Let the whole world swoon over Pumpkin Spice Lattes, I've got somethin' even better for you! Pumpkin Spice Crio Bru – naturally sweetened, full of real pumpkin flavor, and made with 100% ground cocoa beans and 0% coffee. Bring on fall!
It's been 6 months since our last TIDBITS Talk!? What is this strange world where days seem to drag on forever and months seem to pass in a blink of an eye? Anyone else feel like this?
Well no matter what's going on in this crazy world, the leaves around me are on fire with vibrant color, the air is perfectly crisp, and I'm using a new hair conditioner that smells like a ginger snap cookie, so LIFE. IS. GOOD.
With fall in the air, my mood and perspective on this confused world is infinitely better so how 'bout an uplifting chat?
It wouldn't be a good heart to heart without something warm in my hands, so to celebrate fall, today's drink of the day is Pumpkin Spiced Crio Bru and it SCREAMS autumn.
It's my coffee free version of the infamous Pumpkin Spice Latte and I'm so excited for you to try it out!
IMPORTANT ITEMS OF BUSINESS FOR TODAY
- Reader question: What happened with InstaFreeze Meals? Why did you cancel it?
- How's your school year going so far? I'm on Plan D . . .
- Kids and tablets – How to keep them safe
- Songs, Memes, and Words to make you feel good
- Can't stop, won't stop eating: Socca Bread
- Brain Balance update
- Face tanner update – I've found THE ONE!
- Leggings or Joggers?
- Things I'm loving lately – No mess erasers, amazing almond butter, favorite water bottle, and more!
Whoa, 9 topics on the agenda. Apparently, we need to have one of these talks more often (since I actually condensed this from a list of 15!)
This is loaded with goodies though, so grab your Pumpkin Spice “pretend latte” and let's talk!
1) WHAT HAPPENED TO INSTAFREEZE MEALS
For those not familiar with InstaFreeze Meals, it's a freezer meal class my sister and I created where people could come and create 15 Instant Pot freezer meals in under an hour. We also created an online version for those who don't live locally so they could make them in their own homes.
When COVID hit, we had to close the classes. Then because of increased restrictions, we weren't allowed to restart the classes either. So after some major business restructuring, we came up with a new version of InstaFreeze Meals that we are busting at the seams to talk about!!! Buuutttt . . . I can't quite talk about it yet. Just trust me when I say, A-W-E-S-O-M-E things are in the works! Also, I'm being pushed out of my comfort zone on a daily basis and it's really, well, uncomfortable. Like – putting on a pair of skinny jeans after living March through September in yoga pants – uncomfortable.
Because I only have so many hours in the day, we have shut down the online version as well, and unless I can find a clone, it will likely stay closed.
Great things to come – STAY TUNED!
My InstaFreeze Meals partner/sister in crime, Maegan (who will forever be 10 years old to me)
2) 2020 -2021 School Year
AKA the year of “I don't know what to do so I'm gonna close my eyes and point.” I've changed my mind approximately 86 times (per day) on what I thought would be best for my kids this year, and even now, after a solid two months of school, I'm thinking, hmm . . . maybe I'll switch to full time homeschool. (Cue my husband throwing his hands into the air and exiting the room before he says something he'll regret). Making a decision has never been my best skill.
At the moment my kids are two days on campus, two days at a tutor, and one day with the most impatient teacher they've ever experienced (oh, hi – that's me).
How are things for you? Feelin' good? Feeling overwhelmed? Hangin' in there?
We are coping with the help of our two new kitties, Wonder and Thunder . . .
and motorcycles – always motorcycles.
3) Kids and Tablets
I asked this question on Instagram the other day and received several good suggestions of different apps and such that people are using. They all sounded good, but didn't work very well with my daughter's Amazon Fire Tablet. I basically want to have a tablet with a total of 3 things my daughter can click on – Disney Plus, Spotify, and a Spelling Practice app. It looks like I could drop $800 on a new iPad and have that feature, but is that really my only choice? Please share!
4) Mood Boosters
My latest finds:
Inspiring words on hope (LOVE this man)
Enjoyable Book of Mormon scripture study YouTube Channel (This duo is phenomenal! They also have bible studies that are INCREDIBLE)
Song to make you bawl your face off (in a good way)
My favorite Covid meme of all time
What are your “mood boosters”? I might need a few more come flu season. . .
5) Food Obsession
Have you ever heard of Socca Bread? Wow, wow, WOW! I've been making it weekly since June and it always takes center stage to whatever else I have on the table. It's like a crispy flatbread made out of garbanzo bean flour, water, olive oil, and salt – that's it! I highly suggest this version from Pinch of Yum. The combo of the creamy feta and tangy tomatoes is out of this world! Soup season is upon us and this bread is my new spoon.
Sun Sugar Tomatoes soaked in vinegar and herbs over herby whipped cream cheese, on top of Socca Bread. Mmmmmm.
My family loves when I take pictures of them eating.
6) Brain Balance Update
I mentioned the Brain Balance program in a TIDBITS newsletter a while back and asked if anyone would be interested in updates as my son journeyed through this challenging program to increase his ability to focus, read, be less impulsive, etc. Brain Balance was basically my pick between the choice of behavior medication and trying something a bit unheard of (this just in: Harvard Study about Brain Balance and ADHD – so good!).
When I started the program with him a few months ago, they only had an “in clinic” version. The clinic is 90+ minutes from my house so one night of every week I've been staying overnight in a hotel so my son could do his sessions.
It has been a crazy, wonderful, frustrating, exciting, and rocky road, and even though I'm only a few months into it, I highly suggest looking into it for anyone who has behavioral or learning challenges with their child.
Climbing those mountains, conquering his world
In response to the virus, they very recently rolled out a virtual version that I'm incredibly impressed with so far. It will reduce the cost of travel for us significantly and also make it more widely available to many more kiddos.
With the encouragement of some of you, I've decided to keep the details of my son's experience through the program quiet with respect to him. But if you're interested in it, send me an email to marci@tidbits-marci.com and I can answer any questions you might have. If you are REALLY interested, I can also provide you with discount information.
7) Best Face Tanner!
Back in April, I mentioned I was trying to find the ultimate face tanner. I'm happy to report that I'VE FOUND IT!!! Tanceuticals to my pasty face rescue!
It doesn't stink, the color is just what I wanted, it doesn't cost a million dollars, and most importantly, IT DOESN’T MAKE ME BREAK OUT! I have been happily living indoors 90% of the day, all while looking like I live on the beach. Okay, maybe not so much “beach mama”, we'll just say I don't look like a sickly ghost. I love the DARK lotion for the face. I bought the Body lotion as well, but haven't used it yet. I'll update when I do!
8) Leggings or Joggers?
I tend to be a yoga pants/leggings kind of girl, but I'm seeing more and more people wearing joggers lately and I'm thinking, “hmm . . . I think I could rock those”.
What's your vote? Leggings or Joggers and where do I find your favorite pair? I just did a major closet clean out and I'm on the hunt for pants that'll make me happy all winter long.
If I'm not in yoga pants, my kids ask, “Where are you going? Can I come?”
9) Things I'm Lovin' Lately
I have found some serious GOODIES lately! I was going to save them for my upcoming gift guides in November, but I simply can't wait that long to tell you about them!
Loom Journals: These journals are like a back and forth discussion in writing with your child. The book comes with prompts on each page to get the dialogue rolling and it's been so much fun to discover what's on my kids' minds. I got one of these for my daughter over a year ago, and just started doing another with my son. I'll shamefully admit that I get too distracted in a day with my checklist, and “forget” to sit down and look my kiddos in the eye for a precious moment. These journals bring that side out of me better than anything else I've ever done. I highly recommend!
Best Almond Butter and Peanut Butter: Now I'll be up front and say that in order to get this magical AB and PB you will need to become a Thrive Market member (which I didn't even realize until after I ordered), but I haven't regretted the membership one bit. I order several products from their site now (they usually beat any other price on Amazon or elsewhere), but for the Thrive Market Crunchy Almond Butter alone – I'm a member for life! Bonus, the nut butters come in a bag so instead of making an oily mess every time I need to stir a jar of peanut butter, I just squeeze and shake the bag until I can tell it's mixed well. Pure Genius!
Almond Cow: I mentioned this a while back in this Instant Pot Horchata recipe, but if you are a diligent plant-based milk maker (or want to be), this appliance makes homemade almond milk a total breeze. I love, love, LOVE It!
Water Bottle of my Dreams: I'm a complicated girl, I know, and sometimes I want a straw, sometimes I want to chug. Owala Water Bottles are here to save me from my indecisiveness. Depending on your mood from second to second, you can sip or you can chug and it literally still has ice in it after 24 hours of sitting on my desk. That is insanely awesome and I bought one for each of my kids. Well done Owala!
Erasable Marker Pens: To every mama who cringes at the looks of eraser shavings all over the counter, floor, and beyond – I've got your answer – Erasable Marker Pens! Is it a marker or a pen? I DON'T KNOW! All I know is that when my son erases half a sheet of drawings, there is no mess to be seen anywhere! This just might be my Christmas gift to everyone this year.
NutPods Winter Creamer Collection: Pumpkin Spice, Holiday Nog, and the most amazing creamer I've ever experienced, Peppermint Mocha! This company is seriously upping my Crio Bru game!
Speaking of Crio Bru . . .
Crio Bru Flavor of the Month – Pumpkin Spice!
Out of pure jealousy of the Pumpkin Spice Latte crowd, I just had to make a Crio Bru Knock Off Version and is SPOT ON!
If you're not a coffee drinker or you'd just like to try a dark chocolate version of the ol' pumpkin spice latte – MAKE THIS!
My kids had to go through a few rocky taste testings to get us to this final “two thumbs up” version, but I finally got it!
This recipe will work with any flavor of Crio Bru, but if you'd like to have a “latte” type experience, go with their Mocha Crio Bru flavor. If you'd like less coffee flavor and more “awesome for everyone” flavor, try it with Caramel Crio Bru, mmmm.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE PUMPKIN SPICE CRIO BRU
- Bursting at the seams with cinnamon spiced pumpkin flavor!
- Creamier and more luscious than my other Crio Bru flavors due to the addition of pumpkin puree
- 1000x healthier than the typical sugar laden hot pumpkin drinks
HOW TO MAKE PUMPKIN SPICE CRIO BRU AKA COFFEE FREE PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE
- Add Crio Bru grounds, pumpkin spices, pumpkin puree, water, and almond milk to the pressure cooker pot
- Cook for 5 minutes
- Pour through a fine mesh strainer, add maple syrup, and enjoy!
MORE CRIO BRU FLAVORS TO TRY
- Basic Crio Bru
- Creamy Cashew Crio Bru
- Golden Crio Bru
- Coconut Orange Crio Bru Crio Bru Smoothie
- Strawberry Crio Bru
OUR READER FAVORITE INSTANT POT RECIPES
- Perfect Pressure Cooker Pasta
- Instant Pot Pot Roast
- Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast
- 20+ Healthy Instant Pot Soup Recipes
- Creamy Maple Cinnamon Instant Pot Oatmeal
I love to hear from you! Leave me your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below.
When like minds get together, it turns into a gold mine of advice, and it excites me to no end to read what you have to say.
Thank you in advance for your wisdom!
PrintPumpkin Spice Crio Bru
Fall in love with a cup of warm, chocolatey pumpkin goodness, made quick and easy in an electric pressure cooker!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Pressure cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Crio Bru Ground Cocoa Beans
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
Spiced Whipped Cream (optional but delicious)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Add Crio Bru, water, milk, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract to the pressure cooker pot; whisk to combine.
- Secure the lid and turn pressure release knob to a sealed position. Cook at high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Optional Spiced Whipped Cream: While Crio Bru is brewing, whip all of the whipped cream ingredients with a high speed blender or hand mixer until thick. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
- When cooking is complete, use a natural pressure release for 10 minutes and 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.
- Whisk maple syrup into the Crio Bru.
- Serve immediately with a dollop of spiced whipped cream.
- Cool leftovers and store in a mason jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Enjoy cold or pour into a microwave safe mug and warm for 1-2 minutes.
Notes
- A fine mesh sieve is important here so you don't end up with a gritty beverage. A nut milk bag also works well, just be careful when pouring the hot liquids into the bag.
- This recipe can easily be doubled and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Keywords: instant pot drink, healthy hot chocolate, easy recipe
I made my first batch of horchata and socca bread this morning. I love the crispiness and crunch of the socca. It is y new favorite bread. I used almonds that I had on hand for the horchata. I love the creaminess and the flavor. The sweetness is just right and not an overly sweet flavor like it is when made with sugar. Thank you for these recipes! They are now in my favorite recipe file.
Cathy, the edges of the socca bread are something else aren’t they!? I’m glad you found some new favorites!
I am new to Crio Bru too, but this post has my mouth watering! Also want to try the Socca Bread which sounds delicious. Have been looking for some gluten free alternatives for my daughter. Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Donna
Donna, it’s amazing! I was surprised how much I liked it.
4, 7, 8, 9!
I will definitely be trying the pumpkin spice Crio bru recipe! Their mocha flavor is my latest favorite! I enter your Crio giveaways every time & would be so excited to win!!
Well, I’m not a big chickpea flour fan, but the whipped feta and tomato salad definitely have my attention! I’ve got a few leftover cherry tomatoes from my garden and I’m looking forward to building this yumminess.
The erasable marker pens looks like a major win as well. Think I’ll be buying a few packs for Christmas gifts!
Barbara, Oh you’ll love it! The flavor of the socca bread is so so good! I think the erasable pens will be an amazing Christmas gift.
I’m so glad I read this entire thing! The mood boosters section was just what I needed. I love Don’t Miss This on YouTube also and thanks for the reminder about them. With littles around it’s hard to actually get to listen but this was the reminder I needed to make more of an effort. Because really what’s better for boosting a mood than the Gospel. 🙂
Jamielyn, I always have to watch in while I’m running early in the morning!
An update to my earlier post.
I made a second batch of Tidbits Pumpkin Spice Crio Bru. I used my Tidbits Instant Pot Vanilla and substituted blackstrap molasses for the maple syrup. This is also a cozy, warming, and delightful drink!
I had some leftover pumpkin puree. So I added some pumpkin and spices to my Tidbits Instant Pot Greek Yogurt. Walah, a very tasty fall flavored yogurt!
I loved this Tibits Talk. It was a MUST for me to to take action on several of the topics.
I have a batch of Pumpkin Spice Crio Bru brewed up ready to enjoy. It’s a COLD, windy night in Utah tonight.
Pumpkin Spice Crio Bru is a cozy and warming delight tonight. Yummmmm!
I shared Good Job | Cover by One Voice Children’s Choir | A Tribute to Covid-19 Heroes with heroes in my life that I wanted to pay tribute to with the words of this song.
The Socca bread looks and sounds so delicious. I’ve ordered some chickpea flour to get started. I can’t wait to try this!
And oh my goodness, the Instant Pot Horchata recipe. I love horchata. But as you stated, it is quite a process to make. This recipe simplifies the process and leaves out the sugar, which I am excited about. And the recipe offers so many variations to try, and ways to use the pulp.
These recipes are all keepers!
Thanks for sharing!
Cathy, I love the molasses idea, that would be a great flavor pairing! I’m also intrigued by your yogurt idea, why have I never done this?!
I’m excited for you to try the socca bread. I make it regularly, more than yeast bread now. Let me know what you think of the horchata!
I’m totally new to Crio Bru as I have never heard of it, but it sounds delicious!!! I would love the pumpkin spice and want to learn more. Thank you and have a blessed day.
I was curious and linked over to that song. At first, I wasn’t into it; it seemed cheesy, and kid covers kind of irk me most of the time. But the message was so sweet and touching that I did indeed start crying. These are emotional times.
Nicole, I totally know what you mean with the song. The first time I watched it I thought “cheesy”, the second time I bawled like a baby. It must be the mood you’re in, haha!
I’ve never heard of Socca…but being a bread/cracker lover, I’m intrigued and might need to give this a try! Cute family pics, by the way!
This pumpkin spice drink sounds amazing. I’d love to try the new flavors. I have yet to try to make Socca, but you are inspiring me to. I think I even have some garbanzo bean flour in the freezer. I’ll check out your linked recipe. I love your Instant Pot recipes and want to try more of them. Stay safe.
I love Thrive Market! I’ve been using them for about 4 years. The membership price would definitely be worth it for a family. Being single, I don’t order very often, but it’s a great company and I’m thrilled to support them 🙂 I just ordered the new hazelnut and caramel flavors (plus more of the chocolate covered cacao beans *drool*)! I’m super excited to try the new flavors, and am very much looking forward to trying your Pumpkin Spice Crio Bru recipe!
Julie, have you tried their crunchy almond butter? AMAZING! And I agree, the cacao beans are the greatest thing ever.
I just don’t love the gathered ankles of joggers. They always end up riding up and irritating me!
I can relate :). I just bought some for pjs, drives me crazy, haha!
Thanks for sharing the Pumpkin Spice Crio Bru recipe, looks good!
Would love to try the new flavors of chocolate, caramel, and hazelnut!
I will check out the Thrive Market peanut butter, I like that it’s not in a jar.
★★★★★
Vickie, the smell of the chocolate one is heavenly! And yes, no more oil spill from PB in a jar for me!
I LOVE Crio Bru!!!
Thank you for turning me onto this product.
I had stomach problems from caffeine and this fills that morning space with something yummier! And no caffeine. I have ordered 4 times now and just saw your discount code!! Can’t wait to try your pumpkin recipe!!!
Again thanks!!!
Lauri, I just crave something warm in my hands in the morning, this makes me so happy! Let me know what you think of pumpkin spice!
1) I’m so sad that all the Charlie Brown specials will now be exclusively on Apple TV.
2) I love joggers but have yet to find any that fit me. I’m not tall, but on the shorter side of average and still too tall for petite sizes. I’m also small (size 2/xs usually). Joggers either swallow me whole or are way too long. So I’m still a leggings girl.
I love leggings so much but I have just recently bought some under armour joggers on sale. I LOVE them SO much. Probably more than leggings. They are comfy but still stylist. I need to buy more for sure! I don’t think I’ll get rid of my leggings or anything but I do for sure enjoy joggers more than I thought I would
★★★★★
I’ll have to look at that brand of joggers. I just bought some Old Navy ones and they just look like pjs 🙁
I’m also unsure about what to do for school and change my mind 5 times a day. 🤦♀️ Hoping that whatever I choose is the right thing!
Stacie, It’s exhausting! Something so important too, I’m making myself crazy over it.
Maci,
I am really touched that the program went so well for your son–and I give you much credit for not simply medicating him as so many doctors recommend as their first choice. Little boys are wonderful, active, impulsive and loving little creatures and many parents don’t realize this is part of boyhood! When things are a little more intense and crazy, working with their personality and God-given talents to overcome some of the shortcomings are a gift. You are a wonderful, loving and compassionate mama.
As for the “uber-serious” discussion of leggings vs joggers–i appreciate joggers as (don’t hurt me people) I feel leggings are often not worn correctly and show a bit too much of areas that shouldn’t be shown. joggers are a bit more forgiving!
★★★★★
Karen, I’ve seen those kids firsthand when I worked at the clinic and it taught me that there is definitely not a 1 pill fixes all solution. I’ve been so grateful to discover many new things about his personality. I feel like I’m learning right along with him, how to handle situations in a better way. Lots of roller-coaster emotions, but it’s been amazing overall. Thank you for saying those wonderful things. It gave me a lift that I needed after a hard morning.
I had to laugh at your legging comment! This is precisely what I told my daughter yesterday. “Yes, you can wear leggings to school, as long as your shirt is long. They are not levis.” 🙂
I am glad–you are doing an amazing job and God will reward your hard work!!
I love love love joggers. I’m short so I like the band at the bottom and I have wiggle room in them. 🙂 I’ve never tried crio bru so I may need to see what it is all about.
I always love to see a Tidbits Talk post come up in my feed. I never wait and read it later. I just love to hear what you’ve been up to and am always excited because I know there will be something new to try. And this time it’s Socca bread and Pumpkin Spice Crio Bru! I plan on making both this week.
I’m kind of scared to try other flavors of Crio Bru as I’m stuck on the Ghana light roast, but the new flavors of Crio Bru sound SO good!
Thank you Candice! I’m glad you get a kick out of them. That Socca bread, mmmmmm! I made it weekly for about 3 months. And you won’t be sad about the caramel of chocolate flavors. They are really amazing!
Chocolate, caramel, and hazelnut! I recently just heard of Crio Bru and then I saw your post within a couple days of first learning about it. I’m excited to try it out!
★★★★★
Holly, I haven’t tried hazelnut yet, but wow, those other flavors are AMAZING!
I am becoming reacquainted with crio bru! I love the idea of making it in the instant pot!!!!!
Jeni, You will love it! The flavor is so much more intense than a french press.
Waiting (impatiently!) for my first order of crio bru to arrive! (Btw, I noticed on Lee’s online, they have crio bru listed.. If I hadn’t already placed an online order w/crio bru, I would have grabbed one from lee’s just to try it).
I’m on the fence with joggers. What shoes do you wear with joggers? They look fine until I put shoes on. Never been a fan of leggings – well, not as pants. I wear them all the time in the winter under my pants, or under a dress/skirt, but I’d be afraid to go out in public without pants on. It feels too much like just wearing tights (even with the thick ones). I just can’t do it (mentally).
Jen, I used to be able to get it at Lee’s but I haven’t seen it for a long time. I’ll have to check again!
Your jogger comment made me laugh. I had decided I just have too big of feet for shoes to look cute with joggers :). I can only wear leggings with a tunic top. I wish others would follow that rule too 😉
We just got a new order of crio bru and I am DYING to try your pumpkin latte recipe. It sounds wonderful!
Also, I need those magic eraser pens/markers! I hate eraser shavings everywhere. What an awesome find! Thanks a million for some great Christmas ideas!!
Paige, I’m even going to ask my kids’ teachers if my kids can use these markers instead of mechanical pencils (which break every 10 seconds during homework). Pumpkin latte, mmmm 🙂
Crio Bru is amazing!! Love it!! Thank you for sharing a the recipe. I have told friends who think I’m nuts because they don’t have a clue on how to make it right. But once you’ve got a good recipe you’re hooked!! Also where did you find a tutor for your kids? Mine are in a hybrid charter school normally even Pre-COVID… but I have no idea where to even start looking for a tutor!
Whit, I agree, people who don’t like Crio Bru just haven’t made it right!
For the tutor, I put a help wanted up at the university. I had several great applicants!
Crio Bru is on my list of things to try! We were out of the country when it started becoming popular among my friends in the US. We just started our 6th year of homeschooling—and pandemic life has been pretty stable for us. Though, after moving 3 times in 3 years (and living in a foreign country for nearly 2 of those years), we NEEDED that stability in our lives. So it’s really been a tender mercy for us. And, Don’t Miss This is a fave of mine, too!! Looking forward to their virtual field trips next year!
Amanda, oh you must try it! It just makes me so happy!
I’m excited for the DMT field trip too! What a great idea!
I Love your teaching dedication. You’re one of the greats 🙂
I love crio bru and all things pumpkin spice, so I can’t wait to try this! I’d also love your recipe for the sun sugar tomatoes, and I’m looking forward to hearing about instafreeze!
Amy, sun sugar tomatoes are just a type of tomato (my favorite ever!). I just add a splash of vinegar, garlic, a sprinkle of dried herbs, and call it a day 🙂
Brain Balance sounds like an incredible program! And of course, thank you for the Pumpkin Spice Crio idea! Yum!
★★★★★
I’m new to your blog and IG. I saw your bubble on Crio Bru and was so intrigued!! I placed an order yesterday and can’t wait to try your IP version! As for leggings or joggers… I usually go for leggings but recently purchased 2 pais of joggers on Amazon and… IT’S LOVE!!!
Amanda, it’s a whole new experience drinking Crio Bru from the IP – AMAZING! What joggers did you order?
I LOVE crio!! I have covid right now and can’t smell or tats the a thing, and crio bru in the morning is what I’m missing the most. I love starting my day with a warm cup. The new caramel flavor has become a fave. I’m excited to try your PSL recipe when I can taste again.
As for leggings vs joggers …. I’m all about leggings too. But lately I’ve been thinking about trying joggers. I’ve bought a few pair and just kind find any that I love as much as my good ol’ felina black leggings from Costco. If you find a good new pair of joggers, I’d love to hear about it.
Melissa, oh no, to not taste chocolate is truly a travesty! I love the caramel one, it’s amazing with pumpkin. I’m still on the joggers hunt! I’ve bought and returned more pairs than I dare admit too.
I am so interested in trying the crio bru. I was all set to buy some, then backed out. I love my morning tea, and don’t like coffee. I wish there was a place to go sample it.
I am so sad to hear that you may not be offering the instafreeze meal classes in the future. I loved those so much! I love having meals on hand to just grab and drop. I am very anxious to hear what your new venture will be. Best of luck!
Jen, oh no! I thought you were already a fan. GET ON IT! InstaFreeze Meals will be back, don’t you worry. And I’ll make you some Crio Bru when I see you there next.
I am very interested in the self-tanner, Tanceuticals. Have you had blending issues from face to neck and chest? I have been afraid to try any self-tanner because I don’t want noticeable stop lines.
The pumpkin Crio Bru is on my list to try.
Mary, Tanceuticals has been a dream! I haven’t had any blending problems, and I love that it dries fast so I can go to bed without feeling like I need to stay on my back all night, haha!
I love crio bru but have never tried making it in the instant pot. I will definitely be trying it soon! Also looking forward to your new frozen meal class!
★★★★★
Ashley, The classes are going to be even better, I can’t wait to announce it!
This pumpkin spice crio bru sounds amazing! Cant wait to try the outer recipes. Thanks for all your inspiration!
Instat Pot is new to me, as is this drink product. I’ll have to keep a look out for it. I may have to adjust this recipe to reduce the amount of sweetness but love the spices.
Jackie, I personally don’t add any sweetener to mine. It’s very dark but I love it!
If I’m not mistaken, my old neighbor used to be a teacher for Brain Balance. My son was borderline ADD (never officially diagnosed) so she used to talk to me quite a bit about it. I never did do anything with it which I regret now, so kuddos to you for going for it! I don’t think you can go wrong with it.
Thanks for the awesome blog and recipes. I can’t wait to see how you replace the InstaFreeze Meals. I did couple months of them and they were great.
Nita, oh wow, I would love to talk with her if that’s the case! It’s been such a roller coaster and the hard days I wonder if I made the wrong choice. But the overall progress keeps me going. InstaFreeze will be even better, I can’t wait to talk about it.
I have been so curious about the Crio Bru. These other recipes sound delicious.
I read your entire blog and was particularly interested in the Stickerboard program as well as the Brain Balance Program. I forwarded the information to my daughter who has 3 VERY ACTIVE KIDS!
And I ordered the Crio Bru which you suggested. It’s coming today! I’m anxious to try it!
Thanks for all your wonderful input Marci!
Have a Great day!
Jane g.
Jane, thank you for sharing! I have hopes that my experience will help others. I can’t wait for you to try Crio Bru!
I’ve never tried Crio Bru before but I’ve put it on my Christmas list after reading through your info and the CrioBru website. Excited to have something other than tea to drink.
I also was curious to read about your Brain Balance experience. I did something similar with my oldest son who was diagnosed with ADD (nearly 20 years ago) and it made a positive difference with him. However, we still ended up medicating him after 7th grade which I wanted to avoid. It helped him socially more than anything else. As a 30 year old elem teacher he now finds cbd oil effective for calming him down and helping him focus rather than meds which he didn’t use after HS. I also use cbd oil daily for the same reasons. I buy from Lazarus Naturals – they use science and high quality control. Just in case you want to consider an alternative.
Patti, Oh you will love Crio Bru. It’s my best friend every morning 🙂
I’m curious to see how things turn out with BB for my son. Medication definitely has its place, but I’m grateful to travel a road without it for now. CBD is new to me, I’ll check that out!
I would love to try crio bru! My daughter just had our first grand baby and loves chocolate! Is it safe for nursing mothers? I’ve been making so many of your recipes for them and filling her freezer with instantpot meals! Thank you so much!
Natalie, yes, Crio Bru is safe for nursing moms and even kids. My kids love it! You’re a great mama! She’s so blessed to have you!
I am so excited to add Socca to my go to recipes. Sounds great and look forward to trying it with soup and chili!!! Crio Bru keeps coming up and would love to try it out.
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Lynn, Socca bread is amazing! I can’t wait to have it with a big bowl of chili. Try the Crio Bru! It’s even better when it’s cold outside 🙂
I’m excited to try Nutpods! Coffee is too bitter for me to drink without creamer so these healthier creamers will be wonderful. Hoping to pair them with some Crio Bru!
Kelly, Nutpods is killing it with their flavors, I don’t know how they do it.
🍁 I’m so ready for fall weather! I would love to try the new Cru Brew flavors. Thank you for all the wonderful recipes and tips you share. Have a beautiful day! 🦋
I want to kick my coffee habit, but love having something warm to drink in the morning! I see all your posts about Crio Bru, I’m finally going to pull the trigger and try it! Thanks for the discount code!
Gina, You won’t miss coffee one bit! Let me know what you think of it!
I love Fall! It comes slowly here in Texas but that means we get to savor the mild temperatures for a long time. The leaves are just beginning to show some color; I’m so envious of those who get glorious fall foliage!
I want to try Crio Bru just haven’t pulled the trigger yet. And I don’t envy you having to navigate school vs. home schooling. I would have been horribly impatient!
I enjoyed the chat. Thanks for sharing!
Hugs, Cecilia
Cecilia, our fall was long and warm too. It just hit the 30s this week and it’s been a bit of a shock! You haven’t tried Crio Bru yet!? Email me your address and I’ll get some sent to you ASAP!
The socca bread sounds delicious, I can’t wait to make it. I’m going to get the tanner, I don’t like the smell of most so thank you for this. I’m a legging girl all the way. I put the water bottle of in my cart, love that you can use the straw or not, thanks. This Crio bru sounds amazing, it would be nice to try, thanks for all the tips and recipes Marci.
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Colette, the tanner is amazing. My husband always hated when I put tanners on, but this one actually, legitimately smells good. That water bottle is also killer. The first one I’ve ever loved and not returned.
I’ve heard of soda bread years ago but had never tried it. That will change this week. Thanks for bringing it back.
Elizabeth, try it! It’s crazy good!
Can’t wait to try Crio Bru. I drink coffee but am looking for something to replace it & tea isn’t working.
Sheree, I don’t think you’ll miss coffee one bit. Let me know what you think!
So much to try…Socca Bread and Crio Bru so it would be very exciting to win!
I am a math tutor so if you need anything in that department just holler via PM. I also highly suggest Young Living essential oils for all things moods…they are amazing!
Very interested in your Instafreeze class updates when that happens!
Kathy, socca and Crio – 2 of my most favorite things 🙂
Thank you for your Math offer. My daughter’s 5th grade math is making ME want to cry. What oil would help with my son’s focus? Any suggestions?
I can’t wait to reveal the InstaFreeze news!
The socca bread sounds great, kind of reminds me if Ethiopian bread but crispier. I have been wanting to start making my own healthy bread again. I was thinking focaccia but this looks even easier and yummier, especially with the tomatoes and feta. My kind of meal! Thanks much. I would love to try Crio Bru. I love coffee, but I love dark chocolate too. A combo sounds yummy.
Connie, this socca bread is soooo fast! If I don’t know what to make for dinner, this is it. You will love Crio, it sounds right up your alley!
This will be my first bread attempt I think. Different from all the other fresh locally made delicious breads we get here in Maine. I have a vitamix. Wondering if I could make “chickpea flour” with the dried chickpeas, or partially cooked and dried beans? I have done so with other grains and seeds, not beans. Hmmmm……
Connie, I make my own flour with my mill, so I bet that would work.
THANK YOU for sharing this recipe!! I will be trying it this week! I’m not a coffee fan but am addicted to Crio Bru thanks to you, and this coffee-free PSL alternative sounds like exactly what I need!
Vicky, Oh it’s dreamy, you will love it!
Marci,
As usual, I love your blog and really look forward to reading it. I am very interested in your socca bread and the things you are loving. I can’t wait to try your Crio Bru recipe and also that crunchy almond butter! These have been trying times and this week I am adopting two beautiful kittens from a feral cat’s litter and am very excited about it! Your two kitties are adorable!
Susan
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Susan, I get so excited to share! Our kitties have been wonderful therapy for all of us. Yay for you adopting some!
I was excited to try this recipe! But, then I got out my stash of Crio Bru, and I had no pumpkin spice! So, I ended up following the recipe, but using the light roast “Ghana”, and adding an additional tsp of cinnamon, and 2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice. It turned out so delicious! I really enjoyed it! This is a perfect healthy fall drink! Thanks for the recipe!
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Yum! I haven’t tried that flavor for awhile. That sounds amazing right now! Way to improvise!