Overnight Oats

You guys - I'm obsessed! This is a revelation and I'm so excited to tell you about it. I am way behind the times but for those of you who haven't heard of them, I had to share it with you. Overnight oats is an easy breakfast solution for vegans and non-vegans, health nuts and non-health nuts. It takes less than 10 minutes to prep and is a healthy alternative to sweet breakfasts like a parfait or pancakes. I use a mason jar but you can use a bowl, cup, Tupperware, etc. and can be covered or uncovered. The recipe can vary to taste but it is just rolled oats with whatever additions you want. Here is what I include:

1/2 cup dried rolled oats
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
1 tbsp homemade sugar free jelly
1/2 mashed banana
1/4 cup coconut water
1/4 cup water
Lots of cinnamon
Pinch of salt
*If you are looking for more protein, you could add Greek or coconut yogurt
**To cut down on sugar, replace banana with no sugar added applesauce

Add all ingredients and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator. The next morning the oats are soft and ready to eat. I add slivered almonds to give it some crunch and more protein. You could also add berries, granola, agave, etc. It's perfect after my morning runs or to keep you fueled up for a long day. If you try this treat, let me know what you include in your oats.



Things I Love Thursday

Finding healthy new snack ideas

Sunset hikes

Spring flowers

Mad Men, Season 6 portraits by Frank W Ockenfels

Lunch options at work



Early AM REI Sale

I went to another REI Garage Sale this past weekend and I have to say it was a completely different experience from the previous sale. I wanted to get a new pair of running shoes but really didn't need anything. I got up much earlier this time, made it to the store by 5:45 and sat in line until 10AM!!! Crazy I know but it's fun to experience the thrill of a good sale.

No one was camped out this time and I claimed my spot as third in line! Luckily I had a blanket with me because it was pretty chilly! I made friends with the guys in front and in back of me so they held my spot so I could run to get a tea and use a restroom. Peet's Coffee has vegan cookies so of course I ate one for breakfast!!

I managed to snag some pretty good things but once I tried them on, not everything fit. The shoes I ended up buying were actually too big (and pink) so I gave them to my mom which means I am back to square one but I'm sure I'll find a good deal soon. The snow boots were pretty great and half off. In the end, I purchased over $300 worth of gear and got at least a 60% discount. On the way home, I celebrated with a slice of vegan pizza from Whole Foods!!!

Forever 21 beanie, sunglasses and jacket, pashmina from Paris, Burton gloves, The North Face running pants, Brooks running shoes, Nene Bags purse

Salomon running shoes, The North Face snow boots, Merrel pullover, IronMan socks, Smartwool socks

Tailor Me!

I am headed back to North Carolina for my brother and Arin's wedding next month. I knew I wanted to get a new dress for the occasion but didn't have a vision of what that dress would be. Normally I have an idea of what I think would work best, a color, something! But I couldn't decide if I wanted new or used, black or something appropriate for spring, etc.

Of course I went to my regular Forever 21 to see what they had to offer. They can always offer something cheap enough to wear once and feel it's gotten it's use and I always find something. I tried on a super cute, summery, pastel dress and fell in love with the color. I never wear sea foam green but it caught my eye and so glad it did. It also had black details and adorable daisies sewn all over. As much as I loved the dress it didn't fit right, was too short and wasn't flattering for me BUT I did come away deciding on the color I wanted to wear.

Looking rough - Forever 21 dress, sexy Active socks

I later went to an amazing thrift store down the street from my place. I found this dress in the same color, longer length and lace sleeves! It was perfect, except about 4 sizes too big!!! I got it for a steal and decided I would try to get it tailored. I fashon showed it on again at my parents' house and think it will be exactly what I wanted once it is altered. The best part is the price of the dress and the alterations comes out to less than most dresses I get for special occasions! Can't wait to see how it turns out. :)

Vintage dress, Sam Edelman heels

Volunteer Year - March

For March, I had the pleasure of helping the North Central Animal Shelter for a day. It came together after speaking to a former neighbor, Alicia about wanting to help out wherever and whenever possible. She is a dog walker and has a huge heart for all animals in need. She connected me with a woman that takes photos and writes bios for pets to get adopted. This center rescues, boards, helps and adopts out all kinds of animals to new homes.

I had been emailed about what I would be doing prior to going to the shelter so I prepped myself by viewing some social media outlets they use.  The day started at 8:30AM and was a whirlwind out of the gate! Our task at hand was to get images and videos of large dogs online so people could view available dogs to adopt. Because there is a timeline for how long a dog can be at the shelter, there is a sense of urgency to prevent any of them from being euthanized. Large dogs are added to the website once a month and the process takes a team of 6-10 people to complete the process including handlers, a photographer, a videographer, bio writers. It was chaotic but the system worked really well. Two to three dogs were brought out at a time with name cards to be photographed and videoed. I rotated between the two other bio writers and was responsible for writing down details about the dogs' personalities to make them more personal. It would include things like: young, great personality, volunteer favorite, would make a good hiking partner... Unfortunately most of the dogs were pit bulls but they were all well behaved and just want to be loved. Half the work is viewing and meeting the dogs to take notes, the second half is actually putting all the notes together and sending them in to post online. It took me two days to leisurely complete 10 bios.

It was a lot of fun and I am so grateful to be a part of such a helpful organization. I have committed myself to help out monthly and look forward to meeting more precious dogs like I did last weekend. If you are interested in a new pet, consider adopting from a shelter like North Central.

North Central Facebook page

North Central YouTube page

Find a pet in your area, Petfinder

I love the 110 freeway

Afterward, I decided to explore the area near the shelter and ended up in Highland Park/Eagle Rock. I found a cafe that makes vegan granola bars, looked at used stuff and drove over to Occidental College to explore their campus. Of course I ended up watching part of a baseball game. The weather was beautiful and it was a great day!

  

Things I Love Thursday

All desserts from Magnolia Bakery

Guavas from the Hollywood Farmer's Market

Holistic remedies

Warm weather for me and the littles!!!

My mama and niece