Bites of My Life

Today starts big girl life. The real world is slapping me in the face as I slip on my business attire and head off to my first day of my real job. Good luck wishes are appreciated!

Last week I tried my best to soak in my last days of full freedom. The long weekend helped! There was back to back Bachelorette watch parties, Wine Wednesday, coffee and lunch dates, another quick trip out of town, lots of bites, lots of friend time, and a little bit of rest before this week starts!

-Maple Banana Nut Muffins made from ripe bananas and maple syrup soaked walnuts.
-An afternoon shift filling in at my favorite place!
-Wine Wednesday is really only about the cheese board.
-Green tea latte and a soy latte at All About Cha was the perfect addition to Kate and I's catch up date!
-Bahn mi's with dad! My adventurous foodie partner in crime!
-An unexpected Tulsa weekend round 2! None of us complained.
-Home style inspiration at a cutie Tulsa shop.
-Can't beat a classic BLT.
-Smoked salmon and grilled corn caesar salad inspired by this recipe.
-Fancy cocktails at OKC's newest spot.
-My barbecue craving was quickly fixed with this Memorial day feast. I kid you not the bone slid right out of the ribs, Dad has gone pro these days.
-Waited all weekend to finally try out Roxy's new brick and mortar shop! Pistachio for me of course!

Annie

Maple Banana Nut Muffins

A perfect moment happened the other day. I had the urge to bake, I wanted to make these muffins, and we just so happened to have perfectly extra ripe bananas just sitting in the fridge. God, is that you?

The thing I love about muffins is that they are kind of an acceptable way to eat a cupcake for breakfast. But, even better you can eat them anytime of the day. For breakfast with coffee, as a mid-day snack, or paired with wine during your Bachelorette watch party. At least that's how we ate them.

For these Maple Banana Nut Muffins, chopped walnuts got a soaking in maple syrup then were layered between thick banana muffin batter. Everyone drool with me now. 

Pictures on the floor to attempt the perfect shot...it didn't come out as pretty as I hoped.

Maple Banana Nut Muffins recipe adapted from  Week of Plenty
yields 12 muffins

Ingredients:
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
2 cups flour
2 tsps. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup coconut oil
2 tsps. vanilla extract|
1 egg
1/4 cup sugar
4 overripe bananas

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin tin with liners or make your own parchment paper liners using this  tutorial.

In a small bowl combine the chopped walnuts and maple syrup then set aside. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt then set aside also. Melt your coconut oil in 5-10 second incriminates until liquified. Combine in a large bowl with the vanilla extract, egg and sugar. Mash in your bananas with a potato masher or large fork. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a wooden spoon.

Spoon a small amount of batter into the bottom of each liner. Spoon a few of the maple syrup walnuts over the first layer of batter. Then top each with more batter (I had some leftover batter). Garnish each with a few more maple syrup walnuts.

Bake the muffins for 23-26 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Serve with a little pat of butter!

Annie 

What I'm Listening To

Double post today because I can't stop listening to Hozier's "Someone New." Take Me to Church was a little intense for me, but the soulful, Jack Johnson sound to "Someone New," literally has me listing to it on repeat. The music video is great but a little PG-13 for Take A Bite. I'll direct you here to watch it, I also advise you to watch the behind the scenes footage too!

Tell me if you get as hooked as I am so we can virtually listen together!

Annie

On My Home Wishlist

So currently mom and dad are my roommates...oh the joys of moving home after graduation. Okay living with them is not bad, my parents are cool (you're welcome you guys) but still, I'm ready to have my own place again. In a few weeks I'll be moving into my new house. It's the cutest darn place I just can't wait! This has my brain swirling with decorating ideas. First up is a curated bar cart. 

gold / pink / white

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

I've wanted a little vintage bar cart for a while. Yes I know they are trendy and kind of cliche for 20-something girl houses, but that's my life so who cares. I've found various ones all around $200 or under, well except for that pink one, but a girl can dream! IKEA strikes again with one of their hacks using a $35 bookshelf and some decorative peg legs. See how The Everygirl does it here. That might be the bar cart winner! I can't wait to get all settled into my house! Pictures to come the moment I do!

Annie

Summer Vibes

chambray shirt & skirt // flamingo// ice cream
palm skirt //  pineapple // watermelon fontina melts
jeep // boardwalk // rooftop

I love when it starts to really feel like summer. The days are getting hotter, summer weekend trips are planned, it's set in that I'm out of school, we heard the ice cream man the other day, fresh fruit is a part of every meal, and I can't turn off the country radio. 

Annie