fresh mint chocolate chip cookies (dairy & gluten free)

Ever since my mom visited in early June, our vegetable garden has been en fuego. Our corn is knee high, our squash is blooming and the mint - oh, the mint! It's racing the basil across the garden to see which can grow faster and I honestly can't decide which one I'm rooting for.

This past weekend, I was craving mint chocolate chip cookies and decided I'd try using fresh mint instead of extract in them. I grabbed a handful in the garden and chopped it into tiny pieces. I must say - it's even better than using extract. It tastes so fresh and melted in my mouth. It's the perfect light, summer cookie.

And, let's be honest, it's never a problem for me when I can throw a few veggies (OK, OK herbs) into my cookies. It's basically breakfast by that point! (Looking at your avocado chocolate chip cookies).

Fresh mint chocolate chip cookies (dairy & gluten free)

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 8 to 10 min.
Total time: 18 to 20 mins.

Yield: 1 dozen

Ingredients

• 1/3 c. grass-fed butter
• 1.5 T coconut oil
• 1 egg
• 1/3 c. coconut sugar (can sub any variant of sugar)
• 1/4 t. baking soda
• 1/4 t. pink himalayan salt (can sub kosher or sea salt)
• 1.5 c. almond flour
• 1/4 c. fresh mint
• 1/2 c. chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a large bowl, mix butter, coconut oil, sugar and egg. Use hand mixer to blend until creamy.
3. Mix in baking soda, salt and almond flour. Beat until well blended.
4. In a food processor or Magic Bullet (I used the MB), finely chop the mint until it's in very small pieces.
5. Slowly stir in mint and chocolate chips.
6. On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, scoop balls of dough.
7. Cook for ~8 to 10 minutes.
8. Enjoy!

Happy eats!

Quinoa & Chia Almond Butter Gluten Free, Vegan Granola {recipe}

On especially busy weeks at work, a 3 p.m. desk snack is crucial to my survival. I 'm always looking for something I can grab and take to a meeting - and, I typically want something sweet by that time of day.

A few weeks ago I tried Ambitious Kitchen's Chia, Quinoa & Banana Granola Bars and they were amazing. I wanted to recreate them this week, but realized I didn't have banana. I thought I'd create my own version of the recipe based on what I had in my kitchen. 

It didn't go so well. I was trying to make granola bars, but without the banana, it was crumbly and the quinoa wouldn't stick together. 

However. When life gives you crumbly granola bars, make granola! The bars turned out to be awesome as granola - with almond milk or just by the handful. I love them because they're packed with nutrients, are energizing, gluten free and vegan (optional). Without telling you how I know this, I can also tell you they're great for bowel movements, especially if you add collagen (totally optional and will not impact flavor or texture). 

Happy eats! Let me know if you try them. 

Ingredients:

1 c. gluten free rolled oats

1/2 c. uncooked pre-rinsed quinoa

3 T chia seeds

1/4 t. salt

2 t. cinnamon

1/2 cup almond butter

3 T raw honey or pure maple syrup if you want vegan

1/3 c. coconut oil

1/4 c. almond pieces

1/3 c. craisins

3 T. collagen (optional) 

1/2 c. chocolate chips (optional) - I like Enjoy Life's Dairy-Free Mini Chocolate Chips

To make:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

In a large bowl, mix oats, quinoa, chia seeds, salt and cinnamon 

In a small bowl, melt almond butter, coconut oil and honey

Slowly pour melted mixture over dry ingredients while stirring

Add remaining ingredients one by one

After mixing well, pour mixture in 8x8 pan lined with parchment paper

Bake for 25 minutes or until top is golden brown. Cook longer for crumbly granola, less for sticky granola

Allow to complete fully before storing in covered container. Some pieces will be in chunks - break with hands or eat as mini granola bars :) 

Pre-workout Matcha Smoothie

Happy Memorial Day beautiful people!

There's nothing like the unofficial start of summer to make me yearn for a cold smoothie in the morning. Lately I've been trying to master the perfect pre-workout option. I don't like to eat too much that early, but I'm not a fan of the fasted workout either. Smoothies are a good happy medium for me.

As I've tried to add more matcha and collagen into my diet, I've found smoothies to be the perfect way to do it. Matcha has been shown to help people burn 25% more body fat during exercise. And, with its energy-boosting capabilities, it's the perfect fuel for my workout.

Last week, I was out of bananas and thought I'd try throwing in strawberries in their place. I wasn't sure how berries would be in the mixture, but I ended up liking it even more than banana. 

Here's how it went down:

Ingredients:

3 coffee ice cubes 

1 t. matcha (can replace with kale or spinach if not interested in matcha)

2 T. collagen (if you choose not to add this, it will not impact the flavor)

1 to 2 T. nut butter

1 handful of frozen strawberries

1.5 c. almond milk 

To make:

Brew coffee, pour of ice tray

Freeze overnight

In the AM, combine all ingredients in blender

Mix until completely blended

Eat, digest, workout, enjoy!

PS: If you want to try matcha or collagen, here is a $10 off code for Vitacost. If you use this code, I will also get referral points :) 

5 Healthy Habits You Can Add to Your Routine in 5 Minutes

Melissa and I were joking recently that if you did all the things society tells you to do in order to be healthy, it could be a full-time job. There are so many inputs! From your hair to skin to bowels to brain, there are about 100 things you could do by 8 a.m.

Recently, I've been practicing five healthy habits that are super easy to add to your routine. Instead of getting overwhelmed by all the things I could be doing every day, I figured I'd practice these healthy habits in addition to my routine.

{Note none of these are affiliate links. I just really like this stuff :)}

For boosting your metabolism

Add Matcha to your diet. When I first heard about Matcha, it really scared me because I didn't know what it was or where to buy it. But, I promise, it isn't scary! I bought it at the Dekalb Farmers' Market (but you can also get it at Vitacost) and started adding it to my smoothies in the morning in lieu of drinking a cup of coffee. The first time I tried it, I attempted to drink it with just water, which essentially tasted like I was eating grass. However, when added to a smoothie, it's great (I like banana, almond butter, almond milk, coconut oil and cinnamon with it and am also itching to try this recipe from ALOHA). It's said to do wonders for your focus and metabolism, boost your immune system, and is also packed with antioxidants. Oh, and also has anti-aging powers. Super food!

For smoother and firmer skin

Add Collagen to your diet. Another one that seemed scary at first, but really wasn't (I buy mine from Dr. Axe). I've been adding this to my smoothies in the morning, too. I first discovered it as something that can help people with IBS, but then quickly discovered a lot of other benefits, including giving you glowing skin, reducing cellulite, strengthening your nails and teeth and (again) boosting your metabolism. I've not been using it long enough to decide if it has helped with IBS, but I have noticed I have a lot of energy when I drink it.

For better bowel movements

Add Chia seeds to your diet. I've been adding these to basically everything. But mostly overnight oats and these amazing Quinoa & Chia granola bars (the perfect 3 p.m. desk snack!). I also think these bars from ALOHA would be awesome with Chia added. The seeds are packed with fiber, protein, antioxidants and Omega-3s. And, they aide in digestion. I won't go into detail on this front, but rest assured, they work. {Just don't eat them dry or they can dehydrate you.}

For whiter teeth

Try Oil pulling. My sister, Ashley, first introduced me to oil pulling and I thought she was joking. But, she kept getting more and more Bibers on board so I finally caved and tried it. Each morning, when you first wake up (before brushing) you swish unrefined, organic coconut oil around like mouthwash for 20 minutes. I add a drop of peppermint oil to make it taste better. I can't deny how clean my teeth feel. It's like after going to the dentist! I do it while I get ready for the day - adding no time to my routine. (Never heard of it? Read about oil pulling in greater detail.)

For more energy & to detox

Drink peppermint, grapefruit and lemon oil. I've been mixing these three oils into a glass of ice water in the afternoon as a little treat. The peppermint invigorates me, the grapefruit gives me energy and the lemon is detoxifying. Also they taste amazing together and I really look forward to them around 3 p.m. at my desk. Gotta celebrate the little things! :) 

Happy health!

Tips for Surviving Winter

I told you last week that our weather has been crazy in Georgia and this weekend has been no different. It was warmer than it has been, but drizzly and the grey skies felt oppressive - making me claustrophobic.

I thought I'd share a few of the things that make winter feel a little less wintery for me. Because, my philosophy on life certainly stands true when it comes to winter survival: we're all in it together. Why not trade tips?

A few, but not all, of these are referral links. These links give me just a tiny bit of commission,which helps keep the lights on here. Thanks for clicking :) 

1. Batty's Bath products. I discovered these last fall and have become ob.ses.sed. Her products are so moisturizing and make it so my skin doesn't feel like the Sahara. All fall, people kept asking my why my skin was glowing. It was Batty! If you sign up for her email, you get a free shipping code and this week she will send a free gift with purchase if you spend $35. Also, if you want to use this link you can get 15% off. I am ordering the shampoo this week and can't wait to see what it does for my hair.

2. Grocery delivery. For a while I felt embarrassed that I am a single person without child and I have my groceries delivered. But now? There's no shame in my game. I cannot tell you the beauty of having either Instacart or Fresh Harvest delivered. It allows me to meal plan better, because I do it while at my computer. Also, it helps me save money because I don't throw random things into my cart. All business! The sheer beauty of not having to go out into the cold - or weeknight traffic - is just the best. Now, if only I could find a way to not have stop for gas.

{lunch bowl made with fresh food delivered straight to my house! Kale, sweet potato, green peppers and parmesan avocado turkey burger. Topped with a spicy tahini & olive oil dressing. I mean: does that even look like winter to you? Me neither!}

3. Lavender oil. I put it in everything: my mascara, my laundry detergent, my diffuser. It smells like summer to me and reminds me that winter won't last forever! I prefer doTerra's brand to any others - it smells more pure to me than the other kinds I've smelled.

4.Planning a vacation. OK, OK. I know this a little trickier than purchasing lavender oil. But the beauty of knowing that I'm only six weeks away from a beach vacation with my family is giving me a whole lot of happiness.

5. Good books and podcasts. Because, sometimes, in February, you just have to stay inside. Grateful for reads&listens that allow me not to feel trapped. Next on my list to read is Essentialism. Everyone is raving about it. I'll be sure to report back.

What helps you survive winter? Give me your tips - we're a team, you know! 

WIAW: AKA Why I'm Not a Food Blogger

What I Ate Wednesday (WIAW) - yes, you read that right! This ain't no food blog, but this week I'm letting you into the wild world of my pantry, which will reveal:
1) How much I love snackies
and
2) Why I'm not a food blogger

I recently heard that the average American has more than $200 worth of food in the pantry at any given time. $200? That's my entire monthly meal budget! I decided to do a little social experiment - how long can I last without going to the grocery?

The goal is simple: clean out my fridge, freezer and pantry. 

Each day I last is worth $6, because that's about how much I spend on groceries each week. I haven't been to the grocery for two weeks since I was out of town, except to buy celery, eggs and kale. I figured this was the perfect time to dig into my reserves (looking at you frozen broccoli) to see what I could come up with.

There are some caveats:

1. I don't want this to be misconstrued as a weight loss challenge, so if I get to the point where I have a little food left but can't make enough for the day, the challenge is over. :) 

2. The huge stash of Perfect Bars that I bought on Black Friday is off limits. I want to make those babies last as long as possible for days when I don't have time to make breakfast. 

I was raised in a house with five kids and a revolving door. 

My parents never knew who would be in our house, which meant a packed pantry and tons of leftovers. Building a hearty pantry is in my nature! But: no excuses. It's time to eat like a champion.

So far, I'm three days in to the challenge and things are getting interesting.

I've got a stockpile of oats right now, so my days are starting with: Rolled oats with cinnamon, chia seeds, almonds, peanut butter and frozen berries. Alongside my coffee, of course.

After that I had the Hummusapien's Snickdoodle Smoothie, which I made from slightly freezer burned bananas, dairy-free milk, peanut butter, chia, vanilla and cinnamon. (Forgot to take a pic of it. Told you I'm not a food blogger!)

I'd normally have a morning snack, but with my smoothie I wasn't hungry until lunch.

At lunch I said Hallelujah! for the kale I'd purchased and then topped it with nutritional yeast, quinoa, broccoli, corn, almonds and olive oil. It was amazing.

I discovered celery in my fridge and raisins in my pantry - both of which I'd forgotten. They make an obvious team for my mid-afternoon snack: ants on a log! 

My second afternoon snack was trail mix leftover from my trip to Bloomington last week and a sparkling Dasani (have you had these yet? I love them). 

For dinner, I had eggs and sourdough bread with grass-fed butter, alongside a kale salad. The eggs completely fell apart and reminding me why I'm not normally a WIAW poster.

So, I'm three days in. I'll let you know how long I make it!

And all you WIAW girls out there - keep doing what you're doing! You impress me!

tips for falling asleep easily

I'm typically a pretty bad sleeper (see Thursday's post) but lately I've been sleeping like a champ. A few weeks ago, I took the GRE, had a big deadline and had a lot of changes at work. And I still fell asleep easily each night!

I'd like to tell you that I finally listened to what every sleep study says to do and I no longer take my phone with me to bed. But that would be a lie. I'm not that self-actalized yet. :) 

I know a lot of other people struggle to fall asleep, too, especially during times of stress. I'm so happy with how I've been sleeping that I thought I'd share my tips. Here's how I cleaned up my sleep hygiene: 

1. I diffuse lavender into the air. I use doterra's version and usually diffuse it for about 30 minutes while I wind down. It smells amazing and has helped me to calm down naturally. 

2. I do bedtime yoga. I started Yoga with Adriene (doing the 30-day challenge) and have been doing it every night before bed. It's not sweaty yoga - it's totally relaxing. Each time I start, my mind is racing with everything I need to do and I question whether or not I should be wasting time on it. But by the time it's over, I'm relaxed and my mind is so much readier to sleep. I like to turn down the lights, diffuse the lavender and light a candle while I do it. Sounds zenny, right?

3. I make sure everything is in its place. If things are out of order in my room when I try to go to bed, my brain feels out of order, too. Putting everything in its place, including setting out my outfit and bags for the next day, helps me to fall asleep with a clear mind. 

4. I read or journal. Even if it's just for five minutes. 

5. I interact with hot water. This isn't weird, I promise :) I either take a hot shower or wash my face with warm water. I also like to drink a hot drink - lately I've been loving Sunshine in a Cup. In the morning cold water helps me wake up and at night the warm water helps me to calm down.

Happy ZZZs!

latest health, beauty and household obsession

Happy Monday, friends!

This post is going to be a little different than usual, but hopefully you'll like it. :)

I recently started selling doTERRA Essential Oils, to which my sisters introduced me. They both love them and their excitement has made me love them and now all of us Bibers from start to finish are just lathering ourselves up in oils.

I took some to work last week on Friday, when I really needed to focus and my coworkers were super interested, so I thought some of you might be, too.

If you are unfamiliar with them, the idea behind them is that they can restore balance in your body via oils found naturally in the earth. These are the oils that our ancestors used instead of medicine. They work for keeping you healthy, balancing metabolism and reducing stress.

To be clear, I still believe in modern medicine. But if I can rub some oil on my temples instead of taking Advil, I'd rather do that 100% of the time.

image

You can use oils by:

Rubbing them on your body. You can put them in a roll-on container and rub them on your feet (the biggest pores on your body), or ailing area (stomach for stomachache, temples for headache, zit for skin clarity). 

Diffusing them into the air. You can purchase a diffuser through doTERRA and diffuse them into the air, or heat up a cup of hot water, add a drop and inhale the steam

Consuming them. doTERRA is 100% certified pure oil, so you can add a drop to a cup of water and drink it, or purchase gel capsules to swallow. 

Cleaning with them. My sisters both use them exclusively to clean their houses. Many cleaning agents expose us to pretty bad chemicals and these are so harmless you can ingest what you clean with. 

Some top selling oils are:

Frankincense for relaxation, immune system support and mood enhancement

Slim & Sassy for metabolic support 

OnGuard for health protection and wellness

A few of our favorite ways to use them are:

OnGuard, Lavender oil + fractionated coconut oil at night to help me sleep and keep me healthy

Rubbing Digestzen on my stomach for IBS issues

Rubbing Balance on my temples for concentration and focus after a long day at work

Mixing a drop of Lemon and Grapefruit into a water bottle (must be glass or metal; not plastic or the oil breaks down the cup) and drinking it for boosting immunity

I want to try:

Cedarwood for skin recovery

Cypress and Deep Blue for tight muscles 

The flu bomb this winter: 

3-4 drops of onguard

3-4 drops of melaleuca

3-4 drops of oregano

3-4 drops of lemon

1 drop of Frankincense

If you want to know more:

email me!

Check out how they are using them on Pinterest

read doTERRA's blog

read 101 uses for essential oils

check them out on facebook

Happy day to you!

my favorites from this week

(one year ago when Katie & Sara were here! ^^)

Happy Wednesday! My bffs from high school, Katie and Sara, are coming in from Chicago on Friday, so this week feels like seven to me. But, alas, we're halfway there! Here are my favorite things from this week so far: 

To eat: Perfect Bars. They sent me a box to review and they are (1) delicious (2) filling (3) full of healthy ingredients - carrots and celery in each bar, to name a few. The carob chip and almond butter flavors are my favorite so far. 

To move: A rowing workout from Chris. Try it! My goal was 5,000 meters, or just over three miles. Let me know how far you get! :)

To pick me up in the afternoon: Trader Joe's new peanut butter with chia and flax mixed in. A little crunch a lot of flavor. 

To let loose: Moscow Mules at the Painted Pin (ATL Bucket List #138). I went for a going away party on Monday night and it was awesome. Even on a Monday it was crowded. So glad they're on the ATL scene. 

fresh harvest review

I'm so excited today to tell you about Fresh Harvest. This is bold: but I think it may be my favorite thing I've ever reviewed. 

For those of you who are unfamiliar, Fresh Harvest is similar to a CSA but, from personal experience, much better. I loved my CSA, but overall, Fresh Harvest was an even better experience. Here's why...

Why I liked it better than a CSA:

+ You don't have to opt in for a subscription. You can try it one time, or set up weekly deliveries. You aren't locked in, which is a huge perk. 

+ You pick your basket size. With my CSA, I had way too many veggies. Fresh Harvest allows you to pick what you want - from small to large to fruits to meat and everything in between. They understand that food isn't one size fits all.

+ They deliver it to you. Your house, your office - wherever you want. I had mine delivered to my office so it wouldn't get warm outside.

+ They work with tons of local farmers to pack the boxes. Which means if one farm has a bad crop of tomatoes, you're not out of luck. There are a lot of farmers working together to give YOU your items. 

+ They have more than just vegetables. Much more! A bakery, meat, eggs and dairy - to name a few. Essentially, they can be your local grocery store. 

My favorite elements:

+ On Sunday, Fresh Harvest emails you to tell you what you'll be receiving. If you don't want something, you can swap it out for something else - free of charge. 

+ Not going to the grocery! I do.not.like having to go to the grocery on crazy Sunday. It totally hangs over my head all weekend. The fact that I didn't have to go this week was absolutely amazing. 

+ The prices. For significantly higher quality food (local, organic, free-range), the price is almost identical to my weekly Trader Joe's runs. And, by the way, I saved time not going to the grocery. 

+ They threw in free stuff! A sample of sea salted grassfed butter (amazing) and chocolate granola (double amazing). 

+ The peanut butter. HOLYMOLY. It was delicious. If you try a basket, try the PB. Asap. It has sea salt and coconut oil in it. It's unreal.

+ The customer service. The team is awesome. In their words, they are "from the state of Georgia and for the state of Georgia." And it couldn't feel truer. They are here to combat unhealthy eating and do it in the easiest, kindest way possible. I loved they way they communicated regularly, offered to replace anything that wasn't perfect and want to please their customers. 

+ Their FAQ is massive. Which is ideal for someone like me who has a lot of FAQs.

What now?

+ I'm signing up for a subscription. Totally converted over here!

+ Dying to try their coffee. Definitely thinking of adding that on to my next order! 

+ If you are in Georgia, I strongly recommend trying it at least once. You've got nothing to lose. Minus a trip to the grocery, that is! By the way, if you put my name in the referral box, we will both receive a $10 discount.

In exchange for this review, I received one free box from Fresh Harvest, but this review is absolutely my own opinion and I couldn't recommend them more highly!

Spicy-Lime Chicken Salad & Cast-Iron Charred Corn & Yucca (two recipes)

Being a Hoosier means a lot of things to me. And of of those things is that summertime = corn time. Knee high by the Fourth of July is no joke where I come from. 

Earlier this week, I got an itchin to be in the kitchen and wanted to try something completely new. I knew I wanted corn involved and the meal had to be fresh. Essentially, seasons completely dictate my palate. 

Since I was feeling adventurous, I decided to try out Yucca Root (the grocery labeled it as Yuka FYI). It has a lot of vitamins, antioxidants and some fiber and protein. And also, it looks like a tree. Sooo I wanted to try eating it. Because that's fun. 

Normally I shy away from anything I don't know how to make (like Yucca) but I strongly recommend it. It was easy peasy! And here's how you do it...

{Side note: Because the chicken is better the longer it marinates, I would start with that and while it is in the fridge, start on the Yucca. But I did it backwards and it was still tasty :)}

Cast-Iron Charred Corn & Yucca

(Serves 4)

Ingredients

1 Yucca Plant (about 12 inches long)

3 c. Corn (frozen)

1 T Coconut oil 

Salt, pepper, Cayenne and onion powder to taste

Directions

Cut ends of Yucca plant, then cut in half

Begin shaving off the bark - similarly to how you peel a potato. It's OK if you lose some of the meat of the root in the process.

Cut the remaining plant into cubes

In a regular sauce pan add coconut oil and cook Yucca at medium heat 

Add salt, pepper, Cayenne and onion powder to taste

Cook until plant begins to brown (see below)

Mix Yucca and corn in cast-iron skillet

Cook on medium heat, stirring often, for 7 to 10 minutes - until the corn begins to brown (if you want a creamier taste, you can throw in more coconut oil here. I also added more Cayenne to the corn because I love spicy.)

Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5 to 10 minutes - stirring often

Enjoy!

And next up: Spicy-Lime Chicken Salad 

  

Spicy Lime Chicken Summer Salad

(Serves 4)

Ingredients

4 Chicken breasts

5 T hot sauce (I prefer Frank's)

2 limes

1 large bag of spinach

1 c. cherry tomatoes

1 large avocado

1 pineapple (confession, I bought one package of pre-cut.)

1 red pepper

1 cucumber

Salt, pepper, Cayenne and onion to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 350-degrees

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk hot sauce, squeezed lime juice and salt and pepper

Cut chicken breasts into cubes

Mix chicken into marinade bowl and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes

While chicken is marinating, cut vegetables and lay over spinach

Refrigerate while chicken is cooking

Bake chicken on a lightly greased/oiled cookie sheet for 15 to 20 minutes (until cooked all the way through). Flip chicken once throughout baking to ensure it's cooked evenly.

Eating alongside the corn and yucca and enjoy!

And that's all :)

cleaning up my beauty products

On the whole, my makeup routine is wildly unimpressive. My mom doesn't wear much makeup and, therefore, neither my sisters nor I do; powder & mascara girls here. 

Last summer, I had some trouble with my scalp reacting negatively to my shampoo. I went to see a dermatologist and he said that while some products can seem really clean (I was using a plant-based vegan shampoo), they can have hidden ingredients that cause harm. Ever since then, I've been pretty diligent about shampoo purchasing, but hadn't given much thought to my makeup.

Then, last month all of the bridesmaids got our makeup done for Abby's wedding around 9 a.m. for a 6:30 p.m. wedding. By the time the event rolled around, I had to have mine redone because my skin had completely absorbed the makeup. Ever since then, I haven't been able to shake the fact that all of that makeup was in my body - I may as well have eaten it! 

image

A while back I saw that Sarah Tucker suggested an app from the Environmental Working Group for finding beauty products with fewer toxins, Skin Deep. At the time I didn't think much about it - my powder can't be that bad, right? But then, after the wedding weekend I realized that even if it doesn't seem like much, I'm putting it on daily.

I put my products to the test last week and am now, officially, making some changes. Fortunately the Bare Minerals powder I've been rocking since I was 20 (told you I'm not good with this!) got a score of 2 out of 10, which is good. Lower is better and higher means RUN. 

Sadly, the Garnier BB Cream I use and love love got a score of 5. I hate to give it up, but now when I put it on in the morning I can't stop thinking about the fact that I put all this effort into being healthy through my diet, exercise, sleep habits and lifestyle in general and yet I can't give up my BB Cream? C'mon. 

The best part of the app is that it suggests better products, which means you don't necessarily have to spend an arm and a leg cleaning things up - you can see a lot of options all at once. 

For a new BB cream, I'm going to try out Batty's Bath Quick Tint Antioxidant Moisturizer, which got a score of 1 and is only $6 more. 

The one piece of makeup I do care about is mascara, but I'm always trying new ones, so I don't have much loyalty here. I decided to try out Rejuva Pur Lash Volumizing Mascara because it got a score of 0. That's right, 0! 

That's all for now on the makeup front. Next to tackle? Body lotion. My brother, Sam, got me hooked on Malin + Goetz, so that'll be my first line to try. 

Almond Flour/Grain Free Zucchini Bread

Nine months out of the year, I don't think too much about zucchini. But in the summer I crave it, right alongside tomatoes and cucumbers. I can't get enough!

Last week at work, we had a farmers' market and I loaded up on up zucchini, with the intent to pile it on salads and, most importantly, make zucchini bread. 

I laughed when I realized I did the exact same thing last June, but this year I changed the recipe a bit. It's not vegan this time around (bring on the eggs and honey!) and it's actually totally grain free. Not because I'm not loving oats, but just to mix it up a bit. 

I followed this recipe from Against All Grain, but made a few small changes. The result was great - it has such a buttery, moist flavor about it, even though it doesn't contain butter. I'm not sure why, but I ain't complaining. 

So here we go...

Almond Flour/Grain Free Zucchini Bread

(Adapted from Against All Grain)

Ingredients:

1 & 1/2 c. almond meal or flour

3 t. cinnamon

1 t. baking sode

1/2 t. salt

3 eggs

1/4 c. honey

1 1/2 c. shredded zucchini

To make:

Preheat oven to 350

Mix dry ingredients in medium sized bowl

Combine wet ingredients and zucchini in medium sized bowl, beat on medium speed until frothy

Pour wet ingredients into dry; stir until mixed

Poor into medium loaf pan or muffins

(Optional: sprinkle sugar or brown sugar on top for extra tastiness)

Bake for 30-35 minutes

Top with sunbutter and enjoy :)

Happy summer eating!

spaghetti squash with avocado & kale pesto

image

Last night, on a whim, I decided to make dinner for Chris, which was the first time I've ever cooked for him instead of with him. He's Paleo (which I am not at all - I'm not even all that carnivorous these days) and a really good cook - so I was pretty nervous.

But it was oddly cold yesterday and he was working late and I decided it was time to go for it. I was inspired by Nicole's Avocado Pesto Sauce but, if you've ever made one of my recipes, you know I'm utterly defiant when it comes to following a recipe. I don't know if I'm a little bit more of a rebel than I realized or if I secretly think I'm going to be a chef someday or what.

That being said, here's my version of Avocado and Kale Pesto. I put it over baked spaghetti squash and added grilled chicken. The only thing I would have changed was to add more Cayenne and kale (as changed below) because the creaminess of the avocado and the sweetness of the squash begged for a little spicier. But I'm always up for more spice :)

avocado and kale pesto sauce

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Ingredients

• 2 cups basil
• 1 cup kale
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 1 whole avocado
• 2/3 cups olive oil
• Himalayan salt to taste 
• Black pepper, onion powder and Cayenne to taste 

Instructions

1. Blend ingredients in food processor
2. Add seasoning to taste
3. Put on squash and love your life

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parmesan turkey avocado burgers (amazing)

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I told you last week I wanted to try these chicken avocado burgers with a glass of wine and a porch on the next warm Sunday. 

Ah, ask and you shall receive! Last weekend rolled around us and brought a beautiful 73-degree Sunday. And so, we burgered!

Chris and I were inspired by the Laughing Spatula's, but actually changed them quite a bit due to a few major speed bumps: 

1. I don't have a grill. We did, however, use my Calphalon grill and then sit on the deck. So it was close. 

2. Trader Joe's didn't have ground chicken, so we used turkey.

3. I don't eat garlic

4. Or panko

5. Trader Joe's didn't have ripe avocados, so we used what I had left. 

And yet, they were still amazing. Truly. As a turkey burger connoisseur I consider myself pretty seasoned at evaluating them and I'd give these a top rating in moisture and flavor. I highly recommend them :)

Parmesan Turkey Avocado Burgers...

Ingredients:

1. lb. ground turkey

1/2 ripe avocado

1/2 c. grated parmesan 

Spices to taste (we used salt, pepper, cayenne and onion powder. I think cumin would also be a nice add if you're feeling TexMexish.)

To Make:

Mash avocado 

Mix turkey and mashed avocado in bowl 

Add in parm and mix well 

Add spices

Roll into ~10 small patties or five large patties

Grill (or grill pan at 325) until pink is gone (~8 minutes)

Top with pickles, arugula, tomato, mustard and ketchup if you're me. Or anything else you love if you're you :) 

We ate ours with a salad and baked sweet potatoes and couldn't have been happier while we sat on the deck with the warm air and a glass of white wine. 

Next up? I think these homemade popsicles are calling my name.

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Avocado Cookies {recipe}

What do you get when you've been snowed in for three days, have cleaned and organized everything, are caught up on emails and have worked out just plenty?

A new recipe, that's what!

The snow days have been fun but, at some point, you begin to crave routine and productivity. Last night I babysat and was ready for it so early and didn't have anything else I needed to do. How nice, I thought, to not be rushing - for once. To not be in traffic, running late, acting crazy trying to get out the door. 

How nice, indeed it was. And today? It feels pretty good to be at work. I guess that's the best of both worlds - the snow was fun and now I'm just craving some cube time. 

As for yesterday, I decided to get a little crazy in the kitchen. I'm a big fan of sneaking vegetables in anywhere I can, but I've never tried putting avocado in baked goods. Until yesterday, that is. 

I tried out the Lean Green Bean's Peanut Butter Avocado Cookies and am really pleased with how they turned out. They're gluten free, easily made vegan if desired and didn't even turn out green. Yaay! Sometimes when spinachy, kaley, avocado type things get too green, I can't handle it. These puppies look totally normal. And, they have so much healthy fat in them, which is only one of my favorite things. 

So here we go...

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Avocado Cookies (adapted from the Lean Green Bean)

Ingredients

⅓ c. mashed avocado

1 c. peanut butter

2 eggs (sub flax if vegan)

3 Tbsp. honey (sub agave if vegan)

1 c. gluten free oats

½ tsp. baking powder

½ c. dark chocolate chips

Instructions

- Preheat oven nto 350 

- Combine avocado, peanut butter, eggs and honey

- Stir until blended

- Mix in oats and baking powder

- Add chocolate chips

- Make into balls and drop onto greased cookie sheet

- Bake at 350 for 12 minutes or until golden

- En.Joy!

Check out the Lean Green Bean's recipe. I made a few changes re: the amount of peanut butter and oats and mine were definitely dryer/crumblier than hers. Different oats for different folks, ya know? 

on going upside down and other 2014 goals

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Did you know almost half of New Year's resolutions have to do with getting healthier? Lose weight, exercise, eat better, quit smoking...

The list goes on and on. 

Mine don't. Well, mostly don't.

My two resolutions are:

1) Take a photography class this year

2) Be less busy

I could argue that they'll impact my health overall, but they're less blatant than, say, go to the gym every day. 

However, ever since cutting back on running, I've been a little bit of a workout funk. Less running means I have to be more creative with my workouts - I can't just lace up my kicks and head outside. I have to think through routines, find a class, be more intentional. 

With that in mind, I decided I needed some goals to give me focus. So although these are not my resolutions, here are a few of my fitness goals for 2014:

1) Do 50 good push ups without stopping

2) Plank (on elbows) for 4:15

3) Do yoga 50 times (just under once a week)

4) Learn to do a headstand in yoga

5) Go rock climbing

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As of today, I can:

1) Do 20 push ups

2) Plank for 1:40

3) Have done yoga once this year (this morning!)

4) Am sitting comfortably at shoulder stand and cannot even fathom how to make this transition

5) Have been wanting to go rock climbing again for months and haven't done it. What am I waiting for?

Like I said, these aren't so much resolutions as they fitness goals. They're not about weight loss or about my shortcomings. They're simply about getting stronger, taking on something I've wanted to do for years but am hesitant to try (headstand!) and making time to do yoga instead of constantly doing workouts that break me down physically and mentally. It's learning to focus less on exhausting myself and more on making time for things that give me clarity and make me stronger.

What are your fitness goals this year? Join me! 

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