Vegan Pumpkin Walnut & Dark Chocolate Rolls!

Hello! I have been completely pumpkin obsessed as of late. I don't even think I can blame it on autumn either, I just LOVE pumpkin. Plus, it's so good for you- Why resist it? It's full of Vitamin A, a form of alpha-carotene, full of immune-boosting power & promotes healthy vision. Yes, please!

 

I decided to make a vegan pumpkin roll- like a cinnamon roll or knot. I added in organic walnuts & dark chocolate chips (carob chips). I loved using maple syrup as a sweetener in the pumpkin dough....we just bought this delicious stuff from our trip to Vermont.  YUM!! These are perfect for dinner, breakfast, lunch & brunch....aww shucks, they'd be a great snack too!

 

I tell you- these are DELICIOUS!!

~ Chewy

~ Pumpkin-y 

~ Rich chocolatey goodness

~ Slightly nutty

~ Not overly sweet- a perfect balance!

Vegan Pumpkin Walnut & Dark Chocolate Rolls

ROLL RECIPE

3 1/4 C. Organic Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 TBS. Sea Salt
4 TBS. Vegan Butter or Spectrum Organic (non-hydrogenated) Shortening
1 C. Very, very warm water
1 TBS. Yeast (or 1 pckg)
1/4 C. Organic Pumpkin Puree (fresh or canned)
3 TBS. Maple Syrup (or other sugar subs)

Add yeast in warm water. Let sit 5 min.
Combine all dry ingredients, set aside.
Combine butter, pumpkin and maple syrup- stir well.
After yeast has set for 5 min, combine with wet ingredients (pumpkin).
Slowly add in dry ingredients, and knead by hand for about 5 min.
Set in a bowl in a warm area, and cover with a clean cloth.
Let rise for at least 40 min.

After dough has risen, take out of bowl and sprinkle flour on surface and gently roll out till dough is about 1/4" thick. Remaining instructions continue below.

FILLING

1 Tsp (or less) of Organic Coconut Oil
2 TBS. Organic DARK Brown Sugar (NOT LIGHT!)
1/2 Tsp. Organic Cinnamon
1/2 C. Organic Walnuts
1/2. C. Organic Dark Chocolate Chip (dairy-free or carob chips)

Start with the coconut oil, and lightly brush on dough that's been rolled out. You don't need a lot...this oil covers well. Spread the dark brown sugar with your hands out on 1/2 the size of the dough (as you will be folding the dough in 1/2). Sprinkle the cinnamon, nuts & chocolate on the dough. Fold the dough that has nothing on it over, and press the ends closed. Slice 12 long strips and tie each strip in a knot. Do not worry if some of the filling falls out, you can always sprinkle left overs on the top. Add in greased or parchment paper lined muffin tins.

Bake 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees.

ENJOY!! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Pics by Me

Peace, Love, Joy

Courtney

Chic Coats- Wrap Yourself Up for Winter!

Hello! Sorry it's been so long since my last post. Can you believe it's fall already? It has been around for a couple weeks now....but it's actually starting to show through the beautiful fall foliage. I'm really hoping that Tyler and I will get to go on a fall foliage trip. It's very sad to me that we have not yet taken a road trip and we've lived here for 2 falls......I'm sure we will do it next year if it won't fit in the schedule this year.

When fall comes around I start thinking about coffee, cozy sweaters, everything pumpkin and apple and warm coats. Among the chicest coat styles are the blanket and wrap styles. Here are 4 coats I would LOVE to own-- beautiful colors, textures and heavy wool fabric. YUM! I can imagine myself being blanketed in this coat heaven. What do you think?

Top Left Rocha's Green Coat

Top Right MaxMara Fur Trim Coat

Bottom Left Hacene Cream Belted Coat

Bottom Right Altuzarra Blue Coat

Thanks for stopping by!

Peace, Love, Joy

Courtney

CHOCOLATE-Y GOODNESS CAKE WITH GANACHE!

Happy Monday folks....and happy August! Can you believe it? August already?! I've had chocolate cake on the mind for awhile now....and I had to make a chocolate cake recipe of my own making. To be honest, I was worried about complete and utter diaster when creating this. I have made many of my own recipes- but never attempted my own cake recipe.

So.....I stepped out in faith and it was a huge success. I loved it and so did my husband (and he is VERY picky about chocolate cake!). I am more than happy to share the recipe with you all....

NOTE: Next time I'd like to make this truly vegan and add no eggs. If you do sub something else for eggs- let me know how it goes! Flaxseed meal is a great substitute.


CHOCOLATE-Y GOODNESS CAKE

1 cup Organic brown sugar
1/2 cup Organic Cane Sugar
4 TBLS Organic Coconut Oil (I used unrefined- but you can use either)
2oz Organic Dark Chocolate (you can sub vegan chocolate)
2 Organic Eggs
1/2 cup Fair Trade Coffee
1/2  cup Organic Coconut Milk
1 Tsp Organic Vanilla Extract
2 cups Organic Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
3/4 cup Fair Trade Cocoa Powder
1 Tsp Baking Soda
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Tsp Sea Salt

CHOCOLATE-COCONUT GANACHE

4oz Organic Dark Chocolate (I used 60%)
1 tsp Organic Coconut Oil
 
Grab a large bowl and combine the sugars and the eggs. Next, take the dark chocolate and coconut oil and warm in the microwave for about 45 seconds and stir the chocolate until it's melted and smooth. Add in the batter along with the vanilla extract and combine.

In a separate bowl, combine and mix all dry ingredients- flour, cocoa, soda, baking powder, & salt. Alternate dry ingredients with wet ingredients in bowl until batter is smooth. Pour in greased (with coconut oil) 9x13 pan. Bake @ 350 degrees for 35 min. Check with a toothpick in the center to make sure it comes out clean. Allow to cool on wire rack for @ least 30 minutes before adding on ganache.

For Chocolate ganache- simply melt the chocolate and oil in microwave for 1-2 min and continually stir and pour it over cake. Sprinkle with cocoa and serve!! YUMNESS guaranteed!

Peace, Love, Joy

Courtney 

Coveted Wants: Fringe & Plaids

With August on top of us, I feel like fall is soon going to be at my doormat! And you know what that means.....fall clothing! I love to see the fall clothing hitting stores in August- it makes me happy and ready for something new and exciting. With these things on my mind, I have been coveting fringe & plaid lately- and I can't wait to mix the two in the fall when it's cooler and perfect weather for layering. I have included some inspirational and much coveted pieces I adore. What do you think? Are you also excited for fall?

Starting from top left working down to bottom right:

Derek Lam Plaid Skirt

Rag & Bone Crop Top

Stuart Weitzman Oxfords

M Missoni Plaid Dress

MCQ by Alexander McQueen Silk Plaid Dress

Love Moschino Dress

Alice+Olivia Plaid Skirt

Saint Laurent Plaid Slip-On

Carven Plaid Jacket

Proenza Fringe Bag

Tim Ryan Fringed Dress

Sophia Webster Fringe Lace-Ups

Nicole Miller Beaded Fringe Top

J Crew Fringe Necklace

Denim Fringe Sleeve top 

Marni Metallic Fringe Sandal 

MSGM Fringe Jacket 

Raquel Allegra Fringe Dress 

Peace, Love, Joy

Courtney

Red, Stripes & Dots

How was your weekend lovelies? Did you get to do anything fun or relaxing? I did! I got to hang out with my favorite man in the whole world (yes, that would be my hubby!). I also got to make a scrumptious raw, vegan, gluten-free "cheesecake" and it was a HIT!  

These pics were taken in Central Park before running errands. I love the casual yet energetic feel to my look. Plus, I love that I used an old "scrap" of fabric for my headband. What do you think? 

Happy Monday to you and yours! May your week be filled with lots of blessings & joy!

Pictures taken by Tyler Hayes

Similar Pants here and here

Similar Shirts here and here

Similar Sneakers here and here

 Similar Headband here and here

Peace, Love, Joy

Courtney

Ruffles on my Skirt, Brogues on my Feet!

Happy Friday everyone! Sorry it has been so long since my last post.....I really don't have too many good excuses to give you other than I have been busy with other things in my life and have been a bit tired here and there, so finding the energy can be difficult at times. I think I need a vacation, who's with me?! 

These pictures were actually taken a long time ago (over a month and 1/2 ago- that's how behind I am :(). I love the black and white pics this time....something different for me. What do you think?

Thank you for forgiving my giant leaps of absence......Pray you're all doing well!

Similar Skirt here and here

Similar Shoes here and here

Similar Belt here and here

Similar Denim Jacket here and here

Similar Clutch here and here

Pictures by: Tyler Hayes

 

Peace, Love, Joy,

Courtney

The Oxford Shoe: A Memorial Day Contribution

Being that Memorial Day weekend is upon us, I have been thinking about how grateful I am to have our military personal fighting for our freedom, especially since I have THREE brothers who have or are currently serving in the armed forces. Thank you Josh, Brendon and Jarrod for all you've done for our country now and through the years- I am truly grateful!

At this point, you're probably wondering what the heck my photos of oxfords have to do with Memorial Day?! Well, let me just first state now (to not offend anyone/give the wrong idea)-- I am NO way putting the value of a brogue/oxford above or even at a close notch to our servicemen and all they do for us and our country. Besides, that would be a very offensive statement, and just plain CrAzY!!....BUTTTTTTT....continue reading for more...

Sometimes a girl's gotta give a shout out to a shoe that's earned it's own Memorial Day (so-to-speak). Here are my reasons:

1.) They've paid their dues: Did you know the Oxford shoe has been around in the US since the early 1800s and before that in Ireland and Scotland? And they are STILL going strong in all sorts of styles- vintage, modern, minimal, colorful, printed, laced and raffia.

2.) They're highly educated: They were named after Oxford University. Nothing wrong with that- both stylish AND smart. THANK you for not making us choose between brains and beauty!! Unbeatable!

3.) Timeless Elegance: These shoes have not only been around for centuries (YES, centuries), they've managed to look better and better with time. Men and women wear them with an assortment of suits, jeans, shorts, socks, no socks, dresses, skirts, tights...you name it, it's been done. The best part-- most of the people sporting these shoes are very chic and artfully dressed.

Alas, those are my reasons for giving the Oxford Shoe it's own (faux) Memorial Day.

So, will YOU join in on the thanks for Oxfords? I'd love to hear- if you're a fan, yay! If you're not, why not? Please leave me a comment below! Oh, and HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!

Peace, Love, Joy,

Courtney

CHIC STAPLE: The Trench

CHIC STAPLE: The Trench

One of the most important and highly recommended pieces of clothing to invest in for the spring and fall seasons (you can ask ANY stylist) is a lightweight trench coat. I love the idea of owning ALL these gorgeous and chic trench coats, don't you?! A girl can dream, can't she?!

So....want the secret to owning a smashing and dare we say cove-table trench coat?! I know you do, so here it is: it's in the style- which should be a classic shape & tailored fit (double or single button, or wrap style- buy according to your body type), and where the statement idea falls into place is within the color, print, pattern or texture choice. Go ahead- HAVE FUN with it! After all, clothing is a form of personal expression!

Starting from Top Left & ending at Bottom Right:

Valentino Camouflage Trench

Windsmor Citron Trench

Zara Soft Trench

House of Holland Rose Embroidered Trench

Band of Outsiders Sleeveless Trench

Paul Smith Black Label Printed Trench

Happiest Weekends my lovelies! Peace, love, joy to you & yours!

Courtney

Welcome to the NEW blog!

                                                                          

 Hey guys!! It's about time I came back, eh?! I've been many months in hiatus or hibernation...whichever you prefer is fine with me. So....how are you? And what do you think of my new blog? There are still a couple tweaks here and there I need to fix....but overall, I am happy with the minimal look. 

These photos were actually taken about a month ago (I know, can you believe it?!), when NYC weather was just starting to get warmer. The hubby and I were out & about in West Village, just wondering around and having fun. I mean, what's better than exploring with your best friend? Anywho....The jacket I am wearing is actually a men's and I am still adoring my sneakers....those laces? EPIC!! Seriously, for all you gals you live in NYC- it's all about the statement sneakers and flats! WALK-ABILITY baby!

Much love to you all! Please follow me on any and all of the links to the right. PLEASE contact me if you want to be featured on my blog. 

Peace, Love, Happiness & Color,

Courtney

Photos: TYLER HAYES

Jacket- UNIQLO (similar here)

Dress- Zara (similar here)

Sneakers- Zara (Similar here)

Necklace- Topshop (similar here)