Lifestyle Archives -

Smokey Roasted Beets & Spicy Whipped Feta Recipes from Tulum

on August 13, 2021August 13, 2021 By Kelley

The food in Tulum was next level…. You may have read by blog post “40 and Fierce in Tulum,” when my fiancé Gavin surprised me for my big birthday, and I mentioned how amazingly magical Tulum is in every way. Including the food! Everything we had there was outstanding. When we got back home to LA I set out to recreate some of my most fav dishes we had at the hottest Tulum restaurants.

The first night in Tulum Gavin and I went to Meze. This spot is a Mediterranean dream! Dripping with candles and outdoor romantic garden decor, I felt like I was in the garden of Eden. The smokey aromas wafting from the open fire clay oven made my tummy rumble with pangs of hunger.

I had a lovely glass of crisp cold rose, and G got a spicy marg (his go-to vacay cocktail of choice). We always ask the staff their fav’s to get the inside scoop. Our waiter recommended the spicy feta dip topped with figs, and also the salt encrusted fish. Holy sh*t was this food good. We ate everything in front of us until there was not a morsel left on plate, napkin, table, or fork!

Back at home with some ingredients to rectorate the spicy feta dip and I came out with something pretty darn close, if I do say so myself! Scroll down to get the recipe and try it out for yourself!

The other shining star, and the most sought after res in all of Tulum in the famous Hartwood. This sustainable farm-to-table experience is not to be missed, but book your table wayyyyy far in advance because it fills up quick. At Hartwood we ordered a bit of everything- a salad, a fish special, steak, which all were mouth-watering-ly divine, but the stand-out star was the fire-roasted BEETS with avocado-creama! It took me a bit to get the avo-crema down, but I figured it out and I am happy to share this deliciousness with you all.

Happy Noshing! xxk

Roasted Beets

For the beets:

4-5 large beets
1 tbsp honey
8 basil leaves
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the avo-crema

1 ripe Hass avocado, halved, pitted, and peeled
1/2 jalapeno, seeded (leave the seeds in if you want a hotter sauce)
3/4 cup light sour cream
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp salt
1/2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp chile lime salt (I used the Trader Joes one)

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Fill a baking dish 2" with water and add basil, honey, and scrubbed beets. Cover with foil and place in the oven for 45 min or until beets are fork tender.
While beets are cooking in the oven make the avo-crema. Combine the avocado, sour cream, olive oil, and jalapeno in the blender. Blend on high, turning off to the scrape down the sides as needed, and blending until smooth and creamy.
Once the beets are tender, remove from the oven and pat dry. Once they are cool enough to handle, remove the beet skin with your fingers or peeler. Cut beets into wedges.
On a serving platter spoon avo-crema on the plate. Place the beets on the crema, drizzle with olive oil and dust with salt, pepper, and lime chili salt, and serve.

Spicy Whipped Feta

For the Fig Marsala Sauce

1 cup dried Mission figs (Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice Mission Figlets or Sun-Maid California Mission Figs)
2 tbsp fig spread
1/2 cup red cooking wine
1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)

For the Feta Dip

8 oz crumbled feta cheese
4 oz light cream cheese
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp lemon zest
1/2 jalapeno (chopped and de-seeded, for extra kick add a few seeds to the blender when mixing)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup chopped dried golden figs
2 tbsp pine nuts (optional)
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Pita bread, toast points, or crackers

In a heavy saucepan, combine the chopped figs, red cooking wine, balsamic glaze and fig spread. Bring to a boil while stirring, then reduce heat and simmer until the mixture becomes thick and syrup-like. Remove from the heat and let cool.
Next, place the feta and cream cheese into the bowl of a food processor or high powered blender. Mix thoroughly, stopping to scrape down sides as needed, then add the honey, lemon zest, jalapeno, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and whipped.
Place feta dip in a shallow bowl, spoon fig sauce on top, and sprinkle with chopped mint, pine nuts, and cracked black pepper. Serve with crackers, pita, or crisps of your choice.

Appetizer

Mediterranean

spicy whipped feta

Calling in the One — Intimate Relationship Manifestation

on May 31, 2021August 1, 2021 By Kelley

A dear friend of mine shared this simple, yet powerful, exercise with me 2 years ago and it literally changed the entire trajectory of my life.

At the time I was a single mama, working like crazy, trying to keep afloat. I had a comfortable life- a cute little apartment, a great group of like-minded friends, and a budding art career, but my life was tough. I was doing everythingggggg and I was tired and lonely. Sometimes I would long for a romantic partner to share my life with, but I didn’t do well there too much because a part of me was resolved that it may not happen that way for me. I thought I was dealt a different set of cards.

She was right. Why was I picking and choosing what I thought my manifesting powers had control over? And what did I really want?

She told me to do 2 writing exercises to set my intentions for attracting a romantic partner, and I’ll share these below. I diligently did the exercises, and read them daily following my morning meditation and gratitude practice.

A few short months later I received an email from a dating agency called Level saying that I had a match. What was interesting is that I hadn’t reached out to this agency in quite some time, but they wrote me saying they had found “the guy” for me! (I love that they match people based on values that they deduce from a thorough questioner.) I was very busy building my Burning Man art installation at the time and hadn’t been looking to date, but here, at the most unexpected moment, my future hubby landed right in my inbox!

And the rest is history. My present day fiance is the handsome, loving, passionate, generous, and dedicated man who was in that email. When I read back over my manifestation writings that my friend had given to me I realize that EVERY quality I put in there is embodied in my fiance. He is THAT guy I wrote about and longed for. And the only thing that was holding me back from meeting him was MYSELF!

Steps to Call In the One

MEDITATE:
Sit in stillness for 5 to 10 minutes to ask the universe for guidance. Simply breathe deeply and say: “Where will you have me go? What will you have me do? What will you have me say? and to whom? I ask for guidance and am ready to receive.”
JOURNAL:
Next, get out a pen and paper and write down EVERY SIGNLE DETAIL of what your ideal partner looks like. And I just don’t mean the physical, but be sure to include that as well. How does this personal treat you? What actions do they take? What values do they have? How do they view the world? What are their interests? How do they touch you? What do you see in their eyes? and so on. Write down everything and you can always go back and add more if needed. The goal is to make it emotional moving. When you read this journal entry in the future you should feel emotions- butterflies in the tummy, excitement, joy…
MEDITATE, READ IT DAILY, VISUALIZE:
Now integrate this into your daily practice. Meditate and ask for guidance, then read you “The One” journal entry, then close your eyes and feel what this person feel like, what it feels like to be with them, and then call them in.

Importance of Creating a Sacred Space

on April 12, 2021June 10, 2021 By Kelley

Feeling at peace, safe, and connected is one of the most important things in life, and we have full control over the ways we can support ourselves in reaching these emotional goals. One, often overlooked, but easy to do thing we can do is create a sacred space in our home.

My sacred space is in the garden, surrounded by lush bougenvilla, romantic cafe string lights, a buddha statue and a comfy swinging egg chair. When I visit and spend time here I notice my body shifts energy the moment I arrive.

The beauty I created through my mindful decorating process resonated deep in my heart and soul. The things I placed carefully have special meaning and remind me of the things that matter most.

The Buddah, for example, always reminds me “peace is found within,” and the flowers help me recall that connecting to nature and to oneself is the most important tool to tap into.

The cute and oh-so-comfy chair is soothing as it swings, and the motion calms my nerves, and brings up a child-like joy.

When I am having a challenging day simply visiting this place for a few moments and checking in with me in the present moment is sometimes all I need to turn things around, gain perspective, and boost my mood.

Sacred places actually are “charged” with good energy from the positive energy we’ve put into them through our own creation process. We infuse these spots with our positive vibes, and in return they refuel us when we are depleted. It’s a symbiotic relationship.

Being a big proponent of the healing benefits of nature I always incorporate plants. If you don’t have a green thumb, one of my lush preserved moss art pieces can do the trick just the same! Greenery is calming and connective for all, because we all come from nature. (CHECK OUT MY MOSS ART HERE).

Other elements to include are any trinkets, or other memory-producing objects that open your heart and bring up good feelings. Make your space beautiful and unique. It should feel like your space, and it should feel like home.

Sacred Space:

Pick a spot that can be yours, and you can be alone
Make it beautiful with plants, moss art, objects with special meaning
Make it comfortable- maybe a bright colorful cushion or chair
Add pictures, or any other reminders of joyful memories.
Visit it often to charge the space, and allow it to bring you peace and happiness

Peace-Producing Moss Art

on April 12, 2021June 10, 2021 By Kelley

My main 9-5 is running a moss art business.

“A what!?” you say…. Yes, I make framed works of art using preserved moss and other botanicals. I make art with nature!

I found my way into this career through my love of nature and my love of creating. I have had a long-time obsession with living walls. Have you ever heard of Patrick LeBlanc? You can check out some of his work here. Patrick is an amazing plant artist and he grows beautiful plant murals on the sides of buildings all over Europe. You may recognize some of his most iconic pieces like this one:

Patrick was a source of great inspiration for me. His nature art made me feel good inside. It gave me those warm tingly feelings. Nature is so beautiful and so healing, that wrapping our living spaces in its beauty made so much sense to me!

Since real living walls are cost prohibitive for many, and tricky to keep them alive, I decided to come up with my own solution that still has all the positive good-feeling tingly vibes, but with none of the head-ache inducting up keep.

My solution- real PRESERVED moss (which requires no care!).

Here’s a little excerpt from my Face the Current article that explains the psychological benefit of plants:

“Living green walls also have psychological benefits. A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology in 2015 suggests that interaction with indoor plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress. Plants have also been shown to increase feelings of wellness and fast-track recovery in hospital patients. A living wall adds contentment from nature which reminds us of the renewal of spring and the growth of summer –it’s this feeling of life that lifts the spirit.

While living green walls are undeniably beneficial, their installation and maintenance costs can be a deterrent. Since the plants are living, they require food, water, and regular pruning and replacement to remain viable; this can be costly both financially and in terms of time management. So how do we capture the health and wellness benefits of a living wall while eliminating its energy, water, and time consumption? Kelley Anderson has the answer.” “

-Face the Current

So if you are looking for a little plant power for your space, and you want a worry free solution check out my moss art at ART BOTANICA MOSS. They also make a unique and wonderful gift! USE CODE MOSS10 for 10% your first order. Get your Peace-Producing Moss Art.

Creating a Work from Home Space: Zoom Room

on April 12, 2021June 10, 2021 By Kelley

Raise your hand if you have ZOOM-ed lately? Yes, me too, it for sure is one of the things that has seen tremendous growth during this COVID pandemic. And since we are all spending so much time on ZOOM these days- for work, for special personal events like birthdays and showers, and to visit with our family and friends, it makes sense to invest in our ZOOM Room! (Yes, that also includes your work from home space)

When we choose to invest our energy, time, and attention into something, we are breathing life into it, literally. Where your focus goes, the manifestations will follow. Although we make it very complex, at the core, it is really that simple.

Take a moment to think about all these ZOOM meetings and gatherings happening right now. Do you take them time to think about the deep connection we are desperately trying to create and keep going in our relationships during these very isolating times? The online meetings are literally our lifeline to others. Humans need connection to survive and thrive!

This brings me back to the ZOOM ROOM, and the importance of the space, and the intentions we set. We have the power to create deeper meaning and connection simply by creating and making the space!

Having an organized, beautiful, and comfortable space allows us to really drop in and connect to the others on the screen. We will slow down and take more time to be with them in these moments because creating the space is also setting the intention for connection!

Here are some elements I feel are key to connected ZOOM room:

Comfortable seating
A desk that is organized and maybe a small light meant for online meetings
Have some flowers or a plant (My MOSS ART is a great plant backdrop solution)
Have a beautiful backdrop behind you that the person on the other side can enjoy- maybe a preserved moss art or a beautiful painting or picture. It should be something more abstract as to not distract from the conversation.
A journal so you can write down your intentions and goals before the meeting/ get to together, and so you can write down how you feel after it concludes, and any action items you may need to follow up on.

If you are looking for a little plant power for your work from home ZOOM space, and you want a worry-free solution check out my moss art at ART BOTANICA MOSS. USE CODE MOSS10 for 10% of your first order.

Designing a Gratitude Practice for Inner Peace and Happiness

on March 23, 2021April 2, 2021 By Kelley

I just watched the new Disney Pixar film, Soul, and it brought up some important reminders about living life to the fullest that lately I have been overlooking. Sure 2020 has been a rough year for all of us, there is not denying that. There has been so much loss on all levels for so many people. I, fortunately, have fared the storm quite well, quarantining with my family, and no one I know personally has been stricken with serious illness. I have, however, found myself a bit blah in my day to day, missing my flowing inspirational energy and self-starter nature that came to me more naturally before. Even my creativity seems stunted lately. The days melt into each other and I miss having “things” to look forward to such as social events, trips, and creating installations for events. Something feels a bit off, and I am sure many of you can relate. It wasn’t until I watched Soul that I was reminded of what I get to do to take control of my experience.

Not to give it away, but the messaging in Soul in suggesting we make a choice to truly LIVE in the moment. Each and every moment. Sure, we can have passionate hobbies, careers, and interests, and look forward to what excitement the future may have in store for us, BUT the key to happiness is finding it in the here and now. And sometimes that is easier said than done, am I right?

I can recall days not so long ago when the sunlight sparkling through a fluttering tree canopy of a giant oak made a tear roll down my cheek. I was struck by the beauty and the meaning behind it that is easier felt than explained in words. Joyous moments happened spontaneously and in rather mundane moments. Well, how the heck do I get back there!? I’d certainly like to FEEL that again.

Enter- Gratitude Practice. This is something I’d love to say I am committed to daily, but the truth is I pick it up and put it down throughout the year, along with my meditation, yoga, workouts, etc. Like most of us do- we have seasons and tides, and our commitments ebb and flow and start and stop. And that’s OK. We are human after all. The key is having the awareness of your experience and then taking action to pick the practice back up.

A gratitude practice is super simple, but highly effective. Basically it looks something like this, and feel free to add or change any part to make it your own.

1.THE DUMP:

Upon waking in the morning, and definitely before you open that iPhone, grab a pen and paper and free write 1+ page of everything that comes to mind- the good, the ugly, the illegible and the nonsensical. Write it all down until it’s empty. This clears the mind and opens it up, allowing more penetration of the heart.

2. THE LIST:

Next, write a list of 5 things you are thankful and grateful for. Big things and little things, anything.

3. THE FEELS:

Now go back through the list one by one and close your eyes and tap into the feelings and sensations that arise in your body when you hold this thing you are grateful for in your heart. Let it marinate. Write the feelings and sensations that came up for you.

4. THE THANKS:

Give thanks to the Universe (or whomever you feel is the higher power) for this day, this moment, and this opportunity to experience Life.

Designing a Gratitude Practice for Inner Peace

6. THE LIVING:

Go about your day, but try to slow down and notice things a bit more. It may take a few days, but if you keep up this morning practice I promise you the joy of the present moment will fill you up more and more each day.

Make a commitment to yourself to try this for 10 days. I find it helpful to write in my planner, add it to my calendar and put a reminder in my phone.

I’d love to hear about your experiences with this practice, so let me know how it goes!

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes| Gluten Free, Healthy & Extra Fluffy

on March 5, 2021March 8, 2021 By Kelley

There is something that has been helping me get through the blur and blah of pandemic quarantine- that is to mark the weekends with a special breakfast. Seems simple, but for me, it has a big impact. Making a special meal is fun and it feels like a celebration. It makes the weekend seem different than the week, even though lately it’s been like groundhog’s day!

Cooking brings me joy, plain and simple. And if I have learned anything during the past year it is that self-care equals making time to do the things that make me feel good.

Now as we are approaching the 1 year anniversary of COVID quarantine, I have been reflecting back on the past 12 months that somehow simutaneously seem like they went PAINFULLY SLOOOOOW and also so very fast… how is that possible?

I’ve had a few cycles of mild blah-ness, getting bogged down in the mundane stuck-at-home life, the challenges of homeschooling, keeping my art business afloat, being a mom, and on and on. Being everything for everybody, picking up the pieces, the laundry and the dishes, but still choosing to create time for myself, because if I don’t do that I run out of steam. Even though my meditation practice is almost non-existent these past few months, on the flip side, I have greatly increased my hiking and exercising. Moving my body and being active calms my mind. Being in nature feeds my heart.

Another challenge is my house mess and clutter (as I gaze up from computer it looms on the horizon), but Hunter and Benji are running around with their StarWars battleships having a blast. I take it in. It’s life. It’s challenging, far from perfect, and messy but there is beauty in it, in every moment. More time with the kids. More family pizza and movie nights. More converstation. More connection. More Love.

And more PANCAKES! These delicious fluffy and decadent Banana Pancakes are a quick and easy breakfast. Made in the blender with just a few ingredients and they taste divine. They are gluten free and super healthy as they are made with rolled oats, very little sugar, and no oil. Let me know what you think below!

If you love these pancakes you may also love some of my other gluten free pancake recipes such as my

COOKIE DOUGH STUFFED PANCAKES

and

CINNAMON BUN PANCAKES

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes- Gluten Free + Extra Fluffy

Super easy 5 minute Banana Oatmeal Pancakes made in a blender. Gluten Free, Healthy, and Extra Fluffy!

½ cup oat milk ((can sub any other milk))
1 egg
2 egg whites
1 ½ cups rolled oats (gluten free)
1½ tbsp brown sugar ((can sub coconut sugar))
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking powder
1 banana

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth
Heat a non stick skillet on medium heat, can use a little cconut oil to grease the skillet if you'd like
Use a ladel to spoon the batter into the hot pan.
Cook 2-3 minuited each side or unitl golden brown in color.

Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups [Paleo & Gluten Free]

on July 19, 2017January 27, 2021 By Kelley

Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups are an easy, quick, and tasty lunch with a buffalo flavor punch! You can whip these up in under 5 minutes flat. Healthy, packed with veggies, and loaded with protein these Buffalo Roll-Ups are truly the ultimate power-packed lunch!

With a toddler running wild around my house lunchtime (for me) has become a distant memory.

Gone are the times I could fix myself a beautiful salad with chopped veggies and a freshly blended dressing.

Gone are the times I could sit and eat pretty much, well, um, anything.

Time doesn’t seem to exist anymore. The days wiz by at lightening speed, running around after my lo or running around trying to squeeze in a few errands like a trip to the grocery store.

I enjoy every second of this high-octane, blurry-eyed existence. I may be exhausted and running on empty, but the memories we are creating will be cherished forever and I do not want to miss a single moment.

I can’t even count the number of people who have told me “this will be over so soon, enjoy it now!”

So I am! And if that means I have to make some changes and comprises along the way I am more than thrilled to.

So back to lunch. During lunch time one can find me in my kitchen with my lo clinging to my leg or rolling cars around on the refrigerator shelves (and possibly (knocking over something liquid if it happens to be in the middle of the fridge race track course). I have a very small window to get something healthy and balanced onto a plate. paper plate that it.

That is why these Buffalo Chicken Roll-ups are my new go-to quick and healthy lunch option. You can even make them with one hand if you have a child on your hip!

If you have turkey or chicken cold cuts, celery, carrots, hot sauce and blue cheese or ranch dressing (optional) you are all set!

I am such a buffalo wing fan, and these roll-ups have all the favor of my favorite game day food! (without the guilt!!! Can you say heck yeah!?)

Looking for some healthy paleo-freindly buffalo sauce and dressing options? Here are a few good ones:

http://primalbitesblog.com/2013/07/26/paleo-buffalo-wings/

Dairy-free “Blue Cheese” Dip

The Best Homemade Paleo Ranch Dressing (Try this!)

Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups

5-6 slices chicken or turkey deli slices
1 carrot
2 celery stalks
1 tablespoon buffalo sauce (see above for paleo-friendly recipe)
1 tablespoon ranch or blue cheese dressing (see above for palo-friendly recipe options)

Slice the carrot and celery stalks into thin matchstick-sized pieces.
Place a few matchstick celery and carrots onto each deli slice.
Drizzle a touch of buffalo sauce and ranch/blue-cheese on top of the veggies, then roll each on up.

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Fudgey Brownie Bites [Only 3 Healthy Whole Food Ingredients-Paleo-Vegan]

on June 18, 2017June 29, 2021 By Kelley 4 Comments

These dense chocolatey bite-sized Fudgey Brownie Bites and the perfect option to curb your sweet tooth. Made with ONLY 3 whole food ingredients with no added sugar, they have a healthy dose of protein for a late afternoon pick-me-up or breakfast if you so wish! The only take 5 minutes to make, bake them or chill them (your choice) then indulge to your heart’s content! Paleo, Vegan, and Gluten Free.

If you regularly visit my site that you must already know about my love affair with chocolate. Deep dark chocolatey goodness is one of my biggest weaknesses, or strengths, I guess it depends upon how you look at it 🙂

Sometimes I’m in the mood for chocolate ice cream, other times I can’t resists a good old chocolate chip cookie, but then there is those days where I am craving the most chocolatey indulgence I can find.

Something dense.

Fudgey.

Gooey.

Melt-in-your-mouth chocolate goodness….

That is the exact moment I get out my food processor to whip these babies up!

Everyone needs a little sweet chocolate pick me up from time to time, and these bite-sized goodies are the ultimate no-guilt treat!

I have had so many changes in the last few months, some good, and some extremely difficult and challenging. I realize that there is so many things out of my control, and the only thing I can control is my perspective and attitude. I’ve had to let go and accept situations for what they are. Life happens and the only thing that is consistent is change.

I have taken more time recently to live in the present, or try to, and enjoy all the details. Take note of more that is going on around me and really absorb it, and let it marinate.

The warm summer breeze grazing my cheek and the twinkling sunlight that found its way through the leaves of an oak tree while I practiced yoga outside.

A smile from a toddler-toting mom, relaying an unspoken understanding of the amazingness and challenges of motherhood that we share.

The sweet melody of song birds, sharing their music during my morning meditation.

And the joy of baking and making something to feed my soul. Yes, something chocolate.

Chocolate is comforting, familiar, and centering. It bring me into the present moment. The sweet smell wafting in the air, the smooth texture, and rich taste all beckon to me to be here and now. I hope these brownie bites will do the same for you!

Sometimes food can help heal the soul, its true.

Fudgey Brownie Bites (3 Ingredients – Healthy – Paleo – Vegan)

6 dates (soaked in very hot water for several minutes, pits removed)
1/2 cup almond butter or sunbutter
3 tablespoons cocoa

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (you can also chill the bites and eat them raw).
Process the dates in a food processor until smooth. Add a tiny bit of water or coconut oil only is you need to.
Add the almond butter and cocoa and process until mixed.
Grease a mini cupcake tin and add about 1 heaping tablespoon to each tin compartment.
Bake at 325 degrees F for 10-12 minutes and then allow to cool fully. Or you may skip the baking and just chill for about 1 hour for an even fudgier experience!
Optional Frosting: Combine 1/3 cup chocolate chips (such as Enjoy Life brand) with 1/4 cup of coconut cream in a sauce pan over low heat. Stir until melted, then chill until set. Whip with a hand blender until fluffy.

Dessert

American

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Bunny Bark {Only 2-Ingredients}

on April 8, 2017June 29, 2021 By Kelley

This melt-in-your-mouth candy, affectionately called Bunny Bark, is made from only 2 simple ingredients, and is ready in just a few minutes! Naturally sweetened, Bunny Bark, will be a popular (healthy) stand-in for traditional Easter candy!

Easter is almost here and the Easter candy is out in full force everywhere I look! Cadbury Eggs, chocolate bunnies, peeps of all colors and shapes, speckled chocolate eggs, peanut butter eggs, and of course those ever popular colorful jelly beans! Do you have a favorite Easter candy??

I don’t know if I could pick just one. I definitely had a Cadbury Egg phase where I would try (usually unsuccessfully) to eat the yellow part of the sugary yolk last. I was convinced it tasted different and better than the rest, but now that I am older and wiser, I’m not so sure that is the case… Anyway, let’s just say it was a super messy endeavor!

I also loved those big fat jellybeans- the super-sized ones. I would eat all the red ones and leave the yellow and orange ones for my sisters lol.

I also was the oldest of 3 girls (sorry dad!) and my stride length and height gave me a definite advantage on the playing field of Easter egg hunting. Usually my parents would make me fork over the extra eggs in an effort “to be fair,” which I never understood, I mean, wasn’t it a contest? It is called an Easter Egg HUNT after all.

Now, this year, I am the one doing the Easter egg hiding, and I am looking forward to watching my lo run around and find all the eggs. I even bought a few eggs early to start his training. I want him to be in tip top Easter egg hunting shape. haha just kidding. (kind of)

But what I will do is fill the eggs with fun things like stickers, healthy fruit snacks, and toys. I am trying my best to keep an overload of sugar out of our diets, and that is so hard to avoid these days if you don’t pay attention. Easter can still be just as much fun, and can bring you and your children joy, without the sugar overload!

This Bunny Bark will be a great way to satisfy that Easter candy craving without producing a serious sugar coma. Don’t be intimidated, because it is seriously the easiest to make with only 2 ingredients!

And its so colorful and festive! Indulge with no guilt!

Bunny Bark

1 cup coconut butter
1/4 cup creamed honey ((regular honey will work, but the bark will have more of a yellow hue))
natural food coloring ((optional))

Combine and melt the coconut butter and honey in a saucepan over low heat. Stir vigorously until smooth.
If using food coloring (or a teaspoon of fruit juice is another option), separate the melted mixture into several bowl, add food coloring of choice and mix.
Pour the colored mixture onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet and spread with a rubber spatula.
Let it cool in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes then break into pieces with a knife or your hands. Store in the fridge.

Dessert