The Perfect Everyday Eco Friendly Bag with Baggallini

Bags of all kinds are one of my biggest obsessions and I am always on the hunt for practical, everyday bags (especially as a Mom) that are low maintenance, convenient to carry but also spacious. Enter the Eco Naples Convertible Backpack by Baggallini which they so graciously gifted to me to try out and I AM LOVING IT!

Not only is the ‘bagg’ aesthetically on point (I am obsessed with the Orchid color) but it checks all of the boxes plus one added bonus…it’s ECO FRIENDLY and made from recycled water bottles, and initiative that I can always get behind. The backpack can convert from a backpack to a sling style and I’ve been using it as a diaper bag, purse, beach bag and just a bag to throw any and everything in when I am on the go with the kids. It is also extremely easy to wipe clean which is another plus in my book!

It truly is the perfect bag for summer and also comes in two other colors if the Orchid color pop isn’t your thing! You can shop the Eco Naples bagg here!

Last Minute Easter Egg Hunt With Downloadable Clues

Just your last minute mama here giving you everything you need to throw together an awesome Easter Egg Hunt! We are not talking about eggs thrown on the lawn, we are talking about an egg hunt with fun clues and active participation from the kiddos and a guarantee there will be no fights over who collected more eggs! The best part? This egg hunt can be modified for kids of all ages…even teens!

So to give some background, my aunt came up with true Easter egg hunts for my sisters and me every year and we absolutely loved it. Each year the clues got harder and it’s something we looked forward to, so I knew after I became an aunt and a mama that I wanted to carry on the tradition. Shout out to my sister Jess for helping me put together this post!!

Keep reading to download clues, learn how to set up the hunt and even print a letter from the Easter bunny!

Egg Hunt Instructions:

1. Download the clues and letter from the Easter Bunny below. There are both blank clues if you’d like to create your own OR you can use the premade clues that will work for most houses and kids.

2. Determine how many clues you’d like to have. The kids will start with one clue in an egg and that will be the “starter clue”. The clue will lead them to another egg containing clue #2 and this will continue for as many clues as you would like! TIP: Label the clues and eggs with numbers and you can even designate where they are supposed to be placed too so it’s very easy when it comes time to hide everything!

3. Optional: With each new clue you can also hide a prize. This can be separate from the egg or something inside the egg. Usually I include a prize and with each new clue/egg I have a new prize. But, you can also do it where you have one big prize at the end of the hunt.

4. Place your Target order pickup with everything you need including eggs, prizes, candy and baskets! Drive Up is life for me!

5. Hide the eggs and prizes! You can recruit others to help you do this and get everyone in on the action. Remember my tip on labeling eggs with the places they are going? Here’s where it really comes in handy!

6. Start off your hunt with the Easter Bunny Letter (below) then explain the rules for the hunt. Present the first egg with the first clue and have the kid(s) read it aloud. Now, go hunting and have fun!!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram for even more details about the egg hunt and some sneak peaks into what I’m planning this year! And make sure you tag me or send pictures if you use the clues and plan your own egg hunt! I’d love to see!

Getting Juiced!

I’m updating this post in light of my recent Instagram Reel highlighting how to juice ahead of time for the week! Check out the video to learn more!

Below, I’m recapping my favorite juicer and recipes for fresh juices made right in your kitchen for a fraction of the cost of what you’d pay at a juice shop or buying them pre-made.

One of my favorite afternoon (or morning) pick-me-ups is a fresh juice!  It's the perfect way to beat the heat, feel refreshed, and get in your daily dose of veggies and vitamins.  I went through several different juicers before I found one that I absolutely love.  This Breville juicer is my absolute favorite.  I actually asked for it for my birthday a few years ago and it's honestly one of the best gifts I've ever received! 

The Breville is my go to juicer!  And keep scrolling down below for this juice recipe and some of my other favorites, as well as some of my juicing tips! 

Post contains affiliate links for products which I personally recommend.  By clicking the links and purchasing the products, I may earn a commission

TIP: Use the veggie and fruit bags from the grocery store to catch the pulp.  It makes clean up so much easier!

12-15 ounces is a good size for a full glass of juice.  If you want a smaller sized juice, opt for around 8 ounces. 

Looks SOO good! Don’t be scared of greens!  

Juicing Tips: 

1. Always, always use organic vegetables and fruits...you're juicing everything out of the veggie or fruit so you don't want a glass full of pesticides!

2. Scrub/wash all veggies and fruits before juicing

3. Apples - Remove seeds! They contain cyanide...enough said.

4. Always quarter larger fruits or veggies, if you don't, they might get stuck and you'll be losing out on precious juice!

5. Put in leafy greens with a heartier fruit or veggie, like an apple. I find that you get more juice from the greens this way.

6. Pulp - save your pulp for everything from compost to a soup base

7. Drink right away! For the optimum nutrients from your juice, its best to drink it right away. Also, because these are FRESH and not pasteurized, I do not recommend refrigerating them for any long period of time (over a few hours).

Green Grapefruit Juice Recipe (featured)

1/2 Organic Grapefruit, peeled (just get the skin off)

Large handful of organic baby spinach 

One bunch organic celery (washed/scrubbed)

1 Organic Granny Smith apple (or any apple)

4-5 Fresh Mint leaves 

*Juice on the "soft" setting if using the Breville juicer

Carrot, Apple, Ginger, Beet

5-6 organic carrots, washed/peeled if you prefer

1-2 inches of fresh ginger 

1 organic red delicious apple 

1 organic red beet, peeled and cubed 

*Use the "hard" setting since these are heartier fruits/veggies.

Jamie's Morning Power Boost

1 organic red delicious apple

1/2 organic lime, peeled 

1 handful organic baby spinach 

2 inches of fresh ginger 

1 organic cucumber (washed & peeled if preferred)

1 bunch of organic celery 

1 small handful of pineapple (peeled and cut)

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Juicing is such a great way to improve your overall daily health and a REALLY easy way to get in some fast nutrients, especially if you forgot to eat your veggies for the day! 

If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or send me a message.

Happy Juicing! 

XoXo - Jamie 

Last Minute Valentine's For Kids & Teachers

Who remembers the excitement of Valentine’s Day at school as a kid? You browsed the aisles for the perfect cardboard box full of Valentine’s cards, paired those with your favorite candy and chose the biggest cards to give to your best friends or your crush. Life was so simple then…..

No but really. It was. Today we have to navigate continuously changing school policies, candy bans and even restrictions due to COVID. So, insert this post! It comes from yours truly…..a LAST MINUTE MAMA…..who wants to make prepping for your kiddo’s Valentine’s Day celebration that much easier.

It was February 12, 2020 and my husband and I were flying back from our first trip without kids. As I waltzed in the door relaxed and refreshed, that #momlife smacked me right in the face as I was reminded I needed to bring in some Valentine’s Day treats for my son’s school. Thankfully, through Target order pickup saving my butt, and a few clicks on my computer, I created these easy and fun Valentine’s Day treats perfect for kids and teachers of all ages! Keep reading for a downloadable Word template at the end.

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SUPPLY LIST

• White Cardstock - compatible with your printer

• Ribbon

• Hole Punch

• Scissors

• Heart Stickers

• Printer with colored ink

• Applesauce or Fruit/Veggie Pouches

• Lip Balm

• Hugs & Squeeze Template - GREAT for kids!

• You’re The Balm Template - GREAT for teachers or older kids!

DIRECTIONS

1. Decide which template you’d like to use and download via the link. I created both and used the Hugs & Squeeze Template for kids and the You’re The Balm Template for the teachers. To download, simply click on the link and then hit the download icon in the corner. Once the template is downloaded (Word Doc format), you can edit to add the name of your child in the bracketed space. After adding your child’s name, print the template on the cardstock using colored ink. There are 4 cards per page, so make sure you print the appropriate amount.

2. Place your same day pickup or delivery order! I used Target order pickup on February 13th…yes you read that right. But, since it isn’t that close yet, you can also place an Amazon, Walmart, etc. order.

3. After you have all of your supplies, cut out each card following the lines from the template. Punch a hole in the corner of each card and cut ribbons according to the size you need. Thread the cut ribbon through each hole.

4. Optional: Add a sticker to each card for some extra flare and/or add the name of each person to make it more customized!

5. Tie the ribbon with the card around the neck of each pouch or through the hole in each lip balm (I used the hole where it hangs in the store). If you buy a multipack or use a lip balm without any hole, you can easily add each lip balm to a plastic or satin bag and hole punch that, stringing the ribbon through in the same way.

6. You’re finished! Pack them up and get ready to have the cutest Valentine’s in the class.

CHECK OUT MORE SUPPLIES BELOW

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020!

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale looks a little different this year! For one, it’s later than usually (thank you pandemic), but that doesn’t mean there aren’t great finds! I’ll be the first to admit I wasn’t really sure if I would be shopping the sale this year because life has felt a but disheveled and it is usually my time to stock up on great fall outfits and work styles. Reality is, I am still working from home and barely get out of my PJs most days and now expecting BABY #2 has made staying home my reality.

That being said, there are a ton of great finds and this year I am personally shopping more loungewear looks as well as home items! Early Access for all Nordstrom cardholders starts August 13th and then everyone can shop the sale August 19th. If you don’t have a Nordstrom card, you can still get one to get early access to the sale (it’s worth it for the early deals). I’ll be shopping the sale on the 13th and sorry for my lack of pictures this year, but pregnancy +COVID = no in store shopping for me! But, I’ll be updating this post again with items as they come in and out of stock so be sure to check back!

Check out this adorable outfit, all compliments of last year’s Anniversary Sale! UPDATE: this outfit was randomly restocked and all on sale! Find the cardigan the a very similar hat, the cami and mules!

*My posts contain affiliate links and/or commission links which means that I make a small commission from sales generated through my page at NO COST TO YOU.

LOUNGEWEAR/ATHLEISURE

As I was saying at the beginning of this post, this will probably the biggest “SHOP” category for me this year! Working from home means no need for dressing up and honestly, I’m all about it. Who’s with me?!

COZY SWEATERS

Right up there with loungewear, I live in these once fall hits and there are always so many good finds during the anniversary sale for sweaters! Check out my picks below and get ready for pumpkin season.

PANTS & JEANS

One of the classic finds at the Anniversary Sale is a great deal on a pair of designer jeans or pants. I think I’ve purchased the majority of the jeans I own at the sale because the prices are always so great!

JACKETS, COATS & BLAZERS

Every year I have to restrain myself from buying an excessive amount of coats and jackets from this sale, but sometimes they are just too good to pass up!

SHOES

We can never have too many shoes right? Some of my favorite for this year are the Adidas Swift Runs in the cheetah print! I have these and if you follow my Instagram page you have definitely seen me wear them (admittedly too often). They are just one of those shoes you can never have too many pairs of in every color!

TOPS

I always stock up on great tops from the Anniversary Sale. You can find perfect closet staples that can be paired with so many outfits during the sale and at amazing prices!

HOME FINDS

This year there are SO MANY great home finds. From soft blankets, to amazing candles, to luxe bedding, there’s something for everyone!

HAIR & BEAUTY

Don’t just think clothing with the Anniversary Sale, because there are so many great finds in beauty and hair products. Some of my personal favorites are the Living Proof Volume Hair Care Products and the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate! You can score high end products for a fraction of the price.

Remember to keep checking back for new additions to this post and shop directly through this post! Or, you can follow “AHintOfGoldBlog” on the LIKEtoKNOW.it APP and shop my top sale picks through there as well OR click on the pics below!

EASY Mediterranean Eggplant Salad

Spring is here and so are SALADS! No, I’m not talking about ones only filled with leafy greens, but instead grain salads which can be packed with just as many nutrients and can be added to liven up your leafy greens or featured at your next potluck. This Mediterranean Eggplant Salad has become a staple in our house and was inspired by the homemade kitchen of a healthy deli and cafe that gave me my first job at 14! I learned so much about cooking from working there (something I am FOREVER grateful for) and I’m so excited to be sharing one of my favorite dishes from there. It’s light, packed with flavor and protein and even though I still can’t make it quite as good as they used to, I like to think this version is pretty close!

*My posts may contain affiliate links and/or commission links which means that I make a small commission from sales generated through my page at NO COST TO YOU.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups of couscous (I love the Rice Select Brand)

• 1 container cherry tomatoes

• 1 bunch scallions (more or less depending on your love for them)

• 1 medium eggplant, cubed w/skin

• 1/2-1 cup crumbled feta

• 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil (Chosen Foods is my favorite brand!)

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt & Pepper

Directions:

• Wash, dry and shop eggplant into medium size cubes. Lay chopped eggplant on non-stick baking sheet (here’s my favorite kind) and sprinkle with kosher salt. Allow to sit for 30 minutes to draw water out of eggplant. After 30 minutes, blot eggplant with paper towel. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425.

  • **I never skip this step with eggplant. It helps reduce bitterness and also excess moisture that can make your eggplant a mushy mess when cooking!

• Place salted eggplant in oven and roast for about 20 minutes until tender. After eggplant is tender, drizzle it with your favorite oil (I love avocado oil).

• While eggplant cooks, chop up your tomatoes (in half) and scallions.

• Cook couscous according to your package instructions. It takes all of 5 minutes. I add a tablespoon of avocado oil to my water before cooking the couscous. Set aside in a large bowl to cool slightly after cooking.

• Now it’s time to assemble! Fluff your couscous and add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Add in chopped eggplant and toss again. Toss in tomatoes and scallions, and you guessed it, toss again! Finally, add in the best part…the CHEESE. Make sure your couscous and eggplant aren’t too hot so that your feta doesn’t melt!

• Once everything is tossed together you can enjoy it right away as is or add it to your favorite salad as well! This time around I topped my Mediterranean Eggplant Salad with some nutrient packed Speckled Pea Shoot microgreens from Elevated Earth, the company I talked all about last week on my Instagram stories. They added a delicious extra crunch and elevated this recipe even further!

Enjoy your first fun salad of the spring! Feel free to leave any questions or comments, below!

XOXO - Jamie