Blueberry Streusel Muffins

Blueberry Streusel Muffins

Are you ready for some low-carb muffins? You heard me right: low-carb muffins! These muffins use a mixture of almond and coconut flours to create a tasty treat. You'd never know these muffins are healthy! I've been known to crumble them up and use them as shortcake when making strawberry shortcakes -- they're that good!

Ingredients:

For the muffins:

6 tbsp butter

1/4 cup sugar substitute (I use coconut sugar, my mom uses Whey Low)

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup almond flour

2 tbsp coconut flour

pinch of salt

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp xantham gum

1/3 cup almond milk

2/3 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, either is fine!)

For the streusel:

2 tbsp butter

1/2 cup almond flour

1 1/2 tbsp sugar substitute

1 tbsp coconut flour

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

In a mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until smooth

Add the eggs one at a time and beat well

In a separate bowl, combine all the dry ingredients

Slowly add dry ingredients into the wet mixture

Mix in almond milk

Stir in blueberries

Grease a muffin pan and divide the batter (I usually get 9 muffins)

In a separate bowl, melt the butter

Add in the rest of the streusel ingredients

Stir until a dough forms

Sprinkle over the muffins

Bake for 22 minutes

Remove from oven, cool and enjoy!

Stranded With: Netflix Edition

Happy Wednesday everyone! I'm linking up with Shay and Erika for Stranded With... Today's theme is all about what 3 Netflix series we would take with us. I don't know about you, but I'm loving that this island has Netflix on it! :)

First up, I would take Friends with me. I was late to the party -- I was only 3 when the show came out -- but recently binge watched the entire series and am obsessed. It's such an easy, fun show to watch. I would come home after a long day of work and instantly press play on Friends and forget about everything else going on.

What to say about Gilmore Girls? I adore this show and need to have it with me when I'm stranded on an island. I watched this show with my mom and we can't wait for the reboot on Netflix! I love Lorelai and Rory and Sookie and Luke and Lane and Emily and Richard and you get the picture. The show is sweet, it's funny, it's emotional, it's perfect. My mom is my best friend and I love seeing the mother/daughter relationship between Lorelai and Rory in the show.

I love my crime shows so I'd have to bring along Law & Order: SVU with me. Let's face it, after watching as many episodes as I have, I'm pretty much a police officer. ;) haha. But seriously, can I please be Olivia Benson?

Here's a look at the themes to come:

I can't wait to see everyone else's shows, I'm always looking to add to my "to-watch" list. Also, I'm pretty pumped for next month!

Rose Recap: The Bachelorette Episode 1

Welcome to Rose Recap for The Bachelorette. I'm so excited for this season and love JoJo (and her Mom)! 

I would be lying if I said the first time a commercial for the season came on I didn't jump up and dance around.

Did you guys see the guys pictures and bios on ABC? Is it just me or do all the guys look the same and just ehhh? Let's hope that it was just bad pictures and they're more impressive on the show.

Can we talk about JoJo's bod as she's walking on the beach? Would someone please get me her trainer's info -- and her stylist? Meanwhile, I'm over here eating Nutella macaroons while watching. Whoops.

Before JoJo can start her journey, she meets up with former bachelorettes Kaitlyn, Ali and Des. I love seeing all these former bachelorettes together, but since Des is the only one from the show who is married, I'd take her advice over the others.

Time to meet some of the "extraordinary" bachelors before JoJo does. Doesn't Grant look like the hot felon that made headlines a few years ago?

C'mon James, really, you're job description is "Bachelor Superfan"? We know that's just a creative way to say you're unemployed.  

And then there's Evan who runs a chain of Erectile Dysfunction places. At least he has an actual job title...I guess. Alright, I have a soft spot for Luke. He's a farmer, a war vet and went to West Point. (I know people who went to West Point and went to a dance there my senior year of high school.)

First out of the limo is Jordan and he tells a sweet story that his parents only knew each other for a few months and have been married for 36 years.

Robby lightens the mood and references JoJo's mom drinking straight from the bottle. 

Meanwhile, Daniel's job is Canadian -- another lame way to say unemployed.

James Taylor steps out of the car and my eyes roll so far back in my head, is anyone else having Wes Hayden flashbacks? 

Jonathan comes in saying he's half-Irish and the Irish half is his lower half...another eye roll.  

And then there's Santa, he legit tells her his name is Saint Nick and then gives her a present. 

Fun fact about Wells, one of my best friends has met him a couple times so I have a soft spot for him off the bat without knowing anything about him. He showed up with All-4-One singing "I Swear." 

Alex steals JoJo first at the cocktail party and instantly puts a target on his back. JoJo says she's looking for an instant connection with someone and cue Jordan. The music changes as soon as they cut to him and they seem so at ease with one another already.

Will steals the first kiss of the season using his fortune teller but JoJo wasn't really feeling it. Then Jordan steals her and has the first real kiss of the season. JoJo is digging her time with Chad, but he seems really arrogant in his ITMs and has been putting other guys down all night. 

The guys are really taking advantage of the free alcohol and Daniel really indulges in it and pokes Evan in the belly button which really puzzles/angers him. If only it stopped there, Daniel then takes clothes off and jumps in the pool. #theresoneveryseason The guys are so drunk and even walks in on JoJo's interviews but she stays classy and handles it well.

Cut to Ali playing Fur Elise on a piano that just magically appeared and girls everywhere are swooning. Give a guy an instrument and he instantly becomes 10000x hotter to me.

JoJo sitting on Santa's lap is so awkward. Can he please ditch the costume?

Luke gains another point in my book when he gives JoJo a pair of cowboy boots. I love me a good pair of boots!

It's time for the first impression rose and no surprise here, it goes to Jordan. Did you guys notice how crazy his hair was acting while she gave him the rose? Someone please get him a comb and some hairspray!

It's rose ceremony time so naturally that means it's time for Chris Bukowski, Nick Viall, Jake Pavelka to show up. 

I loved Jake on Jillian's season of The Bachelorette but was let down with his season of The Bachelor then was ready to be rid of him after Dancing With the Stars and Bachelor Pad. But it's been a few years since he's been on camera so it's time to try to get back in the spotlight. Little did we know that Jake is a close family friend and JoJo says he's almost like a brother to her and she has no idea why he would be there. He says he wants her to find love and wish her luck. Please, like he couldn't have done that over the phone or before the show filmed? No, of course not, he needed to do that on camera.

Back to the rose ceremony, here's who's continuing on the journey for love with JoJo: Luke, Wells, James Taylor, Grant, Derek, Christian, Chad, Chase, Alex, Robby, Brandon, James F., Ali, Santa (aka one of the Nicks), Will, James S. (James is the new Lauren this season -- there were 4 last season!), Vinny, Evan and Daniel.

Stranded With: Book Edition

Happy Wednesday everyone! I'm linking up with Shay and Erika for Stranded With... Today's theme is books and you have no idea how hard this is for me; I love love love reading! I'm sure if you ask me again in a week I'll give you different answers. Can I just take my Kindle and have that count as one book? Kidding, kidding! Except not really. ;) These are my answers...for now.

I'd start off by taking my Bible. I once heard that the Bible is a love letter to us from God that should be read over and over. 

Sophie's Heart by Lori Wick

This was the first book of Lori's that I read and was instantly hooked. It's such an uplifting and inspiring story and made me strive to be a better person. I often found myself asking "What would Sophie do?" Lori Wick is a great Christian romance/fiction author and this book has been one of my favorites for years.

The Christmas Tree by Julie Salamon

Now I know it's not Christmastime, but this book holds a special place in my heart. Before my Nana died, we would make Chex Mix and read Christmas books while it baked every year. This was one of the first books we read together and one of my favorite ones that we read. I would be very specific that the copy of the book I take with me be the copy my Nana gave me, that way I would have some of her with me.

If you're interested in linking up with us, here's a list of topics for the year!

Show and Tell Tuesdays: My Personal Stye

It's Tuesday so that means I'm linking up with Andrea today for Show and Tell Tuesdays and today is all about my personal style. I don't even know where to start. I'm as comfortable in a plaid button down as I am all dolled up in a dress. I love anything from boho to girly and lots of bows. I figured the best way to share my personal style is to share my Pinterest boards. After all, that is what I would buy if I had unlimited funds!

April Book Review

Yes please! Is anyone else with me there?

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

This was my book club read of the month and while it's not something I would have selected on my own to read, I'm glad I did. The story was very interesting. I'd never heard of orphan trains before. Back in the early 20th century, orphans were put on a train and it made stops allowing people the chance to adopt the orphans. This story follows someone who was an orphan on the train and then intertwines it into modern day as she forms an unlikely friendship with a teenage orphan.

The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

I'd heard so much about this book that I couldn't wait to read it. It's loosely inspired by William and Kate and as someone who loves all things royals, I had to read it. Parts of this book were really good and parts of this book were really long. The parts that were good were good! I'm talking staying up late reading good. The parts that were long were well...long. I'm not someone daunted by long books, but at 454 pages, there were parts of the book that were very slow moving and felt the book could have done without. All in all, though, I did like the book.

UnSweetined by Jodie Sweetin

I grew up watching her on Full House, recently binge watched her on Fuller House and am currently watching her on Dancing With The Stars. I knew Jodie Sweetin suffered substance abuse problems but had no idea just how much. At times, I felt like the book glamorized substance abuse because she would talk about what a great time she was having while using and I never really felt her pain when she hit rock bottom. It's sad what drugs can do to people. The book really skims the surface and doesn't get too deep when it comes to feelings or Full House details.

Cupcakes and Cowboys by Lindzee Armstrong

By now you guys know about my obsession with Lindzee Armstrong books, right? Her latest book is a novella in the Curl Up With a Cowboy anthology. First off, being from West Virginia and loving to bake, I instantly fell in love with the name of the book. I mean who doesn't love cowboys and who doesn't love cupcakes? As I read the book, I fell in love with the story and the characters, too. A small town girl is left at the altar by her Hollywood star fiancee. When a hot, new Hollywood star comes to her ranch to do research for his latest part, Cassidy must decide if she can let go of the past and let someone in, or if her ex-fiancee has scarred her for life when it comes to dating actors. Yet another great, clean read by Lindzee.

Garlic Garlic Recipe

By now you guys know how much I love Tastefully Simple's Garlic Garlic seasoning, right? Well, at more than $10 a bottle, I decided it was time to make my own version and save some money? It's super easy to make and tastes just like the manufactured version.

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons dried, minced garlic

1 tablespoon dried, minced onion

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried chives

1/2 teaspoon dried dill

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients together and pour into a container

You can use this as a seasoning, but to make the dip I love so much, mix 1/2 cup mayo with 1/2 cup sour cream and 2 tablespoons of the seasoning; chill for an hour and then serve.

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, everyone!  Today, I'm linking up with Narci, Andrea and Erika to share this week's Friday Favorites! I don't know about you guy, but this week was tough and I'm so glad it's Friday. I'm headed into NYC today to meet up with a friend from high school who now lives in Texas.

Did you guys see my spaghetti squash pizza casserole? If not, you need to check it out here, it's super simple to make and yummy as well!

The weather in Jersey has finally been nice and I was able to run outside in SHORTS!! Can you tell I was just a little excited about that?

My commute to work can take anywhere from 45-60 minutes so I've recently gotten into listening to podcasts. I've only listened to 2 so far from Allegedly, but I've loved them. I was introduced the the podcast because Cheryl Burke from Dancing With The Stars was on an episode. These do contain some language and more mature themes at time, but it was worth it to get a little inside scoop on DWTS!

Is anyone else watching The Catch on ABC? I am and I love it! I'm pretty sure I was a spy/private investigator in another life because I love stuff like this. It took a little time to accept the fact that Peter Krause is the bad guy in this show, he'll always be Adam Braverman to me.

And speaking of TV shows, have you seen this picture from the relaunch of Gilmore Girls?!?!?! I died when I saw it! Kirk and Jess in one picture? YES PLEASE! I'm so excited for this show so I have a feeling it will make more than one appearance here on Friday Favorites. You can see more behind the scenes pictures here. #lukeandlorelaiforever

What I Wore Wednesday

I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy today for What I Wore Wednesday.

Top//Pants//Shoes

I threw a black cardigan on before I headed out for the day. This cardigan is so old, it's from hen I worked at aerie in high school.

I did find this one though.

Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole

Who doesn't love pizza? When trying to be healthy, pizza is one of the first things to be eliminated. That is until you try out this spaghetti squash pizza casserole! It's low-carb and delicious.

Ingredients

1 pound Italian sausage (I use a mix of sweet and hot)

4 cups cooked spaghetti squash

3 cups marinara sauce
2 eggs
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
pepperoni
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease 9x12 inch pan
Brown sausage and drain grease
Add in marinara sauce, eggs, sea salt, oregano and garlic powder
Stir in spaghetti squash
Pour mixture into pan
Top with a layer of pepperoni and sprinkle with parmesan cheese
Cover with a layer of mozzarella cheese and top with pepperoni
Bake for 20-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly
Enjoy!

What I Wore Wednesday

I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy today for What I Wore Wednesday. Last week tricked us by thinking spring was here, but it's. We're back to 40 degree weather with a threat of snow. I wore this one day when it was spring-like and it made me so happy!

Top & Necklace: Charming Charlie's//Pants: Buffalo (From Marshall's!)//Shoes: Coach

All of my stuff is at least a year old, but I found current items that are similar!

Top

Bottoms Option 1

Bottoms Option 2

Shoes

Necklace

Friday Favorites: FabFitFun Edition

Happy Friday, everyone!  Today, I'm linking up with Narci, Andrea and Erika to share this week's Friday Favorites! This week it's all about my new FabFitFun box! You can sign up to get yours here!  By using this link, you'll save $10 and get $283 worth of product for just $39.99!  Are you ready for a peek inside?

To say I'm obsessed with the box would be an understatement. I didn't get a good picture of the bath bombs because I was only home for a few days and used them up so quickly! I don't have a bathtub at my apartment in Jersey so when I was home for Easter, I took full advantage of having a tub.

Argan & Hemp Oil Therapy by Marrakesh

Shaving Emulation Lotion by HelloLegs

Contour Kit by ISH

Yoga Mat Stray by Merrithew

Tag Necklace by Jook & Nona

I get some of the best jewelry from FabFitFun and this one is no exception. The necklace says "dream" and I've worn it pretty much every day since getting it.

Keratin Gloves & Socks by Bodipure

Herb Garden by Makerskit

I love growing herbs and vegetables and I can't wait to plant this! It came with mint, basil and thyme; plus, how cute is the wooden box?

Not only did I get all these items, I also got a gift card to 31 Bits and Sterling Forever. 

Have I convinced you to sign up for your own box yet?  If so, go here to save $10.

Take a look back at previous boxes here:

Winter 2016

Fall 2015

Summer 2015