April 9, 2015

"Everybody Let's Rock" Elvis-Inspired Sweet & Savory Hors d'Oeuvres with RITZ®

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PutItOnaRITZ® #CollectiveBias


Today's your lucky day, I'm sharing a delicious Elvis inspired Hors d'Oeuvres recipe and I'm also sharing how you can enter for a chance to win one of forty $100 Walmart e-Gift Cards (10/week) by uploading an Instagram photo of your RITZ®-topped creation with #putitonaritzcontest. Although, the purchase of RITZ® is not required.

"Everybody Let's Rock" Elvis-Inspired Sweet & Savory Hors d'Oeuvres with RITZ®

Ritz Snackify Challenge Instagram Contest
I'm a snack-er, as I've shared in the past. I love trying new foods and I actually consider myself a foodie of sorts so instead of making bland ol' recipes, I'm typically one to get creative with foods.

"Everybody Let's Rock" Elvis-Inspired Sweet & Savory Hors d'Oeuvres with RITZ®

As you can imagine, when I discovered "The Elvis" Sandwich (Banana, Bacon, & PB), I was all over it like white on rice. Then, when I was snacking on peanut butter and RITZ® crackers last week I had the brilliant idea of merging The Elvis and RITZ® crackers. I put it on a RITZ®, making the ultimate Hors d'Oeuvres to serve anytime! This little recipe is so easy to make and it's the perfect snack for on the go - with protein and just the right amount of sweetness to curve your cravings! The King really knew what he was talkin' about when it comes to food!

"Everybody Let's Rock" Elvis-Inspired Sweet & Savory Hors d'Oeuvres with RITZ®

These little delights involve minimal prep and maximum taste, which makes them a new favorite in my book!

"Everybody Let's Rock" Elvis-Inspired Sweet & Savory Hors d'Oeuvres with RITZ®

Everything you need should be in your kitchen already if you've visited Wal-Mart recently, so need to run to the store either - BONUS!

"Everybody Let's Rock" Elvis-Inspired Sweet & Savory Hors d'Oeuvres with RITZ®

You will need:

Peanut Butter
RITZ® Crackers
All-Natural, Uncured Bacon
Banana

"Everybody Let's Rock" Elvis-Inspired Sweet & Savory Hors d'Oeuvres with RITZ®

Now, this is all really self-explanatory, I think, but just in case. Bake the bacon in the oven for 10 minutes or so at 375 degrees, allowing it to get crispy-ish just the way The King liked it!

While your bacon is baking, add peanut butter to your RITZ® crackers and go ahead and slice up a banana.

"Everybody Let's Rock" Elvis-Inspired Sweet & Savory Hors d'Oeuvres with RITZ®

Remove the bacon from the oven and allow it to cool some. Once cool, break it up into small pieces with your fingers and sprinkle over your peanut butter topped RITZ® crackers.

http://cbi.as/5xhi

Lastly, top each cracker off with a finely chopped slice of banana.

"Everybody Let's Rock" Elvis-Inspired Sweet & Savory Hors d'Oeuvres with RITZ®

Now it's time to snack on this savory, yet sweet treat... and get creative with your own RITZ® cracker recipe! Click HERE to enter the Snackify Challenge with your own RITZ®-topped creation for a chance to win a $100 Gift Card!

"Everybody Let's Rock" Elvis-Inspired Sweet & Savory Hors d'Oeuvres with RITZ®


Now that I've shared my most recent snack-ified RITZ® creation, I'd love to know what you recipe do you have in mind to make with your RITZ®?

April 7, 2015

8 Tips & Tricks to Keep Your Body Strong Inside & Out

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias and its Advertiser. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone and should not be construed as medical advice. #24HourEsterC #CollectiveBias
This year I'm determined to do everything I can to keep my body feeling strong and my immune system in tip-top shape and I know so many people in my life are looking for the exact same thing. We all want simple ways to help us look and feel better. I have come to the realization that it all begins with strengthening your body, inside and out - today I want to share how I keep my body strong.
8 Tips & Tricks to Keep Your Body Strong Inside & Out


8 Tips & Tricks to
Keep Your Body Strong Inside & Out

8 Tips & Tricks to Keep Your Body Strong Inside & Out
1. Start Taking Supplements - Ester-C® 1,000 MG supplement is the go to product for someone as busy as me. It provides my immune system with the support I need, 24 hours a day.

2. Workout Routines - Implementing a regular work out routine is key to keeping your body strong! I've picked up boxing lately and been practicing yoga at home since the gym has been crazy with New Years & Spring Break crowds.3. Proper Workout Attire - Whether your’re at the gym or at home, you need support in your work out gear too! Be sure to buy hair ties that actually stay in your hair as well as supportive under garments, shoes, etc.

4. Heart Rate Monitor - Keep track of your progress on every work out and be sure you are in a good "zone" while doing cardio. I'm obsessed with my HRM.

5. Stay Hydrated - Be sure to drink plenty of water, it's important to keep plenty of H20 in your body to keep it functioning.

6. Get Organized - Write down when you take your Ester-C®, when you have plans to work out with your trainer, and keep track of calories if you are on a diet - all in a planner!

7. Stand Up Straight - Heard of a waist trimmer before? These are new to me, but they help with posture and are absolutely amazing. I suffer from horrible posture so this thing has been a life saver and is helping build strength in my back.

8. Keep Your Hands Clean - Lastly, pocket sized hand sanitizer... just in case. You never know what situation you'll end up in and it's always good to have on hand, no matter where you are.
8 Tips & Tricks to Keep Your Body Strong Inside & Out

Now that I've shared how I keep my immune system supported and strong, I'd love to hear what you do to keep your body in tip-top shape? If you want to snag some Ester-C® for yourself, head to WalMart and grab a bottle at "roll-back" prices.

8 Tips & Tricks to Keep Your Body Strong Inside & Out


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April 6, 2015

Brunch + A Sparkling Lemonade Bar - Pour More Fun with Country Time Lemonade Starters

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. The serious love for lemonade is all mine, as well as opinions expressed below. #PourMoreFun #CollectiveBias

Who else is excited about spring?

Brunch + A Sparkling Lemonade Bar - Pour More Fun with Country Time Lemonade Starters

I know, I know... I've been going on and on about the season change and how much I love spring time, but I'm a huge fan of warm weather... and there's a slight possibility I'm counting down the days until summer break! I can't wait to sit back on the patio with a glass of lemonade and a good book while absorbing some vitamin D, without the worry of school!

Brunch + A Sparkling Lemonade Bar - Pour More Fun with Country Time Lemonade Starters


Another thing I look forward to this summer is having little parties on my patio. While I'm longing for the hot, fun summer nights, I'm glad I had the chance to organize a small brunch time get-together this weekend and we were able to celebrate the holiday weekend in style.

Brunch + A Sparkling Lemonade Bar - Pour More Fun with Country Time Lemonade Starters

I was lucky enough to be at Wal-Mart while they were hosting a demo for Country Time Lemonade Starters and I just fell in love with the way the pink lemonade tasted! I knew it had to be included in my brunch menu the second the first sip hit my lips!

Brunch + A Sparkling Lemonade Bar - Pour More Fun with Country Time Lemonade Starters

I also knew I had to jazz up the lemonade with my own touch, I just wasn't sure how... then I saw flavored water on an end cap just a few aisles away from the free lemonade sample. Then that's when it happened, I decided to make a Sparkling Lemonade Bar.

Brunch + A Sparkling Lemonade Bar - Pour More Fun with Country Time Lemonade Starters

Instead of opting for the standard mimosa bar, this weekend we chose to offer something a little more family friendly during brunch and served up a Sparkling Lemonade bar! Boy, the concoctions we put together  are not only delicious but absolutely beautiful... I mean what's not to love about a "sparkling" drink?

Brunch + A Sparkling Lemonade Bar - Pour More Fun with Country Time Lemonade Starters

Need more reasons to love this spring (and summer) time favorite? You'll be glad to know it's super easy to make (just add water), flavored with real lemon juice, and contains 50% less sugar than leading regular sodas! What more could a girl ask for?

Brunch + A Sparkling Lemonade Bar - Pour More Fun with Country Time Lemonade Starters

This tasty treat comes in three flavors you'll definitely want to stock up on: Classic Lemonade, Berry Lemonade, and lastly Half Lemonade & Half Iced Tea.

Brunch + A Sparkling Lemonade Bar - Pour More Fun with Country Time Lemonade Starters

As I mentioned, I combined my lemonade with flavored water to create a beautiful sparkling lemonade, this pairing of two of my favorites is mind-blowingly good and the perfect beverage to enjoy on a warm, spring day.

Brunch + A Sparkling Lemonade Bar - Pour More Fun with Country Time Lemonade Starters

I'm going to simply break down each drink, so that you'll know exactly how I mixed each beverage together.

Just a little side note: You should probably ask yours guests to gather around and help you prepare the bottles, since it looks SO beautiful being poured! I took pictures while hubby poured and I oooohhhhh'd and ahhhhhhh'd as I watched the Berry lemonade pour into the pineapple coconut water, such a sight to see... Sparkling lemonade is some pretty neat stuff, isn't it?

Brunch + A Sparkling Lemonade Bar - Pour More Fun with Country Time Lemonade Starters

The Sparkling Lemonade Bar Drink Selections:

Cactus-Lime Lemonade
(Country Time Classic Lemonade Starter + Cactus-Lime Water + Lemon Slices)

Berry Tropical Lemonade
(Country Time Berry Lemonade Starter + Pineapple Coconut Water)

Strawberry Lemonade
(Country Time Classic Lemonade Starter  + Strawberry Water + Fresh Strawberries)

Raspberry Palmers 
(Country Time 1/2 Lemonade  & 1/2 Iced Tea Starter  + Raspberry Water + Lemon Slices)

Brunch + A Sparkling Lemonade Bar - Pour More Fun with Country Time Lemonade Starters

I decorated my Sparkling Lemonade Bar with a few other fun items including "sparkling straws", an adorable sparkling lemonade themed printable (you can download it for free here), shimmering white tulips, and sprinkle dusted cupcakes with butterfly gummy accents! I also used ribbon, clothespins, and paint swatches to make a bunting banner that matches my set up perfectly. That's all you need for the perfect brunch set up!

Brunch + A Sparkling Lemonade Bar - Pour More Fun with Country Time Lemonade Starters

You know what they say: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade that sparkles... or something like that! So while I'm in the midst of a million projects for the blog, planning holiday festivities, preparing and prepping our meal plans, applying for school next semester, organizing taxes, getting ready for our trip to the midwest next month, and working on homework, it was nice to drop everything for a little bit and enjoy a glass (or two - okay, maybe three) of sparkling lemonade.

Brunch + A Sparkling Lemonade Bar - Pour More Fun with Country Time Lemonade Starters

While this little brunch lemonade shindig was a blast, I can't wait to sip on this lemonade all through out the summer on my patio with friends and family enjoying our time together. I'll definitely be making the Raspberry Palmers again as well, they were a HIT!

Brunch + A Sparkling Lemonade Bar - Pour More Fun with Country Time Lemonade Starters

I'd love to know, What spring (and summer) activities are you excited about? I think your activities should include a delicious glass of sparkling lemonade or two, you won't regret it!

Brunch + A Sparkling Lemonade Bar - Pour More Fun with Country Time Lemonade Starters


April 5, 2015

How to "Clean" a Home in a Hurry: How I Make Sure My Home Looks & #SmellsClean


So, spring cleaning is something we've all been working on over the last few weeks...right? While I'm doing my best to keep our house tidy, it's just not happening lately. I've been trying to tidy up in between class and having to work on upcoming projects and tons of homework but right now the house is uhm, a little less than clean.

How to "Clean" a Home in a Hurry: How I Make Sure My Home Looks & #SmellsClean


The good news is I know what it takes to make my house "clean" in a hurry. I'm not just saying you should start stuffing laundry into your closet, which I've done (even as an adult); Don't judge me! But I am sharing how I tidy up my home in a hurry when I have unexpected guests phone that they are on their way.

How to "Clean" a Home in a Hurry: How I Make Sure My Home Looks & #SmellsClean

Whether you are a professional "quick cleaner" or you like to keep an organized and tidy house all the time, today I am going to help you out by sharing a few ways you can make your house look, feel, and smell clean without much effort.

How to "Clean" a Home in a Hurry: How I Make Sure My Home Looks & #SmellsClean

Looks Clean after you tidy up the three T's. Clean off your table tops, scrub your toilets, and sweep (or vacuum) the areas of your flooring that have high traffic.

We're all guilty of stacking magazines, mail, or sometimes just junk around the house - clean that stuff off of your table tops and you'll notice a huge difference!

Scrubbing your toilets is super important. When a guest uses your restroom, you definitely don't want them to get grossed out. This simple step only takes a few seconds but can completely change the way your restroom looks to your guest.

Sweeping or Vacuuming your entry way, kitchen, and living room only takes a few minutes for most people and it makes a huge difference (especially for those with kiddies or pets)! While vacuuming your whole house should definitely be on your to-do list.


How to "Clean" a Home in a Hurry: How I Make Sure My Home Looks & #SmellsClean

As we all know, a house isn't really clean until it #SmellsClean. While your home (hopefully) has a clean scent already, I like to use some amazing products that help to make my house smell ridiculously good!

How to "Clean" a Home in a Hurry: How I Make Sure My Home Looks & #SmellsClean


I've been burning my Peach Daiquiri candle from 719 Walnut religiously lately. Especially because I'm so busy that I haven't been able to indulge in a whole lot of beach days or daiquiris; while this candle isn't the exact same experience, it helps me feel a little closer to my favorite place in the world! I can only imagine what the Tahitian Escape or Tiki Colada scents smell like, but those are definitely on my list to buy next!

How to "Clean" a Home in a Hurry: How I Make Sure My Home Looks & #SmellsClean

Placing candles in your office is the answer to a cleaner smelling home in general: Whether you decide to inspire creativity with a new candle in your office (like Glade's new perfectly colored and scented Poppy Grove candle), or comfort yourself in your bedroom with a candle offering a soothing scent to help relax you before drifting off to dreamland, or even if you decide to mask smelly scents in your kitchen with something delicious and deceiving, candles are an awesome way to make sure your house smells clean without much effort at all!


While I've always been an avid candle burner and hold true to my candle burning ways, this spring I've also started using plug-ins around the house and I highly recommend you do the same! I'm totally obsessed with the scents I've been using!

How to "Clean" a Home in a Hurry: How I Make Sure My Home Looks & #SmellsClean

One of the plug-ins is a Febreeze NOTICEables Warmer and it offers a sense-exciting double scent of  Strawberry and Fig and makes my half-bath in the lower level of our townhouse smell beyond amazing.
How to "Clean" a Home in a Hurry: How I Make Sure My Home Looks & #SmellsClean

The other plug-in is AirWick's Sunshine Cotton and literally makes my entryway smell like a mixture of heaven and freshly laundered clothes!

How to "Clean" a Home in a Hurry: How I Make Sure My Home Looks & #SmellsClean

While both of these options are awesome, my last tip may be the easiest of them all. You literally only need to flick a switch and place a cube into the tray to make your house smell clean with these Glade Poppy Grove Wax Melts!



While I'm not suggesting you skip spring cleaning in general, I hope these tips to spruce your place up in a hurry help you out! I had friends share what they thought of our house, they all agree it smells clean... so don't forget to head over to the air care aisle to grab everything you'll need for a nice, deceivingly clean home!

Did you notice the adorable printables in my post? Be sure to grab those for FREE in an 8x10 size, just click on the image below:

How to "Clean" a Home in a Hurry: How I Make Sure My Home Looks & #SmellsClean  and  free printables!


Now that I've shared my tips to a tidier house in a hurry and these super cute printables, I'd love to hear what your last minute cleaning routine looks like?


Surprise Inside Easter Clothespin Craft

Who loves surprises? I know I do!

Surprise Inside Easter Clothespin Craft

While these little clothespin crafts aren't packed with a huge surprise, they are a super fun way to make something creative this Easter and make little one's giggle! I'm obsessed with how cute these turned out and they might even make me giggle a little bit when I open them up and see the silly hatchling sitting inside the broken egg!

Surprise Inside Easter Clothespin Craft

All you'll need for this super simple craft is paper, clothespins, scissors, and markers! I'll be sharing how I made both of these babies in photos today. So if you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below!

How to Make a Cute Little Hatching in an Egg:
Surprise Inside Easter Clothespin Craft

How to Make an Easter Egg Surprise:

Surprise Inside Easter Clothespin Craft

I'd love to know how you plan to use your cute little surprise inside clothespin crafts in your home? Who will you treat to a little giggly surprise?

Surprise Inside Easter Clothespin Craft


Hopefully you enjoy your holiday weekend and get to make some cuteness!

The Perfect Better-For-You Snack: Mini Marbled Tapioca Pudding with A Homemade Raspberry Sauce


The Perfect Better-For-You Snack: Mini Marbled Tapioca Pudding with A Homemade Raspberry Sauce
I'm a pretty big fan of snacking, I mean it's a little ridiculous how much I like chowing down on a tasty snack. You can find me snacking on pretty much anything sweet, spicy, or just simply delicious!

While I love snacking and my list of favorite foods could go on for miles and miles, I'm also trying to lose weight so I have recently started following a meal plan. I'll be sharing more details about the plan once I have worked out what actually works for me, trying different calorie amounts and macros for a few weeks to make sure I'm eating healthy and I'm happy with what I'm eating.

I can't wait to share all the details, but for now I'm sharing my favorite part of my meal plan, I get to eat less, but I'll be eating more. What I mean by that is I'll be eating less during each meal, but I'll also be eating more meals through out the day. This also means that I get to snack. Luckily, I get to snack on delicious, healthy foods!
The Perfect Better-For-You Snack: Mini Marbled Tapioca Pudding  with My Homemade Raspberry Sauce Recipe

My favorite snack is a Kozy Shack® Simply Well® Tapioca Pudding made into a delicious little dessert though. Simply Well is only 90-calories, has no sugar added, it's gluten-free, and it's my snack of choice - made into dessert or on it's own, it's simply delicious!

This better-for-you dessert is prepared in a mini mason jar portion size so it's just the right size to satiate your sweets craving without feeling guilty and here's a bonus, it's super easy to make! The only thing that I actually made for this recipe is a super simple raspberry sauce.

The Perfect Better-For-You Snack: Mini Marbled Tapioca Pudding with A Homemade Raspberry Sauce

While it's a simple addition, it just makes this pudding dessert taste beyond incredible and since it's homemade you get to choose how much added sugar you add to the sauce (if any at all)!

The Perfect Better-For-You Snack: Mini Marbled Tapioca Pudding with A Homemade Raspberry Sauce

I fixed up a whole batch of these beauties to share with some friends recently and they were all pleasantly surprised to find out this Marbled Tapioca recipe was fairly healthy!

Do you want to try making this super simple dessert at home? Here's the recipe:

The Perfect Better-For-You Snack: Mini Marbled Tapioca Pudding with A Homemade Raspberry Sauce
Mini Marbled Kozy Shack® Simply Well® Tapioca Pudding
with Raspberry Sauce & Hot Dark Chocolate Sauce
and Cookie Crust

The Perfect Better-For-You Snack: Mini Marbled Tapioca Pudding with A Homemade Raspberry Sauce

Ingredients:

Kozy Shack® Simply Well® Tapioca Pudding Cups
Frozen Raspberries (thawed)
Sugar (optional)
Hot Dark Chocolate Sauce
Mini Sandwich Cookies
Fat-Free Whipped Topping (optional)

This dessert almost doesn't even need a recipe listed, but I wanted to break it down just in case someone has any questions on how I made this delicious dish.

While you are gathering your ingredients, go ahead and place the frozen raspberries and sugar (in the amount you prefer - I used 1/3 cup) in a sauce pan. Allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally. It'll take about ten minutes to turn into a sauce so we'll come back to this (but don't forget to stir it)!

 Next you'll need to place a few sandwich cookies in your container (I used Mini Mason Jars, you can use a bowl, a ramekin, whatever your heart desires).

Now you'll add the star of the show, the Kozy Shack® Simply Well® Tapioca Pudding. I used 2 1/2 containers of Kozy Shack® to partially fill my mini mason jars, just FYI. Notice I said partially fill, leave a little space if you want to add whipped topping.

Now would be a good time to go ahead and add the Hot Dark Chocolate (after following the prep instructions on the container).

Next you'll want to remove the raspberry sauce from the stove and strain it to remove seeds. Pressing the mixture to make sure you get all the delicious sauce!

Lastly, go ahead and get crazy with the sauce! Pour it everywhere. Top with Whipped Cream and sandwich cookie crumbs and you have a dessert your friends and family will go crazy over!

I like to think of these tasty little desserts as my version of a healthier cheesecake, while the texture isn't the same the taste is even better!

The Perfect Better-For-You Snack: Mini Marbled Tapioca Pudding with A Homemade Raspberry Sauce


Now that I've shared this delicious recipe, who wouldn’t want a chance to try Kozy Shack® Simply Well® Pudding for themselves? Maybe you don't like Tapioca? They also offer Rice Pudding and Chocolate Pudding! Can you say yummy?!

Luckily, I'm hosting a giveaway for TWO Free Product Coupons! I'd love to hear a fun fact you learned from The KozyShack website! Be sure to enter to win with the giveaway tools form below:



Enjoy Snacking Simply with Kozy Shack® Simply Well®!
The Perfect Better-For-You Snack: Mini Marbled Tapioca Pudding with A Homemade Raspberry Sauce


Disclaimer: Must be 18 or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other company mentioned above. You understand that you are providing your information to Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and not to Twitter, Facebook, or any other entity, I will not use your information other than to e-mail you a winning notification if you are the chosen winner. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form above. Void Where Prohibited. Please note that Lauren Paints | a beautiful life is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.