Since my Paula Deen loving, baking crazy sister moved in with us, we've had a lot of muffins, cookies and breads on our hands. My hubby loves it, my hips don't. So tonight we decided to make banana bread with a healthy twist. We whipped up a Quinoa Banana Loaf.
It was a pretty standard banana loaf recipe with cooked quinoa for added texture and nutrients. We also added chopped dark chocolate for a sweet touch.
I've recently enjoyed experimenting with different grains. Mixing it up with barley and chickpeas in chili, lentils as a side dish and cold quinoa salads.
As a wedding gift we received a great cookbook called, Quinoa 365. Who knew you could make more with quinoa than quinoa? Apple-Glazed Pork Chops on Quinoa was a big hit with my sometimes food skeptic husband.
When you love baking, hidden superfoods like grains or blended fruit or vegetables hidden away in a cookie or loaf is a perfect way to enhance a sweet treat. Hopefully, Ms. Deen would approve.
Free stuff is awesome. Homemade stuff is also awesome. You up for free homemade stuff? I'm super excited to do a little giveaway here on Alexandra's Joys. I am so grateful for the comments and emails and compliments that encourage me to keep writing and sharing, so as a thank you and incentive to continue passing on the joy, I'm giving away some pretty treats.
Unfortunately, I will not be giving away this custom designed limited addition mixer that KitchenAid made exclusively for The Pioneer Woman to give away on her mildly successful blog.
I literally lost my breath when I first saw this mixer in all it's floral glory. It was designed based on the cover of PW's newly released book, Black Heels to Tractor Wheels, which btw, I can't put down.
Now moving on to more humble treats up for grabs. Here's a taste of a late night crafting sesh with my sis. Pretty broaches made from floral fabric, lace, ribbon and buttons.
Here's how to win; simply spread the Alexandra's Joys fun by getting three friends to follow the blog, email me (alexandrajoywig@gmail.com) their names and I'll send you a lovely broach handmade with love. I'm so excited to package them up and send them out. Thanks for reading and for spreading the joy.
Happy heart day friends. Like it or love it, single or hitched, it’s v-day and today is all about celebrating love. I am blessed with a whole lot of l-o-v-e in my life and today is a great reminder of that.
Fun was also had at Market Collective, an amazing local art and craft market highlighting some of Calgary's coolest artists, artisans and musicians. There were fun finds and great company.
I picked up this seasonably appropriate heart and bow vintage broach.
As well as, these gorgeous photos by crazy talented local photographer, Amy Victoria Wakefield.
And to wrap up the weekend fun, I stumbled upon a cute new Etsy shop called Knot & Bow, who sell all the details to make pretty packages.
All these little tidbits to encourage you to take the time to do the things you love, with the people you love. xoxo
"Love is patient, love is kind..."
1 Corinthians 13:4
One of the best parts of my job is being in an atmosphere and with people who challenge and inspire my fashion creativity. However, with snow on the ground and having to stare at cotton sundresses all day, I'll admit, I'm feeling the February fashion blues.
So here's a fashion challenge for you all today. Let's chat about mixing prints. It's a huge trend for Spring and although it can seem overwhelming, it's an amazing way to command a little attention and re-work your wardrobe to make some great new outfits.
Some pattern pairing tips:
~ mix prints within the same colour family
~ vary the scale of patterns
~ keep your accessories to a minimum
Here's some inspiration to get you started...
How fun?! I'm challenging myself this week to try out some similar looks. Nothing says Spring like florals, dots and stripes. Happy mixing.
welcome
I wish to brighten your day with a little inspiration. Inspiration to try something new. Inspiration to find joy in cooking and crafting, entertaining and styling, writing and sharing. I’m Alexandra Joy and I have many joys to share.