Sprinkle Rimmed Cups

 I found this idea in one of my searches as I was planning a bridal shower. I instantly fell in love with these cute cups (and the straws to be quite honest). I loved that there was a simple way to jazz up everyday drinking glasses or plastic cups for that matter. I also loved that they were so easy! I honestly don't know which site I first saw this idea on but there are many out there with similar ideas. They are so cute and I think kids would love to drink anything out of them. I also think kids would love to help you make them! I'm a kid at heart and really want to drink a milk shake out of one of these right about now.

Sprinkle Rimmed Cups

What you need:

1/2-1 cup white chocolate
1/2 - 1 cup colored sugar crystals or sprinkles of your choice
Cups (any kind will do)
Super cute straws (optional)

Directions

Melt white chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals until white chocolate is melted. Pour sprinkles in a separate bowl. Take a cup and dip the rim of the cup in the white chocolate then dip it in the sprinkles. Set aside and let chocolate and sprinkles harden. Repeat with remaining cups. I made mine a few days in advance. Once the white chocolate and sprinkles were hardened I stacked the ups carefully and placed them in a zip lock back just to make sure nothing weird happened to them. Voila! They are that easy.

Orange Julius

I have been making this drink for years. I don't exactly remember when I started making them, but I have always loved them. These aren't for the milk orange lover. This drink is tangy and has a very strong orange flavor. Now of course if you wanted less flavor you could always use more milk or ice, but I like it just the way it is!

Orange Julius
Prep Time: 5 min
Servings: 4

Ingredients
1 - 12 oz can frozen orange juice concentrate
2 cups milk
1/2 cup ice
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 orange peeled and in segments *

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth.  Serve immediately.

*Note: I threw in the orange just to add a little extra real fruit flavor/vitamins, and just to feel like its a little healthier. The orange does add a slight pulpiness to it. If you are against pulp then just leave out the orange.

Honey Sweetened Hot Chocolate

This week has been a week of adjustment for me. A week (well we are at 5 days now) of no sugar has been rough. Ok in all honesty it hasn't been that bad. When I am at home it is easy to make my own thing, but at work is when it gets hard. My food options are slightly limited at work. I either have to bring my own food, or eat all sorts of unhealthiness. I try as much as possible to bring my own food, but sometimes I just don't feel up to it. Since I stopped eating sugar I seem to notice all the sugar around me. The thing that I have notice the most is all the chocolate that is left over from Christmas. So what does a girl do when she needs some chocolate but not eating sugar? She makes this hot chocolate that is what she does!

Classic Hot Cocoa
Definitely sweeten to taste. We’ve done as low as two tablespoons of honey, but some might find even the 1/4 cup not sweet enough. You can also use stevia.

3 cup of whole milk
1/4 cup of cocoa powder
1/4 cup of maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a small bowl or cup stir the cocoa powder with about 1/4 cup of the milk until smooth with no lumps. Combine in a small or medium pot with the rest of the milk and sweetener, whisk to combine. Heat to desired serving temperature and add vanilla. Serve, as desired, with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Recipe Source: The Nourishing Gourmet