This creamy vanilla ice cream with hints of brown sugar and cinnamon is generously filled with pieces of oatmeal cream pie cookies.

When I first spied Little Debbie’s line of ice creams in the grocery store, I did a double take. And then I immediately put them all on my must-try-soon list. You know how much I love trying new flavors of ice cream and then recreating them at home. Check out Nutty Bars Ice Cream for the first Little Debbie ice cream we made!

Oatmeal Creme Pies

My grandmother introduced me to Little Debbie’s Oatmeal Creme Pies when I was so young they were basically a magic treat in a plastic sleeve. And there’s still something special about that first moment when I open one. It makes me feel a bit like a kid again.

What I like best about this particular Little Debbie treat is that you can really taste the oats in the cookies, along with a noticeable brown sugar and cinnamon flavor.

They’re chewy, satisfying cookies that I have no shame in eating when I’m craving a treat like my grandma used to make. (Unlike my other grandmother, my grandma on my mom’s side wasn’t known for her baking skills.)

Little Debbie Ice Cream

Both Little Debbie and Blue Bell make an oatmeal cream pie ice cream. Blue Bell’s version is made with an oatmeal-flavored ice cream base with a vanilla icing swirl throughout. (I was not a fan of that idea, as that icing swirl is just too sweet for me.)

Little Debbie’s version is made with a vanilla ice cream base that has just a hint of molasses. Both ice creams contain pieces of chopped-up oatmeal cream pie cookies.

However, much like homemade cookies and cream ice cream, more cookie pieces are always better, and this recipe for oatmeal cream pie ice cream trumped both store-bought versions.

Read more

Sharing tips and strategies on how to overcome challenges that get in the way of maintaining a regular fitness routine.

Hi friends! I hope you’re having a great morning so far. I have an in-person meeting and a podcast interview. Counting down to the weekend and the Pilot’s bday celebration!

For today’s post, I wanted to talk about some common fitness hurdles and share some strategies for overcoming them. 

We’ve all been there—the excitement of setting fitness goals, the burst of energy during the first few weeks, and then life happens. Suddenly, those well-intentioned plans are upended, and the road to consistent fitness feels like an uphill climb.

Overcoming challenges to consistent fitness routines

Here are some of the things that can get in the way of the best fitness plans and squash that initial excitement. The good news is that you can shift your mindset, show yourself grace, and make fitness a consistent part of your routine, even with obstacles along the way.

1. Life’s Unexpected Twists:

Life is beautifully unpredictable, and that unpredictability can throw a wrench into our workout routines. Whether it’s unexpected work demands, family emergencies, or just the general chaos of daily life, it’s crucial to acknowledge that flexibility is a cornerstone of consistency. Embrace the ebb and flow, and remember that a missed workout doesn’t define your fitness journey. Go for a “grand scheme of things” approach. What are you doing MOST of the time? Look at the forest, not the tree, when you’re confronted with an extraordinary situation.

2. The All-or-Nothing Mentality:

Hands in the air if you’ve ever thought, “Well, I missed one workout, might as well start fresh next week.” The all-or-nothing mentality can be a major stumbling block. Fitness is not an all-or-nothing game; it’s a journey of small, sustainable steps. If you miss a workout or indulge in a treat, it’s not a reason to give up. Every positive choice counts. Also, sometimes you need to miss a workout, and sometimes your soul needs the treat. Live in the happy grey area; it’s much more sustainable than black and white thinking.

3. Mental and Emotional Hurdles:

Sometimes, the biggest challenges are the ones we can’t see. Stress, anxiety, and low motivation can be formidable opponents. Acknowledging and addressing these mental and emotional hurdles is an essential part of consistent fitness. Consider incorporating mindfulness practices, seeking support from friends or a therapist, and reminding yourself that taking care of your mental health is just as important as physical health. Do things that bring you joy, and make sure your fitness routine gives you space for a hobby you love, time to connect with loved ones, and rest/recovery time.

4. Monotony and Boredom:

Doing the same workout day in and day out can quickly become monotonous. If your fitness routine feels like a chore, it’s time for a change. Mix things up

Weekly Menu Plan – Oct. 23 to 29

Here is your weekly menu plan for next week!

Monday: Enchilada Style Ground Beef Burrito

Tuesday: Slow Cooker Kalua Pork (save leftovers for Thursday night)

Wednesday: Italian Wedding Soup

Thursday: Hawaiian Pork Nachos (use leftover kalua pork from Tuesday!)

Friday: Greek Tostadas

Saturday: Protein Baked Oatmeal

Sunday: Instant Pot Beef Stew

READ: Weekly Menu Plan – Oct. 23 to 29

Sharing a roundup of 10 delicious vegan Halloween recipes.

Hi hi! How are ya? I hope you’re having a lovely morning! It’s officially feeling like fall around here and I’m so excited for upcoming Halloween and holiday events.

Halloween, with its spooky decorations and playful costumes, is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. Amidst the sugary treats and snacks that typically dominate the scene, it’s fun to include vegan options for friends who are dairy-free or avoid animal products. While yesterday’s post was filled with non-vegan things, today is for my veggie friends. (Also, I’m the non-vegan who loves vegan foods and treats!)

Today, I’m excited to share a roundup of ten delightful vegan recipes to add to your Halloween festivities.

10 Vegan Halloween Recipes

Jack-O-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

These vibrant bell peppers carved into Jack-O-Lantern faces not only make a festive centerpiece but are also filled with a delicious and nutritious quinoa and vegetable stuffing.

Ingredients:

Orange bell peppers

Quinoa

Mixed vegetables (carrots, onions, zucchini)

Vegetable broth

Spices (cumin, paprika, garlic powder)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven. Carve Jack-O-Lantern faces into the bell peppers.

Cook quinoa in vegetable broth. Sauté mixed vegetables and spices.

Combine quinoa and vegetables, stuff peppers, and bake.

Witch’s Brew Green Smoothie

Create a bewitching green smoothie that’s not only spooky but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for starting your Halloween morning on a healthy note.

Ingredients:

Handful of spinach

1 banana

1 scoop vanilla protein powder of choice

Sprinkle of cinnamon

1 tablespoon peanut butter

1 cup almond milk

1 tablespoon chia seeds

Instructions:

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

Pour into a cauldron-shaped glass. Sprinkle chia seeds on top.

Mini Vegan Halloween pizzas

This would be a cute appetizer to make with the kids! SO easy, too. Recipe is here.

Graveyard Guacamole Dip

Transform your guacamole into a spooky graveyard scene with tombstone-shaped tortilla chips.

A creative and healthy dip for your Halloween party- check out this post for an awesome tutorial.

Peanut Butter Banana Ghosts

These adorable banana ghosts dipped in peanut butter and coated with shredded coconut make for a healthy and ghostly sweet treat.

These coconut chocolate chip cookies are loaded with both white and dark chocolate, in addition to a good amount of coconut. They are delicious warm from the oven and every bit as fantastic two days later.

Chewy Coconut Cookies

These are chewy cookies with crunchy edges, filled to the max with almost all of my favorite cookie flavors. I’ve made them three times in the past month! It clearly takes very little excuse for me to stir together a batch of these cookies.

There’s a little bit of oatmeal tucked inside as well, adding to that terrific texture and chewiness.

White and Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you don’t happen to be a fan of white chocolate, feel free to replace it with semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate. While I am very rarely a fan of white chocolate myself, I do enjoy it in these cookies.

The white chocolate chips add creamy sweetness, while the darker chocolate chips contribute rich, bitter notes. Their contrasting flavors create a great balance in these cookies.

Chocolate Chip Coconut Cookies

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe: