It’s a strange time. It seems as though every day things change: what we can do, who we can see, statistics…
I’m making an attempt to blog more. I want to share some of my creations so people can stay busy in their homes making healthy treats! Also, if i’m honest, I have a lot more time on my hands. While work from home is busy during the week, I am spending a lot less time socializing and it’s harder to keep myself as busy as i’d like. I’m someone who tends to fill up my schedule to the brim, to keep myself crazy busy. With no spin teaching, yoga, gym, dance parties, or coffee dates with friends, there’s more time for at-home creative hobbies.

We’re living in uncertain times, but it’s a good time to connect with friends and loved ones. Whether they’re in your cluster, and you can safely visit with them in person, or whether you’re having virtual meetings with friends- it’s important to stay connected.
One thing i’ve really been noticing, and that made me lose sleep last night, is the shaming that’s going on online and through social media. One video that was posted in my area particularly disturbed me- a woman following another woman around with a camera, shouting at her, and posting it online for thousands to see.
The reality is, no one knows how to handle this situation. We are not perfect. We are so unfamiliar with a lock-down situation that it takes some getting used to. We need to treat each other with empathy and kindness. Sharing inflammatory articles on social media, publicly shaming people who are doing their best to deal with the current situation, getting in online fights, and debating over best practices with aggression and anger are NOT the way we will get through this. This isn’t to say that some are reckless and deserve a talking to, i’m just pointing out that this is a period of anxiety and uncertainty- it’s completely new for us all.
I’m not sure how to feel settled with the ever-changing landscape of this moment in time- but I know everyone in my life is doing our very best, and I know everyone is scared. Practice kindness, generosity and empathy in uncertainty- I implore you.
Take a quiet walk, enjoy mother earth, hold your loved ones close, and make these coconut bars with your ever increasing spare time and nervous energy. They are packed with plant based protein and fibre- a brownie you can feel good about. Much love!

Ingredients:
2 cups dates
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup walnuts
1 cup coconut
1/4 cup hemp seeds
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
1.) In your food processor, blend dates and vanilla until the dates are chopped into tiny pieces.
2.) Add coconut, walnuts, hemp seeds and salt and combine until everything is well incorporated.
3.) Add cocoa powder and blend. If the mixture isn’t moist enough, add a teaspoon or two of water and blend.
4.) Add chocolate chips and gently blend or stir to incorporate them through the dough.
5.) Gently press the mixture into an 8X8 pan and place in the freezer to store! Cut off pieces as desired.
