Tuesday, January 24, 2012

NutriGrain Melt-down


http://www2.kelloggs.com/ServeImage.aspx?BID=116306&MD5=4b1c6c3b142da3ae0f246c9dfc5acfc3

"Holy cow!! Opening a NutriGrain bar to see it had broken in half in the package is clearly the worst thing to happen on the planet. Ever."
This was the first Facebook status update I saw this morning...from my sister, discussing my nephew. Several comments down, one of her friends mentioned that she should just trash the thing anyway.  
I agree....and here's why: Sugar and High Fructose overload! I can't even pronounce half of these ingredients?!
Ingredients
CRUST: WHOLE GRAIN OATS, ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, VITAMIN B1 [THIAMIN MONONITRATE], VITAMIN B2 [RIBOFLAVIN], FOLIC ACID), WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR, SOYBEAN OIL, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, SOLUBLE CORN FIBER, SUGAR, CALCIUM CARBONATE, WHEY, WHEAT BRAN, SALT, CELLULOSE, POTASSIUM BICARBONATE, MONO- AND DIGLYCERIDES, SOY LECITHIN, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, WHEAT GLUTEN, NIACINAMIDE, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, CARRAGEENAN, ZINC OXIDE, REDUCED IRON, GUAR GUM, VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE), VITAMIN B1 (THIAMIN HYDROCHLORIDE), VITAMIN B2 (RIBOFLAVIN), FOLIC ACID. FILLING: HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, CORN SYRUP, BLUEBERRY PUREE CONCENTRATE, GLYCERIN, SUGAR, WATER, SODIUM ALGINATE, MODIFIED CORN STARCH, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, CITRIC ACID, METHYLCLLULOSE, CALCIUM PHOSPHATE, MALIC ACID, RED 40, BLUE 1.
So, it sent me on a search for healthy, kid friendly, wallet friendly, cereal bar recipes. I knew I had a few in my collection...
    Banana Oatmeal Bars
    3 ripe bananas, mashed
    1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
    1/2 cup packed brown sugar
    1 egg
    1 tsp vanilla extract
    1 1/2 cups whole grain flour
    1 tsp baking soda
    1 tsp cinnamon
    3 cups uncooked old fashioned oats
Mix ingredients together. Spray 9 x 13 pan with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 350' for 30-35 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.

          Granola Bars
    2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
    1 cup whole grain flour
    1 tsp baking soda
    1 tsp vanilla extract
    3/4 cup shredded coconut
    4 oz applesauce
    2 1/2 tbsp flaxseed
    1/4 cup honey
    1/3 cup packed brown sugar
    *2 oz chopped pecans
    *2 oz slivered almonds

Preheat oven to 325 F. Lightly grease one 9x13 inch pan.
In a large mixing bowl combine the oats, flour, baking soda, vanilla, applesauce, flaxseed, honey and brown sugar. Stir in nuts and coconut.
Lightly press mixture into the prepared pan. Bake at 325 F for about 20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, then cut into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving.
Makes 24 bars.


*I know the kiddos, do not and probably can't eat nuts! So replace nuts with dried cranberries, raisins or apricots! 

        Yogurt Cereal Bars (from Spark Recipes)
    2 cups corn flakes
    3/4 cup whole grain flour
    1/4 cup brown sugar
    1/2 tsp cinnamon
    1/2 cup butter
    1 cup yogurt (banana/straw, etc)
    1 egg slightly beaten
    2 tbsp whole grain flour
Preheat to 350. Combine cereal, flour, sugar and cinnamon in small bowl. Cut in butter or margarine until coarse crumbs form. Press 1/2 of mixture firmly into bottom of greased 8" square pan. Mix yogurt, egg and 2 tbsp flour in another small bowl. Spread over cereal mixture in pan and then sprinkle remaining cereal mixture on top. Bake 30 min or until golden brown and cut into bars when cooled.
Makes 24 servings




And don't forget to let the kids help...it's more fun to eat something, if you had a part in the creation!





Sunday, January 15, 2012

Stella and Dot Sample Sale

These items are in excellent condition, mostly used only in my Trunk Show display. I'm making room for some amazing pieces from our Spring 2012l collection. I will accept cash, check, or paypal. Payment must be received (and cleared) before item is shipped. Contact me if you are interested. More items will be listed soon! ashleycbridges@gmail.com
Cortez Turquoise & Suede Necklace
Retail $98
Sale $40













 Sea-hued turquoise, earthy suede, wood rings and waxed cord.
Hello little white dress! $40




Colette Necklace
Retail $138
Sale $52

Gold Plated La Coco Necklace with Ivory Flower Brooch. $40 (Retail price $98)

3-in-1: Unclip to create a bracelet, necklace and brooch. 

  Don't for get to "Like" my Facebook page to be entered in the drawing for a pair of these beauties!
Serenity Small Stone Drop Earrings (available in Aqua or Lapis), from the new Stella and Dot Spring 2012 Collection!
Like the Jewelry??....Host a Trunk Show!
Love the Jewelry??...Become a Stylist!
Ask me how!!

Your Personal Stylist:
Ashley Bridges
ashleybridges@gmail.com

Shop Now at www.stelladot.com/ashleymegan

Friday, January 13, 2012

Currently Craving: Candied Pecans

Last night I had a craving...and that craving had to be satisfied! So Candied Pecans it was...


2 cups Sugar
2 cups Water
2 cups Pecans
Dash or two of Sea Salt

Pre-heat oven to 375.
Bring 2 cups of water to boil. Completely dissolve 2 cups Sugar in boiling water. Remove from heat.
Mix Pecans into the Simple Sugar mixture. Spread pecans on parchment paper lined pan. Sprinkle a Sea Salt and Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Enjoy in salads, over ice cream or straight out of your hand! Y'all just remember...it's pronounced "Pee-Can"!





Saturday, September 10, 2011

Fall Into Fashion Sweepstakes

This season, Stella & Dot is partnering with Tea Collection to create a unique Facebook promotion that will inspire the whole family to dial up their style!  We’ve created a coveted prize package that allows the winner to update her look as well as that of her favorite little fashionistas!


Click here to Enter Sweepstakes!

 Special offer from our friends at Tea Collection. Receive 15% off your first online order at teacollection.com. Enter promo code FALLSWEEPS15 at checkout.*
*offer valid at teacollection.com only for first time customers. Valid through 9/18/11. Limit one use per customer. 




Like the Jewelry??....Host a Trunk Show!
Love the Jewelry??...Become a Stylist!
Ask me how!!

Your Personal Stylist:
Ashley Bridges
ashleybridges@gmail.com











Thursday, September 8, 2011

Good Things!

I have to tell you....
This made my day!


Ben and Jerry's newest flavor! Inspired by one of my all time favorite SNL skits!


On a side note...
Sorry for the brief hiatus, work has been a bit...umm... demanding the last 5 months. Things are slowing down and I. AM. BACK. so stay tuned! 

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

DISCOVER....Boutique Brands You'll Love!

Do you have a passion for well-crafted products? And socially-responsible companies? Do you have the desire to support women in your community? 
If you answered YES to any of these question, take a peak at these amazing new brands and please take a moment to fill out the survey below! 

SUKI
suki(R) is the first and only synthetic-free solution that integrates advanced technology with botanical actives. suki was founded with the aim to develop a completely new way of formulating skin care - immersing high potency natural cosmeceuticals in synthetic-free bases - and demonstrating results through consumer clinical trials. In trials, 84% of test participants agreed that suki improved the overall appearance of their skin. Each product contains potent cosmeceutical actives that solve a multitude of needs from basic skin types like dry and oily to stubborn issues like cystic acne, rosacea, signs of aging and eczema. suki products are safe for everyone including pregnant women, babies, teens and men. 

WEEDECOR
weeDECOR creates a signature line of decorative wall decals inspired by color, great design and anything that makes children happy. Their mission is to help parents create a more personal, playful space for their child. Mix-and-match hundreds of designs to create a custom look. Choose from an inspiring selection of decorative letters, colors, and styles to help you create the perfect nursery, kid's room, or playroom. Also a perfect gift for new parents!



100% PURE
100% Pure formulates synthetic-, fragrance-, paraben- and toxin free beauty products. They use the most concentrated formulas possible without the use of water, thickeners, emulsifiers or any other fillers. Inspired by her garden, Susie Wang created 100% Pure's cosmetics line to complement her healthy lifestyle. Made with pigments from fruits and vegetables along with nature's best resources, 100% Pure marries all-natural ingredients with high-end cosmetic formulas to create beauty in a class of its own. 100% Pure is the first and only cosmetics colored from antioxidant rich fruit and vegetable pigments (patents pending).

100% Pure products are never tested on animals.
Skin Care, Fruit Pigmented Makeup, Bath & Body, Hair Care, & Kids Bath Products




VAPOUR BEAUTY
Vapour's innovative approach to cosmetics is to use a minimum of 70% certified organic and toxin-free ingredients in all of its products, while delivering a luxurious texture that surpasses anything currently in the prestige beauty market. Vapour products use light reflection to create skin that looks flawless and that glows with health. Their unique suspension of minerals and organic botanicals imparts a light-as-air texture and provides rich color while nourishing and protecting skin with powerful antioxidants and vitamins. Vapour products are easy to apply via stick applicators. 
Vapour products are made using sustainable, earth-friendly methods that include harnessing wind power, using biodegradable ingredients and recyclable packaging. Available in a full range of color cosmetic products including foundation, concealer, blush, lip gloss, lipstick and eye shadow.

 KIWI INDUSTRIES

Kiwi Industries was founded seven years ago on the idea of creating clothing for children that was both well made and adorable. We wanted to create classic designs with a graphic, modern, and colorful twist. We also felt that it was important to be able to pass clothing down from child to child - therefore reducing our waste and allowing us to get more use out of our clothes. We use only high quality fabric, reminiscent of an earlier time before “throw-away” clothing. Our clothing truly gets softer and softer with time. Wear it, wash it, pass it down from child to child.

Since its founding, Kiwi Industries has been passionate about social and environmental awareness. We only use socially responsible labor (living wage, fair trade, sweatshop free).

At the heart of Kiwi is our 100% organic mix and match collection. Made from our own custom designed organic interlock, these adorable onesies, tees, rompers, and jumpers are all made in the USA. We feel strongly about offering the highest quality organic products for your little ones.
MAPLE LANDMARK



Made By Me, Truck

Maple Landmark is a family-owned business that prides itself on creating American made time-tested wooden toys that inspire children to learn and explore, and that help form basic manipulation and building skills. Maple Landmark toys have received over 30 awards from children and parenting organizations. Located in Middlebury, Vermont, Maple Landmark uses local materials and employs the local community to craft a wide range of wooden toys for children to adults. 



Teach+Play Tiles, Animal/Vegetable


LITTLE PASSPORTS

Little Passports is your child's ticket to an exciting global adventure. Inspire a love and understanding of the world as your child learns about a country's geography, history, culture, and language in a fun and memorable way. Each month your child follows characters Sofia and Sam as they travel to a different country and send your child an exciting package.

Little Passports souvenirs are fun, memorable and educational. Examples items include: music CDs, traditional country toys, arts and crafts projects, puzzles, pencils/erasers, photos, stickers, and postcards
LOLABEAN
    



Ernestine Heirloom Necklace



Shredded Handbag
Lolabean, based in New York, was created in 2005 by graphic designer, Tiffany Bean. While studying at Parsons School of Design, she found herself sketching pages of necklaces rather than the project at hand. She soon shifted her focus to jewelry design and launched her first complete collection in 2007. Lolabean is influenced by the coexistence of urban life and nature. Walking the city streets, people watching in cafes and relaxing in Central Park are constant sources of inspiration. The jewelry line is handmade by the designer in New York City.

Products: Jewelry, Handbags






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