About Stephanie Spring

http://stephanie-spring.com

I love early mornings and Jesus, cooking and coffee, navy blue and white stripes and traveling.

Posts by Stephanie Spring:

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday everyone! This week kicked my butt..and all I can think about is sleeping in a little bit on Saturday. As everyone gears up for back-to-school everything, I can’t help but jump on the bandwagon and get ready for fall things. (Even though I plan on going to the pool this weekend). 🙂 If you’re not ready quite yet but need some recipes in your back pocket for the weeks to come, pin these and save them for later!

One.First up, my Pumpkin Pecan Bars. They are a FAVORITE. It is the quintessential fall treat and you should make them now.

Two.My Healthy Pumpkin Bread. Easy breakfast anyone?!

Three.My Pumpkin Smoothie. A fun and tasty transition from summer to fall.

Four.And if you’re really in the mood for fall...My Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Five.

This is completely unrelated to all things fall but I promised some of you that I would let you know what I thought about this hair serum. I’ve used it for two weeks and found out what I liked and didn’t like about it. The serum comes out via a dropper. When I used it for the first time, I filled up the entire dropper, put the amount in my hand and all over my hair. Big mistake. I was convinced I didn’t like it at all but it was because I put way too much in my hair. It felt greasy and obviously wasn’t the look I was going for. The next few days I only added about two drops to my palm before applying it to my hair and have loved it ever since I learned my lesson. Do I put it on every day? No. I haven’t been washing my hair every day, so I only add it when I have a clean wash and my hair is damp. Would I recommend it? Yes. I love that it has clean ingredients, adds shine, and gets rid the dry feeling.

What are some of your favorite fall treats (or hair things)?!

Grain Free Granola

Who knew my one craving while doing the Whole 30 would be granola??! So random. But hey, at least it wasn’t cake or something, right? After thinking about the ingredients in granola and wondering if I could forego the oats from my original recipe, I tweaked a few things and created a grain free version. One of my favorite parts about it is the simplicity. It can be combined with milk, yogurt, fruit, etc. The list really goes on because it can join in on any party! It also pairs perfectly with coffee early in the morning when everyone is still sleeping and the house is quiet–just saying. 😉 

Grain Free Granola

Ingredients

  • Grain Free Granola:
  • 2 cups flaked coconut
  • 2 cups sliced almonds
  • 1.5 cups ground flaxseed meal
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • This date syrup
  • 2 Tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp pink sea salt
  • Date Syrup Recipe:
  • Here.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven 325 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine all dry ingredients into a large bowl and mix. Heat coconut oil until it is no longer solid and pour over the dry ingredients. Make date syrup and pour over dry ingredients as well. Mix until the wet ingredients lightly coat the dry ingredients. Place in the oven for about 45 minutes or until slightly crisped.
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Whole 30 Compliant Grain Free Granola--Recipe at stephanie-spring.com

Homemade Date Syrup

As of today, Eric and I just finished the Whole 30. If you saw some of my posts here, you could see we did cheat/were pretty relaxed about it this time around. Since this is about our fourth or fifth time doing the Whole 30, we felt confident and okay with our, “cheat” choices. If it is your first time doing it though, don’t cheat! Do the entire experience to it’s fullest. 😉

One thing I have loved including in recipes throughout the Whole 30 (and beyond) that just flat out need a little sweetness, is date syrup. It is so easy to make and definitely adds a sweet replacement in recipes. Anything with two ingredients and tastes this good? Sign me up!

Homemade Date Syrup

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 15-20 dates

Instructions

  1. In a blender, combine water and dates. Blend until thoroughly mixed.
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Friday Favorites

This week I’m doing something a little different and sharing five things I want to try and as I try them, I’ll report back if they are favorites or not.

One.I came across this tanning foam the other day and have been intrigued ever since. It got amazing reviews and since shade is my new best friend after having a newborn…I could use a little extra color. 😉

Two.

Capri was getting a rash with the soap we were using when we gave her a bath. I just ordered
California Baby Calming Shampoo and Body Wash and I’m hoping she responds well to it. It looks like it has great ingredients?!

Three.I’ve followed Nectar & Green for a few years but they only delivered in the Boston area. BUT now they are shipping! I have been wanting to try their almond milk for so long! Anyone else?! The Espresso sounds delicious–heck, they all do!

Four.I just ordered this hair oil and can’t wait to try it! My hair has been so dry since Capri has been born and could definitely use some extra omph.

Five.

Nail Polish lovers: I want to give this and this a try! Thoughts?!

Have the best Friday!

School Lunches

My Favorite Chicken Salad Recipe: You could put this on a croissant, wrap, bread, or lettuce wrap to switch things up!

School lunches can be a part of what your family is eating the night before or has on hand throughout the week. I also know that it needs to be something that doesn’t needed to be heated or kept extremely cold, which eliminates a lot of things. Here’s a list of recipes I have on hand that are perfect for school lunches and encompass those two categories! (Also, I’ve used this lunch bag for years and loved it!)Burrito Bowl: Can be eaten cold. 🙂Brussel Sprouts Salad: I bet if your kids try it, they will love it! Plus, it’s a great way to get them to eat veggies.Cheese Board : Mix and match dried fruits, fresh fruits, cheeses, nuts, and crackers and/or bread. Mixing and matching the combination will make it feel like an entirely different lunch!Winter Couscous Salad: Make a big batch of this for the week to have on hand. It’s addicting, so flavorful, and can be eaten cold! 

Homemade Lemon Larabars: Such fresh flavors to pack as a snack.
Pumpkin Bars: It’s basically all fall flavors in one bar!Homemade Peanut Butter Lara Bars: What kid doesn’t love peanut butter? Key Lime Pie Bars: Such a different twist of flavors and so easy to make!No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: Chocolate + Peanut Butter = Heaven. Serve it for breakfast too with milk. 😉 Healthy Banana Bread: Follow the directions right above. 😉 Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins: Perfect on the go, as a snack, in a lunch…the list goes on!Healthy Pumpkin Bread: If you aren’t ready for fall and like homemade bread…make this recipe today! 

Happy back-to-school and lunch packing! xo