The Yummiest Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies (v, gf) & Forgiveness for Biting Off More than I Could Chew

At last week's gathering, the table was decorated with flowers, champagne, and three delicious treats. Whipped cream sat beside an apple tart, both behind a dish of the tastiest chocolate chip oatmeal cookies ever. Today, I'm (Emily, here!) dishing out the best cookie recipe for you to make asap. Seriously. A must-make recipe with ingredients you probably have on hand right now. 

But before we get started, I wanted to talk about biting off more than you can chew, about me biting off more than I could chew. This last year has been humbling with necessary weekends of rest, of moments of silence, of tasks not being started or completed. Some really energizing projects were finished quickly and with pride. Not everything is cake and champagne, however, and some did nothing but land me in bed and leave me feeling defeated.

I wanted to accomplish a lot of things this year, and I didn't get to most of them. Shocker. It occurred to me, though, the ones I did complete were important. To not recognize them would be dismissing key triumphs of 2015. If we forget to reflect on what we did do - even if it's watching 12 seasons of TV on Netflix - we'll never be happy. Ever. It will always be an and then or but then game. It will be a game of always chasing instead of stringing together the happy moments that make a life of happiness.

So yeah, I sure as heck bit off more than I could chew, because that's who I am, and I'll always want more of the great feeling of accomplishment. But I'm starting to realize it's okay. It's okay I didn't finish them or even start them to finish them. They will be there for next year's growth. They will be there when I'm running out of ideas. They will be there just as they are intended. I've completed what I've completed, and this is enough. I am enough. No eBook or extra program or additional client or extra photo will make me worthy. I am already worthy. I extend this freedom to you. You are already enough. You are already worthy. You don't need to complete another project, cross something off your never-ending to-do list, or lose 10 pounds to be better. You are already enough.

So bite off more than you can chew, and then be okay if it doesn't work out. Set your sights to bigger and better, but be content with whatever happens, because it's all working out regardless.

If you don't want to think any more of your to-do list, you might want to bite into more than you can chew of these cookies, so get ready and get set for some serious yum!

This recipe brings all of the Great Vibes because it's ...

super easy to make
ready to eat in under 30 minutes
sweet
chewy
rich
decadent
versatile

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients ::

+ 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats

+ 3/4 cup oat flour (process 1 cup of oats in a coffee grinder or blender to make your own and then scoop out desired amount)

+ 1/2 cup coconut sugar

+ 1/2 tsp sea salt

+ 1 tsp of cinnamon

+ 1/2 tsp baking soda

+ 1/2 tsp baking powder

+ 1 small banana, mashed

+ 1/3 cup olive oil

+ 1/2 cup maple syrup

+ 1 tsp vanilla extract

+ 1/4 cup - 1/2 cup chocolate chips or other add-ins (I did 1/2 - 1 cup chocolate chips, because I love chocolate. No shame.)

Recipe ::

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, add all dry ingredients - except add-ins. Stir to combine.

3. In a blender, add all wet ingredients, and pulse until fully combined. Alternatively, use a fork to mash the banana, and then whisk all the wet ingredients together.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir until completely mixed.

5. Toss in desired add-ins and mix.

6. Drop tablespoon-full sized balls of dough onto the parchment paper. If crumbly, use fingers to mold into circles. They will hold once baked.

7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the tops brown, and the edges are slightly crispy.

8. Remove from oven to let cool.

9. Devour & enjoy!

Notes::

Makes between 17 and 20 cookies.

Other add-in options include raisins, walnuts, other types of chocolate, etc.

If you're not feeling bananas for health reasons or otherwise, try subbing equal applesauce or sweet potato puree at your own risk.

All ingredients are vegan and most are organic.  If these things are important to you, I encourage you to do the same. Finances, availability, and personal consumer choice can impact purchase decisions. My hope is that you closely follow the recipe, but make allowances where necessary -- my feelings won't be hurt, and your taste buds will still have a party. Promise!

+ What are your favorite cookies?

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An Empowering & Intention-Setting Gathering on Monday, the 21st of December

The twinkle lights were shining, sparkles and glitter everywhere, and the mood was set with gratitude of 2015 and a welcoming energy for 2016...

On Monday, my heart cracked open a little bit, but in the best way possible.  I spent the evening leading an intention-setting and empowering gathering for four amazing women. I thought you'd like to see some pictures from the event. Recipes for the goodies on the table starting next week ;).

Pineapple Studios in Downtown Wilmington provided the perfect energy and location for the gathering. Bright tassels swung in the entrance, and a table of journals, yummy food, & champagne sat in the corner.  Bolsters and blankets traditionally used in yoga formed our gathering circle where the women could get comfortable and relax.

Ornaments were hung from the wall with care in hopes that brave women would soon be there.

Glittering letters leaned against the wall as twinkle lights curved
and wrapped around the centerpiece of our evening.

Through the course of the evening, the women were asked to write one word describing their hopes for 2016. By the end of the evening, the pendant featured words of inspiration the new year would bring.

The table was adorned with wax flower and eucalyptus arrangements made by A Friend's Flowers. An apple tart, whipped cream, and chocolate chip oatmeal cookies lay beside a bottle of chilled champagne.

A close up of the journals, chocolate, and flowers
the women took home as a treat at the close of the evening.

Snowflakes lit up the table with a soft glow of holiday spirit.

Flowers & a chalkboard sign invited guests to relax and prepare themselves for an evening of empowering intention setting & journaling.

By the close of the event, 2016 looks to be an incredible year.

These women prove that not all that glitters is gold.

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I was so honored to lead this gathering on Monday the 21st. Thank you, ladies, for making it an evening I won't soon forget. Xx.

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How To :: Set Your Most Bad*** Resolutions that Don't Suck

You want resolutions that don't suck in 2016, am I right? I mean I could sugar coat it and say, yes, your dreams of exercising daily, eating only "good" foods, and resisting the snooze button will finally be actualized this year. But I would be lying. And nobody likes a liar. What I can tell you is how you can set goals which will actually stick in under 10 steps. If you're too busy or tired to sit down and map it all out, there's an option for me to do it all for you - heck yeah you read that right. Without further ado (because who has time for that right now) ...

7 Tips to Resolution Success

1. Start from where you are right now ::

Listen. If you don't exercise regularly, you're not going to set and stick to the resolution of working out everyday. Nope. You won't. If you recognize where you are starting from, you will be able to set realistic goals which will get you to your idealized self. Be mindful of where you are with respect to where you want to go, and be honest with yourself. If it doesn't align with your values, it won't feel good or last, so be mindful of your own wants and needs and not those of your best friend or favorite celebrity.

2. Freaking Visualize ::

Imagine yourself in the future. What are you doing? What emotions are you feeling? What do you look like? Write down your ideal scenario.

3. Break it Down & Specify ::

The best thing you can do is take that ideal scenario, and narrow it down to a few goals to start. Taking one at a time or a couple at a time will see far greater results than creating a parallel universe for yourself and getting lost in the process. If you need help on setting goals, check out this blog post. The gist of the post is goals need to be SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.

4. Write it, Write it, Write it ::

Write down your resolutions with a positive tone, with words or pictures, and keep them in a place you see often. For example: On your refrigerator, a visual with green vegetables and the words, I will eat more greens.

5. Develop a Plan ::

Set long-term & short-term goals with realistic timelines that don't make you sweat at the thought but rather glow with excitement.

6. Think Obstacles ::

Don't fear road blocks. Plan for them. Expect setbacks with an open mind, and recognize it wouldn't be life without them. You have the option to give or not give them power.

7. Make it Happen & Reward Yo'self ::

Assess your progress, being willing to adjust if life gets in the way or your priorities change. Reevaluate frequently, and keep them up to date with the ever-evolving you! Don't forget to celebrate your victories with items or experiences that make you feel like a sexy bad***.

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You could do all of those steps & make your New Year's Resolution profound and impactful, or you could let me do all the work for you - sounds better already, doesn't it? - with the brand new New Year, New You! Program. Not only will you be given the tools you need to get s*** done this year, you'll also have a program you can use over and over again to set and meet expectations and live a life full of Great Vibes, free of unworthiness and that "blah/gross" feeling. I got you. Starting packages at $47, run, don't walk to The Great Vibes Guide.

 

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