I desperately miss {actually} going to local restaurants, trying out new menu items, & delighting over beautiful plating & rich flavor. We still do our share of supporting local businesses through carry-out. BUT a nice meal doesn't taste the same in a plastic container, nor does it hold the same appeal. Once you have exhausted your options for meal delivery & run through your go-to recipes at home there isn't much left! I had to make something beyond my comfort zone. . . because I am bored. Call it an ode to a former life of frequent dining out.

Sometimes new recipes simply pop into my head at odd times. I will have a specific ingredient & {while driving home} I suddenly know how to use it. I can't explain it! Any who. . . . that is how this Creamy Mediterranean Shrimp recipe came about. It all started with a can of coconut milk. Which turned into the most DELIGHTFUL savory dish I have had in months. The flavors all combine into something so spectacular that you will be licking the pan. No shame. There is a perfect balance of creamy {coconut milk} , rich {shrimp} & tarte {lemon}.

Brandon and I wanted more the following night for dinner & the next. Editing the photos of the dish made my mouth water over & over. IT'S THAT GOOD! I certainly feel like it is restaurant quality. What a perfect dish to make for your significant other, family or yourself! Plus it takes about 30 minutes. :)

​If you're not a fan of shrimp you can easily substitute chicken {adjust cooking time}. If you have never used coconut milk before don't be afraid! It is a very mild flavor that melds into whatever other ingredients you add. It gives the dish a nice creaminess without the dairy.

HINT: The secret to tender yet crispy shrimp is high heat with melted butter. Don’t forget to season well. Cook on high for a short amount of time. Perfect shrimp every time!

I've done it! I recreated one of my favorite LaraBar flavors and I have to say they taste just like the real thing. I made them into balls for easy snacking. These are ideal for a breakfast, after a workout, or post dinner sweet treat. They can be easily adapted to fit your taste. 
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Packed with:
+ good fats
+ fiber
+ potassium 
& FLAVOR!

Recipe makes about 15 balls, a serving size is two-ish (they are filling). Plus, you don't want to overdo it on the dates if you know what I mean!
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I wanted to share some of my go-to reusable products that I am constantly using. We try to do our best to purchase items that are high quality & that will help us use less disposable items in the future (paper plates, straws, bags, water bottles).  

I have purchased these items over the last five to ten years and built up a stock, this is not something that will happen over night. I try to buy one small item every couple of months that I consider an improvement in my everyday living. Something that will reduce the use of plastic or other waste, or that is simply better for our family to use. If you are looking to reduce waste try one of my favorites out!!

32oz HydroFlask (Straw top) $50 : Worth every penny. I have dropped it out of my car so many times. Doesn't make your water taste like metal & keeps it cold for so long!

Stasher Snack Bag $10 : We have these in every size but the snack bags are my favorite. They are the perfect size for on-the-go or any fridge item. 

Mesh Produce Bags (5) $12 : In non-COVID times you really need to stop using the store produce bags! So wasteful! I have used these for years without any dirty looks from grocery store cashiers....ha! They can be put in the washer and used again.

ZipTop Cup Set $35 : Add these to your list...when they run a sale you will be ready! They are some of the highest quality silicone bags I have found. I like how these stand up without spillage!

Ball 12 count Jelly Jar $8.39 : I bought these when I made baby food. They are so perfect for any sauces or small amounts of food. Love that they are glass! 

Silicone Straws (6pk) $6 : I prefer these straws over most and trust me I've tried them all!

OXO 8 pc Glass Tupperware $30 : Quality. Perfect snap closure! Would be a great gift for someone.

10pk Flour Sack Kitchen Towels $8 : I wash all of my produce and lay them to dry on these. They are absorbent enough but not fluffy (to leave lint on food). They can be bleached (if stained) and washed over and over. 

I love to see how everyone interprets my content. It makes me so happy to share it with you!