no bake maple almond energy bites.

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I’ve seen just about hundreds of energy bite-esque recipes floating around the blog word and Pinterest, but I never knew which one to actually try making. So when I saw that Courtney from Sweet Tooth Sweet Life approved this recipe for No Bake Energy Bites, I knew it was the one to go with.

When I went to make them, though, I realized I didn’t have all of the exact necessary ingredients. So I made some variations from the original recipe, and the result was out of this world good.

ingredients:

  • 1 cup quick cooking oats
  • 1/2 cup ground flax seed
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup almond butter
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp pure almond extract

directions: In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients first. Then add the wet ingredients (almond butter and maple syrup) and combine well. Chill for 30 minutes, then roll into balls - I made mine the size of donut holes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to a week.

These really are the perfect snack, and even good for a healthy dessert. They also happen to be vegan and gluten free (if using gluten free oats).

I especially loved the flavor of the maple syrup combined with the hint of saltiness from the almond butter. Delicious!

What’s your favorite no-bake recipe? Have you tried any similar “energy bite” recipes?

a productive monday.

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The other day I was chatting it up with Monica about blogging and picking her brain about what she likes/dislikes about blogs these days. She and I actually met inadvertently through GML, so I always like to hear her thoughts and advice.

One of the things Monica said she misses about blogs in general is the old school “day in the life” posts. I’ve definitely gotten away from them, mostly because I think who even cares? or that I should produce more “professional” content. But what Monica said really did make sense, especially considering I get a ton of email questions about what my daily routine looks like.

So, you asked…I’ll answer! I’m going to start giving more peeks into at what my daily routine(s) look like, which can really vary day by day.

So to follow up a lovely Saturday, here’s my productive Monday.

Mondays aren’t thee most exciting days for me, as they’re typically focused on getting a lot of work done and preparing for the week ahead. As always, I spend the first 45-60 minutes of my day reading, journaling, and praying.

Sometimes I’ll have time before work to go to the gym, but today I finished up some Speakable necklaces instead.

(For the new Valentine’s Collection, launching tomorrow!)

For breakfast I had a quick (and not photo-worthy) bowl of oatmeal with fruit before starting my “official” work day.

From 9-5 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays I work remotely for my dad’s real estate appraisal company doing office administration, client/appraiser relations, and some accounting.

On those days I’m usually in sweats or workout clothes. Today that looked like…trying to convince spring to come a few months early ;)

While I’m working I usually watch my favorite talk shows and catch up on blogging/social media here and there. Around lunch time I usually take a break to run errands or go to the gym, but today I spent about 30 minutes photographing the new Speakable collection.

Fineeee, I’ll give you a sneak peek!

(Be sure to check the Speakable website and Instagram tomorrow for the full collection!)

For lunch I made a salad of things I had leftover in the fridge, and it turned out to be delicious!

In a bowl combine 1 cup chickpeas, 1 cup chopped kale, 1 large ripe avocado (mashed), and salt & pepper to taste. The result is so tasty and really filling. Definitely a new favorite (and simple) meal of mine.

Throughout the day I also snack on roasted almonds, on a fancy paper towel.

I ended up finishing work 10 minutes early today so I could run to a jewelry supply store before it closed. That’s right – I’ve swapped shopping for clothes with shopping for…anti-tarnish lacquer.

When I got home I spent a few hours editing the new Speakable photos, and writing this post. I also made a dentist appointment, scheduled movers, and cleaned out my five email inboxes.

Finally, it was time to relax. I treated myself to Blossom Du Jour for dinner, then I kept things as girlie as possible by painting my nails and watching The Bachelor.

(I went with the 2nd and 4th ones – Nude topped with Gold Star)

At least this pic isn’t awkward at all…

And for a very #LEAN14 dessert, I took a lazy girl’s approach to PB Banana Bites. The coconut butter hiding under there is what takes this from a snack to a (quite rich) dessert.

So there you have it! My typical productive Monday.

What does your usual Monday routine look like? Anyone else have spring fever already?

girl meets: 1.17.14.

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fashion.

It’s not too soon to bring out the summer clothes…right?

I kid. Sort of. When I get bored of my winter clothes, I like bringing out summer rompers/shorts and “winterizing” them with tights, boots, and a long sweater.

romper: H&M. sweater: Macy’s. boots: Etienne Aigner. watch: Nixon.

And of course, I wouldn’t leave the house without rockin’ Speakable :) I layered DREAMER with some of my other favorite necklaces.

fun.

Last night I met up with my good friend Rachel for dinner to chat and prepare for our NEW APARTMENT. That’s right, say hello to my new roommate, whom I’m sure you’ll be seeing a lot more of!

(Rachel also has a new blog, check out A Life Feast)

I haven’t gone into much detail yet about the move because I wanted to wait until it was a sure thing, and…well, it’s a sure thing now! I’ve been living in midtown for about two years and dying to move downtown, and I finally am. Not only that, but it’s pretty much our dream neighborhood. January 29th can’t come soon enough!

food.

Rachel and I met up for dinner at one of my favorites, Westville. I always get a combo of the four market sides there, and this time was no different.

I went with sautéed kale + shallots, roasted butternut squash, fried plantains, and roasted honey dijon brussels sprouts.

Rachel got the market sides too, so we had quite the veggie feast going on.

faith.

As someone who is quick to go to my confidants before God (hi mom and Jessi :)), this was convicting and comforting at the same time. It’s pretty incredible that I can go directly to the God of the universe in time of need…

(devotional excerpt from Cheque Book of the Bank of Faith)

**********

Are you a fan of “winterizing” spring/summer clothes?
Any fun plans for the weekend ahead?