Things That Make Me Say Yeay

Low carb pumpkin bread fail turned awesome pumpkin pie bread like pudding that we topped with coconut ice cream.

Ronin's little feet that I want to eat, down by the street listening to a beat beat beat.  Okay I have had too much coffee and can not think clearly.  But seriously baby feet are the best. 

Confession: when the polka dot trend first started I thought it was the stupidest thing ever.  My thoughts were..."why would I want to look like a giant clown with a bunch of polka dots everywhere?"  Well, now I love it and can't get enough.  Found these cool little socks at good ole Target. 


Two new nail colors that I will be wearing this fall.  OPI- Don't Talk Bach To Me (cool name) and OPI- French Quarter For Your Thoughts. 

The BEST crock pot chicken that I had ever had.  If you like your chicken moist, juicy and literally falling off the bones, make this.  My hair gal actually told me about this recipe and I just want to kiss her for sharing with me.  All you do is take a whole small chicken (got mine at Trader Joe's) place it in the crock pot with 2 minced garlic cloves and whatever spices you like.  I added fresh rosemary, salt and pepper and Braggs seasoning mix.  I added a little coconut oil to the top and slow roasted it all day.  AMAZING and my husband thinks I am a little bit cooler now for making this.

Have a great weekend!

A few things:

• I recently did a fun little interview on my friend Andrea's blog. You can read it here. 

• I have my very first blogger blate (blogger date) this weekend and I am so excited!  If she really turns out who she says she is and is not a creepy middle aged older man then I will post pictures on Instagram (@delightedmomma) this weekend.  See you soon Alexa! xo

Homemade Almond Meal (Gluten Free and Low Carb)

Making your own almond meal might be the easiest thing you will ever do in the kitchen.  Like easier than making a cup of Keurig coffee easy.  PLUS you will save lots of money...who doesn't like that?

So what's so great about almond meal...

• It's  super low carb.  1/4 cup of almond meal has only 2 grams of effective carbohydrate compared to 1/4 cup of wheat flour which has 23 grams of carbohydrate.  That is a big difference.
• It's gluten free
• Low glycemic (has minimal impact on blood sugar levels)
• Healthier baking option for people with diabetes (I am type 1) and those who eat a Paleo diet
• It is not processed and all natural

What you will need:

• Blanched almonds (almonds without the skin) I buy mine in bulk at my local natural market.

*You can also use regular almonds you will just need to use a flour sifter to get some of the excess skin out of the batch...or leave it in there it is up to you.  It will still taste good either way. 

Directions:

1. Take up to two cups of almonds and place in a food processor.  
2. Process the almonds until you have a nice fine powder.  It takes me about 45 seconds but since everyone has a different food processor your time may be more or less.  Do not over process or you will end up with almond butter! 
3. Place your almond flour in an airtight container and place in the fridge. 
4. DONE.  How easy is that?

This is not only easy but it takes just seconds to whip up yourself.  So what can you make with almond meal? Tons of yummy things like...

Flourless Snickerdoodle Cookies

Baked Thyme Onion Rings

Flourless Blueberry Scones

Low Carb Chocolate Chip Muffins (Mmmmm)

Skinny Pancakes (Heaven)

Some Recent Family Pictures

A few weekends ago we ventured out and got some family pictures taken by the talented and SUPER cute Leslie Hoax.  Despite the fact that there was a thunderstorm brewing and lightening was even striking (and Ronin was not being a cooperative smiling baby) we all made it out alive and she somehow managed to capture our now family of four...welcome to the crazy bunch Ronin!

On a side note: I did not teach  my sons how to "mad dog" a photo (the last one is a good example of this)...that is all my husband :)

Things That Make Me Say Yeay

Hello Friday! I thought this week was never going to end.  My sweet little Ronin is teething...ahhhh already?! I can feel little tiny teeth nubs trying to poke their way though.  Poor guy. AND Blogger (the host I use to run my blog) decided to pull a Facebook and change everything up on me.  I have not yet figured out the whole change thing and need to get a "Blogger For Dummies" manual to figure out all the HTML stuff so in the meantime I only have one "Things That Make Me Say Yeay" picture for you.  One is better than none right?...

A fresh batch of baked apple chips about to go in the oven.  I have been making these almost daily and they are so good!  They also make my whole house smell like a delicious bakery.  If you are wondering if you should make these the answer is yes.  Plus, you only need two things! 

Have a wonderful weekend  And enjoy the first weekend of fall! Now if only the weather would get it's act together and get cooler then I would really be a happy camper. 

DIY Ombre Polymer Clay Beaded Necklace

Nap time is pretty awesome. As I am typing out this little diy both boys are snoring away and that is happiness :) Nap time is also when I can be a girl and do things like paint my nails, try on "fall" outfits (yes I have fashion shows that include only me) and play with my most favorite thing...polymer clay. This ombre polymer clay beaded necklace is SO easy to make and it has quickly become my favorite piece of jewelry to wear.

What you will need:

• Maroon polymer clay (you could use whatever color you want actually)
• White polymer clay
• Toothpick
• Waxed leather cord
• Some kind of necklace closure (not shown)

Here is what you do...
Condition both pieces of clay so they are easier to work with. Take a big chunk of the maroon and add a tiny bit of white. Mix the two colors between your fingers until they are completely blended together.

Rip off two pieces and make two round balls. One for each side of the necklace. Take the big chuck of clay that you previously had and add a little more white. Rip off two chunks just like you did before and make two more lighter colored beads. Keep doing this until you are satisfied with the ombre effect...each time adding a little bit more white.

Use the toothpick to poke a hole in each bead. Lay your beads out in the order they are going to be strung on your necklace (this makes it easier in the end) and bake according to your clay directions.

String on your beads and wear your homemade ombre necklace! The awesome part about this project is it costs less than $5 to create...Yeay right?!

For more ways to create jewelry using polymer clay see here, here and here.

My hair is falling out and my pet's heads are falling off!

This picture really has nothing to do with this post...other than than the fact that I have curled my hair to hide the "balding."

Okay so my pet's heads are not really falling off. I don't actually have any pets. I might be the worst (little) dog owner ever since we have given away every single little dog that we have ever owned. I know horrible. I actually can not stand little dogs...go ahead and hate me and send me hate e-mail's. BUT my hair really is falling out. Bummer. At least it's not falling out as fast as Ronin's hair (hello mini Dr. Phil) because then we would really be in trouble.

I am blaming those asshole post pregnancy hormones for the hair loss. Same thing happened with my first born, although I do not remember it being as drastic as it is this time around. I literally had to do a double take the other morning because I could have sworn as I was passing the mirror that I had a mini hole in my head that was hairless...turns out I was not hallucinating. Double bummer.

I have learned little "tricks" like curling my hair makes it less noticeable...and not washing it every day but it still sucks.

Has anyone else experienced this? I know a LOT about the skin but I know nothing about hair so if you know any tricks or tips to make hair appear fuller or help with growth PLEASE help a balding girl out.

Skin Care Tip Of The Week *The beauty benefits of baking soda*

Sometimes the best things in life are...cheap. Yes, baking soda I am talking to you. I have mentioned it before but today I am going to share four other ways that you can incorporate it into your beauty regime for extra soft silky smooth skin.

1. Acne busting body scrub- Mix a small amount of baking soda with apple cider vinegar and use as an acne busting and purifying body scrub.
2. DIY microdermabrasion- similar to this post but mix one part water and one part baking soda and exfoliate for three to five minutes and rinse with warm water. You will not believe how smooth your skin will feel!
3. Spider bite reliever- UGH I hate ugly spider bites, especially when they are in noticeable places. Apply a little baking soda mixed with water to the bite and it will help relieve discomfort and tone down redness.
   
4. Green clay + baking soda mask or spot treatment- Mix a tiny bit of baking soda, green clay and water to make the ultimate zit busting mask. Use this as a spot treatment for blemishes or all over if you are experiencing an annoying breakout.

On a side note- this weekend while I was out grocery shopping at Trader Joe's I noticed that my checker had the most beautiful pearly whites that I have ever seen. I have no filter so I told her how amazing her teeth were. She got close and told me her little "secret"...baking soda. She said she was on a budget and can not afford white strips so she mixes baking soda with her toothpaste and brushes for a good five minutes with the stuff and tada! SO trying that!

Things That Make Me Say Yeay

The coolest book filled with fun flying airplane projects for kids (or adults who like kid activites). It has all of the patterns inside and you just tear out the page and begin creating. Max has been having so much fun making all kinds of flying objects.

The one and ONLY heirloom tomato that decided to grow out of the 6 plants we planted this year. Okay this does not really make me say "Yeay," it makes me wonder what the heck we did wrong...but this little survivor was pretty tasty.

Echinacea and Elderberry tinctures made by my Step Mom (sounds like such an evil word). I am giving these (and apple cider vinegar) full credit to killing an annoying cold that was trying to creep up a few weeks ago. I am going to learn how to make them and then share here on the blog.

Afternoon stroller walks around the duck pond.

Returning an online purchase with my favorite unnecessary purchase...pink polka dot packaging tape.

Have a wonderful weekend!

On a side note: I was recently sent the cutest iPhone case from this shop and if you are in need of a fun and super affordable case definitely check them out!

3 Minute Chocolate Paleo Mug Cake

This past weekend my husband and I went out for a little date. One glass of wine led to two, the conversation started getting all hot and heavy and...okay nothing crazy happened (sorry babe) but I came home and decided I needed something sweet. The husband agreed. The cooooolest thing about eating Paleo (are you sick of that word yet?) is that once you know all of the ingredients that you can cook and bake with it makes coming up with desserts and meals that much more fun. This recipe is my own although there are many other ways and variations that you can make this EASY and delicious little treat.

What you will need:

• 3 tbs of almond meal
• 3 tbs of cocoa powder
• 2 tbs of honey
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• a few dashes of salt
• a few (5) dashes of cinnamon. Sorry I suck and you can yell at me in the comment section but I did not measure this out exactly.

*Variation- I am a little embarrassed to say that I made two of these in one night (hey wine makes you hungry) and the second batch was made with 2 tbs of cocoa powder and 1 tbs of sunflower seed butter. SO good too!

Directions:

1. Mix all of the ingredients together in a microwave safe mug.
2. Microwave for 2 minutes.
3. Enjoy!

This really should take you no longer than three minutes to make. 1 minute to whip up all the ingredients and two minutes in the microwave. Okay I know someone who thinks they are Mr. Smarty Pants is going to say how using the microwave is not "Paleo"... but I am pretty sure caveman used microwaves all the time :)
If you want to be romantic and get your cuddle on then this recipe makes two servings. But if you are selfish and do not like sharing your chocolate cake like me then it only makes one. You can decide.

Skin Care Tip Of The Week *DIY Vitamin C Serum*

So many of you ask me what I use on a daily basis and I promise that post is coming soon...but one product that I can not live without is Vitamin C serum. It tightens your skin, helps lighten hormonal pigmentation (I was one of those that was cursed with horrible pregnancy melasma) and helps ward off wrinkles. I lather it on every SINGLE night before I go to bed. The only problem with Vitmain C serum is that it's one of the priciest skin care products on the market. I currently use this product and I have also used this one (yikes expensive I know). But today I am going to show you how you can make your own...for under $10! Get excited people.

What you will need:

• A dark colored glass bottle. I used an empty serum bottle.
• Vitamin C powder (L ascorbic powder). You can find this at your local health food store that carries products in bulk or you can purchase here.
• %100 pure vegetable glycerine, which is a great base for serums and makes your skin extra glowy and soft.

Directions:

1. In a small bowl mix 1 tsp of Vitamin C powder with 2 tsp of vegetable glycerine.
2. Crush the crystals up until they are completely dissolved (if you don't you will end up with a grainy serum)
3. Carefully pour your serum into your glass bottle.
4. Apply 3-4 drops onto freshly cleansed skin and gently massage in until fully absorbed.
5. Keep in a cool dry place.

* Update- if you are having trouble getting the crystals to dissolve, add a tiny bit of purified or distilled water to the mixture.  This should completely solve the gritty problem some of you are experiencing.

SO easy and you skin will thank you for this I promise.
My recommendation is to use this only at night to start. If you think your skin can handle more go ahead and use twice a day. Since this serum is all natural and does not contain any preservatives, only make enough to last you about two weeks. Vitamin C serum may cause temporary redness and that is normal, but if you have any burning sensation remove with cool water and lower the ratio of Vitamin C powder to vegetable glycerine.
Enjoy and please come back and let me know how you like this if you try it out!

Things That Make Me Say Yeay

My first experience with Chinese magnetic cupping therapy (on my stomach). My step mom is getting her license in holistic medicine and she did a little practicing on me. This was so cool--but hurt a little not going to lie. Cupping Therapy stimulates the lymphatic, skin and circulatory system. It can help with stretch marks, scars, healing of inflamed tissue and so much more. Pretty cool.

Baby giggles. The best. I wish I could actually play this picture with sound because he was really crackin himself up!

Giant family BBQS. Can a forearm be sexy? I think so. I think this forearm (courtesy of my husband) is pretty damn sexy.

New vintage watercolor prints for Ronin's nursery, which is still a work in progress. Since he is still sleeping in our room I decided to stop trying to force it all to come together quickly and let the decorating process take on a more natural relaxed state :) Putting it that way makes me feel better about not having it done.

A beautiful California summer sunset.

Have a wonderful weekend! We are getting some family pictures taken this weekend and I am super excited to finally get some photos of our new family of four all together.

What Music Makes You Move?

Who is with me and can not run or workout without a seriously awesome playlist? I need music to run. I also hate talking while running...just gonna throw that out there. It gets me out of my groove and it's just annoying. I recently discussed this with my friend who is training with me for the half marathon and whew so glad we are on the same page. There is nothing like saying, "Can you please SHUT your yapper so I can run?" Ya you can't really say that. Well you can...but it might make for a very awkward workout.

So since I know there will be no chit chatting I need some serious motivating jams to add to my running playlist. I figured what better place to get some suggestions...

So I would love to hear what makes you MOVE! I have the most eclectic taste in music so anything goes. I will share my official marathon playlist (with your suggestions) once I get it put together.

Skin Care Tip Of The Week *Skin care facts vs myths*

Do you ever wonder if certain things you hear are fact or fiction when it comes to your skin? I have compiled a little list of the top skin care myths vs facts. Hopefully you are not eating breakfast while reading a few of these ;)

If you have blackheads it means that your skin is dirty- Myth.
Blackheads are black or dark brown because the oil trapped beneath the pore has been exposed to air. Similar to how a banana turns brown once opened and left on the counter. You can read more about how to treat blackheads here.

If you have oily skin you should wash your face more- Myth.
If you over wash your face you strip your skin of it's natural oils and your skin will try to overcompensate by actually producing more oil. This can lead to more acne breakouts.

Refined sugar causes wrinkles - Fact.
This is actually a post all on it's own but refined sugar accelerates the aging of your skin which in turn causes loss of skin elasticity (firmness) and wrinkles.

High quality tanning beds that only omit certain UV rays are okay every once in a while-Myth.
Tanning beds are the WORST. Tanning beds can lead to premature aging of the skin, brown spots, wrinkles and skin cancer.

Is there anything else regarding skincare that you are wondering if it is a fact or myth? I would love to do a part two and include some of your questions.