Recipes and More

Oatmeal 3 Ways

Oatmeal 3 Ways

Yes, I’m the type of person who eats oatmeal most mornings, and I love it for several reasons.  Its cozy, it’s satisfying, and it’s delicious.  However, eating the same old bowl of oats everyday can get pretty boring and redundant, but creating variety through toppings 

Greek Yogurt Brownies

Greek Yogurt Brownies

Yes, I’m the type of person who always likes to finish off a meal with a bit of dessert.  Whether it’s a square of dark chocolate or a spoonful of ice cream, I always like to leave my taste buds with something sweet.  More often 

Dorm Room Decor

Dorm Room Decor

It’s been just over one year since I moved into my first dorm room at University of Florida.  I spent hours gathering inspiration, making artwork to display, and planning the perfect haven for my freshman year.  I’m pretty proud of how I transformed the tiny, 

Best Brunches in New South Wales

Best Brunches in New South Wales

Sydney   Offering coffee and a variety of food options, Basket Brothers seems like any other Sydney café at first glance.  However, the freshness and quality of the food, as well as the friendly service, set it apart from the rest.  The coffeehouse, bar, and 

Vegetable Egg Bites

Vegetable Egg Bites

There were two good things that came out of a tiring 46 hour travel “day” from Australia:  I adjusted very quickly to the Eastern time zone, and I got inspiration for these egg bites.  After three flights and 36 hours of being in planes and 

Top-Notch Ambiance

Top-Notch Ambiance

Rustic, aesthetically pleasing, and quite boho, are ways visitors describe The Grounds of Alexandria. With mosaic lanterns gently swaying in the breeze, arches covered in vibrant ferns, a canopy of bulb lights strung between roofs, and overflowing baskets filled with fruit, the sights are spectacular. 

Skydiving: A High-Stakes History

Skydiving: A High-Stakes History

On October 22, 1797 André Jaques Garnerin parachuted 3,000ft out of a hot air balloon for the first time. On June 2, 2019, I jumped out of a plane for the first time. Skydiving’s history dates much further back than the first successful parachuting venture. 

The Art of Natural Healing

The Art of Natural Healing

Fiji is home to a wonderfully dirty, cleansing escape.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Approximately a 30-minute drive from the city of Nadi, there exists two unique mud pools and hot springs.  The surprisingly soothing dugouts are located at the foot of a beautiful mountain formation, 

Melbourne, Australia – Photos and Videos

Melbourne, Australia – Photos and Videos

I had the pleasure of experiencing two very different big cities while in Australia – Sydney and Melbourne.  We spent the majority of the trip in Sydney, but a few friends and I took a weekend trip south to Melbourne.  We had a great time 

Photos and Videos – Sydney, Australia

Photos and Videos – Sydney, Australia

Studying abroad in Sydney was absolutely amazing!  I loved the city and the surrounding areas… Sydney really has everything, from city sights to beaches and nature escapes.  I think I took over 2000 photos there but was able to dwindle it down to about 120 

Photo Gallery – Fiji

Photo Gallery – Fiji

While studying abroad in Australia, I had the chance to go on a weekend getaway to Fiji!  What a tropical paradise!  It was a lovely, relaxing time with a bit of adventure.  Here are some photos at the resort, the Sri Siva Subramaniya temple, a Nadi 

Beach the Box Way

Beach the Box Way

For tourists and Melbourne residents, the Brighton Bathing Boxes are in a prime location, as the colorful huts on Dendy Street Beach sit less than a 30-minute drive from the central business district.  Perhaps take a quick trip to escape the hustle and bustle of 

Photo Gallery – Cairns, Australia

Photo Gallery – Cairns, Australia

Cairns, pronounced “cans”, was the last city I visited on my study abroad trip to Australia.  It’s a small town on the northern coast and a major gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and rain forests.  Thus, many people travel to Cairns to experience adventures 

Super Food Berry Parfait

Super Food Berry Parfait

My three favorite grab-and-go breakfasts – chia seed pudding, smoothies, and yogurt parfaits – all rolled into one!  Here’s a healthy, balanced meal or snack that could easily be mistaken for dessert any day.  With the texture of pudding and a creamy, fruity flavor, this parfait 

Strawberry Banana Bread

Strawberry Banana Bread

Instead of simply raving about the recipe, I thought I would bring in some inspiration.  So, I will be introducing a quote and adding my personal insight before discussing how it relates to your life.  Ultimately, it all ties back to this delightful strawberry banana bread and 

Apple Cinnamon Raisin Parfait

Apple Cinnamon Raisin Parfait

Another day, another parfait!  Seriously though, these things are awesome.  Besides being totally balanced with whole grains, protein, fruit, and flavor, parfaits are one of the easiest things to put together.  It’s like instant dessert for breakfast (you can even leave it in the fridge 

Berry Chickpea Salad

Berry Chickpea Salad

Spring always calls for fresh greens, and this dish complements the season perfectly!  With vibrant berries and a bit of goat cheese, there is a great balance of sweet and tangy.  However, the real star is these sweet curry roasted chickpeas!  With an Indian inspired 

Sweet Curry Roasted Chickpeas

Sweet Curry Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas are one of my favorite snacks because they are just so healthy and delicious!  With an abundance of spices to choose from, you can flavor them however you would like.  This particular version is inspired by Indian food, but has a cinnamon kick.  

French Toast Four Ways

French Toast Four Ways

I absolutely love French toast, and I am always searching for new ways to make it!  Below you will find four of my favorite preparations.  They each came from creative kitchen moments, but have all made their way into my weekend breakfast routine.  Each is 

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins

Bananas and chocolate – a classic yet decadent combination, especially for breakfast, and especially in banana bread.  However, making a loaf of bread can be a time consuming task because it takes nearly 60 minutes to bake.  But what if you are short on time, or you 

Chia Seed Pudding Parfait

Chia Seed Pudding Parfait

Switch up your breakfast or snack with this super easy chia seed pudding parfait! Perfect for a pre/post-workout snack, chia seeds offer many benefits such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. In addition, the chia seed pudding parfait is vegan, dairy free, paleo, and gluten 

Green Smoothie Bowl

Green Smoothie Bowl

Ahhh – the green smoothie.  The first time I saw my health focused coach drinking one several years back, I was appalled.  Why would someone want to drink something green?  I thought green was for vegetables, not a smoothie. When I finally tried one, much 

Cinnamon Pear French Toast

Cinnamon Pear French Toast

It was a chilly December day in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Snowflakes were falling, and my stomach was growling.  It was the morning after a gymnastics competition, and my family was speed walking through the cold to a local breakfast restaurant. Once we settled inside, pulled 

Apple Cinnamon Raisin Muffins

Apple Cinnamon Raisin Muffins

“A mistake that makes you humble is better than an achievement that makes you arrogant” The first time I made these, I messed up.  Yup, it happens to everyone.  I wasn’t careful enough when writing out the recipe, and I failed to add enough wet 

Berry Smoothie Bowl

Berry Smoothie Bowl

I’m not sure I have met a smoothie bowl I don’t like, but this one is definitely my favorite.  I eat this after almost every hard workout for recovery, and I never seem to get tired of it.  There is something about berries and banana that 

SWEET CHI Pancakes

SWEET CHI Pancakes

Fair warning, these do not taste like normal pancakes… but they are extremely delightful and perfect for any chai spice and butternut squash lovers.  With a great balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, they make for an exciting, unique meal.  They’ve got splash of cinnamon, 

French Toast Scramble (with Apples, Peanut Butter, and Banana)

French Toast Scramble (with Apples, Peanut Butter, and Banana)

A little story about this French toast… I woke up Monday morning feeling revitalized after a rough weekend.  I had come down with a bug on Saturday, and it forced me to miss my team’s competition.  I watched what turned out to be the last 

Sweet Potato Apple Salad

Sweet Potato Apple Salad

I make this salad every time I have any leftover sweet potatoes, without fail!  I’ve even roasted some sweet potatoes just to make this salad.  It has become one of my favorites, due to its balanced nature and sweet flavor.  Overall, this vegan meal is delightful, colorful, and 

Avocado Toast, Eggs, and Facing Failure

Avocado Toast, Eggs, and Facing Failure

Writing something like this is never easy.  Unfortunately, my team had a rough end to our season, as it was cut short before we could fight for our ultimate goal: winning the NCAA National Championships.  We had been pushing and pushing, committing everything we had 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Bites

Peanut Butter Chocolate Energy Bites

Are healthy peanut butter cups a thing?  Probably not, but these energy balls come really close.  I mean, memories of Reese’s instantly popped in my mind when I tried the first bite. With only 5 simple ingredients, they come together in a flash.  It’s almost 

Vegetable Lettuce Wraps

Vegetable Lettuce Wraps

Iceberg lettuce was the only kind of lettuce I would eat when I was younger.  I loved the crunch of the white part, even though it had virtually no flavor.  Things have completely changed now, as I usually opt for more leafy greens, thanks to 

Chocolate Coconut Energy Bites

Chocolate Coconut Energy Bites

One of my favorite things about energy bites is how many flavors you can create… and these coconut chocolate ones certainly do not disappoint.  Thanks to the dates and cocoa powder, they are a healthy snack that tastes like dessert! With only a few ingredients, 

Chickpea and Vegetable Pasta

Chickpea and Vegetable Pasta

Although I love making more extravagant dishes, I usually have minimal time to spend cooking dinner (or I’m hungry right away).  Reality is, I often opt for quick and easy dinners, and this is one of my go-to meals.  In 15 minutes flat, you can 

Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Say “aloha” to a new breakfast favorite!  This quick and easy recipe is delightful start to any morning.  Hawaiian rolls make for a soft and sweet twist on traditional French toast.  Plus, they are mini and cute, perfect for sharing a large batch.  Tip: serve 

Double Chocolate Cookies

Double Chocolate Cookies

  These cookies are one of my personal favorites, and they are sure to be any chocolate lovers dream.  The first time I made these ooey-gooey, super-chocolatey, “I-think-I-might-eat-seven, delicious cookies, I shared a few with friends and even gave one to my hairdresser.  She loved 

Feedback

Feedback

In looking to improve Zest & Finesse, I want to hear from you guys.  Please take this short survey to help make this blog more of what you want!  It only takes about three minutes, and I appreciate your responses 🙂     Create your 

Cranberry Almond Energy Bites

Cranberry Almond Energy Bites

“Be the energy that you want to attract” I came across this quote the other day.  Although it may seem commonplace, it is oh-so true.  Plus, it relates to these cranberry almond energy bites! Energy is contagious, both positive and negative.  How many times have 

Lucky Bones Noodle Bowl

Lucky Bones Noodle Bowl

This warming noodle bowl will soothe your mind and body while exciting your taste buds.  The recipe stars the lucky bones soup blend from Aha Pure Foods, a natural, plant-based soup company.  It has rosemary, bok choy, and great gut-cleansing properties.  Get yours here.   

Fireproof Hummus

Fireproof Hummus

This post spotlights Aha Pure Foods, a local soup company whose values really resonate with me.  Their mission to bring plant-based, organic ingredients with powerful medicinal properties into peoples’ diets is inspiring, and they have four delightful soup blends.  I can say first hand they 

PB Banana French Toast with Cinnamon Apples

PB Banana French Toast with Cinnamon Apples

Cinnamon apples have always been one of my favorite breakfast sides.  On french toast mornings, my mom would peel a few apples, cook them on a skillet, sprinkle a load of cinnamon on both sides, and place the whole bunch in a bowl in the 

Trail Mix Cookies

Trail Mix Cookies

I’ve made oatmeal raisin cookies, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, and ones with pumpkin spice.   In this recipe, they all combine to make one ultimate oatmeal cookie!  I mean it’s got all the goodness in one spot, perfect if you can’t decide what to make! With 

Berry Nice Cream Sundae

Berry Nice Cream Sundae

A little story on this healthy treat: Last weekend, I decided to turn my favorite protein smoothie into a nice cream sundae.  I stood on the counter to grab my food processor from the top shelf (short people problems), and took out my ever growing 

Mediterranean Falafel Bowl

Mediterranean Falafel Bowl

This wholesome dinner is a lot easier to put together than it looks.  In about 30 minutes, you can be enjoying a Mediterranean inspired dish complete with homemade falafel and a fiery blend of roasted vegetables.   Satisfying and nutritious, it’s packed with plant-based protein, whole 

Snickerdoodle Cookies

Snickerdoodle Cookies

Snickerdoodles are such a classic cookie.  They are a perfect dessert to bring to a party, gathering, or simply to share with your friends.  I often ask my team, “if I were to bring a treat to the gym today, what should I make?” These, 

Peanut Butter Banana Toast

Peanut Butter Banana Toast

Peanut butter banana toast is such a simple, delicious, and balanced breakfast!  It is definitely one of my go-to dishes when I am pressed for time.  However, this version elevates the flavors and textures past the basic three ingredients by adding chia seeds, cinnamon, granola, 

Becoming a Kitchen Master

Becoming a Kitchen Master

Whether you are an experienced home cook, somewhat capable of making meals, or completely clueless in the kitchen, everyone has their own story.  By sharing my journey from little energetic baker to scary pasta strainer to frequent recipe maker, I hope to inspire others to 

Toasted Coconut Cookies

Toasted Coconut Cookies

I really don’t think these toasted coconut cookies could be much simpler! With only a few wholesome ingredients in the base, dates, shredded coconut, vanilla and a sprinkle of salt, the flavor is pure and delicious. All it takes is a couple pulses in the food 

Apple Bread

Apple Bread

It’s honestly difficult to describe how amazing this bread is.  Mouthwatering, irresistible, and utterly delicious, it’s the kind of bread you just can’t resist coming back for another slice.  It’s got plenty of apple, shredded to bring out the flavor and moisture in every bite, 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peanut butter cookies and chocolate chip cookies merge in this decadent recipe.  With a distinct nutty flavor in the base and gooey chocolate goodness all over, these cookies are any PB chocolate lovers dream.   Biting in brings back memories to baking with my mom 

Mini Flourless Chocolate Cakes

Mini Flourless Chocolate Cakes

These cakes baked in a ramekin are a perfect dessert for two… or one – sometimes they are just too good to share!  Extremely moist, chocolaty, and delicious, this flourless recipe yields an extra fudgy version of rich chocolate cake.  As an added bonus, they