Post Workout Oatmeal - Fall Edition
I started a consistent workout routine again this month. Lifting. Getting strong. Feeling good.
Almost all summer I was on a cardio kick. That's usually how it goes. Super nice outside, sign me up for all things cardio. Cold outside, back in the gym. Each time fall comes around I am slightly annoyed with myself because whyyyy can't I stick to lifting to see how strong I can get. I want to grow biceps on my bean pole arms. That mindset goes right out the window when the temperatures are warm enough for me to not be huddled under a blanket in bed; happening right now. So, I'm back at it; picking things up and putting them down. Getting pumped for leg day and eye rolling my way through days that aren't leg days. Isn't it funny how we dread doing the things that we suck at? You'd think I'd want to work on strengthening body parts that aren't legs (my strongest/"best" part of my body) but NOPE. Get me the heck away from those things that are tough. Not really, I still do 'em. But you know what I mean, right?
I do have to say, yoga has kept me strong. I am impressed with my strength for just getting back in the gym recently. YEAH YOGA, #1 love always and forever amen.
Now that I've got that out into the world, it's food time. This is my favorite oatmeal recipe lately. It keeps me warm (very important), satiated (also very important), and excited for my breakfasts each day!
Ouija Cupcakes - Double Chocolate Vegan Goodness
Happy Friday the 13th to all of my October loving friends! These cupcakes came to mind about a month ago when I was in the Halloween store with Darrin. I found Ouija Board ice cube trays and I was immediately like NEED. So off they came, straight home with me. I knew instantly what I was going to do with them and that was make these cupcakes. I mean, talk about a dream come true. A Friday the 13th to release double chocolate Ouija cupcakes on.
MAGIC.
These cupcakes are a moist chocolatey cake topped with the best (naturally flavored) chocolate icing ever. Oh, and there's also the white chocolate oracle topping the whole thing off. Activate ultimate Halloween mode.
No worries if you can't get your hand on the ice cube tray. You can still make the chocolate and get creative with how you want to display it on top of your cupcakes. As I type this one thing comes to mind; ghosts! If you do end up making something different to top off your chocolatey dream cupcakes, make sure to show me what you came up with!
But for now, let's get baking!
Peanut Butter Twix Bars - Veganized!
It's October which is one of the biggest candy months of the year. It's also the best month of the year because it's my birthday month. What's up.
In honor of both of those things we're kicking things up a notch with peanut butter Twix bars, vegan style. And let's be real, vegan style is THE BEST style there is because you get all of the deliciousness without any of the harm to the environment or the animals.
WIN. WIN.
These Twix bars are relatively easy to make. Honestly, the most difficult part is waiting for the little buggers to set up in the freezer so you can drown them in melty chocolate.
Other than that you shouldn't have any other struggles. Well except the fact that you might eat half of them in one sitting. But hey, that doesn't sound like a terrible problem to me.
It's time to embrace the season of candy. I'm so ready.
Let it Flow - Presque Isle, Lake Erie
Last year for my birthday I took a day trip to Lake Erie. The main reason that we ended up going there was because there are a couple of dog friendly beaches which means that Roxy could spend the day with me and that's always something that I want to be possible. We went, had a great time, and ever since I've been thinking about going back.
Darrin and I pick a few goals for each season throughout the year that we want to do together. Going to Erie was one of them for this past summer.
Once the end of August gets here I am in panic mode and try to get everything done that I want to do before the snow flies again. I mean, we still have a while for that (hopefully) but there are things that I want to do when it's warmer than 50 degrees out and going to the lake is one of those things.
Pumpkin Caramel Pockets
The first pumpkin recipe of the season and it's a good one!
*runs to the kitchen to grab one of these so that I can accurately describe it*
A soft and flaky outside, sweet and gooey inside. Cinnamon, pumpkin, caramel; mmm.
When I first made these I was looking for something quick to make that had the rich texture and taste of a fresh baked pastry from *insert your favorite bakery here.*
Somehow I have achieved the dream and these homemade pumpkin caramel pockets were born.
I'm all about creating simple recipes because let's be real, we don't always have 3 hours to spend making a pan of cinnamon rolls. Although, I do wish that was the case...
But since it's not, I don't want any of us to have to sacrifice taste, enjoyment, or health because we have a lot happening in our days.
I don't know where I'm going with this thought other than letting you know that it's cool. I got ya. Most of my recipes are and will continue to be busy life friendly.
And with that being said, let's make some fall food!