Best Sister and Aunt of the Year
Though I may be just slightly biased, my younger sister ought to be recognized as the most thoughtful and coolest aunt (and sister) of the year.
Much to our surprise, we were gifted an incredibly creative and awesome gift this holiday season– a Zoku “Quick Pop” Maker from William Sonoma.
The Zoku Quick Pop Maker is a fabulous little kitchen appliance– relatively simple to use, a surprisingly easy clean-up, and an exceptional way to make desserts both healthful and fun for the whole family–it has been a hit.
We managed to recreate a pretty rockin’, dairy-free version of Zoku’s Fudge-sicle recipe. If you don’t have a Zoku, it’s all good (it will just take a lot longer to freeze). Simply freeze your mixture into a plastic cup and eat with a spoon, or, for a “cooler” idea? Pour mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight. When you are ready, add these baby fudge-sicle cubes into a cold class of coconut, or almond milk.
Sinful Fudge Popsicle Recipe
The original recipe called for milk, cream, and sugar… so we made necessary adjustments. 
Yields 6 Zoku Quick Pops:
- 1 cup water, brought to a boil on stove top, and then removed
- 1 tbsp raw coconut butter (Artisana)
- 3/4 cup dark chocolate chunks, or chips, added to water and stirred until smooth
Let mixture cool for 10 minutes
Add:
- 20 drops Alcohol Free NuStevia
- 10 drops Vanilla Alcohol Free NuStevia
- A sprinkle of celtic sea salt
- 1/2 cup cold Unsweetened Coconut Milk
Stir mixture and place final concoction in fridge to cool if using Zoku. If using something else, add immediately to your final freezing destination, and place into freezer.
While the design of Zoku may be slightly flawed– I have yet to witness a popsicle miraculously “freeze before my eyes”, I had no problem popping the beautiful gadget into our freezer for an accelerated frozen treat. We then stored the “extras” in the freezer. Translation: We stored the ones that were not being eaten, while we whipped up another batch.
No complaints here!
On another note: I mentioned last week, I am taking part in the Naturopathica Challenge. This has been a unique challenge for me. I am hardly one to use multiple products on my skin. I am a minimalist. I am a firm believer that diet is the main component to a beautiful complexion, and products are supplemental. I did however mention that finding the Naturopathica Skin care line has been the “icing to my cake.” It has been!
The new Regimen Kits, designed for Age Defense, Normal to Oily, or Normal to Dry skin are a wonderful way to let your skin “taste test” the extraordinary benefits of truly all-natural skin products. If you have been using anything other than natural products on your skin, the positive results will be astonishing.
Creamy, smooth, and delicately aromatic, my favorite products have left my skin supple, soft and hydrated. What has really appealed to me, however, has been the noticeable decrease in inflammation. My skin has become the ideal canvas for whatever makeup I choose to apply– and lately that has been very minimal. 
I still have days to go before I give you my personal and honest favorite products, but I just got word that Naturopathica is offering insiders the opportunity to win a pre-Valentine’s Day massage, or facial, at a Naturopathica partner spa near you (up to a $200 value). 3 Winners will be announced on February 10th! Just in time for the Hallmark Holiday.
- Each winner will also receive an all-new Regimen Kit (like the one I am sampling) - customized for Age Defense, Normal to Oily, or Normal to Dry skin.
- When you sign up, you also automatically get 20% of your next order, and free shipping with orders over $75.00. Plus, and I love this part, with every order you get 3 product samples of your choosing.
- Sign-up for their Valentine’s Day offer and get your 20% off.
I will be back with more updates from my Naturopathica product testing…
I cannot wait to start sharing all of my skincare secrets with you this year! (and these secrets are unrealated to products).
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Have you ever tried Naturopathica products? What products do you use now? What is your skin type?
Ever tried a Zoku Quick Pop Maker? Have ideas for healthy recipes!?
