What Should I Read Next?

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Have you heard of this site yet?  It's awesome.  You type in a book you recently read and loved and it will give you a whole list of similar books that you might like.  Brilliant right?

I recently mentioned that I wanted to spend more time reading and less time watching TV and after finishing Gone Girl in 3 days I realized I was craving more.  I would stay up late with my little flashlight app and read until my eyes were sore and I could no longer keep them open.  I even brought it with me to the gym and picked a good stationary bike so I could finish it in semi peace.  It was SO GOOD.  Thank you to those of you who recommended it.  And I am dying to know what the end really meant.  I need a part two!
 

I am headed back to the bookstore this week to pick up something new and I would love to hear what your latest recommendations are... I am open to anything.  

How to Naturally Lighten Sun Spots

Sun spots or hyperpigmentation is very common.  Almost all women experience some sort of hyperpigmentation (areas of the skin that is darker than the rest).  The most common causes are sun damage, hormonal issues and acne scarring.  Athought there is no overnight solution to treating sun spots, there is pleanty of remedies that can help lighten them.  Today I am sharing a tried and true natural remedy that if used consistently can help make a difference in those pesky spots. 

Why this works:
Apple cider vinegar contains natural alpha hydroxy acids, which are known to help lighten sun and age spots.  Lemon juice contains citric acid which can also help lighten darkened areas of the skin.  

What you will need:

• Apple cider vinegar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Cotton pads

What to do:
-Every night saturate a cotton ball with about 1/4 tsp of apple cider vinegar and 1/4 tsp of lemon juice.  Starting at forehead and working down apply evenly all over face.  It is normal to experience a little redness or stinging at first (just like you would with a toner).  If you have sensitive skin, or if it feels too strong dilute with water.  For best results do not rinse and leave on overnight.  Also, make sure you wear sunscreen everyday since this treatment will make you more sensitive to sun exposure. 

Please keep in mind this is a natural remedy and you will need to use this consistently for at least 6 weeks to see a difference.  You can also use this with the diy vitamin C mask for ultimate results.

If you try this, please keep me posted on your progress!


For more ways to use apple cider vinegar see:
How to use apple cider vinegar topically for acne
Sweetened raw apple cider vinegar elixir
The many benefits of raw apple cider vinegar 

Latest Life Snippets

So much has been goin on lately.  All good stuff.  We are actually in the process of moving, which is exciting and nerve wracking all at once.  Things are happening a little faster than we anticipated but I have faith the everything will happen like it's supposed to and the right house for our family is out there.  So in the mean time I have been distracting myself with Pinterest and other time consuming things ha!

Here is a little life recap as of lately according to Instagram (@delightedmomma)

1) An adorable bohemian style scarf made by my talented friend.  It's so light and perfect for summer.  I love it.  You can check out her shop here.
2) Max and I started seeds in egg shells and planted them in a little spot in our garden on Earth Day.
3) Ronin cracking himself up.  And yes he has a serious case of moobs going on.
4) Max enjoying his first Thrifty ice cream.  It was so big he didn't even know where to start.
5) Maybe the sweetest thing ever, my husband getting our little man to sleep on him.
6) Paleo triple berry cobbler that was gobbled up by everyone way too fast.  I will share the recipe next week.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Apple Pie Energy Snacks (no bake)

Twit.  That's a funny word right?  I was called that by an anonymous commenter the other day and it made me laugh.  Who even says that word ha!?  On another note, teething is basically the worst thing ever.  It is taking over Ronin's life and he is not sleeping one bit. The poor little guy wants to chew the heck out of whatever is in mouth range and I am pretty sure people think I am starving him when he starts trying to eat the grocery cart.  I mean really, 6 teeth at once seems a little extreme right?  So I am typing this post as fast as I can because I know in about 10 minutes I am going to hear a screaming baby who needs his Momma.

So let's get to these weird looking little snacks.  Do not judge them based on how they look because they seriously taste like bites of apple pie heaven and are packed full of good for you energy boosting ingredients.  They are also super easy to make and take only about 5 minutes to make start to finish.
 

What you will need:

• 1 cup of pitted dates
• 1/2 an apple (use whatever kind is your favorite)
• 1 tsp of cinnamon 
• 1/3 cup of whole roasted flax seeds
• 1/2 tsp of vanilla
• 1/2 cup of almonds
• 1 tbs of melted coconut oil

Directions:

1. Throw everything into a food processor and blend until all the ingredients are able to stick together and you have a thick chunky dough like consistency. 
2. Form little balls of the mixture and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
3. Keep them in your fridge until you are ready to eat.  You can also eat them at room temperature but I like these best super cold.  

My husband said these were, "dank-ilicious."  Ya he really did say that ha!  Please come back and let me know what you think if you make them!

For more no bake ideas you can try:
No bake fruit and nut bars 
Superfood energy snacks 

DIY Skin Smoothing Mask

One of my most popular treatments when I was running my own esthetics business was a hydrating chocolate wasabi mask (a professional treatment).  It was meant to soften, tone and temporarily reduce wrinkles and everyone loved it!  I decided to play around with a few ingredients and make a wonderful DIY version.  This mask smells like a cupcake bakery on your face and makes your skin feel so soft and youthful once you have rinsed it off.  And if you want to lick the little bowl after you finish applying I will not judge you.

Benefits of this mask:

• The natural oils from the cocoa powder help smooth out wrinkles.
• Cocoa powder contains antioxidants that help clear out toxins in your skin, which can make you look older.
• The honey is incredibly moisturizing, but will not break out you.  Read all about the benefits of honey here.
• Coconut oil is full of essential nutrients for your skin and is a proven antiseptic and antimicrobial agent.  It is also proven to soften wrinkles and help acne. 

What you will need:

• 2 tbs of cocoa powder
• 1 tbs of raw honey
• 1 1/2 tbs of organic coconut oil (melted)

*You want a paste like consistency so add a tiny bit more cocoa powder if needed. 

Directions:
Mix all the ingredients together.  Apply to your skin with either clean fingertips or a soft facial brush.  Leave on skin for 15-20 minutes.  Remove with warm water and follow up with a toner and moisturizer.

Have fun! 

Things That Make Me Say Yeay

My little sister is moving to GERMANY with her husband in just a few short months.  I am so so proud of her, even though I will miss her like crazy.

Our first pepper from our garden that is going to get chopped up into tiny pieces and made into salsa this weekend (poor little pepper). 

An old diary of mine that I found when I was cleaning out my closet the other day.  If only I could have the problems that I had back when I was 12 haha!    

A cool little DIY almond and cashew butter station set up at my local organic market.   It is so fresh and yummy!

My mud run attire.  A bright white t is a must ;)  My husband and I are doing our second run together tomorrow and I can't wait!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!



The winner of the Noonday giveaway is: Allison!

Congrats Allison! Please e-mail me at lindsay.kujawa@yahoo.com

How to Read Fruit Stickers and What They Mean to You

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I recently saw this on Pinterest and wanted to share.  For those of you who have absolutely no idea what those little stickers on your fruit mean this simple guide will help you understand how your fruit was really grown.

Giveaway! $75 Gift Card to Noonday Collection (CLOSED)

I am so excited to share today's giveaway with you from Noonday Collection.  Noonday Collection is not only a great cause that gives artisans a way to help themselves and their families break the cycle of poverty but it is a truly unique and beautiful handmade jewelry line.  By supporting Noonday, jobs are being created and maintained in places where jobs are so hard to come by and pay is little. When you purchase from Noonday, you are changing lives and making a difference! When artisans have jobs and a steady paycheck they are able to assure food is on the table for their families, access medical care they never would have been able to receive, and drink clean water.  

I am pretty much in love with everything in the shop but my favorites, which are pictured above can be found here and here.

Today Emily from Noonday Collection wanted to help spread the word about this amazing line and is giving one lucky reader a $75 gift card to use towards whatever you like!

How to enter:

• Visit Noonday Collection and take a look around.  Come back and leave a comment saying which item or items you love.

Extra entries (please leave an separate comment for each):

• Pin your favorite item from Noonday onto a Pinterest board.
• Share this post via Facebook or Twitter.  

Good luck!  The winner will be chosen at random and announced at the bottom of Friday's post.

Mini Key Lime Pies (Paleo)

Key lime pie is my favorite pie ever, hand down.  The last time I had it was on my anniversary a few years back.  I have wanted to recreate it using Paleo ingredients for the longest time but since my track record with baking pies is not the best (hello soup pumpkin pie I am talking to you) I have resisted...until the other day.  I came across a recipe that required zero baking, which sounded like my kinda pie!  I made a few small changes and this turned out incredible and I don't use that word often.  I had to refrain from eating all the filling like pudding it was that good. 

What you will need for the crust:

• 1 cup of unsweetened dried coconut
• 1 cup of walnuts
• a dash of sea salt
• 7 dates (pitted)

What you will need for the filling:

• 1 1/2 cups of mashed avocado
• 3/4 cups of fresh squeezed lime juice
• 1/3 cup of honey 
• 1/2 cup of coconut oil
• zest from one lime

Directions:

1. Put all the ingredients for the crust into a food processor. Pulse until you have a nice paste like consistency and it can hold together. 
2. Push the crust filling into the bottom of 8 silicone cupcakes molds or a pie dish.
3. Set aside until they are ready to be filled. 
4. Put all the ingredients for the filling into the food processor.  Pulse until everything is blended together and smooth.  Taste and make sure it is to your liking.  If you need to add more honey or limes do it at this point.  
5. Pour filling on top of crust and place in the freezer until it has set. 
6. Enjoy! 

These did not disappoint and the husband ate and I ate every last one over the weekend (yikes).  If you make these please come back and let me know what you think!

Latest Life Snippets

My husband and I went on much needed romantic getaway last weekend and basically it was the best thing ever.  We drank wine, laid out by the pool, ate bread, dessert, cheese and calamari (call the Paleo police), slept in and acted like married people should.  It was heaven and I am fully promoting many more of those over night parent vacations.  We have quite a bit of exciting things happening over the next 6 months and it was so nice to finally be able to talk about them and get on the same page.

If you are married and have kids I highly recommend getting away for just one night every now and then (even if that means dropping the kids off at Grandma's and coming back to your house to party or whatever you feel like doin). Yes yes you will miss your kids (duh) but it's so important to remember you were a twosome before you were a foursome, or however many kids you have.  My Godmother gave me that advice when I was pregnant with our first son and I will never forget it. 

Since I did  zero blogging this week here is a little recap according to my Instagram (@delightedmomma)

1) The start of our getaway and at this point I think we were both still in disbelief that we were freeeeee haha...kidding kind of.
2) The end of our getaway and feeling so much more connected and on the same page.  Such a good feeling.
3) Ronin sippin on my green smoothie.  He loves them!
4) My favorite nail polish at the moment.  It is by Essie and it's called, "Where's my Chauffeur."
5) Early Saturday morning Farmer's Market stop for a flat of the sweetest fresh berries.
6) Paleo mini key lime pies that are so freaking good.  I will share the super easy recipe (no baking required woo hoo) next week. 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Latest Life Snippets

Happy Friday! I seriously could not be more excited for the freakin weekend.  This weekend my husband and I are going on a mini (much needed) getaway and it will be the first time we will be away from both boys overnight.  I know we will miss them like crazy but I am pretty sure they will be having such a blast over at Grandpa and Aubi's house they will probably not even notice we are gone.

According to my Instagram (@delightedmomma) this is what has been happening over the past few weeks. 

1) Ronin has mastered the art of clapping and according to this face, it's the greatest thing in the world.
2) Max gardening in his underwear and John Deere boots. Ha!
3) Picked out a bunch of little mini succulents for my house.
4) The only Easter picture of us four, which would not be complete without at least one grumpy face.
5) I have become obsessed with these.  Do not buy them unless you want to become obsessed too.
6) My husband's first batch of home brewed beer! SO yummy!

Have a wonderful weekend!

The winner of the Monica Vesci Camino Clutch giveaway is: Mandi! Please e-mail me at lindsay.kujawa@yahoo.com so I can get your shipping info.

Paleo Grocery Shopping List

When choosing to eat Paleo it can sometimes be daunting when making a trip to the grocery store wondering what the heck you are supposed to eat.  Some people (some of my family members ha) are under the impression that all you eat is nuts and berries and that is not true at all.  Once you get the hang of all the foods you can eat it is so much fun to get creative in the kitchen.  So I made a Paleo grocery shopping list,  which hopefully will give you a little guidance if you are unsure what exactly you should be getting.  This list is pretty basic and there is obviously much more you can eat but this is a good list to start with if you are new to the diet.

Vegetables (should be the bulk of your shopping):

• Cucumbers 
• Mushrooms
• Spinach 
• Romaine lettuce
• Kale, swiss chard and other leafy greens that you like
• Onions
• Cauliflower (keep in mind this is a very versatile vegetable and you can make "mashed potatoes" "rice" and more with it) 
• Spaghetti squash 
• Tomatoes
• Zucchini 
• Carrots
• Green beans (great for snacking) 
• Sweet potatoes

Fruit:

• Bluberries
• Strawberries
• Apples
• Bananas
• Avocados 
• Grapefruit
• Cantaloupe 
• Oranges
• Peaches
• Plums
• Kiwis 
• Lemons/limes

Meat/Seafood:

• Fish- make sure it is wild caught and not farm raised
• Ground turkey 
• Grass fed beef 
• Organic chicken 
• Shrimp
• Scallops
• Bacon
• Tuna
• Mahi Mahi
• Tilapia
• Beef or Terky Jerky

Drinks:

• Almond milk
• Coconut milk
• Green tea
• Coffee 

Cooking/baking:

• Coconut oil
• Raw honey
• Almond meal
• Coconut flour 
• Cocoa powder

Other:

• Eggs 
• Almonds, cashews, walnuts or whatever mixed nuts you like
• Almond or sunflower seed butter
• Almond milk
• Coconut milk
• Herbs for baking
• Applesauce  
• Lara Bars
• Unsweetened dried fruit

Avoid:

• Dairy 
• Processed foods
• Refined sugar
• Wheat 

Hope this gives you a little more insight about the foods you can eat on the Paleo diet!  If  I am missing any important ones please feel free to leave them in the comment section.

Monica Vesci Camino Clutch Giveaway! (CLOSED)

You know what I love?  I love a beautiful quality clutch with lots of pockets inside for all my diabetic supplies.  But the problem is, most clutches are usually not designed with a type one diabetic in mind (go figure ha).  All of the clutches I own either have no pockets or just one and by the end of the night it is almost guaranteed that any clutch I bring along with me looks like a complete disaster zone.  There is usually an array of used test strips, lancets and more floating around the bottom.

So when Monica Vesci contacted me and told me about her just launched Camino Clutch line made with type 1 diabetics in mind I was thrilled!  And when I received my new clutch in the mail I was just blown away at what a brilliant design it really is.  Each clutch is made with gorgeous fabric and Italian leather trim.  Now the best part...the clutches include a hidden discreet disposable sharps container and special little pockets for all your supplies.  No more letting all those used test trips and lancets float around the bottom of your purse!

And today you have a chance to win one for yourself!  You do not need to be type 1 diabetic to enter this giveaway, but if you are you will appreciate the inside for sure! 

How you can win a Monica Vesci Camino Clutch: You MUST

• Visit Monica Vesci and come back and leave a comment letting me know which clutch you would like to win. 
•  Like Monica Vesci on Facebook

 Extra entries (please leave a separate comment for each):

• Leave a comment telling me what you would most likely put in the sharps container (whether it's bobby pins, change, test strips, vitamins etc..) 
• Follow Monica Vesci on Twitter

Open to US readers only.  

A winner will be selected at random and announced at the bottom of this Friday's post so make sure to check back.

How to Make Your Perfume Last Longer on Your Skin

Source 

The whole idea of spraying perfume is so that other people (or single person) think you smell good right?  So you want it to last correct?  So here are a few super simple tips to make those sprays of perfume last quite a bit longer than when you just spray it and do a little dance in the fumes right before you leave the house

• Dab a little bit of Vaseline on your writs before applying perfume.  Perfume will last longer when your skin is nice and hydrated. 
• Spray perfume on your ankles and behind your knees.  I know sounds so strange but since scent rises this actually makes perfect sense and it works.
•  Apply it before putting on your clothes.  Most of us put perfume on when fully dressed and run through the perfume sprays while doing a little shimmy but perfume works best when applied to skin, not clothes.  Plus it can actually ruin some fabrics so that's just another reason to spray in the nude ;)

So there ya go! Next time you have a hot date and want to smell extra amazing try these tips.