Cocoa Oats

I'm very seasonal when it comes to breakfasts.

Spring and summer?  I'm all about the smoothies.

Fall and winter?  Give me all the hot breakfasts.

While most days it's avocado toast with an egg, I do get cravings for a hearty bowl of oatmeal.

And apparently, the secret to this, which I literally just found out, is to add more liquid than called for.  Makes the oats fluffy and bigger, hence more filling.  While it does take a bit longer to cook, it's totally worth it.

This bowl is loaded with chocolatey goodness.  I added some Vital Proteins collagen peptides in the recipe, which is totally optional.  I've been using it for a few weeks now and I have to say, definitely seeing a difference in my hair and nails!

Of course, the great thing about oatmeal is being able to top it with whatever you want!  I topped this one with some almond butter, some banana, and some Trader Joe's super seed blend (which I am obsessed with!).

Cocoa Oats
Serves 1

1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1 tbsp. cocoa powder
1 tbsp. pure maple syrup
1 tsp. extra virgin coconut oil
1 scoop collagen peptides (optional)

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.  Add in oats and reduce heat, stirring occasionally as the oats cook.  (Mine took about 7-10 minutes until it was a nice thick consistency)  Once the oats are at the consistency you like, remove from heat and stir in coconut oil until melted.  Then, add the collagen, maple syrup, and cocoa, and stir well until combined.

Pour into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings!

Fantastic Friday Four

Happy Friday!  It's like spring up in here in Jersey, which I'm going to guess is the reason for this lovely head cold I have.  But, even with the stuffiness, I have a few things that I'm loving this week!

Thanks to mom and dad, I now officially feel like a Jetson.  I am loving my Amazon Echo!  I can play my Spotify playlists or just my Amazon music, create a shopping list that goes on my phone (like literally, I notice I'm out of something and just call Alexa!), get the weather, news, and I'm sure so much more I haven't even figured out yet.  Oh, the best thing?  Asking Alexa for cooking conversions while I'm cooking - no more using flour dusted fingers on the iPad!

And thanks to my brother, I'm now officially obsessed with Hamilton, which is a tad unfortunate since I likely won't be able to score tickets until 2030.  I saw a kid at school today with a shirt that said "I had a life and then I discovered Hamilton".  Accurate.

And thanks to my other brother and his girlfriend, these adorable "Cat Nap" pillowcases, which in addition to being precious are super soft and comfy.  Charlie likes them too :)

You guys, this candle literally smells like a fraternity party full of cute guys (like when you first arrive and before the red Solo cups of beer get spilled all over the place) and I am not mad about it.  Have this lit takes me back to my URI days and it is glorious.


What is making you smile this week?

Welcome to....A Cozy Cup of Coffee!

I mean, caffeine is king, yes?

So, as we neared the end of 2016, I began thinking about this blog.  A lot.  I love this blog, but I realized that while I love all the cooking / baking / recipe posts, I wanted it to be more.

Because, you see, I love so much more than that.  And I always felt like those "other" posts would feel out of place on a blog with the word "kitchen" in the title.  Whether that's true or not, that was my perception.

So I thought about my other interests.  Music. Books. Home. Decorating. Organizing. Planning. Beauty. Sports. Crafts (though it's definitely not my specialty, I love to try!).  And I realized I wanted to really encompass all of those things.

With that decided, I started thinking of a new name.  Which, let me tell you, is not easy.  I spent days.

And then it hit me, one Saturday morning.  Because I was doing what I always do on Saturday morning.  Sitting in front of my fireplace, candle lit (because that's the first thing I do when I wake up), fuzzy slippers, and coffee in hand while I caught up on my favorite blogs for the week. 

That is what I want this blog to be.  To feel like you are sipping your coffee (or tea or cocoa!) and relaxing and catching up.

And therein lies the inspiration for the name.

I'm looking forward to bringing a lot of different things to this blog - but YES there will still be plenty of recipes - because let's be honest, that's still my favorite.

So grab your favorite beverage, pull up a couch and a cozy fireplace, and enjoy!

Lasagna Soup

Sounds weird right?

Lasagna, but a soup.

I assure you though, not only is this completely and ridiculously easy?  It really does taste like lasagna in a bowl.

This is a perfect soup to make on a chilly fall or winter Sunday, and then have ready for the week.  You can top it however you like, but my favorite way to serve it is to scoop a hot ladle of soup over a dollop or ricotta cheese and top with some shredded mozzarella.

Seriously, you aren't going to believe how easy this one is!

Just as a heads up, I cooked the pasta right in the soup.  As it sat for a couple days, it definitely got thicker, so if you want it to be more soup-like for leftovers, just add a bit more broth when reheating!

Lasagna Soup

1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 1/4 pound lean hot italian turkey sausage, casings removed
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 large can (29 oz) tomato sauce
2 1/2 tbsp. tomato paste
1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
1 3/4 tsp. dried basil
3/4 tsp. oregano
6 cups low sodium chicken broth
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 pound farfalle pasta (or pasta of choice)
3 cups fresh spinach


Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot, and cook the turkey sausage over medium high heat until cooked through. 

Add in the garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, rosemary, basil, oregano, chicken broth, thyme, sugar and salt and stir well.  Simmer over medium / low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add in the pasta and cook until pasta is cooked through.  Toss in the spinach and allow it to wilt.

Serve over a scoop of ricotta and topped with mozzarella!

Fantastic Friday Four - Holiday Edition!

I'm a sucker for this time of year.  So, with that in mind, these are some of the holiday things that I'm loving this week!

First has to be my tree right?  I had a tree trimming party the other night and the elves did a great job. This time of of year, the first thing I do when I get up in the morning?  Turn on the tree.  First thing after work?  Turn on the tree.  There is little I enjoy more than sitting in front of the tree with no lights on but that. 

Come on, you all know you are as obsessed with The Christmas Story as I am.  A few years ago, my parents gave my brothers and I these for Christmas, and it's one of the first decorations I put up.  It's a major award!

I'm a self-professed candle freak, no lie.  And I have a lot of favorite holiday scents but this one has to be my favorite.  I really don't know why, but just smelling it reminds me of Christmas!  Also, love this winter candle holder, because it isn't specific to Christmas so it will stay out past that time.  Gotta love Bath and Body Works!

Literally, every night.  Seriously, this is like the cheapest wine ($6!!!) but so good!  Pour some into a measuring cup, heat for about 30 - 40 seconds, pour into a wine glass.  It is the perfect remedy to a cold winter day, and absolutely a must for sitting in front of the tree!

What are your favorite holiday things?

Fantastic Friday Four: Skin Care Faves!

I may have mentioned recently that I'm a makeup junkie.

FYI, that also applies to skin care. 

I LOVE trying new stuff out.  I have super dry skin, particularly in the winter, so anything moisturizing is my jam.

So I thought I'd share four of my current favorite skincare products!  Happy Friday!

Soap & Glory Beauty Sleep Accelerator

Given that I'm OBSESSED with Soap & Glory's body butter, when I saw the night cream I knew I had to try it.  It's super thick and creamy but doesn't feel greasy. 

Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub

You guys, this literally tastes like kettle corn.  And the instructions are to literally rub it into your lips and lick it off!  Lush products are completely natural so it's safe!  It's like a snack, but it's also a really good lip exfoliator for anyone like me who gets very dry lips.

Algenist Eye Renewal Balm

Remember the whole dry skin thing?  That goes double for the under eyes.  This cream is AMAZING.  I actually got it as a sample at Sephora and it's lasted me over a month.  A little bit goes a LONG way.  And that's using it both morning and night!

Fresh Rose Floral Toner

I'm a sucker for rose scents, and this one isn't overpowering.  This toner is super refreshing. I spray it on after a shower or when I get up in the morning.  Also love to just mist it on to freshen up my makeup during the day.

What are your favorite skincare items?

**This post contains affiliate links**

Pumpkin Spice Waffle

I swear, the pumpkin overload will end soon.

Maybe.  At least until next September.  (Let's be honest.  August)

I'm a big fan of Kodiak Cakes - particularly their Power mix.  Super easy to work with, and a nice quick breakfast.

Recently, I've begun adding Quest MCT oil powder to my waffles.  This is totally a skipable step but it makes the waffles super fluffy.  It also has some great health benefits, as it is a healthy fat, somewhat akin to coconut oil (at least from what I've read!).

I topped my waffle with some sunflower butter because, much like pumpkin, I'm completely obsessed.

Just as an FYI, I cooked my waffle on the highest setting on my iron - but your mileage may vary.

Pumpkin Spice Waffle
Serves 1

1/3 cup Kodiak Cakes Power mix (or mix of choice)
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1/3 cup water
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 scoop Quest MCT oil

Combine all ingredients in a bowl.  Spray waffle iron.  Spread batter onto iron and cook on highest setting until done.  Top with your favorite toppings!