Archive | FOOD AND DRINK

Sip into Summer with BellaMatcha’s Lavender Lemonade: Calm, Clarity & Clean Energy in a Bottle šŸ‹

You know those magical summer days that feel like they move just a little slower? When the sun is golden, the breeze is just right, and you’re sipping something cool and delicious on the deck or at a picnic? That’s exactly the vibe BellaMatcha’s Lavender Lemonade brings in every bottle.

And spoiler alert: I’m completely hooked.

šŸŒž The Upgrade Your Lemonade’s Been Waiting For
We all love a classic lemonade, but BellaMatcha’s twist is something truly special. They’ve elevated this warm-weather favorite with calming lavender and ceremonial-grade Japanese matcha (sourced straight from Kagoshima, Japan), creating a refreshing, functional drink that delivers smooth energy, mental clarity, and a gentle dose of peace.

šŸ’› Organic ingredients
šŸ’œ Naturally calming and energizing
šŸ‹ Just sweet enough
🌱 Non-GMO and vegan-friendly
🧊 Perfectly picnic-ready

Every sip feels like a little self-care ritual, and I’ve found myself reaching for a bottle whenever I need a gentle lift or an afternoon reset.

✨ Ready to Mix It Up? Try These BellaMatcha Recipes!

Because while sipping it straight is lovely, BellaMatcha Lavender Lemonade also makes a stunning base for cocktails, mocktails, and light treats. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

šŸ¹ Lavender Matcha Fizz Mocktail

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup BellaMatcha Lavender Lemonade
  • 1/2 cup sparkling water
  • Squeeze of fresh lemon
  • Ice
  • Optional: lavender sprig + lemon slice for garnish

Directions:
Fill a glass with ice. Add BellaMatcha and sparkling water. Squeeze in lemon and give it a gentle stir. Garnish and sip somewhere sunny.

šŸ‹ Icy Lavender Matcha Granita

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups BellaMatcha Lavender Lemonade
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)

Directions:
Pour BellaMatcha into a shallow dish and place in the freezer. Every 30–45 minutes, scrape with a fork until fluffy and icy. Serve in little bowls for the ultimate hot-day treat.

šŸ“ Berry-Lavender Matcha Spritz

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup BellaMatcha Lavender Lemonade
  • 1/4 cup muddled strawberries or raspberries
  • Splash of elderflower tonic or club soda
  • Mint leaves for garnish

Directions:
Muddle berries in a shaker or glass. Add BellaMatcha, ice, and a splash of elderflower tonic. Stir gently and garnish with fresh mint.

šŸø Lavender Lemonade Martini (for grown-ups only)

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz BellaMatcha Lavender Lemonade
  • 1 oz vodka
  • 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur (optional)
  • Fresh lavender sprig or lemon twist for garnish

Directions:
Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish and enjoy your zen in a glass moment.

One Bottle, So Many Possibilities
Whether you’re sipping it cold after yoga, blending it into a garden-party mocktail, or pairing it with a picnic lunch under the sun, BellaMatcha Lavender Lemonade is my go-to for feeling refreshed, balanced, and just a little more grounded.

You can learn more (and grab a few bottles for your fridge) at BellaMatcha.com.

Here’s to calming vibes, creative sips, and a beautiful summer ahead. šŸ’œšŸ‹šŸŒæ

A Taste of Hawaii in Every Sip: Why We’re Swooning Over Kona Earth Coffee (Plus Recipes!)

There’s coffee… and then there’s Kona Earth coffee. Once you’ve tasted the real deal from Hawaii’s legendary Kona coffee belt, it’s hard to go back to your average morning brew.

Let’s talk about why this small-batch, farm-fresh coffee has us dreaming of warm breezes, volcanic soil, and chocolate-covered everything, plus some delicious ways to enjoy it beyond the morning cup.

🌿 Grown on a Volcano, Roasted with Aloha
Yes, really! Kona Earth’s coffee is grown on the slopes of the Hualalai volcano in rich, mineral-packed soil that gives it its signature smoothness and depth. Every bean is hand-picked, roasted in small batches, and shipped fresh from the Big Island. It’s basically Hawaii in a cup.

ā˜• So Many Ways to Sip (or Cook!)
Whether you love the bold richness of an espresso roast, the balanced beauty of a classic blend, or the rare and delightful notes of Peaberry, Kona Earth’s whole-bean lineup has something for every taste. But why stop at sipping? Here are a few of our favorite ways to bring Kona Earth into your kitchen:

šŸ« Kona Mocha Energy Bites

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup nut butter
  • 1/4 cup ground Kona Earth coffee (Classic or Peaberry)
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup shredded coconut
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
  2. Roll into bite-sized balls and chill for 20–30 minutes.
  3. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Perfect for a midday pick-me-up!

šŸ”„ Kona Spice Grilled Veggie Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1–2 tsp Kona Earth Kona Spice BBQ Rub
  • Cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • Optional toppings: avocado, lime wedges, fresh cilantro

Directions:

  1. Toss veggies with olive oil and Kona Spice BBQ Rub.
  2. Grill until charred and tender (or roast at 425°F for 20 minutes).
  3. Serve over quinoa or rice and top with your faves. Instant island vibes!

šŸ¦ Hawaiian Coffee + Chocolate Affogato

Ingredients:

  • 1–2 scoops vanilla or coconut ice cream
  • 1 shot hot brewed Kona Earth Espresso Roast
  • 1 square Kona Earth Hawaiian Chocolate, chopped

Directions:

  1. Place ice cream in a small bowl or glass.
  2. Pour hot espresso over the top.
  3. Sprinkle with chopped chocolate. Savor every last creamy, melty spoonful.

šŸŽ The Gift That Keeps on Brewing
Whether you’re gifting a friend or treating yourself (yes, please!), Kona Earth’s curated gift sets, featuring their coffee, chocolate, and BBQ rub, are pure joy in a box. They’re available on KonaEarth.com or Amazon for easy delivery.

This is your sign to elevate your pantry, your morning routine, and your snack game. From bean to brew, bite to bowl, Kona Earth brings a taste of Hawaii home.

šŸŒ“ā˜•šŸŒˆ Here’s to sipping slow, eating well, and living a little more aloha every day.

There’s coffee… and then there’s Kona Earth coffee. Once you’ve tasted the real deal from Hawaii’s legendary Kona coffee belt, it’s hard to go back to your average morning brew.

Let’s talk about why this small-batch, farm-fresh coffee has us dreaming of warm breezes, volcanic soil, and chocolate-covered everything, plus some delicious ways to enjoy it beyond the morning cup.

🌿 Grown on a Volcano, Roasted with Aloha
Yes, really! Kona Earth’s coffee is grown on the slopes of the Hualalai volcano in rich, mineral-packed soil that gives it its signature smoothness and depth. Every bean is hand-picked, roasted in small batches, and shipped fresh from the Big Island. It’s basically Hawaii in a cup.

ā˜• So Many Ways to Sip (or Cook!)
Whether you love the bold richness of an espresso roast, the balanced beauty of a classic blend, or the rare and delightful notes of Peaberry, Kona Earth’s whole-bean lineup has something for every taste. But why stop at sipping? Here are a few of our favorite ways to bring Kona Earth into your kitchen:

šŸ« Kona Mocha Energy Bites

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup nut butter
  • 1/4 cup ground Kona Earth coffee (Classic or Peaberry)
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup shredded coconut
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
  2. Roll into bite-sized balls and chill for 20–30 minutes.
  3. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Perfect for a midday pick-me-up!

šŸ”„ Kona Spice Grilled Veggie Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1–2 tsp Kona Earth Kona Spice BBQ Rub
  • Cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • Optional toppings: avocado, lime wedges, fresh cilantro

Directions:

  1. Toss veggies with olive oil and Kona Spice BBQ Rub.
  2. Grill until charred and tender (or roast at 425°F for 20 minutes).
  3. Serve over quinoa or rice and top with your faves. Instant island vibes!

šŸ¦ Hawaiian Coffee + Chocolate Affogato

Ingredients:

  • 1–2 scoops vanilla or coconut ice cream
  • 1 shot hot brewed Kona Earth Espresso Roast
  • 1 square Kona Earth Hawaiian Chocolate, chopped

Directions:

  1. Place ice cream in a small bowl or glass.
  2. Pour hot espresso over the top.
  3. Sprinkle with chopped chocolate. Savor every last creamy, melty spoonful.

šŸŽ The Gift That Keeps on Brewing
Whether you’re gifting a friend or treating yourself (yes, please!), Kona Earth’s curated gift sets, featuring their coffee, chocolate, and BBQ rub, are pure joy in a box. They’re available on KonaEarth.com or Amazon for easy delivery.

This is your sign to elevate your pantry, your morning routine, and your snack game. From bean to brew, bite to bowl, Kona Earth brings a taste of Hawaii home.

šŸŒ“ā˜•šŸŒˆ Here’s to sipping slow, eating well, and living a little more aloha every day.

Let’s Get Saucy This Father’s Day, with Saucy Rascals!

The Ultimate Flavor-Packed Gift for Every Dad Who Likes to Grill, Chill, and Thrill in the Kitchen

Let’s be honest, most dads don’t want another mug, tie, or ā€œ#1 Dadā€ T-shirt. This Father’s Day, I’m giving my dad something deliciously different: The Saucy Sampler from Saucy Rascals, and I’m hoping it will be the perfect hit!

Created by a dad and his two young sons, Saucy Rascals sauces are made for everyday chefs who crave big flavor and simple ingredients. These family-friendly, preservative-free sauces are as fun as they are functional!

Each bottle is packed with real-deal superfoods like black garlic, tamarind, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cocoa, making them a tasty and better-for-you option for the entire family.

Here’s what’s inside the Saucy Sampler:

  • Original Everyday BBQ Sauce
  • Spicy BBQ
  • Mayo-BBQ
  • Ketchup
  • Hot Sauce
  • Black Garlic Teriyaki

Whether your dad is a grill master or more of a sauce-on-everything kind of guy, these flavors deliver.

Dad-Approved Recipes to Get Saucy With

šŸ” Backyard Burger Bar
Build-your-own burgers with the Ketchup, Mayo-BBQ, and Spicy BBQ as the star condiments. Add grilled mushrooms, melty cheese, plant-based patties, or classic beef for a hands-on Father’s Day feast.

šŸŒ¶ļø Sweet & Spicy Cauliflower Bites
Toss roasted cauliflower in the Hot Sauce plus a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. Serve with a creamy dip made with the Mayo-BBQ and Greek yogurt. My dad LOVED this one.

šŸš Black Garlic Teriyaki Stir-Fry
SautĆ© seasonal veggies with tofu or shrimp, pour on the Black Garlic Teriyaki, and serve it over rice or noodles. It’s rich, savory, and surprisingly addictive.

🌯 Breakfast Wraps with a Kick
Scramble eggs or tofu, add sautƩed spinach, cheese, and roasted sweet potatoes, then roll into a tortilla. Finish with a generous squeeze of Spicy BBQ or Hot Sauce for the perfect brunch wrap.

Why I’m Obsessed

I’m always on the lookout for brands that are both family-centered and eco-conscious, and Saucy Rascals fits the bill. No high fructose corn syrup. No artificial ingredients. Just bold, fun flavors that bring people together around the table (or grill!).

Not to mention, I love supporting businesses that are teaching kids how to dream big in the kitchen. This father-and-sons team isn’t just selling sauces, they’re sharing stories, building memories, and creating healthier alternatives we can all feel good about.

Ready to Get Saucy?

Grab your Saucy Sampler now at www.saucyrascals.com. It makes a great gift for Father’s Day, or really, any day where good food and good company are on the menu.

My dad is already planning a cookout to try all six flavors. I might need to grab another sampler… because these bottles go fast!

šŸ’š Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Sweet Greens, and here’s to keeping it saucy, sustainable, and seriously delicious.

The Cookies That Disappeared Way Too Fast šŸŖ

We’re not usually big on pre-packaged treats around here. We do most of my baking from scratch with simple, real ingredients, and when I want something sweet, it usually comes from my own oven.

But every now and then, you need something easy, allergy-friendly, and safe to grab on the go, and that’s exactly where Mightylicious comes in. These cookies are soft, satisfying, and a solid gluten-free option when you want something quick, sweet, and safe to share.

Here are two we tried and yep, they disappeared fast. In fact, I said to Jayson more than once… “are you eating MY cookies?” šŸ˜‰

🄄 Gma Arline’s Oatmeal Coconut Cookie (Gluten-Free + Vegan)

This one stole the show for me. Soft and chewy, just the right amount of sweetness, and that toasty coconut flavor that makes you want to pour a cup of tea and take a break. I love that they’re gluten-free and vegan (and maybe passed down from a grandma who really knew what she was doing).

You can grab them here → Oatmeal Coconut Cookie

šŸ« Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie (Also Gluten-Free)

This one’s a classic! Soft, melty, and just the right amount of indulgent. Perfect for a lunchbox treat or those late-afternoon ā€œI need chocolate nowā€ moments. If you’re dairy-free, gluten-free, or just picky about your cookies (raises hand), you’ll love this one too.

Find it here → Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie

šŸ¦ Fun Treat Idea: Ice Cream Sandwiches!

These cookies are perfect for a quick, fun dessert. Here’s how we’ve been making the easiest (and yummiest) allergy-friendly ice cream sandwiches:

You’ll need:
– 1 pack of Mightylicious cookies (we love using the Oatmeal Coconut or Chocolate Chip!)
– Your favorite non-dairy ice cream (vanilla bean, chocolate, or even cookie dough!)
– Optional: mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or crushed nuts for the edges

To make:
Let the ice cream soften just a bit. Scoop a generous spoonful onto one cookie, sandwich with another, gently press, then roll the edges in your favorite toppings. Freeze for 30 minutes or until firm… and try to share. šŸ˜‰

Perfect for spring celebrations, warm weekends, or honestly—just because.

🌿 Sweet, Safe, and Shareable

Mightylicious bakes all of their cookies in a dedicated gluten-free facility, and they’re free of the top 9 allergens—which means more people can enjoy them, stress-free. They’re made with real ingredients and so much heart (you can taste it in every bite).

These are the kind of treats I feel good keeping on hand for family, for guests, or let’s be honest… for myself. Just the right amount of sweet. Just the right kind of simple.

šŸ“¦ Shop all the Mightylicious cookies here, but maybe order a few packs. They go fast.

Vegan Baked Goods? Sweet, Simple, and a Little Bit Mighty šŸ«

If you’ve got a soft spot for vegan baked goods that are big on flavor and food-allergy friendly, then allow me to introduce you to your new pantry MVP: Mightylicious.

These mixes are seriously next-level. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan-friendly, and made with clean, real ingredients, but most importantly? They’re absolutely delicious. The kind of treat you whip up ā€œfor the kidsā€ and then quietly hide the last one for yourself (no judgment here).

This week I’ve been baking with the Mightylicious Chocolate Brownie Mix and their new Vegan All-Purpose Flour, and let’s just say, my kitchen smells like heaven, and my family is very happy. So I thought I’d share the recipes that earned repeat requests by day two. šŸ˜„

šŸ« Mightylicious Fudgy Brownie Sundaes

This brownie mix is a chocolate lover’s dream—rich, chewy, and deeply chocolatey without being overly sweet. Here’s how I’ve been serving them lately:

What you’ll need:
1 pouch of Mightylicious Chocolate Brownie Mix
ā…“ cup coconut oil (or unsalted butter if you’re not dairy-free)
2 flax eggs (or regular eggs if you prefer)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: dairy-free chocolate chips, walnuts, or a swirl of almond butter

To make:
Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8″ pan. Mix all ingredients until just combined. Pour into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until set but still slightly fudgy in the center. Cool for 10 minutes (if you can wait!) and slice.

Serve with:
A scoop of vanilla coconut milk ice cream, a drizzle of almond butter, and a sprinkle of cacao nibs. Trust me.

šŸŖ Vegan Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Mightylicious Flour!)

This one’s become a quick favorite—crispy edges, soft centers, and just the right amount of chocolate.

What you’ll need:
1 cup Mightylicious Vegan All-Purpose Flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup almond butter
¼ cup maple syrup
2 tbsp melted coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla
ā…“ cup vegan chocolate chips

To make:
Preheat oven to 350°F. In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. In another, stir together almond butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry, then fold in chocolate chips. Scoop dough onto a baking sheet, flatten slightly, and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. Let cool (they firm up as they sit).

These cookies are perfect with a cozy cup of tea or tucked into lunchboxes for a surprise sweet treat.

🌿 Why I Love This Brand

Mightylicious bakes with purpose. Their mixes are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility and are free of the top 9 allergens. That means more people can enjoy home-baked comfort without stress or compromise. And the fact that they actually taste like the nostalgic treats you grew up with? That’s the magic.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a loved one with food sensitivities, or just treating yourself to something special, these two mixes are pantry must-haves. They make baking simple, joyful, and seriously satisfying.

You can shop their full collection here. I think your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you.