these are a few of my faaaavorite things:

So I have seen quite a few love lists lately which made me think hey, I should do something crazy and make a list of the top 10 things I love (aka: the best things I can think of at this time) so here it is:

workout: snow running (sun is necessary!)
book: Rant by Chuck Palahniuk
food: super thin crust margherita w/ fresh basil
Fernie spring skiing (sun + snow = heaven)
lululemon item: ewww toss up Run Dash tight or... Run swiftly tanks
fresh wooly socks
movie: Harold and Maude
morning java: Americano Misto
Rap time with Mia Mucci
most importantly, here is the recipe for myfavorite cookies EVER!  Planet Organic Power Cookies

• 2 1/4 cups quick cooking oats2 cups spelt flour  (you can substitute whole wheat or mix it 50%)
• 1 cup sunflower seeds
• 3/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 
• 1/4 cup flax seeds 
• 3/4 cup sugar (PO uses cane sugar, I just use brown sugar)
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 1/4 tsp salt 
• 1 3/4 cups dark chocolate chips 
• 1 1/4 cups craisins, raisins or other dried fruit
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup molasses 
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line baking trays with parchment paper.

Combine dry ingredients in one bowl. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients and add to dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not over mix.

Drop dough by large tablespoonfuls onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Gently flatten cookies. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes 24 to 36 cookies.

Breakfast of Champions

With this onslaught of cold (being an understatement) I think the importance of starting your day off right is even greater. Breakfast sets the tone for the rest of your day and can also set the standard for the rest of your day's eating habits. This is why I have to have to HAVE TO have a healthy, yummy, filling (but not heavy) breakfast. Last year I replaced my oatmeal with Chia Goodness by Ruth's Hemp foods. Chia is a seed extremely high in omega 3s, calcium, dietary fiber and is low on the glycemic index. It is a raw food that can be eaten either warm or cold. When mixed with almond butter and raisins it is Deeeelish! However, on special morning (any morning can be special) or when I have company over, I like to make Quinoa pancakes. Quinoa is gluten free, a source of protein and easier to cook than rice. I like to cook some the night before so it's ready for me in the AM.

Now I am not really one for recipes and measurements but I mix about: 3 parts quinoa with 1 part buckwheat pancake mix, one egg, 1/4 cup almond milk, and a couple dashes of cinnamon. Stir it all up and fry. I like to top mine with a bit of almond butter and honey or maple syrup. This is a recipe you can play around with to suit your tastes. My cooking style is pretty simple. I take something I like and create a healthy version of it that still tastes delicious. Substituting a few ingredients can have wonderful effects on your health and your mood. When it's -30 outside a little boost never hurts.

Crunchy, Salty and Healthy? SOLD!

Ok so here it is, the first recipe! it may sound TOO healthy but it is a real crowd favorite. My good friend from college, Amy, introduced me to kale chips. Last summer she went to a retreat in Quebec where she learned all about the wonders of permaculture as well as the benefits of a raw food diet. Lucky for us she shared this recipe. It is so simple and so delicious. If you are patient and have a dehydrator it is a wonderful option but if not, you can use your oven. I like quick snack so... I am more of an oven person.

Sea Salt and Pepper Kale Chips

1-2 bunches of  fresh kale (any kind will do)
Olive oil
Sea salt (Himalayan pink sea salt is a healthful option)
Black Pepper

Massage kale with olive oil being sure to breakdown all the little fibers. After kale is fully coated, sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Place in the dehydrator OR put in the oven on 300F for 25-30 minutes. When it's crunchy it's ready. You might want to add a little more sea salt and pepper.

This recipe is super easy to tailor to your taste. Switch it up with hot sauce or lemon and Parmesan cheese. Tres Bon!

Welcome to our bloggy blog!!

It has finally arrived, lululemon Whyte Ave location's very own blog!!! Truth be told I am brand spankin' new to the blogging world so it is only going to get better with time :) Our goal for this blog is to become a place where people can find healthy BUT DELICIOUS! recipes, information and testimonials on the latest greatest workout crazes and classes as well as what music we're listening to, movies we're watching and lattes were digging. Ok, maybe not as much lattes as everything else but you get the idea. And as always, we here at lululemon loooove feedback. So please feel free (and encouraged!) to leave  the love, the hate and anything in between.