When you get the chance to dance....dance.

 

Time for some more pics and since she was so adorable when we first got her, I think I'll post ones of our pup: 

Looked out the kitchen window today and saw this:

A CRANE in our backyard!

So I found this recipe on Pinterest and wanted to try them. It said they were healthy so that was motivating in and of itself. They weren't bad. I didn't use as many raisins as the recipe called for, I had to make my own "almond meal" since I couldn't find it at my locat store. They are a bit crumbly and very nutty, which I liked also. NO sugar, butter, eggs or anything that can be considered unhealthy. You can freeze them individually and you have a easy breakfast on the go, that contains your protein and carbs to set you up for the day. Also, I wasn't sure about the whole "cookie cutter" part so I just dropped them on the cookie sheet and threw them in the oven. Here's the recipe:

Loading...

No Sugar Oat Drops

1 1/2 cups regular rolled oats
1 cup coconut flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 cup of almond meal
1/2 cup mixed nuts, finely chopped
1 cup dried fruit (I used 1/2 chopped dried dates, and 1/2 raisins)

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 175C. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, almond meal, mixed nuts and coconut flakes. Stir in allspice and cinnamon. Add dried fruit and stir until well and evenly mixed. Make sure the dried fruit do not stick together in big batches.

In another bowl, combine canola oil, mashed banana and vanilla extract. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until well combined.

Take a large cookie cutter and press spoonfuls of the batter into it. Remove cookie cutter. Bake for about 20 minutes or until edges are golden brown.

I found this recipe for a strawberry smoothie that looks pretty good, might have to try it. I really appreciated that the nutrutional information was included:

 

Strawberry Smoothie

Ingredients

½ cup 2% Vanilla Bean Greek-Style Yogurt

½ cup sliced fresh strawberries

¼ cup low fat (1%) milk

2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, not thawed

2 teaspoons brown sugar, optional

Preparation

Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.

Yield

Serves 1

Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 mins.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition information is provided as a resource. Values will vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Serving Size: 1
Number of Servings: Serves 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 226
Calories from Fat: 27

---

Amount per Serving

% Daily Value*

Amount per Serving

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 3g

4%

Carbohydrates 39g

13%

Dietary Fiber 1.5g

6%

Saturated Fat 1.5g

7%

Calories 226kcal

11%

Protein 11.5g

19%

Sodium 62mg

2%

Calcium

5%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

So I felt a bit creative today and while I realize this project isn't the most original, it was certainly easy. I took an old frame and removed the glass and backing. Then I "borrowed" some chicken wire from my hubby and cut it to size. I then secured it to the back of the frame with the tabs that usually hold the back on. Trim the chicken wire and hang it up on the wall to display my earrings on.

And wa la. I wonder how well the chicken wire would take paint....I'm thinking of painting the wall this winter and I wonder if that might help the chicken wire blend in.... might try that.

A few more favorites.

Photography

 

Yummy Banana Nut Muffins

These are egg free and dairy free muffins that are so good. I'll have to add a picture next time I make them, they don't stay in the house very long. I find this recipe makes 12 nice sized muffins.

3 ripe bananas
1/2 cup oil (I use EVOO) or melted oleo
1 cup sugar (ok I didn't say "calorie" free)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup chopped walnuts/raisins (I like pecans)
1 tsp. salt
2 cups flour

Mash bananas (over ripe make the best bread). Add oil and sugar. Mix well. Sift (not going to lie, I do not "sift", I just add) flour, salt and soda together and add to banana mixture. Mix until flour is blended (do not beat). Pour/Spoon into muffin pan or bread tin and bake at 360 degrees untila toothpick comes out clean.

Optional: add a handful of oatmeal/raisins/chocolate chips/currants/coconut or all of them!

Some words to live by...