Seasonal Archives | Page 7 of 14

Rosé All May

If you’re looking for an easy-drinking summer wine, rosé is a crisp, lean, delicious and refreshing option that is easy to shop. Made all around the world, rosé is produced from a variety of red grapes with minimal contact from their grape skins, which results in the soft color.

Shades of Pink

Darker rosé may be slightly richer and can sometimes be a bit fruitier than the paler options, which may suggest floral notes.

Looking for something sweet?

Find one from the U.S., South America or Australia. They’re fruitier, sweeter and usually have a lower alcohol content. Italy, Spain and France will typically provide a crisp and tart wine with an ABV above 11%.

What’s Your Rosé Style?

A wine’s style is represented by its flavor, body and overall taste experience. For Rosé, there are three styles to choose from:

Soft & Off-dry

Offering flavors of berries, cherry, apple and peach. Pairs perfectly with Mexican dishes and spicy curry.

Easy-going & Fruity

Light and refreshing, these styles feature flavors of summer berries and are perfect paired with appetizers, bbq and pizza.

Medium-bodied & Dry

Full flavored with notes of cherry, vanilla, strawberry and even a bit of pepper. Grilled meats, salmon and fresh veggies will make the complete experience for this style.

Spiked Lavender Pink Lemonade

For the Lavender Syrup:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Sugar
- 2 Tbsp. Dried lavender

Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, bring water and lavender to a boil.
2. Stir in sugar until completely dissolved.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Let cool and steep for about 15 minutes.
5. Pour mixture through a strainer, pressing on lavender to get all the syrup out.

For the Lemonade:

Ingredients:
- Lavender simple syrup
- 1 bottle Sprouts Pink Sparkling Lemonade
- 1 bottle Rosé
- Lemons, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Lavender springs (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:
1. Fill a large pitcher with ice.
2. Pour in lavender syrup, lemonade and rosé.
3. Add lemon slices in to the pitcher and stir.
4. Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with lavender sprigs.

DIY Upcycled Terrarium

Recycling is what happens when you put things in the recycle bin at home or work. These items (paper, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, etc.) are broken down and recycled into other similar-type products. Upcycling though, is taking something you might put in the recycle bin and turning it into something different—that generally is of greater value than the original object. These DIY upcycled terrariums definitely add value!

DIY Upcycle Terrarium:

Supplies needed:

Empty, upcycled glass jars
Gloves (optional)
Potting soil
Funnel
Long brush
Scoop
Dish soap
Vinegar
Cleaning sponge

Instructions:

Begin by removing labels from empty glass jars: Soak them in warm water with equal parts of dish soap and vinegar.
Carefully peel off the label and scrub the outside of the jar removing any label residue.
Once the glass jar is dry, fill it a quarter of the way with potting soil. (Using a funnel will help when scooping the potting soil into the jar.)
Once potting soil has been added, use the long brush to clean the inside edges of the glass, removing soil from the sides of the bottle. This will help ensure that the plant remains clean when added to the jar.
After adding the potting soil, hold glass jar at a 45-degree angle so that soil falls to one corner of the jar, leaving the opposite side open
Carefully add your fern or plant to the jar. Using chopsticks, maneuver the plant so that its roots rest on the bottom of the jar—in the space on the opposite side of the soil.
Once plant is placed, carefully fill the gap at the bottom with the soil so that the roots of the plant are covered and the plant sits up once you bring the bottle to a fully upright position again.
Again, using the long brush, brush the sides of the glass bottle cleaning the dirt from the edges.
Finally, decorate the jar with twine and a tag then place terrarium in an area with sufficient sunlight but avoid direct sun.
Add a small amount of water when soil is try but be sure not to over water the plant.

Heal the Earth with Dr. Bronner’s

Because they love our planet, being environmental advocates has long been important to Dr. Bronner’s. Since 2003, they’ve boldly insisted that all the raw materials for their products be sourced from organic farms. Now, 15 years later, Dr. Bronner’s is blazing new organic trails— alongside the Rodale Institute, Fair World Project, Patagonia and Compassion in World Farming—helping to create Regenerative Organic Certified standards.

Regenerative farming is about feeding the soil that feeds our plants by practicing various farming techniques, including diverse crop rotations, fertility-building cover crops, minimal soil disturbance and rotational farm-animal grazing. Building upon existing organic standards, regenerative farming takes organic farming to the next level by requiring soil health and land management, animal welfare and worker fairness. Read more about this exciting new organic frontier at the Regenerative Organic Certified website.

Brunch in a Breeze: Easy Brunch Recipes

by Emily at One Lovely Life food blog Make brunch a breeze and impress guests with a beautiful brunch spread by incorporating frozen fruits and veggies into your meal. Not only are frozen fruits and veggies incredibly versatile, but they also pack as much nutritional value as the fresh varieties. Whether you’re looking to whip up something sweet or savory, you’ll want to give these easy brunch recipes a try:

Video Description: Facebook Live with Emily from One Lovely Life

Healthy Yogurt Parfait Recipe

Whether you use them for meal prep, a brunch party, or a fresh weekend breakfast, these parfaits with frozen fruit purée are a major crowd pleaser! Try them with all different combinations of frozen fruit for even more variety!

Ingredients:

For the Fruit Sauce:

2 cups Frozen fruit or berries (like Cascadian Farm strawberries, blueberries or cherry berry blend), partially thawed
3/4 cup Water
1 Tbsp. Orange or lemon juice
1 Tbsp. Honey

For the Parfaits:

Your favorite mixed nuts or granola (like Cascadian Farm Cherry, Quinoa & Almond Granola)
Yogurt (dairy-free, if needed)
Fruit purée (see above)
Fresh fruit—like berries, bananas, kiwi, mango, etc.

Instructions:

To make the fruit purée, place partially thawed frozen fruit or berries in a blender or food processor. Add water, juice and honey. Pulse or purée until smooth, leaving a few larger pieces, as desired. (If you want it completely smooth, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve).
To assemble parfaits, fill small jars or glasses. Layer yogurt, fruit purée, fresh fruit, and nuts or granola in any order you like. Mix and match different fresh fruits and fruit purées to create new flavor combinations!

Green Chile Frittata Recipe

Say hello to big-time flavor without a lot of effort! This frittata is packed with veggie goodness, hash browns and bacon. It’s an all-in-one breakfast dish that’ll make any morning better.

Ingredients:

1/2 Tbsp. Olive oil
1 sm. Onion, diced
1 cup Bell peppers (any color), diced
1 4 oz.-can Sprouts Green Chiles (don’t drain)
1–2 cups Fresh spinach
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Pepper
8 oz. Cascadian Farm Organic Frozen Hash Browns (about 1/2 a package)
4 oz. Bacon, cooked and crumbled
7 Eggs
1/4 cup Milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
Additional salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch pie dish with nonstick spray, or a little olive oil or butter.
In a medium sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté over medium heat 8–10 minutes, or until very tender and onion is translucent.
Add green chiles, spinach, salt and pepper, and stir until spinach is wilted.
Add hash browns to the bottom of your prepared pie dish.
Pour cooked veggie mixture over the hash browns and pack down well.
Sprinkle bacon over veggie mixture.
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk with a little salt and pepper. Whisk until very well blended.
Pour egg mixture over the potato/egg/bacon and allow to settle.
Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes, or until center is just set. If the edges are browning faster than you like, you can cover the pan with foil to protect it from browning any more.
Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Meet Our Food Blogger

Emily lives, loves and cooks at One Lovely Life, where she shares healthy recipes and inspiration for living a happy, full life. When her daughter developed an intolerance to gluten and dairy, her blog shifted to accommodate their new eating style, and these days you’ll find fresh, vibrant, colorful recipes that don’t feel like they’re missing anything. In addition to enjoying healthy meal choices on her blog, you’ll find made-over sweet treats, book recommendations and tips for living a life you love. One Lovely Life Logo

Build a Better Easter Basket

Easter basket with apples, plastic eggs and crackers

Easter is just around the corner which means big brunches followed by candy-filled Easter baskets. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a few sweet treats, why not fill it with healthier alternatives such as fruits and dark chocolate? Keep reading to learn how to build a better basket for your little ones.

Cracker Carrots

What better way to fill a basket than with one of the Easter bunny’s favorites—carrots? This snack won’t cause a sugar crash and you’ll feel great knowing these goodies are made with whole wheat and real cheese. Grab some cone-shaped plastic bags and fill with Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies. Tie with a bright green ribbon and you’ve got a treat that every bunny will love.

Bunny Apple Bags

These adorable bunnies make a healthy addition to an Easter basket or a great centerpiece for brunch. To make the bunnies you’ll need paper bags, colorful washi tape, cotton balls and ribbon. Start by cutting the edges of a paper bag so each side is open. Cut a few inches off the top of the bag, then create bunny ears, stopping about a third of the way down the bag. Place the apple inside the bag and tie the top together with ribbon. Use the washi tape to create a small triangle for the nose and tape a cotton ball on the other side for the tail. Watch as guests and kids go crazy for these charming little bunnies.

Shop Bulk

It’s easy to scoop up small amounts of sweets when shopping in the Bulk Department. Use smaller plastic eggs to pre-portion the sugary treats such as gummies or chocolate. Trail mix, dried fruit, yogurt covered pretzels or dark chocolate-covered nuts make a healthy treat that the kiddos will love hunting for. Add little extras such as nut butter packs, small fruits or chocolate milk that make a healthy surprise. Baskets don’t need to be filled with just sweet treats and snacks, either. Bubble bath, lip balm, sidewalk chalk or jump rope are fun additions that will leave your little one hopping with joy!

DIY Natural Spring Cleaners

Need spring cleaning inspiration?

Many products we use to clean our homes have harsh chemicals that can be harmful to our children and pets. Revamp your spring cleaning routine with these natural, DIY cleaning products from our friends at Fresh Mommy Blog, Recipes to Nourish and Root + Revel! These homemade natural cleaners are created with ingredients from Sprouts that are natural and chemical-free. And the best part is, you may already have some of the items in your home.

Chemical-free Stainless-steel Cleaner by Fresh Mommy Blog

This DIY glass and stainless steel cleaner is streak-free with the addition of a simple surprise ingredient. It’s natural, chemical-free and easy to make with items you probably already have around the house!

Ingredients:

Glass bottle in a 16 oz. size at least (stainless steel is also safe.)
Spray top
1 cup of Distilled water
½ cup Alcohol
½ cup Sprouts White Vinegar
1 Tbsp. Corn starch
6 drops Pure orange essential oil (optional)
6 drops Pure lemon essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

Using a funnel, add ½ cup of vinegar to the glass bottle.
Add ½ cup rubbing alcohol. (Optional: remove from recipe or replace with vodka.)
Pour 1 tablespoon cornstarch in through the funnel.
Top with 1 cup distilled water. This will also help to get the rest of the cornstarch out of the funnel.
Optional: add 10–12 drops of essential oil for extra disinfecting power and scent.
Assemble spray top on the bottle and shake well before each use.

Non-toxic Toilet Bowl Cleaner by Root + Revel

Looking for a safe and non-toxic way to clean your bathroom? This DIY Toilet Cleaner recipe is a natural and effective way to clean and deodorize your toilet. To make fizzy homemade toilet bombs, pods or tablets, all you need is five natural ingredients for a deep cleaning you won’t believe (no scrubbing required)!

Ingredients:

1 cup Sprouts Baking Soda
1/4 cup Citric acid
1 Tbsp. Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds
1 tsp. Hydrogen peroxide
25 drops Essential oils (I recommend peppermint)

Instructions:

In a large glass bowl, whisk baking soda and citric acid together until blended.
Very slowly, add Sal Suds, hydrogen peroxide and essential oils, mixing slowly as you go to ensure you don’t activate the dry ingredients. The mixture should be dry enough that you can mold it into balls, but wet enough that it doesn’t fall apart.
Fill a silicone mold with cleaning mixture, or you can form small balls (about the size of golf balls) with your hands and place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Allow the toilet bombs to air dry about 6–8 hours or overnight.
Transfer to a glass jar and store in the bathroom.

Notes: I place these in the bowl of my toilet every 5–10 flushes to keep the toilet bowl clean and smelling great!

Refrigerator Cleaner with At-home Ingredients by Recipes to Nourish

It’s so easy to make your own DIY refrigerator cleaner with three common ingredients. This lemon-herb vinegar mixture is money-saving, chemical-free and very effective for cleaning.

Ingredients:

To Make the Lemon-Herb Vinegar

4 cups Sprouts Organic Distilled White Vinegar
5 Lemon peels – yellow rind and white pith only, not the inside flesh
1 lg. sprig Fresh rosemary or thyme
1 quart or ½ gallon Mason jar with lid

To Make the Refrigerator Cleaner

1 cup Lemon-herb vinegar
1 cup Water, very hot
1 Dish sponge or cloth rag
1 Spray bottle – preferably glass OR large glass bowl

Instructions:

To Make the Lemon-Herb Vinegar

Add the lemon peels and rosemary or thyme to a ½ gallon (8-cup) Mason jar.
Pour 4 cups of vinegar over the lemon peels and herbs, making sure they are covered and submerged.
Cover with a lid and let sit on the counter, out of direct sunlight, for 1 week or up to 2 weeks.
Strain the lemon-herb vinegar through a fine-mesh strainer into a quart (4-cup) Mason jar.

To Clean the Refrigerator

Add the lemon-herb vinegar and hot water to a spray bottle or a large glass bowl.
If using a spray bottle, spray the mixture onto all refrigerator surfaces like the walls, drawers and shelves and use a dish sponge or cloth rag to wipe down and clean the surfaces.
If using a glass bowl, soak and ring out a dish sponge or cloth rag in the lemon-herb vinegar water solution and wipe down and clean all of the refrigerator surfaces.
Repeat steps as needed until the inside of the refrigerator is clean.

Notes:

Advance preparation is required.
Yield: 1-quart lemon-herb vinegar
Storage: Can be stored in a covered glass container for up to a year.
Uses: Save leftover mixture for weekly refrigerator spot-treatment maintenance or for monthly deep-cleaning. Alternatively, you can add the remaining lemon-herb vinegar to a spray bottle with filtered water using a 1:1 ratio and use as an all-purpose natural cleaner for cleaning most surfaces. [Note: Vinegar is known to kill up to 80 percent of bacteria, mold and most germs.]
Tip: If you have some stubborn spills in your refrigerator you can sprinkle a little baking soda over the stubborn spill and do a light spray of the cleaning mixture, then put a little elbow grease into it. Baking soda is one of the best natural cleaners when you need something a bit more abrasive.

How to Clean Your Makeup Brush without Harsh Chemicals by Root + Revel

Say goodbye to toxic chemicals and expensive store-bought products. For this DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner, you only need three ingredients to create an easy and effective homemade solution.

Ingredients:

1 oz. Sprouts Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 oz. Lavender castile soap
6 drops Organic tea tree oil

Instructions:

In a large glass bowl, combine all 3 ingredients and stir to combine.
Swirl your makeup brushes in the cleaning solution until thoroughly coated.
In a second glass or bowl filled with clean water, swirl the coated brush until rinsed through. (You can go back and forth between the cleaning solution and the water as many times as you need to until the brush is completely clean and all color is gone. Sometimes it helps to rinse under the faucet, as well.)
When you’re done, simply pat the brush on a clean microfiber cloth and lay flat to dry. (I like to let my brushes dry overnight, but it usually takes about 6–8 hours to dry naturally.)

SHOP CLEANING ESSENTIALS

Cupid’s Arrow Pancake Kabobs

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with adorable pancake kabobs! Whether you’re celebrating with a morning treat or having breakfast for dinner, these kabobs by Birch Benders are easy to make and are a fun way to get the kiddos involved:

Video Description: Facebook Live with the founders of Birch Benders, Matt and Lizzi!

Cupid’s Arrow Pancake Kabobs:

Ingredients:

1 bag Birch Benders, original flavor; prepare according to package
Fresh blueberries
Fresh strawberries, tops cut off
Fresh clementines, peeled and separated
Wooden skewers

Instructions:

Heat a griddle or skillet to medium-high heat. The pan is hot enough when flecks of water sizzle off quickly after contact. Lightly grease the pan.
Combine Birch Benders Pancakes Mix following the recipe on the back of the bag and pour mixtures into a squeeze bottle.
Use the squeeze bottle to draw heart shapes onto the hot griddle. Cook until bubbles have formed and popped then cook on the other side for an additional minute.
Remove the pancakes from the pan and build skewers by placing two clementine slices, one strawberry, followed by four to six blueberries, and heart shaped pancake.

DIY Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sugar Scrub

Homemade sugar scrubs are not only a great way to soften and nourish your skin, but they make great gifts too. Inspired by the classic treat, this DIY Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sugar Scrub will make your Valentine’s Day a little sweeter—whether you’re sharing with a friend or keeping some for yourself!

Video Description: Simple Shortcuts–DIY Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sugar Scrub

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sugar Scrub:

Ingredients:

For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 cup Turbinado sugar
- 1 bag Sprouts Freeze Dried Strawberries
- 1/2 cup Coconut oil, slightly melted
- 1 Tbsp. Vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1 cup Turbinado sugar
- 1/4 cup Cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup Coconut oil, slightly melted
- 1 Tbsp. Vanilla extract

Instructions:

For the strawberry layer, pour freeze dried strawberries into a food processor and mix until a powder has formed.
Add the strawberry powder, sugar, coconut oil and vanilla extract into a medium bowl and mix until well combined. Set aside.
For the chocolate later, add ingredients into a medium bowl and stir until well combined.
In a glass jar, layer the strawberry mixture and chocolate mixture and seal with a lid.

Valentine’s Day Crafts for the Kiddos

Chocolate Dipped Spoons

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp. coconut oil, 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips, Sprouts’ Eco-Friendly Plastic Spoons and treats from the Sprouts Bulk Department (peanuts, slivered almonds, dried cranberries, gummy bears).

Directions:

Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together over low heat. Once chips have melted, remove chocolate from heat. Dip spoons into warm chocolate, place on a serving platter and sprinkle with treats from Sprouts’ Bulk Department.

Naturally Scented Play Dough

Ingredients:

1 cup flour, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 Tbsp. cooking oil, 3 tsp. cream of tartar, red food coloring and essential oils of choice.

Directions:

Mix dry ingredients in a large pot. Add water, oil and food coloring and stir over medium heat until mixture has a play-dough consistency. Remove dough from pot and place on wax paper to cool. Once cooled add desired essential oil scent and knead until incorporated. Divide play dough into even portions and seal in 4 ounce Mason jars.

Valentine’s Produce Stamps

Supplies:

Celery, potato, small heart cookie cutter, knife, cardstock and red paint.

Directions for Rose Stamp:

To begin, simply cut celery close to the bottom of the stock. Save end of celery stock and put aside remaining celery for snacking. Coat end of celery with red paint and press firmly onto cardstock for a natural, rose-shaped stamp.

Directions for Heart Stamp:

Begin by cutting potato in half. Insert a heart-shaped cookie cutter into the cut/flat end of the potato. With a knife cut into and around potato using the cookie cutter as your guide. Coat stamp with red paint and press firmly onto cardstock.

Tailgating Touchdown Recipes

Let’s face it, what makes football season so great is the food and fun gatherings! From sweet treats to savory eats, we’ve got some game day recipes that will surely make your next tailgate party a tasty touchdown:

Sweet & Salty Popcorn Balls

Video Description: Tune in to learn how to make Sweet and Salty Popcorn Balls. Recipe included below.

Ingredients

2 bags Sprouts Vanilla Marshmallows
1 Tbsp. Coconut oil
1 bag Sprouts Popcorn
Pretzels, chopped
Bulk sweets

Instructions

On low power, in the microwave (or low heat on the stovetop) melt the marshmallows and coconut oil.
Mix in popcorn, pretzels and your favorite bulk sweets.
Use coconut oil to grease hands and begin forming mixture into balls.
Enjoy!

Mini 7-Layer Dip

Video Description: Tune in to learn how to make Mini 7-Layer Dip. Recipe included below.

Ingredients

Sour cream
Taco seasoning
Sprouts Organic Black Bean Spicy Dip
Sprouts Queso
Guacamole
Salsa
Shredded cheese
Sliced black olives (optional)

Instructions

Mix preferred amount of taco seasoning into sour cream.
Layer bean dip, sour cream mixture, queso, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese and olives into a small, clear bowl.
Serve with your favorite chips and enjoy!

Veggie Burger Tacos

Video Description: Tune in to learn how to make Veggie Burger Tacos. Recipe included below.

Ingredients

Sprouts Veggie Burgers, of your choice
Hard taco shells
Salsa
Guacamole
Shredded cabbage
Pico de gallo (optional)
Shredded cheese

Instructions

Cook veggie burgers according to package.
Using a fork, lightly mash veggie burger to create crumbles.
Layer crumbles, salsa, guacamole, shredded cabbage, pico do gallo and shredded cheese in a taco shell.
Enjoy!