonus!
These Kate Spade New York Pretty Pom Tassel Drop Earrings are so fun! Look at the colors – how festive are these? They look perfect with a mustard dress or top – but can be worn as a pop of color with many other outfits. Get your sassy self on and sport these earrings. Life is too short to wear boring accessories! 😉 And they are 40% off! What?!? Muah!
If you’re looking for something a little more neutral, don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten you. These Panacea Tassel Drop Earrings are gold and white. They are a little more delicate in style, but still have the tassels. They are only $32, so you can get these and the Kate Spade pretty poms to fit any mood or style! Yay!
Since these are the sunglasses in my photo above – I feel like I should include them. These Oversize Mirrored Sunglasses are so cute and only $12. They go with everything, and I get asked about them all the time. There’s a sale for sunglasses under $100 at NORDSTROM
, and if you filter by price, you can find the sunglasses that are on sale and under $20.
Don’t forget the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is starting soon! For those of you with a Nordstrom credit card – or Nordstrom Debit card (YES it does exist) – you get early access starting this Thursday! That is a whole week before everyone else gets to shop the sale. That is huge because you’ll get to shop before the sale gets picked over!
They just phased out the Nordstrom Debit card – BUT – if you already have one it still works and you still get early access! 🙂 That being said – they still have their AMAZING Nordstrom Credit Card available – soooooo…..Go to NORDSTROM.com and get your card today for early access!!! Trust me – you don’t want to miss out on the incredible deals on upcoming fall items! I’m crazy excited about snagging some new boots and bags – ON SALE – before anyone else! And if you have a triple points day left – don’t forget to schedule it for your shop day! I know I’m not the only one out there who loves a good deal – so take a peak – have fun – and ENOY! XOXO
Kids love to get their hands dirty. That’s why I try to find new and fun ways to get them involved in the kitchen. These easy treats are a lot of fun and can be done quickly with young children. Gabriel and Sofia loved making these – and eating them! Though this is a recipe, it doesn’t actually require any cooking. Perfect activity to do as a family after dinner. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 Cup – Chocolate pudding (you can make your own or purchase it)
- 3 to 5 – Chocolate sandwich cookies (pick your favorite)
- 6 – Gummy worms
- 2 Pre-made mini graham cracker crusts (adjust recipe depending on how many you make) OR clear plastic cups if you skip the crusts
- Parchment paper
INSTRUCTIONS:
Open all 5 sandwich cookies. Scrape off or eat the frosting. The kids really like participating in this part – if you let them eat the yummy frosting middle.- Place the cookies onto a piece of parchment. Fold the parchment in half so that the cookies are completely covered. You’ll want it to be large enough that crushed cookies won’t spill out. Using a rolling pin,
can from your pantry, or other hard item, crush the cookies into a dirt like consistency. Set aside. - Give each child their pre-made mini graham cracker crust. Give them a spoon so they can fill it with the pudding. If you can’t find these mini crusts (or choose not to use them), you can easily use a clear plastic cup to hold the pudding and toppings.
- Next let the kids top the pudding with the crushed cookies.
- Cut the gummy worms in half and let the kids stick them into their “cups of dirt.”
- Eat and enjoy!
It’s Summer! Yay! In most places it’s HOT out. Not San Francisco – but that’s ok 😉 Personally, I don’t really like to eat anything warm or heavy when it’s hot outside. I like things light and refreshing. Popsicles are at the top of the list when I think of yummy summer treats.
I want to share a delicious, easy and healthy treat that you can make for friends and family! They are made with Greek yogurt and fruit – so the possibilities are endless! Give these a try and get creative with new combos!
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 Cup – Plain Greek Yogurt (my preference is Fage total)
- 12-14 medium strawberries (A bag of frozen organic strawberries are the most cost effective and are perfect for this recipe)
- 4 Tbsp – Chia Seeds
- 2 Tbsp – water
- 1 set of popsicle mods (or dixie cups w/ popsicle sticks). This is my FAVORITE popsicle mold – check it out and give them a try!
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a blender, blend the strawberries and chia seeds and until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little water. Start VERY slow as you can always add more – not less. Start with 1 Tbsp and add more if needed. You’ll notice the mixture will loosen up and blend easier with a little liquid added.- Add the yogurt and blend until mixed well.
- Using the small funnel, fill each popsicle mold, leaving a little room so it doesn’t overflow when you put the sticks in.
- Put the sticks/tops onto each popsicle mold.
- Freeze until hard.
- Enjoy as a snack or even breakfast!
Happy Mommy Monday! I don’t know about you, but I love learning about new products from my fabulous friends and fave bloggers! To share the love, I’m spilling my purse and sharing some of my favorite beauty finds.
Having 2 young kiddos, our sweet dogs, and a million activities to shuffle the family to at any given time – I am usually pretty tired. My uniform usually includes a messy bun or baseball cap, yoga pants, and a zip up sweatshirt. In my rush to get out the door on time, I have perfected my “slap dash mommy makeup” regimen. These are the must have items I use on a daily basis (unless I’m really super duper late – then it’s mascara and coffee for the win). I hope you give these products a try – I know you’ll love them!
Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil – I am NOT a brow expert – and this brow pencil has saved me! I’ve tried several over the years and this is by far my favorite! There’s 2 ends to make it easy. Use the wide part of the tip to shape and fill, and use the pointed edge to define the outer end of your brows. Blend with the brush on the other end for full, natural-looking brows.
Benefit Browvo Conditioning Eyebrow Primer – Due to my brow needs, I use the conditioning eyebrow primer. It helps make my brows healthier and fuller. I use this at night before bed, although you can also use it as a
primer to extend and enhance your other brow products – or use it alone to condition and smooth your brows. For $10 more than this single item costs, you can get an entire Benefit Defined & Refined Brows Kit – totally worth it – especially if like a fantastic deal and want to try some new products (that you’ll love)!
bareMinerals Eyecolor in Celestine – This is my favorite eye color right 
now. It has enough shimmer to make me feel polished, but is still neutral enough to sport when I’m running errands. It is very hard for me to explain how lovely this eye color is. It looks simple and not very exciting – until you try it on! When you see on on your skin – you will understand the color. I have hazel eyes and I truly think this color would work with brown, blue or green. It is sophisticated and understated – and it’s on major SALE right now!
Almay Liquid Eyeliner – I am a huge eyeliner snob and totally fine 
admitting it! I get a lot of questions about how I do my eyeliner – so I’m sharing my fave liner product! I’ve tried many many brands that all promise to do a perfect job. I always go back to Almay liquid liner. It has the perfect tip that allows me to be precise every time. Personally, I like it best when the tip has been broken in a bit (after about a week or so), making it more flexible and easy to handle. I can do a heavier line for a night on the town, or a light line for running around with my kids. I’m obsessed with this eyeliner and have learned not to stray. Not to mention it’s under $8 which is a bargain for perfect liquid liner! If interested in a tutorial – please comment and I’ll put it on my list of future posts! 🙂
Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzing Powder, Size 0.28 oz – Bronze – Ok…I love bronzing powder! San Francisco tends to have a lot of fog (arg), and even when I’m in the sun, I use a lot of
sunscreen (yay for being good to our skin)! I used to think all bronzers were created equal. That is NOT the case. Some are too orange, some are too pink, others have way too much sparkle (no I don’t want to look 14 decked out in glitter). That being said – Hoola is my FAVE bronzing powder ever! They have absolutely nailed the color. It’s sun-kissed perfection! Try it – I know you will love it!
As for other things in my bag that I ALWAYS have on hand…
Lip moisturizer – Yes I am a lip gloss lover, but I think a lip moisturizer that also has shine is a big win, especially when you’re on the go! I really like Blistex Silk & Shine because it has a nice light flavor and leaves my lips feeling super soft. I can also kiss my kids without leaving sticky color spots all over their cute little cheeks! Ha!
Sunglasses – These Junior Women’s Bp. 52Mm Oversize Mirrored Sunglasses – have been my go to’s as of late – and I love them! They are only $12 and I’m obsessed! You can find some seriously cute sunnies (and other amazing sale items) right now for under $100 by clicking here! FREE Shipping. FREE Returns.
Happy shopping and I hope this helps you find some new fave items for your own bag!
XOXO
Happy Winning Wednesday! A big WIN in our house is Cardboard Box Crafts! We order our diapers, wipes, and other essentials in bulk – so we end up with some wonderful large cardboard boxes. On the rare occasion that I’ve ordered a piece of furniture or an appliance, we got boxes that were perfect for a big playtime project!
Cardboard boxes can be turned into almost anything. Take the opportunity to craft with your family, and then use your imaginations to play with your new creation!
The following are some fun examples of Cardboard Box Crafts that we’ve made in our home. The kids love being able to cover the boxes in construction paper, stickers, drawings using markers and crayons, and more!
Cardboard Rocketship
First, open the top of your large box. I like leaving the bottom closed so the kids can put toys in it while they play make believe.
Using a sharp scissors, cut one of the smaller flaps off (that will be the back of the rocket ship). The opposite flap will be the front of your ship. Using your scissors, leave a rounded portion of the flap, about 3 inches wide. You can see the small flat on the front of our ship in the photos.
The two remaining large flaps need to be trimmed to make wings. I simply used my scissors to cut between 1-2 inches off each side at an angle for each “wing.”
After you’re done cutting the flaps, it’s time to decorate! Using kid friendly materials like cardboard paper, glue sticks, and stickers, help the kids decorate their new rocketship. I let the kids cover sections of the box using the glue stick, and then helped them stick on the construction paper. You can also use aluminum foil on sections like the wings if you want more of a metal look. I completely set them loose with the stickers and they had a blast!
If you want to really take it to the next level, print out a control panel and glue it to the inside of your rocketship. Thats it! Now let them have fun flying through space! 🙂
Cardboard Cars
This is a super easy craft and very fun! Your box doesn’t need to be huge for this one. Cut the top completely off the box. Now you need to cut off the bottom flaps. Before you cut anything else, use a marker to draw your tires. Cut off the remaining flaps, cutting to leave the tires attached to the box.
Now it’s time to decorate! Let the kids pick out construction paper in their favorite color(s) for their car. Let them use glue sticks to stick on the construction paper. I let them cover one whole side at a time and helped them smooth on the paper. They felt very independent and it was an easy and safe way for them to help out. I used black and white construction paper to cut out colors to cover the tires. Use a marker to draw on the lights, grill, and other car details.
Use the tip of your scissors to poke a hole in each of the 4 corners. I used shoestrings to make straps for the car to sit on the kids shoulders. You can use yarn, ribbons, or whatever you have on hand. Now – have fun!!
Cardboard Castle
This craft requires a much larger box. I ordered a storage ottoman and the box it came in was perfect for a castle! You can also recycle a box from a neighbor. You can try posting on Nextdoor to see if one of your neighbors has a big box in good condition that you can use 🙂
Prop the box up on it’s side so it’s nice and tall like a castle. I used a serrated knife with a pointy end to cut a drawbridge. started at the bottom of the box, cut up and around to make the drawbridge, and left the bottom connected. Use the tip of the knife to poke a small hole in the corners of the drawbridge and above the door openings. Using 2 long pieces of string, connect the drawbridge to the castle.
Using the knife, cut a door in the back of the box so that they can get in and out of the castle even if the drawbridge is closed.
Cut one of the box flaps off – I used one from the top of the box so the bottom could stay in tact. Use a sharp scissors to cut the flap into a pattern that looks like the top of a castle. You can use a pattern if you like, or just wing it like I did! This is a sample of an easy design.
Tape the piece onto the top of your castle using box tape. It gives your box some extra height and makes it look a lot more like castle. Cut a small slit (about 2 inches) on each side of the top of your castle. Slide empty paper towel or toilet paper roll tubes onto the slits to look like towers.
Now get the kids involved to decorate! I used a marker to draw bricks on the sides to give it more of a stone castle look. We had decorations left over from a party that we taped on the top as well as some fun LED battery operated lights from the holidays. Use markers and stickers to let your kids get involved.
Now – have fun! My kiddos loved to sit inside and play with puzzles, read books, and just hang out – it became their favorite fort!
NOTE: I chose to build this without my kids because I used a knife for this craft. They can still decorate it, but I did the “building” without them for safety.
I hope this post inspires you to use your boxes for fun crafts with your kids! Not only is it an opportunity to recycle your boxes, but it’s a great way to play and let your kids imaginations soar!
ENJOY and happy Winning Wednesday!
XOXO