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Kumquat Oatmeal Cookies23Two weeks ago I received a beautiful package from Melissa's Produce that contained the star ingredient of this recipe: kumquats. I was so excited for the goodies I received, but the excitement had faded, as I had soon realized that I had no idea what I was going to do with four pints of kumquats. I had tried a kumquat about 2 years ago, but I really did not enjoy the sour flavor. But hey, that was 2 years ago, why not try them again? Yeah, I guess they tasted a lot better than I remember, and they are definitely manageable, but heck no I wouldn't be able to put the whole four pints down before they go bad. Kumquat Oatmeal Cookies35These babies needed a little sweetness, so I played around in the kitchen, and this recipe was born. With the addition of dates, and a small handful of ingredients I had in my pantry, I now know how I am going to eat all of these kumquats. Cookies it is.

Please, before you comment, criticize, share, whatever you’re going to do with this, I just ask that you read the whole thing. I know the title may be controversial if you read it on its own, but it is the truth, and only for the reasons that you will read below. And please read this with caution. It may be triggering to some individuals due to the mention of certain numbers, time periods and weight loss regimes, and I would like to disclose a warning before continuing to those that may be negatively affected by this information. This is probably one of the hardest and most personal things I will ever write up and publish on my blog, but what I want to [finally] share with you all is who I really am, and how I came to be the person that I am today. This is my story. All that is experienced during our lives provides lessons that contribute to our journey ahead. As cliché as it may sound, ‘Everything happens for a reason’. Growing up, my understanding of this phrase extended no further than its contextual definition. It was not until I had reached the start of my adult life that I found the importance it; it was not until I battled an eating disorder that I learned that experiences I perceived to be negative had actually allowed for many other positives in my future. A large part of what I struggled with was aided by constant inspiration by individuals that have shared their stories for the entire world to see. Inspiration from those that allowed themselves to be vulnerable and expose their raw and true identities. What I am here to do is hopefully the same as what they did for me. I want to share my story to help others that are or have previously struggled with what I struggle[d] with. I want to be able to tell others out there that YOU ARE NOT ALONE, and YOU WILL get through this, no matter how impossible that may seem. I want to be able to show that what you are going through does not define you. It is not who you are, and it is not who you are meant to be. Rather, it is something that you were meant to go through to allow you to grow STRONGER, allow you to now overcome anything that comes your way because you have been to hell and back, and to allow you to embrace that you are beautiful, unique, and special, just the way you are. SSV ED Rec

Protein Chocolate Chips61I threw together a random recipe for breakfast, and it was too good for me not to blog about. So what did I do? I made it again for lunch so that I could share it with all of you ;) This recipe only requires a few ingredients, and is actually good for you, as opposed to the dairy, fat-filled, cruelty-filled ice cream at the supermarket. I listed this recipe as a dessert, but it is high carb, low fat, and mostly raw, so I say eat this whenever the heck you want. Really, do it!

Vegan Red Velvet & Berry Love Pies56Love is in the air, Happy Valentine's Day! In honor of this holiday, I made a special pink and red treat for you all: Vegan Berry Pie w/ Red Velvet Crust. This recipe is low in fat, nut-free, no-bake, raw, and easy peasy orange squeezy to put together. Feel free to decorate your love pies however you (or your love) would like, but above are ideas on how you could serve these. Details on how I decorated these can be found down below. Vegan Red Velvet & Berry Love Pies53This stuff is my jam! Haha but really, this jam is perfect for a pie filling, and is also a great addition to have in your kitchen. With the leftovers from this recipe, you can use it on toast, over banana ice cream, atop oatmeal, or even better, paired with peanut butter and bananas. It's made of 4 ingredients--