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Creating Magical Mornings

March 30, 2020 By McKenzie

With our world being turned upside down in the last couple weeks, you might be thinking to yourself that creating magical mornings isn’t at the top of your priority list right now. No matter who you are or where you are in this world, we have all been affected by this covid-19 pandemic. Let’s give each other grace and send each other love as we navigate this new space, working from home, losing a job, having to close our business, having kids at home full time or maybe being sick from covid-19.

As time goes by I have realized just how important mornings are, how they create the energy and mindset for the day ahead. How we start our day plays such a huge role in how our days flow & end. This is why I felt it was so important to write this post about creating a magical morning routine. I want to help you find the tools to create the energy, the mindset, the routine or ritual to ground you, to inspire you & support you through this time.

How to set yourself up for an incredible day by the way you wake up, the intentions you set, the tools you use to create magical mornings. For more recipes, travel posts and integrative health hacks be sure to follow me at www.sprouting-vitality.com or on instagram @sproutingvitality. #kenzinthekitch #mckenzieonthemove #sproutingvitality
As I sat down to write this post, I continued to go back and forth on if this was necessary, needed and would be used during this time.

I personally have been maintaining my morning routine. I find a sense of peace in having a “schedule” a “normal routine” to help me feel that some things are have remained the same. It is settling to my mind and body to have that in these moments of uncertainty.

I’ve realized my mind and body craves these actions each morning as a sense of knowing what is to follow. As I move through my own personal list of things I do each morning I find my mind is quieted, my body relaxed and able to welcome what is meant to come through me.

My intention & desire for this post is that you too can find what works for you and begin to have the same sense of quietness, relaxing in the mind and body and being open to energy, insight & love coming your way.

Which brings me to the ideas and items that have helped me create my magical mornings..

Set your alarm

Set your alarm! How to set yourself up for an incredible day by the way you wake up, the intentions you set, the tools you use to create magical mornings. For more recipes, travel posts and integrative health hacks be sure to follow me at www.sprouting-vitality.com or on instagram @sproutingvitality. #kenzinthekitch #mckenzieonthemove #sproutingvitality

Some say to set your alarm one hour before you need to to allow for extra time so you never feel rushed. I personally like to set my alarm for the same time each day so that my body gets used to the sleep cycles and starts waking up without the alarm. I know not everyone is a morning person, so this is where you get to decide on your personal wake up time, again this post is all about personalizing your own magical morning. Each person is going to be different and that is what makes each one of us so unique, wonderful & special, embrace it, no two people are the same, thank goodness!

I personally don’t like to sleep with my phone in or near my bed or bedroom so I have included some fun alarm clocks. I also found some really cool new light alarm clocks that start lighting up with the sunrise, naturally awakening our bodies.

  • This one was really cool design with LED lights and lots of other features.
  • This had the ability to play natural music/sounds
  • Wake up to 7 different colors simulating the sunrise.
  • Loving the wake up with sunrise & natural sounds.
  • So cute! Wood and personalized message!
  • Silent Alarm Clock….. Say What?

Write in your Journal

Journaling. How to set yourself up for an incredible day by the way you wake up, the intentions you set, the tools you use to create magical mornings. For more recipes, travel posts and integrative health hacks be sure to follow me at www.sprouting-vitality.com or on instagram @sproutingvitality. #kenzinthekitch #mckenzieonthemove #sproutingvitality

Starting to journal has seriously changed my life. I have a morning journaling exercise as well as an evening to start and finish my day with gratitude. I love starting the day free writing, anything that comes to mind goes on the paper. This helps get ideas on paper after a nights rest as well as clearing the mind of scattered thoughts, or possibly racing thoughts depending on what lies ahead that day. I then move into a gratitude practice, writing down everything that I am grateful for. It can be something as simple as “I am grateful for this comfy bed.” ” I am grateful for the sun coming up and hearing the birds singing outside my window.” This gratitude practice has me leaving my bed, couch, wherever I decide to journal that day with an overwhelming feeling of love, gratefulness & a positive outlook on the day.

If you are needing some ideas or topics to get you started here are a few that came to mind.

  • What am I grateful for today?
  • How can I be more kind to myself today?
  • What am I needing to help fill me up?
  • What are 3 things that I can do today to help me feel more like myself?
  • List 5 things you love about yourself today?
  • What could I let go of today? Limiting beliefs? Negative thoughts?
  • How can I feel more free in my life? My decisions?
  • What can I do today to get me closer to my true desires?
I absolutely love journals…

There is something so wonderful about a new journal with blank pages to fill with your thoughts, desires & dreams. I found a couple that I really loved, hopefully you can find one that suits your fancy. Also included the very popular 5 minute journal, this one is for all of you that want to say you don’t have the time to journal…. I think we all have 5 minutes in our day to set aside.

  • The Five Minute Journal: A Happier You in 5 Minutes a Day
  • Leather and personalized! Beautiful
  • 12 pack, one for each month, great journals!
  • 52 week guided Attitude of Gratitude Journal.
  • The mindful art of not giving a sh*t.

Tarot Decks & Moon Cycles.

I have recently gotten into Tarot Cards, their guidebooks, moon cycles & astrology. I am utterly fascinated by all the energy, the connection we have with the moon and stars, and how it is always changing and circulating. Here are a couple decks and resources that I use & also have been recommended. This can be included in your journaling, I have found it to be fun to journal and then right after my meditation I pull cards and finish my journaling with the details of the cards, the moon, energy, etc. Trust me, it will blow your mind what you learn and come to find out.

  • The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck and Guidebook (Official Keepsake Box Set)
  • Neo Tarot: A Fresh Approach to Self-Care, Healing & Empowerment
  • Minimalist Tarot Deck
  • Anima Mundi tarot deck, 78 card deck with guide book
  • Moon Deck Card Set
  • Pink Rose Quartz Edition | Child Of The Universe Oracle Deck+Guidebook | Moon, Astrology, Oracle, Tarot, Universe

Drink Water! Hydrate!

This one… Although it might seem small and unimportant, this one, alone, will change your day. Our bodies need water to function to its highest capabilities and when we get dehydrated all areas suffer. Drinking water in the morning has become a ritual and routine within itself. I have a couple different recipes that I go to that really help replenish and get my body going. I like to use warm water or room temperature water so that you aren’t startling your body with ice cold water first thing in the morning. Maybe take note the first couple days you start implementing this routine, tuning into how this makes your mind & body feel.

Spruce up your Water with this options…..

Drink Water, Hydrate! How to set yourself up for an incredible day by the way you wake up, the intentions you set, the tools you use to create magical mornings. For more recipes, travel posts and integrative health hacks be sure to follow me at www.sprouting-vitality.com or on instagram @sproutingvitality. #kenzinthekitch #mckenzieonthemove #sproutingvitality
  • Warm Water with fresh grated ginger & a squeeze of organic lemon juice.
  • Water with a splash of organic apple cider vinegar.
  • Water with a squeeze of organic lemon juice, couple cracks of sea salt.

All of these taste so great and set me up to start my day. I like to chug at least 16 oz of water first thing and then allow my body to absorb for 30 min with nothing else on my stomach.

Again, I think it makes it more fun when you have a fun container to keep track of your water consumption as well as some tools to squeeze your lemons, crack sea salt & grate ginger so you will find some recommendations below.

  • Stainless Steel Lemon Squeezer
  • Handheld Juicer
  • Hydro Cell Water Bottle
  • 6 pack of Glass 16 oz Water Bottles
  • Citrus & Ginger Zester
  • Glass Quart Jars, I tend to use these to the ease…

Creating a Mindfulness Practice / Meditation

A beautiful day begins with a beautiful mindset. How to set yourself up for an incredible day by the way you wake up, the intentions you set, the tools you use to create magical mornings. For more recipes, travel posts and integrative health hacks be sure to follow me at www.sprouting-vitality.com or on instagram @sproutingvitality. #kenzinthekitch #mckenzieonthemove #sproutingvitality

If you were only able to implement and take away one thing from this posts I would tell you to pick meditate. Well, that and drinking your water since we all need to survive and drinking water is a must…. Starting a meditation practice has single handedly kept me grounded, calm and connected during these days of uncertainty.

Meditating allows you to create a sacred space for yourself. A time to quiet your mind, deepen your breath and fill your lungs, feel your heart beat and allow emotions to move through you. I really believe this is one of the main ways I create mornings that feel magical.

There are so many ways to meditate. You can sit in silence, be guided by someone else, walking meditation, etc. Here are a couple resources if you’d like to have an app or a resource to get you started and help direct your mind, concentrate on your breath, be grounded.

Meditation Offerings….

  • Free Guided & For Sale Meditations with Oprah & Deepak.
  • #1 Free app for sleep, anxiety & stress meditations/ Insight Timer
  • Waking Up with Sam Harris / Waking Up
  • Mindfulness for Everyone / Headspace
  • Practicing Mindfulness – 75 Essential Meditations
  • LOVING this breathing book! Highly Recommend.
Morning Meditation

I absolutely love making my meditation space feel special, filling the space with my favorite items to nestle me in and hold me during my meditation. Here are a couple things that I include to make my space feel special and to create a magical morning meditation.

Creating your special space to have magical mornings. How to set yourself up for an incredible day by the way you wake up, the intentions you set, the tools you use to create magical mornings. For more recipes, travel posts and integrative health hacks be sure to follow me at www.sprouting-vitality.com or on instagram @sproutingvitality. #kenzinthekitch #mckenzieonthemove #sproutingvitality

Creating your Meditation Space…..

Cozy, Comfy Blankets to keep you bundled & warm during these cooler mornings.

  • I could wrap myself in this one next to the fire!
  • Loved the vibrant color of this one!
  • Giant Knit Blankets have always been my fav!
  • Locally made Idaho Adult Swaddle Blanket….

Singing Bowl…. I love using a singing bowl to begin and end my practice. There is something so soothing to feel the vibrations in your body.

  • Tibetan Singing Bowl Set
  • Singing Bowl Set in Turquoise
  • These are gorgeous & maybe one day I will have a set!

Meditation Cushion. As soon as I sit on my meditation cushion, I feel myself sinking into my meditative practice. There is something about getting everything set up to allow for you to sink in deep. I also sometimes just cozy into my couch when I want a bit more back support and to just relax completely. Know you don’t have to have all the things to start your practice, all you need is yourself.

  • Florensi Meditation Cushion
  • Buckwheat Zafu Meditation Cushion
  • Loved the crisp white detail of this one!
Shine your light…..

And one last thing, I love having a burning candle, incense or sage, there is something about a flickering light that makes it seem magical. It has become a ritual to decide on a candle to burn and to have it lit and glowing while I meditate. Here are some of the candles I have been using. Most are locally made in Boise, but they ship! So you too can enjoy these!

  • One of my Favorites! The names & scents are incredible!
  • Natural Soy Candles… They smell fabulous!
  • White Sage Incense
  • Idaho Local Spot for large sage bundles, incense, crystals…

Mindful Movement

Movement is non-negotiable for me, my body and mind crave movement in any and all forms every single day. This movement doesn’t have to be level 10, killing yourself doing hill work or sprinting at max capacity. Mindful movement can be gentle stretching, restorative yoga or a vinyasa flow, a walk around the neighborhood or hiking in the foothills. There are so many nourishing, wonderful ways to move your body, especially now days with so many free online services offering classes to follow along and flow with.

Mindful Movement. How to set yourself up for an incredible day by the way you wake up, the intentions you set, the tools you use to create magical mornings. For more recipes, travel posts and integrative health hacks be sure to follow me at www.sprouting-vitality.com or on instagram @sproutingvitality. #kenzinthekitch #mckenzieonthemove #sproutingvitality
Post meditation spot to move my body.

Personally, I like to wake up and start slow. Allowing myself to drink my water, get settled on my mat & wake up a bit before I start moving. I tend to always do some gentle stretches & yoga post meditation just to get myself out of my seated position. This allows my body and mind to have time to wake up out of my delicious sleep slumber & to gently prepare to take on the day.

Magical Morning Skincare

You might wonder why I am including skincare in this post. For me, my skincare routine both morning and night has become a non-negotiable, it not only soothes my skin but my soul too. It is like my own personal spa day at home & really allows for me to connect, to be present and to show myself some love to start my day and end it.

Furthermore, I have been on a journey to fill my cabinets with non-toxic skincare, lotions, oils, etc. I will be sharing some of my favorites that I have found along the way as well.

Dry Brushing

Dry Brushing. How to set yourself up for an incredible day by the way you wake up, the intentions you set, the tools you use to create magical mornings. For more recipes, travel posts and integrative health hacks be sure to follow me at www.sprouting-vitality.com or on instagram @sproutingvitality. #kenzinthekitch #mckenzieonthemove #sproutingvitality

I tend to like to jump in the shower in the morning to wash off my 8 hours of wonderful sleep so before I jump in I like to dry brush. You might wonder what on earth I am talking about so let me quickly let you in on a little skin secret. Dry Brushing has the ability to exfoliate, reduce the appearance of cellulite, and aid lymphatic drainage for a more swift removal of toxins. Using a dry, natural bristle brush to gently brush your skin with strokes toward your heart, usually going over each area two or three times. On your abdomen, you brush in a clockwise motion. Dry brushing is typically done before showering, and should be followed with a vitamin-rich moisturizer.

  • A complete set of Dry Body Brushes
  • Premium Dry Brushing Set.
  • Darling Dry Brush with bag.
  • Sweet Almond Oil
  • Organic Rosehip Oil, smells so good!
  • Jasmine Oil, one of my favorites!
  • Blue Tansy Oil, tied for my favorite too!
  • Get your Dry Bush, Bath Salts & Oil all in one Here!

Psst ….. You can also snag the last two body oils from Primally Pure for 10% off with Code: SPROUTINGVITALITY at check out, save yourself some dollar, dollar bills!

Time for some love on your face….

I live in a very dry climate so my skin is always needing moisture, my skincare routine now includes many different oils, mists & serums to help keep my skin looking dewy and ready for the day. These extra steps also allow me to take my time and really nourish my skin, my body & check in on my overall wellness.

  • Cleansing Oil, what I wash my face with morning & night.
  • Complexion Mist Collection, I use one of these to mist each morning.
  • Organic Rose Water Toner, love anything rose!
  • Clarifying, Soothing & Plumping Serum Trio, I choose one of these to use each morning.
  • I swear by a little dab of this baby balm under my eyes….
One of my favorite ways to start the day! Gua Sha Facial!

Let’s talk Morning Facial Tools!

There are two tools that I am obsessed with right now and I like to alternate them on a daily basis. These tools are ancient but have started to make a come back lately & I am so glad they did. Facial gua sha is a massage technique designed to relieve tension in the muscles of the face, boost blood circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage to banish bloat.

The second tool is the Jade Roller, I love the jade roller for many reason but the massaging motion might be the main one. It has been said, the massaging motion can stimulate certain hormones and have a relaxing effect on one’s well-being and stress levels. So, I would have to say that could be a reason to include one of these tools in creating a magical morning for yourself!

  • Gua Sha & Ridged Roller in one!
  • Gua Sha Stone
  • Rose Quartz Ridged Roller, my favorite!
  • Jade Roller & Gua Sha Bundle Kit
  • Gua Sha Technique Book

Psst ….. You can also snag any of the Primally Pure products for 10% off with Code: SPROUTINGVITALITY at check out! Save yourself some dollar, dollar bills!

Nourishment

So, We are on the final step of creating magical mornings. I think that nourishing your body is such an important step. How we feed and fuel our bodies is directly correlated to how we feel, the energy we have and how we support our hormones. Personally, like to take the first bit of my day and morning to have a warming, nutrient dense drink to sip on. This could be enjoyed during my journaling or right after a meditation or could come once I am finished getting ready for the day. Everyone is so different with what they like to consume and when they like to consume it. So, with staying on point with creating magical morning routines & rituals. I’ll share a couple of my favorite warm drinks I like to make in the mornings to start my day & nourish my body.

Nourishing Morning Beverages!

Creating a ritual making your magical morning beverages!
  • MATCHA LATTE – Ceremonial grade matcha mixes with smooth coconut milk, gut-supporting Maitake mushrooms, and superherb moringa.
  • GOLDEN LATTE WITH SHIITAKE & TURMERIC – Lightly sweet and dairy-free Golden Latte with Shiitake and Turmeric. Helping you put your best face forward with beautifying shiitake and glow-from-within turmeric. Additional ingredients include adaptogenic tulsi, warming ginger, and a pinch of black pepper to support turmeric’s skin-loving properties.
Simple yet Divine …. Like a “hug in a cup”, Golden Milk !

Golden Milk

This gorgeous golden milk is both beautiful, uplifting and so nourishing for your body! All of the ingredients come together to make such a delicious cup to enjoy as well as giving your body incredible nutrients in each sip.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Course Breakfast, Drinks
Servings 1 Golden Milk

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Frother

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 – 2 cups Milk of choice you want to use milk or something that has a little fat in it to combine with the tumeric for best nutrient absorption.
  • 1.5 tsp organic tumeric
  • .5 tsp organic cinammon
  • 1/4 tsp organic ginger powder or tiny pinch of fresh peeled & grated ginger root
  • 1 drizzle maple syrup, honey, or my favorite organic coconut sugar
  • 1 touch salt, this might sound weird, but just try it! I am loving this salt right now….
  • couple cracks Black Pepper, this is a MUST! The black pepper is what activates & allows your body to fully be able to absorb all the yummy nutrients of Tumeric, so please don't skip this step!

Instructions
 

  • Blend all ingredients minus the black pepper in a high-speed blender until smooth.
    Pour into a small saucepan and heat for 3-5 minutes only until warm, you don't want it too hot, take off before boiling.
    Crack the pepper, stir to combine & drink asap!
    *** Be warned! Tumeric does stain, don't use anything porous or leave on a white countertops, touch white clothing or dishtowels, etc.*****
Keyword Black Pepper, Golden Milk, Smoked Salt, Tumeric

Pssstt – Use code : SPROUTINGVITALITY for 10% off all Four Sigmatic Goodies!

  • HOT ERIC.… What did you say? This locally made superfood honey has become a fan favorite & it doesn’t just stop at Golden Milk! Molly, the owner and creator of Hot Eric also has Hot Raj ( Chai) and Hot Koa (Cacao Cinnamon). Molly’s products are so simple to combined into any drink simply using hot water to melt & mix .
My Homemade London Fog Recipe!
  • Currently loving my homemade London Fogs. If you haven’t had a London Fog, you need to stop what you are doing and make one now! It has to be one of my favorite drinks of all times. Some coffee shops make their own lavender syrup & it just puts it over the edge. As a result, I personally am on a mission to make my own this summer when my lavender bushes are in full bloom! Here is my simple recipe…

London Fog

This dreamy earl grey frothy, yummy tea latte is one of my all time favorites! I have been sipping on these and ordering them at coffee shops as long as I can remember! I love to add fresh lavender when my plants are in full bloom in the summer! It adds such a incredible complexity to this already amazing drink.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 mins
Cook Time 3 mins
Course Breakfast, Drinks
Servings 1 latte

Equipment

  • Frother

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Milk I like to use Malk ,but any milk works!
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1 tea bag organic earl grey tea
  • 1 scoop collagen peptides I include this in almost all of my beverages but you don't have to add this to create this yummy london fog.
  • 1 dash Organic Cinnamon
  • 1 drizzle Organic Maple Syrup or Coconut Sugar

Instructions
 

  • Steep tea in hot water for a couple minutes. While you wait add the milk and syrup or sugar to frother and froth until ready. You can also use a blender if you don't have a frother. Pour hot tea & milk into your favorite cup, sit back and sip away!
Keyword Earl Grey Tea, Frothy, London Fog
  • I highly recommend getting this frother ! Two words…. Game Changer! If you want something a bit bigger to froth your milk, lattes, hot chocolate or any beverage I’d recommend this beauty!
I don’t know about you, but I swear things taste better in beautiful cups…..

It’s kinda like taking yourself out to a cute coffee shop in the comfort of your own home. I recently found and invested in some gorgeous ceramic cups and it has changed my morning beverage game! Here are a couple small businesses that are killing it with their crafts!

  • Speckled Ceramic Mug in Matte White
  • Plates, Bowls, Mugs & jewelry
  • Gorgeous Ceramic Work Here!

I hope you have enjoyed reading all the ways in which you can create magical mornings. I’d love to hear which ideas you implement and how they work for you.

How to set yourself up for an incredible day by the way you wake up, the intentions you set, the tools you use to create magical mornings. For more recipes, travel posts and integrative health hacks be sure to follow me at www.sprouting-vitality.com or on instagram @sproutingvitality. #kenzinthekitch #mckenzieonthemove #sproutingvitality

Here are a couple other recipes & travel posts I think you’d enjoy as well, be sure to check them out!

Smoky Herb Potatoes(Opens in a new browser tab)

Caprese Chicken(Opens in a new browser tab)

Coffee Shops in Idaho(Opens in a new browser tab)

Smoked Prosciutto Peaches(Opens in a new browser tab)

Filed Under: Food + Beverage, Integrative Health + Nutrition, Self-Care + Healthy Habits Tagged With: beverages, inspiration, kenz in the kitch, lifestyle, recipes, skincare, sprouting-vitality

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Curry Butternut Squash Soup with spiced maple baco Curry Butternut Squash Soup with spiced maple bacon pepitas is going to knock your socks off! 
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Super simple to make in the instant pot and the maple bacon pepitas can be sprinkled on just about anything or eaten by the handful, yes it’s that good!
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2 apples 
3 lbs butternut squash
2 inch piece ginger 
1 tsp minced garlic
1 onion 
3 Tbsp olive oil 
6 cups bone broth 
1.5 Tbsp curry powder 
Sea salt 
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Slice apples and remove seeds. Remove the butternut squash skin and slice and dice, two inch cubes, roughly. Slice and dice the onion, peel and dice the ginger and mince garlic.
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Add the olive oil, onion & ginger to the instant pot and set on sauté. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and then add apples, butternut squash and broth. Place instant pot on slow cook for 12 hours and let the cooking begin. You can cook quicker with pressure cook or just overnight for 6 hours but I personally think the flavor gets better with the longer slow cook option. Once done, place ingredients in blender and blend until smooth, creamy consistency. Season with sea salt to your liking. 
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6 pieces bacon 
1/2 cup pepitas 
2 Tbsp maple syrup 
1/4 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
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Cook bacon until crispy. Chop bacon into small pieces and place in a bowl, add pepitas, maple syrup & cayenne. Toss together to evenly coat. Place parchment paper on sheet pan and bake on 350 for 10 minutes. You want clumps of sticky but crispy bacon and pepitas.
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1 can full fat coconut milk
Chopped chives 
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Ladle soup into a bowl and spoon coconut milk into each bowl and top with the crispy bacon mix and sprinkle with chives.
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This soup will blow you away with the curry butternut bacon combo! Perfect hot soup with the sweet spicy mix to get your metabolism going. Give it a try and let me know what you think 🙌🏻
These cooler temps blowing in have me going full f These cooler temps blowing in have me going full force hygge. Craving all things to keep me comfy and cozy.
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I have been enjoying every type of tea I can get my hands on & was really needing something to go with it. That is where these stuffed cream cheese chai muffins come into play. I have to admit homemade chai is one of my favorite things. My good friend @heyimcarisse made a spicy, delicious mix for me every year when I lived in SLC. I love all the spices that come together to create that sweet spicy combo in every sip and in this case, every bite. 
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Muffins 
1.5 cups Almond Flour
1/3 cup Coconut Sugar 
1 tsp baking soda 
1/2 tsp sea salt
3 eggs, room temperature 
1/4 cup Avocado Oil
1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar 
1 container Whipped Cream Cheese
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Streusel 
1/4 cup hemp seeds
1 Tbsp Coconut Sugar 
1 tsp each of ground ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, nutmeg
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Super simple recipe to throw together. I had forgotten how great a little splash of ACV makes baked goods, fully noted now! I added the whipped cream cheese to give that creaminess to each bite. If you aren’t consuming dairy there are so many dairy alternatives to substitute. 
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Preheat oven to 350. Add all dry ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine. In mixing bowl add all wet ingredients, keeping cream cheese out. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet just until combined. Place all the topping ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine, set aside.
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Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and scoop 1 tablespoon of batter into 9 cups. Then spoon 1 tsp of whipped cream cheese into the center of each muffin. Cover with 1 Tbsp batter and sprinkle with streusel. Pressing slightly to keep topping on each muffin. 
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Place muffin tin in the oven for 20-22 minutes, you can place an additional pan under the muffins to catch any topping that comes off. Remove muffins when toothpick comes out clean and try your hardest to allow them to cool before devouring. 
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Enjoy these bites of deliciousness my friend! I hope they make it to your plate this weekend! ✨
With colors like these, how can you not be excited With colors like these, how can you not be excited to devour this bowl?
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I am loving the colorful foods that are starting to pop up in the grocery. It has me really soaking in these winter days but also counting down the days til the flowers start popping. 
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I was craving a rice bowl and luckily had some wild caught salmon from @fairweatherfish waiting to be cooked up and enjoyed. I grabbed all the veggies, made my favorite miso salmon and it turned out better than I had imagined!
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Miso Salmon Bowls
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1 large slice Salmon
1 Tbsp white miso
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Cup Basmati Rice 
Avocado
Arugula
Edamame 
Cucumber 
Radishes 
Carrots
1 jar sliced pickled Ginger
Microgreens
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Sesame Ginger Dressing
2 Tbsp Sesame Seed Oil
2 Tbsp Miso 
4 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
1 Tbsp pickled Ginger
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Preheat oven to 350 and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Mix one Tbsp miso with two Tbsp olive oil and whisk, spread on top of salmon and bake for 15 minutes. Cook one cup rice with two cups water until fully cooked. Slice and dice veggies, blend dressing until smooth and get ready to build your bowl. Have fun with building your bowl! There is no wrong way to do it and you can use my photo for inspiration! 
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What are your favorite ingredients to use to build rice bowls at home?
Happy Friday Friend! ✨ Do yourself a favor and p Happy Friday Friend! ✨ Do yourself a favor and push save on these Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps! Trust me, you will want these this weekend!
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Last night was a throw together that ended up being epic! I had recently picked up some @primalkitchenfoods buffalo sauce and had my favorite @traderjoes wild caught shrimp & knew it was a delicious combo waiting to happen!
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I am all about the simple meals that come together in minutes and that is exactly what this recipe is!
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🍤1 lb Wild caught shrimp 
💥1 bottle buffalo sauce 
🌶 1 jar Jalapeno Ranch
🥬 1 head Butter leaf lettuce
🥑 1 avocado 
🥓 6 pieces crispy bacon 
🧅 1/2 red onion 
🌱 Quick pickled radishes
🌿 3 pieces sliced celery
🍃 microgreens 
🍚 Cooked Sushi Rice 
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Start by cooking the rice. I have a flavor combo for you to try the next time you make rice. Use 1 cup rice 1.5 cups water and .5 cup rice vinegar, this is if you like vinegar, I absolutely love it and it gives a new dimension of flavor to your rice. Give it a try. 
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While the rice cooks, start prepping all other ingredients. I quick pickle (again I love vinegar 😂) by dicing them and then pouring a little apple cider vinegar on them and letting them sit. I baked my bacon in the oven at 350 until crispy, you could also smoke it which is one of my favorite ways to make bacon.
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Defrost your shrimp and I did large pieces to make it easier to scoop into my lettuce wraps but you can keep them whole if you’d like. Add a little oil to a hot pan and start cooking. Strain out any extra liquids and then pour buffalo sauce in. I used 1 cup for ours because we like sauce and wanted the sauce to soak into the rice too. Totally up to you how much you want to have.
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Once everything is cooked and ready, grab a piece of lettuce add rice, buffalo shrimp, red onion, avocado, celery, pickled radishes, drizzle of ranch and top with micro greens!
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Each bite is so full of insanely delicious ingredients and taste you will keep coming back for more! 
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I am so excited for you to try these and they were just too good not to share! Grab the ingredients and get these buffalo shrimp lettuce wraps on your plate ASAP!
Who else has a little spring fever? These warmer d Who else has a little spring fever? These warmer days have me thinking of spring and all that it brings! 
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I made this incredible avocado toast with spring on my mind. Crispy toast with smashed, ripe avocados & dash of everything but the bagel seasoning. Perfectly cooked hard boiled eggs, sliced radishes, micro greens, dill & a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. 
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The flavors complimenting each other with each bite. I absolutely love spring and the vibrant flavors and produce it brings. I know, I know, we aren’t there just yet but this toast was a small glimpse into the near future! 
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Do yourself a favor and make this avocado toast ASAP. I promise you will be happy you did & it will bring a bit of brightness to your day. 
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🍞- 1 loaf sourdough bread  @wild_phyllis_bakery
🥑 - 1 ripe avocado 
🥚- 2 hard boiled eggs  @mcintyrepastures
🌿- handful Easter radishes 
🌱- micro greens 
🧂- Everything but the bagel seasoning @traderjoes 
- Drizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil. 
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I have found a way to perfectly cook eggs in my instant pot and I will never go back to cooking them in a pot. Done in 3 minutes and the shell literally falls off. Place 1 cup of water in the instant pot, add 5-6 eggs and place on high pressure for 3 minutes. When timer goes off, release the pressure and run eggs under cold water to stop the cooking. If you want fully cooked yolks cook for 4 min. 
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Toast your bread. Smash avocado on both pieces. Slice the radishes, eggs and prepare the micro greens. Start layering the radishes, then eggs, micro greens & end with a shake of everything but the bagel seasoning & dill fronds. 
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Find a quiet place where you won’t have to share this deliciousness. Only kidding, but seriously, make enough so that you can enjoy your own two slices bc I promise you will want all of it! 
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What spring foods are you looking forward to enjoying?
Seriously one of the easiest, throw together meals Seriously one of the easiest, throw together meals. The flavors in each bite paired with the creamy burrata & crispy bacon, OMG delicious! 
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Do you ever have those meals that you just throw together, not expecting much, and they blow you away? This was one of those! My husband had a late meeting at the hospital and I was eating dinner solo. Not wanting to make anything extravagant I took a gander at what we had in the fridge. 
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🍚 Leftover basmati rice.
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🍄 Handful shiitake mushrooms.
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🍅 Heirloom tomato.
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🌱 micro greens 
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🥓 Smoked bacon .
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🍶Rice Vinegar.
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🧂Everything but the bagel seasoning.
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I decided a little stir fry could be just the ticket with all of those ingredients. I poured a little sesame oil in a pan and added sliced mushrooms, 1 cup rice, diced tomatoes & allowed it to heat up. I then poured 1/4 cup rice vinegar into the mixture and let it steam off. I reheated the bacon so that it would be crisp, cut the burrata in half & prepared the micro-greens. I was hungry so I placed everything in one boil but this could easily be made into two side dishes. Topping the dish with the sliced crisp bacon, burrata, shake of EBTB seasoning and micro-greens. 
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Done and Done ✅ this dish was everything I was wanting and more. It might become a weekly menu option since it came together so easily. 
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You could also switch the veggies up if you aren’t a mushroom person or the tomatoes aren’t the best right now. I am 💯 a summer, right out of the garden, warm from the sun, tomato eater..... what about you?
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I hope you give this dish a try & like I always say.... me a picture or two! I love receiving messages from you, especially when they include food! 
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Bon Appetit ✨
Easy ways to take care of yourself in this moment. Easy ways to take care of yourself in this moment. To tune in to what your mind, body + soul is craving & needing right now. 
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🥬🍎 Fuel your body with nourishing, vibrant, delicious foods. 
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💦 Hydrate, it might seem small but drinking water helps your body move, your mind work & makes you feel better. 
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🏃🏻‍♀️ Mindfully move your body. It could be a gentle stretch session, a neighborhood walk, a heart pumping bike ride, a stroll with your pup. 
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🧘🏻‍♀️ Meditation. Getting quiet & still. Sitting with yourself to reconnect, tap into & check in with yourself. 
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✨Breathe... might sound weird on this list but we are a community known for our shallow breath. Take a moment to intentionally breath deeper. Fill your belly, your chest, and let it out. Repeat 🔁 
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🛁 Take a bath. Fill it with warm water, epsom salt, maybe light your favorite non-toxic candle and soak in the goodness. 
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🐶🐱 snuggle your pet, their unconditional love is contagious & helps us fill our cup. 
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📚 Pick up a book you have always wanted to read. This can help take your mind off other things & allow you to sink into the pages before you. 
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☎️ Call a family member or friend. The power of connection can really allow you to feel heard by having a heart felt conversation. 
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🧖‍♀️ put on a face mask, do a little gua sha, these small acts of selfcare can make us feel cared for. 
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😴 get quality sleep. I know it can be hard with everything going on and quieting our thoughts. Sleep is so important for our stress levels, our hormones & how we feel each day. 
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⏱ set aside time to just be. To enjoy a cup of tea. To sit by the fire and fully relax, to make room to decompress and allow yourself to let go. This. This is so needed during this time of business & it can be the hardest to do. Schedule it in, I promise you will be happy you did. 
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How are you tapping in and taking care of yourself these days? 
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Sending love 💕 & light✨your way!
Xx - Kenz
Me…. Welcoming in the New Year, the new day, thi Me…. Welcoming in the New Year, the new day, this wonderful Monday morning with open arms. 🙌🏻✨
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This photo reminds me of one of my favorite quote.
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 “ Live your life with arms wide open. Today is where your book begins. The rest is still unwritten.”
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So often, we get ahead of ourselves. We miss the magical moments that are happening right in front of us because we are thinking of the future & what might happen. What we want* or were hoping to happen instead of what is.
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What if this year we shifted? What if we became more present in the moment. We realized that today, in this moment, is all we have, all we are promised. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow has yet to come. 
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TODAY IS WHERE YOUR 📚 BOOK BEGINS….
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✨How would you start your day?
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✨What would you fill your time with & who would be there with you?
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✨Would you wake up with a pep in your step and gratitude in your heart to live another day in this wonderful world?
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✨How would it feel to have your arms wide open to believe goodness is coming your way? To trust that your life is unfolding just as it should?
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✨What would you do* if you knew that you only had today? What would you put into action that you have been holding back?
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I have to admit I had found myself with my arms down, and at times covering my chest for protection after the year that we had. But I recognized & am starting this year with them back up, with my heart open & my arms wide, telling the Universe I am ready for all it has to offer. 
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So my friend, check in with yourself today. Are your arms wide open & welcoming in or do you find yourself tucked in and protecting? Nothing wrong with that and it might take time. The trick is to recognize & start opening up. Like a bud slowly releasing as spring approaches. You too can open back up & allow all the goodness to come your way!
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Happy Monday, Friend! May something wonderful come your way today!✨
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📸 @_annalee_photography_
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