Raw Chocolate Coconut Macaroons

I've been on a documentary-thon lately and am Hungry for Change! (See what I did there?) I'm choosing Forks Over Knives and trying a plant based diet. To kickstart it, my family and I went to my favorite raw food place, The Green Boheme. Everything there is completely raw and vegan and absolutely delicious! If you've never been there before or think being vegan is all about salads, think again! There's burgers, pizza, ravioli, and even enchiladas! Super tasty!

Anyway, for dessert they had some macaroons: vanilla chai and chocolate. But looking at the ingredients, I already had some on hand and figured I would try to make some myself when I got home.

Introducing my (raw, vegan) chocolate coconut protein macaroons!

1 cup unsweetened coconut threads
3 tablespoons coconut oil
2 tablespoons raw cacao powder (I used organic cacao nibs ground to a powder)
1 tablespoon bodylogix vegan protein powder in chocolate
1 tablespoon agave syrup
Salt to taste

Combine and pulse all ingredients in a food processor. Spoon onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for an hour or two and enjoy!

Anyone else trying to better their lives in 2014? Try these macaroons and let me know what you think!

My First DIY Subway Art!

 

Like I said, I am NO graphic designer. I lack a lot of creativity and a design eye. However, I can't help but love the look of subway art. There are so many different ways to do it from very simple to very complicated. At my parent's house, they only have black ink and white paper so I was a little limited. Thankfully there are thousands of FREE fonts out there one can use to jazz up their documents. I used this tutorial for getting started on my first attempt at subway art.

I created the above image with text boxes and a standard size of 8.5 x 11. I've been using MS Word for way over a decade and just learned these two things.

1. To make MUDSLIDE vertical, highlight the text box -> Format tab -> Text -> Text Direction.
2. It is also easy to space out the letters, ex. Gin + Tonic. Highlight the text -> Home tab -> Font -> expand menu -> Character Spacing -> Spacing. And adjust as needed.

Those little tidbits are probably basic word knowledge but they sure come in handy when making subway art and you don't have something better like MS Publisher or Picasa already on your computer. Anywho, this little piece will be the cocktail menu for my family's Christmas get together tomorrow...ah! it's 12:26, today! Well, Merry Christmas!

Please share your tips! This was my first attempt at this and I'm sure it won't be my last. I'd really like to try this in a cutout version using the silhouette. Wish me luck!

DIY Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix in a mason jar

With the holidays around the corner and still no source of income, I decided to get crafty and finally bring one of my many pocketed Pinterest projects to life. Initially the idea came from Lauren Conrad's blog, but just google "mason jar gifts" and take your pick. Everything from cakes, mixes, scrubs, dips and even sewing kits, there's definitely something for everyone in your life.

I think the best part about this project was how affordable it was. I initially planned on giving some of my best girlfriends a duo of nail polish from Ross or TJ Maxx but at over $8 a set, it was beginning to add up! I headed over to WinCo with my mom at about 11pm (they're open 24 hours and great for last minute ladies like myself) and gathered the supplies. The awesome thing about WinCo was that you could buy in bulk! I know they aren't the most socially conscious retailer out there but feel free to buy in bulk at Whole Foods if that fits your shopping practices better. You're going to get the best deal from the bulk bins.

12 8 oz canning jars $7.98
1 lb belgian cocoa mix $2.00
mini marshmallows $0.98
1/2 lb peppermint candies $1.50
--------------------------------
= about $12.50, or a little over a dollar per jar!

I'm no graphic designer by any means, I created some tags in Microsoft Word but it was a process. After I had already finished the project I wanted to go back and play with making tags. Well, silly me! There are a ton of premade labels online, especially if you buy the easy stickers by Avery, their website has a lot of templates to choose from.

I originally wanted chocolate chips but the ones my Mom had on hand were old and not fit for gifting and I was already too lazy to go back to the store. Assembly was easy: cocoa mix, peppermint candy, (the layer that would have been chocolate), marshmallows, gift tag & string. I've seen them done way cuter with bakers twine or even a pretty ribbon. If I had my Silhouette Portrait I would've cut some snowflakes to tie on as well. Or even if I had my cardstock, choose a cuter design for the back of the tags than the hot pink cardstock I already had (haha!).

Next, using the extra, I had to taste test.... Delicious!

Update: My parents gifted me Rumchata a bit early. If you don't know what that is, it's horchata (a Mexican rice milk drink) and rum. Add that to hot cocoa? Heaven!!

What are you making for your friends if you're on a budget this year? Or better yet, what are you drinking while you make them? ;)

:(

It is with a very heavy heart that I write this entry. My mother-in-law recently messaged me about a connection of gluten and rheumatoid arthritis. For about the last two years, I have been experiencing growing pain and stiffness in my joints, mainly my hands and feet. My foot pain has improved due to custom orthotics from my podiatrist but there is still some pain there, especially when I walk around the house without my orthotics on. However, especially in the mornings, I am unable to move my hands until they have "warmed up." I have never experienced the common symptoms of a gluten intolerance and actually considered myself lucky because let's face it, carbs are delicious. But being only 28 years old and experiencing this much joint pain is a bit alarming. With that said, I am currently on a quest to eliminate both gluten AND arthritis triggering foods.

The real question is, what the heck am I supposed to eat? Am I expected to go from a pizza and ice cream laden diet to RAW VEGAN?! (Which basically covers all my bases...) Cutting out gluten is difficult enough: no bread, flour, oats, and beer (!!). Arthritis triggers include all meats (including eggs), dairy, bananas, potatoes (my absolute favorite), tomatoes and coffee. Doesn't leave many food options that I actually CAN eat.

Unfortunately my will is very weak and for breakfast I had egg whites and almonds (nuts are another no no). So you can say we're off to a rocky start. I think I am going to try gluten free first and see how that goes, I'm no superhuman. I have no willpower when it comes to food.

Fortunately, my little sis (sorority speak) Danielle has been gluten free for some time so you can bet I'll be asking her a lot of questions. My big sis (sorority) Jenna also maintains a gluten free blog, check her out here.

I know there are tons of gluten free bloggers out there. Care to share any recipes? Words of advice? Or just take a moment of silence with me to mourn the loss of my dearest foods.

Apple Toddy Recipe

With temperatures dropping (yes, even in Florida), I thought it would be perfect to warm things up with a Hot Toddy. I served this at our Friendsgiving dinner yesterday and it was a hit. Even the tough military men were huge fans! I served mine with Jim Beam Honey Whiskey and skipped the whip cream. 

Photo courtesy

Photo courtesy

Apple Toddy Recipe
Recipe courtesy Sunny Anderson

Ingredients

1/2 orange, halved
4 cloves
3 cups apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
Brandy, to taste
1 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks

Directions

Stud the orange halves with cloves. In a medium saucepan, bring the cider, cinnamon and oranges to a simmer. To serve, add a shot of brandy to a cup. Ladle in the hot cider and top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!

Let me know how it turns out. What other warm drinks are you enjoying this winter?

Hello!

It's been a long time since I've maintained a blog but I've been inspired by my dear friend Melissa, so here goes nothing!

I am a newly wed, military spouse, and recent Florida transplant. I lived in California for the last 28 years where I met my now husband in college. Currently, we reside together in Florida where I am learning how to truly be out on my own. I worked as a registered nurse back home but am currently unemployed as I await Florida licensure which means - more time to blog!

With a wedding reception in June and a husband to care for, you can expect a lot of DIY projects, recipes and my random musings. So, welcome!