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Health benefits from eating chocolate?!  Count me in!  Dark chocolate with 70% cacao or higher has several health benefits.  

Dark chocolate contains substances called flavanols.  Flavanols are the plant-based nutrients found in cocoa.  It is proven to help support circulation which can:

1. Improve cardiovascular health
2. Enhance cognitive function
3. Provide UV protection
4. Boost exercise performance

The higher percentage of cacao, the more flavanol it will contain!  So remember to look for 70% or higher to get enough flavanols for it to make a difference.  

Don't go too crazy...limit yourself to about an ounce a day.  Use it as a little dessert after dinner to help curb your craving for something sweet!

I actually did a taste test between 70% and 85% cacao.  I won't lie...I had to throw the 85% away because it tasted like chalk but I honestly enjoyed the 70% and will continue to buy it!

sincerely, 

shari jean

Fourth of July is finally here! We are so grateful for the Freedoms we share here in America and we love this Country! Do you have any plans for this amazing holiday? Looking for a sweet treat to make for all the fun festivities? Well today we bring you a yummy and easy treat to make this red, white and blue day even better!

This popcorn is so delicious I cant stop eating it. The best part is that it is so easy!

Ingredients:

• 6 cups popped popcorn (wether in a bag or with a popcorn maker)
• 1 bag white chocolate morsels or white candy coating
• Blue and red sprinkles

Directions:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Spread your 6 cups of popped pop corn over baking sheet (you can use two baking sheets if you need it.)
• Melt your white chocolate, whether in the microwave or stove, just make sure it does not burn!
• Pour over popcorn and with a spatula slowly coat the popcorn. Try to cover all of it, if you need to place it in a bowl and coat that is fine too.
• Immediately after coating sprinkle with your red and blue sprinkles.  If the chocolate is dried the sprinkles wont stick.
• Place in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let chocolate harden.
• Your Done!! Break apart and EAT it.

Dress it up with cupcake liners or just eat it normally. This treat is perfect for any get together and it will be a hit! We hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July! God Bless America!

I LOVE the 4th of July!  It is my favorite holiday outside of Christmas.  I made this patriotic sign to hang in my home.  I created this on my Silhouette Cameo and cut it out on vinyl.  I know most people don't have this machine so I created a PDF version for our readers!  You can print it out and use transfer paper to trace the outline onto the plywood (11x4).  Then paint, sand, drill 2 holes, put the wire through, and you are done!  Click HERE for the PDF.  

Rompers are in! They are super cute and oh so versatile. Whether you’re shopping or heading to brunch, you can easily rock this look during the day — yet it’s still so easy to take it from day to night.  This get-up can be dressed down or easily glammed up. 

Glammed up: Get this look by adding a colorful shawl, necklace, wedges, and cute handbag.

Dressed down: Take it to the beach, pool, or a BBQ as a swim suit cover up with some sandals :)

My husband and I just repainted our whole entire house and believe me it was a lot of work!  I did learn a lot though, some through trial and error. That is why today we will be sharing some tips and tricks on how to paint your house.

We hope you enjoyed these painting tips. They will definitely help you! Have a great day.

Sincerely,

Jean

This is my first summer with a baby and the Las Vegas summer heat is BRUTAL!!  To make it worse I have a black car so it is basically an oven!  I have been doing research and talking to other moms about how to keep kids cooled and safe while in the car.  I want to share the tips that I have learned!  And just remember that if you ever do accidentally lock your child in the car, call 9-1-1 immediately!

#1. If you are worried that you will forget your child in a hot car, try leaving your purse, phone, or one shoe in the back seat.  This will force you to always check the back of your car when you get out.

#2. Car seat cover

I never knew that these even existed until I started doing my research.  They are a great way to protect the car seat from the heat.  Place it over the car seat when your child is not in it.

#3. Car seat ice pack

This is perfect for when you are running around town!  You freeze it overnight and place it in the car seat a few minutes before you leave.  Then, bring it with you and place it on the seat while you are in the store.  This will keep it cool for when you return.  Never put the child on top of the ice pack.  It should only be used when the child is not in it.

#4. Never leave your child alone in the car, not even for a minute

It may be tempting at times to leave your child in the car while you run a quick errand but don't do it!  Your car temperature can rise very quickly and can be very dangerous for small children. 

#5. Roll down your windows and let the A/C run for a few minutes before you leave

Rolling down the windows will allow the hot air to escape.  Start the A/C before you leave to make sure it is blowing cold air.

#6. Dress your child in light clothing

Dress your child appropriately for the weather.  During the summer, try to dress them in light clothing to help their bodies stay cool.

#7. Use your windshield sun visor

This will help keep the entire car cool while you are out. 

#8. Try to park in the shade if possible

This one may seem like a no-brainer but just try to keep it in mind when you are looking for parking spots.  The shade will really make a difference in the car temperature.

We hope you have a fun and safe summer with your kiddos!

Sincerely,

Jean

Kristie Heaton!  Congratulations on your $30 Target gift card!  Thank you to everyone who entered! 


Sincerely, 

Jean

Fourth of July is almost here - one of our favorite holidays! But before its time for the BBQ's and fireworks, we get to decorate our houses in red, white, & blue :)

Here are the directions for a super cute Fourth of July wreath. 

Time: 2 hours

Price: Materials cost me about $20, but you can make it cheaper. I had alot of leftover material.

Supplies:
- Red, white, and blue cloth material. I chose to use cotton & tulle. You can use whatever material you want - denim would look really cute for blue.
- Hoop/circle, I used a plastic needlework hoop. You could use other supplies, even a wire hanger.
- Scissors

Step 1: Cut strips of material into 11in x 1.5 in pieces

Step 2: Tie strip to hoop and double knot it. For the red and blue, I did 4 in a row and switched colors. The great thing about this craft is that it can be done anyway you want, you don't have to do it exactly how I did. 

Step 3: Tie a long piece of material to the top of the hoop so that you can hang

Linking up at:


Sugar Bee Crafts

Sincerely,

Jean

Summer is here!! That means that it is also swim suit season! Are you ready ladies? Well we are and we are excited to share with you our Frugal Friday Swim Suit post.

I just love that retro one pieces are coming back in style. I feel like there so flattering and cute.

I have always thought black and white make the cutest retro bathing suits. The only down side is that one pieces can get really expensive! That is why we are excited to show you what we have found!

I started looking online to see what kind of black and white retro swim suits I could find.

These are a little out of the price range for me. I wanted a black and white retro one piece so bad and I was determined to find one at the right price! Well, drum role please.... TADA! Found one!

I found the little number for $25! I know steal right?! Where you ask? At Charlotte Russe, which is a women's clothing store that sells really trendy clothes at an affordable price. That is our great find for Frugal Friday!

We also have a great swim suit guide for all body types! Check it out!

We hope you have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Jean