Fantastic Friday Four - September 30

TGIF y'all!

Is it me, or has September been a MILLION years long?  I'm getting a 4 day weekend this weekend so hooray for that.

Here are some other things making me smile this week!

I hosted a family brunch this past weekend, and the Mimosa Bar was a hit!  I had some raspberries and strawberries, champagne (obvs), and three different juices - orange, tropical, and mixed berry.  YUM.  Also, LOVE this chalkboard that I got on clearance on Michael's!

I am OBSESSED with this Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Night Cap.  I got a sample in my Sephora Play box and have been using it all week.  I use it after showering on wet hair, and I also have put it on before bed on dry hair (it's pillow safe!).  It smells amazing and my hair is sooooo soft. 

Because it's fall, and all things are pumpkin in my world, I made a batch of these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Energy Balls from Clean Food Crush.  Super easy and sooooo delish.  I subbed in pumpkin seeds for the nuts, but everything else was the same.  It made a huge batch as well!  I have 2 to 3 as mid-afternoon / pre-workout snack and they are a perfect boost.  Also, they keep great in the fridge!

Because it's Friday.  And also, accurate.















What are you loving this week?

Alton Brown - Everyday Cook

So, OMG I got to see and meet Alton Brown you guys.

And he was AMAZING.

I went to this Big Ideas Night at Random House, which I will definitely do again when another author I want to see comes to visit!

The night started at 6:30 with check-in, where we got a copy of the cookbook (HURRAY!!).  Then, we went upstairs for wine and appetizers.  At about 6:45, Alton came out.  This man is incredibly engaging when he speaks, I just didn't want to stop listening!

He talked about his new book mostly, and then the Q&A started.  That brought questions about everything from Good Eats to Cutthroat Kitchen.

And then, it was time to get the book signed and to meet him!

One thing that struck me when I met him was that he introduced himself (which he did to everyone!), and it was like "DUDE I know who you are!" and yet it's so awesome that he does that.  He was super friendly and just a lot of fun.

So looking forward to experimenting some with Everyday Cook!

Because Who Doesn't Love Sunday Brunch?

Ok, technically mine was Saturday brunch, but brunch is brunch yes?

I thought I'd share some of the recipes I used.  A couple I found through Pinterest (of course) and one was from this very blog (the pumpkin one, naturally).

The strata I made will be coming to a post near you very soon!

Crockpot Pumpkin Latte

Cheesy Hashbrown Cups from Coffee with Us 3

Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake from Anderson + Grant 

Enjoy!

Pina Colada Smoothie

Is it just me, or does anyone else automatically hum that song when you hear "pina colada"?

Let's face it, it's one of my favorite drinks (although not the healthiest), so this was my attempt at making it healthier.  Also, minus the rum, obviously.

For this, I used Quest Vanilla Milkshake protein powder, but you could use any protein powder of your choice!

Pina Colada Smoothie

Serves 1

1 1/2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond cashew milk (or milk of choice)

1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks

1/2 frozen banana

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1 tbsp. unsweetened coconut (2 tsp. in the smoothie, 1 tsp. as garnish)

Combine ingredients in blender - save 1 tsp. of coconut for the top! 

Nutella Brownie Pie

So, to be honest, I hesitate to call this a recipe.  It's wayyyyyy too easy.

But super delicious.

I mean it's chocolate and Nutella.  What could be wrong?

I've made this several times (also made it once as brownies) and it was a hit each and everytime.  Which, when you see how little effort actually goes into it, is kind of amazing!

Nutella Brownie Pie
1 box dark chocolate brownie mix
1 egg
1/3 cup water
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup Nutella (slightly warmed)
1/4 of a log of ready made sugar cookie dough

Preheat oven to 350.  Spray a pie plate with cooking spray.

Mix the brownie mix, egg, water, and applesauce until well blended.  Pour into the pie plate.

Warm the Nutella slighly in the microwave, and drizzle over the brownie batter.

Tear pieces of the cookie dough and drop on top of the brownie and Nutella batter.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until set.  Let cool completely before serving!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding

Remember Snack Packs?  Was a big fan.

The attempt, though, at eating more natural foods (as opposed to artificial sweeteners) is real though. 

I've seen a million different recipes for chia puddings, and have tried about just as many.   Never could quite get it right, until this time!

This was the perfect amount of chocolate, a hint of peanut butter (not counting the blob on top!), and a perfect pudding consistency.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding
2 tbsp. chia seeds
1/2 cup unsweetened almond cashew milk (or milk of choice)
1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. peanut butter powder
1/4 tsp. vanilla
Pinch of salt

Combine everything in a jar or deep cup and whisk together until well combined.  Refrigerate overnight!

Fantastic Friday Four

A few things that are making me smile this week!

I got to see Bruce Springsteen at Met Life on Tuesday and it was EPIC.  Also, he played Jersey Girl, so score!

Seriously (and I'm biased because I'm a HUGE fan), if you haven't had the chance to see Springsteen, DO IT.

Let's just call this my transition to fall bag.  Love the color, and of course it has to be giant enough to fit my immense planner.  Got it at New York and Company!

Ummmm, yes.  ALL THE PUMPKIN.  And these are delicious!

And speaking of pumpkin...

I feel like this came out extra early this year, but I ain't mad. 

What's making you smile this week??