8 Trader Joe’s Items Worth A Try, New Products, Fresh Pizza Sauce Recipe, + 10 DIY Styling Tips

LIFESTYLE 101

Images: Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s always comes through with fun, simple and new items that are sure to please. I have included some of my favorite new items and some that I haven’t tried yet, and even one I’m not sure I will ever try, but I have heard that pickles and popcorn is an actual thing. Check them out and give them a try before they are gone.

Organic Spicy Honey Sauce

Love this one. It’s great on pizza! Sweet and spicy, definitely a winner!

Organic Creamy Cashew Fiesta Dip

If you don’t eat diary then you may have tried many of the queso type cheese dips that are plant based. I give this one a 10 and would definitely buy it again.

Mini French Baguettes

Who doesn’t like a baguette and these are mini so everyone can have their own. :) These baguettes are "baked to about 80% doneness, then frozen for you to finish at home.

Crispy Crunchy Champignon Mushroom Snacks

I don’t know if you’ve watched the Fantastic Fungi on Netflix but mushrooms are so good for you and they seem to be on trend right now. These delightful-looking mushroom snacks come from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, which is "known to produce over 500 million pounds of mushrooms annually," according to the grocer.Give these a try next time you shop.

Grainless Granola

I always avoid grains since I have autoimmune and this granola is an option that doesn’t feel like I’m missing anything. Yum.

Popcorn In A Pickle

This one is a wee weird for me but I know many like this so if that’s you grab yours now.

Vegan Enchilada Casserole

I love that Trader Joe’s is now offering more options like this. Dairy free, vegan and even gluten free. I’ll be trying this one!

Hold the Dairy! Vegan Chocolate Mini Cones

Who doesn’t love ice cream?! Dairy free and mini, sounds like a perfect match to summer.

---

WELLNESS 101

Nutrafol

My naturopath recently added these to my supplements, not because I have thinning hair but because of its medical grade ingredient list for whole body health. The bonus was I started seeing my baby hairs grow faster, lashes and brows too. I really like them for the complete nutrition it offers for peri and post menopause women. You can order yours here.

---

Favorite Product:

SKIMS

Ok, seriously ladies, listen to me. SKIMS is the real deal. I recently bought these “Fits Everybody High Waisted Thongs” (in black) and not only are they great with my high waisted jeans and lululemon’s but they are truly THE BEST UNDERWEAR I HAVE EVER HAD! Did you hear me, like really! It’s the fabric for sure, it’s light and buttery soft and I promise you won’t be disappointed, just get yourself some. Now, I get why there is often a waitlist, get on it. Grabs yours here.

SKIMS

I also got this “Fits Everybody Square Neck Bodysuit” and it’s just as soft and buttery as it’s counterparts. Great with shorts or paired with jeans and a blazer, and it’s oooooo so comfy. You can see it here. If there is a waitlist, make sure to get on it.

---

FOOD 101

Recipe Of The Week:

Fresh Pizza Sauce

We have been mastering our pizza game around here since Dave got an outdoor pizza oven for Father’s Day. I thought our pizza sauce should be elevated rather than store bought so of course I turned to The Minimalist Baker for some inspiration. Her recipe is just 1 pan, 8 ingredients and 20 minutes.

Yield: 12

Author: Minimalist Baker

Print

Fresh Pizza Sauce

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 20 Min

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil (if oil-free, sub water)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (omit for less heat)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano for best flavor)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (or double the amount of fresh oregano, minced)
• 1 tsp dried basil (or double the amount of fresh basil, minced)
• 3/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp maple syrup (or other sweetener of choice // adds balance)

Instructions

1. Heat a medium saucepan over low-medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil and garlic and sauté until fragrant — about 1 minute. Add red pepper flakes and stir to infuse flavor. Turn down heat if cooking too quickly.
2. Add remaining ingredients (crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and maple syrup) and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Once simmering, allow to cook for 10-15 minutes or until slightly reduced. If splattering, reduce heat and cover. When done cooking, the flavors should be deep and well integrated. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more maple syrup for sweetness, salt for overall flavor, red pepper flakes for heat, or oregano or basil for more herby flavor.
4. Serve on your favorite pizza. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

---

STYLING 101

10 DIY Home Styling Tips

1. Set The Tone at The Front Door.

2. Paint Wall Colors Light and Neutral.

3. Let The Sun Shine In Your Kitchen.

4. Hang at Least One Mirror in Every Room.

5. Scale Artwork to Your Wall.

6. Layer Your Lighting.

7. Anchor Rugs Under Furniture Feet.

8. Call in a Pro Like Private Lyfe to Declutter.

9. Use Visual Tricks To Raise The Ceiling

10. Make Sure Your Sofa Talks To Your Side Chairs.

---

ORGANIZED 101

Organizing Tip:

Organizing According To Your Personality

There is more than one way to get yourself organized. Order is individual and some minds like order naturally and others need some help. Let’s look at the two types of thinkers.

• Right-brain types are visually oriented. They tend to think in images rather than words, focus on the big picture rather than the details, and go through life in a somewhat seat-of-the-pants (a.k.a. scattered) way.

• Left-brainers are those who think in words (attention, list makers!), do a lot of advance planning, and approach challenges in a rational, linear way.

So, with this information try not to fight your tendencies and work with them instead. “The key to successful organizing,” says Melissa Picheny, principal of a functional-design company in New York City, “is to pay attention to your personality. Then come up with a plan that conforms to it, rather than trying to work within someone else’s system.”

---

PL Home 101

Feel free to shop this board or many others on my Trade Portal here. You can shop by room or item!

Have a SUPER weekend! xoxo