This post is going to be a little all over the place because that’s where I am right now…lol! It’s summer and I am finally checking off all of those items left unchecked for so long! As I sit here writing this, I am bundled up in a cozy sweatshirt. I am a bit sunburned from the past two days, anxiously awaiting it to turn to tan! Aruba aloe gel and lotion are great for assisting with that. I bought them while in Aruba, but you can order them online here. We worked outside all day and I finally got my flowers in. I know my mom is happy!! haha
My hat is from Altar’d State (Erin’s and my new favorite store; it’s a Christian boutique that gives back to numerous charities with every purchase)!! Er and I plan on doing a blog post to tell you a bit more about this store that we love so much. *This hat also comes in grey! That’s the one Erin bought!
By the end of the day, this is what I looked like– sweaty and really just dirty. Every day, I’ve been working on something– and it feels good to finally put some time into my house and do something other than grade tests and plan lessons. I’ve been getting up every morning around 7, without an alarm, which is nice! I usually wake up anywhere between 5:00 and 5:30 during the school year and have to be at work BEFORE 7AM! On these lovely early mornings spent at home, I’ve been experimenting with my morning coffee, as I’m just unwilling to give it up completely. I know that having Dunkin’ with all of it’s creamy flavored goodness is not exactly the healthiest option. So, whether I’m having warm or cold coffee, I have found the best recipe that still gives my coffee good flavor, but gives it less than half the calories and fat.
If I’m having warm coffee, I brew a k-cup (sometimes flavored, sometimes regular Donut Shop Coffee). If I’m having cold coffee, I like to make Dunkin’ Cold Brew at the beginning of the week. It comes with two coffee “bags” that resemble large tea bags. You let the coffee steep over night in 4 cups of water. Then, in the morning you add more water and can enjoy! It’s really easy. Each box comes with two packages. (See detailed directions above). It’s available at your local grocery store.
My [Healthier] Coffee Recipe:
Add coffee of choice to cup/tumbler.
Add 1 TBSP of coffee creamer of choice. (I know you want to add more, but don’t!)
Add 2 TBSP of unsweetened almond milk OR non-fat skim milk.
Add 1-2 packets of Sweet’n’Low sugar substitute (to taste).
So, your coffee is going to look a lot darker than it normally does I’m sure. I know it did for me. I’m used to drinking pretty sweet coffee– thanks to Dunkin’. But since I’m making some changes, I discovered this little recipe on my own and have found that it satisfies my coffee and sugar cravings, all while keeping my cup of joe low in calories and fat! 🙂
The Amazon item I reference in the title is actually nothing more than a stainless steel straw (see above)!! I’ve been drinking my iced coffees and iced water with them every day. You might think I’m crazy, but it makes them taste better– and way colder and more refreshing! I got them from Amazon. It’s 8 bucks for a pack of 8— half bent, half straight! Aaaand I’m pretty sure they’re the best thing to happen to me this week. Just be careful not to go in too hard and chip a tooth.. lol.. but seriously. If you have a Tervis, they fit in the water bottle and tumbler perfectly! 🙂 (I linked my favorite water bottle and favorite 24 oz. tumbler.) If you don’t have a Tervis yet, what are you waiting for, friend?! They’re the best and I have one with me at all times– no hyperbole. All of my friends are now hooked on them too!
Oh, and one more Amazon find– and you will totally think I’m extra… but I’m OK with it.
PetLuv Pet Stroller (in khaki) from Amazon.
Ta-da. Charlie’s pet stroller. OK, so this lady that lives by me always pushes her dog in a little stroller.. and I’ve always thought, “C’mon, lady”. Charlie loves to go on walks and especially loves to run, but we’ve found that she’s so fluffy that after a few miles, she gets a little overheated in the summer sun. So, after like two miles or so, she gets hot and slows down, walks herself right between my legs while I’m walking, and looks up at me. Then, this happens for the rest of the walk…
Yep, she either holds onto me like that or completely lounges, head back, paws sprawled out. I really wish I had a shot of the latter. Erin loves to go on walks at Ohiopyle too, where I’m a little worried to take Charlie. I don’t want her eating anything bad or getting a tic, so I can just zip her in and take her for a walk in her stroller! So, keep judging if you are– it’s fine, I can take it, but I still consider it a solid purchase..lol. In fact, I bet you’re searching what size you need for your dog right now… aren’t you? Caught ya.
Hope you found something here you liked–even if it is just my puppy’s face. Hey, it’s a cute one. Who could blame you?
xo,
Ash
PS. If you haven’t, be sure to read the post below on what ended up being $300 dollars+ worth of stuff in my FabFitFun Subscription box! Here is my exclusive code for $10 off your own, giving you the box for just $39.99! 🙂
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