Panama Hats…I’m obsessed.

This may be a summer trend, but I’m still diggin them. I have a confession. I love hats. Every kind. I wish I could load my wardrobe with them. If you’re having a bad hair day, it really does help. …

WARNING: This recipe is deadly. You may eat it all yourself…that is, if you enjoy PuMpKiN.

Seriously. Halloween is in 2 weeks. I do not understand where the time is going. And oh yeah! We had a baby…almost 6 months ago! I wish time would just slow the heck down…but it’s great. Love seeing the change …

Fedoras

Seriously. You can wear them almost any time of the year but there is something about fedoras I just love. I could buy them all- and I love that you can dress them up or down. If you need to get out of the house asap and you didn’t get yourself ready and throw it on, I swear, you’d still be looking great! Here are some fun inspirations I saw and love…and how hair ideas too!

 

Mozzarella Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast (with Panko Parmesan Crust)

I’m so glad it’s warm here…I have been waiting for this weather. For me, I’ll take 70/80° weather anytime, even if it involves rain! With summer time approaching finally in our neck of the woods or even changes of seasons …

Ultimate Nutty Granola Clusters

I love eating granola. I could seriously go through a whole bag or container of it in one day. My favorite are the cluster kinds- it’s delicious. On top of that, I am a fan of homemade food so this was my fav.

Recently we just added a sweet new baby to the mix of our family. One of my good friends probably didn’t know this ( I call her my sista from another mista) came over and brought me a delicious jar full of this mix. I needed this recipe stat. Not only did I enjoy it, but my three year old AND my husband enjoyed it. That means, that jar was gone within a day or two…I was so bummed. Thankfully, she let me have this recipe. It is gluten-free, refined sugar free, soy free and has a grain-free option. I was excited because for me, I like to watch my sugar intake and love when there are substitutes that make it just as scrumptious. You can probably add whatever the heck you want, but this is a good start. I may have to add other things into the mix possibly.

(that picture makes me want to make another batch)

So, I wanted to share this recipe with you all too. Many people I feel are on gluten diets and sometimes it’s hard to find some real good ones. I do have a sister who does need to be on the gluten free diet for a reason and whenever there is something good, I like to share and help others out. It’s really not that difficult to make which makes it even better!!

Ultimate Nutty Granola Clusters

Makes 6 cups (eighteen 1/3 cup/75-mL servings)

Prep time: 15 minutes .   Cook Time: 38-45 minutes 

Ingredients

1 c. whole raw almonds

1/2 c. raw walnut halves or pieces

3/4 c. gluten-free rolled oats

1/2 c. raw buckwheat groats or gluten-free rolled oats

2/3 c. mixed dried fruit (such as cranberries, apricots, cherries, etc).

1/2 c. raw pepita seeds ( I used chia seeds)

1/4 c. raw sunflower seeds

1/3 c. shredded unsweetened coconut

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. fine-grain sea salt

1/4 c. + 2 TBL pure maple syrup or other liquid sweetener ( I use raw honey)

1/4 c. coconut oil, melted

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

 

1. Preheat the oven to 275° F (140° C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place 1/2 cup of the almonds into a food processor and process for about 10 seconds, until a fine meal forms (similar to texture to sand). Transfer the almond meal to a large bowl.

3. In the food processor, combine the remaining 1/2 cup almonds and all the walnuts and process for about 5 seconds, until finely chopped. You’ll be left with some larger pieces and some powdery meal, which is what you want. Add the mixture to the bowl with the almond meal.

4. Add the oats, buckwheat groats, dried fruit, pepita seeds (or chia), sunflower seeds, coconut, cinnamon, and salt to the large mixing bowl and stir to combine.

5. Add the maple syrup, melted oil, and vanilla to the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until throughly combined.

6. With a spatula, spread the granola into a 1/2 inch layer on the prepared baking sheet and gently press down to compact it slightly. Bake for 20 minutes, then rotate he pan and bake for 18-20 minutes more, or until the granola is lightly golden on the bottom and firm to the touch.

7. Cool the granola on the pan for at least 1 hour before breaking it apart into clusters.

8. Serve the granola in a glass jar in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks or freeze it for 4 to 5 weeks.

Tip: If you’d like to make a completely grain-free granola, simply replace the buckwheat groats and rolled oats with an additional 1 cup finely chopped nuts. 

Hair Braiding Styles

First and foremost…this is NOT something I did whatsoever and want to make sure you all are aware of it. I promise I will get some of my own how to’s up…because embarrassingly, I only have one so far….yikes!

I am so glad I came across this on the interwebs. I have so many people in my chair who want to do something with their beautiful long locks and are bored just having it hang so I love giving my recommendations of other techniques to have fun and try something new! I have honestly tried myself these all and it’s fun for especially summer to get your hair off your back. You don’t need super long hair to do these styles either ( it makes it just a little bit easier though). Anyways, love this website, Refinery29. (Once you click that, it will take you directly to their tutorials). Hope these ideas help!!

 

Moms Homemade Mint Brownies

I was hoping to get this post up before St. Patricks Day but these days, getting certain things done on time isn’t always going to happen (I have been realizing more and more lately). So if you still want to celebrate or if you want a yummy new brownie recipe, I’ve got it.

These brownies are quite scrumptious. My beautiful mama would make these occasionally for the family and it’s one of those special desserts as a child and now, as an adult, I have never forgotten. I love peppermint/ mint desserts or anything with mint ( I should say) so I love these ones! So will you too if you enjoy a nice fresh mint flavor.

Here is the recipe, and enjoy!!

Moms Mint Brownies

1st layer

1 c. granulated sugar

4 eggs

1/2 c. melted butter

1 can hershey’s syrup (16 oz.)

1 c. flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

Using beaters, combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Beat until well blended. Bake 20 minutes in greased baking sheet at 350. Cool 10 minutes and then refrigerate 20 minutes.

2nd layer (Mint filling)

1/2 c. margarine

2 c. powdered sugar

2 TBL. water

1 tsp. peppermint or mint extract

4-5 drops of green food coloring…or a little dap of Wilsons

Using beaters, mix together well. Spread over 1st layer and refrigerate 20 minutes.

3rd layer (chocolate top)

1/2 c. butter

1 c. chocolate chips

Melt on stove top and cool for about 15 minutes after everything is smooth. Spread over 2nd layer and refrigerate for 5 minutes. Cut into little squares. (Should cut nicely). No need to over cool and no need to refrigerate after.

My little guy loves to help and wanted to include these gems of his in the pic. Legos and the hulk. They were also our helpers in the making.

And nothing like some chocolate syrup involved too…I may need to change this recipe to dark chocolate though next time. That is one of our favs in this family. So for sure, you can definitely substitute milk chocolate to dark chocolate!

1st layer…the brownies.

2nd layer…mint filling.

3rd layer…chocolate frosting

…and you’re delicious finished product!