Tasty Tuesday | Best Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever!

 

I admit I am a chocoholic. I am a freak when I get a craving for something sweet, and have been known to put my kids to bed before 7 just so I can go on an uninterrupted baking rampage!

Latley I’ve been trying to wean myself and my kids off of sugar – not so easy now that I have passed on my sweet tooth to them. I feel a little less guilty knowing I am making it all from scratch, and from good organic/non GMO sources.

I must share the yummiest cookies with you! I adapted the recipe from Oatmeal with a Fork last week.

They came out great, taste amazing and the girls love them, so they will be a new staple in our dessert dish!

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The Best Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever
Author: Lauren Goslin
Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 10 mins Total time: 15 mins
Serves: 9

Ingredients
1 c. almond meal
scant 1/4 t. sea salt
1/8 t. baking soda
1/4 t. cinnamon, optional, but delicious!
3 T. coconut oil or butter, melted
2 T. Honey or maple syrup (I substituted Organic Agave Syrup
1 1/2 t. vanilla
1-3 t. water
2-4 T. chopped dark chocolate, depending on your personal preference (I used 3 T.) (I substituted with Ghiaradelli semi sweet chips

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Mix the almond meal, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.
Stir in the coconut oil, honey/maple syrup, and vanilla.
Add in water as needed to bring everything together.
Stir in the chopped chocolate last.
Bake for 10-11 minutes on a well oiled or parchment paper-lined cookie sheet (the edges should be golden).
Let them sit on the pan for 5-10 minutes (they firm up during this time, so this is an important step!).
Remove and enjoy!

Notes
Nutrition facts are based on using maple syrup and 4 tablespoons of dark chocolate. Weight Watchers points (new system): 4
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 9 Calories: 139 Fat: 11.2 g Saturated fat: 5.3 g Unsaturated fat: 5.9 g Trans fat: 0 g Carbohydrates: 8.2 g Sugar: 5.6 g Sodium: 71 mg Fiber: 1.5 g Protein: 2.6 g Cholesterol: 1 mg

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Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 Moisturizer + Serum Duo with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15

I’m so excited to share this drugstore gem with you! I love finding affordable double duty products that save me time, effort and money! I’m a huge fan of Olay products and this one does not disappoint.

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This lightweight fragrance-free formula is perfect for moisturizing your skin this Spring. With an added serum for hydration, plus broad-spectrum sunscreen protection, this one product is triple duty!

I love how it feels on my skin after it absorbs. I often break out from sunscreens with fragrances so I love how this has SPF 15 and is great for my sensitive skin. Just a touch of BB cream on top and I’m ready for the day!

It’s great for most skin types including normal to dry and sensitive.

The best part is, like most of Olay products, you can find it at retailers for just $20!

The A-B-C’s of Eating for Healthy Hair | Kind Bar Giveaway

Warmer weather is almost here in New England, and Spring is in the air! It’s time for me to “feed my fringe” with healthy foods that promote hair shine, growth and movement – simple as A, B, C: Vitamin for shine Vitamin for growth Vitamin C for movement

With a 10 week old baby girl at home I admit it’s not easy to incorporate vitamins into my daily diet. Here’s a list of quick and easy foods that will help you whip your hair back into shape for Spring!

Vitamin A: Helps in the production of scalp oil, defending against dry locks. You can find it in foods:

  • cantaloupe
  • carrots
  • sweet potatoes

Vitamin B: Increases blood flow to your hair follicles, delivering your scalp oxygen and nutrients to stimulate hair growth. Food sources:

  • eggs and egg whites
  • 1% milk and yogurt
  • spinach

Vitamin C: Produces collagen, which is the structural fiber of our hair. An ample dose of C lends flexibility to tresses and prevents breakage. Find it in:

  • broccoli
  • brussel sprouts
  • cauliflower

And when I’m on the go I can get my A-B-C’s with a KIND Pomegranate Blueberry  Pistachio + Antioxidants bar (1 bar provides 50% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamins A and C. Almonds are one of the most significant sources of riboflavin (a B Vitamin)).

I have been stashing these delicious bars in my purse for after workouts. I like to call them my mommy fuel because they taste homemade and  have real ingredients in them like whole nuts, fruits and honey. My favorite is the Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew + Antioxidants – it is to die for yummy!

Other varieties include Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate + Protein, Cranberry Almond + Antioxidants, Dark Chocolate Nuts + Sea Salt, Blueberry Vanilla + Cashew, Apple Cinnamon + Pecan and many, many more!

 

 

 

 

Win It: The AWESOME folks at Kind Snacks are giving away 5 Kind bars to one of my readers! It’s easy to enter, just tell me which variety is your favorite in the comments! Winner will be announced Friday, May 3!

Buy It: You can find Kind Snacks online or at various retail locations for $2

Disclosure: I was provided with product samples for review. All opinions are my own and are not swayed by outside sources.

New Mom Sassy Spring Love List #LoveEverySip

I could not feel more inspired this Spring after just having our third baby girl! And this month Diet Pepsi is inspiring sips with a new limited-time-only can designed exclusively by HGTV star and home designer, Vern Yip.  The cute mini can features Pantone’s spring fashion and color report’s dusk blue and an on-trend trellis peacock design.

They’ve asked me to share my love list on how I’m going to sass up my style this spring. Well I absolutely love all the new colors and patterns that are the perfect pick me up for new moms!

Whether it’s a new pair of stretchy (and forgiving) jeans, a patterned pillow for the sofa, fun bright nails, or colorful sneakers to go for a walk – it’s so easy to add a little pop of inspiration to your style without spending a lot! Here’s what I’m loving this Spring:

New Mom Sassy Spring Love List

Cabi Thin Mint Jegging

Lauren Conrad for Kohls

 

Diet Pepsi

Nike @ Kohl’s

 

Threshold for Target

 

Essie Come Here Coral

What inspires you to add a little sass to your style? Share YOUR Sassy Spring Love List and tweet @DietPepsi how you will #LoveEverySip this Spring!

 

Disclosure: I was compensated for this campaign with diet pepsi.

 

Makeup Monday | Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream Review

I have to share this product review with you since I’ve fallen in love with the Dream Fresh BB 8-In-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfector.

I’m often asked what foundation I wear or recommend, and many of you know I’m a BB cream fan for the simple combination of skincare and makeup in one step (love time saving double duty products!). I’ve tried many brands including the expensive department store versions, and the Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream is by far my favorite. This one has enough moisture to hydrate my skin, along with great coverage to even it out in less than 30 seconds. Add in the SPF 30 and little to no fragrance –  making it a perfect match for my sensitive skin. It’s also a budget friendly choice at under $7 – this is a must have in your Spring makeup bag ladies!

Here’s what I love about it:

• Blurs imperfections
• Brightens
• Evens skin tone
• Smoothes
• Hydrates
• Enhances
• Protects with SPF 30
• 0% oils and heavy ingredients

 

 

What’s in your Spring makeup bag?

Fashion Friday | Simple Spring Style

TGIF Mamas! What do I wear to preschool drop off and a meeting after having a baby? I’ve found a formula that works for me – it takes me from feeling frumpy to fabulous every time.

My little secret is a blousey top to hide the mummy tummy with my favorite “investment” jeans. Mine happen to be a pair of bootcut Citizens perfectly tailored for flats or heels. I can literally wear my Red Sox tee shirt and kicks or a sparkly top and heels with these jeans and be ready in five minutes!

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please excuse my “helpers”finger in the photo :)
Today I’m wearing my favorite Cabi blouse from Spring 2012, an Ann Taylor purple cardigan left over from my working days, my fav jeans and silver flats from Francesca’s Collection. I am comfortable and it took me a few minutes to get ready and all three girls out the door this morning.

What piece of clothing makes you feel great?

Wordless Wednesday | Easter Fun

Ella’s first Easter was full of fun with our family including an egg hunt with cousins, a traditional ham dinner, lots of cuddles from grandparents and gorgeous weather! Of course we forgot to get a family photo snapped but it was a perfect day. How was your holiday???

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Wordless Wednesday | Fun with the Dancing Cop

Rhode Island’s famous dancing cop made a cameo today at my girls’ preschool – so fun!

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Fashion Friday | timi & leslie Abby Diaper Bag Review

Mamas rejoice! Finally there is a fabulous diaper bag that actually fits all the necessities you need for baby and mama in one sleek and stylish satchel!

I’ve had my share of diaper bags since becoming a mom in 2008. My first was a colorful quilted number that was so not my style – but there weren’t a lot of options that seemed to fit my style then. Over the years I have mostly jammed in the absolute essentials into larger totes because I can’t stand the look of a true diaper bag.

I was so excited to receive the timi and leslie Abby diaper bag in ocean blue for review recently because it is absolutely gorgeous, and oh so functional!

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It’s like they knew the suspense was killing me to receive it. Even the box was adorned with cute sayings like this:

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This is exactly what I would have wanted five years ago if I had know it existed. It’s the perfect oversized carry-all satchel for busy moms on the go, yet stylish enough to make your outfit look even better!

The faux leather is so soft it looks and feels like a luxury hand bag, and I personally love the ocean blue color that is totally on trend right now.

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It comes with all the diaper essentials including a changing pad, insulated bottle bag, a bag for dirty clothes, tons of compartments for wipes and diapers, etc. Plus it has a cute little “satellite” purse for mom’s essentials, completely eliminating the need for a separate handbag!

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My favorite feature is the matching clip-on straps to hang the bag from your stroller – how cool is that?

 

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The Abby bag comes in three colors (ocean blue, graphite gray, and espresso), and retails for $179.99. Here are the details from timi & leslie:

The hip and happening Abby Bag makes any outfit look great while keeping you super organized.  It’s made from easy to clean faux leather (PVC free) and features our custom hardware in an antique brass finish. Abby comes with many functional and fashionable accessories and features:

  • A cross body, adjustable detachable strap so you can wear it hands free whenever you need to;
  • Our specially designed changing pad with a front mesh pocket where you can store your diapers, wipes and creams when you need to make a quick diaper change trip;
  • A zippered sac to put away soiled clothes;
  • A stylish clutch that you can use as your purse (who wants to carry a purse and a bebe bag?) with interior credit card slots and an inside zipper pocket;
  • An insulated bottle tote to keep your baby’s bottles warm or cool;
  • Matching stroller straps so you can hang your bebe bag from your stroller;
  • Water resistant, light colored lining so you can easily see everything in your bag;
  • Seven exterior pockets;
  • Six interior organizational pockets;
  • Inside key fob – never lose your keys!
  • Bag Measures: 13.5”H x 15.5” W x 5.25” D and 10” handle drop

Special Offer for Blush Mamas Readers!

Buy It: SAVE 20% off your purchase of a timi & leslie bag here by using the coupon code: blushmamas20 – now through March 22, 2013!

 

Disclosure: I was provided with a timi & leslie bag for product review purposes. All opinions are my own, and are not swayed by outside sources.

 

HALO SleepSack Swaddle Review

There are very few baby products I haven’t already tried with my first two daughters – especially when it comes to helping them sleep better! I was super excited to learn about the new HALO SleepSack Swaddle because it is the best of both worlds in my opinion.

I’ve always used the original SleepSack Wearable Blanket with my first two daughters because of the safety benefits of not having loose blankets in the bassinet or crib to help prevent SIDS.  But ultimately I always ended up swaddling them with another hospital blanket over the SleepSack to make them feel more secure. For more information about about Safe Swaddling click here.

My new little bundle of joy also loves being swaddled, and the velcro wings on the HALO makes it a cinch to secure the swaddle to a custom fit for her! No more tucking blanket ends in to make a “baby taco” that will eventually unravel.


But lately I’ve noticed she also likes to have her arms out to push her binky back in at night. This new HALO SleepSack offers the best of both worlds – both arms out like the original style, and arms in now with the swaddle wings! Another feature I love is the zipper goes all the way to the bottom near her feet, so I don’t have to undo the whole thing and take her out of the swaddler to change her diaper in the middle of the night (like other swaddler products).  And there you have it…a sleeping baby and a very happy mama!

Do you swaddle your little ones?

BUY IT: You can purchase the HALO SleepSack Swaddle at various retailers for $28.99

Disclosure: I was provided with a HALO SleepSack Swaddle for review purposes. All opinions are my own, and are not swayed by outside sources.