How to Sprout Chia

Chia seeds have great nutritional value, and so do the sprouts! Use them on sandwiches, salads, in smoothies, and more. We think they are tastier than alfalfa! Here's a link to purchase the chia seeds from Amazon. Seeds are available at most grocery stores, and we like to buy them in bulk from Sprouts. Here's how I sprouted our chia seeds:

Put rocks in the bottom of your dish for drainage. Be sure the bottom has holes for extra water to escape.

We used regular flower & vegetable garden soil and put it on top of the rocks.

We use the Spectrum brand of Chia seeds for planting.

For faster sprouts, soak the seeds in water first. I added a small layer without soaking to the top of the dirt. After you're done putting the seeds on top, water and place in a window sill, or outside where it will get a moderate amount of sun.

Continue to water the seeds once daily. Here are the sprouts after 7 days.

Sprouts after 15 days! Lush and beautiful!

Ready for eating! Cut the sprouts close to the dirt and rinse. Only trim what you need,  they can be stored in the fridge.

Click here to learn more about CHIA! 

3 Ways to Enhance your Eyes

Recently I had a makeover at +Sephora. It was wonderful and I wish I could have someone do my makeup every day! But I'm an average Stef, so I'll keep doing it myself. Of all the products they used during the makeover, there are two I purchased that make a HUGE difference, and one technique that wowed me:


1. GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream by Origins. LOVE this stuff. It really does depuff the skin around the eyes and brightens the area up. I have a small brush that I apply the cream with which helps it last longer and not absorb into your fingertips. I only apply this in the morning when I'm looking pretty scary and this changes things around! One tip I was given was to keep it in the fridge, that way it has a cooling affect when it's applied. $30

2. Sephora Collection Retractable Brow Pencil. I have dark features, so I never really considered using an eyebrow pencil. I was quite pleased when I saw what a little bit of shading in can do! The pencil really fills in where there are some sparse areas and has a natural look when you use short strokes. It's retractable so it doesn't require sharpening, and it has a brush on the end -very handy! $13

Eyebrows with Sephora's Retractable Brow Pencil

P.S. This mascara is great, no clumping. It's "They're Real!" by Benefit. 

3. One last trick I really like is applying eyeliner to the upper inner rim of the lash line. Above the lashes on the lid is a little too heavy for my taste, and this is a nice solution to still add some depth but not make it too overwhelming. A soft liner works best, I prefer Covergirl's Liquiline Blast. It's still a pencil, but is soft and easy to apply.

Rice Krispy Remix

Yes, the last post was about fitness, and now here's a post about undoing all the work you've just done. It's OK, sometimes you need to live a little. Who knew such a small change could make a BIG taste difference to the oft-made Rice Krispies? Not me. I had seen a few different recipes on +Pinterest and decided to give these a try.

Browned Butter Rice Krisy Treats. The big difference is cooking the butter until it's a light golden brown color. It gives the treats a slight carmel flavor. Another change is adding a pinch of coarse salt to the butter/mallow mix. I also reduce the amount of cereal just a little so the squares are chewier. I followed the recipe here on another blog. But my recommendation is below.

Ingredients:
8 TBSP salted butter
1-10 oz. bag mini marshmallows
4-1/2 c. Rice Crispy Cereal
Pinch Kosher Salt

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Continue to stir until butter is bubbling and a golden brown color. Add the marshmallows into the pan and melt until mixture is smooth. Add in the pinch of salt, stir. Then add in the cereal and stir until throughly coated. Spread mix into greased 9x13 cake pan. Allow to cool, then cut into squares. (I like to enjoy them while they are still a little warm!)

The Better Back Workout

We've been putting some time and energy into our yard lately, so achy muscles come along with the territory. This 8-Minute Better Back Workout from +FITNESS Magazine saved me this morning.

I combined the workout/stretch with a little cardio after and I'm feeling splendid today. Taking time to stretch can make a big difference. Plus, it helps to get rid of back fat -- always a good thing. With step-by-step instructions this Back Workout easy to follow, although I do usually prefer a video so I know I'm doing it right, but five moves make it doable without messing with a vid.

Follow my Pinterest board "Work It" for more fitness ideas!

It's March Maddness Time

If there's one thing I love about March, it's the Madness. Of course the beautiful weather is nice, too. A side note about me: I'm from Indiana. I have a thing for college basketball. And I love Bobby Knight. Sadly, my hurryin' Hoosiers aren't in the tourny this year, but the show must go on.

Did you know Warren Buffet has offered up ONE BILLION DOLLARS for a perfect bracket? Granted, that's next to impossible, but it's worth a try. Ladies, impress your man, fill out a tournament bracket and mention things like Elite Eight, the Big Dance, and sing "One Shining Moment". It'll get him swoonin'. Hurry up! The first games begin Tuesday, March 18th.