5 Things You Need To Make This Christmas

with christmas right around the corner, many of us are scrambling to find new recipes to impress the ever looming relatives. we all know tradition can be drab, so go ahead, be brave and throw aunt ethel's special green stuff recipe to the wind. i have found these are some perfectly acceptable replacements. 

can't get enough? my new favorite place to find sophisticated and innovative recipes is right here. thanks for saving my xmas day menu food52.

top to bottom
chocolate caramel shortbread bars
caramelized onion, squash and ricotta tartines
daube provencale
timpano 
gingerbread eggnog pumpkin pie

5 (healthy) Things I Need to Make. Now.

1. avocado and egg breakfast pizza
2. summer veggie rolls
3. salmon with sriracha & lime
4. spaghetti with lemon, garlic and kale 
5. vegan oatmeal cookies

3 Foods You Should Grab Instead of a Pastry

"train your mind to see the good in everything." 

in order to prevent that post cinnamon swirl regret, try keeping these 5 health-ified sweets on hand as an alternative. trust me, your waistline and conscience will thank you. 

* * * * * * * * * *

we all know how delicious a blueberry muffin or piece of coffee cake can be with your morning coffee, especially when you are late and rushing out the door in the morning... sans bfast.

1. strawberry nutri-grain bar: only 120 calories and containing 11 grams of sugar, this sweet treat hits all the right notes without sending you into a sugar coma
2. fruit smoothie: try whipping up a sweet, creamy blend of frozen berries and soy milk to curb your morning sweet tooth. you will get all that sugary goodness without the carbs and the added bonus of antioxidants
3. peanut butter & honey pita: you cannot get much better than smearing pb and honey on a piece of whole wheat pita bread. it is a sweet and satisfying treat full of protein to keep you energized and focus until lunchtime. the only real hesitation involved is creamy or crunchy? 

E. A. T.: African Style Stewed Kale

i always buy kale with the intention of using it to do great things, try new recipes and jumpstart my healthy diet. but for some reason the poor bag always ends up left in the fridge, half full and wilting. this time i was determined to get creative. and this is what resulted. 

a spiced, creamy and rich stewed kale with an incredible depth of flavor. and even better, it took me all of 15 minutes to whip up. the keys to this recipe are the spices and peanut butter in the sauce. they are both easy ways to create dimension in a dish with only a few ingredients.

served over quinoa this african style stewed kale is a punch of flavor that will keep you healthfully satisfied. 

thank you to bon apetit magazine for the delicious recipe and delectable pic ♡

Heat 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter in a large sauté pan. 

Add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté until soft. 

Stir in 1 Tbsp. ground cumin and 1 Tbsp. ground coriander, then 1 28-oz. can of crushed tomatoes and chopped stemmed leaves from 2 heads of kale. Cover and cook until kale is just tender, about 15 minutes. 

Stir in 1/2 cup peanut butter and 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves and simmer for 10 minutes; season with hot pepper sauce, if desired. Serve over couscous or quinoa.

My Current Obsession: Coffee with Honey

i have always enjoyed coffee, but in an attempt to keep things healthy i have picked up the habit of drinking it black. and some mornings that is just not the ish. 

so for days when i am craving a little something sweet, i add a bit of honey to my coffee! it is just the right amount of sweetness the all-natural way to get me moving in the morning. 

favorite cup of coffee: double shot espresso
favorite budget coffee: trader joe's french roast 
when i want to indulge: soy cinnamon dulce latte from starbucks 

My Current Obsession: Apple Cider Vinegar

with so many weight loss and health trends going around it can be hard to keep up. but one trend that has stuck is that of apple cider vinegar. this tangy, sinus clearing supplement has a long list of health benefits that have actually produced results. check it out.

5 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar You Need to Know About:

1. the slimming effect: apple cider vinegar is a natural detoxifier that regulates blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full longer reducing the urge for unnecessary snacking.
2. the balancing act: the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar balances ph levels in the body creating a better overall sense of well-being. need something to counteract that morning coffee- apple cider is your guy.
3. big hair, big ego: try rinsing your hair with some apple cider vinegar the next time you are in the shower. following your shampoo routine with this elixir will make it glossy, voluminous and healthier than ever!
4. tasteful treat: finally, apple cider vinegar tastes good! mix it into your salad dressings,put a dash in your smoothies for a tang and spice up your water with lemon and vinegar. 

my favorite way to enjoy apple cider vinegar is in my water. i add in some green tea and squeezed lemon, along with 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar. it satisfies my food cravings and tides me over until lunch. it is also my go to when i have an upset or bloated stomach. 

see what others are saying about apple cider vinegar! 

*lauren conrad & tone it up

*huffington post 

*refinery 29

5 Things I Need To Make. Now.

Pear, Nektar & Thyme Mimosa

Greek Baked Eggs

Turkey & Brie Panini

Blueberry Balsamic & Goat Cheese 

Flatbread with Arugula

Bourbon Bread Pudding

My Very Own Portal to Italia

espresso profetta: westwood's cutest cafe

                                                                                        

i found italy in my backyard. i was  overjoyed to stumble upon this quaint and rustic coffee shop walking through westwood this morning. 

a simple cafe with traditional, quality coffee drinks and a varying assortment of pastries, this coffee spot is a fantastic spot to sip on an espresso over intellectual conversation.

for sunny days, there is a picturesque patio set with potted plants and overgrown ivy and the comfortable chairs and hipster art make it the perfect place to run away to.

cafe espresso profeta, you will be seeing much more of me.

            

Keepin' it Simple with a Sweet Treat

Chocolate Covered Banana

i am not a banana person but there is something about the way the flavor and texture transforms once it is frozen, on a stick and covered with chocolate.

simply freeze the bananas until frozen but still soft. while you are waiting melt the chocolate and dip the frozen bananas in the melted chocolate. i like to roll mine in cocoa nibs or sprinkles!

its the perfect healthy treat to satisfy your sweet tooth <3

My Current Obsession: Sweet Rose

if you are ever in the classy brentwood area be sure to check out one of the tastiest and highest quality ice creameries in la. i promise you will always be surprised by their flavor choices. this place can pull it off some of the most unique flavors that provides for a truly adventurous experience.

last night their most interesting flavors were parmesiano reggiano, basil and olive oil. talk about savory choices. i tried the basil and could not have been happier with my decision. if you are looking for something a little more classic be sure to try the salted caramel, it is by far the best in so cal.

5 things i need to make. now.

baking is something i do when i am stressed to help clear my head. the exact measurements, clearly outlined series of steps and added bonus of a tasty treaty that ultimately results makes it the most convenient of distractions.

here are the top 5 things on my list right now, hopefully you will have a chance to give them a try.

  1. sweet potato and quinoa salad with soft-boiled eggs- naturally ella

  2. sweet potato cakes- sprouted kitchen

  3. roast potatoes two ways: polenta-crusted and rosemary hash browns- simple bites

  4. grilled fontina and blackberry basil smash sandwiches- how sweet it is

  5. raspberry coconut macaroons- things we make

 

Spring Showers bring May Flowers

i'm starting april off right by making some serious changes to the way i live my life. through all the craziness of school and work it is easy to forget what is really important. another reason i cannot wait to run away to europe!

MY GOALS:
  *yoga 2x a week
  *swimming 2x a week
  *stretch 2x a week
  *keep a gratitude journal
  *one homemade meal a day bursting with fresh fruits and vegetables

here is a great resource to jumpstart your goals

Click Me!

my fav breakfast, give it a try <3

Smart Snacking: Kale Chips

i know you saw kale chips and cringed...just give me chance to defend myself.

along with the rise of the health craze and growing popularity of staying fit have come some pretty interesting culinary concoctions aimed at satisfying the taste buds while keeping the waist in tact. KALE CHIPS have of those foods. at first i was skeptical, but as a starving college student looking for ways to whip up a quick snack for those long study days and not rack up the calories, i could not not give them a try. and i was pleasantly surprised. 

crunchy and salty, once baked these chips lose the strong kale taste and the leafy green takes on a much milder, chip like sophistication. high in fiber, antioxidants and vitamin c, kale is the way to go if looking for a brain boosting snack or just a different way to incorporate some veg into your diet!

event better, they are easy to whip up. 

• just place chip size pieces of kale onto a baking sheet. 
• toss in a little olive oil, salt and pepper and your all set. 
• pop them in the oven at 450 degrees for 10 minutes 
• you'll be munching on these tasty treats in no time. 

goodmorning

the healthiest of breakfasts.
have a wonderful wednesday :)

muesli and fresh fruit.