FRIDAY FIVE :: ON MY RADAR

 

I could not be more excited about April.  March seems to last forever here in the Northeast.  The weather stays cold, it's dark in the mornings and there are literally no breaks in school.  So yes, I'm excited for April because it takes us closer to my favorite season- summer.

This weekend is busy.  Bill is back to refereeing soccer, Lucas has his first Pinewood derby and Nahia has a soccer game.  On Sunday we have our annual Easter egg hunt to get into the spirit!

Enjoy this week's round-up!

1.  On cleaning::  Everybody talks about Spring cleaning this time of year.  But what about Spring cleaning your digital life?  My inbox is definitely in need of some attention.

2.  Pancakes:: If you love pancakes for breakfast but get hungry within the hour like me, you should give these oatmeal pancakes a try!  They definitely do the trick.

3.  Home manis::  I was never great at doing my nails and then during COVID I decided I was going to get good at it.  I watched the tutorials from Olive and June over and over, bought their products, and have definitely turned a leaf.  This simple self-care ritual at home saves you both money and time.

4.  Jogger pants:: Are you looking for jogger pants that look like Lululemon's without the price tag?  Look no further than these!  They are buttery soft and you can't beat the price.

5.  Spring jackets:: If you're looking for one too, this might help.  I like this linen blazer, this anorak, and this chore jacket.  What about you?

Thank you for reading this post!

CARROT CAKE BAKED OATS

 

Early Spring baking is all about carrots for me.  It's one of my favorite flavors of the season.  I have been meaning to make carrot cake baked oats for a while.  If you like carrot cake too, you should give this a try!

GF Baked Oats

I have to admit, I'm a late bloomer when it comes to baked oats.  I even got off to a late start with overnight oats. If I had to pick one, I think I would choose baked oats.  It literally feels like you are having cake for breakfast, but it's healthy!

Here are some must-haves for me in my baked/overnight oats:

-  protein powder-  living la vida dairy-free definitely has its challenges and I'm at a point in my life when I need to keep up with my protein.  So I add protein powder/collagen whenever possible.  

- fat-  if I don't add flaxseed, I like to add coconut flakes.  Without the fat, I'll be hungry within a couple of hours and that's not fun when you have to teach all morning.

Here are the details you need to make carrot cake baked oats at home!

Ingredients

1 cup GF oats

3/4 cup grated carrots

3/4 cup dairy-free milk

1 egg

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

pinch of salt

1 tbsp honey

1 scoop Nakked Nutrition protein powder

1/8 cup coconut flakes

1/8 cup walnuts

Preheat oven to 375 F.  Combine the dry and wet ingredients in a blender.  Blend until smooth.  Pour into ramekins.  I used the 3.5-inch ramekins.  This mix is enough for 3 ramekins.  Bake at 375 F for about 25 min.  Allow cooling.  I recommend topping with cream cheese and sprinkling shredded carrots on top.  You can mix in some protein powder or collagen with your cream cheese for extra nutrition.

Here are the nutrition facts for this yummy breakfast. I find that the small ramekins make for the perfect portion size. It is equally delicious without the cream cheese frosting layer

 

Will you be trying this breakfast?  Let me know if you do!

Thank you for reading this post!

FRIDAY FIVE :: ON MY RADAR

Happy Friday!  Spring is finally here, so ice cream Sunday is back!  I couldn't be more excited.  Lucas has his first baseball practice this Saturday which should be exciting.  Other than that, we don't have much on the books.

Enjoy this week's round-up!

1.  Fitness apps::  If you are still working out at home like me, this is a good selection of fitness apps.  I have tried so many over the years.  My current favorite, pvolve, is not included though.  

2. Spring dessert:: Does't this pound cake scream Spring?  

3.  High protein veggies:: If you are working on increasing your protein intake like me, this list is a good reminder!  You can combine a couple of these in a quinoa bowl for a filling and nutritious lunch.

4.  On body positivity:: Watch this.  Beautiful words.

5.  Fanny pack:: So I have been thinking about getting one for a while.  I came across this brand and just love all the colors.  Which color would you pick?

Thank you for reading this post!