Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Need Opinions Please!

So my 4 part nasal/sinus surgery is only a couple days away and after I'm back on my feet I'm planning a major revamp of things. Being that I'm just a few months away from graduating from my Holistic Health Coach program, I would like to start posting all the amazing info I have on healthy eating, wellness, fitness etc. I've been back and forth on whether to do a separate blog, or to incorporate it into this one. Since you all read my blog, I would love to know what you would like to see! I adore fashion, DIY, chatting about books and shows etc, so I still need that outlet and will keep this blog if need be, I'm just worried that adding nutrition info, fitness tips etc into the mix is way too much going on in one place. What do you think? Any input is so much appreciated! Thanks!!!

XOXOXO

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Fall is here!

Ok.... I know Fall hasn't "technically" started, but to me it starts the 1st day of school! lol. I have been dreaming of this day all summer and even though it's raining, it's still cool and starting to feel a little like Fall. Today was my Son's 1st day of Second grade! I can't believe how big he is getting and what a little man he has become. Time goes by so fast!!! We had a very low-key holiday weekend. Shopping, wrapping up some loose ends for back to school, my husbands fantasy football draft, dinner with neighbors and just spending time together as a family. It was a really nice end to summer break! I also cooked up some amazing pumpkin bread last night to send in my little guys lunch today. It also makes for a great breakfast!

 Easy Pumpkin Bread

Adapted from Bethenny's Boo Boo Banana Bread Recipe
*recipe is doubled to make a large amount

~ 2 cups flour (I use oat flour, whole oats run through the food processor)
~ 2 eggs
~ 1 can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
~  1 cup raw sugar
~ 1 1/2 TB butter (I used Earth balance)
~ 1 TB Vanilla Extract
~ 1 1/2 Tsp Baking Powder
~ 1 Tsp Baking Soda
~ 1/2 Tsp Salt
~ 1-2 TB Cinnamon (more or less depending on what you like, I like a lot!!!)
~ A couple dashes of Pumpkin Pie Spice if you have it
~ Raisins and/or nuts are optional

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. I like to put all the dry ingredients in 1 bowl and whisk them. Wet in another, whisked as well. Then combine. I use Unrefined Coconut Oil to grease my pan. I don't need parchment this way, but you can cut a piece or parchment to fit your 8x8 pan or larger loaf pan.

2. Pour batter into the pan of your choice with parchment (I recommend if you don't use coconut oil). Cover your pan loosely with foil or a glass lid if using corningware etc.

3. Bake for 30 minutes covered. Remove cover and bake for an additional 20-30min or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out almost clean. Cool completely, slice and serve. 

*If you don't want to use eggs, you can also substitute 1/3-1/2C apple sauce 1/3-1/2C yogurt. Your cooking time may vary depending on the texture of the batter, pan used and your oven.

Enjoy!!!!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Ready for the long weekend!

I am SO ready for the long weekend! We're not going away, just getting some last minute things done before school starts next week and spending some much needed Family time together!! I can't believe that the summer is officially over, yet I'm so excited because Fall & Winter are my favorite seasons. I've been daydreaming of crisp air, apple cider, pumpkin picking and gorgeous fall leaves for some time now! This embodies everything I love about Fall...




Via Pinterest
 Wouldn't that be lovely framed as a Fall decoration? Love it! I've also come across some must-haves for my bday wishlist (it's Sept. 19th) that I've been lusting after. Most of them are on my Pinterest Fall Style File, but here are some of my fav's...




VS Maxi Skirt




FP Floral Burnout Henley




Liebeskind Taupe Coral B via Gilt




Nine West Mavenue




Poetic Justice Top

What are some of your staples for fall? Have a great holiday weekend lovelies!!!