2011 goals

we are rapidly approaching the end of 2010, and with the end of anything comes the beginning of something else.

i figured now was the time to let you in on a few of my goals for 2011, both in my life, and on the blog.

2011 goals for my life:

• complete a sprint tri with a smile on my face (registered for philly sheROX on august 7, 2011!!! even though i might contract the hep in the schuykill river, it’s been on my bucket list for a while, and no day like today…right?!)

 

• get in SHAPE
• get better about saving $
• continue building baking business (increase customers and outreach)
• cut out more junk food
• go 100% vegetarian (with 2 days/week vegan)
• get more sleep!!!
• be more positive, peaceful, friendly, caring, and supportive



2011 goals for the blog life:

• get rid of one day at a time, and focus energy on the sunday flog
  • after a long debate, i decided keeping 2 blogs is too much. my interests are plain and simple – food and writing. there is no denying that, so all of my food musings, recipes, and stories will be located on TSF.
• finally purchase own domain (no more .wordpress.com!)
• no more company sponsored giveaways
  • all giveaways will be products and items i use, love, and want to share (and have been purchased with my own money)

a HUGE thank you to every single person that has stopped by to read my blog, leave a comment, or share a thought. it has been a wonderful first year and i am so excited to see what 2011 brings. please don’t forget to keep up with me at the sunday flog!

happy new year!!!

xoxo allison

what are some of your goals for 2011??

things i’m really into right now

hi there! it’s been a while since i’ve done a post on things i’m currently loving these days. here we go……..

• joe’s jeans brand jeggings
  • they are super comfy and stretchy, but still look great! i got the dark denim (on sale at the outlets for $39!)

• coffee mate creamers
  • specifically peppermint mocha (just as good as starbys but without all the calories and $$)

• celestial seasonings holiday teas
  • candy cane lane is amazing, especially after searching high and low for it for weeks!

• my new kate spade iphone case! (another outlet score for only $25)
  • i love the bright yellow color. so much fun in the bottom of my purse!

• the body shop brand concealer stick ($11)
  • one of the best concealer’s i’ve ever used. only con? it’s too fat for regular chubby stick sharpeners

• my new dell inspiron duo netbook/tablet hybrid
  • courtesy of my amazing boyfriend on christmas morning. it’s a netbook, reader, and tablet all in one. i am in LOVE

what are you currently loving?
get anything fun for christmas??

christmas sweet eats

i decided this year – out of both financial necessity and lack of other viable options - i was going to make christmas gifts for my extended family. i’m not talking snowman sweaters or pillows, i’m talking food.

i ventured into the world of candy making with fleur de sel caramels first. they came out perfect – salty, sweet, and wonderfully flavored by the mexican vanilla i had in my pantry. wrapped up in a miniature cardboard box, these made for the quintessential holiday gifts for family and friends.

but i didn’t stop there. i found adorable ceramic mini loaf pans and couldn’t resist filling them with scrumptious treats to go with the caramels. when i stumbled on this recipe, i knew it was the one. chocolate and peppermnt all wrapped into one little cake-bread?

instead of mint green chips, i chose to stick with regular chocolate, and instead sprinkled crushed candy canes on top. not only was it just as delicious, it also added a wonderfully seasonal touch.

and when i say adorable, i mean adorable.

we’ve got strands of lights,

one that resembles a cute sweater,

and of course, santa!

tied with a festive ribbon, my gifts were all set!

i passed out my gifts under the christmas tree, and they were loved by all. i had so much fun making them, and i am thrilled with how they turned out! can’t wait to start planning next year’s gifts!

did you make any gifts this year??

almond joy oats

i found the mecca of oatmeal yesterday.

introducing…almond joy oats

the bowl started with rolled oats cooked in water, to which i added a tablespoon of coconut oil, a few semisweet chocolate chips, a sprinkle of unsweetened dried coconut, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a handful of slivered almonds.

it was everything i wanted it to be and more.

unfortunately my dad looked at it, made a face, and told me he didn’t want to eat all that stuff

please make this.

Maybe a Cupcake Will Help

Here’s just a little preview of some things I’ve been working on…

We’ve got baby bottles

ducks

and little feet

all together now!

all wrapped and ready to go

fun, right??

if anyone in the greater philadelphia/tri-state area needs cookie orders, let me know