I was SUCH a cereal kid growing up. Frosted Flakes, Honey Bunches of Oats, and Lucky Charms were my go-to's. It's been a long time since my cereal days now that I'm so much more conscientious about buying products that are low in sugar and made with healthy, high-quality ingredients... but man, those were the days! I've since replaced those cereals with healthier granolas, but I have to say, I've had to scour all my favorite grocery stores to even find a couple brands that are actually healthy (although they usually come with a big price tag). Most store-bought granola is typically super high in sugar and carbs and is often made with poor-quality oils - even a lot of the brands that are supposed to be "healthy" are still using canola oil! So I decided it was time to create my own. A grain-free granola that's truly healthy and would pair perfectly with almond milk for my cereal cravings, could be used as a topping on my smoothie bowls or yogurt, and let's be honest, it has to be delicious enough to eat by the handful! Spoiler alert... this recipe meets all of that criteria and more!

I have a little story for you about cookies and friendship (two of the sweetest things in life, right!?). So a few years ago, I was on the hunt for a healthier chocolate chip cookie recipe. I had tried so many different ones, but just couldn't find a recipe for a healthy cookie that didn't taste healthy. I wanted something that would satisfy even the most decadent of sweet tooth's (ahem, like mine). After a lot of baking and critiquing (I always thought I should be a dessert critic, LOL), I finally found that perfect cookie. And not only did I find the ultimate chocolate chip cookie, I also reconnected with the genius baker and blogger-extraordinaire behind them, a long-time family friend who I hadn't seen in years, Rachel of Bakerita! 

What could possibly bring on the holiday feels more than baking (and eating) chocolate peppermint cookies (while singing along to Mariah Carey All I Want For Christmas)? Speaking from experience, the answer is... nothing! These are the ultimate cookies of the holiday season and you're going to LOVE them!

They can be made with just one bowl and only 7 ingredients, including a box of Simple Mills chocolate cake mix. That's right, cake mix cookies. Doesn't get much easier! I'm 100% down for using this boxed cake mix whenever I can. It's the perfect little shortcut and unlike most cake mixes, this one is made with real ingredients that you can actually pronounce like almond flour, coconut sugar, and coconut flour. Talk about a perfect healthy swap! Here's how to whip them up!

If you've never tried cooking fish in a parchment pack (or "en papillote" as a fancy chef would say), you've gotta do it! It may look intimidating, but I promise, it really doesn't get much easier. It's one of my favorite meals to make because the prep and cleanup is a breeze and it's perfectly cooked every single time thanks to the steam that builds up in the packet! Plus, I always feel extra fancy when I serve it to guests and cut open the parchment pack right at the table... the steam dramatically comes up out of the pack and they're left with this perfect meal right in front of them. They'd never guess you whipped up such a gourmet dinner in under 15 minutes. 

Thanksgiving is officially over, which means the holidays are upon us! I don't know about you, but I'm definitely not one to spend Black Friday at the mall... I'd much rather enjoy my turkey & pie hangover from the couch while shopping online! If you're putting together your holiday wish list or you're looking for some inspiration for what to gift your mom, sister, or best friend, I've got you covered with my top 31 absolute favorite things. Some for the home, some for work, some for the bod, some for your glowing skin, and the rest for your every day life. These are all items that I own, love, and basically couldn't live without! Happy shopping!