Life Outside of the Kitchen: April 2016

Ah, ok, I know we’re already almost a week into May and if you’re anything like me, you’ve already forgotten about April.  I know I’m a broken record, but seriously, WHERE IS THE TIME GOING?  Is this what it’s like to get older and older, and older?

Anyway, I’m going to change up these monthly posts a bit.  A little bit of updates and a little bit of favorites.

The highlights of April over here in coastal North Carolina were a few sunny beach days, the start of a new job, two flower deliveries, and Jason returning home from a six-week training.  Oh, and I redecorated our living room.  <<< by repurposing, rearranging, and being resourceful.  *pats self on back*

{a few} things I made in April…

Milk Chocolate Scotcheroos {without Corn Syrup} – one of my favorite quick and easy treats growing up, made a *little* bit healthier

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins with Almond Icing – these have been a life saver for quick, on-the-go breakfasts during the week after I’ve liesurely enjoy them on Sunday mornings

Beer Battered Fried Pickles – fulfilling my southernly duties

30 Minute Vegetarian Baked Beans – BBQs sometimes need to happen faster than soaking beans overnight

Things I’m loving…

photo: Burnt Brews

Burnt Brews – if you’ve read anything on FITK, you probably know I’m obsessed with wine.  And there’s a chance you know I love sitting down to a clean house, a candle burning, and, you guessed it, a glass of wine.  Cozy to the max, so these candles are everything I need.  They’re recycled bottles – so obviously they’re good for the Earth and super unique.  I love that the labels are still there, because half the time isn’t that why we choose the wine anyway?  And let’s just be real, you get to have a candle in a wine bottle.  How cool is that?

Also, shout out to them being handmade in MINNESOTA!

Eat Your Beets – How to Pack Your Camera Bag for Traveling Abroad – all day every day I dream of the next time I’ll be able to travel abroad.  Anyone else?  I see those hand raises.  LET’S GO.  So basically this has jumpstarted my next trip.

Simple Roots Radio – this is Simple Roots Wellness’ new podcast and I’m LOVING it.  It’s all about living a well rounded life with a focus on nutrition.  As Alexa puts it, “It’s raw, its funny, its real and unfiltered. It’s Simple Roots Radio.” Mic drop.

Live Simply – loving this blog.  Kristin was interviewed on, none other than, Simple Roots Radio, and I loved her DIY message and her views on “from scratch” living.

What I’m dying to make…

Toasted Coconut Peanut Butter Granola – the name says it all.  I’ve been feeling so blah about yogurt in the morning, and this is going to give my breakfast a total makeover.

Miso Cauliflower Tacos with Homemade Tortillas  – oh the flavors that are going on in these tacos.  Homemade tortillas, too?!  Sign me up, as long as there’s a margarita in hand!

Roasted Tomato and Charred Lime Guacamole – did you think guacamole really could get any better?  Me either, until I saw this.

French Croissants  – Leslie took 40 step-by-step photos for this post and they are amazing.  THE FLAKE.  Oh, the flake on those croissants.  My 2015 goal was to perfect baguettes (um, still a work in progress.), and 2016 might be these croissants.

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We’re off to Charolette this weekend and spending Saturday at the National Whitewater Center.  Wish me luck in case I have the guts to zip line or something crazy like that.  But more importantly, let me know if you have any restaurant recommendations that I can’t leave without trying!

FYI – all opinions in this post are my own.