Super Bowl Snack Ideas

Life is hard; food doesn't have to be #119 [vol4, 2.2] ‌

I go to Super Bowl parties just for the snacks. You too?

Photo by Anto Meneghini on Unsplash

When I take snacks, unless I’m asked otherwise, I lean heavy on the protein knowing that the carbs will be there. Charcuterie boards are all the rage: meat, cheese, veggies, nuts, olives = all real food! They’re so easy to bring together that my 10yo son can do it. Granted, it looks like a 10 year old did it…

Check out these 4 Dips for Dinner and a gingerbread recipe. I’m taking the meat/cheese dip on Sunday.

Hummus is usually a crowd pleaser. Buy it pre-made or check out my fav recipe from Alexandra. She is also the author of the super easy peasant bread I make on repeat.

If you’re looking for something different and into parmesan, breadcrumbs, butter, eggs and a bit of spinach, you should try these make ahead spinach balls.

Make cheeseburger bites in a muffin tin.

There’s always a bean dip: hot or cold. Simply layer refried beans sprinkled with taco seasonings, sour cream then top with cheese. Get fancy with salsa or tomatoes, guac, scallions or olives.

Try these easy, no yeast, pizza rolls. Sure to please the crowd.

I’ll also take meatballs (from Costco) to the party I’m going to but you could totally make your own. Here’s a recipe I love with a Mediterranean twist.

What’s Saving My Life Right Now

1. Paper plates, plastic cups and cutlery! The end is near with the kitchen reno. Cabinets are going in today; the guys just got started. The countertops will follow in 2 weeks. I hope to convince my husband to let me start using the kitchen after the plumber and electrician finish early next week…but Hubs feels strongly we need to wait for countertops before moving in. So I guess I’m in the dungeon basement kitchen a few more weeks. I am so excited about this kitchen and will definitely share details soon.

2. Winter makes my skin weird. You too? I’m loving this vitamin C serum to bring a glowy complexion, especially on gray days. I don’t wear it in summer but my winter skin is loving it.

3. I’m convinced that exfoliating is changing my skin for the good, making it super silky soft! Exfoliation is the process of buffing away dead skin cells. Happens slowly naturally ...and slows down even more (like digestion!) as we age.

   More reasons to exfoliate:

   1. Unclogs pores / prevents acne.

   2. Helps other products penetrate deeper instead of moving product around on the surface.

   3. Increases new cell turnover - by bringing fresh healthy cells to the surface for better texture and tone.  Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, reducing redness and dark spots. When dead and dry skin are removed the skin appears more uniform in color over time.

   4. Boosts circulation & lymphatic drainage - for internal cleansing (detox) + oxygen rich blood nourishes skin's surface (glowy radiant skin). Some people use a gua sha stone for facials. I also use a dry brush on my whole body, especially in winter.  Get a dry brush anywhere (TJ Maxx, Amazon) and brush your skin in motions toward the heart.

   5. Stimulates collagen - Along with improving skin's texture, exfoliation stimulates collagen production increasing the integrity of the skin's surface, plumping the skin, keeping it tight and young.

Chemical vs Physical

Physical exfoliants are abrasive, textured particles to slough away dead skin.  This could be as simple as walking on sand or concrete with bare feet.  I've used a pumice stone on my feet too. Maybe you've used a sugar scrub. 

Chemical exfoliants rely on acids to loosen bonds that bind dead skin cells.

At home peels and masks help speed up cell turnover.

Recommended Products

I use Beautycounter's Overnight Resurfacing Peel every other night (recommended).  Sometimes I use it nightly if I feel my skin can handle it. This is a gentle chemical exfoliant that works while I sleep.

Once or twice a week I use the reflect effect AHA mask.  It has both chemical and physical exfoliators. Game changer.

I gave an AHA mask sample to a friend.  She said, "Just used the mask.  Holy Moly!!!! My face is soooooo smooth!!!

My teens have enjoyed the charcoal mask that purifies and balances, absorbs excess oil and draws out impurities. Salicylic and lactic acids aid in a gentle exfoliation, giving skin a smooth, polished look with a minimized appearance of pores. Perfect for those concerned with congestion and oily skin. Use as a spot treatment for blemishes.

New customers get 30% off this month with code CLEANFORALL30. Reply to this email and let me help you decide which products are best for your skin and save you the most money.

Life is hard, food doesn’t have to be.

Julie

PS - leave a comment what you’re taking or making to Sunday’s party. I’ll enter you in a giveaway for some of my fav beauty products.