Lentil and Green Pea Veggie Soup

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We had a few blissfully warm days over the past couple of weeks but this weekend the deep freeze returned, and there’s a snowstorm in the forecast for tomorrow. A really big one apparently. Womp womp. We’re exactly a week away from the first day of spring, so let’s hope this is winter’s last hurrah before the temps start climbing for good. I’m so ready for warm weather and sunshine!

When it’s this cold outside I like to warm up with a nourishing bowl of soup. As much as I like salads, I often crave something hot for dinner in the winter and don’t find salads so appealing. I don’t want to forgo all my veggies though and that’s where soup comes in! A hearty veggie soup packs in loads of healthy and fresh ingredients while offering the comfort of a warm dish. This lentil and green pea veggie soup is a family fave that I make all throughout the winter months. It’s filling and flavorful and incredibly easy. Whenever I’m making soup I always double or triple the recipe and make a giant pot so that we can eat it for several nights. You can also freeze it if you want to have some on hand for later, but we always wind up eating it all and don’t have any left over to freeze!

I didn’t measure the quantity but it makes a lot. I’d guess about 12 cups! If you wind up making it and measure it out, let me know.

Lentil & Green Pea Veggie Soup

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp low sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 large yellow onions, chopped
  • 1.5 cups chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 large sweet potato
  • 4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
    3 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tbsp turmeric
  • 2 cups uncooked green lentils, rinsed thoroughly
    7-8 cups low sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 cup frozen green peas
  • 1 cup frozen spinach
  • salt & pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Add 4 tbsp vegetable broth to an extra large skillet or pot placed on medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, celery, sweet potato, and garlic. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender or at least starting to soften.
  2. Add 7 cups of vegetable broth to the pot along with the uncooked lentils. Add the curry powder and turmeric.
  3. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium/low and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. If you notice that you need more liquid, add up to a cup more of veggie broth to thin out the soup.
  4. Add in frozen peas and spinach and stir until heated through. Add salt and pepper to taste.

*Adapted from the Oh She Glows Curried Lentil Soup recipe

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Baby Registry Must-Haves

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Several of my friends are pregnant with their first babies right now and are going through the process of creating a baby registry. Having had my little one last year, I know all too well how overwhelming this can be. With the plethora of products out there beckoning first-time parents, it’s hard to separate the must-buys from the gimmicks. I was as clueless as they come when creating my own registry and had no idea where to start. After surviving eight months with an infant though, I now have a pretty good idea of what to stock and what to skip. All babies are different of course, so some of the things Jackson loved may not suit other little ones, but generally speaking, I don’t think you can go wrong with the list of basics below. If you’re a soon-to-be mom looking for registry tips, I hope this helps! Continue reading “Baby Registry Must-Haves”

Everyday Banana Bread (Vegan)

 

Everyday Banana Bread

For some reason I always seem to have overripe bananas lying around. I don’t mind though because overripe bananas make the very best banana bread! It may sound gross but I like to wait until bananas have turned completely black on the outside before I bake with them. At that point, I know they’re bursting with flavor and will infuse any baked good with banana-rich goodness. I had three of these perfectly ripened bananas in the house yesterday and my husband was starting to get repulsed by looking at them, so it was a great excuse to whip up a loaf of my favorite banana bread.

I’m a huge fan of this banana bread recipe because it requires just a handful of healthy ingredients and isn’t loaded with sugar or fat. I can eat a slice for breakfast without feeling like I’m starting my day off with a piece of cake, and that’s not something I can say for most quick breads. I typically top it with a dab of peanut butter but you can add any spread you like, or eat it plain, whatever strikes your fancy!

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup of oat flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (you can use all all-purpose if you prefer)
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 3 medium, very ripe bananas
  • ½ cup applesauce
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Add the first five ingredients to a large bowl and combine.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the remaining three ingredients. If necessary, mash the bananas until mostly blended (some chunks are okay).
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients in the large bowl and mix until well combined. The batter will be very thick.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
  6. Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Adapted from Peaceful Dumpling’s Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

 

EveryDay Banana Bread

Baby Recap: Eight Months Old

Jackson turned eight months old on Friday. I can’t believe in just four more months he’ll be turning one. Time needs to slow waaay down!

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The past month has passed by in a bit of a blur. Since starting daycare in early January Jackson has been sick every single week with one thing or another.  First a stomach virus, then a cold, then another cold followed by a double ear infection, then another cold. Seriously, it NEVER ends! The doctor said it’s normal and that we can expect Jackson to be sick for the first six months after starting daycare but I’m praying that won’t be true for him. Really, half a year?! I can’t take four more months of this!! Spring, please get here STAT! Continue reading “Baby Recap: Eight Months Old”

The Truth About Breastfeeding

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When I was pregnant I scoured the Internet and baby books for information on pregnancy, labor, and how to care for a newborn. I watched YouTube videos on how to swaddle (something I still can’t seem to figure out), researched the best infant car seats, and read all about how to handle colic. The one topic I didn’t delve into much, though, was breastfeeding. Somehow I brushed it off as something I’d pick up instinctively once the baby arrived. My (albeit naive) feeling was, our bodies are meant to do this, so things will just fall into place. Turned out I couldn’t have been more wrong. The reality? Breastfeeding can be hard. Like, really hard. And you’re not an abomination to motherhood if that’s the case for you.

I struggled with breastfeeding from the get go but didn’t think much of it in the hospital, where I had the luxury of nurses and lactation consultants to guide me through it. When I got home, it was a whole different story. It was really hard to get Jackson to latch, when he did latch, it was really uncomfortable, and I was constantly worried that he wasn’t getting enough milk. That anxiety coupled with the utter exhaustion that comes from having to feed a newborn around the clock can make any mom second guess her abilities. I think I made it 48 hours before breaking down in tears of frustration to my husband, crying about feeling like a failure.

In those early days and weeks I nearly threw in the towel on breastfeeding SO many times. I even had formula on hand and ready just in case. But I kept at it. Jackson was gaining weight “beautifully” according to the doctor, so that gave me confidence that I must be doing something right. Still, breastfeeding was uncomfortable for me for a while — at one point I had a cracked nipple on one side and a blistered nipple on the other one — but I managed to keep going. I tried all kinds of techniques to improve Jackson’s latch since all the experts say you’re doing something wrong if it’s painful. I even had a lactation consultant come to the house, but that didn’t help. I just took it one day at a time and clung to the hope that it would get better. And you know what? It DID get better. Right around three months things turned a corner. After trying everything under the sun to “fix” my breastfeeding issues, what worked in the end was TIME. Jackson was such a small baby, just 6 pounds 13 oz. at birth, and his little mouth just wasn’t big enough at first to latch on in the “correct” way, no matter what I tried. Once he got a bit bigger, things resolved on their own without any effort from me and, just like that, my breastfeeding struggles were over.

Jackson will be eight months old on Friday and, believe it or not, I’m still breastfeeding. I never would have guessed I’d last this long when I was in the thick of it early on, but I’m so glad I powered through. I hold no judgment towards women who are unable to breastfeed or choose not to. My hope in sharing my experience is to encourage women who DO want to breastfeed but are struggling like I was that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Take it from me, it gets easier. Don’t stress. You’ll get there.

Hearty Pumpkin Pancakes (Dairy Free)

Hearty Pumpkin Pancakes

I realize pumpkin craze season is long gone but I had to use up some pumpkin puree and was in the mood for pancakes yesterday, so this recipe combining the two hit the spot. I love that it’s chock full of pumpkin — seriously, a whole 15 oz. can! — and light on oil and sugar, so it’s something I can feel good feeding my family, even if it’s more decadent than our usual breakfast. I’d describe these pancakes as dense and cake-like vs. light and fluffy, but they’re truly delish and have become a fast favorite in my pancake rotation. If you’re looking for something to do with your leftover pumpkin like I was, or simply want to try out a new pancake recipe, give these pumpkin pancakes a try. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Hearty Pumpkin Pancakes
Makes 8-10 large pancakes

Ingredients

  • 1 15 oz. can pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, which is loaded with sugar)
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk (or other milk of choice)
  • 1 tbsp melted coconut oil
  • 1 cup oat flour
  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp cane sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Coconut oil for sautéing

Directions

  1. Add the first 4 ingredients to a medium bowl and mix until well combined.
  2. In a second bowl, add the remaining ingredients and mix until well combined.
  3. Add mixture from the second bowl to the mixture in the first bowl and mix until blended.
  4. Get a large skillet nice and hot by placing over medium heat and add a tablespoon of coconut oil to prevent sticking. Pour pancake batter into the skillet using a measuring cup or spoon, and saute until firm enough to flip (about 3 minutes), then saute on the other side for another few minutes. Repeat until there’s no more batter left, adding more coconut oil to the pan as needed. Top with maple syrup and enjoy!

*Adapted from Natasha’s Kitchen’s Pumpkin Pancakes

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What’s your favorite pancake recipe?

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Rekindling Romance After Having a Baby

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Since Valentine’s Day was yesterday and love is still top of mind, I thought I’d share my thoughts on keeping romance alive after having a baby. While bringing a little one into the world is one of the best experiences in life hands down, it can take a toll on other relationships, particularly the one you have with your significant other. On top of all the fun physical changes you’re going through postpartum (hello crazy hormones, leaky boobs, night sweats and massive hair loss!), you’re also dealing with the inevitable changes that come along with caring for a new baby. You know, exhaustion, spit up, blow outs, wearing the same yoga pants for five months straight. Not exactly a recipe for romance!

Personally, my relationship with my husband definitely took a backseat for the first several months post baby, as I think it should have. At some point though, it’s important to make time to connect one-on-one again for the sake of your relationship long term. While this is still very much a work in progress for us, here are some easy things that have helped me and my hubs get back that loving feeling. Continue reading “Rekindling Romance After Having a Baby”

Healthy Homemade Chocolate Truffles (Gluten & Dairy Free)

Homemade Chocolate Truffles

Truthfully I’ve never been much of a Valentine’s Day person, single or not. I think it makes single people feel bad and puts pressure on people in relationships to come up with some grand gesture of love on an arbitrary day. That said, I am a chocolate person and can get behind any excuse to eat more of it! With that in mind, I wanted to share a quick, healthy and delicious recipe for homemade chocolate truffles.

My sister discovered this recipe years ago and she makes the truffles every year over the holidays. They’re a big hit! But I think they’re a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day as well. On top of being super easy, the recipe is also healthy and free of junk! It uses just a few wholesome ingredients and is dairy and gluten free–if you’re someone who cares about that. Best of all, they’re seriously tasty. Whip up a batch and give them to a loved one or simply treat yourself!

Healthy Homemade Chocolate Truffles
Makes 12-14 large-sized truffles

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond flour or almond meal
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 1.5 tbsp coconut oil, melted
  • Unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients except for coconut to a large bowl and mix well until you have a very firm “dough” (You don’t need an electric mixer. A wooden spoon and good old elbow grease will do!). If mixture isn’t holding together well, add a little more coconut oil.
  2. Form truffles by rolling small amounts of the mixture in your hands.
  3. If using coconut, put coconut in a separate bowl and dip each truffle in the flakes to coat the outside. You could also use crushed peanuts or pistachios, or really anything you like!
  4. Put truffles in the refrigerator to harden. Keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve. You can also freeze them for longer-term use.

*Adapted from Kimberly Snyder’s Raw Cacao Truffles recipe

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If you make these, let me know how you like them!

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Our Engagement Story

Five years ago today, David and I got engaged. Now that we’re married, it’s easy to forget anniversaries beyond our wedding date (I can hardly remember my own birthday!), but I think it’s important to celebrate the smaller things and acknowledge how far we’ve come. In some ways it feels like a lifetime ago that David was getting down on one knee and popping the question, and in others, if feels like just yesterday. So, in honor of our “engagement anniversary,” here’s the story behind David’s proposal. Continue reading “Our Engagement Story”