A Visit to the Walt Disney Family Museum

If you know me, you know I love Disney things...specifically Disney history and Walt Walt Walt. On a San Francisco layover recently, I visited the Walt Disney Family Museum (finally checking it off my bucket list) and ya'll, this place is underated! (Maybe I shouldn't be blogging about it so that people will stay away....whatever, who really reads this blog anyway?) I'm the girl who cries every time she walks down Main Street USA at Disneyland (because WALT WAS THERE). It's fine, I'm slightly obsessed. It's fine.

Anywho, here is a brief glimpse of all that is in the museum. Honestly, I'm surprised my eye make up isn't covering both of my cheeks due to an utterly overwhelming day. When I think of Walt, I think of someone who left a legacy for families. He didn't come from much and look at what his dreams did. Just inspirational. Okay, let's go.

There's a matching bench at Disneyland (which I've always been enthralled by...yes, I know, it's just a grungy old bench), but I got to SIT on this one. 

Cuties.

This miniature was incredible. I waited around to hear details about it. This model only took 3 months less to create than Disneyland did before opening -- that's dedication! Afterwards chatted with some guys who grew up in Anaheim. I grew up in Orlando and it was super fun to exchange stories.

I learned that Lillian miscarried twice and that they adopted. 

Okay, I love you even more, Disney's. 

Still 100% in awe of the work that went into just 13 seconds of Steamboat Willie.

THE apartment...where I always look up to ensure the lamp is on. 

I learned SO much about the early days of the Walt Disney Studios. So incredible to see how far animation has come and all that they dedicated to their work.

The views outside weren't too bad either.

Cauliflower Gnocchi

Trader Joe's is one of my favorite places to shop for groceries -- they're especially great for quick meals and travel snacks. The TJ's Cauliflower Gnocchi is stellar, however, I don't prefer the instructions on the bag. My go-to way to cook these up are to defrost them by placing them from the freezer to the fridge the day before you plan to eat them. When you're ready to eat: 

- set the oven to 375*

- cook for 20 minutes

- flip gnocchi

- cook for 15 minutes

- add sauce, add roasted veggies, add to soup, etc.

- easy peasy

A Few Days in Oahu

A few days in Oahu...

GO EAT AT ARVO.

This is a lavender coconut milk latte + avocado toast.

I hiked Manoa Falls and while it was super rainy and muddy, it was beautiful. 

Sometimes you eat things that change your life and sometimes it's at places called Banan. This dairy-free (all made from natural ingredients like bananas, herbs, and veggies) yogurt goodness has dark chocolate chips, coconut shavings, and macadamia nut honey butter on it -- this specific order is called Chunkadelic. Considering moving to the island just for this. 

Camping at Monument Valley

For the last birthday of my twenties, I requested to hike out west, 

so here's just a glimpse of this stellar trip. 

Let's go to Monument Valley....

Healthy Iced Hot Chocolate

What you need: 

- 1 scoop chocolate Shakeology (I prefer vegan)

- 8 oz. almond milk

- 1 tbsp. dark cocoa powder

- 1 tspn. vanilla extract

- 1/2 tbsp coffee

BLEND.

Share with a friend. 

Cinnamon Roasted Cranberries & Sweet Potatoes

I made this super easy side for one of many Friendsgivings this year. 

(Yes, you might say I'm hashtag blessed and surrounded by so many amazing people.)

Makes: 12 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

What you need: 

- 2 cups cranberries

- 5 sweet potatoes

- 2 tsp cinnamon

- 2 tbsp avocado oil

To make: 

1. Preheat the oven to 400* F 

2. Spray a large pan with non-stick cooking spray

3. Peel and dice sweet potatoes

4. Put diced potatoes, oil, cinnamon, and 

cranberries in a bowl and stir around

5. Place ingredients evenly on pan and bake at 400* F 

for 25 minutes (or until potatoes are soft)

6. Serve warm

7. Shout to the rooftops something you're thankful for

Easy Gluten Free Bars

Makes: 9 bars

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

What you need: 

- 1 cup almond flour

- 1/3 tbsp unsweetened applesauce

- 1/4 tsp salt

- 1/2 tsp baking powder

- 1/2 cup nut butter (I prefer almond)

- 1/3 cup honey

optional ingredients: 

- 1/2 cup chocolate chips

- 1/2 cup pecans, walnuts, sliced almonds

- 1/2 cup shredded coconut

- 1/3 cup raisins

- 1/3 cup chopped dates

- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

To make: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350* F 

2. Spray a 8x8 square pan with non-stick cooking spray

3. In a bowl, mix nut butter, honey, applesauce, and salt 

4. Add almond flour, baking powder, 

and whichever optional ingredients you prefer. 

(Save a small handful of the optional ingredients to layer on top)

5. Pour the mixture in the square baking pan

6. Sprinkle with remaining topping

7. Press ingredients deep into pan

8. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes (until edges are brown)

9. Allow to cool and cut into bars (bars will harden slowly)

Enjoy and take on the go!