Bites of My Life

I started last week with the mindset to be more intentional. More intentional with constant friendships, reconnecting distant friendships, intention with work, creativity and personal life. "An intention synchronistically organizes its own fulfillment." - Deepak Chopra. I'm not one for quotes, but with more intention, I was so easily more fulfilled.

Starting the week out with a positive mindset led to spending quality time with friends I see every week, haven't seen in weeks, those that live down the street and those that live in different states. A lunch date, a workout date,  a new recipe, celebrating The Scout Guide OKC's vol. 2 launch, celebrating the start of fall with OKC KKG alum, celebrating one of my favorite local non-profits, and the grand finale celebrating Lauren getting married with all of my best friends. Live with intention and you will be fulfilled. 

-Everyone needs an Alexis in their life. A friend that radiates positivity into your life everyday. 
-Kicking whole 30 snacks butt with this Banana Chip Savory Snack Mix. First batch is gone and I'm quickly planning when I'm making my next batch. 
-Reality is dragging your coffee table into your kitchen to get the best natural light for your food photography. 
-The best intentions to have a fun workout together, ended as more of a near death experience. But being with Katie and Annie felt like sophomore year in the Kappa house all over. 
-Pumpkins in their prime.
-Spontaneous Tucker girl lunch with mom, sis and Elle.
-On my coffee table: Vol. 2 of The Scout Guide and The Jones Assembly on the cover of Edible OKC. 
-When you rent a lake house with 18 of your closest friends and top it off with one of the funnest weddings, it's a sure combo for a perfect weekend. 
-Unapologetically caught in the act of capturing precious moments.

Annie

Banana Chip Savory Snack Mix (Whole 30)

Whole 30 snacks are hard. I had this conversation with my sister last week and a friend who is also doing whole 30 right now. Meals are easy, but sometimes you just get a big craving for a handful of crackers or pretzels or some kind of carby snack. This whole 30 approved savory snack mix is so satisfy for someone on whole 30 and for the average joe. Just be careful, it's highly addictive. 

My good friend Chelsea, who actually got married this past weekend, first introduced me to Bubba's Fine Foods Snack Mix. She is a trainer, so I'm always so interested in what she is eating or snacking on. One day at the gym she was eating out of a Bubba's Snack Mix bag. When I read the ingredients I was shocked at how simple and healthy they were. Just banana chips, cashews, pecans, with spices like turmeric, paprika, apple cider vinegar etc. I was sold, but also sold on recreating the mix on my own. Because let's be honest, the bag you buy at the store is $7 for a bag of air...

Savory Snack Mix (Whole 30) 
yields 4 cups

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup raw pecans
1 1/2 cup raw cashews
2 cup banana chips (unsweetened)* 
1 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. Garlic powder
1/2 tsp. Onion powder
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 Tbsp. liquid aminos**
1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp. olive oil 

Directions:

Preheat over to 325 degrees. In a large bowl combine all ingredients. Toss and mix until nuts and banana chips are all evenly coated. 

Bake 15-20 minutes, toss halfway through. Let sit to to dry out a bit and cool before eating. Store in a Ziplock or air tight container. 

*Most banana chips you find at the store are sweetened (you don't want that for this recipe). I ordered a bag of unsweetened from nuts.com. If you can't find unsweetened, plantain chips would be a good replacement. 

**Liquid aminos are a whole 30 approved version of soy sauce or tamari. You can use either in place of the aminos, but I suggest picking up a bottle! Keep some in your pantry and you'll never need soy sauce again!

You can buy Bubba's Fine Foods online or locally at Uptown Grocery. But, I urge you to try my recipe! It's identical (and you get more!!). Perfect snack for traveling, the 3PM slump, watch parties or game nights!

Annie