Easy & Delicious Homemade Granola

Hey lovelies!

Hope you had a great weekend. We celebrated our baby girl's birthday. She and 10 of her friends played, ate cupcakes, opened presents and she was so happy. Her party was adorable and her personality is infectious. Slow down time!

Sunday, I made up my fav granola. It's actually my Aunt Mary's recipe and its delicious. Simple, healthy and yum.

Usually we have a smoothie in the morning but I try to bring this as a mid-morning snack at the office. Granola, Greek yogurt & frozen mixed berries on top. By the time I eat it around 10ish, the berries have thawed and their juice is all happy with the yogurt and granola. Yummy.

That's it. Easy peasy. Our Aunt Mary is the fountain of youth and she eats this everyday. You might want to also :)

Keep it Beautiful.

Gin & Tonic Popsicles - Your Weekend Dessert!

Happy Fabulous Friday everyone!

TGIF! I’ve got something fabulously delicious to share with you today. What’s your fav drink of the summer? Hands down I’m a beer girl. But my cocktail of choice on a sticky, hot summer day is a Gin and Tonic. Come to mama!

What’s better than a G&T? A G&T popsicle. They’re simple to make and so refreshingly delish. My mum and I whipped these babies up last weekend at the cottage...

Here's How To:

What You Need:

- 1/2 cup gin
- 10 oz tonic
- 16 oz 7-up
- juice of 1 lime

 

What To Do:

- Mix up all the ingredients. Fill 8 plastic popsicle cups just before the top. Place the stick/top on and pop those babies in the freezer.

- The popsicles need to freeze for 12 hours. They will take longer than regular "juice" popsicles because of the alcohol content. Another tip...you might be inclined to increase the alcohol content...sorry my friends...not a good idea, they wont freeze if there is too much of the fun stuff!

I made up some fruit juice popsicles for the kids so when it was time for a popsicle break for them, it was time for the adults to have one too :)

Have a fresh.fabulous.sophisticated weekend my friends. We're full steam ahead on the basement reno. We had a minor...okay what felt like a major hiccup (like the City denied our permit hiccup...ugh), but our contractor figured out a new plan and we're good to go. Phew! I'll give you an update on where we are next week, share our living room mini-gallery wall and a giveaway!

Keep it Beautiful

Pit-Stop Peanut Butter Snack Bites!

The snow has officially gone and it finally feels like spring. Amen! This weekend I replaced the snowsuits and hats in the hall cupboard with sunglasses, sneakers, sunscreen and bike helmets!  With this fabulous weather, the kids were outside all day! They zoomed around on their bikes, got out the sidewalk chalk and got their “bike legs” back. When the weather gets warm, it’s hard to get my kids to come inside to get anything in their tummies. We often have lunch outside so that they get a good meal in them, but I’m always looking for a quick snack that they can take on the go as they play. Here’s my new fav…and theirs!

I call them, Pit-Stop Peanut Butter Snack Bites!

 

I’ve been eyeing the new line of Kraft Peanut Butter and picked up the Kraft Peanut Butter with Honey. Peanut butter + honey = has to be yum!

My middle guy and I mixed up some of our favourite ingredients and in minutes, our hands were rolling a healthy snack that is perfect for the kids to have a quick pit stop off their bikes to get refueled.

 

Suggested serving size is 2 to 3 of the bites represented in the above photo 

 

This was a great way to get one of my minis in the kitchen with me. My kids love to be in the kitchen and creating healthy, fresh food allows them to see what ingredients go into food, how food is prepared and, in this case, an opportunity to let them pick and choose their favourite foods to mix into the peanut butter.

Next weekend when your family is on the go and nobody wants to sit down for a snack, whip these babies up and your kids can have a quick pit stop for a healthy and delish refuel before they go go go!

A cool photo contest is going on over at sheblogs Canada. You can share a photo of your Peanut Butter Snack Bites recipe in the Make It Yours Contest and you could win 1 of 4 Kraft Peanut Butter prize packs. Here are some recipe ideas to get you started.

Follow the hashtag #MyKPBsnackbite to join the conversation and for more Peanut Butter Snack Bites recipes visit www.sticktogether.com

Keep it Beautiful.

*Although this post as been generously sponsored by Kraft Canada, the opinions and language are my own, and in no way do they reflect Kraft Canada.

 

 

Daytime Ottawa + Hot Chocolate Bar!

Hey guys,

 

I'm very excited to be back on Daytime Ottawa (for non-Ottawa residents, it's a local television show) today talking about how to host a "Hot Chocolate Bar Party" as well as getting yourself organized with DIY dry-erase organization boards.

Have you guys heard of mini parties? They were very popular last year and continue to trend for 2015. A mini party is exactly what it sounds like. We're all busy and sometimes feel overwhelmed at the thought of organizing a huge party with our family and friends. Instead, throw a mini party. With March Break here, why not throw a "hot chocolate bar" party? Hit the hill for some tobogganing fun and then have everyone back to you your house for hot chocolate and nibblies. It's easy, it's yummy and kids and adults will love it. Who doesn't love a cup of hot chocolate? It's love in a mug!

All you need is a thermos, crock pot, pot full of hot chocolate etc., and any kind of topping you want. If you tune into the show today, you can see how I've organized mine with a few tips and tricks but here are a few suggested goodies:

Of course, you can't forget the whip cream and a little chocolate sauce, sprinkles etc for added drizzle :) Yum! The kids will love it!

If you want to add a little something to the adults' hot chocolate, here are a few options to take that hot chocolate to the next level for the après tobogganing!

Hot chocolate, tequila & peppermint snaps

Hot chocolate, brandy & Frangelico

Hot chocolate & rum

Hot chocolate & Baileys

Hot chocolate & Cognac

Hot Chocolate, Crème de Cacao & Irish Cream

Hot Chocolate, Kahlua & Vodka

Hope you can tune in. If you have a Rogers account, you can watch the show anytime by clicking here and choosing Rogers Anyplace TV. Or, if you're in Ottawa you can tune into Channel 22 and watch live at 11am or repeats at 2pm, 5pm & 11pm

I'll have more on the DIY dry-erase organization on the blog soon. Think paint chits and frames.

Oh, and how can I forget....
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I hope you have a green beer waiting for you in the near future!


Keep It Beautiful.

Aunt Nancy's Cookies!

The other day, I was sitting in the office and craving a chocolate chip cookie. Random. Out of nowhere. So last night, my big guy stayed up a bit later and we baked.

Do you have a fav chocolate chip cookie recipe? My Aunt Nancy made.the.best! Everyone in our family loved her cookies because they are chewy, chocolatey and oh.so.yum.  I can still remember calling her on the phone from University, asking her for the recipe. Aunt Nancy is no longer with us, but her cookies live on in all of our kitchens.

 

Sooo, if this photo is sending 'get in my belly' thoughts, I’ve given you all the deets to whip them up in your kitchen. You’re house will smell delish and your tummy will thank you.

• 1 cup butter, softened (I remember Aunt Nancy sometimes using shortening so you can go either way. I use the butter but my cousins will be able to verify)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 1/4 all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 bag of chocolate chips...yup the whole bag...delish!
• If you want to make them "oatmeal" chocolate chips add in a good 3/4 cup of rolled oats.

Preheat your oven to 350

In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add your eggs and vanilla until you get a creamy texture.

In another bowl, mix your dry ingredients (except your chocolate chips) together. Slowly add them to your wet mixture and mix to get everything happy.

Stir in your chocolate chips and Voila! Aunt Nancy's cookies. Party in your mouth! Drop the cookie dough on a greased cookie sheet.

Bake 8-10 mins. It makes a lot.

Who can’t resist a warm chocolate chip cookie? Thank you Aunt Nancy.

From my kitchen to yours.

Keep it Beautiful.

Wednesday Yummies: Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Hey everyone!

I've got something delicious for you. Do you love rhubarb? Picking the rhubarb from my garden at this time every year is a sure sign that summer has officially begun. I've got a yummy rhubarb crisp recipe that is easy to make and tastes oh-so-yummy! Last week our big guy stayed up later and helped me bake this up...

Here's What You Need:

1 cup of sugar
3 tbsp all purpose flour
3 cups of diced rhubarb
3 cups of diced strawberries
1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup of butter
1 cup rolled oats

Here's What You Do:

1. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees
2. Mix white sugar, 3 tbsp of flour, strawberries and rhubarb. Place in a 9X13 dish (I actually used a deep dish pie plate (my Nana's) and had enough to make a smaller that I froze).

3. Mix 1 1/2 cups of flour, brown sugar, butter and oats until crumbly. Yummy.
This is our big guy workin' the pastry cutter...

4. Place the crumble over the top of the strawberry rhubarb mixture.
5. Bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly.

Oh heaven on a plate! Warm strawberry rhubarb crisp with a little vanilla ice cream? Yup. Summer is here!

Keep it Beautiful.

A Perfect Cupcake Recipe for A Perfect Baby Girl

Hey everyone,

Today is a special day in our house. Our baby girl is one! How did that happen? How did a whole year go by in a blink of an eye? She is beautiful, delicious, happy, snuggly, feisty, soulful, feminine, loves her brothers, attached to my hip and melts her Daddy's heart. She is perfect.

To celebrate her big day, I made these cupcakes. They are easy as 1 2 3!  If you are looking for the easiest cupcake and icing recipe, then tuck this in your recipe book!

Easy Chocolate Cupcakes

 

What You Need

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups cold coffee or water
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 3 tbsp cider vinegar

What You Do:
In large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk in coffee, oil and vanilla; stir in vinegar. Spoon into paper-lined or greased muffin cups.

Bake in 350ºF (180ºC) oven until cake tester inserted in centre comes out clean, 20 to 22 minutes. Remove from pan; let cool on rack. (Make-ahead: Store in airtight container for up to 24 hours.)
Vanilla Buttercream Icing:

What You Need:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 5 cups sifted icing sugar
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

What You Do:

In large bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy. Alternately beat in sugar and cream, making 2 additions of sugar. Beat in vanilla. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 24 hours; let come to room temperature, about 1 hour. Beat slightly before using.)

Isn't she a beauty?

Keep it Beautiful.

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Hey everyone!

Sorry I've been so MIA this past week. It was March Break, I was home with the kiddies and it was oh-so-busy! My mum was visiting and was a huge help to me. Phew! Mum and I were also condo shopping for her and my dad. I loved looking into all the condos and their décor possibilities. Designing from a blank slate is a decorators dream!

Happy St. Paddy's Day to you all. Are you really Irish or just Irish for today? I can remember in my University days, standing in the bar line on St. Patrick's Day at 9am. How times have changed! These are the cupcakes my big guy and I made last night for school today and at 9am I was far from the bar and taking my son to school ;)

Do you love green? Do you decorate with green in your home? Here are a few green rooms that look pretty fresh.fabulous.sophisticated to me.



Real Simple

Tonic Living

 My Nana loved St. Patrick's Day. Her house was always "decked" in green. This morning I'm wearing my shamrock earrings that she gave me with pride and ready for my green beer tonight. Happy St. Paddy's Day.

Keep it Beautiful.

Wednesday Yummies: Chocolate Chunk...Yum!

Hey everyone,

Happy Hump Day! Need a mid-week treat? I've got it for you. My little guy and I whipped up these Chocolate Chunk cookies yesterday and me-oh-my, they are delish!

 

WARNING: THESE ARE NOT LOW FAT! THESE ARE NOT GLUTEN FREE! THESE ARE NOT SUGAR OR BUTTER FREE! THESE ARE ALL FAT, ALL DELISH, ALL TREATS AND ALL SO GOOD!

 

Sometimes, a good old fashioned chocolate chip cookie is just what you need! I found this recipe in Curtis Stone's cookbook "What's for Dinner?". I've shared one of his recipes before here. It's a fabuloso cookbook.

 

Here's the love...

via

What You Need:



2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

2 large eggs

12 ounces bittersweet chocolate (60% cacao), very coarsely chopped into chunks

2 cups pecan halves, toasted

What You Do:
1. Position racks in the top third and center of the oven and preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two large (18x13x1-inch) heavy rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.

 

2. In a small bowl, whisk the flour and baking soda together.

3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt on medium-high speed for about 4 minutes, or until creamy. One at a time, add the eggs, beating well after each addition. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually beat in the flour mixture just until combined. Add the chocolate chunks and pecans and mix just until the pecans break up a bit.

**So, I may have dropped half the shell of one egg into the bowl at which time the mixer whipped it up into tiny bits. Oopsie. I'm pretty sure I fished out most of it but a little shell never hurt anyone right?! Oh, and I didn't add the pecans because I didn't have any in the house but they would be oh-so-amazing in there!**

 

4. Using about 1/3 cup dough for each cookie, drop the dough, spacing it evenly and placing only 6 cookies on each sheet, onto the prepared baking sheets. These cookies will spread, so don’t place them too close together. (The shaped cookies can be frozen until firm, then stored in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake the frozen cookies without thawing, but allow a few additional minutes of baking time.)

5. Bake the cookies, switching the positions of the sheets from top to bottom and front to back halfway through baking, for about 13 minutes (*I baked mine for 11 mins), or until the edges and tops are golden brown but the centers are still soft and moist. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Using a metal spatula, transfer the cookies to wire racks. Repeat with the remaining dough, being sure that the baking sheets are completely cooled before adding the dough. Serve the cookies warm.

Yup, they're amazing and half of them were gone after dinner. Likely due to the fact that they are oh so unhealthy but oh so healthy for the soul and warms my heart to see my kiddies dunk them with delight in a glass of milk. Try them!

Keep it Beautiful.

Wednesday Yummies: No Bake Energy Balls

Hi guys,

Having a good week? It's SO cold here in Ottawa this week! Holy freezing! However, this is Canada so let's bundle, keep calm and carry on...right?!

I had my first marathon training run last night in this crazy weather. It always seems like the first night of training is one of the coldest. Maybe it's a good start in playing with my psyche for that big race? Ugh. All I know is that the distances are going to get longer and I'm going to be looking for some serious energy at the end of the day. Enter in a new recipe...energy balls!

Energy bars and balls are all over Pinterest right now. They're kind of like mini granola bars, only you make them, put whatever you want in them and they are way healthier than what's on the grocery store shelves.

I really don't have a recipe for it.  You can put anything in them and fill them with all the yumminess you want. I don't know about you, but around 3pm I'm always looking for something sweet and these little balls (okay I'm having a hard time keeping a straight face ;) will give you the energy you need and keep you away from reaching for that chocolate bar!

What You Need:
*I really made this up as I went along so feel free to play with the measurements*

- 1 cup large flake oats
- 1/4 cup flax
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup crushed almonds
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 tsp vanilla
- handful of mini chocolate chips (I did this for the kids but you could definitely eliminate them)

**You could also add other things ie: shredded coconut, chia seeds, raisins or any dried fruit, pumpkin seeds, protein powder etc.

What You Do:

1. Stir all the ingredients in a bowl until mixed well. Cover bowl with saran wrap and let it chill in the fridge. At least half an hour.

2. Roll into whatever size ball you would like (again I'm chuckling...bad girl!) I suggest about 1". Store in a container in the fridge. VOILA!

**Peanut butter might not be so good in your house so you can always replace it with almond butter or whatever else you usually use to replace PB.

These little bites are easy, healthy, really yummy, guilt-free and hit the spot when you need a little boost.

I would say they are definitely fresh.fabulous.sophisticated.

Keep it Beautiful.

Wednesday Yummies: Apple Cinnamon Cake

Hey everyone!

This is a super yummy and easy cake/loaf that I've seen a few people posting on Facebook this week. Both my mum and father-in-law made this on the same day that I did. These are actually their photos below. I didn't even get a chance to take a photo of it before my little guys wanted it in their bellies!  We all agreed that it could have used maybe a smidge more cinnamon and maybe another half of an apple.

I love this recipe because it has everything in it that you probably always have in your kitchen. You should make it tonight! It won't last long.

What You Need:
1/3 cup brown sugar (not packed)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon...
2/3 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (I actually used half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour)
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup milk
1 apple, peeled and chopped

What You Need:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl and set aside. Beat white sugar and butter together in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, until incorporated; add vanilla extract.

Combine flour and baking powder together in another bowl; stir into creamed butter mixture. Mix milk into batter until smooth. Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Next add half the apples and half the brown sugar cinnamon mixture. Lightly pat apple mixture into batter.

Pour the remaining batter over apple layer; top with remaining apples and add more brown sugar/cinnamon mixture. Lightly pat apples into batter; swirl brown sugar mixture through apples using a finger or spoon.

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes.
You can find the recipe online here

Don't forget if you are in the Ottawa area and have a room that needs some décor love then you should definitely come to my workshop on February 4th. Email me for further details, I would love to see you there!

Keep it Beautiful.

Matina's Fudge

Hey everyone!

Maybe because it's Christmas, I'm feeling really nostalgic and wanting to get out all the recipes I have that have been passed down to us. Last week it was Garra's Nuts 'n Bolts and this week it's Matina's Fudge!

Matina was Mr. Fix-It's mom.  She was a wonderful woman, loving, beautiful and a really good Mommy. She passed away when Mr. Fix-It was only 19.

Nick's Aunt Jennifer wrote out many of Matina's famous recipes and her fudge is one of them. So, yesterday I whipped up a batch with my little guy. Do you love to bake with your kids or little ones? I've always loved to bake, have memories of baking with my mum and always have one of my kiddies sitting on the counter as we bake up a treat.

This recipe is easy peasy and AMAZING! Nope, there's nothing light about this but it is so good and perfect for the holidays :)

Here's What You Need:

- 2 cups sugar
- 2/3 cups milk
- 13 large marshmallows
- 1/4 lb butter
- 1 pkg of chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp. vanilla

Here's What You Do:
1. Add the first 4 ingredients to a pot and cook on medium heat and bring to boil. Boil for 5 mins, stirring constantly. (You may have to squeeze the marshmallows with a spatula against the side of the pot to melt them).

2. Take off heat and add the package of chocolate chips and vanilla.

3. Stir until mixture begins to fudge and pour into greased square pan.  Okay so the recipe says to add to greased square pan. NOPE! DON'T DO IT! First of all, I couldn't find my square pan so I used a round one and second my fudge is now stuck to the bottom of my pan. So, definitely line your pan with wax paper. This way you'll be able to get the fudge out! Then cool in the fridge.

 

So, here's my finished photo....gulp!

Pretty sad looking I know. But, if I had lined the pan with wax paper then my fudge would look oh so pretty. Oh well, it may not be presentation worthy but it's melt.in.your.mouth delicious, we've been eating it right out of the pan, my kids, and of course, Mr. Fix-It are in heaven, it's easy to make and I love that it came from Matina.

Keep it Beautiful.