Paleo Key Lime Pie

When I met my boyfriend I told him I would make a key lime pie that he could enjoy without spiking his sugar. He is diabetic after all. About 8 months later I finally got around to it. The recipe called for clear flavorless jello. Ummmm yea it was a total fail, it came out way to limey/sour. A couple months after that experience, I found a new recipe but for the life of me I don't remember where I found it. Nonetheless this one came out amazing!! I tweaked it a bit I am not a huge fan of honey so I used agave instead

For the crust:
6 pitted dates
1.5 cups unsalted almonds
1.5 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
Pinch of sea salt

For the filling:
4 tsp lime zest
1/2 cup lime juice
4 tablespoons honey (I used agave)
1 cup canned coconut milk
3 eggs

At the end I ended up having to bake mine for 40-45 mins it was still ooey gooey after 30 mins. I suggest following the instructions and leaving it in a little longer if that same thing happens to you.

1. Pre heat oven to 350
2. In a food processor mix all crust ingredients until they are the consistency of almost a nut butter.
3. In a pie pan, spray with a non stick cooking spray and then press crust ingredients onto bottom of pan
4. Bake 6-8 minutes
5. While that's baking, mix all filling ingredients. Then pour on top of crust
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes. 
7. Let cool, even refrigerate if you have time before serving.

Make this and thank me later!
Let me know how it comes out!
Bon Appetite!!

Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results.

- Willie Nelson 

Redesign

Redesigning is my way of recycling a design. I love druzy's, I think they are beautiful and look like mystical rocks that sparkle. Don't you?! They come in so many different shapes, sizes and color the possibilities are endless. 

At first I designed these druzy stones with gold beads and thought oh my how sexy! Apparently in the Etsy community I was alone in my love for this design. Not to fret I just redesigned them into these bright colored beaded bracelets with gold accents. 

Well these got way more attention but alas there they were sitting in my inventory with out a new home. Not to worry I have plenty of other ideas for these stones and then I decided I would make wire wrapped druzy rings! Now I have two rings reserved! 

For those fellow entrepreneurs that have something that does not sell or get any attention, do not worry I am sure you can redesign it into something that will catch someones attention! I know I am happy that I was able to design these druzy into something else, it also shows you not how versatile I am as a designer but also how these beautiful stones can pretty much be made into anything.

Meet chefNia the Author of Real Simple Summer & GIVEAWAY

1. Describe your cookbook to us, what should we expect?

I think “Real Simple Summer” is a fun + festive new take on eating that truly correlates with the ideas we have when it comes to summer eating. I want people to expect incredible recipes that they would have never thought of + recipes that have been passed down by family members modified to meet a clean eating lifestyle. We can truly transform ourselves from the inside out using healthy foods + “Real Simple Summer” can show you how.

2. Your cookbook is named "Simple Summer", is there a story behind the name?

I was searching for a perfect way to reach out to people tired of boring health foods + people who are trying to lose weight but simply don’t believe they can actually do it. “Real Simple Summer” is just that! The book is full of recipes with real food made simply + easily all perfect for the summer season that we all just love.

3. When did your passion for cooking begin?

My passion for cooking really began as a child but having developed eating disorders + food addictions, cooking wasn't fun anymore. I was lethargic, overweight, unhappy + disgusted with what I saw in the mirror. A year ago today is when I decided to give it over to God. I cannot believe it has been 365 days since I truly stopped eating sugar + flour — this is when my love for cooking REAL food unraveled.

4. Which was the first dish that you mastered? And can you tell us how you felt biting into it? 

The first dish I can remember making was not really a dish but a topping/spread—call it what you want it’s the best stuff ever. What I made is what is now called my famous ‘Homemade Pesto’ featured in my book. It was amazing! Delicate + delicious. The flavors of the raw, fresh basil with the toasted…other ingredient that you’ll have to read for yourself in my book…overtook me by surprise because I did not think that I would actually enjoy living such a lifestyle that required me to cut out sugar, flour + junk in order to heal myself from the inside out.

5. There are so many great recipes in the book. Which one is your favorite or the one you cook the most?

To be honest, my top favorites are of the simplest. I have two that I’ll name: Kale + Mushroom Stir-Fry and Fish Tacos. I often make a small serving of this stir-fry because it’s so easy + scrumptious. As for the tacos, what is not to love + desire? I rest my case.

6. What advice do you have for someone changing their eating habits/lifestyle?

DON’T. GIVE. UP. Trust that God will do this for you because He has already done it for so many + really pour your heart into this. If not you, then who? God gave YOU this body + told YOU to take care of it. I've come up with “Real Simple Summer” to serve as a guide to get you + your body to where they deserve.

7. What inspired you to start living a healthy lifestyle?

Seeing where I was in my life + how miserable I was weighing 260+ pounds. It’s not easy when you could barely bend down to pick up your pen + people are watching. I would go behind closed doors + binge in ways that I would rather not describe. God brought me healing to the pain within that caused me to act out in this way. It all started when I realized that I could make the conscious choice to be different + just give it to God to deal with. Once I started eating right, I was unstoppable.

8. If you could use three words to describe your journey what would they be and why?

Exciting is first because the change was one that was intriguing, fun + even felt good to start. Challenging because there has not been a day since the first that I don’t want to push myself to the next level + get lazy on myself. Freeing more than both of those. I have been freed from the bondage of overeating, weighing + measuring myself excessively, purging + binging. Through this exciting + challenging journey, I have found the freedom of my soul.

9. What did you enjoy most about writing your cookbook?

There were so many goals in the beginning + it seemed like an endless checklist that would never truly get checked off. I couldn't begin to fathom that I could actually even get the book out right in time, but; boy, does God see me through every single time! I enjoyed the fun of typing up my recipes + seeing what has become of them. Each time I wrote one, I remembered the joy in the kitchen as I created, invented + played with real foods to come up with masterpieces that could one day end up right on your dining table.

10. Can we expect more books in the future?

Many, many more to come! I won’t say too much or I will totally spoil all the fun to come but I will tell you this, “Real Simple Autumn” will be out by October or November of this year. I cannot say much more than that + even so, I know you will all be in for a nice, sweet treat!

chefNia has been so kind to give one of my lucky readers a copy of Real Simple Summer!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.

                                 -Tom Bodett

Vegan Pancakes & Fruit

In the efforts to lead a healthier life style I have been experimenting with different recipes. Part of that journey is having me some pancakes. Now the term Vegan sounds creepy to some but that's just because we think its all veggies and tofu, so not true. These pancakes prove that eating healthier doesn't mean eating foods we do not like. 

You will need:

1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup almond milk

1 Tbsp agave nectar

1 Tbsp vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 banana

3 - 4 large strawberries

Preparation:

Combine the flour, salt, and baking soda together in a bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, vegetable oil, agave, and vanilla extract. Then mix dry and wet ingredients together.

Cook on a preheated, lightly oiled pan over medium heat. Flip when bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to dry.

Fruit:
Cook right after the pancakes are done and lightly reapply coconut spray oil. Add bananas and lightly sprinkle cinnamon and let the bananas caramelize in their own sugar. After 2 minutes add strawberries and let them absorb some of the natural sugar from the bananas for 1 minute and they are ready to serve. Add agave as your syrup if you'd like. 

Enjoy!

Inspirational Monday

Repetition makes reputation and reputation makes customers.
- Elizabeth Arden

Drawing Dreaming: Giveaway: Starfish Ring from NovaMar

Drawing Dreaming: Giveaway: Starfish Ring from NovaMar: If you're found of pretty jewelry, I am sure you'll be loving this giveaway! Nova Mar  is giving away one of my readers  a beaut...

Styling NovaMar Jewelry

I love putting outfits together! Seems like my closet just grows, virtually anyways. The Starfish Ring is my most popular item on and off of my store. I figured I would style one for you guys. 

What do you think? Do you have any other ways we can style either a starfish ring or any of the many designs NovaMar has to offer. Send me an email to collaborate KMBalda@gmail.com

Purple Starfish Ring

Lilac Aura Tier Blouse

On The Flip Side Double Sided Jeans

Christian Louboutin Nude Patent Pigalle Pumps

To see other ways of styling NovaMar Jewelry click HERE

Peacock Blue Briolette Earrings

Part of being a creative soul is experimenting with color and new techniques. With time you will notice that my dominant color is BLUE all shades of it! It is my all time favorite color ever since I was a little girl. I thought it was strange that all the other little girls loved pink (Blah) in time I realized it was the dreamy, creative person inside that new that all the shades of blue would inspire me.

This is my first time wire wrapping and I am pretty satisfied with the outcome! Not only am I in love with the color scheme (of course) but I know with more practice my designs will get even better. Soon enough I will have more of these lovely beauties and right after I will have rings and goodness knows what other things my imagination will come up with. 

First attempt not too shabby.

Final design, I love it!

NovaMar

Meet Julia the Owner & Creator of Eternal Girl

Julia came into the designer world unexpectedly, as she uses henna inspired drawings as a creative outlet. Suddenly she decided to order some jewelry supplies and started experimenting. During her first year designing Julia would gift her lovely necklaces to friends. Thanks to those great friends for encouraging her to open up shop!

From that point on Julia's shop started coming to life, as most of us know deciding to have a shop is just the first step. I believe the most crucial step is deciding on what to call your business. Julia got it right and with meaning too, which let's face it we all love a good story. 

Story Behind the name Eternal Girl:

"Puer aeternus," which is Latin for 'eternal boy,' has mythological meaning of being child-like and craving boundless freedom; being forever young in a sense.My artwork is an outlet of my inner expressions, my inner child, so to speak. Being a women and creating jewelry for women, I used the female version, puella aeterna, or Eternal Girl to describe my work.

Tell us a little bit about your shop.

Eternal Girl specializes in handmade jewelry and greeting cards. The jewelry is made of my own hand-drawn designs. Eternal Girl's designs are inspired by henna art. Each drawing features symbolic images specific to henna tradition. Available products include necklaces, rings, key chains, earrings, and open-ended greeting cards. Custom orders are also available.

Protector Fish Necklace

What inspired you to start designing your own jewelry line?

I've always loved to draw ever since I was little. Putting together necklaces came about unexpectedly- I just had an urge to create. A few years ago, I ordered some necklace supplies and began experimenting. I was drawing lots of henna inspired designs at the time, and that's what I ended up drawing for the pendant necklaces. After about a year of making necklaces as gifts, my friends encouraged me to sell them online. 

Lady Bug Ring

What is your favorite piece / design from your collection ?

I really like my paisley necklace design. I like to call this a "free style floral" design, where I can go beyond the constraints of a typical flower and draw free flowingly, so to speak.

Do you ever make your designs for yourself?

Sure. Most of my designs are from my own inspiration.

Virgo Zodiac Neclace

Coupon Code 

SAVE15 for 15% off your purchase. 

Keep up with Julia on:

Eternal Girl Shop

Facebook 

Blog

Twitter

Pinterest

Spotlight NovaMar Jewelry

Check out this lovely post about NovaMar on La Caseta de Paper.

P.S. There is a sweet surprise somewhere in the feature.

Inspirational Mondays

When People say, 'Shes's got everything', I've got one answer - I haven't had tomorrow.

   -Elizabeth Taylor

I am Front Desk Agent

I work in Hospitality and this rings true. It is sad to say but in the people business that is just the way it works! Made me laugh though thought I would share. 

I am a Front Desk Agent

by GREG RUBY on JANUARY 26, 2011

I have advanced degrees in Accounting, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, and Swahili.  I can also read minds.

 Of course, I have the reservation that you booked six years ago even though you don’t have the confirmation number and you think it was made under a name that starts with “S”.

It is completely my fault that the blizzard shut down the airport and you have to sleep in a warm king-size bed while 5,000 of your co-travelers are sleeping on benches at the airport.  I am sorry.

It is not a problem for me to give you seven connecting, non-smoking, poolside suites with two king beds in each, four rollaways, 3 cribs, and yes, I can install a wet bar.  I know it is my fault that we do not have a helicopter landing pad.

I am a Front Desk Agent.  I am expected to speak all languages fluently.  It is obvious to me that when you booked your reservation for Friday on the weekend we’re sold out that you really meant Saturday.  My company has entrusted me with all financial information and decisions, and yes, I am lying to you when I say we have no more rooms available.  It is not a problem for me to quickly construct several more guest rooms.  THIS time, I will not forget the helicopter landing pad.  It is my fault that everyone wanted to stay here.  I should have known you were coming in, even though you had no reservation.  After all, you stay at our brand of hotel all the time, 300 nights a year, and this is only the first time you’ve ever been to our city.

I am a front desk agent.  I am quite capable of checking three people in, two people out, taking five reservations, answering fifteen incoming calls, delivering six bath towels to room 625, plunging the toilet in room 101, and restocking the supply of pool towels, all at the same time.  Yes, I will be glad to call the van driver and tell him to drive over all the cars stuck in traffic because you’ve been waiting at the airport for 15 minutes and you’ve got jet lag.

I am a front desk agent, an operator, a bellhop, houseman, guest service representative, housekeeper, sales coordinator, information specialist, entertainment critic, restauranteur, stock broker, referee, janitor, computer technician, plumber, ice-breaker, postman, babysitter, dispatcher, laundry cleaner, lifeguard, electrician, ambassador, personal fitness trainer, fax expert, human jukebox, domestic abuse counselor, and verbal punching bag.  Yes, I know room 112 is not answering their phone,  and, of course, I have their travel itinerary so I know exactly where they went when they left here 9 hours ago, and what their cell phone number is.

I always know where to find the best vegetarian-kosher-Mongolian-barbecue restaurants.  I know exactly what to see and do in this city in fifteen minutes without spending any money and without getting caught in traffic.  I take personal blame for airline food, traffic jams, rental car flat tires, and the nation’s economy.

I realize that you meant to book your reservation here.  People often confuse us with the Galaxy Delight Motel, Antarctica.  Of course, I can “fit you in” and yes, you may have the special $1 rate because you are affiliated with the Hoboken Accounting and Bagel Club.

I am expected to smile, empathize, sympathize, console, condole, upsell, downsell (and know when to do which), perform, sing, dance, fix the printer, and tell your friends that you’re here, and I know exactly where 613 Possum Trot Lane is in the Way Out There subdivision that they just built last week.

After all, I am a Front Desk Agent!

I found this on Greg Ruby's Gem