Archive | FOOD AND DRINK

Spice Up Everything: Why I’m Obsessed with Stella Herb & Spice Blends (The Mini’s Collection) 🌿

If you love cooking (or even if you kind of like cooking but wish it were easier), then you need to know about Stella Herb & Spice Blends. I recently got my hands on The Mini’s Collection from Stella Foods, and I’m officially in love. These little packets pack so much flavor and make it super simple to level up your meals—without needing a million ingredients.

This thoughtfully curated collection includes a variety of blends inspired by global flavors, everyday staples, and fresh herbs. But the best part? They’re crafted with clean ingredients, no additives, and tons of creativity.

Why Stella Blends Are My New Go-To

Let’s talk about what makes these blends so good. Whether you’re roasting veggies, marinating protein, tossing together a salad, or simply spicing up a piece of avocado toast, Stella’s blends add instant flavor without fuss.

🌱 100% Natural & Clean Ingredients – No fillers, no preservatives, no weird stuff—just herbs, spices, and a whole lot of love.
🌿 Curated Blends for Every Kind of Dish – From earthy to spicy to bright and citrusy, the full collection has everything you need to explore new flavor profiles.

What’s in The Complete Collection Minis?

This set gives you a full flavor tour in seven packets—perfect for gifting, sampling, or discovering your new kitchen staples. Here’s what is included:

✨ The Daily – Refined blend of garden herbs and vegetables
🍋 French Citrus – Captivating fusion of fragrant herbs and radiant citrus
🌿 The Unexpected – Savory herbs, warm spices, and fresh citrus
🍊Bright Pepper – Brilliant citrus and fresh aromatic peppercorns
🌶️Addictive Heat – Obsessive and intense mix of chilis and spices
🐝 Honey’d Heat – Chilis and spices with a luscious sweet finish
🔥 Smoke & Flame – Smoky aromatics mixed with chili heat and spices

Each blend is beautifully balanced—they’re designed to bring your meals to life without overwhelming them.

Easy Ways to Use Them (Even if You’re Not a Chef!)

What I love most about this collection is that it’s beginner-friendly and endlessly versatile. No need to measure out six spices just to make dinner taste good—just grab a packet, sprinkle, and go!

🥗 Quick Salad Dressings – Mix one of the herb blends with olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar for instant flavor
🍳 Upgrade Your Eggs – Scrambled eggs, omelets, breakfast burritos—try Savory Garlic or Chili Citrus
🥔 Perfect Roasted Veggies – Toss sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or carrots with olive oil and Smoky Paprika or Lemon Herb
🍝 Simple Pasta – Add a pinch of Green Garden or Savory Garlic to buttered noodles, marinara, or pesto
🍿 Popcorn Seasoning – Sprinkle a savory or spicy blend onto popcorn with a little olive oil for a movie night treat

A Few Easy Recipe Ideas to Try

1. Roasted Chickpea Snack Bowl
Toss canned chickpeas with olive oil and Stella’s Smoky Paprika blend. Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until crispy. Perfect as a snack or salad topper!

2. Green Garden Avocado Toast
Top your toast with mashed avocado, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of the Green Garden blend. Add a poached egg for extra protein.

3. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and the Lemon Herb blend for 30 minutes. Grill or bake until cooked through. Serve over rice or salad.

4. Chili Citrus Roasted Veggie Tacos
Toss sweet potatoes, red onions, and bell peppers in olive oil and the Chili Citrus blend. Roast until caramelized and fill your tortillas for a plant-based taco night.

5. Savory Garlic Pasta Popcorn
Pop your favorite popcorn kernels in coconut oil. Sprinkle with Stella’s Savory Garlic blend, a little nutritional yeast, and sea salt for a delicious savory snack.

The Perfect Gift for Foodies (or Yourself!)

Whether you’re shopping for a foodie friend, building a housewarming basket, or just want to treat yourself, the Stella Mini’s Collection is such a thoughtful, unique gift. It’s one of those things people don’t know they need until they try it—and once they do, there’s no going back. These would be fun to add to a foodie gift basket!

Sustainability That Tastes Good

As someone who’s always looking for ways to reduce waste in the kitchen, I really appreciate that Stella Foods is committed to reusable, recyclable packaging and clean, real ingredients.

Final Thoughts: These Minis Are Mighty

If you’ve ever stood in front of your spice cabinet overwhelmed by options—or skipped adding flavor because it felt like too much work—the Stella Mini’s Collection are your new best friend. These blends take the guesswork out of seasoning and make every meal taste more exciting, more vibrant, and more “wow.”

They’re small, sustainable, and seriously packed with flavor. What more could we ask for?

👉 Check them out here!

💬 Tried any of the Stella blends yet? Let me know your favorite one (or how you used it!) in the comments below!

SunButter & Sustainability: Guilt-Free Snacking for a Greener Planet

When it comes to sustainable snacking, not all ingredients are created equal. That’s why SunButter is a true Sustainability Supporter—a delicious, nut-free spread that’s better for both you and the planet.

Unlike almond butter, which requires huge amounts of water to produce, SunButter uses way less water, making it a more eco-friendly choice. Even better? Sunflower seed shells are recycled for turkey bedding, reducing agricultural waste and giving back to the environment. 🌎♻️

So grab your favorite people, get cozy, and let’s make snack time more sustainable!

🥜 Step 1: Choose Sustainable, Nut-Free Snacks

Whether you’re craving something salty, sweet, or crunchy, SunButter has got you covered! Made from roasted sunflower seeds, their spreads are a delicious, nut-free alternative to peanut butter, perfect for those with allergies or looking for a more sustainable, protein-packed snack.

🌿 Why SunButter is a Sustainable Choice:

✔️ Made from responsibly grown sunflower seeds 🌻
✔️ Non-GMO, no artificial preservatives 🚫
✔️ Nut-free & allergy-friendly 🥜🚫
✔️ Comes in recyclable jars 🌎♻️

👉 Explore SunButter’s collection.

🍫 Step 2: Make Easy Zero-Waste SunButter Snacks

Skip the plastic-wrapped energy bars and processed snacks—try making homemade SunButter treats using fresh, wholesome ingredients! Here are a few delicious, waste-free snack ideas.

🌱 3-Ingredient SunButter Energy Bites

🥣 What You Need:

  • 1 cup SunButter (any variety!)
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup

🥄 How to Make It:
1️⃣ Mix all ingredients in a bowl until fully combined.
2️⃣ Roll into bite-sized balls and place on a parchment-lined tray.
3️⃣ Refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm, then enjoy!

🌿 Eco-Friendly Tip: Store your energy bites in a glass container or reusable silicone bag instead of plastic wrap!

🍎 Apple & SunButter Nachos

🍏 What You Need:

  • 2 apples, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp SunButter (melted for easy drizzling)
  • 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips 🍫
  • 1 tbsp shredded coconut or granola

🥄 How to Make It:
1️⃣ Arrange apple slices on a plate like nachos.
2️⃣ Drizzle melted SunButter over the top.
3️⃣ Sprinkle with chocolate chips, coconut, or granola for crunch.
4️⃣ Enjoy with zero waste!

🌿 Eco-Friendly Tip: Buy apples from a local farmers’ market to support sustainable agriculture!

🍫 DIY SunButter Chocolate Cups

🥣 What You Need:

  • ½ cup SunButter
  • 1 cup dark chocolate (melted)
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • Silicone muffin cups or reusable liners

🥄 How to Make It:
1️⃣ Pour 1 tbsp melted chocolate into the bottom of each muffin liner.
2️⃣ Add 1 tsp SunButter in the center.
3️⃣ Cover with more melted chocolate and refrigerate until set.
4️⃣ Pop them out & enjoy—no wrappers needed!

🌿 Eco-Friendly Tip: Use Fair Trade chocolate and store your treats in a glass container to keep them fresh!

🥤 Step 3: Elevate Your Sustainable Snack Time Experience

Snack time isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experience! Whether you’re hosting a family game night, catching up with friends, or enjoying a solo self-care evening, you can make your snack time fun, cozy, and completely waste-free.

🎲 Host a Zero-Waste Game Night

Swap out digital entertainment for classic board games or card games that don’t require electricity. Some eco-friendly game options include:
♻️ Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-Certified Wooden Board Games
🎲 Scrabble, Chess, or Checkers made from sustainable materials

🌿 Eco-Friendly Tip: Skip the plastic-wrapped prizes—offer experience-based rewards like a homemade snack, a digital gift card, or the chance to pick next week’s activity!

🧘‍♀️ Self-Care & Relaxation Night

Pair your SunButter snacks with a relaxing eco-friendly spa night or journaling session. Unwind with:
🕯️ Soy or Beeswax Candles instead of paraffin-based ones.
🛁 DIY Sugar Scrub: Mix SunButter, brown sugar, and coconut oil for a gentle exfoliating hand scrub.
📖 Read an eco-conscious book—try The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide by Jen Gale or The Conscious Closet by Elizabeth L. Cline.

🌿 Eco-Friendly Tip: Use a reusable cloth towel instead of paper towels to clean up after your snack time.

🌎 Snack Sustainably, One Bite at a Time!

Sustainable snacking is easier (and more delicious) than you think! By choosing SunButter and making your own zero-waste snacks, you can enjoy a tasty, guilt-free night without unnecessary packaging waste.

Try SunButter in your favorite snack recipes
Ditch plastic-wrapped snacks & make homemade treats
Use reusable dishware & storage for a waste-free experience

So go ahead—grab a spoonful of SunButter, your favorite sustainable snacks, and enjoy a cozy snack time! 🍿

💬 What’s your favorite sustainable snack? Drop it in the comments!

How to Have a Sustainable Movie Night: Eco-Friendly Snacks, Recipes & Tips

There’s nothing better than cozying up for a sustainable movie night with your favorite people, snacks, and a feel-good film. But between plastic snack packaging, disposable cups, and excessive energy use, traditional movie nights can generate a surprising amount of waste.

The good news? You can reduce waste, enjoy delicious treats, and make your movie night more sustainable with just a few simple swaps! From eco-friendly snack options like Wiley Wallaby Licorice & Sweet Chaos Popcorn to homemade zero-waste treats, this guide will help you plan a sustainable movie night that’s better for you AND the planet. 🌎✨

♻️ Step 1: Choose Eco-Friendly Snacks

What’s a movie night without snacks? 🍿 Instead of grabbing conventional treats wrapped in single-use plastic, opt for sustainable, delicious alternatives that use better packaging and ingredients.

🍬 Wiley Wallaby Licorice & Drops

I’m a HUGE licorice fan, it’s my go-to candy! If you love chewy, flavorful licorice, you’ll love Wiley Wallaby! Their licorice is soft, chewy, and packed with flavor—plus, it comes in resealable, recyclable bags that help reduce waste.

🌿 Why It’s a Sustainable Choice:
✔️ Made with real ingredients (no high-fructose corn syrup!)
✔️ Resealable packaging reduces food waste
✔️ Available in mouthwatering flavors like Watermelon, Blueberry Pomegranate, and Classic Red

🍬 Try This: Pour a mix of Wiley Wallaby Licorice Drops and Wiley Wallaby licorice into a glass snack jar for a plastic-free, easy-to-share treat!

👉 View the collection.

🍿 Sweet Chaos Popcorn

What’s a movie without popcorn? If you want a better-for-you, non-GMO option, Sweet Chaos Popcorn is a must-try! Made with real ingredients and no artificial flavors, it’s a guilt-free, sustainably made snack that still satisfies your cravings.

🌿 Why It’s a Sustainable Choice:
✔️ Non-GMO popcorn popped in coconut oil
✔️ No artificial flavors or colors
✔️ Available in delicious flavors like Kettle Corn, White Cheddar, and Peanut Butter Cup

🍿 Try This: Serve a mixture of several different flavors of Sweet Chaos Popcorn in reusable snack bowls instead of single-use bags!

👉 View the collection.

🍪 Step 2: Make Your Own Zero-Waste Movie Treats

Making homemade snacks is not only fun, but it also reduces plastic packaging waste and lets you control the ingredients. Here are some easy, eco-friendly movie night recipes you can try!

🌱 DIY Chocolate-Covered Licorice Bites

🍫 What You Need:

  • 1 bag Wiley Wallaby Licorice (any flavor!)
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips (Fair Trade, organic)
  • 1 tsp coconut oil
  • Sea salt or crushed nuts for topping

🥣 How to Make It:
1️⃣ Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl.
2️⃣ Dip Wiley Wallaby Licorice pieces into the chocolate, coating them halfway.
3️⃣ Sprinkle with sea salt or crushed nuts.
4️⃣ Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let harden in the fridge.
5️⃣ Enjoy with your movie! 🎬

🍯 DIY Sweet & Spicy Popcorn

🌽 What You Need:

  • 1 bag Sweet Chaos Kettle Corn
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

🥣 How to Make It:
1️⃣ In a small bowl, mix honey, cinnamon, and cayenne.
2️⃣ Warm the mixture slightly so it’s easy to drizzle.
3️⃣ Spread Sweet Chaos Popcorn on a baking sheet.
4️⃣ Drizzle the sweet & spicy mixture over the popcorn and toss to coat.
5️⃣ Bake for 5 minutes at 300°F, then let cool and enjoy!

🌿 Eco-Friendly Tip: Use a glass or stainless steel popcorn bowl instead of disposable ones.

🎥 Step 3: Make Your Movie Night Low-Waste & Cozy

Beyond snacks, here are a few extra tips to make your movie night more sustainable!

📽️ Reduce Energy Use with Smart Lighting

💡 Dim the lights or use LED bulbs to create a cozy theater feel while conserving energy.

🎟️ Pick an Eco-Friendly Movie

🎬 Watch a nature documentary like Our Planet (Netflix) or The Biggest Little Farm for an inspiring, sustainability-focused film.

🛋️ Use Reusables Instead of Disposables

🥤 Swap plastic cups for stainless steel tumblers.
🍽️ Use reusable plates & bowls instead of disposables.
🛋️ Snuggle up with organic cotton or recycled-fiber blankets.

🌿 Eco-Friendly Home Products:
♻️ Hydro Flask Tumblers – Insulated, reusable cups.
🛋️ Coyuchi Organic Blankets – Cozy, sustainable throws.

🌎 Make Every Movie Night a Green One!

Hosting a sustainable movie night is easier than you think! By choosing eco-friendly snacks, making zero-waste treats, and reducing energy use, you can enjoy your favorite films guilt-free while doing your part for the planet.

Ready to plan your own low-waste movie night? Grab your Wiley Wallaby Licorice, Sweet Chaos Popcorn, and your favorite cozy blanket, and enjoy a greener way to watch movies! 🍿🎬♻️

💬 What’s your go-to sustainable movie night snack? Share your favorites in the comments!

Have a Lovely Weekend + A Few Green Things

Hello, Eco Friends! 🌿 The weekend is here, and I couldn’t be more excited to slow down, make homemade pizza, and cozy up with a movie. Spring is just around the corner, and I’m already dreaming of sunshine, garden-fresh greens, and eco-friendly outdoor adventures. But for now, it’s still a bit chilly—so we’re embracing the indoor vibes!

Eben is home this week for spring break! 🎉 He’s been busy doing observation hours for his Master’s degree, so we’ve only been catching up over dinner. Tonight, we’re taking it slow with homemade pizzas in our Gozney. I surprised Jayson with it as a holiday gift when we moved to the Banner Elk mountains, and let me tell you—it was so worth it! Living in the mountains means going out for dinner is a trek, and since we love pizza, bread, pretzels (you get it!), the Gozney has been a game-changer for our outdoor space. We use it all the time!

But before I unplug for the weekend (and dig into some pizza!), here are a few green things to inspire your days ahead:

🍃 Zero-Waste Lunchbox Inspo: We created a super fun March Madness promo (including photo shoot!) for ECOlunchbox! 🏀Check out our easy, delicious recipes for the Busy Mom MVP, Office Pro MVP, Road Trip Warrior MVP, and Student Champ MVP! Plus, you can grab 30% off the MVP collection while you’re there!

🍃 A Fun Read: Go Forth and Forgage – I’m loving this guide to foraging over 50 of the most common edible and medicinal North American mushrooms. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about wild mushrooms (or dream of foraging your own food), this book is a must! 🍄

🍃 DIY Green Cleaning Hack: Forget store-bought sprays—this 3-ingredient, all-natural cleaner will leave your home sparkling and toxin-free. (Hint: it involves lemon essential oil!)

🍃 The Perfect Pretzel Sandwich: We’ve worked with Smart School House for years, and we’re obsessed with this Pretzel Sandwich recipe! 🥨 Who knew pretzels could be the perfect base for a next-level sandwich?

🍃 How to Raise Eco-Conscious Kids: Want to teach your kids about sustainability in a fun, hands-on way? Here are some fun ways to get started.

Wishing you a restful, nature-filled weekend! Enjoy the little green moments and don’t forget to take a deep breath of that fresh, crisp air.

xo,
Sweet Greens 🌿

P.S. Follow along on Instagram (I started it back up!) for more behind-the-scenes from our weekend adventure!

The Ultimate Cooler Backpack for Hikers, RVers & Paddleboarders: Titan by Arctic Zone 24-Can Backpack Cooler

Since moving to Banner Elk, NC, my husband (Jayson) and I have embraced daily hiking as part of our lifestyle. Every morning we hit the trails for a 1.5 hour hike (which is my favorite part of the day) or a full-day trek through the Blue Ridge Mountains on the weekends. On our longer hikes, we always pack a picnic to enjoy along the way in a backpack cooler.

The same for our long paddleboarding trips or days on the beach, we always pack a lunch because we have no idea how long we’ll actually be gone! That’s where the Titan by Arctic Zone 24-Can Backpack Cooler has become an essential companion.

Why We Love the Titan by Arctic Zone Cooler Backpack

After testing countless cooler bags, we’ve found that this one checks all the boxes for our needs—especially for long hikes, RV trips, and paddleboarding adventures. Here’s why:

Ice Pack Slots Keep Food Cold & Dry

One of my biggest pet peeves with traditional coolers is that ice melts and soaks everything inside. Even when we use ice packs, the condensation always gets on the food. The Titan cooler backpack solves this issue with dedicated slots for ice packs, keeping our food chilled without direct contact with ice or condensation. No more soggy sandwiches or wet snacks!

Perfect for Long Hikes & Outdoor Adventures

When we head out on a long hike, we always bring this cooler along—unless the trail is especially treacherous. It does have some weight to it, especially when fully packed, so we skip it for ultra-steep or technical climbs. However, for moderate hikes or strolls with my father in law or Olive, our Frenchie, or where we plan to picnic with a view, it’s perfect! It really shines if we are taking it to the beach for the day.

Great for RV Travel & Paddleboarding

We’re also keeping this cooler in our RV so it’s ready to grab when we travel. It’s perfect for paddleboarding—we can pack it with drinks and snacks, and it keeps everything cold for hours while we’re out on the water. The weight isn’t an issue when we are paddleboarding, because we let it ride on the board or when we’re sitting on the beach.

Easy to Clean & Use

Spills happen (especially when packing homemade trail snacks!), but this cooler wipes clean effortlessly. It’s also designed for easy access, so we don’t have to dig around to grab what we need quickly. This was a huge issue with our Yeti Tote Soft Cooler. Even when we are paddleboarding, having to dig through the Yeti (while the closure wants to snap closed on my arm) is a pain! But we do absolutely love our Yeti Hard Cooler for road trips!

Eco-Friendly Benefits

As someone who is passionate about sustainable living, I love that this cooler helps reduce waste and environmental impact in several ways:

  • No Disposable Ice Packs or Bags of Ice Needed – The built-in ice pack slots eliminate the need for single-use plastic ice bags, which often leak and create waste.
  • Long-Lasting & Reusable – Unlike cheap coolers that break after a season, this backpack is built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
  • Leak-Proof & Easy to Clean – Since it’s easy to wipe clean, I don’t have to waste paper towels or chemical-heavy cleaners. A simple rinse is usually enough!
  • Encourages Packing Your Own Food – Instead of relying on store-bought snacks in plastic packaging, we can prep homemade meals and avoid unnecessary waste while hiking and traveling.

Small changes add up, and choosing durable, reusable gear like this helps us enjoy the outdoors without adding to landfill waste.

Is It the Right Cooler Backpack for You?

If you’re looking for a durable, well-insulated, and easy-to-use backpack cooler, the Titan by Arctic Zone is a fantastic choice. It’s ideal for:
✔️ Hikers & Outdoor Enthusiasts – Great for long hikes with picnic stops, really shines when you are hanging out on the beach or fishing for the day!
✔️ RV Travelers – Compact enough to store and grab for day trips. It’s easier to grab and go then our Yeti hard cooler.
✔️ Paddleboarders & Beachgoers – Keeps food and drinks cold without messy ice packs.

While it’s a bit on the heavier side when fully packed, the comfort, insulation, and innovative design make it well worth it for everyday outdoor adventures.

Where to Buy the Titan by Arctic Zone Cooler Backpack

If you’re interested in adding this game-changing cooler backpack to your adventures, you can check it out here: Titan by Arctic Zone 24-Can Backpack Cooler.

Do you have a go-to cooler for hiking, travel, or paddleboarding? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your favorites! 🚶‍♀️⛰️🛶