September 2015 – Craving Happy

Feeling Powerful…

Published on September 27, 2015October 12, 2015 by Hannah1 Comment

Powerful Yogurt is amazing! I’m loving that their bars have a probiotic yogurt coating; I am a die-hard Questbar fan, but it is nice to have a change of pace every once in a while. I like the yogurt creme bar best–it literally tastes like sugar cookies. There is a rich, buttery vanilla flavor and the bar is super smooth.

I’ve been using their protein shakes as coffee creamer, as well. It is SUPER good and comes in both chocolate, vanilla maple, and açai, although I haven’t tried açai yet! They are delicious on their own, as well. Once again, I am a huge fan of the inclusion of probiotics. They keep the ingredients list short and the shakes are shelf-stable, which is perfect for tossing in my backpack for a long day at school.

I cannot wait to try their yogurt; has anyone tried them? Favorite flavors??

Fitness Burnout

Published on September 25, 2015October 12, 2015 by HannahLeave a comment

Nothing motivates me quite like happiness.

I don’t know about you, but I am far more likely to stick with workouts that I find fun, challenging, and effective. My personal favorites are blogilates workouts; they are fun and bring me so much joy! Find an exercise you ENJOY, fitness does not (and should not) have to feel like a chore. The calendar is free easy and I find peace and satisfaction knowing that I have workouts planned for me. The videos usually focus on one area and last for about 45 minutes. Confession: I usually skip the first (cardio) video of each day because I hate cardio, but it keeps me working out about six days a week. The pop pilates videos get my heart rate up, Cassey (the founder of blogilates) keeps it real, and I feel the effects both in increased strength and mood.

Go find your happy workout!

One of my go-to favorite recipes..BROWNIES!

Published on September 25, 2015October 12, 2015 by Hannah4 Comments

I do love always changing and coming up with recipes, but this is one of my steadfast favorites. It is easy and full of healthy ingredients! I usually make a batch a week; they are always a handy snack and make for a fun topping on just about anything. I have been inspired by tons of recipes to come up with this so I definitely cannot take full credit, but they are certainly delicious.

In a small bowl combine:

2 tbsp coconut flour

3-4 tbsp oat fiber (can substitute oat flour)

4 tbsp cocoa powder (I use Hershey’s Special Dark)

4 packets stevia, or sweetener of choice

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

Then add:

3/4c egg whites

2 tbsp water

dash of vinegar

dash of vanilla extract

Mix dry then add wet ingredients, and bake at 350 in a 8×8 pan for about 10-15 minutes or until the top is firm to the touch. If you like a more dense, moist brownie add 2-3 tablespoons of pumpkin or applesauce.

Smother it in (@hankspb ) peanut butter, make a parfait, or just enjoy plain!

Starting Out

Published on September 25, 2015October 12, 2015 by HannahLeave a comment

At the end of a long week, full of midterms, meetings, and the strange events that cluster-bomb life on occasion, I crave moments of quiet time with myself.

I often consider myself an extroverted introvert; I love meeting new people, having conversations, and spending time with those I love and value, but I recharge in the moments of calm. I am not a huge TV fan so cooking, writing, or reading have always been some of my favorite recharging rituals.

These recharging rituals enable my mind to run free. It usually travels to new, often outlandish, ideas. I am not creative in the typical way, but everyone expresses different forms of creativity within the realm of their passions. I don’t paint beautiful landscapes, immerse myself in math equations, or sing, but my creativity comes through my rebellious desire to always change recipes, write down my thoughts, and think about books and countless alternate endings.

This blog is a chance for me to share my creativity in the kitchen; there is always room for mistakes, strange flavors, and bizarre textures. You can always try again and the worst that can happen is one bad batch. I hope you enjoy trying some of my creations (I promise I won’t post the mistakes 😉 ) and letting yourself try something new and different!

Super(Duper) Bites

Published on September 25, 2015October 12, 2015 by HannahLeave a comment

These super bites are so delicious and packed with healthy ingredients. They do contain sugar, but it is natural cane sugar and keeps the bites crunchy, slightly sweet, and crisp. Five of my friends tried them and gave ratings of 9/10 and called them “super filling.” Each pack comes with 2.5 servings so a little goes a long way. I don’t know that I will munch on these all the time, but they are great for an on-the-go satisfying snack! A great, convenient way to get some healthy fats, antioxidants, and protein.

Moments of Beauty

Published on September 17, 2015October 12, 2015 by HannahLeave a comment

I am so blessed to have this beauty as part of my walk to classes every morning. Although this week has been rainy, humid, and dreary, I am grateful to have this beautiful scenery and the frequent sunny, mild days of Southern fall. It’s easy for me to feel annoyed at the slightest inconvenience; just missing the shuttle to main campus for class, stepping in a puddle, a (extraordinarily) bad hair day…but when all is said and done, those things are inconsequential in the grand scheme of life.

Continue reading “Moments of Beauty” →