Go Take a Hike!

I've lived in Southern Cali for 9 months.  And in all that time I haven't been hiking. 

I know!  I can't believe it, and neither could my dad.  

Thanks Dad

I've noticed that hiking is a big deal around here.  Most likely because there are a hundred amazing spots to get your hike on.  There are so many in fact, that I had no idea where I wanted to go.  Luckily I have some awesome co-workers who were more than happy to take me to, the waterfalls!

I had been hearing about this beautiful hike for a while and am so happy it was my first hiking experience!

 

 As far as the eye can see, sprawling mountains

 I wish I could capture the vastness in these pictures!

 

 There were 3 streams to cross.

 Barefooted it across the streams and in between.  Felt so refreshing!

 We made it to the much anticipated waterfall!

We were not prepared to jump in.  Can you spot the tiny people on the side rocks? Yes, they were jumping in and we plan on returning and jumping in as well!

Instead we found a spot on the rocks, dunked our feet in, and ate some granola bars.  But not just any granola bars, these are super awesome, due to the super foods hidden inside.

{Super Awesome} Sweet Potato Granola Bars

With an abundance of roasted sweet potatoes sitting in my fridge, these perfectly sweet and satisfying granola bars were born.  Perfect for a hike, they pack a punch with energy inducing super foods!

2 c. oats
1 c. chopped walnuts
1 c. craisins
1/2 c. raisins
2 tbsp chia seeds


- Preheat oven to 350.
-Mix ingredients in bowl.  Set aside.


1 cup small sweet potatos, roasted, peeled, and pureed
2/3 c. crunchy peanut butter
1/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 tbsp vanilla
4 tbsp vanilla almond milk


- Process sweet potatoes in food processor until smooth.
- Add all (except almond milk)  ingredients to medium sauce pan and stir on low-medium heat.
- Adding the almond milk a tbsp at a time, stir until ingredients are combined and reach desired consistency.  This is the "glue" and it will be thick.  See pictures below.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix with spoon until all dry ingredients are coated.
- Press into lightly greased dish.  I used a 9x13 cake pan, but only used 3/4 length.
- Bake at 350 for 25 minutes, or until edges begin to crisp.

 

1 cup puree = about 2 small sweet potatoes

 

The "glue" is wet, but not too liquidy (there I go making up words).

 

Mix until all the ingredients are coated.

I made my bars about 1/2 an inch thick.

So I only used about 3/4 of the 9x13 cake pan.

You can cut them like bars. I wrapped some individually and put them in the freezer.

Or you can cut them into mini energy bites.

Either way you cut it, er them, they're super awesome!

Now go take a hike already!

Jam Packed

*This post was meant for yesterday, but due to time constraints it's being posted now!
**How do you fabulous bloggers do it? It's hard to post on time!

Jam Packed

There are 3 posts I could write under this one title, but I'll jam them all into one. (That's your cue to laugh).

This morning my alarm woke me up dark and early at 5:20 and I headed to the gym.  Let me just tell you, JAM packed, with New Years resolution-ers.  Is that even a word?  I make up words a lot.  The parking lot was completely full, except a few spots in the last row.  Somehow I didn't have to wait for any of the equipment, sweet! Quick workout summary: 20 min- treadmill 10 min-stair climber 20 min- abs/arms 3 min-stretching

After the gym I had a hankering for something with jelly, or j a m, or whatever you'd like to call it.  PB&J?  Eh, more lunchy.  Toast with jelly?  Boring.  PB&J...oatmeal!  How could I have even considered forgoing my oats.  My wonderful oats who keep me satisfied until morning snack time ;)

Gimme some jelly!!!

PB&J Oats

• 1/4 cup oats + water in microwave for 1 minute.
• Add approximately 1 TBSP PB + 1 TBSP jelly + 1 tsp flax meal.
• Add more water or milk (I use almond) for desired consistency.
• Put into microwave for additional 30 seconds.
• Add whatever toppings your heart desires!
• I used raisins and a crumbled mini Peanut Butter Muff-Cake.

This is a Muff-Cake and I will post more on it tomorrow!

After PB&J oats and some coffee I felt like I could take on the world.  Until I drove to work.  I worked last week, unlike many people.  So I was spoiled with NO traffic.  But Monday the roads were all jammed up.  That's okay though because I made it to work with time to spare.  Granted, 30 seconds to spare isn't much...but it's something :)

I hope everyone had a wonderful day back at work!  

And did anyone else venture to their local gym and find it completely full with people sticking to their resolutions?  

Also, who knows the difference between jelly and jam?  Maybe I'll Google it...