Do you have a cat at home that you like to make feel really special? Meet Kreacher, our rescue kitty, he takes a back seat to the dog some days, but we still love him and try to spoil him as best we can!

In the winter of 2009, my husband was heading out on a ten day trip without me, and I knew that it was my chance to convince him that we needed a cat. Our apartment was going to get really lonely (and scary!) if I was all by myself. He eventually caved, and one night after work, I headed to the humane society to find my new fuzzy baby. I walked around, each caged cat breaking my heart, and then I saw “Sam.” When he put on those Puss in Boots eyes (which I haven’t seen since), I knew I had to bring him home.

Well, we were barely home 10 minutes before he turned into a little terror and hid in the cupboard for three days, sticking a paw out only to attack our ankles as we did dishes or were making dinner.

Given his mischievous ways, it was clear to us that “Sam” was too ordinary a name for him. My husband wanted to call him Monster, but I thought Kreacher was better, after the cantankerous house elf in Harry Potter. After all, the character was a reluctant housekeeper who slept in a kitchen cupboard.

For months, Kreacher was as cranky as an enslaved house elf, acting as if we were holding him prisoner in our home. Sensing that he had a craving for wide open spaces, we finally started letting him outdoors. Suddenly, he was a whole different cat.

Now, our black rescue cat is much more content. Letting him outdoors was like handing a house elf a sock: suddenly, Kreacher had some freedom! And with the option to come and go, he is much happier when he’s at home because now it’s on his terms.

Our cat is cuddly when he wants to be, but keeps his distance when he’s feeling independent. With the ability to go outdoors, Kreacher has become a productive worker. He does a great job patrolling the fields in summer and fall, making sure that there aren’t any critters breaking and entering into our house. In the winter he spends most of his time curled up on the foot of our bed or nestled in a basket full of blankets. But even when snow covers the ground, we know that Kreacher is on high alert to protect our little family from—well—creatures!

Because of his willingness to work so hard, (he is not enslaved here, after all!) I love to repay my impish little guard-cat with a gourmet meal of Meow Mix Bistro. Plus, it’s easy to keep on hand because I can pick it up on my weekly errand trip to Walmart.

My picky kitty is partial to the Meow Mix Bistro Salmon flavor. It’s made with real salmon and makes for a complete and balanced meal, so I feel good about giving him the food he craves. Since it’s made right here in the USA, I trust that the nutrition I’m giving my cat will help him keep doing the “work” he loves for a long time!

But Kreacher works hard and deserves to eat like a king. And the most rewarding part is knowing that he enjoys coming home to spend time with me, the person who takes care of him and keeps his tummy full. When he chooses to snuggle on my lap or rub his head against my legs and purr, I know his affection is genuine. I wouldn’t have it any other way; as disgruntled as he can be, I love having my Kreacher around!

Meow Mix Bistro is available at your local Walmart and will also be available on Walmart.com soon. For now, you can find out more about Meow Mix Bistro Recipes here.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of The J.M. Smucker Company. The opinions and text are all mine.

The post Our Rescue Kitty appeared first on Sugar & Soul.

Planning a party or wanting to amp up your breakfast game, find out How to Build the Perfect Parfait and try four great recipes!

I’m trying to remember when it was that parfaits really took off and became a thing. Middle school, maybe? Every day at lunch everyone had to have their yogurt, granola, and berry parfaits… except me. Here’s the thing… I didn’t like them, they were always dull and boring to me. But now that I’m older, I’ve learned that you can make some really kickin’ parfaits! And they’re not just for breakfast either! So today I’m partnering with Noosa Yoghurt to share how to build the best parfait and even create a parfait bar for your next brunch or dinner party!

Be a Glass Act: Solid colored bowls are boring when it comes to serving up parfaits. Let those layers do the talking and show them off in some glassware. I love doing a mix of vintage cocktail glasses and dessert dishes. Make sure to choose the right size for your parfaits too, I prefer large glasses like mason jars for my breakfast parfaits and small dishes for my dessert parfaits. It’s all about balance after all.

Crème de la Crème: I’ve tried a lot of different yoghurts in my life and Noosa is by far the best. I’m not kidding, this stuff is wicked good! Unique and classic flavors are produced in Aussie-style small batches right in Colorado. This yogurt is unlike any I’ve ever had, it’s velvety, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Even the standard flavors like Blueberry and Lemon will knock your socks off, while their new Sweet Heat yoghurts like Pineapple Jalapeno will have your tastes buds throwing a dance party. Serve up a variety to give your guests lots to choose from and create fun flavor combos! Seriously, Noosa will change your yoghurt lovin’ life!

All the Right Fixings: Gone are the days of parfaits with just granola and berries. Sure, we’re still going to keep them around, but we’re going to make sure there are a lot more offerings on the parfait bar. We’re talking everything from crushed cookies to shaved coconut to maraschino cherries! I like to always make sure to have one to three options of nuts, fruits, granola or cookies, syrups, sprinkles, spices. Everyone will have fun mixing up their delicious parfaits and making them their own!

Layer up: Parfaits are all about balance. You don’t want to leave all your yoghurt stranded at the bottom while your toppings get all the attention. You want them to marry each other, you want every spoonful to be an experience. I love mixing like and contrasting flavors to create luscious layers in my parfaits.

Spread it out: Make sure your guests feel welcome to start creating their parfaits by spreading everything out buffet style. Have your glassware on one end, yoghurt and fixings in the middle, and fun spoons on the end! If you do it right, your spread can be both functional and pretty! I love this idea for bridal showers, brunches, and dinner parties.

Oh, and like those fun drinks with the life lessons and facts until the cap, Noosa serves up happy thoughts under theirs as well!

Alright, now that we’ve talked about the fundamentals of building the perfect parfait. I want to share a few of my favorite combos with you!

This Honey Lemon Breakfast Parfait is loaded up with all the good stuff to get you off to a great start. Layers of Noosa Honey and Lemon yoghurts mixed with chopped pecans and granola will leave you feeling full until lunchtime!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Noosa Lemon Yoghurt
• 1/2 cup Noosa Honey Yoghurt
• 1/2 cup Granola
• 2 tbsp chopped pecans
• Lemon slice for garnish

Directions:

1. Yoghurt layer.
2. Granola Layer.
3. Yoghurt layer.
4. Top with pecans and additional granola.

This Blueberry Pie Parfait is simple and delicious. A layer of graham cracker crumbs topped with Noosa Blueberry Yoghurt, fresh blueberries and whipped cream will have you indulging in minutes!

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup Noosa Blueberry Yoghurt
• 3 fresh blueberries
• Perfect Homemade Whipped Cream

Directions:

1. Spread graham crackers evenly in the bottom of the dish.
2. Top with Noosa Blueberry Yoghurt.
3. Top with blueberries and whipped cream.

This Mexican Chocolate Cheesecake Parfait is a dessert you could indulge in for breakfast too! Noosa’s Mexican Chocolate Yoghurt is the perfect creamy mix of chocolate and spice!

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp crushed chocolate wafers
• 1/2 cup Noosa Mexican Chocolate Yoghurt
• 1 tbsp whipped cream cheese
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate wafer and cinnamon stick for garnish.

Directions:

1. Spread cookie crumbs out evenly in the bottom of the dish.
2. Add Noosa Mexican Chocolate Yoghurt.
3. Add cream cheese to the center top of the yoghurt and top with whipped cream.
4. Garnish with wafer and cinnamon stick if desired.

This Tropical Parfait will have you feeling like you’re in the islands with its fun layers of Noosa’s Key Lime, Coconut, and Pineapple yoghurts!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Noosa Key Lime Yoghurt
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped mango
• 1/4 cup Noosa Coconut Yoghurt
• 1/4 cup diced pineapple
• 1/2 cup Noosa Pineapple Yoghurt
• 1 tbsp shredded coconut
• Whipped Cream
• Maraschino cherry and lime slice for garnish

Directions:

1. Add Noosa Key Lime Yoghurt to the cup.
2. Top with chopped mango.
3. Top with Noosa Coconut Yoghurt.
4. Top with diced pineapple.
5. Top with Noosa Pineapple Yoghurt.
6. Sprinkle with shredded coconut and top with whipped cream and garnishes.

Which one of those fantastic combos was your favorite? Noosa Yoghurt is such a great base for the perfect parfait, but it’s also amazing all on its own! Its rich flavors and creamy texture will leave you feeling satisfied no matter the time of day! Which one are you most excited to try?

I loved trying out the Noosa Pineapple Jalapeno Yoghurt, which is part of their Sweet Heat collection. I loved the way the sweet pineapple burned off into a slow heat, it was the perfect afternoon pick me up between lunch and dinner. I’m really excited to try the Blackberry Serano since Serano peppers are my favorite!

This post is sponsored by Noosa Yoghurt. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible.

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of CORT for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Life throws curveballs at us, and some stages in life warrant more changes than others. Sometimes, we face periodic moves or temporary living situations, and enlisting the help of a furniture rental company will help any house or apartment feel like home—even if it’s only for a short amount of time.

When I learned about CORT Furniture Rental, I began to think of a ton of situations where furniture rental would be the easiest and most cost-effective way to establish a home or space. Plus, this particular company has a fantastic selection of the latest furniture fashions so you can build your castle however you please.

Here are 7 life situations that are perfect for considering CORT to furnish your temporary dwelling.

1. Living Off-Campus For many college students, living off-campus is the first taste of apartment life. It’s easy to get homesick the first time you’re living away from your family, so it’s important to make your four walls feel like home! Take this exciting opportunity to decorate your place however you’d like, and enlist CORT for budget-friendly furniture that can be returned, come summertime! (Your taste may change by next year, anyway.)

2. Moving In Together Part of the romance of being young and in love is working together to make ends meet! But seriously, consider the stylish options at CORT to deck out your love nest. You may be dreaming of a bigger place or a house of your own in the future, but until then, you can rent furniture and enjoy the process of decorating together without the commitment of purchasing pricey investment furniture.

3. Relocating For A Temporary Assignment Are you a professional with an assignment that requires you to move out of town, short-term? Furniture rental will save you the hassle of schlepping your furniture, hiring expensive moving trucks, or worse, living on lawn chairs and an air mattress!

4. Experimenting With Your Style Maybe you’re just not sure what style of furniture you’ll continue to enjoy for years to come—and that’s okay! Consider furniture rental so you can pick, enjoy, and return whatever catches your eye–and then do it all over again! Experiment with style and find your taste by trying a bunch of different looks.

5. Changing The Purpose Of A Room Perhaps your adult kids need a place to stay while their new home is being built. Or maybe you just found out that your out-of-state in-laws are coming to stay for the summer, and you want to turn your office into a temporary suite. CORT has you covered! Kids grow up and in-laws leave (so we hope!), so enlist the help of a furniture rental company to provide you with everything you need — and only for as long as you need it.

6. Setting Up Your New Office Maybe you’re starting a new company, or you’ve moved your small business into a studio. You want it to look professional to your employees and customers, but don’t have a huge budget for decorating yet. When you furnish your space with a company like CORT, your small business can reflect big style as you build your clientele, as well as your burgeoning success!

7. Preparing For A Last-Minute Relocation Maybe you’ve just been informed that your company is relocating you next month, or your apartment flooded so you’re suddenly forced to find a new place. A quick move warrants a quick furniture solution. Furniture rental allows you to make a smooth transition from one home to the next, without an expensive hassle.

Whether you’re moving out of your family’ house or all the way across the country, almost everyone experiences situations in life that require sudden or temporary relocation. Furniture rental is a non-committal solution that’s perfect for those who aren’t ready to purchase investment pieces or deal with the mess of selling or moving furniture when it comes time to relocate. After all, your home should be your sanctuary, no matter where you are or for how long.

The post 7 Times Furniture Rental Is The Way To Go appeared first on Sugar & Soul.

This blog post was sponsored by Starbucks but the opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

A Capsule Wardrobe can keep you looking fabulous all season long and reduce the time it takes to get ready for the day or pack for a trip!

I was in Hawaii last week in beautiful 80 to 90-degree weather, and when I walked out of Logan Airport in Boston, a New England fall had rolled in while I was gone. It seems hard to believe, but I guess it’s finally time to admit that it’s here. Once Starbucks’ PSL rolled out, there was no stopping the scarves and boots that followed, and don’t you know it, the changing of the leaves weren’t far behind either.

I’ve been desperately holding on to summer, not wanting it to slip away and take the bikinis and iced tea with it, but here we are. And I guess you could say I’m coming around; fall is my favorite season after all. I love the crisp air, burning scented candles, and mugs of hot tea and cider. And I love the fashion trends that always arise with the transition into cooler weather, not to mention the rich and beautiful colors they come in.

Lately, I’ve been thinking that it’s time to start a capsule wardrobe. I have so many clothes, and I only wear half of them. Traveling so much makes it hard because I often find myself traveling to places with alternate climates to home. But I am bound and determined this fall to get everything organized and have a system in place, so when I get up in the morning it won’t take me so long to get ready and when I head to Poland in a couple of months, I’ll just pack up my capsule wardrobe and call it good. Easy peasy.

So what is a capsule wardrobe, you ask?

Capsule wardrobe is a term coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called “Wardrobe” in the 1970s. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that don’t go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces.

My capsule wardrobe will be designed around a small selection of key pieces that can work amongst each other to create several looks. I think aiming for 14 looks (2 weeks) overall is a good place to start with a capsule wardrobe. Some can make their capsules go for 21, but I try to be realistic because I know there are some pieces I won’t wear nearly as often, but still love.

I have found that when it comes time to establish a Capsule Wardrobe, you tend to want to spruce up your closet so you have super chic and fashionable pieces you love and won’t get tired of as the season goes on. That’s why I always swing into Target for fun and in-season pieces I know I’ll look and feel great in!

I love that Target is always on trend and affordable, which sure makes a whole new wardrobe easier to swallow. But one of the things that I love about a capsule wardrobe is that you should really only be purchasing clothes four times a year unless you need a specific item you don’t already have in your closet.

Okay, so let’s talk about what makes up a great capsule wardrobe. Of course, it can look a little different for everyone depending on location, career, and other factors. You might have to trade out a few pairs of jeans for some trousers and a skirt or maybe add a few more dresses for the office. But either way, I think my calculations are a good place to start.

Tops – For me, personally, I love a more casual look. I’m all about the graphic tees and layered button-down shirts, throw in a cardigan, a couple of camisoles, and a cargo vest, and we have the makings for a great mix of looks. But with the cooler weather, we need to layer up even more and that means jackets. If there’s even a possibility of business meetings, make sure a cute blazer is hanging in your closet. This Textured Tailored Blazer from Target can easily be paired with a black pencil skirt or dress up a pair of jeans. Other must haves are a leather jacket and a utility jacket (my favorite).

Bottoms – Since I work for myself, I get to pick my dress code, which means jeans, all the jeans. But I’m not going to fill my wardrobe with five pairs of similar jeans, nope; each pair is selected with a purpose. I have a solid pair of medium/dark wash jeans that I can wear every day, but also dress up when needed. A millennial wardrobe isn’t complete without a great pair of distressed jeans. Colored jeans are also killing it in the fashion world this year, and I’m all about the red and olive green tones that can make a bold statement when paired with neutral tones. Lastly, I’m loving gray jeans right now, a little edgy, super casual, and a great look all year round.

Dresses – Even with the crisp air sweeping in, dresses are still in season when paired with the right tights and boots. For me, three dresses is a good number to have on hand. Keep a couple of casual dresses for date night, and make sure to have something a little dressier for last minute special events.

Shoes – Every girl’s best friend. Or addiction. Fall means boot season, but it’s booties that are stealing the show this year! The number one rule with booties is to always roll and never tuck those jeans. Make sure to keep a nice pair of flats and a trendy pair of heels out of storage so you’re ready for anything.

Accessories – These are definitely where you’ll see a lot of variations in the wardrobe. For me, I don’t really wear jewelry, but I’m sure many of you will want to add cute statement necklaces and other great pieces to your wardrobe. But don’t forget a cute floppy hat, scarves, a clutch, and a crossbody bag.

What’s in my Wardrobe:

• 4 Tees
• 2 Camisoles
• 1 Blouse
• 1 Cardigan
• 1 Flannel Button-Down
• 1 Denim Button-Down
• 1 Cargo Vest
• 1 Blazer
• 1 Leather Jacket
• 1 Utility Jacket
• 3 Dresses
• 5 Jeans
• 1 Floppy Hat
• 2 Scarves
• 1 Clutch
• 1 Crossover Purse
• 2 Boots
• 1 Flats
• 1 Heels

Check out my Capsule Wardrobe board on Pinterest to check out all of my favorite pieces from Target this fall, including all of the pieces you see in these photos.

Oh, and I almost forgot. If you’re like me, there’s one more accessory you just can’t go without – a cute mug. Whether you’re on the go or spending the morning at the office, make sure to serve your homemade Starbucks up in style. Have you tried the new Tazo Chai Pumpkin Spice Tea yet? It’s incredibly flavorful with a great body and warm seasonal notes. Plus, you can now get your favorite PSL in k-cups. Life = complete.

No matter what your fall has in store, make sure to plan your capsule wardrobe accordingly for a simpler routine and great look all season long! Don’t forget to check out the cute graphic tees and cozy scarves at Target while stocking up on your favorite Starbucks products!

The post Fall Capsule Wardrobe appeared first on Sugar & Soul.

My cat Kreacher is truly a character. (Read his rescue story here)  He comes and goes when he pleases. He only snuggles on his terms. And when it comes to food, he’ll only eat the best. Although he can be a bit temperamental, when he rubs his head against my hand to beg for pets, it’s one of the best compliments in the world. Whether he’s curled up in his cupboard or on my lap, I always enjoy his company.

I love Kreacher, so I want him to be happy. He’s a free spirit who spends most of his days outside when the weather is mild, and in the winter, he’s almost always lounging on a cozy blanket at the foot of our bed. And because he’s such an important part of our lives, I do everything I can to make sure he lives the longest, healthiest life possible!

When I picked up a bag of NEW Meow Mix Brushing Bites from Walmart, I was thrilled that this new product would help me keep Kreacher happy and healthy in more ways than one! From a pet parent with a kitty who’s difficult to please, here are 9 tips for a happy, healthy cat, even if you have the most finicky of felines.

1. Make sure they’re eating meals with balanced nutrition

Cats are notoriously picky eaters. You can buy your cat the best food in the world, but if they won’t eat it, it’s pointless! Aside from picking a high-quality food for your cat, it’s important to make sure that it’s a brand and variety they will actually enjoy eating.

2. Choose the right food bowl

Sometimes, it’s not the food that your cat dislikes—it’s the bowl! As creatures with superior senses, a bowl that’s too deep or too narrow may irritate your cat’s sensitive whiskers. Or, perhaps it’s made of a material that feels strange against their tongue. Your kitty is most likely to enjoy a wide, shallow bowl. Try to avoid plastic, though; it can contain chemicals and also breed bacteria.

3. Give them treats that supplement their diet

Treats aren’t supposed to sustain a cat’s diet, but there’s no reason why they can’t hold nutritional value. Meow Mix Brushing Bites not only help remove plaque and tartar from teeth, they’re fortified with vitamin D and calcium to help support strong teeth and bones. More importantly, they’re bursting with savory flavors your cat will love like salmon and chicken, Kreacher is more than willing to gobble them up.

4. Create spaces, just for them

Whether your cat loves lounging atop a cat tree, ducking beneath chairs and couches, or hiding in the cupboard like Kreacher, make sure you have spaces in your home that are just for them. I keep a fleece bed and some toys in Kreacher’s nook, so he always feels safe and welcome there. Wherever your cat feels coziest, turn it into their favorite spot.

5. Keep up with their parasite regimen

Even if your cat never goes outside, it’s important to protect them from parasites. Fleas and ticks are even a threat to indoor cats, and as we all know, those pesky mosquitos (which carry heartworm) still sometimes find their way indoors! Talk to your vet about sticking to a parasite regimen because prevention is much easier and less expensive than facing a full-blown problem!

6. Clean litter box often

You don’t like using dirty toilets (gross!), and neither does your cat. Clean the litter box at least once a day so your kitty feels comfortable using it to do his business. If it gets too soiled, they may choose to go someplace else, like on your kitchen floor!

7. Implement a dental routine

Did you know that 85% of cats show signs of oral disease by the time they’re three years old? Yikes! Not only could untreated dental disease cut your cat’s life short, the heartbreaking truth is, they will be suffering in silence—it’s incredibly painful! The good news is that you can significantly reduce your cat’s risk of developing dental disease. Train your cat to allow you to brush its teeth at home.

Cat-friendly brushes and paste are available at pet stores. Also, have your vet evaluate your kitty’s oral hygiene and they may recommend a professional cleaning. And in between brushes, help care for their teeth with a healthy treat your cat will love, Meow Mix Brushing Bites. These crunchy treats are specially designed to help keep your cat’s teeth clean by reducing plaque and tartar when fed daily.

8. Keep their favorite toys on hand, and set time aside to play

Like food, cats can be picky about their toys! The good news is, it’s often the simple, homemade ones that they like the best. Try a bunch of different playthings to see what your cat enjoys most. Some ideas: tinfoil balls, catnip pouches, boxes and feathers on a string. Don’t forget that the best games are the ones that are played with you!

9. Make regular vet visits a priority

Annual vet visits are essential when you have a cat, and should be made even more often once they’re in their senior years. Not only do they need to be up-to-date with treatments and vaccinations, if any sort of ailment were to crop up, the sooner you catch it, the easier it is to treat…and the less time your kitty will have to suffer. Of course, if there are any physical or behavioral changes in your cat, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with the doc. They can’t tell us what’s wrong, so it’s up to us to read the signs.

Meow Mix Brushing Bites can be found at your local Walmart and will also be available on Walmart.com soon. The next time you visit Walmart, look for Meow Mix Brushing Bites in the cat food isle and treat your kitty! For now, you can find out more about Meow Mix Brushing Bites here.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of The J.M. Smucker Company. The opinions and text are all mine.

The post 9 Tips For A Healthy Cat appeared first on Sugar & Soul.

These Simple Beauty Hacks are effective remedies that work better than their expensive store-bought counterparts.

If you love easy, all-natural beauty hacks, you’re going to love these treatments and remedies made out of these three pantry staples: baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil! (These items have taken over my beauty routine–I even keep a box of baking soda and a bottle of apple cider vinegar handy in my bathroom!)

Not only are these hacks simple, but the best part is that they’re effective remedies that work better than their expensive store-bought counterparts. For the most part, you don’t need exact measurements for these one or two-ingredient “recipes.” So take a peek in your pantry, grab your supplies, and get your beauty on!

Note: it is always recommended to try new skin treatments on a patch of your inner wrist to make sure you don’t have a reaction!

Baking Soda:

1. Clarifying Shampoo

I use this trick routinely! Mix the baking soda in with your regular shampoo. You’ll see it get frothy, and it’ll really foam up once you lather it onto your wet hair! This will remove any product build-up and make your hair squeaky-clean. (Note: you can also use straight baking soda for a natural, clarifying shampoo.)

2. Exfoliating Body & Facial Scrub

Make a paste with the baking soda and water and you’ll have a gentle, exfoliating scrub for your face and body.

3. Dandruff Remedy

Make a paste with the baking soda and lemon juice, then rub into your scalp and let sit for a couple of minutes. You can choose whether or not to follow with your usual shampoo. This remedy works better than store-bought anti-dandruff shampoo!

4. Teeth Whitener

Sprinkle some baking soda onto your toothpaste for a scrub that will exfoliate the stains from your teeth. You can also brush with a simple baking soda-and-water paste

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

5. Face Toner

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties. (This recipe gets measurements to protect your delicate face!) Mix 1 tbsp. ACV with 2 C. water and use it in place of a toner to smooth skin and prevent breakouts.

6. Dandruff Remedy / Hair Cleanser

Mix equal parts ACV and water, drench your hair, and let sit for about 15 minutes. The antibacterial ACV helps kill flake-causing yeast and also cleans residue from your scalp and hair.

7. Daily Detox

Drink 2 tsp. ACV daily for multiple benefits: it’ll boost your metabolism, give you energy, and balance your body’s pH. You can find recipes for tasty mixed drinks, incorporate it into homemade salad dressing, or just shoot it straight!

Coconut Oil

8. Dry Skin Soother

Rub onto dry skin, cuticles, anywhere for a super-moisturizing treatment. Bonus: you’ll be left smelling like a tropical goddess.

9. Moisturizing Eye Make-Up Remover

Melt between your hands, dab on eyelids and gently rub off for a moisturizing, effective make-up remover.

10. Moisturizing Body & Lip Scrub

Mix coconut oil and sugar together until it’s at your desired consistency. This scrub will both exfoliate and moisturize both body and lips–plus it’s totally yummy! One warning, though: this scrub will make the shower floor slippery, so make sure you wipe off the residue thoroughly.

11. Lip Balm

Dab onto lips for a moisturizing balm that also adds shine!

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Karen Harris

Writer

Writer | New Englander | Dog Lover

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I’m so excited to be partnering with one of my favorite local brands, HP Hood, for the holiday season! Over the next couple of months I’ll be sharing my love of Hood® Cream with you and showcasing how you can easily work it into your holiday celebrations!

If you made me pick three ingredients that I couldn’t live without they would be butter, sugar, and Hood Heavy Cream. Without them, so much of what I share here wouldn’t be possible. I know butter and sugar are basic pantry staples, but many of you might not think of heavy cream as a must-have item, but once you see all the deliciousness that Chef Chris Coombs served me and some other New Englanders a few weeks ago at Deuxave, I think you’ll make sure you’re always fully stocked as well.

These delicious recipes are part of the second edition of the Hood Cream eCookbook, Chef Creations Inspired by Hood® Cream. The first edition is out now and the new edition will be live with the new recipes this month. The menu I tried during the dinner at Deuxave was a sneak peek of the new recipes that will be included. These recipes highlight the broad range of uses for cream and how it can be used in everything from appetizers to desserts.

Deuxave Restaurant, Boston, MA USA

Crab Imperial – This dish kicked off the evening, a light and flavorful crab meat filling stuffed in a fluffy pastry shell. These would be perfect for serving up at holiday gatherings as well as dinner parties!

Deuxave Restaurant, Boston, MA USA

Local Lobster in Cream Sauce with Celeriac – I’m not generally a lobster fan, I know, I know, the Maine girl doesn’t like lobster… what? But it’s true, I’ve never really been a fan. However, this dish was surprisingly tasty given the fact that it wasn’t something I would normally eat. The cream sauce was absolutely divine and really paired well with the main attraction.

Deuxave Restaurant, Boston, MA USA

Macaroni Quattro Formaggio – You guys know I’m a sucker for macaroni and cheese, I mean, I’d probably make my Best Ever Creamy Mac and Cheese every night if it didn’t mean I’d weigh a million pounds! And while this macaroni was nothing short of comfort food and absolutely delicious, it actually doesn’t have any butter in it, except the small amount used to toast the bread crumbs. This is a side dish you’ll definitely want to serve up for the holidays.

Deuxave Restaurant, Boston, MA USA

Herb and Pistachio Crusted Lamb Rack with Escarole and White Beans – I have a serious weakness for lamb. My family makes a lamb roast every year for Christmas, the first time I ever had rack of lamb was on my honeymoon, and my love for it has only grown since having it fresh off the grill in Iceland. But this lamb took it to a whole new level with it’s delicious herb and pistachio crust, I might just have to have my Nana swap out the traditional roast for this recipe this Christmas!

Deuxave Restaurant, Boston, MA USA

Sticky Toffee Pudding – But guys, this dish stole my whole heart that night. It was an incredible finish to a spectacular meal. I’ve had toffee pudding before, but this one truly encompassed the cozy flavors I’ve always thought of in my mind. When I was eating it I was whisked away to the lochs of Scotland and the tiny pubs that serve up comfort food like you wouldn’t believe. It tasted like holidays at home and adventures abroad in one amazing finale. I can’t wait to remake this recipe and share it with you in December, trust me, you’re going to love it!

And if you’re ever in Boston, make sure to grab a meal at Deuxave!

The post Hood Soiree for the Season at Deuxave appeared first on Sugar & Soul.

Seven years ago today, my husband asked me to marry him. There were no grand gestures (but there were fuzzy ones – but we’ll get to that), there was no hidden photographer or public display, it was just us. And in that way, it was totally and completely “us”.

Matt and I have never been much for public displays of affection and you’ll never find us fighting in public either. As odd as it may seem, given my profession, we’re fairly private people. But our engagement story is a sweet one and today, I want to share it with all of you.

When we were in college, we both worked at Target. Our schedules themselves were always changing, as is the way in the retail world. November 1st was a Sunday that year and Matt was set to work a long shift. I had the day off, but as usual, I had put my homework off until the last minute and was spending the day neck deep in algebraic equations I couldn’t understand if my life depended on it.

Our apartment at the time was small. We had an open kitchen and living room with a small hallway, two bedrooms on either side of the bathroom which you could see the living room from (this is important). I remember getting up from the computer in the spare room and going to our bedroom, then realizing I had to pee so bad I ran into the bathroom, without shutting the door behind me.

When I sat down on the toilet, I looked out the door where I could see the couch and the front door, which was cracked open (cue every horror movie scene running through my head), but that wasn’t all, there was a fuzzy Goldendoodle puppy trying to get on my couch… we didn’t have a dog. So I quickly right myself and go out into the living room and start talking to the pup which has a leash, collar, and treat bag around his neck.

About the time I asked the little guy where he came from the door swung open and Matt walked in. And I asked him whose puppy this was and why he wasn’t at work, his response “This is Rugger and I left early.” I asked why the puppy was in our apartment and his response was “So he could help me do this”, and in one swift motion he was on one knee and grabbing the ring box out of the treat bag.

I’m pretty sure somewhere in the excitement and hugging and tears I said “yes” because we’re here, right? But all I remember saying is “I have to pee”… cute, right?

Then the real big question came “Is the puppy for me?” The answer was a big fat no, and believe me, I begged, I even offered to give the ring back if we could keep the puppy instead. It didn’t work. The puppy belonged to one of Matt’s mom’s coworker who let him borrow the puppy for the proposal. So, unfortunately, we had to give him back or we would have had some upset children on our hands. But Matt promised me a puppy as a wedding gift.

We took Rugger home and then went to share the happy news with our parents. And of course, planning our wedding started soon after! These photos are from the night of our proposal and from our engagement photo session. And this is Shoester, whom I’m sure you all know by now, he was my wedding gift from Matt and the best gift I’ve ever been given.

The post Our Engagement Story appeared first on Sugar & Soul.

This DIY Holiday Crock Pot Potpourri will have your house smelling amazing all season long with sweet and spicy aromas of cranberries, oranges, mint, cloves, cinnamon, and more!

If you follow this blog regularly, you know that I’ve been traveling A LOT lately! It’s been really fun, but it’s also very tiring. In addition to all that travel time, I can spend hours packing and cleaning — there’s nothing worse than coming home to a dirty house.

The night before a trip, I’m usually running around the house until midnight, doing last-minute vacuuming, laundry, and taking out the trash so it doesn’t stink up the whole house. Our house is also on the market, so I have to keep it “show-ready” at all times. But since I discovered Glad ForceFlex OdorShield trash bags, I’ve been able to cross that chore off my list!

We used to buy generic brand trash bags, not really realizing that some bags are made to be so much more durable than others. With the bargain bags, we had to take the trash out when it was only about three-quarters of the way full, so it wouldn’t rip — that’s about every two or three days. It felt like a waste to change a bag before it was even full, but by then it would start to stink and we wanted to get it outside, anyway.

Then one day, I’d had enough. A few hours before my flight was to leave, I remembered I had to grab the trash as I headed out the door. I pulled it with a yank, and a gaping hole split up the side! Already running late, I cleaned up the mess as fast as I could, praying that the TSA line wouldn’t be long that day. I ended up making it to my gate in the nick of time, but I knew that I never wanted to deal with that kind of a last-minute disaster again!

The next time I was running errands, I decided to pick up a different brand of trash bags. I’d seen the Glad ForceFlex commercials and figured I’d give them a try. And when I saw that the OdorShield feature that emitted the scent of Febreze, I wondered if these bags would alleviate our constant “taking out the trash” routine.

After using the Glad trash bag for a couple days, I was about to take the barely full bag outside when I remembered that this bag was supposed to be extra durable. So I pressed the garbage down to make some more room, and over the next few days, Matt and I filled it all the way to the tippy top! By the time it was completely full, it had gotten pretty heavy, so I had Matt carry it outside. But despite the bulges and sharp edges that pressed into the sides of the bag, it didn’t rip! All that was left was a burst of fresh Febreze scent, not days-old trash all over the floor.

As satisfied as I was after that first experience, the true test was going on a five-day trip without taking out the garbage as I headed out the door. I was relieved to save time by skipping this chore, but a little apprehensive that I’d come home to a house reeking like rotting, stinky garbage. But when I got home, there was no foul odor. Then, when I cautiously lifted the trashcan lid, the only thing I smelled was…Febreze! It had been five days since we’d changed the trash bag, and I have to say, I was truly impressed. Now, whenever I’m preparing to leave on a trip, I no longer have to waste time taking out the trash!

When I’m finally home from my travels, I plan on having a few get-togethers and I definitely plan to stock up on these odor-blocking bags for when I have guests over! We’re approaching the holiday season, and one of the other things I love to do to make my home smell festive and welcoming is to make homemade crock pot potpourri. The sweet and spicy ingredients create a sumptuous aroma that wafts throughout the house. Fruits like apples, oranges, star fruit, and cranberries smell juicy and fresh, while spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove add warmth and a hint of nostalgia that’s perfect for this time of year. And with Glad ForceFlex OdorShield bags containing the pungent odors of the garbage, the only thing my guests will be smelling is the cozy scent of homemade potpourri.

Needless to say, I’m a Glad ForceFlex OdorShield convert. As we approach the holidays, there’s only one trash bag I’ll use when I’m discarding heaps of scraps from Thanksgiving dinner. I only plan on cleaning it up once, and I won’t have to smell it for days after! In conjunction with a simmering crock pot of potpourri, the scents of the season will linger in my home throughout the holidays!

Follow Glad on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Rebecca Hubbell

DIY Holiday Crock Pot Potpourri

This DIY Holiday Crock Pot Potpourri will have your house smelling amazing all season long with sweet and spicy aromas of cranberries, oranges, mint, cloves, cinnamon, and more!

10 minPrep Time

10 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1 apple, cored and sliced
• 1 orange, some rind peeled, then sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 star fruit, sliced
• 5 small cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 5 large mint leaves

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a crock pot and turn on low/warm heat to simmer throughout the day. Add more water as needed/original water evaporates. DO NOT LEAVE UNATTENDED.

6.6.15

http://www.sugarandsoul.co/2016/11/diy-holiday-crock-pot-potpourri-recipe.html

Sugar & Soul

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of GLAD . The opinions and text are all mine.

The post DIY Holiday Crock Pot Potpourri appeared first on Sugar & Soul.

Magic Reindeer Food is a simple and fun Christmas tradition! Make it in minutes with pantry staples and snag these FREE printable labels to package it up for the kids to spread on the lawn to guide Rudolph and Santa to your house on Christmas Eve!

I’ve been wanting to post this recipe/craft since the first Christmas I was blogging. But every year it seems I run out of time, and looky here, It’s getting posted as my last Christmas post this year. But hey, at least I’m finally posting it, right?

And I know this isn’t a new idea, if you’re around my age, you probably grew up sprinkling Magic Reindeer Food on your lawns on Christmas Eve. It was one of my favorite things to do, and now each year I try to make up little containers of Magic Reindeer Food to give to all the little kids in my life. And one day, it’s a tradition we’ll carry on with our own children.

For those of you who are new to the idea of Magic Reindeer Food, read this poem that’s included on the free printable tags that go with this recipe:

Under the stars of Christmas Eve night,

This Magic Reindeer Food will sparkle bright.

In guiding Rudolph to your house,

You’ll have to be as quick as a mouse.

Go outside and sprinkle it on your lawn,

And Santa will visit before it’s dawn.

FREE PRINTABLE MAGIC REINDEER FOOD LABELS

These lovely tags were designed for me by Cori from Hey, let’s Make Stuff – because she’s WAY better at this stuff than I am!

This is a fun way to preserve the magic of Christmas and allow your kids to have even more fun on Christmas Eve. When I was a child we always opened our Christmas Eve present, got into our pajamas, set out some milk and cookies, then sprinkled the Magic Reindeer Food on the lawn right before bed. It was always fun and exciting thinking about how Rudolph was on his way and I was lending a helping hand.

So I encourage you to mix up this easy recipe for Magic Reindeer Food and package it up for your children and other neighborhood kiddos. And keep this simple tradition alive. The recipe itself can, of course, be altered, since Reindeer aren’t too picky. But keep in mind that you don’t want to include anything in the recipe that could be dangerous to animals like dried fruit, chocolate, glitter, etc. Stick with things like oats, nuts, and sugar based products that will dissolve easily.

Rebecca Hubbell

Yields 3 cups

Magic Reindeer Food Recipe & Tags

5 minPrep Time

5 minTotal Time

Save Recipe

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup mini cocoa marshmallows
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 4 tablespoons holiday sprinkles

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients together and divide into four baggies and seal with double stick tape and a printable Magic Reindeer Food label.

6.6.15

http://www.sugarandsoul.co/2016/12/magic-reindeer-food-recipe-printable-labels.html

Sugar & Soul

Products Used: Cutting Board – Napkins – Cello Bags – Card Stock – Double Stick Tape

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These 5 Ways to Keep Snack Time Exciting are perfect for those with busy schedules that don’t like to sacrifice flavor!

I’m so excited to be partnering with my friends at Noosa today! Whether you’re a yoghurt fan or not, you’ll love how Noosa elevates this snack to a whole new level. Sweet, tangy, and made with the finest ingredients, this yoghurt is so velvety and smooth, it tastes like an indulgent treat, but without all the calories!

In addition to its quality and irresistible creaminess, Noosa fans know this brand for its tasty and innovative varieties. From classic fruit flavors, to spicy-sweet combinations, to decadent, dessert-inspired blends, you’ll never get tired of this scrumptious snack.

That’s why I’m so thrilled about the three new tart&sweet flavors that Noosa is rolling out: Orange & Ginger (<<< my favorite), Strawberry & Hibiscus, and Pear & Cardamom (talk about a unique snacking experience!). Luscious fruits paired with warm spices and tropical flavors make Noosa’s newest collection as exciting as ever!

As a self-proclaimed snack-a-holic, I’m always searching for healthy, tasty, and portable foods to stave off hunger when it creeps in during my busy schedule. Whether I’m writing, taking photos, or spending the day out somewhere, I try to take snack breaks every few hours to keep my stamina up.

I always keep my refrigerator stocked with Noosa, and if I know I’ll be away from home for more than a few hours, I pack a lunch box with a tub of yoghurt and a few other munchies before hitting the road. That way, I know I won’t be tempted to stop at a drive-thru or gas station, opting for unhealthy choices.

Although this brand’s 28 flavors (and counting!) are enough to keep my tastebuds occupied, sometimes I like to add some crunch, zest, or texture to my go-to snack! Below are five ways to keep snack time exciting with Noosa yoghurt.

1. Freeze it

Can’t kick your ice cream craving? Stick a few tubs of silky, sweet-tasting yoghurt into the freezer for a “frozen yoghurt” treat that won’t leave you feeling heavy or guilty!

2. Blend it

For a nourishing snack or breakfast that’s easy to take with you out the door, try making a fruit smoothie or protein shake with a big scoop of your favorite Noosa flavor. The yoghurt will give it a thick, rich texture that will even tantalize the taste buds of picky eaters.

3. Dip it

Dip banana, apple, or orange slices into different flavors of yoghurt, and get creative with the combinations! You can even dunk pretzel rods for some salty-sweet deliciousness. Yum!

4. Top it

Sometimes, I’ll sprinkle cereal, berries, granola, or even nuts on top of my yoghurt for added flavor and crunch! Check out my post on “How to Build the Perfect Parfait” for more topping ideas.

5. Indulge in it

Smooth, creamy Noosa yogurt is an indulgence by itself, but if you’re really in the mood for a sweet treat, add a handful of chocolate chips or whipped cream (or both!) for a decadent dessert. Hey, it’s still better than an ice cream sundae!

For me, the trick to sticking with a healthy snack routine is to keep it easy, exciting, and delicious. There are countless combinations to try with all of Noosa’s varieties, and now, there are three new flavors to inspire a whole new batch of creative concoctions!

The post 5 Ways to Keep Snack Time Exciting appeared first on Sugar & Soul.

Catching up on life!

You know, blogs just used to be online journals, now they’re a full on media stream. That’s actually why I started this blog over four years ago, to share my life and thoughts with friends and family and maybe make some new ones. And I’ve definitely made tons of new friends, in fact, some of them are my very best friends and I can’t imagine life without them.

But life, life is what’s been missing from this blog for a while. It’s just recipe after recipe and destination after destination. And while food and travel are both big parts of my life (and some of the very best parts), they’re not all of it and I think it’s time to give this blog a little more life.

So on top of these new Life Lately posts where I’m likely just going to ramble on about whatever and maybe share some of my favorite things or stories with you, there will probably be more focused and personal posts like this one. My goal for this space has always been to inspire women and I hope I’ve inspired you to get in the kitchen and go out into the world, but I also want to inspire more than that.

The recipe and travel content here won’t change, there will just be a broader scope overall. Think of it as a daily dose of life, sometimes there will be brownies and other times we’ll be talking about how family is both the best and the worst <<< because they totally are. I think you get the idea. Plus, I want to get to know you guys a little better and I think I owe it to you guys to be a little more open with you too.

So, life lately… honestly, winter is kind of crushing my soul. I talked a little bit about in this post, but this past week I’ve had some major anxiety. I’ve never really had anxiety before. Depression, yes, anxiety, no. But recently I’ve been feeling all kinds of anxious and I really don’t know why. But, such is life, I guess. I have started taking 5-HTP,  a natural mood boosting supplement, to see if it will help with things.

I think time is what’s really getting to me, for more reasons than one, but mostly that I constantly feel like I’m running out of it. Running out of time to travel the world, to have kids, to help people, to wash my hair… because yeah, that happened the other day. I totally took a shower and forgot to shampoo my hair, but I conditioned it. I got halfway through blow drying it before I realized why it was so disgusting, but I had an appointment I had to get to, so yeah, that was lovely.

See, it might look like I have it all together, but I promise you, I don’t. Nobody does.

And I know I’m not the only one who feels like they’re running out of time, I think it’s just a fact of life. I think what gets me the most sometimes is not how much Matt or I have aged, but how much Shoester has. His eyelashes have started turning white, and at just 6 years old (36 in dog years), it breaks my heart a little. But it’s a reminder that I’ve got to do my best to make every day count for something, even if it’s not much.

Anyways, what else have I been up to? Well, other than my weekend trip to Galveston, Texas last month, I’ve been a bit of a homebody since early December. And I don’t think I’m heading out again until this time next month when I’m bound for Chicago for a weekend. But after that, I think it’s going to be full speed ahead with travel for the rest of the year.

I’m also feeling a bit overwhelmed planning out upcoming trip to Italy so if you have any recommendations on where to stay and eat and what to do, leave them in the comments!

In the meantime, I’ve decided to write an e-cookbook for No Bake Cookies, my hope is that it will be done by the end of March. I’m also focusing on finishing up my Lightroom Editing e-book by the end of this month. So at least I’m staying busy and productive and those are some things you can looking forward to in the future.

Aside from work, life has been pretty low key. My free time has been spent watching Shameless with Matt (and I’m almost ashamed with how many seasons we’ve watched in the last few weeks) and catching all the Best Picture nominated films, unfortunately, I haven’t loved most of them so it’s kind of killing my inspiration for this year’s Oscar Recipe Series.

We’re getting ready for storm 3 of 4 in a weeks time up here in Maine. We got hit with a Nor’easter the other night, in case you don’t know what that is, it’s a macro-scale cyclone. It sounds so much scarier than it really is, they can be pretty bad, especially on the coast, but for the most part, it’s just a snowstorm with blizzard-like conditions. The one hitting tonight and tomorrow is supposed to be the equivalent of a category 2 hurricane and will drop between 1 and 4 inches per hour on us during the day tomorrow. You’re totally jeally, I know.

But anyways, Matt got stuck in the driveway the other morning and one of our neighbors was kind enough to help pull him out. And it made me realize that we’ve lived in this house for 6 1/2 years and we don’t know any of our neighbors. And then one of our neighbors just came and plowed our driveway for us, we didn’t ask him to, he just did it. It’s things like that make me thankful for our small communities here in Maine, where even if you don’t know a person, they’re willing to stop and give you a hand and won’t accept anything in return. But I did bake some of these cookies for them and we went and introduce ourselves when Matt got home from work.

So anyways, that’s pretty much life right now, what’s been going on with you guys? Also, some fun things that I wanted to share with you this time around are:

1. My new favorite piece in my closet is this super lightweight and adorable sweatshirt from Francesca’s, this place is one of my favorite shops to get clothes and when I saw this sweatshirt, I knew I HAD to have it.
2. To combat my winter mood, I’ve been trying to keep fresh flowers in the house. Usually, they’re used in posts too, but it’s nice to have something pretty to look at when I walk through the kitchen. Plus, a $5.00 bouquet of carnations lasts weeks!
3. I got my eyebrows microbladed a few weeks ago and so far the healing process is going well, as you can see in the photo of me above, and I can’t wait to share the final results with you in a post after my final session.
4. I’ve been listening to the Hamilton Mix Tape and my date night playlist this week. And you should be listening to both too! Also, I’m super excited about Ed Sheeran’s new album!
5. Pierce Brown released a sneak peek chapter of Iron Gold so I’m looking forward to sitting and reading that this afternoon once I finish editing the video I’m working on. But I am a little disappointed that the release date got pushed back a few months to next January, I’m sure it will be worth the wait though. And for those of you who haven’t read the Red Rising series yet, you need to get on that ASAP!

The post Life Lately – Winter Blues appeared first on Sugar & Soul.

This Sugar Cookie Body Scrub recipe is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Amopé®. The opinions and text are all mine.

This Sugar Cookie Body Scrub is made with sugar, coconut oil, and fragrance oil. You’ll love how easily this 3-ingredient DIY gift comes together! Add it to a holiday gift basket with an Amopé Pedi Perfect Foot File, slippers, nail polish, and chocolate for a fun foot spa-themed gift!

Sugar Cookie Body Scrub

Aren’t homemade gifts just the best? And this Sugar Cookie Body Scrub might just be the best one out there! You can make it yourself and use it with the Amopé Pedi Perfect Foot File. I love making and giving body scrubs as gifts during the holidays because it’s the time of year when our skin can use an extra bit of loving, especially our feet.

A must-have on my list this season is the Amopé Pedi Perfect Extra Coarse Electronic Foot File! This is the time of year when my feet are at their worst and the combination of the body scrub and foot file leave my tootsies feeling like they’ve spent all day at the spa.

The extra coarse roller head of the Amopé Pedi Perfect Extra Coarse Electronic Foot File has long-lasting micro-abrasive particles and now comes with finely ground diamond crystals. It buffs away hard skin leaving you with visibly touchable feet.

I’ve been using the Amopé Pedi Perfect Extra Coarse Electronic Foot File for a couple of years now and it saves on trips to the salon for manicures. Since using this product, my feet feel soft all year long! Now that’s a gift worth giving!

After using the Amopé Pedi Perfect Extra Coarse Electronic Foot File, scrub them down with the Sugar Cookie Body Scrub to leave them soft and moisturized as well as smelling just like sugar cookies! But don’t just treat yourself, treat your friends and family too by putting together some great gift baskets for them! Putting together fun gift baskets with a mix of store-bought and homemade goodies is one of my favorite things to do!

You can even save $10.00 off your Amopé Pedi Perfect Extra Coarse Electronic Foot File at Walgreens between 12/4/17-12/25/17! Grab the coupon now! This product can be difficult to find, but I found it in the foot care aisle!

Items for the Perfect Foot Spa Gift Basket:

• Amopé Pedi Perfect Extra Coarse Electronic Foot File – For soft and touchable smooth skin!
• Sugar Cookie Body Scrub – Moisturizing, exfoliating, and great smelling!
• Nail Polish – Pick fun and festive colors for the holidays!
• Slippers – Keep those feet warm and comfortable all season long!
• Chocolate or Cookies- Because… sugar.

Tips for making this Sugar Cookie Body Scrub:

• Cute Jar – If you’re planning on packaging this recipe up and giving it as gifts, cute jars are an absolute must! These cute little Weck jars are my favorite but these Kate Aspen Jars are great too!
• Spoon – Tie a wooden spoon to the jar so it’s easier to get the sugar scrub out.
• Ribbon – I love using baker’s twine on mine, but any thin ribbon will work!
• Coconut Oil – There are a lot of different coconut oils out there, you’ll want to use a refined coconut oil, this means it doesn’t have a coconut scent or flavor to it.
• Sugar Cookie Fragrance Oil – For a really strong and amazing scent, you’ll want to use a few drops of fragrance oil, I love this fragrance oil set, so many amazing scents and you can use them to make my Gingerbread Sugar Scrub and Peppermint Scrub too!

Who in your life would enjoy a fun spa themed gift basket with the Amopé Pedi Perfect Extra Coarse Electronic Foot File and body scrub for the holidays? Or better yet, get one for all your friends and have a spa party to relieve all that holiday stress!

Pin this Body Scrub for Later!

The post Sugar Cookie Body Scrub appeared first on Sugar & Soul.

This Mint Chocolate Lip Scrub is an easy last-minute DIY holiday gift, it also makes a great favor for bridal and baby showers! Your lips will love you for this deliciously exfoliating recipe!

Mint Chocolate Lip Scrub

Christmas is just around the corner, and in terms of gift-giving, it’s crunch time! If you’ve been buying presents, decorations, and tons of groceries, you may feel like you’re about to wear a hole right through your credit card. Maybe the thought of battling the mall crowds to pick up your last few gifts has you trembling in your boots. Well, I’ve got good news: you can whip up a batch of Mint Chocolate Lip Scrub for a last-minute gift that’s easy, affordable, and totally yummy!

Mint Chocolate Lip Scrub smells like Thin Mints in a jar, except this version exfoliates, moisturizes, and contains way fewer calories! Made with coconut oil, cocoa powder, sugar, and mint fragrance oil, this all-natural lip scrub buffs away dry, flaky skin while leaving your kisser feeling soft and minty fresh. (Look out, mistletoe!)

I love scooping a few spoonfuls of this Mint Chocolate Lip Scrub into portable screw-top containers or mini Mason jars. Adorn them with ribbon or twine, secure on a label, and voilà! You’ve got a perfect little gift to add to a homemade spa set or to stuff into stockings or to give to a friend alongside some delicious homemade fudge brownies!

But your “Nice” list recipients won’t be the only ones enjoying smooth, kissable lips this season. After your first whiff, you’ll want to keep a jar of this scrumptious scrub nearby all winter long! Just dab and rub a pea-sized blob of this Mint Chocolate Lip Scrub onto your lips, and they’ll be restored to their plump, natural glory. Not to mention, you’ll marvel at how smoothly you can apply lipstick over that freshly-buffed skin.

Homemade Mint Chocolate Lip Scrub makes a wonderful last-minute gift that also comes straight from your heart (and your kitchen!). Plus, it’s the tastiest way to show your lips some love this holiday season!

More DIY Beauty Recipes:

• Gingerbread Sugar Scrub
• Peppermint Sugar Scrub
• Sugar Cookie Body Scrub
• Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub

What You’ll Need for this Lip Scrub Recipe:

Containers – If you’re giving this as a gift, you have to package it up in some little containers!

Bakers Twine – To dress them up for holiday gift giving!

Fragrance Oil – It’s what makes it smell so good and can’t be left out!

Coconut Oil – There are many different types of coconut oil, you should use cold-pressed and unrefined coconut oil for this recipe.

Pin this Lip Scrub for Later!

The post Mint Chocolate Lip Scrub appeared first on Sugar & Soul.

Thinking about booking a Paris Photo Shoot during your trip? Here are some inspiration and tips for getting the most out of it!

Paris Photo Shoot

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! I hope you all have grand plans, be it a fancy night on the town or pizza, sweats, and romantic comedies – because that sounds pretty grand to me right about now.

Matt and I went out to dinner last night, so we’re calling that Valentine’s Day. Tonight we’ll make one of our HelloFresh meals and watch a movie or listen to Iron Gold. Real exciting stuff happening over here 😉

Since today is all about love, I thought it would be the perfect day to share some of the photos from our couples photo shoot in Paris in December as well as some tips for booking your own romantic photo shoot!

When I first convinced my husband to meet me in Paris at the end of my Christmas Market Road Trip, I knew I wanted to do a Paris photo shoot. But I also knew my husband and knew he was not going to be at all excited about the idea. But too bad 😉

But I’m so glad I forced him to do them. I know these photos (as cliché as they may seem) are ones that we will cherish forever. I hope that they inspire our children to travel, to find true love, and to never let anything get in the way of their dreams.

Even though our photos were done in mid-December and it was FREEZING cold, it was still a lot of fun. I think this is something every couple should splurge on when in Paris (or any major city for that matter) even if it means you’re slumming it a bit in a rowdy Airbnb for your trip to stay within your budget.

So anyway, onto all the details about out Paris photo shoot and my tips for making the most of it! Also, please note that I have an image optimizer built into my site, so the quality of the original images is far better than what you see here.

Reasons To Book A Paris Photo Shoot:

Anniversary – If you’re taking the trip to celebrate an anniversary, what better way to capture the years of love than with an epic photo shoot with Paris as your backdrop!

Proposal – It’s true, every girl wishes that special moment was captured so she could relive it until the end of time. So if you’re planning on popping the question in Paris, don’t forget the photographer!

Because Paris – I mean, it is Paris and what better place to get dressed up and be fancy just because you can. Plus, it’s totally fun to feel like a movie star in Paris for an hour!

How To Book A Paris Photo Shoot:

We booked our photo shoot with L’Amour de Paris, I looked around for about a week online for a photographer that fit our style and budget, but it was actually a friend who referred me to them. She had had a friend use them last year and had nothing my good things to say.

So I emailed them with my inquiry and made sure they were available during our trip since we were working on a tight timeframe. Luckily, they had a morning appointment left on our second day in Paris and I decided to jump on it.

CheyAnne did our photos and she was great to work with, she made us feel comfortable and turned our photos around pretty quickly. I also loved that the L’Amour website was such a great resource for travelers with tons of recommendations for the city.

Photo Locations In Paris:

There are so many options when it comes to gorgeous backdrops in Paris, but since we only did a 1-hour shoot and I wanted the iconic Eiffel Tower in some of them, I needed to pick locations that were close together.

We ended up choosing Trocadero and the Palais Galleria, they are very close to each other and allowed us to maximize our time with the photographer. You can check out the full list of locations.

What To Wear:

I think a photo shoot in Paris is the best excuse to get dressed up! Even if you don’t want to get as fancy as we did, I would still recommend doing at least a cute dress and button down.

Make sure that your outfit will show off your figure and makes you feel amazing, because the better you feel, the better you’ll look in your photos! Also, make sure to take some care with your hair and makeup.

Matt wore a blue J. Crew suit and I wore this dress. I really wanted Matt to wear all black, but figured convincing him to buy a new suit was a battle I wouldn’t win. But we made it work and I absolutely adored my dress. It was heavy and thick so it helped keep me sorta warm!

The photo above is probably one of my favorites ever taken of us because it’s so very us. Matt mocking the ridiculousness of our lives and me just happy that he’s the one I get to share all the ridiculousness with 😉

I would highly recommend bringing a small bag with an alternative pair of shoes if you plan on wearing heels for photos. However, I would recommend that you leave most valuables at home since you’ll be having photos of you taken and you won’t really have anywhere to put your things.

We had our winter jackets with us and made out okay by setting them off to the side, but where we could see them.

I’m so grateful that I have these photos, not only was it fun, but when I look back on our trip to Italy we have 1 whopping photo together, ONE! And when I look back on our trip to Ireland and Scotland, I think we have maybe 5. So I’m glad that we got some photos while we were in Paris.

As a photographer, adventurer, and wife, they are by far the best souvenir EVER! So if you’re planning a trip to Paris, I highly recommend booking a photo shoot, you won’t regret it!

And if you think we had Paris all to ourselves, don’t kid yourselves, just look at the selfie stick to the right of this photo 😉

The post Tips for Booking a Paris Photo Shoot appeared first on Sugar & Soul.

This post has been sponsored by Clorox®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Let’s face it: hardly anyone cleans out their cars in the winter months, and now that spring is here, it’s time for a long overdue deep cleaning! With the NEW Clorox Disinfecting Wipes – Easy To Pull Pack, I can easily wipe up dirt, grime, and messes in my car, even when I’m on-the-go.

If you live somewhere with long, snowy winters, the inside of your car is probably covered with streaks of sand and salt (I can relate!). Not to mention, if you eat your breakfast on the run in the morning, there’s bound to be some residue from spills, crumbs, and sloshed coffee.

And if you have kids, you might have several months’ worth of peanut butter smears, sticky fingerprints, and who knows what all over the backseat. After all, it’s been way too cold to stand outside while scrubbing off smudged door panels, trash-stuffed interior pockets, and of course (shudder) the kids’ car seats.

As for me, my “baby” is my pup Shoester, and he tracks his fair share of messes into my car when he accompanies me on drives. I have a waterproof seat cover that protects the cloth interior, but it’s stamped with dried, muddy paw prints!

With these NEW Clorox easy to pull wipes you can clean and sanitize many of the nonporous surfaces of your car including door handles, dashboards, shifters, steering wheels, vinyl interior or covers, and of course, those sticky plastic car seats!

Plus, Flex Packs make it easy to keep these wipes with you on-the-go, so you can wipe up messes as soon as they happen. They’re the same great wipes you love, just in a new convenient, easy to pull, space-saving pack.

These handy little wipes aren’t just convenient because they’re portable; you can pick them up right at Walmart while you’re doing the rest of your errands. And while you’re at it, grab a couple more packs to toss in your purse or carry-on luggage for airplane travel!

Your family spends a lot of time on the road, so as you begin your spring cleaning, don’t forget about your car! Pick up the new Clorox easy to pull wipes at Walmart with the rest of your cleaning supplies, and keep your car sparkling all the way through summer.

The post Spring Cleaning Your Car appeared first on Sugar & Soul.

This post has been sponsored by Clorox®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

6 Reasons to Pack Clorox To Go Wipes

In my opinion, summer is the best time of year to travel. You can cruise the open road with the windows down, head to the coast for a weekend getaway, or score budget airline tickets while using your hard-earned PTO.

However (I hate to be a downer), there are some drawbacks to traveling in planes, trains, and automobiles. Exploring new places means experiencing exciting sights, sounds, and tastes, but it also means being exposed to something else: Germs!

I’m a frequent traveler, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been stuck somewhere that’s… well, unsanitary! Smudged airplane trays, crummy tabletops, and bathroom door handles all used to give me the heebie-jeebies.

I always keep my house stocked with Clorox® disinfecting wipes, and  I recently discovered at Walmart they are also available in a travel-friendly pack!

These towelettes are perfect for sanitizing all types of surfaces, and they’re wrapped up in a portable, purse-sized pack. On my recent trip to Sanibel Island, Florida, I stashed these handy little wipes in my carry-on, my purse, and even in my beach bag!

The to-go wipes give me peace of mind, especially in new places I’m traveling too. The uses for my new travel must-have are endless, but below are 6 reasons that I can’t live without them!

1. Sanitizing Airplane Trays

You might have heard horror stories about airplane trays and what people do on them (hint: it can include dirty diapers and snotty tissues). But despite being covered in germs, flight crews rarely have time to clean them in between flights. When traveling by air, take my advice and ALWAYS SANITIZE YOUR AIRPLANE TRAY before using it.

2. Cleaning Car Interior

If you take pride in the cleanliness of your car, you should always have a pack of Clorox To Go Wipes in your glove compartment. Use these disinfecting wipes on everything from coffee sloshes to ice cream drips off your steering wheel, shifter, dashboard, and — as all parents know — the kids’ dreaded car seats!

3. Wiping Down Tables

Whether you’re eating at a food court in the mall or a picnic table by the water, there’s nothing less appetizing than seeing remnants from somebody else’s meal on the table. Use Clorox To Go Wipes to clear crumbs, smudges, even bird poo off indoor and outdoor tables.

4. Porta Potties

Ah, the dreaded porta potty. Nobody likes to use them, but when you gotta go, you gotta go! Make your restroom break a little less stressful by bringing a pack of Clorox To Go with you to wipe down the toilet seat, door lock, handle…everything.

5. …Or Public Bathrooms

Malls, gas stations, restaurants, or rest stops, no matter where it is, nobody likes using a public bathroom. Especially when you have kids who have to sit on the seat (eek!), everyone might be a little more comfortable after it’s been sanitized by Clorox. I also use these when pushing the toilet flush handle and opening the restroom door after washing my hands — you never know if someone before you didn’t wash theirs!

6. Grocery Store Carts

When it comes to things that lots of people are touching, it’s best to give them a quick wipe down, especially during cold and flu season! Clorox To Go Wipes are perfect for giving your shopping cart a quick once-over, especially if you have a little one who sits in the seat.

More Useful Ways To Use Clorox:

• Clorox Pet Wipes
• Spring Cleaning Your Car

To Go Wipes help keep the whole family healthy, whether you’re exploring new cities, foreign countries, or the produce section at the grocery store!

Pick up these convenient packs at your local Walmart while you’re running errands or stocking up on last-minute travel supplies. Once you discover all the uses for these quick-cleaning wipes, you’ll never leave home without them!

The post 6 Reasons to Pack Clorox To Go Wipes appeared first on Sugar & Soul.

For the last three years I’ve been in Europe this week of the year exploring Scotland, Iceland, and Italy, this year we’re embarking on a whole new kind of adventure!

I’m sure many of my regular readers have noticed that things slowed down around here (and on Instagram) in early March, well, that wasn’t without reason, because I’ve been keeping a big secret for four months… FOUR! How did I do it, I’m not sure, but it’s time to spill the beans because a Sugar Baby is on the way!

Yep, I’m 20 weeks pregnant and couldn’t be more excited about this journey we’re on. But because we waited so long to share this news here on the blog, I’m going to do a little backtracking, I’ll be sharing my First Trimester Bumpdate and our Gender Reveal photos soon, but for now, here’s a little update.

We are so excited about our coming addition and many of our family members will tell you it’s been a long time coming. Sometimes I think they forget that even though Matt and I have been together for 13 years, I’m only 28.

We’ve always been planners and we waited for a number of reasons, but most of all, we waited until we felt it was the right time, and luckily, we didn’t have to try long after that! Which makes me so grateful because I have so many dear friends who struggle with infertility and loss and knew that it was very possible I could too (and still could in the future). So far, baby is healthy and growing right on track for an early October arrival!

This means that I’ll be cutting back a bit on my travels this year and I’ll be exploring New England and Eastern Canada this summer and staying relatively close to home.

A few things that might be fun to know are:

I’ve never actually seen a positive pregnancy test. Most women find out they’re pregnant with an at home pregnancy test. I happened to find out at my annual exam just two weeks after conception.

I had asked the nurse if I could give her a urine sample to test while I was with the doctor and she said yes, although, I truly didn’t think I was pregnant at the time.

At the end of my appointment, she came in the room and told me I was pregnant, the first words out of my mouth were “holy shit” and that was the beginning of all this.

I had bought this dog tag for Shoester when we started trying so that I would have it when the time came to tell Matt. When I got home from the doctors I put the tag on Shoe’s collar.

Shoester’s new name tag had been sitting on the counter since we moved last summer, so when Matt got home I asked him if he could put the name tag on and then he saw Shoe’s “Big Brother” tag, although, it was pretty obvious Matt knew what was happening before he even saw it. Nothing gets by him. We used the tag to tell our parents too.

We were going to wait until I was 12 weeks to tell our family, however, during our 10 week appointment, we managed to see three (THREE!) people we went to high school with in the waiting room, so we decided to tell them sooner before they found out from someone in the grocery store. Word can travel really fast in a small town.

We recorded our parent’s reactions, Matt’s Mom reacted just how we expected and you can see that in the video below, however, my mom was sitting too close to me when we told her so it was pretty much just her black t-shirt. But seriously, watch the video, it’s pretty funny!

We’ve had the name picked out for almost 13 years! We picked it out only a few months into being together and we’re so excited that our first child is a ______ and we get to use it! There was a strong second contender that we both love, but it’s gender neutral and will be the name of our second child regardless.

So stay tuned to find out what Sugar Baby is and you can shop our outfits below the next photo!

Photos by t.Dow Photography

Shop This Post:

My Dress is from TJMaxx and I just bought it last weekend. I’m wearing a small in the photos. My belt and sandals are things I’ve had for years, but you can find similar ones with the buttons below!

My Dress || My Belt (Similar) || My Shoes

I wanted Matt to be comfortable and he actually wore his outfit to work the day we took pictures, so at least he didn’t have to go all out like our Paris Photos.

Matt’s Jeans || Matt’s Shirt (Similar) || Matt’s Shoes

Shoester doesn’t need much dressing up, but he had a big announcement to make so we got him a cute little sign from Babies R’ Us, which is closing, but you can still find it online with the link below. You can also get a custom made one on Etsy, also linked. We also got him a neutral color collar for photos from Target.

Announcement Sign || Custom Sign || Shoester’s Collar

The post Life Lately – Sugar Baby! appeared first on Sugar & Soul.

Looking for some great new beauty products to try, here are some of my favorites right now!

Favorite Beauty Products

I’m a sucker for lists loaded with great beauty products because I love trying new things! And It’s been awhile since I shared some of my favorite beauty products so I figured it was time, especially since I found a lot of really great ones recently and I feel they deserve to be shared with all of you! When I say beauty, I’m talking about makeup, skincare, tools, and hair products – all of it! So let’s dive in!

Favorite Makeup Products:

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara – I’ve tried a lot of different mascaras over the years, but this one is by far my favorite! I’ve actually been using it for almost 5 years now – which is kinda crazy since I love trying new products. And yes, I’ve tried sample mascaras here and there, but they just don’t compare to this one!

NYX Velvet Matte Lipstick – I’m ultra in love with this lipstick. The matte finish is amazing and my favorite color is Soft Femme, I wore it in our Paris Photos and Baby Announcement Photos. Paired with the NYX Suede Matte Lip Liner (I pair the Cherry Skies with the Soft Femme), this lipstick will make you feel like a million bucks, but it will only cost you $7! It’s long lasting too!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade – I had my eyebrows microbladed in January of 2017, but it really didn’t stick to some areas of my brows, so I’ve turned to this product as my filler and I love it. The key is finding a really good brush,

Trust Fund Beauty That Glo Tho Highlighter – I love a good highlighter to brighten my look and this one is one of my favorites, it’s got a hint of bronze which makes it great for summer and I find it blends beautifully with my blush and bronzer.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Finishing Powder – If you are looking for that air-brushed finished, I absolutely love this finishing powder. They have a loose powder form as well, but I find that the pressed seems to last longer. This powder also doubles as a blotting powder and is great to keep in your purse for all-day touchups. This brush is great for applying it.

Too Faced Natural Eye Shadow Collection – I’ve been told by a few makeup artists that when it comes to eyeshadow, the brand doesn’t really matter so much. Eyeshadow is eyeshadow. So even though this is a pricey little palette, I really love the colors! I love that they layout the three different looks, but I actually tend to mix all three, my usual go to is a base of Heaven, a touch of Silk Teddy, and a corner/crease of Cocoa Puff.

Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft Matte Foundation – I’ve tried a lot of foundation even the super expensive ones, but I always seem to come back to the Maybelline Matte line that I’ve been using since high school. I used to use the mousse, but now I use the cream. I love that it provides an even all-over finish that’s lightweight and not at all cakey. And you can find it at pretty much any drug store!

Milani Baked Blush – I’ve always loved baked blush and this one is really great for the price. My favorite color is the Dolce Pink, but I tend to like a brighter blush.

Elizabeth Mott Color Is Bae – This is my go-to glass-lacquer for everyday wear (do not read that as I wear make up every day, more like once a week). My favorite shade is Moxie Muave, it’s the perfect warm pink that’s great for day or night.

Rimmel London Provocalips – Ladies, if you’re looking for a lip color that NEVER dies, this is it. I first found out about this product two years ago in Hawaii when one of the girls wore it and hiked, ate, and sweat and it didn’t budget. I was impressed. I love the Heart Breaker color, but be warned, this stuff means business and it can take a good amount of elbow grease to get it off at night.

Favorite Beauty Tools:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Duo Brush #7B – If you’re going to be using a dipbrow pomade or an eyebrow powder, this is the brush you want!

Sonic Cleansing Facial Brush – So you can spend anywhere from $10 to $200 on one of these, I’ve linked to the one I have and it works great. You can use it with any cleanser of your choice and it’s waterproof. This brush really does exfoliate your skin and leave it feeling smoother!

Stippling Brush – Seriously, this thing will change your life! I’ve been using one for a little more than two years and I won’t apply my foundation with anything else. This leaves perfect streak-free airbrushed results! I have the Sephora 44 and it works great with my cream foundation but has many other uses as well.

Favorite Skincare Products:

Hey Honey Trick&Treat Concealer – I’ve never been an overly big fan of concealer, probably because I’ve never had great luck with it. But I got a sample of this in my Ipsy bag last fall and instantly fell in love. Dark circles, acne scars, blemishes be gone!

Hey Honey Take It Off Mask – I hate sunburns, but I LOVE peeling off the skin once it’s over (I know that sounds weird, but I also know I’m not alone) Well, this mask gives me the same satisfaction and leaves my skin feeling radiant and super soft!

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil – I never realized the difference a primer oil could make until I used one. That being said, it is expensive and I tend to only use it for special occasions, nights out, or photo shoots. When I’m not using the oil, I tend to go with my Too Faced Primed & Poreless Face Primer.

Symphony Beauty Snow Cream – This is my go-to moisturizer, but it tends to leave a bit of a residue over time so I usually only use it at night and wash my face in the morning. This is a great product for sensitive skin, it’s not greasy at all, and it leaves skin feeling super smooth.

Farmhouse Fresh Lotion – I personally don’t really love lotion, but this stuff is amazing! It smells amazing, it’s made with amazing ingredients, and it feels amazing. Not at all greasy and it’s long lasting! The body milk and hand creams are truly magical products and there are so many different fragrances to choose from!

Bliss Micro Magic – I’ve been using this product for a while now and I usually use it once or twice a week to exfoliate my face. I’ve noticed a huge difference in my skin since using it, it’s not as dry and has a lot more glow. A bottle lasts me more than a year.

Native Deodorant – With all of the studies showing relationships between aluminum and breast cancer and Alzheimer’s, I wanted to switch to an aluminum free deodorant that didn’t smell too “granola” and worked amazingly, this is it! I love the Vanilla Coconut scent but they have several others as well.

Favorite Hair Products:

Duffy’s Craft IPA Shampoo – Yup, you read that right, this is a beer based shampoo and it is AWESOME! I’m not a beer drinker and I don’t really enjoy the smell, but luckily this smells closer to coconut or cinnamon rolls than actual beer. I’ve always suffered from a dry scalp and I’ve tried every shampoo under the sun to try and relieve it, but this one ACTUALLY works! I also try to wash my hair as little as possible and with this shampoo I can usually go 5 to 6 days before it needs to be washed.

John Frieda Sea Salt Spray – There are some products out there where expensive doesn’t always mean better, and this is one of them. I mean, you can easily make your own sea salt spray at home and it will work just as well. But this is my store-bought go-to. It’s less than $10 a bottle and it lasts forever! I love their Frizz Ease line too.

Living Proof Style Extender – This is often the only product I use after a shower, it’s great for when I’m just letting my hair air dry or when I plan on actually styling it. This hair primer repels dirt and oil and I think it’s partly responsible for me have to wash my hair so little. I always buy it on Amazon because it’s about $8 cheaper on there than at Ulta. A little bit goes a long way even if you have long hair like mine.

Living Proof 5-in-1 Styling Treatment – Different than the extender in that this focuses more on the shine, volume, and conditioning of the hair. I love them both equally and often add a dime-sized drop of each to my hand and run it through my hair from root to ends. Both products are good for all hair types too!

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The post My Favorite Beauty Products appeared first on Sugar & Soul.

Tell the teacher in your life just how much you care with this free and adorable Target Teacher’s Gift Printable! Simply print and add a gift card to it!

Teacher’s Gift Printable

I might not have school-aged kids, but I know that a lot of you do and I thought that this super fun gift card printable would be an easy Teacher’s Gift idea to share with all of you!

I worked at Target during college and my love for that place has only grown and I’m sure most of you can relate, because no week is complete without a trip (or two) to Target, amirite? And I’m guessing every teacher feels the same!

So treat them to a little Target shopping to start their summer without that hassle of making some over-the-top DIY project. Although, my Sugar Cookie Sugar Scrub is a total winner of a gift idea too!

About this Printable:

• This printable was designed to be printed on 8.5×11-inch paper so you can easily print it on your home printer.
• There are 4 cards per sheet.
• These printables do come with grid lines to help with cutting, I recommend using a Paper Trimmer, but scissors will work in a pinch.
• You’ll want to use either double stick tape or mounting squares to adhere the gift cards to the printables.
• This makes a great gift on its own or in addition to a fun gift basket!

FREE PRINTABLE Teacher’s Gift

Enter your email address in the form below to print! You will be taken directly to the PDF of the printable and received an email copy as well. If you do not see a form, please click here to get to it!

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