Homemade Popsicle & Iced Tea Recipe

Summer only just hit for us in West Michigan about 10 days ago, so now I'm full-on embracing it! I got the latest issue of the Magnolia Journal last week and in it was a recipe for watermelon popsicles. I wanted to try them, so I found some cute popsicle molds and went for it!  I also have my recipe for iced tea below.

First, I blended my seedless watermelon up.

Then I strained it into a bowl so none of the pulp would get in the popsicles.

Next, you whisk in your greek yogurt with honey in it. I have to say, if I were to do these again I would either add more honey or a pinch of sugar. They weren't very sweet!

 1 Tablespoon lime juice + lime zest is next!

Add a pinch of salt (like I said, I'd omit this and add sugar!) then whisk until smooth.

Pour the liquid into your molds, then let freeze overnight!

They turned out so cute + yes, they were good :) I like things a little sweeter OR more sour, so next time I'd either make them sweeter or add more lime juice. They're not the most flavorful popsicle I've ever had, but it was fun and they were refreshing!

Other popsicle recipes I want to try:

- 4th of July Berry Pops

- 4 healthy flavors of fruit popsicles I want to try!

The other thing I love making in the summer is iced tea! My grandma has a fresh pot in her fridge almost anytime I go over to her house. She leaves hers unsweetened and sweetens each cup with a sweet and low pack (ha! Can't get her to stop using what she always has used!) but I sweeten mine all at once.

1. Boil a pot of water 2. Once boiled, stick 4-6 tea bags of Lipton Tea (I use decaf because I can't have caffeine) in the pot and let steep per directions on the package. Sometimes I'll add a peach tea bag to the mix if I want a little fruit flavor. My husband likes this! 3. Add your sugar or honey to taste (I use half and half and don't sweeten it TOO much incase someone doesn't like it). Stir it up 4. Add tons of ice to your pitcher then pour the hot tea over the ice. Cut up a lemon (or any fruit you want!) to add to the pitcher. 5. Refrigerate until cold. Add more ice to your cup, then enjoy a fresh cup of iced tea!
* You can easily make an Arnold Palmer by adding lemonade to your iced tea.

Let me know if you try any of these recipes or if you have a favorite popsicle recipe! I'd love to try it!!

Happy Monday! xoxo


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Flank Steak Taco Crock Pot Recipe

Do you have that ONE recipe that you know you can make perfectly and it'll be a crowd-pleaser every time?! I sure do. It's my flank steak tacos. And when I say "my recipe" I mean my mom gave me the recipe and she originally got it from my aunt ;) It's tried and true, friends! I've mentioned it here on the blog before but never shared the recipe, so I thought I would being that it's Memorial Day weekend and this is the perfect thing to cook for a large amount of people.

Picture from this very similar recipe
Ingredients: 1.5lbs of flank steak for 6 people (I was going to make 3lbs for 10 people this weekend) 1 can Mexican Stewed Tomatoes (for MI locals, I've only ever found these at Meijer) 1 small can mild green chilis 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp minced garlic salt and pepper
Taco sides:
Spanish / Mexican rice lime avocado salsa shredded cheese

Directions: Score the Flank Steak on both sides. Salt and pepper both sides of steak. Put in the crockpot. Dump all ingredients on top of the stead. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-8. .Usually I do low for 4 then high for 1 or two. Stir every so often, making sure the juices are on top of the meat. An hour before serving, shred your flank steak with two forks. This should happen easily (that's how you know it's almost done!) 
We serve this just like any other tacos by topping them with rice, avocado, cheese, lettuce, etc. The only thing I wouldn't do is beans. 
They are so delicious and any time I make them, everyone always wants the recipe! Maybe this will help your Memorial Day meal planning. Oh! And leftovers are almost better than the first time you eat them...so juicy ;) 
Let me know if you try them!
Before I sign off for the day, I wanted to let you know I'll be back with Memorial Day Sales tomorrow, but in case you want a head start, here are a couple already going on!
Nordstrom: Half Yearly Sale! Up to 40% off! Bloomingdales: up to 40% off Designer Handbags LOFT: 40% off everything J.Crew: 40% off everything with code GETAWAY J.Crew Factory: 50% off everything with code WINWIN West Elm: Buy more, save more with code SAVEMORE  Anthropologie: 20% off home decor and furniture ASOS: 20% off with code SUNNYDAYS Madewell: 20% off dresses with code PRETTYPLEASE Target: sale on home decor and patio World Market: save 20% + FREE shipping!
xoxo

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Berry Scones & Trader Joe's Favorites

Okay, friends. I don't share recipes on here very much, because well, I'm not a cook! Truth be told, I actually despise grocery shopping. It's always freezing cold, the lights are weird in the store, and I could just think of a million other things I'd rather do. However, I do loveeee Trader Joe's and that's where 90% of my grocery shopping is done, so it's more enjoyable there than anywhere else. And just upfront, this is not a sponsored post in any way, shape or form. Trader Joe's has no idea who I am haha! I just thought, since that's where I mostly shop, I'd share some of my favorite finds! I also want to hear what yours are, because I'm ALWAYS looking for new things to try.

One of the first being their scones. You literally add water and mix it up, then bake them for 13 minutes! They're delicious, however I do doctor mine up a bit by adding some fresh fruit or chocolate chips (they have both types of mixes) and then make my own glaze by combining 2 tablespoons milk, 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. I made them this week and they've been a great afternoon treat!

Some of my other favorite things include:
- Orange chicken - Rice medley - Waffles (Frozen section...yep, they're delish) - Salad with cranberries, candied pecans, bleu cheese, and dressing in a bag - Cheese platter (it has 4 types of cheese on the platter, perfect for making sandwiches and grilled cheeses) - Roasted pepper & tomato soup (don't even try the straight tomato one, this one is WAY better!) - Pizza dough to make your own pizza - My husband likes the already made BBQ chicken pizza - Cranberry Apple Juice - Any of their sparkling lemonades - Veggie burgers - Cookie ice cream sandwiches for a special treat (you guys-- hands down, best ice cream sandwiches I've ever had! Thank me later!) - Spatchcock chicken with lemon in the meat department - Garlic croutons - Basil and garlic linguine noodles - Joe's Honeynut O's - Oatmeal with chia and flax seeds - Rasin and rosemary crackers (pair with any of their yummy cheeses) - Cookie brownie bites
I think that's all I can think of for now. I want to hear some of YOUR faves! Please help a sister out and give me some new ideas in the comments :) xoxo

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In the Kitchen: Peach Glaze Pork Chops

Last week I made a delicious (if I do say so myself!) dinner for my boyfriend and I. My grandma taught me how to make it before I moved to Michigan, so it was fun to put together again. And bonus? My boyfriend LOVED it.  If you love pork chops and potatoes, this is a great, easy meal for you to try!

Peach Glaze Pork Chops
Ingredients-
2 TBSP Olive Oil
Porch Rib Chops (8-12 oz. each)

Glaze-
1/3 C. Vodka
2 TBSP Honey
1 C. Diced Peaches
2 TBSP Rosemary
4 TBSP Unsalted Butter

Directions-
1. Add oil to a large sauce pan. Season chops with salt and pepper. Put in pan, COVER, heat over medium heat for 7 minutes.
2. Flip chops, cover and cook until 145 degrees (about 10 minutes more).
3. Remove from pan and cover with foil. Set aside.
Deglaze:
4. Pour vodka in pan. Scrape up browned bits from grilling the chops. 
2. Stir in honey.
3. Boil mixture until syrupy (2-3 minutes).
4. Add peaches and rosemary. Summer until peaches are soft.
5. Off the heat, swirl in butter a pat at a time until fully melted.

It seems involved, but it's really not at all! I served mine with olive oil and rosemary drizzled over some red potatoes. It was the perfect pairing! Let me know if you give it a try :)

Have a great Wednesday!
xoxo

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In the Kitchen: Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

I mentioned a while back that I made the decision to go gluten-free for a while, in hopes of solving some headache and muscle pain/tension problems. I'm happy to report I feel so, so, so much better since doing it! I know it's a crazy trend right now, but I can actually see why now. Before my Dr's suggesting it to me I was really skeptical, but now I'm sold. Our foods are so processed these days, it's crazy! Cutting out gluten {which is wheat, for those of you wondering} takes away a lot of processed foods and helps you focus on eating more fruits and veggies. It's also made me want to bake and cook more, trying lots of new recipes. 

Today I'm sharing my FAVORITE banana chocolate chip muffin with you. If you've tried gluten-free products you know they're sometimes gummy, dense, or dry. Not these, trust me! It's moist and delicious. One of my best friend's is gluten free, so she's been able to give me recipes she knows are already really good. The key to this one are the three types of flour. It sounds high maintenance, but it's what make them fluffy and moist.  This muffin recipe comes from The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook, adapted by my friend Kate.

They're so good, even Hope wanted one. Okay, I caved and gave her a small piece after this picture :)

Ingredients: 

Steps:


1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil muffin tins or line with paper muffin cups.

2. In a large bowl combine all the dry ingredients: flours, sugar, xanthan gum, baking soda and powder, and salt. Mix well.

3. Mash the bananas in a separate bowl. You should need about 4 bananas to give you 2 cups.

4. Mix together wet ingredients: almond milk, coconut oil and vanilla. Whisk in mashed bananas. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix together. Do not over mix. Gently fold in chocolate chips.

5. Spoon bater into oiled muffin tins. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Loosen sides with a knife and let cool on wire rack.

Enjoy the most tasty muffins ever :) Let me know if you have any good recipes or if you try this one.

Happy Monday!
xoxo

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Friday's Letters

Dear Friday, every week you come and I can't believe you're here already! Dear The Bachelorette, I can't wait to see what happens this Monday. Last week's episode was INSANE! Dear September, pretty please get here sooner so I can go visit my best friend and her new baby who's due in 3 weeks! Dear Hope, this whole grab-every-sock-in-sight-thing isn't workin' for me. But you're so cute, it's hard to be upset :) Dear Gluten Free Diet, I sort of love you! It's fun finding new foods I enjoy without wheat, and I'm continually shocked at myself for passing up delicious french bread and cupcakes.  Maybe this is really a big lesson in self control! If you want a great recipe for GF Peach Cobbler, try this one.  Dear Megan, I can't wait to come see you and Emory in Texas in November. My first blog best friend...I treasure you! Dear Lilac Mani, you're my favorite. 

Dear Readers, I adore you! Don't forget to enter the Lulu & Georgia giveaway from yesterday.

Happy Friday! I'm linking up with Ashley for Friday's Letters.
xoxo

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Cherry-Lime Cocktail Recipe

*images by Michaela Noelle Designs

If you want to learn the recipe for this delicious girly cocktail, head over to Rue Daily today to find out!  Of course, this would be just as tasty without the bubbly, too. 

What do you have planned this weekend? I will be having a family BBQ at our house and attending a bridal shower for a family friend, as well as start work on a client bedroom. I can't wait to share some of it with you soon!

Happy weekend!
xoxo

PS. If you'd like to advertise on Michaela Noelle Designs in August, please email me at michaelawarner90 {at} gmail.com for packages and pricing. If you have a sweet shop, business, or blog you'd like to promote and think is a good fit for my readers, I'd love to chat!

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{In the Kitchen} Homemade Mini Pizzas

I've been on a recent cooking kick, and thought I'd share one of my favorite mini bite recipes as of lately.  If you're looking for a quick and yummy appetizer, these mini pizzas are perfect! I found the recipe on Pinterest and gave it whirl. It did not disappoint.  I put the recipe on the images above, but if you want more info, go view the original recipe here.  

Also, since I've been enjoying cooking much more in the new apartment, let me know your favorite recipes to cook up so I can try them! So...what have you cooked {or baked!} recently?! Keep them simple...this girl doesn't have a ton of time!

Bon Appétit...and happy Friday!
xoxo

PS. Yesterday I told you I was going to a taping of my favorite show ever-- Yes, that's right, I'm going to a taping of The Bachelor, The Women Tell All.  Don't worry, I'll be sure to tell everyone hello for you and give you the details next week! Eeeeek! {If only Sean wasn't taken now, this would have been my chance to meet him!} ;)

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Work It Out

Let me preface this post with this: Yes, it's still me- the purple-obsessed, chevron-lover, design-enthusiast and chocoholic.  To my close friends and family who are reading this post...please hold your applause until the end ;)
***
As of this past weekend, my roommates and I decided we were going to try this new thing called exercising and eating healthier.  In order to tone up and stay fit, we made a commitment that we are going to cook more healthy meals together, run at least once a week, and do a 10 minute abs video every night before bed.  If you know me at all, you know that I despise running and most forms of exercise.  There's something about a gym that bores me. My mom took me one time and I did the bike, elliptical, and weights and was donezo after 30 minutes! Booorrring. That marked the last time mom let me come with her to the gym. 


Over the past couple of years, though, I've discovered I love hiking and walks outdoors. My mom and I will do those at least once a week when I'm home in the summer.  I have also acquired a love for hot yoga this past year! It's a great workout/muscle builder and something I really enjoy, however, it is very pricey {not to mention you sweat so much, I unexpectedly  lost a little too much weight to be doing on a weekly basis}.   So, we decided that a short jog once or twice a week will be a great replacement.  


Only problem? I. hate. running.
And I get headaches when I run, which could be because A. I have poor breathing techniques or B. My brain is trying to find a reason to quit. Most likely option B.
But, my roommates are great because they push me to keep going. And yesterday on our run I only got 3 side cramps.
It can only go up from here, people! 


I was a good blogger and brought my iPhone to capture my first run in ages. My roommates are learning that even the littlest things get intagrammed now :)

 

this would be before the run.

stunning view and some serious sunshine always helps!

couldn't resist having a little fun with our shadows!

Want to know what we cooked as our healthy meal last night? Here's the recipe!


Heat oven to 350. Throw together an assortment of vegetables {red and yellow peppers, zucchini, broccoli, red or white onions} with some sun dried tomatoes and drizzle olive oil over the top.  Bake vegetables for 20-25 minutes.


Cook pasta {I love gluten free pasta with this dish!} and combine vegetables and pasta in one bowl. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the pasta and veggies and serve! Top the pasta dish off with some parmesan cheese if you wish!


***
So, today marks some very important things:
1. I exposed to the world wide web that I'm not a fan of exercising and probably embarrassed myself.
2. In doing so, I've allowed all of my bloggy friends who love to work out able to keep me accountable.
3. I've written my first post about exercising. 
4. I shared my first healthy recipe on the blog.
5. I've been online shopping for-- wait for it--- running shoes, because my shins hurt and I'm guessing it's because my shoes are 4 years old. Suggestions?!


So tell me, what's your key to a balanced and healthy lifestyle? What type of work out do you most enjoy?

Happy Tuesday!
Love,

PS. Don't forget to link up with me tomorrow for my She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not linky party! Can't wait to see what your picks for the week are!

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