PB Oat Date Balls

Since my little sugar cleanse I have been really trying to stay off hardcore sweets like cookies, cake, ice cream, brownies, cupcakes, candy bars, etc. I have also really tried to stay off bread, chips, tortillas, and stick to brown rice, quinoa, and raw old fashioned oats for carbs.

These little balls satisfy my sweet craving without the guilt and without me turning into a zombie. Seriously yesterday I had a tiny cupcake and I about passed out.

What's also nice about these little oat balls, energy balls, or "laraballs" is that they are pretty versatile. You can add and take away ingredients to your own liking. The dates, oats, and honey are the main three ingredients after that you can add dried fruit, cocoa pwdr, coconut, nuts, nut butters, seeds, spices, anything!

Here are the most recent ones I made:


PB Oat Date Balls

1 c old fashioned oats (i pulsed them in my blender a bit)
1/3 c warmed honey (local is best)
1 c chopped dates (medjool are stickiest but Sunsweet works)

2 tb chia seeds
1 tb milled flax
1/4 c toasted unsweetened coconut
1/4 c toasted finely chopped pecans
1/4 c toasted finely chopped almonds
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tb cocoa
1/2 c peanut butter

chopped toasted nuts for rolling. i used pecan and almond

Mix all ingredients in bowl then with oiled hands shape into 1" balls and roll in nuts. 

Makes about 2 dozen so go ahead and eat a couple...or 20 :)

Schmother's Day

Hi friends. I hope you had a nice Mother's Day.

I almost feel the same way about it as I do Valentines. I adored the little cards and sweet gifts made by my girls and I spoke with my mom whom I also love and adore. Saturday I took Ava and Roo with my to Costco and spontaneously I let Ava pick out some flowers for me.

This year I told Easy to just not worry about it - and I was serious. I really didn't care for a lavish gift and I definitely didn't want him to feel pressured to make some fabulous dinner, deliver breakfast in bed to me, and wait on me hand-and-foot.

Sunday morning Ava, Mae, and I dipped 24+ strawberries in dark chocolate and dressed them with chopped nuts and sprinkles. The hour that we spent getting the consistency of the chocolate just right, casting sprinkles all over the kitchen,  and licking our chocolate fingers together was perfect. More than anything I love creating things with them and spending time talking and laughing together.

I made ribs in the crockpot and cornbread on the grill for dinner along with a big fat salad - remember how we don't have any appliances?

Then we all stuffed our faces with strawberries and played a game of Uno together.

It was perfect.

Just before bed as Easy was doing the dishes I sat on the couch for a quick rest. My little Rose Bud crawled over to me (still not walking) and motioned with her hands for me to pick her up. She put her head down and gave me the best snuggles.  For about 5 minutes I was in heaven with her squeezing my neck and puckering up to give me the tiniest little kisses. 

I have learned to take note of these tender moments amongst the chaos that ensues our home.  Along with a deep breath I try to remember how I blessed I am to be their mother and that how no matter how many times I forget an important event, loose my cool, or neglect something  - they in their kindest of hearts think I am the greatest.

Chia Flax Stacks

Now that I'm back to eating fruit and whole grains again I've changed and boosted up my old recipes a bit.

My girls have been loving these pancakes in the morning drizzled with butter and pure maple syrup, while I take mine with a little peanut butter spread on top. Easy grabs a quick kiss and a handful on his way out the door.

Chia Flax Stacks

2 eggs beaten (or one duck egg :)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tbs chia seeds
1 tbs milled flax
3 tsp baking pwdr
1 tsp agave
2 tbs warmed coconut oil
1 c unsweetened almond milk

Mix until flour has just absorbed liquid. If you want them a little thinner (I usually do) add a little more milk.

Hug yourself and flip away on a warmed skillet. 

I'm planning to make some Toasted Almond Date balls later today from the basis of this recipe I posted a few months back. Get excited!