& be well.

Eat Well. Live Well. Do Well. The way to my heart is through a very generous slice of carrot cake.

[allisonrwalton-blog]

Nourish Your Palate [Taste]

Living in the city, as you could imagine, cooking is many times one of those things that's easier said than done. When I cooked for Thanksgiving (Friendsgiving) this year, you'd think that I was cooking for royals - taking a break from those cozy and potent sips of mulled wine to deeply concentrate on what I was doing.

Making that chocolate sea salt tart was quite a stretch because anything involving baking or measuring VERY exact ingredients is usually a challenge for me. My favorite form of cooking is any recipe where I have the freedom to call my own shots and either under or over-do on the ingredients that it calls for. So that chocolate sea salt tart probably had double the amount of salt grounds on top, which was me getting carried away with thinking that the tart looked more fun to have more of those big white flakes just sitting on top.

I like to bring a lot of colors, flavors and textures to the table when I actually do find the time to cook. To me, it just makes eating more palate pleasing. A little cilantro here, some rosemary there, quinoa underneath, avocado slices on top and then I tend to fancy a few spices here and there to kick it up a notch. Black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, chili powder and cayenne are current preferences. However there are certain items, such as fresh fruits, that are good enough on their own and therefore choosing to keep it simple will do the trick.

I still do love getting all creative and view the presentation of food as a form of art. Like today when I ordered a simple salad and then drizzled olive oil all over it, asked for basil pesto to pour on top of my already dressed quinoa, and ground nearly what felt like half the pepper grinder. I even said to myself, "wow, dressing a salad is an art." THEN it felt complete. And it was delicious.

So to that, I'm sharing a few nourishing recipes that give you that feeling that I had when I wiped my plate clean today. You'll see that many of these combine unique and unexpected ingredients that will give your tastebuds a little dance (I like saying that now for some reason) and for the most part can be adapted to your liking. 

Red Velvet Granola, a crunchy Valentine's Day inspired oatgasm - that holiday we all love to dread so much.

Have a Taste: Cocoa is baked into the oats, covering up the beet flavor almost completely and keeping this treat heart-healthy, because your heart’s physical shape is just important as any other. To top it off, a generous handful of chocolate chips is sprinkled about. If eaten warm, straight from the oven, the chocolate will melt a bit to make way for a sweetly robust crunch, with the perfect amount of oatmeal chew.

Properly Enjoy: Alongside coffee, in company of the quiet pages of a well-loved book. It makes the perfect breakfast spooned over thick yogurt or sunken into your favorite milk, and just as good of a snack if eaten by the handful. Either way, Valentine’s Day or not, this granola, like love and books and all things good, is a keeper.

Coconut Bacon, because some genius actually came up with something for vegans that you can pour on top of everything.

Have a Taste: Like bacon, but not. Coconut adds an unexpected mouthwatering richness. You'll have to give this one a chance and try it out for yourself.

Properly Enjoy: As a replacement on a BLT (plus avocado, of course), sprinkled on top of scrambled eggs doused with your favorite hot sauce, as crunchies to help flavor a big green salad.

Toasted Coconut Coffee Smoothie, like some kind of healthy milkshake with an indulgent kind of morning buzz.

Have a Taste: With toasted coconut and coconut milk, there’s a ton of rich, creamy coconut going on in this thing. What else have we got? Not much – simplicity is a good thing. A frozen banana for creaminess and potassium. Some ground flaxseed thrown in there – it totally looks like more coconut, so you can trick yourself into imbibing the good stuff. Vanilla extract for a bit of heady flavor, and coffee. Strong coffee, preferably. 

Properly Enjoy: With a bamboo straw, if you're lucky. As a pleasing morning indulgence all by itself or sipped slowly while lounging in an adirondack chair overlooking the beach (in my mind, that feels right). As a way to treat yourself after a morning workout, whatever that workout may be. Shaken or stirred around with frozen coffee cubes so that your smoothie stays ice cold, especially during those hot summer days.

Maple Sea Salt Doughnuts with Almond Butter Glaze, because that really just seems like the obvious choice.

Have a Taste: A baked but cakey base, generously topped with a maple almond butter glaze with a fat pinch of sea salt and crushed walnuts that will give your tastebuds a big ole hug.

Properly Enjoy: As a stack, jenga style (per the above). On a Saturday morning with a big mug of bold coffee with a significant other, so that you're not the only one feeling selfishly satisfied. In an office setting, so that you can indulge but also watch the look on everyone else's face as they indulge, too.

Broiled Red Grapefruit with Honey and Pistachios, because sometimes simple and sweet is all you need.

Have a Taste: A satisfying warm blend of bitterness from the grapefruit, softened by a touch of honey and completed with a healthy crunch from the pistachio.

Properly Enjoy: With a pot of green tea, for that extra dose of healthy antioxidants and alkalinity first thing in the morning. For dessert, fulfilling that sweet fix in a very healthy way. As a starter on your weekend brunch menu, gathered around a big rustic table with friends and family.

Chimichurri Tempeh, an herbaceous and garlicky dance for your palate that may make an omnivore reconsider.

Have a Taste: The "meatiest" form of vegan protein where nutty slabs of tempeh are drenched in bright, garlicky flavors from a solid marinade with herbaceous chimichurri. Nom, nom, and more nom.

Properly Enjoy: Complete meal by itself. Sliced and diced and used as the base for tacos or on top of a pesto pizza. Thrown into a hearty and delicious quinoa salad.

Spicy Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Avocado-Lime Sauce, making this polar vortex kind of winter a little bit more manageable. I said a little bit....

Have a Taste: One of those recipes that really just speaks your language just by looking at it. Each bit made complete with a generous drizzle from that avocado-like sauce. 

Properly Enjoy: Hot out of the oven and curled up near the fireplace (if you are lucky enough to have one) with a bottle of red wine. Great as a colorful and generous side item at a dinner party. Most of all, doused in that avocado-lime sauce, yeah?

Rosemary Chocolate Chip Cookies, because there is nothing more satisfying than infusing an unexpected ingredient in with a warm batch of chocolate chip cookies

Have a Taste: Buttery, golden, sublime, and just slightly exotic. Be prepared to fall in love.

Properly Enjoy: Selfishly. Completely selfishly with a glass of cold almond milk, if that's your thing. Also, an excellent gift for your host/hostess

Nourish up, my friends. And please do let me know if you try any of these.

all the x's and all the o's,

allison

[allisonrwalton-blog]

Indulge the Senses [Feel]

Candles one day, red wine the next. Coffee mugs, pepper grinders, drip coffee, avocado toast...whatever it may be, I tend to go through phases of fixating myself on a particular obsession. Currently, it happens to be body soaks, scrubs, and masks. It makes my time in the shower feel a bit more luxurious and gives my skin a bit of TLC.

When in Costa Rica, showering outdoors was the preferred form of cleansing and pampering. From the post-yoga sweats to the salty afternoon beach walks and clay mask setting, outdoor showering became a daily (or sometimes a not-so-daily) ritual that I always looked forward to. I now perceive it to be a luxurious indulgence after being withdrawn from having access to it. Without the salt water plunges and sand exfoliations that I was exposed to in the tropics, I needed to be sure that I continued to do something to invigorate my senses, particularly my skin.

There was this certain line of aromatherapy bath and spa products that I used quite frequently in Costa Rica and selfishly stocked up on prior to coming back to the states, purely out of fear that I wouldn't be able to find them anywhere in New York. Well that's silly, because what doesn't New York have? I found a store in SoHo that carried the line two days after I returned, completely on accident thanks to my quest for a cloud-like pillow mattress topper that I purchased there.

Anyhow, a menu of a few of my favorite skin indulgences to help wake up your senses. You'll quickly begin to love your shower time that much more.

Detoxing Jade Clay Mask, Aromaflor

Purified jade clay, lemon oil, lemongrass, lavender. I get it on with this jar two to three times a week. 

Lemon Coffee Blossom Olive Stone Scrub, red flower

Sensory Experience: "Vigorously exfoliate and tone with intense vitality. Arabic coffee, black olives, sugar, and fresh lemon rind combine to invigorate the circulatory system and encourage cellular turnover. Coffee decreases the formation of cellulite, tightens and shrinks the blood vessels, helping to reduce the appearance of varicose veins. The rich oil of black olive is high in complex fatty acids that deeply nourish. Combined with the abundance of fresh citrus fruit to stimulate and recharge the body."

Organic Mineral Hydrotherapy Soaking Plunge, red flower

"Immerse the body in the healing waters of soothing sea minerals, fresh tree oils and crushed juniper berries. Experience deep muscular, circulatory and spiritual relief through hydrotherapy as the body is rendered weightless. Find release in this invigorating soak of hand-harvested certified organic grey sea salt, rich in essential nutrients that rejuvenate and stimulate cellular turnover. The soothing bark extracts of birch and fir ease muscular and joint pain, while reducing inflammation. This warming holistic soak brings to mind the burning fires of dry aged wood inside a hot cedarsauna, leaving the body feeling refreshed, revitalized and alive."

Cream Soap and Sugar Body Scrub, Wildly American Soap Company

Wildly American scrubs offer a gentle and mild exfoliation that is perfectly balanced for your skin that never leaves a greasy feeling. Our scrub recipes include demerara sugar, handcrafted cream soap, rice flour, scrubbing grains, apricot kernel oil, and other organic and wild crafted ingredients.  There are fan favorites like Biscotti and Coconut as well as limited edition seasonal flavors like Iced Pumpkin and Candy Cane.

I picked up my first jar of the Cucumber Milk from Harvest Grocery & Supply in Richmond, VA this past weekend because I was in a "green" kind of mood, but the Biscotti is next in line for my "spa testing." 

All the TLC,

Allison

[allisonrwalton-blog]

Indulge The Senses [See]

The salty smell that welcomes us in before we even have the chance to lay our eyes on it. It, the beautiful blue sheet that seems to have no end in sight. The grainy sand that we shuffle beneath our feet, making their way to the crashing waves that inch closer towards our toes, sweeping and sinking them further into the Earth. The instant rush of fresh salt water on our skin as we take the plunge beneath the surface, cleansing our pores and rinsing our locks. There’s the grittiness of the salty sandy mixture that nestles in our teeth and gives our taste buds a little dance. It’s fascinating how a single body of water can arouse each and every one of our senses within a single moment. To have our head below the water first thing in the morning is such an invigorating feeling.

Clearly, I am still in a state of pura vida. However, I do feel that we sometimes tend to take for granted the beauty of our senses and our exposure to controlled or uncontrolled environments around us that can awaken our senses in order to enhance our mood or instill nostalgic feelings. Like a sea of bustling New Yorkers layered in hues of blacks, blues, and greys and the one Where’s Waldo that pops into the scene dressed in bright red pants and captures our attention. We may enjoy a minimalistic space because it makes us feel simple and clean or a bohemian-esque space because it makes us feel closer to a warm tropical place. We have permission to create an environment where we can indulge our senses by what we choose to see, hear, feel, smell, and taste.

  Visual Empowerment [See]

As the saying goes, beauty lies within the eye of the beholder. From the plates that we choose to eat from, the art that we choose to hang on our walls, and the words that we allow our eyes to read, we can be left with a content belly, a state of playfulness or relaxation, and the opportunity to feel inspired and empowered.

There are studies that say we tend to eat more from a plate that is blue or less from a plate that is red, but I say eat from whatever kind of plate that pleases you. Food is art, and should therefore be served on something that either allows for it to steal the show or melt into busy patterns. I like to eat my salads or simple fruits and vegetables from something very basic, like white, because there are typically so many beautiful and organic colors already represented. 

A few pieces that are easy on the eyes:

Glenna Dinnerware, Anthropologie

Ripple White Bowls, ABC Carpet & Home

Crate & Barrel also has really simple yet lovely pieces that are great for purchasing in larger quantities. 

If I want to bring a bit of fun to the table, I like to opt for vibrant colors and lively patterns.

  In seeing my choices of blue, it seems that I like to overindulge as opposed to the opposite. No reds here.

Anthropologie also has these adorable Calligrapher Canape Plates for each letter of the alphabet that are perfect for dessert, like freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.

Art is also a form of self expression, whether it's a piece that you've created yourself or strategically choose to hang on your wall in order to instill either a stimulating or calming effect as you’re greeted home. Living in a busy city, I prefer pieces that promote a sense of relaxation or embody some form of symbolism. I couldn't help but to become fascinated with this "Infini" series that I stumbled across in SoHo. It's a one-of-a kind collaboration between photographer Emmanuel Breton and artist Sand Breton.

I also adore playing with statement pieces. It's wearable art that allows for self expression and creativity when pairing with simple or complex outfits. So many fond memories are wrapped up in many of these intricate pieces from date nights to job interviews, weddings and tired feet after hours on the dance floor, and as gifts from friends who understand my fascination with bold statements. I want them to be clearly displayed, to remind me to continue to play and to continue to express.

  With the bombardment of negative media that we're constantly exposed to, it's nice to carve out time for lighthearted easy reading. I have recently become very fond of independent magazines - less, yet meaningful words and primarily visually. Darling Magazine is a recent subscription that I've found sets the bar for how magazine content should be consumed  - on thick paperstock, in the form of poetry, storytelling, or photography by contributors all across the globe, and is a catalyst for positive change; "leading women to discover beauty apart from vanity, influence apart from manipulation, style apart from materialism, sweetness apart from passivity, and womanhood without degradation." It also makes for an excellent coffee table book as well, for curling up with a hot pot of tea and a cozy blanket on a rainy day.

In the next indulgence, we feel. And your skin will certainly thank you.

xx

Allison

[allisonrwalton-blog]

What's love got to do with it

For the longest time during this…shall I say utterly amazing experience, I’ve wanted to share so many different stories and random thoughts that I’ve bottled up inside of me. Honestly, I just haven’t found the ability to pull my collection of thoughts together into something comprehensive. I don’t find it helpful to me or anyone else to feel like I need to share for the sake of sharing just to meet some sort of quota for the amount of posts that I’d like to generate in a span of a few weeks.

Writing shouldn’t feel like a chore. Nor should anything else that we find pleasurable in life. Words should be guided from the heart, grabbed from some form of inspiration in hopes that those words are crafted in a way that’s genuine and meaningful and that others enjoy reading. Otherwise, at this point in my journey, you all would be over hearing me obsess about avocados, almond butter, and the amount of mosquito bites that I’ve acquired.

I find it easy to tell other people what I love, or what I love about them. I love watermelon soju in the summer and red wine with dinner. I love cinnamon in my coffee and almond butter in my smoothies. I love my mother’s patience and heart of gold and my dad’s humor and excessive use of “LOL” in emails (all caps, all the time). I love the contagiousness of another person’s smile and the giddy feeling that I get when I look at a new menu for the first time. I love the friend that gives me brutal honesty when I need it and the friend that gives me reassurance when I feel a bit uneasy. I love how it feels to give to others and seeing the excitement on their face when they receive it.

So many of us hold on to this mindset that we should constantly be giving and providing for others. Selflessness and giving is indeed a beautiful thing, but I have been reminded here that self-more is just as important. We give and we give, but we sometimes become hermits when others try to do the same to us. We are told that we are amazing, beautiful, strong, intelligent…and we roll our eyes as if we aren’t worthy of receiving those words. Someone is telling us those words for a reason and we should accept it with generosity and thank them for their kind words. It’s a practice of self-love, a vicious cycle that we face throughout our lives.

A few weeks ago, someone in our yoga teacher training asked me what self-love meant to me. The look on my face must have been that of a deer in headlights. That was certainly a loaded question that I had never been asked before. I can’t even remember the words that came out of my mouth, trying to make sense of it but just rambling in a way that I have a tendency to do.  In that moment today as we were sharing our experiences of this journey and what we would carry with us to share with others, I revisited that night that I was faced with that question. Self-love is certainly not something that can be defined, but it can surely be felt. We practice self-love each time that we show up on the mat and take those sixty minutes out of our day for ourselves. As teachers, we radiate with self-love when we stand in front of a room filled with others looking to share their practice with us because deep down, we know that we have taken the time to utilize our creativity and all that we’ve learned to guide them with courage and confidence. And then you begin to notice that the same individuals begin to come back to your classes each week because they want more of you. That has to be one of the best gifts as yoga teachers that we can receive. 

I loved how at ease I felt this past Monday leading a practice with an intimate group of five others, starting on our backs with our hearts wide open towards the sky. We set an intention, did a bit of creative exploring, balanced through a sequence of warriors and engaged our energetic hearts. I could finally leverage my creativity without any doubt, constraints, or others knocking my ideas into the ground. Yoga is my creative outlet and I can color outside of the lines whenever I damn well please.

You see, I sure can’t do a headstand or a crow, but I love the way I feel when I’m in a deep backbend and the rush of energy that I feel when I come out of it. I love when I see the definition that’s building in my arms, something that I’ve never had before, as opposed to fixating on something else about my body that I’m not particularly as fond of. I love how comfortable I feel in my own skin when I’m on that mat. Perfection, judgment and ego are thrown right out the door, and it’s just me there accepting all of my strengths, weaknesses and imperfections.

  And in these words, that I wish I could call my own:

“I am convinced your relationship with yourself will not only determine your relationship with others, but will also set the course for the life you will live. Know yourself in all your strengths and weaknesses. Begin to expand those “one-worders” that were too narrow to be you. You are more than a word.

One must never sink back in despair when receiving the call to be great. Shy people can be bold, extroverts can be fruitfully introspective, and the realist can dream big. All must never lose their voice.

Writer and activist Parker Palmer says it well when he states “What a long time it can take to become the person one has always been! How often in the process we mask ourselves in faces that are not our own. How much dissolving and shaking of ego we must endure before we discover our deep identity – the true self within every human being…” - Lesley S Roberts, M.S., M.F.T. [via Darling Magazine Issue No. 1]

And what's all this talk from me about self love without some nourishing, heart healthy recipes to share? At least a few for inspiration to kick off next week with some self lurrrrrve.

Heart Chakra Smoothie 

Walnut Brownie Breakfast Mousse 

Nourish Bowl

Quinoa Stuffed Avocados

Keep your heart happy, keep receiving, and treat yoself!

xx allison

[allisonrwalton-blog]

Costa Rican this, Costa Rican that.

If I could bottle up the weather, lifestyle, cuisine, and the amount of smiles that are exchanged here and bring it back with me to New York, then everyone would live a little better. Skyscraper buildings replaced with exotic green trees and street vendors cooking up plantains with very generous amounts of fresh avocado. And even just fifteen minutes to spend at the beach each day for a dose of Vitamin D, a leisurely walk to clear any negative energy, sand beneath your toes, and a quick dip in the ocean for that fresh salt water on your skin. Pure bliss in a bottle.

[Above: my first encounter with a Playa Guiones sunset]

Nosara is located in the region of Costa Rica that is becoming known as a "Blue Zone" - one of only five cultures in the world that supports living the longest and healthiest lives on the planet. [For the sake of curiosity, others include Ikaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; and Loma Linda, California]. The Costa Rican lifestyle embodies having a "plan de vida," a "plan of life" that encourages individuals to contribute to their community and find their sense of purpose; drinking water that contains naturally high amounts of calcium and magnesium for bone and muscle strength; a focus on family and friends where maintaining a strong social network contributes towards one's well-being; a strong work ethic for staying active - everyone here is constantly on their feet; a diet consisting primarily of fruits, vegetables, grains, and natural sources of plant based protein; and healthy doses of sun which help decrease the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Breathing better now?

Let me tell you about the bananas. I'll be damned if they don't taste so much better here. Truthfully, everything tastes better here. It's like taking that first bite into your favorite food where your eyes close and you're nearly making out with whatever it is in front of you. I'm not exaggerating.

And the amounts of avocado that I've consumed since being here - in my smoothies, drowned in olive oil, heaped on top of fish tacos...potassium for days my friends. Maybe it's just the environment itself that contributes greatly to this sense of umami, the hard work and passion that the locals put into making food, or all this cleansing yoga that's awakening our senses to the flavors. 

[Avocado pineapple Thai-basil smoothie - a morning staple]

[Avocado, spinach, and mango pineapple chutney on sprouted bread]

[Heaps of guacamole on Mahi fish tacos with fresh pico de gallo, pineapple mango salsa, jalapeños, and habanero hot sauce]

Avocados. on. everything.

Also, back deck superfood/energy ball making (we prefer calling them jungle balls) and clay face masks are now a hot thing around here. We've been seeing these little balls being sold left and right and have been pounding them down in between daily sessions. We became a little resourceful and decided that we should just make our own so that we had control over putting whatever we want in them. The first dozen was a huge success and all we used was a tupperware container and our own two hands to mix and roll. And yes, I'll share the not so secret ingredients of these amazing jungle energy balls [....wimoweh, wimoweh]:

1 cup gluten free rolled oats

1/2 cup almond butter

1/2 cup ground flaxseed

1/4 cup toasted coconut 

1/4 cup raisins

Cacoa bits (as desired)

Dates (approximately 2, shredded up

1/2 cup raw honey (adjust and add more as needed to bind all ingredients together)

Dump in bucket. Mix with hands. Roll into very generous sized balls. Hoard a few. Share a few. Namaste.

More where that came from, as round two commences this evening and we stocked up on all new ingredients for those. 

And one more thing to fulfill a little of this and a little of that. I'll share a few random sentences and thoughts from my journal.

"There was incense burning in our bathrooms when we got here. And there are outdoor showers. Flooded into our room five minutes in, but excellent water pressure."

"Blah, I'm very tired and bloated today. PMS sucks. But 6am session was very invigorating. That was nice."

"Our shower is still overflowing."

"Our shower is fixed! I can finally shave my legs and fully shampoo my hair."

"Listening. There's a lot of listening happening here. Sometimes "forced" (i use that word lightly) in our sessions, but mostly genuinely, through sharing so many experiences. It's nice to be heard more attentively. Sometimes we feel like we need to sympathize, offer advice, relate someone else's story to a personal one, etc...but for the most part, we just need someone to listen."

Sending much love, happiness, and sunshine back to the states. From my humid lion hair to yours.

Allison

[allisonrwalton-blog]

Packing for One. [Part Two]

Which I'll just lump into "everything else." That stack of books required its own dedicated post. 

Everything else...as in snacks, insect repellant, sunscreen, an oversized Vince Gill sleep shirt [air high five], and tampons.  The essentials. 

I'm a product fiend, but I'm leaving much of them behind and condensing to the absolute must haves. The Institute informed us that products are extremely limited in the area, so it's best to bring our favorites. What made the list? My tried and true Tom's toothpaste [my dermatologist told me to go flouride-free -- apparently flouride can irritate the skin around our mouth and she explained that we really do not need a flouride based toothpaste past youth], Aveeno body wash and shaving cream for my sensitive skin, and Caudalie foaming cleanser and face elixir. And whatever economy sized shampoo and conditioner that I can find to keep these locks tamed over the duration of my trip. Heat is not so kind on my hair. That's it! No makeup (glorious) will feel so refreshing, and it's recommended that I swim and soak my skin into that natural salt water as much as possible. Yeah, I can definitely do that. 

On another note, I had a fine time rolling my yoga attire last night with a little Fleetwood Mac "Never Going Back Again" playing in the background. I tried this trick in Europe and works like a charm. I want to roll everything around me now. I imagine that a lot can be said about one's personality by the prints and color variations on their yoga pants. I've been donning a lot of black and navy lately, but surprised myself when I pulled together all the pieces that had been piled away in my closet. 

I recently splurged on a "megawatt" rashguard so that I could look all cool when I try surfing and paddle boarding for the first time (Ugh, what a poser). What a beauty, that thing. Impulse wins again in a perfect example of a need vs. a want. 

SNACKS. [#nomnomnom - Maria, that one was for you.] Meals are covered during this trip, but I like a good stash of grab & go treats when I need a little pick-me-up. In comes my beloved Whole Foods adventure. I must have looked ravenous clearing the shelves of the nutrition bar aisle grabbing for some of my recent favorites - 22 days Nutrition bars [PB & Chocolate Chip Nirvana and Nut Butter Buddha, yeah!], LaraBar [lots of breakfast grab & go flavors like Blueberry Muffin and Banana Bread -- very bummed that I could not find the Carrot Cake flavors anywhere...], and Go Macro varieties, which are a bit more dense [I got my dad hooked on these to keep his energy sustained during those  "oh so" strenuous 18 hole golf outings.] Also scooped up some granola minis from Purely Elizabeth in the Blueberry Hemp and Pumpkin Fig flavors. In all seriousness, I have eaten a large bag of Pumpkin Fig granola to myself in one sitting; it's really that good. And last, some six packs...of Justin's Maple Almond Butter squeeze packs. If you saw my pictures or post about the Almond Butter Cheesecake that I made before the holidays, this is the kind that I used and I suggest that you keep a jar in your pantry at all times. I've been known to inhale their hazelnut butter flavor squeezed generously on to peanut butter animal crackers. You like what you like!

And now, somewhere to reflect/vent/ramble/slap down ideas. Taking me back to my elementary back-to-school shopping days, I stumbled upon some of those composition notebooks at a bookstore in Chelsea Market. Did I want the usual classic subject, the black and white pebble looking one? Or, did I want to mix it up and pick one of those fun new designs they had? 

Under the Sea it was. It's got that Costa Rica vibe. And chosen wisely especially after my recent "Blackfish" viewing over break [poor Tilikum -- Sea World blows]. The coffee table one was an afterthought impulse grab so that I could have one back at my apartment to dabble my random thoughts in when they pop up. 

The things that I have indecisiveness with really boggles my mind. I mean really, you should have seen me staring at those nutrition bars on the shelves - it can be a little overwhelming. Watch me get a roommate that's got a nut allergy.....crickets.  

Anyhow, I really think that I made this packing job very easy on myself and at this point think that I'm pretty much good to go. Otherwise, I'll soon find out. You all hold down the fort in the states and I'll be trying my best to share the exciting and interesting stuff when time permits. 

Big hugs and well wishes,

Allison

And yes, I remembered my headphones and computer chargers. And my mug shot passport and SPF chapstick.

[allisonrwalton-blog]

Packing for One. [Part One]

For five weeks. In Costa Rica. For yoga teacher training. Namaste, people. 

When studying abroad for a few months in Europe, I managed to squeeze my heavy winter belongings in to two very large suitcases and learned that less is indeed more. In those days, layering was key. In this case, I'll be wearing minimal layers on a daily basis - mostly bathing suits and yoga attire. Packing made easy, right? Actually, yes, but that allows room for other exciting items and miscellaneous things that will help me to fill those gaps of time when I'm not practicing my vinyasa flow for other things that I enjoy.

Part one. The art of packing...books. To be completely honest, I've pushed reading aside for many years, unless it was a pile of magazines that helped to keep me company during flights and train rides. You know, those ten carefully selected magazines that got me through the first half hour of my trip. My parents saw my creativity spark in third grade and I was writing poems about Velveeta shells (some things never change) and running home from school to dig my nose into a book, or two, or three. Reading is enjoyed best when it's done for pleasure. When I have say over which book I want to pick off the shelf and pace myself through its pages leisurely. I think that maybe when I hit high school and was forced to read Don Quixote (woof), my appreciation for reading dwindled down.

However, for the next five weeks or so, I'm hoping to restore my faith in reading and revisit my third grade book worm days with a few solid reads.  I could have gotten a Kindle, which would save me even more space in my suitcase, but it's something about the tangibility of a good hardback that makes me all smitten. I'm known to dog ear several pages in instances where I come across a sentence or two that tugs the heart strings and that I can someday come back to that page for a quick mood lift or laugh out loud scenario.

After two very intense hours at my 86th Street Barnes & Noble, I'll say I left with quite a hefty stack of hardbacks. I wanted to be sure that I had versatility in my genres, ranging from biographies to current affairs, romance to food (which itself is a romance in my world) and a guilty pleasure here and there. This may be a life changing and spiritual journey I'm about to embark on, but a girl's gotta have her guilty pleasures. Keeps us sane, you know.

Let's dig through this big 'ole coffee table stack and give these reads a peek in hopes that I cover all my bases while basking in the Costa Rican sun (sorry, I had to rub it in this time).

Covering off on my "biographies" genre, I chose to go with "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed.

I had been eyeing this one for a while after a few friends had rated it many stars on Good Reads. “Wild” recounts the months Ms. Strayed [the author] spent, during the summer of 1995, when she was 26, hiking alone on the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State. According to the site's review, this book captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her. Healing sounds promising and it does have a big ole "Oprah Book Club 2.0" sticker slapped on the front. If it's approved by Oprah, then all is well with the world. 

“This isn’t Cinderella in hiking boots, it’s a woman coming out of heartbreak, darkness and bad decisions with a clear view of where she has been.” —The Seattle Times

Next on deck...Dana Goodyear's "Anything that Moves," a behind-the-scenes look at/attempt to understand the implications of the way we eat - deemed the "New American food culture."

Couldn't sneak away without a book focusing on food, because this is Allison Walton we're referring to here. So at first, I thought "oh great, 'anything that moves' likely refers to animals, meaning that the book will be meat heavy and not the wisest choice of books for a vegetarian." But in the end, I decided to dig a bit further and discovered that yes, it will discuss head-to-tail butchering and things of the sort, however it also dabbles in to moments where Goodyear watches as a bartender in California infuses vodka with marijuana smoke and vanilla to create what he calls a Medicated Gibson, which to her smells “exactly like Dorm Room Couch.” I'm SURE that she talks about the raw food revolution and farm to table dining somewhere in there. I have hope. I think that I'll appreciate the honesty of this book and feel that it will come out on top in my ratings. Andrew Zimmern even gives this one a seal of approval, explaining that it so accurately describes the remaking of our modern food culture in America that he swears he can taste it. [Thanks, Andrew.]

“I don’t think I’ve ever used the word disgusting as a compliment, but here goes. Goodyear’s riveting, hilarious, disturbing and downright disgusting new book is the perfect antidote to a Martha Stewart Thanksgiving. This journalistic thriller…[is] a window onto a world of chefs, purveyors, farmers, scavengers and gonzo foodies.” – MORE Magazine

Journeying into a bit of darkness, my sister convinced me to borrow her copy of "A House in the Sky" by Amanda Lindhout and Sara Corbett.

When she suggested it, my saint of a mother gave a look of "oh gosh, this is a gruesome one, Allison." In the end, they both agreed that it's truly an incredible read and reassured me that reading a book about a woman who is held captive for fifteen months would not scare the shit out of me while I was off overseas. This is the most dense of books in my stack, so I'm thinking that I may save this one towards the end of my trip when I'm not falling asleep every night worrying that I'll be taken captive from my hut. 

“Lindhout’s resilience transforms the story from a litany of horrors to a humbling encounter with the human spirit. Remarkable… Tremendously powerful…exquisitely told. An extraordinary narrative of forgiveness and spiritual triumph.” Eliza Griswold – The New York Times [PS: I like that her last name is Griswold.]

I must be out of the loop on this next one, because several friends raved about "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green - about love in a time of cancer. I've been warned to have a pile of tissues readily available. 

According to NPR, Greene gives us a very raw and real glimpse at childhood illness, deeming this his best book yet. "Hazel, 16, has been battling thyroid cancer since age 13, and only through the use of an experimental drug is she still alive. She carries an oxygen tank with her everywhere, and hasn't attended traditional school since her diagnosis. Depressed and lonely, she tries a support group, where she meets the handsome — and deceptively sick — Augustus Waters, a 17-year-old dreamboat who quickly proceeds to turn her life into an adventure. Green graciously avoids the typical will-they-or-won't-they of most teen reads, as cancer victims don't have the luxury of time to dawdle with their affections. Instead, Augustus and Hazel become fast friends." Ugh, I may have just pulled out a tissue from my bag. 

A blend of melancholy, sweet, philosophical, and funny. Green shows us true love…and it is far more romantic than any sunset on the beach.” -New York Times Book Review

The next two reads came as recommendations from none other than Refinery 29. "The Untethered Soul" by Michael A. Singer and "Love Affairs of Nathaniel P." by Adelle Waldman were both easy grabs for me on the Barnes & Noble Best Sellers shelf after I read the persuasive reviews. 

On "The Untethered Soul," I'll let Melanie Charlton [from Clos-ette] do all the reviewing that I needed to make it easy to grab this one. "Not to get too woo-woo, but you know that moment in yoga class when you’re just waiting around for Zen? When you’ve been holding warrior pose so long you feel like you’re fighting to shut the world out instead of feeling purpose, mindfulness, and meaning? And, then, if you stick with it — really stick with it — and stay on the path, the most beautiful thing happens: You feel 'it.' The negative thoughts start to melt away, and you feel strong in all the right ways. Well, The Untethered Soul feels like a year’s worth of yoga classes condensed into one pleasure-to-read book. I come back to it often because Singer provides real routes to joy. Chief among them is the ability to shut the negative voices out of your mind by recognizing that they don’t define you; they aren’t you. Happiness is deep stuff, but this must-read lays it out right at the surface."

Yep, done deal. 

"The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P." is most certainly the guilty pleasure in this group. And not to judge a book by its cover, but it's like a piece of pop art. According to Lisa Bubbers' review [Homepolish - also a recommended follow on the ole Instagram for visual design inspiration], "if you are a single gal in your twenties, have ever dated the men-children of Brooklyn, and love smart-girl chick lit, then pop on that Bioré strip and pour yourself a glass of Syrah, 'cause this one's for you." I do love a good glass of Syrah. 

The New York Times gives us a peek inside, revealing that this novel follows Nate [ a thirty-something freelance writer residing in Brooklyn] as he tries to make a relationship work with a worthy woman who is a less established writer with an uncreative gig doing a health news roundup. She is “pretty,” but “not a knockout,” with small physical flaws that he catalogs immediately. She wins him over for a time, but soon enough his interest wanes, just as she begins to seem more invested in the relationship. Apparently, if we stick with Waldman, "there are many rewards to be had in the elegant, careful way she makes sense of Nate’s struggle to be both a good person and a sexual person. Why do we end up with one person and not another? There is something beguiling about the very project of teasing out the thought processes of someone like Nate, who so often cuts and runs, avoiding spelling things out when feelings get complicated." Because when is life not complicated?

"Nate is almost too real. Mark my words: this book will inspire laughter, chills of recognition and desperate flights into lesbianism." - Lena Dunham [Oh, Lena.]

And finally, yes finally, we've made our way to that last one in this well curated stack. "The Buddha Walks into a Bar: A Guide to Life for a New Generation" by Lodro Rinzler. Can't you already hear the "oms" and meditative chants happening around you? But really, we are told that this "isn’t your grandmother’s book on meditation. It’s about integrating that spiritual practice thing into a life that includes beer, sex, and a boss who doesn’t understand you. It’s about making a difference in yourself and making a difference in your world—whether you’ve got everything figured out yet or not." 

I began reading this one before bed many months ago and did find a calm in its discussions on living in the present. There is also a lot of attention given to meditation, and although I've never really given meditation a fair chance, I'll certainly have the opportunity to do so at 5:15am every morning in the coming weeks. Guys, let's all be open minded here.

So now that I'm wondering how the hell I'm going to finish all of these wonderful reads in a matter of five weeks during brief breaks from chaturangas, I figure that it's always lovely to have options and that I'll do my best in trying to peel through as many pages as possible.

In the meantime, here's to beginning to read...again.

xo Allison

[allisonrwalton-blog]

Costa Rica or bust.

My spontaneity has yet again gotten the best of me. I’ve pushed my indecisiveness aside for this one and finally made a gut (and heart-driven) decision to kick off the New Year by spending five weeks deepening my yoga practice and obtaining my teacher certification in Costa Rica.

...Beast mode activated? As Andre Woolery would say. (In which case, if you don’t know him, you should familiarize yourself and keep him on your radar.)

Initially, I didn’t take the thought very seriously. I was already committed to a week in February for a yoga retreat with a few friends, but spending the preceding four weeks committing to yoga teacher training wasn’t something that seemed feasible at the time.

Well, why not? “Yeah, I regret spending five weeks of my life focusing on something that I absolutely love…and waking up to the beach every day.” Right, because those are words that you’d hear come out of my mouth…not.

So. January 10, I’ll be on my way. Not quite sure where this journey will take me, but I don’t really mind. I don’t want to know now, I want to find out along the way. Patience. And baby steps.

I appreciate the abundance of support and excitement from family, friends and co-workers. I look forward to sharing many stories - the crow pose turned face plants, 5am meditations, my first time on a surfboard (…..), the cuisine, personal reflections…all of it.

In the meantime, taking any and all reading recommendations. I’m a sucker for a good laugh out loud, and let’s keep any tear jerkers at a minimum. Also, advice is openly encouraged. As well as keeping in touch. I’ll do my best with that part, but opening my email to find humor and entertainment will be the best way to put a smile on my face.

So much love. See you on the mat.

[allisonrwalton-blog]

Be Well.

And well into the New Year.  Why wait until January to kick off the positive wellness vibes when you can head into the New Year already feeling pretty stellar?

  Roll Out The Mat & Sweat

  I’m yoga biased, but your mat doesn’t need to be exclusively for yoga. Exercise and wellness come in many forms, but a yoga mat is a great foundation for any type of routine. I don’t know how I stumbled across this brand, but I did, and the SLVRBK mat is just one option that serves as a nice cushion for whichever practice you choose. Maybe it’s even your support system for a round or two of sit-ups. The combination of their clever marketing tactics, eco-friendliness and minimalistic yet versatile approach is what got me. Namaste.

  Hydrate & Cleanse

  Nothing does it better than water. I know that I find it harder to feel thirsty and stay hydrated during the cold months - and the last thing that I typically want to do is come inside from the numbingly cold temps and chug a glass of ice cold water. Keep it readily available in glass jugs, like these. (Thanks for the inspiration, Christy!). I just happened to stumble across them during a recent and spontaneous trip to Sur La Table. You know, one of those trips where looking for an 8 inch spring-foam baking pan turned into a full-fledged shopping spree.

I keep two of them full with filtered water at all times and sometimes put some on the kettle in the morning and serve it hot in a mug with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Your digestive system and your skin will thank you.

   Start Your Mornings Green

Experiment with smoothies in order to find the ones that you enjoy the most. There are so many options out there to which you can tweak to your liking. You’ll soon begin to look forward to mixing up your morning smoothies. For a nearly tasteless yet highly nutritious blend, always keep bundles of fresh spinach around and throw a handful or two into the mix. Get some of that fresh chlorophyll into your bloodstream first thing in the morning!

On weekends, or on mornings when you have the time, pour your blended smoothie into a bowl and top with your favorite fixings such as granola, pumpkin seeds, cocoa bits, hemp seeds, etc. and have yourself a nice little smoothie bowl that’ll keep you content, energized and focused well into the lunch hour.

So you know, when you’re craving something like a slice of that almond butter greek yogurt cheesecake (see previous post) in the midst of this glutinous season, I suggest keeping these smoothie staples in the very front of your pantry so that you’re motivated to grab for them:

Fresh, pre-washed spinach

Frozen strawberries

Bananas

Dates (adds a touch of sweet without the added sugar)

Pumpkin puree (canned or boxed will do)

Non-dairy milk of choice (Almond, Cashew, Coconut, Flax, Rice…there are so many options these days)

Nut butter(s) of choice (Almond, peanut butter, walnut, etc. – again, options!) Better yet, make your own, like this delicious ABC Nut Butter that I’ll soon be whipping up.

Coconut Oil

Hemp Seeds

Chia/flax seeds (Spectrum and Carrington Farms have excellent options)

Cinnamon 

A few of my recent obessesions: 

Cool Weather Beauty Smoothie

Pumpkin Almond Butter Smoothie

(PS: Liquiteria in NYC has one pretty amazing pumpkin pie smoothie. I suggest you try ASAP.) 

Pumpkin Date Smoothie

Pear & Almond Milk Smoothie

I just add spinach to any that do not already call for it.

  Get Your Matcha On

  Matcha, what? Japanese green tea, in powder form. Matcha can be an acquired taste since it’s slightly bitter, so it pairs well with almond milk, cinnamon, and other spices to give it a boost of flavor. 

I personally get my morning matcha on with Organic Avenue’s Matcha Chia Glo and can’t get enough of it. I’ve recruited a few others as well, one of which thinks it tastes like a gingersnap in a jar. (Very nice observation, Jen!) They provide me with the sustained energy to tackle my random morning shenanigans or to get through a long vinyasa session.

For many that don’t have the joy of living close to an Organic Avenue, Whole Foods also makes a delicious warm matcha latte, but you can certainly make your own version in the comfort of your own home.  One of my favorite tea brands, Teavana, gives us a lesson here.

  A Warm Nightcap

Recently inspired by Le Pain Quotidien’s seasonal turmeric latte, I wanted to be able to have my own at any hour of the day. I recently came across this recipe by McKel Hill of Nutrition Stripped that looks delicious and simple enough.

Let’s backtrack. I had no idea what turmeric was until about a year ago. I began reading articles raving about the nutritious antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric and have since seen various elixirs pop up all over the market. Also an acquired taste, but in latte form, anything sort of tastes pretty good. It’s a beneficial way to relax and wind down at the end of the day.

I get that many may be turned off by this idea, but, I do love it and hope that you’ll find comfort in giving it a try!

Sleep Well

  This Aromatherapy Eye Pillow was a recent impulse purchase from my local yoga studio, and that impulse served me well this time around. I keep this right by my pillow at night to help soothe myself to sleep.  The fabric is made of Japanese silk (oo la la) and the weight of the organic buckwheat and lavender (New Zealand lavender, that is) that fills the pouch engages your acupressure points around the eyes to help relieve tension.

You’re like what? Too much, Allison. BUT, I have a really hard time falling asleep these days with all of life’s distractions as well the outside light that shines directly into my room and I’ve found that it really helps me. Of course, I wake up in the middle of the night or early in the morning to find that it’s slipped off and fallen on the ground – no biggie, at least it served its purpose when it needed to. You may not need something with organic buckwheat, but even a lavender pouch under your blanket or a silk eye pillow may do the trick. After that turmeric nightcap, slip this bad boy on and you’re in for a treat.

  A Glass of Red & A Hot Bubble Bath

  Or white, whatever you prefer. And maybe top it off with a nice smelling lit candle. Right now, it would be my Pumpkin Soufflé Boulangerie variety and Pandora’s Holiday Jazz station playing in the background.  Zen.

I am very guilty of not taking baths, ever. I’ll go on a whim and say that too many of us don’t make enough time for ourselves to fill up a sudsy bath and belt out a little bit of Alanis Morissette (“It’s like raiiiin…”).

Maybe your body is frozen from the waist down, or you had a hectic day, or your body is sore after a long workout. Or maybe, you just simply want to shut everything else out and mellow out in a bath full of bubbles, glass of wine in hand…just for the sake of pure enjoyment that you get out of the whole thing.

For sore muscles, sprinkle in a generous amount of Epsom salt. Also, use this time to exfoliate. I really like the sound of this Fig + Yarrow Cardamon & Coffee Body Scrub. Caudalie has a nice Crushed Cabernet Scrub as well. Cabernet with your Cabernet?

(P.S. Thank YOU for inspiring me, dear Jen!)

Random Acts of Kindness

  Generally, year-round acts of kindness should play a part in your life, however the holidays are a nice time to revisit this idea and think of others.  Yes, treat yourself, but maybe for every time that you do, contribute towards common good as well. Hold the door, tell someone to keep the change, tip a little bit extra. Those are simple yet gratifying small acts, however there are far more ways to be creative with how you decide to give back.

Recently, Joanna Goddard from A Cup of Jo posted about Kiva.org, which is a way to “empower people around the world with a $25 loan.” For example, you can provide a small loan to borrowers that are working towards creating safe and stable homes for their families and receive updates throughout the process via email regarding their progress. The borrower then repays the loan, in which case you can then fund another loan. Imagine recycling this money to help several others achieve their goals.

Additionally, I’ve always thought that it would fun to host a dinner party (naturally) and have each guest bring something, whether that be non-perishable food for families in need, a small donation check towards an effort that hits close to home, or books for children at local schools. That way, even more people are involved with helping towards one common goal while gathering friends in one place to enjoy each other’s company…and good food.

  We should never sacrifice our wellness, especially during such a hectic yet exciting time of year. If there is even one thing you find that you clutch on to that keeps your spirits lifted and health in check, stick with it and reap the benefits. It’s been said that it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. Get to day 22 and keep on keepin’ on (ie. Jay and Beyonce go vegan for 22 days leading up to Christmas).

‘Tis the season to be well.

In good health,

Allison

[allisonrwalton-blog]

I made Almond Butter Greek Yogurt Cheesecake with a homemade Coconut Granola crust last night, and let me tell you, it was awesome.

Who knew that by purchasing a mini food processor, I’d spark my own cooking revolution in my cozy little kitchen? That thing literally does everything. I threw together an awesome pesto for my pasta last night, shoving it all down while trying to tackle this easier-than-expected cheesecake recipe.

The homemade granola is far better than many store bought versions that I’ve ever had (with the exception of Purely Elizabeth’s Pumpkin Fig) and makes your kitchen smell magical. It called for macadamia nuts, but I used hazelnuts, which I am partial to anyways. And while it called for 1/4 cup of almond butter, I easily doubled that. It could still use more, because I really don’t think there’s such a thing as too much almond/peanut/whatever butter.

I’ll definitely be making this one again over the holidays. For the original recipe and inspiration, see here.

So, who wants some cheesecake for breakfast?

[allisonrwalton-blog]

Coconut water gets all festive! Cinnamon & Clove

[allisonrwalton-blog]

A recent visit to ABC Carpet & Home's newly renovated downstairs artisanal market had me swoon over everything from gourmet chocolates to prep and bakeware that I never knew existed. Excellent stop for holiday gift giving, kitchen needs, and impulse purchases.

[allisonrwalton-blog]

You know, sometimes you just wanna have your carbs and eat them, too.

I had been doing so well. I had my green smoothies-to-go in the morning and then a big green salad for lunch or dinner followed by a little end of day vinyasa flow. Geez, this routine was much better than anything that I was doing this past summer. But it is fall, and as normal human beings, we do need our comfort foods. We deserve to treat ourselves in order to keep our sanity through the brutal winter months that incur the yearly seasonal anxiety disorder.

That said, I decided to forgo my green zen-like morning ritual this past weekend. Plus, at the rate at which my stomach was growling on Sunday morning, a smoothie was not going to satisfy that very large pit in my stomach.

Pumpkin spice waffles it was. Okay, and silver dollar blueberry pancakes, too. But we’re talking Allison style waffles and pancakes, because on my plate they looked so naked and boring. I rummaged around my pantry and fridge to see what I had. Pumpkin purée, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, coconut oil, and maple syrup. Alright, fair enough. I could certainly work with that.

Instead of butter, I sandwiched a few dollops of coconut oil in between my blueberry silver dollars, spread a little [a lot] of pumpkin puree all over my waffles and then garnished with some cinnamon and pumpkin seeds. And THEN drizzled maple syrup all over. Yeah, now tell me that you can’t believe it’s not butter. [That was a very painful attempt at making a funny.]

But really, there was a lot happening on that plate and it was well worth every..single..bite. Carb zen is what that was. Oh, it was so good.

By the way, I’m going through that jar of coconut oil like there’s no tomorrow. When I continually read more and more about the growing health benefits of it (and more recently in helping to deter the onset of Alzheimer’s)….it’s hard not to use that stuff like it’s butter.

So, here’s to carb…zen. Making normal carbs feel a little healthier, a little tastier, a little more attractive on your plate (and your palate)?

With carb love,

allison

[allisonrwalton-blog]

A Very Vegan Thanksgiving

Stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy, turkey, cranberry sauce, butter beans and corn, more stuffing, and my Grandma Lois' (we call her G-Lo) homemade pumpkin pie. That was the Thanksgiving tradition that I grew up with and year after year, it never got old. As I became more of a vegetarian in college, my palate changed quite a bit and while I had no problem picking through all of the side dishes [ie piling on rounds of stuffing] and having more room for dessert, it all started to feel a little bland to me. I love variety in my food and I absolutely love a good plate full of color, which is one of the most amazing things about exploring a vegan diet during the holidays.

Over the past year, I have been bookmarking so many vegan recipes that I never would have imagined were even possible. With the growth in food intolerances, it's amazing how badass a good plate of pancakes, pasta, or slice of carrot cake can taste sans the dairy, gluten, etc. I am absolutely dying to try and share many of these recipes with friends and family this year, but for today, very excited to be sharing with whoever is interested - vegan or not, and for whatever other reasons! Quite frankly, it's not just the nutritious aspect of eating a vegan meal, but just how damn good it all tastes if prepared correctly. Completely understood that you may still want your turkey sitting at the center of the table, but I can assure you and hope that at the very least, one of these recipes will speak to you. If not, just scroll straight down to the desserts. Maybe that will do the trick?

I do suggest that if you're hosting family or friends from out of town, make the most of your time together and create a full weekend menu so that you can tie in seasonal flavors at every meal. Mostly because that's exactly what I've done here by breaking down various crowd pleasing options. Don't even tell people it's vegan until after they've eaten it. I'm sure you'll get a lot of "oh there's no way in hell" type of responses. 

Breakfast & Brunch:

Carrot, Beetroot, and Coconut Breakfast Muffins

Jessica Cox has found a way to combine three very different ingredients into one teeth sinking muffin that you can feel good about first thing in the morning. For a little crunch, add chopped walnuts.

Photograph property of Jessica Cox Nutrition

Carrot Cake Pancakes

If you know me, you know that this is expected. Carrot cake anything is easily the way to my heart. This is a palate pleasing way to enjoy your carbs in the morning and the perfect way to lure your slumbering guests downstairs and host a very satisfying family style brunch.

Photograph property of Jessica Cox Nutrition

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

"Like a warm hug on a cold morning." A generous blend of oats, pumpkin, chia seeds, and spices. You'll want to gather around the fire and enjoy this one alone or with the rest of your troops.

Photograph property of Oh She Glows

Chai Pumpkin Seed Butter

I am so impressed by the various types of nut butters that are available nowadays. This is such a warming blend that can really be a game changing addition to any green smoothie, oatmeal, stack of pancakes, etc. Spoon it onto a banana or just eat it right out the jar!

Photograph property of Jessica Cox Nutrition

Appetizers & Mains:

Sunchoke Apple Soup

Courtesy of A Cozy Kitchen. Let it be know, sunchokes and artichokes are not related in any way, in fact sunchokes come from sunflowers. Ah, now it makes sense now, right? A perfect balance to the tartness of the apple.

Photograph property of A Cozy Kitchen

Caramelized Maple Brussels Sprouts

Remember how I mentioned the versatility of coconut oil? This recipe calls for that plus pure maple syrup, sunflower and sesame seeds to convert anyone that's hesitant into a full fledged brussels sprout lover.

Photograph property of Jessica Cox Nutrition

Roasted Carrots with Sweet Tahini Drizzle

Add a little color to that already overflowing plate with these little gems. Added benefit - the more that you consume, the higher your chance of getting that morning "golden glow." Much of what just went into the making of the brussels sprouts can also be used here and the tahini really adds a nice richness to the overall flavor.

Photograph property of Nutrition Stripped

Kale Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pecans

Greens. We all need our greens. And of course, in no other way than in the form of vibrant raw kale. [Isn't it fun that there is such thing as dinosaur kale?] Sans the goat cheese, this is so easy to throw together and the dressing combines ingredients that you likely already have on hand.

Photography property of COOKIE + Kate

Maple Tempeh with Herbed Quinoa [all together now, KEEN-WAH]

Courtesy of Nutrition Stripped, the combination of tempeh and quinoa make for a complete vegan protein without the sleep-inducing effects that you'd get from eating turkey. For a friend that recently asked me "what the diddles is tempeh?" - this recipe is a good way to introduce yourself.

Photograph property of Nutrition Stripped

And finally, DESSERTS. Can't get enough of those desserts.

Coconut Gingersnap Sweet Potato Pie 

Courtesy of Whole Foods "Favorite Recipes", this is a combination of three of my favorite ingredients. You get your sweet, but you also get your Vitamin A boost from the sweet potato.

Photograph property of Whole Foods

Cinnamon Sweet Potato Truffles

I love how creative you can get here. Whatever your little heart desires, you can turn it into a garnish for these dense and decadent truffles. Great crowd pleaser OR a delicious and thoughtful way to package them and treat others during the holidays.

Photograph property of Nutrition Stripped

Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Maple Caramel Sauce

...Because it's not a proper Thanksgiving without a pumpkin dessert. Let alone pumpkin pie BREAD PUDDING. I like how the recipe is made for single servings so that each person could get their own little dish, however for larger groups, a baking pan would suffice and then you would just need to adjust the amount of ingredients accordingly.

Photography property of The Sweet Life

So, about being a carnivore...

Enjoy & well wishes this holiday season!

allison

[allisonrwalton-blog]

I recently came across the “Cool Weather Beauty Smoothie” as featured on Well + Good NYC and decided that I should get my morning green smoothie kick back in order.

For those of us that are city dwellers, this is especially very balancing against the harsh cold weather that we face during these winter months. While it’s hard to go for something cold first thing in the morning, know that you’re in a sense treating yourself and your skin, from the inside out.

And to the fellow commuters on the morning 6 train, yes there’s a bunch of spinach crammed in there hence the off-putting green hue, but yes it’s delicious and likely beats your sugar loaded caffeine whatever fix. [Although, I’m not bashing coffee, because I myself love a good bold blend or holiday PSL fix every now and then.]

Anyways, I slightly tweaked the recipe based on my own personal tastes and replaced the peanut butter with walnut butter [the omegas in walnuts contribute to smooth, healthy skin] and added a splash of almond milk as well as some cinnamon. Any chance that you can add cinnamon into your morning coffee, smoothie, oatmeal, etc…do it. It’s a great way to neutralize your blood sugar level. And it just tastes so good.

Also, a few tricks about the coconut oil. It’s very versatile, so if you’re smoothied out and have a lot leftover, it makes a great hydrating face mask or leave-in conditioner treatment for your hair. I haven’t gotten quite that far to try it out myself just yet, but a dear friend told me that she uses it on her face every night and has really noticed a difference, as she has dry skin. And if you’ve ever wondered why vegan desserts taste so amazing, it’s likely because of the coconut oil. A little bit does go a long way, and it’s truly so so good for you and surprisingly delicious. In fact, I had one of those eye closing “mmm” moments when I finished off the coconut oil/walnut butter mix that didn’t make it from my spoon into the blender. If you’re not into slathering it on yourself, there are plenty other recipes that also call for coconut oil. I’ve spied many that would be excellent choices for a Thanksgiving feast, so be on the lookout for those!

In the meantime, latch on to this little beauty smoothie in the morning and do something good for yourself.

[Photo above: Jennifer Kass for Well+Good]

xxarw

[allisonrwalton-blog]

Morning Chai

It was one of those can’t-sleep-in kind of Sunday mornings, but with no obligations, I decided to keep cozy with a bold chai latte in bed. For anyone trying to cut the coffee addiction, this might be the warm blend to do the trick.

I heated equal parts Tazo organic chai latte blend + almond milk over the stovetop, mugged it, and popped in a coconut chai black tea bag. And then crawled right back under the covers.

Also, isn’t that yellow owl mug just the best? West Elm, winning again.

Happy Sunday and here’s to staying cozy through hibernation season.

xxarw

[allisonrwalton-blog]

When you just want to curl up with a cozy blanket and allow your heart to melt right there on the floor.

Blood - Middle East

The Devil’s Tears - Angus & Julia Stone

Dreams - Fleetwood Mac

Elation - Isbells

Give Me Love - Ed Sheeran

Holocene - Bon Iver

Home - Bird Courage

Michicant - Bon Iver

Michigan - Prologue

Minnesota, WI - Bon Iver

Higher Love - James Vincent McMorrow

Perth - Bon Iver

Resolution - Matt Corby

She Is Love - Parachute

Slow It Down - The Lumineers

Towers - Bon Iver

Paper Aeroplane - Angus & Julia Stone

Hold You In My Arms - Ray Lamontagne

xxarw