Splurge vs. Steal: Leopard Sneakers

It's time for another Splurge Vs. Steal post!  Even though I blog about a variety of topics, these posts always get the most traffic.  I guess everyone loves a bargain!

 



 

Steve Madden | Mossimo

How cute are these leopard print sneakers for fall? The pair on the left is $79.95 from Steve Madden, and the pair on the right is $24.99 at Target.

 

Which one would you choose? I vote for the steal!

Recipe: Quinoa Salad

I love easy meals for summer.  This delicious quinoa salad is one of my favorites.  It is easy to prep and can be made ahead of time.  We love it for dinner, and it also works great as a side dish for BBQs, parties, etc.

 

 

 

Quinoa Salad

 

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 tomato, diced

1/2 onion, chopped

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup corn

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

3 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

 

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions and allow to cool.  (We use this brand.)

2. Mix in tomato, onion, corn, and black beans.

3. Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar over salad and stir.

4. Add salt and pepper to taste.

5. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

6. Enjoy!



Kid's Corner: Sea Life Sensory Bin



Looking for a fun and easy way to entertain your toddler or preschooler this summer?  This Sea Life Sensory Bin will provide hours of hands-on play for your little one.  You probably already have most of the supplies at your home already.

 

First you will need a large plastic container or bin.  Then get some cups and scoops.  These cups are actually leftover from coloring Easter Eggs.  The scoop is an ice scoop from the $1 bin at Target.  Any type of plastic bowl, cup, scoop, or shovel will easily work.

Next you need a filler for your sensory bin.  I used pasta and glass gems.  I dyed pasta to make it look similar to the ocean, but use whatever you have on hand. 

No sea life display would be complete without seashells!  We found these at the beach, but you can also find them at your local craft store if you don't already have some on hand.

Ocean animals are a must-have as well. I grabbed these from our collection of bath toys (here on Amazon).

 

 

My toddler spent hours scooping the pasta into cups and playing with the shells and animals.  It was a great way to spend a summer afternoon.