About five of my friends posted this recipe on Facebook on Monday… I thought ‘ok universe, I’ll make the dang pumpkin banana bread!!’
Pffft like I needed my arm pulled. But really, this bread is de-lic-ous!! Do not – I repeat do not skip the crumb top. It makes this recipe. The bread itself is moist and full of flavor but that crumb just adds a perfect flavor blast.
Link to recipe:
A little while ago I decided to share my love of two things with my family and friend; crystals/gemstones and essential oils!
I started making one-of-a-kind, crystal filled roller bottles! Different styles, very focus driven blends of crystals and gemstones combined in pretty roller bottles – from sleep to bohemian and more!
I handpick the stones and crystals myself or use very reputable companies I have sources from for many years.
I put a lot of love, though and positive energy into every bottle blend and am so happy to have shared my limited edition, small batch with all my friends and family. The first batch went within a day! I was so stoked!
My next batch will be coming out later this week or early next and I can’t wait!
This time I will be posting them on my Etsy shop to make payment and order tracking easier.
I hope you love them! Stay tuned!
Visit my Etsy shop:
My husband and I are big fans of steak, but sometimes I get tired of the same old steak dinner… so I decided to try these delicious little pockets from heaven and it became one of our favorite dinners!
Paired with some cilantro lime rice and my Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce, perfection!
I found the tiny sized street taco tortillas at Kroger. They’re just Mission brand. If you can’t find them just use the smallest size you can find. Fajita size would work well too.
For the cheese, I use Kroger’s Queso Fresco Mexican Crumbling Cheese.
Another easy meal, great for weeknights!
GRILLED STEAK STREET TACOS
Ingredients:
Directions:
This tangy, creamy, super yummy sauce is so great paired with fish tacos, steak street tacos, on rice, and more!
Easy to make and stores in the fridge for days!
I have been using Young Living’s Lime Vitality in this sauce lately in place of the lime juice. If you opt to use essential oils too please be sure to use only YL Lime Vitality that is safe for ingesting. Not all oils are pure and safe for consumption.
CREAMY CILANTRO LIME SAUCE
Ingredients:
Directions:
Last year I was liberally spraying my toddler son, husband and myself with DEET filled insect sprays, completely blind to the fact that I was applying a harsh and toxic chemical to us all. DEET is a chemical that was created by the US Army in the 1940’s and later approved for use by the general public. Yet, this chemical is capable of causing damage to rubber, plastic, vinyl, lenses and synthetic fibers…. but hey, it’s safe for skin!! !??!
Now, a lot of brands are now moving toward being DEET-free but I made the decision after doing some research, and moving my family towards a low toxicity household, that I would go the most natural route I knew how – natural, plant based options.
Enter Young Living’s Insect Repellent! Tested to repel mosquitoes, ticks and fleas and prevent bug bites using only 100 per cent naturally derived, plant based ingredients! Now we’re talkin’…
Pure sesame oil and a carefully selected blend of essential oils traditionally used for their bug-repellent properties come together to make up all 99 percent of the active ingredients in this formula. The other 1 percent? Vitamin E. That means you can use it on your little ones and not worry about the synthetic chemicals used in many traditional repellents. You’ll also love the pleasant, citrusy aroma and smooth, non-greasy, non-sticky application.
Let’s take a look at the stats:
The only slight bummer is it is currently only available to the US market. However, if you really want it and live in Canada, let me know and I can get some up to you!
Where can you buy it?
Drop me a line, send me a text or give me a call and I’ll help you get your hands on some!
One thing all us ladies (and a lot of men too!) struggle with is keeping our feet soft and smooth… especially if you’re like me and like to walk around barefoot as much as possible. One the weather hits 70 degrees, I despise socks and shoes!! Working on your feet all day long, wearing shoes that aren’t great for your feet, too busy to go get a pedicure, all of these things lead to tired, sore, dry, rough tootsies.
This is a great, luxurious scrub you can make yourself right at home and use as often as needed easily in your daily routine! It’s made with easy ingredients most people have right in their pantry or bathroom and combined with the natural, amazing benefits of quality essential oils. Let’s get those feet ready for those pretty sandals you’ve been dying to wear!
The great thing about this DIY, like the Armpit Detox I posted yesterday, is it’s completely customizable for your personal needs! The recipe I am posting is using Peppermint and Lavender essential oils, and here’s why:
Peppermint – Helps relieve tired feet. Helps with dry, cracked skin. Helps kill bacteria
Lavender – Soothing, calming & moisturizing. Inhibits bacteria growth.
Other great oil combinations you could try: Rosemary & Lavender, Bergamot & Citrus Fresh, Grapefruit & Spearmint
As always, when using essential oils topically, I strongly suggest ONLY using a high quality, trusted brand. Do not use any store bought oils as most of those are only meant to be used aromatically. I only use Young Living oils personally. Their Seed to Seal guarantee gives me peace of mind that what I use on myself and my family is of the utmost quality, free of fillers or toxins.
DIY Peppermint Lavender Foot Scrub
Ingredients:
Directions:
In a glass bowl, mix the sugar, salt and oil until well blended.
Add essential oils and ensure mixture is evenly blended.
Transfer to an air tight container for storage. I use a mason jar.
Indulge as needed!
Note: You can play with the amounts to get the consistency you prefer. Some people like their scrubs more gritty and others prefer it more smooth.
Starting off my “Summer Must Haves” with an absolute MUST for getting primped and primed for summer… something most people don’t even think about doing but will want to do on the regular once you start!
Most people use regular, store bought deodorants and don’t realize that they can block the pores in your armpits, causing a backup of product and bacteria. This is an easy, quick, effective way to detox your body from that ickiness! The Bentonite Clay and Apple Cider Vinegar pull out those toxins while the Essential Oils help soothe and cleanse, leaving your armpits feeling and smelling truly fresh and clean!
This cleanse can help by:
I am probably the words most impatient person, so I tend to do both of my armpits at once and look ridiculous sitting on the couch with both arms straight up over my head LOL, but if it helps me get it done faster, I’m all for it!
Now, if you have super sensitive skin like I do, I suggest you start by using only or more water than apple cider vinegar, as it can feel very tingly and even like it’s stinging. I started by doing half water, half ACV.
Essential Oils You Can Use:
Bergamot – Helps prevent growth of germs that cause body odor
Tea Tree – Can prevent ingrown hairs, disinfecting against bacteria, fungus, etc.
Lavender – Calming and soothing
Frankincense – Great for blemished skin, bumps, rashes
** NOTES**: Do not do this detox if you have open sores or broken skin. Also, I only recommend using high quality, trusted essential oils. Do not use any store bought essential oils, as those are likely only to be used aromatically.
DIY ARMPIT DETOX
Ingredients:
Directions:
Mix together using non-metal bowl and utensil. Mix well to a smooth paste. Add more clay or liquid as needed.
Apply 1/8″ to 1/4″ to the armpit(s) and let sit to dry:
For delicate skin – 5 to 10 minutes
For normal skin – 15 to 20 minutes
Where to find these products:
I use Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. You can find it on Amazon for about $8.95 US for a 1 pound jar that lasts quite a long time:
You can find Apple Cider Vinegar at any grocery store. I would suggest using a raw, unfiltered, organic, Non-GMO one like Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar:
Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
The Essential Oils I use are Young Living oils. They are the only oils that have a Seed to Seal guarantee and that I trust to use topically. If you don’t have Young Living oils and want to give them a try, let me know and I’ll help you get your hands on some!
So, if you know me you know I’m a shoot from the hip, get to the point kind of person. With that said, nothing irritates me more than finding a great recipe link on Pinterest, then clicking on the link only to have to scroll through a painfully long blogger essay, just to get to the dang recipe all the way at the bottom!
So here we go, Strawberry Cobber… because I love to bake and we went strawberry picking… lol ENJOY! ❤
*One important note* if you’re making this: The self rising flour is a must. If you have regular, all-purpose flour don’t fret – you can make you own as follows (adjust for recipe by halving):
SELF RISING FLOUR
1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
1-1/2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
Whisk to combine.
Be sure to also hull your strawberries. A quick easy tip; remove the leaves and use a sturdy straw straight through the middle of the strawberry! Saves the time of using a paring knife to cut them out.
It may seem weird to just leave the mixture and strawberries without mixing, but trust me, that dough will rise up around those strawberries to a beautiful, golden crust and you’ll see the strawberries bubbling around it. Perfection!
STRAWBERRY COBBLER
Are you ready for summer?? Yeah, me either. But while I am preparing for it, I’m going to be sharing some of my favorite summertime products and tips with you! With everything from makeup to beauty DIY’s, I’ll have you ready to hit the beach looking summer primed!
Today I’m starting off with some “primp and prep” items to get you feeling good and looking great!
Stay tuned for some fun DIY beauty recipes, products for you and your whole family, complete with where to find them and maybe a giveaway or two along the way!!
This is a super easy, super yummy recipe I originally tried through a Hello Fresh delivery. So few ingredients and really quick and simple to make. It’s a great weeknight recipe!
We are not typically big fans of sausage but in this dish it’s perfectly flavored and pairs so perfectly with the pesto and pasta.
Here is the link to the recipe:
Sausage and Broccolini Orecchiette
Oily Mama Mo 