How’s it hangin today bloggies? I am happppy because later tonight my other half comes home and relieves me of the solo parenting job I’ve been on since he’s been on the road on biz since Monday. I can’t believe I forgot to post the pics of the floral arrangement he brought home for me the morning he left.
Roses, sunflowers (which I adore!), a kickin’ vase, and a really sweet note. After being together 10 years, not gonna lie, flowers are fewer and farther in between, but even more appreciated!
Thanks for the great comments on appreciating all the product reviews I did on my last monster of a post. I am so glad you feel it’s helpful. Awesome!!! That’s me, here to serve. And it was also great hearing what foods you’ve tried and gotten into since getting into food blogs.
I recently whipped up a batch of Vegan Chocolate Macaroons.
Chocolate, coconut, and a bunch of other yummy stuff went into the bowl…
And my recipe made 32 Happy Choco-Macs
Close up before going into the Magic Box
And coming out….
Close up of the ooey-gooey melty chocolate
I took a few more pics before I…
….Mailed a few off to some friends…
…and containerized the rest.
I had my first real life blogger meetup earlier in the week with Shannon of Tri to Cook. Shannon is in the Phoenix area this week and we got together. I only took two photos. Meaning, my long arm self-portrait’ed us. As we were looking into the sun, and as Skylar was on the verge of a full-on terrible 2’s meltdown, and as I was worrying she was about to run into the busy parking lot. So def not my best pic, but it was awesome catching up with Shannon!
I want to extend an open invitation to any of you fine bloggie readers and friends, if you’re going to be in Arizona, hollllllaaa, I’d love to meet up with you!
Next Shoutout goes to Sweet Heather who Honored me with an Over the Top Blogger Award! Thanks Heather…and in this post I mentioned Janetha and Amanda who also gave me this award. Thanks to everyone who’s been thinking of me!!!!! I love you girls!!!!!!!!!!!!
One of the comments I got recently was from the lovely Abby who said that I must have a well-stocked pantry because she finds it easier to create when she doesn’t have to go out and buy the ingredients just to make a particular dish. I completely agree.
So here’s my Tip of the Day by way of Items I always keep on hand:
3 Kinds of Nuts: Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts
Flax Seeds
Almond Flour (almond meal) if you don’t want to grind the aforementioned almonds yourself
Oats
Dates (Medjools by the pound from TJ’s)
Raisins
Maple Syrup
Agave (lots! because in raw baking, you can use 1-2 cups quickly)
Stevia-Both powder and flavored liquid varieties
Coconut oil
Coconut Flakes
Vanilla Extract
Cinnamon
Cocoa Powder
White & Brown Sugar
Nut Butters: Almond, Peanut, Sunflower Seed
EVOO
Items that are “Nice” but by no means esssential:
Chia Seeds
Bob’s Gluten Free Flour Mix (but I can go 6 mos without needing it; almond meal + ground oats is my go-to flour)
Xanthum Gum
Guar Gum
Recent additions include: Yacon Syrup and Lucama Powder (both are raw sweeteners)
Oils: Grapeseed, Canola, Safflower
In my opinion, if you have the first set of ingredients on hand, you can make just about anything from a vegan baking perspective, raw or otherwise.
Things today were brought to you in VeganMofo spirit.
Yoga today is Tolasana.
I am asked frequently if I lift weights?
No. Why would I? If I can lift my own body weight and hover against gravity, that is all the weight I need to lift. From my perspective and most yogi perspectives, if you can lift your own body, that’s plenty. Everyone has to do what works for their body, but for me, no weightlifting is needed. I haven’t touched a weight since 7th grade gym class.
So here’s a question for you….do you feel that as you get older and learn more about your own body that you’re more you are more confused about what “workout” path to choose, or is it becoming clearer? For me, finding yoga 10 years ago, and specifically ashtanga yoga, set me on my path. What fitness path have you been on? Did it work? What have you found that is working now?
I’m getting in on a few flashback Friday pics tomorrow. Stay tuned….
I love me some delish home made hummus!
Kale chips is in the line up
Standing Splits…wrote it down for Saturday yoga
Halloween? some fun with JJ. not sure yet. I wish neighbors or someone were throwing a party..HMMM maybe WE should. for AFTER the walking JJ around part.
frozen chocolatey MMM….can't wait!
i feel like you are trying to make me move to AZ…first the donut holes, which i just tried and while likely polish off before the sun sets tonight (SOOO GOOD), now HUMMUS!?! what are you doing to me. either open a bakery that you can order from online or move to nyc. yep, those are your only options. im back in nyc, and this weather just isnt cool.
oh, and glad your sister's visit was fun. your daughter is adorable.
Averie, reading your lovely little bloggie is one of the perks of my morning (along with my morning coffee!).
I love all the scrumptious eats you crank out of your kitchen, and your happy disposition shines right through in all your posts.
You should have named yourself Averie "Sunshine" because you are a sunny gal :)
We're making your super-moist banana bread today…banana bread heaven, here we come!
xo Sheri
i have heard of that me and goji mix and so intrigued by it! I want to make my own!! I have made my own oatmeal on MOjamix.com which is great too!
your hummus is insaneeee i would totally dip those kale chips in there!!!
Check you out getting an ironic license plate with your initials. loves!
mmmm that hummus recipe looks SO good! Mayyybe it's time to whip out the food processor and a can o beans :) thanks girl!
I've gotta check out that Me and Goji stuff. I'm such a sucker for customize products. You could probably make something like that at home, using the cereal box template on the Mr. Breakfast site.
As for Halloween, I'm into the dark chocolate, too. I love the Endangered Species squares.
Guess what?! My raw cupcakes made the "Cupcakes Take the Cake" blog again. I first heard about their blog when they appeared on Martha Stewart.
I'm working all day. BUT, I did get these awesome organic, gluten free, vegan, fruit juice sweetened lollipops to give out to trick-or-treaters!
I got super stoked when I saw your title this morn.. LOVE ME some hummus. I cant count the number of times Ive tried to make it myself and it turned out crappy. I shall give this one a try!!
OMG brussles too.. super yum.
As for Halloween… not plans yet. Our townhouse complex is having a progressive dinner where one couple hosts appetizers, then you move on to someone else who has entrees, then to someone else's house for dessert etc. Not sure if we are taking part but its an option. I am not a fan of dressing up, though, so Im hoping thats not a requirement!!! (YOU MUST post pics of your little one)
Have as super day, Averie. :)
That granola deal is the COOLEST thing I have ever heard of!!
I am going on a weekend get away the weekend of halloween. My 40th B-day is coming up and I asked to go stay at my ND's Bed and Breakfast. So, no real halloween plans:)
Its kismet! That is really cool that your new plates have your NEW initals!
You can never go bad with yummy hummus. Can't wait to see the little one in her costume. We don't have any plans for Halloween. I guess we should make some!
Banana bread is one of my most favorite foods….like evahhhhhhh!
I loveeeeeeee the hummus and kale chip action. I can't believe I still haven't tried kale chips. When I do, I will come to your blog for your instuctions. That hummus sounds amaze too.
Happy Tuesday beautiful Mama!!! Thanks for all of the positive words the last couple of days!! You are such a burst of sunshine AH!!!
P.s. I promised myself I would do this (my last post says why):
4 levels of biological diversity:
-species diversity
-functional diversity
-genetic diversity
-ecological diversity
The Morphological Species Concept:
-differences in size, shape, or other morphological characteristics
-based on physiological
-APPEARANCE.
Looks delicious! I can't wait to try the PB banana bread this weekend!
Love the hummus recipe!!
Horay for 4-ingredient hummus!
That hummus is so simple! I Will definitely be making some ASAP.
And that bread looks SO decadent and amazing.
Thanks for being a genius ;)
Hello gorgeous! Can I get three cheers for hummus!?!?! YAY!
It really is the best stuff, isn't it? And even though I live in the home of good hummus, I always make it myself. And I never veer from my standard basic recipe: chickpeas, olive oil, a tiny splash of water, salt, GARLIC, lemon juice and tahini. Gotta have that tahini!
I just finished the bowl I made yesterday….think it's time to make some more!
As for Halloween, PAWS, an animal charity I volunteer with is having a big halloween bash so I will be helping set that up. Fun! Still not sure what my costume will be, though…