Do you know the muffin man?

Lately I've started going to an Egroup every Wednesday night with one of my college friends. It has been so much fun and I love getting to know girls that are in the same phase of life, and focused on following God's plan. This week I decided to bring a sweet treat to my bible study, since it was my first day after completing Whole 30. Woohoo! I needed the perfect dessert that was gluten free and dairy free, and festive for fall. Here's my recipe for some amazing autumnal muffins, healthy yet decadent!

Double Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

-3/4 cup Pumpkin Puree
-1 cup Justin's Maple Almond Butter
-1/3 cup Agave or Honey
-1 large egg
-1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
-1 teaspoon Cinnamon
-1 teaspoon Baking Soda
-1/2 cup of dairy free, vegan mini chocolate chips (and extra for the top)

Mix all ingredients, excluding chocolate chips, until smooth. Fold in mini chocolate chips. Pour heaping spoonfuls of batter into greased (with coconut spray) muffin cups. Top with extra chocolate chips.

Bake at 325 for 25 minutes, cover with aluminum foil, then bake for 5 more minutes.

Let cool, and enjoy as breakfast, dessert or a chocolaty snack!

Happy October, everyone!

Do you know the muffin man?

Thursday, October 2, 2014

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Boho Headbands & Chocolate Cookies.

One trend that I've always loved, but haven't exactly utilized until now, is the boho headband. I can't explain to you how much I love hippie style. Headbands, turbans, tops, cut-offs, beading... It has always inspired me! I want to incorporate it into my wedding. I love long cascading hair, silky blouses, billowy silhouettes, sheer elements, floral designs, simplicity with flare. I'm in love with the idea! It's definitely hard to incorporate it into my look all the time, sometimes I like classic items, or popular trends that aren't "hippie-boho-hipster" come about, but I often try to mix it in if I can!

Here are a few "pin-spiration" boho looks that I'm obsessing over. Now if only I could find the seeds to my money tree...

All photos via Pinterest.

Here is yesterday's boho headband look! Hair accessory brought to you by Versona...

In other news... I've mentioned it before and I'm not ashamed to talk about it again... the chocolate meringue cookie from Starbucks is one of THE BEST gluten free treats (under 2 dollars) that I have ever tasted in my life. Melt in your mouth chocolate chips with a light crust that breaks over the top after coming out of the oven. Oh my yum. It is so good! The bad news? Starbucks announced it's discontinuing it. Yep, they're taking away my cookie dream! Thanks a lot, Starbucks! I'm one of your biggest fans! How could you do this to me!? (Tear.)

So if I walk into a Starbucks, and I see this poor little abandoned cookie sitting behind a glass counter, showing it's little "adopt me" puppy eyes... I snatch it up! I eat it and love it and give it a good little cozy home in my hungry, gluten intolerant belly. 

SAVE THE CHOCOLATE MERINGUE COOKIES!

Boho Headbands & Chocolate Cookies.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

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Weekend Insta-Review.

Last week and this weekend were super busy for me! Niece and nephew birthday parties, my older brother in town, boyfriend in town, lots of family time, date nights... Woah! So fun, but super busy.

I know that I literally just mentioned volunteering with CSM to you in my last post, but I realized that I just have too much to focus on to truly dedicate my time to that. I promise I'm not a "flaky" person, I hope ya'll know that! I really did love the opportunity, but as a post-grad I just need something more substantial. If I'm going to devote my time to a job, I want to give it my all and I want to do my best!

What drives you? Success, regardless of the task, or working towards something that makes you happy? That's been a big topic for me lately, I'm curious on your take.

In other news, since I don't have any particular street style posts, I decided to throw together a weekend review! Here it goes...

Last week I got a quick haircut, bang chop and blow out at Planet 21. My go-to stylist, Emily, always does a fantastic job! I love the way it turned out. From there I celebrated my fresh cut with a hazelnut macchiato before going out to lunch with my grandmother and to see Endless Love. Eventful yet relaxing days are the best!

Thursday I had two job interviews! They both went extremely well, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed! I would love to work at either store, so we'll see what happens and where God leads me! Here's my interview look...

I also drank more coffee and slept in a little... That's what weekends are for!

Saturday night Sean and I went out to Cajun Yard Dog to celebrate Valentine's Day! I'm so happy he got to come home this weekend! We love going out to eat. I can't put into words how amazingly delicious this restaurant is. If you live in Charlotte and you haven't eaten there, you NEED to try it. Sean got the ultimate "man's meal" with fried chicken, mac'n'cheese and french fries, and I got blackened salmon, smothered cabbage and smashed potatoes. Heck to the yum, ya'll!

This morning I woke up and made a smoothie with mango, strawberries, bananas, honey, cinnamon, orange juice and greek yogurt. Then Sean and I went to Starbucks before taking a relaxing walk on the greenway! It was the perfect afternoon.

Sean is heading back to school tonight, and while I'd love to have him here every single day for the rest of forever, I'm so glad that he'll be on spring break in two weeks! I have so much coming up in the near future! Sean's dad is having surgery tomorrow, so I'd love all of your prayers for that, I have follow up interviews later this week, I'm leaving for Boston in 12 days and then Sean and my brother come back home! Nonstop, you guys.

What have you been up to?

Weekend Insta-Review.

Monday, February 24, 2014

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Christmas Photos & Chocolate Bars

I hope all of you had a Merry, Merry Christmas! I can't believe it's already over, can you? It goes by so fast. Unfortuneately I woke up a couple mornings ago with a horrible cold. Ugh, it's that time of year isn't it!? 

Even so, I thought I'd do a recap post... better late than never. So to keep it short and sweet, here are a few pictures from my oh-so-happy holiday!

Also, this year I got a new gluten free cookbook (photo above) from my parents! I am so excited to crack the spine and break in this bad boy. I've already tried one recipe when I needed a yummy dessert for a Christmas party at our house, and it was a huge success. I am addicted to this little treat. It is a gift from chocolate and peanut butter heaven. Here's the recipe, for dessert lovers and gluten haters alike...

Chocolate Oatmeal Peanut Squares

WHAT YOU NEED:
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
1/2 cup unsweetned cocoa powder
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
1 teaspon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups gluten free quick oats

WHAT YOU DO:
Butter an 8-inch square baking pan.

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until blended. Stir in the oats and pour into the prepared pan. Let cool, then refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, or until chocolate sets. Cut into bars and serve.

I can promise you, once you take a bite of these decadent bars you will be craving more and more! You can order the Gluten Free Every Day Cookbook here!  What's your favorite wheat-free recipe?

Christmas Photos & Chocolate Bars

Thursday, January 2, 2014

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Sweet Treats & Middle Parts

Hello bloggers! How was your Monday? Mine didn't go exactly as planned, but tomorrow is a new day! Recently I decided to grow my bangs out a little and try a middle part, what do you think?

It's not as flat as it will eventually become, but I think I like it! On an extra happy note, today I discovered that the Starbucks chocolate meringue cookie is gluten free. Um, I was so excited! If you haven't tried this cookie yet, you must go out and get one! Melty, gooey, and so delicious.

Speaking of sweets, are you a fan of peppermint bark? I'm obsessed. It is definitely one of my favorite holiday treats. Regardless of the season, I always have a craving for peppermint (it's refreshing and settles your stomach) but when it gets cold outside and Christmas decorations go up, my craving for homemade peppermint bark is through the roof! Yesterday I went to the grocery store and threw the ingredients into my cart with a huge smile on my face. I felt so festive and I couldn't wait to eat it! Here's the extremely simple recipe...

Homemade Peppermint Bark

WHAT YOU NEED

1 bag of white chocolate chips

1 bag of classic peppermints

Wax paper

WHAT YOU DO

Unwrap peppermints and place into double-bagged plastic bags. Crunch the peppermints up (I get intense and use a hammer) until they're smashed into little pieces. In a double boiler, melt the white chocolate chips until smooth. Pour in crushed peppermint and mix together. Once combined, pour the peppermint bark mixture onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and spread until desired thinness. Place in the freezer for about 10 minutes or until completely frozen. Once it's hardened, remove the bark and break into small pieces. 

Keep refridgerated and enjoy! Yum!

Sweet Treats & Middle Parts

Monday, November 18, 2013

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Fall Treat #2 - Gluten Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

Being gluten free is not easy when you have an intense love for bread. I enjoy cookies, brownies, pastries, pizza, cake, cupcakes, cookie dough balls, pot-pie, rolls, biscuits, crackers, pita chips, any dessert ...and the list goes on and on. Due to some very annoying stomach issues, I have recently become gluten free. Although it is challenging and costly, it has made me feel a million times better! I really feel that a gluten intolerance is causing my health problems, and this solution has made all the difference.  

One quirky little character trait that has been passed down to me from my dad is an immediate chocolate craving after dinner. We just can't go longer than a few minutes without needing to snack on some chocolate chip cookies or candy. So when I became gluten free, my search for a chocolatey dessert became a necessity. I had to find a sweet treat to counteract my salty dinners! This GF pumpkin mug cake is sweet, delicious, and only takes about two and a half minutes to bake...

GF Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

WHAT YOU NEED:

(Wet Ingredients)

1 egg

2-1/2 TBS Pumpkin puree

1/2 ripe Banana

2 TBS Maple Syrup

1 TBS Almond Milk

1/2 Tsp Vanilla extract 

(Dry Ingredients)

1/4 Cup Almond Flour or GF baking flour

1/4 Tsp Baking Powder

1 Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

1/2 Tsp Cinnamon

1/4 Tsp Nutmeg

Chocolate Chips (coated with a little flour)

Pecans

WHAT YOU DO:

In a large bowl whisk together all of the wet ingredients listed above until creamy. You may have to mash the banana with a fork until smooth. Once combined, add all of the dry ingredients (except the chocolate chips) and whisk together until evenly mixed. Next, add in your desired amount of chocolate chips and stir together. 

Find a shallow, round mug, and evenly coat the inside with butter or cooking spray. Once coated, pour in your GF pumpkin cake mixture. Cover the top with a couple chocolate chips, pecans, and a dash of pumpkin pie spice. Place in the microwave and bake for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, or until the cake springs back after touching the top. Be sure that it is cooked all the way through since it contains raw egg.

There you go! A simple, easy dessert that is chocolatey, festive, and gluten free. I can't wait to hear what you think of it when you try it!

Fall Treat #2 - Gluten Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

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