Thursday 30 May 2013

Apple and Granola Snack

This could quite possibly be the BEST darn some-what healthy snack I have ever put near my tasty taste buds. And these taste buds LOVE taste! haha

Apple & Granola with a little side of Cottage Cheese? When I first heard of this, I thought, that would have to be the oddest and weirdest combination of ingredients. I mean, apple and granola... ok those are totally normal together. But with cottage cheese? Who would have thought this would actually make you want to run back for 2nd's, 3rd's... maybe more?

If you are or were at all sceptical of trying cottage cheese for the first time because of that runny, thick and gooey texture just like me... you need to give it another go with this recipe!

This is such a simple, quick and healthy snack! Hey, who knows... maybe even the young ones will enjoy!



What you need:
- 1 apple- I use Gala because it's my fav!
- 1/3 cup Granola 
- 1/3 cup Cottage Cheese

1. Wash your apple. You don't want to eat all those germs... think of all the people that pick through fruits and veggies at the super market. YUCK. 
2. Cut your apple into cubes removing the seeds and cork. 
3. Pour apple, Granola and Cottage cheese into your bowl and mix.

Thats it! Simple huh? Told ya! 
Now go enjoy your yummy snack just like I am right now... NOM NOM NOM. 



Wednesday 29 May 2013

DIY Chalkboard!

I know there are so many DIY chalkboard tutorials and "how to's" out there already. However, I couldn't resist sharing what I did to create my own and how EASY it was!

The reason I came up with this idea was to do a tally board for what my family members thought our little "peanut" is, BOY or GIRL. We thought it was a cute addition and fun way to find out what people thought before we did the big REVEAL. Afterwards, this chalkboard will become a play toy for our little one in years to come. :)

1.
What you will need: 
- A picture frame- I used some old artwork I had laying around, I still need to take the picture out underneath but the frame worked great! haha I would recommend using a plastic picture frame, as the paint seemed to scrape off the glass easier. 
- Paint tray (Or something to put paint in, like a recycled plastic container even!) 
- Chalkboard paint
- Paint brush
- Painters tape

2. 

First you will want to make sure your picture frame is clean, so take that water and vinegar along with your paper towel and give it a good wipe down. Make sure it is completely dry. Next, Tape off the edges of your picture frame using your painters tape. 

3. 

Start painting your frame in a downward motion. (Vertically) Using straight lines. Be sure not to make it too thick, or it will not dry properly. Continue painting entire surface until all covered. Let dry for 2-3 hours. 

4.  Next you will want to do another coat, this time horizontally. This will ensure all the spots are covered. You will end up with something like this:


5.  Let dry for 24 hours. You will start to end up with a matte finish and your picture frame will start to actually look like a chalkboard now! Something kinda like this: (Sorry for the blurry picture) You can now remove the painters tape along the frame. 



6. After the paint is all dry, you should be able to draw on it. But first, you need to "set" your paint by applying a thin layer of chalk to your entire frame. Do this by taking a piece of chalk on its side to evenly apply. Wipe off using a wet paper towel or cloth. NOW you can draw all the pretty pictures your heart desires! :)


Thursday 23 May 2013

BBQ Seasoned Baby Potatoes

Another one of my favourite BBQ sides would have to be these babies. We always make these when we go camping or just to add to any good ol' BBQ at home. They are so versatile and easy! You can add just about any spices and they will always taste good. This here is my most commonly used ingredients.


This recipe makes enough for 4 sides, approximately 6 potatoes each person. 

Ingredients:

- Half a bag of baby potatoes, washed and cut in halves (you can do red or white or a mix of both for fun!) 
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 tsp Thyme 
- 1/4 tsp Rosemary
- 1/4 tsp Lemon Juice
- 2 dashes of Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Parsley
- Sea Salt and Pepper to taste

1. Place potatoes after being cut into a bbq safe pan. I use dollar store tin disposables.
2. Pour in Olive oil and Lemon juice, mix.
3. Add all Spices and mix.
4. BBQ on MEDIUM heat for approx. 20 mins, or until golden brown and soft on insides.

THATS IT! Told ya it was another easy side. ;)

Have you made these before? If so, do you do anything differently?

Tuesday 21 May 2013

Easy Roma Tomato Salad

This salad is one of my favourites during the summer and bbq season! I love it because not only are tomatoes in season this time of year, but because it is such a refreshing and healthy side to any meal. I pair this salad up mostly with chicken but have done it with fish as well! Why else do I love it? Because it is super easy to make and so yummy!!!



What you will need:
- 3 Roma Tomatoes (you can use other tomatoes but Roma are the best because they aren't as gooey.)
- 1/4 tsp Oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar

Dice tomatoes and add spices. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar on top. Mix well. Refrigerate for an hour to let tomatoes pick up flavours. Serve while cold.


Makes enough for 3 or 4 sides. (Think a tomato per person!)

Tuesday 14 May 2013

Cloth Diapering... is it really worth it?

I have been debating for some time now on whether or not I should tackle the challenge of cloth diapering my first child. I have read so many reviews and done a heap load of research and am still debating!

I know what all of you are thinking right now... Poop & Laundry. How on earth does one go about touching a poopy diaper and cleaning it? Do you really have the time and energy to do all that? These are my thoughts exactly! Hence why I am still debating! haha My boyfriend & father of my child really wants me to cloth diaper because he think we will save a crap load of money.




Pro's to Cloth Diapering:
- The amount of $$ you will save in the long run!!! (May be a bit more upfront, but saving $2000 in the end??)
- Environmentally friendly!
- Only need 2 or 3 different sizes until potty trained
- Cute designs! Ohh how many cute little diapers you can get!
- Biodegradable liner inserts for on the go
- Chemical, dye and gel free
- No diaper rashes (when changing frequently)
- Can get a diaper service for a little extra fee
- Now come with velcro or snaps instead of safety pins

Con's:
- Cleaning the diapers after every use
- Doing laundry every other day at least (extra money on water and electricity)
- Paying upfront for the diapers
- Carrying poopy diapers around with you until you get home
- Can be less absorbent then a disposable (more diaper changes)

And to think of the different kinds of cloth diapers may get a little confusing... however, I have narrowed my search down. I decided I want to use AIO (All in ones) and/or Pockets. The easiest ones to use on the market! (Pockets have inserts so you can just change or dispose of the insert instead of changing the whole diaper like an AIO.)

I think I may do cloth diapering while I am at home or know I will be somewhere I can clean the diaper on hand. Then use disposables while we are out and about for long periods of time and we have someone else watching the baby. I am also planning on using cloth wipes instead of disposables too. What do you guys think? Yay or Nay?

Now, I ask all you momma's out there... Have you cloth diapered in the past? If so, would you do it again? Is it really worth it in the end? Do you really save money? Do you have a favourite brand or kind?

I look forward to sharing with you guys a little more about my journey on whether or not I do decide to cloth diaper and how I am enjoying it.


*The above images are not owned by me, they were found on google images. 

Friday 10 May 2013

Late Night Munchies

As many of you don't already know, I am expecting my first child in October. One thing you notice when you are pregnant is that you will have rare cravings. I have noticed if I do not satisfy my cravings, I will crave that particular craving for days!! Sometimes it can be very frustrating if you do not have that particular item or items on hand. The other night I was craving nacho's sooo bad!! So what else was I to do, but to make some nacho's with what we had on hand? After all, this was a late night snack! So now, I share with you, one of my many pregnancy cravings!

Nacho's before entering the oven!

Nacho's after being baked. 

Now for the super easy Nacho recipe!

What you will need:

- Half a bag of Nacho's of choice, I used bite side because they are easier to grab apart.
- About 12 Cherry Tomatoes, cut in halves
- A quarter of a Orange Pepper, diced
- A quarter of a Yellow Pepper, diced
- About 12 JalapeƱo green olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp Mild Salsa
- 1.5 cups of Old Cheddar Cheese, grated or crumbled

Put all ingredients in order straight onto a shallow baking dish, starting with Nacho's first. Lay all ingredients while spreading them out evenly. Top with cheese until covered. Bake in oven at 300 degrees Celsius or 10-15 mins or until cheese is melted. Let cool, and enjoy! :)

*Dip nacho's into sour cream for some extra yummy goodness. 

Thursday 9 May 2013

Indulge in a Little Sweetness this Summer

  Summer is just around the corner and what better way to indulge in a little summer then a new scent?

  Some of you may feel its alright to wear the same scent all year long, and who's to stop you? But many people love to shop for a new one. Whether it be just a lighter one, floral, fruity or fresh smell. In the end, you just need something that is anything but heavy on the nose. We all have different top picks, but these here are mine.


Favourite summer scents 2013

1. Prada, Candy- Launched in Summer 2011. I have loved it since I first laid my hands on it and still can't get enough!! Top notes are Caramel, Vanilla, Musk and Benjoin. It really does smell just like CANDY!

2. Chanel, Chance Eau Fraiche- The perfect everyday "light and fresh" scent for summer. With top notes of Lemon and Cedar, you will always be smelling fresh!

3. Guerlain, La Petite Robe Noire- I have found that this is one of those fragrances that almost everyone loves. It is so different with both "black" and "pink" notes. Black being the spicier side and pink being the sweeter side.  It is so versatile, and it's my going out on the town/date night fragrance. Top notes are Bergamot, Almond, Sour Cherry and Red Berries. YUM!

4. Lancome, La Vie est Belle- Meaning: Life is Beautiful. This is also another one of those fragrances that almost everyone will love. But much more on the sweeter side then Guerlain's La Petite Robe Noire. Top notes are Iris, Patchouli and Gourmand.

5. Givenchy, Hot Couture- Honestly, who hasn't heard of or tried this fragrance yet? One of the most popular fragrances on the market. It will never go out of style! (Or at least not in my lifetime.) An oriental fruity fragrance with top notes of Raspberry Pearl, Transparent Jasmine and White Musk. This fragrance can be for sure worn all year long.

6. Balenciaga, L'eau Rose- New this year, A feminine floral fragrance. A mix between Blackberry musk and a traditional powdery rose-violet. With top notes of Blackberry, Violet, Rose, Patchouli, Cedar and Musk. Another great everyday wear for the summer!

  I hope this post kinda helps some of you who are debating on getting a summer fragrance! My advice; go smell around at Shoppers, Sephora, the Bay or Sears. Ask for help if you are unsure which fragrances would be considered "summer" ones. Spray the ones you like on a card, NOT all over you or you will go home smelling like a million different things! When you narrow it down to your two or three favourites, spray one on each wrist and one on your neck. Since every fragrance smells different on everyone (because of your bodies oils) you may not like it anymore after you try it! Don't just smell the fragrance on the card and buy it. This is one of the main reasons people will return fragrances! Walk around the store for a bit after spraying the ones you do like, and see if you like the scent still after it settles. Chances are you will love one and hate another you tried!
  Happy fragrance shopping! :)

Wednesday 8 May 2013

Big things coming your way!

Welcome all!

My name is Sarah, I am a 20-something beauty and makeup guru and a loving housewife. (I may not be married yet, but it sure does feel like it sometimes!)

Join me in my posts where I will discuss everything from Makeup, Beauty and Fashion- to sharing my favourite Recipes- to my journey on becoming a first time mom!

I have exciting things planned for this blog and I cannot wait to share them with you all!!

Til then, keep on checking back for more fabulous posts, updates and to see my customized layout grow!