Friday Favorites

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This week seemed to last forever. I’m so glad it’s Friday because I’m in need of a weekend. Here are some of my favorites throughout this long week. 😉

One.

I made a lot of recipes this week that involved avocadoes and I cannot believe I haven’t shared this before. More times than not, I only use half of an avocado. I used to use plastic bags to store them in until my best friend gifted me this a few years ago. Smart girl. 😉 I’ve been using it ever since. You can buy it here and I also linked some ones I found below!

Two.

I don’t talk about essential oils a lot on here but I use them every day in one way or another. I listed some of my favorites above that I order a lot. I talked about some of the ways I use them, here along with some other ways I take care of myself throughout the winter months.

You can also use them to cook or bake like I did for my Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. 🙂

Three.In case you can’t get off the chocolate train now…these are a FAVORITE!

Four.I have been wearing my JND stacks almost every day for the last few months. They are so fun and I love that our wedding date is engraved right on the ring. You can read more about it the rings here and in case you’re in need of a new bag..go here!

Five.I love, love, love my Homemade Granola. It’s just so good and easy to make. You also may remember my Blueberry Crumble recipe that included Purely Elizabeth’s granola. This is my go-to granola when I need something quick and healthy. 🙂 I love her granola when it’s riding solo, with milk, or paired with yogurt. I normally buy any of three kinds below and I added them to my pantry items on my shop page for you to buy it there any time!

                       

Take Care

Winter is never easy for me. I definitely get the winter blues and in a slump after the holidays until about April. I know I’m not the only one but it doesn’t change that it’s not the best feeling. Over the years, I’ve put a few things into practice to prep myself for this season.

  1. 12 Benefits 2. Bergamot Essential Oil 3. Lifefactory Water Bottle 4. Vitamin D Capsules 5. Frankincense Essential Oil 6. Curling Iron

12 Benefits: This helps my hair stay healthy and fresh during the winter months.

Bergamot Essential Oil: I diffuse this oil a lot during the winter. It helps with seasonal depression and is definitely a mood lifter. (I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t trust it). 😉

Lifefactory Water Bottle: I try to stay hydrated as much as I can year round. But during the winter months, it helps my skin from getting dry and helps me feel more alert instead of sluggish.

Vitamin D Capsules: I started taking these a few years ago and still do to this day. (Only during the colder months though). During the summer, I am in the sun A LOT. I realized that a main thing I was missing over the winter, which also affected my mood, was Vitamin D. I love how clean this brand is and it has made a noticeable difference in my mood.

Frankincense Essential Oil: First of all..this smell is heavenly. Second, I recently started combing my moisturizer with a sprtiz of this combo: Frankincense oil and distilled water (that I keep in a bottle like this). I squirt two pumps of my moisturizer into my palm and then two sprays of the combination into my palm before rubbing it onto my face and neck. I feel like it has made such a difference in my skin. Diffusing this oil is also ah-mazing.

Curling Iron: Not only treating myself to getting my hair done, but then actually doing it just feels good.

I’m also a huge advocate for getting massages regularly. It helps my stress levels and body feel better overall. What are some of your self care tips? I’m all ears. 🙂

Happy Valentine’s Day! I’ll be sipping on this and eating these today!

Clean-eating Blondies

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Clean-eating Blondies--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comOur weekend was slow and so relaxing to gear up for a busy week ahead. After church, I whipped up a batch of these clean-eating blondies and just might have to make another for Wednesday (a-hem Valentine’s Day) to keep all my other chocolate cravings at bay. They are quick to make and deeeee–licious! You will not be disappointed with this recipe and no one will even know they are a, “clean” recipe. Clean-eating Blondies--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com Clean-eating Blondies--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com Clean-eating Blondies--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com Clean-eating Blondies--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup of coconut palm sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp water
  • 1 cup of chocolate chips

What to do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium-sized bowl, mix all ingredients except the chocolate chips. Then, fold in the chocolate chips. The batter will be somewhat sticky and thick. That’s okay! Pour into the pan and evenly spread with a spatula. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden dark brown. Let brownies cool for about 10 minutes before cutting.

Friday Favorites

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I feel like, “normal” weeks don’t exist around here anymore! ha! We had a delay on Monday, I was sick on Tuesday, and no school on Wednesday! It sure has been a whirlwind but I’ve gotten a lot of rest, reading and things done around the house. Blessing in disguise?

As always on Fridays, I’m talking about some of my favorite things from the week!

One.

HOME DECOR:

I updated my shop page! I added some home decor, staples in my wardrobe and more! I’m sure I’ll be adding some baby favorites once that time comes! 🙂

Two.

I was headed to the gym the other day and realized how much I love the yoga mat I have. I’ve had it for years and it’s held up so well. It’s basic and exactly what I need. There’s something about taking your own to the gym that is just flat out nice. You can click on the picture to see it.

Also, I shared this almost two years ago but this workout video is still one of my absolute favorites! It takes only ten minutes and only requires three and five pound weights. (I actually use five pound weights the entire time).

I sent it to my friend who works out consistently and she said how much she loved it (and how much of a workout it was)! 😉

Three.Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comI knew my smoothie game was strong but I didn’t realize how much I shared my obsession with all of you (which I love doing!) On Tuesday I listed all my smoothies at the bottom of my recipe for a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie, here! You’re welcome. 😉

Four.

I’ve followed Liz for several years now and loved her style. What I also love is the writing behind her style. I came across what she posted this week and cannot stop thinking about how true this is.

Five.Farm Fresh Hanging Wall Banner (similar). Farmhouse Scale Clock. Galvanized Platter and Dome.

Shady Oaks Farm has become one of my favorite places to shop for home decor. I’ll add some more of my favorite pieces to the shop page as well. 🙂 Their stuff is gorgeous!

Six.
In case you were wondering about the zucchini bread in the picture above (or missed my post from Monday) you can find the recipe here!

Here’s to a weekend of n.o.t.h.i.n.g. planned! 🙂

 

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie

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Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com Valentine’s Day is next week?! Obviously chocolate is on my mind and in an attempt to keep things healthy because I feel so much better when real food is always a part of my life, I created a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie for me and you! Who doesn’t love chocolate covered strawberries?! This smoothie is light and just as delicious as any other sweet you are craving this time of year. Trust me. 🙂

If you’re just looking for some other smoothies to make for breakfast or a quick snack this week, I added a slew of them below for you to click away! Happy (almost!) lovey day! xo Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comChocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comChocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com

Ingredients:

What to do:

Same directions as always!

Combine all ingredients except cacao nibs into a quality blender and blend until smooth. Top with
cacao nibs, sip away! xo

Other smoothie recipes:

Chocolate Banana Mocha Smoothie

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Peaches and Cream Ginger Smoothie

Aloha Smoothie

Brighten-Your-Day Smoothie

Chocolate Chai Tea Smoothie

Pumpkin Smoothie

Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Pina Colada Hemp Smoothie

Orange Fluffy Smoothie

Green Smoothie

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