Each week I enjoy making something special for my family. A sweet bite they can enjoy during the week when things get busy. This is typically some sort of banana bread, energy bite, muffin or any other fun recipe I find on Pinterest. I always keep it simple because I'm NOT a baker. Now you know, any baked good I post will be on the easier side. :)

Lately, I've been adding baked oatmeal into the mix. Baked oatmeal is an easy thing to prep & serve for breakfast throughout the week. I like to bake it the night before & store in the fridge. In the morning, slices can be reheated quickly or taken on-the-go. Toppings like honey, apple butter, nut butter or maple syrup make it extra tasty! The base of the baked oatmeal makes it easy to switch out the flavors based on the ingredients you have on hand. This version adds a few (shelf-stable) apple ingredients that give it a cozy fall vibe.

A few tips for making this recipe:
- Purchase "baked apple chips" that have no sugar added: the dried chips soften in the oven & prevent the oatmeal from becoming soggy.
- Use unsweetened applesauce: the sweetness from the maple syrup & apple chips really do the trick!
- The vanilla protein powder adds a nice subtle flavor (& obviously added protein!). If you prefer to leave out the protein powder add two extra tablespoons of gluten free oats.
- Store in the fridge. Eat within 4-5 days!
- Serve with some nut butter & maple syrup for an extra tasty morning treat!

Your house is going to smell like you baked a lovely apple pie. Yet you only spent 15 minutes mixing up this yummy baked oatmeal. I'd call that a win!

Click the link below to download the recipe!

Instagram Reel showing this recipe: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
​Enjoy :)

I've been known to eat a caprese salad in winter or devour a bowl of tortilla soup in mid summer. With that being said, I do like to experiment with some seasonal flavors from time to time! I know most (normal) people love to eat with the seasons so I want to honor that!

Here are a few of my favorite recipes that feature basic fall ingredients. No shopping for crazy, hard to find items. Scroll for some quick & easy recipes that you can incorporate into your fall routine. Enjoy!

We made these delightful salted caramel pancakes last weekend on a whim & were so delighted! They were a fun twist on our classic pancake breakfast.

Super simple...
- Mix up King Arthur Gluten Free Pancake Mix according to the box. You could use any mix you like!
- Using 1/4 cup of the batter make individual pancakes. We love to make extra for the next day! Spray the pan with coconut oil when making the pancakes. This give them a yummy flavor & is a better oil to cook with.
- Onto each pancake spread a bit (or a lot!) of salted caramel sauce. I used a small jar I picked up at a gift shop. There are plenty of options at any grocery store or gourmet food shops!
- Top the stack with lots of cinnamon & chopped up gala apples.

​& devour.

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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*This post contains affiliate links.*
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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!

Do we need another reason to LOVE banana muffins? Absolutely. Muffins can be sneaky when it comes to their ingredients. You can end up with a seemingly delightful breakfast that will have you starving and craving sugar all day!

I made a few healthier swaps to my usual banana muffins and honestly they are better than ever!
I love the texture and the fact that they are slightly sweet. PLUS they have LOTS of added health benefits!

Get to mashing those bananas and treat yourself to something delicious this week. Add these muffins to your weekly meal prep and feel like you are making a small win toward your health goals!

When you are 8 months pregnant cravings can hit you pretty hard sometimes, lately anything sweet is just too hard to pass up. I have tried to satisfy some of the cravings by making sweet treats at home this time around. This way I can control the ingredients and quality. Honestly, I always crave sweet things pregnant or not. I have been known to skip a meal and just head straight for ice cream....my dentist thanks me! But that is beside the point.

A few of the ladies I follow on Instagram post the most amazing looking recipes, I have made a few and loved them. Some are full on sweets, others a little less sugar packed with more nutritious ingredients. Crave worthy nonetheless. Regardless, I thought they were worth sharing. Some of the recipes are a screenshot from their Instagram account, The photos included are my version of the original recipe. I have included their handles if you want to search for yourself! Here are my favorites when I need something sweet...

Chocolate Milk Banana Snacking Bread  @shutthekaleup
I used regular flour and plain almond milk because it is what I had on hand.

​Blueberry Oatmeal Bake  @restoring_radiance
I followed the recipe exactly. It is wonderful eaten hot out of the oven or cold the next day for breakfast.

Stuffed Almond Butter Dates  @restoring_radiance 
Easier and messier than they look .....soooooo amazing! 

Copycat Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies  @bromabakery
The best mix of soft and chewy, with a buttery chocolate taste. Not your average chocolate chip cookie.

​Broma Bakery Recipe 
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Lastly, a summer smoothie creation of mine that could rival any daiquiri. Make yourself one of these sweet treats and live a little! Don't forget to share some!
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