HOLY MOLY, Hummusapien got implants!! I kid, I kid...just an itty bitty facelift.
Isn't she purty? I'm kind of sort of totally obsessed with the new look. I wanted a simple, fun, more polished look and Morgan Oliver Allen delivered. He helped turn my vision for a clean-looking format and logo into a reality. Morgan is an incredibly talented photographer (check out his website), and lucky for me, he also does some graphic design work on the side. Get this: he just launched an awesome fashion app called Trendster--majorly cool. Did I mention he does all this while going to med school for neuroscience? Serious brains over there.
He was pretty much a dream to work with. We basically texted back and fourth like mad, he shot me a few ideas and before I knew it, Hummusapien got a fresh little makeover. No more annoying borders --hallelujah!
In other news, I pulled a serious Betty Homemaker and made bagels the other day. BAGELS. Like, what?? Who makes homemade bagels? Apparently Gina from Running to the Kitchen does. Pumpkin raisin bagels to be exact. I adore her and her blog.
Let me begin by saying I don't eat bagels on a regular basis. They're usually waaaay too big and loaded with tons of refined white flour along with a bunch of other chemicals, dough conditioners and unpronounceable ingredients. Ick. The solution? Make them yourself.
I took one glance and this recipe and knew immediately that I was going to make them that day. I even had all the ingredients. I texted Ally's mom to borrow her stand mixer, and there I was staring at the dough hook wondering how in the world I was actually going to make bagels.
The bagels turned out totally flawless--perfect in size, flavor and texture. I snagged one right out of the oven, gave it a quick toast and smeared it with cream cheese. It was straight up pumpkin raisin heaven. The only thing I changed about the recipe was that I used 2 ½ cups white whole flour and 1 ½ cups all purpose flour. I wanted a bit more whole wheat, and luckily they still came out fabulous. I did the stats and each bagel has under 200 calories plus a hefty amount of fiber and protein. I'm already dreaming about smearing one with almond butter and a sprinkling of chia tomorrow morning.
I feel freaking awesome for making bagels. Like you've kind of conquered the world once you've made bagels, let alone whole wheat ones spiced with pumpkin goodness. Gahhh I can't even.
I've always wanted to make homemade bread, so why not start with bagels? If I didn't make them with all the ingredients on hand, when in the world was I going to make them? Probably never. Why is it that we get excited about something and pumped up to take on the challenge only to decide to hold off till a later date?
The time to challenge yourself is now. Â If not now, then when? No one is going to do it for you. Change is in your hands and your hands only.
Stop waiting and start doing. Stop waiting until tomorrow to find the perfect job. Stop waiting until tomorrow to bake those scones. Stop waiting until tomorrow to eat better. Stop waiting till tomorrow to take your kids to the park. Stop waiting.
To do your hair.
To get dressed up.
To read that book.
To join a gym.
To make a green smoothie.
To create a blog.
The time is now.
Change is a big scary thing. What if I fail? What if I waste the whole day messing up a stupid batch of bagels? Why eat well when everything causes cancer anyway? Why do my hair when no one is even going to see me? Take a minute and think long and hard about the fact that you have one life to live, one life to stuff with as much meaning and joy as possible.  ONE. Mess up this one and you're out of luck. Will you look back and regret eating well and feeling good? Getting dressed up? Spending the day cooking something new? I doubt it. You'll likely regret not doing those things.
Life is fleeting, so soak up every minute. If that means spending Monday making bagels, then so be it.
Welcome To Yesterday telecharger le film says
I was recommended this blog by my cousin.
I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my trouble.
You're wonderful! Thanks!
My blog :: Welcome To Yesterday telecharger le film
Welcome To Yesterday telecharger le film says
I was recommended this blog by my cousin.
I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my trouble.
You're wonderful! Thanks!
My blog :: Welcome To Yesterday telecharger le film
Elyse @ Lizzie Fit says
So I want to make these... soon. What do you think they'd be like made with gluten-free all purpose flour? I'm not much of a gluten-guru but I have some celiac friends. I might just go for it...
Alexis says
Hmmmm I'm honestly not sure! I've never worked with that flour before but it's worth a shot! Let me know if it turns out 🙂
Elyse @ Lizzie Fit says
So I want to make these... soon. What do you think they'd be like made with gluten-free all purpose flour? I'm not much of a gluten-guru but I have some celiac friends. I might just go for it...
Alexis says
Hmmmm I'm honestly not sure! I've never worked with that flour before but it's worth a shot! Let me know if it turns out 🙂
Rachel @ Health My Lifestyle says
I love the new facelift! Also, totally agree about stop waiting and start doing. Life is fleeting so make the most of it! I've been trying to do that by starting my blog and eating healthier! It's always nice to hear a little reminder like this though =)
Alexis says
Thanks so much, Rachel! You're doing a fabulous job with your blog and good for you for trying to eat better 🙂
Rachel @ Health My Lifestyle says
I love the new facelift! Also, totally agree about stop waiting and start doing. Life is fleeting so make the most of it! I've been trying to do that by starting my blog and eating healthier! It's always nice to hear a little reminder like this though =)
Alexis says
Thanks so much, Rachel! You're doing a fabulous job with your blog and good for you for trying to eat better 🙂
Beth says
I totally meant to comment the other day about how much I liked the new look and tag line. I love this post. Your blog seriously inspires me to get off my butt and get moving. Keep up the great work!
Beth says
I totally meant to comment the other day about how much I liked the new look and tag line. I love this post. Your blog seriously inspires me to get off my butt and get moving. Keep up the great work!
Lisa says
Love the new look! 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks so much, Lisa!
Lisa says
Love the new look! 🙂
Alexis says
Thanks so much, Lisa!
Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} says
I love the message of this post. 🙂 And I love that you made homemade bagels before you've even tried homemade bread! You are a super star! 🙂 Also, I love the new look! That's a lot of exclamation points right there! (I can't stop!!!!!)
Alexis says
I got a little ambitious but hey...it worked! By the way, have you ever made homemade bread? I could see you having a great healthy recipe on hand that I would love to steal 🙂
Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} says
I have made homemade bread. This is my go-to sandwich bread recipe: http://happyhealthymama.com/2012/01/new-years-resolution-master-homemade-sandwich-bread.html
Making homemade bread is an art, but it's easier than it seems!
Alexis says
Can't wait to check out that recipe. Thanks for getting back to me, Maryea!
Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} says
I love the message of this post. 🙂 And I love that you made homemade bagels before you've even tried homemade bread! You are a super star! 🙂 Also, I love the new look! That's a lot of exclamation points right there! (I can't stop!!!!!)
Alexis says
I got a little ambitious but hey...it worked! By the way, have you ever made homemade bread? I could see you having a great healthy recipe on hand that I would love to steal 🙂
Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} says
I have made homemade bread. This is my go-to sandwich bread recipe: http://happyhealthymama.com/2012/01/new-years-resolution-master-homemade-sandwich-bread.html
Making homemade bread is an art, but it's easier than it seems!
Alexis says
Can't wait to check out that recipe. Thanks for getting back to me, Maryea!
Julia says
Iiiiiiiii LOVE it! I love your implants!! Can I touch them? Oh so inappropriate. Annnyway, love the new look, my dear! And them bagels?!! Perfect way to kick off the new girls! 😉
Alexis says
I'm a double D now eeeeeek! JK JK. Yes, obvi you can touch. They feel totally real!!!
Julia says
Iiiiiiiii LOVE it! I love your implants!! Can I touch them? Oh so inappropriate. Annnyway, love the new look, my dear! And them bagels?!! Perfect way to kick off the new girls! 😉
Alexis says
I'm a double D now eeeeeek! JK JK. Yes, obvi you can touch. They feel totally real!!!
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
Love the new look Alexis! It looks awesome! I never thought about making bagels before, but this is genius! They look seriously delicious!!! Can't wait to check out the recipe!
Alexis says
hanks so much, Holly! You should totally try making bagels. Then you'll feel like you can do anything!!
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
Love the new look Alexis! It looks awesome! I never thought about making bagels before, but this is genius! They look seriously delicious!!! Can't wait to check out the recipe!
Alexis says
hanks so much, Holly! You should totally try making bagels. Then you'll feel like you can do anything!!
Megan Ware says
Wow-- I've never even thought to make my own bagels! I'm definitely asking for a KitchenAid for Christmas. BTW, I just signed up for the The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap 2013. Swap some cookies with other bloggers around the country and donate to a great cause. I'd love to see a recipe from you so check it out! http://www.fbcookieswap.com/
Alexis says
OMG I want a KitchenAid so bad. That would be the best present ever!! I'll definitely look into the cookie swap--thanks 🙂
Megan Ware says
Wow-- I've never even thought to make my own bagels! I'm definitely asking for a KitchenAid for Christmas. BTW, I just signed up for the The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap 2013. Swap some cookies with other bloggers around the country and donate to a great cause. I'd love to see a recipe from you so check it out! http://www.fbcookieswap.com/
Alexis says
OMG I want a KitchenAid so bad. That would be the best present ever!! I'll definitely look into the cookie swap--thanks 🙂
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
Next time I ponder over life's decisions- I'm going to make bagels.
Strong truths here buddy.
Alexis says
Well said, my friend. Well said.
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
Next time I ponder over life's decisions- I'm going to make bagels.
Strong truths here buddy.
Alexis says
Well said, my friend. Well said.
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear? says
LOOOVE the new look! And homemade bagels?? Omg. Need to do this.
Alexis says
Thanks, Jess!!! Bagels = a must.
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear? says
LOOOVE the new look! And homemade bagels?? Omg. Need to do this.
Alexis says
Thanks, Jess!!! Bagels = a must.
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
Love the new header! And bagels 😉
Alexis says
Thanks dude!
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
Love the new header! And bagels 😉
Alexis says
Thanks dude!
Danica @ It's Progression says
I love that recipe! Thanks for sharing - I definitely want to try this soon!
Alexis says
You're so welcome! Let me know if you try it.
Danica @ It's Progression says
I love that recipe! Thanks for sharing - I definitely want to try this soon!
Alexis says
You're so welcome! Let me know if you try it.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
1. love the new look!
2. freakin' love that you made these so quickly!
3. totally know what you mean about if not now, then when? Bagels have been on my stupid kitchen bucket list forever. no idea why it took me so long to do it! I'm applying that mentality to everything going forward. so true.
Alexis says
Eeeeek thanks Gina! I think you already know how obsessed I am with the bagels considering they're on all of my social media outlets like thirty times.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
1. love the new look!
2. freakin' love that you made these so quickly!
3. totally know what you mean about if not now, then when? Bagels have been on my stupid kitchen bucket list forever. no idea why it took me so long to do it! I'm applying that mentality to everything going forward. so true.
Alexis says
Eeeeek thanks Gina! I think you already know how obsessed I am with the bagels considering they're on all of my social media outlets like thirty times.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
I love your new look, but I have to admit that I love the last paragraph of your post even more, as it's something that I need to constantly remind myself of. I'm definitely guilty of spending too much time thinking and not enough time doing, so thank ya for a little push in the right direction 🙂
Alexis says
Awww thanks a bunch, Amanda! We all need a little kick in the pants/reminder sometimes 🙂
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
I love your new look, but I have to admit that I love the last paragraph of your post even more, as it's something that I need to constantly remind myself of. I'm definitely guilty of spending too much time thinking and not enough time doing, so thank ya for a little push in the right direction 🙂
Alexis says
Awww thanks a bunch, Amanda! We all need a little kick in the pants/reminder sometimes 🙂
Olena@iFOODreal says
Love the new look and LOL on the tag line. You are hilarious! I never made bagels. Puzzled why not. Love the stop waiting part. LOVE IT! OK, going to start editing my ecookbook now...
Alexis says
Hahaha thanks! You totally have to try!!
Olena@iFOODreal says
Love the new look and LOL on the tag line. You are hilarious! I never made bagels. Puzzled why not. Love the stop waiting part. LOVE IT! OK, going to start editing my ecookbook now...
Alexis says
Hahaha thanks! You totally have to try!!
Ang @ Nutty for Life says
Love the header, it's so pretty! I've never made bagels, the fanciest I've gotten with yeast is pizza dough. But... Carpe the bagels, one might say. Just like you should seize the day.
Alexis says
Thanks, Ang! I've never made homemade pizza dough, so you've got me on that one! Carpe the bagels---well said!
Ang @ Nutty for Life says
Love the header, it's so pretty! I've never made bagels, the fanciest I've gotten with yeast is pizza dough. But... Carpe the bagels, one might say. Just like you should seize the day.
Alexis says
Thanks, Ang! I've never made homemade pizza dough, so you've got me on that one! Carpe the bagels---well said!
Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog says
Love the new look! The bagels look delicious too, but most of all I adore the message at the end of this post. You are absolutely right about stop waiting and start doing. I've been trying to live this more in my life lately and it's nice to have this little reminder.
Alexis says
We all need a kick in the pants here and there 🙂
Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog says
Love the new look! The bagels look delicious too, but most of all I adore the message at the end of this post. You are absolutely right about stop waiting and start doing. I've been trying to live this more in my life lately and it's nice to have this little reminder.
Alexis says
We all need a kick in the pants here and there 🙂
Suzanne @ hello, veggy! says
Love the new design! A stand mixer is the one appliance I fear I don't have; no room!!
Alexis says
I have no more room for appliances--that's for sure. But a stand mixer I would most definitely make room for!
Suzanne @ hello, veggy! says
Love the new design! A stand mixer is the one appliance I fear I don't have; no room!!
Alexis says
I have no more room for appliances--that's for sure. But a stand mixer I would most definitely make room for!
Elle | nutritionella says
Loveeeee the new look, Alexis! That's one seriously talented med student. 🙂 Oh and those bagels? Yes please.
Alexis says
Isn't he a dream?? And the bagels....I can't even.
Elle | nutritionella says
Loveeeee the new look, Alexis! That's one seriously talented med student. 🙂 Oh and those bagels? Yes please.
Alexis says
Isn't he a dream?? And the bagels....I can't even.
Julie @ HealthNutJulie says
This blog post is my favorite, EVER. Only you could make a life lesson out of bagels 🙂 Which, by the way, look absolutely delish. I completely agree though... I need to write a reminder to myself because I often skimp on getting ready because "I won't see anyone important." Might as well do it anyway! Maybe that's why I haven't met my future hubby yet 😉 Absolutely love new design -- so catchy and creative!
Alexis says
Awww that makes me so happy! Bagels and life lessons are connected in ways we don't even knowwwww! Thanks for your sweet comment, Julie 🙂
Julie @ HealthNutJulie says
This blog post is my favorite, EVER. Only you could make a life lesson out of bagels 🙂 Which, by the way, look absolutely delish. I completely agree though... I need to write a reminder to myself because I often skimp on getting ready because "I won't see anyone important." Might as well do it anyway! Maybe that's why I haven't met my future hubby yet 😉 Absolutely love new design -- so catchy and creative!
Alexis says
Awww that makes me so happy! Bagels and life lessons are connected in ways we don't even knowwwww! Thanks for your sweet comment, Julie 🙂
Danielle @ Labelsarefortincans says
What a great post to start off my Monday! Woohoo for accepting and taking on challenges! 🙂
Alexis says
Yay for taking on challenges (and making bagels)!
Danielle @ Labelsarefortincans says
What a great post to start off my Monday! Woohoo for accepting and taking on challenges! 🙂
Alexis says
Yay for taking on challenges (and making bagels)!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I am in love with your new look!!! I am definitely going to check out his site since I am looking to get a new design set up now that I am self-hosted!
Alexis says
I'm so glad to hear that you figured out self-hosting!!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I am in love with your new look!!! I am definitely going to check out his site since I am looking to get a new design set up now that I am self-hosted!
Alexis says
I'm so glad to hear that you figured out self-hosting!!
chelcie @ chelcie's food files says
bahhh I've always wanted to try making homemade bagels..that recipe looks amazing. Since I don't have a stand mixer at school I think I'm going to add it to my list of things to make for Thanksgiving! Maybe I'll even make a batch and bring some to my Grandparents house..I'm sure they would love them! BTW the blog looks FAB. I love the header!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
sorry to butt in here Chelcie, but you can totally make these by hand without a stand mixer if you're down with some elbow grease 😉 see the comments under the recipe for my suggestions on that 🙂
Alexis says
This would be perfect to make over break since it does take a bit of time. Thanks for the sweet comment, Chelcie!
chelcie @ chelcie's food files says
bahhh I've always wanted to try making homemade bagels..that recipe looks amazing. Since I don't have a stand mixer at school I think I'm going to add it to my list of things to make for Thanksgiving! Maybe I'll even make a batch and bring some to my Grandparents house..I'm sure they would love them! BTW the blog looks FAB. I love the header!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
sorry to butt in here Chelcie, but you can totally make these by hand without a stand mixer if you're down with some elbow grease 😉 see the comments under the recipe for my suggestions on that 🙂
Alexis says
This would be perfect to make over break since it does take a bit of time. Thanks for the sweet comment, Chelcie!