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!

Little Bit of Spring During This Snowy Week

Despite the snow, I am determined to have somethings spring-like in the apartment.  I saw this vase with tulip bulbs at our local grocery store and thought it would be better than fresh cut flowers for the dining table.  

The vase has a nice little stand on the bottom to allow the bulb roots to get water without submerging them and so far I've only had to fill it up once a week.

We finally got some blooms going which is nice to see when we're holed up in your apartment all day.  

The blooms are supposed to last a long time and I would assume you can take them out and split them if you want to or just keep the bulbs healthy to bloom them again!   Just thought I'd share this since the weather outside if frightful right now!

Stay warm and thanks for checking in!

Week Two: Snowed In...

So week two didn't offer us much of a chance to do things around the house.  Aside from being crazy busy, a few winter storms decided they would make their way up through the south and dump over a foot of snow on us!  

It is nice how quiet things get when everyone has to stay home.  The street is quiet, people aren't rushing around, so it's perfect weather to curl up on the couch with the pups and read a book.   Below is what the view from our bedroom looks like and if you can tell the difference between the piles of snow and road, I'd be impressed honestly.

Here is what came of only part of our 2 hour shoveling extravaganza that only got one of us to work today with the snow still falling pretty heavily.  

Hope you all stay warm and thanks for checking in.  Fingers crossed that we will be able to dig out our cars again soon to pick up a few things for the house and share the progress.   Meanwhile, enjoy your snow day!

Week 1: Moved In, But Not Unpacked...

Hi Folks,

Just wanted to share a few pictures of our new space!  It is much smaller than our last place but it's cozy and we love it!

The first week was a real adjustment to having no laundry or dish-washing appliances, but I think we have figured out a good system but being more conscious of the clothing and dishes we use.  Here are some quasi-embarrassing pictures below of what the space looks like now and hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures of the finished "space" because there are really not many rooms in this apartment!

Here is as far as I can pan out to get a shot of the living room...

Office area...lots to do...

Dining area...lots to put away...

Didn't put up pictures of the kitchen and bedroom, they were too cluttered for me to even think about photographing!

All in all this place feels very much like a little home for us and we are so happy to have downsized because having all that space and furniture was burdensome to keep up with!  I'll post some after pictures as we finish the spaces!  

Thanks for checking in!