Kickass Cold Brew Recipe [For Those Hot Days]

Tangy watermelon salad

I don’t know about you, but a great cup of iced coffee-ahem cold brew- is DIVINE. I’m not a huge iced coffee drinker at any other time but from the months of June to September I am hooked. And with a coffee habit like that, that’s gonna cost some money. When you make it yourself you can really not just save that hole burning in your pocket, you infuse love in every single sip.

But this version is not a freshly brewed coffee that has ice added, it’s a long process (meaning, you have to wait at least 12 hours) but a lot simpler than you think. AND! You’ll have coffee ready for you in the morning without having to the work! That’s pretty awesome.

Why cold brew though?

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Fab + Filling Falafel Salad

Tangy watermelon salad (1)

Is it just me or does the summer inspire you to eat more and more salad? For the last month or so Matt and I have been on a salad kick (I believe I said this to you before, right?). Instead of whipping up the normal massaged kale (yes, this is a norm in my home) or the quick chopped salad with romaine and tons of fresh veggies, I randomly felt inspired to change it up. If I’m going to eat light, I don’t want to eat the same damn thing every day. That’s so boring and says to your body, “eff you. Suffer.”

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Tangy Watermelon Salad [Perfect for Picnics + BBQ’s]

Tangy watermelon salad

Summertime gatherings are really what summer is all about. Picnics, BBQ’s, beach days. Basically, anything outdoors and involving food and loved one’s is really the ultimate summer experience. And yesterday happened to be one of my favorite gatherings that Matt and I look forward to every year. It was the LeBron family picnic.

This annual outing brings the family together (aside from major holiday’s) and celebrates all generations. It’s always fascinating to watch the little cousins get acquainted and run around while us adults (okay, not completely adults at heart- we’re all goofy kids) play volleyball, softball and my favorite, take part in creating delicious treats for the whole family to enjoy. This is when you bring out the good recipes and for me, I get to test out my new ideas on the family (cue evil laugh). I love having the opportunity to open their eyes to new recipes and flavor combinations. I blew them away a few years ago when I decided to grill some pineapple. Yes. Pineapple. And it was DELICIOUS! Of course, I made more of it this year. It’s tradition!

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Farmers Market Fresh Fiesta: Gazpacho + Peach Corn Salsa

Tempeh Bacon Lettuce & Tomato Sammies (1)

Did you know that corn and peaches are officially here and in season? I mean they’re not perfect but they are there, and just knowing they are there makes me squeal with delight. The best way to really showcase these fruits and veggies is to keep them raw or even lightly cooked (basically, let those babies breathe) and let the natural flavors burst through.

I’m going to be honest with you, I have always been curious about gazpacho but never really tried to make it. I figured, eh, it’s something I could live without and boy, was I wrong. If you get farm fresh tomatoes (which will be in full bloom soon), you will be all set with a cold, tangy, vibrant soup that will keep you cool and energized this summer. And you top it with the peach corn salsa and a few tortilla chips and you have quite the fiesta in your mouth. Party in your mouth!!! WOO!

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TBLTA [Tempeh Bacon Lettuce Tomato Avocado] Sammy

Tempeh Bacon Lettuce & Tomato Sammies

I’m feeling on top of the world. I feel like I’ve been on cloud 9 for at least 4 weeks now (well…I’m kinda always on cloud 9…so maybe cloud 12?) because of the flow of wonderful things happening in my life. I started a new adventure as a farmers market manager here in the city for a few days a week, giving me plenty of time to focus on my health coaching and events. I’m back to a packed schedule with some other side projects and now I have a wedding to plan (teehee…well it’s next year so no stress over here).

I already knew this but whenever there is a series of hurdles or even doubts or fears that show up, I can feel the greatness bubbling underneath the surface. It’s the lotus waiting to emerge through the muck and sh*t. So instead of rushing the process, I surrender and watch as beautiful opportunities lay themselves at my feet (like my new market manager gig).

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