Mom's Pumpkin Pancakes w/Homemade Cinnamon Spice Syrup

By now, I am sure you guys know what a wonderful cook my little mama is! She collects cookbooks, and within their pages are delicious, special recipes she makes for us whenever she can. Recently, she made us these Pumpkin Pancakes with Homemade Cinnamon Spice Syrup! They were AMAZING! So much so, that I wanted to get the recipe from her and share it on my blog! Fall is the perfect time to whip these up! Try them, and please let me know how you and your family like them! 

Mom's Pumpkin Pancakes w/Homemade Cinnamon Spice Syrup

• 1 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk (can use almond milk)
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon vinegar or apple cider vinegar (whatever you have)

For the Cinnamon Syrup

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 t teaspoon baking soda

Mix milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar in a bowl. In separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon and salt. Stir into the pumpkin mixture.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle/pan over medium high heat. Pour batter onto the griddle, using around 1/4 cup for each pancake. Cook on one side, until bubbles begin to form, then flip. Cook until brown on both sides!

For Syrup:

Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Stir in sugar, buttermilk, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and bring to boil. Once boiling, simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.  Add baking soda, which will cause the mixture to bubble up. Cook 30 more seconds, then remove from heat.  Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving -- it will thicken as it cools. 

ENJOY!!!

My Favorite (Healthy) Cauliflower Fried Rice.

Sometimes you want the comfort of Chinese take-out, and sometimes you want it - minus the sodium and extra calories. This recipe is just that! I love how quickly this dish comes together, especially since I use the frozen riced cauliflower from Trader Joe's that I keep stocked in my freezer! Most bigger grocery stores like Publix and Kroger now have fresh riced cauliflower in the produce section, so you don't have to get your food processor out and dirty to make this! Please let me know your favorite way to used riced cauliflower in the comments! Thanks for stopping by!

Ingredients

• Coconut oil spray or EVOO spray

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 c chopped scallions (I also threw in some red onions I had already chopped; can use either)

• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced

• Ginger (dried) to taste, or if using fresh: 1 tbs, finely chopped

• One 2-lb head cauliflower (or one bag of already riced cauliflower, like the one I used from Trader Joe's) 

• 3-5 tbs soy sauce or coconut aminos (whatever you have)

• Red pepper flakes to taste 

• 1 cup frozen peas (can also use a pea and carrot mix, as well) 

• 1-2 tsp rice vinegar

• 2-3 tbs Sesame oil

• Chopped cashews or peanuts (optional, to top the dish once it's done)

If you are not using already riced cauliflower in a bag, wash and dry your head of cauliflower, then break/cut into smaller florets. Put in food processor and pulse until the cauliflower resembles rice. 

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray with a little nonstick spray. Add the eggs and a little salt. Scramble until the eggs are cooked, then transfer to a plate and set aside. 

1. Wipe the pan clean, then add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil to the pan, still set over medium heat. Add scallions/onions, garlic, and ginger. I used dried ginger, so I just sprinkled mine of this mixture as it cooked. Cook, stirring often, until softened. Add the cauliflower, 3 tablespoons of the soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Cook, for about 3-4 minutes, while making sure to stir often. Add the peas and continue to cook until the cauliflower "rice" is tender yet crisp and the peas are warmed through...maybe 4-5 mins. Stir in the rice vinegar (I added this to taste), little drizzle of sesame oil, more scallions, nuts (if using) and eggs. Taste and adjust seasoning (adding anything additional you have already used; I did more red pepper flakes & rice vinegar...and a little lime!) Serve hot, and add any protein you wish! I used shrimp. 

Just remember, most of this recipe - and any recipe, for that matter - is making it suit your taste! These measurements are only a guideline. Taste along the way and add as you see fit! Enjoy!

Lindsay's Fave Greek Kale Salad.

I think I hit (kale) salad nirvana this week! I know, coming from me - the self proclaimed salad hater - that's a bold statement. If I am going to make, or eat, a salad... it better be EXCITING. Aka: have lots of flavorful stuff in it. This one did not disappoint! I added things from several kale salad recipes that I've made this summer and turned it into the most AMAZING salad I've ever made.

 Don't believe me? See for yourself! I don't measure things in this salad, but I did include some rough measurements if you're so inclined. I just fill a big ol' bowl with kale and get to adding things as I see fit!

LINDSAY'S FAVE GREEK KALE SALAD

1 bunch kale, stems removed and chopped/torn into small pieces

1 cup chopped cucumber (around half of a cucumber)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 

1-2 cups chopped bell pepper (use any color or combo you have; I used green and orange here)

1/4 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup kalamata olives

2 tbs fresh basil (or sprinkle a little dried basil on top if you don't have fresh)

1/2 cup Artichoke hearts, roughly chopped (I just throw a handful on the salad)

1/2 cup chickpeas (drained and rinsed) 

Feta cheese, to taste (around 1/3-1/2 cup)

Put the torn kale leaves in a big bowl. I like to soften the kale leaves as I prep the rest of the ingredients by drizzling them with a tiny bit of olive or avocado oil then massaging it into the leaves really well. This breaks down the kale a little, allowing it not to be so tough. Add all other ingredients, then toss with a Greek dressing. You can use store bought, of course, or use this simple one I always do: 1/4 cup of avocado or olive oil, juice of one lemon, can also add the zest of the lemon, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp basil, 1/4 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and sea salt and pepper to taste. Throw all of those dressing ingredients into a jar or small tupperware dish and shake away! Drizzle over salad and toss.

This recipe makes enough for left over lunches, too!

Sorry about the Photobucket nonsense! I've figured out how to get rid of most of them, except for this one. If anyone has any know-how on this matter, let me know! Thanks for reading!

Summer Faves. Part One.

Hellllllllo everyone! Hope your 4th of July weekend was A BLAST! Pun 100% intended. I spent the long weekend at my parent's lake house on the KY Lake, with lots of family and food!


I wanted to share a few of my favorite things for summa time with you guys! This time of year really is my favorite... and yes, I even love humidity. My skin looks better - I love that nice and sweaty dewy look! My hair doesn't love it, but then ... I never listen to how my hair feels anyway. I just slick it all into a huge bun on top of my head and just ignore it. Per usu.

1. Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer - This stuff is the BEST tinted moisturizer I've ever used! I love the illuminating one, as it imparts the perfect hydrated glow. When my skin is on point, the coverage is plenty! If I have any bumps or discoloration, I put on concealer before it. If you want even more of a glow - and you know I always do - I put on Laura Mercier's Foundation Primer in Radiance under the tinted moisturizer. They are so beautiful when mixed!

2. Colourpop Eye Shadow in La La - This is my favorite eye shadow to wear during the summer months, and it's only $5!! The description says its glittery, but it's not at all. (Trust me... I stopped wearing glitter last year. Kidding. It was severalllllll years ago!) It is the most beautiful, velvety shade of rosegold/bronze! It goes on so smooth and creamy! I just put it all over my lids with my fingertip and blend! All over the lid and slightly smudged under the eye is so dreamy, but for an extra summery pop, add a bit of bright blue or turquoise under the eye. (I love to use Nars Soft Touch Pencil in Palladium, but there are some good turquoise liners at the drugstore, too! Especially a pretty teal one from L'Oreal)

3. Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs  (I use the color Deep Glow) - Let me just tell you... the bottle says "Leg Makeup." That sounds weird. Like a 1980 pageant girl or something... But don't let that scare you. The bottle also says "Spray on perfect legs in an instant," and that's exactly what it does! There is a spray-on version and a lotion version. I like the both but prefer the spray. I put a little lotion on my legs first, to get them smooth and moisturized, then GO TO TOWN spraying this stuff on my legs! Make sure to rub it in really well. When you think you've done a good enough job, stop and rub some more to make sure it's all blended onto your legs. Then go to a full length mirror and look at the Victoria's Secret model standing before you. Your legs will have the most gorgeous glow, and all of your scars, veins, and imperfections are gone. It's unreal. To boost the glow, I love taking a shimmery lotion or highlighter for the face and dusting some down the middle of my legs, from the knee to where your ankle starts. You will thank me once you do this. I promise.

Sorry for all of the Photobucket images on the blog today! Photobucket is going crazy! Has anyone else had this issue? If so, any ideas on how to fix??
I would LOVE to know your favorite summer products... ANY AND ALL! Leave them in the comments below! I will do a Part Two next week. Excited about this coming weekend... my brother is getting married!! 

A Little Summer Salad.

I just love a salad in the summer... not just any salad though! One loaded with fresh, ripe produce! I especially love salads made with watermelon, peaches, strawberries, and blueberries. I found a recipe several months back and quickly copied it down. I cannot remember the source, but I am sure there are tons of recipes out there like this one. Make this as a side the next time you grill out. I did, and my husband and guests loved it!

1 cantaloupe, chopped 

• 1 cup bite-size fresh mozzarella balls (use however many you want!)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 
• 1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes 
• Pink Himalayan sea salt and ground pepper 
• Thinly sliced prosciutto (Again, use as much as you want)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 
  
• Cut the cantaloupe into bite-size pieces and arrange on plate. Add mozzarella balls, then drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with red-pepper flakes and salt & pepper. Arrange prosciutto along edges of a plate. Add basil to melon mixture, then serve. 

Click here for some amazing summer salads I also love making when the temps get hot! Also dying to make this one and this one very soon!

Grilled Turmeric Lime Chicken

I feel as if the word "chicken" or "grilled chicken" can sound boring to some. Depending how you fix it (or don't), it CAN be boring and tasteless! I have blogged before about our favorite grilled chicken recipe and marinade... check it out here. I have discovered a new one this year, and it has a superstar ingredient: TURMERIC! That bright yellow spice has been getting a lot of attention recently for all of its health benefits. Some of those include a high antioxidant count, powerful anti-infammatory properties, lowers blood sugar, and it's even been said to help delay diabetes and fight cancer! Google for yourself to see all the goodness!

{via}

Grilled Turmeric Lime Chicken

Marinade:

1/4 c EVOO

1/2 c fresh lime juice

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp ground turmeric

2 tsp dried rosemary leaves (I use fresh, too!)

2 cloves garlic, minced

salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Blend or whisk all marinade ingredients together. Add chicken and marinade until ready to cook, at least 2 hours. I love to marinade the chicken over night, or in the morning, for dinner that evening. Preheat grill, and grill chicken on one side for 7-8 mins. Turn over, baste with marinade and grill 8 mins more, or until done. 

This marinade and recipe is so easy to throw together!

 I promise you will love it, and the health benefits are a huge plus! 

I make enough for dinner that night, plus extra for lunches the next day or two!

Now... if you're not looking for quick and easy... then WHO ARE YOU?????

Kidding. 

If you're not and love the brining process, check out this yummy recipe from Epicurious:

Foolproof Grilled Chicken Recipe.

Here is a great article from Bon Appetit with 26 Chicken Recipes to Make This Summer!

My Mom's Famous Banana Bread

I feel as if I should re-introduce myself after such an embarrassingly long hiatus from blogging. Hi, I'm Lindsay, and I am a well-intentioned blogger that can't quiet commit to regular blog posts even thought I love it dearly! Please forgive me and read this blog anyway.

My mother is one of the most incredible and memorable people you will ever meet. I knew I wanted my first blog in a while to be about her since it was so close to Mother's Day. When I think about my mother, three main things come to mind: her big, beautiful, and expressive eyes; her funny and honest personality; and her cooking skills... namely, her famous banana bread.

Growing up in a small town, there weren't too many people that didn't get to taste her banana bread. Our family, my neighbors, teachers, Sunday school teachers, friends, friends families, boyfriends, boyfriends families, our mailman, garbage men, and anyone my mom thought could use a little brightening of their day - got to sample her talent and love of cooking thru this little loaf.

Making banana bread is one of my mother's most amazing - and saintly - talents. She has touched so many lives and made so many feel special, comforted, and loved by handing out those sweet loaves carefully wrapped in aluminum foil. (Folded neatly and tucked under on the bottom, of course.) If you ask any of my childhood friends - or my brother's - what they remember most about my mother, I would bet a dollar bill (or five) that they would say her banana bread. It's such a sweet memory for so many, myself included, that I cannot bring myself to even try and re-create it because I know my efforts will fall short. Because it's not the flour, or the eggs that make it special. It's not the sugar or the so-ripe-they're-almost-BLACK bananas either. It's HER. It's her hands that effortlessly and lovingly make this signature recipe for those that she loves so, very much.

I can close my eyes and picture her making it, even now. Getting up before sunrise to make a few loaves, or cleaning up the kitchen from dinner, only to get the kitchen messy again from the banana bread making. I don't make it now, much to my husband's dismay, but just thinking about the warm memories it brings back to me... I just might start. Because what makes this recipe even more special is the fact that my grandmother taught my mom how to make it and made it all the time when my mom was growing up. So that means it's a MUST for me, right? Well... maybe when I have children of my own someday! Until then, I'm thinking I should get to practicing!

I would love to hear about your favorite recipe from your own mother! Share in the comments below!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ML AND ALL THE AMAZING MOTHERS OUT THERE! 

Mocha Chocolate Chip Cookies.

{via}

Y'all. These cookies. I can't even type because I'm eating my 4th one. For breakfast. 

I kid not.

They are THAT good! 

These Mocha Chocolate Chip Cookies are loaded to the brim with goodies...semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and cocoa nibs. Before you even think about omitting the cocoa nibs, just don't. Run to Whole Paycheck Whole Foods and grab you some. Or order them online here, at Amazon. (Those are the exact brand I used.) The cocoa nibs don't add any sweetness, but they add this fantastic crunch to the cookie that MAKES the cookie! Trust me. 

I used 2 different methods since I didn't have the cookie scoop that the recipe called for: a small scoop, which made the cookies turn out thin and very chewy - definitely smaller than the picture above. Then I used this method on "How to Scoop the Perfect Cookie" and those turned out as big as the picture above but still thin and chewy...which is ok with me, because this makes them heavenly! 

Make them and see for yourself... You will love them!

AMAZING MOCHA CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

recipe adapted from here

2 1/4 c all-purpose flour

2 tbs espresso powder

1 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt

1 c unsalted butter, softened 

1 c granulated sugar

1 c firmly packed brown sugar 

2 large eggs

1 tbs vanilla extract

2 tsp coffee or coffee extract (I used coffee)

1 1/2 c semi sweet chocolate chips or chunks

1 1/2 c milk chocolate chips

1 c cocoa nibs

1 tbs sea salt (I love Maldon!)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, espresso powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars with a mixer at medium-high speed until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and coffee extract, beating to combine. Gradually add flour mixture, beating until combined. Stir in chocolate chunks, chocolate morsels, and cocoa nibs.
4. Using a 1 3/4-inch spring-loaded scoop, scoop dough onto prepared pans 2 inches apart. Sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let cool on pans for 5 minutes. Remove from pans, and let cool completely on wire racks. Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Here are some other cookie recipes I love:
Orange Chocolate Chippers Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies No-Bake Biscoff Cookies Soft Batch Dark Brown Sugar Coconut Oil Cookies  Cranberry and White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Summer Salads.

{Watermelon + Feta Cheese + Jalapeno + Mint + Lime Juice}

My friends and family all know that I am not a big salad eater. Especially as a meal on its own. I just don't get excited about salad for a meal, when there's so many other more exciting and healthy options out there. My tune changes in the summer, though! Throwing light and delicious fresh produce together becomes one of my favorite things to do! Here are some of my favorite salad recipes for summer...enjoy them on their own, paired with a piece of grilled chicken (using this recipe), or as a side dish. I would love to hear what your favorite summer salads are, in the comments! Enjoy!

-The one pictured above is my current fave: watermelon, feta cheese, jalapeno, fresh mint, and lime juice. Sprinkle with a bit of sea salt. Also good if you had thinly sliced red onion! Another version of this salad that I make a lot is the Blueberry Watermelon and Feta Salad.  

-Heirloom Tomato Salad w/Fresh Peaches, Goat Cheese, and Pecans - This is the salad that is pictured below. It happens to be my favorite summer salad, hands down! I've made this too many times to count! You don't have to get fancy and use heirloom tomatoes, although it is beautiful when you do. Use any ripe tomato that you have, and it will turn out delicious! 

- Tomato Avocado Cucumber Chick Pea Salad with Feta and Greek Lemon Dressing - This is a new recipe that I've just discovered, but I can tell it will be a staple! I love the fresh, bright flavors of this salad! I served it at a get together I had last weekend, and everyone loved it... even the non chick pea lovers! Here's a tip: If you plan to make and save this for later, or make a big batch and eat it throughout the week, don't add the avocados until you are ready to serve. 

-Grilled Peach Salad w/Buffalo Mozzarella and Arugula - I've blogged about this little gem before! It's a summer favorite for my family! It's so easy to put together and looks very impressive on a large platter for a get together! 

- Peach & Tomato Salad from the New York Times 101 Simple Salads post. (You guys must read that post! Many great salad ideas are shared!) I've made this salad so many times since reading that post. It's just so simple, yet tasty! I 

-I know most of you are pressed for time in the morning. I am always running late, so here's a quick summer salad recipe that I make for myself a lot: half a can of chick peas (rinsed and drained), big handful of cherry tomatoes (cut in half), half a cucumber (chopped). It's so good just like that...and very healthy! Depending on how much time I have, I will also add chopped red onion, squeeze of lemon, a couple shakes of balsamic vinegar, and a little feta cheese. It's takes 2 minutes to throw together and doesn't require any cooking! You have fresh veggies and protein in the chick peas for a well-rounded meal! That same salad is great if you have left over grilled chicken to sub for the chick peas! 

**One other little tip I wanted to share: I've been adding fresh herbs to my salads this summer, and it makes SUCH a difference! My favorites to add are mint and basil! 

Honey Almond Coconut Oil Granola

{My Sunday morning view}

I feel like I am always saying this…. but sorry for my long blogging absence! I always feel so badly when I fall off the face of the blogging world, I really do! I've kept up with my Gratitude Project in the "Notes" app on my iPhone, and I will be continuing that very soon here on my blog. I was craving an acai bowl this morning, and I wanted granola on top of it, so I whipped up this delicious little dime of a recipe! It's good and healthy, too, so don't feel bad grabbing handfuls of this once it has cooled off like I did! I also love this on top of Greek yogurt! Enjoy the recipe, and let me know if you make it! Happy Cooking!

Ingredients
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup slivered or diced almonds
1 cup raw cashews, chopped (Just ran my knife through them for a rough chop)
3/4 cup shredded coconut (I used unsweetened but you can use whatever you like!) 
1-2 tbs chia seeds (optional)1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey 
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons organic maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil
3/4 teaspoon salt (I used Maldon… it's my favorite!) 
1 cup raisins or dried cranberries or apricots (you can get creative here… I used cranberries) 
Sprinkle of cinnamon 


Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Combine the oats, nuts, coconut, chia seeds (if using), and whatever dried fruit you are using.  In a smaller bowl, combine maple syrup, honey, oil, and salt. Combine both mixtures, and pour onto 2 baking sheets covered in parchment paper. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve an even color. Remove from oven and let cool.
 

Apple Cinnamon Protein Bars.

In my quest to eat healthy, the thing that always trips me up is what to have for an afternoon snack. I try to stick with something full of protein, for sure. When I found this recipe for Apple Cinnamon Protein Bars, I knew I had to try them! The original recipe was a little dry, so I added almond milk to make it just perfect! I absolutely love these bars for a quick, take-anywhere snack! Here is the recipe:
APPLE CINNAMON PROTEIN BARS

• 4 scoops vanilla protein powder (I use Whey)
• 1/2 cup almond meal/flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice (Optional...I don't use it)
• 3 egg whites
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (I like mine with 1/2 cup)
• 1/4 cup Stevia (raw) or honey (I use honey)
• 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 medium apple - grated (large holes)

1. Spray an 8x8 Pyrex dish with non-stick spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine protein powder, almond meal, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Whisk together and set aside.
2. In a smaller bowl, combine egg whites, stevia or honey, almond milk, cottage cheese and vanilla. Whisk until well incorporated and then add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix again.
3. Fold in grated apple and mix until combined.
4. Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 mins, until completely done. Test to see if they are done by sticking a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are done! If there is wet batter on the toothpick, stick them back in the oven for a few minutes. It always takes mine 30-35 mins to get completely done. To stop the top from browning as much, cover with foil. There are 64 calories and 8 grams of protein per square!

I have another variation that I will share later! SO GOOD! This is my new favorite afternoon or pre-workout snack! Enjoy!

The Gratitude Project.

{Happy Easter!}

1. My Grandmother's 92nd Birthday -    92. Just stop and think about that number for a second…The number "92" has a lot behind it. In my grandmother's case, she has a lot of life-well-lived behind that number. She has a lot of wonderful, special memories behind that number. And most importantly, she has created a legacy in those 92 years that will live on for generations to come! I'm so thankful for her, and for the immense amount of love she shows me on a daily basis! I'm grateful she taught me how to make biscotti. I'm grateful she taught me how to sew on a button. I'm grateful for all the things she taught my mother because now I'm learning those things, too. I'm grateful that she calls my voicemail and leaves sweet voicemails ending with "Love, Mom." Just like you would when you write a letter. So cute! I'm grateful for many more things regarding her and our relationship, and thank the Lord for blessing her (and us) with 92 years on this earth!

2. Easter - This is a given, of course, but I wanted to mention what a blessed day I had! For starters, it was beautiful outside! Our church service just blew me away. The music was incredibly moving, which is my favorite part of worship, and the message hit me to my core. What an overwhelming amazing gift we were given on that day! Now THAT is something to be grateful for!

3. The color green - As in grass, trees, and all the beautiful things sprouting up from the ground now that Spring is here! This might seem random, but it is indeed something I am grateful to see and experience on a daily basis. In 2012, we spent February - April in Arizona. Spring was in full-force when we arrived, but all I saw was brown. Brown houses, brown rooftops, brown yards (most people have loose rocks in their front yards). I saw very little springtime color that spring…. Until I arrived in Tennessee a week into April. A friend picked me up from the airport, and on the way home I couldn't get over how green everything was! It was EVERYWHERE! I couldn't believe how something I usually take for granted - and something so simple - was that beautiful to see! My friend looked at me like I was crazy, because of course, this beauty had been unfolding around her all month long. She was used to it. You don't remember how beautiful spring can be when you're gone for so long. This year, I look out my car window while driving and see vibrant green everywhere I look. It's the little things in life, but this "little" thing is all around us. And I happen to be very grateful to see and experience it!

4. Opening Day of Baseball - I would not be being true to myself -or this blog- if I did not add this one today. Today, April 6th, is MLB's Opening Day. As you can imagine, the past 24 hours have been emotional ones in our house. One year ago, I would NOT have been able to add this to a "Gratitude Project" list. Truth be told (and where else than my very own blog can I be 100% truthful, bad or good)  I am just now able to be comfortable adding it today…but still have a long way to go until I'm truly THERE. That being said, I am grateful for days like today because of what it gave my husband… and indirectly, what it gave me. My friend posted a "Happy Opening Day" quote on Facebook page, and I will leave that below for you to read. It sums up how my husband felt about playing baseball, and I guess the purpose of adding this to the list today is how grateful I am not for baseball itself but for the opportunities it gives people… mostly importantly, the opportunity it gave my husband to have a lifelong dream come TRUE!

The Gratitude Project.

{My view this past Sunday!}
Sorry I'm a day late with this post, but better late than never... right??
1. Weather above 70 degrees! I know I've already mentioned nice weather on here, but WOW... I would be crazy if I didn't mention the gorgeous weather we had on Sunday! I spent the majority of the day outside with friends, and it could not have been a more perfect day! I was in constant praise to the good Lord for blessing us with a day like this after cold snowy weather, followed by what seemed like nonstop rain. My mood was light, and there was a smile on my face the whole day. I am so, so happy to see the first signs of Spring and good weather coming our way!
2. My Bed - Last night, after a long day and a hard workout, I all but ran to my bed right after dinner. Maybe it was because I was so tired, but I melted into the sheets and really noticed how wonderful my bed is. I stopped for a moment to say a quick "thank you prayer" that I even have a bed...and that it is so gloriously comfortable. I know many people in this world do not have a soft, warm place to lay their head at night, and I am truly grateful that I do. When my mind is in a place of gratitude, I become grateful for the smallest things. Things I might not even think I need to be thankful for... but I am. My bed is one of them because it is a place I feel safe, calm, and rested.
3. Golf - I cannot believe I just wrote that. If you know my husband, DO NOT tell him I said that!! HA!  He thinks I am not too fond of golf, and the truth is...I'm not, but not in the way you're thinking. Chris loves to play golf. "Love" might not even be a strong enough word for it. He would do it all day every day if someone would pay him let him. In an attempt to spend more time with him, I tried to learn a couple of years ago. I am a realist, though, so let's just say the game of golf isn't for me. However, I am thankful for golf because it has led him to make many, many great friends. In turn, I have met several of those friends and their wives or significant others, and they have become my friends, as well. You really get to know someone riding alongside them for 18 holes, and I am thankful God has placed so many amazing people in the cart next to him. Having moved here from CA, he didn't have a big base of friends, so it's been a great way for him to make lifelong friendships...and get me a couple in the process, too!

Friday Favorites: Smoothies.

One of my favorite things to make is a healthy smoothie. You can get creative and throw just about anything you have in the blender, which helps clean out your fridge and freezer AND keeps you healthy on the go! They are great for a quick make-and-go breakfast in the morning (especially if you're the type of person who always runs late), afternoon snack, or my favorite…a pre or post workout snack.

My secret is that I keep a variety of frozen fruits and veggies in my freezer at all times. That way when the urge for a smoothie hits, I'm always prepared! I always have frozen bananas in a big zip lock bag. This is a big help to me when I'm in a hurry and wanting to make a protein shake or smoothie. Bananas are great for texture and help add a natural sweetness to the smoothie. I buy a big bunch of bananas, let them get rip, peel them, and then cut them in half before freezing. I also have frozen blueberries, strawberries, mango, and pineapple at all times.

Another tip? I freeze my greens! Back in the baseball days, when I would leave for weeks at a time, I would hate for the greens left in the refrigerator to go to waste. I would end up throwing them in the freezer to use later, and they always kept so well! I wouldn't cook with them again, but using them frozen was perfect for smoothies. So now, I always keep a bag of spinach, kale, and romaine in the freezer. That way I know I always have fresh greens ready to go! This is always a great thing to do if you notice any of your produce starting to go bad and know you won't use it in time… just stick it in the freezer!

Here are some of my favorite recipes:

Decadent Dark Chocolate Chia Seed Smoothie

*Good for breakfast, dessert, or post workout*

- 1 1/4 c unsweetened almond milk

- 2 c kale or spinach (fresh or frozen)

- half a banana (you can use the whole banana if you want more sweetness)

- 4 dates, pitted 

- 2 tbs chia seeds

- 2 tbs unsweetened cocoa powder (I use Hershey's Dark Chocolate)

- 1 c Ice

-Optional: 1 packet of Truvia 

-Optional: Chocolate Protein Powder (I like added this post workout)

****************************************************************************

Berry Mint Kiss 

From Goop:

-1 c coconut water

-1 c almond milk

-1 c frozen pineapple 

-1 c frozen blueberries 

-1/2 c fresh mint leaves 

-1/2 lemon, juiced

-1 tbs coconut oil 

-4-6 drops of stevia (optional)

******************************************************************************

Chocolate PB Smoothie 

From Shape Magazine:

-1 c unsweetened almond milk

-2 c spinach

-half frozen banana (can use a whole one here, too)

-1/2 Bartlett pear

-2 tbs natural peanut butter

-2 tbs unsweetened cocoa 

-1 c ice

Optional: Add chocolate protein powder

Blend everything until smooth. 

*******************************************************************************

Pineapple Mojito Smoothie

Serves 2 

-2 c kale 

-2 c coconut water 

-3 c pineapple 

-1/4 c fresh mint leaves 

-Juice of 1 lime 

*******************************************************************************

Green Protein Smoothie

-2 cups baby spinach

-1 cup water

-1.5 cups pineapple, frozen

-1/2 small banana, frozen

-1/2 cup Greek yogurt

-2 tsp honey

-Blend spinach and water first then add everything else. 

*******************************************************************************

Here are some other ones I love:

Kimberly Synder's Glowing Green Smoothie

Green Detox Smoothie

Skinny Tropical Green Smoothie

Peanut Butter Coffee Protein Smoothie

Orange Blast Green Smoothie

Clean Eating Protein Shake


Let me know if you try any of these tasty treats! Please share some of your favorites with me in the comments!