1. Begin with frosting: Add the coconut cream, chocolate chips and a pinch of salt to a small pot over low heat. Whisk until melted. Transfer to a bowl, cover with wrap and place in fridge for at least 6 hours. I let it sit overnight. 
2. Cakes: Preheat oven to 350 degress. Line the bottom of three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and spray the parchment with nonstick. This is imperative.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the melted and cooled coconut oil, coconut sugar, eggs, vanilla and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Add almond milk and beat once more until mixture is well incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the almond flour, cocoa powder, coconut flour, baking soda and salt together. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well. Mixture will be on the thicker side.
5. Divide batter evenly between pans and spread out with a spatula to smooth the tops. Bake for 20-30 minutes until a tester comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached; rotating the pans halfway through baking. 
6. Let cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes then transfer to the fridge to finish cooling completely. Allow cake to cool in the fridge for at least an hour before removing from the pan and frosting. The cake should be room temperature when you frost it.
7. Finish making your frosting: Scoop the hardened chocolate coconut cream frosting mixture into a large bowl. Use a hand mixer or a KitchenAid mixer to beat frosting until peaks form and it looks nice, fluffy and creamy. Use immediately! See Tip 1! 
8. Layer cake, using about 1/3 -½ cup frosting between each layer, then frost the top and sides with remaining frosting. Serves 12-16! Cake can be stored at room temp for a day or two, then should be transferred to the fridge.

Happy Thursday friends!

Pregnancy is a beautiful time, filled with fresh faced skin, cute clothes and months spent daydreaming of future baby. At least thats what you think of when you get pregnant. Don't get me wrong, daydreaming of baby is something I do every day and yes, pregnancy is awesome and not as bad as you may think, but it's not roses and sunshine every day either.

PS. At the end of the post, you have a chance to win $400 to TARGET! Guys, this is huge. Everyone could use $400 to Target, plus with all their darling clothes, shoes, home goods and baby stuff, everyone needs this. Think of this as your prize for getting through this post :)

My first sign of pregnancy was flu like symptoms, so if thats any indication of the next nine months, well, let's do this. The first trimester is crazy. It's full of so many unknowns and so many uncomfortable feelings.

1. Morning sickness, afternoon sickness, evening sickness. Did you know about 80% of woman experience morning sickness? I thought the second I got pregnant, I'd be nauseous and puking in the morning. Turns out, morning sickness for me was actually evening sickness. I'd be fine all day. 5pm hit and damn, I was so blah, I could barely make it to bed time. Poor Adam got stuck with takeout a lot more than he probably wanted. The perk -  It eventually will go away. Mine went away at 14 weeks and then life gets so much better

2. You're not always hungry, but you are. My entire first trimester, the thought, look, smell, taste of any kind of meat made me throw up. Don't even get me started on raw chicken. Food aversions coupled with evening sickness made it easier for me to not eat. And since that's not an option when growing a human, food selection became so tough. Protein shakes in the AM got me through the noon hour. And then it was peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and mac and cheese. The perk - Once you're through the first, you'll love eating everything.

3. You have to pee constantly. This one is just annoying more than anything else. A 50 minute flight to Omaha turns in to 3 bathroom breaks and people looking at you like your nutty. My advice, convince your husband to give you the aisle seat. This is no joke. No real perk here. Except my doc told me once the baby goes higher, the need to pee will go away, until you're big.

4. Belly's don't pop quick. That cute belly you want just makes you look fat for a little while. Jeans are really tight on your belly, your boobs are huge, bras are uncomfortable and apparently your feet grow? I keep telling Adam I just want my belly to pop and he says I'll be taking that back when I'm 7 months and uncomfortable. The perk -  No more sucking in your belly. Let it all hang out, girlfriend.

5. Opinions ares like assholes. Every one has one. Be prepared for everyone from your mom, to your friends to the lady at the grocery store in line behind you to tell you what she thinks about kids and child birth. My opinion... take the opinion of the people you really trust and ignore the rest. Even if the lady in the grocery line insists that you're killing your baby by eating apples. The perk -  People love babies and pregnant women.
6. Utter exhaustion. There needs to be a new word for pregnancy exhaustion. This is a real thing. I tried to explain to Adam how tired I was and the difference between non-pregnancy tired. And the only way I could put it in to words is as if someone was pressing down on my shoulders, tired. The perk - This goes away at 14 weeks! You're still tired, but not nearly as tired.

7. Emotions are heightened. I'm an emotional mess. Commercials make me cry. Pretty much every TV show makes me cry even if its funny. Monday, I messed up Adam and my flight home from Omaha, you guessed it, I cried. I'm blaming it on the hormones. The perk - Blame mistakes on pregnancy brain. I did.

8. Weird dreams. This one I was not expecting, but it's followed me into my second trimester. My first weird dream? Adam left and I was left to raise my kids (I had more than one) and then my brother moved in with me and it was like Full House. I was Candace Cameron Bure in Fuller House living with my kids and my friends ad my brother. They get weirder. The perk - Funny stories.

9. You'll be able to smell like a superhero. This was one of the first sensations I got. The smell of my dogs food made me gag. I can smell BO from across the room and did you know raw chicken has an actual smell and coffee is pungent? But roses smell better, so do burritos and Adam. The perk -  You can smell the good food in the restaurant.

10. Anxiety is high. People keep telling me the anxiety is prepping me for motherhood. Before every ultrasound I get so nervous I cry. I pray constantly and I just wish this little baby girl was here already. But, the anxiety is all worth the end result. The perk - The end result.

Yes pregnancy is challenging and confusing and I always have so many questions. But, with all that said, its also the best feeling in the world. Seeing your own baby on an ultrasound and hearing his/her heartbeat is the coolest in the world. Now, if we could get these next 5 months moving so baby girl can get here, I'd be okay with that too.

Enter to win a $400 Target Giftcard by earning points!

With spring almost here and summer right around the corner, it’s time to start making plans for your next great getaway. If you’re looking for the perfect destination for your family or a weekend with the girls, consider choosing California’s classic Sonoma County. This part of Northern California is the perfect destination for the weekend or a great addition to a trip to San Francisco. Here are five things you should add to your itinerary if Sonoma County is in your travel plans.

1. Experience the Pacific Coast

Sonoma County’s prime location along the Pacific Ocean makes it a great spot to explore this amazing coast. You can find quiet coves, beautiful bays, and stunning beaches in this region. Check out Bodega Bay if you want to cross off whale watching on your bucket list. Depending on the time of the year, you could also try some surfing lessons and off-shore fishing. The Sonoma Coast State Park is another prime spot along this breathtaking coast.

2. Explore the Redwoods Forest

Another must-see sight everyone should experience at least once in their life is the awe-inspiring Redwoods Forest. Go to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve to see these giants of nature up close. You can drive along the trails or take a hike and be amazed at what you see. Or, you can get even more action by taking a zip-line tour through the forest. Another possibility is to rent a mountain bike and explore the area on two wheels.

3. Sample the Local Food Scene

Sonoma County is also home to a thriving local foodie scene. There are tons of tasty restaurants that have embraced the farm-to-table movement and can give you an incredible dining experience. While you’re here, check out some of the top flavors in town, such as locally-raised duck, fresh caught Dungeness crab, sweet peaches from a nearby orchard, or rich olive oil produced in this region.

4. Savor the Local Wine

Of course, no trip to this region would be complete without a stop at some of the best wineries in the world. Wine tasting is one of the top things to do in Sonoma County. This area is one of the top producers of wine in California and has attracted thousands of visitors because of it. You can create your own wine tour at your own pace by renting a car and following a tasting route map. Enjoy the different varieties of wine that this area offers.

5. Relax at a Peaceful Spa

After you’ve tasted your last glass of wine and toured the region’s outdoor sites, take a break at a luxury spa. There are plenty of options to choose from that offer a variety of services to help you rejuvenate and relax. Here, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for pampering and even more ways to get back into that moment of serenity.

Sonoma County is a great place for visitors to experience and enjoy. Whether you’re looking for adventure along the coast or a culinary delight, this region can help you find it. Make your trip memorable and amazing by choosing these activities for your itinerary.

If you grew up in Arizona or California you have an incredible love for In-N-Out Burgers. They're the best burgers in the entire world. Don't come at me with Shake Shack or Smashburger or McDonalds, you won't win this argument.


When I was a kid, In-N-Out was only in California. I have incredible memories of driving to visit my aunt and uncle and stopping at In-N-Out on the way. We always got the hats, burgers and so many shakes.

In high-school, we LIVED in In-N-Out. After any football game, basketball game we would gather at In-N-Out and hang out until they kicked us out. Then we'd hang out in the parking lot until our curfews were close. For our 10-year high-school reunion, my BFF's and I left the bar early to go to In-N-Out to hang out.

Now, whenever I go home, regardless of what diet I'm on, we always stop at In-N-Out. I'm not even semi-ashamed that it's a part of my life. I love it.

The problem of living in Colorado? No In-N-Out. Yes, it's coming this year, but it's not here yet. It's all I crave. I found this recipe online for their special sauce and after a few tricks, I've mastered it. And, I've managed to make it paleo. I'd call this a win in my house!

I formally apologize to my husband for the amount of homemade In-N-Outs he's going to be forced to eat.

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (click here for paleo mayo!) 
• 2 tablespoons ketchup (click here for paleo ketchup!)
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar (use coconut sugar for paleo!)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar

How to make: 

1. Combine all ingredients. 
2. Let chill for at least an hour before using! 

What's your favorite burger place? Tell me, have you tried to re-create any fast food recipes? Share them with me in the comments!

Enter to win a $400 Target Giftcard by earning points!

It's no secret I am aching for spring. All I want is warm enough temps to sit on a patio for happy hour and not be freezing to death. Denver is the ultimate tease. We'll have a 65 degree day and the next day it's freezing. One week of 70 degree weather, it's all I'm asking for! I want fresh flowers, tulips to be specific, green grass, not brown grass and no more snow.

Even though it's not warm weather, at least it's NCAA time! There's something about the start of March Madness that brings so much energy! It's fun, everyone gets into it and Adam and I bet it every year. I heard on GMA this morning that something like 70 million people fill out brackets each year! 70 MILLION. Nearly 9 billion dollars are BET on the tournament every year.

The whole thing is so dang crazy but so fun! Did you fill out a bracket this year?


Anyways, I wandered around Nordstrom yesterday looking at all the colorful dresses, t-shirts and skirts. I am so ready for a colorful wardrobe! I know shocking coming from me, but there are so many new trends and clothes out there I need! I just want some florals, ruffles and bright colors!

Since Denver has a guaranteed few more days of snow, I refrained from buying all the cute sundresses and reverted to trying on more denim. Can one ever have too many jean jackets? Even though I didn't buy the cute sundress, doesn't mean I can't look.



These are some of my current favorites from Nordstrom.


While Nordstrom is great, I can't leave out my favorite, Target! My favorite thing about Target is the ability to buy the newest trends but not break the bank. They have so many cute spring clothes out right now! A New Day is killing it!

These are some of my current favorites from Target.


PS. For those of you asking about my popeye denim jacket, you can find it linked here!

Happy Thursday friends! We've almost made it! Remember tomorrow, like every Friday, we're sharing all the things we're grateful for.

I know what you're thinking, cucumber salad? Really, Kristen. But I swear, this salad is so darn good. My current obsession is anything tangy, sour, tart flavor. Hence, the apple cider vinegar love. Add it to veggies and we can call this obsession healthy.

The last few times I've made this, it's gone within two days. You may ask how do you serve this salad? For me, it's one of those eat right out of the container while standing in the fridge, salads. Or, stand at the sink with the container next to you, salad.



For Adam, it's a turkey burger side or chicken side, salad. The best part about this salad, it's so dang easy to make and everyone will love it. With spring approaching quickly, it's the perfect BBQ side. Make it once and I swear you'll be a sink side eater like I am.

Ps. talking about spring, tomorrow on the blog, I'm sharing all the spring clothes I am LOVING currently from Nords. There is so much good stuff, you don't want to miss it. Plus, the infamous denim popeye jacket and some new stuff from Target. It's finally spring and it's time to get in the mood!


Ingredients: 

• 6 cucumbers, sliced thin
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

How to Make: 

1. Slice the cucumber and green onion. 
2. In a large bowl, mix the cucumber and green onion together.
3. In a small bowl, mix vinegar, honey, garlic, dill, salt and pepper. 
4. Pour vinegar mixture over cucumbers, toss to coat. 
5. Taste and if needed, ad salt or more vinegar 

Happy Wednesday friends!

Last night I was watching American Idol and the first girl to audition said she was 15 years old and Katy Perry says, "sooo you're born in...?" and the girl says, "I was born in 2002."

Katy Perry literally crawls under the desk and says, "I've never met someone born in the two-thousands." Guys, I died laughing because this is how I feel about anyone born after 1995. Guys, if you're not watching, these judges this season are hilarious.

Anyways, that has absolutely nothing to do with today's post, but I'm still LOL'ing about it and just had to share. Today, we're talking bags and all the stuff in those bags. Oh, and let's be real, I don't carry sunflowers in my bag, but this is the blog and we gotta make stuff look pretty.

Sidenote, I'd love to carry sunflowers in my bag.

I think what's in a persons bag is pretty personal and can also tell a lot about a person. Being pretty OCD, my bag is usually fairly organized and everything has a compartment. But catch me on a random Saturday afternoon running errands and its turned into a black hole and only the good things make it out alive.


The Bag: I've always carried a large tote. I've tried to switch things up and every once in a while I carry a clutch but I can't break the tote habit. I need a shoulder strap and something big enough to carry all the things I need. My parents got me this LV tote for my 30th birthday and I'm still obsessed with it. Lightweight, matches everything and all the things.

The guts: My Louis Vuitton wallet has carried me through college, law school and beyond. It's big enough to be a clutch when need be and also carry all my cards, check book and pictures of my nephews and nieces. And yes, that little bag is a coin purse, I'm officially an old lady. I hate having change in my wallet, hence the coin purse.

The Lip Stuff: My friend Nikki turned me on to this Lancome lipstick and I haven't stopped wearing it since. It's Rouge in Love, Rose me Rose me Not and it's the best. I put a little of The Kiss by Lush on first and then it's the lipsticks turn. The thing I love most about this, the color. I'm usually a bare naked lip kind of girl, but this color has brought me out of my comfort zone.

The Book: I always, always, always have a book in my bag. There are too many times I'm stuck somewhere and hate sitting on my phone the whole time. If you're following along on Insta, you know I'm doing a 24 books in 2018 challenge. This book makes book 6, Even if it Kills Her by Kate White!

The Sunnies: These Diff Eyewear Zoey sunnies are my new favorite. I bought them a few weekends back in Breckenridge and I've been hooked. They're polarized and if you buy one pair another one pair is donated.

Apple AirPods: These are required. I usually have at least two pairs in my bag, just in case. Adam got me the Apple AirPods for Valentines Day and I'm in love. I was a little skeptical at first because I honestly thought they'd fall out or I'd lose them, but they are the best! I use them for my phone, iPad, computer, work calls, business calls and they hold a charge for like 5 hours and the case holds an 8 hour charge! I love them. Plus how else will I pretend I'm busy.

Not pictured: Tons of receipts, almost empty chapsticks, pen lids, wrappers from Starbucks straws, dog treats, Kleenex, lost bobby pins, Adams sunglasses, and crumbs.

The rest of it --> An extra pair of headphones, my favorite Tazo tea, so many pens, extra Mentos sugar free mints, my Grace keychain (it was my grandmothers), my key pouch (stuffed full of hair-ties and bobby pins), a comb, the BEST hand lotion, a cosmetic pouch full of more lipsticks, Kleenex, and aquaphor.


Happy Tuesday friends! What are the necessities you carry in your bag?

Let me start by saying, if you didn't watch this season of the Bachelor you are the luckiest human alive. For the rest of us, please allow me to apologize on behalf of the Bachelor, ABC and Chris Harrison.

What a mess.

It didn't help that this season started out as dry as can be. No drama, no nothing. Arie says like three words, the girls are all pretty boring and we're forced to watch two hours of this a week.

Then, after watching 57 hours of Bachelor, with one week left until the finale and no SPOILER ALERT, Us Weekly tells us that Arie dumps the winner and gets back together with the runner up. At least we knew this season would end interesting.

We start the finale with two of the longest dates in history. Honestly, I fast-forwarded through both dates, I just couldn't handle.

Let's start with Lauren- I think it's clear that he loved her more, even if he couldn't say why he loved her. He kept trying to convince others that she was outgoing, friendly and said more than 3 words an hour. Every time he was on camera with a producer, it was as if he was trying to convince everyone around him to love Lauren as much as he did. Even when his family met her, he was doing the Lauren tour of convincing them.

Why do you love Lauren? I just do. What do you love about her? I just love her. What's special about her? She has a brown speck in her eye. Okayyy, Arie.



Off to Becca - she is very sweet, lovely, graceful, and so so so eager to love Arie it almost hurts to watch her. She is so over the top with her feelings, her affection and her need to tell everyone about her future with him. All the while, you can see him pulling back and almost looking intimidated at her confidence in "them." There is nothing worse than trying to convince the guy you're with, that you both love each other the same.

Now, that being said, what Arie did to Becca was ridiculous. Never in Bachelor history have we been forced to watch an HOUR of the most horrendous breakup. I get it, they want to show the good, the bad and the horrible. But, really Chris Harrison, an hour of Becca bawling while Arie walks around this Hollywood mansion?

The poor girl just got dumped by Arie and what he said was "I was afraid the more I hung out with you, the more I thought I'd lose any chance of reconciling with Lauren." Let's stop and think about that. He's ENGAGED to Becca, not just casually dating her. In my opinion, when you're engaged, your thoughts should not be with reconciling with an ex.


The worst part? Becca is stuck at this house. It's not like she can call an uber and get the hell out of there. She's in the hills, at a mansion, presumably with no way down unless a producer takes her. Arie just keeps walking in asking to talk and then when they sit, he just stares at her and tells her he loves Lauren. We get it Arie, you made a mistake, no need to continually rub it in this girls face. Let the poor girl sit on the floor of the bathroom with the door closed and cry.

Arie then gets in the car with literally NO emotion, tells the producer he feels bad and immediately goes to Lauren and tells her he loves her. Then tells her he 100% over Becca. Well, that took all of a plane ride to VA Beach. Lauren then giggles and tells him he has a short amount of time to propose, again.

Ps. this is Lauren's THIRD engagement. No weddings yet, just engagements. But according to her, her family is v excited. I'm so sure.


At the end of the day, Arie did what he thought was best. Sure, he was texting and calling Lauren while he was engaged and texting and DM'ing other exes throughout his engagement, but let's give them the benefit of the doubt, or at least 8 months to bask in post-bachelor glow.

Now Becca is the new Bachelorette, shocker. And to be honest, I'm so drained from this season, I'll let you know if I'll be back next season. We may have to limit this to Twitter alone.


Until next time, friends!