Madonna Inn

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There is something about February that always brings out all my love of pink! Perhaps it is Valentines or perhaps its the leftover teenager obsessed with Legally Blonde or maybe it is just the anticipation of Spring! Either way I love every hue and there is nothing that makes me think pink quite like the Madonna Inn.

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Andrew & I road tripped in California from San Francisco to L.A. for our 10th wedding anniversary. I added this hotel to my bucket list after I had seen Amber Fillerup Clark (barefootblonde.com) blog about her visit several years ago, never thinking I would get to visit anytime soon! It was a dream & I was over the top excited when we booked a stay the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, California. Everything about this place is from a dream! All 110 rooms are a different unique theme & colour, their dining room is a fuchsia paradise & their cake… oh man, their cake is to die for!

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We spent our only night in Room 182 – the Tall & Short Room. So many hues of pink, gold & floral details, a private outdoor balcony & a bathroom almost too pretty to use, it did not disappoint! We enjoyed late night slice of Pink Champagne cake & coffee, as well as breakfast the following morning, in the copper cafe. Their servers were so friendly & even offered a complimentary slice of chocolate cake for our anniversary when we left.

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There is a room for every taste & personality, you’re invited to change rooms each night you stay to sample as many as you can. We were only able to spend one night, so I knew I had to stay in the pinkest room available! but I dream of staying in so many others & hope we can visit again soon!!

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Power Bites

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There are a couple snacks my crew cant get enough of, these are one of them! I can’t help it, I laugh a little when my 3 yr old shrieks excitedly “Mom, you made Power Bites?!?!” Dude, you’re three! I didn’t know what a power bite was till my late 20’s! But you’re not going to hear any complaining from me! I’ll make them as often as they’ll eat them!

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Power Bites

Ingredients:

1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter*

1/3 cup maple syrup (or honey, but we prefer the taste of MS)

1 cup oats

1/2 cup unsweetend coconut

1/3 cup ground flax

1/4 cup hemp hearts

1/4 cup chia seeds

3 Tbs-1/4 cup chocolate chips

  1. mix all ingredients in one bowl
  2. roll approx 1 tbs amounts into balls
  3. refrigerate for 1hr
  4. store in air tight container in fridge or freezer

*For a nut free version, Sunbutter or Pumpkin Seed butter make a great alternative!

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From my home to yours,

Kristin

Scones

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My mom always made Scottish Scones when we were growing up. These are a gluten & dairy free version, inspired by hers! My kids love them & they are my nieces favourite,  safe to say they are kid approved! They go perfect with chia jam but are delicious on their own.

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Scones

Ingredients:

3/4 cup almond flour

2 cups oats

1/4 cup coconut oil (cold)

1/4 cup apple sauce

1 egg or 2 flax eggs

1 tsp cinnamon

3-4 tbs dairy free milk

(optional) 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips chips or dried cranberries or raisins

*if you prefer a sweeter scone, you can add 2 tbs coconut sugar

sea salt

  1. Mix oats & almond flour
  2. cut (with a fork) cold coconut oil & apple sauce until it is crumbly
  3. add egg or flax eggs, milk, cinnamon & sea salt. mix well
  4. add dried fruit or chocolate chips
  5. mix and roll on counter into a large rectangle, approximately 1/2-1 inch thick
  6. cut into triangles & place on a prepared baking sheet
  7. bake at 375° for 15-20 minutes
From my home to yours,
Kristin

Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

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Today is National Peanut Butter Day! So there bars seemed very appropriate! I am PB obsessed & have one major sweet tooth, these hit the spot every time!!

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Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

  • 2 flax eggs
  • 1 cup Oat Flour
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1 tbs apple sauce
  • 2 tbs maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbs chia seeds (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips &/or chunks (I use Enjoy Life)

 

  1. mix 2 tbs of ground flax seed with 8 tbs of water, set aside for 5 min
  2. in a bowl add remaining of ingredients except chocolate, adding flax egg last
  3. add chocolate chips minus 1 tbs
  4. mix & press into an 8×8 pan
  5. sprinkle top with 1 tbs chocolate chips & a course sea salt
  6. bake at 350 for 12 minutes
  7. allow to cool & cut into bars. Enjoy warm or cool!

 

From my home to yours,
Kristin

 

My Top 5 – Beauty

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Sharing the Top 5 beauty items I couldn’t live without!!

When it comes to beauty I am fairly simple & definitely no expert! Sure there are shampoos, oils, soaps & cleaners I also use on the daily! But these are tried, true & items at the top of their category, as far as I am concerned! *Note: sharing these brands because I truly love them! Not an ad.

1) Big Sexy Hair – Spray & Play Hairspray

Over the years I worked in the hair industry, I tried a ton of hairsprays & I have done countless brides & bridal parties who need serious hold! Out of all the bottles I sprayed Big Sexy Hair is my all time favourite!! Tons of hold & your hair still moves, no crunchy/hard hair here!!

2) Natural Deodorant – Piper Wai 

I went on the hunt several years ago for natural deodorant. I struggled between the ones that did nothing And the ones that left me with rashes! Neither are very great options. Piper Wai eliminates both problems! It retails for approx $14, but the jar lasts me nearly 6 months! 

3) Natural Mascara – Pure Anada 

About a year ago I tried to clean up my makeup and go a more natural route. I found Pure Anada and have been sold ever since. I love their product quality and find they have great color options. Natural mascaras are tough – They can leave you raccoon eyed by noon! But a I really find this mascara to be top of its class – no flakes, no running, no black eyes!!

Tip:

I have recently been adding a couple drops of DoTerra Lavender essential oil to my tube. Keeps the bacteria down, leaving no clumps! For sure extends the life of a tube!

4) Jade Roller – by Province Apothecary

I posted a few weeks about about starting to use a Jade Roller & so many of you responded you were obsessed with the feeling, even if it was doing nothing!! And I kinda agree! My roller is by Province Apothecary, a Canadian Company based in Toronto, which I love! I got it as a gift for Christmas & have used it daily since – I really am obsessed with it! I have read about it helping to diminishing fine lines & the lymphatic drainage. The benefits seem amazing! What I can tell you I noticed right off the bat:

  1. the puffiness under my eyes is diminished
  2. my skin feels like it is absorbing the oil I use to moisturize
  3. it wakes me up! I keep mine in the fridge & after rolling for a few minutes I can actually feel the blood flow stimulated in my face.

Honor able mentions:

My moisturizers – Jojo Oil, Rosehip Oil & Lavender Oil. Amazing for moisture, anti aging & anti bacterial. I made a roller ball with my Jojo & Lanvendar for easy application. My Rosehip oil comes with a dropper, just a couple drops on my finger tips does the whole face!

5) My Scrunchie

This scrunchie is old & worn, but it’s my best friend! I can’t sleep with my hair on my neck of touching my face, no exaggeration! Elastics can pull your hair quite tight & leave you with breakage, so a scrunchie is a perfect solution. It’s soft on your hair, no pulling. & Bonus! It leave zero creases! So you can pull it out & wear your styled hair another day. Which for me is basically a lifesaver 99% of the time!!

Bonus Entry:

homemade dry shampoo (see recipe in previous post) literally saves more mornings in my week then I could count!!!

 

Quinoa Oat Bake

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Baked oats are a breakfast favourite! We are always switching up the ingredients and flavours, giving us something new to enjoy every time! One morning we had some left over quinoa in our fridge so decided to toss it in, cause why not! Turned out perfect, love the added protein and gave the bake a great new texture. Hope you enjoy!

Quinoa Oat Bake

dry ingredients:

1 cup cooked quinoa

2 cups oats

1/4 cup ground flax seed

1/4 cup hemp hearts

3 tbs chia seeds

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

wet ingredients: 

3/4 cup apple sauce

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup almond milk (milk or other dairy free milk)

3 tbs oil (I used avocado)

  1. Mix dry ingredients in a medium size mixing bowl
  2. Add all wet ingredients to dry and mix
  3. Pour into a 9×13 pan
  4. Bake at 350 for approximately 25 min
  5. Allow to cool before cutting into bars
  6. Serve as is or top with a nut or seed butter, chia jam, berries etc.

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From my home to yours,

Kristin

Dry Shampoo

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Dry shampoo may be my favorite beauty product!! I am pretty well known for Not washing my hair – cause who has time for that! But in all seriousness, the less you wash your hair the less you’ll eventually need to! your scalp and hair need some natural oils – the more you take them away, the more your body will produce! I have tried all sorts of dry shampoos but I just don’t like them! I hate that over product feeling in my hair and I really try to take the natural & inexpensive route as often as I can. Only 2 ingredients and with products you most likely have in your pantry! So this recipe is a Win Win Win!

Dry Shampoo

  • 1/2 cup arrowroot powder or corn starch
  • 1 tsp cocoa or cinnamon (or a bit of each, my personal favourite!)

I store in a jar with a lid. My preference is to use my hands to rub it straight onto my scalp. Using my fingertips (like you would rub shampoo on wet hair) until all powder is absorbed. But other options:

  1. using a large makeup brush to dab on roots
  2. an empty spice container, sprinkle at roots & rub onto scalp

From my home to yours,

Kristin

The Good Old Days

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“I think we are living the days we will look back on & say ‘those were the days’”

We had just finished decorating the Christmas tree. Our 4 kids were posing for a picture which ended with them rolling on the floor laughing uncontrollably. I was suddenly struck with intense emotion & this thought hit me like a ton of bricks…

“I think we are living the days we will look back on & say ‘those were the days’” I said it out loud to my husband almost chocking on the words. as I tucked them into bed that night I snuggled them a bit longer… I couldn’t help the tears. I could almost physically feel the time slipping away with every second ticking by.

Yesterday I was reminded of this moment when I had a conversation with a friend. She quoted Andy from the Office: “ I wish there was a way to know you were in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” What a gift that would be!! But perhaps, in that moment, that’s what i was given! A gift! The knowledge that we are living the good days, the best days, RIGHT NOW!!

These four sweet kids who we have been entrusted with are living their childhood! One day they will be grown, off to college or university, maybe getting married & starting families of their own. These are the days they will refer to, these are the days they will remember. One day Andrew and I will be empty nesters, seeing young parents chasing their toddlers & think “those were the days”

I have been told countless times to “enjoy every moment”. Told “before you know it they’ll be grown up” & “time flies”. I always hear it, but don’t know if I ever let it sink in. When you’re sleep deprived or your hair hasn’t been washed in days or you can barely pee without someone barging in shouting “Mom!!!!!” It can be hard to think, let alone savour the time. But I will! I have to!! I can never get this time back!

Man, I want to hold onto these days! I want to live them knowing these ARE the good old days!! Laugh a bit more, worry a bit less, hug a bit tighter & enjoy every second!! Because I have been given a gift! Because “I think we are living the days we will look back on & say ‘those were the days’”

Quinoa Chocolate Cake & Frosting

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Quinoa, that ancient grain we all know and love! I promise, you’ll love it even more in cake form!!

I have been baking this cake for years. If you have ever been to a birthday party for one of our kids, chances are you’ve tried it in cake or cupcake form! It is a family favourite & I am so excited to share it with you!

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Quinoa Chocolate Cake

Ingredients: 

  • 1/3 cup dairy free milk
  • 2 eggs or 3 flax eggs
  • 2 cups of cooked Quinoa
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup apple sauce
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbs apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  • 1 cup cocoa
  1. if using a flax egg, whisk 3 tbs of ground flax seeds with 7.5 tbs of water in a small bowl. set aside & allow to set for 5 min.
  2. add eggs or flax eggs, milk, sea salt, baking soda, powder & apple cider vinegar to a food processor – blend till it looks bubbly & frothy.
  3. add Quinoa, oil, apple sauce & coconut sugar. Continue blending & stopping to scrape down sides every minute. Continue for approximately 5 minutes or until it looks like a smooth batter.
  4. pour batter into a mixing bowl – scrape with a spatula to get all the batter!
  5. add & mix in cocoa. pour into prepared baking pan*
  6. bake at 350 F for 40 minutes

* makes 1 round cake pan, 1 dozen cup cakes or 8×8 pan.

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Chocolate Frosting

  1. in a saucepan on low heat melt: – 1.5 cups of dark chocolate or dairy free chocolate chips
  2. with: -3/4 cup  oat milk (works well with coconut & almond but I love the mild flavour & creaminess of oat)
  3. once melted & combined place in fridge to cool & harden for 2-4 hrs (I have rushed it in freezer for 30 min, storing every 10 min!)
  4. once cooled & hardened scrape in a bowl (I use my Kitchen Aid stand mixer) & mix & whip until it peaks
  5. if too thick add more milk 1 Tbs at a time

From my Home to Yours,

Kristin

Top 3 Recipes Made by YOU in 2018

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Happy last day of 2018! I am always so honored & excited when I hear or see you making and enjoying a recipe!! With that in mind, I thought I would share, not my top 9 “liked” Instagram photos, but instead the top recipes MADE by YOU! Thankyou, from the bottom of my heart, for following me along this past year – Looking forward to 2019! Happy New Year, Friends!

 

Quinoa Banana Muffins

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dry ingredients: 

1 cup quinoa flakes

1 cup of quinoa flour

1/2 cup ground flax seed

1/4 cup hemp hearts

3 tbs chia seeds

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

sea sat

wet ingredients: 

2 mashed bananas

1/2 cup apple sauce

1/2 cup dairy free milk

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 tbs apple cider vinegar

  1. mix wet & dry in separate bowls
  2. add wet to dry & fold until dry completely disappears, don’t over stir
  3. pour into prepared muffin pan
  4. bake at 375 for 18-20 min

Zucchini Banana Bread

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wet ingredients:

mash 2 bananas

1/3 cup grated zucchini

1/2 cup apple sauce

1/4 cup almond milk

1 tbs apple cider vinegar .

dry ingredients:

1 cup almond flour

1 cup oat flour

1 cup oats

1/4 cup hemp hearts

1/4 cup ground flax seeds

3 tbs chia seeds

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

dash of cinnamon & sea salt

  1. mix wet & fry separate
  2. fold the dry ingredients into the wet
  3. optional: we added 1/4 cup Enjoy Life Chocolate chunks on top
  4. Fill prepared loaf pan
  5. bake 350° 30-40min

Peanut Butter Crispy Squares

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for bottom layer: (in sauce pan melt & mix)

2 tbs coconut oil

1/2 cup peanut butter*

1/2 cup maple syrup*

mix & add:

3 cup Go Go Quinoa puffed quinoa Or Natures Path Organic puffed rice

  1. mix & press into a 9×13 pan

top chocolate layer:

melt 1/2 cup dark chocolate

1 tbs coconut oil in saucepan

  1. spread on top & refrigerate until hard – approx 1 hr.

* can sub for Almond butter & Honey