Monday, April 11, 2011

Bites of Joy

Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with our thoughts that we’re actually left speechless. We pause to really reflect on how we’re feeling, yet no words come to mind. And maybe that’s just it, we don’t need to rely on our words to help figure out our thoughts OR our feelings. We just need to be present. It’s usually in those moments that you hear or read words that put everything in a whole new perspective for you.

This morning I sat down with my coffee and read my little devotional for the day. Here’s a little excerpt from it.

A letter from God:

Begin the day with open hands of faith, ready to receive all that I am pouring into this brief position of your life. Be careful not to complain about anything, even the weather, since I am the Author of your circumstances. The best way to handle unwanted situations is to thank Me for them. This act of faith frees you from resentment and frees ME to work MY ways into the situation, so that good emerges from it. To find JOY in this day, you must live within its boundaries. ................

Today I will not complain about the weather (I did that yesterday, haha), I will not analyze my past or my future, and I will not let JOY swing by without catching it and sharing it today!!

Here’s an old Healthy Bite recipe that just might fill your tummies with JOY! I used this recipe last year, right around Easter. The flavors reminded me of Hot Cross Buns.
bun bite 2
They are about the size of this…..
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Joyful “Bun” Bites

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup brown rice crispies
  • 1/2 cup dried currants
  • 1/2 tsp orange peel
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • plenty of cinnamon
  • 1 heaping spoon of sunflower seed butter
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 3 to 4 tbsp vanilla protein powder.
Directions:
Blend brown rice crispies and currents together in food processor. Transfer into a large bowl and add in all the remaining ingredients. Mix well ( I use my hands) and roll into bite size balls. Makes about 12-13 balls. Freeze or keep in refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Calories 45; Fat 0.9g; Saturated Fat .1g; Cholesterol 0.0mg; Carbohydrates 7.2g; Fiber 1.1g; Sugars 4.0g; Protein 2g

To me, all these flavors just scream SPRING! And that my friends, makes me FEEL alive, makes me FEEL present, makes me FEEL joyful……..TODAY!

Are you soaking up the feelings of just being present? I think it’s a lot easier said than done, but worth all the effort put forth. Ha, I hope I even make sense today!
Winking smile
Cheers,
LC
p.s.
Welcome to my Mushy Monday…………….right Sable?

117 comments:

Vanessa Hills said...

What a wonderful thing to embrace joy! Reading something like this makes me really make an effort to look for the good. It's so easy to complain when we're blogging because we have a captive audience :)
Love the joyful recipe too! If they taste like Hot Cross Buns then they are perfect for Easter time!

Kristina @ spabettie said...

makes complete sense, and is a good lesson to return to often... thanks for sharing - it's wonderful!

I love that the recipe says PLENTY of cinnamon. atta girl.

Courtney L. said...

Lindsay - I love that devotional. Thank you for sharing that.
I must try these little bites. Adding them to my list of things to make! :)

Runemzrun said...

I
would
so
enjoy
biting
into
those
buns.

Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) said...

I do love Mushy Monday!! And I need to get some brown rice crispies ASAP- they look DELISH!! :D

That devotional is AMAZING, thank you so much for sharing!! Our joy is found through Him y'know? Without Him we can't find true joy: 'In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name." :)

Allie said...

Yay for spring :) MMM, the bites of joy look DELISH!
I love the devotional thoughts you shared! AWESOME :)

Emma said...

Little bites of heaven! Yum! :-)

Gen said...

I love that devotional excerpt!!! So wonderful! My mom and I do devos together on Tuesdays and Thursdays! :D
Hope you had an awesome day!

marathonmaiden said...

those are so tiny! i like my balls big ;)

Kath (My Funny Little Life) said...

I tend to think too much. I should just calm my mind down and give way to my feelings. Starting the day with open hands, ready to take whatever will be given to you, is a beautful thought. Thank you for the reminder! :) And have a joyful day! :D

lindsay cotter said...

oh thats so special! cherish those moments Gen!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

LOL! girl, I don't even know how to respond to that. How about "Cheers!"
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

kath, I thought of you today! Being mindful in every area! Thank you  always
reminding me of this.
 
Lindsay



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smriti kirubanandan said...

It's funny you posted this.I 've been so busy with people around and today when I was alone and didn't try to think much,everything just flew into my tiny brains and things got better.And those bites look yummy!!!!;as usual :D

have a great week!!!!

lindsay cotter said...

oh yes, I like that phrase. Heaven tastes sweet!
;)
 
Lindsay




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Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) said...

I love your mushy moments! These look delicious! I love little treats that make me happy!

lindsay cotter said...

oh good, just tell me when you've had enough. hehe! I'm so glad you had a great
spring break. That made me HAPPY to ready today!
 
Lindsay



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April said...

Those are so precious! Love the stats too!

lindsay cotter said...

oh that has happened to me before. get a pen and paper and write all those
thoughts down.

p.s.
Love that you added in biking to your run program!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh good, glad you can understand me Kris. haha! I've been thinking about
you. Hope is all well my color loving friend.
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

so true, we should be aware of how we talk to our audience. Complain less, laugh
more. Right?!

;)
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh yes Emma, you are so right. I love your heart dear friend. God's love sure
does shine through you!
 
Lindsay



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Heather @ Where's the Beach said...

Um I want some of those bites! And even if you aren't religious, that's a fantastic message for each and every day isn't it? Really and truly we should embrace everything more. Today it stormed and was awful in the morning - but the sun came out. What I realized is that we needed that rain to wash away all of this pollen. Sometimes you need that rain to appreciate the sun too right?

lindsay cotter said...

maybe I send you 40 of them. 40 bites of joy to run for each mile on the
treadmill. 
;)
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh thank you courtney. Those words are near and dear to my heart! Hope you enjoy
the bites. Let me know how they turn out for you!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh ya, and I bet you can pack in more good stats if need be. I love these for
a quick snack on the go. How ya been girl? Busy?
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

yes, totally. Looking at the bigger concept here. I love the way you phrased it
too! And I should send you some bites for some doggy treats!!

 
Lindsay




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Kristina said...

Do you want me to send you my address so you can send me those bites? Please and thank you!

Dorry said...

I love Mushy Mondays! And so appreciate that I got to read that excerpt to start my day right. My life is very busy all of a sudden, but I have more to be thankful for than seems fair! So, my goal is to be present in all of my activities and not rush from one thing to the next without stopping to be present. Yoga REALLY helps with this! <3

Deb (SmoothieGirlEatsToo) said...

Love that you included the calories for us stat junkies out there! Really Linsday, I wonder what you are like when you are REALLY happy! haaha! :-D hugs.

Maia said...

What devotional book do you use??

Sarah said...

I swear everytime I check your blog (needs to happen more!) you have a new recipe that makes me drool. I dig it though, gives me something yummy to make!

lindsay cotter said...

haha, I'll take a picture and send it to you when I am REALLY happy. Deal?
:P
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

yes, you are so living it up and I love that. I wish I could be there to "yoga"
it up with you each day.
:)
 
Lindsay



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Jess said...

Those bites would definitely give me joy!!

lindsay cotter said...

maybe I should send them to you as my wedding gift, eh? Now that would be fun!
hmmmm, now I am on to something.
 
Lindsay



________________________________

Pure2raw twins said...

Love the name joyful but bites!!!

Love your morning devotion..a great way to start them! Love my morning mediations (when I remember haha)

lindsay cotter said...

yes indeed, I think quiet time in the morning really helps me feel ready to
tackle the rest of the day, ya know?  Hope you get in a meditation time
tomorrow.
 
Lindsay




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Jessica Howells said...

Oooo I love it! I've been on the lookout for good recipes for Easter! Thanks! So glad I found your blog!

Christine said...

I totally soaked up the feelings of being present today. (well I must admit, the beautiful weather helped). I enjoyed extra time with my children and reveled in their silly games.

AM-GoalsfortheWeek! said...

Hi there!
Okay, I'm tryin' these out! My DH will be so impressed. Thx!

jen said...

I am going to try these! I think my kids would love them as an after school snack! And I can feel good giving it to them too!
I loved your devotional. Thanks for sharing that. I need to remember who's really in control of my life more often.

kissmybroccoli said...

I need to soak up the present. I was just thinking yesterday how I've hardly had a chance to catch my breath since the move. It's so hard to find the "joy" in the day when you're running around with a crazy to-do list! One day at a time, right?

Love the sound of the bites...and you totally just brought back memories of playing "Hot Cross Buns" on the recorder in grade school! ;)

dashinginpearls said...

Love that and love your attitude today!! What devotional do you read?

thefitnessfreak said...

La la la la la..... I'm ignoring the food pics ;D Maybe one day again : )

Love the devotion excerpt! That is one I need to remember for sure. I find myself complaining often about my health issues but I need to remember that he is working my faith. Thanks for the reminder!

Nicole

Sara @ Nourish and Flourish said...

I think today's devotional is one we could all use every day! Beautiful and so truthful!

Your joyful bun bites will definitely bring joy to my mouth (love those flavors)...and body (because they're healthy)...and soul (because we all need a little sweetness on a daily basis, right?!) Win-win-win!

lindsay cotter said...

oh yes, a triple win for those little bites. So glad you saw the same truth in
those words as I did. Have a wonderful day Sara!
 
Lindsay



________________________________

lindsay cotter said...

nicole,
I am right there with you! I thing God uses us physcially to build and
strengthen our faith. But dang, it is hard! Hope the detox is going well. I bet
you could tweak these bites to make them work for you.

 
Lindsay




________________________________

lindsay cotter said...

Its this one. Just a little daily read. I love it though!
http://www.bookschristian.com/Jesus-Calling-by-Sarah-Young-Devotional-Book-p/89779.htm

 
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

I know right? I had that playground song stuck in my head for days! Hope you
find some down timeto just "be" these next few days.
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh those are perfect moments. Lots of pure laughter!!
 
Lindsay
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lindsay cotter said...

Oh let me know how you like them! Yes, love the Easter touch. hehe! Cheers
Jessica.

Lindsay Cotter
Nutrition Manager & Fitness Consultant
lyndzut@sbcglobal.net   
www.cottercrunch.com




________________________________

lindsay cotter said...

oh so good for the kiddos! Let me know how you like them Jen. CHeers!
 
Lindsay




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Stephanie said...

Your bun bites sound lovely! Spring really is a joyful season, isn't it? The world is alive and waking up...and it inspires my body and brain and heart to do the same.

lauren@spiced plate said...

these sound delicious!

Heather @ Dietitian on the Run said...

Definitely easier said than done, but something I try to do much more often (thanks, Yoga)! This morning, I'll start by visiting my favorite yoga teacher/friend for an hour of anusara before the sun comes up :)

Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen said...

Oh I love this! Also, it looks super adaptable to different nut butters and seasonings...bookmarked. :)

Trust2345 said...

love that exerpt from your devotional! Totally made my day!

michelle @ the cooking life said...

Hi Lindsay, thanks for posting this devotional. Been some interesting circumstances at work as of late and it's been hard to deal with it all. This devotional was a good reminder that the Lord is taking care of it.

Flo (Coconut Chronicles) said...

Admittedly, I do find it difficult to 'enjoy being in the present'. It is definitely something I am working on.
And I LOVE BALLS!! That looks like a great variation and one I have to try!
Have a great week :-D

Jess said...

I love this post, so much. Embracing joy sounds so easy in theory but in our crazy, stressful, fast-paced lives, it's so easy to let joy slip out of reach, letting our thoughts overtake the joy dancing past our eyes. I am totally going to embrace this concept this week, embracing joy, not letting anyone/anything steal my joy. And that includes finding joy in my running again, not letting it become a burden, but being joyful in my movements, even if those movements aren't coming as easily to me of late. I'll get there. And I'll be joyful in the process. :)

dashinginpearls said...

Thanks! I'll check that out!

kalli said...

i love this about being present.......i am working on it because of the whole house thing. i try to remind myself not to get too caught up in the mess and think of the good in life :)

jobo said...

REALLY needed to read this today, given my post last night. This is an awesome devotional. Where do you subscribe to this one? I'd like to as well.

Samanthaswalton said...

i love your mushy posts!! thank you for sharing your thankful and joyful heart with us :)

Alyssa @ Life of bLyss said...

WOW, do those look awesome! I've gotta get my hands on some currants and try these puppies out. :)

Kim K said...

wow wow wow - i want to make those bundles of joy tonight - i think i might! or do you have another feel-good recipe that will put me in the right frame of mind for the marathon? i could use some inspiration for the big day! here is my verse for the day...

"God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging."

Missy said...

This is really profound :

"we don’t need to rely on our words to help figure out our thoughts OR our feelings"

Thannks!

Olivia said...

Sunflower seed butter is seriously the most AMAZING food ever!! I'm completely OBSESSED with it since trying it this weekend! Love love love, and this recipe sounds great too!

lindsay cotter said...

that sounds heavenly! I hope you enjoyed every moment of that sunrise!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

steph, that is the perfect way to describe it! The world is waking up from
hibernation. Lets live it up!

 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

oh I can only imagine, but just think of how clean and fresh it will be when its
all done!!!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

wow, this just made my day. I will follow you on that challenge! I need that
mentality when running too.
Cheers to joyful running!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

I think we all have to really work on it, but each day it gets better. Right? 
:)
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

Michelle,
I am so glad that this could help you in your time of need. God is in control,
of everything! Praying that work gets better!
 
Lindsay Cotter
Nutrition Manager & Fitness Consultant
lyndzut@sbcglobal.net   
www.cottercrunch.com




________________________________

emz said...

wait
wait
wait......... your hubs is from NZ too?!?!?!?!?!?

lindsay cotter said...

oh totally, you can use almond butter or even cashew butter would be creamy!
 
Lindsay
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lindsay cotter said...

yep, from Christchurch New Zealand. Hope we get to move back there!
 
Lindsay
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lindsay cotter said...

oh me too! Its got such a salty sweet kick! Let me know if you try these olivia!
 
Lindsay




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(what runs) Lori said...

Yum yum yum! My appetite is jumping for Joy (bites!!!)!! ;)
These look great. Filling and full of fun (and really good ingredients).

I love that message from God. It's definitely worth the reminder.

lindsay cotter said...

I am going to copy and paste that versr kim! So I think you should make the
nuttzo stir fry for tonight. Lots of good omegas! Just cut out the edamame since
its soy. Maybe add in salmon!

 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

I know, we always overlook currants, yet they are so delicous to bake with!
 
Lindsay



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janetha @ meals & moves said...

Ahh. I love all those ingredients! I bet those balls are delicious.

Chrysta said...

Hey! Your posts always make my day. Ive been crazy busy (as we all are) and had to take a break from the blog-o-world for a few and it just makes my day to come back and read just really happy uplifting stuff. You know I made a resolution this year to take all the negativity out of my life..so this just makes my day! =) Plus there is a delicious looking ball recipe that I cant wait to try out! take care darlin!!

Vanessa Hills said...

I just read your bio that said you and hubby met in Kona where you worked...crazy! I lived there for about 10 years (actually, in Captain Cook). Just one more reason for me to love your blog!

Kate said...

I love the addition of currants and orange peel so unique definitely need to try these babies out :)

lindsay cotter said...

oh I love Captain Cook area. I actually worked at the four seasons and hilton.
My father in law had a coffee farm there too. Small world!!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

yes, jump for joy over these!! I bet you could put a "lori" spin on it as well!
:)
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

Chrysta, I've missed you! so glad you made that news years resolution! Such a
good one! Hope your week is going well.

 
Lindsay




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Tracy Simmons said...

Very nice, Lindsay! Joy is so important and many of our days are lacking it. Thanks for sharing!

Bonnie said...

ohmygosh. Those look SO good.
I wish I had the skill to make them.

http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88

klh said...

I love seeing new posts from you! Why is living in the moment so hard...blah! I definitely struggle with that! I am definitely going to have to try these bites!
Katie : )

lindsay cotter said...

girl I struggle with it too, but thats why I post about. Lots of support and
encouragement from each other!
 
Lindsay



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Lauren said...

Mushy Mondays should become a tradition, it has a nice ring to it! Being present is hard to do when I'm busy/stressed, but a yoga class always helps me clear my mind to become more present.

Jennifer Laughlin said...

=) love you girl! do you have a blueberry nut ball recipe? i'm dying to try it if you do! <3 hehe

xoXOxo
Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

Monique said...

ooooh those look delicious! :)

Megan said...

So glad you posted the excerpt from your devotional! I loved it :)

lindsay cotter said...

I agree, yoga definitely brings us back to our center, our balance. I think it
just being able to release all our worries at that time, ya know?
 
Lindsay



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Sabrina @ Radioactive Runner said...

Of course you make sense.. and it's so true what you say. It's so important to be present in the now rather than wishing, hoping or thinking about the past or present.

PS: Those bites look good!!!

lindsay cotter said...

I do have one with dark chocolate almond butter and dried blueberries. Its good!
 
Lindsay




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lindsay cotter said...

I loved how you summed it up. Perfect Sabrina!
 
Lindsay




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Mindy said...

Linds! These look simple & deeelish! I am having almost 40 people at my house for Easter, so these just might be in the mix for dessert! I love "tricking" my family into eating healthier.

shannon said...

i need some brown rice crispies!! yum :)

Caratunkgirl said...

These look so good...oh boo, I don't have the currents. I don't have the orange peel....I am going to make them anyway, because the look awesome!!!

lindsay cotter said...

oh you can totally add in raisins or cranberries instead. Orange peel is
optional too! Let me know how they turn out for ya!
 
Lindsay
________________________________

Sable said...

Hehe! I love Mushy Mondays!! They make me dread the start of the week sooo much less ;-)

Sorry I haven't commeted til now bee-tee-dubs! My laptop is cranky and is only cooperating with certain blogs. SO I get to read and then comment when I get to school haha. No don't worry toshiba this is not inconvenient...

Those balls look amazing! I've been on a ball kick (ha! I'm punny) since I made those vegan donut holes!

katieemm said...

Beautiful message! I need to start reading those devotionals. I let too much other stuff get in the way. Time to spend some time devoted to reading about the wonderfulness of life. :)

Blonde Ponytail said...

I loveyour mushiness Lindsay!! These look delish as always and super nutrient dense!

This devotional letter really hits home. I feel like I let myself complain TOO easily instead of appreciate...I constantly must remind myself to remain present. Not easy as a coach's wife where each year we could be in a different place!

Thank you for a beautiful post!

lindsay cotter said...

oh I hear ya! I am the same way. But glad we have each other to encourage!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

youre such a good hostess mindy! Love to trick my family into eating healthy
too. hehe!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

I'm glad you got to see mushy monday. Thank your for inspiring me more each
monday!
 
Lindsay



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lindsay cotter said...

i know it can be hard to find time. But once you start, its so therapeutic.
Ya know? Hope you are well friend!
 
Lindsay



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Eleanor@eatinglikeahorse said...

My mum always makes hot cross buns and they never appealed to me until I got diagnosed coeliac... when I couldn't eat hers any more!
I love the "open hands" way of looking at life and definitely; spring makes me enjoy just being around so much more :-)

lindsay cotter said...

oh bummer. Does she make a gluten free version of hot cross buns? Maybe its time
to create one! :)
 
Lindsay



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Lisakthrives said...

Thanks for sharing your bites of joy!!! I love little reminders like this, and we could all feel so much joy in each moment if we just let ourselves! Have a wonderful night, Lindsay :)
I think I definitely soak up the present a lot of the time---and I'm aware when I'm not sometimes too!

Jennifer Packer said...

I made these today with a few modifications. YUM! So good. I am freezing some of them for later. What a good little treat these will be! Thanks!

lindsay cotter said...

yes, you are so living it up and I love that. I wish I could be there to "yoga"
it up with you each day.
:)
 
Lindsay



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