What I Love Wednesdays

Not only is this week's WILW post on time (it's a miracle, I know), but I also have a yummy recipe to share with you as well! It's a win/win, really. I also wanted to let you know that I have another post lined up that I think you're going to like. I realize that teasing you with the prospect of deliciousness is not really kind on my part, so I apologize for that. However, I'm pretty convinced it'll be worth it. Meanwhile, take a gander at some of these great links I've got for you!


1. This list is not only great for saving resources, which is a huge plus, but implementing some of their ideas will also save you lots of money!

2. Oh, were you looking for ways to use up that big bag of quinoa you bought this week?

3. What a neat site this is! Even if you don't submit any photos, it's still fun to browse through other people's memories.

4. You don't have to be a runner for these to apply to you; any kind of fitness rut will do. Woah hey, that rhymed!

5. I don't know about you, but I am certainly tired of trying to find somewhere to lay my phone while it's charging. First world problems, right?

6. I'm a huge fan of garlic, but reading this just reinforces my garlic excitement!

7. If you haven't yet, you need to check out Coco's blog. Everything looks so cozy, it just makes me want to curl up with a book.

8. Has anyone tried nettle tea before? You might want to check it out if you suffer from allergies!

9. This is a great article regarding the concept of "being" what you eat.

10. Raw, vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free breakfast bars! I made these last night so I would have a tasty, healthy breakfast when I had to get up at 4am this morning. They're a great source of protein and Omega-3, among other benefits. Plus, they're easy to eat on the go! Let me know if you try them out.

Cherry Date Breakfast Bars
(vegan, raw, gluten-free, sugar-free)
makes 6 bars

• 1 C fresh cherries, roughly chopped and pits removed
• 1/4 C dried, unsweetened dates, roughly chopped and pits removed
• 1/3 C warm water
• 1/2 C raw, unsalted almonds
• 1/2 C raw, unsalted cashews
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 C ground flax meal
• dash salt

1. Soak the fruit in warm water for 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, add the remaining ingredients to your food processor or blender. Pulse for about 8-10 seconds.

2. Drain the fruit and add to the food processor. Pulse for 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture sticks together when lightly pinched.

3. Line a loaf pan with wax or parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing firmly into all sides with a spatula. Freeze for at least 1 hour. 

4. Lift the mixture out of the pan with the wax paper and cut into 6 bars. They should stay delicious for about 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Optional: If you want an added crunch, don't hesitate to toss some extra nuts into the food processor and roll the bars in them so they're coated all over. Just make sure you do this before freezing them!

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 157 calories; 9.5g fat; 0mg cholesterol; 28mg sodium; 16g carbs; 3.6g dietary fiber; 9g sugar; 5g protein; 1mg vitamin A; 2mg vitamin C; 43mg calcium; 1.4mg iron