Every so often you need a good snack in between breakfast, and while bliss bites are fantastic, it's always good to mix it up. 

Can you sense a theme here?

Last week had white chocolate and this week we have white chocolate olive oil blondies. 

It's been raining in NYC and my body feels exhausted (we recently got a Peloton and the addiction is real).

I'm too hot in my apartment or freezing from the AC to feel like I actually want to cook but want to share another healthy delicious recipe. 

While I'm all about healthy eating and a balanced diet, I was listening to a podcast this week and a line really struck me- "the start of your health journey starts with addressing your emotions." 

It's be I need to eat the whole brownie pan weeks. 

While nothing in particular happened, it just felt like a slow, muggy, sad week. But what I've learned that while eating a whole pan of brownies feels good in the moment, the next moment isn't quite so sweet. 

While I certainly don't make cakes often, I jump at the chance when I can.

There's just something about being covered in buttercream and delivering someone a delicious confection. While most of my treats err on the healthier side, a birthday treat is just that- a treat, so full dairy, sugar, and gluten are welcome.

These cookies came and went just as fast as the middle of the week 4th of a July. 

Last year I baked two pies, but with the recent heat wave in NYC, there was so just no way- so I went with an alternative, cookies inspired by some red, white, and blue (ok maybe not blue). 

This week in my world of wellness, a big focus has been on mental health- which is something I feel personally strong about. With recent current events (RIP Anthony Bourdain) more and more companies have been wondering, what can they do?

Not to toot my own horn or anything, but this is hands down the best vegan banana bread I've ever attempted/made/eaten.

I've returned from Idaho with a bag of rhubarb. So naturally it's been going in everything- aka smoothies and these pie bars.

Strawberry and rhubarb is the perfect sweet and tart combination- similar to the balance you find in life.

from Idaho!

From rolling hills, clear skies, and all the green you can see. 

Ever since my eczema came back with a vengeance, I've been reading about ways to heal in a holistic approach.

I knew off the bat a constant stream of steroid cream wasn't going to do. After seeing my current dermatologist and being prescribed, flaxseed oil, fish oil, reishi mushrooms, nettle, and probiotics, I did some digging. 

As I'm sitting in the AC post sun-bathing in Charleston, I'm truly craving these meatballs after my mom made a killer pecan pesto. Though I'd make these tonight for dinner, my arms, back, and abs are so sore from the boxing class cookie monster and I did yesterday.

As cookie monster has turned soul-cycle protein obsessed monster, I find these protein bites going faster and faster. These delicious bites are the perfect snack when hanger hits and have just enough sweet to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Slow down, you're moving too fast.. 

On rainy days, there's something soothing about listening to Jack Johnson- and in particular this week this line resonates with me- aside from all the terrible rain we've been having in NYC. 

Ok, confession, I'm totally on the soul-cycle train- or bike I should say. 

I always loved going to fitness classes (even though I hate what they do to my wallet), but spin has been the current obsession due to cookie-monster, who should better be re-named, protein-bite-only-rice-cakes-please monster's liking to the class.

There's always something comforting about baking bread.

People say its always good to be "breaking bread" but I like to bake it and share. There's something about cooking food and sharing it with good company.

Notice that moment before you fall over the edge. By recognizing that, you can use the tools you have to recenter yourself and let all the light in your life shine and led the dark fade away.

It's definitely been a non-stop week. A week where I felt I was heading toward burn-out, which of course resulted in waking up with a cold/allergy reaction yesterday morning. 

It's finally starting to warm up in NYC and there's nothing more than enjoying a good cocktail and some popcorn in the sun. 

Before having people over, I always like to make a nice big batch cocktail and this easy margarita sunrise is super easy to put together with only a few ingredients. 

These are definitely on repeat in my meal prep rotation.

I used to hate making meatballs or burgers, but once I found my groove, I loved how versatile they can be- whether with flavors or how your serve them. 

Whenever I go out for Middle Easter/Mediterranean food I always crave this carrot salad. While each place makes it different, theres some thing about carrots with tang and spice that I cannot get enough of.