June 30, 2015

Delicious Frozen Cereal Pops Recipe + Finding the 7th Minion!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #The7thMinion #CollectiveBias

Delicious Frozen Cereal Pops + Finding the 7th Minion!

Having cereal in the morning has to be one of my favorite breakfast options, especially whenever I know I have a busy day planned. With summer here, I wanted to have a little bit more fun with cereal than normal milk & a bowl so I decided to make cereal and pudding pops with all of my favorite childhood cereals.

Delicious Frozen Cereal Pops + Finding the 7th Minion!

I was so excited to see that all my favorites had Minions inside as a special surprise and that I had the chance to score the 7th Minion which is only available at Walmart.
Delicious Frozen Cereal Pops + Finding the 7th Minion!

When I got home I opened each and every box of cereal, I immediately started searching for the minions! I know my nieces and nephews will love these little guys and after watching the preview for the movie coming out in July, I'm pretty excited about them as well!

Delicious Frozen Cereal Pops + Finding the 7th Minion!

I was also excited about the simple concept of finding a prize in a cereal box, it's one of the memories of my childhood I cherish the most. Digging into the box of cereal, searching for the super awesome toy, and getting to play with it during breakfast and show it off to my friends... it's just kind of part of childhood every kid should experience! Now that I've found 4 of the 7 minions, it looks like I'll be buying a few more boxes of cereal when my niece comes in town so that she can help me find them all!

Delicious Frozen Cereal Pops + Finding the 7th Minion!

I can't wait until I have her help finding the minions, but for now I'm going to share my delicious pudding pop recipe! These tasty, summertime desserts are the perfect treat on a hot summer day and with so many delicious cereals you can make a variety of delicious combinations!

Delicious Frozen Cereal Pops + Finding the 7th Minion!

I only made four different combinations for my pudding pops this time, but next time I think I'll include different flavors of pudding and even more cereal varieties! These are so easy to make, I may even buy another pop maker and surprise my friends and family with a batch of their very own on the 4th of July!

Ingredients:

Mini Trix
Cocoa Puffs
Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Lucky Charms
Pudding (I chose vanilla)
Almond Milk
Hazelnut Spread

1. These are seriously the easiest desserts you will ever make. All you need to do is place 2 cups of almond milk and pudding powder mix into a mixing bowl, whisk for 2 minutes and pour into a pitcher.

Delicious Frozen Cereal Pops + Finding the 7th Minion!

2. From the pitcher pour into a Pop maker. Once the mixture is in the Pop maker, you'll want to begin adding cereal (of your choice) to each popsicle. I used the stick that the pop will be placed on to stir the mixture of pudding and cereal and make the combinations blend a little better. I also added in some hazelnut spread to my Cocoa Puffs and Cinnamon Toast Crunch Pops, which I highly recommend doing.

Delicious Frozen Cereal Pops + Finding the 7th Minion!

3. Place these pops in the freezer and allow them to freeze to desired consistency. Remove from freezer and serve!

Delicious Frozen Cereal Pops + Finding the 7th Minion!

Enjoy!

Delicious Frozen Cereal Pops + Finding the 7th Minion!

These cereal and pudding pops are seriously so amazing. I was pleasantly surprised at how amazing the Lucky Charms pop turned out, I wasn't sure about marshmallows in a popsicle but the taste was outstanding!

Delicious Frozen Cereal Pops + Finding the 7th Minion!

The Trix Mini pops are a really adorable way to make a popsicle colorful and they taste delicious! I think I'll be serving a batch of these to my bestie for her birthday soon!

Delicious Frozen Cereal Pops + Finding the 7th Minion!

The Cinnamon Toast Crunch and hazelnut spread pop was out of this world, so amazing. I loved the combination of flavors and the vanilla pudding really set off all the flavors, making for an incredibly rich and tasty dessert!

Delicious Frozen Cereal Pops + Finding the 7th Minion!

Last but not least, the Cocoa Puffs and hazelnut spread pop! This double chocolate with a vanilla base popsicle is a delicious and unexpected treat that packs the perfect amount of both flavors!

Delicious Frozen Cereal Pops + Finding the 7th Minion!

With so many fun flavor combinations, I know I'll be making more popsicle varieties in the near future. Which of your favorite cereals would you like to make into a popsicle? Be sure to choose a box that has a minion inside, these little guys are great helpers!

Delicious Frozen Cereal Pops + Finding the 7th Minion!

June 29, 2015

Having a Blast with SinfulColors for the 4th of July!

Thanks to SinfulColors for providing me with samples of their lovely 4th of July line up!

With bright beautiful red, white, and blue shades as well as two fun glitters, and a gorgeous silver... I'm pretty much gaga for these beautiful colors that represent 'Merica so wonderfully!

I'm a nail polish guru so it's no surprise that I'm super excited about all the fun shades SinfulColors launched to celebrate July Fourth! With bright beautiful red, white, and blue shades as well as two fun glitters, and a gorgeous silver... I'm pretty much gaga for these beautiful colors that represent 'Merica so wonderfully!

With bright beautiful red, white, and blue shades as well as two fun glitters, and a gorgeous silver... I'm pretty much gaga for these beautiful colors that represent 'Merica so wonderfully!

This Gorgeous Blue Shade is a real hot color, hence it's name "Hot Spot". I'm totally in love with this shimmery, gorgeous navy-esque color and will be rocking it year round!

With bright beautiful red, white, and blue shades as well as two fun glitters, and a gorgeous silver... I'm pretty much gaga for these beautiful colors that represent 'Merica so wonderfully!

"Ruby Ruby" is a gorgeous shade of red that looks just like Dorothy's Red Slippers! This shade is so classy and perfect for a mani-pedi on the 4th!

With bright beautiful red, white, and blue shades as well as two fun glitters, and a gorgeous silver... I'm pretty much gaga for these beautiful colors that represent 'Merica so wonderfully!

"Out Of This World" is the gorgeous silver I referenced. It also has a wonderful amount of shimmer without going overboard. I love the way this polish is almost sheer with just one coat, but can be a beautiful normal polish with two coats.

With bright beautiful red, white, and blue shades as well as two fun glitters, and a gorgeous silver... I'm pretty much gaga for these beautiful colors that represent 'Merica so wonderfully!

The "Star Blast Off" is a glitter that is made for an American! With blue and red sparkles, silver glitter, and tiny little stars, this polish is all about showing off on the 4th of July and I'm totally in love with it!

With bright beautiful red, white, and blue shades as well as two fun glitters, and a gorgeous silver... I'm pretty much gaga for these beautiful colors that represent 'Merica so wonderfully!

Green Ocean is a wonderful shade of glitter polishand it's named so appropriately. It reminds me of the beach on the 4th of July and it's absolutely stunning over the white polish...

With bright beautiful red, white, and blue shades as well as two fun glitters, and a gorgeous silver... I'm pretty much gaga for these beautiful colors that represent 'Merica so wonderfully!

Show Me White is the wonderful shade that I decided to use as a base coat. It's a bright white and will also be the perfect polish to grab when I want to work on a DIY french manicure!

With bright beautiful red, white, and blue shades as well as two fun glitters, and a gorgeous silver... I'm pretty much gaga for these beautiful colors that represent 'Merica so wonderfully!

These six SinfulColors are the perfect shades for the 4th of July and the best additions to my collection yet! So tell me, which color do you want to add to your collection first?

Stay connected with SinfulColors: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

June 28, 2015

Take a Break & Go Naked To Achieve a Bikini Body + a Berry Milk & Cookies Mini Cheesecake Recipe #TryNakedJuice Giveaway




Take a Break & Go Naked for a Bikini Body + a Berry Milk & Cookies Mini Cheesecake Recipe #TryNakedJuice Giveaway

So I'll be the first to admit that I occasionally get a little lazy and after this whirlwind of a month I'm definitely feeling the need for a nice, long break from everything including cooking and cleaning. I'm almost convinced I should have been born into a rich family, with a maid to clean up after me and a chef to prepare healthy food for me... but alas, I was blessed with an awesome family, sans "the help". Luckily, I've learned to make due with my cleaning skills and found easy ways to get healthy food into my body without a chef in the picture.

Take a Break & Go Naked for a Bikini Body + a Berry Milk & Cookies Mini Cheesecake Recipe #TryNakedJuice Giveaway

Nearly every single day this summer I've been sipping on something that tastes like my own personal Chef made it: Naked Juices and Smoothies! With the combination of powerful flavors, no sugars or preservatives added, and the perfect amount of each nutritious ingredient in every single bottle, what more could I ask for?

Take a Break & Go Naked for a Bikini Body + a Berry Milk & Cookies Mini Cheesecake Recipe #TryNakedJuice Giveaway

I'm a happy girl even without my chef or maid. Plus, I've noticed since I've been choosing Naked Juice for breakfast or a snack, the results are paying off. My weight is getting lower and lower with all of the healthy food choices I'm making this summer and I'm so happy with my progress, it's amazing! I love that I'm able to enjoy something sinfully delicious while providing my immune system and body with the nutrients it craves in a healthy beverage daily without guilt!

Take a Break & Go Naked for a Bikini Body + a Berry Milk & Cookies Mini Cheesecake Recipe #TryNakedJuice Giveaway

With a deep tradition of tasty goodness that started way back in 1983, Naked Juice is committed to using the best ingredients available while packing as much of Mother Nature's colorful and delicious bounty into every single bottle.

Take a Break & Go Naked for a Bikini Body + a Berry Milk & Cookies Mini Cheesecake Recipe #TryNakedJuice Giveaway

Whether you're the type that just needs a break away from the day-to-day work hustle or a busy mama on the go, Naked Juice is the answer to getting all your fruits and veggies into your diet without having to take the time to slice, chop, blend, etc. So hey, if you don't have time or energy to prep and eat the foods your body craves, at least you can drink 'em without a worry!

Take a Break & Go Naked for a Bikini Body + a Berry Milk & Cookies Mini Cheesecake Recipe #TryNakedJuice Giveaway

I'm currently obsessed with the Berry Almond Nutmilk, it's the perfect blend of creamy and fruity with 26 blueberries, 8 blackberries, 2 raspberries, 1 strawberry, 24 almonds, 1 3/4 apples, and 1/3 banana! It packs a powerful punch of 11 grams of plant protein and it's gluten and dairy free and totally okay for vegans to indulge in! I actually made a tasty, healthy dessert with my Berry Almond Nutmilk, a healthy berry milk and cookies mini cheesecake if you will...

Take a Break & Go Naked for a Bikini Body + a Berry Milk & Cookies Mini Cheesecake Recipe #TryNakedJuice Giveaway

These tasty treats are super easy to make and only involve 3 ingredients! You'll need a bottle of Naked Berry Almond Nutmilk, a package of chocolate sandwich cookies, and about 3 tbsp of cream cheese.

Take a Break & Go Naked for a Bikini Body + a Berry Milk & Cookies Mini Cheesecake Recipe #TryNakedJuice Giveaway

Place the Naked Berry Almond Nutmilk and room temperature cream cheese into a blender and blend thoroughly. Once the mixture is blended, place cupcake liners into a silicone baking tray and a sandwich cookie in each liner. Pour the Naked Berry & cream cheese mixture over each cookie and freeze for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight. Serve once perfectly frozen!

Enjoy!

Take a Break & Go Naked for a Bikini Body + a Berry Milk & Cookies Mini Cheesecake Recipe #TryNakedJuice Giveaway

I'm not just drinking the Berry Nut Milk Naked Juice and eating my berry milk and cookies mini cheesecakes, though. Naked Juice also recently came out with all kinds of other tasty and healthy flavors: Bright Beets, Chia Cherry Lime, Chia Sweet Peach, Proteins & Greens, and Kale Blazer, all of which are delicious in their own right! I highly recommend the Chia infused juices, they pack an extra punch of healthy and are so incredibly tasty!

Take a Break & Go Naked for a Bikini Body + a Berry Milk & Cookies Mini Cheesecake Recipe #TryNakedJuice Giveaway

I'd love to know, which Naked Juice do you want to try first? One lucky winner will receive a $15 Whole Foods gift card, just as a little treat from me to you...I want to buy at least one of my readers a few of these delicious juices! Use the giveaway form below to enter to win:




I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

June 27, 2015

Lyst: My FAVORITE Way To Shop + The Perfect Beachy "Grunge" Look

Do you remember in the movie Clueless when Cher is getting ready for the day and she is browsing through her digital closet for the perfect outfit? I remember watching this happen and thinking I needed this in my life back in the 90s... Luckily, Lyst came into the picture and while they don't show me what's in my closet right now, they help me find items I love to buy and add to my closet!

Lyst: My FAVORITE Way To Shop + The Perfect Beachy "Grunge" Look



It's a fashion lover's dream come true, with the ability to shop hundreds of stores all at once while creating boards for every upcoming event on your calendar! Plus, several of the shops offer an integrated check out, meaning you can pay for purchases from several stores all at once without having to directly visit the site. Lyst really is like the mall and Cher from Clueless' closet combined, it's the only way I'll shop from now on!

Lyst: My FAVORITE Way To Shop + The Perfect Beachy "Grunge" Look



Not only can you shop for items you love and buy them easily on the spot, you can save them to boards or "lyst(s)" and receive alerts when they go on sale.

Lyst: My FAVORITE Way To Shop + The Perfect Beachy "Grunge" Look

I'm so obsessed with a pair of knee high gladiator sandals and a matching romper that I found on Lyst, I can't wait until I receive a sale alert on both of these adorable pieces.

Lyst: My FAVORITE Way To Shop + The Perfect Beachy "Grunge" Look

Another great thing about Lyst is the range of brands offered, some that make me dream of what could be and others that I can find at the mall... It's a nice variety and they offer items that are adorable in everyone's price range!

Lyst: My FAVORITE Way To Shop + The Perfect Beachy "Grunge" Look

After spending hours adding adorable items to my lyst (you can find here), I finally decided to treat myself to a new dress and a new pair of super funky sunglasses for the beach. Both items happened to be from the same adorable boutique, Pixie Market.

Lyst: My FAVORITE Way To Shop + The Perfect Beachy "Grunge" Look

This super fun, beachy, Pixie Market pineapple dress fits like a glove with my favorite bikini underneath, paired with my super awesome shoes I scored at a local discount store, my favorite GiGi Couture necklace, and the most adorable pair of kitten eye sunglasses. I styled my hair in a loose braid and I was ready to go catch some rays in my 90's grunge inspired look.

Lyst: My FAVORITE Way To Shop + The Perfect Beachy "Grunge" Look

So what are you waiting for? What's your style? Make a Lyst and check it twice, it's time to treat yourself, whether you've been naughty or nice!

Lyst: My FAVORITE Way To Shop + The Perfect Beachy "Grunge" Look

Today's discussion is sponsored by my favorite shopping destination, Lyst!

June 22, 2015

Tropical + Spicy Mahi-Mahi Cabo Tacos with El Yucateco

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #KingOfFlavor #CollectiveBias
Tropical + Spicy Mahi-Mahi Cabo Tacos with El Yucateco

Long summer days in the sun call for delicious and satisfying summer dinners and since I'm obsessed with tacos of all kinds, you better believe our house is boomin' with all different kinds of tasty taco goodness. This weekend I got a little wild to celebrate summer officially beginning and made Cabo Tacos; a spicy, tropical family favorite!

Tropical + Spicy Mahi-Mahi Cabo Tacos with El Yucateco

These "Cabo Tacos" are packed full of spicy El Yucateco Green Habanero marinated Mahi-Mahi, Mango and Avocado Infused Pico de Gallo, Cabbage, and a delicious bit of El Yucateco Green Habanero Hot Sauce to top it all off! The twist of fun flavors combined together make for a spicy, sweet taco that you'll crave again and again!

Tropical + Spicy Mahi-Mahi Cabo Tacos with El Yucateco

Now I know what you're thinking... You have to try this recipe and you have to try it tonight! Luckily, I'm sharing my secret to this delicious tropical meal! I can't wait to hear what your family thinks of these tasty tacos!

Tropical + Spicy Mahi-Mahi Cabo Tacos with El Yucateco

Ingredients:

2 Mahi-Mahi Fillets
1/3 bottle (or more) El Yucateco Green Habanero Hot Sauce
1 lime
1 jalapeno
1/2 cup cilantro
1 medium garlic clove
1 avocado
1 mango
3/4 cup onion
1 cup cabbage
Corn Tortillas

Tropical + Spicy Mahi-Mahi Cabo Tacos with El Yucateco

Making these tacos is a super easy process. I began by coating my Mahi fillets with a thick layer of El Yucateco Green Habanero Hot Sauce, on each side of the fillet. I also added juice from a fourth of the lime, a dash of lime zest, and stuck the fish in the fridge while I prepared the "pico de gallo".

Tropical + Spicy Mahi-Mahi Cabo Tacos with El Yucateco

The pico includes chopped jalapeno, cilantro, garlic, avocado, mango, and onion. Add all ingredients listed together, mixing the avocado in last, and stir gently.

Tropical + Spicy Mahi-Mahi Cabo Tacos with El Yucateco
Tropical + Spicy Mahi-Mahi Cabo Tacos with El Yucateco

Once the simple pico is completed, you'll want to place your Mahi fillets on the grill. I used a tabletop grill and it takes about 9 minutes, flipping the fish to make sure it's cooked on both sides.

Tropical + Spicy Mahi-Mahi Cabo Tacos with El Yucateco

At this time, you'll want to start your refried beans... I just use an organic can of beans and add a few shakes worth of El Yucateco Red Habanero Hot Sauce for some sassy spice!

Tropical + Spicy Mahi-Mahi Cabo Tacos with El Yucateco

Now that your beans are almost finished and your fish is grilled, it's time to start prepping the food! You'll want to shred your Mahi lightly and now's the time to begin warming corn tortillas in a pan on the stove top one at a time.

Tropical + Spicy Mahi-Mahi Cabo Tacos with El Yucateco

Load each of your tortillas with a handful of spicy fish, a spoonful of mango avocado pico de gallo, a sprinkle of cabbage, and a dash of El Yucateco Green Habanero Hot Sauce on the top - add a side of refried beans with cheese and hot sauce and your meal is ready to be served! This simple taco meal will put a smile on your face and satisfy your tummy, any day of summer!

*If you are looking for a way to enjoy this dish that's "better-for-you", ditch the taco shells and use additional cabbage to make this into a delicious Mahi tropical salad!*

Tropical + Spicy Mahi-Mahi Cabo Tacos with El Yucateco

Who's ready for dinner?!

Tropical + Spicy Mahi-Mahi Cabo Tacos with El Yucateco

Now that I've shared one of my favorite taco recipes using El Yucateco, I'd love to hear how you use El Yucateco Hot Sauce in your favorite dishes? Are you brave enough to try the El Yucateco  XXXTra Hot Sauce?

Tropical + Spicy Mahi-Mahi Cabo Tacos with El Yucateco


Haven't tried El Yucateco yet? You can grab a bottle at Publix, but first tell me which sauce you'll grab first! Want to try a recipe that involves grilling? Enter to win this awesome grilling sweepstakes:

El Yucateco Grilling


Tropical + Spicy Mahi-Mahi Cabo Tacos with El Yucateco

June 21, 2015

7 Important Meditation Tips for Beginners!

Meditation is for every one, no matter who you are. Learning to connect to your inner-self and developing a sense of self is so important at any age! Whether your a young adult or just young at heart, meditation could be the answer to what ails you.

The benefits of meditation are numerous, from assistance with addiction to PTSD and healing benefits for each chakra, mediation is the key to a healthy, happy body and mind. But where do you start? How should meditation begin? Today I'm sharing how you can transform entirely with just 7 simple (yet important) tips for meditation beginners!



Check out 7 Important Meditation Tips for Beginners
by Lauren Paints at Mode

June 20, 2015

Know Sooner with First Response Early Result

I participated in a Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for First Response. I received product samples as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Know Sooner with First Response Early Result Pregnancy Tests

So, it's official... I've been diagnosed with a bad case of baby fever! I'm at "that age" when having a baby is definitely part of my short-term goals list and after being married for 7 years (this December), it's just the next step! Having a little baby is just what our house needs now, which means that we are trying and testing this year and waiting patiently for a bundle of joy!

We can't wait until we are blessed with a little one! It's going to be like Christmas morning, or even better than that, when I get a positive pregnancy test... and now that I can test with First Response 6 days before I even miss my period, we'll know when I finally get pregnant as soon as possible! I can't imagine the days when a woman had to wait to test, thank goodness technology has advanced!

Know Sooner with First Response Early Result Pregnancy Tests

With simple adjustments, like a longer, curved handle and a wider tip, First Response has come a long way and makes testing at home a reliable and comfortable process. I love being able to test so early and I take comfort in knowing that my results are so reliable! I can't wait to see a positive result, those two little lines are going to mean the world to me and my husband!

Whether you are testing to find out you are officially pregnant with baby number one or expecting baby number five, always trust First Response Early Result Pregnancy Tests to give you a reliable and easy-to-read answer, every single time!

Know Sooner with First Response Early Result Pregnancy Tests

I'll keep everyone updated on our progress with starting our little family! If you have any old wives tales or silly little anecdotes to share regarding trying to conceive, I'd love to hear them!

Also, if you already have a little one (or a few little ones), I'd love to hear how you found out you were expecting...?