Pear, Apple and Cranberry Crisp

Yesterday I really felt like cooking but we had agreed to have dinner at the in-law's. So, I made dessert.

I made this crumble and Michel's mom made homemade ice cream. Per-fect! 

Neither of us knew what the other was making. She's wonderful.

Anyway, this crumble was delicious and super easy.

 

You can find the recipe here.

If you decide to try this recipe, you'll notice that the white sugar is optional. I tried using one tablespoon and it was a tiny bit too sweet for me (which is saying something). I would recommend about two teaspoons. 

Unless you really like sweets. In that case, do your thing.

Glorious Morning Muffins

 I love to cook. Did you know? 

I do not love to eat breakfast. I like to stay in bed for as long as possible, so I often have breakfast on the go. That's why I love these muffins.  

They're easy, healthy and soooo good. They're just the right amount of sweet so that you don't feel guilty after eating them. I strongly encourage you to try them for yourself.

 

 Glorious Morning Muffins: Makes about 18.

Ingredients: 2 eggs, 3/4 c. vegetable oil, 1/4 c. milk, 2 tsp. vanilla, 1 c. all-purpose flour, 1 c. whole wheat flour, 1 c. packed brown sugar, 2 tsp. baking soda, 2 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1 1/4 c. shredded carrot (2-3 medium), 1 c. shredded peeled apple, 1/2 c. coconut, 1/2 c. raisins, 3/4 c. sliced almonds (optional)

 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place paper baking cups in a muffin pan or grease with shortening. In a large bowl, beat eggs, oil, milk and vanilla with a wire whisk until well blended. Add dry ingredients (not the fruits and vegetables) and stir until just blended. With a spoon, stir in carrots, apple, coconut, raisins and 1/2 c. of the almonds, if using. Note: Stir as little as possible to prevent the batter from becoming stiff.

2. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, almost to the top. Sprinkle the remaining almonds over the batter.

3. Bake 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes. Enjoy!   

 

 

These muffins freeze well, so feel free to save some for later (if you can resist)!

Resolution: Live Simply

source

 2011 was an amazing year. I got engaged, moved in with my fiance, made fiance my husband, he graduated, got a great job and made me smile every single day. And I didn't even make a resolution for the year!

In fact, this is the first year I've made a resolution. It's really more of a goal, really.

Anyway. 

I've always considered myself to be a simple person. It doesn't take much to make me happy. But this year I want to take that simplicity to a new level. I want to apply the philosophy of simple living to every aspect of my life. Home decor: simple. Food I eat: simple. Recreational activities: simple. The less I have, the less I have to worry about, and who couldn't benefit from that? 

So here are a few things I'd like to focus on for 2012

1. Eat more whole, natural foods. Probably the easiest aspect.

2. Do at least one yoga pose per day. Because Whole Living told me to.

3. Read more. It's good for you, duh.

4. Buy less. We could probably all stand to do this.

5. Become more self-sustaining. Garden, make your own soap, etc.

6. Make yourself more available. To friends, clients and family. Be present in every moment and make plans and keep them.

 

7. Get outside every day. I know it sounds ridiculous, but sometimes on my days off I don't even  step outside.

8. Unplug from technology for a whole day, at least once a month. Just to see what happens.

So, here's to a new year and a new way of life. 

Cheers, friends.

A Wedding: Sentimental Moments

It's hard to know how to properly depict an event as big as a wedding in a few photos. So I've chosen some of the elements most dear to me. 

Our wedding felt extra special because we had so much help from family and friends. Michael's mom made my dress and arranged all of the flowers from her own garden. One of my bridesmaids, Charlie, made the cupcakes, which were amazing. Michael's best man, Jared, gave the loveliest, most heartfelt speech at the reception, where we enjoyed soup and salad made by M's sister. And my maid of honor, Anna, ran so many errands for me on that day and helped me stay relaxed and focused.

We just had the most magical night. I'll be sharing more from our wedding soon.

Also, I'm still figuring out the in's and out's of Blogger. I know, it's not that hard. If you visit the blog and you think it's a mess, please know I'm working on it. Thanks!