Honey and Nectar

The Secret to Growing Long, Healthy Nails

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 15:36:00 +0000

If you're like me, then you are probably plagued with brittle, hard to grow nails. Having long nails has always been a struggle for me; they would reach a certain point and then break off. No matter what foods I ate or how much coconut oil I rubbed into them or how many mantras I repeated (I must, I must, I must increase my nails), I seemed destined to have stubby nails for life.

I started doing research on biotin when I noticed a serious thinning in my hair (that's another issue for another day). If you've been around the health and supplement scene for a while, you may have heard of it.

I began taking 1,000 mcg of biotin daily for a few months and noticed absolutely nothing. But it seemed to help so many people! I was desperate for it to help me as well, so I reached for the highest dose of biotin that they make in pill form: Biotin Maximum Strength Tablets, 10,000mcg. After a few weeks, the results were amazing!

I noticed a little bit of a difference in my hair growth: it grew a bit faster and I had less fall out. But my nails started growing like weeds and there was no more breakage. No more! Within a few weeks, I had to cut my nails down every 5 days or I wouldn't be able to type on my phone or laptop. The results were that drastic.

Every one around me noticed too. I was getting compliments on my nails from coworkers, strangers, and even my doctor! I have never had a vitamin or supplement work this well before -and I've tried them all.

What is biotin and how does it help grow nails?

The supplement I've trusted for two years

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that is found naturally in a number of foods. Sunflower seeds, lentils, peanuts, and barley all have a high amount of biotin (ranging from 31 to 66 mg per serving). Biotin is essential for encouraging the production of protein for nail and hair growth.

People started to link biotin with nail strength after using it to treat brittle hooves in horses. It's weird but it works -like Mane 'N Tail shampoo.

Biotin also helps produce keratin - the main protein in nails- and aids in the production of collagen and elastin, which supports healthy skin structure beneath the nail.

The result is an overall healthier and stronger foundation for your nails to thrive.

(Can you tell I'm an aspiring hand model?)

What else does biotin do?

Stimulates hair growth
Supports the health of skin
Supports metabolism
Helps metabolize energy
Regulates blood sugar

Biotin is generally considered safe, with no negative effects linked with taking high doses. Obviously, before starting biotin supplements, consult with your health-care professional.

Have you had any success with biotin?

2 Ingredient Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 19:00:00 +0000

Yes, you read that right. It's possible to bake healthy cookies using just 2 ingredients: bananas and oats (plus whatever add-ins you want!)

And these cookies are about as healthy as they can be so you can have them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, dessert, or marry them if its legal in your country.

Trust me, these little chewy cookies won't last. They are best eaten when they are still fresh but may hold in an airtight container for a short while.

2 Ingredient Cookies

1 banana

1/2 cup oats

Add-ins such as cinnamon, craisins, raisins, chocolate chips, walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Mash the banana and oats in a small bowl with a fork until they are mixed together. Add in whatever extras you want!

2. Form small cookies (7-9) and put them onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 15-17 minutes.

3. Put them all into your face hole.

Yes, I have not posted anything on this blog in quite a while, but I am looking to reboot it! If you have anything in particular that you would like to see from me, please let me know.

I am thinking of doing more meal recipes, analyzing and commenting on media articles, and creating an inspirational series.

Let me know what you think!

Stay Sweet xo

Easy Chocolate Quinoa Pudding

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:11:00 +0000

As adults, we exercise our right to eat whatever we want for any meal. I think that by the time we are adults, we have earned that right. Therefore, we have most certainly earned the right to eat chocolate whenever we please. I think that that right should be acted on more. Don't you think?

I just want to share all chocolate recipes all of the time. Especially when they are easy to whip up in one minute.

In my opinion, the best recipes are more like guidelines or ideas; you just add the ingredients to your taste, add in whatever you feel, and enjoy. That's the best way to learn and create the best dishes.

This is a dish that I just threw together one evening when I had leftover quinoa and a nasty chocolate craving. You can add everything to taste in just a couple of minutes.

Chocolate Quinoa Pudding Guidelines

1/2 cup cold quinoa
1/3 cup almond/soy/whatever milk
a drop of vanilla extract
1-2 Tablespoon cacao or cocoa powder
1-2 Tablespoon brown sugar or your favorite kind of sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar.
a sprinkle of cinnamon

Simple stir together all of the ingredients until you think it tastes like heaven and enjoy!

What's your favorite guidelines recipes?

Chocolate Fudge Overnight Oats

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 14:45:00 +0000

Once summer comes around, all I want to do is eat cold foods. I want cold pasta, cold rice, cold smoothies, etc. Oatmeal is no exception to that. If you're like me and crave cold oatmeal ready to eat when you wake up (it's much better than it sounds!), than do yourself a favor and make overnight oats!

Everyone knows the joys of eating cold pizza in the morning so I stand by my weirdness.

Chocolate Fudge Overnight Oats

1/3 cup rolled oats
2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon sweetener of choice (I choose maple syrup)
1/2 serving chocolate Sunwarrior protein powder
1 tablespoon chia seeds
a tiny pinch of salt

Fudge Syrup:
1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 Tbsp maple syrup, agave, or honey

Combine the first 7 ingredients in a jar of other sealed container and leave in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight. When you're ready to eat, mixup some fudge syrup and pour over the top.

What is your abnormal food craving?

Pumpkin Granola...In the Middle of Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 18:34:00 +0000

I know, I know, it's the middle of July.

But pumpkin should be an all-seasons flavor. Right?

I made this granola just by throwing a bunch of unmeasured ingredients into a bowl until the combination worked. But it was so good, I decided to write down what happened in that bowl and share it with you.

Pumpkin Granola

Dry Ingredients:

3 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

dash of salt

Wet Ingredients:

3/4 cup canned pumpkin

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Add-Ins:

Dried fruit such as craisins, golden raisins, raisins.

Dark chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 300F. Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper.

2. Combine all of the dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.

3. Combine all wet ingredients into a small bowl and wisk until smooth and combined. Add wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.

4. Spread granola mixture evenly onto the baking sheet. Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 until it's nice and brown. Let the baking sheet sit on the counter to cool, the granola will continue to harden and crisp as it cools. Mix-in your dried fruit or chips.

5. Enjoy with milk of choice, coconut yogurt, ice cream, or just by the handful!

Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 17:13:00 +0000

Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

1/3 cup oats
1/3 cup applesauce
1/3 cup non-dairy milk (I used unsweetened almond milk)
1/16 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp baking powder
pinch salt
handful of blueberries
(sorry my measuring isn't exactly precise)

Preheat oven too 380 degrees F. Mix together all ingredients and pour into a sprayed ramekin or other baking dish. Bake for 18-20 minutes until firm. For a more browned crust, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.

I, of course, covered mine in a simple chocolate sauce which I put over just about everything. You can make it by mixing 1 Tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder with 1 Tbsp almond milk and a bit of maple syrup.

Drizzle and enjoy.

Birthday Cake Shake

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:21:00 +0000

What makes birthday cake soooo much better than any other cake?

When I figure that out, I'll let you know =P I think its just simply the act of adding an occasion to the name.

Birthday Cake Shake

1 ripe frozen banana
2/3 cup almond milk
1/4 tsp vanilla
1 Tbsp vanilla protein powder
sprinkles!

Place all ingredients in blender and blend.

This recipe is low in saturated fat well as high in calcium, protein and fiber.

This would make a great post-workout treat! Minus the cookies...or not.

I stirred it a bit with the straw and the coloring on the sprinkles created a cool tie dye effect. How pretty does that look?

Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 16:20:00 +0000

Happy October, Everyone!

Fall is definitely my favorite season of the year. Here in Connecticut, I am surrounded by trees and nature. The weather is perfect, the colors are wonderful, and I love sweaters.

And pumpkin. Lots and lots of pumpkin.

I'm a huge fan of overnight oats. They are so easy to throw together with little to no preparation the night before. What could be better?

Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

1/3 cup oats

2 Tbsp pumpkin puree

1 Tbsp chia seeds

2/3 cup non-dairy milk

1/4 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice

sweetener of choice (brown sugar, maple syrup, stevia)

Mix all ingredients together without the sweetener and place in fridge for at least 2 hours.

In the morning, add in your sweetener to taste and anything else you can think of!

I added graham cracker crumbs and my homemade cranberry chia seed jam to mine. Its like Thanksgiving in a breakfast!

Blueberry Muffin Milkshake

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 22:54:00 +0000

Is it time for the Olympics again?

I am literally obsessed with them and once every four years is not enough. I love watching amazingly talented people and when that much dedication and time is put towards one thing it is impressive.

I am nowhere near talented. I took piano lessons for about 8 years but rarely had motivation to actually practice, I did gymnastics for a few years but still can't even do a proper cartwheel, and I like to paint but always forget about it so I only do it a few times a year.

To celebrate my untalented self, I made a Blueberry Muffin Milkshake.

Blueberry Muffin Milkshake

1 large frozen banana

3/4 cup almond milk

1/3 cup frozen blueberries

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 Tbsp granola (I used my Addicting Everyday Granola)

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. It's that simple!

Do you have any talents?

Addictive Everyday Granola

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 15:05:00 +0000

While looking through my posts, I found this one that I never published. I'm a huge fan of granola and its so easy to make your own!

I slept in today because it was supposed to rain all morning so I wouldn't be able to go for my morning run. I woke up to a beautiful day and not enough time to run. I wish meteorology was an exact science.

I did, however, have time to make a batch of this granola and it is sooo addicting. I may or may not have eaten most of it already =]

Addicting Everyday Granola

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup crispy rice cereal

2 Tbsp packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/8 tsp salt (generous)

1/4 cup honey

1 Tbsp coconut oil

1/2 cup dried fruit

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together the first 6 ingredients. In a saucepan, gently heat up the honey and oil over medium-low heat until smooth and combined. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and stir. Spread onto a lined baking sheet and bake for about 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy over soy yogurt, with almond milk and fruit, a topping on ice cream, or just with a spoon! (like I do)

What's your favorite way to enjoy granola?

Fitness Friday Motivation

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Happy Friday, everyone!

I couldn't be more happy that the weekend is here, even though I only had a three day week. Isn't that sad?

In honor of Friday I thought I would make a quick post with some fitness inspiration.

I have a whole board of these that you can find on my Pinterest

P.S. I made these absolutely amazing Secret Peanut Butter Cookies from Chocolate Cover Katie a while ago and I'm craving them so badly right now. I hate not having direct access to an oven =/

Have an awesome Friday and kick some butt!

What I Shouldn't Have Put on Instagram

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 13:58:00 +0000

Fall is officially closing in on us.

How do I know that? Because the other day I enjoyed one of these:

Yep, that is a pumpkin soy latte from good ol' Starbucks. A girl can never have too much pumpkin. I just wish I had some Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal to go along with it.

*insert drool*

If anyone follows me on instagram (@honeyandnectar) or twitter, you probably would have seen this post about my usual breakfast lately:

I feel like I should explain myself, haha.

I am always the first person awake in a suite of 7 people and I feel really bad if I use the microwave in the mornings and it starts beeping. I started putting uncooked oats in the bottom of a bowl with about 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 Tbsp chocolate Sunwarrior protein powder, and a few drops vanilla creme liquid stevia. Then I put 6-8 oz of water in my Keurig and just dispense the hot water right on top of the oats.

I affectionately call it "Oatmeal Soup" since that's basically what it is. Weird, right?

I've basically come to the conclusion that I will eat anything that includes chocolate in it.

One thing I ate that didn't include chocolate was this salad with lots of raw veggies =] a.k.a my lunch every single day. I should probably branch out a bit.

I am also excited because the fitness classes at my school's athletic center have finally started. I have the schedule printed out and highlighted already. Looks like I'm doing yoga 4-5 times a week =]

And speaking of yoga, I have to go to a class now.

Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Happy September!

Fall is by far my favorite season and I'm so happy that it's almost here. I think we should all celebrate with a little breakfast.

It's amazing what a great breakfast can do for your day. Especially a warm, fresh out of the oven breakfast.

Last year, I was staying at a friend's house and she told me that we had to make "boatmeal." I had never heard of baking oatmeal but I was such a fan of the regular stuff anyway I figured it had to be great. I was not disappointed.

Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal

1/3 cup oats

1/3 cup pumpkin puree

1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 Tbsp maple syrup

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

optional: add craisins, pecans, or chocolate chips! I choose craisins.

Preheat oven to 380 degrees F. Mix together all of the ingredients in a bowl and transfer to a 1 cup ramekin or other baking dish. baked for about 18 minutes until firm then broil on high for 2-4 minutes until a golden brown crust forms.

Wait for it to cool down a bit enjoy!

I always end up flooding oatmeal with almond milk. It's like breakfast soup.

I sat in the backyard and ate while listening to the birds sing. My dog was eyeing me suspiciously the whole time.

Vanilla Chai Overnight Oat Parfait

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 12:39:00 +0000

Sometimes you just need a little pick-me-up from a coffee shop. Like right now, for example.

Or you can just have oatmeal.

Like everyone else, I am obsessed with chai. The amount of iced soy chais I get from the coffee shop on campus is ridiculous. But the spicy/sweetness of the drink just calls my name.

Vanilla Chai Overnight Oat Parfait

Step 1:
1/3 cup oats
2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 Tbsp chai concentrate*
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1/8 tsp cinnamon
pinch salt

Step 2:
2 Tbsp vanilla protein powder
2 Tbsp unsweetened almond milk

Mix together the ingredients from step 1 in a container and place in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, take out and layer (or pour) the frosting from step 2 into the oats.

*can also be done with full strength brewed chai. If doing this, let oats sit overnight in about 2/3 cup tea and a splash almond milk.

With this batch, I heated up the oats a bit in the microwave so it was warm and comforting but keep the "icing" on the cooler side. Boom, exactly like a chai latte. What could be better on a chilly morning?

That's right, nothing.

My dog even wanted in on the action. How sweet is his face?

On a completely unrelated note, you all should follow honeyandnectar on instagram =D

Peanut Butter Protein Bites

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 13:08:00 +0000

~~Peanut Butter Protein Balls~~

~~Peanut Butter Protein Spheres~~

~~Peanut Butter Protein Globular Orbs~~

What the heck do I call these?

It was a pretty high-energy day for me. I went for a 6 mile run then tried to get my dog to run with me (it always turns out to be a more of a drag) then I still had a lot of energy by early afternoon and decided to pop in a Jillian Michaels dvd. I love her, but she's a killer.

I was craving a protein boost and decided to whip up these protein, erm...bites. Let's go with bites.

Peanut Butter Protein Bites

makes about 5 small balls

2 Tbsp natural peanut butter (I used crunchy)

1 scoop protein powder. You can use vanilla or chocolate here, I used vanilla but chocolate would make them more like a Reese's!

1 tsp honey or agave

1 Tbsp almond milk

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. This does take a bit of stirring and working everything together but it does happen. Form into balls and store in the fridge.

This entire recipe has about 33 grams of protein.

Raw Almond Butter

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:48:00 +0000

I love peanut butter. It's almost disgusting the amount that I can get through in a day. I put it in oatmeal, smoothies, sandwiches, on fruit, and a lot of the time just on a spoon. When I'm away at school, I buy a jar every two weeks. Today, I tried something different and decided to make my own almond butter.

It is so incredibly easy that I don't know why people even bother with buying it in jars.

Raw Almond Butter

(salt and sugar free)

1-2 cups raw, unsalted almonds

The directions couldn't be simpler. Just put the almonds in your food processor and blend for 10-12 minutes.

Beware, the first few seconds will be extremely loud and may scare your dog (Sorry Chevy).

After about a minute, the almonds will have turned into a powder.

After 5 minutes it will start to clump. You may need to scrape some off the sides.

In 8-10 minutes the clumps will ball up as more oils release.

Then, it will all smooth out and you have fresh and natural almond butter!

Not only are nut butters delicious, they are also full of protein and healthy fatty acids.
Enjoy on everything!

What's your favorite way to enjoy nut butters?

Berry Baked Oatmeal

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:52:00 +0000

It's hard for me to believe that it's already August.

It's always sort of depressing when summer starts to come to an end. The sun sets a little sooner, the weather is a little cooler, and packing for school is always on my mind.

But, with only a few glorious weeks left of freedom, why not celebrate? Like I did with some Berry Baked Oatmeal. This "boatmeal" is warm and colorful, just like the best days of summer.

Berry Baked Oatmeal

1/3 cup oats
1/3 cup mixed frozen berries
1/3 cup non-dairy milk
1 Tbsp applesauce
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla
sweetener of choice (brown sugar, maple syrup, stevia)

Preheat oven to 380 degrees F. Mix together all of the ingredients then transfer to an oven safe dish such as a ramekin. If you want the oatmeal to come out, spray with a bit of cooking spray. Bake for 18-20 minutes until firm. Set your oven to a high broil and place oatmeal on top rack for 2-4 minutes until top is golden brown.

I adore this plate. My mom and I picked it up from a sale at a Christmas shop a few years ago. I just love how it makes anything you eat look like something out of Alice in Wonderland. I'd have a tea party with the Mad Hatter any day.

While in the oven, the berries will "pop" open, giving you more bursts of flavor throughout the oats!

This recipe is low in saturated fat, high in dietary fiber, and has no cholesterol.

What's your favorite summer food?

My Fitness Haul + Chocolate Covered Strawberry Milkshake

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:22:00 +0000

For the past few months, I've been running with really no proper workout clothes. That doesn't mean I was running naked..just in any shorts or t-shirts I could find. My running shoes were also about 4 years old. I bought them before I ran my first 5k with my mom for her work.

Yesterday, I went to Dick's Sporting Goods and finally bought some proper attire!

And finally new shoes!

These shoes are lightweight and I love the crazy neon colors. For my everyday outfits, I usually stick to neutral and natural colors but I love bright and funky running clothes. It's a fun change.

I also couldn't resist and picked up some larabars for fuel.

For those of you starting your day with a workout, here's a delicious protein filled recovery shake.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Milkshake

1 large frozen banana

1 cup almond milk

1/4 cup frozen strawberries

1 Tbsp chia seeds

1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.

This shake is thick, delicious, and packed with the nutrients you need to recover. It is low in saturated fat, high in calcium, very high in dietary fiber, and contains no cholesterol.

Cranberry Chia Seed Jam

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 22:26:00 +0000

Chia seeds are amazing.

They have a greater omega-3 content than flax seeds.

Just 2 tablespoons contain 4 grams of protein, 9 grams fat, and 11 grams of fiber, plus vitamins and minerals.

But, of course, it really doesn't hurt that they also make delicious foods. Like this Cranberry Chia Seed Jam.

Unlike the traditional jams, jellys, and preserves that you buy in stores, this recipe isn't based on high fructose corn syrup or other forms of sugar.

Cranberry Chia Seed Jam

1 cup frozen cranberries

2 Tbsp chia seeds

1/4 cup water

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 Tbsp maple syrup (or other sweetener such as stevia)

Place the cranberries, chia seeds, and water in a microwaveable container. Microwave for about 3 minutes, until the cranberries have popped open.

Add in sweetener and cinnamon and place in fridge for at least 20 minutes.

Cranberries are really tart so make sure you add sweetener to your own taste.

Put this on anything from peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to pita chips. I put some on a whole grain waffle for a tasty snack.

Some more facts:

Chia seeds were the third most important crop for the Aztecs, and it was recognized as a "superfood" and prized it so highly that it was often used as currency.

They contain about 20% protein, 35% oil and 25% dietary fiber. They are high in antioxidants and calcium, phosphorus,

magnesium and zinc.

What do you do with chia seeds?

My Snacking Addiction: PB&J

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 23:44:00 +0000

It's scary for me to admit this: I eat peanut butter and jelly every day of my life.

It's true. Whether its on an english muffin, in oatmeal, or on a sandwich. I just can't seem to go a day without this sweet combo.

My snack today was a slightly different variation on this favorite.

Homemade almond butter with strawberry jam on graham crackers. I'm branching out =]

What's your go-to snack?

Glazed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 16:08:00 +0000

I may or may not have a sweet tooth problem.

And the only cure is these cupcakes.

Glazed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cupcakes. This cereal has always been a favorite of mine. It's crunchy, cinnamony, and sugary. What could be better? Oh, when it's all baked into a cupcake!

Glazed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cupcakes

small batch, makes 4 cupcakes

3/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp non-dairy milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon

¼ cup lightly crushed cinnamon toast crunch cereal

Glaze:

3 1/2 Tbsp powdered sugar

1 Tbsp almond milk

1/8 tsp cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 335 degrees. Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Pour into lined a lined muffin pan and bake for about 15 minutes.

The cupcakes will come out light brown and puffy. Mix together glaze and pour over top.

Finish off with a few more crushed up cereal pieces and enjoy with a big mug of coffee or glass of almond milk!

What's your favorite breakfast cereal?

Healthy Chocolate Milkshake....No, Really!

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 12:20:00 +0000

There really is no better way to wake up than an early morning run and a chocolate milkshake. amiright?

I know exactly what you're thinking. There is no way that a chocolate milkshake can be both healthy and delicious.

Well, I'm sorry, but you are soooo wrong =] Chocolate has always been my biggest guilty pleasure food. There's just nothing like the feeling you get after a bit of this sweet treat. I think that this milkshake tastes so much better than one you can get at any ice cream shop and, not only that, its good for you and you can make it at home!

This frothy and rich beverage takes seconds to whip up and only has 130-140 calories per shake! What could be better?

Healthy Chocolate Milkshake

1 large frozen banana (The riper the better)

2/3 cup almond milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Place all of the ingredients in a blender like so:

Blend until smooth.

The creamy consistency and slight fruitiness from the banana really make this the perfect treat anytime. Its even acceptable for breakfast! Top with shredded coconut, blueberries, or more chocolate!

What's your biggest guilty pleasure food?

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 16:58:00 +0000

I love baked goods more than any human probably should. There's just something about a freshly baked, moist and gooey treat. I'm obsessed.

And if that item includes chocolate its automatically a winner.

One of my favorite flavors is pumpkin. Its really kind of an obsession of mine XP When fall rolls around I go a bit crazy with the pumpkin lattes, pies, muffins, and cookies.

I know, I know its the middle of July but I just had to make something pumpkiny or I was going to explode. And you will too as soon as you taste these mouth watering cross between a cupcake and muffin...that's right...it's a cupfin.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cupcake

via Inhabitots

2 cups canned pumpkin (I keep plenty of these in my cabinets)
1 cup all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or just more ap flour)
2 cups brown sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil (feel free to sub with an alternative like coconut oil or applesauce)
1/2 cup non-dairy milk
2 tsps vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, mix together wet ingredients plus sugar until thoroughly combined.

In a separate bowl, mix together dry ingredients and add slowly to wet while stirring.

Stir in chocolate chips and pour the batter into lined muffin tins.

Bake for 22-23 minutes, cool, and enjoy!

What's Your favorite fall treat?

P.S. Baking is always better with a friend =]

Peanut Butter Cookie Overnight Oats

noreply@blogger.com (Gail) — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 14:07:00 +0000

mmmmmm...oatmeal.

Wait...cold oatmeal that tastes like a peanut butter cookie? That's right.

I have been obsessed with oatmeal ever since I can remember but I hadn't even heard of overnight oats until very recently. Naturally, it intrigued me. The idea of putting everything into a bowl the night before and just opening it up in the morning is great. Why didn't I think of it?! This oatmeal is so rich and creamy it really is like a spoonful of peanut butter cookie!

Peanut Butter Cookie Overnight Oats

1/2 cup dry oats

1 cup non-dairy milk

1 Tbsp melted peanut butter (pop it in the microwave for about 25 seconds until liquidy)

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

sweetener of choice (I used maple syrup)

The night before:

Combine the oats, milk, peanut butter, and vanilla in an airtight storage container. Place in fridge for a minimum of 2 hours.

Now for the most difficult part of this recipe...waiting!

In the morning you will have perfectly creamy, fluffy, peanut buttery oats! Just stir in your sweetener, add any toppings you want, and EAT!

Do you have a routine to get you going in the morning?

The Space Blahs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 20:29:00 +0000

I will forever be unhappy with how my room looks. To me, a bedroom should be a quiet sanctuary that can be used to clear the mind and renew the spirit. It should also reflect the dwellers personality. I am in the process of going through and getting rid of unnecessary clutter in my room.

Until I am satisfied, I keep looking at inspirational pictures online.