Everything Happens For A Reason...

Back in middle school, I used to meditate on this phrase. It is the catchall saying that eases worries, fears, and insecurities and makes one think everything, in fact, will be OK in the end. Granted, back then, I would think of it in reference to my latest crush, but now, it holds a lot more meaning.

Considering what happened on Friday (quite the shock and an undeserved shock at that), I am now viewing this motto with renewed eyes. I always think: everything will work itself out, if it's not OK then it's not the end, what's meant to be will be, etc. Now, I'm sure of it.  

This choice, not made by myself or the 40 others affected by Friday's decision, is for the best.

I know I want to have the ability to be creative in my work, I want to be able to write (if possible, in my career, if not, in my blog), and I know I want to work with people on a daily basis. I'm not sure what my future holds, but I know that everything usually does happen for a reason. I don't know what that reason is yet, but I have a feeling I will soon.

xo,
L


img via Pinterest

Banana Crumb Streusel Muffins

While cleaning my kitchen yesterday, I noticed my bananas sitting in the fruit bowl on top of my fridge. Brown. Spotted. Gross. So, deciding I was in a baking mood, I quickly began scouring the interwebs for the best recipes for ripe bananas. Banana bread? Too plain. Jacked-up banana bread from Smitten Kitchen? Perhaappps. And then, these. Banana Crumb (streusel) Muffins from AllRecipes.com. Yum. (Note: I like adding the word "streusel" somewhere in there, just sayin').

I sneaked in some nutmeg and cinnamon thanks to the Jacked-up recipe, and I'm glad I did.

These babies turned out perfectly. I wasn't quite sure what I was doing for the topping (it said "mix until it resembles cornmeal" hmm, I don't know what cornmeal looks like), but it turned out great! Bits of melted brown sugar and butter can never be wrong.

In total, it probably took 10 mins of prep, and 20 mins of baking..The mashing of bananas and measuring of ingredients took the longest, but overall it was easy peasy.

I highly suggest these to 1. impress yourself (pat on the back) 2. impress your boyfriend's mom & sister (actually happened) 3. impress boyfriend and 4. make your house smell DELISH.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 bananas, mashed
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter

 Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers.
2. In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. *I added a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg here as well. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
3. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

Enjoy!

xo,
L


*photos courtesy of allrecipes.com

Gift Guides

Because I didn't make a gift guide, I at least thought I'd compile a few of my favorites for the kick off to the Christmas season. (And, let's face it, I don't know how to make one of those really cool looking ones---you KNOW the kind I'm talking about.) From inexpensive, to glam, to really expensive- these guides should surely suit any girl on your list.

Cupcakes and Cashmere: Holiday Gift Guide Under $25
Could I Have That?: Gift Guide Part 1: Glamour Girl
Glitter Guide: Gift Guide: The Romantic
Cheetah is the New Black: Stocking Stuffers

Happy Shopping!

xo,
L