My sister wants to start playing pickleball. What can I get her for her birthday to get her started?
A cute paddle, pickleball backpack, this sweatshirt, or this active dress would all be great gifts.
I don’t know much about agave, but you mentioned it wasn’t a good sweetener. Can you explain why because I thought it was healthier than regular sugar? What’s a better alternative?
For some reason agave has a been thought of as a healthy sweetener option because it’s natural. A lot of health places will add it into smoothies, matcha lattes, and other beverages. Agave is all fructose and contains more fructose than regular table sugar. Fructose can only be metabolized in the liver and cannot be used as an energy source in the cells like glucose can. So it all goes into the liver and if the liver gets overloaded it will turn the fructose into fat. (FYI do not avoid fruit because of fructose content because it also contains fiber and other nutrients you don’t want to miss out on!)
It’s all about quantity and frequency of usage IMO. If you you use small amounts of any sweetener sparingly it’s not a big deal- use what you prefer. But if you’re someone that likes a lot of sweetener on a daily basis then opt for something like Stevia or monk fruit. Maple syrup and honey are also natural sweetener options, but will raise your blood glucose, so use in small amounts.
Do you think using stevia is better for you than maple syrup in the matcha latte you posted?
Like I mentioned above, if you’re not using it in large doses pick which one you like best. I wrote a post here and here all about sugar, artificial sweeteners, and sugar alcohols that will help provide you with more information, so you can make a decision that’s best for you.
I’m hosting Easter brunch. What are some good recipe ideas to serve a bigger group?
For kids, this bunny waffle maker is adorable. I used it last year for the kids and had a waffle making bar with all the toppings. Fruit, whipped cream, sprinkles, etc. For adults you can do a bagel or avocado toast bar (I did that here). I also like the idea of keeping it simple by making (or buying) a few quiches and a few side green and fruit salads to pair with it.
I’m looking for a new belt bag, but not Lulu 😉 Under $100.
Belt bags aren’t really my forte because I carry around too much sh*t lol and if I do carry one it’s Lulu when I ski but that’s basically it. If you want something trendy, I’d check Revolve or Shopbop for ideas because most belt bags I’ve seen are not cute TBH. This is the only one on Revolve under $100 worth mentioning.
Do you have a dupe for your Pottery Barn duvet cover? Something under $200?
This one has gone viral on TikTok and is an identical replica of my PB linen duvet. What a steal. I am tempted to buy one as backup!
What are the sheets you both have and love?
Comphy sheets and they are local to WA. Our favorite massage therapist uses these sheets and actually so many spas we have been to use them for their beds. If they use them for a massage room, you bet your ass we want them for our own bed. They are the softest sheets you’ll ever own and will never turn back.
Any good Amazon purchases lately?
I just got this designer inspired toiletry travel case and it’s gorgeous in person. And I like that I can stand a lot of my products upright in it.
Cheers, A&H
