Thursday, April 30, 2020

Chocolate Chip Scones


Today I wanted to share the recipe for one of my most baked items - chocolate chip scones. I used to make these ALL the time. They are one of my favorite things to eat for breakfast. Before quarantine, I hadn't made them in a couple years (crazy), but no better time to bring back some old favorite baked goods! I've been baking up a storm over here. 

Here is what you need:

2/3 cup margarine melted
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 egg
1 1/4 cup rolled oats *
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cream of tarter
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (sometimes I do up to 1/2 cup - I did for the ones in the pictures depends how chocolatey you want them!)

*I like to substitute 1/4 cup of the oats with flax seeds or flax seed meal and 1/4 cup with wheat germ. So for these I did only 3/4 cup oats and added the wheat germ and flax seed.

Mix all the ingredients together. Make sure you let the melted margarine cool before mixing everything (especially the egg). Form the dough into a ball and place it on a floured surface. If you bake on a Silpat, you can do it directly on there, if not then do it on the counter or another board. Flatten the dough down (as seen in picture - step 1) and cut into 8 triangular pieces (as seen in picture - step 2). Sometimes I like to cut those pieces into two smaller triangles so they scones are a little smaller. If you are working on a Silpat DO NOT USE A SHARP KNIFE. If you do you will cut right through your baking mat. I use a plastic disposable knife to cut mine. This keeps your mat safe and works just fine. Then space out the scones on the Silpat or baking sheet (as seen in picture - step 3).

Step 1:

 Step 2:

 Step 3:

Bake at 425 degrees for 8-10 minutes. I don't like my scones that dry so I do 8 minutes, but if you want them a little more dry (like a typical scone) then do 10 minutes.

They are SO delicious with coffee - enjoy!

XO,
Sarah

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Protein Balls


I wanted to share the recipe for these easy protein balls. They are the perfect snack when you are looking for something sweet! I used to make these all the time, but I haven't made them in years. We've been LOVING having them around for an easy snack, so I think I will be making another batch soon!
Here is what you need:

1 cup oats
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup chocolate chips (I like to use mini)
1/2 cup peanut butter (I used crunchy this time, but either works)
1/2 cup flax seeds or flax seed meal
1 tsp. vanilla 
1/3 cup honey

Such a beautiful sight. Mix all these ingredients together.
Chill 30 minutes, then roll into balls.
We keep ours refrigerated, but I'm not sure you really need to.  

Enjoy!

XO,
Sarah

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

The Best of Loungewear

I don't know about you, but my loungewear has become the most important thing in my closet right now. I'm not the kind of person that can wear the same outfit every single day, so I've been loving putting together different comfy, cozy, cute loungewear looks. Today I thought I would share all my favorite sets in case you are looking to upgrade your loungewear game! I also wanted to share sizing since I know it can be tricky sometimes when you can't try things on.

Leopard set: similar top (size small), VERY similar bottoms (size xs)

Cream sweatshirt (size small - wanted a more oversized look), slippers (true to size if in between size up)

Top (size small - runs a little small), bottoms (TTS - xs)

Light pink set: top (size small), bottoms (size small but wish I ordered xs)

Navy blue set: top (size small), bottoms (size xs)


Tie Dye: top (size small - cropped fit and I didn't want it to be too short), bottoms (size xs - run big)

Black top (size xs) also just ordered the matching joggers (they also have matching shorts), biker shorts (size small), hat, sneakers

White fuzzy cardigan (size xxs - runs big), bottoms (size xs) similar here

Waffle top (size xs)



Pink top (size small for oversized fit) also love this, THE BEST leggings similar here and here
I also just ordered these black Amazon joggers and I'm excited for them to get here!

The coziest robe and slippers (TTS or go half size up - the fur makes them a little snug)

My favorite cozy socks

My favorite blankets can be found here and here (sometimes you can get them on sale here)

ALSO one of my most worn items in my closet - my barefoot dreams cardigan can be found here.

I also just ordered THIS tie dye set and I'm so excited for it to get here.

Stay safe, healthy, and cozy!

XO,
Sarah




Friday, April 10, 2020

Funfetti Easter Treats



This week is technically our "spring break" so I have had even more time to bake this week. I've pretty much made a new treat every single day. I knew I wanted to make a fun new (and easy) dessert for Easter this year, even if it is just going to be me and Zach. This bunny bottom is just way too cute! It was so easy to make AND it is delicious! Here is what you need:

1 cup funfetti cake mix
16 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup sprinkles
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla
1 bag coconut flakes
Pink M&M's (only need 8)
Nila wafers/graham crackers/pretzels (or anything else you want to dip in)

Mix all the ingredient except the M&M's and coconut flakes. Form one large ball, two smaller balls (for the feet), and one very small ball (for the tail). Roll each ball in the coconut flakes. You can flatten and shape the feet a little to make them look more like feet if you want. Put the large ball on a plate then place the tail ball on top and the feet on the sides. Carefully press the M&M's into the feet (4 on each foot). Refrigerate if you are not serving it right away. Arrange the graham crackers, Nila wafers, or pretzels on the plate around the bunny cheeseball and serve!





Since you don't use all the funfetti mix in the bunny bottom, I used the rest to make these DELICIOUS funfetti cookies. I will give the recipe I used for the rest of the box and then the recipe if you are using a full box. To make the smaller batch you need:

The rest of the funfetti cake mix (2 cups are left over)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
Spring M&M's
2 Tbsp. sprinkles

If you're making a whole box you need:

1 box Funfetti cake mix
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
Spring M&M's
3 Tbsp. sprinkles

Mix then roll into balls and place on cookie sheet. Grease the bottom of a glass and press the cookies down to flatten them out a bit. Add 3-4 M&M's to the top before baking. Bake at 350 degrees for 7-8 minutes.

Enjoy!

XO,
Sarah


Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Flower Pretzel Bites

These are crazy times! Things are scary and there are so many uncertainties. We've just been taking it one day at a time and doing the best we can. Something that helps me while at home is baking. These are a fun spring twist on a classic favorite I make a lot (Pretzel Hershey Kiss Bites).

These cute little pretzel bites are perfect for an easy Easter or spring treat! You only need three ingredients and you can make as many as you want!





All you need:
Pretzel Snaps (the square ones)
M&M's - I used the spring colors
White melting chocolate wafers - I used Wilton but you can get any brand

Preheat the oven to 170 degrees. Place the pretzels on a cookie sheet and put one white chocolate wafter on top of each pretzel. Put in the oven for about 6 minutes. Immediately put the M&M's on top to make them look like flowers. That's it! Let them cool/harden, and then enjoy!

A few tips:
1. I only did about 10-12 pretzels at a time because it is a bit time consuming putting the M&M's on, and you don't want the chocolate to harden before you could get the M&M's in place.
2. Place the M&M's on with the 'm' side down for a cleaner look.
3. Make the flower shapes with your M&M's on the counter while the pretzels/chocolate are in the oven. That makes it much easier once they come out of the oven and you aren't scrambling to find the  right M&M's. This is also a great way kids can help! If they are younger they can make the flower shape out of the M&M's on the counter. if they are a little older they can put them on the pretzels when they come out.

I will definitely be making these again! They turned out so cute!
PS- Nora Fleming tray can be found here and the flower mini can be found here.

XO,
Sarah