Healthy Pumpkin Bread

I know, I know…It’s still August and I’m already posting a recipe with pumpkin. BUT…like I said yesterday, if school is going to start early, I’m diving head first into pumpkin everything! 🙂 I also wanted to share this recipe for everyone to be able to pin it make it once fall actually rolls around! 😉

I debated about adding the word, “healthy” to this recipe because I really try to make most of my recipes with clean and healthy ingredients. But it felt completely necessary because this recipe contains so many beneficial and healthy ingredients that I just couldn’t resist. It’s oh so flavorful and basically creates a fall party in your mouth. See for yourself. 😉 

Some of my fall favorites pictured: Pumpkin Spice Candle/The Year of Cozy Book


 Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 3 Tbsp coconut oil (melted)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 cup organic coconut palm sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 Tbsp ground flax seed
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice


What to do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large-sized bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Stir together and set aside. In a medium-sized bowl combine all wet ingredients and whisk. Add to dry ingredients and whisk together. Grease pan (I used butter) and pour batter into a loaf pan. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until you can stick a toothpick in and it comes out clean.

Best served with milk or coffee. 😉


 

Back(pack) to school

Today is the first day of school! I put some finishing touches on my classroom yesterday, folded laundry, made food for the week, and packed everything up in preparation for today. Even as a teacher, the jitters still come in full force and create such a mix of emotions. I’m so sad for summer to come to a close but I’m so, so thankful for new beginnings in the school year!

The last few years I have used whatever bag I had on hand to carry my school things to and fro, but this year I felt a little more legit when Urban Southern sent me this backpack. (This probably aided in my excitement for the school year–no joke!) It’s the little things in life that are practical yet classic that make every day life more fun. The backpack stores my laptop, markers, pens, phone, papers, binder, etc. I love the size of it and I’m sure my shoulders will thank me, even by the end of the week, for not putting so much weight on just one side. 😉

If the first day of school is going to start mid-August this year, here’s to pumpkin everything, flannel, and a lot of coffee to get the year started on the right foot! (And a cute new bag thrown in the mix to make it more exciting!)

Use code spring15 for 15% any purchase! Yes, any purchase! 😉 

 

 

Friday Favorites + giveaway!

Well…I had my last glimpse of summer this week. I could cry but I’ll keep it together. (I wish I was kidding). We have a rehearsal dinner, wedding, and travel in the works this weekend and then I’ll finalize some school things on Monday before my big 5th graders arrive on Tuesday! Phew!

One.

We had sneak-a-peak last night at school and I got to see some of my students! I love those nights! 🙂

Two.In case you missed my post here or on Instagram, House of Belonging was generous enough to offer 15% off any order over $100 or more. Use code: spring15. 🙂

Three.My Orange Fluffy smoothie is the perfect taste to the end of summer. 🙂 Plus it includes these, which you know I love!

Four.

You know what? School doesn’t start until Tuesday, so I’m praising God for a four day weekend!

Five.

Here’s the deal. A LOT of you clicked and commented on this USB diffuser. So naturally, I thought one lucky winner should get one! Right?! You know the drill. Enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win one in any color of your choice!

The giveaway will last one week and I will announce the winner Monday, August 28th! Good luck and happy Friday everyone! xo

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Orange Fluffy

Orange Fluffy--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com Orange Fluffy--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com Orange Fluffy--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com Orange Fluffy--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com Orange Fluffy--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com Orange Fluffy--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.comIt’s like breakfast and dessert all in one! If you have picky eaters at home or struggle to get the kids to eat (drink) something in the morning before school, I’ve got you covered! It’s light and fluffy with so many hidden benefits! Since this smoothie includes vanilla Vital Proteins (and trust me you don’t want to skimp on the this ingredient because it adds that extra sweetness that is needed!) it supports the vitality of your skin, hair, tendons, cartilage, bones, and joints! It all is in one smoothie that is basically sunshine in a glass? Mhmmm!

Orange Fluffy--Recipe at: stephanie-spring.com


 Ingredients: 

  • 3 oranges (skin peeled)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup culinary coconut milk
  • 1 scoop Vanilla Vital Proteins
  • about 10 ice cubes


What to do:

Blend all ingredients together in a quality blender until smooth! Sip and enjoy! xo

*Makes about two glasses*.


*Thank you to Vital Proteins for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own! 

Guilty Pleasures

At first I was completely stumped at what some of my guilty pleasures in life are. There were a few that stuck out but then I had writer’s block. Once I started though, the list kept growing…here’s a sneak peek into some of my guilty pleasures. I can’t say I’m completely proud of some of them but my friends and family all agreed when I asked them. 😉

The Kardashians. So addicting. Talenti. I could eat the entire thing in one sitting. Chocolate chip cookies. Who doesn’t love them? But seriously, once I start I can’t stop. Scandal. This used to be a huge guilty pleasure. But when I had to remind myself that Fitzgerald isn’t our actual president, I knew it had gone too far. Hallmark movies. But not just Christmas. I love them year round. The Golden Girls. It’s hilarious. McGriddles. I rarely ever eat fast food, let alone McDonalds. BUT when I do, a McGriddle tastes so good. Rap music. I don’t know what it is. Peppermint mocha creamer. (This used to be my BIGGEST guilty pleasure). Wearing socks to bed. Everyone judges but that’s the only way I’m warm. 🙂 

 

Now you know all my secrets. 😉 Happy Tuesday! xo