Thinking “If only” can become a bad habit. Lately I’ve had my fair share of If only’s…
If only it was warmer I would get outside and be more active.
If only I had my car I could get to crossfit more than two times a week.
If only I had skis I could go to the mountain with friends on weekends.
If only I had a more expensive camera and lens my photos would be better.
If only I had the extra money I could shell out for expensive almond butter every week.
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But this is not a way to go through life. Always wishing for the next best thing and not enjoying what you already have.
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Really its only 40 degrees out, there’s no excuse to stay inside.
I’m lucky my friend lets me borrow her car twice a week to get to crossfit.
I have my own two feet and plenty of trails and mountains around me to hike on weekends.
I have a great camera already and should appreciate and use it to my full ability.
I’m lucky enough that bulk almonds are cheap and I can make my own, yummier, almond butter at home!
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Toasted Coconut Almond Butter
This recipe yields about 1 cup of almond butter so feel free to double the recipe to make a 16oz typical jar of almond butter.
- 2 cups raw unsalted almonds
- 1/8th tsp salt
- 2 tsp unrefined coconut oil
- 1 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Place unsweetened coconut on a baking sheet and toast in the oven (350 degrees) or toaster oven for 5-7 minutes if your making a lot (less time if your only toasting the 1 Tbsp), watching carefully and removing when it just begins to brown. Make a bunch at once to have on hand because toasted coconut is dreamy!
In a food processor add raw almonds and process until a fine meal is created. Stop the processor and scrape down the sides several times throughout. Should take 5- 7 minutes. Add in coconut oil, salt, cinnamon, and shredded coconut and continue to process until completely smooth. This can take anywhere from a total of 5-10 minutes. Scrape down as needed and add more coconut oil is you prefer a drippier almond butter.
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What’s your current “If only”? Can you turn it around to see it more positively?
Happy Weekend Everyone!
Great inspiring post, and I was actually just eating some Justin’s Nut Butter. Never thought about just making my own.
You know how I feel about coconut so this has my name all over it.
I usually succumb to the “if only’s” but I actually can’t think of any right now which is a good thing so I’m going to stop trying
Have a great weekend!
If only if only midterm/exam season were over; if only I had some farm fresh eggs; if only Marcona almonds weren’t so expensive; if only I had started lifting heavy weights before this year!
I love the coconut-almond mix! I’m obsessed with diy nut butters, they’re so much cheaper and infinitely customizable. Coconut-sunflower seed with vanilla syrup and vanilla powder was a good one
Another easy-peasy way of toasting your coconut is just in a large skillet
Plus you get the added benefit of greasing your skillet with coconut oil. Or maybe I’m just prone to burning things when I toast them in an oven 
oh duh I could have easily done it that way! I should update my recipe directions! And oh my that sunflower seed butter sounds totally incredible!!
If only I would finally take the plunge on some coconut oil, I could make this mouthwatering recipe.
PS: I used the trial of Lightroom today– SO COOL!
Are you going to buy lightroom 3 or 4 now? I highly recommend again, there are so many great presets you can easily download too- I did a bunch today and have been having fun with them! Let me know.
I think I’m gonna roll with the student version of the 3, but still have 27 days of a trial to decide
But seriously– it opens a new world to editing! I love that you can save and apply presets, but had no idea you could download them too!
if only i had more time i’d workout.
if only i had more sunlight i’d have better photos.
i feel ya.
but i do have a job and live in a beautiful city so there are perks. great post!
yes to the sunlight- I get frustrated by the lack of it in the winter especially on the photography front but we make the best of it!
I just need a spoon. I don’t need anything else. I can do everything I need with that jar + a spoon. Fingers work in a pinch, too. Lovely work!
The almond butter recipe looks delicious and is going on my never-ending list of nut butter recipes to try out when I return home in three weeks. I completely understand what you mean about getting caught up in the ‘if only’ trap, it’s so easy to focus on what you wish you had rather than appreciating how fantastic everything you do have is. My current “if only” is: if only I lived with better housemates then maybe I wouldn’t feel so stressed all the time. I just have to remind myself how lucky I am to live in the house I have and be thankful that I have at least one friend amongst the craziness. Great post!
housing situations can be stressful because its constantly around you. Hoping you can find some peaceful time there despite your set up and keep focusing on the positive!
I LOVE almond butter. Such a great idea to mix it with coconut!
If only I had that almond butter in MY house right now.
Holy smokes–this looks insane. What a brilliant combination!!! If only I had not broken my food processor–HA! Clearly, I am going to have to turn that around and go buy a new one ASAP!
How do you have enough patients with the food processor that you’re able to scrape it down, get it to the CUTE jar and not gobble it all up?
hell yes!! send some our way
I love the container you put it in. Adds to the homemade effect. Thanks for sharing! Love your blog!
thanks
Trying to get a little more creative with photos!
I’ve been saying, “If only it were spring break” more than I should even admit lately! I actually like homemade almond butter better than store-bought too. It lends itself to fun adaptations. Coconut is a new one to me, but one I’m excited to try
I agree! I like your positive thinking.. you can make things happen for yourself, in my opinion!
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