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3 Things | Card games, heating pads, and perfume dupes

3 Things | Card games, heating pads, and perfume dupes

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I’m back with three more this week — this really is so fun. I’m pretty sure next to no one is reading this blog anymore, so it’s fun to just be writing …just to write. 

It feels a little bit like the old days of blogging — remember when Instagram was new and photos were posted in real time? Me oh my how things have changed. 

It’s been an unusual week for us, with the little two (the twins, as they have dubbed themselves) are home this week for ski week. It has not been as quiet as my days typically are, but goodness do I love hearing their laughter. They’ve had such a great week together!

Keeping this week short and sweet, as I need to pack for a weekend away in Santa Cruz. Let’s jump right in! 

 

A HEATING PAD ... or five

Guys. I can’t stop walking around with my heating pad. No, it’s not cordless, I just bring it from room to room! The irrational part of me wants to just buy one to have in each room, but even typing that I know how ridiculous that is. 

Northern California is just weird…mornings are cold, houses have no insulation… so it’s COLD when you wake up (and your mom keeps the heat off at night. It’s me. I’m the mom.) 

Sometimes I break down, and we turn the heat on to a balmy 65 degrees. But here is what happens nine days out of ten…

When the house finally gets to about 65 …I open the door and realize: it is warmer outside than it is inside! So heat goes off and all the windows open up. 

It’s really quite an exhausting (and expensive) dance. Oh well. 

Enter the heating pad. 

Want to know the other game changer? This one (my favorite from Target) has little elastic straps and the cord detaches, so you can roll it into a little heating pad sleeping bag. Here is where the game changes: 

1. Roll it up

2. Pack it in your carry on

3. Plug it in on the plane! 

Game changer. Sore back? Heating pad. Cold? Heating pad. Guys, heating pads solve so many of life’s problems. ;)  

Here are a few other that are on flash sale on amazon as well! 

 

Oil perfumery

This story is one that is far too long for a perfume find. But are you even doubting that I’ll share it? Of course I will! 

But this recommendation? I share it multiple times…a week. For months now. 

A few years ago, I was in Los Angeles with some friends, and we stopped into Byredo. I’d not heard of the brand before, but I immediately fell in love with their unique scents. Not the prices, but goodness, I love the scents!

I especially love one in particular, Biblioteque. It’s so unique, and well, me. 

I tried to buy it in their small travel size, but alas, it’s not one that they have available in a smaller size. I couldn’t stomach the larger size price!

So I went home and did what I do best: I sleuthed. What scents would I like if I love this one? Are there any scents known to be dupes of this particular scent? 

Enter Oil Perfumery. Don’t worry, I did hours of research to make sure it wasn’t a scam and ultimately: I ordered…and I’ve ordered way too many times since. 

Have you ever wanted to be that person that walks by…and as you walk by, everyone else says OMGOODNESS WHAT IS SHE WEARING. 

Yes? then this stuff is for you. It comes from France. It’s super travel-friendly. It’s an oil roll on (not had any issues with discoloring or markings on clothes, fyi). 

Warning: you will be told by others, “you smell amazing!” You might also have people…sniff you. Followed by: “what are you wearing!? that smells AMAZING.” 

I promise. Excited to hear what scents you try and love! Here is a sample pack that would be a great place to get started — it would also make a GREAT Mother’s Day gift! 

 

The Tabletop Family

We have been playing SO MANY GAMES over February break while my younger two are home on break. Some board games, but the majority of the time we’ve been obsessed with various card games and solitaire versions. 

I found this great new account called The Tabletop Family on Instagram. They have tons of reviews, card and other game tutorials — it’s great! I have a bunch of their board game recommendations flagged, so I can go back and review when we are looking for gifts!

Do check them out — we’ve been playing a ton of…. 

palace, sevens, spit, speed, clock solitaire, accordian solitaire, hand solitaire …and more. Seriously, so fun!  

They have a website too. I’ve not really explored it, but it might be a great resource for new game recommendations as well. 

SHOP MY WEEKLY THREE | THINGS I LOVE

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And there are my weekly three! I hope you have a lovely weekend — just a reminder to take one day a week to shut off the technology and look into the eyes of people around you. Go for a walk. Smell your kids’ head when they come in from playing outside. (I’m serious. DO IT. Literally my favorite smell. Well, besides Biblioteque. ;) 

In this together,

xo. k

3 Things | Card games, heating pads, and perfume dupes

3 Things Week 2 | Books, Pants, and Pelvic Floor

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Welp. This series almost ended…the week it began. Not because I didn’t recommend anything this week, but because dang… Friday comes fast! 

Thanks for all the love last week with this new weekly-ish series. The conversations and hearing from so many of you has been a blast. I really want to coordinate a hot-girl-weighted-vest-walk locally — or maybe even virtually too! — so we’ll see if I get my act together and get that pulled together. 

Happy Valentine’s Day! We are busy over here prepping for class parties in the midst of a very rainy week. Now, I know. It’s about 9 sweet degrees in the midwest. I should not be complaining about some rain. (Rain that we desperately need, I should add!) 

But here is what I didn’t realize about California and weather that isn’t our typical 60-70s with sunny. 

Our spaces are built for outdoor living. Let me explain. 

I grew up in the midwest. Winter comes and life takes on a different pace or sometimes, even almost stalls completely. (More on this observation and the impact of California lacking this at another time….)

Schools have indoor hallways, gyms, multipurpose rooms…lunch rooms! Churches have indoor space — even houses just tend to be larger in scale with basements, etc. 

California is…built different. Backpacks are hung outside. My kids eat lunch outside…every day! Interior hallways don’t exist: classrooms have doors to the outside, not hallways. It’s fascinating (to my midwest self), and it’s not something I’m totally used to. 

But all that to say: rain impacts our days pretty significantly. Thanks for coming to my TED Talk. We will dive into my deep thoughts on the Bay’s lack of a slow down season at a later time…I actually would give a TED Talk on that! 

On to my 3 recommendations this week! Yes, everything you’ve read thus far has nothing to do with my recommendations this week. That’s just how my brain works: it’s a wild ride! 

Today we have books, pants, and yes, pelvic floor. 

 

The Small and the Mighty

I’ve pretty much stopped news sources outside of Sharon Says So and Mo News on Instagram. Usually when I’m brushing my teeth, I pop on and check for update from either them. 

Look, I know no one is completely objective, but I appreciate how committed both of them are to trying. Trying to provide the news with facts, history, and truth. 

One thing I love about Sharon is her ability to provide context to current events by sharing backstory and history. She truly makes history come alive. Her new book, The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement is proof of that. 

I’ve shared this book to numerous people, but over the past week, it’s come up even more. (Both her book and her being my source of news via Instagram.)

I read the hardcopy of the book, but we also listened as a family to the first half of the audiobook. Sharon reads it herself and does a brilliant job of it. 

Hardcover Copy | Audiobook 

Target pants

Guys. I remember arguing with my sister over whether Shopko or Target reigned supreme.

Want to take a guess at my store of choice? Whoops. I definitely chose wrong: does Shopko even exist? My sister saw what Target could be even before Target knew. I should have purchased stock with my allowance — although I may have chosen wrong! 

I ordered these pants on a whim when I was purchasing some Valentine’s Day supplies. Honestly, I’m not sure if they are actually trendy or cute, but they are holy grail comfortable! 

The wide leg pants have a wide waist band and the material is thin-wind-breaker meets New England seersucker. Oddest, yet best combination that I didn’t know I needed!

The joggers come in long. Honestly, that’s what piqued my interest! I got the navy, but I have a pair of the brown/rose coming too (since I just noticed they are on sale!) There are a lot more color options if you don’t need the longer option!

Female physio co.

Okay, here’s my oddball recommendation for the week. This account might be my new favorite follow…in the last year!? 

I truly don’t have a ton to say because I don’t know much about the gal in the videos, her practice or anything…but here is what I do know: 

1. I have birthed 3 children, and I need to care more about my pelvic floor

2. She makes me care and actually take time each day to do so. 

3. Her accent is just darling and it makes kegels a bit more enjoyable? 

If you are someone who should care more about your pelvic floor, go give Female Physio Co a follow — I promise you’ll see her face and/or hear her voice and get your pelvic floor exercises in for the day. 

Follow now. Thank me later. 

SHOP MY RECOMMENDATIONS

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I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and President’s Day weekend! I think the rain is holding off for a bit, so hopefully we’ll be outside for some adventuring this weekend. 

You know I’ll be starting my Saturday with a long hot-girl-weighted-vest-walk! 

 

In this together,

xo. k

Week 1 | 3 Things

Week 1 | 3 Things

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I’m excited for this first weekly-ish series, where I share 3 things I recommended in the past week. Read on for my rules and why I’m doing this!

*Makes a joke about blowing the dust off / learning how to blog again.* I’m baaaaack! ;) We’ll see what this looks like—thanks for being here! For the past few years, I’ve been unable to shake the idea of sharing something I do in real life (recommending things I love with the people I love) with my online community. 

Like my patterns, I’ve been roadblocked by my own fears: you’ve forgotten how to do this, you’re website needs to be redesigned, you don’t know what you’re doing anymore…don’t put yourself out there. 

So in 2025, my mantra is JUST START. 

So that is exactly what I’m doing.

This series will be a bringing together of my goals to live intentionally with the community and people around me — and my love of this online community and sharing things I love.

Each week, I’ll share up to three things I recommended during that week to friends or family. They might be items, they might not. It might be a concept or an article. It might be something shared with me! (This is where my brain spirals with fun guest features in the future!)

But if I don’t have anything to share from my in-person community from the week…then I’m going to talk about that. It’s so easy for me to (especially as a total home-body), to step into my little hermit shell and put walls up. 

This is me continuing to take steps of vulnerability, community and intentionality. 

I’d love to have you join me! Here are the 3 things I recommended this week — short and sweet!  

Weighted Vest

I’ve done it: I’m all in on the weighted vest thing. I don’t know if I’m squishing my insides or actually strengthening my core, but I’m committed for the year. I’ll let you know if my waist is magically snatched in a few months like some claim…. I’m not holding my breath.

I try to do 3-4 weighted vest walks a week, with Saturday being a long, 4-5 mile endeavor. It gets…heavy! I have a 20 lbs one, but I’d actually recommended starting with less weight and working your way up. (Or do shorter walks and work your way up that way!)

You really want to make sure your core is engaged when you wear it, which can be easier said than done! I haven’t started wearing mine around the house for everyday tasks, but I think that’ll probably be next. (You do get interesting looks when you’re out walking…I decided to receive them all as looks of, “I wish I had a weighted vest,” instead of what they are probably thinking. ha!

This is the vest I have and love. I’ve heard great things about this one too: it has variable weights and shoulder pads. When I increase my weight, I will likely try this one.

Puracy Stain Remover

I think I recommend this stain remover...weekly. It’s just that good! It uses enzymes, which I don’t really understand, but it sounds good. I’ve even had success removing stains that have gone through the dryer.  

My mom first shared this stain remover with me, and truly, it’s been a game changer. Mud and blood don’t stand a chance with this stuff. 

I’ve actually started using Puracy’s shampoo, conditioner, and body wash as well: I love them!  

Large Wooden Serving Bowls

I celebrated a somewhat significant birthday milestone last weekend, and these bowls were a gift to myself. :) 

Let me first back up a bit. I love a good salad. I mean serving a giant salad that is essentially an entire meal. If you are inviting us over for dinner, please task me with the salad. I won’t say everything in life is a competition (I jest), but salad making is a competition against myself every time. How can I one-up what I made last time? What can I do to make this salad just a smidge better? 

Challenge accepted. 

I digress, but what’s the point of a great salad if you don’t have the right vessel for it! A bowl that too deep: all the good stuff falls to the bottom! A bowl that is too small: you can’t mix it to perfection. 

These bowls from one of my absolutely favorite online stores, Quince (another thing I recommend weekly!), are hands down something I will bring to a favorite things party. Sorry for the spoiler — or invite me to your next party if you’re hoping to get your hands on these! 

I started by ordering the 17″ bowl, but when it came, I promptly returned it and bought the set of three. Don’t worry, I’ll share a photo of my next salad-making-is-a-sport-I-take-seriously with you at some point. 

 

SHOP MY RECOMMENDATIONS

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And those are my three things from this week. Thanks for being here! Don’t forget to JUST START. Whatever it is you’re facing, just start. Try and maybe fail, but don’t fail to try.

In this together,

xo. k

Dad’s Famous Gluten Free Granola

Dad’s Famous Gluten Free Granola

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I’ve shared this family favorite gluten free granola recipe in the past, but it was time for a refresh! Such an easy and healthy breakfast to have on hand – and it’s a great one to make with your kids!
This summer, my dad and I were making 3 batches of granola in preparation for in the past. He took out his handwritten recipe cards containing his current recipe, my sister’s version, and mine. While we were measuring and mixing, I started wondering just how many times he’d done this — how many batches of granola has he made in his lifetime?  We laughed a bit as we talked about the history of his granola recipe and the memories I have of it growing up.

Fun fact: he bargained with a local food co-op back when he was in college. He made big batches of granola for them to sell in exchange for his membership. I don’t think he’d agree to anything like that now. (And I don’t think a food co-op would be allowed to sell something made by a member in their home kitchen – times have changed!)

Gluten Free Granola

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One of my favorite memories is Sunday mornings before church.  Back in church choir days, he would wake up early to eat his breakfast before heading out the door for choir practice. Even though he was diligent in avoiding milk before singing, he held fast to his granola commitment. My sisters and I made it very clear that we didn’t think (and still don’t!) granola with orange juice is a great combination.

You are welcome to try that combination, however and let me know!

I love that the roof of my mouth isn’t completely ruined when I eat this for breakfast — and I don’t need to let it soak in milk for ages to soften to the point of being safe to eat! My kids love it – Lucia legitimately wakes from her nap asking for ‘nola more often than not. I feel great about letting them have granola with yogurt/almond milk as a snack, breakfast – or heck, dinner too!
You can get everything you need for this gluten free granola at Whole Foods or a local co-op. I can also find just about everything at Trader Joe’s as well. Below are a few supplies I love and items you can also order on Amazon!

FAVORITE GLUTEN FREE GRANOLA SUPPLIES

 

Dad Famous Granola - Coconut Robot
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Dad's Famous Gluten Free Granola | Updated

So many memories wrapped up in this granola recipe. I don't remember a time when my dad wasn't buying oats in bulk from the local food co-op or taking a small bag of granola on every trip (because you can't miss a morning!). The love for this granola has truly grown - my kids and I make it every 2-ish weeks, and I know there are countless others who love it as much as we do!

Course Breakfast
Keyword Gluten Free
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Author Kacia Hosmer adapted from Jeff's Original Recipe

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 11 cups Gluten Free Rolled oats Not quick oats! I get from Trader Joe's, Whole Foods or Sprouts
  • 1 cup Sliced Almonds I get from Costco or Trader Joe's
  • 1 cup Coconut Shavings/flakes I get from Trader Joes (unsweetened)
  • 1 cup Buckwheat Groats I get from Sprouts or Whole Foods
  • 2 cups Raisins I get from Costco
  • 4-6 Tablespoons Cinnamon Or more or less depending on your love of cinnamon!

Additional/Optional Add-ins - modify quantities above if adding additional items below. Or choose to increase liquids a bit to accommodate.

  • 1/2-1 cup Cashews, walnuts, Pecans
  • 1/2 cup Candied Ginger
  • 1/2-1 cup Craisins, dried blueberries, cherries, etc
  • 1/2 cup Sunflower Seeds shelled

Liquids

  • 3/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1 1/4 cup honey

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees.

  2. Mix all dry ingredients together. I like to break up the raisins a bit before adding the cinnamon. Add cinnamon and continue to mix together until evenly dispersed. 

  3. A few options for combining your liquids - and feel free to use avocado oil or even light olive oil if you would prefer that over coconut oil. 

    - Using a microwave safe measuring glass, measure and melt coconut oil. Add in honey and heat until hot enough to stir to combine. 

    - Using a double boiler, combine honey and oil. Heat, stirring regularly until thin enough to combine. 

    - *lazy lady method: IE: what I do!* Eyeball the coconut oil and measure out the honey. Pour directly into a saucepan and heat on low, stirring regularly until thin/hot enough to combine. :)

  4. Pour over the dry ingredients while hot. Continue mixing/folding the mixture until the honey/oil has coated all of the granola. Make sure to get down at the bottom/base of your bowl! 

  5. Pop in the oven for 90 minutes at 225. If you prefer your granola a bit crunchier - I prefer the roof of my mouth to stay intact ;) - you can spread the granola out on a backing sheet. 

  6. Allow to cool and enjoy with milk, over yogurt (we love the honey yogurt from Trader Joe's!) or even ice cream. So good!

Recipe Notes

This is not a crunchy granola, but if you prefer your granola on the crunchy side, I've offered a modification during baking. 

Do you have any family recipes like this one? I love that it’s as much about a delicious recipe as it is the memories and history that go along with it. I’d love to hear what recipes and memories are special to you – if you’ve posted them, please share the link below as well! I’d love to go read.

I can think of so many others right now as I type this — I’m excited to share more with you as I update them to fit our gluten free needs and paleo-ish (c’mon, I’m from Wisconsin: cheese!) lifestyle.

Happy Monday!

xo.

Paleo Fig Cake | No Refined Sugar

Paleo Fig Cake | No Refined Sugar

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To say that we devoured this paleo fig cake would be a bit of an understatement. What put this gluten free paleo cake a step above? Well, you’ll have to read on to find out!

Tired of figs yet? I’m not. I promise I won’t change my name to Figgy Robot or anything like that, but I have named our sweet tree in the back Miss. Figgy. She’s really becoming part of the family – and she’s pulling her weight! So many figs, and I can’t complain!

Inspired by the fig simple syrup I made for the Fig Moscow Mule I shared with you earlier this week, I use a similar syrup/glaze both during the baking process…and after. YUM. Guys, this paleo fig cake is SO good, so let’s just get right to it!

 

No Sugar Added Fig Moscow Mule

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I used an 8 inch cake pan, but you could definitely use an 8×8 square cake pan as well for this recipe. Where are my midwesterners at? These are definitely more of a paleo fig bar. But outside of the midwest, I’d probably just hear a bunch of:

What’s a bar? Do you mean cake? A brownie?

I digress, clearly, so I’m going to stop, so you can go whip up some paleo fig bars cake for your family – or just you! – tonight. Enjoy!

Baking tip:

Always buy your baking powder in small quantities to ensure you are using fresh baking powder. Don’t do the bulk thing here – you’ll regret it as recipes start turning out blah after a while!

MOSCOW MULE SUPPLIES

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Paleo Fig Cake

Paleo fig cake that is moist and the right amount of sweet. I love these with a cup of iced or hot coffee just after cooling, but they freeze well too!

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Gluten Free, Paleo
Keyword paleo gluten free fig cake
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 37 minutes
Total Time 52 minutes
Servings 6
Author Kacia | Coconut Robot

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups Almond Flour Not almond meal
  • 1/4 cup Arrowroot
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder make sure it's fresh!
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons coconut sugar you could swap in date sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla omit if desired
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream Place can of coconut milk in the fridge and measure out just the thick cream portion.
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk After measuring the coconut cream, use the liquid in the can for the 1/4 cup. If using coconut cream without any liquid, you can replace this with almond milk or similar.
  • 2 figs Sliced - placed on top of cake.

Fig Glaze

  • 3 figs cut and muddled
  • 1 small plum quartered
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon coconut sugar if desired, can omit

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut parchment paper to fit bottom of cake pan. I like to keep 2 longer tabs, so I can easily lift out - if you're really fancy, I would do 4 tabs. :)

  2. Start glaze on the stove, letting it simmer until liquid is reduced to about half. Muddle the fruit as it softens from the heat. 

  3. Combine dry ingredients.

  4. Mix wet ingredients. Add wet to dry ingredients, and combine just until incorporated.

  5. Cut your figs into small slices and arrange them around the perimeter of the cake.

  6. Pour batter into prepped cake pan. Bake in the middle of the oven for 15 minutes. 

  7. After 15 minutes, remove cake. Poke about 10 holes in the top of the cake and spoon 1/4 - 1/2 of the glaze on the cake. 

  8. Place back into the oven for about 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. 

  9. Allow to cool before removing from pan. 

  10. Drizzle glaze, if desired, on pieces while plating and serving.

This is such a fun and easy recipe to make with kids! I’d love to hear what you think of it — we will definitely be making it again this week. I have 2 more fig drink recipes and something savory as well – wasn’t able to commit to a full fig-week like I’d planned, but I’m going to call better late than never on this one!

Don’t forget: you are enough.

xo.

No Sugar Added Fig Moscow Mule

No Sugar Added Fig Moscow Mule

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Read on for one of my spins on the traditional Moscow Mule: No Sugar Added Fig Moscow Mule. Today marks the first day of week full of fig recipes! Enjoy!

The short story? I love putting my own twist on my favorite drink, the Moscow Mule. For this version, I challenged myself to create a simple syrup of sorts with no added sugar. It not only was delicious: it looks beautiful too! I originally put it in the traditional mule copper mug, but that beautiful color was begging to be seen!

 

No Sugar Added Fig Moscow Mule

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Now for the long(er) story. If you follow me on instagram, you know that I’ve recently become a bit fig-obsessed. If you don’t follow me on instagram, you may not know that we’ve moved to California. From Pittsburgh, to Boston to the Bay. I’ll definitely share more of a life update soon, but instead of dragging my feet and making excuses to post anything at all to the blog: I’m going to jump right in and post this drink recipe.

As I mentioned above, I love Moscow Mules. Love. Them. I love when restaurants have their signature twist on them, and I love doing the same with what we have on hand.  What do I have a lot of currently? FIGS!

How No Sugar Added Fig Moscow Mules Came to Be

My challenge for this drink was to create a simple syrup of sorts without adding any sugar. I’m definitely not an expert: can it still be called a simple syrup? I’m not totally sure, but this beautiful bright pink of the drink comes from cooking down figs and champagne grapes with mint leaves. Don’t have champagne grapes? No worries! Grapes of any kind (I’d halve them first) or even plums would do the drink and give you a similar, light and summery take on the classic Moscow Mule. It’s also excellent with just a little extra ginger beer — leave out the vodka altogether. Mocktails are definitely a summer staple for me!

No Sugar Added Moscow Mule
No Sugar Added Moscow Mule
No Sugar Added Moscow Mule
No Sugar Added Moscow Mule

A few of my favorite Moscow Mule-making supplies are linked below. While I would typically say that a copper mug is a must, for this version – I’d skip it! Show off the pretty color and use whatever clear glass you have on hand. I absolutely LOVE my because the top doubles as a measuring cup – maybe they all do this? Ha! I tend to live under a rock these days.

MOSCOW MULE SUPPLIES

Print

No Sugar Added Fig Moscow Mules

These delicious drinks were the result of a personal challenge: create a light, summer drink with a simple syrup made from fruit alone. It's delicious, balanced - and not too sweet!

Course Drinks
Keyword drinks, mocktail, moscow mule, no sugar, paleo
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 drinks
Author Kacia | Coconut Robot

Ingredients

Fig and Fruit Syrup

  • 2 cups Water
  • 2 Figs quartered
  • 1 cup Champagne Grapes swap in: plums (quartered) or grapes (halved)
  • 5 leaves Mint muddled/bruised/ripped

Drink Ingredients

  • 1-2 oz Vodka
  • 1/2 lime roughly one tablespoon
  • Ginger Beer depends on glass size/mocktail/preference
  • 3 leaves Mint
  • 1/4 Fig sliced
  • 1/3 cup Ice

Instructions

Fig and Fruit Syryup

  1. Combine water, figs, grapes and mint to a small sauce pan over medium heat. 

  2. As fruit softens, smash with a wooden spoon. Simmer for roughly 10 minutes, uncovered to allow liquid to reduce. 

  3. Remove from heat and allow to cool. 

Put it All Together

  1. In your cocktail shaker, add vodka, lime, half of your fruit syrup and ice. 

  2. Pour into your cup or mug of choice, top with ginger beer. 

  3. Finish with a fresh mint leaf and a fig slice. 

  4. Enjoy!

 

I’d love to hear what you think! I’ll be sharing more fig recipes this week — pizza, burgers and more drinks. I can’t get enough of these figs, and I also refuse to let them go to waste. It also will keep me accountable to get these posted and to you all!

Thank you for being here.

xo.

No Sugar Added Fig Moscow Mule

LEARN: how to make a felt flower daffodil | tutorial

LEARN: how to make a felt flower daffodil | tutorial

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Felt Flower Daffodil Tutorial

Good morning! I have another felt flower tutorial for you today! Below I have for you all the materials listed along with the step-by-step video tutorial! This daffodil is one I’m definitely most excited to share – you can use some of the petal variations on other flowers as well to show wear and tear and just irregularities that you find with flowers.  You can check out my last felt flower post here – and subscribe to my YouTube channel to be the first to know when a new video is posted!  Life definitely hit me hard this past month as we battled everyone getting sick at one time or another — spring, please stick around and leave the sickness at bay!

I think the less perfect they are, the better they look.

This felt flower daffodil using 2, 1.5″ strips of felt cut from a 9×12 sheet, thick floral wire for the stem and 2, .75″ strips of green felt for the leaves along with thin floral wire.  I have all the supplies linked for you down below.

So let’s hop to it!

Felt Flower Daffodil TutorialFelt Flower Daffodil Tutorial

FELT FLOWER SUPPLIES

Felt Flower Daffodil Tutorial

FELT FLOWER VIDEO TUTORIAL

Felt Flower Daffodil Tutorial

Felt Flower Daffodil Tutorial

Thanks for checking out today’s tutorial! Like I mentioned in my last flower post, be sure to let me know what flowers you’d like to have me tackle next!  Dahlias have been requested a few times in the last week, so those have been climbing on my to-do list!  It’s a fun challenge, so throw the flower types at me!

I hope your spring is off to a great start!  Besides the coyote that won’t leave our yard…UGH….we are loving the warm weather around here!

xo

Felt Flower Daffodil Tutorial

LEARN: how to make a felt flower

LEARN: how to make a felt flower

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How to make felt flowers - a step by step tutorial DIY with video!

 

Good morning!  I definitely feel a bit like I’m learning how to ride a bicycle again when it comes to carving out moments to write in this space.  I have a slew of photographs ready go, along with video tutorials to share.  It’s that riding a bike and working out bugs with the new site design and a combination of time …and the fact that my body requires me to at least pretend to sleep.  <– wish that wasn’t the case! But I’m working on that whole choosing-to-rest piece as well.

I digress, as I always tend to do.

I’m excited to share the first of the felt flower tutorials I’ve been creating!  I got totally hooked on making felt flowers last year when Harlow asked to have a garden party to celebrating turning five.  I spent late nights and early mornings crafting a felt crown, various bouquets to display and little flower barrettes for each of the girls attending.

Hooked, I tell you.  Absolutely hooked.

How to make felt flowers - a step by step tutorial DIY with video!

I was a bit underwhelmed with what I could find as far as tutorials go on this here world wide web of ours, so I thought I’d push myself to improve the flowers I have been making along with teaching myself how to make new varieties, all so I can share these tutorials with you!!

I’d LOVE to hear what you think as well as what flowers you’d love to see me create next.  Leave a comment with some of your favorite flowers, so I can add them to my list! I am hoping to publish a daffodil, 3 more daisy variations and an anemone in the next few weeks.  Dahlia and Gerbera daisy will be following after that.  I should have (now that I’m realizing Easter is this Sunday) done an Easter Lily…because you know, that would have been smart.  But c’est la vie.  I did not. Goals for next year, right?

First off, supplies!  These are just a few of my favorite things when it comes to felt flower making:

SUPPLIES

This first flower isn’t as much of an actual flower, but more of a good foundation for how these flowers are made.  I hope you enjoy!

(To watch the video, click here!)

 

To watch other video tutorials, check out the WATCH section!  You can find it here.  Also, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to be the first to know when I publish new videos!

Happy Tuesday! The sun is shining here, and we couldn’t be happier.

xo.

 

Easter Advent Resurrection Eggs | DIY Tutorial

Easter Advent Resurrection Eggs | DIY Tutorial

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I’m always looking for creative ways to help our kids – and our family as a whole – focus on the reason we celebrate various holidays.  We’ve spent time learning about the history of Saint Valentine, celebrating Advent at Christmas together, and of course now, Easter.  I’ve been wanting to make these Easter Resurrection Advent Eggs….for 3 years now!  Whoops!  Better late than never.

As a parent, it’s fun incorporating traditions Andy and/or I had growing up as well as new ones.  The Easter Advent or Advent Resurrection Eggs tradition wasn’t one either of us had, but we are excited to incorporate it into our family moving forward.

Keep reading for instructions on making your own set, along with links to supplies, as well as links to various ready-made sets for purchase!

The funny – maybe not haha – thing is that I bought these wooden eggs, oh, I don’t know….three years ago?  I had really good intentions.  I really did.  A post for another time, yes, but I am often paralyzed by my drive for perfectionism.  I had an image in my head of how I wanted these to look, and I would always find something else to work on before them.  Well, I finally tackled it!  And guess what: they aren’t how I envisioned, but they are perfectly imperfect.  

You could definitely use plastic eggs for this – it’ll be way cheaper! Heck, you can probably make 12 sets of them for the same cost, but I wanted to make something that would last for years (and I’d enjoy putting out on the table each year!).

SUPPLIES

The eggs were really pretty easy once I decided on a plan.  I used my ScanNCut (not affiliated with Brother, just still love it) to cut out numbers from painter’s tape.  I’ve included the SVG file along with the PDF of verses below.  You don’t need a ScanNCut or cutting machine for this project!! Here are some other ideas:

  • use an x-acto knife to cut out numbers with painter’s tape
  • use acrylic/watercolor paint to simply paint numbers on each egg
  • use permanent marker to write the numbers – on either plastic or wooden eggs
  • if using plastic eggs, you could get vinyl numbers from any craft store ()
  • paint the eggs with watercolor (no masking), and us a marker/pen to write the numbers after paint has dried

….or do whatever your pretty heart desires!

Next up is filling them!  I spent entirely way too much time one night figuring out what to place inside — and I definitely changed my mind a few times.  I ended up mixing a few lists together!  Feel free to do the same or use the list below.  If you google “advent Easter eggs,” “Resurrection Eggs,” or “12 days of Easter eggs,” you should find plenty to choose from.  I used the new CSB Bible translation for my printed cards – the PDF has very light lines for you to cut them out.  I just rolled each one up and placed inside.

WHAT TO PLACE INSIDE

  • Day 1: leaf (I cut from paper, but you could use a real one or silk); Mark 11:8-10
  • Day 2: bread; Matthew 26:26-29
  • Day 3: 3 dimes; Matthew 26:14-16
  • Day 4: rope; Matthew 27:1-2
  • Day 5: chunk of soap; Matthew 27:24-26
  • Day 6: red fabric; Matthew 27:28-30
  • Day 7: nail; Matthew 27:31-32
  • Day 8: dice; Mark 15:24-27
  • Day 9: strips of white fabric; Matthew 27:57-60
  • Day 10: flat round rock; Matthew 27:65-66
  • Day 11: cloves or cinnamon stick; Mark 16:1-3
  • Day 12: empty; Matthew 28:5-8

He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said.

Matthew 28:6a CSB

And that’s that!  I can’t wait to see what you come up with – be sure to tag me on Instagram or wherever you post photos!

Have an awesome weekend!  It’s fun writing and sharing again: thanks for sticking around!

12 DAYS OF EASTER PDF
NUMBER FILES .SVG + .FCM

the sister magic

the sister magic

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The request to wear her sister always seemed to come at the worst time: Lucia was hungry, tired or the house was just chaotic. I’d said no and not right now and maybe tomorrow too many times to count, so I prepared her:

“It might be quick. She’s pretty hungry and tired.”

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As I helped Harlow wrap her, Lucia was fussy and squirmy.  I was nervous that Harlow would get overwhelmed by it all.  After only a few minutes, I told her I should probably just take her out to feed her and calm her down.

“No mommy. I can do this.”

And with that, she walked away, bouncing gently, patting Lucia’s back with one hand as she held her pacifier with the other. She sang in her ear and whispered,

“I’m right here, Lucia.  I’m right here! It’s okay.  It’s okay.”

Within seconds, Lucia had calmed. And within minutes, she was asleep.

That sister magic is real.

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Things have changed a little bit around here!  We welcomed Lucia Jane into the world a few weeks ago, and our lives are so much sweeter.  Her labor and delivery was all her own — I hope to share it with you soon.  I’ve been sharing so much of what I would have been blogging over on instagram, if you care to follow along.

I’d been waiting for the right way to jump back in.  Do I apologize for taking such a break? Do I just pretend like I didn’t?  So here I am, acknowledging the needed break and moving on.  I’m ready to give this space a much needed makeover.  I’m anxious to share what we’ve been up to.  I’ve miss you all.

Thanks for sticking around and being patient with me.

xo
kaciasignature

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