No Bake Protein Bars

Bars are a convenient snack between meals to squeeze in some extra protein. These peanut butter chocolate chip bars are my take on a homemade Perfect Bar. Super quick to make (no baking required!), and satisfies my sweet tooth while getting 8+ grams of protein per square. 

Simple substitutes also make this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free. If necessary for GF/DF restrictions, be sure to check the ingredient list of your protein powder and chocolate chips.

ingredients

3 tablespoon almond flour

2/3 cup protein powder (I use vanilla flavored)

1 cup natural creamy peanut butter

2 tablespoon maple syrup

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 tablespoon almond milk

1/4 cup chocolate chips (I used minis)

sea salt (optional/recommended)

directions

{1}

Add almond flour, protein powder, peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla to a large bowl. Stir well until all ingredients are combined. Add almond milk and mix until a thick dough is formed. If it is too crumbly, add another tbsp of almond milk / if it's too runny, add another tbsp of almond flour.

{2}

In a parchment paper lined baking dish (I used an 8x8), press dough very firmly into the dish in an even layer, making sure each corner is filled and flatten the top using a silicone spatula.

{3}

Add chocolate chips to the top and lightly press them into the dough. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired - highly recommend as it brings out the sweetness in the chocolate.

{4}

Pop the baking dish into the freezer for at least 1 hour. Remove parchment paper and hardened dough from the dish and place on a cutting board. Slice into bars - I did 16 squares. Store in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container.

Nutrition facts will vary a bit depending on the exact brands you use for each ingredient - but each square comes out to ~150 calories, 10g fat, 8g carbs, 1g fiber and over 8g of protein!

Outfits of the Week

M O N D A Y

{tie-strap top - old navy // blue & white striped pant - ron jon // espadrille sandals - t.j. maxx // colorful straw bag - vintage via etsy}

T U E S D A Y

{stiped tee - madewell // jeans - levi's // woven sandals - target // leather backpack - lucky brand}

W E D N E S D A Y

{schitt's creek graphic tee - target // jeans - madewell // leopard sneakers - vans // bucket bag - madewell}

T H U R S D A Y

{green eyelet top - gap // jeans - madewell // raffia sandals - t.j. maxx // leather backpack - lucky brand}

F R I D A Y 

{oversized denim jacket - madewell // floral dress - target // belt - old navy // sandals - steve madden}

Date Ideas

{beach picnic with takeout sushi}

Finding time for a date night can be challenging with kiddos, but Greg and I have been making an intentional effort the last year to prioritize our relationship in this season of parenthood. We have discovered ways to sneak in us-time, with major help from my parents (thanks Nana + Poppy!)

Now that Greg and I work in the same office with the same schedule, we're able to carpool and that provides an extra 30 mins a day without adorable Jack interruptions mid-conversation. We also have early dismissal on Fridays and use that additional hour for us before picking up Jack from school. If the weather is nice, we'll go for a beach walk, other days we'll grab a drink at happy hour, or even run errands at Target together.

Some of our favorites dates over the years have been:

{something outside + active}

beach walk
stroll around a park 

go for a hike

visit a zoo/aquarium/museum

kayak/canoe

take a workout class together

putt-putt golf 

go apple picking/pumpkin patch (whatever is in season)

{experience-focused}

cooking class

comedy show

sports game (Go Noles!)

paint & pour class

live concert of our fave band

bowling night

road-trip 

go to a theme park

{classic dates}

pack a picnic

spend the day at the beach

go out for ice cream

date night-in: pizza, netflix & chill 

get dressed up for a nice dinner & try new restaurants

spa day - couples massage

nighttime swim (when our pool is warm enough!)

game night: we love getting takeout sushi and playing rummy

going down memory lane...

{Disneyland}

{hiking in Big Bear}

{FSU game}

{pumpkin patch}

{beach walk}

{cooking class}

Outfits of the Week

M O N D A Y

{leopard tee - old navy // olive green button down - american eagle // jeans - target // sandals - target // bag - dooney & bourke}

T U E S D A Y

{linen button down - gap // striped jeans - old navy // raffia sandals - t.j. maxx // bag - dooney & bourke}

W E D N E S D A Y

{embroidered dress - zara // lace up sandals - t.j. maxx // olive suede bag - rebecca minkoff}

T H U R S D A Y

{boho dress - francesca's // lace up sandals - target // woven bag - t.j. maxx}

F R I D A Y

{v-neck tee - victoria's secret // striped maxi skirt - zara // woven sandals - dolce vita // leather backpack - lucky brand}

Outfits of the Week

M O N D A Y

{denim jacket - madewell // gingham dress - billabong // sneakers - target // bag - madewell}

T U E S D A Y

{olive green tee - alternative apparel // wide leg jeans - zara // raffia sandals - t.j. maxx // cognac bag - dooney & bourke}

W E D N E S D A Y

{olive green jacket - gap // grey tee - target // jeans - american eagle // leopard sneakers - vans // bag - dooney & bourke}

T H U R S D A Y

{grey jumpsuit - vici // snakeskin boots - bealls outlet // bag - madewell}

F R I D A Y 

{floral kimono - forever 21 // black sweater tank - roxy // grey jeans - abercrombie // block sandals - target // bag - madewell}

Outfits of the Week

 M O N D A Y

{striped sweater tank - old navy (other colors here) // jeans - loft // sandals - madewell // bag - madewell}

T U E S D A Y

{printed dress - roxy // woven belt - target // espadrille sandals - t.j. maxx}

W E D N E S D A Y

{bow detail tank - target // jeans - abercrombie (worn here too) // sandals - dolce vita // bag - t.j. maxx}

T H U R S D A Y

{jumpsuit - vici // sandals - dolce vita // macrame bag - forever 21}

F R I D A Y

{striped maxi dress - abercrombie (other colors & prints) // lace-up sandals - target // bag - t.j. maxx}

Loaded Avocado Toast

Everyone loves avocado toast, right? *waving my hand in the air*

Avocado toast is one of my favorite meals to eat any time of day - whether I want a filling breakfast, a quick and healthy lunch during the work week, or when Greg is having a guys' night out and I'm making dinner for one after Jack has gone to sleep. 

Adding toppings to avo toast is what really kicks it up a notch. My go-to lately is hardly a recipe since it requires zero cooking, but hopefully it still provides inspiration. 

Start with lightly toasted sourdough (or any bread of your choice), then smash avocado evenly all over, and top with sliced cherry tomatoes & kalamata olives. Finish it off with a sprinkling of everything but the bagel seasoning, chopped fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.