Groove Ring

Groove Ring

8.06.2018

It's been a really good, really hot summer. And even though it's now August which means the summer is winding down, I know there are still many weeks to enjoy ahead of us. The heat seems to linger all through September, sometimes even into the early weeks of October.

In the summer, if we aren't working or doing something for the house, we're probably at the lake. We kayak and go for a quick dip on random week nights, bbq dinner on the beach for a date night and spend longer weekend days swimming, paddling around, tying up at islands and swimming til we're hungry and ready for dinner.

There's just something about being out on the water in our quiet kayak surrounded by nature that is so relaxing. It's freeing and simple. Two thing that I think define summer.

Since we spend so much time at the lakes in our area, I've come accustom to wearing a wedding band that fits this lifestyle when we're on the water. I don't know about you, but I'm paranoid of chipping or losing my rings in a place where they'd be near impossible to recover (large bodies of water, sand, etc). I love Groove's flexible and comfortable bands for situations like this. It is so easy to wear when we're active and need an alternative to our precious rings!

Not to mention, baby girl is only growing more and more each day and soon enough my rings will probably no longer fit until after she arrives. My Groove ring is so soft and easy to swap out to keep my finger and rings safe as I progress through my pregnancy.

The end of summer is my favorite part of the season. The days are the warmest. The sunsets are beautiful. And it's also when we celebrate our wedding anniversary which means we go on a little vacation! We're headed to Boothbay, Maine for a few days next week and I'll definitely be packing my Groove ring for when we head for the beach or visit a local state park.



I'm running a giveaway on my Instagram (@nicolelynnschradieck). Head there to enter to win a Groove ring of your choice :)


Til then, enjoy these warm days while they're here and get outside!

Essential Oil Blends: Morning to Night

Essential Oil Blends: Morning to Night

7.16.2018

I typically diffuse essential oils at night when I am sleeping or mix them with carrier lotion to soothe a sunburn or other skin irritation. I recently decided to try using them in a new way - mixed with fractionated coconut oil in a roller bottle.

Using Eden's Garden "Goodnight" and "Shine" blends, I filled each roller bottle about 2/3 of the way with fractionated coconut oil, then added about 15 drops of the blend and topped it off with more fractionated coconut oil until the bottle was full.

The "Shine" blend will be great for rolling on first thing in the morning to wake up and invigorate the senses. Energizing and revitalizing, its floral and sweet aroma captivates the senses and inspires strength. Shine is an effective mix of Lavandin, Lavender, Sandalwood, Tangerine, Melissa, Ylang Ylang, Elemi, Osmanthus and Lemon Myrtle essential oils. It can also be mixed with unscented lotion, diffused with distilled water, or mixed into the running water of your bath.

The "Goodnight" blend promotes calm and rest. The essential oils that makeup Good Night have unique soothing properties to help you sink deeply into the pillow. Good Night is an even blend of Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Chamomile, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, Key Lime, Lime and Vanilla CO2. I'm looking forward to trying out an evening blend in a new way instead of diffusing like I typically do.

Do you use essential oils? Do you have any favorite blends or mixtures you make yourself? What is your favorite way to use them? Let me know in the comments, I'm always looking for new ideas!

Products used:

Eden's Garden Fractionated Coconut Oil

Eden's Garden "Goodnight" Blend

Eden's Garden "Shine" Blend

Amber Glass Roller Ball Bottles

Dymo Label Maker

Bean Dip Recipe

Bean Dip Recipe

7.09.2018

Lunch ideas are a challenge as it is since, unfortunately, I'm not one of those people that can eat the same few things week after week. Though, I wish I was because that'd make life a lot easier!! Since being pregnant, lunches have become even more difficult since deli sandwiches and cured meats are a no-go. I generally pack a variety of healthy snacks (nuts, granola bar, fruit, hummus, veggies, etc). Protein is what's missing. This bean dip is loaded with it and the perfect fix!

Ingredients:

Dressing

1/3 c sugar

1/3 c apple cider vinegar

1/3 c olive oil

Dip

1 can pink beans

1 can black beans

1 can black eye peas

1 can shoe peg corn

1/2 c red onion

1/2 c green pepper

1/2 c celery

Directions:

In a sauce pan over low to medium heat, dissolve the dressing ingredients. Stir constantly.

Once dissolved, remove from heat and let cool completely.

Drain the pink beans, black beans, black eye peas and shoe peg corn and combine in a large mixing bowl. Finely chop the red onion, green pepper and celery. Add the veggies to the bowl and mix together. Pour the cooled dressing over the mixture and toss well. Let the flavors combine over night in the fridge.

Enjoy with crackers, dip chips or straight up with a spoon!

Winter Neutrals

Winter Neutrals

1.23.2018

I've been loving the rise of online boutiques due to their super unique pieces at an affordable price. Tobi, an online women's boutique, was so kind to send me a few of their best neutral pieces that work seamlessly with my already established capsule-esque wardrobe. So I wanted to share how I am styling them for winter in a simple way! They are all pieces that are easy to layer with and can certainly cross into fall or spring as well.

When I'm deciding what to add to my collection, I always look for quality pieces that will easily mix into my existing wardrobe and work well for at least two or three of our ever changing New England seasons.

Tobi | SIMILAR NECKLACE | MADEWELL HIGH RISE EANS | ROCKETDOG BOOTIES

This first outfit is a soft and cozy ribbed top (Tobi) that I've paired with skinny jeans for some definition and my daily driver booties. This could easily be dressed up with some heels or chic pointed flats and dainty gold earrings.

Tobi | OLD NAVY TIGHTS | SIMILAR BLACK BOOTS

Oh how I love olive. It pairs so well with almost anything and is just a tad bit more unique in the neutral scale of things. My go to and easy way to style this olive tunic dress (Tobi) is with black sheer tights and black leather booties with a bit of a heel. I'm excited to transition this into spring with brown leather sandals and a jean jacket layered on top!

Tobi | MADEWELL BOY JEANS | LUCKY BRAND HEEL BOOTIESOversized sweaters are everything. I'm picky about which ones I add to my collection since I know they are workhorses in my wardrobe. They have to stand up to lots of wearing, washing as well as easily mix and match. I'm in love with this oversized mock neck navy blue knit sweater (Tobi). Neutral pieces that have subtle but interesting textures or details are my sweet spot. This sweater has a zipper detail up both sides and a mixed diagonal and vertical knit pattern. It's the subtle things! It's a comfy sweater so I paired it with my comfiest boy jeans and added some heeled booties to elongate the line of the look. I will also most definitely be wearing this sweater with leggings, slippers, a top knot and hot mug of tea in hand on a Sunday too ;)
I hope these easy neutral outfits are inspiration for your wardobe as we strike just about the very middle of winter. Spring is not far off, but I'm okay with winter for a while longer... it's been a wonderfully slow and simple one.
Cheers,