Smoked Paprika Cauliflower

My attempts at becoming domestic? Moving right along, if I do say so myself!

Here's to hoping I'll become a good cook in no time!  

Recipe taken from here.

You will need: 

- 1 Cauliflower head.

- 1 Tbs Olive oil (I recommend using less)

- 1-2 tsp Smoked paprika

- Salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Cut up cauliflower head into four quarters, and proceed to cut smaller sizes.

After rinsing and draining cauliflower florets, spread onto baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil, season with paprika, followed by the salt. 

Set aside smaller pieces in separate bowl, you will use these soon.

Place in oven, set timer for 10 minutes. 

After 10 minutes pass, come back, mix up cauliflower, and toss in the bowl (onto baking sheet) that was previously set aside.

Set timer for another 10-15 minutes. 

When finished, dish up, and enjoy! 

DIY Fabric Buttons

You now have your own set of buttons (whatever size you like), personalized with your own fabric choice!

Cheers for days off!

To do work. Outside of work.

Such as...wedding planning. :)

Two months away!

I don't wash my hair...

...With Shampoo! That's right. I stopped washing my hair in February 2011.
Say whaaaa? "Disgusting" may be the first word that comes to your mind.
I understand, really, I do. Well friends, read on. Let your minds be blown. 

What use to be the most discouraging factor of being out and about the whole day, was looking in the mirror in the late afternoon.
My hair? A disaster. My solution? More product.
Drier than the desert, my hair was looking like it needed a drink.
I began researching, and found out that the shampoo I was using (which claimed to be for curly hair), was actually one of the worst shampoos one could be using. I set out in search of sulfate-free shampoo.
Before I had the chance to purchase any new product, I ran across people using no shampoo, and no conditioner.. at all. Some of whom were family friends.
Their trick? Baking soda. Conditioner? Apple cider vinegar.
I was curious, and naturally, tried it out.
No regrets! Nothing but happiness and triumph over my locks!
The vinegar scent goes away after a short while.

If you try out this concoction, give at least two weeks before giving up.
Still skeptical? I would be. Google it! There is strength in numbers.
Meaning, so many are pleased with the results.
Never again will shampoo be used in my house. No more harsh chemicals meeting this scalp! One of the biggest benefits? I don't get discouraged at the dryness of my hair. Why? Because it's not dry! My hair now retains moisture and stays styled exactly how I want it to, no chemicals needed!
So tell me, have you tried going "no-poo" too? If not, what are your thoughts?
--------

Update (2013): I probably use closer to 2.5 tablespoons of baking soda.
I don't use the vinegar that much. After my hair dries, I rub in coconut oil on my fingertips and work it in on the lengths/tips of my hair. This helps keep frizz down! 

Almond Butter Banana Rice Cakes

Glory, glory. I'm going to pass out these are so good. 

When this is breakfast, this is love.

And if love is all you need, then you're set. I guarantee it.  

Almond Butter Banana Almond Rice Cakes

2 Rice Cakes

1 Banana

2 Tbs Almond Butter

Sliced Almonds

Cinnamon

Set out rice cakes, lather spread the almond butter on top (1 Tbs each cake).

Cut banana into bite-sized pieces, place half on top of each rice cake.

Sprinkle sliced almonds on top if you want more crunch.

Season lightly with cinnamon.  

He will be my husband, I will be his wife.

My dear friend Lauren came up to Seattle from California to take these shots for us. We are so blessed. Check out her work here.  

DIY Scented Hand Scrub

Step 1: Select your jars. Any size will do. 

Most craft stores should carry them in the canning section.

Step 2: The labels. 

- On your patterned paper, cut an oval, and make sure the size works for the jar.

I used Microsoft Word for the white labels, and cut them to size after they printed.

- Using Mod Podge, paint the back of your paper, place it on the glass surface, and adjust it to the curves of your jar.

- Cut out your word labels from your computer document (or label maker), and adhere to the patterned paper with Mod Podge. After both layers are down, cover the entire label with Mod Podge, going slightly over the edges, to make sure your label sticks.

- For the cap, trace upside-down along your paper, and cut out. Adhere paper to cap using Mod Podge. Paint on the top of the paper as well, to give a nice finish.  

- Set both pieces aside to dry.

Step 3: Begin mixing your hand scrub.

- In a small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, and stir.

- I added the essential oil last. About 20 drops, to cover the olive oil scent.

Step 4: Fill your jar.

Step 5: Add embellishments to jar.

- Loop your twine or hemp around the small spoon three or four times, leaving about six inches to continue to wrap and tie.

- Tag a small note or message before you tie your bow. 

- Tie a bow and position off to the side for beautiful aesthetic!   

Poppy Seed Muffins

If you don't know how marvelous poppy seed muffins are, you're about to find out.

I hope you treat yourself. Because what's a morning without a tasty muffin?

Just like every other morning? HA. No. You have to be kidding yourself if you think that. Plus, it's so simple. Everything goes in the bowl, and you mix. SIMPLE.

A morning with a poppy seed muffin is like a morning in dessert heaven. It exists. 

Taste this, and you will experience dessert heaven too.

Seriously. We're talking nothing short of Delicious with a capital 'D'. 

The ones above are mine, but the recipe was found here.

Poppy Seed Muffins

(Makes about 24)

3 cups all purpose flour

2 cups sugar

1 Tb. poppy seeds

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 1/12 tsp salt

3 eggs

1 1/2 cup milk (I used with buttermilk)

1 cup oil (can sub with applesauce)

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 tsp almond flavoring

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Fill greased or lined muffin tins with batter.

Bake muffins at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until done.

Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing.

Canada and Celebration!

Hello everyone! Here's been the 'haps' as of late:

-Zach and I went to a pre-marital conference in Canada last weekend (Sunshine Coast, on Keats Island - near Gibsons). It was so lovely. The speaker focused on communication and conflict resolution. Both of which Z-man and I benefited from greatly! 

ALSO, Fiance finished his last day of school yesterday! Until August, that is. 

Some celebratory muffins were in order, because it was his half-birthday too! 

I'm so proud of him! 

He finished his first year of going to a private university, debt free!

Working three jobs to make that happen, while still spending time with me and helping prepare details for the wedding. Goodness, he is so hard-working! He also made time for his family by coming home every weekend to catch up with them, leaving school assignments on the back-burner. I am so incredibly blessed by him, his work-ethic, and his encouragement! Way to be, Zachary!