Larissa's Favorite Things List - Summer 2011

I did a Summer 2010 Favorite things list so it makes sense to do one for Summer 2011. As mentioned before, I love to see what other people's favorite things are and get ideas of new things to try and new things to do - so hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoy reading about yours!

WEBSITES:
Counting Coconuts - Such a creative fun learning website with ideas for teaching tools for kids - My favorite from her site are the Mini Units and the Continent Bags!

Spotify. Part Website, Part App - As described, “Spotify is a new way to listen to music. Millions of tracks, any time you like. Just search for it in Spotify, then play it. Just help yourself to whatever you want, whenever you want it.” A blend of itunes and Pandora, you get to choose and change songs as you please, and even scanning through them like in iTunes. Can it get any better than that. Sign up for an invite now so you can be a part of this! On that note, some of my recent favorite bands/artists I have been listening to are: Adele, Fleet Foxes, Ryan Bingham, One Republic,

-Heartsy - Okay I am sure you all know about Etsy.com and if not then add this to a favorite site to check out - you can find just about any handmade item out there around! Anyway there is a deal a day site that offers discounts for Etsy sites! Yes the best of both worlds and I am not sure I want to even share this if I miss out on a deal to one of you - but love you all! You get $5 if you sign up on my link (:

-Amazon Mom - I think I have extolled the virtues of this site before but how can you beat a website that has the best prices of anything around AND free 2-DAY shipping! If you have not signed up to be a member then you must because it is so awesome! I probably get 2-3 deliveries a week from UPS man from here including Laundry Soap - see above, food, and various things like this $6 Ipad case and stand (since Shay bent my expensive one) !!!

THINGS:
-Charlie's Soap - I started using this for my cloth diapers but now I wash all my clothes with it and it is great! Perfect for babies and those with sensitive skin. Charlie's Soap has no perfumes, no fragrances, no chemical brighteners. No build up and so natural for your clothes and kiddos! And bonus - it is on Amazon Subscribe and Save too so great price and never have to go to the store to get it!!

-DEO DRY Non-aluminum deodorant! I have been looking forever for a good non-aluminum deodorant and have never found one I really like or that worked very well, until now! Yay! Three cheers for The Body Shop's Deo-dry - I love the scents, the feel, the protection and that it actually works! Decent price at $5 and you can buy refill for $3.

FOOD/RECIPES:

Justin's Almond Butter - YUM - any flavor - I love nut butters especially in my oatmeal, spread on rice cakes with raisins, or straight on the spoon!

Blender Watermelon Sorbet Recipe
LOVE using frozen watermelon and this is such a refreshing summer recipe!
2 cups frozen watermelon chunks (you might need to let sit a few minutes to soften a bit depending on power of your blender - I have vitamix so mine can handle it)
1/2 cup raspberry, lime or other flavor sorbet
1 (6 oz) container lime or vanilla yogurt
1 Tablespoon lime juice or lemon juice (or more to taste if you like tangier)

Throw all together in blender and blend until desired consistency! You can add more liquid such as lemonade or lime juice and water and make it into more of a smoothie too! 2 Servings

Microwaved Baked Oatmeal - I LOVE the ease and healthiness of a baked oatmeal breakfast - the kids love them too and I can customize it by adding chia seeds, cocoa powder, nut butters, coconut, blueberries, etc. Here is an easy recipe for one serving or you can double or quadruple and put in loaf pan in over at 350 for 15 - 20 minutes.

1 ripe medium or large banana, mashed
1/2 c dry oats (or a little more if you have an especially big banana)
1/4 c brown sugar or 2 packets Stevia
1 Tsp Cinnamon (more if you love it)

Optional: Dash of Vanilla Extract, 1 Tbsp of Chia Seeds, 1 Tbsp of Coconut Flakes, 2 Tbsp of Cocoa Powder for a chocolate banana cake

Directions:

Mash the banana

Add everything else to it and stir to combine

Spray a clean bowl or glass ramekin or I like to use glass small loaf pan with cooking spray and put the banana mixture in it

Microwave for 2.5 minutes to 3.0 minutes. You will know when it’s done because it will not be “juicy” looking anymore. And will have some “holes” on the surface. See first photo below.

After mircowaving, allow to rest for a couple minutes. Eat in that bowl or easily invert/remove from bowl and re-plate it, or take as a to-go snack.

Top with syrup, jelly, agave, nut butter, raisins, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or nothing.