MY OFFICE LOVES ME :)

Because I brought in a fresh loaf of this delicious Pumpkin Banana Bread from What We Ate Last Night.

I could eat pumpkin all day long and since you all know I always have bananas getting old in my kitchen, I searched for this recipe to use them both. And it was perfect. I did, howevermade a few minor additions noted below (which were DELICIOUS!):

Pumpkin Banana BreadYou Will Need:3/4 C Evaporated Cane Juice or other Vegan Sugar - I used just under 1/2 C Organic Sugar
1/2 C Maple Syrup
1/4 C Vegetable Oil (I actually used the oil, no applesauce this time! 1/4 cup won't kill you.)
1-1/2 C Whole Wheat Flour
1-1/2 C Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1 Teaspoon Vanilla (my addition)1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Allspice
1/2 Teaspoon Cardamom (If you have it...)
2-4 Tablespoon Non-Dairy Milk (I used 6-8 Tablespoons of Almon Milk and added 1/2 C Oat Bran and 1/4 C Ground Flaxseed)
1 16 oz. Can Organic Pumpkin
2 Very Ripe BananasMethod:Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 2 bread pans using whatever greasing method you like.

In a large bowl combine sugar, maple syrup, vegetable oil, baking soda and spices. Add flour and stir well to combine. Now add bananas and can of pumpkin. At this point we want the dough to be pour-able but definitely not runny. If your dough is too stiff loosen it up with the aforementioned non-dairy milk.

Pour into pans and bake for 1 hour. Cool in pan for 15-20 minutes then remove to wire rack. Store in closed container. Makes 2 loaves.

I higly recommend (from personal experience) putting the loaves in the oven, setting the timer, then curling up on the couch with a good book and the windows open...the smell of the bread baking and a cool breeze blowing through the house: PERFECTION.

TOO EARLY FOR NOG?

NEVER!!!

It's freezing and rainy and I might just add a little to my afternoon coffee :) mmmmm.

AWESOME NEIGHBORS + TEXAS FOOTBALL

= A "Football Station" at Jenn's 28th Birthday Party.

That's right, my new house came fully-loaded with wonderful neighbors. I don't know how I got so lucky, but they're awesome; I've got two above me (Matt & Jenn) and two next-door (Hannah & Evan)...both soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs.'!


Anyways, yesterday was not only Texas' huge rivalry against Oklahoma, but Jenn's 28th birthday party in our backyard, at the same time...Dilemma! No way I was missing the party to watch the game somewhere (since I don't have cable), so I kindly asked Matthew if I could periodically through the afternoon use their television to check the score of the game.


Well, knowing Matt & Jenn for only a few months now I've quickly learned that they know how to entertain and throw a party; and my little inquisition turned into a a full-fledged designated "Football Section" in our backyard during Jenn's party:

    (notice their flat-screen tv on the right, mounted to the deck post!)

Is that not AMAZING??

I tell you they're the best. Seriously, Fall weather, Jenn's birthday party, beer in hand and football outside? PERFECT Saturday afternoon.

The only not so perfect thing? Even though ABC all over the nation was televising the TX/OU game, apparently Pennsylvania ABC can do whatever it wants and decided Wisconsin vs. Michigan State would be a better game to air...are you kidding me?...Boo ABC.

BUT even that couldn't ruin a fun time celebrating with sweet friends and neighbors.

1.   True happiness is        being a longhorn :)  .

2.  The most surreal moment of my life was   on the plane taking off to the Dominican Republic. The month of planning, packing and prepping had flown by and before I knew it I was on the plane leaving everything and everyone I knew for something that I didn't   .

3.  My favorite texture is       fluffy. I like things fluffy: my pillows, my clothes, my pets; just not my hair :)      .

4.  My signature color is    white. Sad, but it's just so easy to match and accessorize  .

5.  My signature style is     tree-hugger/business casual/comfy/hobo/simple - all mixed into one  .

6.  If I could choose one store to spend my life savings at, it would be        Anthropologie    .

7.  My best thing about autumn is        PUMPKIN! Pumpkin everything     .