Market Tote

There are two things I have learned lately: Toting things around for two kids is no joke and I still love Urban Southern’s bags. ๐Ÿ™‚ I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the one thing I get asked about the most, time and time again, is any bag I’m carrying from Urban Southern. Whether it’s the Urban Tote that I use as my main bag, the Market Tote for bigger outings, or the Crossbody Wallet, I get stopped and asked where my bag is from. As a Mom of two, my bags are often filled to the brim with a million and one things. All of my bags are extremely durable and never seize to hold up well. In fact, they have only gotten better with time! Honestly. The leather has gotten softer, the color has grown more gorgeous, and every well-loved detail has made the bag/tote right at home on my shoulder.

After welcoming another little one into the family, majority of the time, my hands are quite literally (and figuratively) full. I decided to upgrade to the Legacy Market Tote to help lighten the load. A classic, chic diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag? Sign me up! Not a huge backpack fan? The straps are removable. ๐Ÿ™‚ Need extra pockets inside the bag to sort your things from the kids? Done! There is even a hook for your keys. I don’t think there is one thing they haven’t thought through when it comes to this tote. It’s so versatile!

Whatever stage you might find yourself in these days, they have a bag for it. I promise.ย And because Urban Southern is owned by some of the sweetest people, they are offering 15% off your entire purchase. Use code stephaniespring15 at checkout! Happy shopping!

Favorites Lately

It’s been awhile but I’ve had a random list of favorite things that I couldn’t help but share! Pour yourself a cup of coffee and be prepared for a fun list of things to add to your cart. ๐Ÿ˜‰

One.I mentioned before that Capri has sensitive skin, just like I do. I have tried a few brands of diapers, lotions, etc. and without a doubt, I keep coming back to eco by Naty. It is the only diaper that she doesn’t get a diaper rash from and I love the quality. You can read more here. If you are in the market for diapers, want to try a new brand that is more sustainable, or need a baby gift for someone, I would definitely try these! Also, their lotion and baby body wash are amazing and has helped Capri’s skin so much!

Two.

I’ve posted about these on Instagram a few times but I couldn’t go without posting them here too. Have you guys tried Emmy’s Organics Coconut Cookies? I love them! They are the perfect snack to have on hand these days.

Three.

 

Vital Proteins. You know I love them. I talk about them in almost all my smoothie posts. Recently I tried their Collagen Beauty Greens Powder and their Golden Milk Collagen Latte. I made a smoothie bowl with the beauty greens that I will be posting here in the next week or so and the golden milk latte has been a fun afternoon pick-me-up (especially on rainy days). ๐Ÿ™‚

Four.

I am constantly trying to better my health by evaluating what my body needs. One of the things I recognized lately was that I needed to cut back slightly on dairy. I started adding Malk almond milk (instead of a dairy creamer) to my coffee and blend it in the vitamix to add frothiness.

Five.

I have been making spinach muffins and zucchini muffins for Capri on repeat. I normally freeze about half of the batch and keep the other half in the refrigerator. They are so nice to have on hand when I need something quick or if she needs some more greens/veggies that day. I have been usingย these muffins liners the last few months and it is a GAME CHANGER! The muffins come out perfectly–every time!

Have the best week, everyone! xo

Collagen

I’ve had a lot of questions about collagen lately. You have seen me post specifically about Vital Proteins because I love their products and the company. They don’t have any, “extras” or “fillers” in their products and the company is always willing to answer any questions I may have. I completely trust their ingredients and love the taste of their flavors or unflavored comes in handy more times than I can count. (When I’m baking, adding collagen to my coffee, etc.).

I often get asked two consecutive questions: What do you use the most from Vital Proteins and do I need to take it?

To answer the first part, I love the unflavored collagen the best because it’s versatile and can’t be tasted. (Hence the name, ha). On almost a daily basis, I add collagen into my routine via coffee or a smoothie. I’ll list all my smoothies below as a starting point for you to do the same but it really can be added to whatever kind of smoothie you like the most. The vanilla collagen is also another favorite when some sweetness needs to be added to something. Two scoops are recommended but sometimes I only do one..and that’s okay! Every little bit helps!

This is also great for some homemade gummies. I have been wanting to try this recipe!

To answer the second part of the question, although you can take collagen earlier than 25 years old it is from this age on when your body really benefits from collagen the most. It helps promote elasticity, more vibrant skin, can help aid in joint pain, while also helping your hair, skin, and nails.

Smoothie recipes to help you add collagen into your daily routine:ย 

Pina Colada Hemp Smoothie

Orange Fluffy Smoothie

Green Smoothie

Thin Mint Smoothie

Blueberry Ginger Smoothie

Chocolate Banana Mocha Smoothie

Peanut Butter Chocolate Smoothie

Peaches and Cream Ginger Smoothie

Aloha Smoothie

Brighten-Your-Day Smoothie

Chocolate Chai Tea Smoothie

Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

 

Minty Shake

You guys basically made this recipe for me so that I could share with everyone else! So, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Last week I shared how I was craaaaving a Shamrock Shake from McDonalds. But I looked up the ingredients on purpose to keep the craving at bay. ๐Ÿ˜‰ I came home, tried my hand at recreating a healthy and somewhat similar version. The verdict? I loved it and Eric hated it. So I asked several of you to try it out and let me know what you honestly thought. With a splash of this and a little of that, we have the combination that you guys raved about! Here you have it!

Minty Shake

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of your favorite milk
  • 1 large frozen banana
  • 1/4 cup mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup of spinach (or less if desired)
  • 1 tablespoon of your favorite chocolate chips
  • Pinch of salt to bring out the flavor
  • Pinch of sweetener/favorite type of sugar if you desire

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth! Top with homemade whipped cream (recipe below) or your favorite kind. Sprinkle with chocolate chips (optional). Enjoy! xo
  2. Homemade Whipped Cream:
  3. In a mixer, whip about 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream and pour in maple syrup or a sprinkle of sweetener to taste. Whip on the highest setting for a few minutes until fluffy.
  4. *You also can opt to not use maple syrup or sugar and it is still delicious!
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*This can also be made dairy free with nutmilk, no whipped topping (you could do coconut cream) andEnjoy Life Chocolate Chips!

Current Breakfast Ideas

Breakfast has looked a lot different lately over the last several months. Between nursing, doing a 5k in the fall, and then the holidays thrown in there, it has been all over the map. Since staying home with Capri, I’ve really tried to listen when my body is hungry and not feel the need to eat first thing in the morning. I like starting off with healthy fats and some sort of green if I can. But I know your scenario is your own. Whether breakfast is at the crack of dawn or more of, “brunch” of sorts, eat when you feel like your body is ready and I hope some of my favorites can add some variety to your breakfast!

Favorites Lately:

*I have looked high and low to find some of the cleanest brands of different milks and yogurts. These have been some of the cleanest and staples in our fridge lately.*

  • Eggs + roasted veggies, bacon.
  • Smoothies: I have been trying to cut back on the amount of fruit I add in my smoothies (even though they are delicious and such a good place to get your fruits + veggies if you don’t incorporate that throughout the day otherwise). Two of my go-to’s recently are My Blueberry Ginger Smoothie and My Green Smoothie. I have a ton of other smoothie recipes under my “drinks” tab.

Other ideas: