The Glama Project - My Heart is Full

Many of you know I've spent some 8 of the last 10 years helping to care for my in-laws.  They've both since passed, but the years I spent seeing them in assisted living, skilled nursing and dementia units introduced me to a plethora of individuals who I looked forward to seeing each and every week.

I came to know these seniors not for the older people they currently were, but rather for the people they were - then and now.  The teens who once had first kisses, the executives who built cars in their spare time, and the special lady who couldn't remember the last 20 years, but told me all about her days flying planes in the war.

~ Gail ~

My heart holds a special place for those on the older side of life, and I love seeing their eyes light up when little things add joy to their days.

Hence stumbling upon The Glama Project, a project created here in San Diego by Callie Ahern, seemed a match right up my alley.

Callie's grandmother's health made it necessary for Grandma to enter an assisted living facility in the Mid West.  Grandma had a bit of trouble adjusting, and sweet Callie flew back to spend some time and cheer up her days.  

To bring a little fun into the visit Callie planned a makeover/glam day.  Grandma, a lady who always brought along her flair for fashion and fun, loved the day with makeup, hairdos and a little photo session to remember it all by.  And as the ladies were having their fun, other residents stopped by asking, "Well.... can we do it too?"

~ Bebe ~

And right there the Glama Project was born.  Callie boarded the homeward bound plane to San Diego knowing she wanted to bring a little glam through makeovers and mini photo shoots into the lives of our local senior community.

And while her goal was to bring fun and joy into the lives of seniors (and she's definitely done that with some 65 Glama Sessions), she's also brought joy and fulfillment to those helping in the session - aka me.  Perhaps Callie's words say it best:

"We also aim to serve the younger generation.  We believe there is so much to learn from our elders, and that it's our responsibility to get their stories told.

As we shoot, we love to learn about the leading lady or man sitting in front of us, in hopes of hearing their stories and life lessons through our platform.  It's much more than makeup, it's about confidence, empowerment, learning and growing."

~ Lily ~

Working as a guest photographer last week I had the pleasure of meeting Bebe, Constance, Barbara, Gail and Lily after Callie worked the glam on the makeup side.  All beauties over the age of 85, these ladies were very much like my daughter when she was little and playing with makeup and glam costumes.  They giggled, told us about proms and wedding days as well as last week's square dancing - and they busted out poses to make todays Insta-Famous Influencers envious.

A long day of shooting left my neck a little stiff and my hand a little cramped, but more importantly my heart full and my world a little bigger with new friends, new experiences and even more inspiration for life.

I'm looking forward to another day with the Glama Project in a few weeks, but in the mean time you can check out Callie's Glama Project Instagram or Facebook Page to catch a glimpse of what we all hope to be when our own senior years arrive.

"The Glama Project - aiming to prove age is just a number while celebrating the beauty and wisdom it beholds, one complementary senior makeover at a time!"

~ Callie Ahern

Cheezy Pasta - Vegan

Teenagers love mac n cheese, right?  Well, for that matter people of any age.  So you can imagine the dismay when my 14-year old son suddenly developed lactose intolerance... not just the normal kind where you take a pill and eat what you want, but a severe form that has left him dairy-free ever since.

Mostly he missed pizza.  And tacos with chipotle white sauce.  And mac n cheese.

We tried different vegan cheeses and sauces, but all were met with the same response,

"No thanks, Mom.  I'll just go without."

So off my baby went to college, dairy-free.  He hasn't adopted our vegan diet and actually makes fun of many of my "vegan" choices as he feels he needs "real" protein to keep his physique (I know... I've sent him the literature, but he still doesn't believe.).  

But then he came home and I made him this Cheezy Pasta.  Placing a steaming bowl in front of him he raised his eyebrows as he hesitantly asked what was in it.

"Cashews," I said casually.  "And a few other things like garlic, oh, and Nutritional Yeast..."

The eyebrows went higher and he responded,

"No thanks, I'm good".

Eventually I convinced him to try. 

"Just a bite," I said.

And he did.  One bite.  Then two.  Then he cleaned the bowl and asked for seconds.

Now I get texts when he leaves Santa Barbara on his way home for a long weekend asking if I can "Please have that Vegan Cheezy Pasta ready" when he walks in the door.

Luckily it goes together in a flash, and you can make extra sauce that keeps for days in the fridge.

However, if you're trying to sell it as a sub to mac n cheese lovers, I wouldn't call it mac n cheese... it's definitely not the blue box kind.  It's so much better, a whole different kinds of awesomeness that deserves a category all its own.  And so much healthier... have you read the back of that box?  But that's a whole different story.

Cheers my friends... enjoy!

Kim

Blueberry Almond Butter Maca Smoothie - Boost the Mood

Blueberry smoothies seem to be a staple in just about every smoothie shop you enter, and for good reason - most everyone loves a blueberry!

According to Dr. Greger of NutritionFacts.Org, one should be including at least one serving of berries in their diet per day.  And with a fiber-rich profile, blueberries and their Vitamin C and Manganese content seem to be a good one to add.

Add in a handful of greens, banana, a spoonful of almond butter and a few teaspoons of one of the newest superfoods on the market - Maca - and we have another certified Super Smoothie.

Are you familiar with Maca?  A cruciferous vegetable native to the Andes of Peru, maca has been revered for its medicinal properties for thousands of years.  Maca, however didn't cross my radar until I did a little research on menopausal symptoms.

After a few sleepless nights along with a hot flash or two I took to the internet for natural perimenopausal symptom relief, and time and again maca came as a suggestion. Maca, it seems, helps to balance hormone levels and to control the amount of estrogen in the body.  According to a study in the International Journal of Biomedical Science, maca proved to balance hormone levels, relieved symptoms of menopause, and actually increased bone density in the study participants.

Good enough for me to try... And with its slighty earthy and mildly nutty flavor, maca seemed the perfect addition to one of my favorite smoothies including almond better. I've grown to love the combo so much this smoothie hits my blender 4-5 times a week, and the rest of the family asks for it as well.

And the symptoms?  I have to admit I didn't have many before, but I've not had any more hot flushes (or flashes), I'm sleeping well, and not a single night sweat to report.  I'll have to keep up with it as my age keeps aging and will definitely keep you posted.

I'll be researching more on maca and will let you know what I learn.

Cheers my friends!

Kim 

Acai Overnight Oats

Overnight oats may be past trend, but they've become a staple in my house.  Easy for a quick breakfast on the run, tasty for a mid-afternoon snack, but most of all - perfect for the dorm room.

With simple ingredients mixed together the night (or a few nights) prior one can enjoy a healthy and easy breakfast that far supersedes any smooshy oatmeal from the college dining commons.

We sent Liv off with reusable empty jars, a package of organic oats, a bag of acai powder (we use the Navitas brand) and a few mix-ins.  She laughed at first and said she wasn't going to go through the trouble of putting the overnight oats together, but after a few weeks of dining commons breakfasts she called to asked for the recipe.

Sweetened to your taste, these Acai Oats pack a nutrition and fiber punch and can be tossed in a bag when you're running out the door.

Cheers to a healthy and quick breakfast!

Kim

Life, Loss, Balance and New Beginnings

Life, it has a way of showing us the path we're meant to follow.  It's not always the path we think we should be on, but nonetheless, it is our path.

The last two years have pushed my little Liv Life space to the side as family took priority.  In those years we've lost both of my in-laws, an aunt, an uncle and our dog.  We've learned that hospice can be a bright spot in a terrible situation, and that lessons do indeed come from darkness.

We've also become empty nester's... something I've dreaded since the moment my first child was born.  However, much to my surprise it's really not all that bad.  In fact, if I had to say so, we love our empty nest life! My husband and I have rediscovered just how much we enjoy our time together and I'm learning that there really is life beyond the PTA, Girl Scouts and putting in the endless hours as a Dance Mom (though I really do miss the Dance Mom part). 

Do I miss the kids?  Absolutely, but text, phone calls and frequent visits keep us in touch, and then the two of us have our days to ourselves.

Seattle, 2107 - 1st Empty Nest Trip!

My girlfriends and I have learned without regularly scheduled school and dance events that we won't see each other unless we make an effort, and now we're having fun exploring new ventures - like museums without field trips.  Or wine on Tuesday just because.

And now I have time to share with you.  I have travels to share, recipes to photograph to tempt your taste buds, and lessons I've learned that may also help you get through when times turn dark.

Coming up I have a wonderful Kauai Itinerary - have you been to the Garden Isle?  An unforgettable restaurant we found in Canmore, Alberta, along with a trip to the Canadian Ice Field Parkway and on into Jasper.

I have tips to survive a new empty nest, and tips on dealing with an elderly parent.  I've so much to talk about and so much to explore.  

Liv Life has been a mostly Whole Food Plant Based blog for a number of years now and that direction will continue (however my son is not vegan, and hence I have a few college boy recipes that may include eggs that my non-vegan followers may find useful).

Rocky Mountain Flat Bread Company

I've learned loads about ingredients and natural remedies, remedies that have actually worked for us, and I've researched the why.  I have sources to share and facts to dispense, and now that my world is back in balance I have the time and desire to do it.

I won't have a regular posting day, and as we still continue to care for aging parents and work around the kids' schedules (when they call I'll drop just about anything to be with them!) I may be days or even a week in between posts. But I'm eager to discover new things and ideas with you all, and I hope you're eager to learn along with me.

So my friends, here's hoping you are healthy and happy, and living in a world of balance.  I've missed chatting with you and I'm looking forward to getting reacquainted.

Cheers my friends, 

Kim

Molasses Oatmeal Banana Bread - Vegan Recipe

Oh Banana Bread... how we love you!  Since the kids were babies, Banana Bread of all sorts has been not only a staple in our kitchen but also a vehicle to pump healthy ingredients into the kids without them really knowing it.

I've gone so far as to add spinach and avocado to recipes (with success I might add!), but we keep returning to an old favorite recipe (and spinach-free version...) - Oatmeal Banana Bread with Molasses.

Tender and flavorful, we easily removed the dairy when my son became intolerant, but would the old recipe stand up to becoming "veganized"?  Absolutely.

The banana and oatmeal bring a tender moistness while the walnuts add a touch of texture.  But I think it's the molasses that kicks this recipe over the top with a rich pop of flavor that leaves you simply wanting more.

Fabulous fresh from the oven, we've been known to demolish an entire loaf before the last slice cools.  However if you can save enough for breakfast the next morning, a toasted slice slathered with peanut butter and topped with sliced banana is pure heaven.

Whether serving to your plant-based friends or not, this recipe may rise to the top of your most used recipes once you give it a go.  

Cheers my friends, here's to banana love!

Kim

Skinny & Company Coconut Facial Oil Review

Setting off on vacation a few weeks ago I tucked a couple travel-sized 2 oz jars of Skinny Coconut Oil products into my suitcase.  Skinny & Company sent me a few travel-sized products to review, and I agreed to social media (if we liked them) in return.  Asking Liv if she and her friend would give the products a try and perhaps help compose a photo or two (they are instagram styling queens!) I received a "Maybe." in return.  Hence, I was on my own.

However, on my own turned out to be just fine when unpacking some 20 hours later and I realized I hadn't packed my usual makeup remover wipes.  Turning to the Skinny products I chose the Coconut Facial Oil which is said to remove makeup.  And remove makeup it did!

I think for the first time in ages my face was completely makeup free - including those stubborn mascara smudges under my eyes.  Seriously... wow.

Taking a peek at the ingredients brought another wow.  Chemical free, all natural (not natural flavor - but actually real, natural, plant-based ingredients), and it worked.  I'm so sold.

Three products all packed in one little jar, the Facial Oil works as a makeup remover, cleanser and moisturizer.  I think Skinny's site says it best:

"This amazing jar contains some of the most calming essential oils in the world. This facial oil is best used to remove stubborn makeup with ease, then wipe off with a warm cloth. A little goes a long way with all coconut oil products and it has a long shelf life. It will not irritate eyes or skin because just like all Skinny & Co. products, it is not made with any chemicals or preservatives. A great bonus tip is to add this to the tops of the cheekbones or decollete as a light highlight once makeup is applied."

But the real test came some 10 days later when Liv asked if she could use some of my "coconut stuff" as she had used the last of her makeup wipes.  Unfortunately, this was the last I saw of my prized little jar.  However the girls too, are sold, and Olivia's friend returned home to order a jar to spread the Coconut Facial Oil love in college at UC Davis.

The girls say their faces are clearer since they've begun using the Facial Oil and that it works "way" better than other removal products.  In addition, while it is an actual oil, it doesn't make their faces oily - only soft and clean.  Note a little goes a long way!

Researching Skinny & Company, made me even more of a fan.  Products with real ingredients made by real people with real stories, Co-Founders Matt and Luke Geddie create raw alkaline coconut oil products that are changing the face of the food and cosmetics industries.  

Skinny and Company also sent me a jar of the Oil Pulling Coconut Oil and now our whole family uses it.  Hard to get onto the pulling bandwagon, it was Skinny's oil enhanced with real peppermint that changed their minds. (The pulling oil leaves your mouth minty fresh while improving overall oral health).  I've been pulling for almost a year and my last dental visit the hygienist mentioned my teeth were cleaner and healthier than ever.  She asked if I had been flossing more (Um.... no).  But I told her about the oil pulling and she said that's most likely what did the trick.  Again...  I'm sold.

So thanks for introducing yourself Skinny & Company.  I'm loving the raw alkaline coconut oil benefits for my whole family including the dog, and the UPS guy is getting used to making regular Skinny & Company deliveries to my house.  Here's to a long and healthy relationship!

Liv Life Note:  Skinny and Company sent me a few sample jars of coconut oil products.  I've since repurchased the facial oil, pulling oil and ordered a jar of the pure coconut oil for cooking (recipes coming).  I was not under obligation to post about the products, however when you find something you love so much you simply want to share!  

Blueberry Lime Detox Cooler

Three weeks of vacation - pure, wonderful, indulgent vacation - has left me in somewhat of a food coma and ready for fresh, revitalizing foods.  Which brings me directly to today's Blueberry Lime Cooler recipe.  

Light and refreshing, I've prepared this minty drink for the last three days and have found it an ideal "get me going" drink on sluggish jet lagged mornings.

Filled with antioxidant-rich blueberries, protein and vitamin rich spinach, digestion enhancing mint and a bright squeeze of lime, this cooler is easing by post vacation blues and helping me transition to the slightly chillier end of summer mornings.

Blueberry Lime Detox Cooler
A get you back on track nutritious drink that sets your morning off in the perfect direction.  Light and refreshing, it's a great way to start the day!

1 cup coconut water
1/2 cup ice
1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries
1 handful organic spinach
1 Tbs oatmeal
1 Tbs goji berries
2-5 leaves organic mint
juice of 1 lime (more if desired)

Place all items into your blender and blend until smooth.  The mint leaves usually bring quite a bit of flavor, so adjust to your taste by using more or less - we use between 3-5 leaves, I love a nice minty drink! 

Add more water if smoothie it too thick.

 

5 Reasons to grind your own stone ground flour with a Mockmill Stone Mill (plus a bonus Whole Wheat Pita Recipe)

Being a food blogger sometimes comes with benefits.  Take for instance the mail day that brought a Mockmill Stone Mill to my kitchen!

Within minutes of opening the box we had freshly ground, aromatic whole wheat flour begging to be used.  And use it we did as we set to whipping up some of the tastiest Homemade Whole Wheat Pitas we've ever had (see below for recipe).

Grind your own flour, you ask?  Absolutely.  And it's far easier than you think with Mockmill's new Kitchenaid Attachment (see special promotion below!).

But first, why grind your own flours?  Here are my top 5 reasons to grind whole wheat flour yourself:

1.  Freshness - Ever wonder how long that bag of whole wheat flour has been sitting on the store shelf?    Ya, me too.  And the fact is, we'll never really know.  Most of the time my store bought whole wheat flour is fine... no issues.  But on occasion I get one that smells slightly "off" when I open the bag.  Yes, flour can go bad, and whole wheat flour can lose quality and freshness faster than others due to its higher oil content.  Hence, grinding your own insures pure, fresh, nutritious flour.

2.  Nutrition - As with quality and freshness, the nutrition content of whole wheat flour can degrade rapidly, with freshly ground you know you're getting the most nutrition possible.

3.  Flavor - I've never really thought of flour having much flavor, but freshly ground whole wheat flour does!  Nuttier and aromatic, the freshly ground whole wheat flours have a tempting scent that carried through in flavor to our baked goods.

4.  Control - Ever wish your flour was a little coarser grain for a certain recipe?  If you grind your own you can choose the fineness (or coarseness) of your grind.

5.  Choice - When purchasing store bought wheat flour you get whatever wheat berries that company uses.  However grinding your own allowed you to choose from all sorts of berries.  From soft wheat berries to winter hard wheat berries, the choice is yours.  Searching the internet you can find ancient berries and/or organic berries, much harder to find in local stores already ground.  And as an added bonus, I have gluten intolerant friends who swear certain berries allow them to bake with flour again.

Now that we have the reasons to grind our own flour, here's how to do it with my new favorite kitchen gadget... the Mockmill Grinder.

Created and made in Germany by Mr. Wolfgang Mock, the the stone grinding Mockmill attachment fits easily onto your Kitchenaid Mixer and takes mere minutes before you are up and running.  Actually, perhaps even just one minute if you are quick.  And speaking of quick... clean up is just as fast!

Their website describes it best:

~ Mockmill was created to open up the opportunity for virtually everyone to enjoy the benefits of freshly milled grains, spices and dried legumes.  Our innovative stand mixer attachment simply fits and works easily, giving you professional quality results, so that once you own one, it will soon become one of your favorite accessories. ~

Note:  Do make sure your Mockmill attachment is securely set into the attachment slot (It fits right in!) - clear and easy directions come in the box.  I may or may not have found out the hard way that the grinder will spin sideways spilling the entire contents of wheat berries all over your freshly cleaned floor if you are careless and don't follow the directions... :)

When you are ready to grind, attach the grinder to you KitchenAid Mixer and then simply pour your wheat berries into the top of the mill. Adjust the grind fineness of your choice, and then turn it on - that's all there is to it.

The freshly ground and beautifully aromatic flour falls directly into the bowl of your mixer and grinds surprisingly faster than I thought it would.

But the Mockmill Grinder isn't just for wheat.  We ground rice, oats and even chickpeas (chickpea flour works beautifully for thickening soups and stews - and I add it to my dog's food for added plant-based protein - And it's expensive to buy.  Not so when you grind your own!) 

But back to the organic hard red wheat which we chose first... what to do with all that precious freshly ground flour??  For our first experiment we turned it into Homemade Whole Wheat Pitas.  But then the test... would it actually taste different than the store bought we were used to?

In a word - Yes!

Pita is most popular at our house, however of late it hasn't drawn any special complimentary comments other than "Mom... when are you making more pita?".

These freshly ground flour flatbreads though, had 3 out of four people commenting "Wow... these pitas are awesome! Did you do something different??"  (Sorry Mr. Mock, I initially took all the credit as simply my really good baking ;)

To date we've put our Mockmill to the test and have ground organic soft wheat berries, organic hard winter wheat berries, dried chickpeas, oatmeal, flax, and brown rice.  All ground more consistent and much easier with the stone grinder than my past processing in the blender (with the exception of the oatmeal - I did find oatmeal to grind easier and faster in my high powered kitchen blender - but my next experiment will be oat groats which seem to be more fit for the stone grinder!

Note:  I found organic berries on Amazon.

So, have I convinced you??  Do you want a grinder too?  As a part of this Mockmill promotion, Mr. Mock is offering Liv Life readers a special deal good through August 31st (Check out my friend Mimi's review too!).

Included in the special summertime promotion for $179 (Value is $259) good through August 31st is the following:

• 1 Mockmill Grinder
• 2 lb bag of rye
• 2 lb bag of oat groats
• 2 lb bag of red fife
• 2 lb bag of spelt
• a specially reprinted book "Flour Power" reprinted only for this promotion!

** Check out the summertime promotion and receive an $80 discount when you enter the code  livlife  at checkout and you'll be on your way to freshly ground flour just like me.  Let me know what you think when you receive it and I'm curious what you will make first!

And lastly, my thanks to Mr. Mock for giving me the opportunity to review the Mockmill Grinder.  Liv Life received a Mockmill Grinder for review purposes and this review is all my own words and opinions.  I do love the product and I'm eager to share it with you all.  The grinder has become one of the most reached for items in my kitchen - who knew freshly ground flours smelled so good?  Thanks Mr. Mock for including me, I feel your passion!

"For over 30 years and with many patents for flour mills,
I’ve worked to create the perfect flour mill for everyone.
And now with Mockmill, we’re one step closer.
It’s the most affordable, durable stone grain mill available.
And professional and home cooks alike are impressed with the results.“

~ Wolfgang Mock, millwright of passion ~

Homemade Whole Wheat Pita
Nutty and healthy, these pitas bring the nutrition of whole grains.  Split open and fill with your favorite sandwich ingredient for lunch on the go!
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1 cup warm water
1 tsp yeast
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tbs flax meal
1 tsp salt (may use 1 1/2 if you are a salt lover)
2 - 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Place water into the bowl of your stand mixer and add the yeast.  Stir and and wait a minute or so, then add the 1/2 up of all-purpose flour.  Begin mixing with the regular beater on low.  Add the flax meal and salt, then add about 1/2 cup of the whole wheat flour.

Switch to the dough hook, and add another 1/2 cup of the whole wheat flour.  At this point I begin adding the flour in 2 Tbs increments, waiting a for flour to be incorporated before adding more flour.

Note the amount of flour needed will vary based on humidity and measuring - you want the dough to come together, but be careful not to add too much flour.  The fresh whole wheat flour will continue to absorb water as it rests.  You want your dough to come together, but it should still be sticky.

As the dough begins to clean the side of the bowl, stop adding flour and allow the dough to knead for about 5 minutes or so. The dough should be sticky and may not create a full dough ball like with other breads.

Remove the dough and place into an oiled bowl, turning once to coat with oil.  Cover with a dish cloth and allow to rise for 45 minutes to an hour.

Preheat oven to 425º while dough is rising, placing a stone or baking sheet in the oven to preheat as well.

Remove dough from bowl and place onto a floured rolling surface.  Cut dough in half, replacing one half into the bowl.  Cover with a clean kitchen towel.

With the remaining half, roll with your hands into a fat "log" then cut into 5 pieces.

Roll each piece to about a 1/4-inch thickness.

Place the rounds onto the hot pan or stone in the oven and bake for 5 minutes, or until pita is puffed and lightly browned.

Remove baked rounds to a wire rack to cool.  Note, the pitas will deflate when removed from the oven.

Liv Life Note:  We make this recipe so often I no longer measure the ingredients... to make a slightly larger batch, place about 1 1/4 water in the bowl, add yeast, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and the salt and mix.  Simply add enough flour (either whole wheat or all-purpose) until the dough ball just begins to clean the sides of the bowl.  Follow the rest of the directions as above.

Liv Life Note 2:  Occasionally my pita doesn't puff... after much research, I still haven't come to a good reason why, but whether it puffs or not, it's still wonderful! 

Berry Coconut Strawberry Blueberry Salad - Recipe

Coconut... it's everywhere these days, isn't it?  We've all seen the coco-water craze, and personally I'm obsessed with the oil and manna (manna dollop on oatmeal anyone?).  But Coconut Balsamic?  Ohhh, yes indeed.

Last weekend I attended a local food festival, North Eats, in Carlsbad, CA.  Showcasing some 25+ local North County San Diego restaurants (Blue Ribbon, Local Tap House, Prep Kitchen and Solterra being a few of my favories).  The sponsor, Baker and Olive, challenged the chefs to feature Baker and Olive oils and vinegars in their recipes, and oh my goodness did they succeed.

I'm still craving Prep Kitchen's savory Potato Agnolotti, and that Honeydew Melon Gazpacho from Solterra will be a must have whenever I visit.  But it was Master's Kitchen's Coconut Lime Shrimp Sapicon (think shrimp, mango, coconut and lime on small toasts) that took me to Baker and Olive for a bottle of Coconut Balsamic to call my own (Note I came home with olive oil from Spain, a Tuscan oil and a Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic in addition).

Yes... Coconut Balsamic, a white balsamic infused with the scents and flavors of any tropical island you can think of.  Slightly tart with the balsamic notes, the coconut makes a rich, flavorful vinegar that I can only imagine paired with a Lime infused Oil (it's on my to try list).

But how perfect does it pair with my strawberry salad?  Simply perfectly perfect in my opinion.  

Just in time for your 4th of July celebrations tomorrow, this simple salad receives an extra coconut kick from the coconut balsamic, but a drizzle of any white balsamic will do.  Toss in finely sliced mint ribbons and top with crunchy coconut chips and your potluck dish is ready in no time.  And... it will be gone in time too.

Here's wishing you a fun-filled and safe, 4th of July, 2016 my friends.  Eat well :)

Coconut Lemon Scones with Lavender Option

Ahhh scones... the epitome of afternoon tea.  I carry vivid memories of my very first tender biscuit (some 30 years ago!) served with traditional clotted cream and a side of homemade apricot jam whilst visiting the South of England - Devon to be exact.  And while I'm not sure I've ever tasted another scone that actually lives up to this memory, I haven't stopped trying.

On occasion we used to bake scones with traditional butter and cream, but when my son (dairy-free) requested a lemon version we used a coconut milk substitute and we haven't looked back at heavy cream since.

Light and tender, these scones bake to a lovely bite on the outside with a tender, almost creamy inside - when a light hand is used in kneading.

The coconut milk lends a richness and boosts the flavors all around, and the lemon icing brings a bright finish to the whole thing.

Another scone stuck in my memory found its way to me far, far away from the green hillsides of England, but rather in a Farmer's Market on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.  The flavor of the day listed lavender and I almost walked right on by.  But curiosity got the best of me and I purchased one for brunch.  Hesitant, as lavender has always been a candle scent in my world, my husband and I shared the scone and quickly wished we had purchased two.

Today, a new lavender plant in my back yard, brought temptation to recreate the Hawaiian Lavender version along with our sunny lemon.  And fresh lavender turned this scone into another great success.  While it's not seeming to be a hit with everyone who tries, those who do enjoy the flavors of lavender will enjoy the lavender/lemon combo of this dairy-free recipe.

So whether you prefer a brilliantly bright lemon scone on its own, or lemon with a hint of lavender, you can start making new scone memories right here and right now.

Wishing you love and laughter my friends, enjoy!

Banana Oatmeal Waffles - Vegan (But you'd never know it!)

Liv:  "Mom... can I have friends sleep over this weekend?"

Me:  "Sure.  Any special requests for breakfast?"

Liv:  "Ya.  They want the same waffles as last time, they loved them.  But they also said they're glad you don't make them eat vegan stuff.  Haha!  I didn't have the heart to tell them the waffles they want are the 'vegan stuff!'"

Many times vegan, or plant based, foods get a bad rap - sometimes deservedly so.  But I always chuckle a bit inside when I make that "weird vegan food" and people don't even know it's missing eggs and dairy.  I love having people gush over dishes and ask for recipes only to be surprised they are eating plant based and they love it.

And these waffles are no different.  Found on our breakfast table more often than not, these oatmeal beauties pair beautifully with a simple drizzle of maple syrup.  Want to dress them up a bit?  Sprinkle with raspberries and a dusting of powdered sugar like we did for the photos.  Or how about a lovely drizzle of Blueberry Maple Syrup?  That will surely do the trick.

This recipe makes 6-7 waffles in my waffle iron (yield may differ based on your waffle iron size, etc - we use a Cuisinart), which gives us breakfast and usually 1-2 left over.  For those we either freeze for super busy mornings, or, better yet turn them into one of my all time favorite things - Waffle PBJs!

~ Waffle PBJ:  Spread 1/2 of the waffle with peanut butter and jam (I like Blueberry Chia), fold in half and toss into a zippy sandwich bag for lunch that will make friends envious ~

But don't wait for weekend to make these beauties!  For busy school nights I set out the dry ingredients the night before, and in the morning mix together the almond milk, banana, and vanilla then add the dry, mix and we're cooking in no time.  Note - they may also be the perfect comfort dinner...

Enjoy the day my friends... balance and love always :)

Vitality Bowls Superfood Cafe, Carlsbad CA - New Restaurant Review

Acai, Pitaya... Bowls are all the rage right now with most cities offering numerous choices to fulfill your every desire.  But, the question remains - Are all bowls created equally?  When it comes down to ingredients, no.  They are not.

With brilliant blends and artistic toppings, many bowls appear healthy and appealing, but instead are filled with sorbets, syrups, and artificial sweeteners.  These "healthy" bowls can equate to a dessert in disguise.

Not so at the new Vitality Bowls Superfood Cafe located in the Plaza Paseo Real Center just off of El Camino in Carlsbad, CA (right next to Cineopolis - La Costa).  Owners Divya and Vikas Gupta bring pure, additive-free, superfood (organic when possible) to the table along with a balanced and nourishing vibe.

Quoted from the Carlsbad Patch - "All items on the menu are made to order for each customer and are prepared in a kitchen to avoid cross contamination so customers with food allergies can feel safe about eating at Vitality Bowls. No ingredient fillers such as ice, frozen yogurt, added sugar or artificial preservatives are used, giving the purest taste possible to each menu item."

Hence when Liv and her girlfriend offered to meet me at the new "superfood place" I hopped in the car and beat them to the menu. A chance conversation with Divya made me feel as though I had a new friend, one who is also passionate about not only nutrition, but tasty nutrition.

Take the Dragon Bowl for instance... Blended Pitaya, Mango Juice, Coconut Milk, Bananas, Pineapple, Raspberries and an Immunity Boost is topped with Strawberries, Kiwi, Almonds, Goji Berries, Bee Pollen and Honey.  What's not to love?  Liv's friend Hannah ordered this dish and all three of us gushed over the flavors with the girls proclaiming it one of the best Pitaya Bowls they'd ever had.

Liv chose the Tropical Bowl (topped with crunchy granola, bananas, strawberries, coconut shavings and honey) which drew equal proclamations of love, and I found myself craving my choice of the Rehydrator Juice for days following.

Filling out the menu the cafe also offers Panini (might I recommend the Veggie - Mozzarella, Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Dijon and Pesto?), Kombucha on tap, and creative Salads.

Located next to Carlsbad's Cineopolis Movie Theater (La Costa), I'm so happy to have a healthy, real food alternative to Pizza and Subs before we head in to see the latest flick.

Real food made by real people, Vitality Bowls has found a few new fans in us.  Thanks Divya for giving me a new happy place in Carlsbad!

Liv Life Note:  Vitality Bowls offered to sponsor us for lunch, however we enjoyed our visit so much we paid for our meal so this post could be unsponsored. Purely my own thoughts and opinions.  We've returned a number of times since our first visit and simply want to share our love!