As summer ends, I’m determined to squeeze in ONE more picnic! When we lived in Florida, my family spent most of our weekends picnics at the beach. My most precious memories include Eben and a picnic blanket – the perfect setting for mother-son chatting.
Now, he’s a grown man (23! WHAT?), I make sure that when we do spend time together, I’m in the moment (and yes, we still chat like never before!)
Here are some eco-friendly picnic goodies to inspire you to get outside for one more summer picnic:
1. A Cozy Picnic Blanket: I love a good picnic blanket, and now that we are empty nesters, I’m determined to have more romantic picnics (just the husband and me!). I love theseĀ picnic blankets.Ā How do I choose which one?
2. A Hydration Station: The essential item to pack on a picnic is waterāit’s crucial to stay hydrated on hot summer days (even these end-of-summer ones!). These are our favorite glass carafes; we always use them for multiple flavors of tea in the fridge!
3. A Good Read: Snuggle up with my boys is my favorite (we do scary movie nights when Eben visits from grad school), and next, snuggling up with a good book! This one seems up my alley; I love a good charcuterie board!
4. A Picnic in a Basket: Of course, I will need something to pack all the goodies in. This eco-friendly picnic basket is on my list! I have wanted a formal picnic basket forever!
Do you have a thing for picnics, too? What is your picnic must-have?
If you’re anything like me, you crave a slower, more intentional summer, more hands in the dirt, fewer fingers on screens. Whether youāve got big kids, no kids, or you’re just embracing your inner creative spirit, Elseware Unplugās all-natural finger paints are the kind of joyful, hands-on throwback we all need more of.
Yes, I said finger paints, and before you scroll past thinking, āThatās for toddlers,ā let me stop you right there. These arenāt your average kindergarten supplies. These TikTok-famous paints have built a cult following for a reason, and Iāve got to sayā¦ theyāre kind of magical.
šæ Simple, Sustainable, and Seriously Fun Made from food-safe, non-GMO ingredients (think: potatoes, rice, beans), Elseware Unplugās powdered paints are totally plant-based and infused with organic fruit and veggie extracts. Just add water and youāve got gorgeously vibrant, silky-smooth paint thatās safe, eco-friendly, and delightfully tactile.
Honestly? Itās the perfect afternoon reset. Spread out some paper (or cardboard, or canvas scraps), play some tunes, and dive in. No pressure, no perfection, just color, movement, and a little mindfulness.
āØ Why Grown-Ups Are Getting Messy (in the Best Way)
šļø Sensory joy: Thereās something really grounding about creating with your hands
šØ Creative block buster: No rules, no tools, just start painting
š Eco-friendly: Non-toxic, earth-safe ingredients and minimal waste
š Calming ritual: A slow, screen-free way to reset your nervous system
And if you do have teens or tweens hanging around the house, this is the kind of low-key project that gets them to look up from their phones without the eye roll. Bonus.
š” Beyond Finger Painting: Elsewareās Unplugged Summer Essentials These paints are part of a bigger summer movement, one thatās all about reconnecting with nature, creativity, and each other. Elseware Unplugās seasonal lineup is basically a dream toolbox for intentional play and screen-free living:
šļø Non-toxic beeswax crayons (yes, adults can color too!)
šØ Watercolor pencils for travel sketching or backyard journaling
š§ Sand casting kits to preserve beach memories
š§¼ Sidewalk chalk that actually washes clean
So whether you’re setting up a Sunday craft session, journaling in the backyard, or looking for a thoughtful, sustainable gift for your creative bestie, this collection hits all the right notes.
Live a Little Slower This Summer These days, unplugging can feel radical. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes all you need is a bowl of paint, a blank page, and a willingness to make a mess.
Explore the full collection at Elseware Unplug, and if you try the paints, tag me. Iāll be the one in the backyard, elbows deep in art supplies, pretending Iām in a cottagecore daydream. š¼šØš
Thereās coffeeā¦ and then thereās Kona Earth coffee. Once youāve tasted the real deal from Hawaiiās legendary Kona coffee belt, itās hard to go back to your average morning brew.
Letās 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.
šæ Grown on a Volcano, Roasted with Aloha Yes, really! Kona Earthās 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. Itās 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 Earthās 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:
š« 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:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
Roll into bite-sized balls and chill for 20ā30 minutes.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Perfect for a midday pick-me-up!
Toss veggies with olive oil and Kona Spice BBQ Rub.
Grill until charred and tender (or roast at 425Ā°F for 20 minutes).
Serve over quinoa or rice and top with your faves. Instant island vibes!
š¦ Hawaiian Coffee + Chocolate Affogato
Ingredients:
1ā2 scoops vanilla or coconut ice cream
1 shot hot brewed Kona Earth Espresso Roast
1 square Kona Earth Hawaiian Chocolate, chopped
Directions:
Place ice cream in a small bowl or glass.
Pour hot espresso over the top.
Sprinkle with chopped chocolate. Savor every last creamy, melty spoonful.
š The Gift That Keeps on Brewing Whether youāre gifting a friend or treating yourself (yes, please!), Kona Earthās curated gift sets, featuring their coffee, chocolate, and BBQ rub, are pure joy in a box. Theyāre 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.
š“āš Hereās to sipping slow, eating well, and living a little more aloha every day.
Thereās coffeeā¦ and then thereās Kona Earth coffee. Once youāve tasted the real deal from Hawaiiās legendary Kona coffee belt, itās hard to go back to your average morning brew.
Letās 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.
šæ Grown on a Volcano, Roasted with Aloha Yes, really! Kona Earthās 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. Itās 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 Earthās 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:
š« 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:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
Roll into bite-sized balls and chill for 20ā30 minutes.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Perfect for a midday pick-me-up!
Toss veggies with olive oil and Kona Spice BBQ Rub.
Grill until charred and tender (or roast at 425Ā°F for 20 minutes).
Serve over quinoa or rice and top with your faves. Instant island vibes!
š¦ Hawaiian Coffee + Chocolate Affogato
Ingredients:
1ā2 scoops vanilla or coconut ice cream
1 shot hot brewed Kona Earth Espresso Roast
1 square Kona Earth Hawaiian Chocolate, chopped
Directions:
Place ice cream in a small bowl or glass.
Pour hot espresso over the top.
Sprinkle with chopped chocolate. Savor every last creamy, melty spoonful.
š The Gift That Keeps on Brewing Whether youāre gifting a friend or treating yourself (yes, please!), Kona Earthās curated gift sets, featuring their coffee, chocolate, and BBQ rub, are pure joy in a box. Theyāre 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.
š“āš Hereās to sipping slow, eating well, and living a little more aloha every day.
CBD has taken the supplement world by storm. Derived from the cannabis plant, this chemical compound offers various benefits including helping to relieve pain, reduce anxiety and boost sleep quality. Unlike cannabis itself, it does make you high due to the absence of THC. This makes it a great way of experiencing the benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects.
You can find CBD infused into many products ranging from oil to bath bombs. Below are 7 examples of different ways to try CBD.
Oil
A common way to try this supplement is in the form of CBD oil. This consists of a carrier oil (such as hemp oil, olive oil or coconut oil) that is infused with CBD. The oil comes in a little bottle with a dropper. You dispense drops directly into the mouth or add CBD to drinks and food. It usually takes an hour to work and the effects can last up to 6 hours.
Tinctures
CBD tinctures are similar to CBD oil – they come in a small bottle and are dispensed using a dropper. But the CBD is infused in alcohol instead of oil. The effects are faster, longer and more potent. However, it has a bitter taste that some find less appealing. You can similarly dispense droplets into the mouth or add to your food and drink.
Tablets
You can also take CBD in the form of tablets. These can be swallowed with water so that you donāt have to taste the CBD itself. The effects can take as little as 30 minutes to kick in and will last several hours.
Gummies
You could also try CBD gummies for relaxation and potential pain relief. These are consumed just like candy gummies and taste much nicer than some other forms of edible CBD. The effects are similar to a tablet.
Beverages
A large number of beverages are now available that are infused with CBD to help relieve anxiety and help with chronic pain. This includes juices, sparkling drinks, teas and even alcoholic drinks. Like gummies, this can be a more flavorsome way to enjoy the effects of CBD. The potency can vary depending on the drink product.
Topical creams
You can also buy several lotions and creams that contain CBD. These can be applied directly to parts of the body to provide topical pain relief and muscle relaxation. There are some claims that CBD creams may reduce inflammation and even fight acne, but research is still needed to fully support these effects.
Bath bombs
Finally, itās possible to buy bath bombs that are infused with CBD. The CBD is inhaled and soaked into the skin as youāre taking a bath, helping to make bath time more relaxing, and potentially helping with pain relief.
Conclusion
These are just some of the different ways to try CBD. Whether youāre looking to reduce stress or help fight insomnia, itās worth trying this compound to see if it has an impact. Be wary that some people do experience side effects like nausea and diarrhea, but these are relatively rare and mild.
The Ultimate Flavor-Packed Gift for Every Dad Who Likes to Grill, Chill, and Thrill in the Kitchen
Letās be honest, most dads donāt want another mug, tie, or ā#1 Dadā T-shirt. This Fatherās 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.
Hereās whatās 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
š 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 Fatherās Day feast.
š¶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.
Iām 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 isnāt just selling sauces, theyāre 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 Fatherās 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!
š Happy Fatherās Day from all of us at Sweet Greens, and hereās to keeping it saucy, sustainable, and seriously delicious.
