Friday Favorites

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One.

I heard about this deodorant from Katie over at Dashing Dish. It’s natural, aluminum free, and just what I was searching for. Last weekend, I splurged and so far, it’s a winner! 🙂

Two.large_large_vQ7oVX2j7BnMDYyzuFeG1epqvGb

I recently watched The Intern and fell in love! Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway are amazing! It is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time and a must see!

Three.41hYLclp3sL

A few weeks ago Eric and I both tried Kombucha and loved it. I normally don’t like carbonated drinks but I lately, I find myself grabbing one or two of these at the store. I’ve tried a few of their flavors but I keep going back to Triology. So good!

Four.On Monday, I talked all about hair and make-up! I loved picking out some of my favorites and seeing what other products ladies are using! 🙂

Five.

I used our juicer a few times over the winter but there is something about making it once the weather starts getting warmer. Last weekend, we made Mornin’ Sunshine and it was love at first sip, all over again! You can buy the juicer, here!

Have a great Friday and an even better weekend! 🙂

4 fridays

Sriracha Pickles

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Sriracha Pickles Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comSriracha Pickles Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comI’ll just put it out there…I can’t take credit for this creation, it was all Eric. He’s extremely creative with mixing flavors and having it turn out amazing! I normally really don’t like pickles. At all. But, these were an exception. I loved them and found myself sneaking bites from the fridge. They have that perfect balance of hot and tangy, sweet and spicy.

Ingredients:

  • 2 English cucumbers (also called Hothouse cucumbers)
  • 1 3/4 cups rice vinegar
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 cups of water
  • 3 tablespoons Sriracha Sauce
  • 2 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 4 teaspoons dill seed
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (Large dash per jar)

What to do: 

*This recipe makes four pint jars or two-quart jars.*

Mix the rice vinegar, kosher salt, and sugar together with a spoon until the sugar is dissolved. Add 2 cups of water and 3 tablespoons Sriracha. Mix and set aside. Wash and slice cucumbers into chips or spears. We like the spears best. They are great for a quick snack. 🙂

In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings together and divide evenly among the jars. Fill the jars with your cucumber chips or spears. Evenly pour the liquid mixture into each jar, leaving half an inch to an inch of space at the top. Seal all of the jars and place in the refrigerator. You can eat them as soon as the next day, but they reach their best flavor after three to five days and last several weeks. Enjoy and buy all your Sriracha-loving friends this! 😉

What’s Up Wednesday

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whatsupwed1 WUWquestions editIt’s Wednesday! We made it halfway through the week! Today, I’m linking up with Mel, Shay, and Sheaffer for What’s Up Wednesday!

What we’re eating this week:stephanie-spring.com stephanie-spring.comWe have been eating my Summer Quinoa Salad on repeat and thanks to our CSA anything and everything organic and in season. Basically, I’ve been in food heaven. 🙂 

What’s I’m reminiscing about:stephanie-spring.comstephanie-spring.comSince the weather is getting warmer, and the days are inching closer to our trip to Colorado, I have been reminiscing about when I lived there for a summer. So many great memories and so thankful for a change of scenery at that stage of life. 🙂 

What I’m loving:stephanie-spring.comEric has been making gin-ginger mules lately and I had no idea how much I loved them! So good.

What’s we’ve been up to:stephanie-spring.comBeing outside as much as possible! You can see more about our days lately, here! 

What I’m dreading:

Allergies. I wake up sneezing every morning. I think it’s God’s way of reminding me to take my allergy medicine. 😉

What I’m working on:

I’ve been working on about 345,783 things. That being said, I’m working on slowing down, spending more time with Jesus, getting more sleep, and being with the ones I love. (And trying to put that endless list on pause). 

What I’m excited about:stephanie-spring.comSummer. Warmer weather. Grilling. More sleep!

What I’m watching/reading:maxresdefaultMy sister-in-law suggested this show. At first I thought it was kind of cheesy and then I quickly became addicted. It is SUCH a fun show to watch! To top it off, I found these on Amazon! I think I may need to buy at least one of them. 😉
The Great British Bake Off Big Book of Baking
The Great British Bake Off: Everyday
The Great British Bake Off: How to Turn Everyday Bakes Into Showstoppers

imagesI started reading this book about a week ago and love it so far! It provides such a different perspective and really makes you examine your walk with Jesus.

What I’m listening to:

Do birds chirping count? 😉

What I’m wearing:

Other than my teacher clothes: (Dress, sweater, and shoes) I’ve been going to the gym, taking walks, and lounging around in this pullover, leggings, and sneakers.

What I’m doing this weekend:stephanie-spring.comGetting together with these ladies!

What I’m looking forward to next month:

We’re having family over for Mother’s Day with Mexican themed food! So fun!

What else is new:

School is winding down, the days are getting warmer, and life is getting sweeter. 🙂 

Bonus Question: What is your favorite mother’s day gift to give or receive?

Well…I have never received a Mother’s Day gift, so I can’t speak on that. BUT, last year I gave my Mom this book for Mother’s Day. I think one of her favorite gifts was the year we spent a day together. We had lunch and watched movies all day long. It was so fun and most likely included classics like this and this! 😉 

Have a great Wednesday, ladies! xo

Mornin’ Sunshine

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Juicing Recipe found at: stephanie-spring.com

On Saturday, Eric and I had a slow morning. Just the way I like it. 🙂 We slept in, made breakfast, sipped coffee and relaxed. One of my favorite parts about breakfast was the fresh juice that we made. I always forget how much I love it until I take that first sip. There really is nothing like it. It is so light, fresh, and flavorful. Last month I talked about my favorite kitchen gadgets, here and obviously the Bella Juicer was on the list because it works wonders. There are endless combinations of fruits that taste oh so yummy but I always go back to this recipe. Once you have had fresh juice, there is no going back and I don’t plan on it. 😉

Mornin’ Sunshine

Ingredients:

  • 1 apple (peeled)
  • 1 grapefruit (peeled)
  • 3 oranges (peeled)

What to do: 

Place all ingredients into a juicer and turn on high until all juice has finished processing. Pour and enjoy! 🙂

(I drink it within an hour for peak freshness!)

Happy Tuesday! 🙂

Let’s Talk…Hair and Make-up

letstalkToday I’m talking all about hair and make-up with Andrea and Erika! I did a similar post a few months ago on both of these topics. I still use similar products but have updated some things here and there. 🙂
Hair21. Shampoo/Conditioner– I’ve mentioned that I like to keep about two to three shampoos and conditioners in the shower and switch it up throughout the week. I always have L’Oreal’s shampoo and conditioner on hand since it’s sulfate-free and keeps my highlights bright and blonde. I have been slowly trying to switch my hair and make-up routine to products that don’t have many harmful chemicals in them. Which brings me to these products!2016-04-24_0001Acure Shampoo//Acure Conditioner//Acure Argan Oil//Acure Leave-in Conditioner

Has anyone tried Acure’s products? They have hardly any toxic chemicals in them and have gotten great reviews!

2.12 Benefits Spray–  I’m still a fan of 12 Benefits spray! After washing my hair, I spray about 2 to 3 squirts onto my hair before combing. It helps with smoothing out my hair and knotting. Blonde hair is not forgiving with knots.

3. Hairdryer– I love this hairdryer so much! After several years, it still has so much power and is definitely worth the purchase!

4. Curling Iron– This is by far one of my favorite tools. 🙂 It’s my most-used go-to product. I still use the one inch barrel and absolutely love it!

5. Straightener– I feel like I straighten my hair less and less these days. But when I do, this straightener works like a gem!

6. Redken Smooth Lock Heat Glide– I use this before blow-drying my hair if it is feeling extremely dull. For me, I learned that the secret is to only use this during the winter months or when I am straightening my hair. Otherwise, it weighs down my curls and they tend to fall out.

I squirt about two pumps into my hands, rub together, and start on my ends and work my way up. If my hair is recently cut or feeling healthy, I use one pump and gently add it to only the ends of my hair. Such a great product overall!

7. Garnier Hairspray– I feel like my hair has needed some more taming lately and this does the trick. I love it!

8. Kenra Hairspray– This hairspray gives a slightly tighter hold and smells like heaven! Seriously. It smells amazing and holds your look in place all day long.

Make-upI always put face moisturizer on right after the shower to get my face moisturized and hydrated. Before starting my routine, I have been putting liquid foundation on and then using the products below.

1. Foundation– This powder foundation feels and looks so natural but also evens out my face and covers up any blemishes. I love, love, love it!

2. Faux Tan– It always feels good to add a little color to my face. This shade works perfect with my skin tone and gives me that little boost.

3.  Buxom Lashliner– This eyeliner works so well and goes on extremely smooth! It stays on all day long and lasts several months. I also love this eyeliner for a more defined look!

4. Mascara– I have been using this mascara for years and don’t plan on switching any time soon! It stays on all day long, and doesn’t smudge or flake. It is without a doubt, worth every penny!

5. Mineral Veil– If you don’t have this in your make-up bag, you need to go buy it! It honestly holds everything in place all day long! It goes on after all of your make-up is complete and gives you such a subtle glow. It’s amazing!

6. NARS Lips: Color 1. Color 2– Every girl needs a little pop of color and lately, these two colors keep doing the trick for any and all seasons. 🙂

7. A little shine over lipstick goes a long way! 😉 

 

That’s all the hair and make-up tips I have, ladies! Have a great Monday! 🙂

If you missed any of my “Let’s Talk” posts…

Let’s Talk…New Years

Let’s Talk…Guys

Let’s Talk…Moms

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