Friday Favorites {4th edition} + Easy Easter Treats

Holy Moly, it's Friday. Glorious Friday. I hope you've reveled in this day. And since it's still technically Friday, let's discuss some of my latest loves.

1. Lemon Water: yes, hot water with lemon juice. It may be trendy, but it's a totally legitimate habit to partake in. I started drinking a mug of hot lemon water every morning about a month ago. I'd read a lot about this simple idea and there was basically no reason no to. A quick Google search will yield plenty of positives for you. (In case you need some convincing, look here or here.) While I can't say scientifically that it's improving anything for/in me, but I can say I do feel better. I start the day with it and wait at least 15 minutes before eating or drinking anything else.

I gave up my beloved Diet Pepsi for Lent which left me yearning for a boost in the AM; this gives it to me. Seriously! We recently did a long weekend trip in California. Though I had good citrus at my fingertips, I didn't have my daily lemon water dose, and by the end of the trip I was feeling incredibly sluggish. I totally attribute it to the break in my routine. Now that I'm back on the wagon, my pep has returned. There are also a few other benefits I've noticed that bring us a bit too close to TMI territory for me, but think digestion, bloating, etc.
Try to add this to your morning ritual. Just do it.

---

---

2. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish: for many a year, I painstakingly painted my nails every few days. Then I went through a phase of acrylic nails and then shellac. But as we're trying to save and life gets busier, I have a difficult time to justifying and fitting it in. Then pre-California trip, I stumbled across this at Target. I am usually doubtful about claims of "long wear" polish. BUT. BUT. This polish does a pretty fair job living up to the purpose. It paints well and wears well. My first application did last 7 solid days before chipping. (that's through travel, hiking in CA, cleaning, and cooking!) Paint happy and don't worry for a bit. 

---

3. This. This quote. I LOVE IT. Profoundly simple. Profoundly accurate. 
I came across this on Pinterest (it's on my board among many others.) 
When life gets chaotic or when we're not seeing expected results from our efforts, let's all remember this. We are our own best advocate. We're our own best champion. Go ahead, be your biggest fan. 

---

4. Shutterfly Pet Tags: our pups were in need of an update. So when my coworker sent me a link for a free pet tag from Shutterfly, I jumped on it! Now, Shag and Gart are stylin'. Check them out and order your own. (Plus they have lots of options and you can customize to your heart's desire.)

---

Now, let us think all things Easter. I know it's Good Friday and there's not much time to dally. But fear not, I've got two treats you can whip up in no time, flat. 

First up, BUNNY BAIT! The name itself is adorable. And it's gobbled up quickly. Feel free to customize it to your bunnies' tastes. (And, I must confess, I didn't eat any of this so I can't vouch for the taste. I am not a popcorn fan, but my coworkers said it was a win.)

Bunny Bait
This recipe isn't entirely original but I didn't have one I based it off of. There are many versions floating around Pinterest so you can certainly find one for your reference if you'd like exact measurements. 
1 bag microwave popcorn (probably not buttered, but use whatever you have on hand)
Pretzels (I used broken up pretzel chips)
Rice Chex
M&Ms (festive colors always welcomed)
Peanut Butter Chips
Sprinkles
Half of block of Vanilla Almond Bark

Directions
1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or foil.
2. Pop popcorn according to package directions. Let cool.
3. Spread popcorn on cookie sheet. Add Chex. Add pretzels. Mix around until distributed evenly.
4. Sprinkle peanut butter chips. 
5. Melt almond bark in microwave safe bowl, approximately 1-2 minutes, or until smooth. Watch it and stir after first minute.
6. Drizzle melted bark over mixture on cookie sheet. 
7. Sprinkle with sprinkles. 
8. Stir until well combined 
9. Let it set on cookie sheet. Cover or place in a dish.

Chocolate Covered "Carrots"
1 pint strawberries, rinsed and dried 
3-4 blocks of vanilla almond bark
Orange food coloring

Directions
1. Melt almond bark in microwave safe bowl, about 1 and half minutes.
2. Add about 1 and half teaspoons of shortening in the bark. (This helps keep the coating smooth and shiny.)
3. Squirt a few drops of food coloring. Mix to desired color.
4. Dip a single strawberry into the coating. Set aside on parchment. 
5. Repeat until all strawberries are coated.
6. Let dry. Store in fridge.

These treats are nothin' fancy, but they're pretty festive, and they're pretty yummy. Hope they bring you some joy and satisfaction.

May your Easter weekend be full of fun, family, and blessings! 
Until next time--
xoxo