Thinking Out Loud #10

Happy Thursday friendly faces, does anyone else have election hangover? I'm glad the election is over because I was really, really tired of hearing about it 24/7 and I was really tired of being bombarded with political ads, but I was up way too late (like 2:30am😳) watching the results pour after working the polls. I have so much to share, but I'll keep this weeks thinking out loud brief and a recently post will be up tomorrow. Brace yourselves for the randomness...

1. My newest guilty pleasure is Amazon prime streaming. I have been a prime member for five years and this is the first time I have actually taken advantage of streaming TV shows and movies🙈 I got really sick of watching to the news in the mornings while I ran on the treadmill at the gym so I started watching The Newsroom. OH MY GOSH ITS SO GOOD!!! It's pretty accurate as far as what it's like to work in a newsroom. There is constant stress, looming deadlines, competitiveness, and big egos (especially in big TV markets). Definitely check it out, I highly recommend it. 

2. I feel like I should start this with "typical girl status" because I walked into Target for one bottle of ketchup and I walked out with a basket of stuff. In my defense they did have conditioner on sale for an awesome price so stocking up was the smart thing to do. I did find these waffles though and I did a happy dance because they're gluten and dairy free🙌 Of course I had to try them right away and they are really good! The box is already long gone, whoops😋 

3. Speaking of the election I actually worked the polls for the first time ever. It was a ridiculously long day, I was there from 6am until almost 10pm but it was pretty cool to see democracy in action. I bugged pretty much everyone I knew to register to vote and then get out and vote. I didn't care who they were voting for I simply wanted people to exercise their right to vote that so many people would give anything to have. Voting is not just your civic duty, it's a privilege that hundreds of thousands of men and women have sacrificed to protect. It's also important just so you can be an informed citizen. 

4. Up until yesterday the weather has been absolutely gorgeous and unseasonably warm. Of course I soaked up every possible minute of sunshine because I know cold and the dreaded snow is around the corner. Over the weekend my boyfriend and I headed to a cider mill and walked all around the orchard, pumpkin patch and various other areas. It was so nice just to be outside🍎 It's nice to be with someone who loves being outside and active as much as I do. Sometimes we just pick a park off Apple maps and go explore, we are pretty simple and easy to please.

5. I have started looking for a new pair of running shoes because mine are starting to get old. I've racked up a lot of miles on them so before my shoes totally die, or I hurt my feet, I'm looking to get a new pair. The Nike Air Zoom collection has been my go to for years, but the style I always get is being discontinued so I need suggestions on new shoes. I'm a Nike girl because I know they work well, but I will happily take suggestions on good shoes. 

6. I found this bad boy while browsing the baking isle at Kroger (doesn't everyone do that in their free time😂) I can't have Nutella but from what I've heard it's incredibly sugary tasting. This is basically Nutella but gluten, dairy and nut free. I mixed a little in with my morning oats and it's definitely good. I may do some baking with it during the holidays because it is a better option than Nutella, the macros aren't great but it's definitely better and has half the sugar. The sugar that is included is organic and not artificial. 

I'll end things on six this week because I have a feeling tomorrows recently post might get a little long. Have a terrific Thursday lovelies! 

What is your favorite show to watch?
Are you looking forward to the holiday season? Why or why not?

Nutty Granola (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan)

Happy Monday!! It's been awhile since I have shared a recipe so that needed to change ASAP. Truthfully, I just have not baked anything in a really long time. I've been trying to stay away from buying allergy friendly products because they are so expensive, so I've been sticking to fruits, veggies and meat. I have a few allergy friendly staples that I buy and I massively stock up when they go on sale- if anyone is interested I'll do a post about the allergy friendly staples that I do buy. Anyway, after a few rough days (that's a story for another post) I needed some baking therapy. 

I had a few new recipes I wanted to test out so I collected all the ingredients and got to work. I've shared a few granola recipes on the blog, but why not share another? The more the merrier right? My mom and a friend taste tested the recipe and gave the seal of approval so I figured it was blog worthy. This granola makes an awesome snack or topping for yogurt! 

Nutty Granola

• 2 cups gluten free oats
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cups pumpkin seeds
• 1/3 cup cashews
• 1/2 cup dried tart cherries, divided
• 1/2 cup dairy free chocolate chips, divided
• 3 Tablespoons chia seeds
• 1/3 cup nut butter of choice
• 1/4 cup honey or agave
• 1/2 Tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350F degrees and line a baking sheet with tinfoil and spray with coconut oil or nonstick cook spray.

In a mixing bowl combine oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, half of the dried cherries, half of the chocolate chips and chia seeds. 

In a separate bowl add nut butter, honey, coconut oil and vanilla. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir and if the nut butter is not entirely melted microwave for an additional 10 seconds and stir again.

Pour liquid ingredients over dry ingredients and use a spatula to stir until everything is well coated.

Spread granola out in an even layer on baking sheet and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over it. 

Bake at 350F degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until it's golden brown. 

Remove from oven and allow the granola to cool. While cooling sprinkle the remaining dried cherries on top of granola. 

When the granola is completely cooled break it into chunks and store in an airtight container. 

If you make this granola take a picture, tag me on instagram, and use the hashtag #thesimplelife I'd love to see your creations! Don't forget to like my new Facebook page!

Thinking Out Loud #9

Happy Thursday friendly I apologize for being totally MIA this week from the blog and social media, I have been really sick and have been sleeping and seeing lots of doctors this week. I'm hoping to get rid of this bug quickly, but if anyone has any tips to get better quick please let me know! Despite being sick I wanted to keep on with thinking out loud Thursday so here we go...

1. I have gotten some questions about how I'm doing with my lupus flare so I wanted to address that, but first I want to say a big thank you! Thank you for all the sweet messages and notes, I really appreciate it! Aside from feeling crummy because I picked up a bug my doctors are trying to figure out the best course of treatment to get the lupus under control. Treating an autoimmune condition is not easy because everyone is very different so what works for one person won't necessarily work for another. Right now my main focus is on kicking this bug and then trying to get better overall. I have been resting LOTS and taking it super easy at the gym because I tire so easily right now. 

2. On a funner note the awesome team at Daily Harvest sent me a case of their smoothies to test out. I'm super pumped to try them once my stomach settles down. Some of my friends have tried them and really liked them, plus their flavor combos sounds AMAZING! 

3. My local grocery store has been carrying a ton more types of squash this year and I'm slowly working my way through trying them all out. One of the goodies I found was turban squash. I have yet to try it but I couldn't resist snapping a picture because it looks so cool! Has anyone tried turban squash before and/or have any recipe/cooking recommendations?

4. I have to take a minute to gloat because last Saturday was the U of M v. MSU rivalry game and U of M won!!! If you're a fellow Michigander or a college football fan in general you can always appreciate a good rivalry game. Michigan went into the game undefeated and let's just say MSU isn't having a great season. A few of my best friends went/go to MSU and I always root for them EXCEPT when they play U of M, I was born and raised a wolverine and my dad would probably kill me if I rooted for MSU in this game. My boyfriend and I were on opposite sides, he's a MSU fan, and let's just say I was much happier when the game ended than he was. I about died laughing at MSU's failed two point conversion attempt at the end of the game where Michigan picked off the ball and ran it for a touchdown. Needless to say it was a good weekend to be a wolverine! (cue the Michigan fight song)

5. Since I wasn't feeling good and there was a lot going on I didn't get a chance to carve my pumpkin until the day of Halloween. Cora is always fascinated by pumpkin carving, she likes to sniff pumpkin guts, but of course she wouldn't cooperate for a photo. I wish I had the talent to carve those really intricate pumpkin designs, but I don't so I always stick with a basic face and call it good. 

6. The first day of November was GORGEOUS here in the mitten. It was 76F degrees and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Despite being sick I went with my family to a cider mill to enjoy the beautiful day. Apple picking season is pretty much over but that didn't stop us from enjoying walking through the orchard, feeding the horses, and soaking up the beautiful sunshine. I brought my professional camera along to capture some of the fall beauty and because I rarely get the chance to play around with photography. I had a blast capturing everything from fresh apples to fall colors. I've been sharing some of my photos on my instagram. 

7. Fellow midwesterners if you're looking for Wild Friends seasonal peanut butter flavors Fresh Thyme stores carry them! I popped in Fresh Thyme to pick up some raspberries and was pumped to find a display. Even though I can't have nut butter I will definitely be picking some up to include in Christmas packages for my friends! If you get the stores app there is a coupon for Wild Friends nut butters too and who doesn't love saving money?! 

I'll end things on lucky number seven today. Have a great Thursday and I hope to be back in full force next week!