September 2017

whatsupwed1WUWquestions editWhere did September go?! It was by far the quickest month of the entire year! I blinked and it was gone! Although it flew by, it has been jam-packed! See for yourself. 🙂

What we’re eating this week:
My Salmon with Yogurt Dill Sauce.

What I’m reminiscing about:

College. Eric and I will be going to homecoming at our former college this year and I’ve been thinking back to a lot of memories as it (quickly!) approaches.

What I’m loving:I know everyone in PA has been complaining about the 90 degree weather because they are ready for scarves and boots. Although I can definitely jump on board with a great scarf or boot, I am LOVING that it is still hot! It basically feels like a free vacation to another state that is much warmer without having to pay the price. 🙂 I have been loving everything under the sun that has to do with tacos (does anyone go through phases like I do with foods?) and it probably has to do with this warm weather! 🙂 Which explains my obsession with my Fish Tacos lately.

What we’ve been up to:

Celebrating birthday’s with family and friends!

What I’m dreading:

Cold weather. 

What I’m working on:

A little birdie told me that a giveaway is coming next month with some of my favorite things!

What I’m excited about:

So much. 🙂

What I’m watching/reading:Zootopia is just so stinkin’ cute! I think I’ve watched it three times. Ha!I love Jen Hatmaker and have been wanting to read her newest book,Of Mess and Moxie. Has anyone read it? 

What I’m listening to:

A little bit of this and that. I’m ready for this though… 🙂 

What I’m wearing:This shirt. I know it’s unavailable right now but keep an eye out for it if it goes back in stock! It’s SO comfortable!

What I’m doing this weekend:Since my cousin is a senior in college this year, (crazy) we’re going to watch her play soccer one last time! Other than that, we’ll be getting together with family all weekend and headed to an amusement park. I love a good rollercoaster! 🙂

What I’m looking forward to next month:

Birthday shennanigans. 🙂

What else is new:

Our weeks and weekends have been extremely full which is a definite change from the summer. It’s taking some time to adjust but I’m thankful it’s been filled with great plans here and there. 🙂 

Bonus Question: What TV show are you most excited about this fall?Without-a-doubt: THIS show! 

What’s Up Wednesday Recaps:

August 2017

July 2017

June 2017

May 2017

April 2017

March 2017

February 2017

January 2017

Bucket List Recap

Alright, the plan for today was to tell things I’ve crossed off my bucket list. However, I don’t totally have one put together. (I never really have). That being said, I thought I would spend today going over a belated update on my summer bucket list and what I did and didn’t fulfill. Sit back, relax, and switch back into summer mode for a second! 🙂

Let’s recap the list…

  1. Read at least 10 books. This didn’t happen. I did read a lot this summer (or more than normal) but not ten. 🙁
  2. Get outside. We were outside A TON and I loved every second of it. Whether it was going for a walk, or heading to the pool, it was a beautiful summer spent outside. 
  3. Work out 4 times a week. It happened…even though I was more into some days than others. 😉 
  4. Write snail mail. Mission accomplished. 🙂 Sending little notes through the mail never gets old!
  5. Give skin time to breathe. Yes, yes, yes! I think I went most days without any make-up and it felt so nice!
  6. Sunscreen. Did I wear it? All the time, actually. 🙂
  7. Print out wedding pictures. Major fail. What is my deal?! What are you recommendations? Do you own a wedding album? Did you print out individual pictures? What sites are your favorite? 
  8. Try a new coffee shop. I’m counting Italy, so yes I did this and I loved every second of it! 
  9. Visit family during the week and throughout the day. Yes. 🙂 
  10.  Clean out closets. Check, check, check! 

It was one of the best summer’s and definitely one I won’t forget! Now it’s time to switch back into fall mode and see what other people add to their bucket lists to gain ideas! Happy Tuesday! xo

Friday Favorites

It’s Friday and boy am I thankful for it because I am ready for a weekend! I have meetings all day at school, we’re headed to my hometown fair, and then a wedding tomorrow! 🙂

One.Our hometown fair is a FAVORITE of mine every year! (Eric and I don’t live in this town but it’s where I grew up and still so fun to go back!) Ah! The fair has been a big part of my life and I have never missed a year. My Mom has been going since she was 10 years old. When my Dad and Mom started dating, he started going and he now hasn’t missed a year since. My Grandma used to be the head of the kitchen committee and then my Mom took over after she passed away 14 years ago.

I have memories of helping out in the kitchen every single night of the fair and loving every second of it. It holds so many memories and I am SO thankful for them. Plus, the funnel cakes, pork barbecue, and milkshakes hold a special place in my heart too. 😉

Two.These No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are just too good to pass up!

Three.I went to an apple orchard on Sunday and oh my goodness…it was SO fun and should be added to your bucket list!

Four.

Eric and I had a breakfast date on Thursday and that always starts the day off right. 🙂

Five.

Thanks to Food Babe, I’ve been making my own coconut milk. It’s actually cheaper than buying it in the store, ten times healthier, and even tastes better! I used this canned coconut!

What are some of your weekend plans?! xo

 

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

To be honest, I’m dragging a little this week. One thing that always helps give me more energy though, are clean eating snacks that taste delicious! These bars have cocoa powder (instead of chocolate chips) which has the potential to lower LDL cholesterol, reduce the risk of blood clots, increase blood flow to the arteries, lower high blood pressure, boost cognitive performance and provide essential minerals such as calcium and potassium. Ground flaxseed is great for the heart and chia seeds are a superfood that has omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, and antioxidants. The benefits are all wrapped up into one snack to give you energy and so many other healthy benefits. You won’t be sorry you made this! 🙂


Ingredients:

  • 1 cup oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 Tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 1 Tbsp chia seed
  • 1 scoop collagen peptides


What to do:

Mash the banana separately. In a mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients and add the banana. Stir together until thoroughly mixed and it starts forming together into a sticky mixture. Line an 8 x 8 pan (or really any pan) with wax paper. I used a spatula to flatten the mixture into an even consistency in the pan. Smooth out the top and edges. Place in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Cut to desired width. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator or counter.


 

Pumpkin Pancakes

This weekend it was 80 degrees and the sun was INTENSE! (Which I loved). 🙂 Although I started everything pumpkin spice and everything nice really early this year, ushering into fall only officially starts this week. Between our hometown fair and picking up pumpkins this weekend, I’m definitely in favor of fall fun and food. Even though the struggle is real with still letting go of summer.

The flavors, scents, and decor are probably the best way to win my heart though if I’m going to accept the change. That being said, I told Eric we needed to make some Pumpkin Pancakes to welcome the season with open hearts and minds. 😉 They have just a hint of pumpkin and spice that gets me in the mood for this time of year and are super easy to make! Win-win! 


Ingredients:

  • 1 cup organic oats
  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 cups plain greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup organic pumpkin puree
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice


What to do:

Combine yogurt, pumpkin puree, eggs, oats, and pumpkin pie spice into a blender. Blend (favorite, favorite, favorite blender here!) until smooth. In a greased pan (I used butter), pour batter to desired pancake size (you can find the rings we use here!) at medium heat. Flip the pancake when the edges start to bubble (about one and a half minutes). Cook for about another minute. Top with maple syrup and enjoy! 🙂