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

April 8, 2025 0

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!

Hiking in Style: Why I’m Loving My New Mondetta B-Corp Activewear

April 7, 2025 0

Ever since we moved to the mountains full time, I’ve been spending more time out on the trails—breathing in the fresh mountain air, soaking up the sunshine, and reconnecting with nature. Hiking has become one of my favorite ways to reset and recharge. Jayson and I (and Olive!) do a 1.5 hour hike every morning! And recently, I discovered a new activewear combo that I had to share with you: Mondetta High Waist Active Leggings and their Fitted Active Seamless T-Shirts.

Funny story—Jayson had to make a Costco trip to return some greenhouses that weren’t cutting it, and he surprised me by picking up some new hiking clothes (he knows me well 💚), and I couldn’t believe how perfect they turned out to be. Not only are they ridiculously comfortable and flattering, but they’re also certified B Corp, FSC, and meet the Global Recycled Standard. Cue the heart eyes, right?! 😍🌎

Why I’m Obsessed with These Mondetta Leggings

Let’s talk about leggings first—because finding the right pair is no small feat. The Mondetta High Waist Active Leggings check all the boxes for me:
✅ Supportive yet breathable
✅ Sleek high-rise fit that stays in place
✅ Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
✅ Made with recycled materials (yes please!)

Whether I’m on a steep incline, doing a quick yoga flow, or just lounging post-hike on the back deck, these leggings are comfortable, functional, and cute enough to wear beyond the trail. I love the minimal design and smooth seams—no weird bunching or awkward tugging. Just the kind of all-day comfort every hiker dreams of. And I have been wearing them for my regular at-home workout too, and they are perfect!

Seamless, Sustainable, and Seriously Soft T-Shirts

Now, let’s talk about the Mondetta Fitted Active Seamless T-Shirts. I’m kind of picky when it comes to performance tees. I want something that fits well but needs to wick moisture—and this tee delivers.

✨ It’s soft and smooth with a barely-there feel.
✨ The seamless construction means no chafing (thank you!).
✨ It wicks away sweat on hot hikes and dries quickly after.
✨ It layers beautifully under a fleece or my Patagonia nano puff!

I love that I can wear it on the trail and to grab lunch after without feeling like I’m still in workout mode.

Sustainability that Walks the Walk

As someone who’s always looking for ways to live more sustainably, I was so impressed to learn that Mondetta is a Certified B Corporation—which means they meet high standards for social and environmental responsibility.

🌱 FSC-Certified Packaging – Responsibly sourced, recyclable packaging.
🌱 Global Recycled Standard Materials – Their fabrics are made with certified recycled fibers.
🌱 Ethical Manufacturing – Fair labor practices and environmentally conscious production.

I always feel better supporting brands that are working hard to make a real difference—and it’s even better when their clothes perform as well as these do!

The Verdict? I’ll Be Wearing These All Season Long

If you’re looking for sustainable activewear that’s trail-tested and eco-approved, I highly recommend checking out Mondetta’s active line. The high-waist leggings and seamless tees have quickly become my go-to outfit for everything from early morning hikes to weekend errands.

They’re proof that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort, performance, or style to be kind to the planet. 💚And I love that I can wear this outfit for one of my and Jayson’s day trips! We pick a new town on the map, and then do a hike, visit a few shops/antique stores and wrap up with dinner. I don’t have to worry about changing (I just layer a jacket over the top and I’m good to go!)

📍 PS: I’ve been hitting some amazing trails lately—let me know if you want my go-to hiking spots in the Western NC mountains!

Have you tried Mondetta activewear yet? Or do you have a favorite sustainable brand you love for hiking and outdoor adventures? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking to try something new! 🌿💬

A Few Green Things: Mountain Hikes, Moss Finds & Spring Farmer’s Market Joy 🌿

April 4, 2025 0

Happy weekend, friends! This morning, Jayson and I laced up our boots and started the day with a 3-mile mountain hike, one of those crisp, quiet mornings where the air smells like spring and everything feels just a little more alive. Along the way, we gathered some moss that had blown off the trees (don’t worry, we only collect what nature’s already released!) to use in our yard. It’s such a beautiful, grounding way to bring a little bit of our hike back home.

And speaking of green things… the Watauga County Farmers’ Market kicks off tomorrow, and we’re planning to make a full day of it! Jayson is bring along his Barebones Harvesting Bag for fresh local produce! After, we plan to visit a few of our favorite farm stands (we need eggs for Easter!), and then heading out for either a long hike or a scenic bike ride (depending on how ambitious we’re feeling post-market cinnamon roll!).

There’s something about spring weekends that feel like permission to slow down, soak it all in, and reconnect, with nature, with each other, and with the rhythms that feel most nourishing.

Here are a few green things that might inspire you to do the same:

🧺 The Pajamas So Good I Wear Them to Brunch
Yes, I said brunch. These Forever French Baby pajamas are buttery soft, effortlessly cute, and absolutely lounge-to-lifestyle approved. [Read the post →]

🚐 Eco-Friendly Travel Must-Haves
My go-to travel companions? A compact refillable first aid kit and the best plant-based wipes. Whether we’re hiking or RVing, these are always in my bag. [Read the post →]

🥜 Sustainable Snack Night with SunButter
Nut-free, delicious, and perfect for low-waste snacking—this post includes simple, planet-friendly recipes you’ll love. [Read the post →]

🌸 10 Sweet Ways to Celebrate Spring as a Family
From garden projects to backyard brunches, this post is full of easy, meaningful ways to enjoy the season together. [Read the post →]

As the world turns greener, I hope your weekend includes something fresh from the earth, something joyful with the people you love, and a little time to breathe it all in.

Until next time!
xo,
Sweet Greens

P.S. Do you have a spring ritual, favorite local farm stop, or weekend adventure planned? I’d love to hear what’s growing in your world—just hit reply!

Eco-Friendly Travel Essentials I Always Pack for Hiking, RV Trips & Road Adventures 🌿🚐🧼

April 3, 2025 0

I might not have little ones at home anymore (can you believe Eben’s 24!? He was 8 when I started this blog), but that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped keeping a well-stocked, eco-conscious travel essentials kit on hand. Whether we’re hiking in the mountains, road tripping to a new town, or heading off for a weekend in the RV, there are two things I never leave behind: the Keep>Going Woodland Mini First Aid Kit and Handzies Soap + Water Wipes.

These two items have become non-negotiables in my adventure bag—and they’re especially perfect if, like me, you’re always looking for ways to stay prepared and reduce your environmental impact while you travel.

🧰 Keep>Going Mini First Aid Kit – Small but Mighty

Let me start by saying: I’ve owned a lot of first aid kits over the years, and most of them either fall apart or take up too much space. The Keep>Going Woodland Mini Kit is a total game-changer.

I keep one in our RV, one in the car, and another in our hiking pack—and every single one has come in handy at some point.

🌱 Refillable & Built to Last – The soft-shell case is compact and durable, not one of those plastic boxes that cracks after one trip.
🩹 Loaded with 60 Essentials – Everything you need for everyday mishaps: bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tweezers, even burn cream.
🎒 Perfect for Travel & Trail – It’s lightweight enough for day hikes but thorough enough to keep in the RV for longer trips.
🌲 Cute, Too! – I know function matters more, but I’ll admit—I love the woodland print. It’s fun and stylish without being overly “medical.”

👉 Shop

🧼 Handzies Soap + Water Wipes – A Clean Hand Essential (No Sink Required)

If you’ve ever spilled coffee in the car, eaten a sticky snack on the trail, or had to deal with a gas station bathroom that’s… less than ideal, you’ll understand why I love these.

Handzies Wipes are made with real soap, water, and essential oils, and they actually leave your hands feeling clean—not sticky or overly scented.

🌿 Biodegradable & Plant-Based – No alcohol, no harsh chemicals, and no synthetic fragrances. Just clean, simple ingredients that are kind to your skin and the earth.
🚗 Perfect for Travel – I keep a stash of the individually wrapped wipes in the glove compartment, hiking pack, and my travel pouch.
🖐 Gentle Yet Effective – Whether we’re dealing with sunscreen, trail snacks, or just need a refresh after a hike, these wipes always come through.
🌸 Smell Amazing – Light and fresh, not overwhelming. They feel like a little luxury when you’re on the go.

👉 Shop Handzies Wipes.

Where We Use Them the Most

Over the past few years, these two items have become staples in our travel and outdoor routines. Here’s where they come in clutch:

🥾 Hiking – It’s rare that we don’t need at least a bandage, some antiseptic, or a wipe after a few miles on the trail.
🚐 RV Trips – Both products live in our RV full-time. I keep a pack of these tucked in the driver’s side door of our RV—perfect for when Jayson dumps the tanks after a trip and needs a quick, easy way to clean his hands!
🚗 Road Trips – Long drives, snacks on the go, questionable roadside rest stops—you’ll be so glad to have Handzies and a mini first aid kit close by.
🎡 Outdoor Events & Weekend Markets – You never know when you’ll need a quick clean-up or a bandage for a stubbed toe. These essentials make it all feel seamless.

Why I Love These Eco Essentials

There’s something so satisfying about being prepared and staying aligned with your values. Both Keep>Going and Handzies are focused on quality, sustainability, and real-life practicality—which makes me feel good about supporting them.

✅ Reusable & refillable
✅ Plant-based and biodegradable
✅ Compact, travel-friendly, and functional
✅ Made with families and adventurers in mind

I might not be packing diaper bags anymore, but I still want to keep our adventures comfortable, clean, and as low-waste as possible. These products help me do exactly that—without taking up half the trunk.

If you’re heading out for hiking season, planning a long RV trip, just love a good road adventure, or have kiddos that you are taking ANYWHERE, I highly recommend adding these two items to your essentials kit. They’re small, smart, and eco-conscious—everything I look for in my travel gear.

🌿 Shop the Essentials:
🧰 Keep>Going Mini First Aid Kit – Woodland
🧼 Handzies Soap + Water Wipes

💬 Do you have a go-to product you always pack for road trips or hikes? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking to upgrade my on-the-go setup!

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

April 2, 2025 0

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!

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