Maple Bread

 

 

My house has been filled with the smells of fall lately.  We've been roasting pie pumpkins to make puree for pies and baked goods.  Making crock pots full of spicy apple butter.  Baking soft ginger molasses cookies and brewing big pots of Vermont maple coffee.  Maple is one of those flavors that seems perfectly suited for fall.

My husband's grandmother has a wonderful recipe for maple bread that I want to share with you today.  It's a quick bread employing the muffin method - you combine your wet ingredients in one bowl and your dry ingredients in another bowl and then marry them together.  This simple recipe comes together in a flash and is easily doubled, which I highly encourage because you'll find this loaf of bread is so tasty you'll want to share it with your friends and neighbors.  Share the love my friends.  There's enough to go around.

It's best eaten warm, straight from the oven with a little butter smeared on top.  Or, if you really want a delicious treat, slather a slice with butter and pop it under the broiler for a couple minutes until the top is nice and golden.

To die for!  I'm going to go cozy up with my knitting, a cup of Vermont maple coffee, and slice of toasted maple bread right now.

Maple Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup milk

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp maple extract

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a standard loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt).  In a small bowl, combine the wet ingredients (milk, sugar, egg, and extracts).  Pour the wet ingredients in to the dry ingredient mixture.  Gently fold to combine (a few lumps are okay!).

Pour the batter in to the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in to the center comes out clean.

Yield: 1 loaf

Printable Recipe

An Update and Some Costume Sewing

Oh friends, it's been a long, long time.  Let's see, where did we last leave off?  I was in a cycling frenzy and attempting to shed some pounds and get healthy.  That was when the sun was still shining warmly down on Michigan, and I could cycle down the road without getting wind burn.  So what's been happening since then?  Well, a lot.

As summer came to a close I was preparing myself to send my daughter back to public school.  She was going to be a 1st grader this year.  As we reached "18 days before school starts" on our countdown calendar, I panicked.  I couldn't do it.  My husband had wanted me to homeschool her from the beginning, and all of the sudden I felt God pushing me towards homeschooling.  I didn't think I could do it.  Last year, I was certain of it.  But this year, I just couldn't bear to send her back.  My babies belong at home.  And so believing fully that God will fill in the gaps and make me fully adequate to teach our child, I leaped towards homeschool, and I haven't looked back.

What an awesome adventure it has been!  Awesome.....and a lot of work.  I'm not gonna lie, my health and fitness journey has sort of taken the back burner now that I have this new role to fill.  I'm happy to say that I've been maintaining my weight loss - I've fluctuated a few pounds up or down.  Even though I've maintained, I have to say I am starting to feel the effects of a poor diet and no exercise.  I hope to break my bike out of hiding in the next week and start using my trainer.  I'm going to need to start moving again if I plan to indulge in any of my baking this winter!

And so that's what's consumed my life for the past few months.  Well, that and this new little sewing project I picked up...

That's right folks - my daughter convinced me to sew her Halloween costume this year, and she chose to be Elsa from Frozen!  Mind you, I am NO garment sewer and I've certainly never sewn a costume before.  Aprons are the most complex project I've sewn, but I felt semi-confident that if I followed the pattern and watched enough YouTube tutorials I should be able to conquer this task.

I started with over a month before Halloween, which was very smart on my part.  This way, I could sew to my frustration point and set the project aside without fear that I was running out of time.  And that's just what I did.  One night I cut out the pattern pieces.  Then another night I started sewing the skirt.  A week later I tackled the bodice, and so on.  Last night I sewed the sleeves on.  This was the final major step of the costume, and boy was it a nightmare!

I don't have a serger, so I'm trying to encase the raw edges in a French seam - something the pattern doesn't call for.  It was added work and planning, and when it came to the sleeves, this extra step proved challenging.  But I figured it out, and in the end I'm very glad that I took the extra time to do the seams this way - it will help the dress last longer, not like a cheap store-bought costume.

Little Brother Photo-Bomb

My little chicky tried on her costume this morning and loved it!  This is the second fitting, and I'm still surprised that it fits.  That I MADE that!  I'm pretty proud of this accomplishment.  And though I keep swearing that I won't ever stitch sequin fabric ever again, I probably would make my daughter's  costume again next year if she asked me to.  It's totally worth it to see that pretty smile and hear her say, "Mom, this is just exactly what I imagined it would be!"

Next step is to hem the skirt, cape, and sleeves, and then it's done!  And in plenty of time for Halloween festivities.  So there you have it, my first ever (and probably not last) costume sewing project!

Transformation Thursday - #9

Things are still trucking along in the land of health and fitness.  Nothing big to report this week.  I've been pouring a lot of focus in to potty training my little mister.  He's doing great and I think we're finally past the first stages of setting him on the potty every 30 minutes and cleaning up puddles.  He had his first completely accident free day yesterday - yahoo!  So proud of my little guy!

In spite of being focused on puddle patrol, I managed to eat well and exercise a bit this week.  I struggled with cravings a lot though.  We were also in the midst of trying to find a car for my husband and the whole process has me a little frazzled.  And when I get stressed I tend to seek comfort in food.  I've been trying to have fruit on hand for these occasions when I need to eat something right now!  That has been a huge help!  I know - who really wants a piece of fruit when you really want potato chips?!  But it's worked for me.  That, and talking to myself.  My husband laughed at me the other night because I opened the pantry cupboard and then shouted at myself, "No!  Don't eat that!" and slammed the door shut.  Yeah, I'm weird.  But I do whatever I have to do to keep myself on track.

Nighttime can get difficult too.  My hubby and I settle in to watch our favorite shows on Netflix, and I immediately want a snack and something warm to drink.  Before my run the other night, I anticipated the urge to snack and so I grabbed a cup of Yoplait Greek 100 calorie yogurt from the fridge, shook it up, and stuck it in the freezer.  When I got home, I had a cup of 100 calorie frozen yogurt waiting for me in the freezer.  It was a great ice cream fake out, and I think I might start keeping some cups of yogurt up there from now on in case the ice cream urge strikes again.

 

The idea is, you don't have to starve or totally deprive yourself of fun foods to get fit and healthy.  Be ready when those cravings strike and have quick, low calorie foods on hand to satisfy those gotta have it now urges.  Fake outs are okay.  You're craving potato chips, but try a peach first.  Eat that whole peach and see if your potato chip craving has subsided a bit.  It's easier to say no when you have food in your belly and you don't feel starved.

Those are my thoughts for the week.  Now let's check out my numbers!

Calories Burned: 1,631 (goal of 1,830 per week)

Exercise Minutes: 223 minutes (goal of 300 minutes per week)

Pounds Lost This Week: 3.0

New Weight: 155.6

Total Pounds Lost: 36.4

Yay!  So, so, so excited with those numbers!  Last week I entered the 150's, and this week I'm smack in the middle of them!  My size 12 are getting loose, and I keep trying on those 10's to see if they fit comfortably yet.  Still a little too snug, but I'm getting there!   Only 20.6 pounds to go until I reach my final weight loss goal.  On top of all that, I feel fantastic!  I can't wait to see what the coming weeks hold!

Until next week friends - make healthy choices!

Transformation Thursday - #8

Well, I had a post all ready to publish this morning once I stepped on the scale.  It was all written out, just waiting for those final numbers.  I was going to tell you about my new bike trainer.  Exciting, I know.  Then last night the husband helped me get down my "Tote of Inspiration".

This tote has sat on the top shelf of my closet since we moved in to our house over 8 years ago.  It's full of my favorite jeans (and a few tops) from when I was thinner.  Once upon a time, I had a fabulous wardrobe filled with name brand jeans.  And as I started to get bigger I would put my "skinny jeans" away in this tub, hoping I would see them again some day.  But as the years passed, the idea that I would ever fit in to any of these pants started to fade.  You see, I didn't always refer to this plastic tub as my "Tote of Inspiration".  It didn't always inspire me, often it mocked me from up there on the top shelf.  A reminder of what I once was and probably would never be again.  That is, until last night.

Last night I asked my husband to get this tote down for me.  Recently, I've been able to fit in to size 12 jeans and still have a little wiggle room, so I know size 10's aren't too far off - YIPEE!!  I knew that I had some 10's in my tote so I wanted to get them out now and have them ready.  All of the pants you see on top of the tote are my size 9/10's.  There are some really cute jeans up there.  I got really excited as I started to reminisce about these pants.  I know is sounds silly, but these jeans bring back memories.  I was a size 10 when I married my husband over 8 years ago.  I was a size 10 when we moved in to this house.  It's been over 8 years since I've seen these jeans.  And something in me said, "Try them on."  I tried to resist the urge because I didn't want to be discouraged.  Too many times I've tried on pants only to have them not fit, it's an awful feeling.  But that little voice kept nagging me, and so....I tried them on.

Guess what?

Some of them fit!

Some were snug, but I could get them up over my hips - miracle!  Some I could button, others I could not.  And a couple fit like a dream!  A size 10!  It literally brought tears to my eyes.  I was so elated and my husband was sitting there sharing my joy with me as I tried on pair after pair to see how close I was to fitting in to them.  At first I had told him, "Don't look.  I don't want you to see what I look like if I can't fit in to them."  But as I tried them on I couldn't help but say aloud, "Look!!  Look at these pants!  Do you remember I wore these to that car show in South Haven that we took the Fairlane to?"  And, "Oh my gosh, LOOK!  Remember I use to wear these all the time!  There's a picture of me painting our bedroom in these jeans!"  His smile was just as big as mine and such an encouragement.

So these jeans are staying out and waiting for me.  Inspiring me to stay on my healthy path and keep making wise choices with my eating and exercise.  This week has been a great week!  In addition to this non-scale victory, I've also done great with my fitness goals.  I managed to exercise 5 days this week.  I'm shooting for 60 minutes, 5 days a week, which I didn't do this week, but I'm okay with that.  Every little bit counts!  Every little bit I try gets me one step closer to my goal.  My efforts really paid off this week in big ways, and I'm so excited!  Here are my numbers...

Calories Burned: 2,739 (goal of 1,830 per week)

Exercise Minutes: 276 minutes (goal of 300 minutes per week)

Pounds Lost This Week: 2.0

New Weight: 158.6

Total Pounds Lost: 33.4

Scale Victory!!  I broke the 150's!!  It's been so long since I've seen a number in the 150's.  I feel incredible!  My ultimate weight loss goal seems so much more attainable from here.  Only 23.6 pounds to go!  

See you next week friends.  Remember to make healthy choices!  Even the smallest choices can add up to have a big impact on your overall health.

Transformation Thursday - #7

Hiya folks!  Yes, I'm still alive.  Yes, I'm still trying like heck to shed these pounds.  I blogged a couple weeks ago that I had lost my motivation train somewhere along the way, but I'm happy to say that I think I found it this week!  Here's what's been happenin'...

I turned 28 this week.  Woohoo!  I'm older.......yay?  Sure, why not?  I'm determined to make 28 a super fantastic year, and I'm off to a great start!  Well, aside from that demonic migraine that hit me a couple days ago.  28 is gonna be my year, man!  I'm finally going to hit my ultimate weight loss goal, I just KNOW it!  Dream big! - it's been a huge motivator thinking about what I want the next year to look like.  Do I want to waste another year wishing I was healthier and more fit?  Or do I want to concur this mountain early so I can spend the rest of my 20's feeling totally fabulous?  Umm, yes, number two please!

Another big deal in my little world has been this (perhaps silly) little county fair contest coming up called the Young Homemaker Contest.  I just sent in my entry this afternoon and boy am I nervous!  I had to type out answers to some questions like "What does the word "Homemaker" mean to you?" and "If you had 30 minutes of extra time a day, how would you spend it?" and "What types of unique things do you do with your family?".  Ahh!  So anyway, I gathered my thoughts, typed out my answer, and it's in the postman's hands now.  If....IF I get through the initial round of entries, and IF I get through the interview portion, and IF I make it to the top 4, then I'll have to stand on a stage in front of the fairgrounds with the other 3 contestants when they crown this year's Young Homemaker.  I know, maybe it's a little cheesy, but darn it, it's something a gal like me can aspire to!  And, be still my heart, IF I win....I'll have to ride in a float at the fair parade.  So you better believe I don't want to stand up on that stage looking all flabby!  The last thing I want to worry about while I'm up there is if my muffin top is noticeable in my dress.  Another big motivator for me, the slight chance that I'll have to stand in front of 50 people or ride in a float.  Yikes!

This week, those two ideas have propelled me to stick to my weekly exercise goal.  I did indulge in a few treats this week - it's my birthday for Pete's sake!  But I tried to keep it under control and balance out my meals so I wasn't eating junk all week long.  I weighed myself last week and I was bummed to see the scale had crept up to 165.  I had been down in the 162 range the last time I blogged about my transformation.  Boo.  But I'm back in the game and feelin' feisty now so watch out!  These upcoming Transformation Thursday posts are gonna rock!

Without further ado, here are my digits for this week:

Calories Burned: 3,035 (goal of 1,520 per week)

Exercise Minutes: 325 minutes (goal of 250 minutes per week)

Pounds Lost This Week: 4.4

New Weight: 160.6

Total Pounds Lost: 31.4

Woo flippin' hoo!  Check out those numbers!  Yeah, I blew myself away when I added up those calories burned and exercise minutes.  Based on how I was moving and eating this week, I figured my numbers would be high and I'm totally pleased with that.  Hard work pays off!!  There's the proof!  Realistically, next week won't be this great.  Not every week can be.  But I'm going to keep moving and that means with each day I'm going to be closer to my goal. Only 25.6 pounds to go until I reach my ultimate weight loss goal.  I got this!

See ya next week!

Etsy Shop: Christmas in July Sale!

We are experiencing some chilly temps in Michigan this week, very unseasonal for July.  I, for one, don't mind because I don't really care for summer all that much.  I know, I know.  But I love to bake, and I'd rather bake with my windows open and chilly air blowing through the house than have to close the windows and crank up the a/c.

Well, these chilly temps have me dreaming of fall and the holidays so I've decided to have a Christmas in July sale in my Etsy shop!  Hurry over to my Etsy shop and use the coupon code JULY2014 to save 25% off anything in my shop!  The code is valid through July 31st, but don't wait to snag up a one of kind creation.  It's never too early to start your Christmas shopping!

There are lots of fab, sassy aprons for mamas...

And even little mamas!

There's a few knitting project bags, and also a really fun and gorgeous half apron still left in the shop.  So scoot on over to etsy.com/shop/mamamadewaffles and be sure to use the coupon code JULY2014 to save 25% on everything in the shop!

I'm Still Here!

The past couple of weeks have been rough.  I'm not sure what happened, but somewhere along the way I lost focus.  And it's been really, really hard to find it again.

I thought I had my eating under control.  Maybe I got cocky.  And I was exercising regularly, so when I did go off track a little bit it didn't seem like the end of the world.  We had a weekend when I knew it was going to be difficult to find healthy food because we were going to be away from home a lot.  I knew it was going to be challenging, but I thought, "I just feel like taking some time off from this whole diet and exercise routine."  Big mistake.

I've said to myself all along that I've come too far to go back to where I was.  I've worked too hard to lose almost 30 pounds to throw it all away.  I know these things, and that still did not stop me from making some really, really bad food choices.  And once I started, it became so hard to stop.  I was feeding my body junk - high calorie, high fat food, with hardly any nutritional value.  I was going right back to my old eating patterns of just eating for taste gratification, and I was seeing that old habits die hard.  I was also falling for that lie that if I've already ruined my diet for today I might as well continue to eat junk for the rest of the day and start again tomorrow.  My inner fat chick is still there, I'm sad to say.

None of this really took me by surprise.  I like food.  I love to cook and bake.  I have a hard time saying no to a burger and fries.  Oh, did I mention it's my birthday month and Red Robin gave me a birthday burger AND a free desert?!  Yeah, right there's probably when I took a flying leap off the wagon.  What shocked me was when I tried to go for a bike ride about 10 days in to my binge-fest and yawned through the whole thing.  I kid you not, at mile 5 I contemplated calling my husband to come pick me up because my energy had totally bottomed out.  I was so exhausted - I wasn't sleeping well at all.  I was tired and wide awake at all the wrong times.  I was pumping my body full of junk instead of fueling it with good, healthy, wholesome food.  And my body was beginning to protest!  It surprised me because I've spent the last few months feeling alive and full of energy.  I spend the day with a 2 year old and a 5 year old, and I've still had the energy to fit in a workout after they're in bed.  But all the sudden, I felt like a slug.

I'd like to think that was my wake-up call, but it really wasn't.  I knew things had gotten bad, but for some reason I couldn't find the motivation to make a change and recommit to healthy living.  The scale was scaring me - I gained almost 5 pounds in two weeks.  I work my butt off in the hopes of losing 2 pounds a week (on a good week), and somehow my eating and non-exercising landed me a 5 pound gain that fast.  I was incredibly disappointed in myself, embarrassed, and sad.  The jean shorts that I had just purchased a couple weeks before were feeling snug, so I reached for my size 16 capris and THAT was my moment.  I slipped them on, and they almost fell right back off.  I walked in to the livingroom and showed my husband the big gaps around the waist.  He said they looked really sloppy, even if I was just running to the grocery store.  HA!  But that was what I needed.  The realization that this was how far I had come.  These capris were once snug on me and I refused to buy a bigger size, so I squeezed myself in to them.  And if I didn't wake up and get back on track, I was destined to be wearing them again!  Umm, excuse me for a sec, but hell no!  I refuse to go back there!

So how many times have I recommitted myself to eating healthy and exercising?  Well, every day.  That has to be the answer.  I have goals to achieve.  I have a life to live, and I want to enjoy it, not spend it worrying about how my body looks and feels.  I realized the other day that I've been overweight for almost 10 years now.  I have not been my ideal weight since I was 18 years old.  I've spent the last 10 years of my life uncomfortable with my body.  10 years feeling exhausted and out of shape.  That's too long.  I don't want to waste any more of my life feeling this way.  I don't have time to be exhausted.  And I need to invest in my body NOW so I still have one to live with in the future.

Each morning when I wake up, I have to start by making a conscious commitment to myself to live healthy.  And I'm taking it one choice at a time.  I've got a few days under my belt now, and I'm starting to see the scale go back down slowly.  It sure goes on a lot easier than it comes off!

Anyway, thanks for hanging in there with me.  Thanks to the friends and family that continue to provide encouragement.  I hope to be back next week with Transformation Thursday.  Until then, make healthy choices friends!