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 ~ 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.

chocolate peanut butter protein bars

Justin and I have made a stronger effort these past couple of month's to be a little more aware of what we are putting into our bodies. It is easy to get lazy and shrug off exercise or to rely on vegan convenience foods for lunch and dinner. We know what healthy choices we should be making but we don't always. It was time for us to drag ourselves out of our current routine and create a new one. We have started to become more active each day, Justin set up a pretty awesome home workout area for us in the basement and I have made a more concerted effort to avoid as many vegan convenience foods as possible - circling back to a more whole foods plant based approached.

We also have abstained from drinking - Justin for over a month as a bit of a reset and myself, I am still sticking with it- just an occasional drink on a special occasion (I mean come on, I couldn't miss out on my amazing Sangria for book club!). These little changes and tweaks have given both of us more energy, better nights sleep and overall in a better mood.

raw "cookie" dough balls

After dinner I am always in need of  a little something sweet. It can be anything - a square of sea salted almond chocolate, a cookie or spoonful of nut butter. 

For a while now I have been addicted to little raw cookie dough balls- they are dangerously easy to make, as in anytime I feel like something a little sweet I can throw these together in no time. The beauty of these little cookie dough balls, they give you that little sweet something while staying pretty good for you at the same time.

It's a win win!

sweet + spicy roasted chickpeas

You guyssss!  Oh wow, just WOW - these chickpeas are so freakin' amazing.

A little sweet, just the right amount of heat and so easy to make!

This is good vegan eating on the cheap - super inexpensive and wicked versatile.

cinnamon apple pecan pull apart bread

My inspiration and creativity comes and goes- ebbs + flows. I can pick out patterns throughout my years of blogging and see where my creativity was at its peak during certain months and at other times not. Not only was this Summer incredibly busy I just never felt fully inspired, it was to the point that Justin was wondering if I had given up on blogging all together.

My inspiration and creativity change with each passing season. 

This time of year is one of my favorites, it' just so happens to be the time of year I feel most creative.

mango tarragon frappe

One of my all time indulgences is ice cream- prior to becoming vegan I use to make homemade ice cream at least once a week. I still have not perfected the ultimate homemade vegan ice cream recipe, so I resort to store bought. Growing up I always passed on the birthday cake opting for a double serving of ice cream, when I did have a small piece of cake I love mixing it with my melty ice cream. 

It was a total game changer once ice cream cakes became popular, quickly my yearly birthday cake was an ice cream cake. So when So Delicious contacted me to sample their new line of sugar free and gluten free ice cream I couldn't resist. So Delicious has been a staple in our home since becoming vegan- ice cream and coconut yogurt are favorites, oh and I can't leave out the chocolate coated vanilla ice cream bars!

pineapple express popsicles

It is hella hot this week- like 90 degree, hot & humid. The type of hot where even if your thighs don't rub together they are going to regardless of thigh gap. Working out is a hard, breathing is slowed and all I want to do is lay down in the middle of the yard with an ice cold sprinkler chasing over me with a Popsicle in hand. These Popsicles are pretty amazing- super quick and easy, make them in the morning and you will have a cold treat without even breaking sweat.

coconut oat scones // maple cinnamon glaze

I don't make scones very often, but I had a super craving for scones and a cup of tea a couple weeks ago and couldn't get the idea out of my mind. There was only one solution- makes scones! 

Keeping in theme with non dairy month, these beautiful little scones are made with Pacific's Organic Oat Milk. They turned out even better than I had imagined- you will want each and every last crumb.

coconut chai oat smoothie

Out of all the non dairy beverages out there, oat milk is totally new to me. I was taken back of amazing it tasted, truthfully I was a little apprehensive at first- oat milk? I had it stuck in my mind it was going to be gritty and grassy- boy was I wrong! Oat milk is quickly becoming a favorite - just a tad sweet and totally silky smooth, making it the perfect non dairy milk to add to my morning smoothies.

kiwi blackberry hemp smoothie {giveaway}

It is rare to see a giveaway or a sponsored review on this blog, come to think about it this is a first. Over the years I have had several companies reach out looking to sponsor a post or send along a product for review, however none of them ever felt like the right fit. A few weeks back Pacific Foods approached me looking to see if I would be interested in participating in their non dairy month during the month of June; I jumped at the chance! First I love Pacific's line of vegan products and have been a loyal customer for several years, secondly I love the fact that there is a whole month dedicated to promoting dairy alternatives. Each week I will be featuring a smoothie and recipe featuring the non dairy beverage of the week. This week let me introduce you to Hemp Milk, which just so happens to be one of my favorites!

maple vanilla cinnamon mixed nuts

Let me just tell you, these maple cinnamon mixed nuts are absolutely freakin' delicious and addicting. So dangerous that I give most of the nuts away any time I bake up a batch, if I didn't I'd be apt to inhale an entire jar within a day. Incredibly easy to make, they make an awesome hostess or I like you gift.

mini bbq tempeh tacos

These adorable mini tacos have been my go to summer appetizer; I can recall at least 5 gatherings this summer where they have made their appearance. Way cute, simple to make & easy to eat; totally meeting all the requirements for the perfect party food. I really cannot get enough of these mini tacos, not only because they are mini, but I also have a thing for tacos- they are my second love.

virtual vegan potluck: hot spinach & artichoke dip

Oh man, I am so excited for today! So many of my favorite bloggers coming together& sharing amazing vegan food. What's better than that you ask? Getting to meet a whole slew of new to me bloggers through the potluck- so awesome. A huge thank you to Annie, Somer and Jason for all your hard work organizing the potluck - you all amazing!

I knew immediately what I wanted to contribute to the potluck - this recipe was in my pre vegan binder of tried and true recipes. This dip has been made for Superbowl Parties, Birthday's, Celebrations & Neighborhood Dinners and has never let me down -always a crowd pleaser. 

DIY kitchen series: instant chai

A good chai instantly puts me in a good mood - I love when my sister arrives on my doorstep Sunday Morning's to hit the Farmers Market with a Chai in hand for each of us.

 I love that girl, she knows the way to my heart.

Problem is, Coffee House Chai's can be an expensive habit. Not only expensive, but FULL of sugar - for those two reason's I decided to try my hand at a homemade vegan instant chai mix. The idea was born after seeing this pin on Pinterest (is anyone else head over heels in love with Pinterest - I sure am!) .

multi seeded crackers

Homemade crackers - they have been on my must make list for over a year! To tell you the truth, for reasons unknown, making my own crackers intimidated me. Well not anymore; they actually are super easy to make and so much tastier than your typical store bought version, not to mention a heck of a lot cheaper.

One of my favorite snacks - crackers & hummus. I found myself day dreaming about these crackers during the day, calling Justin panicking 'cause I thought he would eat the last of the crackers before I got home. Luckily he knows me all too well and made sure to save the last of the crackers for my afternoon snack.

"cheezy" kale chips

Oh the kale chip. We were not properly introduce until about a year ago - at VegFest in Baltimore. It was at this event I had my first kale chip - Brad's Raw Nacho Cheeze Kale Chips, freakin' a they were good!

The only problem with store bought kale chips- they are expensive and I can eat a whole package in one sitting- this very quickly did not become a very realistic "everyday" afternoon snack.

pumpkin pie bars

one of the best things about autumn and the holidays are the countless treats that fill our home with warm smells of all things good. i am not a big fan of pumpkin pie, however i am a huge lover of anything that resembles the smell of pumpkin. for me, one of the best feelings is to come in from the cold and walk into a warm kitchen filled with smells of cinnamon & spice or a warm soup simmering away.

it reminds me of my mom & gram - the sweet smell wraps around you like a big hug. childhood memories of the fall always included heading in from a chilly day of playing and being welcomed by a sweet treat, mug of cocoa or a big bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup.

chunky monkey muffins {gf}

gluten free baking successess are amazing- especially for someone who doesn't bake gluten free often.

i love getting to the point where i am comfortable enough to explore and develop recipes on a whim. there was a time when a recipe was my life line - i would follow it to a T for fear of turning out an inedible meal or muffin. then gradually, after much practice i became more confident in the kitchen, using recipes only as a guideline, often times venturing off from the written recipe and creating something a little different. then a few years later i began creating original recipes - some wildly successful others major fails. this one my friends was one of the successes - a gluten free success which was even more exciting and pretty tasty too.

for anyone still hesitant to stray away from the original recipe - don't be! jump right in and experiment, that's really the best way to grow in the kitchen. keep trying until it turns out just right and before you know it you will be able to create recipes without even giving it a second thought, it will eventually become second nature to you.

baked donuts // fall classics 3 ways

oh i love donuts - in moderation of course.

thankfully i have shown some self restraint when it has come to my donut making ways.

since receiving my donut pan last christmas this is only my second time making donuts.

i have noticed a trend though - when i bust out my donut pan i tend to make 3 different kinds of donuts in one fell swoop - this time around i decided i wanted to take your classic holiday pie and cake flavors and turn them into donuts - great idea right? right!

well, i thought so anyway and i am sharing with you my insanely delicious take

 on the classics -3 ways.