the explorer's return

So... hi.

Did you miss me? Did you think I was dead? (Honestly, at some points, I thought I was dead. I have never been so tired as when I got off that plane... but here I go, already getting ahead of myself...) Well, I hope you did, and I'm not.

Things I learnt from Explore

• EDWARD SNOWDEN
• French grammar yo (had to stick it in somewhere) 
• Peanut butter peanut butter peanut butter (aka I am not alone in my obsession)
• There is such a thing as too many wraps
• Also too many sandwiches
• Running twice a day is advised
• It is not possible to sing a song too many times (Elle me dit, anyone?) 

• I'm not as smart as I think I am
• It is possible to be entirely consumed by mosquitoes
• I am not as socially awkward as I had always suspected (whattt)
• You need sweatpants
• No matter how sad you feel, mini doughnuts will help
• Sleep is overrated
• Dancing in the rain is not
• POURQUOI?
• I own way too many clothes
• Being pushed in a shopping cart is the way to travel
• You will never regret taking photos
• How to do the carwash (...our own special dance, too special to be explained)
• Tea is the addiction of our generation
• So is flax (go figure, people just got really excited)
• LOUIS RIEL
• Bowling= bonding
• Cold showers after long runs are the best things of life

And, most importantly: 

• it is totally possible to be in love after five weeks (or even much before)

I have never met a group of people I felt this strong a connection with. At the beginning, I felt so many misgivings... but it has been the best summer of my life. I haven't been blogging as much as I might have liked, but in exchange I've definitely been living! 

things at which I could win a prize

The other night, I went to go see my friends perform at a major (for this town) music festival. (Shoutout to Declan, Anna and Cécile- you were amazing!) As is often the case, watching all of these wonderful performers made me feel... a little inadequate. (You know how I used to talk about playing guitar? Haven't done that since last summer. Sigh.) So, I thought I'd list some other talents of mine that I could totally win awards for!

-Pie appreciation. Honestly, I know no one who loves pie as much as I do. (The same goes for popcorn. Although, in both cases, I admit to snobbery- only pie with real fruit, and only air-popped popcorn.) Why is it that pie-eating competitions exist, but none for sheer love of it? What a sad world we live in.

-Reading. I am, hands-down, the fastest reader I know. (Upon initial glance, this doesn't seem like that useful a skill... but it means that homework assignments take me approximately half the time they take anyone else.) If there was a speed-reading and comprehension contest, I would definitely win.

-Protein baking. If I am baking something, it's almost a guarantee that I will find a way to insert more protein into it- necessary vegetarian skillz. (However, if you're going to attempt this skill, a word of caution: don't tell people that you've tried to make the dessert healthy until they've actually finished eating it. For some reason, my efforts do not recieve proper recognition.)

-Writing. Does this seem a little egotistical? Maybe. However, it's true- I'm a very good writer. (You don't see my true skills because my blog posts tend to be a little more rushed than my more serious writing, aka stories and essays. But, no bragging intended, those are quite good.)

-Being awkward. Really. No one ever sees this as a good thing, but look on the bright side- if I'm around, everyone will think of you as being far more attractive and put-together in comparison! (However, this one might be decreasing. At this same event, I had TWO conversations with an attractive boy and managed to sound entirely normal for both of them! -major pride-)

-Making lists. I am the List Queen. I make to-do lists every single day, not because I think I'll forget (sample list: shower. Make breakfast. Exercise) but because it helps me feel organised and in control. (WHEN EVERYTHING IS GOING WRONG AROUND ME! -drama-)

What are some skills you'd like to recieve more recognition for?

snow daze

The weather outside is frightful, but the tea is so delightful... so as long as you love me so, let it snow!

Okay, I'll obey the sign. We're a little past Christmas songs now, and I am grateful for that every time I turn on the radio... so listen to this instead!

Mumford and Sons are my latest obsession- who have you been listening to recently? Their music goes perfectly with the storm outside...

and with Cookie Dough tea and faux protein cookie dough! 

Are any of you in the depths of a storm right now? If so, I hope you're enjoying it as much as I am. 

letters after wisdom teeth removal

Dear Facebook: Why are you filled with a) updates from amazing dessert blogs that I just want to eat (but can't, because my mouth is in PAIN) and b) updates from Blogilates asking if I've done my daily workout (which I can't do for a WEEK because they cut me up so much).

YOU BOTH SUCK.

I just want to suffer in peaceeee

and hopefully get some sleeppp

is that too much to ask?

Dear Mum: Why did you have to eat a grilled cheese sandwich (that took me like ten minutes to spell, proof that I am still slightly drugged) RIGHT BESIDE ME? Meanieee. However, you also stole a magazine for me (albeit accidentally) so I suppose I love you a little.

Dear Jesse: even though you don't like the teas I do WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?... you're still pretty cool... HAHAHA you wish. Loser posse buddies forever? (And yes before you ask I am still drugged, a bit.)

Also I am jealous of your photo skills. Like legit. Why can I not make cool faces like that?

Dear smoothie: OMG you taste like icing. Who knew that bananas + protein powder could taste so good? Are you actually filled with nutrients, or is this just all in my mind?

Dear Kori: loveee you, Book Jockeyy! (The name is growing on me!) Seriously, you're so gorgeous and confident and makeup skilled-filled and you attend Open Mic with me so that's like the crowning glory, right? My Christmas wish for you is that you will be able to recommence (is that even an English word?) fencing soon because you're A STAR.

And we've got to make a vlog like stat. (Once my face no longer ressembles a square because I don't want to frighten viewers away.)

Dear sky: where is my snow. I mean seriously. This is getting ridiculous. Christmas is in 18 DAYS, so get cracking!

And for the rest of you lovely listeners: I love you all! Thank you so much for reading, you make me feel special and lovely myself. I wish for you that you never have to go through this pain... although you might already have in which case I extend my full sympathy.

Happy weekend!

sad but true

My conversation with my mother this morning as I make myself a salad:

Mum (watching me): Don't you only work at 12? You're so early!

Me: Well, you know, I like to be prepared...

Mum: The Internet's still down, isn't it?

Me: ...how did you guess?

(In my defense, I WAS waiting to fulfill my daily dose of Blogilates... but still. I admit that this is a little bit pathetic. Does this ever happen to you?)

currently...

For whatever reason, I am super excited to write a post of this type. (I suspect it is because I am super tired, and talking about myself requires little to no effort... I am a constant font of wisdom, or maybe just made-up words.)

Reading: Cotillion, by Georgette Heyer. This book (like most of Mrs. Heyer's, actually) is like chocolate: a comfort read. I can be near tears... read... then still be near tears, but from laughing. (I think I mention this whenever I talk about a book I'm reading- rest assured not everything I read is funny, but I do dearly love to laugh. Yay for random Jane Austen references!)

Watching:...New Girl. Yes. Still. Repeatedly. Also, The Mindy Project! (Has anyone ever heard of this? It's in a similar wacky-girl vein.) However, I couldn't find this week's online... I think that the presidential candiate debate played instead. -sadface- How dare politics interfere with my TV watching? Obviously I need to find some Canadian programs to watch, seeing as our elections are so short that one week it's like, oh, there's an election and the next day it's like, oh, wait, we're voting today...

Working On: scholarship applications! Yay money! (Or maybe just hard work for nothing. Who knows. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for CASH!) Blah. If any of you feel like sending me cheques for my wonderful blogging skillz, please let me know.

Thinking About: the fact that 'retardis' should really be a word: someone who is dumber on the inside than they look on the outside. (Doctor Who, anyone?) Also, the fact that The Lizzie Bennet Diaries are soon nearing a scene that I think Darcy will appear in. Does that make sense? I'm trying not to be too obvious for fear of SPOILERS! (Which, in case you didn't know, is also a Doctor Who reference.) (I know, I know, crazy fangirl alert.)

Listening To: Taylor Swift's latest release (OMG her album comes out on Monday! Excitement central!) as well as some Owl City (this song is so adorably stalker-ish... and no, I didn't think I'd ever say that either) and a... boyfriend checklist song? (It is positively darling, and I can picture myself singing this to someone.)

Eating: nothing... but I want pumpkin. I saw this recipe for pumpkin cinnamon streusel cake and I want it... but I am lazy and so I am not cooking. (I am fully one of those people who bookmarks 500 recipes and eventually makes 3 in a year.) While I'm at it, I also want every single one of these cupcakes because I can't pick which one looks best. (Yes. I will one day become a hippo.)

Tea would also be lovely  (after reading this mouthwatering post by Em) because tea is just THE BOMB. (Side note: is that cool? I keep reading 'cray' and 'cray cray' everywhere for 'crazy'. Is that the new hip thing now? Is hip even in? As a teenage girl, aren't I supposed to know these things? I'M SUCH A LOSER.) However, it is late at night (read: after eight, oh my) and so I will resist temptation... sigh.

Anticipating: my basketball tournament! We leave next Wednesday... I just realised that yesterday, and was like OMG I NEED TO PACK. (Yes. I have a week. That's not really a lot of time when you look at the size of my closet. Plus, I have to bring several different outfits because I will probably be sweaty... gorgeous, I know.)

Wishing: that I did not have to work. (Whine, whine.)  I know. I should be grateful, and I am... especially when I hear the horror stories from friends (example: the girl who works in the deli and has to empty chicken grease into a gigantic vat... all together now, EWWW) or think about how much shopping money I have. (Shallow, yes. Exciting, even more so!) Ah well, keep calm and write blog posts, right?

Not gonna lie: I had a ton of fun writing this post. (Hopefully it wasn't too boring!) What about you? How is your week going?

universally acknowledged truth

This.

(Confession: this post was originally meant to be about random facts... then I started writing about tea... and I was unable to stop. I blame YOU, Jesse. And I'm at school, with no near kettle... sob sob.) Really, there is nothing that tea cannot heal. It's just happy-making. (And whoever said that adding hyphens to make new words is not valid is a LIAR.) 

So, for a lovely Friday... I thought I'd talk about my favourite kinds of tea!

1) Actually, the tea-makes-everything-better fact is a lie. (Sorry.) Tea cannot heal not having tea... because then you don't have any. (Logic: Zia's strong suit, right?) I'm almost out of my Ice Cream Cake type from David's Tea... Heartbreak is imminent.

Honestly, how can you NOT want to drink Ice Cream Cake tea? It's like a calorie-free milkshake with Neapolitan ice cream: there are sweet hints of strawberry, vanilla and chocolate all at once. MMMM.

2) My second choice: pumpkin chai, also from David's Tea. 

It's perfect for a rainy day; sweet and cinnamony and, of course, pumpkin-y. (More hyphenated words, yay!) 

3) Let's face it: we all know that clarity is not my strong suit. That's why I drink this tea!

It tastes like blueberries with a hint of spice. Plus... it turns BRIGHT PINK! How can you not want to drink something that's bright pink? 

4) Okay... so you might be starting to see a theme here. David's Tea= love. Dessert teas= love. Strawberry Shortcake? LOVE. 

This is a wonderful summer-afternoon-in-the-air-conditioning tea; light and fruity and sweet. The sad thing is that I have to go visit one of my friends whenever I want this one, because I don't even own it. (I love you, Sophia!) So I'm a mooch. I admit it. 

5) Love hot chocolate, but not the calories? Try this tea.

It's rich, and chocolate-y (hypens again!)... the perfect treat for a snowy winter day after a hike. (Ok, so I have not tea-sted that theory out yet, but I'm sure it would be! This is actually another one owned only by a friend... love you too, Kori!

Yet another universal realisation:  I could buy it online... my life is complete. (Some people online shop for clothes. I online shop for teas. Cool kid here!) However, while browsing their site, I realised that another of my favourites (English Toffee, it literally tastes like caramel candy!) has been discontinued... and that I couldn't find this one either. (So really, this realisation was pointless.) How could they do this to meeee?

Sob. 

Okay, I'll go sample some different teas later and I will feel better. (Universally awesome, in fact.) 

Happy Friday!(Linking up for High-Five For Friday here!) (And Alpha-Thursday here!) Do you like tea? What are your recommendations? 

things i'm thankful for

Looking at the blogs I follow, I was like "Wow! There isn't 50 new posts about Thanksgiving! That's so weird!" Then I realised, "Oh yeah. It's only in Canada." So, for those of you who don't know... tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day! (Or is it today? I can never remember whether it's Sunday or Monday...) Anyway, here is a list of everything I am thankful for on this lovely long weekend.

1. This cranberry galette.

(Because of course the first thing I list would be food, right?) It is SO DELICIOUS. Berries + Fruit + Crust= major YUM.

2. The fact that I have a day off Monday. No work, and no school= a chance to wear whatever clothes I want! (Watch me stay in my pyjamas all day...) 

3. This song. 

Somehow I forgot to put it on my playlist... which is bizarre, because for the past few days I've been listening to it on repeat. Have you heard it? Do you like it? 

4. Coffee mixed with chocolate milk. I did this for the first time yesterday, and I cannot believe I hadn't tried this earlier because it is just SO GOOD. 

5. The fact that my cat doesn't usually look like this.

Before I woke him up with my flash, he was actually sleeping like this. How is that possible? 

Seriously. He looks like a psycho serial killer. I don't think I'd be able to sleep if he looked like this all the time.

6. Pumpkin anything. (I know, more food. What can I say, I have a one-track mind.) Pie, oatmeal, coffee... really, I don't think there's anything it's bad in!

7. PITCH PERFECT!

I went to go see this on Friday with a gaggle of friends and it was SO FUNNY. You know how some trailers make you laugh, then you go see the movie and they used up everything good in the trailer? Well, this one wasn't like that at all; there was still plenty of other hilarious scenes! (And as usual, we were the loud annoying ones. I think it's just fate.) 

8. The fact that I actually HAVE IDEAS FOR BLOG POSTS! After my complaining that nothing exciting was going on, I have actually had fun recently... so yay!

9. My friends. 

Whether we're at the park (because we're children like that, no big deal)...

Being fashion analysts (because that sounds much cooler than plain old 'shopping')...

Or loitering in stores and laughing at their items (yes, this is different than shopping)... We always have a great time. 

10. My followers! I'm really thankful whenever all of you read and comment on my posts... it makes me feel loved. (Awww moment. Okay, maybe I'm just 'aw-ing' to myself... but still.) So thank you. 

What are a few things you're thankful for? (Because it's always nice to think about, even if your Thanksgiving isn't now!) 

high five for friday!

I'm currently using this post to inject some positivism (is that even a word in English? ah well) in my life before heading off to a mind-crushing session of tedium (read: work)... because really, it's Friday and that is truly a synonym for happiness (or at least relief!). Linking up here... and off we go!

1. Wearing jackets. Okay, so this might be an odd thing to love... but fall is truly the season of coats, and there's just so many gorgeous ones out there!

Whenever I wear this, I feel like a James Bond girl, all prepared for ACTION and EXCITEMENT ...then I see my uniform skirt under it, and my hopes are slightly dashed. (Then I pretend I'm just going undercover.)

2. Pumpkin pie. I'm sure I've posted many times about how much I love pie... but really, in this case, I can't have too much of a good thing. (Well, talking about it anyway. Somehow I can't imagine that eating any more of it would be beneficial.)

Although, sad to say... this pie was made yesterday, and this is all that's left.

3. New Girl. 

Does anyone else watch this? I just discovered it Wednesday and I've already watched the first 10 episodes. (I have a life, I swear! But it totally provides valuable tips... like, people seem to think singing in public is weird. Whyyy?)

4. Arugula. Okay, this one is definitely a little bit strange... but hear me out.... yeah, okay, never mind, I just like salad. I am just weird.

It's just so crispy and bitter and yummy! (And, like the pumpkin pie photo, let's just pretend I have photography skillz, k?)

5. Reading. Um, yeah, I'm sure you've heard this one before also... but autumn just seems like the perfect time to curl up with some hot tea (I've heard that David's Tea has some new marshmallow kind out? What is this wonder?) and a wonderful book. I just finished...

Memoirs of A Geisha! (On my friend's strenuous recommendation.) Has anyone else read this? It certainly got five stars from me... the beauty of the prose, the characterisation, the gorgeous clothes (yes, that is totally a factor)... all were wonderful. (If you want to check out what else is on my shelves, check out my Goodreads page!)

A bonus: it's fall, so leaves are FALLing, so I get to go rake soon! (No sarcasm here, I actually like raking.) What are some of your weekly highlights?

pda... no, not like that

Today I am finally beginning the Photo-Day-August Challenge (Just four days late. It's not so bad, right?) set by my friend Jesse over at his blog Obsession is my forte. If you haven't checked it out, you totally should! He's hilarious! (I am such a good friend, I'm doing this despite the fact that he keeps thinking I'm 12 -sniff sniff- Just saying.)

Here is the list of photos:

1. Breakfast
2.Sunset
3. Art
4. Something you made
5. Something fun and exciting
6. Someone you miss
7. Something you found
8. An animal
9. Hair
10. Something you don't like
11. The last thing you bought
12. Your handwriting
13. Clouds
14. A sign
15. Best friends
16. Moon
17. Happy place
18. Favorite store
19. What you're wearing
20. Reflection
21. Your favorite object
22. Guilty Pleasure
23. View from your window
24. Nature
25. Skyline
26. Take a picture and write a short story to go with it 
27. Favorite books
28. Favorite picture you've ever taken
29. Your bag
30. Something you own that isn't considered normal (I know you have something)
31. Yourself

Today (since I'm a little late) I'll be showing the 1st four! 

1- Breakfast.

Yay for mango smoothies! I'm on a smoothie kick right now... unsweetened almond milk + frozen mango + vanilla + protein powder= something that tastes like ice cream. OMG it's good!

2- Sunset.

...Ok, so this is a flower. Not a sunset. Whatever, it's a sunset-coloured flower! I actually took this in Spain and I love the way it looks like it's floating!

3- Art

This is actually another photo from Spain. There's a street there that is dedicated to statues made by Salvador Dali, and this one was my favourite! (Yes, they're just sitting there on the street... no big deal... we actually happened across them by accident!)

4- Something I made

This is one of my favourite art projects I've ever done. (Plus, there was no blood involved... always a bonus.) Idea credit goes to someone else- I saw a similar picture on the Internet, and would provide a link if I could remember where- but production is all yours truly. Because sometimes, I think with my heart and not my head... don't we all?

Stay tuned for tomorrow's exciting photo, and feel free to join in!

OMGALJKEYMFS...aka, chocolate mug cake

This is literally the best chocolate cake I have ever eaten. Plus, it takes five minutes. Plus, it is low calorie! (Well, for chocolate cake, so don't get too excited... but still!) GO MAKE THIS. Right now. I swear you won't regret it!


Look, I don't even like chocolate cake. (Chocolate by itself= love, but usually I find it too dry.) This one is moist and soft and delicious... oh my, now I want another one. (This is why I chose to feature it today for my Favourite Tuesday- I may never eat another chocolate cake again. Scratch that, I might never eat anything else again. I'll just live on this.) 

The original recipe can be found here at Chocolate-Covered Katie's (along with TONS of other amazing and healthy desserts). Here's my personal version!

• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon hot chocolate mix (I used a combination of Godiva and dark... On a side note, why do we have all these fancy kinds? We drink hot chocolate only rarely, yet we have six different kinds of fancy mix...must be for the ghosts) 
• 2 teaspoons cocoa
• 3 tablespoons white flour 
• 1/8 tsp salt (or, if you are like me and hate measuring, several shakes)
• 1 tablespoon chocolate chips (because you can never have too much chocolate!)
• 3 tsp brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 2 tablespoons applesauce
• 3 tablespoons milk of choice (I used unsweetened almond milk)
• 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

Mix dry ingredients thoroughly in your mug, then add wet ingredients. Microwave for approximately 45 seconds, depending on how powerful your microwave is. Then... EAT. 

I would have taken a picture, but I was lost in my chocolate heaven and didn't think of it until I resurfaced. 

And why a mug, you ask? Well, that part isn't necessary. It's just more fun that way!

See, isn't this cute?

Please, tell me you'll make it and let me know what you think!

award & confessions

Good morning lovely listeners! Today I am happy to report that I recieved an award from the wonderful Niksie over at Read My Mind. Thank you so much! I feel so lucky!

Now, onto the 11 facts/confessions about moi! (Just realised I used several exclamation marks in a row. I apologise for the morning enthusiasm.)

1. I have a phobia of earwigs. Just the thought of them makes me feel sick... and yesterday I discovered one crawling on my chocolate bar.

THIS IS SERIOUS.

I may never eat chocolate bars again.

(I thought about posting a picture, but just the thought of looking at earwigs again made me shudder a little and I decided not to inflict this on you.)

2. I'd like to try wearing coloured contacts. I want to see how many people actually notice... plus I've always wanted to have green eyes.

3. I have been known to eat spoonfuls of peanut butter (like, six) as a snack.

Just look at that. How can you resist it? (I like the crunchy natural kind best. Putting things other than peanuts in it is just WRONG.)

4. Writing is an addiction for me. (By writing, I mean my stories, novel, etc. This blog is for fun/procrastination!) Sometimes I don't even enjoy it... but I have to do it, otherwise my heart starts racing and my brain goes into overflow idea mode. (Is this totally weird? Probably.)

5. I really want to try fencing, except the only classes in my area are on Saturday mornings. (Now, this is not an impediment because I'm too lazy to get up then, but because it's often the only time I can hang out with friends.)

Doesn't this look fun? Yet another reason I can't wait to move out!

6. Reading the newspaper is a special treat in our household. The three of us (moi plus parentals) get all excited whenever we remember to buy it, then spend the day passing it between us and discussing the latest events.

...ok, so we're lame. Don't judge.

7. I have stuffed animals all over my bed and I bring them when I go on trips. (One of them even got a special post about him/her here!)

...What? They might get lonely without me!


8. I check my email way too much, but take a super long time to answer. (I need to work on this.)


9. I NEED A JOB. I have literally applied everywhere but fast-food places in my town, and am the only person in my class without work. 
(I know, I know, I shouldn't be picky... but the thought of being around that much meat makes me want to vomit.) 


10. I'm incapable of going more than a couple of days (sometimes not even that long) without face-to-face conversation with a friend. I need social contact, and Facebook just doesn't cut it.


Plus, you can't do this!

11. I'd like to be able to play guitar better but I don't practice enough. I just never seem to have enough time for everything I want to do. 


Now, for Niksie's questions...

1. What's the lesson you learnt most from your parents?

Ooh, this is hard… maybe to realize that, sometimes you don't enjoy something, but you still have to do it?

2. What's the hardest situation in your life? How did you deal with that?

When I was younger, I skipped a grade (2, in case you're wondering) and it was a huge readjustment; I had to leave all my friends and join all these people I didn't really know (and, to be honest, didn't really like). Where my 'old' class was easy-going and everyone got along, my 'new' class was super cliquey and filled with drama. To be completely honest, I still don't feel super close to any of them- we just don't share the same interests- but I've learnt to make friends with other grades and outside people now.

3. What's your favorite sport? (if you're American, are you into soccer?)

Right now I'm going through a fencing phase! (As mentioned above.) Other than that I love dance and basketball. (And I HATE HOCKEY. So what if it's the 'Canadian sport', it's bloody boring.)

4. If you met Snooki, what would you say to her?

I have no idea… I've never watched Jersey Shore, so I'd probably walk away super awkwardly.

5. What's your favorite reality show?

Vampire Diaries? Hahaha, I don’t actually watch reality TV.

6. What's your guilty pleasure?

CHOCOLATE. (Although after the earwig thing…) Also shopping.

7. Do you believe in ghosts?

YES OH MY GOSH I THINK MY HOUSE IS HAUNTED. (A post for another time, perhaps?)

8. If you were a movie character, who would you be?

Cathy from Northanger Abbey. No contest.

(This might also be a little bit of wishful thinking. Tilney + gorgeous dresses…)

9. What is your favorite moment of the day?

Early in the morning, when I'm the only one awake.

Or, just any time I'm alone in the house.

10. What's your childhood memory that you're most embarrassed of?

I once bit a girl because she was really annoying me. (I don't even remember what she did.) (And this may not seem that embarrassing, but I was in grade 3. I should have known better.)

11. Mountain or beach?

Mountain! Yay for hiking! Here's a picture of when we went to Spain… we walked all day, it was lovely.

Well, enough about me. Now I award this lovely award (can you say that? lots of 'award' in a sentence) to...

• Aly at The girl with blue glasses
• Aeri at Aeridescent
• Flyergirl at Drizzled In Awesomeness
• Lilli at Hopeful Laughter
• Bianca at Bouquet of Bee
• Hima at My Musings

And here are my questions for you:

1. Favourite band?
2. Do you like travelling?
3. What's the item you always have in your purse?
4. What makeup do you use?
5. What's something that makes you happy?
6. Can you climb trees?
7. What can you spend hours doing?
8. What kind of blogs do you like?
9. What celebrity would you like to meet?
10. What's your favourite dessert?
11. What's a random fact about your town?

This is also my contribution to the wonderful linkup over at Alyx's super cool blog! Go check it out if you haven't already, it's quite hilarious. 

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend! (And that you're not about to die of the heat like I might. If you don't hear from me again, assume I've melted.)

excellent eating- strawberry rhubarb cobbler

Dear rhubarb... I hate to tell you, but you're one of the least attractive plants out there. Huge stalks, enormous leaves, no flowers... Strike one, two, three, you should be out- except you make such delicious desserts! (Or really, even just a snack you're quite tasty.) So, when I discovered that you had spread once more... what better to do than make a delicious cobbler?

Strawberry-Rhubarb Cobbler

Filling

2 1/2 cups chopped rhubarb

3 cups strawberries (I used frozen, but fresh would be wonderful)

1/4 cup honey

1 tbsp vanilla

Crumble

1 cup oats

1/2 cup whole-wheat flour

2 scoops protein powder (optional)

1/4 cup plain yogurt

1/3 cup partially melted butter

1/3 cup honey

1.       Preheat oven to 400.

2.       Combine filling ingredients in pan.

3.       Mix oats, flour and protein powder in medium-sized bowl.

4.       Mix in yogurt, then honey, then butter. (Now that I type it, I realise that this could probably actually all be done at once.)

5.       Put crumble on top of fruit.

6.       Bake for approximately 20 minutes.

And there you have it- a delicious, easy and healthy lunch! (Or breakfast, or whatever.) If you wanted to make it a little more 'desserty', you could add cream or vanilla ice cream. (Or even just more sugar. As you can tell, I like it when the rhubarb is still very tart.)

What's your opinion on rhubarb? Would you try making this?

Oh, and this is also my entry for the wonderful linkup over on Jenny Matlock's blog! (Thank you, dearest rhubarb, for making this possible.)

yay for muffins!

This morning (actually, it's been about 2 weeks...) I was craving muffins. So... I baked muffins. (Great story, right?) I will be the first to admit that when it comes to food, I'm a little bit of a nut. I try to eat as healthily as possible at meals... because then I pig out on snacks. (Chocolate and salted nuts= heaven.) So, when I bake, I often try to make it at least somewhat nutritional. (Also, following a recipe bores me. I'm far more likely to think "Ooh! What is this random ingredient in the cupboard? I don't know, but I'll throw it in anyway!" Amazingly, I have yet to get food poisoning. Does anyone else cook like this?) In case anyone is looking for a simple and healthy breakfast or snack recipe to make over the weekend, here it is!

Ingredients

•  2 cups yogourt (preferably plain)
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup honey/agave syrup
• 2 cups bran
• 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• 4tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups blueberries

Method

1. In a large bowl, beat together the oil, honey and eggs.
2. Stir in the bran, vanilla and protein.
3. In a smaller bowl, combine the yogourt and baking soda. 
4. Add it alternatively with the dry ingredients to the egg bowl.
5. Fold in the blueberries.
6. Bake in a pre-greased muffin tin at 375 for approx. 18 minutes.
   

And here are a couple of pictures! (They're not gorgeous... but they're tasty, at least in my opinion!)

Notes

• This made about 20 fairly large muffins.
• My oven cooks quickly, so it might take slightly longer in yours.
• WATCH OUT- the yogourt and baking soda expands a lot! (I found this out to my detriment the first time I made them...)
• If you're using flavoured yogourt, sugar levels might change (and sugar is a perfectly acceptable substitute! you might have to add more liquid though).
• Protein powder isn't necessary- I just like the flavour/protein content.

...I love how my notes are nearly as long as the recipe. Let me know if you make them- I'd love to hear how they turn out!