When people turn 30 it usually goes one of two ways - they either have a mini crisis because they can't fathom that their 20's are over, or they are ready to take on adulthood by the horns. OK - maybe that is a bit of a generalization. A stereotype at best. But there is some truth to it! I recently turned 30 and I'd say I landed somewhere in the middle. I was SO excited to turn 30 (bye bye 20's) and didn't necessarily have a crisis but I made a lot of change happen (because who wants to waste their time doing things they don't care about anyway). I moved into a new apartment in a new neighborhood, quit my job to pursue my dreams, and decided to take better care of myself and my health. After all, I'm not getting younger. 
     I'm stretching and meditating *almost* daily. I'm being good about being less negative and having more gratitude in my life. I'm trying to sleep at least 7 hours a night. I've already cut back on/virtually eliminated gluten because it is inflammatory for me. I eat significantly less dairy because, well, same. I eat way more vegetables. And now I'm trying to really get some whole grain balance in there.

     Not too long ago I posted on Instagram (@thealiconklin, follow ya girl!) that I'm getting back into the blog thing. It was an announcement to everyone just as much as it was me holding myself accountable to actually do it. With that, I asked the IG world what recipes they would like to see. Oddly, multiple people requested mac & cheese - hence this post!

     I debated going healthier with it (and trust me, I've created a recipe for that, too) but ultimately said "screw it, the people want mac & cheese dammit!" So this is my super creamy, super indulgent, super cheesy version full of all the good stuff you crave (minus the gluten...but you can use glutenous ingredients just the same). 

     Last night I was out with some friends having drinks and buffalo chicken came up in conversation. Now, if you've been reading my blog for a while or know me IRL then you know I love buffalo chicken. So when we started to talk about our other friend's family and how they always have some sort of buffalo chicken food at family cookouts (sounds like my kind of family) it got me craving the good stuff.

     If you live in the Northeast, then you know today's weather has been UNREAL. It is so beautiful outside! I've been in a pretty stubborn funk the last few months (hence my absence of regular blogging) but today's weather has been inspiring. In a pretty great way, too, because this broccoli slaw is insanely good.

     Whether you're enjoying the spring-like warmth or actually living in the month of February, this slaw goes great with any light or heavy main dish you may be cooking up tonight. 

     By now you all know my love for farmers markets. Mid-summer offers up so many colors and textures and shapes and tastes! The more colors going into my bag the better. This slaw brings together bright, eye-catching purple, orange, and green with a beautiful, refreshing crunch.

     What's even better than how pretty it is? I never had to turn on the oven! And in this humid, sticky 90 degree weather that is a huge bonus.