Homemade Healthier Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

This weekend I had a craving for Oatmeal Raisin cookies. I rarely ever eat these but I had a small bite of one Friday night which I believe started my craving for more. I decided to search the Internet for a healthier recipe for these cookies and I found one here. This recipe was originally adapted from Nick Malgieri's "Perfect Light Desserts: Fabulous Cakes, Cookies, Pies, and More Made with Real Butter, Sugar, Flour, and Eggs" . The best part is that these cookies are all natural, chewy, and filling. I could not get over how amazing the batter for these cookies tasted. From that I just knew these cookies were going to wonderful once baked. After, eating only two cookies I felt full thanks to all the healthy filling oats. While of course there are tastier recipes but this one wins in my book for its combination of healthfulness and taste.

It was also clear that this recipe is a winner because Mozart was in the kitchen begging for a cookie.

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

*makes about 36 cookies

 

Ingredients:

 

1 cup flour (spoon flour into dry-measure cup and level off)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup (packed) light brown sugar

1 large egg

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/3 cups rolled oats (not instant)

1/2 cup dark raisins (or dried cranberries)

* 2 baking sheets lined with parchment paper, foil, or silicone mats

Directions:

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and set the rack on the lower and upper thirds of the oven.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Mix in the brown sugar, then the egg, applesauce, and vanilla.

4. Stir in the dry ingredients, then the oats and raisins.

5. Drop the batter by rounded teaspoons 2-inches apart on the baking sheets and use a fork to gently flatten the dough.

6. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they “look dull on the surface but are moist and soft”, according to Nick. Rotate baking sheets during baking for even heating.

 

P.S. Nutritional Information can be found here.

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Be Sure to Check in Next Week!

I am sorry this post is a little late. I was busy last night and didn't get around to writing this until this morning. This weekend I will be studying for finals that start Monday, but I will be cooking, making, and possibly doing some juicing so be sure to check back in Monday too see some new recipes whether it be dinner, drinks, or even dessert. Yes, you read that right I said Dessert! I know I havent posted a dessert recipe in a while so I figured it was time to give y'all one and this one will be healthy too! See you Monday! Have a happy weekend!

Zara Shoe Problem

For my 22nd birthday last month Jay gave me a gift card to Zara. I love Zara! Also, those who know me know that I love shoes and believe you can never have too may pairs. Currently, I am obsessed with all these pairs of shoes. I need some help trying to decide what to pick!

 

Cobalt Combination High Heel Sandal, Cork Sandal, Combined Heel, Combination Wedge, Strappy Sandal with Ankle Strap, Studded Sandals

 

 

Lots of Love, Natalie

Workout Wednesday

Here are my top 3 tips to live by when it comes to working out in the morning:

 

1. Prepare the Night Before

This is very important because it makes it simple to get up and go. I do this by packing my gym bag, filling my water bottle, setting my alarm, and laying out my clothes. I also try to make sure that anything I may need to grab like a ponytail holder or clips for my hair are easy to find. Pretty much make everything as effortless as possible.

 

2. Go to Bed Early

Make sure to head to bed early so you are not to tired for your early wake up call. Try to power down any electronics an hour before bed. Also, do not drink caffeine or alcohol with dinner because it can mess with the amount of sleep you get.When that alarm sounds get up and go!

 

3. Enjoy the Workout

It makes it much easier when you actually enjoy the workout you are going to be doing. If you somewhat enjoy it then it makes it much easier to wake up and do it. Also, before bed make sure you know what workout you will be doing and how long it will take.

 

 

Happy Workout Wednesday!

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

New Workout Regimen

This past week I started waking up at 5:20 am to go to the 5:50-6:45am spin class at the Sanderson Center. Yes, I know that sounds pretty miserable, but spinning is a wonderful hard workout and as you know I love a challenging workout.  I decided I do not have enough time to workout after classes and work so getting up really early seemed like the best solution. Turns out I really do enjoy working out before I start my day because it makes me feel good and it is one less thing I have to try and make time for. Now, don't get me wrong I would much rather sleep in until 7:30 (since I teach Pilates every morning at 8:30 and some days 7:00) but it really does feel good knowing that I have already gotten in a sweat session before most people are even out of bed. I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday, try to make it a good and healthy one!

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Paleo Pancakes

I'm sure you might be asking what is Paleo? Paleo is called the "Caveman Diet" and is all about natural foods such as game meat, fish, vegetables, wild fruits, eggs and nuts to help achieve great health and a perfect physique. This is really all about cutting out processed foods and eating clean making it very healthy and good for you! Well, I am not on a Paleo diet I do enjoy using some of the recipes because they are so healthy. I have been hearing and seeing recipes for these yummy simple pancakes everywhere recently. I finally decided I would try them!

Ingredients:

 

Blueberries

1 Large Egg

1 Large Banana

* Recipe makes 3 pancakes

 

Directions: 

1. Peel and slice banana

2. Mash banana and add egg

3. Mix until fully combined

4. Heat a skillet on medium.

5. Spray with cooking spray.

6. Fill a 1/4 sized measuring cup with the pancake batter.

7. Pour measuring cup onto heated skillet. Add blueberries (5-7)

8. Cook each side until lightly brown. 

9. Enjoy! 

I think it would be fun to experiment with them by adding dark chocolate chips, sliced almonds, oatmeal, vanilla whey protein, or peanut butter. I drizzled mine with a little honey but they would be good with sugar free syrup or plain. I did add a little cinnamon to my batter. Also, if you are wondering if they taste like bananas to me they really didn't which was surprising. Lastly, each pancake is a filling 65 calories!

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Learn to Love Yourself

If you have seven minutes I promise this video is worth your time. This is Dove's new Beauty Campaign. As we all know we are all our own worst critic, especially women. Women are far more critical about themselves. We are always comparing ourselves to actresses, models, and other women. I found this fact to be very surprising that only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful. We all have different views on what is beautiful, but after watching this video we all need to be less harsh on ourselves. Remember we are all different and special in our own way. YOU are BEAUTIFUL!

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Healthy Teriyaki Chicken and Garlic Spinach

Ingredients:

 

Boneless, Skinless, Chicken Breasts (however many you want)

Olive Oil

Teriyaki Sauce

4 cups fresh Spinach

3 cloves of Garlic, diced

1 large Shallot, diced

 

Chicken Recipe:

 

1. In a saute pan heat olive oil and teriyaki sauce on medium heat

2. Add chicken breast once it is warm

3. Cook until chicken the center registers 160 degrees

4. The Teriyaki slowly starts to coat the chicken like a glaze

 

Clean Eating Garlic Spinach:

 

1. In a saute pan place the shallot and garlic with olive oil

2. Saute for 1-2 minutes

3. Add the Spinach and cook until it is properly wilted

(Serves 2)

 

 

Enjoy this simple yet healthy meal! See you tomorrow! Stay Healthy!

 

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Girly Glitter Cork Magnets

If you are like me you can never find any stylish magnets. They all just seem to be very plain or letters of the alphabet. With that being said this weekend I decided to do a little crafting with some wine corks. I decided to make some chic, girly, glittery wine cork magnets. These were really easy and fast to make. These would be especially cute for a girl who loves to drink wine!

 

 Materials:

 

Glitter

Hot Glue Gun

Hot Glue

Magnets

Tacky Glue Stick

Corks

Scissors

A Knife

 

Instructions:

 

1. Gather all of your materials

2. Use the knife to cut the Corks in half

3. Cut the magnets down to size and then use the hot glue gun to glue the magnets to the back of the corks.

4. Use the Tacky Glue Stick to put glue on the ends then dip them in the glitter.

5. Done!!

 

 

 

Lots of Love, Natalie

Tilapia Packets

 Last night, I decided to make this easy, tasty, and healthy meal. I had never cooked with Tilapia before so I was a little worried. This recipe was actually surprisingly easy and quick. Also, it was healthy and filling, I mean what could be better than that. I highly recommend this dish to everyone. The original recipe can be found here.  

Baked Fish, Spinach, and Tomatoes in Foil Packets

Serves two

1 pound fish fillets, about 1-inch thick
2 large handfuls baby spinach leaves
1 quarter red onion, thinly sliced
20 or so cherry tomatoes
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 lemon, cut into 2 wedges
Salt and pepper
Olive oil or butter

 

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Check the fish over and remove any pin bones. Divide it into two equal portions.

Lay out two sheets of aluminum foil, each about 12-14 inches long. Pile a large handful of baby spinach leaves in the middle of each piece of foil. Lay one fish fillet on each bed of spinach. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Lay a few slices of onion over the top of each fillet and scatter the cherry tomatoes on and around the fish. Lay two sprigs of thyme over top. Give each packet a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil (or a pat of butter).

Fold the sides of the foil inwards around the fish. Then fold in the top and bottom of the foil and pinch them closed, creating a neat package. Set them side-by-side on a baking sheet and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the fish is opaque.

Open the packets carefully to avoid spilling the juices. Eat straight from the packets or transfer to a plate with a slotted spatula. Spoon some of the juices over top. Eat immediately.

 

*I used Tilapia for my pound of fish

**I also seasoned the Tilapia with Tony's Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning

*** I also roasted some red new potatoes with a little olive oil and Tony's Creole Seasoning

***Added bonus the clean-up is so simple

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Week/Weekend Favorites

I have enjoyed seeing these Dandelions after class and work everyday this week. They bring some much life into my home and a smile to my face. Their yellow color is so vibrant that it is hard not to love them. They were extra enjoyable yesterday since it was a gloomy rainy day.

Since, I had some lean ground turkey meat in my fridge I decided would be perfect for these Skinnytaste Stuffed Bell Peppers. While I had made before I decided it was time to make them again. Also, the best part is you can even make them in a Crock-Pot to make them even easier. If you are interested in the recipe it can be found here. I like to add yellow corn and black beans. Also it is just as yummy without the rice.

As you read yesterday we adopted this sweet three year old Shih Tzu that we named Benji for my grandmother. I am so happy for this cute addition to the family. They are getting along great, I believe they will be perfect together.

 For those of you that do not already know I LOVE candles. I really am happy with a simple amazing smelling candle. They just make the house so warm and cozy feeling. There is a store here in Starkville called Aspen Bay. They have the best candles and even a warehouse here. Once a year they have a tent sale which is absolutely amazing! There candles are usually around $30 each but at the tent sale they are all $6-$8. How could a girl pass up that great sale!

I will be heading home today for the weekend. I will get to enjoy spending time with my parents and of course my precious dog Mozart! I am anticipating lovely warm weather, hopefully I will get to lay out and enjoy it. It will also be nice to have the weekend off from work! See you Monday now time to relax!

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Newest Addition

Ladies and Gentlemen meet Benji. He is a three year old Shih Tzu that is the newest addition to our family. We adopted him for my grandmother and she could not be more thrilled to have him. They love each other already! Expect to see more pictures of this sweet boy especially when he meets my baby Mozart. Happy Thursday!!

Lots of Love,  Natalie 

Make it Happen

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Eppa Superfruit Sangria

I discovered this Organic Superfruit Sangria called Eppa while I was in Destin, Florida for Spring Break.

I am usually not one for red wine or red sangria but this one is great. It is packed with super fruit that have lots of antioxidants. To top it off it has a sweet, smooth, and refreshing taste! With that being said it would be a great addition to any warm weather bar! It really is more than wine! 

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Daffodil Inspired

Shoes: Jessica Simpson Ginny Daffodil T-Strap Wedges (Lulu's) , Phone Cover: Michael Kors Striped Plastic iPhone 5 Cover (Zappos) Purse: Michael Kors Medium Jet Set Striped Travel Tote (Michael Kors.com)

This weekend was really nice! The weather was beautiful and perfect for MSU Baseball games. Unfortunately, we did not win all three games at least we won two. After, the game I picked some Daffodils which inspired the collage above. Their yellow color is so gorgeous and has been popping all over in the fashion world. Happy Monday!

 

 

Ground Turkey Recipes

I have some Ground Turkey in my fridge that I am dying to use to make some yummy new dishes. While, I have made the first one (Stuffed Red Bell Peppers) which were extremely good I cannot wait to try to make the next two (Stuffed Zucchini boats & Greek Turkey Meatballs). All of these recipes are from Skinnytaste.com which has great healthy recipes. Don't worry I will be posting about these recipes and letting you know what I personally thought about them. Keep checking in!

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Mint Perfection

Gap Tote, Canon Powershot Camera, Mint Mojito, Target Strapless Mint Dress, Essie Greens Mint Candy Apple, Kendra Scott, Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches

 

While, Mint has always been a big color around Easter time this year it is on overdrive. It really is everywhere for this Spring and Summer. I love this color and it seems to look good on everyone and especially with a nice tan. Get into the minty trend!

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Easter Weekend Recap

I hope everyone had a wondeful Easter weekend because I know I did! I enjoyed getting to spend time with family and be home for a few days. Also, who does not love a visit from the Easter Bunny. Happy Tuesday! 

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie