Dessert, Featured, Food

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

September 1, 2018
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Decadently chewy and full of rich, autumnal flavors; these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are destined to dazzle!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/2 cup Earth Balance vegan butter
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1 egg (or egg replacer for vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups gluten free, all-purpose flour gluten free, all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
  2. In a large bowl or kitchen mixer, combine one cup of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling), coconut sugar, maple syrup, Earth Balance, egg, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
  3. Add in the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, salt and flour. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
  4. Fold in chocolate chips. (If you’re using an electric mixer, disregard at this point and fold in chocolate chips using a rubber spatula.)
  5. Line baking 8″x 12″ with parchment paper and spread batter evenly into pan.
  6. Bake at 350° F for 25-30 minutes or until cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Green Living, Living Well, Seattle, Sustainability, Uncategorized, Zero Waste

New Day NW with The Healthful Model

August 22, 2018
New Day NW with The Healthful Model

New Day NW with The Healthful Model 

It was a great pleasure to speak on the topic of sustainability and plastic waste this morning on New Day NW. You can find more information on this subject in my blog posts: Everyday Zero Waste Essentials and Simple Tips to Reduce Plastic Pollution.

Products mentioned in today’s segment:

Travel cutlery: To-Go Ware

Plastic wrap alternative: Bee’s Wrap

Produce bags: Earthwise

Cold beverage tumbler: D’Eco

Reusable storage bags: Full Circle

Stainless steel straw: Hiware

Reusable totes: Simply Green Solution

Storage containers: U Konserve

Green Living, Sustainability, Zero Waste

Everyday Zero-Waste Essentials

July 18, 2018
Everyday Zero-Waste Essentials

I recently wrote a blog post titled, “Simple Tips To Reduce Plastic Pollution,” where I shared some of the staggering data surrounding plastic consumption and waste. While it’s important to assess the facts, it’s even more important to take those facts into account and take action.

As the Zero-Waste Movement continues to grow in popularity, it’s important to remember that even the smallest, micro changes can make a tremendous impact. Any sustainable action you can implement into your routine is effectual.

So today, I’m spilling the contents of my bag to show you my everyday zero waste essentials.

BEVERAGE CONTAINERS

Packing your own beverage containers is likely the easiest first step when wanting to reduce your plastic consumption.

I keep my:

TO-GO BOX

A small to medium sized food storage container is handy for packing your lunch, gabbing to-go meals (skip the takeout container), or bringing leftovers home from a restaurant.

CUTLERY

Saying ‘NO’ to disposal silverware is easy with brands like To-Go Ware that make convenient bamboo travel utensils that come in an easy to carry pouch.

PRODUCE BAGS

One of my favorite finds this past year has to be reusable produce bags. They’re lightweight, machine-washable and eliminate the need for the plastic baggies provided by most grocers.

SHOPPING TOTE

While redundant, it’s still worth mentioning reusable shopping bags. Not only are they great for reducing plastic consumption at the grocery store, but also beneficial in any situation where you’re offered a bag.

These are just a few small tips and beneficial products that I’ve discovered over the years. If you have any questions or further recommendations, please comment below!

Everyday Zero-Waste Essentials

Living Well

10 Simple Ways To Feel Good This Weekend

June 22, 2018
10 SIMPLE WAYS TO FEEL GOOD THIS WEEKEND

Debaucherous weekends are a blast, but often leave you feeling a little lackluster both physically and mentally come Monday. Let’s switch it up this weekend with these ‘10 Simple Ways To Feel Good This Weekend.’

PLAN.

Take a moment to plan for the upcoming week by reviewing your obligatory commitments and needs. From there, you can streamline your calendar for optimal productivity.

This could include:

  • Creating a meal plan and grocery list that coincides.
  • Writing a master to-do list, separating school, work and personal matters.
  • Mapping out your wardrobe for the week. Don’t forget to drop off any dry cleaning and keeping your gym essentials in mind too.
  • Making space in your schedule for things like self-care and exercise.

WORKOUT.

Who wouldn’t want a healthy release of endorphins, improved sleep quality and some hot abs + a juicy booty? Both the mental and physical benefits of exercise make this tip self-explanatory and a no-brainer.

CONNECT.

The weekend is a great time to connect with your passions outside of work or school. This is the optimal time to volunteer, try that new workout class or take those art lessons you’ve always wanted to. Do something with your community, with your hands that makes you feel good and that connects you with likeminded people.

DISSCONNECT.

While you’re busy connecting with your passions and community, don’t forget to disconnect from technology. We spend so much time burrowed in our digital worlds that we often forget the value of organic conversation, deep connection and the beauty of doing nothing at all.

COOK.

Most of us spend the weekdays rushing around from one thing to the next, making the idea of coming home to cook, well…dreadful. With time being more abundant on the weekend, why not cook a gorgeous meal for yourself or loved ones? Find a recipe on Pinterest, visit your local farmer’s market and get in the kitchen. NOTE: This is also an excellent opportunity to make extras for lunch the following week.

INDULGE MINDFULLY.

As a wellness writer, I’m often asked, “Do you drink/eat anything unhealthy/skip workouts?”

Answer: You bet!

I’ve never written from a place of authority or judgement. I am human and an imperfect one at that. Truthfully, I feel my best when I’m exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep and eating healthy. I genuinely enjoy it. But, I also believe that indulging moderately is just as important as getting your greens.

I hate when people toss around the word balance like it’s easy, but it’s so important to understand what that means for you. I live a pretty healthy lifestyle most of the time, so if I feel like eating french fries and enjoying a few glasses of pinot one night, I don’t think twice.

This weekend, absolutely enjoy that pasta and wine with your girlfriends or those homemade cookies you love so much. That’s balance, babe.

SNOOZE.

The data is clear. Getting enough sleep is imperative for our health and cognitive function. Yet how many of us actually take this into account? This weekend, put an extra emphasis on getting enough ZZZ’s and streamlining your sleep hygiene routine. You can find all of my sleep tips HERE.

NATURE BREAK.

Another fantastic way to disconnect is to get out in nature. Here in Seattle, we’re close to everything from the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, so great hikes and beach parks are bountiful. If I’m staying in the city, I love to ride my bike or run along the Burke-Gilman Trail. Despite your climate or geographical location, there’s something beautiful and beneficial for you to explore outside this weekend.

TIDY + BEAUTIFY

Take some time to tidy up your space. Clutter can often be distracting or anxiety-provoking without us really realizing it. I like to wash my bedding every weekend, clean my bathroom and buy fresh flowers for my kitchen. These little steps make a tremendous impact on how I feel come Monday morning. Find what makes you feel good and do it!

SEND LOVE.

Reach out to someone you love this weekend and let them know just how much they mean to you. This is something we don’t do often enough. Not only will you be making somebody else feel great, but you too will also feel good.

Comment below with your weekend routine. I would absolutely LOVE to hear from you.