The Weekly Collective: Father's Day & Killer Cookies

This last week was pretty low-key and mellow in nature. I was able to do some spring cleaning and I finally buckled down and tried a cookie recipe I've been dying to attempt. The weekend, on the other hand, was packed full of activities. But I'll get there eventually. Now, where were we? Ah yes, cookies. Or should I say, mmmmmmmmm cooooooookies.

I got this delicious and super healthy cookie recipe from a woman at my gym.  I wasn't sure what to expect when she said they were completely free of refined sugar, flour, and 100% vegan, but I have to say, they were some of the tastiest little guys I've ever baked. But I think I actually ate more of the batter than the cookies themselves. No big surprises there. :)

Here's the recipe in case you feel like surprising some cookie purists, or just enjoying a guilt-free dessert or snack.

Jumbles.

3 large bananas, mashed

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup chopped dates

1/3 cup oil (she used Walnut Oil before, but I used vegetable oil since that's what I had)

Dash of salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients, let set 15 minutes. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Hint: Next time I will probably add walnuts or something to give the cookies a little crunch. Also, keep an eye on them in your oven. All ovens are different, as mine tends to take an additional 5 minutes than most recipes. And don't forget to let the batter sit for a while- then taste! ;)

Sunday morning I photographed a beautiful Jewish wedding.  I absolutely adored this couple and their hilarious six kids. Yes, I said six.

Here's a little sneak peak!

After the early morning wedding on Sunday, I was still able to spend the day BBQing with my family for Father's Day.

My little sisters and I hamming it up. Autumn's hair is officially pink-ish now. I still don't understand the whole Lady Gaga extreme hair and makeup thing. Does this mean I'm getting old?

In honor of Father's Day I found this awesome old picture of us as a family pre-little siblings. Of course my dad is half asleep while my step-brother and I hog the spotlight. And what the heck am I holding?? Ahhh the good ole' days.

Love you dad! Thanks for putting up with all of my grocery store temper tantrums and wild house parties (that you weren't supposed to know about) with extreme love and patience.

You can now say you've rasied two adults...successfully? Oh well, at least you have three more to make up for it. ;)