Petite Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan, Grain-Free Recipe)

If you're a vegan, are trying to avoid grain, or just love cookies but want a recipe that won't carry as many calories, then we've got a recipe for you. These "Petite Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan, Grain-Free Recipe)" look delicious! Let us know if you try them, actually, bring us some!

Petite Chocolate Chip Cookies (basically a vegan, grain-free Chips Ahoy)

Serves 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups of almond flour
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 2 tbsp arrowroot powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup raw honey
• 1/4 cup milk, kefir, or nut milk
• 1/4 cup Enjoy life chocolate chips or carob chips
• 2 tbsp softened butter or coconut oil

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350.

In a food processor, pulse together 1 1/2 cups of almond flour only, the coconut flour, baking powder, arrowroot, and salt until it’s all mixed. Add the butter or coconut oil, and pulse until it’s a crumb. 

Add the honey and milk, and pulse until a thick dough forms. You should be able to pick it up and ball it up in your hands—so not liquidy at all! 

This is where the extra half cup of almond flour comes in. If your mixture is still thin, add the extra flour and mix until it looks like your standard cookie dough.

Fold in the chips, and don’t be afraid to eat the dough. It’s tasty.

Break off tablespoon sized bits and roll them into balls with your palms. Place them on a lined baking sheet & give them a squish. They won’t spread at all, so you can put them fairly close together. 

Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes, or until they begin to get golden.

Remove them from the oven, and lower the heat to 250. Put them back in for a good 15 minutes or so, or until they’re as crisp as you’d like. Once they cool more, they will be more like Chips Ahoy (dry and crunchy), so be patient!

Original Article Here: http://bit.ly/17XsTjm

Read more »

5 Bob Vila ‘Must Do’ Projects for May

It's May, and the weather is starting to heat up. Summer is on the way, and it's time to prepare! Bob Vila has 5 'Must Do' projects for May that can help you keep your home ready for the season. Check them out below, and let us know if you think of any he missed!

May is the month to prepare your house and garden for the dog days of summer. Start at the top — in the attic — working your way out, with a stop in the kitchen, before addressing the yard and your outdoor living areas.

No. 1: Prepare to beat the heat

While it’s been a cold and rainy spring for most of the country, you can be sure that hot weather is just around the corner. That means the familiar hum of air conditioners and unwelcome accompanying rise in energy bills. In preparing for the months ahead, think about what you can do to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without breaking the bank.

Attic insulation. Just as they do in the heating season, insulation and ventilation in the attic help yourHVAC system perform efficiently during the summer when the air conditioner is in use, not the furnace. Also, if you don’t have one already, think about installing an attic fan to usher out superheated air, reducing its considerable burden on your cooling appliance.

Whole-house fans. If you mainly run your air conditioner overnight, a whole-house fan can probably save you a sizable chunk of change. How does it work? By drawing in cool night air through open windows on lower floors and cycling it through the house. A professional can assist you in determining whether it’s the right solution for you, but generally speaking, whole-house fans work best in regions with low humidity, where the temperature drops at least five degrees after sunset.

Ceiling fans. Since they cool by circulating air, ceiling fans should be installed in those rooms where you spend the most time (e.g., the kitchen, family room or bedroom). They cost pennies to operate; even using them occasionally instead of the AC will make a positive difference in your utility bill.

Window air conditioners. Before you pull your window air conditioner out of storage, ask yourself how old it is. Efficiency has improved so much that purchasing a new energy-smart unit may in fact be cheaper than relying on your old clunker for yet another summer. No matter its age, be sure to maintain your AC by cleaning or replacing its filter. And for safety’s sake, make certain the installation is secure and won’t budge!

Awnings and solar blinds. Awnings are great for mitigating heat gain, as they shield windows from direct sunlight. Many fixed or retractable options exist in materials ranging from canvas to aluminum. Also, consider solar blinds and solar screens, either of which can be found in interior or exterior styles. Both work to absorb heat and block solar rays without obstructing your view.

No. 2: Update your kitchen

Your kitchen makeover doesn’t have to be a total gut job. If you’re looking for a way to infuse color and pattern, why not re-tile the backsplash? It’s an easy project to tackle over a long weekend, even if you’re not a seasoned handyman. Want to go a step further? Reface your cabinets. A new wood veneer or a bright coat of paint on cabinet doors and drawer fronts can transform them, effectively making your old kitchen look brand new. Best of all, the price is right.

No. 3: Improve your yard & garden

This month is the perfect time to make improvements to your landscaping. Try distinctive edging that will define your garden walkway or planting beds. Another idea: Use containers to bring flowers and greenery to the front porch or the backyard deck or patio. Looking to have a little fun? Experiment with creating your own pots out of everyday household materials.

No. 4: Rid yourself of summer pests

While there are numerous ways to deal with bees, wasps, mice and the critters, the best approach to pest control is the natural one. Did you know that mice find the smell of peppermint unbearable, or that cockroaches won’t tolerate Tabasco sauce? For bed bugs, the answer is a treatment of diatomaceous earth! Find details and additional tips in our guide to apartment pest control and prevention.

No. 5: Ready the deck, patio & grill

Since this is the month many will start spending more time in the backyard, sweep your outdoor living space and make any necessary repairs to your deck or patio surfaces. If your gas grill has been idle for several months, check the burner jets for obstructions and secure all hose connections snugly. (And, don’t forget to refill the propane tank!) Meanwhile, charcoal grill owners are wise to clean off ashes and grease residue — a good habit to keep up over the course of the season as well. Read more about how to care for your grill — and bon appetit!
Related:

• How to Install a Ceiling Fan
• On the Edge: 11 Garden Borders You Can Make
• 10 ‘Illuminating’ Ideas for Lighting Your Backyard

Original Article here: http://bit.ly/12eDzI9

Read more »

How To Make Healthy Habits Stick

Knowing the right kind of food to eat, what exercise routine will keep you healthy, and other things that keep you in tip top shape aren't enough by themselves. "Knowing is half the battle" right? Health Coach Elizabeth Rider knows this, and has some advice on 'How to Make Healthy Habits Stick'. Check them out below.

1. Crowd out the bad stuff.

Crowd out unhealthy foods with delicious good food. Instead of imposing strict rules on yourself, always focus on what youcan have, not on what you can’t have. If you've really been struggling to stick to your healthy habits, learning how to crowd out is the first step on your path to success.

2. Forget the “all or nothing” mentality. 

Good health isn’t all or nothing; every salad, green juice and green smoothie count. Women are the worst with this and often feel like they have to give up every single thing they enjoy to be healthy, which couldn't be further from the truth. Take small steps toward greater health each day, and eventually things like green drinks, quinoa salads and fresh juices will become habits instead of chores.

3. Surround yourself with inspiration.  

Hang out with like-minded people and join community and online groups that support your lifestyle. Subscribe to email updatesfrom wellness websites that inspire you (just pick your top 3-5 favorites so you don’t overwhelm yourself; a full inbox = stress!), purchase healthy living books and magazines, and create a inspiration board so you can create what your ideal life looks like.  

4. Be a realistic optimist.

Positive thinking really is key to a healthy lifestyle, there's no doubt about it. But remember this: total wellness doesn’t happen overnight, nor is it something we just need to focus on once. Healthy habits are like muscles; the more you work them the stronger they get. 

5. Focus on how you want to feel in your own skin.

Having a clear vision of how you want to feel each day will motivate you through challenging times. When you want to eat something unhealthy, take a moment to ask yourself how it will make you feel in one hour, one day and one week. That drive-thru burrito might make you feel good for the three minutes that you're scarfing it down, but be honest, you're not going to feel great a few hours later or the next day when you remember it. Is the three minutes really worth it?

6. Know that you are exactly where you need to be.

Be totally ok with wherever you are at in this point in your life — it’s all part of your unique journey. Be gentle and kind with yourself. If you’ve been doing an amazing job of eating clean and have a moment of weakness, just forgive yourself and move on without making yourself feel guilty. One unhealthy snack, meal, or even weekend shouldn’t derail you; just get back to your clean eating plan and focus on what makes you feel good. Life’s too short to constantly worry about what you eat; be proud of the healthy choices that you make and focus on those instead. We become what we focus on; focus on your healthy choices and overtime you'll become a glowing goddess of good health.

Full article here: http://bit.ly/17vqdt6

Read more »

Pin It To Win It: Enter Surya's Inspired Home Sweepstakes!

Pin it to win it! That's what we're saying! Check out these gorgeous accessory packages from Surya valued at $1,300 each. How does getting one for free sound to you? Well you can if you enter this Sweepstakes! Check out how to do so below.

Item: Surya Accessory Package

From: Surya

Value: $1,300

Surya, one of our favorite sources for high-quality, fashion-forward rugs and home accessories, is hosting the Inspired Home Sweepstakes on Pinterest. The creative inspiration behind many of Surya's products comes from the local and global influences of fashion, travel and nature, and they want you to channel the inspiration to your home. The prize: one of their fabulous accessory packages, containing a combination of their famous colorful handmade rugs, along with coordinated accent pillows, poufs and artwork. And the best part? You get to select your favorite from 3 of their featured packages! Visit Surya's Inspired Home Sweepstakes Board on Pinterest to get started.

Get full details on the Inspired Home Sweepstakes, and instructions on how to enter

Full article here: http://bit.ly/XwooJj

Read more »

5 Exotic Smoothie Recipes From Around The Globe

These nutritious and delicious smoothies are sure to be unique treats for your taste buds. Each recipe comes from a different country and contains unique flavors and combinations indicative of the foreign food culture there. If you try them, let us know how they are! Check them out below!

Carioca’ Acai Bowl — Brazil

Brazil is one of my favorite places. From dancing samba in the parade at Carnival in Salvador, to people-watching at Posto 9 on the beach in Ipanema, it's impossible to be bored there! You'll find acai everywhere. This berry comes from the Amazon rainforest of Brazil and is considered a superfood because it's rich in antioxidants, omega fats, protein, fiber and amino acids.

Ingredients:

• 2 frozen acai packs (I use Sambazon)
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 ripe banana

Blend until it's sorbet-like texture, then top with anything you'd like! Sliced bananas, bee pollen, berries — I used gluten-free granola, shredded coconut, vegan dark chocolate chips, and strawberries. YUM!!!

For a drinkable smoothie version, use only one acai pack, combine all of the ingredients and blend.

The Quintana Roo — Mexico

You would be hard-pressed to find more stunning beaches than those of Tulum, Mexico. Ah, to be there now, relaxing in a hammock, sipping on this smoothie.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 cup fresh or frozen mango
• ½ avocado
• few sprigs of fresh cilantro
• juice of one lime
• (Ice if using fresh mango)

Avocados are a great source of monounsaturated (healthy) fats and also provide potassium (twice as much as bananas), vitamin E, folic acid and fiber.

The Reclining Buddha — Thailand

The mangoes in Thailand are to die for! I took some cooking classes in Southeast Asia, which inspired this exotic smoothie!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup watercress
• 2 cups frozen mango
• 1 tsp galangal (Thai ginger) or 1 inch peeled fresh ginger
• 2 small stalks lemongrass (discard the outer leaves) or use frozen
• juice of 1 lime
• handful of cilantro

Cilantro is great for detoxifying heavy metals, easing inflammation, and is rich in vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and vitamins A, C, and K. Lemongrass has strong anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.

Two more recipes in the full article here: http://bit.ly/Z8w2dm

Read more »

The Dos & Don'ts of Growing Mint

Mint is one of several plants that works wonderfully as a window box plant, not only because it’s able to thrive in lower levels of soil than some, but also because it’s a tasty addition to many treats from ice cream to mojitos. Look below for the “Dos and Don’ts of Growing Mint”.

Mint is really the perfect place to begin as you build your herb garden. It's easy to grow and is really fun to add to many recipes, whether breakfast, dinner or desert. And don't forget to add a sprig to a glass of iced tea on a hot summer afternoon.

If mint is the perfect place to begin when learning to grow an herb garden, why then are there don'ts about growing the plant?

Mint is not just easy to grow, but its roots, which are called "runners," are incredibly invasive: they quickly grow, sprouting new leaves and new plants as they go. Mint will overtake a flower bed or garden in no time if you're not careful. So, read on for the Do's and Don'ts of Growing Mint:

DO

• When choosing a location for your mint, find one where the plant will receive morning sun and partial afternoon shade.

• Plant on a patio, in a container.

• When planting the herb in a flower bed, first submerge a container (either a pot, a mesh bag or edging to at least 5 inches deep), leaving the rim above ground level when potted, so the mint's fast-growing root system will be contained. Otherwise, the herb will take over your garden and lawn in an annoying weed-like fashion.

• Harvest mint sprigs before the plant flowers.

• To extend the harvesting season, pinch off the flowering buds as they appear.

• If planting your mint in a garden bed, apply mulch to help keep it from spreading.

• Locate mint plants fifteen inches apart, and thin them regularly.

• If planting your mint indoors, locate your container where it will receive good morning light but where it will also be away from drying heating elements.

DON'T

• Plant mint in an open bed without first submerging a vessel that will contain the herb's wild-growing roots.

• If planting mint in a bed using a submerged pot, be sure it's not cracked. The "runners" will find their way out and continue to spread.

• Plant the herb in super moist conditions where it won't dry out.

Full article here: http://bit.ly/zsVrHY

Read more »

Shallow-Rooted Veggies for Growing in Window Boxes

If you’re thinking of growing any small window box gardens, you should make sure that you pick your plants based on how well they do in shallow soils. Some plants cannot thrive in less than 12 inches of dirt, so check out this article about which veggies in your windowsill will do well.

When I moved into my first apartment, I planted veggies in the two front window boxes. But I did it pretty willy-nilly, without any research, and some of those poor plants just didn't flourish. If you're thinking of doing the same, please check this out first for some ideas of which plants do best in shallow soils:

The plants listed below do well in shallow soils, shallow being about 12" of depth (or less for the lettuce):

• lettuce

• red radishes

• spinach

• scallions

• herbs

• garlic

• strawberry

Interested in creating your own window box? Check out this DIY from HGTV. Do remember that plants with shallow root systems have a greater requirement for water, so check often and keep them well-watered!

Full article here: http://bit.ly/Xsci0v

Read more »