I mean seriously?!

How?!

When did that happen?!

Well according to the calendar I guess it happened 18 days ago but still . . . where has this year gone?!

October . . . already?!

I just can’t seem to wrap my head around it?!

And I’m not really sure how I feel about it?!

I mean Christmas is my all time fave but I’m having some mixed emotions because this time of year is when we usually take our annual Swanston Family Vaycay to our beloved home away from home, Denver, Colorado.

And as excited as I am to dig in and get all kinds of festive fun happening up in here I’m having a hard time because my heart is aching for fall. Cool crisp mornings, fresh mountain air and pumpkin spiced everything!!!!!

There is something truly magical about that humble looking, ombre’ beige, spice blend that not only tastes all kinds of incredible but it truly makes my heart all kinds of happy.

The smell alone has me feeling all of those warm, fuzzy Christmas-y feels!

Now, here in Australia for some reason we haven’t yet discovered the joy that is well, pumpkin spiced anything so what’s a girl to do when her heart aches for fall, and pumpkin spiced everything yet sadly there is no vaycay or pumpkin spiced anything on the cards?! Or is it in the cards!? Either way, it ain’t happening!

So what’s a girl to do?!

She gets creative in the kitchen and comes up with her own deliciously simple, quick and easy, healthy homemade {sugar free} pumpkin spice mix that’s what!

Problem, solved.

Well apart from the whole vacation thing but let’s not get into that!

Today’s recipe is one that is super quick and easy to prepare made with just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have tucked away in the back of your spice cabinet, ready and waiting, simply begging to be transformed into one purely magical, heart-warming spice blend.

Ahhh I love this spice mix so, SO much – it really is like a little jar of happiness.

Don’t you just love the way food, both taste and smell, has the ability to magically transport you to another time and another place and bring back the most incredible memories and feelings that are so strong, it’s as though you could almost reach out and hug them?!

Well that’s what this spice mix does for me?!

One smell and I am whisked away to my beloved home away from home, enjoying quality time with my nearest and dearest, holding a steaming cup of perfectly spiced coffee in my hands, feeling the cool crisp mountain air on the back of my neck as I gaze fondly at the most miraculous looking snow capped mountains you ever did see.

This healthy, homemade pumpkin spice mix brings together all those familiar, nostalgic tastes and smells that come to mind when I think of Christmas (and Thanksgiving and well just all things fall for my American friends).

Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice and a pinch of cardamon – it’s chai spice meets gingerbread spice. . . doesn’t it just make you feel all warm and fuzzy even just reading that combination of spices all together in one delicious little sentence?!

The smell alone is enough to transport me to another time and another place where the air is crisp, the mountains are capped with snow and everything just seems to sparkle.

Wanna come?!

You totally can and I’d love to have you along for the ride

All you have to do is throw together a handful of spices and you’re ready to go!

Once you have your healthy, homemade pumpkin spice mix ready, your kitchen smells like heaven and you’re feeling all of those warm and fuzzy Christmas-type feels you’re on your way.

Simply add a pinch to your morning coffee or your post workout smoothie.

Stir some into your yogurt and have for a yummy twist on a much loved, quick & easy, iconic snack!

Bake yourself a sweet potato, slather it in almond butter and sprinkle over a little of your pumpkin spice mix and have yourself one seriously tasty snack – trust me on this, just try it! You can thank me later

Or, you could add a heaping teaspoon to this {sugar free – paleo} maple vanilla banana bread, or these muffins, or these cookies, or this deliciously simple, perfectly roasted pumpkin for a sweet twist on a savory side dish . . .

All natural, quick and easy, deliciously simple, healthy, homemade, pumpkin spice mix . . .

A little jar of heaven scented happiness to call your very own;

From my heart to yours, enjoy xo

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Question of the day –

What’s your favorite, warm and fuzzy food related, holiday flavor, scent or memory?

Feel free to share recipes, or links recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make your healthy, homemade pumpkin spice mix (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

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The post Healthy, Homemade Pumpkin Spice Mix first appeared on Better with Cake.

I know Thanksgiving is not something we celebrate here in Australia but I’ll use any excuse to make (& lets be real, EAT) a festive dessert!

All the flavour, minus the fuss I am here for it!

I mean just look at that filling . . .

Gluten free – Dairy free – Grain Free – DATE FREE – Refined sugar Free – Low carb – Keto – Paleo – Vegan friendly.

Subtly sweet, deliciously buttery, perfectly spiced, seriously caramel-y, rum spiked, perfectly portioned pecan pie bites (because after all that feasting, 2 bites = perfect finisher) everybody got room for that!

Let the festive fun begin!!!!!!

Enjoy xo

__________________________________________

Question of the day –

What’s your favorite holiday treat?

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make these pecan pie bites (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to ox

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The post No Bake {Date Free} Mix & Make Pecan Pie Bites first appeared on Better with Cake.

Raw, date free, pecan pie bites . . .

Everything you love about a big ol’ slice of pecan pie, no baking required!!!

The buttery base, the deliciously sticky, pecan studded, caramel infused filling  complete with a dollop of whipped (coconut) cream and generous dusting of cinnamon, . . .

OOooOOOOo yes!

I don’t know about you but me, as much as I love a big ol’ piece of pie, I rarely ever make it because ;

1 –  I almost always ( ← read I actually ALWAYS, no almost about it!)  burn my mouth because I can not for the life of me wait for it to cool before I dive on in – will I ever learn?!  Then I can’t taste the delicious pie I slaved over, or anything else or that matter,  because my taste buds are now burnt to smithereens!

2 – I cut into it too soon and it all collapses into a giant mess, a delicious mess but still not the pretty pie I was hoping for –  again an issue with patience, clearly something I need to work on!

3 –   All that kneading, rolling, chilling, rolling, blind baking, pre-baking, re-baking, cooling . . . ugh – ain’t nobody got time for that!

But this . . .

These deliciously simple, no-bake pecan pie bites, this I can do!

Made with just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have on hand already and come together in a matter of minutes.

Simply;

Toast Blend Press Chill Drizzle/sprinkle/dollop (if you want) Devour

So good!

Honestly, I don’t know what more there is to tell you . . .

I mean, would you look at those layers!!!

Vegan Gluten Free Dairy free DATE FREE Grain free Refined sugar free Paleo Keto delish

All natural, quick and easy, subtly sweet, deliciously buttery, soft and chewy, cinnamon spiked, DATE FREE pecan pie bites . . .

Like all things in life, best served with a cheeky drizzle of dark chocolate and sprinkling of flakey sea salt . . . extra cinnamon (or pumpkin spice) for me please!

7 main ingredients, 10 minutes in the making . . .

Stop what you’re doing, this needs to happen right, MEOW!

The the festive fun begin!!!!!

Make them. Eat them. Love, love, love them.

No-Bake {Date Free}  Pecan Pie Bites

{Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Refined Sugar Free, Keto & Paleo Friendly}

Makes approx 9 –  All natural, quick and easy, subtly sweet, deliciously buttery, soft and chewy, cinnamon spiked, DATE FREE pecan pie bites – no baking required!!!

Ingredients –

For the base –

1/4 cup raw almonds
1/4 cup raw cashews
1 Tablespoon of hemp seeds – optional
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 teaspoon of filtered water
1 Tablespoon of coconut oil
1 pinch of salt

For the “pie” filling –

1/4 cup raw almonds
1/4 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup raw pecans
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 Tablespoons of maple syrup
2 Tablespoons of coconut oil
1 Tablespoon of hemp seeds – optional
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 pinch of salt

Optional add-ins ;
1 teaspoon of maca – for hormone balance
1-2 scoops of Vital proteins unflavored collagen peptides optional for an extra boost of protein and gut healing goodness – omit if vegan (or sub marine collage if pescatarian)

Optional for serving –

Dark chocolate for drizzling
Whipped vanilla coconut cream – or vanilla spiked cashew cream

Method –

For the base –

1 – Optional – lightly toast cashews and almonds – either on a lined baking tray at 175’C/350’F for 5-10 mins or just throw them into a dry fry-pan/skillet (make sure you toss them around occasionally so they don’t catch and burn on one side)  until lightly golden and deliciously fragrant.

2 – Place almonds and cashews into your food processor or blender and process until they break down into a fine, sandy looking crumb.

3 – Add vanilla, coconut oil, water, hemp seeds (if using)  and a pinch of salt salt then process again until a sticky “dough” forms.

4 – Press base mixture into a lined dish then pop it into the freezer while you make your filling.

Note – I have a little 13x13cm dish that was the perfect size) – or, if you don’t want to have to bother with cutting your slice you could just spoon it into little chocolate moulds or even line a mini muffin tin with paper cupcake cakes – either will work just fine.

For the filling –

1 – Again, Optional – lightly toast your nuts – either on a lined baking tray at 175’C/350’F for 5-10 mins or just throw them into a dry fry-pan/skillet (make sure you toss them around occasionally so they don’t catch and burn on one side)  until lightly golden and deliciously fragrant.

2 – Place nuts into your food processor or blender and process until they break down into a fine, sandy looking crumb.

3 – Add  vanilla, maple syrup, coconut oil, cinnamon , salt along with  hemp seeds, collagen, maca , if using, and  process again until a sticky “dough” forms.

4 – Press on to your base then pop it in the fridge or freezer to set.

5 – If adding the chocolate drizzle, melt chocolate by your preferred method – I like to do mine over the stove, double broiler style, drizzle over your pecan base, sprinkle with sea salt

6 – Slice – Devour – Enjoy xo

Note – this slice is best  kept refrigerated and  will keep well for at least  7-10 days ,although I highly doubt it will last that long, and can be frozen for 3-6 months.

The post No Bake {Date FREE} Pecan Pie Bites first appeared on Better with Cake.

Last week we did legs so today I’m thinking it’s time to work those shoulders and arms, are you in?!

Ok good, because today I’m sharing a short, sharp, shoulder sculpting workout that you can do anytime, anywhere in just 10 minutes

Everybody got time for dat’

Here’s what we are going to do –

5 exercises – Forward arm circles – Backwards arm circles – Hand Release push ups – Alternating side planks – Triceps dips – we will do 10 reps of each exercise and repeat the entire sequence through for a total of 4 rounds, got it?

Nothing overly complicated, basic movements done with good form for a short but effective shoulder sculpting workout.

I should warn you though just because you’re “only” using your body-weight as resistance doesn’t not make this an easy workout believe me when I say by the final round you will be feeling it, heart rate pumping, endorphins flowing and metabolism firing!

I guarantee after this workout you will be feeling refreshed and energized ready to take on the rest of your day!

Now, I’m not allocating any specific rest breaks in today’s workout but I want you to listen to that beautiful body of yours and rest as needed.

Anytime you feel like you need to take a break to catch your breath and grab a little drink then by all means please do so, and take all the time you need. However, if possible try to wait until you get to the bottom of each round to do so but, do what you gotta do, OK?!

Catch your breath, grab a drink then get straight back into it, deal?

Take your time, concentrate, focus and breathe through each and every exercise. You are strong, you are amazing, you have big energy! You’ve totally got this!

And because nothing makes a workout challenge more fun than getting a buddy to join you. Why not grab your BFF or a family member or your fave workmate and have them join you, power in numbers baby!

Don’t forget to come back and let me know how you did once you’re done. Either leave me a message in the comments below, or you can give me a shout on the Facebook page or tag me (@EmSwanston) on Twitter , or Instagram (@emsswanston) . I mean it, I wanna hear how you did!

Ok enough chit chat time to work –

10 Minute – No Equipment – Upper Body Workout

As always make sure you are nice an warm before you start your workout – Run on the spot, do jumping jacks, jump rope, dance around your living room, anything to get you warm then it’s time to get serious.

Finish with a nice little cool down and stretch, maybe take a walk or something anything to help bring your heart rate down. Finish with a few of your fave stretches. Please don’t skip the stretch people, its like dessert for the body.

Now for our post workout refuel –  Smoothies are a great option for your post workout refuel, they make it super easy for the body to absorb and digest those precious nutrients, they are seriously convenient, quick and easy to prepare and, a great option for those of us who don’t have much of an appetite post workout.

It’s so important to nourish and re-energize your body post workout, you want to make sure  you give those muscles some fuel so that they can rebuild and repair themselves after working so hard.

How does a nice tall, subtly sweet, creamy, dreamy, iced pumpkin spiced latte sound?

Oh you guys this smoothie is straight up heaven in a cup!

Sweetened naturally with our frozen banana, some pumpkin puree’, a splash of vanilla and a  cheeky little pinch of our healthy, homemade pumpkin spice mix and a gentle hum of espresso it’s really tastes all kinds of divine!

It’s thick and creamy, deliciously dreamy, subtly sweet and perfectly spiced – heaven in a cup I tell you!

FYI – this pretty little glass of deliciousness also happens to be packed with protein and  slow release, low GI carbs that will help refuel and re-energize that beautiful body of yours.

It really is simply divine, the perfect way to treat yo’ self and refuel and re-energize that beautiful body of yours on this fabulous Friday.

Oh and I should probably mention that not only does our delicious, nutritious Iced pumpkin spiced latte taste like an absolute dream but, it also happens to be vegan, dairy free and paleo friendly – so much to love I tell you

Iced Pumpkin Spiced Latte
{Vegan. Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}
Makes 1 all natural, light, fresh, thick, creamy, dreamy, subtly sweet, espresso infused iced pumpkin spiced latte

Ingredients –

1/3 cup coconut or Greek style yogurt

1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice)

1/2 an overripe banana (preferably pre-frozen)

2 Tablespoons of pumpkin puree’

A shot (or 2) of espresso, cooled – could sub 1 teaspoon of instant espresso

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon of healthy, homemade pumpkin spice mix (more or less to taste)

1/4-1/2  cup of ice – more or less to desired consistency

Optional but recommended for serving –

Coconut flakes

Cacao nibs (or  dark chocolate coated coffee beans) crushed

An extra pinch of our healthy, homemade pumpkin spice mix

Method –

1 – Place all smoothie ingredients into your and process until smooth, creamy and well combined.

2 – Pour into a chilled glass or mason jar then top with coconut flakes, cacao nibs (or crushed up chocolate coated coffee beans) and en extra pinch of our healthy, homemade pumpkin spice mix if desired

Notes – If you prefer your smoothies on the sweeter side I suggest you add a few drops of vanilla cream stevia or even a drizzle of maple syrup to taste. Feel free to play around and make it just the way you like it

You could also add in a scoop of protein powder (vanilla or unflavoured would work best in this recipe) and some great lakes gelatin for an extra boost of protein if you’re into that kinda thing – do what you feel baby

Enjoy xoxo

Don’t forget to give me a shout out when you’re done – hit me up in the comments below via the Facebook page on Twitter or on Instagram

Now go;

and have yourself a killer day xoxo

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Question of the day –

What’s your favorite way to refuel after a workout?

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make this smoothie (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

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The post Fit Friday Fun – A 10 Minute, No Equipment – Upper Body Workout & A Bonus Iced Pumpkin Spiced Latte Recipe first appeared on Better with Cake.