Almond Pancakes

Here is the recipes for a slightly healthier version of pancakes.  Pancakes have become our Sunday afternoon ritual after coming back from the gym and rather than just pull the box of super starchy Bisquick mix out of the cupboard, we thought we might try something a bit better.

Almond Pancake Ingredients:
1 cup almond meal (we used Bob's Red Mill)
1 cup flour (white or whole wheat)
4 tsp of baking powder
1 tbs vanilla extract
1 cup almond milk (we use Silk Almond Milk with Fiber and Protein)

Mix well.  Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat, add a small piece of butter and coat the pan.  Pour a large scoop of the batter onto the pan and spread out evenly.  Wait until you see the air bubbles come up through the batter and then turn over until other side reaches a golden brown.  There are so good, you honestly don't even need syrup!

Months 2 and 3...

So not exactly the weekly update posts I was expecting to post to chronicle our recent downsize move but now there will be some new posts.  The last several weeks have been busy with work and running constant errands so there isn't too much new to post.  That having been said being able to clean the entire apartment in a day has been a definite plus!  There were only a few projects that we managed to get started since moving in.

One is the start of the reading nook in the corner of the apartment in lieu of a desk space.   Just one bookcase away from getting rid of those boxes!

Before:

After (But not completely finished):

 Another project was putting back up the framed pictures from our wedding in the bedroom.

 Before:

 After:

More posts with house projects and also some nice recipes (including cocktail recipes for entertaining) will be posted!  Thanks for checking in!

Reading Corner

Hi Folks,

Here is a quick update of one of the areas in the apartment we've been able to do a tiny bit of work on.  We ditched the home office deal and are working towards setting up some bookshelves to create a reading nook.  Our dining room table has basically served as a computer/craft workspace since we moved in, so adding a desk isn't really any more functional for us when we have tons of stuff left to put away  If you recall, this corner consisted mainly of boxes week 1, moving boxes to be specific.

Phase one consisted of installing the first bookcase to gauge the amount of space we might have for a second.  We chose a simple RE 5 shelf bookcase from Target.  The second bookcase will sit perpendicular to this one and they will be anchored to the wall for safety and perhaps I'll move the more comfortable lounger chair over there to complete the nook.    The second bookshelf will hold our overflow books and also any other crafting supplies that are left to unpack.

My husband ran the wires for the modem and phone between the frame and the backing so that we didn't have cords all over the place.  Also you can see in the picture below there is room to move the bookcase over several inches to put it closer to the outlet and also make room for the other bookshelf to create a corner.

Thanks for checking in and I'll have the final update of the nook up for next weekend for you!

Homemade Red Rooibos Hazelnut Tea Latte

SBs came out with a Red Rooibos Vanilla Latte several years ago and I happen to love it.  It's a nice change up from ordering coffee every morning.  However; there are some days I would rather not want to have to leave the house for a cup of this delicious tea or perhaps my SBs card needs a break, so I make these at home.  You don't have to use hazelnut syrup, you can use vanilla, but I thought the hazelnut turned out just as nice!

You will use almost the same recipe as the Chai Latte, except you don't have to put in the creamer in unless you absolutely have to have it.  So put a mix of 4 parts soy milk/creamer and one part water into the microwave safe mug and zap it for about 2 minutes in the microwave.  Steep two bags of red rooibos tea for several minutes.   Once the tea is done steeping, wring out the bags properly and add 1-2 tsp of hazelnut flavored syrup (I used Torani) and mix with milk frother!

Again this is another SBs hack but sometimes it's just nice to know you can make these at home!