LAB

Sweet Things // Pumpkin Raisin Muffins

October 9, 2012 by Life's a Bowl · 15 Comments

Wanna know something sweet… Life’s a Bowl is going to be self-hosted!

It’s about time. It’s only taken me weeks to make up my mind and there’s no turning back now. I’m not entirely sure what the big differences are BUT I do know that Life’s a Bowl is going to be better than ever! Hope y’all are looking forward to this virtual facelift as much as I am

Wanna know what else is sweet…

During the fall [more than any other time of the year], I crave three flavors: apple, cinnamon, and pumpkin. Thankfully, it seems a lot of other people do too because apple and pumpkin recipes of all kinds are e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e.

Pumpkin Raisin Muffins

1 ½ cup white whole wheat flour

¾ cup stevia

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

1 15-ounce can pumpkin

½ cup egg whites

2 teaspoons maple syrup

3 mini packs of raisins

~~~

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Line the muffin tin with paper cups or spray with non-stick spray and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

3. In a large bowl or a stand mixer, combine all the dry ingredients [*except the raisins*]: flour, stevia, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until combined.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: pumpkin, egg whites, and maple syrup. Mix until combined.

5. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until everything is well combined.

6. Gently fold in the raisins.

7. Evenly spoon the muffin mix among the cups, 12 regular sized muffins or 24 smaller muffins.

8. Bake the muffins for approximately 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick is inserted into the center and comes out clean.

9. Cool on a wire rack and enjoy!

Ryan and I tested the muffins hot out of the oven and thought they were good but they did not have as strong of a pumpkiny flavor as we had hoped for… Next time I plan to add more pumpkin and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie seasoning.

And wanna know the sweetest treat of all… Enjoying a pumpkin raisin muffin with chocolate Cho pudding!

Chocolate Cho Pudding

plain Chobani

cocoa powder

stevia

splash of Silk Light Vanilla soymilk

XOXO,

Allison

Question: Apple, cinnamon, or pumpkin- what’s your favorite fall flavor? All of the above!

Question: What’s your favorite muffin? Blueberry? Bran? Chocolate? Lemon poppy seed? Orange cranberry? Pumpkin? I love the hearty texture of bran muffins and the addition of fruit such as blueberries or raisins- a blueberry bran muffin sound delicious!

— Life's a Bowl

Taking Part in Marvelous Monday

October 8, 2012 by Life's a Bowl · 15 Comments

I’ve seen this badge around the blog world for a few months but had no clue where it started…

That is until I clicked on it [duh] and got linked back to Healthy Diva Eats! I started following Katie on Instagram a few weeks ago and I am slightly envious of her cool style, tasty eats, and sweet treats!

[click here to read more about Marvelous in my Monday]

Now only my first Marvelous Monday post…

Columbus Day… I’m thankful to have a 3-day weekend! Saturday and Sunday I spent time with friends exploring DC [yay, pickles] and getting pampered at the nail salon [Pinterest inspired]. Today I plan to finish all the to-do’s that didn’t get done- baking, cooking, cleaning, switching from one white iPhone to another [aka my birthday present has arrived!], and sneaking in a sweat session.

Pancakes… I cannot stop making pancakes for breakfast- they’re fluffy, full of flavor, and keep my tummy satisfied until lunch. What’s not to love?! This morning I tested a new recipe and it turned out pretty tasty! P.S. They’re not burnt, they’re brown because they’re whole wheat and they’re loaded with cinnamon!

Charlie… He has not stopped hiding his bone. His favorite secret spots include: behind the couch pillows, in my gym bag, behind the dresser, under any table, and behind the curtains. He’s so silly- he’ll run off and hide the bone for .2 seconds and then runs back to get it. Separation anxiety is in full-force!

Blog… I am *hoping* to make a few big decisions about the blog this week. I’ve been in debating it for the past few weeks and need to decide. To self-host or not to self-host? That is the BIG question!

Instagram… I know some people think it’s silly but I think it’s awesome- a fun way to edit and share photos with family, friends, and some strangers! I relate it to Pinterest, except it’s a personal pin board full of silly, stylish, tasty, and memorable pictures from your daily happenings P.S. Feel free to follow me: lifesabowl.

…such as when the gym is offering free car washes when you sign-up for a new membership!

…or you try beets for the first time and eat a rainbow for lunch!

…or your hubby surprises you and goes to the gym too- couples who sweat together smell together!

Baking and Cooking… This afternoon I’m planning to spend a few hours in the kitchen. On the menu: pumpkin pie peanut butter cups and pumpkin quiche! I’m a bit of a pumpkin fanatic [especially in the fall] if you couldn’t tell.

Source

Operation Beautiful… This month I am participating in Lindsay’s October Photo A Day Challenge. One of the challenges last week was to leave an Operation Beautiful note- I left my note in the frozen foods aisle at Whole Foods! Thinking that a random person would find my note was initially a bit overwhelming, “What if they think it’s silly?” Those thoughts were quickly overpowered when I thought about finding a note myself… We all have those kind of days when we could use a little pick-me-up!

***Feeling inspired, I have decided that every Monday I will write 5 motivational notes and post them at work, out at lunch, at the gym, wherever I am!***

Source

[click here to read more about Operation Beautiful]

XOXO,

Allison

Question: If you blog, any tips for making the switch to self-hosting?!

Question: Will you join me in my Operation Beautiful challenge? Don’t feel obligated to do it on Monday if another day of the week works better for you… Feel free to post a note today, sometime this week, or next Monday and link back!

— Life's a Bowl

Three Months, One Really Long Day

September 21, 2012 by Life's a Bowl · 4 Comments

I’mmm backkk!

Source

So much has happened over the past 3 months… I started my new job, summer has come and gone [hello fall!], anddd Ryan and I got married! The past 3 months have been, without a doubt, a complete whirlwind and at times have felt like one reallyyy longgg dayyy but everything was well worth it and I now have memories that will last a lifetime!

The past few days I have felt under the weather and have been stuck at home. While lazily laying on the couch, I’ve made many updates to the blog. A girl can only watch so many hours of trashy reality shows and Lifetime movies before she gets a little stir-crazy… Be sure to check out the updates:

I’m thinking that rather than writing about E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. has happened, which I don’t think anyone’s attention span could last that long, I’ll share some of my favorite pictures with y’all this weekend… Stay tuned

P.S. I’m interested in potentially reformatting the blog. Complete with a new banner, more tabs, etc. If you have any comments, recommendations, or suggestions feel free to leave a comment below or email me!

XOXO <3

Allison

— Life's a Bowl