Best Boba Recipes

 My 9 year old, Harper, has developed an obsession with boba. She bats her big blue eyes at me and says "Mommy, let's go out for a tea..." almost everyday. It is so funny that I have this little bestie who thinks I am rich. To keep her happy and getting her boba fix at least once a week, we have been making some fun recipes at home. If you are wanting to save some cash and still have a treat, like us, you are going to love this list of the best boba recipes to make at home.

Before we get into this, can you believe Harper is 9 and a half already? It seems like just a few months ago that so many of my friends were chipping in to write posts for my blog so I could bask in the wonder of our new baby Harper.  Now here she is, a full blown tween with a boba tea habit.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman and various artists.

Jasmine Milk Tea Boba by Greedy Girl Gourmet

Lychee Milk Tea Boba by My Vegan Minimalism

Hokkaido Milk Tea by Aubrey’s Kitchen

Vegan Boba Cake by Rainbow Nourishments

Homemade Black Boba Pearls by Delightful Plate

Fruity Bubble Tea by Kids Activities Blog

The Devil Wears Salad.

Watermelon Fruit Salad with Brown Sugar Boba by The Devil Wears Salad

Strawberry Milk Tea by Moon and Spoon and Yum

Brown Sugar Boba Ice Cream Bars by The Oregon Dietitian

Photo Credit: White Kitchen Red Wine.

Strawberry Milk Tea by White Kitchen Red Wine

Taro Bubble Tea by The Oregon Dietitian

Chocolate Milk Bubble Tea by The Littlest Crumb

Photo Credit:  Entirely Elizabeth.

Earl Grey Milk Tea by Entirely Elizabeth

Iced Boba Coffee by Recipes from a Pantry

Vegan Bubble Tea by Plant Based on a Budget

With so many tasty bubble tea recipes, the hardest part of getting your boba fix will be deciding which of these recipes to make first. Happy sipping!

You can find some of my favorite drink recipes here 
Sour Apple Margaritas
Hillbilly Cider
Bomb Pop Cocktails
Blueberry Lime Vodka Sorbet

6 Tips to Improve Your Health and Transform Your Life

 Transforming your life begins with prioritizing your health. Whether you're looking to shed those extra pounds, boost your energy levels, or feel better, taking steps to improve your health can have a profound impact. 

However, it's important to remember that this journey is not about quick fixes or temporary solutions. It's about making sustainable lifestyle changes that will benefit you in the long run. In this article, we'll provide six valuable tips to help you achieve optimal health and transform your life. By incorporating these practical strategies into your daily routine, you'll be well on your way to unlocking a happier, healthier you. 

Get ready to embark on a journey of self-improvement that will leave you feeling empowered and inspired!

Tip 1: Nourish Your Body with Nutrient-Dense Foods

Proper nutrition is the foundation of good health. Focus on consuming various nutrient-dense foods to fuel your body and provide it with essential nutrients. Include a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. 

Opt for organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible to maximize the nutritional value of your meals.

Tip 2: Stay Hydrated for Optimal Health

Water is essential for maintaining the proper functioning of your body. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily to stay adequately hydrated. 

Proper hydration helps regulate body temperature, supports digestion, and promotes healthy skin. If you struggle to drink enough water, try infusing it with fruits or herbs to add natural flavor and make it more enjoyable.

According to this expert dentist in Richmond Hill NY, drinking water regularly is also good for your teeth as it neutralizes the acid in your mouth.

Tip 3: Practice Stress Management Techniques

Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on our health. To counteract stress, incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine.

This can include meditation, deep breathing exercises, journaling, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy. Experiment with different techniques to discover what brings you the most pleasure and relaxation. For instance, by incorporating self-pleasure techniques with real whizzinator xxx, you'll reduce stress and cultivate a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. But remember, to find what works best for you and make it a priority to practice these techniques regularly to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.

Tip 4: Prioritize Regular Physical Exercise

Physical exercise is crucial for improving both your physical and mental well-being. Find an exercise routine that suits your preferences and fits into your schedule. 

Whether running, yoga, swimming, or dancing, regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, boost your mood, and increase your energy levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

Tip 5: Get Sufficient Quality Sleep

Adequate sleep is essential for our bodies to recover and regenerate. Create a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation and ensures you get enough restful sleep. 

Establish a consistent sleep schedule, avoid electronic devices before bed, and create a comfortable sleep environment. Aim for seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to optimize your overall health and well-being.

Tip 6: Cultivate Healthy Relationships and Social Connections

Human connections are vital for your emotional well-being. Nurture meaningful relationships with family, friends, and your community. Engage in social activities that bring you joy and allow you to connect with others. Surround yourself with positive and supportive individuals who uplift and inspire you. 

Cultivating healthy relationships can significantly enhance your mental and emotional health, improving your quality of life.

Last Words

Improving your health and transforming your life requires dedication and a commitment to making positive changes. By implementing these six tips into your daily routine, you can take significant strides toward achieving optimal health and well-being. 

Remember, small steps can lead to significant transformations. Start today and embrace a healthier lifestyle for a better tomorrow.

Watermelon Mint Infused Water

Watermelon Mint Infused Water is one juicy and cool way to make sure you are drinking plenty of water this summer. Made with fresh watermelon and sweet mint, this infused water is sure to become one of your favorite ways to hydrate this summer.

This is sure to be a favorite way to cool off after a day in the hot summer sun. The recipe is so easy to make and tastes amazing.

Ingredients:

4 glasses of cold, clean, filtered water

Several sprigs of fresh sweet mint

2 cups of fresh watermelon, cut into chunks or wedges

Directions:

Fill a carafe with cold, clear water

Cut 2 cups of watermelon into chunks or wedges that will fit into your carafe.

Carefully drop the watermelon into the water.

Add several sprigs of fresh sweet mint to the water.

Give everything a good stir, and gently smash the melon and mint as you stir to release natural flavors.

Store in the refrigerator for 4 to 12 hours.

Serve over ice.

Find more favorite drink recipe here:

Bomb Pop Cocktails

15 Amazing Wine Cocktails

How to WORK With the Skin You Have

 You wake up in the morning, and take a look in the mirror. You see your face looking back at you, and for a moment you feel like you're not seeing yourself correctly. You pinch your skin, pull at your cheeks, and do whatever else it takes to try to convince yourself that this isn't really you. But it is- there's no denying it. This is your face, for better or worse. And as much as you might wish that you could just press a button and change everything about how your skin looks, that's not going to happen. So what do you do? How do you work with the skin that you have?

Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash

Take Care of Your Skin From the Inside Out

The best way to ensure that your skin looks its best is to make sure you're eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water. Eating nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats will help nourish your skin and keep it looking smooth, supple, and youthful.

Use Gentle Cleansers and Moisturizers on Your Face

Choose products specifically designed for your skin type (oily/dry/normal) to ensure they are not too harsh or irritating. Look for non-comedogenic ingredients that won't clog pores. Use lukewarm water when washing your face in order to avoid drying it out too much. And pat dry with a soft towel.

Protect Your Skin From the Sun

Wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause premature aging. Make sure you are using a product with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 and apply it generously to all exposed areas at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun. Reapply every two hours or after swimming/sweating for optimal protection.

Treat Yourself to Facials and Peels

Regular facials and peels help to remove dead skin cells, clear clogged pores, and rejuvenate the complexion. Be sure to talk to your esthetician about what type of treatment is best for your skin type in order to avoid over-drying or irritation.

Make Time to Relax

Stress can cause a variety of skin problems, so be sure to make time for yourself and find ways to relax. This could include going for a walk, taking up yoga or meditation, reading a book, or whatever else helps you unwind.

How to Dress Your Skin

Choose clothing that is comfortable and breathable to prevent sweating and irritation. Natural fabrics like cotton are a great option, as they allow your skin to breathe and move more freely than synthetic fibers.

Different Types of  Makeup

Choose makeup that is designed for your skin type and tone. Always start with a base primer to help create a smooth canvas, then add concealer and foundation as needed. Avoid using heavy products that may clog pores or cause irritation. At the end of the day, be sure to remove all your makeup with a gentle cleanser. This will help prevent acne breakouts, as well as allow your skin to breathe while you sleep.

Common Skin Care Mistakes

Avoid over-washing, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause dryness. Also, avoid picking or popping blemishes - this can damage the skin and lead to scarring. Finally, don't forget to apply moisturizer - even if your skin is oily or acne-prone. Moisturizing will help keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

Normal Skin Type

If you have normal skin, then congratulations! This is the ideal skin type. To maintain your complexion, be sure to follow a regular cleansing and moisturizing routine, wear sunscreen daily, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep. With the right care, you can keep your skin looking healthy and radiant for years to come.

Oily Skin Type

If you have oily skin, look for products specifically designed for your type of complexion. Use a gentle cleanser twice daily to remove dirt and oil buildup, and stick with oil-free moisturizers. Also, use blotting papers throughout the day to help absorb excess oils. Finally, be sure to wear sunscreen when going outdoors.

Dry Skin Type

People with dry skin need to be extra careful with their skincare routine. Use lukewarm water when washing your face and avoid over-scrubbing or using harsh cleansers, as this can strip the skin of its natural oils. Gentle cleansers and creamy moisturizers are best for this skin type. Additionally, drinking plenty of water will help keep the skin hydrated and healthy.

Sensitive Skin Type

If you have sensitive skin, then it's particularly important to be gentle with your skincare routine. Use hypoallergenic products designed for sensitive skin, and always perform a patch test before applying any new product. Additionally, avoid excessive sun exposure, as this can cause irritation or even allergic reactions. To keep your skin looking its best, use mild cleansers and gentle moisturizers on a regular basis.

Eczema 

Eczema can be a difficult condition to manage, but there are steps you can take to help alleviate the symptoms and keep your skin healthy. Use mild cleansers and avoid any fragrances or dyes that might irritate the skin. Additionally, look for creams or ointments with an active ingredient like cortisone or hydrocortisone, as these can help reduce itching and inflammation. Finally, wear loose-fitting clothing made of natural fabrics to allow your skin to breathe. However, if you are skin of color, you may want to specifically look for products made for your skin type. Click also on this article, Eczema On Skin Of Color: Appearance, Symptoms, And Treatment, for further information on how to treat this condition depending on your skin type.

Acne  

If you're dealing with acne, it's important to take a gentle approach. Use oil-free cleansers and avoid scrubbing your skin too harshly, as this can irritate the area. Additionally, use topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to help treat breakouts. Lastly, be sure to get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

Rosacea  

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that can be difficult to manage. To help reduce flare-ups, use gentle cleansers and apply sunscreen whenever you go outdoors. Additionally, look for products specifically designed for rosacea, such as creams or serums containing ingredients like green tea extract or niacinamide. Finally, speak to your doctor about any potential triggers and lifestyle changes you can make to help minimize the symptoms of this condition.

Psoriasis  

Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches on the body. To help manage this condition, use moisturizers to soothe dryness and irritation. Additionally, try to avoid any potential triggers such as stress or certain foods. If necessary, your doctor may recommend topical treatments or light therapy to help reduce flare-ups.

Premature Aging

If you're concerned about premature aging of your skin, there are steps you can take to help prevent it. Be sure to wear sunscreen whenever going outdoors, eat a balanced diet full of antioxidants and vitamins, and avoid smoking cigarettes or drinking too much alcohol. Additionally, look for products containing vitamin A or retinol as these can help stimulate collagen production to maintain a youthful appearance.

Dark Spots

Dark spots can be caused by sun exposure, but they can also be hereditary. If you want to reduce the appearance of dark spots, look for products containing ingredients like vitamin C or hydroquinone. Additionally, avoid any excessive sun exposure as this can worsen the condition. While it may take some time before you start seeing results, with proper skincare and patience, you'll gradually begin to notice an improvement in the appearance of your skin.

Photo by Alina Scheck on Unsplash

All skin types require different levels of care and attention. To keep your skin looking healthy, it's important to identify the specific needs and create a skincare routine for yourself that fits those needs. Be sure to use gentle and natural products, avoid triggers like stress or certain foods, get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, and wear sunscreen when going outdoors. With the right approach, you'll be able to maintain healthy-looking skin for years to come!

Tips for Keeping Your Family Healthy While on Vacation

 It's customary to celebrate the holidays with friends and family. But frequently, the constant eating and drinking might have a negative impact on our health. Why not make an effort to maintain your health over the Christmas season this year?

Maintain Hand Sanitation

Keeping everyone's hands clean is a simple approach to protect your family's health throughout the holidays. Use hand sanitizer frequently, especially before meals. Bring some with you. It's also a good idea to refrain from shaking hands with strangers.

The next best thing is hand sanitizer if water and soap are not available. Choose a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol in it. One hand's palm should be used to apply the hand sanitizer, and both hands should be thoroughly covered with it until they feel dry.

One of the easiest methods to avoid getting sick over the holidays is to wash your hands frequently. So make sure that soap and water are accessible to everyone in your family.

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1475503572774-15a45e5d60b9?ixlib=rb-4.0.3&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8M3x8aG9saWRheXxlbnwwfHwwfHw%3D&auto=format&fit=crop&w=500&q=60

Create a snack kit

Packing snacks is one of the simplest methods to keep up healthy eating habits when traveling. This will both save you money and help you avoid bad temptations.

Pick restaurants wisely

You must pick your restaurants wisely if you want to try to eat healthily while on vacation. Look for eateries that have a choice of healthful options and use fresh, local foods. Find out which restaurants are available, and whether they serve Mexican food or anything else that will suit the needs of your family.

Limit alcohol consumption

While on vacation, it's crucial to unwind, but you should also keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum. Alcoholism can cause dehydration and insomnia, both of which can be harmful to your health. Drink plenty of water in between alcoholic beverages if you plan to drink.

https://plus.unsplash.com/premium_photo-1664365204299-f65fdfcc8de3?ixlib=rb-4.0.3&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8NDd8fGhvbGlkYXl8ZW58MHx8MHx8&auto=format&fit=crop&w=500&q=60

Use sun protection.

Wearing sunscreen is among the most crucial things to remember when traveling. Even if you spend a brief amount of time outside, the sun can harm your skin. Therefore, make sure to regularly apply sunscreen and reapply as necessary. Skin cancer is a result of sun damage.

Be Active

Staying active is important, even though it can be enticing to spend the entire vacation reclining on the beach or relaxing at the hotel. You'll not only feel good, but you won't be as susceptible to illness. So take a stroll along the beach, cool off poolside, or go exploring. You'll be happy that you did!

Keep hydrated.

Making sure everyone drinks enough water while on vacation is among the most effective ways to keep the family healthy. Avoid sugary beverages like sodas as well as juices and drink lots of water instead. Drink much more water if you're traveling somewhere hot to avoid being dehydrated. To keep everyone hydrated and at their best, you may also bring electrolyte-rich foods like sports drinks and coconut water.

Undesirable insects

When you're outside, especially in wooded regions, it's a good idea to put on long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and socks. To prevent mosquitoes from getting close to your skin, tuck your trouser legs into your socks.

Additionally, you ought to stay indoors at dawn and nightfall, when mosquito activity is at its worst. Wear protective gear and apply repellant if you plan to be outside during those times.

Hillbilly Cider Cocktails

This recipe for hillbilly apple cider is the best easy cocktail for fall. This easy 2 ingredient recipe adds the perfect amount of apple pie moonshine to fresh apple cider for a smooth sipping drink that will really give you a kick in the pants! I love this cocktail for evenings when I don’t want to make a lot of effort for a cocktail because it is ready in about a minute.

Ingredients:

Apple Pie Moonshine

Fresh Pressed Apple Cider

Ice

Optional:

Cinnamon 

Directions:

Fill a glass with ice.

Add 1 ½ ounces of apple pie moonshine to your glass

Top off with 5 ounces of apple cider.

Give everything a good stir.

If you like you can garnish with cinnamon.

Find other favorite cocktail recipes here:

Blueberry Gin Fizzers

Sour Apple Margarita

4 Healthy Habits That Can Change Your Life

 For most people, it doesn’t take much to change an unhealthy lifestyle into a healthy one. A few tweaks here and there, and you can become fit and strong. Most of the time, it’s about ditching bad habits and replacing them with good ones. Here are some of the best habits you can have that will change your life for the better. 

 

Photo by Cats Coming

 

Drink Water Before You Eat 

Drinking more water is never a bad thing, and sipping water throughout the day is a good idea. However, drinking an extra glass of water before you eat is a great habit to get into as it makes you feel fuller. That means you won’t be tempted to keep eating – you’ll stop sooner than you might have done if you didn’t drink the water. Over time, this will make a big difference to your weight and the amount of food you eat (as a bonus, if you’re eating less, you’re saving money too). 

 

Get Healthy One Meal At A Time 

Start with just one meal a week and make that your really healthy one. Gradually, as you get more and more used to eating better and you learn how to do things like how to make a cucumber sandwich just the right way, for example, you can replace all of your unhealthy food with the good stuff and make every meal a healthy one. It might take a little while and a lot of practice, but once you get into the habit of making and eating food that is good for you, it will make you fitter and leaner and more able to be active and productive. 

 

Give Up The Poisons 

Bad habits are easy to form, and some are worse than others. Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and taking drugs that haven’t been prescribed can all become dangerous habits that have a hugely detrimental effect on your body. It can even become fatal. So the best way that you can be healthier is to give up these habits, which are, after all, all about putting poison into your body. Breaking a habit is hard but replacing it with a new one makes things easier, as long as that new habit is not as harmful as the original.

 

If you smoke, try chewing gum instead. If you drink, why not swap your nightly glass of wine or bottle or beer for a tumbler of juice? If drugs are your worst habit, then you may need to ask for professional help to quit. It will be hard, but it will be worth it. 

 

Get Active At Lunch

No matter how long you are given for lunch, you should try to get into the habit of getting active during it. Eat, of course, and then use whatever time is left for exercise. That doesn’t (necessarily) mean going to the gym, it could be something as simple as a walk or jog around the block or walking up and down the stairs a set number of times. Just as long as you’re moving around, that is a great start. The fitter you get, the more you’ll be able to do in a short period of time. These dentists in Avon Lake OH also recommend getting regular health checkups to ensure that you're always on top of your health.

Turn Your Summer Dinner Party Into The Best Foodie Event Of The Year

 While there are several foodie events that people can attend throughout the year, there is nothing quite as wholesome as hosting your own food event. 

Food events are most popular during the warmer months thanks to being able to spend more time outside. From home barbeques to food festivals, there is always a lot that happens during the summer to satisfy those foodies among us.

Should you be someone that loves to host people and cook good food, then why not host your own summer dinner party and turn it into the foodie event of the year? Whether you want to cook a barbeque or an inside dinner party, here are all of the tips that you need to host the best foodie event of the year.

Wine Glasses Vino - Free photo on Pixabay

Make homemade dips and sauces

Although you might think that cooking all of your ingredients from scratch is enough, it will enhance your dishes if you make your own sauces and dips. 

Store-bought dips and sauces are nice. But, they aren’t the same as a homemade concoction. The great thing about homemade dips and sauces is that you can add more flavor or diverse ingredients to make them unique. You might be able to throw something together that your friends and family ask you to make them time and time again because it was just so yummy.

For example, you could make a homemade tzatziki for your crudite platter and a sticky orange sauce for your barbecued chicken. 

It can take a lot of time to make all of your sauces and dips from scratch, so you might want to get started way ahead of the party so that you can enjoy cooking the main ingredients on the day.

Have a range of drinks on offer

The best parties are those that have a wide range of drinks on offer. You might only host adults, however, some guests might want a soft drink. 

Therefore, having a range of soft and alcoholic drinks will ensure that every guest is satisfied. 

To make your soft drinks extra special, you could throw together some mocktails and hand out your drinks in fancy glassware. 

Allow guests to bring their own recipes

Whether your friend wants to bring their fantastic summer sauteed corn and squash or lentil curry, let them. The more food, the merrier the party will be. 

When a guest asks to bring a dish with them, it isn’t because they don’t trust your cooking. Instead, it will likely be because they want to show off a new recipe that they have mastered. 

Sharing recipes and allowing people to bring their own food will also ensure that there is plenty to go around. If your food is that good, your guests might demolish it. Hence, having some extra food will make sure that guests never go hungry. 

Set the atmosphere

Like a professional food event, you should set the atmosphere. To do so, you could:

• Add decorations. Having your home and garden fully decorated will make the summer dinner party feel like an expert summer foodie event. Making your interior look the part will not go unnoticed and you will look like a host that really cares about their guests. 

• Create a theme. To make your foodie event unique and memorable, you could create a theme. This theme could run into the food choices, drink options, decorations, and dress code. For instance, you could create a Mexican-themed dinner party and make tacos, and margarita cocktails, and ask guests to dress in red, white, and green. 

• Don’t forget the music. Any ultimate summer party (food-based or not) will have music playing in the background. This will set the mood and get people in the party spirit. Again, this could align with your theme and further enhance the fun of your foodie event. 

Small and picky snacks and desserts

Before and after your guests eat, you will want to give them a little something to satisfy them. They might have not eaten all day to save themselves for your feast. Therefore, don’t forget to put out some pre-dinner snacks. This could be fancy canapes or a simple table of crisps, vegetable sticks, homemade dips, and nuts. 

Likewise, don’t forget to offer your guests a sweet treat to finish off their meals with. If you have prepared a large meal, then it is often best to make small and picky desserts. Something like bite-sized brownies, cookies, or homemade chocolate is perfect so that guests can balance out their palates.