I heart Organizing

I am a neat freak. I love to clean and organize, and these activities are very calming to me. Like taking a yoga class with a few less backbends and a few more labels, baskets, and to-do lists. While the thought of taking everything out of a messy closet and completely re-organizing it would send most people running, I welcome the task with open arms. I know...total neat freak.

I stumbled upon a blog the other day that ACTUALLY changed my life. It really did. iheartorganizing is a blog written by a stay at home mom of three boys (Jen) who not only loves to organize, but it super creative with it as well. She has tips on organizing your pantry, your desk, planning your weekly meals, and everything else under the sun. She makes all of her own labels, and has personalized to do lists, grocery lists, calendars, the list goes on. I love that Jen makes organizing creative and fun, and I am definitely going to try her household binder idea-will post pics when I do!

You must check out this blog!

xx,
Pretty Penny

Pretty Perfect Snack

This is one of my favorite afternoon snacks, and makes for a yummy breakfast too!

Non-fat greek yogurt (I love the flavored kind)

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A handful of Kashi GoLean Crunch

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A sprinkle of flaxseed meal

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Fruit of your choice!!

Have a healthy day :)

-Pretty Penny

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

I love when it rains, especially when I have the luxury of being in a warm and cozy place reading a book! Unfortunately, I was running around today between volunteering and class, and thanking my lucky stars for my comfy rain boots and useful umbrella. Useful or not, who doesn't love dressing up for the rain?

I love these plum, patent looking rainboots. You can find them here from nordstrom.com

This is such an adorable umbrella, and functional as well! How can it not keep out the rain? Find this and many others at ella umbrella

Love this raincoat! Also from nordies :)

The prettiest accessory of them all...a big mug of hot chocolate with mini marshmallows :)

Hot Chocolate Recipe:

Ingredients:

- 2 cups of soy, skim or rice milk

- 2 rounded teaspoons of cocoa powder 

- 2 teaspoons of organic sugar or sugar substitute

Directions:

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming (but not boiling).

2. Add cocoa powder and sweetener and whisk to combine ingredients.

3. Whisk the cocoa powder and sweetener until well-blended.

4. Pour into favorite mugs, add mini marshmallows and enjoy!

Stay warm :)

-Pretty Penny

A Not So "Tall" Order

Today we went to a really great restaurant at the Grove called Short Order. It is like a regular burger joint got married to a foodie cafe and had a baby, truffle fries and all. They are famed for their short order spuds (fried potatoes that are perfectly crispy on the outside and deliciously soft and starchy on the inside).

 I especially loved that all of their drinks were served in mason jars, and that they pride themselves on having only the freshest ingredients. All of their beef is grass fed, and they offered heirloom tomatoes on many of their burgers (love!). I was also introduced to a zero calorie cola made with stevia, which is a more natural sugar substitute. It was nice and refreshing, and paired so well with my turkey burger.

This meal was so delish, I highly recommend this place!!
xx,
Pretty Penny

Pretty New!

Welcome to my revamped blog, 'A Pretty Penny', where I will still post about food and recipes, but will include other fun things as well! I love sharing creative ideas, and needed to broaden the spectrum a bit! Thank you all for the wonderful comments I have received, I am so excited to share more of life's pretty things with you :)