Friday Favorites 12/5/14

Happy Friday! This week started in pretty epic fashion when Scott and I went to the Clemson vs. USC game where we finally broke our losing streak! I must say, it's much easier living in Gamecock-land after a Clemson victory. Since then, it's been a busy week of jury duty (bleh), client meetings, girls nights, and bingeing on Serial anytime I have the chance to multitask. 

Here are my favorite links this week. Hang out with me on twitter, facebook and pinterest for more! 

Photo Credit: Kylie of Healthy Aperture

Roasted Ambrosia Apple Breakfast Bowls (Healthy Aperture) --> If you couldn't tell from the number of breakfast cookie recipes I tweeted this week, I'm a huge fan of dessert for breakfast. This breakfast bowl of roasted Ambrosia apples, lightly sweetened granola and creamy Greek yogurt looks perfect for any time of the day. 

Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies (The Lean Green Bean) --> Speaking of cookies, holy fudge look at these! And I don't mean that as a euphemism for a four-letter word. These cookies look seriously divine! 

Photo Credit: Nora at Lean Green Bean 

Garlic Pepper Soba with Chili Roasted Tofu (The First Mess) --> Sluuurrrppp. 

Photo Credit: Laura at The First Mess

Sweet Potato Sage Mac and Cheese (Delicious Knowledge) --> When I feel sick, all I want is cheese, carbs and more cheese. Of course, that's basically the least effective way to fight off a cold. This vegan mac and cheese made with a sweet potato sauce packs in nutrition along with comfort. 

Photo Credit: Alex at Delicious Knowledge

Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Chestnuts (Nutrition Stripped) --> I think this recipe might get Nat King Cole to switch his lyrics up. "Chestnuts roastiiiiing on my Brussels sprouts..." Has a nice right to it, no? 

Photo Credit: McKel at Nutrition Stripped

Sardines: Superfood of the Sea (Mom's Kitchen Handbook) --> You might think they're gross, but I love sardines! Not only are they the perfect snack on top of a rye crispbread with sliced tomatoes, but sardines are also an environmentally friendly source of omega 3 fats. 

Mediterranean Diet Could Slow Aging, Study Suggests (The Boston Globe) --> Reclaim your youth with delicious foods?? I'll take it! 

All About Apple Cider Vinegar (The Lean Green Bean) --> A great look at the research that's been done on apple cider vinegar. Although some of it's health claims are overblown, there are some wonderful benefits there! I love to use it as a salad dressing or mix it into a mango and turmeric smoothie. 

What the World Eats (National Geographic) --> Fascinating infographic. Keep in mind the green bar should cover 50%. 

Herbs for Winter Wellness (The Foodie Dietitian) --> My knowledge of herbs is sadly pretty minimal. Articles like this get me excited to learn more!

Harvard Reveals MRI Study Proving Meditation Rebuilds The Brains Grey Matter In 8 Weeks (FEEL Guide) --> I cannot overemphasize the importance of meditation. I know it's a scary concept for a lot of people, but I promise, it's not as weird as it sounds and the benefits are astounding!  

5 Tips for Mentally Healthy Holidays (Huffington Post) --> As wonderful as the holiday season is, it can be mentally exhausting. Give yourself the gift of self-care this season. 

25 Days of Yoga (Honeystuck) --> I've been a little inconsistent with my yoga practice lately, so this came through my inbox at the perfect time. I've done all but one of these videos and they are some of the best online yoga videos I've done. Except for the Thursday strength video. I could do nothing and she reminds me of what happens when a yogi drinks a double espresso. 

This week on Avocado: 

Spicy Harissa Bean Soup --> A big bowl of warming winter comfort.

How To Never Fail At Anything, Ever. --> Turn struggles into successes in three easy steps. 

Wild Rice Salad With Chicken And Tart Cherries --> Learn all about my favorite pseudograin!