2020 Spring Favorites

The spring semester ended for me a little over a week ago, and it went my quickly. When I was trying to think of what to write for this post, I realized that I was great about trying new things without going crazy and spending tons of money. My focus has been on staying healthy by minimizing injury from running as well as making new good. This comes through in what I have loved using this past spring. 

Lululemon Swiftly Long Sleeve: This whole spring until just last week was so cold. I was really thankful for my Lulu long sleeve during my morning runs, as it is the perfect shirt for the windy 40 degree mornings we have been having.

Garmin Vivoactive 4s: I bought my Garmin right around Christmas last year as a reward for finishing PT for my hip surgery, but go figure I hurt my hamstring almost right away. Part of attempting to fix my hamstring has involved slowing my pace down a lot. This watch has been really helpful with tracking my pace, and on a less important note, I have had a lot of fun tracking my water as well. 

Foam Roller: I used to use this kind of foam roller in high school when I worked out at a gym, but since then I haven't. With getting back into running, my legs have been very sore so I decided to invest in a nice roller. Now, even when I don't feel like running, I go on a run just to use the foam roller. It always feels so good. 

Champion Wisconsin Hoodie: I am not one to spend money on an oversized hoodie, but when I happened to find one at my school bookstore for  50% off, I did not hesitate. I had planned on wearing during finals this spring, but instead it turned into my quarantine hoodie for the days I did not want to deal with looking good. Talk about a great impulse buy. 

Patagonia Jacket: As I mentioned above, the weather was not great this spring. Because of this, I found myself wearing this Patagonia jacket all of the time when running errands or taking walks. Since my winter parka is really heavy, this jacket was perfect for anything between 32-50 degrees.

Nutritional Yeast: I had mentioned previously in this 52 in 52 blogpost that I tried nutritional yeast for the first time this winter. Since being home, I have also gotten my mom hooked on it, so we have been using it in all sorts of recipes. My favorite recipe so far was a nutritional yeast dressing from Eating Bird Food that we used for kale salad.

Body Love Every Day: I picked up this book from my public library right before it closed. I have really been loving some of these smoothies. I have tried several, and all of them were great. My favorite smoothie was the cookies and cream smoothie that has chocolate protein powder, flaxseeds, almond butter, blueberries and spinach. You can find that recipe and several others from Kelly LeVeque's book on her website (here). 

Prophecy Sauvignon Blanc: Once the weather starts to get warmer, I really like to have a glass of white wine in the evenings. This sauvignon blanc I picked up from my grocery store and loved it. This wine has a crisp taste, which is exactly what I am looking for after a long day outside in the sun. I highly recommend trying it out. 

8" Cast Iron Skillet: I have had this skillet for a while, but never used it a lot. Now I have been obsessed with making socca so it is used several times a week. Socca is a crispy chickpea pancake popular in southern France. Making a good socca requires a cast iron skillet, and this. 8 inch size allows me to make the perfect size socca for one. 

The Rise & Conquer Podcast: I like to listen to a podcast during my afternoon walks and after listening to several, this podcast is by far and away my favorite. Georgie Stevenson is so fun to listen to, and I love that she can really make you think. The topics very which keeps it interesting, ranging from lessons learned in business to manifesting your life to breaking up with diet culture. The episodes never fail to entertain me on my long walks. 

What have you been enjoying this spring? 

xoxo, 

Maddie 

Reading Recently: Summer 2019

This summer a lot of reading has been accomplished, especially when I was recovering from hip surgery. Sadly a lot of the books I read were subpar but there were some really good ones. These are five of my favorites that I have read so far this summer, and would highly recommend them. I have added their description from Amazon (linked in the title) as it gives you a much better idea of what the book is about, than me trying to explain it without giving it away. 

When Life Gives You Lululemons by Lauren Weisberger 

"Welcome to Greenwich, Connecticut, where the lawns and the women are perfectly manicured, the Tito’s and sodas are extra strong, and everyone has something to say about the infamous new neighbor.

Let’s be clear: Emily Charlton does not do the suburbs. After leaving Miranda Priestly, she’s been working in Hollywood as an image consultant to the stars, but recently, Emily’s lost a few clients. She’s hopeless with social media. The new guard is nipping at her heels. She needs a big opportunity, and she needs it now.

When Karolina Hartwell, a gorgeous former supermodel, is arrested for a DUI, her fall from grace is merciless. Her senator-husband leaves her, her Beltway friends disappear, and the tabloids pounce.

In Karolina, Emily finds her comeback opportunity. But she quickly learns Greenwich is a world apart and that this comeback needs a team approach.

So it is that Emily, the scorned Karolina, and their mutual friend Miriam, a powerful attorney turned stay-at-home suburban mom, band together to not only navigate the social land mines of suburban Greenwich but win back the hearts of the American public. Along the way, an indispensable ally emerges in one Miranda Priestly."

Bella Tuscany: The Sweet Life in Italy by Frances Mayes

"Bella Tuscany, a companion volume to Under the Tuscan Sun, is her passionate and lyrical account of her continuing love affair with Italy. Now truly at home there, Mayes writes of her deepening connection to the land, her flourishing friendships with local people, the joys of art, food, and wine, and the rewards and occasional heartbreaks of her villa's ongoing restoration. It is also a memoir of a season of change, and of renewed possibility. As spring becomes summer she revives Bramasole's lush gardens, meets the challenges of learning a new language, tours regions from Sicily to the Veneto, and faces transitions in her family life." 

The Lake House by Kate Morton

"Living on her family’s idyllic lakeside estate in Cornwall, England, Alice Edevane is a bright, inquisitive, and precociously talented sixteen-year-old who loves to write stories.

One midsummer’s eve, after a beautiful party drawing hundreds of guests to the estate has ended, the Edevanes discover that their youngest child, eleven-month-old Theo, has vanished without a trace. He is never found, and the family is torn apart, the house abandoned.

Decades later, Alice is living in London, having enjoyed a long successful career as a novelist. Miles away, Sadie Sparrow, a young detective in the London police force, is staying at her grandfather’s house in Cornwall. While out walking one day, she stumbles upon the old Edevane estate—now crumbling and covered with vines. Her curiosity is sparked, setting off a series of events that will bring her and Alice together and reveal shocking truths about a past long gone...yet more present than ever.

A lush, atmospheric tale of intertwined destinies from a masterful storyteller, The Lake House is an enthralling, thoroughly satisfying read."


Southern Side of Paradise by Kristy Woodson Harvey

"With the man of her dreams back in her life and all three of her daughters happy, Ansley Murphy should be content. But she can’t help but feel like it’s all a little too good to be true.

Meanwhile, youngest daughter and actress Emerson, who is recently engaged and has just landed the role of a lifetime, seemingly has the world by the tail. Only, something she can’t quite put her finger on is worrying her—and it has nothing to do with her recent health scare.

When two new women arrive in Peachtree Bluff—one who has the potential to wreck Ansley’s happiness and one who could tear Emerson’s world apart—everything is put in perspective. And after secrets that were never meant to be told come to light, the powerful bond between the Murphy sisters and their mother comes crumbling down, testing their devotion to each other and forcing them to evaluate the meaning of family."


The Guest Book by Sarah Blake 

"No. It is a simple word, uttered on a summer porch in 1936. And it will haunt Kitty Milton for the rest of her life. Kitty and her husband, Ogden, are both from families considered the backbone of the country. But this refusal will come to be Kitty’s defining moment, and its consequences will ripple through the Milton family for generations. For while they summer on their island in Maine, anchored as they are to the way things have always been, the winds of change are beginning to stir.

In 1959 New York City, two strangers enter the Miltons’ circle. One captures the attention of Kitty’s daughter, while the other makes each of them question what the family stands for. This new generation insists the times are changing. And in one night, everything does.

So much so that in the present day, the third generation of Miltons doesn’t have enough money to keep the island in Maine. Evie Milton’s mother has just died, and as Evie digs into her mother’s and grandparents’ history, what she finds is a story as unsettling as it is inescapable, the story that threatens the foundation of the Milton family myth."

My favorites of these books would have to be The Guest Book or Bella Tuscany. Both of these books completely sucked me in, so much so that I read them in less than two days. Now I am on the search for more good books, so if you have any recommendation comment below! 

Until next time, 

Maddie 

Spring Favorites 2019

I can't believe it is already June. Time has absolutely flown by between finishing up school and starting my summer job. I was so overwhelmed with things to do over the first half of the month, that I have been really enjoying being able to relax a little bit more during the second half of the month. One of the fun things about this month was that I was able to try more new things. Of the new and the old this spring, here were my favorites.

Green Juice: I have been having so much fun trying new juices. I have been trying different juice brands and also making my own juices. My favorite juice that I have bought is by Juiced! Kay Dee Power and my favorite recipe that I have made is just kale, lemon, lime and ginger. Juices have been so fun to add to breakfasts and snacks as a way to add some extra nutrients in my day and just to have another tasty treat.

Fage Greek Yogurt: I ate so much of this yogurt earlier this May that I need to take a breather from eating yogurt. At school I had some for breakfast almost daily. Yogurt is such an easy way to make sure that you get protein in your day. My favorite ways to eat yogurt are with fruit or jam for something sweet, or with EBTB seasoning for a savory snack.

Sunglasses: Nothing makes me happier than when it is finally sunny in Wisconsin. Pulling out the sunglasses means that spring is here, and that soon the weather will be warm. I really love these sunglasses in particular because they look like a pair of Ray Bans that I like, but instead they are only $20 from Amazon so I don't have to worry about losing them. I bought them last year and it might be my favorite purchase of last summer.

Kombucha:I have always wanted to like Kombucha, but every time I had tried it I disliked it and ended up giving it to my sister. Finally I found a couple flavors that I really like! The lemon raspberry flavor from Kevita was the first one I liked. I also really like blueberry basil. I know I will have fun trying different flavors this summer as Kombucha gives a great alternative for when you are sick of drinking water and want to change it up.

Bhu Keto Protein Bars: It tried these bars for the first time at my work, and I was surprised by how much I liked them, particularly the refrigerated Keto bars. They remind me a lot of Perfect Bars, but with more dessert like flavors. I have tried almost all of the flavors, both refrigerated and not, and I think my favorite one is the peanut butter cookie dough bar. I would fully recommend  trying these.

Avocado Mug: My sister bought me this mug for my birthday and I have been loving it. It was so sweet that she remembered how over winter break the two of us had been looking at the mug, and I was saying how much I loved it.

Eating Well Magazine: I love cooking magazines and cook books so much. I read a ton in the summer, and one of my favorite ways to change up what I am reading is to read cookbooks instead of novels. Eating Well is one of my favorites because it is more seasonal than the other magazines, and it also can have a lot of fun health information.

What have you liked this past May?

xoxo,

Maddie 

Recent Reads: Winter 2019

      I haven't been able to read a lot recently because of the craziness of school, but over winter break I read an absolute ton. I really enjoy spending my afternoons sitting down with a cup of tea and a good book. I really have no idea how many books I read between winter break and the bits and pieces of free time I had around finals, but these books were my favorites. Of all of these books, The Nightingale and The Alice Network were my favorites. I have always loved World War Two based books, starting from when I was little reading American Girl Doll books.

       I have copied the summary of all of the books below. As you can tell, this books cover a wide variety of topic from local eating to fluffy quick reads. I really enjoyed the variety over break because I never felt bored with what I was reading. 

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

"In an enthralling new historical novel from national bestselling author Kate Quinn, two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947—are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption."

The Nightingale By Kirsten Hannah 

"France, 1939 - In the quiet village of Carriveau, Vianne Mauriac says goodbye to her husband, Antoine, as he heads for the Front. She doesn't believe that the Nazis will invade France … but invade they do, in droves of marching soldiers, in caravans of trucks and tanks, in planes that fill the skies and drop bombs upon the innocent. When a German captain requisitions Vianne's home, she and her daughter must live with the enemy or lose everything. Without food or money or hope, as danger escalates all around them, she is forced to make one impossible choice after another to keep her family alive.

     Vianne's sister, Isabelle, is a rebellious eighteen-year-old girl, searching for purpose with all the reckless passion of youth. While thousands of Parisians march into the unknown terrors of war, she meets Gäetan, a partisan who believes the French can fight the Nazis from within France, and she falls in love as only the young can … completely. But when he betrays her, Isabelle joins the Resistance and never looks back, risking her life time and again to save others." 

Burnt Toast Makes You Sign Good by Kathleen Flinn

"A family history peppered with recipes, Burnt Toast Makes You Sing Good offers a humorous and flavorful tale spanning three generations as Kathleen Flinn returns to the mix of food and memoir readers loved in her New York Times bestseller, The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry. Brimming with tasty anecdotes about Uncle Clarence’s divine cornflake-crusted fried chicken, Grandpa Charles’s spicy San Antonio chili, and Grandma Inez’s birthday-only cinnamon rolls, Flinn—think Ruth Reichl topped with a dollop of Julia Child—shows how meals can be memories, and how cooking can be communication. Burnt Toast Makes You Sing Good will inspire readers (and book clubs) to reminisce about their own childhoods—and spend time in their kitchens making new memories of their own." 

The Little Way of Ruthie Leming by Rod Dreher

" The Little Way of Ruthie Leming follows Rod Dreher, a Philadelphia journalist, back to his hometown of St. Francisville, Louisiana (pop. 1,700) in the wake of his younger sister Ruthie's death. When she was diagnosed at age 40 with a virulent form of cancer in 2010, Dreher was moved by the way the community he had left behind rallied around his dying sister, a schoolteacher. He was also struck by the grace and courage with which his sister dealt with the disease that eventually took her life. In Louisiana for Ruthie's funeral in the fall of 2011, Dreher began to wonder whether the ordinary life Ruthie led in their country town was in fact a path of hidden grandeur, even spiritual greatness, concealed within the modest life of a mother and teacher. In order to explore this revelation, Dreher and his wife decided to leave Philadelphia, move home to help with family responsibilities and have their three children grow up amidst the rituals that had defined his family for five generations - Mardi Gras, L.S.U. football games, and deer hunting. "

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty 
"Imagine your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret—something with the potential to destroy not only the life you built together, but the lives of others as well. And then imagine that you stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive…
      Cecilia Fitzpatrick has achieved it all—she’s an incredibly successful businesswoman, a pillar of her small community, and a devoted wife and mother. But that letter is about to change everything—and not just for her. There are other women who barely know Cecilia—or each other—but they, too, are about to feel the earth-shattering repercussions of her husband’s secret"


Currently Reading: A State of Wonder by Anne Patchett'
I am currently reading a State of Wonder and have mixed feelings about it. At times, it is really entertaining but for the most part it is repetitive. So far, I've read about how Marina goes to the Amazon to discover more about the death of a co-worker and to find out what a secretive scientist is up to. I am going to finish the book, but so far I wouldn't recommend it. For me, this book is more to help me fall asleep by letting my eyes relax from all the screen time than an exciting read.

Have any book recommendations? Send them my way! 

xoxo,

Maddie 

2018 Favorites

I can't believe that 2018 is pretty much over. So much has happened that has made this year fly by. I figured out I need to be gluten free (kind of a big change). I got more involved with my sorority, and have gotten so much closer with the other girls. I completely changed one of my majors, and now my life plan is looking a little different. All of these changes have had a big impact on my life, but mainly for the better. 2018 was a hard year for me, but it taught me a lot and I am pleased with the results. 

| Cottage Cheese | I mentioned this on the blog earlier, but I have been loving cottage cheese. I randomly decided to try it one day, and ever since I eat it almost daily. Daisy is my favorite brand. The texture is perfect and there are no gums or thickeners added. My favorite ways to eat cottage cheese is either plain with pepper, or topped with chia, flax and hemp seeds. 

| Kale | I have no idea where my love for kale came from. One day I hated it, and then suddenly all I want to eat is a kale salad. Kale was a staple for me this summer, and continues to be the first thing I ask for when I come home for breaks. I love the versatility of a simple kale salad, so that it can be eaten for any meal of the day. 

| Booties | I got these shoes for Amazon Prime Day over the summer for a great deal. I wasn't 100% sure I wanted them, but now I wear them quite often at school that I know I made a good purchase. They make any outfit look a little nicer. It is also nice that these shoes are comfortable enough that I ca walk in them all day and my feet don't hurt. 

| Agenda | I have always loved my agendas and this year is no different. My agenda is used everyday and I can't imagine what a mess I would be without it. I love how it has hour by hour lines so I can plan out my time, and the to-do list is long enough to actually fit everything I need to accomplish. It helps that this agenda is absolutely gorgeous and the sight of it sitting on my desk is so pretty. 

| Adidas Shoes |  I have never really had a pair of sneakers that I have liked before, but seeing everyone walking around campus wearing them has made me intrigued. I found this pair for $30 on sale, so I decided it would be a perfect way to try out the trend. I have ended up liking these shoes way more than I thought I would. They are so comfortable with such a good color.

| Perfect Bars |  I tried Perfect Bars when I was training for my marathon as a way to get enough calories during the day without having to put too much thought into it. I have never found a protein bar that I actually liked, but turns out these are so good. My favorite flavor is the coconut peanut butter or the pumpkin pie, but they all taste good, somewhat like cookie dough. Even though I am done with my marathon, I still like to enjoy one every once in a while. 

| Madewell Sweater | My dad and I got a red version of this sweater for my mom earlier this fall, and since then I have been eyeing the sweater so you know it was a great surprise to get it for Christmas. It is so warm and soft I never want to take it off. The color is also so nice and different from anything else I own that it is a great addition to my closet. I know I will be wearing this a ton this winter. 

| Gold Earrings | I have had these gold earring for a couple years but only recently have I started wearing them again. I used to consider myself more of a silver person. I typically wear a silver colored necklace, pearl earrings and a watch with silver lining, but recently gold has starting being appealing to me. I would really like a small gold necklace, but in the meantime I loved wearing these earrings. 

| Books | I haven't read a lot during the school year, but during every break I have loved being able to snuggle up and read some good books. Plenty was one of my favorites. It is about a couple that decides to live on a 100 mile diet. It is every interesting, especially someone who loves local eating. Make sure to check back later on as I will make a post about what I have read recently. 

What are your favorite things of 2018?

xoxo,

Maddie 

Summer Favorites

Summer has officially ended for me since I am now back at school. Classes haven't started yet, but I am spending all of my time getting ready for sorority recruitment. This summer was one of my favorites. Between having a job I really liked, traveling a little bit and baking all of the time, I was able to really enjoy myself. Here are some of my favorite things that I have used, worn or eaten this summer! 

Peaches 

Since the peach truck first came this summer, I have eaten a peach every morning. Peaches have become one of my favorite foods. I love plain peaches in the morning, peaches on salads and grilled peaches with ice cream for dessert. The Peach Truck is now my favorite part of summer because it brings me my peaches. 

J. Crew Bikini Top 

I got this bikini top for this summer and it might just be my all time favorite. It is fantastic for girls with a smaller chest since it can fit flat on the chest. The quality of the suit is really nice, much better than anything you could get at Target. This suit is currently on sale so I recommend grabbing a swim suit for next summer! 

A Man Called Ove

If you've read this blog for the course of the summer, you will have known that I read a lot. Out of all of the books I've read, A Man Called Ove has been my favorite. I was hesitant about it at first, but Frederick Backman is such a fantastic author that I want to read all of his books. 

Madewell Tank Top

I got this tank early in the summer and it has been worn on repeat. I wear it at least once a week because it fits me so well. It is light enough for the super hot days so that I can still be comfortable. I already have another coming in the mail. This top will also be so nice during the fall and winter layered with sweaters. 

Secret Deodorant 

I have a major problem with standard deodorant because I always end up with white splotches all over my clothes. I tried this deodorant since it is a clear gel, and I have to say I'm impressed. I no longer worry about messing up all of my outfits due to white streaks! 

Lilly Pulitzer Skort

I needed to buy a white skirt for sorority recruitment and I was just planning on getting something cheap that I could wear once, but when I was in Florida I found this skort and fell in love with it. I have worn it several times this summer and it is turning me into a skirt/skort person. It looks so cute with a striped shirt or the tank mentioned above that I am so glad I bought it. 

Icelandic Provisions

I have always talked about how much I love Siggi's Skyr but now I'm converted. Icelandic provisions is creamier, less tart and has stronger flavors. I have tried all of the flavors this summer and I would recommend any of them. My favorites are coconut (with actual coconut flakes in it!), raspberry and cherry. 

Sunglasses

For the past year I have debated about getting Ray Bans, but never wanted to spend the money. I ended up finding this pair on Amazon and decided to go for it. They have become my summer staple this year and go with me everywhere. I love that they're polarized and came with a hard case. It is such a great deal for only $20. 

Grace and Frankie 

My mom and I wanted to start a new TV show together and we decided on Grace and Frankie. We aren't big TV watchers but we love sitting down at the end of the night to watch an episode before bed. It is such a funny and cute show that I would recommend that everyone should give it a shot. 

ATK How Can It Be Gluten-Free Cookbook

Finding out I needed to be gluten free was the hardest part about this summer. I couldn't eat most of my favorite foods or eat treats at the farmers market every week. Thankfully we bought this book early on and it has helped me so much. Only one or two recipes haven't worked out for me, but everything else has been great. I have made a lot of my favorite foods that help me adjust to eating gluten free. 

L'oreal Shampoo

I have always struggled with hair that got greasy really quickly after showering, but this new shampoo (at least new for me) has allowed me to be able to be able to avoid showering on days I don't workout. I am so glad I tried this shampoo since it just give me better looking hair for even a little longer. 

Purely Elizabeth Granola 

I want to find a new granola for me to eat since I couldn't eat my old favorites due to non-gluten free oats. I tried Purely Elizabeth Original since it is chunky and a basic flavor. I really hate granola that is just a couple flakes as opposed to chunks so this is what makes Purely Elizabeth amazing, you know, that and the flavor. 

What were some of your summer favorites? 

xoxo,

Maddie 

What I Eat In a Day: Summer Edition

I love eating in the summer more than any other season. This year, I have loved it even more because it means I have greater access to fresh produce (ie my parents are paying for it, unlike in school) and I  can make almost anything I was since kitchen access isn't limited. Summer is also the time of year when all of my favorite foods are in season. I absolutely love peaches, berries and tomatoes. This summer I have found myself eating more and more produce. My mom and I have fun counting the different types of fruit and veggies we get in a day... once it got up to 14! With that being said, here is an idea of what I like to eat in the average day.

Breakfast is really one of two options everyday. I like to either have avocado toast with a bunch of different fruits, or scrambled eggs with veggies and fruit on the side. For this day, I wanted to try adding cherries with avocado, so I topped 1/2 a slice of homemade gluten free flax bread with that, and the other just had sea salt and pepper. For fruit, I had peaches, blueberries and more cherries. 

I really had no idea about what I wanted to eat for lunch. This is always the hardest time of day for me to decide on what I want. I try to eat something before I get too hangry (its real and really bad). It doesn't need to be big since I figure I can always have a snack later before work. Today I made a mock shrimp cocktail with pre-cooked shrimp and sauce made of a mix of ketchup and horseradish. We finally had pre-cooked shrimp in the house so I new I had to make this. We had just gotten some plums as well, so I added those on the side because I could. 

I didn't have work today, so I didn't need to have a snack but since I was hungry after having a small lunch I decided to have some plums (again) and apricots to get me through until dinnertime. I knew I really liked what was for dinner so I wanted to be hungry for it. If I do work, I typically have skyr from Icelandic Provisions. I just tried it this summer, and I love it more than Siggi's or any other yogurt. It tastes better, is smoother and keeps me full for a long time. 

Whenever I am home for dinner I typically get what I want if I ask early enough. My mom is trying to make all of my favorites before I go to school (isn't she great?) so tonight was burger bowls. This recipe is from Taste of Home Magazine . I have always loved her burgers in the summer and this gives me a fun, gluten free way to enjoy them. I added tomatoes, avocado, cucumber and pickles to my bowl which begins with lettuce. The sauce is really great too, just a mixture of ranch and ketchup. Don't knock until you try it.

This was a pretty typical day for me, the only big change is that I wasn't working. If I was, dinner would probably be either eggs with veggies or some sort of toast. I was able to get all of the fruit and veggies that I wanted ( 9 different kinds!), and every meal was something I really enjoyed eating. That combined is what I call a great day.

I am thinking about starting a What I Ate Wednesday or Tuesday's Eats with the idea of showing what I typically eat, and maybe giving ideas on how to change things up. What do you think of that idea?

What is your favorite things to eat in the summer?

xoxo,

Maddie 

The (Gluten Free) Pancake Project: Pt. 3

     Oh you don't understand how nice it is to be able to write a good post about finding a decent recipe, a waffle one, but hopefully a pancake one is coming soon too! 

     I have been loving my America's Test Kitchen cookbook, How Can it be Gluten Free. All but one recipe has turned out perfectly, sadly that happened to be the pancakes. I was hesitant to try out the waffles due to having flat, tasteless pancakes, but since I had great success with everything else, I decided to give it a try. It turned out that the waffles were super easy to make, just as long as there was buttermilk in the house. I was able to easily make these without having to do any unnecessary steps. The only tinkering that I did, was mess around with the duration of time in the waffle maker to see how the crispy level changed. 

     I knew that it was a good sign when my brother came into the kitchen having finished his waffle before I had even been able to finish making the second batch. He told me right away that these were by far and away the best waffle or pancake that I have made so far. After my mom and I also tried these, we agreed with him. The waffles are still lighter in density than our classic waffles, and crispier as well, but I have the feeling that that is the norm for gluten free waffles. 

     What was also really nice about the waffles was that they toasted well. I placed the leftovers in the fridge, and a couple days later heated then up in toaster. They tasted just like they were freshly made. The toasted gluten free waffles might actually be better than the toasted gluten-full waffles! 

      It is really nice to be able to have a easy, tasty recipe that I know everyone in my family will be willing to eat when I am home for the holidays and the rest of the summer. I figure that even if I cannot find the "perfect" gluten free pancake, that at least I have waffles. I might actually be able to have my favorite food again! 

xoxo, 

Maddie 

Reading Recently

I have always enjoyed reading in the summer. Well, I like it all year, but the school year is typically way too busy for me to have time to finish a book before I forget the beginning. It is always my trip to Florida that gives me the most time to read. This year I read about 9 books, which is a little crazy, but that gives you an idea of how much time I spent reading at the beach. I have read several other books this summer as well, but I have narrowed it down to have favorite five. 

The Secret to Southern Charm  - Kristy Woodson Harvey

This is the second book in the Peach Tree Bluff Novels, and it focuses on a mother and her three grownup daughters. This book was anticipated to be one of the best summer reads of 2018, and it defiantly lived up to that. This book focuses on Sloane as she finds out her husband is missing in action, and how her family attempts to support her. There is no good way to describe this book that can give is justice, but pick up this book and the first (Slightly South of Simple) and enjoy summer classic summer reading. 

The Summer I Met Jack - Michelle Gable

This was a great beach read. The Summer I Met Jack is a historical fiction novel based around the Kennedy's. It is from the point of view of Alicia, a Polish Refugee and it is about her relationship with Jack Kennedy. This is based off of a true live of Alicia Corning Clark. I loved this book because the alternate view of the Kennedys makes you look at them a little differently. 

A Man Called Ove - Fredrick Backman

I wasn't sure about what I was going to think about this novel, but after reading it, I have to say it is one of my favorites. Fredrick Backman is a fantastic writer. He has created a witty yet sweet novel about an old man who is determined to end his life, but then finds a new life through his neighbors that move in. It sounds weird, but by the end I couldn't put it down. 

The Simplicity of Cider - Amy Reichert 

Picking up this book was a no-brainer for me. It is based in Door County and is all about a relationship that grows between a couple through their goal to save the orchard. For me, this book was special because I could recognize all of the locations discussed which made the book really come to life. If you are looking for a sweet summer, semi-romance novel, then this is for you. 

Mudbound - Hillary Jordan 

Let's just say this book does not make me want to move to a Mississippi Delta farm. The book shows the struggles of Laura McAllan as she marries, only to find out her husband has always wanted to farm. He eventually buys the farm and they must move there. His brother and father come to live with, and each add another level to the hardships of her life. This was an interesting read, and I feel the movie would probably be really good as well. 

What have you been reading? 

xoxo,

Maddie 

The (Gluten Free) Pancake Project: Intro and Pt. 1

       Welcome to my gluten free pancake project. I am on a mission to find the perfect gluten free pancake and/or waffle recipe. For as long as I can remember, I have loved having pancakes and waffles every weekend morning with my family. This is the biggest thing I miss. I want to find a gluten free pancake and waffle recipe that everyone in my family will like.
      I have already tried an almond flour waffle, and America's Test Kitchen Pancakes. The Almond flour waffle was good once maple syrup was added, but being only almond flour, it definitely wasn't like a normal waffle. No one other than my mom and I liked this one. I have kept the recipe, but with the knowledge that this isn't the same as a gluten-full waffle. The America's Test Kitchen Pancakes were a big disappointment. This recipe was from the cookbook How Can It Be Gluten Free and I used the flour blend in the book. These pancakes were flat and tasteless.... not exactly what I was looking for. 

      The first pancakes for the chronicling of the pancake project is a modified recipe of oatmeal packet pancakes. The recipe is from Love From the Oven. I wanted to make a breakfast for myself last weekend when I was home alone. After some time googling and scanning Pinterest for single person pancakes, I found this recipe that used a single oatmeal packet. The only modification I made was using King Arther's Measure for Measure flour. 

        Having never had oatmeal pancakes before, I can't compare them to normal oatmeal pancakes but that being said, I really liked them. These were thick and fluffy. I liked the oatmeal flavor and texture that was added. My favorite part about this recipe is that it is for one person, so I can make it when my family is eating normal pancakes. The other thing about these pancakes is that they were super filling. I ate two around 10am, and I wasn't hungry again until 5pm.    

I would defielty recommend making these oatmeal pancakes. Of course, they aren't exactly like the regular buttermilk pancakes that I have always had, but they are a good start on the quest to find a gluten free pancake recipe that doesn't taste gluten free. If you have any gluten free pancake or waffle recipes that you love, please let me know what they are and I would love to try them! 

Happy Eating!

xoxo,

Maddie

Top 10 Travel Destinations

Soon I am off to Florida for my yearly family vacation. This might be the last time there for me which is. sad thought, but at the same time, a new vacation could be a fun change. My desire to travel and to see new places has surged in the past year, to the point where all I want to be experience something else. Part of this feels like it is a result from going to a college with an atmosphere just like where I live, but it could also be because of just growing older. I love researching the best place to stay, eat and things to do in random destinations and through this I have found my top 10 travel destinations that I would like to visit. For purposes of this post, I limited it to 5 internationally and 5 within the US. 

Within the US

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Charleston, SC

Maybe I read too much Southern Living, but I am dying to go to Charleston. The beautiful houses and picturesque streets seem so inviting. I also wouldn't mind trying some southern specialties in the food department, so heading out to the beach for part of the trip either. 

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New Orleans, LA

Po' Boys and bread pudding are enough to make me want to go here at all. That added to the party that is New Orleans overall makes for such an appealing place to visit. It definitely would be a trip to remember. My parents have pictures from their visit, and each time I see them I was to go to NOLA even more. 

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Portland, ME

If I could have a lobster roll from a shack in Maine my life would be complete. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but the general idea is there. Portland seems like such a cute city to visit. I would also be able to go hiking and spend time on the water in Maine, two perfect ways to spend summer days. 

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Boston, MA

I have been to Boston before, but I would love to go again. It was my dream to go to college in Boston seeing as it is my favorite city that I've visited. Although I don't go to school here, this would probably be the most realistic place to visit since I do have family here. 

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Nashville, TN

There are two main reasons for wanting to visit Nashville. The food scene in Nashville seems pretty cool and, yes, I actually like country music. Nashville isn't too far away of a drive, so it would be a really fun road trip with friends, making a destination I'd love to go to.

International

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Provence, France

I have always wanted to go to France, but the idea of Paris has never been appealing. I love the idea of going to Provence, preferably in the countryside. I'd love to go to markets everyday, and spend my afternoons in a leisurely fashion with my main concern being what great meal would I have next. 

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Greece (coastal) 

There is not any particular location in Greece that I would like to go to, other than I know I'd love to see the coast and the Mediterranean. recently I have fallen in love with Greek food, especially greek salads. The food is so simple, yet good, that I would go here just for the food and coast. 

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Ireland

I'd love to go to Ireland to see the castle ruins and explore. Hearing my parents stories about their trips to Ireland when they were first married has made this a travel destination of mine for most of my life. I'd love to see the scenery, visit Dublin, and maybe even find gluten-free Irish soda bread. 

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Prague, Czech Republic

Prague seems like a great city to visit in Europe. It is relatively cheap, pretty and full of history; all of which is important to me. Every part of the city looks so pretty, that even just walking around without a purpose would be enjoyable. Also, lets not forget trying all of the interesting and different food. 

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Brussels, Belgium

I would travel here strictly for the food and nothing else (of course I also have other reasons). This  draw of food comes from finding waffles, fries, mussels and of course chocolate. Throughout my time taking French, I always have wanted to go to Belgium for more than just the food. The Palace is so pretty in Brussels and there are so many festivals that you can't be bored.

I am currently looking into various study aboard programs and travel opportunities to see what I can do. One of my biggest fears is that I will go through college without being able to go anywhere new, because once I am out of college, I'll be a law student (hopefully) and then a young professional. It seems like my time to do anything is now or retirement. Fingers crossed it will be sooner rather than later where I can visit one of these places. 

Where would you like to travel to?

xoxo,

Maddie

Bullet Journal Inspiration

I mentioned last week that I started bullet journaling in a Thursday Three. I have been loving it as a way to destress at night. It combines so many things that I love: organization, doodling, and planning. Starting out was hard for me because there were so many different choices, but now that I started I can't seem to stop. I spend too much time on Pinterest and looking at blogs for new ideas of what I can do. I have found some ideas that I really love, so I thought I'd share them!

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For me, I always seem to drink more water when I am tracking it so this would be a perfect way to keep myself accountable. Something this pretty would be such a fun way to do this. 

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I write down what I am doing to eat every week to help with grocery shopping and this is so much better than just doing it on my phone. This way I can look back on what I made in the past weeks which would make planning easier. 

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In this upcoming year, I am doing a 20k, a half marathon and a marathon! I have found that writing down a training plan has helped me in the past keeps me motivated, and I also always know what I need to do. I will definitely be setting something up like this for these races, especially the marathon in the fall. 

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I always start and then lose book lists so this would be perfect for me. I love to read and by doing this set up, I can keep track of what I want to read by writing in the name, and then what I have read by coloring in the book color once I finish. 

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My record with wishlists is similar to that of book lists; I make them all of the time and then lose it. This would be so helpful when I comes to my birthday and Christmas so I don't have to scramble to give other people gift ideas. I also want to make something like this, but for gifts to give. 

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Healthy habits are so important to have, but there are some that I struggle to keep. I love this one because it isn't overwhelming with things to do, but it will still help. I can chose the things I actually care about such as flossing and eating fruits and veggies, and ignore ones I don't want or already do. 

I have really been loving bullet journaling as a way to destress. As much as I love blogging and reading, sometimes the last thing I want to do at the end of the day is sit down and stare at a computer screen or read more. Most of my classes involve online reading daily so by the end of the day, my eyes are always tired. I would really recommend bullet journaling to anyone.

Do you bullet journal?

xoxo,

Maddie

Winter Favorites

Now that we have hit the depth of winter (or so the new 5 inches of snow has told me) it is finally time to share some of my favorite things this winter. It is a totally different feeling during winter when you  have to walk all of the time to go anywhere. I have never appreciated the ability of having a car so much as now. A 20 minute walk in sub-zero wind chill is never enjoyable, that being said, here is what I have been loving this winter. 

| The Kitchn | Winter Hat | Bean Boots | Sweater | Turmeric Tea | Goat Milk Ice Cream | | Yeti | Cookbook | Kale | 

      Is there any surprise that half of these have to do with food? Yeah, probably not. I got the cookbook for Christmas to help me think of new things to make (it is great for people who only need to cook for 1 or 2) and through this I have come to really like recipes that involve kale and quinoa. Finally hopped on those bandwagons. I got a Yeti over Christmas break after my Starbucks Tumblr spilled all over me when I was walking to class last semester and ruined some of my books. This tumbler is so much nicer. It hardly spills and keeps things warm and cold forever! I love to use it when I bring tea with me to study on the weekends. The Rishi Ginger Tumeric tea is a great herbal tea. I love that there isn't caffeine so I can have it whenever, but it still have a strong flavor unlike most herbal teas. Just in case I was sounding too healthy right here, I also have loved La Loo's goat milk ice cream! (see my article about it here) The flavors are all amazing and best of all it doesn't make my stomach hurt! The last food related thing is The Kitchn. This website has become one of my new favorites, and I love getting their daily newsletters. Every article is interesting and I have found so many recipes I want to try through it. 

     Now away from food. I got this sweater earlier this fall and can't seem to stop wearing it. It is so cute and comfortable. I just throw it on with a necklace or scarf and call it a day. I know I have talked about my Bean Boots before, but these have become a necessity in college. I have avoided falling on my face so many times because of these boots, not to mention how warm my feet stay. Finally, my hat has been amazing. I used to never wear hats, but walking for around an hour or more a day really makes you reconsider. Any day I forget my hat is a bad, cold day. 

What have you been loving this winter?

xoxo,

Maddie

5 Easy Ways to Save Money in College

Most college students seem to be constantly complaining about not having a lot of money. It's understandable as it is hard to have a job, and still balance a sleep schedule, social life and keep up your grades. For me, I work only in the summer and save everything to spend during the school year. This has worked out for me with some of these easy tricks to minimize the amount of money spent so that you still have enough to go out with friends and have a good time.

| Pack Snacks to Go |

I'd be lying if I said I didn't get hungry at the most random times. An easy way to fix this is to set aside some snacks in your backpack or purse so that you don't have to stop and buy extra food. This way you are using up what you have already purchased and using it before it goes bad. Anything you buy that is prepackaged will be more expensive than when you buy it in bulk and pack it yourself.

| Make a Budget |

An easy way to save money and not spend too much is know how much money you have. I like to make a monthly budget while keeping in mind any income and mandatory expenses. This way you know any discretionary spending allowed and be able to not spend too much. I keep my budget in my agenda and it is a life saver. 

| Drink Water Out to Eat |

Is is so easy to order a soda or fancy drink when out to dinner, but that is an easy way to bring your bill up. Water is free, and you can have as much as you want without paying more. Water is also an easy way to make the meal a little healthier while you are at it. Save some calories, some money and feel better coming out of dinner. 

| Use Public Transportation |

Uber isn't cheap, so save yourself some money and walk or take the bus. Not all situations are perfect for walking or taking the bus, such as at night. That being said, a little planning ahead can make a big difference. Figuring out when a bus comes means that you can time when to go home. Also, you can figure out a plan to Uber back with someone else and then split the bill.

| Don't Go Grocery Shopping Hungry |

We all know that when you go grocery shopping hungry, it is so much harder to stick to getting only what you need. Suddenly everything in the store looks so yummy when you're hungry. It never seems to be the healthy, less expensive foods that catch the eye. Make sure to go the store after meals, and then you will save yourself a bunch of money by not buying extra snacks or treats.

With these simple tips, along with some common sense, you can mange your money a little better. Saving money in some little ways means that you will have enough that you can still go out with friends and not have to worry. Your social life shouldn't have to suffer due to unnecessary spending as long as you spend wisely. 

What do you do to save money?

xoxo,

Maddie