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Meatless Monday: Strawbery Avocado Couscous with Lime Vinagrette

This is a wonderfully different salad than I'm used to and I can't wait to try it now that strawberries are in season!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked couscous
• 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup strawberries, quartered
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts

For the lime vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• Zest of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 teaspoons sugar, or more to taste

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine couscous, avocado, corn, strawberries, cilantro and pine nuts. Stir in lime vinaigrette.
2. To make the vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lime zest and juice, and sugar in a small bowl. Toss into salad and serve.

[Image and Recipe via Nature Box] 

Quote of the Day

DIY: Tea Tree and Lavender All Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:
*1 cup H20
*1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
*10 drops tea tree oil
*10 drops lavender oil
* spray bottle

Directions:
Simply add the water and vinegar into your spray bottle, followed by your oils. Close the spray bottle and shake vigorously and you're all set. But don't stop there. Experiment with your own oil blends to create your own personal concoction. I prefer using 2 oils for each batch (but no more than 3 oil blends so as not to confuse my senses too much). My favorites oil blends include lemon and either grapefruit, peppermint or basil.

[Recipe and Images via BLDG25]

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Summer: Healthy Eating

Eating right is not just about looking good. It's also about feeling good and being healthy. It's so vital that each of us takes care of our bodies by not only consistently exercising, but also by consuming vitamin-rich foods. Avoid salt and instead reach for the Lemon Pepper and other herbs and spices that pack on flavor without the fat, calories and sodium.  Hydration is so important, especially during Summer. Choose foods that are in season. Not only are they the most fresh, but they are cheaper! P.B.B. wants you to give yourself the best chance at a long, healthy and happy life with super foods! Let's continue to have a great Summer!

Quote of the Day

Homemade Watermelon Pops

Summer is officially upon us which makes this tasty snack perfect for the season. Why buy artificially flavored popsicles at the store when you can make your very own healthy treats at home?

Simply take 2 cups of watermelon. Cube them and remove the seeds. Blend with 1 cup apple juice until smooth and pour this lovely pink mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze and enjoy!

[Recipe and Images via MinuteClinic.com]

Quote of the Day: First Day of Summer

Quote of the Day

DIY: 4th of July Denim Cuffs

Summer is officially upon us tomorrow, so I thought I'd share this awesome tutorial that is perfect for this time of year.

You'll need a pair of jeans, preferably in a boyfriend cut. Just make sure they aren't so tight that you can't cuff the bottoms.  You'll also need an American flag or any fabric with the beloved stars and stripes (ie. t-shirt).  Get your needle, thread and safety pins.

Turn your jeans inside out and secure the fabric from the bottom going up to the mid-calf area with safety pins. Sew and then remove the safety pins.

You can use this method for jazzing up your jeans with any pattern/colored fabric you choose. I love how there is stripes on one leg and stars on the other. It's up to you.

Enjoy your super patriotic jeans :)

[Images and tutorial via BDLG25.com]

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Sushi Etiquette

If you're like me, you looooove sushi! Here are the "dos and don'ts" of enjoying this culinary treat  :) Click to enlarge.

Quote of the Day

Meatless Monday: Carrot and Ginger Juice Recipe

Perfect for Summer, this juice recipe is nutritious and delicious !

Ingredients:
* 1 bunch carrots
* 4 oranges (Navel, Blood, Valencia, etc.)
* 1 ginger root (about the size of your palm)

Directions:
Rinse the dirt off the carrots. Remove green tops. You can chop them to assist your juicer. There's no need to peel the carrots. Using a serrated knife, cut all of the rind off the oranges and separate to fit through the juicer. Break or cut apart the ginger. Run all of your ingredients through the juicer and mix. If you find the juice to be too spicy from the ginger, add another orange or water to dilute it.

Bon appetit!

Recipe and Images via BLDG25

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

Meatless Monday: Spiced Nuts

These treats are the perfect addition to any get together. Just make sure you make enough because no one can have just one!

Ingredients:
-1 lb. mixed nuts
-3 tbsp. fresh rosemary
-1 tsp. cayenne powder
-1 tsp. fresh ground nutmeg
-2 tbsp. dark brown sugar
-1 tbsp. kosher salt
-2 tbsp. unsalted butter

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Toast nuts on a cookie sheet for approximately 10 minutes. Stir the nuts periodically so they don't burn. Mince the rosemary and combine with the rest of the dry ingredients in a small bowl. Using a separate bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Then add your dry ingredients to the melted butter. When the nuts are golden brown, remove them from the oven and place in a mixing bowl. Add your melted seasoned butter to the nuts. Toss and cool before putting in a serving bowl.

Bon appetit!

[Recipe and Images via honestlywtf]

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Cool Finds: Clever Ideas to Make Life a Little Easier (Pt. 4)

Use orange peels to soften brown sugar that has hardened.

Use a tin can to cut biscuits.

Use a cheese grater to catch citrus seeds.

Place a dishcloth under your cutting board to prevent it from sliding.

Use a photo tree to hold recipe cards.

Protect cake icing by using toothpicks and plastic wrap.

Burn a candle while cutting onions which eliminates most of the fumes that cause your eyes to tear and burn.

[Images via: RealSimple.com]

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

DIY: Lavender Salt Scrub

Lavender is an amazing plant with many benefits. One of my favorite things to do with it is to make a salt scrub. There are many recipes, but this one happens to be my favorite. You'll need the following:

-18 oz. course sea salt
-18 oz. fine sea salt
-4 fl. oz. grapeseed oil (or other unscented body oil such as almond, avocado or vegetable glycerin)
-1/2 fl. oz. lavender essential oil
-dried lavender buds (available at our SHOP)

Combine and put into a 36 oz. container wide enough for you to easily scoop the goodness out :) This is a cheaper and more fun way to bring the spa into your own home.

DIY: Yoga Mat Cleaner Pt. 3

DIY: Celestial Nails

I am over the moon (no pun intended) when it comes to this celestial nail art! Check out this and other great ideas on P.B.B.'s Pinterest page!

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day