A Healthy Detour

Posted on August 25, 2014 by

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The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Detour Bar. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I always like to keep a snack of some sort in my purse. You never know when you’ll get hungry and a bag of nuts or a bar is a lot less calories than a quick stop at the local mini mart or fast food joint.  

Since I recently found out that I have a gluten allergy I jumped at the opportunity to try out Detour Bars. The bars truly are a “snack” bar with 130 calories, 10 g of protein, low in sugar and a good source of fiber. They’re soft, chewy and have a Greek Yogurt drizzle – yum! They’re the perfect on the go snack and are now a staple in my purse (along with almonds). Not to mention if you need a sweet fix I highly recommend the Apple Cinnamon bar!

Blueberry has a slight blueberry taste as well as blueberry pieces in it. The bar is on the sweeter side and definitely makes for a great snack especially after a workout or if you are craving something sweet.

The Apple Cinnamon is delicious and by far my favorite. With chunks of apples through the bar paired with the perfect amount of sweet. I have been eating these when I have a serious craving for ice cream or chocolate and what I love is that it actually fills me up instead of leaving me wanting more.

Celebrate: Jack Turned 2

Posted on August 22, 2014 by

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 Jack turned two yesterday, and in honor of his birthday here is a look back at the past 8 months.

Grill It Up

Posted on August 20, 2014 by

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I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for the Beef Checkoff. I received products to facilitate this review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

When asked to host a dinner party that included a beef dish I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity. The first thing that came to mind was steak. Then it hit me – I never make beef at home! I think it’s my inability to grill (I have no idea how to even turn it on!) combined with the fact that I can’t even copy my mum’s simple beef stew recipe in the fall. It was then I knew my beef deficiency was about to end thanks to the Beef Checkoff.

What’s the Beef Checkoff? It’s a national marketing and research program that was established in 1985 as part of the Farm Bill, Funded by America’s cattle farmers/ranchers. The program is directed by cattle farmers, ranchers and importers direct the national checkoff program, which uses funds toward research and promotion efforts designed to increase domestic and/or  international demand for beef. The Cattlemen’s Beef Board and USDA oversee the collection and spending of these beef checkoff funds. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is a contractor for the Beef Checkoff and manages research and promotion programs on behalf of America’s farmers and ranchers with oversight from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and USDA. One of the checkoff programs NCBA manages is the “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.” Brand.

Have you visited the “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.” website yet? It’s amazing, not only does it give you a ton of recipes, but there is information on the different beef cuts (I knew NONE of this information before), grilling tips (thank you!) and even talks about the health benefits ofbeef (who knew!). You definitely should check out the website and see how you can incorporate beef into your next meal!
I decided on hosting my dinner party on Sunday. After spending an hour on the website reading recipes and learning all about grilling and beef cuts I decided to keep it simple and went with a steak. A Ribeye Steak to be exact.
 I used this chart found here to help me get through grilling flawlessly.
 I simply used this rub from Williams-Sonoma on the steak, grilled it up and served it with a tossed salad and grilled corn on the cob. My dinner guests were very impressed (they usually get a chicken meal) and can’t wait for the next dinner party which I think is going to be a taco bar.

DIY: Blanket Scarf

Posted on August 18, 2014 by

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Last year blanket scarves were the accessory to have all fall and winter. I posted this DIY last winter after I made some for Christmas gifts and decided I would post it again in an effort to keep you looking fab this fall on the cheap.

Material List: 
2 yards of your chosen fabric. I used cotton flannel from Joann Fabrics (7.99 /per yard)
Measuring Tape
Scissors
Needle.  

Step 1: Cut down the width of the fabric to 25” wide (x72” long).  Use the fabric’s plaid grid as a guide when cutting your fabric to help you create straight, clean cuts. 

Step 2: To create on the ends of the scarf, simply remove the fabric’s weft yarns (the yarns that run left to right) along the short side of the fabric. I used a needle to release the yarns. Continue removing yarns until you reach your desired fringe length. I decided on 1 ½” fringe. 

Step 3: Repeat step 2 on the opposite end of the fabric. You should now have fringe on both of the short sides of the scarf.

 {I cut on the white line}
 {How I pulled up the yarns}

Copycat: Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade

Posted on August 13, 2014 by

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Ever since college I have been a huge fan of Starbucks (Howard Schultz Starbucks CEO went to my
Alma mater), despite the fact that I don\’t drink coffee. One of my favorite summer drinks is the Passion Tea Lemonade. At $4.00 a pop for a Grande (easily spending $20 a week) I decided that I was going to attempt to recreate the drink at home and the results are everything I could of hoped for.

Copycat Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade
Ingredients
1 tea bag TAZO passion
12 oz. lemonade

Directions
1. Boil 8 oz. of water and then steep 1 bag of tea for 15 minutes. * For a stronger taste use two tea bags.
2. Optional stir in a spoon of sugar or sweetener if you desire.
3. Allow tea to cool to room temperature or place in the refrigerator.
4. Wen you are ready for a glass.. fill your cup with ice and pour in the tea and lemonade. * Starbucks does 1 part tea to 2 parts lemonade.
5. Enjoy.

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