Acai Overnight Oats

Overnight oats may be past trend, but they've become a staple in my house.  Easy for a quick breakfast on the run, tasty for a mid-afternoon snack, but most of all - perfect for the dorm room.

With simple ingredients mixed together the night (or a few nights) prior one can enjoy a healthy and easy breakfast that far supersedes any smooshy oatmeal from the college dining commons.

We sent Liv off with reusable empty jars, a package of organic oats, a bag of acai powder (we use the Navitas brand) and a few mix-ins.  She laughed at first and said she wasn't going to go through the trouble of putting the overnight oats together, but after a few weeks of dining commons breakfasts she called to asked for the recipe.

Sweetened to your taste, these Acai Oats pack a nutrition and fiber punch and can be tossed in a bag when you're running out the door.

Cheers to a healthy and quick breakfast!

Kim

Life, Loss, Balance and New Beginnings

Life, it has a way of showing us the path we're meant to follow.  It's not always the path we think we should be on, but nonetheless, it is our path.

The last two years have pushed my little Liv Life space to the side as family took priority.  In those years we've lost both of my in-laws, an aunt, an uncle and our dog.  We've learned that hospice can be a bright spot in a terrible situation, and that lessons do indeed come from darkness.

We've also become empty nester's... something I've dreaded since the moment my first child was born.  However, much to my surprise it's really not all that bad.  In fact, if I had to say so, we love our empty nest life! My husband and I have rediscovered just how much we enjoy our time together and I'm learning that there really is life beyond the PTA, Girl Scouts and putting in the endless hours as a Dance Mom (though I really do miss the Dance Mom part). 

Do I miss the kids?  Absolutely, but text, phone calls and frequent visits keep us in touch, and then the two of us have our days to ourselves.

Seattle, 2107 - 1st Empty Nest Trip!

My girlfriends and I have learned without regularly scheduled school and dance events that we won't see each other unless we make an effort, and now we're having fun exploring new ventures - like museums without field trips.  Or wine on Tuesday just because.

And now I have time to share with you.  I have travels to share, recipes to photograph to tempt your taste buds, and lessons I've learned that may also help you get through when times turn dark.

Coming up I have a wonderful Kauai Itinerary - have you been to the Garden Isle?  An unforgettable restaurant we found in Canmore, Alberta, along with a trip to the Canadian Ice Field Parkway and on into Jasper.

I have tips to survive a new empty nest, and tips on dealing with an elderly parent.  I've so much to talk about and so much to explore.  

Liv Life has been a mostly Whole Food Plant Based blog for a number of years now and that direction will continue (however my son is not vegan, and hence I have a few college boy recipes that may include eggs that my non-vegan followers may find useful).

Rocky Mountain Flat Bread Company

I've learned loads about ingredients and natural remedies, remedies that have actually worked for us, and I've researched the why.  I have sources to share and facts to dispense, and now that my world is back in balance I have the time and desire to do it.

I won't have a regular posting day, and as we still continue to care for aging parents and work around the kids' schedules (when they call I'll drop just about anything to be with them!) I may be days or even a week in between posts. But I'm eager to discover new things and ideas with you all, and I hope you're eager to learn along with me.

So my friends, here's hoping you are healthy and happy, and living in a world of balance.  I've missed chatting with you and I'm looking forward to getting reacquainted.

Cheers my friends, 

Kim