I couldn’t be happier.

It feels like spring in Seattle (which NEVER happens in February). I already see a few new freckles popping up on my nose, and I could walk the pup without wearing gloves. Very exciting news. Not only that, but the sun is sticking around. It is like a warm up for my trip to Kauai.

SHIT YEAH I’M LEAVING FOR KAUAI ON MONDAY!!!

My mom and I are taking a much-needed mother/daughter trip to the Islands. Once there we are going to hike, visit family, take a 5 hour boat tour of the Na’Pali coast, probably drink copious amounts of alcohol and swim until we turn into prunes.

Yes, it is 80 degrees there. Yes, you can be jealous.

There is nothing quite like a tropical vacation. I haven’t been on one in a few years, and I think I may burn in approximately .2 seconds, but the burn will feel so good. Don’t worry; I have packed my SPF 75 (I am not even close to kidding.)

However, the only thing that concerns me is my diet. I have been gluten/dairy/meat/processed food free for two weeks now and I feel awesome. I have fallen back a bit with alcohol (oops), coffee, and the occasional dash of honey here and there. Overall, I have stuck to it, and I’m proud. I usually give up on things, but because I actually feel my body responding positively, I have kept up with it.

Turns out all that hype about having more energy and having skin that GLOWS is true. Who knew?

SO, all this means for my trip is some extra planning. I found a good recipe for granola bars and plan on packing an insane amount of dried fruit.

My favorite interpreter at the hospital also gave me a mix cd of his favorite Latin beats… um yes, that will be my soundtrack for the trip.

Hello mai tais and little tiny umbrellas… I shall make you my lovers.

I of course haven’t packed a single thing, my room is a shit show and I have made approximately 9000 plans before I leave early Monday morning. Hrm… we will see if I can get it all done.

If nothing else, I know I will be making these bad boys. Yum.

Frosty No Bake Granola Bars

Adapted from Oh She Glows

Makes 12

• 2 large overripe bananas
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup crunchy cereal
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup(or any other sweetener you use)
• 2 tbsp peanut butter or other nut or seed butter
• 2 tbsp semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp dried cranberries or other fruit
• 2 – 4 tsp cocoa powder

Line a muffin pan with paper liners, or use a silicone muffin pan for easy removal.  Mash the bananas.  Add wet ingredients and cocoa powder and mix well.  Add all other ingredients, mix well then press into prepared muffin tin.  Freeze at least 60 minutes before serving.

Angela from Oh She Glows recommends eating them while they’re still soft, but I  like keeping them in the freezer for easy snacks.  I  also use a homemade cereal that stays crunchy but use whatever you have.  I’ve even used toasted buckwheat before and it works really well and stays crunchy.