Homemade Summer Popsicles

Getting my 2 yr old to eat healthy foods is definitely a struggle. I am always looking for ways to incorporate more fruits and veggies into his diet and unfortunately I have failed on one to many occasions. 

The other day, I was feeling a bit remorseful as I let my little man devour a giant highly sugary popsicle. Then suddenly it dawned on me...I could be making my own healthy homemade version with real fresh fruits...and I bet he would love them just as much!

So, I purchased these lovely little Ikea Popsicle Molds and yesterday we threw together a scrumptious popsicle recipe that he thoroughly enjoyed (he ended up eating at least 3)!

I can't remember the recipe exactly because I just started throwing things into my blender (which is the best way to go!) but I mainly used frozen strawberries, blue berries, & mango...plus a little bit of agave and coconut milk for sweetness...and a few tablespoons of vanilla Greek yogurt to give the popsicles a creamy texture.  

It makes me so happy to see my little guy enjoy his food (especially when I know it's secretly healthy!)

Here are a few other recipes I hope to test out soon...

1 - Martha Stewart, Striped Ice Pops

2 - La Tartine Gourmande, Raspberry & Peach Popsicles

3 - dandysugar, Fresh Fruit Popsicles 

Do you have a favorite homemade Popsicle recipe? 

Almost There!

A couple weeks post pregnancy I tried on one of my favorite old pairs of jeans...then stopped dead in my tracks when I realized they might rip before making it over my thighs.

I tried them on again last Friday and was pleasantly surprised that they almost buttoned! Just a few more pounds to go and I can loose the rubber hair band (+ a few more lbs after that in order to make sitting and bending over comfortable).

I just ordered a double jogging stroller last week so I can whip myself back into shape! (Yes, I have become that crazy mom with the giant stroller that takes up half the road :)

On another note...

I would like to thank my friend Joelle for inadvertently convincing me that my children needed to be on a good nap/bedtime schedule. I have been trying to put both my baby and toddler in bed around 8:00pm for the last week and it has already made my life so much less stressful!

Here are some updated photos of our now happier family...

Happy Friday!

I ran across this lovely Simpatico fabric line by Cloud9 while 'Pintresting' the other day. I've been looking for a perfect fabric to make some throw pillows with for my bedroom and living room... and I think I've found a winner!

I'm just waiting to see how much they will sell for (the price isn't currently listed since the fabric isn't actually available until late June ). I think my favorite is the grey, pink, & yellow triangle patterned fabric (hopefully I can convince my husband that pink is not just for girls :)

Happy Friday, hope everyone has a great weekend!

Healthy Food Review: Black Bean Burgers

I am no vegetarian, but I have always wanted to try a vegetarian type burger. It's just that, when given the choice... an actual beef pattie always seems so much more appetizing.

Yet, after I saw this yummy recipe for homemade Spicy Black Bean Burgers at Eat Live Run I decided it looked too good to not give it a try.

It really was quite delicious especially when paired with thick avocado slices. The black beans and spice gave the burgers a bit of a Mexican flare (different from a normal burger taste, but still very good!)

Plus, it's a great option if you are trying to cut back on fats and red meat!

Would you try a black bean burger over beef?

I Wash My Face With Honey

Those of you who have experienced acne problems know how horrible it can make you feel.

I'm embarrassed to admit it, but this last pregnancy brought on the worst acne I have ever had in my life and many days I didn't even want to leave the house because of it.

My doctor kept reassuring me that it would go back to normal once I had my baby. Yet, weeks after the delivery nothing really changed. In fact, it even worsened a little.

Then I thought after my 6 week postpartum appointment I could get back on the pill, and that would help straighten things out. So, I patiently waited for my 6 week appointment only to find that while breastfeeding I would need to take the "mini" birth control pill which apparently doesn't help acne much at all. I was totally bummed to hear this and then my Dr. said "but don't worry when you stop breastfeeding we can put you on the normal pill and things will clear up."

"When I stop breastfeeding!?!" That could be a whole year from now! I had already dealt with severe acne through 9 months of my pregnancy, another whole year seemed like torturer.

So, I started researching different natural acne treatments which is how I stumbled upon Crunchy Betty's Honey Face Wash Challenge. At first I thought the whole concept was really weird but after reading through her post, I found that honey can actually kill bacteria on your face and is a great anti-inflammatory (which means it will help get rid of zits and lighten acne scars).

I decided I didn't have anything to loose by trying the face wash and I am SO happy I did!

I have now been using pure organic honey to wash my face twice a day for 2 weeks and my face is looking so much better (I also add a little baking soda to the wash 3-4 nights a week for an exfoliator). I haven't had any bad break outs, and the scars on my face have started to lighten and fade away!

I am going to continue to use the Honey face wash daily, although I haven't seen much throughout the blogosphere about using honey for long periods of time.

If any of you have tried this face washing method, I would LOVE to hear how things worked out for you, and if you are interested in taking the challenge, visit Crunchy Betty to learn how to wash your face with honey!

photo credit: via