st. mary's glacier | alice, colorado

One of my favorite things about Hannah is that she's always up for adventures and exploring, big or small. She also always seems to know of the best places to find these adventures. 

For this particular adventure, I had just left my family and loved ones and driven through the great state of Nebraska while Hannah had just put nearly forty hours in in a mere three days... we were both pretty low on energy. 

The hike was gentle. For a while we were the only ones out there... before we knew it, people seemed to be coming out of the trees! It was fun to see all the different people. Nature does things to people. Everyone we encountered was smiling and delightful. There was a young family that especially stood out to me as they had a whole crew of littles, all different shapes, sizes, and colors... most of them were either dressed to the nines or in a costume of some sort. :) I think I'll try that the next time I take a hike too.

It felt as if we were a million miles away from civilization. We really should have been unplugged... These photos are all from my phone, so clearly we weren't, but it was nice to feel that freedom. The air up there was so delicious: crystal clear and oh so fresh. :)

I'm pretty sure she was mocking me for the next few photos, but we were in stitches and the photos just capture how much fun we have together, so I kept them. 

The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we inhabit 

are not only critical elements in the quality of life we enjoy - 

they are a reflection of the majesty of our Creator.

beast + bottle | denver, colorado

Whilst on my ever enchanting grand adventure, I made a stop in Denver for some majorly overdue quality time with my best gal, Hannah. We always have a blast together and this visit, of course, was no different. We also always eat really well while we're together. 

It's of utmost importance to surround yourself with people who appreciate the same things as you. We appreciate food. (...and Jesus, and nature, and good conversation, and adventures, and exploring, but those are ALLLLL separate stories in and of themselves... all for another day... or post, whichever comes first!)

One of the many amazing stops we made was at beast + bottle. Hannah had been wanting to try it out and we were in the area already so I could get some fun postcards.

Hannah being beautiful while my bloody mary takes the edge off the exceptionally warm day!

It was an absolutely gorgeous day. When I left home, it was chilly and wet. Naturally, that's then how I packed... In all honesty, most of my time in Denver, it was freakin' hot. 

Someday I'll learn.

I hope.

Every once in a while, I get these weird cravings. They mostly come in the form of bacon, buffalo chicken dip, lentils, and maple donuts (not at the same time, but those are the top four culprits) -- this was one of those difficult days where I was just really craving a good bloody mary... 

...and bacon. 

Preferably together.

I sometimes find myself a little hesitant to branch out and try things that are unfamiliar and different... especially if it's something I'm paying for and there's a sure, tried and true version out there I could opt for instead. I decided to be brave (thanks to the wonderful waitress' coaxing and incredible description of their options) and tried the mesquite bourbon bloody mary. I'm not typically a bourbon girl, but this was delicious. Seriously, when you next are in Denver and visit beast + bottle, this is something you'll write home about. So good.

This summer was kind of interesting at home, notably mild. My dad has an incredible green thumb and typically grows TONS of big, bright red tomatoes right off their deck, but this summer was so slow to warm up that there were quite a few that stayed green all summer until, finally, it did end up freezing. :( 

Part of me was hoping they wouldn't ever turn and I had really good intentions of frying those lovely green tomaters, but alas, never got around to it... thankfully it was an option at beast + bottle too! Their homemade goat ranch was out of this world! 

Fried pickles and in-house goat milk ranch dressing, of course.

Breakfast perfection, don't mess.

My most favored breakfast go-to is always the classic: eggs, bacon, and toast (and hashbrowns, if I'm lucky!) This is one of those things that when you know it's good, you just don't mess with it. Leading up to my departure, I had so many breakfasts and dinners with dear friends for good-bye's sake, that I don't think a day went by that I didn't have bacon. Denver was no different. I hadn't had any this day and I needed my bacon fix. Delicious, local, homegrown, happy eggs, bacon, and sourdough bread. Easy to mess up, but so worth it when you get it right. :)

Go to beast + bottle, you won't regret it.

life in the FAST LANE

Today is day 3 of my (hopefully) 10 day adventure heading west... days 1 and 2 were a little rocky, as I should have expected. I have so much love for my family and dear friends at home that it hurts a lot to leave. 

Driving down to Des Moines with raindrops to match my tears.

On day 1 I drove through weather that perfectly reflected my weepy soul. Tears and excitement fueled the drive and once I got there my dear friend Tina helped me process and identify what was going on - she didn't realize it though because I told her I didn't want to talk about it. :) Time completely escaped me over coffee with an incredible friend, Tricia, at my very favorite cafe in Des Moines, La Mie. (Sidenote: La Mie is as French as you can get... outside of France, of course. The food and ambiance is out of this world and absolutely perfect, check it out on 42nd just off 235!) The fun continued downtown at Malo -- also an incredible dining experience! 

Tricia treated me to a cocktail at Malo's and I picked 'El Jefe'
in honor of my dad as that's what we have called him for the past decade or so.

Tricia got a 'Templeton Mule', which was surprisingly subtle and refreshing!
It was made of Templeton Rye whiskey, brandy, lemon juice, and ginger beer.

I remember sitting there trying to take the evening in... my two best friends from growing up were sitting kitty-corner from each other; one to my right, the other across the table from me to my left, sweet Tina was on my left, my old roommate and her fiance were across from me, and my wonderful Cody was the head of the table to the right. I can't fully explain how full and content I was during this meal. The location was something to be appreciated, most certainly, and the food was perfect as well... but there's just something to be said (that I'm clearly struggling to put words to) for having a full day week of being surrounded by people you love and who love you and who you know so well and who know you so well... on my way down to Des Moines, I was feeling guilty for not being content at home, for always having this longing to go and explore and experience things. At dinner I had countless moments where I was second-guessing whether or not I was making the right decision in leaving such a great place with so many people that I not only love, but so enjoy as well. 

If you're wondering, I still feel a bit guilty for leaving such a good thing... but I'm confident I'm heading in the right direction. :)

I do have to confess that it's my hope and prayer that I can find a community out west where I can know and love people like I do the ones back home. Obviously not to replace anyone, just to know that full-hearted feeling I had at dinner Monday. I know God will provide as he always has before, but it is one of those things I have identified as a serious need in my life. 

So, after dinner Monday, a few of us continued on to my friend, Cody's new downtown loft (or fancy new bachelor pad! as I like to refer to it.) The conversation and laughter never ceased. It was the perfect ending to a heavy-hearted day. 

Yesterday was not my favorite... the spitty rain on my way down to Des Moines Monday was a bit depressing to drive through, but I was so thankful that it wasn't windy. Tuesday was not so lucky. The wind was unreal. The struggle was out of control. I could have filled a cuss jar before lunch rolled around. It was pretty much me and a bunch of semi's and campers, so not only was I struggling to keep my vehicle on the road, but I was doing my best to dodge the large swerving trucks and the like as well. 

Fun fact.

I had to stop quite a few times because the wind was such a pain. I stopped at a coffee shop at an outlet mall just outside Omaha and had the most incredible dirty chai! I can't for the life of me remember the name of the coffee shop or special drink though! :( (Looks like I could have used a good dose of lotion on my alligator hands - yikes.)

The wind finally died down and it was flatlands for miles.

Nebraska in and of itself wasn't horrible - I really should blame the wind. It was pretty. I was pretty thrilled when all of a sudden I realized I was in Colorado and saw mountains for the first time! I stopped at a gas station trapped in the year 1982 to reload on water. 

I washed my windshield three times before this... 

So many photobombers.

The sunset was beautiful in my rear views!

I pressed on through the super intense sun and gorgeous sunset and drove a bit more through the dark before I hit Denver. O. Man. Another second guess whether this is the right choice or not. I hate city driving. White-knuckled, I listened to my navigation system, sailed over and around the Mile High stadium, cruised in and out of construction zones, and finally made it over the hills and through the woods to my incredible Hannah's house. The poor thing had to listen to my rambles for a while before we could both call it a day... 

More fun is planned for the next few days. :) Can't wait to see where this journey takes me!

Pictures to come.

today's THE DAY.

If I'm being honest with you, I have to say I feel like I'm tearing my heart out and throwing it across a lake...

Dramatic. I know... 

You see, I have this problem... this bug of sorts. 

I have to travel. 

I need to explore. 

I thrive off meeting new people and being in places that aren't familiar. 

As the title of this blog suggests, I'm a bit of a gypsy. I don't speak Romani. Unfortunately I don't have dark skin nor do I live among a commune or tell fortunes. I am, however, a free spirit and I love to see the world.

A few times along this journey we call life, I've had the opportunity to live in places with incredible people and opportunities every way you turn... I suppose every place is like that if we allow it to be, but while living in a couple of my places, the very deepest parts of my heart just felt so alive. I'm heading back to one of those places... because it's overall mentality and culture is what I need to achieve my dreams. 

For the past five years, (a record for me!) I've lived back in my hometown. It's been absolutely wonderful, but there's always this tug on my heart pulling me elsewhere. 

This past season (the past year or so) has been one of discovery and liberation as I have slowly been able to uncover interests and gifts that I can put to use as a career. (Extra liberating as I have always wanted to be a momma and just in the previous season of life came to grips with acknowledging that as a good and healthy desire and goal!) I am very excited about the things I'll be learning and the way I'll be able to pour into the lives of others.

However. Right now. In this very moment, I am very sad. I am also a little terrified. 

I've been feeling this way for a couple weeks now - it's taken a while to wrap my mind around this being my new and current reality and no longer a dream.

I'm sad to leave the ones I love so dearly.

As much as I love being somewhere unfamiliar and new, I'm sad to be somewhere other than my hometown where I know people and can freely hug and wander. :) (Two of my favorite things!)

I've been trying to pinpoint my fear and I've been able to acknowledge that it's not the journey out west that I'm afraid of. It's not the fact that I don't have a job and am not entirely sure when I will have one again. I'm very much excited for the unknown and the fact that I don't have a concrete plan, so it's not that either... it's that I won't have constant, tangible access to my family. Ugh, I tell you, that's just the worst right now. If you haven't had the opportunity to meet them... first of all, you're missing out. And, secondly, they might sometimes have a bit of a front that's difficult to read ;) but they're absolutely the most wonderful people alive. But, then again, I'm SUPER biased. :)

Okay, so what I've been trying to remind myself over and over lately is that I can't dwell on what I'm leaving because there are such incredible things waiting for me ahead. I KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that this is the right timing and the right action for me to take, but goodness, it is hard! 

In a few hours I'll take the first few steps in my new adventure...

Tears make it hard to put words together, did you know that?

the liebster award!

Just a little excitement here at girlwithagypsyheart today... even having my page sit idle for a while, sweet Maegan (aka: Mama Bee over at The Bee Hive Buzz) nominated me for The Liebster Award! THANKS SO MUCH MAEGAN!!! What an honor?! 

If you, like me, are unfamiliar with the Liebster Award, let me fill you in... (I did a bit of research after discovering I was nominated.)

I love words, so let's start with the word 'Liebster' itself:

Liebster has German roots and is typically used as an adjective describing someone as dearest, sweetest, kindest, nicest, beloved, lovely, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, welcome, sweetheart, and sometimes even boyfriend... all great things!

SO, playing off that knowledge, this award is given to bloggers by other bloggers. It's similar to a chain letter in that it is sent forward to a number of other writers and it's main objective is to introduce readers to new wonderful up-and-coming blogs. 

The unofficially official rules (I found a slew of rules to choose from, so I'll go with the ones Maegan used...) are:

1. Each nominee must post 11 facts about themselves.
2. Answer the questions from the person who nominated you and create 11 new questions for those you nominate.
3. Nominate 5-11 of your favorite bloggers and link them in your post.
4. Go to their page and tell them.
5. Thank and link back to the person's blog who nominated you.

And so it begins!!

11 facts about the girl with a gypsy heart:

1. I hate the idleness of complacency. Enough to warrant doing things I dislike almost as much... like making an utter fool of myself for years just to conquer something I know I'll love and cherish for a lifetime.
2. I am an ambivert. (Aka: a walking contradiction. Watch this TEDTalks for a better understanding and to help you discover which you are.)
3. My balance of grace and justice is pretty much BROKEN. (I'm a lover, not a hater!)
4. I spent a year living in Europe that absolutely changed my life forever and brought light to things I never knew I was capable of. I now am a square peg in a round hole trying to figure out where I belong! :) (It's not as bad as it seems... or at least I'm learning to come to grips with it.)
5. I would rather go to the ends of the earth SOLO than have to organize every little detail or be held back by a group.
6. I could eat avocados with every meal. I could probably incorporate them into any and every type of dish as well.
7. I am a libertarian in every sense of the word. (FREEEEEEEEDOMMMMMM!!!)
8. I sincerely believe I would not only survive, but thrive living as a part of a commune. :)
9. I whole-heartedly believe in holistic health not just because of the evidence and simplicity of it, but because I worship a mighty God who created a perfect earth and I believe that in His work of creating this crazy wonderful residence for us, He delighted in creating solutions for us as well. Everything that grows from the ground and breathes on this earth has purpose and a place. (I could go on and on, but I think that's a view of mine that gets distorted into just being a hippie -- there's much more to it peeps! :) )
10. I have more dreams than I know what to do with, but am nevertheless striving to accomplish each and every one of them.
11. My deepest awareness of myself is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I have done nothing to earn it or deserve it. (As a sidenote: my very favorite author is Brennan Manning.)

And now, for the questions Maegan provided:

How did you decide on the title of your blog?

My dad and I have always loved adventures and I believe he's the one who first deemed us as having 'gypsy hearts'... we're pulled wherever our interests lie which is usually a road trip or plane flight away. I created my blog in attempts to keep in touch and document my adventures in Europe and thought it was a little long, but nothing short of perfect.

Do you have any pets?

I have a Mollie-girl who is actually my parents', but I claim her as my own. She's a sweet yellow lab and a fellow lover of life.

If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?

This one is really, super difficult. I honestly am so crazy excited for where my life's taking me and all I've learned in the past few hard earned years that I can't say I'd change a thing, one small difference would have me somewhere other than where I am right here and now... 

What was your favorite cartoon as a child?

I always loved Beauty and the Beast... except for that scary part in the forest. Eeech... I still want to be Belle. :)

Coffee or tea?

COFFEE. I'm a total poser, but in the past few months, I have become such an addict!! I love, love, LOVE that bit of morning when you wake up to a quiet house and sunshine and can sit in the new light of day with a steaming cup and a beloved book and just gear up for all that is to come. Ah, is there anything more glorious?!

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

Ireland. I've never met more hospitable, wonderful, gorgeous people in all of my life. I visited during a drought and it was so beautiful, I can't even imagine the sights with lush green pastures! AND they have some of the strictest standards in agriculture which means their food is pure, delicious, and nutritious. 

What are your 3 favorite blogs that you follow?

1. http://suebryce.com/blog/
2. http://www.101cookbooks.com/
3. http://enlightenedmama.com/blog/

What is one thing that you can't leave the house without doing?

My morning coffee ritual - it really throws off my day to miss it!

What is your favorite topic to blog about??

Food. 

And Jesus. :)

...and babies.

......and traveling.

Really, Maegan? How can I pick just one?!

I have a lot of passions. It's a blessing and a curse. My favorite time to blog is when it is so authentic, I don't even have to think - the words just course through my veins and out of my fingers. 

I have three posts in perticular that have been such a delight to write - they always seem to be the ones that get read the most and have the most response to them. All were about different things. Sorry Sweets! I can't pick just one! Not today anyway! 

What is something you do in your house to be more ecofriendly?

We have a compost bin in the backyard and take all of our scraps and seeds and such out after a day or two of collecting in a mug or a bowl. It makes the tomatoes grow super-tall too, win-win!

In your opinion, what is the best blog post you've written so far? Share the link!

There's a lot of extra words from my very favorite author, but here it is... 

I now nominate:

Renae at Launder Life.

Mary at Real is the New Good.

Ashley at Ashley Grace.

Shannon at Organic Girl.

Christen at Brain Bending.

Hannah at These Encounters with God are Defining Who I am.

Andi at The Narrative.

Maegan at The Bee Hive Buzz.
Hanna at Simply Gina.

And my questions for you are:

1. For you, what is the most rewarding part of blogging?
2. Why do you blog?
3. What inspires your writing?
4. Do you have a routine for your blog? If so, what is it?
5. What makes your heart so full you think it might explode? How do you feel you can encounter these moments more in life?
6. What is your favorite time of day and why?
7. If you discovered you were just gifted a plane ticket anywhere in the world with any two people, where would you go and who would you take with you?
8. Do you prefer blogging or journaling?
9. If you could rewrite the definition of 'adventure', how would you describe it?
10. What is your very favorite town and why?
11. Your choice (or both!) -- what is the most popular post you've written thus far and/or what is your favorite blog post you've written to date?

Nominees, please either send me the link to your Liebster Award post OR, better yet!, leave a comment with your link so I can learn the answers to the questions I've asked you! :) I'm excited to hear all the different answers and discover more reasons why I love these writers!

Thanks again, Maegan, for the nomination! What a fun way to celebrate the art of blogging?!

'you doula what??' + first attempt at a lactation cookie recipe

So... all my life, I've dreamt of being a momma. Lots of little chicklets running around and me just pouring my overabundance of love on them and having adventures everyday. Fair enough, right? Well, not too long after I came to grips with the fact that that was more than an okay dream to have, I realized I simply can't do it on my own and will need someone wonderful to help me make it a reality... 

Unfortunately, Mr. Wonderful seems to still be on the loose.

(Wah, wah... I know.) 

Anywho. I have tried plenty of things that fit my fancy. I've dabbled here and there at different trades and skills. For the most part, I've liked them all... but have you ever met someone who was so crazy in love with what they do every day that their joy just completely saturates their entire being?? Have you ever just wanted so much to walk a day in their footsteps to see what it was that was so invigorating about what they do moment-by-moment to give them such a fire for life?

Exciting thing: I found it. :) Well, I found it for me, anyway. 

And I'm so unbelievably thrilled to tell you about it. As a matter of fact, if you were sitting right here next to me, you'd probably have to physically shut me up or fall asleep before I'd stop telling you about it. It's so wonderful. :)

Last summer, my incredible brother and sis-in-love announced that they were having sweet babe #3. Thankfully, we have a friendship that is very open and she allowed me to poke and prod and ask questions that some women wouldn't have welcomed. They also were so very kind and allowed me to be at the monumental moment of my very first niece's birth. 

What an experience. 

It was nothing short of amazing. Ashley is pretty much a professional when it comes to carrying and having babies. Seriously, she made it look way too easy.

First slumber party with my sweet niece! Just hours after her birth. Such a gorgeous lil miss.

My best friend is a nurse out in Colorado and had shared with me her experience of training to be a doula as part of her studies to become a nurse. I was intrigued, but unsure of my qualifications. After witnessing my sis give birth, I knew I wanted to know more. I'd alway been interested in the process of pregnancy and childbirth and figured I really couldn't lose too much by attending a training. I searched and searched and contacted multiple training centers and educators all over the country and found only one that seemed to be a real, genuine human on the other end. 

Luckily for me, she wasn't too far away either.

I signed up to train under Liz Abbene, CD(DONA) (Certified Doula of DONA Int'l), LCCE (Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator), CBC(CBI)(Certified Breastfeeding Counselor through Childbirth International), BDT(DONA)(Birth Doula Trainer of Dona Int'l), CLEC(Certified Lactation Educator Counselor), and just recently, IBLCE(International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners). Liz is the Alpha Mama at Enlightened Mama in St. Paul, Minnesota. 

I can't tell you the anticipation I experienced those few weeks from signing up to walking through the door.

June 1st, I journeyed north to the Twin Cities where I was able to stay with a very dear friend (that's a whole other super cool story, perhaps next time!) and Monday morning I headed off to my first day of doula training! 

My journey was a little extra eventful with dark skies, big raindrops, and tornadoes!

Liz is so unbelievably knowledgeable. I am biased, but I'm pretty sure it's safe to say she's the expert of pregnancy and childbirth. Myself and ten other women from all different walks of life, sat together and soaked up as much as we could about breastfeeding, growing humans, and giving birth as we could fit in into our four days together. Some of us were able to stay for a bonus seminar with Dr. Mark Sloan (no, not from Grey's Anatomy) and learned about the differences and long term effects of vaginal and cesarean births. We had hands-on practice with coping and comfort techniques. We met families who shared their birth stories with us, both simple stories and very complex and scary birth stories and the roles and benefits their doula played in their birth. We were given the opportunity to connect with different programs, agencies, and the birth collective of the Twin Cities. As women interested in the process and experience of birth, we were learning that there is a serious need and that the world is our oyster!  

Looking back, I love the difference between day one and day four. Initially, I was nervous entering as a single woman who had never had a child and only experienced birth as a bystander. (Turns out of the 11 of us only three were mama's!) By day four, I hated to leave. These women had become my tribe, my people! I know I couldn't have received better, hands-on, interactive training ANYWHERE else (and I'd certainly looked far and wide!) One of the best things about Liz's training approach is that she had us share personal experiences throughout each topic. This allowed us all to connect to what it was that we were learning with a very first-person mentality, because of her teaching tactic, we had little to no disconnect. (And trust me, there was a lot of information!)

Me and my new tribe! :) 

Upon returning home, I shared my excitement with EVERYONE I came in contact with. I jabbered too many people's ears off... (Thank you to those of you gracious individuals who allowed me to share with you. You helped tremendously in my processing!) I devoured books by Ina May Gaskin (and now, very much would like to meet her in person, please!) Within a week I had found a family to practice my newfound knowledge and passion with. (This is another super cool story in and of itself!)

Seeing that this family was quickly approaching their due date, we condensed and fast-tracked our meetings a bit. We shared excitement and anticipation until I got the call that they were heading into the birthing center. (I think excitement and anticipation are a bit of an understatement!) 

Once I arrived and labor was in full-swing, I couldn't help but keep thinking over and over again, "I love this SO MUCH, I swear, I could do it all day, everyday!" It was such an intense and intimate situation with trials and victories, laughter and tears, pain and joy... Oh my goodness, it was amazing.

I got home late that next night or early that next morning (either way) and lay in my bed; body exhausted, mind and heart racing with adrenaline. At that moment, I decided once a week might be sufficient... but loved it all the same. 

As a doula, I have the privilege of meeting with the family not just as they anticipate the arrival of their child, but also in walking with them as they process the event postpartum. I can't express the honor it is to be trusted with sharing such an intimate and exciting moment in a family's life. I am extra blessed that my first family are dear friends of mine and are gracious enough to answer lots of pressing, sometimes personal questions regarding their pregnancy and birth experience and are kind enough to allow me to use them as guinea pigs for my first attempt at different tricks and tools (like the lactation cookie recipe below!) 

I know this is just the beginning of an incredible adventure. I cannot express the gratitude I have for God's graciousness in allowing me to find this less than common profession and pursue it whole-heartedly... I cannot imagine a better fit for my character, gifts, and heart than assisting women and their families in bringing a new life into the world. 

Ah, such an honor. :)

//

For those of you choosing to breastfeed, try out this fool-proof, super versatile recipe to help increase your milk-supply!

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  

In a small mixing bowl or mug, mix together 4 tablespoons water and 2 tablespoons flax meal. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat: 1 cup of butter (two sticks traditionally), 1 cup packed brown sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 2 tablespoons molasses one at a time. Add one ingredient at a time.

If you've been advised to steer clear from dairy, Earth Balance has a dairy free substitute.

I suggest organic Blackstrap Molasses if at all possible, but this gem was hiding in our cupboard, so rather than throwing it out, I made the executive decision to put it to use...
Molasses is the mineral rich portion pulled from cane sugar. The iron and other minerals of molasses are easy to absorb making it a great help for new mamas lacking in iron. 

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the following dry ingredients: 2 cups flour, 4 tablespoons Brewer's yeast, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon fresh ground ginger.

Mix the wet and dry ingredients into the large bowl.

The flaxseed and water mix together to create a gelatinous substance. The milled flax seed is beneficial to a breastfeeding mama because of its abundance of fiber and omega fatty acids (which are also critical for brain development and growth in sweet babes!) 

Add 3 cups old-fashioned, thick cut oats, 1/2 cup carob chips (or chocolate chips), 1 cup dried cherries (or your choice of dried fruit), 1/2 cup slivered almonds (or your choice of nuts). These ingredients in particular are super versatile - I used what I had on hand, but whatever fits your fancy will work!

Again, if you've been advised to steer clear from dairy, Sunspire has dairy free carob chips and Enjoy Life has dairy, wheat, and soy-free chocolate chips.

Scoop onto a well-greased or parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. 

Enjoy!

//

I couldn't help myself... in my research for putting these bad boys together, I came across 'Lactating Fountains of Italy'... had to share this beaut! Ladies, I hope this recipe has the same effect on you and your milk supply! :)

Fontana di Nettuno, located in Bologna's Piazza Nettuno.