It’s time for a little TIDBITS Talk and a new, quite unique flavor of Crio Bru I think you’re all going to love: Instant Pot Licorice Crio Bru. Chocolate and licorice together? Yes, it works!
Hello, all you amazing food lovers out there! How has the New Year been treating you?
I hope you’re not only feeling some peace but perhaps even thriving in some area in life. Even if it’s your amazing ability to chew through an entire pack of gum in a day – let’s celebrate it!
It’s crazy to think that it has been one year since our worlds fell apart. One year ago I was writing a post all about how my rockstar children handle a pandemic worlds better than I do. I don’t believe I’ve ever cried, laughed, or loved deeper than I have in the past year.
Forgive me for avoiding that and other roller coaster topics today, because I’ve got a few things I’d much rather chat about, and a few life-changing products I’ve been dying to tell you about.
Note: If you’re only here for the recipe, feel free to hit the “jump to recipe” button at the top of the page and it will take you straight to it.
But first, since many times people who haven’t been around here long will fall on these posts and wonder what in the world they just ran into . . .
Allow me a quick intro to the TIDBITS newbies:
Hi, I’m Marci, recipe creator on the TIDBITS food blog, and every now and again I need a quick break from talking about food to just chill and connect with my readers, whom I absolutely adore. I call these posts:
These posts help me feel more connected to you all and ultimately more excited to keep creating recipes that will create magical moments in your life.
I like to think of these posts as a “coffee date”, but since I don’t drink coffee, I bring along a new twist on a Crio Bru recipe so we can sip on chocolate and chill out together for a bit.
What is Crio Bru? Well, basically my life-sustaining comfort drink.
It’s also a hot, dark chocolate drink made of ground cacao beans that can be brewed similar to coffee beans. Except, from my experience, it tastes 1000% better made in the Instant Pot, which is why I’m constantly coming up with new flavors to share with you. If you want to know more, check out my most basic recipe for Instant Pot Crio Bru.
Alright! Now that we have all of that cleared up, let’s unleash all the things I’ve been wanting to talk to you about since 2021 began!
IMPORTANT ITEMS OF BUSINESS FOR TODAY
- Reader question: Do you follow other blogs? If so, what are your favorites, and what’s your favorite recipe from them?
- Who thought I could be a parent plus resources that have saved me
- Songs to lift you up
- My latest tool for managing anxiety
- Help my poor hands
- Uplifting shows for kids – do they exist?
- My favorite new finds – the end of the toothbrush battle, journals, etc.
1) READER QUESTION
“Do you follow other blogs? If so, what are your favorites and what recipe should I try from their blog?”
I became very giddy with this question because I find food blogs more entertaining than anything else on the internet! I have a list of blogs I’ve followed religiously for years and a few that I’ve started following just recently.
Mel’s Kitchen Cafe: The first blog I ever followed, and she continues to be an inspiration to me. Mel’s heart is so present in everything she does. She has a way of making you feel like one of her best friends even if you’ve never met her (which I did at a conference once and just about peed my pants with excitement). It’s ridiculously hard to pick a favorite, but my favorite recipe from her site has to be this Chopped Chicken Cashew Salad with Creamy Cashew Dressing. It is insanely good and I bring it to every family get-together.
Pinch of Yum: Lindsey’s passion for food and life, in general, comes through in everything she does. Her blog posts are straight-up entertainment. I read them even if I have zero interest in the recipe just to get a good laugh. Hands down my favorite recipe is this Socca Bread with Whipped Feta and Tomato Salad. I ate it weekly all summer while my tomatoes were growing.
Well Plated: Erin has a gift for turning calorie-laden food into healthy versions that taste every bit as good. I’ve learned many tricks from her over the years and owe a lot of my “healthy cooking” skills to her. My favorite recipe from her site is this Harvest Cobb Salad. This was the recipe to get me over my “I don’t like butternut squash” phase. It’s incredibly good.
Pressure Cooking Today: I owe my pressure cooking obsession to Barbara. She was one of the first bloggers to post Instant Pot recipes when there really weren’t many available, and I continue to learn so much from her and her daughter Jen. My family’s favorite recipe from her blog will forever be this Pressure Cooker Cinnamon Roll Steel Cut Oats. My kids cheer when they see this.
Foolproof Living: Aysegul was born and raised in Turkey and I am so inspired by her food, photos, and kindness. I met her briefly at a conference, but it wasn’t until a year later that I fell in love with her blog. Love just pours from her every word. I just adore her. She bakes only with natural sweeteners which is something I’ve needed to learn this past year. For Valentine’s Day I made these Almond Flour Brownies and they were absolutely delightful. Fudgy, intensely chocolatey, and they didn’t leave anyone feeling sick (like other brownie recipes do to me and my son).
I could go on, but we’ve got more to talk about! If you want to hear more of my blog favorites plus favorite recipes, let me know and I’ll continue this on my next TIDBITS Talk.
Picture taken at a blogging conference with some of my blogging buddies back in 2019 when “gathering” was a thing 🙂
2) PARENTING IS HARD
I’m not looking for sympathy or compliments. I’m not complaining or wallowing in self-pity. I’m just here to say, Wow, parenting is hard, and who thought I was capable of this tremendous responsibility.
My husband and I joke that maybe the neverending infertility treatments we went through years ago were supposed to be our sign that we were hopelessly incapable of parenting, haha! Well, we didn’t listen, so we got twins 🙂
I will forever be grateful to Covid for revealing to me the challenges my son was facing daily at school. I had no idea the intensity of his struggle until I became his teacher when his school closed down last year.
I hesitate to give too many details out of respect for him, but the journey to helping him overcome his challenges has been the hardest thing I believe I have ever faced in my lifetime. 2021 has proven to be the most intense of his inner fight yet, and it has pushed me to grow harder and faster than I thought I was capable of.
I’d like to be one of those really strong people who say “I’m grateful for this trial”, but I’d be lying. For now, I’ll just say that I’m intensely grateful to teachers, friends, doctors, and other experts who have been at my beck and call whenever I needed them. I hate asking for help, so this has humbled me greatly, because it became very obvious to me that I simply couldn’t do this one on my own. It was a hard lesson on “people need people” that I really needed.
In this journey I’ve discovered resources I think every parent should have.
Starting with this Positive Parenting Solutions Course. This course is soooo easy to go through and it is the most loving, respectful, and effective parenting advice I’ve ever come across. This course should be part of every labor and delivery package for parents everywhere. I’ve been going through the lessons over and over since my daughter was two years old (8 years ago!) and I’m so grateful to have that knowledge in my parenting tool kit.
Now, for anyone out there with a strong-willed child with intense emotions that leave you feeling completely helpless, I’m going to recommend The Explosive Child by Ross Greene. Before you buy the book, you might want to take a stroll through this page – Live in the Balance: Walking Tour for Parents to get a feel for his approach. I dived into this method for one child, but it has become my go-to approach for all of my children. If you feel like you don’t have time to read a book and just want to watch and learn his system live, I highly suggest Ross Greene’s 2 Day Virtual Training Workshop. There are classes coming up in April. I’m not going to lie, it’s pricey, but I will never be the same. It has given me hope, it has given my son confidence and new skills, and above all, it’s brought peace back into my home. I receive no kickback for telling you about this and I wouldn’t normally recommend something so expensive, but for the chance that there is a lost mama, daddy, teacher, principal, or caregiver out there, I couldn’t help but tell you all about it.
Both of these websites focus on teaching and empowering children so that they might grow up to be thoughtful, loving, considerate human beings. Hallelujah for that!
To end on an uplifting note to make sure I’m not sending any soon-to-be parents into Fear Land, while there is nothing harder than watching the suffering of your own child, there is also no greater joy than watching them thrive and overcome. You will become your best self by caring for a child in whatever capacity that might be in. I believe that with my whole heart.
3) SONGS TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD
Okay, enough heavy stuff! Want to dance around your kitchen and joyfully squeal like a carefree child? These songs will make you feel like that:
- Thank you One Voice Children’s choir for your latest songs Dynamite, Try Everything, and Anyone. I’m not ashamed to say I love listening to this choir just as much as my kids.
- Also doing their own A Cappella version of these songs is Vocal Point: Dynamite and Anyone. Just try and not listen to these 6 times in a row.
- Thank you Lauren Daigle for helping me drag myself out of my closest and face life with this incredible song Trust in You.
- Finally, our other favorite: George Ezra Shotgun – so fun!
4) YOGA – WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN MY WHOLE LIFE?
My sister Cami invited me to do a 30 day Yoga with Adriene challenge in January. I said, “Heck no, I can’t take on one more thing.” The following week proved to be one of my most anxiety-ridden yet and I came crawling back to her on December 31st saying, “Where do I sign up?”
Oh, friends, I feel like heaven just dropped me a lifeline with this new discovery. Many of you are probably already Adriene fans, but this was completely new to me.
Did you know that breathing should actually feel nourishing and calming? This has not been the case for me. Ironically this FREE 30-day Challenge was titled Breath and I am begging each and every one of you to start it NOW. Don’t overthink it or postpone it one second longer. I haven’t felt this kind of calm or experienced this deep of breath in over a decade. Do it!
5) HAND CREAM RECOMMENDATIONS
Please tell me someone out there has a miracle hand cream! I can hardly even bend my fingers without earning myself a new split. My kids are going to grow up thinking wearing gloves 24/7 in the kitchen is normal, haha! My daughter pulled out a pair of gloves the other day to cut up an apple and I thought, “oh boy, she’s ruined”. Heaven forbid we touch an apple! I’ve really loved these Hand Masks (amazing!), but I’d like something that doesn’t require me to have my hands gloved and greasy for hours.
The ever-present blue/purple gloves, haha! My hands would die without them.
6) UPLIFTING SHOWS FOR KIDS
You know that dreaded moment when you hear your kid talking like a selfish, bratty teenager and wonder to yourself, “Where in the world did they learn that?!” Oh, right, it’s the sarcasm-laden kids shows they watch on the Disney Channel. I like these shows because they’re clean and innocent, but I’m not such a fan of my 8-year-old son calling his girlfriend a “Hottie” or my 10-year-old daughter talking to me in acronyms. Any uplifting suggestions for movies, documentaries, or TV series would be greatly appreciated!
7) NEW FIND FAVORITES
Now for one of my favorite sections in our little chats: MY FAVORITE NEW FINDS!
If I could make a living on product testing, I’d be in heaven. I absolutely love coming across life-changing products, and I’ve got some good ones for you today!
Auto Brush: To preface this, I’ve spent 6 years battling my son about brushing his teeth. My life changed overnight with the arrival of this genius toothbrush. I can’t promise this life-changing moment for everyone, but I have literally not had one toothbrush battle or toothpaste mess in 2 months now and I could cry myself a river of relief. The Auto Brush fits over all of the teeth which cuts brush time down from 2 minutes to 30 seconds. (However, I still have them brush for at least a minute because it makes me feel better). It also has lights on it that claim to help heal gums and kill germs. The downside is they are more expensive than a standard toothbrush so if your child does a great job at brushing, I wouldn’t bother. But if you’re one toothbrush battle away from losing your sanity, GIVE THE AUTO BRUSH A TRY! They run deals off and on to watch for, but you can also get 5% off your order with the code TIDBITS.
New Nutpods Flavor! I adore this unsweetened, dairy-free creamer and the newest flavor is SO YUMMY! I’ve been enjoying a bowl of raspberries with Coconut Macaroon creamer over top for the past 2 weeks – you need to try this out! My other forever favorite is Hazelnut – Duh-REAMY! Use the code MARCITIDBITS to get 15% off your order. Also, these freeze-dried grapes are my favorite treat/snack ever (I have to hide them from the kids so they don’t eat half the can).
Big Life Journal: Have you heard of these journals? I want to hug whoever came up with these. I got one for each of my kids for Valentine’s Day. The journals provide writing prompts to encourage “Growth Mindset” thinking, which basically means seeing your mistakes as opportunities to grow instead of proof of inadequacy. I was worried my kids would roll their eyes at this, but they are DRINKING-IT-UP! I’ve been saying similar things for years, but apparently, it took someone else’s voice to really drive it all home. Thank you Big Life Journal creator! You are doing incredible things!
Beanilla Vanilla Beans: This isn’t a new product of course, but I wanted to give you guys a heads up that the prices of Vanilla Beans have come down A LOT! I spent almost $300 at Christmas time to buy a pound. At the time of writing this post, that price is nearly half! (Don’t hate me if the price goes back up without me knowing when you read this. I’ll keep watch, but I’m not perfect!). You can get an additional 7% off by using the code TIDBITS as well.
Now that I officially have nothing left to discuss until our next TIDBITS chat, let me introduce my newest Crio Bru flavor invention . . .
INSTANT POT LICORICE CRIO BRU
What do you think of that flavor combo? Does it scare you? Excite you? How about intrigue you?
I’m honestly not sure if licorice and chocolate are a known flavor combo yet, but OH. MY. GOODNESS. This is yummy.
Take a sip and then just sit with it for a second. You’re going to get hit first with the deep, dark chocolate flavors, then a few seconds later, the natural sweetness and cooling effect of licorice will hit you. Your first thought will be, “That was weird” followed by, “No, that was amazing!”
I love it so much, I can’t wait to hear what you think of this one!
If you’ve never made Crio Bru in the Instant Pot before, refer to this Basic Crio Bru recipe for more details.
The only difference here is you’re going to add a bag or two of licorice tea (Stash brand is my favorite of all time). Easy peasy and oh so pleasing.
If you love Crio Bru, be sure and check out my other creations, Golden Crio Bru, Coconut Orange Crio Bru, and Cashew Crio Bru.
Thank you, my friends, for being here. I love to hear your stories, thoughts, and recommendations! I can’t wait to hear from you!
Talk to you soon!
PrintInstant Pot Licorice Crio Bru
Deep, dark, Instant Pot Licorice Crio Bru is soothing, invigorating, and perfectly cozy for any time of day.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ½ cup Crio Bru (any variety)
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1/3 – 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (optional)
- 1 bag of licorice tea (I like the Stash brand)
Instructions
- Add Crio Bru grounds, water, milk, and maple syrup (if using), and licorice tea bags to the pressure cooker pot. Note: if the tea has a paper tag on the string, remove it before adding to the pot.
- Secure the lid and turn pressure release knob to a sealed position. Cook at high pressure for 5 minutes.
- When cooking is complete, use a natural release for at least 5 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
- Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and pour Crio Bru through the sieve to filter out the grounds. Be careful! The Crio Bru will be VERY hot.
- Serve immediately with swirl of heavy cream, creamer, or a Frozen Whipped Cream Dollop
- Cool leftovers to room temperature. Pour into mason jars, top with a pourable lid, and store in the refrigerator. Enjoy cold or pour into a microwave safe mug and warm for 1-2 minutes.
Notes
- There are many different flavors of Crio Bru, use the same cooking instructions for any variety of Crio Bru grounds.
- I prefer to drink mine unsweetened, my kids prefer the addition of maple syrup. White sugar also works. Honey tastes a little strange.
- Any type of milk will work in this recipe. If using cow’s milk, wait to add it until after the Crio Bru grounds are strained. It tends to foam when pressure cooked and can make a mess on the underside of the lid.
I saw your original Crio Bru a couple of weeks ago. Had to hunt down some cacao beans. I just finished making my second batch. So yummy. Except NOW I see licorice!?! Now I have to wait a couple of days to make it again and to try that🤤😉. I think licorice and chocolate is definitely a thing. Look at the licorice allsorts. The black, brown and white stack is the best!!!
Thanks for the recipe.
This was my first time reading your blog. So happy to have found it. Thanks for all the information. I’m going to start yoga today!
Sue, Welcome! Let me know what you think of Yoga with Adrienne.
I got a chuckle out of your daughter wearing purple gloves to cut up an apple; so cute. 🙂 But dry, cracked hands are a major winter nuisance! My sister-in-law makes her own lotion from Vaseline, vitamin E cream, regular lotion, and a tube of Neosporin. It’s pretty soothing. You can do a web search for something similar if you want to try a DIY version. If I wear gloves while doing dishes that prevents my skin from cracking. We also have a whole home humidifier that has eliminated dry, itchy skin in the winter. I hope you find relief soon!
The new Crio Bru flavors sound so good. I would love to try the Cinnamon and the spouse would like the Peppermint Mocha.
Thanks for a list of your other favorite food blogs. I’m going to go fall down that rabbit hole now…
Candice, I’m loving the sounds of that homemade version, I’ll check it out, thanks. Enjoy your rabbit hole with a hot cup of Crio, haha!
I seriously need to try Crio Bru in the Instant pot! I’ve only been able to make it in my drip coffee maker and my daughter says it needs French Press. When I saw the options to not only make it in the Instant Pot AND add licorice flavor it’s a must do! Definitely ordering more Crio Bru.
Norine, it’ll blow you away how much better it is in the Instant Pot, there is no comparison. Let me know if you try it and I’m so happy to hear from another licorice fan 🙂
Wow! How is it possible for your to be crazy AND genius at the same time? Crio Bru in the instant pot…. Genius! Adding licorice…. Crazy thought turned genius! Great combo!
I am beyond grateful that I discovered your instant pot Crio Bru method last year. I’d been using a French Press, but I love how it turns out in the instant pot and I will never go back! I give Crio Bru to my friends and family sometimes as gifts, and I always send them to your blog to learn how to make it! Thanks for sharing such great recipes. I, too, am a longtime Mel’s Kitchen Cafe follower, and I couldn’t pick a favorite recipe there–too many to count! I also like A Bountiful Kitchen by Si Foster! Her tried and true chocolate chip cookies and her knockoff Levain bakery chocolate chip walnut cookies are huge favorites at my house.
Mirien, it’s a big difference, right?! I got rid of my french press shortly after. I’m excited to check out A Bountiful Kitchen.
Mel was the first time I ever realized that food blogs were a thing, haha! It seems like forever ago.
This blog post is stuffed full of so much great information!! I can’t wait to checkout some of the different links. I have never tried Crio Bru, but I love chocolate and black licorice so I will definitely give it a try! Thanks for sharing!
Mary, I’m glad you could enjoy it all :). It was a mouthful, I know!
I love your blog and recipes, Marci! The Tidbits Talk is new to me – thanks so much for sharing! This is one of the best ways to find out about items & ideas to give a try. I also love Barbara & Jenn’s Pressure Cooking Today blog. Additional food blogs I follow are Amy + Jacky Pressure Cook Recipes, Once Upon a Chef & Sally’s Baking Addiction (non-instant pot). Non food blogs I follow are Kelly Balarie’s Purposeful Faith (love) and Between Naps on the Porch (great blog that has all kind of ideas for tablescapes for holidays & seasons, as well as decorating ideas, favorite items lists for personal items, clothes and household items, travel ideas, etc.
Glinda, thank you so much, that was so nice to hear. I’m excited to go lose myself in your favorite blogs now, I enjoy that more than watching TV 🙂
So glad I found out about the Big Life Journal. I have been wanting to get a journal for my kids, but I want it to be interesting for them. This sounds great. Thanks for sharing!
Angela, it’s an absolute treasure. I was worried my kids would get bored with it, but they actually like doing it. The pictures, words, interaction, etc make it so fun to work through.
Marci, thanks for the info on autobrush. I just finished ordering one for my 5-year-old granddaughter who hates to brush and now has a mouthful of cavities – literally. Her mom doesn’t know how she is going to pay for this dental work. I really think this will get her to brush because it looks fun. I’m sure her siblings will want one of their own as well. Don’t know if I can afford one for all of them, but I do appreaciate the savings using ‘tibits’.
Marlyne, oh you are a great grandma! Her mom is going to love you, it’s so great to be done with that fight. My other kids also wanted one, but I regret buying them one because they use an electric brush fine and in retrospect, I realize I didn’t need to spend the money on them.
Parenting anything is so helpful! I need to go check out that website and book.
Also, love iced crio bru. I use my instapot to make it. Then store it in the fridge. I put 4-5 ice cubes in a blender bottle, a cup of chocolate almond milk and the rest crio bru. It is so perfect! Thanks for sharing the basic recipe. Saved my life!
Kristie, yes, I’ll take all the parenting tips! You’re iced Crio Bru idea sounds so good! I’m going to try this!
My all-time favorite get up and dance song: Shake by MercyMe
Food blog I am using, besides yours, veggiesdontbite.com. I totally recommend her Vegan Alfredo Sauce. I make it a little thinner by adding an extra 1/2 cup of broth because when you heat it up, the sauce thickens. But, I absolutely love the flavor.
Although I love Crio Bru, your Licorice Crio Bru really doesn’t sound appealing to me, but it gives me happy thoughts of my mom-in-love and my dad cuz they both used to love licorice.
Barbara, I played this song at breakfast this morning, what a treat, thank you! Thank you for the blog suggestion, there are a lot of recipes I want to try from it now. That alfredo sauce especially.
At least licorice can give you happy memories, haha!
Because of you, I am hooked on Crio Bru!! I’m not loyal to any one flavor though I am loving Venezuelan right now. When I have time I do make it in my insta pot.
I love your Insta pot spring soup with chicken meatballs recipe.
I love yoga! Helps with the stress of children!!!!
Laurianne, I’m glad you’re addicted :). It makes life happier. Yes to yoga and mom stress and that soup is one of my spring must makes! I’m glad you like it too!
Hand creams, country cures: I use Hoofmaker by Straight Arrow (they also have Mane’n Tail hair products) feels a little greasy going on but soaks in quickly, also conditions nails. My farm-raised mom always recommended corn husker’s lotion, available in oil-free version. Bag Balm (originally for chapped udders), is a souped up petroleum jelly, not bad if used in tandem with warm water to help it melt and spread thinly. A tiny bit, maybe a little more than one might use on chapped lips, goes far when heated: grab your dab, give a little palm rub to start the spread, submerge hands in very warm water, and do your thing, pat dry. Use a heavier application for overnight or other extended period if gloving up is convenient – or even plain pj if you don’t need/want the extra ingredients. If you accidentally use too much, just wipe it on some other bit of skin. 🙂
Jean, now those are suggestions I haven’t heard yet, thank you!
Eucerin Advanced Healing. I get the big tub with the red lid, but it is available in a hand cream tube. I haven’t tried it to see if it’s the same, but the tub has been a lifesaver!
Melissa, I used this when I was younger, thank you for the reminder!
Hmmm, I like licorice, I like chocolate, but I’m having a hard time picturing them together! I always love your posts and have made some of your recipes, and I don’t know how you get done everything you do!
Wyn, try it! I think you’ll love it!
It takes a village to get it all done. I’ve had to get help this year because I was drowning, it’s been nice to have a team 🙂
My brother-in-law thinks I’m crazy cuz I mix hot cocoa and coffee together then top with whipped cream. Yummmmy. But your croi bru sounds really interesting. I might just have to make this. You talk about your kids being rock stars through the pandemic. I’m so proud of my grand-kids for being so flexible with school in person, then on-line, then hybrid, then on-line, then face-to-face 4 days/week. It would make me crazy, but they’re getting straight a’s! They really are amazing! Happy St. Patty’s day.
MaryBeth, I’ve heard lots of people like to mix coffee and Crio Bru so I don’t think you’re weird at all 🙂
Yes, kids are amazing. They were meant for these days, I’m sure of it.
The hand repair section grabbed me! Mine get dry and tend to crack also. I do a lot of work outside and try to wear gloves to save my hands, but that doesn’t always help. “Hand Masks” look like a great thing to try. I had never heard of them. Thanks for the info on these.
Kathleen, It’s so frustrating, right?! The hand masks are great though. If I used them 1-2 times a week I think it would solve my problem, but they’re a bit of a hassle.
I have read on your blog before about crio Bru but have hesitated trying it. I have ME/CFS a chronic inflammatory disorder of the CNS. My doctor actually recommends dark chocolate for its anti inflammatory benefits. I’m going to order some of this. I don’t drink coffee but I do drink tea. I would love to try this. Question do you ever use the French press or coffee maker or do you only make it in the instapot? What do you think makes it better in the instapot? I’m ordering some today.
Heidi, This would be such a great way to get the anti-inflammatory benefits since there aren’t any added sugars or other ingredients. I’ve used a french press in the past (it was pretty weak in flavor), my husband uses a coffee maker to make it twice a day and loves it, but the Instant Pot is definitely the strongest tasting version. I would say go with whatever is convenient!
Not positive about black licorice (anise) and chocolate. Not positive about Crio Bru – would love to try it, haven’t bought a sampler pack yet. I’m not a coffee person AT ALL, so not sure if Crio Bru is just chocolate or coffee/chocolate. As for children, I’ve found the book “The Child Whisperer” to be helpful.
Thanks for all you do!
Sandy
Sandy, If you order Crio Bru, I’d suggest the new Cinnamon flavor or the Hazelnut. I would say it’s similar to coffee in consistency and bitterness, but of course a chocolate flavor instead of coffee. For me, it’s just a comfort thing :). I’ve had a few people recommend that book, I guess it’s time to get it ordered. Thank you!
First of all, I had a sensitive, strong-willed child. She was, well, she took better than average parenting skills I lacked. What saved us was a book called “The Difficult Child”. It gave us what we needed to help her cope with her sensitive skin and inability to switch quickly from one activity to the next. I’m all for resources that help parents help their children!
Next, just no on licorice crio bru. Lol. I have never liked licorice. So no thanks. 🙂 I bet the new flavors are amazing though. My favorite by far is the double chocolate. Thanks for introducing Crio Bru to me! I love it!
Have a great week!
Cecilia
Cecilia, “she took better than average parenting skills” yes to this! Sometimes I feel bad that my other kids don’t get me at “top speed” because it wears me out. I’m excited to find this book, thank you!
If I was your neighbor I’d be bringing you a cup of Licorice Crio Bru and be demanding you try it, haha! Consider yourself lucky.
Yes, the double chocolate is the most amazing smell in the world.
I have never tried crio-bru, but Peppermint Mocha???? I definitely need to investigate this further! Thank you for posting the blogs you follow….some new ones I need to follow as well!
Kathie, oh the smell is divine. I’ve always craved coffee, even though I’ve never tasted it, but this feels very close to a hot cup of peppermint mocha from Starbucks (as far as the smell goes). You’ll love the other blogs. I love their food and the people.
Hi Marci,
Love, love your website! Also, thanks for your stellar recommendations. I purchased the Berkley filter system. I liked it so much, I sent one as a gift to my sister. I used to be a bartender, my hands were always wet. That means my hands had cracks all over them, painful!. I just couldn’t keep them dry. The only thing that worked for me was,
https://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Hand-Cream-Norwegian-Formula/dp/B004RRH90Q/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=nutrogena+hand+cream&qid=1615997118&sr=8-2
I hope this helps your hands, need to apply it several times a day and you should see results with in a week.
My best, Shelly
Shelly, I’ve ordered it now. I pray it will help as well. I’m tired of stinging hands! Thank you.
I highly, highly recommend Gold Bond Diabetic’s Dry Skin Relief. I have tried more lotions and hand creams than I care to count. I was always frustrated because every single time I’d wash my hands I’d have to reapply, or even reapply multiple times throughout the day. Soemtimes the palms of my hands get so dry they almost hurt. But, the Gold Bond Diabetic lotion has changed everything for my skin. It is the only one I’ve found hat moisturizes deeply enough that I don’t have to keep reapplying multiple times a day to keep my hands feeling good.
Jenni, I just ordered it! I’m going to have 5 lotions show up from Amazon later this week, haha! I wonder what the difference is with it being a “diabetic” formula. I’m excited to try, thanks for the recommendation.
Yay! I’m so excited for you! I hope you love it as much as I do. I will say once the level of the lotion remaining in the bottle is down to the last maybe inch of the bottle, I will shake the bottle around a bit before pumping to get the lotion closer to the pump tube because it’s a pretty thick consistency. Then I’ll cut my bottle and just dip my finger in to get some lotion. I also then keep it in a ziploc bag so it doesn’t dry out. I get to use every last bit that way.
Jenni, haha, I do this too! My husband thinks it’s so funny. I just can’t throw that last bit away.
My children are grown, and honestly, I am not sure how parents of younger children have survived during the pandemic. Playing the role of parent, teacher and for some, an outside the home job, as well as still maintaining a home. My hat is off to all of you. I am not sure I would have survived!
Susan, Thank you so much. I was not graceful with this adjustment by any means, but I survived, and I’m still surviving, so that’s a plus!
I have never had crio bro before but just ordered some of the maya – I’m really intrigued!! Love your blog – and laughed about the 1 toothbrush battle away from losing your sanity – mother of 4 – I think my sanity is gone!!
Veronica, Oh the toothbrush battle. At one point I told him he could have a pass on putting dirty clothes in the hamper if we could just stop fighting about teeth brushing (mom desperation moment, haha). He hasn’t complained once about this brush. You’ll love the Maya, it’s got the best spicy kick.
I am also going to check out the 30-day yoga challenge. I avoid this like the plague, it is always too slow and too boring and never relaxing for me. But I do know that I need something like that to add to my hiking and walking and gardening and occasionally kettle bells activities. I am also considering checking into Tai Chi.
Connie, the yoga challenge was heaven sent. Honestly, I can’t imagine what a mess I’d be right now if I hadn’t done it. I’ve always avoided it myself because I love to run, breath hard, work up a sweat . . . turns out it was the breathing and stillness that I needed. However, I still have to run every morning :). Report back if you try it. And now I want to do Tai Chi.
The Cinnamon is incredible. I and my kids open the package just to take a few whiffs of it. INCREDIBLE.
I’ll be sure and sure a few more blogs I love next time!
I am very anxious to try Crio Bru, especially Cinnamon. The combo of dark chocolate/cinnamon/coffee is my idea of not-swee dessert heaven. So Crio Bru Cinnamon is almost there! Would love to win this one for sure.
I also would like to hear more about your favorite/recommended blogs and recipes.
For your hands, I have made a recipe using coconut oil and essential oils that is not greasy. I do not have dry hands but my daughter does and loves it. You can email me for the recipe if you like.
Karen, I would love to get the details! I’ll email you today, thank you!
Yoga with Adriene is a God-send. This series that focuses on breath is just what I needed.
Teresa, wasn’t it amazing?! The first week I was shocked at how small my breaths were compared to hers. By the end of it, I felt like I’d been given the most amazing gift of free breathing. I’m so grateful to her!
I’m always amazed at what God gives us the energy to accomplish with His help!! What a blessing to be able to help your son and your family as a result of the pandemic.
My favorite lotion, hands-down (😉), is Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream. I’ve even got my husband using it almost every night—and he HATES lotion. It’s not greasy and absorbs pretty quickly. We’ve been using it for years and I’ve never found anything better!!
Amanda, Agreed, I couldn’t have made it through that one without a lot of heavenly help. I’m so grateful.
Someone else recommended that lotion too, I’ve got it ordered! Thank you.
I’ve never tried Crio Bru but with addition of the Peppermint Mocha and your screaming stamp of approval, I’m in!
Tracy, haha, okay, maybe I didn’t scream, but I probably squealed that first time I smelled it. Out of this world!
Teared up reading your experience with your son this past year. I have had what sounds to be the same or very similar experience with my son this year as well. Virtual learning revealed the depths of his struggles but thankfully he is on the road to the help he needs! We literally just filled out the paperwork that will put the support he needs in place within the coming weeks. As you eluded to, it’s been HARD…so hard! BUT, I’m beyond grateful for the team that is advocating for him and VERY thankful to YOU for sharing your story to help me remember we’re not alone! Thank you!! ❤️
Erin, I don’t remember feeling this much heartache ever. I think you can agree that finding that road was so so hard, it’s such a relief to feel hope again. Our stories do sound so similar, I just signed on some paperwork with his school yesterday. It’s been amazing how people have surrounded us and kept us floating. I’ll send a few angels your way as well 🙂
I love yoga. Have been doing it since diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago. My body and mind feel tired and lost when I don’t practice. I am going to do the 30 day Breathe challenge! Thanks for the heads up on this 💗
Ellen, I’m only 2-3 months into this practice, and it’s crazy how much different I feel when I’m consistent. Even missing 2 days is a great reminder of why I do it. Let me know what you think of the Breathe challenge! I’d love to hear from a yoga pro!
I already love my Instant Pot and can’t wait to try it with Crio , esp. licorice!
Ann, finally! Another licorice lover! I was starting to feel alone, haha!
Not many people I know except for myself who love licorice. Can’t wait to try it. Thanks.
Terry, I love strong, aromatic flavors. Have you had licorice tea? Stash is my favorite.
I also follow instantlost and skinny taste. Other healthy recipes to help me keep my family healthy! I highly recommend both of them to others. Brittany from instantlost has an amazing story. She tried cutting foods from their diets to help her daughters condition. Eventually she started cutting other foods from her diet and lost about 100 pounds in a year. Mostly by cooking healthy meals in her instant pot. It’s so funny how you start following people online, and you develop a closeness to them! (Kinda like you, but I’ve at least met you sister!) 😉
Jen, I love Skinny Taste! She was one of my first blogs to follow. I’ll check out Instantlost – that’s an amazing story. I didn’t know you met Cami in person, I guess we’re family now 🙂
Beanilla Vanilla Beans i thought the name was cute first thing i smiled at i love vanilla beans and the purple gloves
Carol, thank you for approving my purple gloves 🙂
Just ordered Crio But for 1st time and can hardly wait to try your licorice flavor recipe. Enjoying the unique uses for the Instant Pot you share!
Carol, I hope you love it! I do love pushing the Instant Pot to it’s limit.
Looking forward to this, I love coffee and I love liquorice !!!! Thank you for the change to win a prize and for all your wonderful posts.
Cindy, this sounds right up your alley then! Let me know if you try it.
I love the Gold Bond healing aloe hand cream. My hands always crack in the winter, too, but this has stopped it! They have an amazing foot cream, too! And the scent is light and fresh.
Katie, this seems to be everyone’s recommendation, I’m sold 🙂