Top Five: Favorite Toddler Pins

Happy New Year! One of my goals for 2013 is to create, make, and bake more of the pins I have collected on Pinterest. Some of things I plan on doing this year are from My Little One pin board. It's a board of pins just for my toddler.

Here are my top five favorite pins on My Little One pin board: 

DIY Sidewalk Paint

This easy-to-make paint made with food coloring, corn starch, and water makes a super fun and easy summer activity. You can find the recipe at All Things Simple.

A Handmade Hideaway

This little playhouse is so cute. Now I just have to convince my husband to build it. You can find the instructions on how to build it and a price list of all the materials on The Handmade Home. 

DIY Fishing Game

On Design Dazzle you can find free printable fish and instructions on how to create this fun game for little ones. I think my 2 1/2-year old will love this. 

Toddler Lunch

This is such a cute way to serve lunch since most toddlers, including mine, are so picky. You give them an ice cube tray full of fruits, veggies, crackers, and even cookies. It's a great way to give them variety while experimenting with new foods. You can find out what foods are pictured below at Pink Pistachio.

Kids Artwork Book

I couldn't find where the original post of this picture came from, but I love the idea. You scan your kids artwork and create keepsake books. You can add pictures of your kids creating the artwork or their school picture to track their grade/age. 

You can find and follow My Little One pin board, here. Or follow all of my Pinterest boards, here.

Top Five: Favorite Drinks On-The-Go

When I'm heading out for a day on the town or even a trip to the grocery store I usually make sure that I have my reusable cup filled with ice and water. But when my water is gone or I feel like something else then I usually grab one of the following delicious, healthy, and quenching drinks: 

Evolution Fresh Juice

Evolution Fresh juices are delicious fruit and/or veggie blends that can be found at Starbucks. They are made up of only fresh cold-pressed fruits and vegetables with no other added ingredients. I love all of the different flavors.

Roxberry Green Smoothie 

The green smoothies offered at Roxberry were created by the Green Smoothie Girl, Robyn Openshaw. She is a nutrition coach, public speaker, and bestselling author. You can find her website, here. Green Smoothie Girl recommends drinking green smoothies to detoxify the body, lose weight, increase energy, prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol, and boost the immune system. My favorite green smoothie at Roxberry is the 32 oz. Green Smoothie Girl Original which has 200 calories and 15 servings of raw fruits and veggies (15!!) and 12 grams of fiber. It has spinach, kale, mixed berries, peaches, bananas, and agave. 

Smart Water 

My favorite bottled water is Smart Water. It tastes clean and fresh and I drink a lot of it. 

Mamma Chia

Mamma Chia, the original chia seed drink, provides a complete nutritional profile of omega-3, balanced dietary fiber, complete protein, antioxidants, and minerals. They are all-natural and fairly low in calories. I have tried most of the flavors and have loved all of them. Read more about why I love chia seeds, here. Find my homemade smoothie recipe made with chia seeds, here. (I now add chia seeds to every smoothie I make.)

Silk Pure Almond Dark Chocolate

Silk Pure Almond Milk in Dark Chocolate is one of my guilty pleasures. I drink almond milk on a daily basis, but the chocolate almond milk is a treat. It's rich and creamy and perfect for on the go since it doesn't need to be refrigerated. Although I do recommend drinking it chilled. 

Top Five: Natural Beauty Products I Can't Live Without

The five natural beauty products I am about to tell you about have literally changed my life. They are products that I recently added to my daily beauty routine and I really couldn't live without them.

Dry Body Brush

Dry Body Brush

Dry brushing daily is a great way to keep skin clear of debris and loosen dead skin cells. It can also reduce cellulite. Our body rids a lot of toxins through the skin everyday - so if we have dry skin the toxins can't always be released and our body just reabsorbs them. Dry brushing your skin is one of the best ways to get circulation going, helping to oxygenate cells and carry impurities away through the lymph system. It's important to find a natural-bristle brush at a health food store or online (I found mine at Whole Foods for under $10). To use a dry body brush: just make long, smooth strokes in the direction of your heart. After just one use, I noticed a huge difference in the appearance of my skin.

Buffy Body Butter

Lush Handmade Cosmetics

This product goes hand-in-hand with the dry brush. After I use my dry brush then I get in the shower. I first cleanse my skin and then I use Buffy. It is made with ground rice, almonds, and beans to act as exfoliants; the rough textures eliminate lumps and bumps and sloughs away dry skin cells to reveal brighter, fresher looking skin. The cocoa and shea butters leave the skin beautiful, smooth, and moisturized. You can find Buffy Body Butter at Lush Handmade Cosmetics. 

Neti Pot

Waterpik

As strange as it may sound, a neti pot is used to clean out your nose. It washes away environmental chemicals, pollen, mucus, dust, viruses, and bacteria - all the stuff your nose encounters every single day. I usually suffer from mild allergies in the spring and this has almost eliminated all of my symptoms. All you do is fill it with luke warm distilled water and a salt solution, tilt your head to one side and start rinsing (water goes in one nostril and out the other). It's actually quite refreshing. Neti pots can be found at drugstores and health food stores.

Tarte Cosmetics Mascara

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara

Tarte Cosmetics are a new discovery of mine that I am totally excited about. They are natural cosmetics that don't use parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances to name a few. This company cares about their customers health as well as the environment. Plus, Tarte's products are animal cruelty-free and vegan. I am already in love with their mascara and can't wait to try more of their products. They are available at Sephora. 

The Natural Dentist Mouthwash and Toothpaste 

The Natural Dentist Mouthwash and Toothpaste

I absolutely love The Natural Dentist's toothpaste and mouthwash and have noticed a difference with my gums and teeth. The mouthwash does not have alcohol or artificial flavors or colors in it. It reduces and prevents bleeding gums and protects against gingivitis. I use the whitening toothpaste which is an anti-cavity toothpaste as well. It contains no peroxide or other harsh chemicals (like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate). I found them at Whole Foods. 

Top Five: Super Healthy Foods I Am Loving Now

If you are addicted to processed foods and sweets like I am was (it's a process) then you need to know that these foods may require a little getting used to. Nobody is going to go from cupcakes to kale overnight, but overtime it will get easier. Here are the new super foods I have added to my diet that I am loving now:

Acai

Acai (pronounced Ah Sigh EE) berries are a good source of antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. I buy acai smoothie packs (organic unsweetened acai puree) at my local health food store which I add to fruit smoothies.

Kale

I cannot even list all the health benefits of kale - well I could, but it would take a while. There is a reason kale is known as the "queen of the greens." It is one of the healthiest veggies on the planet and is full of disease fighting antioxidants. Add it to your salads, blend it in a green smoothie, or roast it to make it into a healthy crunchy snack (2 cups kale, 1-2 tsp. olive oil, and salt. Toss to coat and then bake at 425 for 6-8 minutes - until crunchy like a potato chip). Or you can try this recipe for Sesame-Kale Crisps.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are very rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. They also provide fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin, and zinc. When eaten, the chia seeds form a gel that can make you feel fuller longer and helps clean out your digestive system. You can sprinkle them on salads, put them in yogurt, or blend them in smoothies. I put a tablespoon in my green smoothie every day.

Quinoa

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN Wah) is a grain-like seed that contains all 9 essential amino acids making it a complete protein. Quinoa can also help the body absorb more nutrients with the help from its natural minerals, potassium, and manganese. If you have never tried quinoa check out 10 New Ways To Cook Quinoa.

Naked Green Machine

Obviously this is a drink, not a food, but it's full of super foods. Juicing is an awesome health benefit but I haven't bought my own juicer yet so instead I bought this super healthy, all-natural Naked Green Machine. It has the juice of 2 3/4 apples, 1/2 banana, 1/3 kiwi, 1/3 mango, hint of pineapple, plus spirulina, chlorella, broccoli, spinach, blue green algae, garlic, barley grass, wheat grass, ginger, and parsley. And guess what? It actually tastes good.

Top Five: Things I Am Loving Right Now

I can't believe it's already February. Since it's the month of love and I am loving so many things right now, I thought I would share my top five list (above and beyond my family and friends, of course). Ready to hear see the word "love" a lot? Here we go...

I Love My Job

I just finished my first week of training and all I can say is I LOVE MY JOB! I love being a Barista and being part of the Starbucks team. My co-workers are so amazing. I love that Starbucks offers their part-time employees such great benefits. I have never had a job like this and I have discovered that I love working with the public and learning all about being a Barista. I don't really love waking up at 4:00 am (Ugh!), but it's only three days a week and that's why naps were invented. I also love that this job has filled a really tiny void I was feeling. Don't get me wrong, I love being a full-time stay-at-home mom, but I also love working as long as I enjoy what I'm doing. Plus, Ella wakes up between 8:00 and 9:00 am, so I only miss a few hours of her week. 

I Love Our Best Bites

Since stumbling upon a few of Our Best Bites recipes on Pinterest, I have fallen in love with their website and cookbook. We have made lots of recipes so far and we have loved every one of them. They are healthy, flavorful, and easy meals to make. So far we have made Apple Butter Pork Chops, Guiltless Alfredo, Tomato Artichoke Pasta, Roasted Broccoli, and Orange Chicken (from the cookbook) just to name a few. Our goal is to make every recipe in the book. They all look THAT good. 

I Love Blue Lemon

I have mentioned Blue Lemon before, but it's because it's one of my favorite restaurants. Blue Lemon's motto is "Pure Clean Food with a Twist." It's all-natural food (mostly local) and really delicious. The reason it made this list is not only because I love them but because they are opening a new location in Cottonwood Heights and I am so excited. I am always in that area at Target, Snider Bros Meats, The Store, or Whole Foods and now I can stop at Blue Lemon for lunch. I love that. 

I Love The Revolution

The Revolution is a new daytime TV show that focuses on women. It provides the tools to help you start your own revolution and make transformations in all areas of your life. The team of experts include;  Dr. Tiffanie Davis Henry (emotional well-being expert), Dr. Jennifer Aston (OB-GYN, health expert), Harley Pasternak (Celebrity Trainer and Nutritionist), Tim Gunn (Fashion Guru), and Ty Pennington (Design Expert). Each expert shares tips and advice on how you can become your best self. Also, each week they feature one woman going through her own transformation (her 5-month journey unfolds over the 5 days of the week). I just love this show and get so many tips from it. It's a daytime show worth watching. 

I Love Pink Pistachio 

I am pretty sure everyone has someone that inspires them, even if they don't know them. They are talented, beautiful, funny, and just downright amazing. One of those people to me is the girl (her name is Missy) that writes the blog Pink Pistachio. I follow her blog daily and pin (on Pinterest) almost everything she posts. I love all of her fashion advice, favorite things, recipes, beauty tips, etc., etc., etc. I also love that she is a mom of a toddler just like me and loves her dog like a child... just like me. She is also into organic and earth-friendly which I love. You can check out her fabulous blog, here. 

Pink Pistachio's DIY Infinity Scarf

Top Five: Cookies

Today I made a batch of some of my favorite cookies, peanut butter no-bake cookies (which were made with mostly organic ingredients). I know, it's only the 4th day of January and most people are well on their way to healthier eating, but I was craving something sweet. And sweets are okay in moderation. One cookie with a glass of skim-milk totally hit the spot. Before I share the no-bake cookie recipe with you, I thought I would share my top five favorite bakery cookies. I personally think they are the best cookies you will find in Salt Lake City. So, here they are in no particular order:

RubySnap Vivianna Cookie: It has mangos and dark chocolate in a citrus dough and it is truly mouthwatering. I actually love all the cookies at RubySnap. They are all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. I also love that you can buy the dough frozen and bake them at home. 

Nordstrom Coffee Bar Sugar Cookie: This cookie can be found at the Fashion Place Mall location. It is a delicious sugar cookie with an absolutely fabulous buttercream frosting. I heart them! 

Schmidt's Pastry Cottage Mint Sandwich Cookie: Two chocolate cookies dipped in chocolate with mint frosting sandwiched in between. They are minty deliciousness.

Mrs. Fields Milk Chocolate Chip Cookie: Who hasn't had one of these cookies? Right up there with the best chocolate chip cookies ever. 

The Sweet Tooth Fairy Small Sugar Cookie: I love this cookie because it's baked to perfection. It's a tiny bit doughy which I love and it has an amazingly tasty buttercream frosting that tastes like it has a hint of coconut in it.

Now, as promised, here is my favorite no-bake cookie recipe:

Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

2 cups sugar

1 stick butter

2 T cocoa powder

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 tsp vanilla 

2 cups old fashioned oatmeal (I like to use quick oats)

Mix the sugar, butter, cocoa, and milk in a medium saucepan. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from stove and add the peanut butter and vanilla. Mix quickly until peanut butter melts, then add the oatmeal and mix until well blended. Drop spoonfuls onto wax or parchment paper. Allow time to set and cool completely. (Note: Cookies may not set up on a humid day.)

Makes 2 dozen 3-inch cookies

And next week I am making these cookies found on Pinterest: New York Times Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe. Don't they look amazing? I think so.

Top Five: New Favorite Finds

I love getting recommendations from friends about their favorite products and I love telling friends about mine. I get way excited about new fun products and want to share them with everyone. I thought it would be fun to share a "top five" list once in a while of all of my favorite things. So to start it off, I am giving you a list of my Top Five New Favorite Finds: 

Dave's Gourmet Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

I love this sauce! It is actually not really new to me, I found it last year. But just recently Costco started carrying it again and I bought five 2-packs. I really can't get enough. It is so good with whole wheat spaghetti. It has only 100 calories per 1/2 cup. You can find it at Harmons ($8.99 each) along with their other amazing pasta sauces (I also love the Organic Red Heirloom) or at Costco ($7.99 for a 2-pack). 

AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion

This was recently on Shauna Lake's Favorite Things (evening anchor on Channel 2 News). She said that her skin has never looked better. My skin is always so dry in the winter so I thought I would give it a try. I have never loved a moisturizer so much in my life. It is such a light lotion and yet in just a few days my skin looks better and the dryness is gone. AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion contains an alpha-hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates and intensely hydrates dry skin. I found it at Walgreens ($25.99, pricey but worth every penny). 

OneVessel Drinkware

Meet my new favorite water cup by OneVessel drinkware. It is completely BPA free plastic (which means it doesn't have cancer causing crap in it) and it has a lid and straw. Every single morning I fill Ella's sippy cup with a straw and my oneVessel cup with ice water. We both love ice water and we both love straws. I found mine at Nordstrom Cafe ($10.99).

 Starbucks App for iPhone

I love this app! You can find locations and directions to a Starbucks near you, pay for your order, manage and reload your Starbucks Card, and look up nutrition information. Yesterday I had a Caramel Apple Spice and a Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop and I really shouldn't have looked at the nutrition information. Who knew Cider had so many calories? Could it have been the caramel and whipped cream? Perhaps. I got this iPhone app at the App Store (Free). 

Diana's Bananas Banana Babies

Chocolate covered frozen bananas remind me of being a kid in Disneyland. I loved the frozen bananas  (even if I did have to pick off every single nut). Diana's Bananas Banana Babies are so amazingly delicious. They are a half of banana dipped in creamy milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate and spanish peanuts. They are all-natural, healthy, and only 130 calories each. Personally, I think they are so much better than ice cream on a stick. I found them at Target ($4.99 for 5 banana babies).