February 15, 2017

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread


Do you have bananas that look way past due? Heavy dark brown and black stains?

Back away from the trashcan, do not throw them away, and make this easy chocolate chip banana bread today!

Ingredients
1/4 cup vegetable oil (or substitute with olive oil)
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar (or 1 cup of sugar)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 bananas, mashed
1 cup chocolate chips (I used mini chocolate morsels)
1/2 cup of walnuts (optional)


Directions
Pre-heat the oven to 350°F .

Grease a 8 1/2-inch x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt.

Mix in the oil, bananas and eggs.

Stir in the chocolate chips and pour into the greased loaf pan.

Bake for about 50-60 minutes, until golden brown, or a butter knife  inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out and cool completely, right side up.


February 1, 2017

Valentine's Gift Guide and Sharing the Love



Ah. Valentine's Day. To some it's a special and lovely day to celebrate love with their significant others or friends. And to some it might not mean as much.

Well if you are wondering about me, I think it's a sweet day. Valentine's is not a day that is meant to be negative. It's a positive day. I have been lucky and grateful that I found a partner many years ago. He and I respect and love each other very much. He is a true partner. One who cares, listens, is kind, caring, loving, respectful, and funny.

We don't traditionally go out on Valentine's Day, but we do make it a point to do a little something special. Usually it involves takeout from our favorite place and that usually involves spaghetti and meatballs and garlic bread (my favorite meal). And I make it a point to send my loved ones near and far a little something to remind them that I am thinking of them and that I love them. I like making a little box and sending them little treats and something I think they will enjoy.

So I made a little list of some ideas for Valentine's Day that you could give or send to a sweet loved one or even yourself. I also think it's important to treat yourself once in awhile. It always feels good to do something special for someone else, but it is equally important to do something for you too.

Plan something for tomorrow's you.  For example, it might not be a secret, but I love breakfast. I could eat pancakes for lunch and dinner too. Sometimes I will make some chocolate chip and blueberry pancake batter on Sunday night, so on Monday morning I can quickly make pancakes before heading to work. Sunday night Kim was planning and doing something nice for Monday morning Kim. It's all about sharing the love with one another and ourselves. When we treat ourselves right, we have room to share that with others.

Black Feather Jewelry. Choker necklaces are in trend right now and my red stone chokers are a perfect gift and so are our heart and pyrite "flame" earrings. We also have amethyst pieces which are February's birthstone.

Oreos Covered in Chocolate
. These make perfect gift to give to most on your list. Everyone I know loves a sweet treat. I know I certainly do. Chocolates on Valentine's Day is a sweet tradition, and these chocolate covered oreos I make come in Valentine colors and hearts. They arrive before or on Valentine's Day and are ready to be gifted with a box and bow wrapped around each. They come in 6, 9, or 18 packs. Make sure to get the order in before Feb 8 for before Valentine's Day delivery.

Black Letter Board. These vintage inspired board are the latest trend. They are cute to leave special messages, motivational quotes, and more. I recommend writing a sweet message to a loved one with a special gift. I like to use mine to post the day's menu (dinner and dessert).

Burberry Heart Rain boots. These Burberry rain boots are not only very cute with the heart motif on top of their traditional plaid, but they are also very comfortable, however, the calf width varies and is snug.

Thymes Goldleaf Gardenia candle.  This scent has notes of jasmine, rose, amber, opulent patchouli, and praline. Thymes has my absolute favorite candle right now which is Thymes' Frasier Fir. I don't have a real Christmas tree, so I lit this candle up and it smells like a beautiful pine fresh forest. The Gardenia candle is a beautiful sweet and refreshing candle to light as we head into spring.

Love Pillow. This "Love" pillow from Pottery Barn is a sweet addition to your Valentine decor. It is hook and loop embroidered. And if you don't have Valentine's decor well consider this piece to start.

Rifle Paper Co Greeting Card. Make your own or buy a sweet card like this pretty "You're the Bees Knees" from Rifle Paper Co. I also think making your very own is very thoughtful. Whether you buy one or make one, make sure you share how you feel to your loved on. Expressing your love and feelings are important in all types of relationships/

William Sonoma Love is Love Mugs. This is my favorite thing on this list, the Love is Love mugs sold out on PotteryBarn and William Sonoma has them still available. You receive a pair of two mugs, and a portion of the proceeds support the LGBT community. I think mugs make a great gift and you can fill them with little chocolates.