Falling Back Into Blogging

Remember that time it was January 1, 2017 and then eight months passed? Oh hey. Here I am again!

I'd burst into apologies but, this is kindof my bit. Call me the inconsistent blogger: sporadically gracing your blog feed since 2002. Once again, I have emerged from digital hibernation to plaster the internet with cries of autumnal celebration!

August, it may be. But, the "-Ber" months are upon us. Thusly, Pumpkin Spotting 2017 begins! If you're on the hunt for pumpkin anything, you will not have to search high and low. We will, undoubtedly find ourselves graced with its presence in an unprecedented way shortly. And I will be with you every step of the way.

A subtle sprinkling of pumpkin goodies have started to trickle through the aisles of Target, classics and new products alike. Enjoy!

A vast array of autumnal coffees starring, of course, Mr. Pumpkin. 

Nature's Path Organic Pumpkpn Spice w/ Chia Oatmeal

& Frosted Pumpkin Pie Toaster Pastries

Birch Benders' Pumpkin Spice Pancake Mix & Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bread

Chobani Greek Yogurt "Pumpkin Harvest Crisp" Flip &

Coffee-Mate Pumpkin Spice Natural Creamer

The 2017 Sorta-lutions

Things I'm excited about in the New Year? Aside from the blatantly necessary disposal of this God-awful mess known as 2016, here's what I'm looking forward to:

1. Degree Dry Spray Deodorant

Tell me I'm settling for mundane things in the New Year, if you like. This stuff is a magical new substance making my armpits aromatic bundles of soops-dry happiness. Pure bliss.

2. Five Parks Yoga

I've been doing these 45 minute- hour long yoga sessions daily for a few weeks and I have been in sweaty-splits-side angle Heaven. I'm thrilled to make yoga a regular practice in my always busy life. Blue Sky Bonus Goals: Crow Pose and Headstands.




3. Betty Crocker Casseroles

This likely cancels out the dry-deodorant-laden yoga. But, I have harkened back to my Carolina roots lately with these delectable comfort foods. I find the casserole cuisine to be one of both nostalgia and exquisite deliciousness. And go figure? The culprit? Betty Crocker, herself. The website is jam packed with yummy goodness. I will attempt to replace the cream-o soups and high sodium contents with healthy alternatives and keep you in on the recipes every step of the way.


Also, if anyone wants to buy me some retro casserole dishes, I'd be fine with that. :)







4. Nomatic: The Basics Notebook

I got one of my Christmas presents early this year: The BASICS notebook. Outwardly, it seems to be smilar to the official Bullet Journal except with pre-installed planner pages. I have already implemented a lot of color-coordinated calendars into this thing and am looking forward to filling it up with more list-y, doodly, planner-y goodness.

Workouts of the Week

I am a firm believer in the idea that health should be free. This is not to say we shouldn't invest in it, nor that the gym-going, shake-drinking, Whole-Food-eating guru's of the world are wrong. Your health should be whatever you need and want it to be. Find what works for you!

After a whirlwind decade (and more) of crash diets, gym memberships and endless self-loathing, I've found a few things that work for me in the land of "Body Temple-tude." 

Confession: I adore workout videos. And by "adore," I mean, "prefer to treadmill monotony."

Truth be told, I will almost always rather be seated under a plush throw on a rainy day than perform burpees and planks. But, when I miss a good workout during the day, I do get really cranky with myself. I have traversed the vast scope of Youtube for quality free workouts and am constantly finding new ones. I thought, "Why hog this greatness?" So, let the Workout Wednesdays commence! Each week, I will share with you a roundup of my workouts for the week. Watch them. Do them. Share your sweat. Share your favorites with me! 

1. 30 Minute Fusion Workout: This was my first Kit Rich workout and she did not disappoint. Just when I think I've done every workout move there is, then she comes and adds a towel to the mix! Amazing.

2. 30 Minute Fat Burning Pilates: Popsugar Fitness is pretty darn magical. Another great one. Equipment Needed: 1-3lb Weights.

3. Total Body Cardio Dance Mix: Cardio to the max with Shelly Dose. I don't know anyone who is as excited about exercising as this lady. I look about as enthused as Eeyore compared to her.

4. Fit Versus Fat- 30 Min Cardio: I don't know Spanish but this Latin-inspired routine will take you back to the Jane Fonda days of cardio and make your thighs say, "WHY?!"

5. Grounding Into Gratitude Yoga: Cool off and align yourself with my absolute favorite Yoga gal, Adriene. And be prepared for some magical dog cameo's. :)

Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies

New thing I'm into? Finding recipes on actual product websites. It's like the virtual "I got the recipe from the back of the box" way of doing things! Who'da thought?

And Betty Crocker has been my gal for the past week. From tonight's Au Gratin Chicken Bake to tomorrow's Mexican Manicotti, already prepped and in the fridge, I am all about some basic comfort food during this holiday season.

Cake mix cookies are no exception.

For the somewhat lazy/ fairly instinct-less cook like yours truly, this is the answer to your (seeming) culinary shortcomings. These were even taste-tested and loved by a close friend and chef! So, make this your next party trick. Happy Baking!

PEANUT BUTTER CAKE MIX COOKIES

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons water 

1 cup creamy peanut butter 

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs 

Granulated sugar

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375°F.

2. In large bowl, combine cake mix, brown sugar, water, peanut butter, oil and eggs (if using an electric mixer, blend on medium speed until mix is smooth).

3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar and, on ungreased cookie sheet, place 2 inches apart. Flatten in crisscross pattern with a fork dipped in sugar. (Tip: Cool dough in the fridge for 15-30 minutes for simpler ball-rolling).

4. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

5. Allow cookies to cool.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Dollar Store Christmas Tree Revamp

Well, it's official. I have an addiction to Dollar Tree. It's palpable. It's outrageous. It's a wonder of wonders.

Can you believe I've been putting up my own Christmas Tree for about seven years and never invested in a tree skirt? Who am I? This is uncivilized behavior.

2016 may be the worst year known to man but I will not let it go down without a TREE SKIRT!

After my cheap self refused the double digits of Cyber-Monday-tree-skirt-browsing, I succumbed to the Almighty Tree of Dollar for a felt skirt that was.... fine. At best. Still better than the oddly wrapped plush throws of yesteryear.

One stop to the Dollar Spot at Target and voila! A sensible tree skirt makeover was born!

I encourage you to go through whatever little crafty trinkets you have. I found some rhinestones, pearl appliques, puffy paint, glitter string, jingle bells. Target had pom-poms and trim, each for a buck. And the hot glue gun is your friend. Go to town. Let the creativity take over. 

And BAM. Your Christmas tree looks a little fancier and you feel a little jollier.

Share your frugal Christmas revamps with me right here! I'm always excited to embrace the simple and give it a little extra shine. :)

Linking Up With:

Tater Tots And Jello