Monday

What Color is Warmth






"Storybook" Fall Oats- My oats this morning tell a story of what falls means to me. Warm pumpkin pie, spices, walnuts and my dad's banana nut bread pretty much sum it up. Last night I hardly could sleep because the smell of his bread filled my place...so beautiful! This morning I crumbled a bit of everything and came up with an fantastic breakfast! How can you go wrong with pie and bread on top of oats? Carbs rule!

This weekend I've been kinda cooped up in the house since its been storming for days! So I've had a bit of time on my hands to do a few things like...

"Dehydrating" some buckwheat groats. Since the sun was gone like the last piece of pumpkin pie...I had to resort to the warm setting on my oven. Worked like a charm!


Speaking of pumpkin pie..love soy spiced pumpkin candles..

Almost as much as I love fluffy cats! She is the color of fall, no?

I managed to do some Pilate's and had a few cups of green tea , then I made lunch...

Raw "Sloppy Joe's" = heaven! I picked up some chipotle spices at the local farmer's market a few days ago and they have been such a help to my food. Love me some spice! Is it a crime that go through two kabocha's a week? Oy!

After sheets and sheets of rain fell I finally decided to brave the cold to pick up the Pixar movie UP. It was very much a tear jerkier in the beginning...yes I know it was animation. But its such a vibrant movie though and had a great lesson to the story. I'm a sucker to Disney!


While I watched the movie I snacked on a bit of banana bread.....

Ok..I had way more then a bit. This bread could change the world, glorious!

After the movie I had some time to whip up a "pizza" of sorts with a polenta crust and goat cheese. All I can say is that local produce always tastes better!

Mushroom and Goat Cheese Polenta Pizza, Roasted Garlic and Balsamic Vinegar Salad

Homemade Pasta Sauce with Local Grown Broccoli

I know this post was a bit random and all over the place but that's how I've felt lately. I have been trying to let my day have a constant unrestrained flow instead of always scheduling everything. That's what weekdays are for..not weekends! Did you plan out your weekend or just "see what happens"?

Saturday

Little Paper Things


Vase with Flower- Recycled Anthropology Paper and Starbucks Cup


Warm Flax Plus Cereal with Creamed Vanilla Banana Milk- on paper bag "mat".




Paper Collection Box- Cereal box, Food and Wine Magazine and Recycled Gift Wrap


Sweet Potato Gnocchi with White Bean Cranberry Pesto- looks like "little brown packages"


Homemade Cinnamon Sweet Potato Gnocchi- not from a box


Festive Necklace- Whole Food Hot Food Bag, Coffee Sleeve and Leftover Ribbon

Becoming familiar with cardboard lately but in a very obvious way. Instead of my food coming from it my inspiration for clothing, jewelry and decoration have. Although I can't say my cereal doesn't come from a box...flax plus is probably my favorite cereal with warm homemade almond milk! Anyways I had two Whole Food Bags and a few magazines laying around in my place and thought why not reuse? So the place mats, necklace and collection box were formed. And a flower headband made from Lara bar wrappers in the works...

Yesterday was quiet a day! I woke up promptly at six am and stood in line for a bit of Urban Outfitter's shopping. The sales weren't great but the weather was glorious so I took a chance and walked a bit to a few more shops. I managed to pick up a few things for my siblings and I..a hat, shirt and sweater. Nothing quiet photo worthy but I will post pictures if anyone wants to see. More importantly I picked up some oat groats and coconut water, yum! I forecast that today there will be SourOat Bread being made, beaded bracelets being mended and one sublime hour of Pilate's in front of the fireplace. Oh and here's a recipe I'm using for dinner tonight...with the addition of roasted kabocha!
How are you spending your weekend? Happy Saturday!

Friday

"Only dull people are brilliant at breakfast"




Layered Banana Foster Yogurt and Oats with Coconut Milk Coffee

Breakfast was exactly what my belly wanted! It seems that every time I add cold yogurt to my warm oats it cools them down..and if you know me well..I like my food HOT. I'm actually more hesitant to add the cold yogurt into a warm pot of oats..would it spoil? This morning I devised a method to solve this annoying problem..layering! I mean its common sense, I layer my clothes, my lasagna, why not my oats? I first mix in a separate bowl yogurt and cinnamon and spread a layer down on the bottom. Then the oats, then raisins, then yogurt, then oats, then melted banana, then more oats and yogurt. It actually worked and each bite was the perfect amount of everything! All I know is that layering worked quiet well and the consistency was spot on. I could ramble on for hours about preparing oats...please excuse me...Wilde obviously knew what he was talking about. Quote inspired by Katharina.

Today's plans include black Friday shopping galore, making a mean hippie "meatloaf" and a screening of the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Are you shopping today? What is one awesome thing you bought?

Thursday

Wheelburrow and Cinnamon Rolls






Homemade Pumpkin Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Pecan Butter
Last night I rolled out the sweet tender dough and sprinkled the cinnamon sugar sporadically. When I woke up I pressed 350 on the oven and the rest was history. Love cinnamon rolls and four day weekends.

But I do love something a tad more then sleeping in and sugar hangovers...gifts! The lovely Eliza and Maya sent me some of the best gifts I've ever received!

They obviously took note of all my favorite things..owls..fig bars..cardamom chocolate bars?! Oy oy oy!

I will be forever grateful to these girls...they even wrapped everything in gold dusted tissue paper..so thoughtful.

I also received this little thrifty find...I named him Wheel-burrow, pun intended. He currently is perched on the side of my favorite hat box. Oh goodness gracious! Thank you again darlings, I really am out of words for the kindness I've lent. I won't ever need to go shopping for exotic sweets again!

Whats the best gift you ever received? Have a great weekend!

Wednesday

Wordless and Bread




Cracked Pepper Egg on Sprouted Grain Bread and Pumpkin Walnut Bread with Coconut Oil.
(Inspired by "Folding Paper")


Nothing more, nothing less.

Tuesday

Better late than never






Trio Yogurt Bowl with Edible Flowers and Spicy Cinnamon. On the side is Pumpkin Spinach Smoothie and a Raw Pecan Cinnamon Roll.

Hello, good afternoon? I'm sorry for being quiet late on my morning post...I was up till a terrible hour last night making sweet potato gnocchi and soaking grains. My hands are official orange and my fingers are numb! I did manage to go to Whole Foods and pick up some buckwheat groats that I am so excited to introduce to my breakfasts this week...will be featured soon! Any good recipes? They are currently "dehydrating" in the sun outside. I got some raw cinnamon rolls for the farmer's market and they are divine..I couldn't wait for dessert tonight obviously :)

On to the questions! I really had a blast answering every one's questions, they were all so diverse and creative, got me really thinking. I hope to do more in the future, enjoy!

Lexi asked "Do you prefer oats over oat bran? or vice-versa?" and "what's your favorite type of jelly/jam?" I really love oat bran because of the memories it holds. The first week I went vegetarian I freaked out and thought "How am I going to get protein in the morning?". Silly me, I didn't acknowledge the fact that eggs, yogurt and hemp milk had enough protein to sustain. But when I found out that oat bran had some compared to regular oats I was so excited. Funny story but now I do love mixing them 50/50 to get the creamy and grainy texture they both provide. My favorite type of jelly would be local classic boysenberry preserves. I'm really old school when it comes to jarred things, the ones I was given as a child really made an impression on me. But now that I'm more health conscience I try to find the same boysenberry kind but with cane sugar or pectin.

Baby Vanilla asked "How did you do the ''sweet and salty'' taste for the Pumpkin oatmeal?" I love mixing flavors together that should not go. Most of my concoctions don't end up on my blog because of it. So when I accidentally threw some salt in my oats before adding the pumpkin in I decided to just go with it. I thought about how kettle corn is sweet but salty which really inspired me. I find maple and salt really balance each other out beautifully too. Just add a bit of sea salt in your oats before adding some sweetness really draws out other flavors and makes them more intense...like the pumpkin!

Veggie Girl asked "Who is your favorite designer?" My favorite clothing designer? I'm a Marc Jacobs girl for life. I remember my first purchase of his...a beautiful silk and red blouse for my graduation, and since then I still wear it. Never goes out of style, always classic. I also love Alexander Wang's purses, aka the grayish lavender Rocco and vintage Channel. As for day to day designer I wear a mix of thrift and vintage clothes so I just go by what I like at the time...I mostly wear what I make. And hands down my favorite food "designer" is Simply Breakfast.

Maya asked "What sparked your interest in cooking and creativity in the kitchen?" To be completely honest, a year ago, the only thing I could make was Mac n' Cheese and I lived off of packs of almonds and Boca burgers. I grew up around amazing chefs, my parents, who made always tried to make me apart of their cooking. I learned much from them but when I was in school I really lost interest in it all together. When I finally moved out on my own I realized that I couldn't live any longer on the boring foods I was making. I decided to read cook books instead of TV on the weekends, reading food blogs instead of fashion ones and I guess it just perpetuated into a passion. Something obviously clicked. Now its the only way to live...cooking healthy and creativity really is a lifestyle.

Eliza asked "Where have you traveled to, and where to you wish to travel?" I've been American bound my whole life..haven't had that out of the country experience yet. I can say I have explored around the USA a bit and found some beautiful places. I am currently saving though for a Europe trip that hopefully will include a visit to Greece and Italy. I've always wanted to go to Greece since I was little, so it would be pretty spectacular if I could go. I also would love to visit India because I'm fascinated with the culture and the food, I feel that the country itself has influenced so much of the world that I would love to see the main source of these colors and curries!

Mayapamela asked "How did you make your vanilla whipped kabocha?"
So simple! I just took three thick chunks of kabocha, brown rice vanilla protein powder, unsweetened vanilla hemp milk and some water and blended it for a few minutes. Skin and all! Try it between gram crackers...tastes like marshmallows!

Katharina asked "What's your dream job? And what are your 3 favorite things?" My dream job would be to design food displays for magazines or window displays in New York. I love the mix of fashion, food and interior design..when they come together to tell a story through photography that is art to me. My three favorite things? That's a tough one! Currently I love scenic road trips with vanilla chai lattes, floral petite dresses and cuddling with my puppy in her red knit sweater while it rains outside.

Leslie asked "Are you in school now? What are your dreams and goals for the future? Do you live close enough to me that we could meet in person?" I'm not in school anymore. I was being trained in cake design but stopped in the fall to focus on figuring out what I really want to do. My goal right now is to put my efforts into one thing instead of a trillion...I can't seem to stick to one thing. My dreams would include lots of traveling preferably backpacking, increasing my skills as a cook and mastering the complete balance in my life. I'm living for the chance to give back to the world voluntarily somehow most of all. I'm slowly getting to inner completeness but I have a few things I really am working on still. But I feel no one is going to find complete happiness in this world so I just try my best. To meet up? I would be honored :)

Neela asked "What are the most exotic spices that you add to your oatmeals?" I am in awe of all Indian spices so I have added garam masala and maple syrup together and drizzled it on my oats before. I found that caramelized bananas and the syrup go together beautifully. You must try it!

I really hope I didn't miss any one's questions if I did please let me know. Thanks to everyone that commented and the ones who read all this. Once again, these questions really made me think about how much my blog has become a huge part of my life..and I want to thank everyone who supports my blog because your feedback really inspires me to push boundaries and try new things. Thank you a million! I'm off to put my "chef hat" back on and make some cinnamon rolls...xoxo.

Monday

A Spoonful of Sugar helps the...




Sweet Salty Pumpkin Oats with Cashews and Brown Sugar

Hello! Hope the weekend was grand for everyone. Mine was relaxing and I'm feeling better finally! I can't take all the credit though, I did apply some Mary Poppin's principals and dazzled up my morning oats with some sugar...brown sugar that is. Every year while watching the Macy's Parade we have a tradition to eat cinnamon rolls for breakfast but since I love making food myself now I decided I will not be buying any pre made Cinnabons. Gasp! Yesterday I picked up the necessary ingredients..brown sugar, cinnamon, walnuts, to make the perfect vegan pumpkin cinnamon rolls. I must say I'm pretty excited to roll these babies up and drizzle some glaze on them! This morning I had to open up some of the brown sugar to "test" it and when I did I flew to the moon..seriously its been maybe two years since I had it in my oats. So yummy!
Whats something you haven't had in years?


Besides shopping I got a few odds and ends finished this weekend which was sublime! I finally finished hemming my floral vintage dress, sent out a care package and made myself a recipe book. Lately I've had a huge crush on anything cardboard and recycled paper..I find myself wrapping gifts, making cards and books out of it. I am planning on making this necklace out of recycled cereal boxes this week too..ambitious? A bit :)

(Recycled Whole Foods coupon book made new)

While I worked yesterday I snacked on a little chocolate dream heaven!

Chocolate Dream Cookie Crumbled on Oiko's Plain Greek Yogurt

I've come up with a few recipes I want to try this week involving sweet potatoes and cranberries...it will be quiet a fantastic dish if it works out. Full of flavor and inspired by my heritage. Can't wait to share it! After brain storming a bit and day dreaming a lot I made a rockin' lunch that sent my taste buds to another level...



Lunch of Kale Chips and Roasted Brussels Sprouts. A bowl of Whipped Vanilla Kabocha Squash and Sunflower Butter.

Is it possible for pumpkin to taste like vegan marshmallows mmmm :) I even frozen extras for dessert...kabocha and chocolate syrup..can't get any better then that! I'm off to some more cardboard cutting, a walk with Lu and shopping for some oat groats. Bye!
PS: Tomorrow is the FAQ post, please leave questions if you have any, thanks!

Saturday

"Ice Cream Crepes"




Banana Ice Cream topped Egg "Crepe" with Raw Cacao Nibs and Nutty Almond Butter. A side of Roasted Cinnamon Kabocha and Italian Roast Coffee. (Inspired)

Today is a very special day in my heart. So I thought it would be the perfect time to celebrate with something decadent. But when are my breakfast's not? That being said I knew oats and pancakes were out of the question...introducing an vanilla egg "crepe"! Just whipped up 3/4 cup of egg whites, vanilla, agave and cinnamon and let it cook while I topped it with a bunch of drool worthy goodies. One year ago I enjoyed the best breakfast I ever had, Banana Stuffed Chocolate Ice Cream Crepes..and even though this does not compare..its a healthy version with a twist...the thought is still there. Have a great Saturday and thank you for all the gracious comments!
PS: Giveaway!

My Blessings


Picking out weekend meals.




My favorite dinner ever: Roasted Veggies, Kale Chips and Garden Sunshine Burger


Dessert of Banana Ice "Cream" and Crumbled Oatmeal Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookie


Mending a old dress.
Currently listening to this and thinking about what the future holds. But counting my blessings for the beauty and gifts today brought. Thank you thank you thank you.

Friday

Clutter

I've always had a love/hate relationship with clutter but as I've matured I've found a new respect for it.

Sometimes it happens naturally...a mix of this, a dab of that, two slices of stale bread and a half of a lonely open apple sauce....coming together in a beautiful mess.





The last of the Cinnamon Swirl Bread with Almond Butter, Cracked Peppered Egg and a side of Nutmeg Apple Sauce.

What one sees as "clutter" could translate into an other's muse...
White Thread Vase Fillers

Which can perpetuate into something grand, something representative of one's creativity.
Finished Bookshelf

Or it can represent a masterpiece..many textures and colors fill a cook wear dish. Clutter organized by layers, defined by flavors.
Baked Goat Cheese Spinach Whole Wheat Penne Pasta

But often clutter can overwhelm and must be contained. Allowing each note to have individual sound in a ballet..harmonious in the end.



Local Grown Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Kabocha and Leftover Goat Cheese Penne Pasta

Other times too much clutter in one's mind often results in a dozen cookies all different mix ins, but equally sublime...

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies with Hemp Milk
(Un pictured: Pb&Cherry, Almond Butter White Chocolate and Banana Nut Oatmeal Cookies)
How has clutter influenced your life and style of food?

On a side note: I've actually been feeling stranger by the day...sometimes I feel great..other times I think the world is ending. Blame it on my dramatic take on life or maybe I just have the flu :) Its been so long since I got a stomach bug that I keep second guessing what I have. Anyways, yesterday I went to the market and picked up some more kabocha, kale and honey crisps..all I've been craving lately. Does anyone know when kabocha season is over? I'm planning on freezing a few slices to get me through winter! xoxo Maggie