Healthy Summer Snacking

Being a  mom of four boys, all nine and under with one of them still nursing, it seems like I am going non-stop. I mean NON-stop. We always have somewhere to be, something to do, someone to see, something to clean up or something to look forward to. Busyness is a constant in our lives and it's taken me a while but, I'm finally figuring out how to just go with it. Another perk (??) of being a  mom of four littles (and that I'm still nursing) is being hungry pretty much twenty-four/seven. With all of that rushing around, calories get burned and energy starts to be lacking. That's why I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, healthy snack alternatives. Not just for my boys though, for me too! Because, if I'm being honest, my boys don't have a regular snack time. On days that we don't have a lot going on and they're just playing inside and being pretty low-key, they typically don't ask for a snack. They're usually so caught up in their imaginative play that they don't even realize how quickly the time passes and, before they know it, it's meal time again. Me, on the other hand, I have to eat every three to four hours. I'm talking, HAVE to. If I don't, scary things happen. LOL Seriously though, since becoming pregnant with my first baby and learning all about the benefits of drinking tons of water and eating small amounts of healthy food at regular intervals, I am allllllways thirsty and hungry. I need that extra boost of protein in the middle of my day (and morning and before bed at night) to keep me going, I just do. Add in a good, calorie blasting workout to my morning and I'm ravenous by lunch time. No, really, ask my kids..

With all of that being said, I thought I'd share a recipe I was recently introduced to by a friend via Pinterest and have not stopped making since. It's THAT good. And quick! It's called Peanut Butter Energy Bites and you can find the recipe from Chef Savvy here. They're made up of five easy ingredients you probably have in your pantry anyway and only take about thirty minutes from start to finish.

The first time I attempted these protein bites (late last week), I made one batch according to the recipe, substituting chai seeds for flax because that's what I had on hand. I actually ran the half cup of seeds through my food processor before adding them to the other ingredients thinking it would give them more of a "ground" consistency. Totally not the case and, turns out, completely unnecessary. None of my family minded the taste and crunchiness of the seeds one bit. So, the second time making them (ahem..this afternoon), I left them whole. And made a double batch because, yea, they're that good. The instructions also say that you get twelve protein bites out of one recipe. I got around 25 the first time I made them and closer to fifty this time around. I made the balls smaller when I rolled them and they turned out to be the perfect size to grab a couple at a time, for Glen and I, and give to the boys for a snack as well. I also discovered that I like the taste of them a smidge better after they've been refrigerated a bit. They're still sooooo good, don't get me wrong but, fresh out of the fridge? Yum.

These also make a great on-the-go breakfast or late night snack. I've actually had them in place of my nightly bowl of ice cream which is saying a LOT. If you know me at all, you know that mama likes her ice cream. And, I'm hard pressed to keep right along with that habit. Haha. But, I  have to admit, these fill that void nicely when I'm feeling the need to be a tad healthier some days. (Which isn't very often..ha) None the less, give them a try and you never know, you may love them! Also, can you tell the boys were excited for me to make them today?! ;)

Peanut Butter Protein Bites by Chef Savvy

I used natural peanut butter, organic honey we purchase locally and tried to consistently fill a large spoon when scooping them to roll. That way I could keep the size more uniform. I hope all of these tips help you make a yummy treat of your own and please, share any healthy snack/meal recipes you have with me in the comments! I'm also excited to try another recipe I found for a chocolate version and one to make your own chewy granola bars! Bring on summa!! 

Skincare for the Ages

Can we talk for just a minute about skincare? Do you have a regimen you use that is tried and true? Are you still searching for something that works? I've never committed to using just one product line. Usually, I try whatever is on sale or something someone recommends to me, as long as it's pretty inexpensive and doesn't require a lot of steps. With every product I've tried though, I've never found anything that really works at keeping my skin clear, healthy, soft and break out free. It may do the job for a few days or weeks but, long term, nothing has lasted. Then I found out about the Enfuselle line of Shaklee skincare. I absolutely love it!

It all started a few months ago when I began to notice my skin was aging. It was dry, acne prone and difficult to keep that clean, fresh feeling. I decided that maybe it was time to find a regimen that would be gentle on my skin and still do an impeccable job at oil control and managing break outs. This skincare has gone up and beyond that. It is amazing!

Since the day I started using it I have had nothing but great results. Less than one week into the regimen, I noticed that my skin was clearer, softer, less oily and easier to care for. The break outs I had were muted in color and disappearing and I wasn't having any issues controlling oil throughout the day. I was stunned. Mostly because I never thought I would find something affordable that not only worked, but used natural ingredients to really care for and improve my skin.

I use three products from the Enfuselle line. They work wonderfully together without any harsh side effects and are completely natural and safe to use (even during pregnancy and nursing!).  There are three simple steps that I follow and it keeps my skin clear and glowing.  ((Please note that I am not a doctor nor a dermatologist. Nothing I write here is scientific, it is simply my experience and opinion of the product and how it has worked for me.))  Also, I always brush, floss and rinse my teeth before I begin cleansing my face so as not to leave any residue after cleansing.

Step 1 //  Hydrating Cleansing Lotion  //

I love this. It doesn't take much, just a dab slightly smaller than a cocoa puff (great example huh!) on the tip of your finger. First, wet your entire face and neck. Smooth the cleansing lotion all over your skin while massaging with your fingertips and being sure to avoid the eye area. (I use Dove soap and a sea sponge on my eyes to gently remove any makeup or oils that may be there before I use my cleanser) Rinse your skin clean with warm water and pat dry (rubbing your face while drying it can irritate the skin and lead to more break outs).

Step 2 //  Hydrating Toner  //

Moisten a cotton ball with a small amount of toner and gently wipe it across your entire face and neck (again avoiding the eye area). This is so refreshing and invigorating for the skin. It really feels like it's working and tightening the skin without over drying and I love that.

Step 3 //  Hydrating Moisturizer  //

This is the final step in my routine and it makes a world of difference. I always let my face air dry after applying the toner and before using the moisturizer. I use just enough to cover the tip of my finger and gently rub it all over my face and neck. Be sure to rub it all in but, do not be too hard on your skin. After all, your trying to avoid wrinkles, not give yourself more by stretching it out.

And that's it! It takes me less than twenty minutes from start to finish (beginning with brushing my teeth) and, when I'm done, I really feel so much better. Glen's grandmother is the one who recommended this skincare to me. She is a Shaklee distributor and we have ordered all of our household soaps and cleaning supplies from her since we were married. They are all biodegradable and safe for families. I love how highly concentrated they are, that they really last and do an incredible job cleaning anything from laundry to dishes to floors. She began using their skincare around 40 years ago when she became a distributor for them and she has never looked back. I have always thought that she looks at least 20 years younger than she is so, when she told me her secret, I knew this was what I was looking for. I mean, 40 years later and she is STILL using the same products?! Talk about tried and true!

I recently recommended this regimen to a friend and thought maybe someone else may gain something from learning about Shaklee and all that they have to offer. Have a blessed week and look for a post about our first week of school coming soon!!