I like my frozen yogurt on the plain side {no toppings}. I rarely do anything drastic with my hair — just a trim and some subdued layers. When it comes to fashion and decor, I’m not one to go for sparkles and “bling” {do people even say that anymore?} I guess you might call me a little “vanilla.”
When I was in high school, one of my best friends badgered me constantly about wearing more makeup. In college, my roommate incessantly tried to add more “color” to my wardrobe — I defaulted to neutrals. Even while wedding dress shopping, I remember every single bridal consultant adding sequined, bedazzled dresses to the pile of classic, “plain” gowns I chose on my own. My own sister often jokes with me that I live in a “taupe-colored” world because I gravitate to things that are clean, simple and unembellished.
See? Vanilla.
Let’s get something straight here… Vanilla is a compliment.
To me, vanilla means comfort. Coziness. Sweetness.
When Stonyfield Organic and prAna asked us to craft a post showing which Oh My Yog! variety and prAna organic clothing piece expressed our style and “flavor”, I didn’t have to think twice about what I’d choose: Madagascar Vanilla Bean yogurt and a cozy sweater!
Yes, that may sound boring to some, but hey, that’s my life these days! Though I love a sassy sundress, jet-setting and having fancy cocktails with the girls, my current reality as a work-from-home mama doesn’t exactly lend itself to stilettos and manicured nails.
When I’m not in the kitchen cooking up the recipes I share here, you can find me playing on the living room floor, running errands around town or taking the tot to story time — all activities that require comfortable attire! Thankfully, prAna creates pieces that suit all types of lifestyles whether you’re toting a baby or a yoga mat. It’s always nice to know that you can run out the door without looking disheveled, then head home and continue with your daily routine without having to change into “comfy clothes” — who has the time?!
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| Messy mom-hair, don’t care. |
Stonyfield also gets it right with Oh My Yog! — a tri-layer yogurt with a sweet Madagascar Vanilla bottom, honey-infused whole milk yogurt middle and decadent cream top. It’s the kind of thing I’d want to snack on while working on my lap top, snuggled in a comfy sweater like the Sondra from prAna’s organic line — like a little oasis of peace and calm in the middle of my baby-chasing, crazy days.
You may think of “vanilla” as one-note, and maybe not too exciting… but I see the layers and the complexities. Subtle, rarely ostentatious, a little under the radar. Approachable, familiar and endearing.
It’s an honor to be called vanilla! 😉
How would you describe your personal style? prAna is giving you a chance to #JustBeYou by offering 15% off your purchase through December 15. Just enter the discount code JBYF15TKPB at checkout! One of you will also have the chance to win a fabulous piece from their organic cotton line*, and all you have to do is enter below!
Note: Clearly, when I was given the option, I chose this sweater in the color “Winter” — SO Vanilla! — but it was unavailable and I received the piece in Rhubarb, which I happened to love even more. Maybe I’m getting a little more adventurous in my maturity. Ha!
*Winner may choose a piece from prAna’s organic line up to $99.
Disclosure: I have an ongoing partnership with Stonyfield. I received coupons and a sweater from prAna in exchange for this post. As always, the opinions here are all my own!
Not only is Oh My Yog! great for snacking, but it’s also perfect for baking!
Vanilla Bean-Yogurt Pound Cake
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 {6 oz.} container of Madagascar Vanilla Bean Oh My Yog! yogurt in your favorite flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare mini loaf pans by spraying lightly with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Add vanilla bean paste and beat until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda.
- Slowly add half of dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just disappeared. Add in yogurt and mix until just incorporated. Mix in remaining dry ingredients until just combined. {Do not overmix.}
- Divide batter evenly into mini loaf pans. Bake for 40-50 minutes until the tops are golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out with just a few sticky crumbs.
- Let cool completely before slicing.
My style is probably the Apple Cinnamon. I like the sweet comforts of home with a hint of spice.
This was an amazing recipe! I've made it twice already 🙂 Thank you for sharing!!