DIY Solution: Bath Toy Storage

In our home, we all use the same bathroom. Storage for tub toys was really becoming an issue. I have tried a few other ideas--mostly products that use suction cup--but nothing ever, well, stuck! 

Enter the hanging fruit basket. I saw a hanging basket similar to this one used for toy storage on Pinterest. It simply fit over the shower curtain bar. That option wasn't popular in our home, as it kept the curtain from closing all the way while the grown-ups are showering, and who wants cool air sneaking in while you're shaving your legs?? Not this girl!

 So I grabbed a plant hook and some heavy-duty wall anchors from the hardware store, and we installed a hook in the unused 'corner' of the shower surround. Perfect! The toys have a home that won't fall off the wall, they drain easily, and everyone is happy.

My little guy really loves that we can simply take the basket off the hook and then hang it from a lower hand rail so he can access all of this toys at one time. That also makes it possible for him to help with clean-up, which I appreciate.

Three-Minute, Microwave, Single-Serving Brownie {gluten free, dairy free, soy free}

This picture doesn't do this little treat any justice at all. Truly. Why was it so darned hard to get a decent picture of?! At any rate--you should try this the next time you're craving a quick little treat.

Mixed right in the cup, and then microwaved for three minutes, it's a single-serving brownie. I like to add something fun on top when I'm feeling extra indulgent, like a scoop of Coconut Bliss ice cream, or a big dollop of peanut butter.

Yes--I know how unhealthy this is, and how much sugar it contains. That's why I don't make them very often!

You'll Need:
1/4 Cup Gluten Free, All-Purpose Flour
1/4 Cup Sugar
2 Tbsp. Cocoa Powder
A Sprinkle of Salt
1 Egg
3 Tbsp. Almond Milk {or your favorite 'milk'}
3 Tbsp. Oil {grapeseed, canola, etc.}
A Tiny Pour of Vanilla

To Make:
Combine the dry ingredients in a microwave-safe mug or small dish. Stir thoroughly.
Add the wet ingredients, and then mix, mix, mix!
When the ingredients are well-combined, pop your dish in the microwave for three minutes.
When the microwave is done, so is your treat!

Life: {via Instagram}

I really love Instagram. As my collection of images grows, so do my ideas for projects. I think I'll try my hand at iron-on transfers first, to make some fabric for a sewing project or two. Do you use Instagram? Have you made anything with your collection of images??

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Bars {gluten and soy free, and vegan}

I really have an obsession with peanut butter and chocolate. It's obvious when you take a look at my recipe list! But, y'know? That doesn't bother me one bit. Nope. Because I'm comfortable with my habit.

Anyway. I like to make peanut butter cups, but sometimes they're a little bit too tedious. These taste quite similar, but won't take much time at all to put together.

Ingredients:
1 C. Earth Balance
2 C. Almond Meal
2 C. Powdered Sugar
1 1/4 C. Peanut Butter {divided}
1 1/2 C. Chocolate Chips

To Make:
Combine Earth Balance, almond meal, powdered sugar, and 1 Cup peanut butter. Use your hand mixer to thoroughly blend the ingredients.
Spread in the bottom of a baking dish. I used a 7x11 dish, but a square dish or even a 9x13 would work. You'll just wind up with bars of a different thickness.
To a microwave safe dish, add remaining 1/4 Cup peanut butter and chocolate chips and microwave at 30-second intervals until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
Spread over the peanut butter mixture, and then place in the fridge to set for at least an hour before serving.

Store, covered, in the fridge.

I adapted this recipe to fit my needs :)

Quick & Easy Guacamole {gluten and soy free, and vegan}

I am obsessed with avocados. They're just so... perfect! Guacamole is one of my go-to snack foods, because it's so easy to pull together and it's packed with lots of good-for-you veggies.

Guacamole is easy to personalize. If you're not a fan of tomatoes, leave them out! If you love tomatoes, then by all means, add extra. If you prefer hot, spicy dishes, add extra hot sauce. You get the idea.

You'll Need:
2-3 Avocados {depending on their size}
1-2 Medium Tomatoes {diced}
1 Red Onion {finely diced}
1 Lime
Salt
Hot sauce

To Make:
Halve your avocados, remove the pit, and scoop the meat into a mixing bowl.
Cut the lime in half, and squeeze the juice over the avocado.
Using a potato masher, mash the avocado a bit, breaking down the large chunks.
Add tomato and red onion to suit your tastes, then sprinkle with salt and a touch of hot sauce.
Mix the ingredients once more using the potato masher.
Serve with tortilla chips, as a side dish for enchiladas or tacos, or with veggies for dipping.