Since I basically took about 5 years off from blogging, I had a lot of time to contemplate what I would want my blog to look like if I ever started one up again. I have spent time trying to determine my specific brand, and what makes me different from other brands. I know that strategically I should probably try to have a defined brand and clear vision. However I also figured that if I was going to start my blog up again, that I wanted it to really be true to me, and all my randomness. And to be honest, I have never really fit into categories, and I have many loves and interests. So although this blog will be focused mostly on my photography, I will also probably write about my thoughts, and recipes, and my personal adventures. I might write about causes I believe in, and I might even post about some other artisans I admire. Either way, I have decided to stop trying to figure it all out, and let it all just authentically pan out. I am who I am, and I am going to blog, who I am. Hopefully you will enjoy the randomness that is Kristy-Anne.

If you follow me on Instagram, you will know that I recently posted some iPhone snaps of some bliss balls I experimented with. I was shocked by the response, and after about 20 requests for the recipes, I decided I would make come up with 5 recipes to share with you guys. I hope you enjoy them, and feel inspired to come up with some recipes of your own. Once you have made a few different kinds, you realize you can't really mess them up, and the possibilities are endless. If you don't have a certain kind of nut, just swap it for something else. If you don't have maple syrup, try honey. Don't be intimated. If you do try them, I would love to know, and if you have your own favourite, please share them with me!

Lemon Coconut Bliss Balls

If you love lemon and coconut, you will love this recipe. It was not a hit with the kids, but has been a major hit with any of the adults that have tried it. The flavour combo was in my head before I even had a recipe. I knew I wanted to create something with coconut, cashews and lemon. As I typically do when I have an idea for a recipe, I head to pinterest to see if I can find something that matches my idea. I found a few with these three ingredients, and this one I found on Be Good Organics, sounded pretty much perfect. I changed very little as it was so good already. I did however think after making this recipe twice that adding lavender to the recipe would be a lovely sophisticated addition.. I rolled my last three remaining balls in lavender, and it was a perfect flavour match. So next time I will for sure be adding it as a garnish, but also a smidge to the food processor.

1 1/2 cups of raw cashews (you can use normals cashews as well)

1 1/2 cups of unsweetened shredded coconut

zest and juice of 1 lemon

2 TB honey (or maple syrup)

2 TB softened coconut oil

1 tsp vanilla bean

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor, mix until smooth. Roll the dough into small balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Feel free to roll in more shredded coconut or lavender, or both. Place in the freezer to firm up. Once they are firm I place mine in a jar, and keep in the freezer till I am ready to eat them.

Raspberry Beet Bliss Balls

This recipe was something that was in my head, and I couldn't find a recipe to match up with it. Probably a good thing as it forced me to come up with it all on my own. My first attempt didn't have beets in it, and I wasn't quite certain of it. I felt it wasn't quite there. So I headed back to the drawing board and second time around, I feel that I am very happy with them. They were even kid approved. Cosette passed them around when we were out adventuring, and all the kids ate them! Score. I will say though that this past week I was eating the original recipe and actually really liked them too, slightly more tart, and creamy. I just might post that recipe someday too.

3/4 cup raspberries (I used frozen)

about 1/4-1/2 cup shredded beets

1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1 cup raw cashews

1 TB softened coconut oil

1 TB honey (or maple syrup)

5 medjool dates (pitted)

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor, mix until smooth. Roll the dough into small balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Feel free to roll in more shredded coconut hemp seeds, cacoa nibs, or anything your heart desires. Place in the freezer to firm up. Once they are firm I place mine in a jar, and keep in the freezer till I am ready to eat them.

Chocolate Seed Bliss Balls (nut free)

With this recipe I wanted something that helped curb the chocolate cravings, but that I could also send with Cosette to school for snack time. It took a bit of experimenting but I think I have worked it out. Not too sweet, but they still feel like a treat. Hope you enjoy them. *** Updated March 31, 2018

half of a ripe banana

5 pitted medjool dates

2 TB softened coconut oil

1TB Maple Syrup

13/4 cup shredded coconut

1/4 cup raw cacoa powder (you can use normal cocoa powder if you don't want to go out and buy this)

1 TB hemp seeds

1 TB Chia seeds

2 TB sunflower seeds

2 TB sesame seeds

1 TB pumpkin seeds

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor, mix until smooth. Roll the dough into small balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Feel free to roll in shredded coconut or any seed, or nothing. Place in the freezer to firm up. Once they are firm I place mine in a jar, and keep in the freezer till I am ready to eat them. *** note I have omitted the coconut oil before (by accident) and it still tastes good

Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites

If you are a fan of Oh She Glows (if you aren't a fan, you should be, her website and blog are amazing) you have probably heard of cookie dough bites. I wanted to try my hand at my own version and feel pretty happy with how they turned out. They were a crowd pleaser with even my toughest taste testers. These will be on high rotation in my house.

1 cup of canned chickpeas (or cooked)

1/4 cup of nut butter (I used peanut butter)

1/2 cup of oats ( I will probably use more next time)

3 pitted medjool dates

2 TB maple syrup

2 TB softened coconut oil

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor,except the chocolate chips. Mix until smooth. Add in the chocolate chips, pulse a few times. Roll the dough into small balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Place in the freezer to firm up. Once they are firm I place mine in a jar, and keep in the freezer till I am ready to eat them.

Coconut Cashew Energy Balls

This recipe is basically the exact recipe from Nutrition Stripped's post. The only change is the nut butter I used. Her website is brilliant. These have such great texture, and were once again a hit with all who tried them.

1 cup raw cashews

10 pitted medjool dates

2 heaping TB peanut butter

dash of cinnamon

1/2 tsp sea salt

2 TB maple syrup

1 TB lemon zest (don't skip this if you have it!)

1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

1 TB softened coconut oil

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor, mix until smooth. Roll the dough into small balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Feel free to roll in more shredded coconut hemp seeds, cacoa nibs, or anything your heart desires. Place in the freezer to firm up. Once they are firm I place mine in a jar, and keep in the freezer till I am ready to eat them.