back to basics ~ trail mix

The Fall is an incredibly beautiful yet busy time for me- between work and fitting in all the amazing Fall fun it can be hard to keep fueled throughout the day. To save the day and to keep from getting HANGRY I tend to keep a container of trail mix with me at all times. It really is the best for everyone involved - a Hangry Heather is not a Happy Heather. 

The easy way out is to purchase a big bag of pre made trail mix, however I like to throw together my own in a mason jar, seriously it is just as easy as buying a bag but better. The mix varies week to week depending on what I have on hand. I like to toss in the lat bits of nuts or seeds, the bottom of the bag so to speak.

back to basics ~ breakfast muffins

Often times mornings can feel a bit rushed leaving you with little or no time for Breakfast. These nutritious muffins are a perfect way to start your day.  A grab and go breakfast that can be made ahead of time helping to fuel your day when you are short on time.

back to basics ~ tofu scramble

Sometimes it is nice just to get back to the basics, not every meal needs to be extravagant or take hours to make.  Today I am sharing with you a very basic tofu scramble recipe that is a staple recipe in our house. From this recipe you can get as creative as you want- throw in some salsa, shredded swiss char, baby spinach or just serve it up as is. This is also the base of my homemade breakfast burritos - tofu scramble, dice red potatoes, diced up vegan bacon and vegan cheddar cheese. I wrap these up in a large flour tortilla, then in foil and allow them to cool prior to serving.

back to basics ~ avocado toasts

If you find yourself looking for a  savory breakfast or healthy afternoon snack this avocado toast has you covered.  Aside from being super simple to make, it’s packed with healthy fats from the avocado and only takes minutes to prepare; it’s a win - win for all.

Daily Routine Essentials

Today I am veering off the normal path to share with you a few products that Justin and I have fallen in love with over the course a the past year. It is important to us that not only we nourish our bodies with plant based wholesome foods, it is also equally important that the product we use on the outside of our bodies are just as pure and natural as the food we enjoy. We are not perfect by any means, but NOW Solutions has made it easier than ever to find natural products that actually WORK!  

avocado black bean salad // white corn + cherry tomatoes

This salad has been a staple of ours for the past 2 summers. We take it camping, serve it alongside burger s + dogs or simply scoop it up with a bowl full of sweet potato tortilla chips (these chips are life changing from Food Should Taste Good!). 

 It also a must for Taco Tuesday. 

No cooking required and a mere 10 minutes of your time- it's a Summer win all around!

blueberry pie // shortbread crust + oat crumble

Blueberries are in Season- yeaaaaaaah! We have the sweetest little blueberry stand right down the the street from us - the blueberries are on the honor system and grown by a little old couple, the Murphys. We like to think the Murphy's eat Blueberries all day everyday. I know Justin and I would if we could. 

During the short month's the blueberries are in Season we load up. Not a day goes by that we don't stop at the stand. We freeze as many as we can fit in the freeze for the winter pancakes,  make blueberry jam for preserving and eat them by the handful.

I made this pie with the first of the season blueberries from the Murphy's - it didn't disappoint.

shortbread cookies // coconut + macadamias

These cookies, THESE cookies are so freakin' amazing. Before posting I ended up testing this recipe about 5 times and they were spot on 4 out of 5 times.....the first time around, I attempted a gluten free version and that was a total fail, it didn't even make it to the freezer phase of the recipe. Then I moved onto the good ol' all purpose flour and there was not turning back- they were perfect.

triple nut butter // pecans, cashews + almonds

We loooooove our nut butters - no lie. Between Justin, Brody and I we probably go through about a jar a week. Overnight oats, farina, celery and peanut butter, waffles and nut butter, english muffins with nut butter and banana...the list goes on and on.

When I have the motivation I like to make my own. It is super simple, and every time I whip up a batch I think to myself why on earth I don't do this more often.

A quick roast and blend and you have yourself a nut butter. A nut butter where you control the ingredients, texture and amount.

kitchen IQ + So Delicious Brunch! // Banana Pancakes

At our house breakfast or brunch is a favorite. For us, a breakfast that includes a Mimosa automatically becomes Brunch.

This post combines my two favorite things: Banana Pancakes + Mimosas.  

This my friends, is the perfect start to any Sunday.

Who actually needs an excuse to day drink, I didn't think so.

chili // my go to recipe

Chili is always on my weekend meal rotation, typically made on a Sunday when it can simmer away on the stove early afternoon just in time for an early dinner. The beauty about chili , 9 times out of 10 you always have the ingredients on hand to cook up a batch.

Sometimes we serve with cornbread, over rice or elbow noodles but my favorite way to enjoy a bowl is with a handful of tortilla chips for scooping. Scoop, eat and repeat.

chocolate coconut granola // hemp seeds + quinoa

We love breakfast. Some days breakfast needs to be quick and easy and other days allow for a long leisurely breakfast over a vegan eggs bene or banana pancakes. Any way you choose to breakfast it needs to be good.

Making your own granola is so easy and much less expensive than any store bought granola.

My granola's vary from super crunchy (this one) to a softer granola (like this one). I prefer the crunch while Justin prefers the latter. It kind of reminds me of cocoa pebbles.

As I type this I am actually noshing on some coconut yogurt topped with this granola- soooo yum! 

chikn' noodle soup // miso + nooch

Ahhhh March, the transitional month between Winter and Spring.  A month that doesn't quite know what it wants. One day it is 60 degrees, gorgeous, birds are singing and trees are beginning to wake up. Just kidding, Winter is back with over a foot of snow, crazy winds and frigid temps. Seriously this is the worst month in New England, when all you crave is spring weather but you get crazy snow storms instead. So, on those March snow days you simply hunker down with your generator on stand by, a fully charged kindle, pull out the old blue rays you haven't watched in forever and make a huge batch of chickn' noodle soup.

Chikn' noodle soup seriously makes everything better.

handmade soy candles // essential oils

I am a candle fanatic - they make a space so cozy and inviting. However, candles can be a bit pricey especially when you opt for natural soy candles. My solution- make my own custom blended candles. 

They are so easy to make I wish I would have thought to do this ages ago. With minimal supplies I was on my way to a candle making party right in my kitchen and you can be too- really it is easier than you think!

apple cinnamon dog treats // flax + oats

I have a short but sweet post for you today- in the form of Puppy Treats. Treats for our Pups can get expensive and not every ingredient on the back of the bag is even recognizable - our solution, make our own! 

best of 2016!

The best of 2016 is here- Happy New Year!

This past year has been pretty amazing. We have been busy creating, renovating and loving on our new Puppy, Brody. 

Eating amazing food, enjoying the outdoors and taking time for ourselves all were a priority in 2016.  

Looking ahead to 2017 we are excited to continue our home renovations (kitchen is up next!), create and share beautiful food with you, define our home style, not take life to seriously and enjoy every minute of everyday with intent. 

Today I am sharing with you the top ten most viewed recipes on SMBP - many of these also make my all time favorites list.

I wish you all a happy, healthy + delicious New Year!