Favorite Finds: Desserts & DVF, Smoothies & Sprinkles

Here’s my latest round-up of some of my recent favorite finds that I’ve discovered online, read and am excited to share with others.

My first two lists can be viewed here and here. 

What articles have you enjoyed lately? 

1. Why is this so wonderful? Simply because sprinkles are just really, really fun. I think they should be a component of practically every baking project. And I will probably click on any link that tempts me with their fabulousness and this slide show is perfection: The Daily Meal's Gorgeous Guide  to Sprinkles 


2. Because Diane Von Furstenberg is a god among women. What comes from her mouth, I believe. She know's her stuff and any advice she has to give, I'll be there with open arms: NY Mag's Dear Diane Von Furstenberg's Answers Your Questions

3. There are only 24 hours in the day and the time we have is precious, so I believe using this time in the most efficient, productive, positive way is key. And sometimes that means simply zoning out and letting your thoughts take you where they may: Fast Company's article "7 Ways To Get More Time To Think Today" 

4. I love juices and smoothies. They have become a standard in my daily diet. Starting the day with a burst of fruits and vegetables guarantees I get some essentials no matter what the rest of the day brings (hello chips, salsa & margaritas!). While I have a couple go-to recipes I follow when creating my conconctions, I love hearing of new ideas and combinations. Including pineapple in this recipe makes me especially excited: Thoughts by Natalie's Tropical Green Smoothie 

5. And like I mentioned...it's good for me to have a green smoothie in the morning because I never know what I'll be enjoying later in the day...like putting together this individually-sized chocolate chip cookie in a cup. It takes five minutes to make. In the microwave. Thank goodness I had that super veggie smoothie earlier: No. 2 Pencil's Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Cup

6. I started with sprinkles, and I'll end with sprinkles. Style Me Pretty is the classic wedding site but with their new Style Me Pretty Living section, I'm finding more and more ideas to implement into my own lifestyle. This party is inspired by a rainbow sprinkle covered cake. Sprinkles are fun, fabulous and this party shows how fantastically beautiful they can be as well.  All I need is an occasion to give this a try: Style Me Pretty Living's A Sprinkles Party

photo via Style Me Pretty Living 

Taking Control

Never one to say no to a fresh start, 

I'm excited to begin tomorrow, 

with a new outlook on my schedule 

and my sanity.

After weeks of dinner dates, get togethers and a calendar filled to the brim, 

I've decided that I will no longer allow myself to fill up everyday without a break.

No more excuses.

While most of my appointments and dinners have been for fun, 

a side effect of an overly blooming social life, 

other side effects have taken over, 

including exhaustion, anxiety, and frustration

at the lack of time and energy available to devote to those things 

that we all say we want to do, 

that we desire to do, 

but that rarely ever occur. 

I've absolutely loved spending time with those dear to me over the recent weeks;
it's been a gift considering my absolute lack of time 
in past years.
But I know that overall, 
our time together in the future will be enriched 
if, as individuals, we feel our best, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

And so, going forward, 

I'm only allowing two or three days a week to be scheduled. 

I will consider my work schedule and let that determine 

if I have time to add in any "fun extras."

And on the days I block off for myself, for life, for my sanity, 

I will actually be able to focus on the things

I so desperately want to ingrain into my life.

I'm making exercise a priority, 

I'm going to try out some of those recipes 

from that pile of cookbooks

and the collection of prints-outs I've gathered.

I'm excited to finally catch up with my beloved stack of magazines, 

to focus more on my writing ideas, 

to read a book. 

And I'm going to sleep.

And breathe. 

And enjoy more deeply.

Simply making a choice 

to manage my days and nights in this way, 

is empowering. 

I'm taking control.

It feels great.

I have a kale, banana, peanut butter and honey smoothie awaiting me in the morning, 

and a delicious salad packed up ready for lunch.  

I'm sipping some wine and getting ready to soak up some Mad Men 

to round out my productive weekend. 

Good things are happening. 

photo via joy the baker pinterest

My New Drink of Choice

I jumped on the green juice wagon over a month ago, 

and yes, 

I’m hooked. 

I’d heard about the glories of juicing for quite some time

and have even tried one of the  3-day cleanses 

with shipped-to-my-door juices.

But it was a recipe I found on Sous Style

featuring the absolutely radiant Kimberly Snyder

and her signature Glowing Green Smoothie,

that got me to try making one myself.

I loved that you could make enough for 3-4 days, 

and it consisted of common ingredients, 

no odd oils, supplements or other items 

I wouldn’t be able to obtain at my local grocery.

Kimberly swore by her smoothie 

and proclaimed lots of fabulous benefits 

that I yearned for.

So I gave it a go.

And it really is fabulous.

But what I love

is every time I make a batch, 

almost every Sunday evening, 

I edit the recipe, 
making it my own. 

You can personalize the juice so it works in your favor.

After the first try, I added an extra apple 

so I could get used to the green flavor a bit more.

I love lemon, so instead of half a lemon, 

I always use a full one.
I’ve continued to experiment, 
tweaking ingredients and amounts, 
creating my own version.

This past week I mixed kale in with the spinach, 

and while thicker and “greener,”

I like it and love knowing I’m getting so many nutrients right away in the morning. 

I feel healthier, 

and even if it’s more mind over matter, 

I can’t deny that I feel better.

It may be trendy and cliche, 

but I’m on the green juice band wagon, 

and I ain’t getting off anytime soon.

I see a potential future career here....
Liz Greene Juice??

all photos from my iPhone/Instagram