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Vanilla Almond Milk

April 30, 2014

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In a world of “pre-made” everything, it is really easy to take shortcuts in the kitchen.  Unfortunately there are a ton of preservatives and unhealthy additives in most of the products, so I try to make my own “stuff” whenever time permits.

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Now that I’ve been starting my morning with this shake I wanted to find a way to make my own almond milk… I’ve always thought it was way too much work than it was worth, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that wasn’t the case!

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Vanilla Almond Milk 

  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 3.5 cups filtered water
  • 2 dates, chopped
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
  • Optional: ground cinnamon, sea salt
  1. Soak almonds overnight in water (make sure to cover them in enough water, because they really plump up).
  2. Rinse almonds in a collinder.
  3. Put almonds, water, dates and vanilla in a blender.
  4. Blend on high until well combined.
  5. Pour almond mixture into a nut bag over a bowl.
  6. Let milk drain into a bowl and squeeze mixture to remove any liquid (should take 3-5 minutes to release all of the milk).
  7. Add cinnamon, salt or any other flavors.
  8. Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days and shake before you drink it (it will separate).

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Notes: If you don’t have a nut bag you can use cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve – but you will probably have some texture to your almond milk.  Also the nut bag is reusable and makes the whole process so much easier and cleaner… plus it’s under $10! 
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Sip

April Showers

April 18, 2014

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Looking for a delicious drink to whip up for your next Spring Soirée? Enjoy this cucumber/lemon concoction that is sure to delight any guest!

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April Showers

  • 1.5 Cucumber infused vodka
  • 1 fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz Cointreau
  • 1/4-1/2 oz agave nectar
  • 10 mint leaves
  1. Tear mint leaves in half and place in cocktail shaker with lemon juice and agave.
  2. Muddle ingredients.
  3. Add vodka, Cointreau and ice to shaker.
  4. Shake well and strain into a low ball glass.
  5. Add 1 large ice cube and top with soda.

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Domestic

5 Favorite Things

April 17, 2014

Uganda Be Kidding Me by Chelsea Handler – I read 6 new books over my family vacation last month and this was one of my favorites.  Her ridiculous adventures and hilarious group of friends kept me laughing out loud every time I turned the page… if you want an ab workout AND a good (goofy) ready, this is for you.

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Glossybox – I’m obviously a huge fan of PopSugar Boxes, but recently decided to give it a go with their latest incentive (use coupon code GBFRESH to get a free Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with your first box – this cream is another one of my FAVORITES. I’m obsessed). You get a handful of deluxe and full size beauty products in each shipment, but my favorites for this past month were Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask (full size value is $158!) and a Jelly Pong Pong lip stain in the prettiest petal pink color.

boxes GrandLash MD – I had lash extensions put on for my wedding and was obsessed, but with $200 a session and the fact I’m not TOTALLY sold they are great for your lashes long term, has hindered my ability to keep getting them done.  My sisters, mom and I have started using this product and are having great results.  Between the 4 of us there, some  are having more “impressive” results, but overall we all have long, luscious lashes, and for under $50 (it will last you many months)… it really can’t be beat (see ya fake lashes!).

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Dollar Shave Club – I love Venus razors and pretty much have used them my whole life. Yes they cost a small fortune (almost $5 a razor blade!?!), but they do the trick and I know they work.  Where am I going with this? Well my mom has been on the “Dollar Shave Club” wagon for awhile, and won’t stop talking about it, so I finally decided to join her.  For $1-$9 a month you will get 4-5 cartridges a month (plus the razor handle) and they are shipped straight to your door (no having to remember, order, go to the store – nothing!). The quality of the product is amazing plus the fact I have 1 less thing to think about is a win for me!

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Walking – I am having a new found love for walking.  I’m learning that a 2 hour walk or hike with someone else makes the time go by quickly and can get your blood moving…  Plus a nice backdrop (a pretty neighborhood, luscious park, etc.) doesn’t hurt either! It’s amazing how easy it is to talk (or not talk) walking next to someone.  With the weather getting more and more beautiful, my goal is to walk at least 30 minutes a day (preferably an hour or two)… a couple weeks in, and I’m holding true! Whats your workout of choice?

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Sip

Lemon Water

April 16, 2014

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My mom has been on my sisters and I to incorporate lemon water into our daily routine for as long as I can remember. Typically, I will try for a couple of days and then fall off the band wagon… BUT for the first time ever, I am actually trying to follow my new years resolutions and have been consistently drinking lemon water each morning.

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On this blog I find myself usually sharing recipes/tips I have researched and tried, but sometimes forget to share things that are part of my everyday routine… so let me begin with how I start MY morning.

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After doing this cleanse a few months ago, I have completely cut out caffeine.  I originally switched over to decaffeinated tea first thing in the morning, but once my Meyer lemon tree started producing more lemons than I knew what to do with, I figured it was better a time than any to start my days with lemon water.

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1. What is lemon water? Well, it literally is fresh squeezed lemon juice into warm water… BUT in typically Laundry in Louboutins fashion I had to mix it up.  I realized that I kept falling off the band wagon because I don’t really like the taste of lemon first thing in the morning… so I incorporated some of the Master Cleanse recipe to create my own morning elixir:

  • Hot Water
  • Juice of 1 small lemon
  • Small splash of maple syrup
  • Dash of cayenne pepper
  1. Fill your mug with hot water.
  2. Add lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper.
  3. Stir and enjoy!

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Notes:

  • The key is really to enjoy purely lemon juice and water, but I wanted to share my recipe for when you need to “mix things up.” Better a little altered than not at all…right?
  • Make sure the lemon juice is freshly squeezed and that maple syrup is Grade A or B (no Aunt Jemima’s!)

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2. Why lemon water? Here is the main question… and here are a few important reasons to start incorporating this easy concoction into your routine:

  • Helps aid digestion
  • It is a great vitamin C source – helping to fight off colds
  • It balances maintain the pH levels in your body
  • Is great for your skin and can help prevent wrinkles and acne
  • Helps reduce mucus produced by your body
  • Freshens your breath
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Helps reduce anxiety and depression

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*Mind you I am not a nutritionist/doctor/or anyone remotely qualified in telling you what is healthy, but I just wanted to share some information that I have researched and found interesting.

IMG_8313 Does anyone else start their mornings with lemon water?  What health benefits have you discovered?