This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
I told you I would keep you updated as I found the best Starbucks Refresher recipe, and I think I’ve found it! Since my last post, I’ve done a lot of research about the Berry Hibiscus Refresher and what goes in it. Sources at Starbucks tell me that it’s just “Berry Refresher Juice”, Water, Ice, and Dehydrated Berries. Seems simple enough — but what is in this Refresher Juice?
The first ingredient? WHITE GRAPEFRUIT JUICE! Yes! So, with that in mind, I set off to recreate this summertime (year-round) favorite!
This vegetarian sandwich is easy to make and tastes great!
You’ll need:
Cracked Wheat Sourdough bread
Bell Peppers
Red Onion
Garlic Cloves
Olive Oil
Pepper Jack Cheese
Cilantro-Jalepeño Hummus
Mustard
Tomato
Salt
Pepper
Broil your bread in the oven and lightly drizzle some Olive Oil on one side, then flip the bread over and let your cheese melt slightly on the bread.
Remove the bread from the oven and add tomato slices to one slice of bread, and spread hummus and mustard to the other slice. *Use a thin layer of hummus. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Then add sautéed peppers, onions, and garlic to your sandwich, cut, and serve with potato chips.
*For an extra kick, add some tobasco hot sauce to the vegetables!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
These cupcakes were a lot of fun and very easy to make!
Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees
In a medium bowl combine:
1 1/4 cup Milk — we used Coconut Milk
1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar and Coconut Milk
1 1/4 cup Coconut Milk
1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
Let mixture sit for about 5 minutes or until foamy
Add 1/4 cup oil (we used avocado oil) and whisk well
Whisk Baking Mix into the liquid ingredients and blend until smooth
Add Mix to liquid ingredients
Whisk until smooth — about 15 seconds
So easy, right!? Then we poured the mixture into our cupcake pans, greased with coconut oil, and popped the tray into the oven for 18 minutes.
Bake for 18 minutes at 350 degrees
While the cupcakes were baking, we made the Organic Gluten-Free Vanilla Frosting Mix! Yay!
Wholesome Chow Vanilla Frosting
The mix was super easy to make — just combine vegan margarine (we used Coconut Oil) and the mix and voila!
By the time we were done, so were the cupcakes!
Mmmmm, fresh cupcakes warm from the oven!
After letting the cupcakes cool for 15 minutes, we added the frosting.
These cupcakes are awesome! Even if you don’t have a food allergy or dietary preferences, you will enjoy this mix and frosting. You can order this and other organic, gluten-free baking mixes from wholesomechow.com.
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
Skillful Means by Tarthang Tulku
This book is all about improving your life by being mindful of what is happening right now. I first read this book a couple of years ago and it’s great. How many times are you walking to class or your car or at the mall and you’re on your cell phone? Or how often are you thinking about the XYZ you have to do tomorrow or next week instead of paying attention to what you are doing right now? All we have is the present — this moment. Skillful Means is all about living in the moment you are in; being mindful about what is going on around you. No distractions — just really being self aware and clearing your mind. It’s a great book that will help you focus and appreciate what’s happening all around you.
Starbucks Star Dash
From now until October 1, Starbucks is doing their Star Dash. Basically, it’s another incentive for you to go to Starbucks during certain times of the year in order to accumulate stars to earn a gift card. This “Star Dash” is different from the stars you earn with the Rewards Card, although, you do need a rewards card to participate. Separate from the regular stars you earn with the Rewards Card, these “Star Dash” stars will give you $5 or $10 gift cards depending on how many you get before the deadline. Each transaction will ear you one star. I’m on my way to earning the $10 gift card!
Mediterranean Veggie sandwich (Panera)
New favorite sandwich for sure. I was looking for some meatless options at different restaurants and a friend suggested I try this sandwich from Panera. It’s amazing — lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, red peppers, cilantro/jalepeño hummus, and feta swiss cheese (I prefer swiss) on tomato basil bread. I bought ingredients today to make my own version at home! YAY!
iOS7
I love the clean look and feel of the iOS7 update. I have the iPhone 4S and my camera app is faster and I really like having the “live filters”. Command Center is great and I really like all the new ringtones/sounds. It’s neat to have the option to block contacts and to be able to multi-task between apps.
Clear
Keep track of all your different lists
Pull down to create new items
My September favorites
Lots of themes!
Clear is a simple task management/list application. It’s clean and easy to navigate with lots of color schemes to choose from.
iTunes Radio
iTunes radio is basically like Pandora. I prefer it because it’s already integrated into iTunes and it remembers the songs I’ve listened to and makes it easy for me to purchase them if I choose. You can create your own “stations” and mark that you like certain songs. There’s even a Top 100 iTunes radio and you can listen to a shuffle of all the Top 100 songs on iTunes. I think this is awesome for getting high quality audio for more than just a preview of a song you might be interested in buying.
The Killers – Shot At The Night
It was actually through iTunes Radio that I first heard “Shot At The Night”. ^^^
The Killers songs are always a little vague, but this one seems to be about taking this once in a lifetime opportunity to get out of a situation that is stale and move on to a life that is exciting and full of happiness. I love this. Plus who doesn’t love a nice 80’s synth ballad! Yay for new music from The Killers! I’m excited for Direct Hits to come out in November.
Lighted Makeup Mirror
This mirror is great for applying makeup or tweezing your brows. With 8xs magnification and 360 degree rotation, you’ll be sure to see exactly what you are doing!
SEPHORA COLLECTION – Pro Stippling Brush #44
I’m surprised this brush doesn’t have better reviews online. A lot of people are saying the brush sheds, but I’ve never experienced any shedding. I really like this brush. I use it to apply my Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Foundation. The brush gives my skin an even, airbrushed yet natural look. The natural and synthetic fibers work together to give a streak-free application that looks great all day.
This dress is super cute. I bought it for a friend’s wedding next month but I can see myself getting a lot of use out of it. The lace design is really pretty, but durable — this isn’t some dainty-be-careful-or-it’ll-rip lace. The A-line makes it flattering for all body shapes and it’s very comfortable on.
This show is about meth. Basically, a high school chemistry teacher and his former student start making meth in New Mexico so that he can make money for his family before he becomes too ill with cancer. I’m just starting season 3 and the drug theme reminds me of the show, Weeds, but this show is slightly more hardcore.
2. B-12 Vitamins
I love my B-12 vitamins. Good for your metabolism, mental & physical energy, central nervous system health, and optimal digestion, these pills help me feel more energized and balanced.
3. Fitbit Flex
You all know how difficult it has been to find one of these fitness wristbands. I’ve been loving mine and all the data it’s tracking for me. From steps taken to sleep patterns — this wristband tracks it all discreetly and comfortably. See the complete review HERE.
4. The Killers – Battle Born
This is my favorite album from The Killers and I’ve been listening to it on repeat all month long. See my posts from the concert in San Francisco HERE.
I posted my pack of bracelets a while ago HERE, but I didn’t tell you about the company. Pura Vida Bracelets provides jobs for 30 Costa Rican artisans and it donates 1% back to The Surfrider Foundation through 1% for the Planet. In addition to that, Pura Vida Bracelets also makes special Charity bracelets to support different causes. So, not only can you mix and match these fun bracelets, but you’re also supporting a good cause too.
This palette is my go-to everyday palate. With 12 different neutral, yet shimmery colors, you’re sure to create a beautiful look for day or night. See my complete review HERE
I wanted to read the book before the movie comes out in November. I downloaded it on my phone and finished it in a couple days. Definitely worth the read although slightly disturbing :/
9. Tom Kha Gai Thai Soup with Jasmine Rice
If you like Thai food, you have to try this soup. Make sure you add a little extra spice. This coconut and chicken soup is my absolute favorite! I’ve even found a few recipes online (HERE, HERE, and HERE)so I can make my own. I’ll let you know how that turns out.
10. Nike+ Running App
I’ve told you about this app BEFORE. It’s a great way to track you runs by distance, speed, and pace. Challenge your friends or yourself while listening to your own playlists or feedback from the app. Check out the new Nike Coach Update!
This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here
If you enjoy Starbucks and go there often, you should definitely register for My Starbucks Rewards. For every purchase you make with your registered Rewards Card, you will earn a star. With just one star, you’ll be able to get a free drink or food on your birthday. How awesome is that?!
Once you’ve earned 5 stars, you are a Green Level. You’ll still get the birthday drink or food, and you get free refills on certain drinks during your visit.
After acquiring 30 stars within a year, you’re Gold Level — VIP! You’ll get a fancy “gold card” in the mail and, for every 12 stars you earn, you’ll get a free drink or food! Definitely a nice treat — just make sure you let them know you have a free drink/food before you show them your card. Your barista won’t know you have a free item waiting unless you tell her. You can redeem your rewards whenever you want before their expiration date for any food or drink. It’s a better value to redeem for a drink than a food item and size doesn’t matter either — I always get a trenta size when I redeem my free drink.
Sometimes Starbucks has special bonus star promotions — like earlier this year when they gave an additional star when you bought a Refresher.
It’s really easy to manage all of your stars through the Starbucks app for iPhone as well. It lets you see how many stars you have, how many you’ll need until your next free drink, and lets you add funds to your card. You can even pay directly from your phone at Starbucks or you can use the Starbucks Passbook app which I prefer.
It’s a fast and convenient way for you to get rewarded for buying drinks you’re already going to buy.
