introducing: A. Macy Hall | tassel necklaces

my new tassel necklace etsy shop!

here's the story:

A couple of Sunday's ago I was going stir crazy hanging out at home. I had had enough of hearing screaming announcer dudes yelling about blocked backs and yard lines. I also had lingering memories of a strange dream that I had where I was making tons of pretty necklaces {whoa...I sound like a crazy person}. I had nothing but time and a craft store positioned way too close to my house. 

Fairly unlike me, I walked into the store with no plan of what I was going to make or purchase. Not a clue. But beads were on sale, I found some chain I liked and strings and links and other things that seemed appropriate. 

A little while later I found myself with these 3 cute creations and a completely satisfied creative side. Success. 

The next day a business owner friend of mine {Amy of the super cute shop, Swell Caroline} saw me wearing my necklace and asked to put them in her booth at Market. 

'Sounds fine to me!'

Much to my surprise- I made an order! I've also been loving making tassel necklaces for my sweet friends, which just makes me so happy! 

{the University of Georgia gameday necklace is pretty popular right now} 

I am loving this little hobby- it's such a wonderful way for me to relax and tap into my creative side {a side that is dyinggggg to get out more!}

I've now opened a little Etsy shop to sell my necklaces. 

I'd love for you to see all the styles in my shop at Etsy.com/shop/AMacyHall

love :)

the simple joy of a new smoothie recipe

Chocolate Pineapple Protein Smoothie

Because pineapple reminds me of the beach and chocolate coconut water is from the gods. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup+ Frozen Pineapple Chunks {don't be like me and freeze it in the ring with the core..sigh}
• 6-8 Ounces Chocolate Coconut Water {hello lover!}
• 1 Scoop Protein Powder {I am anti-soy + obsessed with plant-based Amazing Meal}

Blend & Find Bliss

guilt-free, man-friendly snack recipe: Buffalo Brussel Sprout Bites

Buffalo Brussel Sprout Bites

Buffalo chicken wings, blue cheese for dipping and a draught beer are probably the more enjoyable way to enjoy a football game... For a lighter snack that's still 'sporty', shake up the expected with this brussel sprout recipe that drastically cuts the calories and passed the husband taste test!

This Buffalo Brussel Sprout Bites recipe was created by the ladies of Tone It Up to encourage guilt-free, healthy eating during Labor Day weekend. Guess what...it worked on The Hall's! Fairly quick to whip up and surprisingly super tasty- we loved this snack and will definitely make it again! Here is their recipe:

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

3 cups of Organic Vegetable broth

2 -3 cups Brussels Sprouts

2 Tbs. grapeseed oil

5 Tbs. Nutritional Yeast

4 Tbs. Tabasco Buffalo Sauce

2 tsp. garlic, minced

Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil and add Brussels Sprouts. Allow to boil for about 3 minutes, or until they turn bright green. Drain and rinse in cold water for 30 seconds before halving each sprout.

Heat a sauté pan on medium with grapeseed oil. When warm add garlic and sea salt, allowing to simmer for one minute. Add halved brussels sprouts to the pan, cut side down and allow to sit until they begin to brown, about 6-8 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before tossing with tabasco and nutritional yeast. Serve warm or cold and garnish with carrots & celery sticks!

{original Tone It Up recipe post here}

Side Note: If you're ready to make a positive change to your diet, I honestly recommend the Tone It Up Nutrition Plan. It helped me learn more about how our bodies process foods, how to pre-plan meals to prevent unhealthy choices and introduced me to new ingredients like almond milk, nutritional yeast and apple cider vinegar. 

This summer they updated the plan- and it is so good! Easy easy easy to read, understand and reference. Plus they release themed add-on versions to the original version a couple of times a year to incorporate seasonal ingredients and food trends. 

Wow, I sound like a TIU commercial! Honestly, I am just happy to have found Tone It Up- and good things shouldn't be kept a secret ;)

sorry chicken wings, you're not missed