Avocado pineapple kale smoothie

I had an avocado that needed to be used so I looked around for smoothie recipes that used them...the recipes I found called for other ingredients I didn't have on hand, so I experimented with creating my own and it turned out quite lovely.

Ingredients:

1 avocado

1 cup frozen pineapple chunks

1 cup baby kale (or spinach)

1 cup orange juice

Maple syrup to taste (I used about 1 1/2 tablespoons)

Directions:

Place all ingredients in blender and blend on high til smooth. Yum!

Raw vegan raspberry cheesecakes in mason jars

One of the challenges I've facedwhile trying to eat clean has been craving sweets at night...sometimes I end up going wild and eating 10 cookies out of the bag :/ So my new plan is: at least once a week, make a batch of "clean" desserts in mini jars that can be a single, portion controlled serving...I'm hoping this will help cut back on the late night binging! This week's treat is so yummy I wanted to share :)

Raw Vegan Raspberry Mini Cheesecakes

{makes 8 half-pint jars}

Ingredients

Crust:

1 cup raw pecans

2 tbsp raw cocao powder

1/8 tsp sea salt

1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup

Filling:

1 1/2 cups cashews (soaked at least 8 hours)

1/3 cup virgin coconut oil, melted

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup raspberries (I used frozen, but fresh will work too)

Juice of 1 lemon

Optional ganache topping:

2 tbsp coconut milk

2/3 cup non-dairy chocolate chips

Directions:

In a food processor, combine dry ingredients and process until pecans are in tiny pieces, then drizzle with maple syrup and pulse until combined. Divide crust mixture into the 8 jars and press it down so that it sits flat in the bottom of the jar. Next, drain the cashews and place them in the food processor along with all other filling ingredients except the coconut oil. Process until cashews become crumbs, then drizzle on coconut oil and continue to process until creamy (this may take a couple of minutes). Pour filling into jars, refrigerate for at least 6 hours before serving (overnight is best). These will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. 

For the optional ganache step (I made half of mine with ganache and half without), heat coconut oil in a pan (or in a bowl in the microwave like I did) until just boiling. Remove from heat and immediately stir in chocolate chips. Pour on top of cheesecakes before refrigerating.

Enjoy!

Vegan peanut butter, molasses & oat balls

Last night I was craving something sweet yet filling so I experimented with the ingredients I had on hand and whipped up these yummy treats...

Ingredients:

2/3 cup peanut butter 

3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut flakes

1/2 cup dry oats (I used steel-cut, but any type will do)

2 tablespoons black strap molasses

1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup (or to taste)

1 tablespoon coconut oil (or coconut butter, I used half of each)

Directions:

In a small sauce pan, heat peanut butter and coconut oil until melted. Stir in oats. Remove from heat. Add in the molasses, maple syrup, and 1/2 cup of the coconut flakes. Stir well to combine. Form into balls, then roll the balls in the remaining coconut flakes. Refrigerate at least one hour prior to serving. (or just eat sone warm and mushy like we did lol) Enjoy! 

In the Pines

Sharing some photos from our walk in the woods by the river...miss A is teething (back molars) and refused to take a nap today so I didn't get any of her this time since she was being grumpy! 

 

{outfit details}

dress: shopruche.com

sweater: forever 21

tights and oxfords: urban outfitters 

Fab Etsy Finds

Here is a round up of my recently discovered favorite items:

Aurora Borealis and the Ivory Moon

Stripe-A-Thon Hat

Zipper Coin Purse

Rainy and sunny day clouds geometric brooch set

Le Chat : Handmade Embroidered Cat Pot Holder

Modern Bean Hair Clip

Large Rising Crescent necklace

Black Triangles Handmade Ceramic Tile Modern Coasters

DIY Pressed Botanical Art

I have been collecting pieces of the local flora from some of my recent trips... I had ferns from the Oregon coast, autumn leaves from Asheville, and some autumn leaves from Alabama as well. I wanted to find a way to display them, this was perfect and so easy too!

Materials:
flower seed paper (I got mine from this shop)
picture frames of your choice (mine were about $1 each from Walmart)
pressed leaves/flowers/ferns (press them for about a week under heavy books between wax paper)
scissors

Directions:
Cut the seed paper to fit inside the photo frames. Arrange botanicals how you want them on seed paper and lay picture frame glass on top. Carefully load glass and paper into frame, and that's it! (almost) instant art!

Alabama Trip

About a week and a half ago, my mom, little A and I took a little road trip to my hometown of Montgomery, Alabama to see family and friends. It was a nice little getaway, and we got to see some more fall colors too :)  I loved the ginkgo trees! Here are a few of my favorite pics... (anytime I see a cool vintage sign, I absolutely have to stop and photograph it!)