What’s better than one cookie? How about 2 cookies sandwiching a mound of almond butter frosting- hello flourless almond butter sandwich cookies? Yeah. That happened.
If you can believe it, 2016 is coming to a close. Hearing the number 2017 is pretty mind blowing, to me. It’s probably one of those dates that I won’t get used to writing for at least three months. This time of year, as December rolls around I like to look back.
- What were the highlights?
- What were the learning moments?
- How have I changed?
- Where could I still improve?
This year brought a lot of person growth and exposed a lot of areas that have been swept under the rug (2017 you’ve got your work cut out for you.)
One of the biggest lessons of this year, has been how to handle burnout. Which in turn, has translated into how to build a sustainable business with In it 4 the Long Run.
I wrote about burnout in depth after this summer. (read the full post here) Part of me was afraid that once I got “back in the groove” I’d go about working and blogging in the same way. However, I’ve been pleasantly surprised that going a slower pace is working for me. I’m definitely not growing as quickly, but I’m also enjoying life and still hitting goals I’ve set.
Learning From Burnout
One of the biggest lessons from burning out this summer was realizing that it’s ok to take little breaks along the way. Last week I had planned to post Tuesday and Friday. However, life happened. Schedules changed. And no posts went up. The world didn’t end. In fact, I had a wonderful, restful week.
Part of burning out for me, was acknowledging that I let my competitive nature push aside other important aspects of my life outside my blog, in order to grow. These days I feel like I have a much bigger picture attitude. It’s ok if I don’t cross every item off my to do list. The world hasn’t ended yet. In fact, getting a drink with friends, practicing my portrait photography or spending time with my boyfriend
At the end of the day it’s ok to take breaks. Hustling your face off only works for so long. Some seasons you need to, but breaks, ones you take guilt free, are good. In fact, the more you take mini breaks the better you get at getting back to the groove, and the less taking time off throws you off.
I’ve got big plans for 2017. For this blog, this brand and for my own life. Part of those plans include taking breaks.
About the Flourless Almond Butter Sandwich Cookies
Baking these flourless almond butter sandwich cookies is the perfect activity for your next break. ’Tis the season for baking cookies right? The cookies themselves couldn’t be simpler. You only need 2 bowls, a mixer and 7 ingredients.
The frosting? Even more simple! I wasn’t sure I could make a dairy free frosting work, but the magic of coconut oil and almond butter didn’t us.
About the Almond Butter
For this recipe (and many others I’ve shared) I teamed up with Barney Butter. Barney Butter is an almond butter made with blanched almonds. That means no skin. This makes for a more creamy texture. It’s also great for anyone with a sensitive stomach, which can be upset by the skin on almonds. I usually buy my Barney Butter in the organic section at Stop & Shop, but you can find it at Whole Foods, TJ Maxx, Home Goods and most large grocery chains.
If you buy barney butter and want to make more recipes with it, here are a couple of my favorites:
- Cookies:
- 1 Egg
- 1 Cup of Almond Butter
- 1/2 Cup of Coconut Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Powder
- Frosting:
- 1/2 Cup of Almond Butter
- 2 Tablespoons of Maple Syrup
- 1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil
- In a medium size bowl mix together (by hand or with a mixer) all ingredients for the cookies: egg, almond butter, coconut sugar, baking soda and baking powder
- Place bowl in the fridge and let dough chill for 30-60 minutes
- In medium size bowl beat together melted coconut oil, almond butter and maple syrup, place in fridge for 60 minutes
- Preheat oven to 350ºF
- Roll out dough into 10 cookies
- Bake for 15 minutes
- Allow cookies to cool
- Take frosting from the fridge and spread on 5 cookies, sandwich with the remaining 5 cookies
Your Turn:
- What’s one lesson you’ve learned from 2016?
1
I LOVE those weeks when you just say…NOPE no writing this week…I’m going to take care of me! In the end those weeks are the times to reflect, relax, enjoy life, and come back refreshed and more excited to write and inspire. Cannot wait to catch up with you soon! And feel free to share some of those cookies! XOXO
I’m planning on taking 2 weeks off blogging during Christmas/ New Years and can’t WAIT to just relax and get re-inspired. The biggest blogging lesson I learned in 2016 was QUALITY over QUANTITY! I use to stress about getting 4-5 posts out a week and now only do about 2 really good posts. I not only have more personal time but my views have dramatically increased as well 🙂
Yum these look perfect! And I am loving the real life posts I can definitely relate. Thanks!
im so with you on going slow and growing organically while having life. i have realized that at the end of the day, it really doesnt matter THAT MUCH.
I can relate…so much! And I loved your Insta story today about stress during the holidays. My content (and attitude) is better when I’m living my life and then writing on the side, not the other way around.
Flourless cookies are the BOMB.com. :o) And I’ve learned so much from your lessons on burnout Georgie; I’m still struggling with the balance between work and rest, but I’m thankful for you continuing to share what you’ve learned.
The Insta Story: agreed with Em. 🙂 So thankful for those reminders.
These look beautiful!!! Wow, so many lesson learnt this year, I think the biggest is that you can’t always have control over what happens in you’re life,and you just have to be patient knowing that everything in the end will work itself out eventually!
I totally agree with you about taking little breaks, and how beneficial that can be to avoid burnout (or at least have it less often). I’ve been seeing a therapist, originally for in-law issues but it has taught me a TON about myself, and how I handle stressors. I didn’t know this, but both good and bad stress could have negative effects on other aspects of life. AH! Possibly one of the reasons why I felt SO MUCH burnout this year.
Thanks for your honesty and sharing your experiences, girl!
These look wonderful! 🙂 One lesson that I’ve learned in 2016 is that when I’m burned out, I need to take a break and more importantly not internalize the guilt that goes along with feeling burned out. When I’m burned out, self-care–not self-discipline–is what I need. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
It’s so important to take breaks and seek balance in our lives, I’m sure every blogger can relate since there is a never ending list of things to do and learn in this industry! Sometimes you just need to step away and remember it will all still be there when you come back.
These cookies look dope, btw!
These were so yummy and easy to make! They came a tad crumblier than I like them, but the kids ate them up! – Zomick’s
Aww thank you for sharing! Sometimes the type/brand of nut butter can effect the cookie – I find ones that are smoother can help – so glad the kids loved ’em