Author: healthbyhaven

April 6, 2022 Entrees, Recipe

Classic Veggie Sandwich

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This is the perfect quick meal for any occasion. Pack it for your lunch, make it on the weekend, or have it for dinner one night if you just don’t feel like cooking. It’s great when you have small quantities of a bunch of leftover veggies!

Ingredients

  • 2 slices of your favorite whole grain bread. I love Dave’s Killer Bread!
  • Your favorite, clean hummus. Garlic hummus is great on this sandwich!
  • ½ avocado
  • Handful of spinach
  • ¼ bell pepper, sliced
  • About 5 cherry tomatoes, halved 
  • ¼ cucumber, thinly sliced 
  • Sprouts 

Directions

  1. Spread hummus on your bread.
  2. Smash avocado on one slice of bread.
  3. Layer the spinach and sprouts on the avocado and then stack the remaining veggies on top. 
  4. Top with your second slice of bread and enjoy! 
March 25, 2022 Entrees, Recipe

Stuffed Acorn Squash

This is hands down one of our favorite cooler weather dinners, but you can easily make it any time of the year! It takes less than an hour, but it truly tastes like a gourmet meal. Best part? It’s completely plant-based and highly nutritious, not to mention satisfying. It’s in our rotation often, and it’s sure to be added to yours soon!

Ingredients (serves 2)

Dish

  • 1 acorn squash
  • ½ c tri-colored quinoa
  • 1 red pear
  • ¼ – ½ white onion (depending on preference and size)
  • ¼ c pistachios 
  • ¼ c pomegranate seeds
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp avocado oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Maple Tahini Dressing

  • Pure maple syrup
  • Tahini
  • Water 

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Slice the acorn squash in half. Drizzle it with avocado oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  3. Place the acorn squash halves face down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cook for 20 minutes. Then flip face up and bake about 20 minutes more.
  4. While the squash is baking, cook quinoa on the stovetop according to package directions.
  5. Next, slice the onion and pear into thin slices. Caramelize the onion on the stovetop in avocado oil. 
  6. Then, add the pear slices and cinnamon to the same pan as the onion. Cook until slightly soft.
  7. While everything is cooking, shell the pistachios and remove the pomegranate seeds from the pomegranate. 
  8. Once everything else is prepared, mix up the dressing ingredients into a bowl.
  9. Remove the squash from the oven, and fill halves with quinoa. 
  10. Top with the caramelized onion, pear, pistachios, and pomegranate seeds.
  11. Drizzle with the maple tahini dressing, and sprinkle more salt and pepper to taste. 
  12. Enjoy!

Let me know if you tried this incredibly delicious meal in the comments below or over on Instagram @haven_quinlan. I love to see your adaptations of my recipes, so let me know if you changed something up!

March 25, 2022 Breakfast, Recipe, Smoothies

Cinnamon Roll Smoothie

When I was growing up, my family made homemade cinnamon rolls all the time. They were fantastic. I always loved the crispy outsides, but hated the gooey middle. So weird, I know. I guess my parents and siblings benefitted from my crunchy roll preferences when they got to eat the middle of my cinnamon roll! Anyways, if you’re like me and have fond memories of mornings with the cinnamonest cinnamon roll, try out this smoothie for a MUCH healthier way to get the same delicious flavor!

Ingredients

  • ½ steamed & frozen sweet potato
  • ½ c frozen cauliflower rice
  • 1 frozen banana 
  • ¾ c unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1 tsp pure maple syrup (optional – not the added sugar-packed fake stuff!!)
  • 1 tbs rolled oats
  • 2 tsp cinnamon 
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 
  • 1 tsp each of flax seed and chia seed 

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients to your blender and blend. Add more almond milk as needed to reach your desired smoothie consistency. Top with my homemade cinnamon maple granola and a sprinkle of cinnamon. 
  2. Enjoy!

Let me know what you think when you make my Cinnamon Roll Smoothie! Message me on Instagram @haven_quinlan or leave a comment below! 

March 25, 2022 Recipe, Snacks

Snacking Dates

For when your sweet tooth is having a moment in the spotlight! Try out these delish, nutrish snacking dates! Medjool dates are full of fiber and are deliciously sweet. Paired with the healthy fat and protein in almond butter, they won’t spike your blood sugar and will serve as a satisfying snack. You can pretty much add any topping, but some of my favorite combos are listed below. Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • Pitted medjool dates 
  • Almond butter
  • Your favorite toppings- mine are cinnamon, coconut flakes, mini chocolate chips, and granola!

Directions

  1. Slice the date down the length of one side to open it up. Think about a sandwich roll and cut it like that!
  2. Stuff the date with a spoonful of almond butter (or sub your favorite nut butter)
  3. Sprinkle the date with one of your preferred toppings. If you’re feeling wild, add them all.
  4. Enjoy!

Let me know if this recipe satisfied your afternoon or post-dinner sweet tooth in the comments below, or over on Instagram @haven_quinlan! 

March 2, 2022 Article, Lifestyle

My Mini Guide to NYC

Billy and I just took a trip to NYC for a long Valentines weekend, and let me tell you, it was just so much fun! I adore the energy of the city and the endless options for food and things to do. It’s true what they say- there’s just nothing like it! Below are some of my recommendations from our most recent trip to the city.

Coffee/Breakfast

1. Maman

This breakfast spot was completely adorable! We had a delicious breakfast complete with the most beautiful latte art. My advice- get a bag of pastries to go. The chocolate croissant and peppermint chocolate cookie were my personal faves. Best news? They have a bunch of locations throughout the city, so you can pick one convenient to you.

2. Matchaful

I’ve been dying to try Matchaful. I’ve heard about them from several food bloggers and fitness influencers I follow on Instagram, and it did not disappoint. I’m typically an iced matcha latte gal, but I wanted to try something different here. I got their iced Cacao Dream and it was incredible! Like Maman, they have several locations throughout the city. Since visiting, I ordered matcha powder from them and have been using it to make my at-home matcha lattes!

Lunch/Dinner

1. Valerie

If you’re looking for a menu with good variety, Valerie is a great spot! It’s located in Midtown Manhattan. I would recommend this place for dinner over lunch. They have a really cool, dark and glowy vibe with a full gin & tonic menu (my cocktail of choice lately). I also had a fantastic salad here, so it’s a good place to get something with redeeming health value between all the decadent food stops.

2. Roey’s

Roey’s is a cute Italian spot in the West Village I discovered by the recommendation of the hosts of one of my favorite podcasts, Mostly Balanced. Billy and I had the most amazing pizzas with burrata- I mean the picture speaks for itself.

3. The Smith

We went to The Smith on our last day in the city. It’s in Midtown and has a large menu- great to please a group. They serve brunch on Sunday, but as we had already eaten breakfast, we ordered off the lunch menu. I also ate a really fantastic kale salad here, and had leftovers for dinner on the plane.

Drinks

1. Daintree 

Daintree is a really cool bar in Midtown with great views of the city. The cocktails are a bit pricey, but I would highly recommend for post-dinner drinks if you want a lounge vs. table and to take in the nighttime views.

2. Peak

Peak is another restaurant with amazing views. We ate there for lunch and the food was good, but to be completely honest it was quite pricey for the portions. I would recommend skipping the meal and going for a drink at the bar instead, so you don’t have to miss the breathtaking views. Peak is in Hudson Yards on the 101st floor, overlooking Chelsea/the West Village and the Hudson River.

Exercise

It’s no secret that NYC has endless boutique fitness options. I tried a Soul Cycle class and really enjoyed it! Of course, you know I have to plug Pure Barre always, and if you don’t want to commit to a group fitness class, there’s always a good ole fashioned walk in Central Park. We were lucky enough to stroll through the park in the snow. Talk about dreamy!

1. Central Park

2. Soul Cycle

3. Pure Barre

Attractions

1. High line

This was a stop Billy really wanted to make during our trip. The High Line is on the West Side/Chelsea. It used to be a train track, but it’s been repurposed into an elevated walking path over the city. Highly recommend for a stroll!

2. Chelsea Market

While you’re in Chelsea, be sure to make a stop at Chelsea Market. It’s a renovated train station, now full of shops and restaurants! 

3. The Vessel 

The Vessel is a bit of a touristy area, but still a really cool piece of architecture to check out if you’re on the West side of Manhattan. 

4. Top of the Rock

This one is quite touristy too, but it was still one of my favorite stops of the trip. We rode the elevator to the top of Rockefeller Center at sunset and it was stunning watching the views turn from golden hour to the nighttime skyline. 

I hope you guys enjoyed a peek into our weekend in NYC. Hopefully some of these recommendations will come in handy next time you travel there! What are some of your favorite food stops and attractions in the city? Let me know in the comments below or over on Instagram at @haven_quinlan. 

February 27, 2022 Entrees, Recipe, Salads

Very Berry Salad

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If you’re looking for a super simple yet delicious salad, look no further! This one can be the star of the show or a tasty side salad. Whip this up in 10 minutes, tops. It’s sure to be a fan favorite at a dinner party or your new favorite prepped work lunch.

Ingredients (serves 4)

  • 4 c spinach (or spring mix or kale)
  • 1 c blueberries
  • 1 c strawberries
  • 2 avocados
  • 1 c chopped walnuts
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 c goat cheese
  • Red wine vinegar, to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil, to taste

Directions

  1. Rinse and dry all produce. 
  2. Slice the strawberries into quarters.
  3. Dice the avocados. 
  4. Combine all ingredients in a salad bowl.
  5. Toss in extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. 
  6. Enjoy!

Did you like this Very Berry Salad? Let me know in the comments below or over on Instagram at @haven_quinlan. 

February 27, 2022 Breakfast, Overnight Oats, Recipe

Cacao Coconut Overnight Oats

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This one is for all you dessert lovers out there! Replace your morning poptart or breakfast pastry with these yummy overnight oats. The cacao brings a decadent, chocolatey flavor, but unlike most sugary breakfast snacks, this recipe is packed with the good stuff. Cacao is a great source of magnesium, and the flax seeds and chia seeds provide filling fiber and healthy fats. The shredded coconut and almond butter drizzle also provide healthy fats to keep you full and won’t spike your blood sugar first thing in the morning like most sweet breakfasts. 

Pro tip- use all the optional toppings listed below. Trust me.

Ingredients 

  • ½ c steel cut oats
  • ½ c unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1 tbs cacao powder
  • 1 tbs ground flax seeds
  • 1 tbs unsweetened shredded coconut flakes
  • 1 – 2 tsp pure maple syrup, depending on preference 
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • Optional toppings: blueberries, almond butter drizzle, cacao nibs, additional shredded coconut

Directions

  1. Mix the oats, cacao powder, ground flax seeds, 1 tbs of unsweetened shredded coconut flakes, and chia seeds together.
  2. Once the dry ingredients are combined, add the almond milk and pure maple syrup.
  3. Thoroughly mix ingredients and place in an airtight container. 
  4. Store the oat mixture in the fridge at least three hours, and up to overnight.
  5. Enjoy at home with your favorite toppings, or grab and go for an easy, nutritious breakfast on the run!

Did you like this Cacao Coconut Overnight Oats recipe? Let me know in the comments below or over on Instagram at @haven_quinlan. 

January 22, 2022 Breakfast, Entrees, Recipe

Brunch Avocado Toast

Brunch is hands-down my favorite meal. On weekday mornings when you’re running out the door, this Brunch Avocado Toast recipe will help spice up your day and bring in those weekend vibes!

Ingredients

  • 2 slices of bread. I love using sourdough for this particular recipe! 
  • 1 avocado, mashed
  • 2 eggs cooked to your preference (my favorite for this recipe is poached, but I also enjoy them scrambled, fried, or hard boiled)
  • Everything but the bagel seasoning to taste
  • Optional: goat cheese

Directions (if poaching an egg)

  1. Bring water with a splash of vinegar to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the water to a simmer.
  2. Using a spoon, swirl the water as you lower a cracked egg into the water using a metal latel or ceramic or glass ramekin.
  3. Cook the egg for 2 – 4 minutes. 
  4. Repeat for as many eggs as you want, or cook your egg to preference.  
  5. Next, toast 2 slices of your favorite bread.
  6. While your bread is toasting, mash 1 ripe avocado in a bowl. 
  7. Remove toast from the toaster and spread the mashed avocado over both slices. 
  8. Place your poached egg on top of your avocado toast.
  9. Top with everything but the bagel seasoning and optional goat cheese.
  10. Enjoy! 

Do you love avocado toast as much as I do? Let me know if you try this Brunch Avocado Toast! Check out my Very Berry Avocado Toast recipe as well! 

Did you try my Brunch Avocado Toast? Let me know below in the comments or on Instagram @haven_quinlan. 

January 22, 2022 Beverages, Recipe

Matcha Latte

Match green tea has been used in Asian cultures for hundreds of years for its tremendous benefits, including its rich antioxidants and ability to help improve focus. Lucky for us, it’s now a health fad in America and I have fully jumped on the bandwagon. Try this Matcha Latte recipe when you need a pick-me-up without the afternoon coffee crash! Learn more about the history and benefits of Matcha here! 

Ingredients

  • 1 c unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tsp ceremonial grade matcha tea powder. I like this brand and order it from Amazon!
  • Optional: ½ tsp of agave for a natural sweetener 
  • Lots of ice

Directions

  1. Blend the almond milk, matcha, and optional agave until well combined. 
  2. Pour over a large glass of ice and enjoy! 

Let me know what you think of this delish Matcha Latte in the comments below or over on Instagram @haven_quinlan.

January 22, 2022 Article, Lifestyle

How to Make a Vision Board

Hey friends! How are you?! We’re having a lovely snow day here in Columbia, SC- words I never thought I’d type! It’s magical! I decided today was the perfect opportunity to share with you some tips on making your own vision board. 

As I discussed in my “How to Set Achievable New Year’s Intentions” and “2021 Recap & 2022 New Year’s Intentions” articles, I love envisioning what I want out of the year each January. This year, that not only included writing out my intentions, but also adding a visual element. I created a vision board for what I want my 2022 to look like. You can take a look at the collages below, if you’re interested!

So what is a vision board? A vision board is simply that- the vision you have for the year ahead. My personal board this year is a mixture of images of things I do that I enjoy- running and eating healthy foods- and images of what I aspire out of the year- travel, glamor, and living for joy in the moment.

Here are four simple steps to create your own vision board: 

  1. Think about what you want out of the next year. In an ideal world, what do you want your year to look like? What do you want to accomplish or experience? 
  2. Search for images that remind you of your goals or make you feel how you want to feel as your best self. I have a board on Pinterest where I found images I liked and then narrowed them down on my board, but you could also clip magazines if you want to make a physical board! 
  3. Either create a physical or digital collage with the images. You can add words as well! Anything that speaks to you or brings you joy or inspiration for the year ahead. There are no rules here. It doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else. Just add what brings you joy and inspiration! 
  4. Display your board everywhere! I have mine in 3 versions: phone-sized, as my laptop background, and printed out hanging on my bathroom door. That way, I see at least one version of my vision board every day. It reminds me of my goals and the vibe and feel of how I want to live my life. It’s a great boost on a day I’m not feeling particularly inspired! 

If you try making a vision board, let me know! I’d love to see your collage. I really enjoyed making mine. It was a wonderful creative outlet! Took me back to my crafting and scrapbooking days from childhood. It’s also a great reminder to me when I see it each day that I am in control of building the life of my dreams. What’s on your vision board this year? Let me know in the comments below or over on Instagram @haven_quinlan.