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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Choosing to Love.

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On Sunday ...

someone wrote on my Facebook that my believing of love & tolerance as the correct answer to war was equivalent to 'hugging a terrorist'. I must politely respond with no, that is not right.

In my anger, I thought of a million scathing retorts to fire back. Then I realized doing that sure as heck wouldn't solve any problems nor would it make me feel any better. I deleted the comment and posted the picture above with the following comment instead::

I will never stop praying for peace. I will never stop believing that violence is not the answer. I will not give into fear. When we lessen ourselves to hatred, we are but mere shadows in this world. Only in light may we find freedom. Only in love.

You have two choices when your beliefs are opposed. You can simmer in your rage, carefully selecting words meant to tear another person down, or you can channel your emotion into something that empowers, something that is positive, something that makes people think. Only in light may we find freedom. Only in love.

Love and all is coming. Xx.

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P.S. Use the hashtag #thegreatvibesguide for anything that makes you feel like doing the happy dance or expressing your imperfectly perfect self.

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