Semi-Homemade Sticky Buns

This post is sponsored by the Puff Pastry brand but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

If anyone knows me, they know I love breakfast/brunch.  I also love sweets.  So when I can combine the two and eat my sweets for breakfast - hey, that's a win for me!  But let's face it, I'm an adult and I eat what I want when I want.. ha!  I just feel less guilty when it's a "breakfast sweet".  ;)

For this recipe, I used Puff Pastry.. making this a semi-homemade treat.  I love how light, airy, and flaky Puff Pastry is, and how easy it is to work with!  It's so versatile that it can be used for breakfast, dinner, sweet, savory, appetizers.. there are so many options.  Anyone can make this recipe, it's that easy.  They were all gone by the next day because my kids (and husband) couldn't keep their hands off of them.

Semi-Homemade Sticky Buns

            For the Sticky Buns

• 1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 package (2 sheets) Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry

            For the Filling

• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 3 tsp cinnamon

Preheat your oven to 400ºF.  Use a stand or hand mixer, cream 1 1/2 sticks of butter and 1/3 cup light brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.  Divide the butter mixture between between a 12-cup muffin tin.  Divide the chopped pecans and sprinkle on top of the butter mixture in the tins.  

Unfold the first sheet of your Puff Pastry and brush the whole thing with melted butter.  Sprinkle half of the cinnamon and brown on top.  Roll up the pastry tightly, starting with the edge closest to you.  End it with the seam side down and cut off the ends.  Then cut the roll into 6 equal pieces and place into the muffin tins with the spiral side down.  Repeat with the second Puff Pastry sheet.  

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the muffin tin on top of that to catch any spills.  Bake the sticky buns for 25 to 30 minutes or until they are firm and golden.  Let cool in the pan for just a few minutes before inverting them.  Make sure to scrape any extra toppings from the tins - don't let that good stuff go to waste!

As you can see, my kid is about ready to go in for the kill.  These didn't last long at all.. and I plan on making more very soon!  We have family coming in for Easter this year and I think these will be part of a perfect brunch!  

The Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets are perfect for these little treats.  And these are fun for kids to help with also - Clara loved sprinkles on the pecans!  Easter is coming up, you should make a test run beforehand.  ;)

Vitality Blend Banana Breakfast Smoothie

This post is sponsored by Viance Nutrition but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

I am a huge smoothie person.  I love them any time of day, but especially in the mornings because I find that they're easy and quick for when I need to get out the door.

To make this Breakfast Smoothie recipe, I used Viance Vitality Blend.  It's a meal replacement shake, but I made it into this delicious breakfast smoothie.  No more worries about getting good nutrition in the morning.  After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right??

I've been making this smoothie every morning for about a week now, and I love it!  It keeps me satisfied all morning and best of all, I know I'm getting the fuel and nutrition that my body needs to keep going through the day!

This recipe is easy, and tasty!  If you give it a go, let me know what you think!

Vitality Blend Banana Breakfast Smoothie

• 1 Scoop Viance Vitality Blend
• 3/4 cup vanilla almond milk
• 1 banana, frozen
• Handful of ice

Blend until smooth, and start getting that nutrition in!

They also have a handful of other wonderful products.. such as their greens formula which is exactly like juicing (but without the mess) and their brownie bites.  They are the perfect snack to take on the go!

Check out Viance, you'll be happy you did!

Valentine Gift Round Up

I think Valentine's Day is just a fun little holiday.  Especially now that I have kids.. but I truly think kids just make everything more fun.  ;)  I had the chance to review a few products from Uncommon Goods for this Valentine's Day, and let me tell you.. if you haven't ever heard of them or bought anything from them, you NEED to!  They have some fun and unique gifts and products.  There's definitely something everyone would love.  If you need a last minute gift for Valentine's Day.. or any day.. you must scope this out!

A little background on Uncommon Goods.. it was founded in 1999 in Brooklyn, New York.  They feature unique items like household gifts, jewelry, and other handcrafted items.  They make it their mission to support and give independent artists and designers a platform.  They also have various nonprofits including RAINN, American Forests, and Reach Out & Read.  How cool is that?!

Some of my favorite things from Uncommon Goods are the Cocoa Butter Truffles Bathtub Soaks, the Oven to Table Entertaining Platter, and the Garlic Grater and Oil Dipping Dish.  If you want to peruse the Valentine's gift section... here is a great start:

• Valentine's Gifts
• Valentine's Gifts For Husbands
• Valentine's Gifts For Women

Everything I have bought from Uncommon Goods has been of the best quality, plus their customer service is outstanding!  You can't go wrong with buying a gift from there, because I guarantee you it will be something unique and special!

Have you ever bought anything from Uncommon Goods?  If so, what?