Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups: Cozy, Healthy Breakfast for Fall

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups

There’s something deeply comforting about the scent of baked apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen. These oatmeal cups bring that feeling into your mornings — a little bit of fall coziness you can hold in your hands.

They’re simple to make, nourishing for the body, and grounding for the soul — everything autumn breakfasts should be.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or butter
  • 1 medium apple, diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji are great)
  • Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
  2. Mix dry ingredients — oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt — in a large bowl.
  3. Whisk wet ingredients — milk, maple syrup, egg, vanilla, and coconut oil — in another bowl.
  4. Combine wet and dry mixtures, then fold in the diced apple (and nuts if using).
  5. Spoon mixture evenly into muffin cups, pressing down gently to help them hold shape.
  6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the tops are golden and set.
  7. Cool completely before removing from the pan.

Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently and enjoy with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of yogurt.

Mindful Tip

As these oatmeal cups bake, take a moment to breathe in the scent of cinnamon and apple. Let it remind you of the sweetness in simplicity — nourishment doesn’t have to be complicated.

Staying Grounded This Fall: 3 Soulful Lessons from Nature’s Wisdom

As autumn unfurls her golden shawl and the air turns crisp with change, nature invites us to slow down. The trees whisper ancient lessons in letting go. The wind hums reminders to breathe deeper. The earth softens, making space for rest.

If we listen closely, fall becomes more than a season — it becomes a teacher. Here are three soulful ways to stay grounded this fall and to walk in rhythm with nature’s wisdom.

1. Practice the Art of Letting Go

The trees do not mourn their leaves; they release them with grace, trusting the cycle to bring new life in time. Let your practice this season be one of gentle release — old expectations, heavy emotions, the endless striving. Take a few quiet moments each day to breathe out what no longer serves you.

Try this: Stand beneath a tree and imagine your worries as leaves drifting softly to the ground. Whisper gratitude for what they taught you, then let them go.

2. Root Down into Ritual

Just as roots reach deeper when the air grows colder, grounding rituals can anchor us during times of change. Light a candle at dawn. Stir cinnamon into your tea. Walk outside and feel your feet press into the earth.

Consistency in small sacred acts reminds the body that it is safe — that stillness can be a sanctuary.

Try this: Begin or end your day with one slow, intentional breath of gratitude. Feel your breath connect you to everything that is steady and alive.

3. Rest in Rhythm, Not Resistance

Nature never rushes. The sun tilts earlier into twilight, the soil gathers its quiet strength for spring. Instead of pushing against the darker days, allow yourself to move in harmony with them. Rest more. Reflect. Dream.

Let your inner pace match the pace of the season — slow, rich, and full of unseen growth.

Try this: Keep a “slow journal” — write one sentence each night about something beautiful you noticed, no matter how small.

As the world turns inward, so can you. Let fall remind you that surrender is not weakness — it is wisdom. The wisdom of knowing when to pause, when to soften, and when to simply be.

May this season root you in peace, and may you trust that even in stillness, you are growing.

Nut-Free Homemade Granola: A Heartwarming Snack for Every Season

Nut-Free Homemade Granola: A Heartwarming Snack for Every Season

There’s something so comforting about the scent of granola baking in the oven—the soft sweetness of honey and oats, the warmth of cinnamon filling the kitchen. This nut-free granola recipe came from a simple wish to create something nourishing and safe to share with friends who can’t enjoy nuts. It’s sweetened naturally, filled with wholesome goodness, and made with the kind of care that turns a recipe into a ritual.

Each bite is a reminder that simple ingredients can come together in the most beautiful way—just like the moments of our lives when we slow down and pay attention.


Nut-Free Granola Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped dates
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and sea salt.
  3. In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey (or maple syrup), oil, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over the oat mixture and stir until evenly coated.
  4. Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and fragrant.
  5. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before stirring in the chopped dates and cranberries. Store in an airtight jar or container.

Mindful Moment
As you stir the oats and honey together, pause for a moment. Notice the texture, the scent, the warmth rising from the bowl. Let this simple act of creation be an offering—a way to nurture not just your body, but your spirit.


Serving Ideas

  • Sprinkle over Greek yogurt with fresh berries.
  • Layer into parfaits with coconut yogurt and fruit.
  • Enjoy as a crunchy snack with a cup of tea.
  • Add to baked apples or use as a topping for smoothie bowls.

Essential Oil Blend for Grounding & Alignment: Returning to Your True Self

There are seasons in life when we feel pulled in many directions—torn between what the world expects of us and what our heart truly knows. When that happens, I turn to ritual. A moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the values that shape who I am.

This essential oil blend is one of those quiet rituals—a gentle reminder to come home to yourself. It helps ground the energy in the body while aligning the heart and mind with clarity and purpose.

When we are grounded, we act with steadiness. When we are aligned, we act with integrity. Together, grounding and alignment help us move through life as our most authentic, radiant self.

Grounding & Alignment Blend

  • 3 drops Frankincense — for spiritual connection and inner calm
  • 3 drops Cedarwood — for deep grounding and stability
  • 2 drops Bergamot — for joy, confidence, and authenticity
  • 2 drops Lavender — for emotional balance and grace
  • 1 drop Sandalwood (or Vetiver) — for deep presence and inner peace

Combine in a 10 ml roller bottle and top with fractionated coconut oil. Roll over the heart, wrists, and the back of the neck. Breathe deeply and set your intention to live in harmony with your values.

Mindful Moment:
As you anoint yourself with this blend, take a slow inhale and silently repeat:
“I am rooted in truth, aligned with purpose, and guided by grace.”

This is not just an aroma—it’s an energetic invitation to slow down, listen inward, and remember who you are beneath the noise.

Essential Oil Tip:
Try diffusing this blend while journaling or meditating on your personal values. Ask yourself what truly matters to you right now, and how you can take one small action that reflects that truth.

When we live in alignment with our deepest values, we become both grounded and free. Learn more about essential oils in the free download.

The Week After the Book Release: Gratitude, Growth, and Grace

The week following the release of my book has felt like a dream I once whispered quietly to myself that finally came true. There’s been so much joy—messages from readers, kind words from friends, and a deep, steady sense of gratitude that continues to unfold each day.

It’s funny how something that begins as a simple intention—a quiet goal set in the corner of your heart—can grow into something that touches others. I remember the early mornings when doubt was louder than belief. I remember pushing through moments of resistance, showing up even when I questioned if anyone would care. But what I’ve learned through this process is that staying accountable, even when no one’s watching, builds a kind of inner trust that no outside validation can replace.

Releasing this book has not just been about sharing my words; it’s been about becoming the kind of person who finishes what she starts. I’ve discovered a deeper layer of confidence that comes from commitment—from choosing to keep going even when imposter syndrome whispers that you’re not ready or not enough.

Action Makes It Real

This journey reminded me that we don’t have to wait until we feel perfectly confident to take action. Confidence comes from taking action. From showing up, again and again, even when the outcome is uncertain.

As I sit here reflecting on this first week of sharing my work with the world, my heart is full. I’m grateful for every person who has read, shared, or reached out. I’m grateful for the years of learning, unlearning, healing, and creating that led me here.

Dreams and Goals

If you’re holding onto a dream—whether it’s writing a book, starting a project, or simply taking the next brave step—trust that the process will shape you just as much as the outcome. You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to begin.

Because sometimes, the most powerful transformation happens not when the world sees what you’ve created, but when you finally see what you’re capable of.

If my journey resonates with you, I’d love for you to explore my new book, 52 Weeks of Wisdom & Wellness: A Year of Mindful Living. It’s a reflection of the lessons, practices, and heart-centered truths that helped me stay grounded through the seasons of growth.

Fresh & Flavorful Mediterranean Turkey Bowl

Looking for a delicious, protein-packed meal that’s both healthy and satisfying? This Mediterranean Turkey Bowl is bursting with bright flavors, crunchy textures, and nourishing ingredients that support balanced blood sugar and steady energy. It’s quick enough for weeknights, colorful enough for guests, and endlessly adaptable!

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (or cauliflower rice for lower carbs)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • ½ red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
  • ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

For the dressing:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the turkey: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through.
  2. Assemble the bowl: Divide quinoa among bowls. Top with turkey, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta.
  3. Make the dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the bowls.
  4. Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy warm or chilled.

This bowl supports balanced blood sugar with lean protein, heart-healthy fats, and fiber-rich veggies. It’s perfect for meal prep and can easily be customized—try adding roasted chickpeas, spinach, or tzatziki for extra flavor.

Holiday Gift Guide 2025: Handmade Gifts, Artisan Bakes & Mindful Living Treasures

Soulful Holiday Gift Guide: Handmade & Mindful Treasures for the Season

The holidays are a time of connection, reflection, and giving from the heart. If you’re searching for thoughtful holiday gifts that carry meaning and intention, handmade treasures are always the answer. This year, I’m excited to share my Holiday Gift Guide filled with soulful offerings that nourish body, mind, and spirit. Every gift has been created with love, care, and mindfulness — because the best presents are the ones that carry a story.

Handmade Skincare & Wellness Gifts

  • Whipped Body Butter – Luxuriously rich and hydrating, perfect for soothing dry winter skin.
  • Bath Salts & Bath Bombs – Infused with essential oils for relaxation, stress relief, and a spa-like experience at home.
  • Essential Oil Blends – Custom-crafted aromas to inspire calm, focus, or joy throughout the season.

? Artisan & Homemade Food Gifts

*baked goods local people only

  • Christmas Jam – A seasonal favorite made with care, ideal for sharing around the holiday table.
  • Artisan Sourdough Bread – Hand-crafted, crusty, and perfect for gifting or enjoying with family gatherings.
  • Scones & Muffins – Tender and comforting baked goods, baked with love.
  • Homemade Cookies – Classic, heartwarming treats that bring a smile to every bite.

Mindful Living & Inspiration

This year has been a journey of resilience, gratitude, and joy. Out of that experience came my newest release:
52 Weeks of Wisdom & Wellness: A Year of Mindful Living 
This book is more than words on a page — it’s an invitation to weave rituals of mindfulness, presence, and gratitude into everyday life. A meaningful holiday gift for anyone seeking inspiration and healing in the year ahead.

Why Handmade Gifts Matter

Handmade gifts aren’t just things you buy — they are extensions of love, intention, and care. In a season that often feels rushed, they bring us back to what truly matters: thoughtfulness, connection, and joy. Whether it’s a jar of jam, a hand-blended oil, or a book filled with mindful practices, these gifts are created to be cherished.

 Order early to ensure your handmade treasures are ready for holiday giving! Every purchase supports my healing journey and allows me to keep sharing mindfulness, movement, and soulful creations with you.

See the entire holiday gift guide here!

And, thank you so much for you continued support and well wishes. xo, Stacie

Pumpkin Spice Bread with Maple Glaze – A Cozy October Recipe

There’s something magical about October baking. The crisp air, falling leaves, and golden glow of autumn invite us into the kitchen to stir up something comforting and full of seasonal spice. And while pumpkin spice is everywhere this time of year, nothing beats a homemade loaf of Pumpkin Spice Bread with Maple Glaze.

This bread is tender, perfectly spiced, and just sweet enough. The drizzle of maple glaze takes it from everyday snack to showstopper dessert. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee, or wrap it up as a gift for a friend—it’s pure autumn comfort.


Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Spice Bread:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon cloves
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup milk (any kind)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Maple Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Splash of milk, if needed to thin

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
  3. In another bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, oil, sugars, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Add dry ingredients to wet and stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix.
  5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool completely before glazing.
  8. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread.

Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Bread

  • Use fresh pumpkin purée if you can—it gives richer flavor.
  • Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
  • For extra decadence, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking.

Embracing October in the Kitchen

Baking isn’t just about food—it’s about ritual, warmth, and connection. When we bake with the flavors of the season, we’re aligning with nature’s rhythm and giving ourselves a delicious reminder to slow down and savor.

So light a candle, play your favorite cozy playlist, and let this Pumpkin Spice Bread with Maple Glaze bring a little extra sweetness to your October days.

Finding Healing Through Mindfulness: How Rituals, Recovery, and My New Book Can Inspire Your Journey

When Healing Becomes a Path to Sharing

Recovery isn’t just about the body—it’s about the spirit. After enduring three hip surgeries in twelve months, I discovered that mindfulness and ritual were more than coping strategies; they became lifelines. Simple practices like lighting a candle before surgery, whispering affirmations, and pausing to breathe in moments of fear became the anchors that carried me through. These same tools inspired the creation of my new book, 52 Weeks of Wisdom & Wellness: A Year of Mindful Living—a guide to resilience, presence, and the healing power of mindful rituals.

Resilience and Mindfulness

Three hip surgeries in twelve months. I can still feel the weight of those words even as I type them. The body has an incredible way of holding pain, but the spirit has an even more incredible way of seeking healing.

For me, mindfulness and ritual weren’t just practices during that season—they became lifelines. Lighting a candle before each appointment, whispering affirmations before anesthesia, pausing to breathe when fear crept in. These small, sacred moments of presence carried me through what felt impossible.

Finding Peace During Recovery

In the stillness between surgeries, I began to notice something profound: these tools weren’t just keeping me afloat. They were medicine for my mind, my spirit, and my heart. And they were too powerful to keep to myself. What began as survival slowly transformed into teaching, writing, and, ultimately, the creation of my book.

My new release, 52 Weeks of Wisdom & Wellness: A Year of Mindful Living, was born from these very moments of surrender and strength. Each page carries with it the lessons I leaned on—rituals that steadied me, affirmations that lifted me, and reflections that reminded me that healing is not only possible, but inevitable when we walk gently with ourselves.

This book isn’t simply a collection of words—it’s an offering of resilience, hope, and the quiet but profound healing power of mindful living.

May these practices meet you where you are and carry you, as they did me. If you’re navigating a hard season, I invite you to open its pages and find your own anchor.

Order your copy here!

Embracing Change: Finding Strength in the Seasons of Life

Embracing Change: Finding Strength in the Seasons of Life

The Truth About Change

This time of year, we often hear about the importance of embracing change and letting go. It sounds beautiful and effortless, doesn’t it? But one of my greatest teachers once reminded me: not all change can be embraced, and sometimes change is painfully hard.

So true, right?

Even when we can’t welcome change with open arms, we can lean into the process. In doing so, we often discover a deeper strength within ourselves. Change—no matter how uncomfortable—has a way of clearing space, making room for something new to enter our lives.

Listening to the Pull of a New Season

As the seasons shift, I’ve been feeling the tug of change in my own life. Part of that comes from completing some big projects I’ve poured my heart into. The other part comes from listening more carefully to the interior landscape of my soul—the voice that whispers for alignment, truth, and authenticity.

The Universe has been sending gentle reminders, asking me to pause, look, and learn. Maybe even to slow down a little and refuel. My hope is that with a lighter heart and more space inside, I’ll shine more brightly in the ways that matter most. Isn’t that what we’re all here to do?

New Roles, New Paths

Many of you know me as a yoga and mindfulness teacher, a role I’ve cherished for the past 18 years, especially working with adults in assisted living and brain injury programs. That work will always be at the center of who I am.

But I’m also thrilled to share that I’ve stepped into an additional role as a Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant (QBHA). This allows me to support individuals in new and meaningful ways—through advocacy, skills training, wellness education, treatment plan support, and group or individual recovery-focused sessions. It feels like a natural extension of my heart’s work.

A Dream Realized: My First Book

Another huge shift has been bringing a dream to life: publishing my very first book!

 52 Weeks of Wisdom & Wellness: A Year of Mindful Living is now available in both Kindle and paperback.

This book is designed as a companion for your mindful living journey, with reflections, practices, and rituals to guide you through the year.

Purchase 52 Weeks of Wisdom & Wellness here


Welcoming the Season of Letting Go

As summer fades and the air turns crisp, many of us feel the bittersweet ache of transition. We dig out warm sweaters, prepare for shorter days, and maybe even grumble at the thought of snow shovels.

But here’s an invitation: allow yourself to feel the disappointment and then open the door to curiosity. What might this new season bring you? What gift could be hidden inside the shift?

For the rest of the month, I encourage you to:
Take in the beauty of the changing leaves
Breathe in the fall air
Let go of something weighing on your heart
Release an old belief that no longer serves you
Shed what doesn’t elevate you

And most importantly, remember: all is well.

Much love,
Stacie


Mindfulness for Chronic Pain: A Healing Path of Breath, Movement, and Ease

The Mindful Path Through Pain

Living with pain changes everything. It can shift how we move, how we rest, how we show up in the world — and sometimes it feels like it takes pieces of us with it. But here’s what I’ve learned: while pain may shape our days, it does not have to define who we are.

That belief is what inspired me to create The Mindful Path Through Pain — a heartfelt program designed to support anyone navigating the physical, emotional, and spiritual weight of pain.


Why I Created This Program

For years, I’ve walked my own journey through surgeries, recovery, and the daily challenges of living with pain. Along the way, I leaned on mindfulness, breath, and gentle movement as lifelines. They didn’t “fix” me overnight, but they gave me something just as powerful: moments of peace, tools for resilience, and the ability to reconnect with myself.

I wanted to gather those practices in one place so you don’t have to search, wonder, or feel alone.


What’s Inside

A Digital Guidebook (eBook)
Practical tools, reflections, and simple steps to help you meet your pain with more ease and compassion.

 Guided Videos
Each video gently walks you through practices like mindful breathing, grounding movement, and meditation. You can return to them as often as you need.

A Path of Support
Not a quick fix, but a steady companion — helping you create moments of comfort, strength, and hope.


Who This Is For

This program was created for anyone:

  • Recovering from surgery or injury
  • Living with chronic pain
  • Supporting a loved one through pain
  • Longing for more peace in the midst of difficult days

If you’ve ever thought, “I just need a way to cope, to breathe, to be,” this was made for you.


Your Next Step

Pain may be part of your story, but it isn’t the whole story. With mindfulness, you can begin to carve out a path of healing — one breath, one practice, one small moment at a time.

Let this be your reminder: you are not alone, and your body and spirit are worthy of gentle care.

xo, Stacie

Cozy Autumn Butternut Squash & Apple Soup Recipe

Autumn Harvest Butternut Squash & Apple Soup

There’s something magical about the crisp fall air—it calls for comfort food that warms your heart and belly. This Autumn Harvest Butternut Squash & Apple Soup is light, flavorful, and perfectly seasonal.

The natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash blends beautifully with tender apples and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s satisfying without being heavy, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a cozy afternoon snack.

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Optional: a splash of apple cider or a drizzle of cream
  • Optional garnish: pumpkin seeds, fresh thyme, or a swirl of yogurt

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the cubed squash and chopped apples. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Pour in the broth, then add thyme, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the squash and apples are tender.
  4. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches with a regular blender.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of apple cider if desired. Reheat gently.
  6. Serve warm with optional garnishes like pumpkin seeds, a swirl of cream, or fresh thyme.

Tips for Extra Comfort:

  • Roast the squash beforehand for deeper, caramelized flavor.
  • Pair with crusty bread or a light salad for a full autumn meal.

This soup is a hug in a bowl for crisp fall evenings. Cozy up, savor slowly, and let the flavors of autumn wrap around you. ?

Call to Action:
Love this soup? Share your cozy creations on Instagram with #AutumnHarvestSoup and join our fall recipe celebration!