Sweet & Spicy Beef Stew

I have heard from quite a few of you that are wanting to see more one-dish and crockpot meals, especially since fall is coming up.  First off, I am right there with you!  Back to school time has me craving more pumpkin scented candles & warm, hearty foods.

My Blog Turned One! & A Giveaway!

I can't believe it's been over a year since I started my little blog!

My plan is to keep this post short & sweet, so let's cut to the chase:  

To each & every one of you who has supported my blog in any way, shape, or form... A "like" on Facebook, reading my posts, commenting, sending me e-mails, joining me on Instagram or Pinterest.. THANK YOU!  Being creative & having the opportunity to share it with you all has added so much joy to my life~ and I cannot thank you enough.

I hope to stick around, as long as you guys keep coming back for more, and continue to grow my passion for living a healthy lifestyle through sharing recipes, tips, and lots lots more!  I truly appreciate the opportunity to help anyone I can become a more happy & healthy person through simple diet & lifestyle changes.

Starting up my YouTube channel has been such a fun new experience as well, and I look forward to filming lots more videos in the near future!  Just stick with me as I get the hang of it  :)

Thai Coconut Curry Chicken

Here's another one-dish meal that I love.  I know when some (aka me 2 years ago) think "curry", they think of a weird spicy dish that smells funky.  But Thai curry is so much different~ I promise!

I first made Thai coconut curry when I had my boyfriend over for dinner when we had just started dating.  I followed a recipe I found online and simplified it to my liking.  & After realizing that "curry" could mean a blend of delicious, aromatic spices blended into a sauce with fresh meat and tender vegetables- with coconut milk- I was sold.

Friday Five: Kitchen Gadgets I Love

This Friday I'm talking about 5 kitchen gadgets that I constantly rely on- and wouldn't want to be without!  Let me know what yours are, and if you own any of the gadgets I mentioned.  Hope you enjoy the video!  Product names & links will be listed below.

See the video on YouTube here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrJzlwY-q8A&feature=youtu.be

Homemade Lemon Larabars (VIDEO)

Since posting my Homemade Coconut Cream Pie Larabars recipe almost a year ago, I have been meaning to share some of my other favorite flavors.  Larabars are so easy to make at home, and will definitely save you some bucks!

Paleo Pizza Bites

With football season starting up, I've had "game-day" foods on my mind.  I'm all about taking familiar comfort foods that everyone loves, & turning them Paleo-friendly. & That was the inspiration for this recipe!

Everyone loves pizza, right?  Maybe some prefer certain toppings over others.. but pretty much everyone enjoys pizza.  So switch up the "topping" ingredients to suite your taste buds~ and try out these Paleo Pizza Bites the next time you're in need of a healthy (yet crazy delicious) finger food.  I went for the 'combination' flavor since that's my favorite, but I would recommend trying out pepperoni, meat lovers, or Hawaiian!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake (Paleo)

In my last couple of weeks before starting work, I have been on a roll with the whole recipe creating thing.  

This past weekend, we were having a sweet tooth moment~ with no desserts or treats on hand, and no Enjoy Life chocolate chips for cookie-making :(  So, I got creative with what we had in the cupboards, and experimented with a recipe I had been thinking of for some time now.... Pineapple Upside Down Cake.

I used frozen pineapple pieces (these were Trader Joe's 'Pineapple Tid-Bits'), but fresh pineapple would be amazing too.  The ingredients are pretty simple, but the flavors in this are buttery, sweet, fresh, and amazing.  I added a little unsweetened coconut to give some extra texture & flavor, and it goes perfectly with the pineapple (if I do say so myself!)

Get To Know Me Video!

Hi Guys!

I decided to film a little "Get to Know Me" video for my YouTube channel!  I figured since many of you have become my blog friends, and have met me just through reading my recipes~ it might be a fun way to see a little more of my personality, and learn a few things about me.

Fresh Pico de Gallo

Here's a fresh summer staple I love to toss together.  Pico de Gallo is perfect for dipping~ try plantain chips, bell pepper wedges, cucumber slices (my favorite), or gluten free corn tortilla chips if you'd like!  The lime juice gives it an extra zesty kick.

This fresh salsa is also awesome over a salad or grilled chicken, fish, or steak.  Try it over my Grilled Mahi Mahi, or toss in some cooked shrimp for an easy ceviche.  You could also add a summer fruit of your choice (mango, pineapple, peach, nectarine, etc.) to give it a twist!