What We Are Loving Lately!

Hello, hello!

Dropping by to share some of some new finds, a new bed for the toddler and other favorites. Let’s go!

Through trial and error, we’ve realized Sammy has a wheat intolerance, [just like her mom]. I spotted these at Big Lots and purchased the chocolate and cinnamon ones. They are pretty delicious for gluten-free cookies.

Products have come a long way since I found out almost 10 years ago that I had the intolerance.

I spotted this protein bar one day in Walmart and I had to give it a go. I knew it would totally NOT taste like cake. They are sweeter then the other thinkThin bars I’ve tried and it’s perfect for a sweet tooth without the guilt! 😉

This infant/ toddler swing has been fantastic. The swing set we purchased had two “big kid” swings and Sammy just isn’t a fan yet (although she knows how to use them). It’s big enough for her and good side for the babies!

Speaking of babies, they have been teething like crazy and loving the Happy Baby teething wafers. These were Sammy’s favorites too! We were planning on moving the toddler and Harrison into bunk beds in a year but for some reason, Sammy has grown like a million few inches and the toddler bed just became to short for her. I found this twin loft bed on Wayfair on sale. It was not too bad to put together (and I did it alone) and took under an hour total time.I was worried that she wouldn’t be able to get in and out well but with her toy chest being next to the ladder, it adds a extra step. We opted not to put the slide because I just don’t see how with an energetic toddler, things go well!

My husband purchased this essential oil diffuser for me a while ago, but I totally love it. My current favorite combo to diffuse is a little lavender with Eucalyptus. If the babies are being fussy or I want to have a relaxing cleaning sesh, this stuff is my go to!

Hope everyone is having a great week! See ya’ll on the next post. 🙂

 

‘Sunday Morning’ Oatmeal Pancakes [GF]

Breakfast is probably my favorite part of the day.

Today I am sharing with you one of my favorite recipes that I am bringing over from the ‘former’ Nutritiously Sweet.

It’s perfect for your family’s Sunday morning breakfast – or any time!I like to prepare the batter over night (you made need to add just a smidge extra liquid in the morning) or wait about 30 minutes before cooking so the oats can absorb all the liquid. They are very nutritious and filling. 

These do still have protein powder, just not as much. If you want, you can even omit the protein powder* all together and just add another tablespoon of flour. Simple.

If you’re making a batch for a little one under 12 month old, I would omit the protein powder, Stevia & maple syrup. They don’t need it nor will they notice anything. Perfect finger food too!

Feel free to double (or triple!) this batch for a bigger crowd or why not save some for later? These pancakes freeze well once cooked and last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Sunday Morning Oatmeal Pancakes (serves two “adults” – maybe)

• 1 Cup GF [Quick] Oats
• 2 Tbsps GF Flour (or flour of choice)
• 2 Tbsps Vanilla Protein Powder*
• 1 tsp Stevia (or sugar of choice)
• 1/2 Cup Light Vanilla Soy Milk (or milk of choice)
• 1 tsp Pure Maple Syrup
• 1 Large Egg, Whisked
• 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• Dash of Sea Salt
• 1 tsp Chia Seeds (Optional)

Take first four dry ingredients and place into a bowl. Take the remaining ingredients and whisk together; add to dry ingredients and blend well. On a low-medium flame, cook pancake on stovetop.

Wait until pancake bottom is golden brown to flip and repeat cooking on other side. Remove from stove top and let cool, repeat til batter is done (makes about 4-5 pancakes).

***

MIMM #5: Cleaning Up “Shop.”

Happy Monday folks. 🙂

Hope everyone is having a fabulous start to the week!

Marvelous is… The weather this weekend. It was such a beautiful weekend here in New England last, this girl got to go to the zoo. Though she didn’t get it much, it was nice to go out and get fresh air with friends!Marvelous is… seeing ab definition. I’ve been working hard at the gym the past few weeks and trying to clean up my diet to see those gains. My workouts are still pretty much the same, which you can view here.Marvelous is… Electrolyte Packets. These packets were only $0.49 at Whole Foods, just mix into a water bottle and go. Now I can carry less and fill up a bottle at the gym. #winwin.Marvelous is… an empty super market. I got to do a little grocery shopping on Sunday and I think that everyone was still sleeping in. It was AWESOME.Marvelous is... Udi’s gluten-free everything bagels. I’m trying to clean up my diet free from most gluten since I do have an intolerance. I just choose to suffer, smart right?I’ve been feeling foggy, so I am cutting out my allergens/ intolerance a bit. They are [in case you are wondering] peanuts, wheat, corn, sesame seeds, chicken, green beans, all fish/ shellfish (which I don’t touch at all). These veggie burgers have both wheat and corn, so I’ll have to put them on the side for a bit. 

Marvelous is… mushy avocado. I’ve been starting to like avocado these days and I found these packets. I’m 9/10 times always on the go, so this is something both Samantha and I can share. It’s literally JUST avocado.I’m linking up with Katie for Marvelous in My Monday. Hope everyone has a wonderful week!Question: What’s one of YOUR favorite on-the-go snacks?

Are YOU an avocado fan?

MIMM#4: Happy 7 Months!

Happy Monday folks! It’s been a crazy week. Can we say #gains? #sevenmonthsPOSTpartum.

Marvelous is… this babe! She turned Seven Months on Sunday. Like whoa, wasn’t I pregnant last year?! Oh yes I was and clearly don’t remember a thing from it. Which is good, because pregnancy was tough. Marvelous is… getting back on my gluten-free wagon. I do have an intolerance to gluten but I chose to just take probotics to easy the stomach pain and they do help.But I’ve just been feeling too foggy, so I am going to at least cut the cereal and donuts. Cookies? Well I can always make my flourless cookies or head to Starbucks for some.

Marvelous is… getting organized. Remember my making habits post? So I decided to go through Sam’s clothes and organize them. She’s fitting into 12-18 month clothing these days, so I got to organizing 24M to some 3T items we have.

Marvelous is… this guy. I love watching them both interact. He is such an amazing father to our pumpkin!Marvelous is... Plum Organics! Since we still haven’t retried the green beans/ peas and the babe and I are always on the go, these veggie combos are awesome. She gobbled this combo right up!Marvelous is… yogurt melts. We ventured into these this weekend and she didn’t like them at first but after a few tries, she loves them. I like to have things on hand for her. Of course she id still taking about 4-5 bottles depending on the day and if teething is really bugging her.I’m linking up with Katie for Marvelous in My Monday. Thanks lady for hosting. 😀Question: What’s YOUR favorite on-the-go item or snack? 

What’s YOUR BEST organizing tip?

MIMM #39: Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice!

It’s not secret that pumpkin spice EVERYTHING is in the air. I even contributed and whipped up some nutty pumpkin spice oatmeal cookies this past week.  This fidgety little pumpkin spice though is my favorite of them all. Don’t worry, I’m still consuming other marvelous non-pumpkin things.Of course, some toffee nut Starbucks goodness is always in order. Free coffee? Yes please!I’ve also been obsessed with this marvelous grey pullover from Walmart. Perfect on those chilly mornings before I head to teach or the gym.By the way, I am six weeks post partum, crazy huh?

It’s been another crazy week in my household. Work is starting to pick back up and spending time with the pumpkin is always on the agenda. Go check out the oatmeal cookie recipe – you won’t be disappointing!

Thanks Katie for hosting Marvelous In My Monday. 😀Question: Where do you BUY your workout/ gym swag? I need more ideas!

Nutty Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies

Happy Sunday! 😀

I’m dropping by today to share a delicious fall treat for y’all – Are you a cookie monster like me?

If you’ve ever heard of the 21 Day Fix Plan or read about it, you’ll recognize these cookies. I decided to do a Fall twist to them. This batch makes 16 small cookies and a serving is 2 cookies (one yellow container treat). 

If you are NOT doing the 21 Day Fix or want to add some “protein pizzaz” to the cookies, I added 2 Tbsps of Vanilla Protein and they tasted pretty bomb. But trust me, these cookies are delicious on their own. 

They also can be made gluten-free and vegan by using appropriate oats and chocolate chips. Yummy as a snack or for a quick breakfast, enjoy!Pumpkin Spice & Nutty Oatmeal Cookies Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice*
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 Tbsp pumpkin seed pepitas*
• 1 Tbsp toasted pecans*
• 1 Tbsp almond slivers*
• 1 tsp of maple extract*

Oven goes to 350 degrees; preheat. Combine oats, pumpkin pie spice and salt in a bowl. Then add in applesauce, chocolate chips and nuts/seeds and mix well.  

Drop tablespoon sized cookies on a baking sheet, bake for 14-16 minutes. BOOM you are done!

(*Original recipe has 1 tsp of cinnamon, 1/4 cup of toasted pecans and no vanilla)

Sunday Morning Oatmeal Pancakes {GF Recipe}

I’m almost always making protein filled pancakes.While they are very delicious, sometimes you just need a heartier pancake.

I am sharing with you one of my favorite oatmeal recipes that is perfect for your family’s Sunday morning breakfast. I usually make these for my fiancé and I on the weekends.

I like to prepare the batter over night (you made need to add just a smidge extra liquid in the morning) or wait about 30 minutes before cooking so the oats can absorb all the liquid. They are very nutritious and filling. 

These do still have protein powder, just not as much. If you want, you can even omit the protien powder* all together and just add another tablespoon of flour. Simple.

Feel free to double (or triple!) this batch for a bigger crowd or why not save some for later? These pancakes freeze well once cooked and last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Sunday Morning Oatmeal Pancakes (serves two)

• 1 Cup GF [Quick] Oats
• 2 Tbsps GF Flour (or flour of choice)
• 2 Tbsps Vanilla Protein Powder*
• 1 tsp Stevia (or sugar of choice)
• 1/2 Cup Light Vanilla Soy Milk (or milk of choice)
• 1 tsp Pure Maple Syrup
• 1 Large Egg, Whisked
• 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• Dash of Sea Salt
• 1 tsp Chia Seeds (Optional)

Take first four dry ingredients and place into a bowl. Take the remaining ingredients and whisk together; add to dry ingredients and blend well. On a low-medium flame, cook pancake on stovetop.

Wait until pancake bottom is golden brown to flip and repeat cooking on other side. Remove from stove top and let cool, repeat til batter is done (makes about 4-5 pancakes).

***

For a vegan take, check out my vegan oat waffles recipe here 😀

S’mores Brownies {Recipe}

Love s’mores?

How about brownies?

Why not combine BOTH and turn it into a “better for you” treat? Today I have for you a flourless and gluten-free White Chocolate S’mores Brownie recipe that uses my flourless protein brownie doughnut recipe. Enjoy!White Chocolate S’mores Brownies (makes 4-6 servings)

• 1/2 Cup of Chopped Up Dark Chocolate (I use 60% or higher)
• 1-2 Tbsps White Chocolate Chips
• 1 Tbsp of Creamy Peanut Butter (or your choice)
• 1 Tbsp of Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk (or your choice)
• 1 tsp of Pure Maple Syrup (or Agave, Honey)
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 2-3 Packets of Stevia
• 2 tsps of Ground Flax Seeds
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 Cup Vanilla Protein
• 2 Large Egg
• Dash of Sea Salt
• [Optional] Add In’s: 1 Tbsp Dark Chocolate Chips, 1/4 Cup of Marshmallow Pieces
• Toppings: 1 Tbsp of White Chocolate Chips & 1/4 Cup of Marshmallow Pieces

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Take the first three ingredients and melt in the microwave for 30-45 seconds (depending on your microwave). Once chocolate is melted, add in the remaining ingredients except for the egg and sea salt.
2. Once everything is well mixed, place the brownie batter to the side and whisk the egg with sea salt. Then mix into batter and mix well.
3. Now you can finally add the batter into a small square pan (I used an 8×4 inch loaf pan or try a cupcake pan). Top batter with marshmallow before placing into the oven.
4. Place brownies into oven for about 10mins (again, depending on your oven). I usually like to check at the 8 minute mark just to be on the safe side. You want the center to be slightly firm but not over (or under) cooked.
5. Remove brownies from the oven and let them cool for about 15mins, then eat up!
   

Question: How do you do s’mores?

I once had a s’mores ice cream and I must say, was pretty delicious!

MIMM #20: Yoga[ish] Weekend

Happy Monday y’all!

This weekend I was super busy at the yoga studio between working, teaching and taking a yoga workshop, I am happy to be off today. I may run some errands or I may be a coach potato. Who knows.Marvelous was soy lattes that helped me wake up early. I love me some Starbucks.Marvelous was having food and snacks prepped and ready.I got hungry at work and they sell these Budi Bars. It’s a vegan GF superfood bar with lots of goodness. They don’t look too appealing but this flavor was delicious.Before the yoga deep stretching workshop I went to, I was able to go home and make a yummy smoothie using raspberries, Cellucor whipped vanilla and a bit of cranberry juice.I’ve been in need of more protein according to my doctor, due to all my spinning. I can say it’s been 5 days straight of getting in 100+g of protein in per day and it’s been since November since I’ve done that.

Speaking of spinning, Marvelous is this new workout jacket! It fits just right at the moment, so I know post baby it will fit even better. Long sleeves help me not push too hard for baby’s sake.Marvelous is this Bai5 grapefruit bubbles drink. I prefer the non-bubble flavors but this one was pretty good! Not marvelous was this strange granola. I had it cold but I didn’t realize there was black pepper and clove in the ingredients. It left a weird after taste I wasn’t too thrilled about.And that’s a wrap! Thank you Katie for hosting MIMM and I hope everyone has an awesome week.Question: Have you tried…

Budibars?

Bai5?

Granola Unleased?!

Vermont Recap & Eats!

Happy Wednesday folks!

It’s time for another food post but with some beautiful pictures from Vermont. Patrick and I went to Burlington to enjoy a little getaway together.

Though it was cold, it was nice to getaway.

{Lake Champlain}

When we arrived Monday afternoon, we checked into our hotel then walked and shopped around. Yes, lots of maple! After, we had some dinner at American Flatbread. If you are ever in Burlington, you have to try it! Seriously the best. We stayed at Anchorage Inn, where they had an indoor pool and a few cardio machines.Before calling it a night, I stopped by the Healthy Living Market and picked up a delicious gluten-free blueberry muffin by West Meadow Farm Bakery. It’s the best GF muffin brand I’ve ever tasted!

***

Yesterday, I woke up did a mini workout and raided the cold breakfast which was pretty decent.I saved the apple and yogurt for road fuel; donut was Pat’s 😉 After breakfast, we walked around downtown Burlington and the lake before heading to one of VT’s local chocolate company, Lake Champlain Chocolate Factory for a free mini tour.We learned the history of the company and got to sample a lot of chocolates. Patrick even bought me a few of my favorites, maple crunch!After the tour, it was time for the trip back home. I had plenty of snacks and was full from chocolate, but we did stop by the Cabot Cheese Annex to snag some samples. I also bought some maple candy, another favorite!When we arrived home, I had a Cellucor package waiting for me. I can finally stomach protein powder again, so I am going to be adding this to everything.Today it’s back to reality. I have a busy work schedule the next couple of weeks plus moving.

I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week!

Question: Have you ever tried Lake Champlain Chocolates? Are you a maple addict like me?