Sweet + Salty Almond Butter Cups

Everyone loves a peanut butter cup.  Most people love the salty + sweet mix.  Usually these kinds of treats are an unhealthy, sugary indulgence...what if you could get all the flavor without the guilt?

I've got you covered...

Funny how this recipe idea came about.  I've been noticing lately that every evening my husband pulls out the almond butter, raw honey, a spoon, and dips a couple of spoonfuls in sea salt and his sweet tooth is satisfied.

I decided to surprise him and create an easy, 3 ingredient treat that was a little more visually appealing.  He was THRILLED.

Ingredients:

• Almond Butter (heated slightly so it will drizzle) - I used Almond Butter w/ Honey but you can use any healthy almond butter you choose. You can heat starting with it at room temp, and stirring over a double boiler, placing the jar in hot water, or microwaving for a few seconds, stirring as you go until it's a good consistency and will pour.
• Refrigerated Chocolate Hazelnut Butter - no, not Nutella. #sorrynotsorry
• Flake Sea Salt - this is the one I use and I can see why it's a favorite among chefs. I recently had a friend send me this cute little slide tin to try and I'm obsessed with how cute it is, best flake sea salt I've tried.  I'm going to keep it for refills for travel!

What you'll need:

• A silicone mold for mini peanut butter cups
• An easy pour funnel (optional, just helps keeps the mess in check!)
• A small baking sheet or cooling rack (optional)
• An airtight container and Parchment Paper (for storage)

Method:

1. Take about 1 tsp of chilled Chocolate Hazelnut Butter and place it in the bottom of the silicone cups. The mold holds 30 cups, but you can make as many as you want.
2. With clean fingers and working quickly before it gets sticky, press your index finger into the center to make a hole and press it firmly against the walls of the mold evenly. See pic below.
3. Fill the softened almond butter into the easy pour funnel and drizzle into the cups until full. and level with the tray.
4. Crush the flakes of sea salt between your fingers and sprinkle on top of each cup.
5. Place on a cooling rack to keep the mold flat and steady and place flat in the freezer for 30-45 mins to set. 
6. Check one to see if it pops out in one piece by pressing the cup from underneath to essentially turn it inside out.  If it does not pop out and it still sticking, stick it back in the freezer until they pop out easily.
7. At room temperature, these will get sticky so store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer depending on the consistency you prefer. I separated layers with parchment paper.
8. Pop a guilt-free Sweet + Salty Almond Butter Cup in your mouth when you're about to fall face first into a pint of Ben & Jerry's! LOL.

Note:  I tried doing the reverse with the Chocolate Hazelnut Butter inside, but these did not pop out cleanly, so I recommend the method above in directions.

Let me know if you try this "healthier" version of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups with a sweet + salty twist!  I hope you love 'em too...just don't eat them all in one sitting. Hint hint.  What's cool is that these protein packed bites will keep you full with healthy fats much longer than the sugar-filled originals!

...excuse me while I go clean the Hazelnut Butter from under my finger nails. :-)

xo, Shannon

P.S. Looking for other ways to use this amazing Flake Sea Salt? Try it on my Roasted Shishito Peppers recipe!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Shoe Picks

"I have enough clothes and shoes.

I don't need to go shopping."

- SAID NO WOMAN EVER.

Hopefully you caught my last post with my Top Accessory Picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and enjoyed it!  

Here's the shoes that I think are the best deals from the brands I love...enjoy and let me know what you get!  My advice, if you see something you like, snag it quick because many of these are sure to sell out during the pre-sale. (I put the calendar of the sale dates and additional info in the Accessory post)

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My Top Bootie Picks:

1.  Vince Camuto Split Shaft Bootie - under $100 and pretty detail, more colors available.

2.  Hinge Block Heel Bootie - less than $80 and pinpoint perforation back is a cool detail, more colors available.

3.  Steve Madden Suede Bootie - only $86 and more colors available.  A great way to get this popular look of a wrapped block heel for less.

4.  Vince Camuto Francia Bootie - less than $100 and beautiful wood stacked heel, more colors available.

5.  Vince Camuto Peep-Toe Bootie - less than $100 and this whipstitching Western look is so cute, more colors available.

6.  Paul Green Flat Bootie - you get what you pay for and this brand is Italian-crafted and super comfortable, so great deal on this high-end bootie, more colors available.

7.  Stuart Weitzman Suede Bootie - Once you own a pair of Stuart Weitzman's....you understand what all the hype is about.  When this brand is on sale, you simply pay attention.  More colors available.

My Top Tall Boot Picks:

8.  Sam Edelman Tall Boot - Less than $150 is such a great sale price on this classic boot that will go with everything, more colors available.

9.  Hunter Boot - These are a thinner, more flexible version of the classic and I absolutely love my Hunter's...it's the way to stay stylin' in the nasty weather, two beautiful colors available.

10.  Steve Madden Over-the-Knee Boot - At less than $90, these are a steal, they are a stretchy comfortable boot with a stacked heel that is right on trend, more colors available.

11.  Stuart Weitzman Over-the-Knee Boot - These are just simply gorgeous.  Stuart's are in the slurge-worthy category in my book and this heel height keeps them classy and timeless.  More colors available.

My Top Shoe Picks:

12.  Dolce Vita Suede Studded Heel - Less than $100 and these smooth studs add a little fun to this neutral minimalist heel, more colors available.

13.  Steve Madden Strappy Sandal - Less than $75, this blush nude color is gorgeous, more colors available.

14.  Vince Suede Loafer - These are simple, classic and scream high end luxury.  Vince is my all-time favorite brand.  I got these in this amazing blush pink suede that I'm kinda obsessed with.  More colors available.

15.  Charles David Nude Pump - A nude pump is my go-to shoe.  Period.  I think everyone needs one in their closet.  At less than $65, these are a great deal on a timeless classic that goes with everything, more colors available.

16.  Sorel Waterproof Wedge - If you're going to be in the rain and snow, you may as well look cute.  One of my best friends lives in rainy Portland and has these...they are super cute and functional.  Being in California, I just don't have a need for too many waterproof boots...I have my trusty Hunter Boots for my winter trips to NYC;)

Don't forget to shop my ACCESSORIES "Picks" from the sale here!

Nordtrom Anniversary Sale Accessory Picks

I love a good sale and the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is the sale of all sales!!  I know it can be a bit overwhelming searching through all the items, so I've organized some of my top picks by category.  We are starting with Accessories.... (View my Shoes and Boots Picks Here).

First of all, a note about how best to shop the sale and some dates to remember...why shop the early access sale?  ...Because the good stuff sells out.

The Early Access Sale is for Nordstrom Card Holders.  This is honestly the only reason I have a Nordstrom Credit Card....to gain access to this amazing sale early.  I just use it to access the sale and then pay it off.  If I cannot afford it, I do not but it;)  Here is the calendar...

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My TOP ACCESSORY PICKS:

1.  Yellow Suede Fold-over Clutch - a great way to add a pop of color to an outfit. (more colors available)

2.  Kate Spade Crossbody Bag - the perfect size to fit your essentials. (also comes in a beautiful blue)

3.  Tortoise Sunglasses - I love these because they are the perfect mix between a classic Ray-Ban style and a modern 'cat-eye' style. (also available in classic black)

4.  Disc Pendant Statement Necklace - When you need to add a little something extra to make an outfit special.  (also available in silver)

5.  CHAN LUU Wrap Bracelet - these are my favorite.  They come in different colors and they last forever.  I have a knock off and it unraveled in less than a year... I still have my Chan Luu from 6 years ago and it's perfect. (more colors available)

6.  CHAN LUU Adjustable Tiger Eye Beaded Necklace - I LOVE a long necklace, they go with so many things in your closet from tanks and tees... to dresses.  (available in black onyx and turquoise too)

7.  Crescent Hoop Earrings - I'm a hoop wearing girl.  They are my go-to.  This design adds a little something extra a modern to an old classic.  

8.  Jute Monogram Tote - Perfect for shopping, I think this would make the cutest gift bag that someone can keep and think of you whenever they use it!

9.  Striped Tote Bag - I use a tote bag so often.  It's the perfect large handbag, perfect carry-on for the airplane, and the perfect shopping bag.  This stripe makes this one stand out.  (more colors available)

10.  Smartphone Wristlet Wallet - This one's a splurge, but it's so cute.  It's a great pop of color, and has a middle pocket designed to fit your smartphone!

11.  Frye Leather Hobo Handbag - This bag is truly gorgeous in this "Ice" color and in the "Congac" brown.  They wear great and get better with age.  I absolutely love Frye because I know they'll last forever and ever.

12.  Triangle Drop Earrings - These are so cute on....take a peek as they show size and look on a model on the site.

13.  Suede Foldover Clutch - This is suede and faux leather and is the perfect staple for going out on the town and holding your essentials. (also available in a beautiful Oxblood color)

14.  Kate Spade Handbag with Removable Laptop Sleeve - I love this blue color and the fact that this has a matching laptop sleeve is perfect for work on the go.  (also available in classic black)

15.  Striped Blanket Cape - This is such a great accessory to have on hand.  It's so easy to throw on over anything when it gets chilly.  Perfect for an evening outdoors or at the beach.  (more colors available)

16.  Striped Clutch - This is a great size and is a great mix of a neutral and a pop of color.  Inexpensive and faux leather so may not last forever, but it's super cute.  (more colors available)

Click here for my SHOES and BOOTS picks from the sale!

My Favorite Healthy Green Smoothie

When people ask me if I'm a fan of smoothies, my response is always the same.  "It depends."

Does your smoothie have a PURPOSE ...nutritionally?

I think smoothies can be an excellent way to pack a whole lot of nutrition into a quick and easy meal or snack...but it can turn unhealthy quick if you're not careful.

I'm not a fan of smoothies as any kind of "liquid diet".  I don't recommend juice cleanses either.  I believe in chewing real food.  With that said, do I think smoothies can find their way into a healthy lifestyle? 

Absolutely.  

I want to share my favorite Healthy Green Smoothie recipe with you that I make for my husband and I a few times a week.  I also want to talk ingredients with you because these days it's hard to decipher all the "mix in's", supplements and superfoods you may be seeing out there.  What the heck is Matcha anyway? ...or Maca? ...and do I need it??  

Like I said, a smoothie is a great way to get a huge dose of nutrients into your body easily.  This is what I like to use smoothies for.  Adding Nutrition.  Too many people think you need to add fruit to smoothies to make them taste good.  Sure, it might make them taste good, but it also can add a ton of unnecessary sugar.  

Another reason I've taken fruit out of this smoothie... as a Nutrition Coach, I actually recommend eating fruit by itself...or first at a meal.  What?  Why?  When you consume fruit WITH other foods like protein, it can cause bloating.  Fruits tend to move through your body quicker than proteins.  Proteins take longer to digest which is why they keep you satiated longer.  When you consume fruit after protein or with it, it can slow it down and the sugars in the fruit start to ferment... can you say BLOATED?  

I'm going to show you how to make a green smoothie taste creamy and delicious without any fruit or added sugar at all.

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Ingredients: (more detail on ingredients below)

• 1  1/2 cups unsweetened almond or coconut milk (I use Califia Farms brand)
• large handful of baby spinach (about 1 packed cup)
• 1 level scoop of Life's Abundance Vanilla Plant Protein Powder
• 1 tsp Maca Powder
• 1 tsp Matcha Powder
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 3 ice cubes

Instructions:

Add liquid first, then all other ingredients and blend well in a high powered blender.  I have a fancy Vitamix, but I don't use it for this unless I'm making multiple servings at once, it's just too big.  I use a Magic Bullet that I got at Target.  It's the perfect size for a single serving and blends it perfectly with minimal cleanup.  

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I'm not a calorie counter....but for you calorie counters out there, this smoothie above is only 200 calories.  Ahem....ever had a "Peanut Butter Moo'd Smoothie at Jamba Juice?  I have.  Was it tasty?  Yep...BUT a small is 500 calories and a large is almost 1000 calories and 131 g of sugar!!!!!  This is the typical "smoothie" people drink in America!  It's no wonder our waistlines are expanding, right?

All the ingredients I use in my Healthy Green Smoothie have a PURPOSE.  I think that's the key to making a HEALTHIER smoothie.

What are these ingredients...and where to buy them:

Raw Maca Powder:  I get Navitas Naturals brand at Sprouts.  If you can't find it near you, you can get it HERE.  Maca is a potent, anchient Peruvian superfood made from a root.  It's a tan color with a slightly sweet, malty smell and flavor.  It supports energy and vitality naturally without jitters.  As an adaptogen, maca balances hormones and stress levels in the body. It also provides an abundance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and sterols.  My husband loves the subtle flavor of maca!

Matcha Powder:  You can find matcha green tea powder at any health food store, Whole Foods or Sprouts.  I happen to have the Sprouts brand right now.  Matcha was recently named "trendiest ingredient" by CBS News and Huffington Post because it's everywhere these days... Matcha Latte photos are all over social media these days.  Unlike drinking brewed green tea, you drink the whole leaf plus the taste is twice as much as regular brewed green tea.  Here's a helpful graphic that will help you see just how healthy Matcha powder is!

Life's Abundance Plant Protein:  This is where people usually fall short.  There are a lot of unhealthy protein powders on the market today full of dairy, unhealthy oils as emulsifiers, and artificial sweeteners.  One serving of an unhealthy protein powder can wreak havoc on your whole "healthy" smoothie...and your body!!  Take it from me, I've done the research for you and have found a creamy (not chalky) plant-based protein that is non-GMO, grain-free, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and has zero sugar added.  It's also made with coconut oil rather than unhealthy sunflower oil that can cause inflammation in the body.  (Vanilla is used in this recipe, but it is also available in delicious chocolate.)  This protein is not sold in stores, but you can get it HERE and anytime through me under my "Nutrition" tab on my menu.  It ships really fast and you'll have it usually in 3 days or less!

Cinnamon:  Yep, even this ingredient has a purpose.  Cinnamon is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.  Cinnamon has been shown to significantly increase sensitivity to the hormone insulin.  This means that it can help with insulin resistance which is the hallmark of serious conditions like metabolic disease and type 2 diabetes.  Cinnamon has a blood sugar lowering effect.  Bet you didn't know what a healthy punch a sprinkle of tasty cinnamon can make!

Unsweetened Almond Milk or Coconut Milk:  The key here is to use homemade, or a good quality refrigerated brand such as Calafia Farms.  Steer clear of boxed brands that sit in the unrefrigerated section because they have unhealthy preservatives in them...or added sugar.  Find one that does not have carrageenan in the ingredients.  I love canned coconut milk, but I don't use that as it's too thick for this recipe.

Baby Spinach:  You don't have to use baby spinach, that is just what I get.  It's just harvested a bit earlier and is a bit more tender...so I think it works great in a smoothie.  Spinach is high in niacin and zinc, as well as protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and manganese.  Abundant flavonoids in spinach act as antioxidants to keep cholesterol from oxidizing and protect your body from free radicals, particularly in the colon. The folate in spinach is good for your healthy cardiovascular system, and magnesium helps lower high blood pressure. Studies also have shown that spinach helps maintain your vigorous brain function, memory and mental clarity.  Packing a big handful of spinach in a smoothie is such a great way to get all it's nutritious goodness in easy and quick!  Too many people don't get enough greens!  Trust me, the tasty vanilla protein powder will actually totally hide any "veggie taste", so kids will even love this!!

Ice:  I like adding a few ice cubes because no one wants a warm smoothie.  Am I right or am I right? :) 

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If you make this just as I describe, it should turn out the perfect consistency, tasty, with a creamy mouth feel.  The secret ingredient is the protein powder that is key for this creamy texture and delicious taste.  If you use another brand, I cannot guarantee taste or texture.

Like this recipe?  Let me...and others... know!  Post your pics on social and tag me!  

Other Blog Posts you might enjoy that you could also use this Plant Protein in:

- 6 Steps to Choosing a Healthy Protein Powder

- Paleo Vanilla Raw Balls

- Healthy, Raw, Protein Cookie Dough

Healthy, Raw, Protein Cookie Dough

Ok, my pal Keri Glassman of Nutritious Life is a girl after my own heart with this recipe....

Ever since I showed this to my husband he's been asking for it....

So today I got some Enjoy Life dairy-free mini chips at Sprouts and I think I'll surprise him this evening with a little healthy treat;)  Here's how you can get your own...check out how easy!

Ingredients

• 1 scoop Life's Abundance Protein Powder
• 1/2 cup almond flour 
• 1/4 cup almond butter 
• 4 tablespoons honey 
• 2 tablespoons dairy-free mini chocolate chips 
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut (optional) 
• Water (as needed) 

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine vanilla protein (can also use chocolate protein), almond flour, almond butter, honey, chocolate chips, and optional coconut.
2. Add water slowly as needed and mix until dough becomes desired consistency.

Wait, what about this to take it a step further!?  You could add some chunks of this to some Coconut Milk "Ice Cream"!  Yum.

Like this?  You'll love my Paleo Vanilla Raw Balls that are also protein-packed!!

Do you have to use this protein powder?  No, you're big boys and girls.  But why do I think you SHOULD?  Check out my blog post "6 Steps to Choosing a Healthy Protein Powder" HERE!

Photo above is from the original post on nutritiouslife.com

3 Tips to Sleep Better Tonight

When I was younger, I slept so soundly that I'd actually get excited to go to bed because it was that enjoyable for me.  Proper sleep is SO essential for a healthy lifestyle.  Lack of sleep is all too common these days and can even lead to unhealthy food choices...

As I've gotten older, I have nights where I sleep like a baby....but there are also nights when insomnia strikes and I'm awake for hours.  I've never suffered from the "falling asleep" part...that's easy for me.  It's the "staying asleep" part that sometimes is a total drag.

I wanted to share 3 Tips that can help you sleep better tonight.

—-> Read to the end as I’ve edited to add a 4th BONUS TIP for 2020 - my newest FAVORITE way to ensure I get my beauty sleep!! 

First, we should know by now that we need to "unplug" as bedtime approaches.  We need to put down our smart phones and pick up a book instead.  Why is this?  The blue light that those electronic devices emits wreaks havoc on our sleep.  It stops our bodies from naturally producing melatonin which helps with our sleep cycle.

So what if you aren't giving up your computer in the evenings?  What if you're sneaking that peek at your social media later than you should?  What if you're watching TV in the evening?  Yes, I know this is a reality these days and not everyone is going to give all these things up even though they know they should. That leads me to...

My FIRST TIP for better sleep tonight:

1.  Blue Blocker Glasses.  

I've known about these for years, but it wasn't until recently when I couldn't sleep that I decided to give them a try.  After learning more about how they work, I knew they'd be great for a blogger and social media influencer like me.  Yep, it's tough for us to just put away our phones for hours on end.  It's kinda our job and to be totally honest, you can miss sales and customers if you don't stay on top of things.  Blue blockers used to be really ugly.  Yes they served a purpose, but I wouldn't call them a fashion statement.  LOL.

That's why when I saw someone had upped their game and made stylish Blue Blockers.... I had to try them.  These are the ones my husband and I use.  I have the tortoise shell and he has the black ones.  We both wear the "regular size".  (That's what I'm wearing in the top photo.)  

Wearing these at least 90 minutes before bedtime leaves you free to watch TV and use devices without ruining your sleep.  They block the harmful blue light and let in other safe light.  Also, wearing them anytime when working on computers can help stop sore eyes and headaches.  They come in teen and kids sizes too for those kids getting too much screen time!  Also, help your husband, brother, etc look super cool AND sleep better this Father's Day!!  

Oh, and a bonus is this same brand's Sleep Mask.  I have to say, I've tried many sleep masks in all types and have never been happy with any....until I tried this one.  It's the BEST.  It's 100% silk, not too tight, oversized for complete black out, doesn't tangle in my hair, it's super comfortable and I sleep so much better since using this in conjunction with the glasses!
 

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My SECOND TIP for better sleep tonight:

2.  Golden Milk.  

Golden Milk (or Turmeric Tea) has a long list of health benefits.  The star spice Turmeric has been known as the "spice of life" as it's been used medicinally for centuries.  When sipped before bedtime, it can help with relaxation and can help boost your immune system while you sleep. It's also great for digestion and helps fight inflammation. 

Here's how it helps you sleep better:

• Promotes deeper sleep

• Supports more restorative sleep

• Induces relaxation at the level needed for sleep

• Supports anxiety that disturbs sleep

• Improves numerous stress markers

Part of the magic is that it's mixed with healthy fats...I use full fat coconut milk which helps it taste absolutely creamy and delicious.

If you want to make your own, there is a wide array of recipes online, but I'm a huge fan of ease and I love this mix that I get on Amazon that I just whisk on the stove with coconut milk and it's done!  Easy and super delicious!  My husband even loves this too.

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My THIRD TIP for better sleep tonight:  

3.  Natural Calm "Calmful Sleep"

I'd used Natural Calm Magnesium Supplement for years and love it, but when I saw that they had a version called Natural Calm "Calmful Sleep" I gave it a try...

It works with melatonin, which helps the body ease into restful sleep, calm-enhancing GABA (a non-protein amino acid), and Suntheanine (a patented premium form of the relaxing amino acid L-theanine).  I just sip this berry flavored fizzy drink (can be made hot or cold) about 30 minutes before bed.

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Note:  I alternate between the two drinks, depending on what I'm in the mood for.  I don't drink both on the same evening.

I'd love to hear your top tips for better sleep!  I hope you give these a try and I'd love to hear if they help you too.  Nighty night....

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EDITED…. I’m adding a 2020 BONUS 4th TIP for you - this is my newest FAVORITE drink to get my Zzzz’s! My VEJO SLEEP BLEND….

Since I first wrote this blog post 3 years ago, menopause has hit pretty hard and staying asleep is harder and harder. Since adding my Vejo Sleep Blend to my nightly routine 1 hour before bed has WORKED. I fall asleep easily, stay asleep more often, and wake up feeling more rested than I used to. Plus the Tart Cherry frothy goodness is a bonus night-time treat in itself! You can learn more about my favorite blender HERE and get a FREE BOX OF SLEEP BLEND as a gift from me!! (My favorite flavor in the sleep blend is Tart Cherry.)