Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Healthy Apple Muffins

Have you ever had the experience of thinking that you have all of the ingredients for a recipe and then halfway through making it, you realize that you are out of one (or more!) ingredients?  Well, that happened to me today.  BUT, the results were so yummy that I had to share with you!

I've made these muffins a few times with yummy results, but halfway into mixing, I realized that I was a) out of oats AND eggs!  Oops.  Baking FAIL.  However, I happen to be lucky enough to be raised by a professional baker so I know a few tricks ;-)

I did have some health food store knock off Grape Nuts and some flax meal, so I went to work modifying the recipe and this is what I came up with:


 
Healthy Apple Muffins

Makes 16 muffins

1/4 cup Smart Balance or butter or coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 T flax meal + 3 T water
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or you can use 1/2 cup WW flour and 1/2 cup AP flour)
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t nutmeg
1/4 t ground cloves
1 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 cup Grape Nuts Cereal
1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
1/4 cup raisins (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Line muffin tins with paper liners or spray generously with cooking spray.

Whisk the first four ingredients together in a large bowl.  Sift flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the bowl, stir until just combined.  Gently blend cereal, apples, and raisins into batter. 

Divide batter evenly between muffin cups.  Bake 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of one muffin comes out clean.
 



These muffins were delicious and devoured by my kids as soon as they came out of the oven!  I think they'd be great with some chopped pecans or walnuts in them as well, but since we are a nut-free house due to allergies, I used some hemp hearts instead.  They have a great nutty flavor and are super healthy.  Try them in anything baked or on salads - yum!  I get mine in Costco and the bag looks like this:

 

I hope you try these muffins and enjoy!
 
Linking up with these parties:


Lil\'Luna
 
A Bowl Full of Lemons

A Crafty Soiree
 
Photobucket

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

10 Things Tuesday, Pinterest Edition

Happy Tuesday!  I hope you all had a great long weekend!  I will admit...I thought today was Monday until about 9 am.  Nearly missed an appointment to get the car into the dealer...oops!

This weeks 10 Things will be things I have recently pinned on Pinterest.  I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest.  I love that it's a place to put all of my ideas, but hate that it's such a time suck!! 

So, to save you some time, here are a few fun things I've run accross recently:

One of my favorite food blogs, Two Peas and Their Pod, recently put together a round up of summer salads...and they all look so good!

(source) 


This citrus salt body scrub would make great teacher or staff gifts for the end of school!  It would also be easy to make at a little girl's spa-themed birthday party.

(source)


Chocolate Frozen Greek Yogurt?!  Yes, please.

(source)


It's hard finding good granola bar recipes that meet the nut-free requirements of my oldest daughter's diet, but these look awesome AND full of healthy things like chia seeds and flax meal. 

(source)


My girls love sidewalk chalk, so this chalk paint will be fun to play with all summer!

(source)

 I am in love with this cute ipod holder!  What a fun little project to keep my hands busy during swim lessons this summer!

(source)

 Another fun project to do with the kidlets - origami animals.  How About Orange has some really great tutorials, including this one for origami foxes (which she turned into frameable art!)

(source)


We've been doing a summer bucket list for the past few years, and I think that this random acts of kindness list is a nice way to change things up:

(source)


Strawberry lemondae is one of my favorite drinks in the summer, and this is easy enough for my girls to make by themselves.  Yum!

(source)

 
This shaving foam dough looks like a fun thing to do on one of those rainy days we tend to get early in the summer here in Seattle.  Plus, you can get shaving foam at the dollar store!
 


(source)

Remember, you can find me on Pinterest here.  Have you found anything worth trying lately?  Or just things that end up here or here?  Heehee!
 

Monday, May 27, 2013

When 2 Become 1...

I blame the 90s station on Sirius for this one...they had a Spice Girls marathon this afternoon and well...that song stuck in my head.

So, if you know me IRL, you know that this isn't my first rodeo when it comes to blogging.  In the past, Eat. Play. Sleep. was where I blogged about my life as a stay at home mom to two young kids.  I blogged very regularly until a few years ago when both girls started full time school, and we stopped doing fun things during the day.  Naptime and play dates became PTA meetings and trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up.  Nope, still don't have a clue.  BUT...I did manage to steal a moment to google "how to merge blogs" and realized that I could put my old blog here.  So...now you can go back to 2008 (!!) and uh...enjoy the nostalgia?

No really...here's my kiddos now and then.  Awwww...




Friday, May 24, 2013

Tried and Tested: The Georgia Vintage Dress by The Cottage Mama

I'm sure you know The Cottage Mama - Lindsay has been blogging, sewing, and designing patterns for a few years and has been of one of my biggest inspirations!  Her patterns are full of adorable details and are super easy to follow.  So, when I was chosen to be part of the testing group for her new patterns, of course, I was beyond thrilled!

The Georgia Vintage Dress is modeled after a dress that Lindsay's mom wore as a little girl, and I just love the style.  I made View C, which was perfect for my 8 year old, who is just a little too big for the ruffled sleeves that are on the other versions. 


The bodice has a sweet Peter Pan collar and button detail, along with piping and a sash.  You could do ric-rac or lace instead of the piping - the possibilities are endless!


Here's a (iphone) shot of the bodice in progress to show the detail - I love piping!

 
 
And here's the whole bodice in progress.  The whole dress only took about 3 hours to cut and sew together, but it looks like it was much more complicated - one of the many reasons why I just love Lindsay's patterns!  Her attention to detail is impecable.
 

The skirt is double layered and sewn with French seams - my favorite for garments!  And I love that the bodice is fully lined as well.


Here's a view of the back - you can see the bow and button closure.  My daugher is quite slender, so I think I might make a bit of an alteration in the next Georgia dress I make her, but I think they fit is quite true to size for your average girl.


Of course, the skirt is just perfect for twirling :)




So sweet, right?  Lindsay just started offering the opportunity to sell garments made from her patters, so you can bet that I'll be putting these in the shop as soon as the pattern is officially released, and if you'd like to sew your own up, I'll let you know when the PDF pattern is released on my Facebook page.  Be sure to follow along on The Cottage Mama's Facebook page as well, to check out her other new patterns!

Here are some details and thoughts about this dress:
Pattern: Georgia Vintage Dress by The Cottage Mama
Fabric used: Notting Hill by Joel Dewberry, purchased through Fabric.com.  It was a breeze to work with and I love how the deisgn is modern yet it has a hint of vintage - perfect for this dress!  I found the buttons at Joann.
Thoughts:   The pattern and design of this dress are wonderful!  Lindsay created a group so that all of the pattern testers could communicate, get feedback, and have questions answered.  It's been a wonderful experience!

Instafriday #9

It's Friday (YAY!) and I'm linking up with Life Rearranged again for Instafriday.  It's been kind of a crazy week.  One of those weeks where when it starts, you think to yourself, "Sweet!  I've got nothing going on this week!"  And then somehow, your days fill up and you end up getting 5 hours of sleep a night AND a head cold.  Ugh.

So, not a lot of pictures, but I'm sure I'll make up for it next week :)

I started the week with some sewing for the shop.  Trying to decide between pink and green for the sash on this peasant dress.  I made one for a custom order and another got listed - check it out here!

 
This kiddo loves to cover her face in stickers when we shop at Trader Joe's.  She's such a goofball!


 
Crepes for breakfast?  Yes please.  Especially when I don't have to make them!  Thanks, hunky hubby :)

 
I've decided that I like running outside better than on a treadmill and the weather has been nice enough to do it too :)  Plus, cute shoes are always a good motivator!


 
Working in my sweatshop sewing room, changing thread on the serger.  I know a lot of people think sergers are a PITA so thread but mine is pretty easy.  I love that illustration!


 
When you have a week that ends up in chaos, there's only one cure: donuts.  These were tasty!

 
 
That's all for this week, but check back next week - I'm taking my Girl Scout troop camping this weekend so if that doesn't kill me, I'll be back with more next Friday :)  Until then, follow along at my Instagram account.  I'm azbarsotti.  Have a great week!
 

 
life rearranged

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

10 Things Tuesday

1.  The smell of sweet potatoes roasting in the oven is heavenly.  This is for dinner and I can't wait.  This is on the menu for tomorrow...I'm already hungry!

2.  I may be just a teeny tiny bit excited about Memorial Day for the simple reason that I can be okay with the fact that eating 2 hot dogs in one sitting on Memorial Day is the right thing to do.  It's the American thing to do.

3.  I just listed this little dress and bloomer set in the shop and it may or may not have given me a slight case of baby fever.  Imagine a big ole' belly and chunky thighs and a big diaper bum covered in ruffles.  Sadly, I don't have kid fever so...I'll stick with my dream of getting a puppy ;-)

4.  Only 15 days of school left for us!  The girls and I make a summer bucket list every year and we've already put beach trips, ice cream making, and library visits near the top.  What do you do with your family during the summer?

5.  I'm a little excited about the running belt I just ordered.  I still don't love running, but uh...it's a necessary evil.  See #2.

6.  Do you watch Nashville?  I puffy heart that show!  I've had a girl crush on Connie Britton since The West Wing...mostly on her hair.  Gah.  It's sooooo pretty!  I'm super excited for the season finale, but sad that I have to take a break all summer.  Noooooo!

7.  We are heading out on our first camping trip of the year this weekend.  I can't wait for banana boats, s'mores, geo caching, and hopefully a nap!

8.  I just ordered some anchor fabric and can't wait to whip up some nautical pillow case dresses for the shop! 

9.  Skirt week is coming!  I can't wait.  I love skirts in the summer.  May have to bogart some of that anchor fabric...

10.  Do you watch True Blood?  Have you read the books?  I liked the first few, then kept reading to see if they would get better.  The last one just came out and...I just can't bring myself to buy it!  Maybe when it goes on sale for Kindle.  I just don't have high hopes.  I need a few good summer reading suggestions.  Leave me some in the comments, please!

Friday, May 17, 2013

Instafriday #8

It's Friday, so I am linking up with Life Rearranged's Instafriday again!  Remember, you can follow along on Instagram - my profile is here.

I've been on a HUGE chips and hummus kick lately.  This was spicy and delish!



We road tripped it down to Portland for another wedding...I started a sweater for my oldest in the car.
 




This chunk of love is my nephew.  He's only 6 months old but already weighs about as much as my (teeny tiny) 5 year old!



If you've been following along, you know I love my Dutch Brothers :o)  Best coffee EVER!
 




While in Portland, we hit up the St John's Festival with my mom.  It was about 90 degrees out, so we decided some shaved ices would cool us off - my husband and I split a strawberry-mojito combo and it was amazing!
 




The view from my sunroof :)
 




Bad lighting, but here's the hubs and I at the wedding.
 




These girls :)  We went to all of my favorite places on Mother's Day, the best being the beach!
 



 
Playing with pretty fabrics for an order.  I love my job :)

 


 
This girl is my accessorizer.  We went to Girl Scouts and she had to add her huge sparkley bow :)
 


 
 
Fresh, sweet berries and whipped cream...need I say more?
 
 


Be sure to hit up Life Rearranged so you can see what other bloggers are doing for Instafriday!


life rearranged

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Guest Post at H Family Happenings AND Giveaway Day winner!

First, congratulations to our Giveaway Day winner, Stacy G.!!!  Please check your email and get in touch with me to claim your prize!

Second, I guest posted at my friend Tyson's blog last week - here's what you missed:

Hello Everyone!!  I'm Allie, wife to my best buddy, mama to two girls, and owner and operator of The Graceful Rose.  I live in Seattle, where yes - it rains A LOT!  Why do people live here?  Well, the days that are sunny, although they are few and far between, are absolutely stunning!  Plus, I like coffee so...it helps that there are 6 Starbucks within a half a mile ;-)

here's my little family at a recent wedding - don't worry, we are NOT this facy every day!

I'm so honored that Tyson asked me to share a bit of my world with you!  I always loved arts and crafts as a kid, but I honestly didn't do a whole lot of it until I became a mom.  I learned to sew in middle school (thanks, Mrs. Thompson!), but never touched a sewing machine until my girls were about 4 and 2.  Since then, I've really enjoyed sewing, especially since there are so many great fabrics and patterns out there!  My hobby recently turned into a business, which has been great, but has left me needing to add a few organizational tools to my craft room.  So, I'm going to share a tutorial for turning any old frame into a customized memo/inspiration board.

First, let's chat about what you'll need:

 
  • A frame - Mine was on clearance at IKEA
  • foam board
  • fabric - I used this cute print from the Nicey Jane line by Heather Bailey - love her!
  • spray adhesive
  • X-acto knife and self-healing cutting mat
  • fabric marking pen and fabric scissors
  • spray paint (optional)

 
 
First, take the carboard and glass out of your frame.  Don't be like me and ruin your manicure pulling those little metal doo-dads up!  Use a screwdriver.

 (waaaaaaah!)

If you want to spray paint your frame, now is the time to do it.  Use at least two coats to make sure the color is even!  While it's drying...

Trace the liner of your frame onto your foam board.

Using your self healing cutting mat as a base, carefully cut the shape out with your X-acto knife.



Place your foam board shape onto your fabric (right or wrong side - either is fine).  Trace the shape with your fabric marker and cut out.



Spray the foam board with adhesive and press your fabric on top.  You could cut the fabric a few inches bigger than your shape and just glue it to the back, but I find that can be bulky and not sit well in the frame, so spraying it with adhesive is my preferred method.  If you have any wrinkles, get out an old gift card and smooth them out.


Place the fabric covered board back into your frame and voila!  A custom bulletin board to use however you like. 


I chose to hang mine in my craft room and use it as an inspiration board, but of course, this would be cute anywhere you need a message center - landing area by the front door, a kid's bedroom, etc.  You could even go buy some T-pins at the fabric store and use them to hang up your jewelry.  The possibilities are endless :)




I hope you make a custom bulletin board for yourself!  Feel free to stop by The Graceful Rose Blog and say hi!  Thanks again, Tyson, for having me!

Linking up with:
Lil\'Luna
 
 
A Crafty Soiree

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Today's Creative Blog

 
A Bowl Full of Lemons