Posted on April 10, 2019 by Erica
Don’t let the word “vegan” scare you these chocolate chip cookies are out of this world amazing, and no one will even know they’re vegan. They’re soft and chewy with a light crisp outside, quick and easy to make and have no strange ingredients in them. Your friends won’t even know these cookies are vegan. Also, for those of you who think vegan is healthy, while in some cases yes that is true – in this case that is NOT true.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
dash of salt
1/2 cup apple sauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/4 cup flour*
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup vegan chocolate chips (Enjoy Life)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
.
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl combine brown sugar, white sugar, coconut oil and salt.
4. Stir until sugars are evenly hydrated.
5. Add apple sauce and vanilla extract.
6. Stir to combine.
7. Add flour and baking soda into the sugar and apple sauce mixture.
* I used garbanzo bean flour to make mine gluten free.
8. Stir until a thick dough forms.
9. Fold in the chocolate chips.
10. Scoop the dough onto the cookie sheet.
11. Bake 5-10 minutes or until cookies are lightly brown,.
* cooking time depends on the flour you use, and your oven temperature.
* you want the cookies to be slightly under baked to get the chewy texture.
12. Remove cookies from the oven.
13. Tap the cookie sheet on the counter to flatten slightly.
14. Allow to cool on a cooling rack
Pro Tip: Freeze some dough balls to have in the freezer, so when you are having a chocolate craving you can make some hot cookies.
Posted on April 9, 2019 by Erica
My mum told me the other day that she spotted a red wing blackbird. Here in Michigan, this sighting means spring has sprung (finally, I thought winter would never end). When it comes to fitness routines, I find that I need to switch mine up every few months to keep myself motivated and excited. Not to mention, there is something refreshing about revamping a routine. With the weather getting nicer, I thought I would share with you five ways I am refreshing my spring workout routine.
1. Try a New Class
With a new season here, it\’s the perfect opportunity for you to break out of your comfort zone and try something completely new to you. I know this can seem scary (check out my post on gym intimidation for tips), but it can actually be a lot of fun. This weekend, I tried Aerial Yoga – and for me, it was frustrating because I literally could not do anything. However, this presented the perfect opportunity for me to work on strength and flexibility. I am going to sign up for yoga classes and start taking them on a weekly basis to help build upper body and core strength. I will also watch YouTube videos, and do them at home to help me reach my goals quicker. Whether you’re a cardio queen or all about that strength, don’t let your usual workout ways define you. Step outside of that comfort zone, the new workout will challenge your body in new ways – this allows you to beat boredom and get closer to your goals.
2. Revamp your Workout Wardrobe
You’ve Marie Kondo’ed your closet, now move that workout gear front and center so you’re more likely to use it. Maybe even splurge on a new outfit to add some motivation to crush your workouts! Something about new athleisure wear always brings me so much joy. Not only can new workout attire bring fresh motivation, but it’s a great way to reward yourself for all the hard work you’ve been putting in! If you’re a bold pattern babe, stores are packed with plenty of pretty prints for spring. Personally, I am not a bold print babe – – I prefer black pants and top so sweat doesn’t show. Don’t think that your workout clothes need to be expensive. Target, Old Navy, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Five Below are great places to buy super cute activewear without breaking the bank.
3. Take Your Workout Outside
The easiest way to shake things up is to get out of the studio or gym, and hit the pavement for a walk or run. I love going for long walks on the beach along the Lake Michigan shoreline. During the winter months, I spend so much time cooped up inside, I try to take as many workouts as I can outside. Outdoor works are so much fun, I love getting creative and doing body weight HITT, stair climbs, bike rides and more. I really want to do yoga on the beach this year. There’s nothing like breathing in fresh air while sweating it out and detoxing your body from the winter blues. Whenever I workout outside I feel renewed and refreshed after which it immediately puts me into a happier mood. Do you have a booty band? If not I highly recommend getting one! These mini resistance bands are the perfect portable way to take your workout outside. One of my favorite outdoor workouts with a booty band is side shuffles. To do side shuffles: place the booty band just above your ankles, and step your feet hip-width apart. Lower into a squat, engage your core and take a big step to your right with your right foot – bring your left foot to meet it. Next, take a big step to your left with your left foot, and bring the right foot to meet it.
*Please note I am NOT a trainer, this is just what works for me and what I like.
4. Find a Workout BFF
Two is always better than one! Enlist a bestie to join you once a week for a class for a sweat date. Having a workout buddy means you’ll be more likely to stick to your workout schedule when you know your babe is waiting for you. I am part of the Tone It Up (TIU) community, which has helped me meet like-minded babes who I can workout with. Also, if you can’t make it to the gym or a class together watch YouTube videos and FaceTime! One of my friends lives in North Carolina and I am in Michigan – we used to do this all the time. Not only is it a great way to stay accountable, but working out with someone else is definitely more fun than solo. Now we send each other workouts that we find on Pinterest and Instagram and then go do them on the gym and circle back how we felt during the workout.
5. Set a Spring Fitness Intention
If you’re like me, you do better with little mini goals or intentions. Typically I like to split my goals or intentions up seasonally and monthly so they seem more attainable. Big or small, there are so many fitness goals you can choose from. Sign up for a 5K, do HIIT two days per week, take a yoga class, actually stretch after a sweat session…etc. Pick your goals or intentions for spring, and share them in order to keep yourself accountable!
I hope these five tips helped to motivate you to keep working at your goals and gave you some ideas of simple ways you can mix up your routine. Please feel free to share your fitness intentions for spring with me – I would absolutely love to hear about what you want to achieve, try, accomplish…etc this spring. Stay tuned to my Instagram to see what goals I am crushing this spring. Also, here is your friendly reminder to hydrate, dehydration only sets you back and makes your skin look awful.
Posted on April 8, 2019 by Erica
#MotorOn is currently trending, because the Tigers returned to the mound this past Thursday for their home opener. Is anyone else super excited for baseball to be back? I am a huge fan of baseball, as well as supporting Michigan companies. So, you can imagine how excited I was to discover discover that Grand Rapids Popcorn Company makes a popcorn mixed called “Tiger Crunch,” featuring a blend of orange and blueberry goodness that any Detroit Tigers fan would roar over. This popcorn will definitely be my go-to for tailgates and get-togethers this season.
Posted on March 30, 2019 by Erica
Temperatures are on the rise here in Michigan… I actually think spring might be here (watch it\’ll snow tomorrow), earlier than it typically is. With that being said I thought now would be the perfect opportunity to have a beauty conversation before sunnier days arrive. When you think of spring makeup, dewy glowing skin, pretty pastels, and bronzed cheeks are probably the first things that come to mind. I know that’s what I think of. During the spring 2019 runway shows you could find all those classic spring-time essentials, plus pops of electric pink lips, golden glitter, and metallic foiled lips.
If you have been following my Instagram stories lately you’ve noticed I am obsessed with this edgy meets girly-girl trend, that popped up onto the runways for spring. I have been pairing dewy skin with plenty of bronzer and a pop of pink lips. My outfit has been a gorgeous girly tank top paired with a black faux leather jacket for that edgy meets girly-girl vibe. I am dying to try the classic cat eye look but with a pastel pink for a springtime chic, to complete my spring look. It’s kind of a Barbie meets Good Charlotte punk rock look, which I love.
Also, hot off the runway is red lips and a pop of red blush with minimal eye makeup. I’ll be honest with you, I hate wearing eye makeup. Mascara, of course, I love it – the longer I can make my lashes the better. Eye shadow is a different story for me, I can’t stand it. Maybe it’s the fact that saggy eyelids run in my family and I don’t want mine to be like that so I avoid adding heavy elements to them, or the fact I don’t know how to make it look good. Whatever the case may be I was so excited to see the pop of red with minimal makeup trend on the move for spring. I am not a red fan, I am a pink fan though. This spring I will definitely be wearing a bronze pink on my cheeks for a pop of color paired with the prettiest pink lips.
Gold glitter was seen foiled on lips, making a statement on eyelids and taking over nails for an extra touch of glam. Typically gold only finds its way into most beauty trends during the holidays and as someone who loves gold, you can imagine my excitement about this hue making a spring impact.
One of the biggest beauty trends for spring is just doing what you love and makes you happy. With inspirational quotes and fun pictures, Nancy at Behrman really makes sure that you are focused on your own self and not what everyone else is doing. You can incorporate the beauty trends popular at the moment into your own life without having to compromise your own style.
From bright pops of color to natural dewy looks spring is on your side this year when it comes to beauty trends. What is your favorite spring beauty trend? I am loving the minimal makeup!
Posted on March 28, 2019 by Erica
Birds have made their way back to the mitten state and the official start of spring is here. With a new season comes a new list of things I want to do, and of course, I am sharing that list with you. Without further ado, here is my 2019 Spring To-Do List.
Ride bikes
Decorate Easter eggs
Go on hikes
Make a berry pie
Draw with sidewalk chalk
Learn how to make fish
Visit the zoo
Have a picnic
Shop at a farmers market
Go to a bonfire
Attend a baseball game
Go fishing
Rollerblade
Watch the sunrise
Catch as many sunsets as possible
Do random acts of kindness
Take an outdoor workout class
Explore a new city
Play mini golf