Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Apple & Onion

I'm back with another simple dinner recipe!  This one is perfect to cook while you're away at work, or when you're having guests over and don't want to spend all of your time in the kitchen.  Just prep a few ingredients, and the slow cooker does all of the work for you!

Chocolate Chip Trail Mix Cookies (Paleo)

I created these cookies in honor of my dad, and first made them for Father's Day.  My dad has never been a big dessert guy, but has always been a fan of oatmeal raisin cookies.  I'd have to agree with him... that oatmeal texture always gives such a soft, chewy bite to a cookie... So, I decided to find a way to mimic that "oatmeal element"~ but in a Paleo friendly way (gluten & grain free).

These cookies have the perfect soft/chewy texture that every good oatmeal cookie should.  I swapped out the oats for shredded unsweetened coconut, and added some trail mix-inspired ingredients (chocolate, nuts, raisins) to boost the flavor.  The addition of cinnamon & nutmeg really pushes these cookies over the edge, and gives them a warm, sweet flavor that is perfectly balanced by the sea salt.

Friday Five: Natural Summer Skincare (VIDEO)

So... I made my first YouTube video!  I hope you guys like it & don't think I'm too awkward... I think if I keep at it, it will only get easier.  I had a lot of fun filming it, and am really excited to see what you all think!

Let me know if you have tried out any of the products I mentioned, and if you have any skincare recommendations for me... I'm always looking to try out new natural beauty lines!

If there are any videos you would like to see me do, such as a "get to know me" type video, recipe video, grocery haul, etc., leave your ideas for me so I can get on it :)  Or, if you think I should stick to blogging~ you could tell me that too!

Here's the video with a list of products mentioned:

Beef Enchilada Bake | Paleo, Keto, Whole30

I love making "one-dish" meals like chili, meatloaf, etc.  They have become a major favorite around my house since you can get your meat & veggies all in one flavorful bite, while saving yourself the work of too many dishes!

This new creation of mine was inspired by my love of one-dish meals, and the fact that I wanted Mexican food (but Paleo style!).  I think that Mexican foods are some of the toughest to "Paleo-fy", since most are wrapped in a tortilla & served with rice and beans~ so not quite Paleo-friendly.

Broccoli Apple Slaw | PALEO, Whole30

Updating this old favorite with some fresh new photography, to show off just how delicious it really is!  This has remained one of our go-to side dishes year round (although it's extra perfect in the spring & summer!)

We love the balance of fresh, crisp fruits and veggies with the creamy, tangy dressing.  Recipe has been updated with the option of sliced almonds OR chopped walnuts as a mix-in:  we love them both!

What I Bought: Trader Joe's IV (Paleo-Friendly)

I'm back with another Trader Joe's grocery haul- where I show you what I've picked up on my most recent shopping trip.  While all of the items I purchased are Paleo-friendly, I will note in the descriptions whether or not they are compliant for a Whole30 challenge.  I'll also give you a little more info as to why I pick up certain things, & what I plan on using them for... so look out for recipe links within the post!

Hope you find this helpful, and thank you to all of you who have reached out & given me positive feedback lately!  I am always so happy to hear that I have made healthy living a little easier for someone.  :)

Meat

All Whole30 compliant, besides the bacon.

• Fully Cooked Uncured Bacon~ This is a staple at our home, so we always keep it on hand.  The fact that you can just microwave it for a few seconds makes it really convenient for breakfast.  It's also great chopped up & added to other recipes.  Most bacon is not Whole30 friendly, but if you're looking for one- make sure there are no added sugars.  I would check Whole Foods!
• Organic Free Range Chicken Breast Tenders & Thighs~ I love the flavor & texture of chicken thighs, but I like to mix them with breast tenders in most dishes so that I have some leaner cuts of meat mixed in.  Chicken curry is a favorite dish of mine, as is Shredded Salsa Chicken in the crockpot (recipe here).  We like to use chicken in our stir fry too!
• Thinly Sliced Beef Sirloin~ We used this for steak fajita salads, and really loved it!  It was a new cut of meat for me, but definitely a good one for stir fry, taco salads, stews, or curries.  (See my fajita salad in this post.)
• Organic Grass Fed Ground Beef~ Good quality at a great price!  I use this for Tomato Basil Meat Sauce, All-American Crockpot Chili, and Classic Paleo Meatloaf (one of my favorites!).  

Paleo Breakfast Burrito

Instead of a typical Friday Five post, I'm going to give you five reasons why you need to try this breakfast burrito:

1. It's quick,
2. It's easy,
3. It's delicious,
4. It's a burrito,
5. And there's bacon in it.

If those aren't reasons enough, then there's no convincing you!

Baked Blueberry Nut Bars

Having a little summer break before I start my new job has really been nice.  I can't wait to start working & putting everything I've learned into action (while learning lots more!), but I'm also enjoying my time off & trying to allow myself to kick back a little.  I can be pretty 'Type A', so it's not always easy for me to appreciate my down time.  

Grilled Mahi Mahi

I found some frozen wild caught Mahi Mahi fillets at Costco recently for a really great price!  If you don't mind buying frozen (I don't) and you don't feel like breaking the bank on salmon or wild shrimp- give Mahi Mahi a shot.  It has a really light, non-fishy flavor that can fit in with pretty much any flavor profile.  It's also really hearty & easy to cook on the stovetop.

Happy 4th of July + Gluten Free Fruit Pizza

 Happy 4th of July everyone!!!  I thought I would stop by & wish you all a happy & safe holiday weekend, and share a few things with you guys.  I took a few pictures throughout my day yesterday, and also have a quick & easy recipe to share for my fruit pizza.  

It's not a Paleo recipe, but it IS gluten-free, and absolutely delicious!  I love bringing it to parties, as it's a total crowd pleaser.

This was the first holiday my boyfriend (Dathan) & I spent together in our new town, and I loved it!  It's so family-oriented and festive here, and I love that there's always so much to do.  This year was my favorite 4th of July yet :)

What I Ate: Simple Paleo Meals

I haven't done a "What I Ate" post in awhile, so I figured it was about time I got back on it!  I love creating these posts, & love reading them too.  The nosy side of me wants to know what other people are eating.... Plus, it helps me get ideas of new things I can make for myself!  

These are my meals from Sunday~ breakfast, lunch, snack, & dinner.  Everything is super simple & easy to prepare, yet tastes awesome!  I love food too much to eat like I'm "sacrificing".

Paleo does not have to taste boring!  :)

Hope you find this helpful!

Breakfast:

Torn spinach with a sliced up chicken apple sausage from Trader Joe's & one hard boiled egg.  Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkled with salt & pepper, and added a dash of hot sauce.  

I had a cup of coffee, then half of this Synergy Guava Goddess Kombucha.

We keep hard boiled eggs on hand in the fridge for quick breakfasts, and pre-cook our sausages!  So, all this meal needed was 30 seconds in the microwave, & it was good to go.  I promise it is 100x tastier than it looks!