PB&J OATMEAL COOKIE BREAKFAST

Who doesn't love peanut butter and jelly?  What about oatmeal cookies?  Definitely two of my favorite things!  Lately, I've been starting my day with a healthy homemade version that combines the two.  In this recipe I'm using organic whole berries, organic almond butter, walnuts and gluten free oatmeal.  Making your food at home is an excellent way to control the amount of sugar, fats and flavor in your food!  I think everyone in your home will love this recipe!!

RECIPE:

1\2 Cup Oatmeal ( I used gluten free)
1    Cup water (Can substitute milk or other dairy free, I like to use almond milk)
1\2 tsp cinnamon
1\4 tsp vanilla extract
1\4 Cup dark berries (I used blueberries, raspberries and blackberries)
1    TBS nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew etc. you choose!)
5    Walnuts (chopped)

HOW TO:
Make oatmeal according to your package directions.  In my version I combine oatmeal and water and cook in the microwave (you have to have some shortcuts in life = ) ) for 2 minutes, then I add the cinnamon and vanilla and microwave for another 30 seconds.  While that's going, I mash the berries with a fork to make my jelly.  Now its as easy as putting it all together.  Top the oatmeal with the nut butter and jelly then sprinkle with walnuts and it's ready to enjoy!

Super easy, kid friendly, quick and yummy!!!  Feel free to play around with different combinations of berries, fruits, butters and more.  The combinations are endless!!






 

SPRING TEAL

Spring is in the air (although it is about to rain) where I live and flowers are blooming, fragrant blossoms are perfuming the air and beautiful colors are popping up everywhere!

This spring I am falling in love with bright, vibrant teal! Luckily for me, it is everywhere, including Etsy!!
I've put together a little list of a few items that I am lusting over for myself and for gifts this spring!

1. Cutest Pottery Bird Bowl by Prince Design UK.
2. Beautiful verdigris copper Earrings by CopperTreeArt.
3. Lovely Amazon Mist Soap by Blushie
4. Chevron Teal Pillow Covers by skoopehome.
5. Teal Infinity Scarf in Teal by Ecoshag (I've purchased several of her scarves already!!)

♥ CALYPTE COLLECTION JEWERLY ♥

BOLD STATEMENT JEWELRY!

Visit my shop for these statement pieces, and more!!!

A PHOTO A DAY

Beautiful Yellow Ranunculus

Now that spring is approaching it is the perfect time of year to catch beautiful things to see and photograph.  I'm giving myself a new project, to shoot one photo every day.  At the end of the week I think it will be fun to go through the photos and post my favorites.  To start things off, here is the photo I took on Saturday of my favorite flowers I found at the farmers market. 

◄ A LITTLE ABOUT ME ►

What was your favorite food when you were a child?

My all time favorite food, I would have to say was and is my mom's tacos. I'm sure mostly for nostalgic reasons now but they are the best!  Handmade taco shells, cilantro, tomatoes I don't know what it is, simple ingredients amazing flavor.  

2. What do you want to be when you grow up?

Oh my gosh, what don't I want to be? I have so many interests; painting, knitting, photography, psychology, dog grooming, canine chiropractics, chef,  food critic, party planner...i could go on forever I'm sure.  I would have to say though that the first thing that came to mind was, World Traveler!!!  Doesn't that sound amazing!  That's a profession, right?

3. Do you have any pets?

Of course I had to put this one in here!  How could I be a proud parent and not talk about my "kids!"  I have two miniature schnauzers, Jasper and Koa!  

 4. What is a typical day for me like?

I am a Wildlife Biologist by day and Jewelry Designer by night!   The glamorous part of my day job is getting to be outdoors in a variety of habitats that allow me the opportunity to see amazing wildlife!  Pics say it best, see below.  By night I work on my jewelry line, Calypte Collection.  Visit my shop here on Etsy!!

♥ PORTLAND VS. SEATTLE ♥

♥ PORTLAND VS. SEATTLE ♥

Hi everyone!  So I need a little advice! I'm planning a trip to...well Portland, OR or Seattle, WA, and I'm trying to decide which one to visit and what to see and do.  What do you think?

I've heard of all the great food in both places.  I consider myself to be an avid foodie, food truck follower, just plain love good food, slow food, organic, healthy.....you get what I'm sayin' 

Maple braised pork belly waffle►Skillet Dinner, Seattle, WA

The Waffle Window►Portland, OR

What about places to visit within the cities????

I love the outdoors, parks with lots of trees, city scenes with great atmosphere, awesome local beers....

Pikes Market►Seattle, WA

Portland Japanese Garden

Obviously, I briefly touched on things to do in these two wonderful cities.  I'd love to hear your suggestions on your favorite things to do in these great places.  Please comment below with your suggestions!!

NEW VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

Hi Everyone!  Take a look at my first Youtube video, showcasing my jewelry line CalypteCollection on Etsy.  Enjoy!!

IT'S BLACK & IT'S WHITE

Spring is just around the corner, especially if you live in Southern California, and I am soo happy that black and white is in for spring.  I love pairing black, silver and white together which is the inspiration for a lot of my jewelry.  My black and white blouse and black pencil skirt is from Banana Republic, shoes are Tom's in black glitter, jewelry is new to my shop on Etsy! Take a look at Calypte Collection!

SHOPPING LOCALLY

SHOPPING LOCALLY

I strongly feel that it is important to buy our goods from small businesses and locally as often as you can. I try to buy groceries at my local farmers market on the weekends and now that I have my jewelry on Etsy, I'm realizing how important it is to buy from other designers too!  Supporting local businesses is also VERY important! Recently, I've been introduced to two local cupcake shops that I thought were amazing and I just had to share them with you all!  

A delicious White Russian cupcake from a local and family-owned business, Kiddough's Bakery, Redlands, CA.

 Tried these beautiful Valentines Day cupcakes at a work event, Delicious!!!  From a local, female-owned business, TrulyCupcakes, Inland Empire, CA.

 

So, whether its your sweet treats, or other necessities, make your local small businesses your first stop! 

JEWELRY STORE ON ETSY

 shop with http://calyptecollection.etsy.com

NAIL ART

NAIL ART

To get this fun nail effect I used two of my current favorite techniques.  First, paint the base (darker) color all over your entire nail bed. Then with a careful hand paint a brighter color on half of your nail.  Try a glittery or shiny color for contrast.  Then top off your two-toned nails with a clear glitter polish.  Finally, apply your favorite top coat.....and there you have it! I used:, Essie Power Clutch, Sonia Kashuk Smoke and Mirrors and Essie Set in Stones Lux Effects.  What combinations do you like?

♥ JOHN MASTERS ORGANICS ♥

Best Conditioner Ever!!

Smells Amazing

Favorite Skin Care Line Ever!!