Samples sent for feature

Enjoy these Easter basket gift ideas

Those Easter baskets can be so hard to fill sometimes. We have 3 boys ages 8, 19 and 25. That is a child, college student and adult. I can’t buy packs of Pokemon cards and split and one boy likes chocolate and one is trying to stay away from sweets. The youngest has a list full of wants and then the older boys have needs. So what seems to be a good divide? Socks, sweets and unique school supplies.

Imagine it is the year 1914 and you can order wrapped snacks to be delivered that were baked fresh that same day. Of course this was a small business in a small town. Today they are Tastykake and offer everyone fresh-tasting individually wrapped snacks.

I only wish I could locate these in retailers near me. According to their website they are available in supermarkets and other retail outlets throughout the East, Southeast, and Southwest. The kids will love these sweet treats in Easter themes.

Remember when getting socks was the worst gift ever? Then remember entering adulthood where you have to budget every item you buy and getting socks becomes the best and most useful gift ever? I love getting socks and with older children they appreciate the gifts that stock them up on everyday items they now don’t have to go out and get themselves.

The reason why Gold Toe socks make a great gift is that they have styles and fits for everyone. I love Gold Toe because I wear ankle socks most and they never slip into my shoe. I have bought so many socks that slip when I walk or wear after just a few washes and have to toss them. My Gold Toe socks last and stay put.

Have a student? They need writing supplies. They may not admit it because they’d rather have gift cards and cash but I always like to attach gift cards to useful gifts for our college student. Attaching cash or a food gift card to a package of pens or highlighters make the git a bit more fun.

Target has some fun Pilot pens and markers that write smooth and are erasable. Find Pilot Frixion erasable pens and marker pens in different colors. They also have erasable highlighters. The Pilot Precise V5 writes so well as a pen and now they have a deco collection in fun colors and designs. Also find these on Amazon.

Visit these fun brands for more fun and retail locations.

Food, Gift Guides

6 Ways to Gift Girl Scout Cookies

March 5, 2017March 5, 2017 Erin Sluka

Ideas gathered from fellow Bloggers posts. Credits attached to each

GSC — cookie background image source: GSOA-LA

I bought several of Girl Scout cookies from our niece and some girls in front of our local stores. I will not eat all of these cookies so I started browsing for creative ways to gift some of them. I came across some great ideas and wanted to gather my favorites and share them with you.

This is a fun printable to attach to boxes of cookies. It reads “Thanks to you I’m one smart cookie”. Makes a fun teacher of care provider, tutor gift. I found this at Pearls on Pigs Blog

Here is a fu Thank You gift idea to attach to a box or two of cookies. It reads, “Here’s a SHOUT OUT from us to you. With a great big THANKS for all you do. So eat a cookie. Make it two. And with each bite know that WE LOVE YOU.” I found this at Green Acres Hobby Farm

Grab some fun ribbon and wrap up some boxes of cookies. Then attach simple tags that read, “We were ‘mint’ to be”; “You are the Caramel deLite of my life”; Cookie variety is the spice of life”; “When life gives you lemons, eat Lemonades”-source unknown with image I found.

Everybody loves Thin Mints! How about attaching a simple tag that reads, You are MINT to teach. You can modify that to read more than just a teacher gift too. I found this at The Sweatman Family

Cookies always look good behind a little cellophane. How about this idea to wrap the cookies and attach a tag like these for Teacher? I found this at Happy Home Fairy.

How about a gift basket? I found a fun post that shows you which wines to pair with each Girl Scout cookie type. See it at HerCampus.com

Food, Healthy Living, Recipes

Protein Recipe: Vanilla Cinnamon Protein Icing #TheDayIsYours

February 21, 2017July 1, 2017 Erin Sluka

I am a Premier Protein Ambassador. Opinions are my own and compensation for my stories was given

Premier Protein shakes and bars have been a part of my daily diet routine for several months and in January I was honored to become an ambassador for them on the blog. Because I grab and go for breakfast when I have my shakes, I have been getting creative with the tubs of protein powders I have. I cut down on flour when making muffins or waffles and replace with the protein powder and my new favorite is protein icing.

Last month I shared how I incorporate protein into my daily diet with the right times to consume protein in your days. Now I am sharing my Vanilla Cinnamon Protein Icing recipe. It is so simple and quick to make. The best part is you can make a single serving at a time or a larger batch for baking.

Vanilla Cinnamon Protein Icing

1 scoop of Premier Protein Vanilla Powder
Water
Cinnamon

In a small bowl add the scoop of protein mix. Gradually add water about 1 tbsp at a time until you get the icing consistency you want (about a tad under 1/4 cup of water total). It will end up very sticky and you know you are close-add a bit more and you will get the icing you desire. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon and stir in. Let sit 1 minute. Makes enough to frost about 3-4 muffins or 2 large waffles.

*Hint: If you want a bigger batch-just add more powder and water. If you ice a large cake or muffins. It is even better if you make and icing ahead and refrigerate about 1 hour before eating. This makes the icing an even better consistency for slicing and serving.

Why do I recommend Premier Protein Powder? You get 30 grams of protein per scoop and only 3 grams of sugar. There are no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners and it is gluten free. Make sure the protein products you consume offer the best ingredients like Premier Protein. Other brands out there may contain artificial ingredients and synthetic nutrients so you really want to do your homework and choose wisely.

Do you use protein powders when baking? Give it a try. I make waffles, biscuits, muffins, cookies and even cupcakes.

Food, Healthy Living, Natural Foods, Recipes

Protein Cinnamon Pudding Recipe with Justin’s Almond Butter

January 31, 2017January 15, 2018 Erin Sluka

Samples sent for feature

With the new year here and resolutions in full swing it can become redundant after some time of making changes. Perhaps you have already found excuses to miss the gym. Maybe that fast food restaurant was truly out of convenience even though you swore them off weeks ago. For me, I wanted to eat more balanced-not diet-just balanced and healthier.

Protein has become a nutrient I am eating consistently more and the more I pay attention to protein products, the more I realize how fun I can have creating foods that offer me the protein I need without unhealthy additives. One of my favorite snacks to quickly whip up is protein pudding (or ice cream if you freeze this recipe then eat).

In this recipe I used some favorite brands-Justin’s Almond Butter and Premier Protein Vanilla Whey Protein shake mix and milk. That’s all you need. Justin’s gives you the peanut and almond butters with only real ingredients. Make sure you choose a protein whey brand that also doesn’t have additives and is low in sugar too.

Protein Pudding Recipe

1 scoop of vanilla whey protein powder (I use Premier Protein so they have double scoops-in this case use 1/2 scoop)
1 -2tbsp of Justin’s Almond Butter-any flavor variety
3-4 tbsp milk or almond milk
Dash of cinnamon (optional)

Stir all ingredients together adding milk a bit at a time until you get a pudding consistency. This makes 1 serving. You can eat as is or freeze for protein ice cream. Top your pudding with cinnamon or granola but it is full of flavor as is.

Keep your eye out for Justin’s products at grocers near you. Visit Justin’s online to learn more.

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Category: Food

3 Easter Basket Ideas for Adults, Students and Children

Enjoy these Easter basket gift ideas

6 Ways to Gift Girl Scout Cookies

Protein Recipe: Vanilla Cinnamon Protein Icing #TheDayIsYours

Protein Cinnamon Pudding Recipe with Justin’s Almond Butter