bare with me

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This post is a completely random slew of photos from the past 2 days.  Bare with me, it’s quite random! [yes, bare…not bear…b/c things are looking kind of bare around here! ;)]

Well, I finished my can of pumpkin.  In the best way possible.  Seriously. 

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Angela is going to be SO proud.  I even made it overflow!

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I thought it was pretty hilarious that the day I made overnight oats, I wake up to the temp’s in the 50’s with a high of 70 degrees.  Whatever.  I enjoyed my hot coffee even more!  And this was just OUT of this world.  I literally felt like I was eating dessert for breakfast. 

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I put a slight spin on Angela’s Chocolate Pumpkin Protein Overnight Oats.  It goes as follows…

Chocolate Pumpkin Overnight Oats

  • 3T rolled oats + 3T oat bran
  • 1c milk of choice [I used hemp milk + added an extra splash or two in the AM]
  • 2T chia seeds
  • 1T rounded unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2t cinnamon
  • 1/2c pumpkin
  • 1/2t vanilla extract
  • dash of nutmeg + ginger
  1. Stir everything together, cover + store in the fridge overnight.
  2. Stir in the morning.

Peanut Butter Banana Soft Serve

  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1T pnut butter
  1. Let spin in your food processor for a ~2min.  Scrape bowl as necessary.

Topped with cacao nibs.  Layer + scarf.

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I picked up a cupcake from Whole Foods for a header photo shoot I was doing.  I was more than excited to eat the cupcake after the photos were taken.

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I actually took this bite on purpose for one of the photos.  You’ll see soon ;)  However, I practically spit it out.  This is the 2nd time I’ve been completely disappointed with Whole Foods cupcakes.  The cupcake was extremely dry, spongy and too airy.  The frosting was SO sweet, I thought my teeth were going to fall out…just from that 1 little bite!!!  Ick.

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Did you see Ashley’s post on how to make chai tea at home??  Ever since that post, I’ve been dreaming about chai tea!! 

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Chris bought me this chai mix for our anniversary and wow is it delicious.  I made it on the stovetop by boiling with water + hemp milk, bringing to a boil, then simmering, them filtering into a mug.  It hit the spot!

FYI – Rishi makes amazing teas.  I’ve been impressed with every one I’ve tried.

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Then, I made two “larabar” recipes but did a bad job documenting.  Oooops.  I’ll still tell you about them though!  The first was Mama Pea’s recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and it was nothing short of amazing.  I’ve had the cookie dough Larabar and this far exceeded it.

You can definitely under or over process this “dough.”  I tried using my vitamix + food processor.  I thought the processor was easier because the date-goo seemed to get stuck under the blender blade.  I think you could even use a mini food processor for this, but don’t hold me to it! ;)

The final texture you want is sticky.  If it seems dry, pulse a few more times and see if it holds together better.  Be careful not to over-process or you will be left with an oily mess.  I did this and I’m not sure if it was oil from the nuts or dates or what, but it was gross.  I also find it easier to roll this into balls, like Kelsey balls!!  If for some reason it’s still not holding together chop up a few dates and then pulse them into the mix.  That should help!

Below is my variation.  Both tasted like straight up cookie dough but this one is….

Coconut Cookie Dough Balls/Bars

  • 1c walnuts
  • 2/3c chopped, pitted dates
  • 1/3t fine ground sea salt
  • 1t vanilla
  • 1T coconut oil [or coconut butter]
  • 2-3T unsweetened shredded coconut
  1. Process nuts until sand-like and empty into a bowl.
  2. Pulse dates, salt, vanilla, oil + coconut until well combined. ~30sec
  3. Add in ground walnuts and process/pulse until sticky + clumping together. 
  4. Roll into balls.
  5. Refrigerate.

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Don’t I have enough to pack + clean already?

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Why do I do this to myself? ;)

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I was having a major kitchen itch and still am!  Hoping to make a few more things this week and keep going with the packing. 

Also went for a 3.25 mile walk/run with Ann today and then about another 2 miles with the doggles. Aaand many trips up + down stairs.  The kitchen was closed for dinner.  We headed to our favorite spot, Vine street and then out for my first Froyo.  I know…I know…where have I been ;)  Twas’ delicious.

Bedddd.

Ashley