The real name for these delicious after-school morsels is "Sunflower Seed Butter Crunch Bars".

Knowing Ella would put her nose up to something that remotely sounded healthy, I opted to shorten them to "Butter Crunch Bars" when she asked me what I was making the other day. *wink*

After-school snacks are always a bit of a struggle. 

As a parent, I want to feel good about giving Ella something without all of the sugar and processed junk in typical snacks...but also something she is excited to eat because it actually tastes good. 

These delicious butter crunch bars are the exact thing Ella and I have both been looking for.

They are filled with good-for-you ingredients, are easy to whip up, and are quite tasty! (maybe even a little addicting). 

Adding the little heart sprinkles was a complete after-thought but...

how cute would these be for a guilt-free indulgence on Valentine's Day?!

I hope you'll try the recipe! It's definitely a winner.

And so is the cookbook it came from!

PS - Let's stay cozy + connected in-between posts...find me on Instagram for daily inspiration.

Subscribe here to have new blog posts delivered right to your inbox.

Enjoy the recipe - Pin It for later!!

Yield: 24 - 1 inch squares

Author: Jess - Pen + Paper Flowers

Guilt-Free Butter Crunch Snack Bars (adapted from the Eat What You Love Cookbook)

Delicious, no-bake wholesome treats for after school, or packed lunches.

ingredients:

• 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 2/3 cup plus 3 TBSP pure maple syrup
• pinch of fine sea salt
• 1 - 3.5oz. Lindt Bar, chopped
• 1 - TBSP or more of Godiva bittersweet chips 
• 2 tsp virgin coconut oil
• 1 cup unsweetened sunflower seed butter
• 1/2 cup arrowroot powder
• 6 TBSP coconut flour
• 1/4 cup melted raw cacao butter
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• NUT FREE VERSION: Skip the pecans altogether. (also eliminating 3 TBSP maple syrup and pinch of sea salt). 

instructions:

How to cook Guilt-Free Butter Crunch Snack Bars (adapted from the Eat What You Love Cookbook)

1. Preheat oven to 350º.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl combine finely chopped pecans, 3 TBSP maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat evenly. Spread on baking sheet in single layer.
4. Bake for 15 minutes or until syrup is bubbling.
5. Remove from oven.
6. Using coconut oil, lightly grease sides and bottom of 8x11 glass baking pan.
7. Line bottom and long sides of pan with parchment, allowing ends to hang over sides of pan. (will be used as handles for lifting finished bars from pan).
8. Place chopped Lindt bar in 1 cup measuring cup. Add 1 TBSP or more of Godiva chips to fill the rest of the measuring cup.  Add 2 teaspoons of coconut oil plus measured chocolate in top pan of double boiler and set aside. 
9. Add 2 inches of water to bottom pan of double boiler and bring to boil. Add top pan with chocolate and oil and remove from heat. Allow to sit and melt while moving forward with the rest of the directions. 
10. In a medium bowl, add sunflower seed butter, 2/3 cup maple syrup , arrowroot powder, coconut flour, cacao butter, vanilla, 1/2 tsp. salt. Stir together. Add candied pecans and press mixture into prepared pan. 
11. Stir melted chocolate in double boiler. Pour chocolate over sunflower butter mixture. Using spatula, gently spread chocolate to cover and smooth top. Cover with plastic wrap. Chill for 1 hour or overnight. 
12. Gently lift parchment flaps to remove slab from pan. 
13. Use a sharp knife to cut into 1 inch square bars.
14. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.
15. Keeps for up to 2 weeks. 

Calories
150.88

Fat (grams)
13.10

Sat. Fat (grams)
2.80

Carbs (grams)
7.14

Fiber (grams)
1.37

Net carbs
5.77

Sugar (grams)
3.19

Protein (grams)
3.06

Sodium (milligrams)
100.75

Cholesterol (grams)
0.00

https://www.pnpflowersinc.com/2020/01/Guilt-Free-Dessert-Butter-Crunch-Snack-Bars.html

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @pnpflowers on instagram and hashtag it #pnpflowersrecipe

Created using The Recipes Generator

KEEPING IT REAL

I wasn't supposed to be eating these until after my whole30 is finished - 5 more days...

but I just HAD to sample to be able to give you an accurate review. *wink*

GOOD THiNGS | Peach Peeling Made Easy

I finally understand all of the hype.

I listened for years as the "older folks" discussed the beauty of it all…the joy it brought them.

But I just didn't get it.

They could seriously talk passionately on the subject for hours…days even.

The magic of it all just escaped me.

My lack of understanding would not allow me to wrap my brain around it let alone embrace the miracle of it.

Until now…

LIFE | Happy Birthday, Birthday Dessert and Surprises

Before you go jumping to conclusions...this is NOT a Banana Split.

In fact...this dessert is completely sugar-free. I couldn't believe it either!!

I celebrated my birthday this weekend and when Clara mentioned wanting to come up with a creative birthday dessert for me that didn't have any sugar in it...I reminded her that watermelons weren't in season so she couldn't do the Fresh Fruit Cake I normally create for Ema's birthday.

She said she had something different in mind...and I was definitely intrigued.

Nothing could prepare me for what her and Ema created on Sunday.

This birthday dessert is made of nothing but fruit. 

The "faux scoops of ice cream" are really peeled apples, cored, cut in half, and meticulously covered with homemade sugar-free whipped cream. (the girls even took the precaution of sprinkling the apples with lime juice - we were out of lemon - to prevent the apples from browning)! 

The apple ice cream scoops are sitting on top of a banana cut in 1/2, surrounded by fresh fruit, drizzled with a raspberry puree and sprinkled with crushed nuts. I even LOVE that the girls got out my piping tips to squirt on the decorative whipped cream to put the candles in. The details blew me away!!

I'm all about presentation and I'd say they hit a home run with this one!

I love that they used one of my favorite Gail Pittman serving dishes that I've had forever!!

Creative...am I right? 

I'm sooo impressed (and proud) of their efforts. I LOVED it!!

Now...before I was presented with this amazing dessert on Sunday, my birthday weekend began with a last minute dinner with J on Friday night...a surprise spa day on Saturday...a birthday breakfast J and Ella made for me on Sunday morning, a birthday dinner I didn't have to cook and then this fabulous birthday dessert on Sunday evening with my family!
It was a weekend filled with family and beautiful weather and I really couldn't have asked for more.

Feeling so grateful...I've been inspired to get you involved in my birthday celebration...
by doing something special for YOU!

As an ambassador for Compendium Inc. I was sent a copy of one of their beautiful, new, inspirational books...

Fight On...

"Just because your miracle doesn't look like the miracle you were expecting,

that doesn't mean it isn't the one you've been waiting for."

"You were made for something special. Be Patient. The world is rearranging itself."

"At every moment, the world is whispering opportunities. Listen closely."

As with all Compendium books...this new "Fight On" book is empowering!! The motivational quotes that fill the pages have a way of making you stop and listen. There are some quotes that jump off of the page at me...and others that draw me in closer. I'm in love. And more importantly...I'm inspired. I love that! I want YOU to be inspired too!!

I actually have 3 copies of this book.
I'm wrapping up one of the copies to send to my aunt - an incredibly strong woman who's been faced with a handful of intense back-to-back trials over the past 4 months.

The other copy I'm considering keeping for myself, although I have two other people in my life I feel could use this book.

And then I've got one other copy I'd like to send to one of YOU!!
In addition to the book...I'll be including a set of these adorable Pop-Open Window Cards too!
They remind me of the little pop-open lunch notes I used to pack in my girls' lunches...
but these are an "adult" version.

30 little cards in each box...
each box with a different focus/theme...
each card with a different message...
and each box...a little treasure box filled with gold nuggets of inspiration!
I think the pretty packaging and cute design make it a fun, quick way to be inspired.
On top of that...these make such a sweet, simple gift!!

I actually gave Clara the "Be Happy" box and Ema the "Dream" box.
The morning after I gave Clara her box she was heading out the door to school and mentioned to me she'd opened her very first card that morning and it was exactly the inspiration she needed for the day! LOVE hearing that!!

So anyway...back to my gift to YOU!!
It's easy to enter to win. Just use the Rafflecopter app below!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'll pick a winner on Saturday, November 9th.
That's it!!

I hope you'll check out all of the amazing products on the Live Inspired website!
They have so many beautiful gifts for every person in your life - including CHILDREN!!
I love that I can't keep up with the new things they are always adding to their site and there's nothing I don't love.

You can check out the Live Inspired Blog too for more inspiration.
Or just go straight to the Live Inspired Website!

As a long-time lover of Compendium Inc. products...I continually feel blessed and grateful to be a Live Inspired Ambassador and it's with sincere thanks and appreciation to the Live Inspired team for making these giveaways possible...and for constantly reminding me to live inspired! *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Remember the Family Reunion I went to over the Summer?

My aunt and uncle from Boone, North Carolina are the ones who hosted it.

The same aunt I mentioned I'll be sending the book to.

She's had an incredibly challenging time over the last 4 months...and so has my uncle.

My uncle ended up having emergency back surgery right after the reunion and she's been helping him recover from that.

Soon after, she lost her very best friend.

She then had to put two of her beloved dogs down unexpectedly.

And then...just a few weeks ago...my uncle had a stroke.
My heart aches for her...for them. This book will be a simple way to reach out and do "something" even though we are miles apart!! (Love you Joyce and Michael)!!

RECIPE RADAR | Pretty Popsicles

What's Summer without popsicles? Am I right?

I've got homemade popsicles on the brain, people...
to the point of almost being completely distracted by the variety of combinations I can't wait to try!

Right now I'm full-focused on collecting some fun popsicle molds to create some masterpieces.
Again, almost to the point of obsession.
Stopping at every store I THINK might carry popsicle molds...
Searching online...
Contemplating scouring thrift stores for some vintage Tupperware molds...
Yeah.
Obsessed.

While I continue my obsession search...
here are a few delightful popsicles I've been inspired by.
They are so beautiful...I'm almost certain you'll be left with a "pretty popsicle brain freeze"!

What' even better?
Not only are they lovely to look at...
the flavor combinations sound refreshing and they aren't loaded with added sugars and junk!

Lemon and Wild Strawberry Popsicles - by Bird's Party

(click the "READ MORE" button below)

RECiPE RADAR | Sweet Potato Chips

I've got some mini sweet potatoes sitting on my kitchen counter...
waiting to be turned into something fabulous!

I know just what I'm going to make with them!

Sweet Potato Chips

Photo Source Shown Above: Baked Sweet Potato Chips by Kitchen Confidante

I found a few pretty photos and recipes on Pinterest to perhaps inspire you to make some too...

Photo Source Shown Above: Fried Sweet Potato Chips by Cupcakes & Cashmere

Photo Source Shown Above: Baked Sea Salt & Vinegar Sweet Potato Chips by Undressed Skeleton

Photo Source Shown Above: Sea Salt & Rosemary Sweet Potato Chips by Leite's Culinaria

Photo Source Shown Above: Sweet Potato Chips with Feta Spread by Carina

I love all of the different seasoning options out there!!

Thinking I'll be creating a Baked Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper Sweet Potato Chip first.

Then...since I know I already love Sweet Potato Fries with Rosemary...

I'll be trying out some Baked Sea Salt and Rosemary chips too.

I can't wait to try these out and report back my findings!

If you've got a sweet potato chip recipe you think I might like...share away!

I'd love to hear back from you!

Before you go...

be sure to check back this afternoon to find out who the WINNERS are for the "Sweet Love" Collection Giveaway announced on Friday!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I officially went off of my Whole30 program this weekend!

I didn't make it the entire 90 days as I had originally intended...darn it all

but after being 100% committed over the last 70+ days...

(even while I was on a family vacation - really super hard by the way)...

I absolutely had/have no regrets!

I'll let you know how I "went out" later this week...

and give you an update on the progress I've been able to make!

And guess what?

As of today...I'm already back to following the Whole30 program again!

Yep!

I still have goals that need to be met and I can't quit until I reach them!

The end! *wink*

BAKE IT | No-Bake Raw Vegan Brownie Bites

If you celebrated with me yesterday...
then you'll be expecting this recipe today.

 No-Bake Raw Vegan Mini Brownie Bites

Before diving straight into the recipe...

I thought I should first share with you

COMING UP | Celebration Brownies

It's time to CELEBRATE!

I've reached another milestone in my Whole30 Challenge.

Today marks 60 Days of strength, commitment, perseverance and determination.
I've successfully navigated my way through a maze of hurdles, temptations and moments of weakness with regards to food.

The Whole30 people would probably disapprove of me celebrating with FOOD. *frown*
But...
The Whole30 is only a 30 day challenge...
I've pushed myself even harder and doubled the challenge to 60 days so far.
My goal is to go a full 90 days without grains, sugar, dairy and legumes...
which means I am two-thirds of the way there.

So...
I deserve a little somethin'-somethin'!
I whipped up tiny batch of these and they turned out absolutely tasty...

Whole30 Approved - No-Bake Raw Vegan Brownies

(see this previous post for the link to the recipe)

This Whole30 approved tasty treat is just what I needed to celebrate.

I totally deserved this!
I will be sharing my entire step-by-step process for making these tomorrow.

So...my Whole30 results?
I promised to share them if they were noteworthy so here they are:

DAY 60 UPDATE (Days 31-60)
go here for the results from Days 1-30
- more energy
- sleeping more soundly
- definite change in the way my clothes are fitting
- feeling lighter
- bloating is almost non-existent

and again...as I said before...
although this isn't the most important one...
it's certainly the most measurable...my weight.

During the last 30 days, I lost another 9 lbs.
Add that to the 11 lbs. I lost during the first 30 days...
and my total weight loss is exactly 20 lbs.
(I can't believe I even just said that).

Again - I have only changed my eating.
I have not yet incorporated any exercise - still working with a local chiropractor on alleviating some back pain I've had for the last 8+ months).

Feeling pretty awesome today!
Celebrate with me!

KEEPiNG it REAL
I only made 9-10 bite sized brownies.
I ate 3 or 4 yesterday...
I've already eaten 3 today...
and I've only got 3 left. *wink*

RECiPE RADAR | My First Date!

The Recipe Radar post for this week was inspired by my first date...the fruity kind - not a "date-date" 
at a recent visit to a local raw, vegan restaurant located in the quaint, historic town I live near - Mt. Dora.

Vitality Bistro

subpar photos taken with my iPhone

I had seen the bistro several times in passing and decided it was time to investigate. *wink*
Following a delicious entreé...

Personal-sized Medi-terranean Pizza

Made with an almond flour crust and topped with veggies and kalamata olives

Here's where my obsession with creating a dessert made from Medjool dates began...

and ultimately the inspiration for today's post.

Chocolate Brownie 

(fresh fruit substituted for the á la mode)

When the waitress rattled off the list of dessert selections...

I was ecstatic to find out there was one single item (Whole30-approved)...

that I could actually eat.

I couldn't believe how delicious the brownie was.

I was told it was made from dates, cacao, almond butter and almond flour. 

I left the restaurant a very happy girl.

One week later, +Paula Biggs, a sweet friend from +Frog Prince Paperie posted some bacon-wrapped dates on Instagram/Facebook...

And that was pretty much it for me.

I decided it was high-time I buy me some dates!

I began to research some recipes to try to recreate the delicious brownies from Vitality Bistro.

Here's a great recipe I found that sounds and looks pretty similar...

No-Bake Raw Vegan Brownies

by Gluten Free Vegan Girl

And here's  another date-filled recipe I found that most certainly caught my interest...

No Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Lara Bars 

by Tessa Domestic Diva

And how about some bacon-wrapped dates??

These would be SO great for entertaining too!

Simple Bacon Wrapped Dates

by Angie Anew

Although dates aren't technically in season right now. (typically September through November from my findings)

I've now got some gorgeous Medjool dates in the fridge...thanks to a visit to Sam's this weekend.

I'm ready to create something delicious!

If you'd like to sample the recipes above...

click on the direct links just above the corresponding photos.

If you have some recipes you'd love to share using dates...

PLEASE leave a comment - I'd love to hear what you all have been doing with them.

Many of you know about the Whole30 challenge I embarked on last month...

as part of the  Self-Intervention I made public here on the blog and began on April 1st.

You may have followed along on my Instagram feed for updates…

or perhaps you kept up with me on Facebook throughout my journey.

You may also know that on April 30th  I completed my Whole30 successfully!!!

not one single cheat,  slip or hiccup along the way - I really am proud of myself for pushing through!

Here's what you may not know…

I still haven't stopped.

I kept my Whole30 journey going - beyond the 30 days!

I'm now on Day 43 and going strong.

It has been challenging to say the least.

I had a handful of moments during the first 30 days that I wanted to quit - but I didn't!

I've even almost convinced myself on several occasions into having ONE cheat day since I finished my first 30 days successfully.

But I can't bring myself to do it.

I've come too far to ruin it.

My goal right now is to go a full 90 days.

I'm taking it 30 days at a time.

I promised to share some results with you when I first shared my Self-Intervention post with you.

Remember me saying...

"IF I feel strongly enough that my results will benefit others...

I will consider sharing pounds lost, inches shed or sizes dropped."

So here are some of my real measurable results during Days 1-30:

- more energy

- sleeping more soundly

and although this isn't the most important one...

it's certainly the most measurable at this point...

my weight.

First let me say...

I weighed myself on Day 0 and did NOT weigh myself again until Day 31.

I honestly did not think I had lost ANY weight.

My clothes weren't fitting any differently (and still aren't)

and even on Day 29 I was still experiencing a good amount of bloating.

I was honestly preparing myself for a huge disappointment on the scale.

Instead...

I about fell off the scale when I realized I had lost 11 lbs!

I could not believe it.

I still can't believe it.

I also have to tell you that I have not exercised at all during my Self-Intervention.

I intentionally wanted to be able to see the impact of just changing my diet.

I was originally thinking I would incorporate exercise at the start of my 2nd 30 day segment...

however, some back pain I've been having over the last 8 months has kept me from doing so.

I'll have my 3rd chiro visit this week and I'm hoping with some additional weight-loss the back pain will subside.

So...

here's where I'm at.

I'm on Day 43.

I will continue to Day 60 eating completely Whole30 compliant.

I will re-weigh on Day 61 and report back.

That's it.

Not looking to turn this into a weight-loss series...

but I certainly 

want to share and inspire anyone else out there looking to make changes.

This is how this is working for me.

It's hard.

It's difficult.

It's challenging.

And it's everything I needed.

KEEPiNG iT REAL

THE DATES

I have to say...

before my visit to Vitality Bistro,  I had never knowingly eaten a date.

I didn't think I was a date-kind-of-girl.

Now that I have a tub of them in my fridge...

I'm finding myself snacking on them like candy. (only about 3-5 daily)

They are NOT pretty.

In fact...they are quite unattractive.

Regardless... I have found myself stuffing them with walnuts

and even kalamata olives for a quick snack. Ha!

I know I'm going to love wrapping them in bacon!

The sweet and salty combination will be heavenly!

THE WHOLE30

Although I had already pre-determined I was going to do a full 90 days...

if the results on the scale wouldn't have been as amazing as they were...

it would've been REALLY hard to press forward through another 30 days...

let alone a total of 90 days.

Just sayin'...

RECiPE RADAR | Homemade Mayo and Salad Dressings

What's on my recipe radar this week?

I'll give you some hints:

1. It's the well known secret for getting kids to eating their veggies.

2. It's something adults like just as much as kids do.

3. It's the universal dip served with vegetable trays at almost every celebration!

If you guessed Ranch Dressing then you guessed right.

The Ranch Dressing recipe I'm looking to make is HOMEMADE!!

I'm not referring to using a dry seasoning packet of Hidden Valley Ranch. (sorry).

Nope.

The Homemade Ranch Dressing I'm excited to make is truly homemade in every sense of the word...

and it starts with a base of this....

Creamy Homemade Mayo

stored in one of my very favorite Weck Jars - Mini Tulip Jelly Jar (762)

Before I break down how easy the process is...

First let me say...

RECiPE RADAR | Berries and Whipped Coconut Cream

To celebrate Day 22 of the Whole30 challenge I've been participating in...
I thought I'd share a recipe from the newest cookbook I 've purchased...

Well Fed - by Melissa Joulwan

It's a GREAT  book filled with tip and tricks on how to keep your meals fun, filling and with less prep work.

After 22 days of adopting the Whole30 way of eating...
I must say that I have learned quite a bit.
Not just about "how" to eat more sensibly and fuel my body in the right way...
but I've also learned a lot about myself.
I'm much stronger than I give myself credit for most of the time!

One of the excerpts from the book described perfectly what my life has been like for the past 22 days...

"For the first few weeks, [I spent a lot of time in the kitchen]. I felt like I was on an endless loop of chop, cook, eat, wash, repeat. It was tedious."

For me...it has taken a lot of prep work to be successful on this journey.
My days consist of getting up WAY early to prepare lunch and breakfast for J before he leaves for work.
3:15 a.m. on Tuesdays...grrrrr!!

Between all of the lunches and breakfasts I prepare for everyone else and myself...
at the end of each day...I feel as though I've been in the kitchen for a good majority of it. *frown*

Well Fed has re-fueled my fire!
I love the casual approach of this cookbook...
and not only does it offer some great recipes to inspire you to cook up some wonderfully healthy meals for your family...
"it's healthy eating like you've never seen it - a collision of flavors, textures, and colors designed to impress your eyes, stimulate your taste buds, and nourish your body."

I also love all of the awesome pointers offered about how to make the prep work less tedious,  suggestions for how to shop and ideas for how to plan your meals!!

My favorite part of the book?

"...the right cookbook will inspire you to discover your own creativity and tastes and establish your own experiences and traditions. Well Fed was written to do just that, and will effortlessly allow you to cultivate your own rock star inner chef."

I love that Well Fed encourages you to get creative...
You KNOW I'm all about tapping into that source any chance I get.

So...
with all of that said...
in addition to the plethora of delicious meals from Well Fed on my radar this week...
here's a little guilt-free treat I'm looking forward to "whipping" up...

Berries and Whipped Coconut Cream

photo source: The Clothes Make the Girl

It's simple and is oh-so-perfect for the Summer months we are heading into!
Think "4th of July celebrations"!

GO HERE FOR THE RECIPE

Let me know if you try this out!!

BE INSPIRED:
Here's a little bit of background on Melissa Joulwan, author of Well Fed.
"Many of the recipes in Well Fed debuted on my blog, The Clothes Make the Girl.
I started my blog in 2008 to write about my workout and fashion adventures. As my diet
evolved to focus on paleo foods, I started to casually write about the the things I was eating. 
Soon my adaptations of family recipes were some of the most popular pages on my site, and the ideas
for the cookbook started to simmer."

How's that for some inspiration??

By the way...
just in case you are wondering...
I made the "Zoodles" I mentioned last week!  using the recipe from Well Fed
The julienne peeler I bought worked perfectly...
and the Whole30 approved "Spaghetti & Meatballs" meal I made turned out awesome!
J was surprisingly satisfied! The pasta-lovin-spaghetti-connoisseur that he is...
rated the meal a 9.25 on a scale of 1-10!
SUCCESS!!

Have a great week everyone!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I have to keep it real with you.
The Whole30 has been a HUGE challenge...
which is obviously why they call it a "challenge".  *wink*
I have been discouraged for the majority of it...
not really seeing a big difference in myself...
sitting back watching J reap some real, measurable benefits from it.
I told myself that no matter what...
I would keep pushing through all the way to Day 30.
I'm happy to report...
that FINALLY...
on Day 22...
TODAY...
I've felt the shift with my energy...
and I've noticed my clothes fitting differently.
I NEEDED that little win BIG WIN today!
I'm so grateful!!

RECiPE RADAR | Zoodles

I'm officially half way through my Whole30 journey.
So today I'm sharing with you something I've NEVER tried before...
and I want to try these right now...like today. *wink*

Zoodles

 aka "noodles made from fresh zucchini"

photo source: She Cooks He Cleans

Since one of J's biggest cravings during our last 15 days of the Whole30 eating plan has been spaghetti...

I really want to surprise him with a plate of spaghetti and meatballs - Whole30 compliant - of course.

I keep hearing how wonderful these are as a replacement for regular noodles - so why not try them?

I just ordered this Julienne Peeler which apparently allows you to whip up

some zoodles in no time flat - and is a super affordable kitchen gadget. (around $10-$15).

Once I've got my new julienne peeler, I'll be trying out this delightful dish too...

Zucchini Noodle Salad

photo source: Souvlaki for the Soul

Eliminate the feta to keep it Whole30 compliant...otherwise everything else is a go.

Click HERE for the recipe from Souvlaki for the Soul

If you've got a favorite recipe using zoodles - please share!

And if you've experienced Whole30 - let me know how you did.

What were your personal results?

I can tell you I've had some really frustrating days.

I haven't seen results like J has already been seeing.

But the one thing I HAVE noticed?

No more REAL cravings anymore.

I'm not saying I completely ignored the cookies at Jason's Deli with my mom this weekend.

I actually honed in on them and thought, "Wow! Those are big, delicious-looking cookies".

But, there wasn't my normal feeling of "I've absolutely got to devour those this instant".

And I may have even glanced longingly at the beautiful bread on the Pastrami sandwich my mom ordered.

But...

those moments of longing were fleeting.

I got the salad bar, ordered a side of grilled chicken (whole30 approved) and felt perfectly satisfied at the end of my meal. 

I didn't feel cheated or deprived - or bloated and gross.

So I'm very proud of myself.

I was also surrounded by chips and dips and lots of other temptations at the poolside barbecue we went to yesterday.

But J and I were perfectly satisfied with the steaks we brought for grilling...

and the steamed cauliflower and fresh veggies we showed up with to accommodate our protein source.

It's getting easier...

and I take it day by day!

Thank you Cooley family for having us over yesterday - we had a great time!!

I hope you are enjoying the last two Recipe Radar posts!

They are most certainly a change from my sugary sweet desserts I typically post...

but I think the Kale Blueberry Ice Cream from last week...

and today's Zoodles are both a reFRESHing choice to add to your menu - which makes them perfect for Spring!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I've got lots of craft ideas I've been prepping to share with you...

Hopefully the workload in the design shoppe will slow down a bit so I can actually photograph things and get them posted for you.

RECiPE RADAR | Kale Blueberry Ice Cream & Re-Fueling

I took last week off - if you didn't notice.
It wasn't planned...
it just sort of happened.

I needed to refuel...
and by that I mean in a variety of ways:
- mentally
- emotionally
- physically

We all need to do that every now and then.
A lot of times I feel guilty if I don't post here on the blog at least 3 times a week.
Although I'd love to post every day, I'm in a season of my life that doesn't really allow for that.
I used to be resentful about it.
But I'm learning to let that go.
Because ultimately...
I feel whole and complete and fulfilled...
when I'm focused on my family.
That's it.
Bottom line.
They are my world.
It's so easy to lose sight of that!
But it's also easy to regain the proper perspective when you step away for a bit.
I'm so glad I did.

So...
since it IS Recipe Radar day...
let's begin the week off with something in line with the physical aspect of the "refueling" I mentioned:

KALE BLUEBERRY ICE CREAM

photo from www.simplegreensmoothies.com

I'm on Day 8 of the 30-day challenge from Simple Green Smoothies...
and I'm doing awesome.
This recipe for Kale Blueberry Ice Cream was in one of the emails I received from Simple Green Smoothies.
It caught my attention for a couple of reasons:
- It sounds like the strangest combination ever! Doesn't it?!
- I'm looking for different ways to incorporate a little more Kale into my eating.

GO HERE for the recipe.

Since I'm also on Day 8 of the Whole30 Challenge...and staying strong
I look forward to trying out this recipe at the end of my 30 days.

If you try it before I do, PLEASE let me know what you think!
And if you have any other interesting Ice Cream Recipes you'd like to share...
leave a comment, share a link or email me at: pnpflowersinc AT gmail DOT com

Here's to a week filled with moments of "re-fueling"...
We have to the MAKE those moments happen, by the way.
They aren't going to magically appear before our eyes you know! *wink*

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I seriously wanted to quit the Whole30 yesterday.
I was met with chocolate chip cookies and leftover pizza from the the girls having friends over on Saturday night.
I was exhausted from making Whole30 lunches for J every morning...
cooking Whole30 dinners for the family every night...
and eating eggs. Tons of eggs.
Egg omelettes in the morning...
Boiling hard-boiled eggs...
peeling hard-boiled eggs...
packing hard-boiled eggs.
But not eating hard-boiled eggs!
I don't like hard-boiled eggs.
Everyone else in my family does though!
And they are a very convenient way for J to get his protein in for his lunches during the week.
We went through SEVEN DOZEN EGGS last week! *gasp*
I just had a really bad attitude on Sunday.
I REALLY wanted to toss in the towel.
Luckily J pulled me through...encouraging me throughout the day.
just as I pulled him through the day/night before.
And here I am.
Day 8 of Whole30...
and I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing some changes to keep me motivated! Ha!