Author: Allie Zottola

A Parade, Dogs, and Vlogs

Hi! Whew, life has been full and busy and good lately.

The Parade

Jimmy and I spent Independence Day with our church family. Just like last year, we walked in a parade and handed out pens and candy. I think it was a great way to reach out to the community and hopefully see some new faces at church in the near future!

Fourth of July Parade T-shirtsPolaris Rzr

The Dogs

First and foremost, my sister and her husband got a puppy! He’s a golden retriever and they named him Indy.

Golden Retriever puppy

Secondly, pet sitting has been keeping me busy! I’m pretty sure I’ve figured out over the past few years that the Fourth of July is the peak of the busy season for pet sitting. I have families on vacation, new clients, people wanting dog walking, and more.

My days revolve around dogs (and a few cats here and there!) and I absolutely love it. This week I’ve been spending time with five dogs, a cat, and a hermit crab. I even brought one of my clients to the parade with me on Independence Day!

Chocolate lab and Golden retriever puppyEnglish Bulldog

It’s definitely a balancing act with pet sitting, working, and just keeping up with life in general, but I feel very blessed to be able to do what I love!

The Vlogs

I’m still enjoying filming vlogs here and there. My sister and I filmed a few together, which was a blast. I miss living with her! I also filmed one and discussed how I majorly embarrassed myself and basically detailed the day in the life of a pet sitter.

Tell me about your life lately!

Banana Nut Granola

I used to make granola on a weekly basis, and then I sort of fell out of the habit. Every time I get back into it, I always ask myself why I stopped! It’s perfect on its own, in a trail mix, stirred into yogurt, or with a bowl of milk.

Banana Nut Granola

I have a few favorite granola recipes, and today I want to share a new one. It’s banana nut granola, and I can’t get enough of it! There’s something about the combination of bananas and nuts that is so delicious 🙂

Banana Nut Granola

Ingredients
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup nuts, chopped (use any kind you like!)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ripe banana, mashed

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine the oats, nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the coconut oil, honey, vanilla extract, and banana. Microwave for 30 seconds and whisk until completely combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and stir until combined.
5. Spread the granola evenly on the baking sheets and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The granola is done when it is golden brown.
5. Remove granola from the oven and cool completely. Store in an airtight container and enjoy!