Carolina Balloon Fest

I have been anticipating attending the Carolina Balloon Fest since we moved to the Carolinas, however, it wasn't until this year that we were able to make it happen. What a fun day! 

All of the carnival food might've been tempting for a minute, but I'm so glad I brought carrots, hummus, and this juice from Evolution Fresh!

Don't miss it next year! 

Cauliflower Rice Kale Curry Soup

My friends had a Fall Soup Party, so naturally, I provided something gluten-free, dairy-free, and loaded with kale and detoxifying ingredients...sounds boring right?! 

Think again! 

This was a hit and it made for some pretty fantastic leftovers. 

Makes: 8 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 50 minutes

What you need: 

6 cups "riced" cauliflower (2 heads of cauliflower)

3 handfuls of kale

3 cups chopped carrots

6 cups of vegetarian broth

2 cups almond or coconut milk

3 tbsp curry powder or turmeric

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp paprika

2 tsp minced garlic

3 tsp avocado oil (EVOO will work too)

3/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp black pepper

How to make it: 

1. Make cauliflower rice (easy recipe found here)

2. Toss cauliflower rice with curry powder, 

garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, 4 tbsp of oil in the same pan you cooked the "rice" in

3. Chop kale and carrots

5. Next, in a pot, add 2 tsp of oil and minced garlic and suatee 

6. Add broth, veggies, cauliflower, red chili pepper, and black pepper

7. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer for 20 minutes (you'll know it's done when the veggies are cooked and soft)

8. Enjoy and forget about the fact that you're eating so freaking healthy

Cauliflower Rice

It's super easy, super nutritious, gluten-free, and super quick!

Makes: 6 cups

Time: 15 minutes

What you need: 1 head of cauliflower

1. Chop cauliflower

2. Place in a food processor, pulse until it's fine but not pureed

3. Cook in a non-stick pan for 6-8 minutes over a medium heat

Anywhere you would normally use rice, you can use cauliflower rice...and let's be real, it's even quicker to make! 

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Utilize those beautiful pumpkins for more than just decor!

Recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds: 

Ingredients: 

▪️pumpkin seeds 

◾️extra virgin olive oil 

◾️garlic, salt, pepper 

Preheat 🔥oven to 375* F. 

1️⃣rinse your seeds in a colander to get all that pumpkin junk off.

 2️⃣dry seeds with paper towels (and don’t worry if they’re not completely dry). 

3️⃣add all ingredients into a bowl. (Use enough evoo to basically brush seeds.) 

4️⃣spread seeds evenly as one layer on a baking sheet.

 5️⃣bake 14-18 minutes.

🍂use on soups, salads, or for snacking🍂

So, Goat Yoga is a Thing Now

My friend decided to open up her little farm for some goat yoga and it was an adventure! 

People are waiting months to join a goat yoga class. 

I know what you're thinking....how did this become a thing? 

Well, as we know, animals are used for therapy, especially for those suffering with depression or those with disabilities. Goat yoga is therapeutic because it combines nature, animals, and yoga....all good for the soul. It's not just another trendy thing, it's truly helping people. 

Sure, these babies were quite the distraction, but who doesn't love a happy distraction??!

I encourage you to find a goat yoga class near you! I promise, you won't regret it. 

Copycat Larabars

If you've done Whole30, if you're paleo, or if you're just a health nut like myself, you're probably head over heels for Larabars. Why not make them at home for yourself?? 

I decided to share my recipe for the Apple Pie flavor because:

1. It's one of the easiest to replicate

2. It's one of my favorites

3. I LOVE PIE (but I'm also gluten free)

Time: 50 minutes

Makes: 6 bars

What you'll need: 

- 1 cup raw pecans or walnuts

- 1 cup dried apples

- 1 cup warm water

-1/4 soft whole dates (remove pits)

- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt

How to make: 

1. Combine apples and dates into a small bowl with 1 cup of warm water. 

2. After 5-10 minutes, ensure fruit is soft. 

3. Drain fruit and pat dry.

4. Chop pecans (or walnuts) into a food processor until fine.

5. Add fruit to food processor and pulse until combined.

6. In a loaf pan (around 9x5), press a piece of plastic wrap. 

7. Spread a tiny bit of coconut oil on plastic wrap. 

8. Transfer mixed/processed ingredients in pan. 

9. Press down on the ingredients with a piece of parchment paper evenly. 

10. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 

11. Enjoy.

(For those who are meal prep pros, cut into bars, wrap in plastic wrap tightly, and place in freezer for up to 3 months.)

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

I used to be a picky eater. I began to fall in love with clean eating 

after I found recipes that I enjoyed. SO many people I speak with have decided 

upfront that they don't like

 kale, brussel sprouts, eggs, you name it! 

All I can say from experience is never say never!

Here's my simple roasted brussels sprouts recipe:

Makes: 6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes; Cook time: 45 minutes

What you need: 

3 tbs of olive oil OR coconut oil

6 cups or 1.5 lbs. or brussels sprouts

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground pepper

How to make it: 

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees

2. Wash brussels sprouts

3. While that is heating, chop brussel sprouts in halves

4. Place chopped sprouts, along with oil, salt, and pepper in a 

resealable bag, seal tightly, shake to coat

5. Place sprouts on baking sheet 

6. Roast in oven for 30-45 minutes

7. Be sure to shake pan every 10 minutes or so for even browning

8. You'll know they're done when brussel sprouts are a dark brown

The benefits of brussels sprouts include excellent levels of vitamin C and vitamin K. 

There are moderate levels of B vitamins. 

Enjoy your greens!