To say that I’ve been obsessed with making bran muffins is probably an understatement. Just ask my husband. Ever since making my first batch of these muffins, I’ve been experimenting every few days with new mix-ins and flavor combinations. Joe and I both eat them frequently for breakfast, and I find that they make a great mid-afternoon or pre-workout snack. Basically, I love them, in case you couldn’t tell. If you haven’t made them yet, I would strongly suggest giving … Read More
Cinnamon Pear Pie
It’s not often that I get the hankering to spend a few hours on the weekend making a pie, but when I do my husband is overjoyed. You see, when I asked Joe what type of cake he wanted for his birthday, he told me he wanted me to bake a pie instead. Is it any wonder that we had pie at our wedding instead of cake? Since I’m a big believer in celebrating birthdays for the entire week leading … Read More
Happy Birthday, Joe!
Today, my friends, a very special man is celebrating 25 beautiful years of life. Typically, I’m the type of person who groans at mushy Facebook posts and public displays of affection, but I’m making an exception to wish the love of my life a very public “Happy Birthday!” Dearest Joe, It’s easy to love someone for what they do for you and how they make you feel. And boy do you give me lots of those reasons. You take over … Read More
My 5 Things: Natalie Borton
WHO: Natalie Borton WHAT: Managing Editor, Darling Magazine WHERE: San Diego, CA BLOG: Thoughts by Natalie Natalie is a lover of the written word, avocados, beach picnics and champagne. She lives in San Diego with her hilarious and charming husband Brian and scruffy puppy Maggie, and is a Managing Editor for Darling Magazine. You can find her blogging at Thoughts by Natalie, or follow her on Twitter at @natalieborton. 1. Learning. The more I know, the more beautiful I feel. … Read More
Transition Wear
Blouse: Banana Republic | Jeans: Banana Republic | Shoes: Kenneth Cole (from DSW) You guys, if there ever was a time for you to consider traveling to Iowa for a long weekend, this would be the time. The weather we’ve been having here in central Iowa as of late has been nothing short of perfect. Chilly (50’s) in the morning and evening and in the 70’s and low 80’s during the days. If I could pick my dream weather, it … Read More
Everyday Lunch: Avocado, Tomato and Feta Salad
Since we’re enjoying that time in the season where the last of summer produce co-exists with the beginning of fall favorites, I’ve been trying to enjoy both while I can! We still have a container filled with fresh tomatoes from my mother in law’s garden (so much more flavorful than anything you could buy at the store) and I’ve been stocking up on the ripe, creamy avocados that don’t cost a fortune right now. My favorite part about the days … Read More
My 5 Things: Justine
Who: Justine What: Writer and Social Media Pro Where: NYC Blog: Stop Me if You’ve Heard This One Hi, E&C-ers! My name is Justine, and I blog about life, love, and awkwardness over at Stop Me if You’ve Heard This One. (Some of you may remember me from my No Fat Talk post back in February.) I’m so thrilled to be contributing to Madison’s “What 5 Things Make You Feel Beautiful?” segment—isn’t it just like her to come up with something … Read More
Breakfast Bran Muffins
I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend! I can’t believe that summer has come and gone already. Where in the world did the time go? I feel, like everyone else, that I was just looking forward to summer and kicking things off with Memorial Day weekend, and now we’re getting all things fall underway. Is the rumor about Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks true, too? If so, I’m going to need the weather to cool down so … Read More
Gameday Food: Pumpkin-Beer Bars with Streussel Topping
HAPPY FIRST WEEKEND OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON! Whew, sorry, I didn’t mean to shout at you. I’m just really excited about the return of college football and watching my beloved Gators every Saturday for the next few months. After the last giveaway on E&C, I found out that a lot of you are as excited about football’s return as I am. So, in honor of football’s opening weekend, I’m breaking all the rules, jumping the gun and serving up a … Read More
A Hair Update
I don’t think I can thank you all enough for your great tips and advice in this post. Beauty and fashion related posts on E&C always solicit a ton of passionate responses. It makes me think I should just be a beauty blogger instead. Well, not really, but I do know that a lot of E&C readers know quite a bit about all things health and beauty related. Since a lot of you asked, I wanted to do a follow-up … Read More
Healthy Peanut Butter Brownies with Chocolate-Avocado Frosting
In our house after work, Joe and I have a bit of a tradition that we follow almost religiously. We get home, head to the gym for a workout, return home. Then, Joe takes Nutmeg outside while I prepare dinner. Usually, it’s something ultra-simple, like burgers/veggie burgers and big salads packed with vegetables or chicken breasts, sweet potatoes and kale. Like I said, nothing fancy over at our house on the weeknights. After dinner we clear the table, load up … Read More
My 5 Things: Alex Meyer
Who: Alex Meyer What: Graphic Designer Where: Iowa Blog: Alex Tries It Out 1. A Great Run I used to hate running, but I’ve taken it up this year as a new hobby. I’m sure a lot of it has to do with endorphins, but when I finish a run, whether 3 miles or 8, I feel strong, confident and beautiful. I can do anything! The feeling is amplified when I finish a race. 2. Painting My Nails I … Read More