Hello friends!  It’s another beautiful day (at least in the OC area).

Thank you for the feedback on the macaroons from my last post!  It’s always so great when, as a self-proclaimed baker, I receive encouragement on the subjects that I post about.  And one of those wonderful subjects is food and baking.

Break the Fast!

This morning’s breakfast features this wonderful delicious creation that rained from the heavens.  Actually, no…I found it at Albertson’s!  I believe that most grocers carry this item now.

Although I’m not diagnosed as Gluten intolerant and I do love my wheat and regular pancakes–because believe me–I do love them, I also like trying new foods as often as I can.

It’s really odd, however.  Even though my body seems to accept gluten, more often than not I will get digestive problems when I eat foods derived from wheat.  When I saw this at the store, I knew that I had to give it a try!  The picture on the box just looked too enticing.

Hodgson Mills’ GF pancakes are amazing!  It’s really not noticeable that the mix contains brown rice flour.

[Courtesy of my point and shoot]

I added pumpkin puree, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, cottage cheese, chia seeds, and water to the mix.

The toppings include fruit, walnuts, Artisana Coconut Butter, a local honey from our friend Kate, and Biscoff spread!  Which by the way, totally violates the GF rule in this breakfast.  I’m a GF poser, I know.   Today’s coffee is Godiva’s Pumpkin Spice which I made into a latte.

Isn’t this just precious?!  Mine and Greg’s friend Kate, who is also the executive director of the club where we volunteer, gave us this gift as a token of appreciation.  This local honey is so delicious and I think that the packaging is a great idea for wedding favors!  What do you think?

Post Workout Snack

One of my favorite snacks is cottage cheese and Greek Yogurt.  No doubt about that.

[Courtesy of my phone.  Not bad!]

Today’s excruciatingly refreshing workout included bicep, tricep, and shoulders, plus the addition of an interval similar to the last one.

After the gym I made a throw-together snack.  Somewhere buried underneath there is Fage Greek Yogurt, cottage cheese, Crofter’s fruit spread, pears slices, banana, granola, and Katie’s awesome protein frosting.  I like to make this when I feel especially “lazy” after exercising.

Save the Date Photos!

Yesterday Susan, Emily, Greg and I headed down to a beautiful park located in Brea.

I’m sure that by now you have figured out that these are pictures for our “Save the Dates”.  It’s actually later than I would have wanted it to be, but at least we got it done.

So why do I sound so desperate in the title of this post?

Because I want you guys to be a part of our decision!  Please with a pretty cherry on top, will you help me choose your fave picture out of this compilation?

-1-

-2-

-3-

-4-

Doh!  Would have been perfect if both of our faces showed! (Nice, but fail)

Could have been a nice and artistic shot, but all the invitees wouldn’t even know who we are! Haha.

[All photos courtesy of Susan+Emily+my faithful Canon]

You girls did an amazing job and I am beyond impressed!  Greg, Susan, and Emily….the Lord has blessed me so much through your love and dedication.

To be quite honest with you guys, I am really leaning towards picture #1.  I mean, look at the composition, angle, setting, and candid-ness!  But, I’m so inexperienced in all this so I thought some feedback would be wonderful.  I may or may not be influenced by your picks hehe.

Have an amazing day!

Love,

Ellie <33

Tagged as: Artisana Coconut Butter, breakfast, engagement, Fage greek yogurt, friends, gluten free, God's blessings, Hodgson Mill, love, Lunch, post workout snack, protein, relationships, save the date cards