Homemade Lara Bar - Cherry, Cashew and Date Bars

Cherry, Cashew and Date Bars

Recipe from: Craftsy.com

 
Ingredients 

1 cup of roasted non-salted cashews (Use

 roasted, it makes all the difference in the world)

1 cup of dried cherries

1 cup medjool dates (about 8-10 dates- and always use medjool dates. They are much sweeter and stickier holding the bars together)

1/4 cup of mini dark chocolate chip morsels (optional- I didn't use them on this batch)

Directions
1. Cut dates in half removing their pits.

2. Place nuts, dates and cherries in a food processor and process until your desired consistency.

3. Line an 8-by-8-inch pan with waxed paper or parchment. Place fruit and nut mixture in the pan and use a piece of waxed paper or parchment to press the mixture down and spread it out. I use parchment paper just because I've found it sticks less than wax paper.
If adding chocolate, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the fruit and nut mixture and press them down into the mixture. Use your hand or and a drinking glass to even out the surface.
4. Lift the mixture out of the pan using the waxed paper lining. Use a sharp knife to cut into 18 pieces (or any size you wish- I used a heart shaped cookie cutter for this batch just to be festive for Valentine's Day. Also I found using a roller pin also helps after you have them out of the pan to smooth them out even more.)
5. Wrap pieces in parchment or waxed paper and store in an airtight container. (I also find that if you store them in the refrigerator they are less sticky and easier to handle and eat.)

These bars taste JUST like the Cherry Pie Lara Bars! They are such an easy snack to make and have on hand and super healthy. Feel free to experiment with different nuts and fruits. Just remember to always use roasted nuts and medjool dates.

Here are some other options you can try out! And feel free to add cinnamon or nutmeg to yours.

1. Pineapple, papaya, mango, banana chips and shredded coconut paired with a mix of walnuts and almonds.
2. Apricot and golden raisins paired with almonds. Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom.
3. Cherries paired with cashews. Add mini dark chocolate chips after food processing.
4. Apples and raisins paired with walnuts, almonds and cashews. Add a pinch of cinnamon.

If you make these, let me know! OR if you already make them. I would love the hear the combinations you guys make and if you enjoy them as much as I do!

 
 

Love Painted in Red Lace

Express Red Lace Dress // Steve Madden Bow Pumps

Happy Valentine's Day, Darlings! XOXO

Divine Direction - Power to Become

This weekend we began a new sermon series at Life.Church that I have been anticipating for awhile. This series focuses on direction in our lives that God wants for us. Are you asking yourself 'What should I do?" or bet are asking God what you should do? I know I am so I'm more than thrilled to dive headfirst into Divine Direction.

A couple of weeks ago Craig Groeschel, our pastor at Life Chruch, announced his new book that had just been released to go along with the series, Divine Direction. I have read most of Craig's books and have loved them so I knew this would be one I'd certainly be purchasing. After church I went to buy my copy of the book when I was told it was buy one get one free to give away! I was so very excited because I knew this was a series that I was being led by God to share on my little space here. So, when I found out I was getting a copy of his book to give away to one of you I was even more excited! With that being said, the series started this past weekend and will go for three more weeks. I'm starting the book tonight so after I share about this first lesson I would love for one of you to follow along with me!

Divine Direction 

God Cares About 

Instead of asking 'what does God want me to do?' We should be asking 'Who does God want me to become?'

Putting who before do and why before what. 

"God's will is for you to be holy..." 1 Thessalonians 4:3

I know I find myself asking that very question to God all the time...ahh God what should I do?! So this was a slap in the face to think I can't remember the last time I really asked God what he wanted ME to BE. God will show us the answer to what when we become who he is wanting first. 

"You may think everything you do is right, but the Lord judges your motives." Proverbs 16:2

If we are out there serving others but deep down only doing it because we want people to think highly of us, then God is going to question that. We are serving but with the wrong motives which is defeating the purpose.
 

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."  Galations 1:10

"And whatever you do, whether in word or dead, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

If you're becoming the right who, God will help you choose the right do. If you're driven by the right why, God will lead you to the right what.

Whatever you do, do it for God. In your job, in your home life, in your volunteer work, do it all for God. It is not about us, it is about conforming to Jesus and he'll guide us.

If you want to watch the first part of this series you can below from Life.Church.

As I mentioned I would LOVE to give one of you a copy of Divine Direction! If this is speaking to you and you want to follow along with the series with me then please let me know! I definitely want the copy of the book to go to someone that is feeling led to read the book and follow along while trying to find out who God wants them to become. If that is you, please shoot me an email or comment below and I would love to get the book to you!  

I only have one extra copy so it will be first come but if you are interested in purchasing Divine Direction you can do so here. 

AND even if you don't have the book I plan to do a  weekly recap of each series part here and would love for you to still follow along! Let's find who God wants us to be so we can be shown what he wants us to do, together!

 

Friday Favorites: Love Style

I thought I would share a few of my favorites centered around Valentine's Day for my Friday Favorites today. I will say I'm not a huge fan of the holiday but I do love any excuse to wear, bake and have anything and everything pink and red. 

ONE: Red Lace Romper

 

I am swooning over this hot red lace romper from Grace at A Southern Drawl. How perfect would this outfit be for next Tuesday or even any date night? I foresee this coming to my porch step in the near future. 

TWO: Valentine's Playlist 

 

 

After Jessica at GarvinandCo posted this perfect playlist I promptly downloaded it to my Spotify. I've had in on repeat for the last three days. In my office, while cooking and getting ready in the mornings. It's a great one, for sure! And obviously I will be listening to it year round. 

THREE: Snuggle Squad with the Littles

 

 

I'm dying over this 'Snuggle Squad' shirt for the babes! How adorable is this?! I wish it came in my size haha! You can find it here along with many other valentines themed shirts at Lush Fashion Lounge.  

FOUR: Sweet Treat

 

 

My mouth is watering just looking at these valentine's red velvet brownies that Alyson at Sequins and Things made. They are so easy and look delicious! I'm still not having any sweets until March 1st so of course these brownies are extra tempting. Check the recipe out if you are looking for a fun festive treat!

FIVE: Wearing My Heart on My Sleeve

 

 

I snagged this cute heart patch sleeved sweater last year for Valentine's Day from Amazon and I'm still loving it this year! You can find it on this post, it's still available but with limited quantities so hurry!

Are you a big fan of Valentine's Day or like me and just like to be festive for it?

 

I hope everyone has a great weekend! We are suppose to have record breaking high temps tomorrow here in Oklahoma of 85 degrees, in February!!! So, I will definitely be enjoying all my time outside as much as I can.

     

Making My World Go Black...Little Black Outfit

Berkshire Back Seam Hoses // Black Mini A-Line Skirt H&M (Similar Here) // Suede Heels

I'm completely a black wearing kind of gal, love wearing an all black outfit. So when I received these black back seam hose from Berkshire I felt like they were a little sexy and I knew I wanted to pair them with an all black outfit with a touch of spice.  

I love when an outfit is classy but a little sexy and stylish but also comfortable. I love these back seam hose for that very reason. They give a touch of spice while also completing the stylish classy look yet super comfortable. 

I feel like you can throw on some heels and red lipstick with any little black outfit to give it a sexier look but I am loving the extra touch of the back seam on my legs with this outfit. You can find these Berkshire hose here as well as lots of other legwear options.

With Valentine's Day right around the corner I might just switch out my black heels for red ones and add a red clutch for a great date outfit.

The legwear was sent to me by Berkshire in exchange for my honest feedback, all opinions are my own.    

 
   

Blackened Fish Tacos

A couple weeks ago I was craving tacos so bad (per usual) but I wanted them to be low calorie. I'm not a fish fan at all. I love shellfish but not fish fish. I decided that I was going to make myself like tilapia and whipped up these blackened fish tacos for dinner. I loved them! They didn't taste fishy at all, they were super easy, the husband loved them and I had extra slaw to make shrimp tacos two nights later. Win win!  

Blackened Fish Tacos

Recipe from GarvinandCo

 

For the fish

4-5 tilapia filets

2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp salt

1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (depending on how spicy you like it!)

2 tbsp olive oil

10-12 corn tortillas

 

For the slaw

1/4 red cabbage, chopped

1/2 medium red onion, diced

1/2 cup cilantro

juice of 1 lime 

For the avocado sauce

1 ripe avocado

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup cilantro

juice of 1 lime

sprinkle of sea salt

Directions

1. Combine ingredients for avocado sauce in a food processor or blender, blend until thoroughly mixed & set aside in fridge to chill.

2. Combine ingredients for slaw in a small bowl, mix well & set aside.

3. In a small bowl, mix all ingredients for fish seasoning. Sprinkle the mixture on to both sides of the fish & rub the seasoning in to coat each filet.

4. Heat skillet to medium-high heat, add olive oil & add each piece of fish once the pan has heated. Cook on each side for 5 minutes or until fish is cooked through and is flaking apart & outside looks blackened.

5. Heat a dozen corn tortillas in the same pan, or in the microwave. Break apart all of the fish into small pieces, add to the tortillas & top with slaw and sauce. 

6. Serve & enjoy!

     

Beauty Review: Silky Smooth Skin with Emjoi eRase e60

I'm constantly looking for the best razor but also one that wont irritate my skin because my legs especially are pretty sensitive. Emjoi recently sent me the Emjoi eRase e60 to try out and I couldn't wait. 

 

The eRase e60 quickly removes any hair that is unwanted from your body leaving you feeling silky smooth for up to six weeks! The eRase uses a 3-disc tweezer system with a 60 tweezer action dics designed with dual opposing heads, removing hair straight from the root and as short as 0.3 mm. 

I will say that I wanted to be completely fair while trying out the eRase so I waited six weeks after using it to write my review. The verdict is in...I love it! The eRase comes with a sensitive cover designed to use when you are using the razor on areas you are sensitive. I did use the cover on my chin and bikini line. I had no issues on my legs and underarms without using the cover. My skin felt so smooth for about five weeks. I did have to touch up my legs several times but ah it is winter so I'm constantly freezing and of course your hair grows back quicker in colder months. 

 

I'm excited to have the eRase this summer, talk about game changer! I'm used to shaving daily or at least a quick touch up in the shower so I think this is going to pretty wonderful to have! Also for my readers looking for a great gift I highly suggest this. The eRase is not just for women and it does come in colors other than the pink I received. I mean...I know we all love when our significant other is feeling smooth! 

You can find the Emjoi eRase e60 at QVC and  Amazon. 

 

This product was sent to me by Emjoi in exchange for my honest feedback, all opinions are my own.