'C' is for Cookie...

...that is good enough for me. OOOHHH Cookie Cookie Cookie starts with C!  Num num num num num!!

Nobody says it better than Cookie Monster, after all, he IS the COOKIE Monster. He knows what he is talking about. The Cookie Monster and I are very much on the same page when it comes to cookies. So, you can imagine my dismay at the thought of no more cookies now that I am a gluten-free vegan. However, as I scrolled down the pages of my Facebook newsfeed one afternoon, I happened upon a gluten-free, animal by-product free cookie! What is this? Could it be? Yes. It can.

As it so happens, I have adopted the role of Recipe Writer here at the MacDonald residence and a wild craving for sweets that I can have guilt free. I whipped up a batch and put them to the test.

Here is what you are going to need:

• 1 ¼ Cups of Canned Chickpeas 
• 2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract 
• ½ Cup + 2 Tbsp. Natural Peanut Butter (I used Natur brand Creamy Peanut Butter. It is gluten-free, as your peanut butter should be, because your only ingredient should be peanuts! Be sure to check labels, though. You never know where they will sneak some gluten in!) 

• ¼ Cup Honey (To be truly Canadian, I used Maple Syrup tapped by my very own multi-talented Father & his best friend) 
• 1 Tsp. Baking Powder 
• Pinch of Salt (Assuming your Natural PB does not have salt) 
• ½ Cup of Vegan Chocolate Chips or Carob Chips (I used Enjoy Life brand Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – they are guaranteed gluten-free AND vegan and are still tasty! Can life get any better?) 

Now, don’t be alarmed. I realize this recipe has chickpeas. This is what I love about this recipe, you wouldn’t even know it has chickpeas. And for the bonus round, chickpeas are protein. This is a healthy cookie! Again, I realize I am being a bit liberal with the word healthy, but it certainly beats something you may find browsing Paula or Martha’s site. Just sayin’.

Back to the cookie:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. 
2. Throw your chickpeas (rinsed and patted dry) into the food processor (in our case the blender) and blend until smooth. In my 540mL can of chickpeas, it was only slightly more than 1 ¼ cups, so I used the whole can.
3. Blend in the rest of the ingredients (except the choc. Chips) in the food processor OR mix in a bowl, until well blended. 
4. Stir in chocolate chips. 
5. Form small balls (1 ½ “) and place on parchment paper on your baking sheet. They don’t need to be too far apart because they won’t rise much, if at all. Also, it definitely helps to wet your hand as you do this to avoid the cookie “dough” from sticking to your hands. I appreciated this handy tip. 
6. Squash balls with a fork to desired thickness. 
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes.  
8. Enjoy with some tasty, cold Almond Milk. Yummmm. 

Not only did these moist, doughy cookies satisfy MY sweet tooth, but they were also found guilty of deliciousness by the true judge - Honourable Judge Finley.

We hope you have the opportunity to give these cookies a try!

Sarah

Organization Palooza Day 7: Recipe Box

Hey-Oh! 

How goes the battle?

Today's organization space at my house is the smallest one yet - our recipe box. I needed a low key sit down project after the garage adventures. A little productive break if that makes sense. 

But no matter how big or small, a tidy functional approach to - well anything - is always the best! That is my new policy. Seven days in to this personal challenge and I am feeling deliriously happy about the way our house is coming together. Hopefully by next weeks end everything will have a happy logical place to call home.

Now back to the task at hand.

The recipe box itself stayed the same. I made it a while back when the pantry was overhauled if you recall. The box is a Dollarstore find. A whopping $1.50. The label an eclectic style a-la Allison.

The contents are what required my attention today. The recipe cards were in no particular order leading to regular frustration when I went searching for something.

But take a look at it now.

Nothing a dozen spruced up dividers cant fix.

The plain white dividers weren't cutting it so I traced the tab onto coloured paper, cut, and pasted. Just like online but slightly more time consuming. 

Being environmentally friendly, I avoided wasting paper by making the coloured strip just wide enough to be covered by the recipe cards. No need to get carried away when its purpose is only to add a little pop of fun in an unexpected place.

Then came the labelling. I sorted the cards into twelve categories - for no other reason than that is the number of dividers that came in a pack. I went with the following {in alphabetical order of course}:

1. Appetizers
2. Bread/Rolls
3. Dressings/Sauces/Rubs
4. Drinks
5. Fish
6. Meat
7. Muffins/Cookies
8. Pasta
9. Pastries
10. Salads
11. Soups/Stews
12. Waffles

Another plus is the plentitude of space still available for our ever expanding recipe repertoires!
So that is me. A lazy organization task done while sipping a mug of delicious coffee and supervising Finley as he 'plays' with Moe.
What do you have on the go? A biggie? Or perhaps a low key task like-a-moi? Can't wait to hear all about it!
Chat soon.

Organization Palooza Day 6: Garage

Success!

It was touch and go there for a while but with Sarah's help, better known as 'self staining', we were able to pull the garage back together after our late night, overly ambitious, organization undertaking. *If you missed that adventure do read all about it here.

Take a look at the transformation.

It is as if a weight has been lifted. I actually feel lighter just looking at the change.

Isn't it amazing how a little bit of organization goes along way?

I didn't do anything drastic - yet. 

Due to the fact that the garage is technically Common-laws 'man cave' I wanted to include him in any major organization and aesthetic commitments. But lets be honest, anything is better than the disaster zone that it was before. So in the mean time, as I plot my next plan of attack, cleaning and sorting will have to suffice.

Grouping like items was my approach here. That way once Robert and I do make official plans for implementing storage and organization systems everything will be easily accessible.  

Seasonal yard tools are grouped together by the door to the back yard. Camping/fire gear is collected beneath the electrical panel. *Do note the basket filled with blankets, s'more supplies, and roasting sticks that I came up with here. The bike belongs to Sarah and will return home with her come Summers end which will solve the safety hazard of blocking the electrical panel. Golf gear is together. Tires together. Tools and smalls grouped on the work bench.

Id like to have a rack built above the back door for spare tires, but until then they are out of the way beneath the work bench.

Tools are stashed away in the red tool boxes. The smalls {screws, nails, nuts, bolts, and the like} are somewhat organized in mason jars, boxes, and store bought divided bins. Robert will need to go through and do a more thorough job before I set out to label everything.

This drawer system is something that came along with us from Common-Laws apartment pre us and has proven itself highly functional to store everyday items. 

Close to the door that accesses the house, the drawers hold power cords, sand papers, tapes, safety glasses, putty, scrapers, measuring tapes, etc. Essentially things we use on a regular basis. Again, no labels until the ok comes down from the boss.

This wall has an abundance of potential. But currently it is home to a single free standing shelf, heavier duty lawn gear, and leftover wood. Basic, and not so pretty, but functional none the less.

We brought the paint up from the cubby beneath the stairs {mentioned here}. Best decision EVER! 

It is oh.so nice to have it neat and out of the way yet easily accessible. *Already I have had a paint inspiration come to me on a whim and saved myself valuable baby-free time by not having to truck down the stairs to root.

The gardening supplies dons the two bottom shelves. Soils, fertilizers, and plant food are stored in plastic buckets to cut back on mess. Mowing shoes tucked away beneath the shelf.

*Finley's stroller is parked near by. With the ongoing goal of walking Moe twice daily {Goals?} it is efficient always having the stroller readily stocked with poop bags, the leash, and toys. Otherwise it is collapsed and stowed away in the trunk of the car.

The shelving on this wall is a new addition for me. Robert put it up just before he left for work this last time. Therefore, it is my first time putting it to use and I am lov.ing.it!

Once again like items are grouped together. Paint trays and gear top left. Tiling supplies top centre. Plastic bins with work and baseball gloves top right. Small paint cans and spray bottom left. Car cleaning and miscellaneous 'Rob Stuff' bottom centre. And a power tool bottom right.

Clearly we need to find a better solution than the recycling bins to store wood and paper for fire building. But for now it is a fine solution because anything is better than it being piled in the middle of the floor.

Now there is room for play! 

The twins love the 'mow-mower'! And Finley {back there in his bright green bug} has mastered climbing in and out. Next is parallel parking!

How goes the organization on your end? Having a Palooza of a time? 

What have you tackled? Success? Injury? Do tell.

Chat soon.

Get Inspired

Organize. Organize. Organize.

For the past week and a half my slippers have seen their fair share of untidy spaces turned functional. Which has been a nice break from the recent DIY project central. It has been, and continues to be, rewarding to take on the smallest of bins to the largest of rooms and help them become serviceable to the needs of our family.

Just think what life would be like if implementing organizational strategies within the home, and beyond, was more than just a seasonal attempt. I would venture to say that those feelings of recompense would follow you every single day.

But let me do better than that. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Right?

The bloggers below have no need to venture with theories or guesses about the benefits of a functional home because they have made organization a daily priority and are reaping the benefits in all areas of their lives. Do check them out, follow along, and see what the hype is all about!

______________________________

'Oops' Fix-it Box

Samantha :: Simply Organized

A Fun & Functional Bookcase

Laura :: I'm an Organization Junkie

Organizing Cords

Jen :: I Heart Organizing

Gift Wrapping Ideas

Casey :: Pretty Organized

Craft Storage

Chelsea :: Two Twenty One

Organization Palooza Day 5: Garage

Let's jump right in!

Day 5 of Organization Palooza here we come!

How goes the battle?

My most recent organization adventure has been the most trying thus far. But, fingers crossed, it will be the most rewarding in the end.

Last evening, after a lovely relaxing afternoon at the beach, I got it in my head that I had enough energy to tackle the daunting garage. Boy was I wrong!

It was a disaster to begin with. See for yourself.

Front View {Large Door Open}

Back View {Large Door Closed}

Work Bench {Somewhere there}

I know... It was bad. Terrible actually. I hang my head in shame. As someone who thrives in clean and tidy, this place was bringing me down. But one can only do so much. When a family lives in a space together it is difficult to maintain a tidy space. 

But certainly not impossible!

From my experience, the key to keeping things tidy and functional is practical organization. Everything having a home in a logical place. For instance, paint and all its associated supplies. After we moved into the house I stored all of it in the basement in a cubby beneath the stairs thinking we wouldn't be needing it on a regular basis. But then I got going with Projects-R-Us it ended up collecting on and around the work bench in the garage. The opposite of functional. But the solution is simple: move it all up to the garage where it seems to gather naturally.

Which is the plan. 

But first, before the fun part of tidying began, everything needed a thorough cleaning and sorting. 

So everything out! 

At this point, once 96% of the garage contents were out, I felt optimistic. And dirty. 

A thorough sweep turned up three dustpans full of dirt and sawdust - yet another culprit for the floors inside always being filthy {the other being Moe}.

All the windows were cleaned inside and out. They were beyond. But Sarah was a good sport and gave them a good scrubbing. 

Then came the floors. I can't tell you the last time that floor was scrubbed.

But by that time we were beginning to fade. We were both exhausted. So we took the easy road by squirting some dish soap and spraying the whole thing down with the hose - careful not to get any splatter on the walls. I highly recommend it as a fast and effective method.

While the floor was drying we got to work sorting through the piles of 'stuff' in the driveway. *I opted not to say junk because that may hurt Common-Laws feelings, but by that time of night it certainly felt that way.

Winter items were relocated to the basement storage closet with the rest of the festive season decor. Items waiting to receive DIY treatment were allocated to another basement closet with their mates. *Both in a tidy manner I might add. Piles were made for giveaways, recyclables, and garbage. Like items were gathered to help assess organizational needs.

Then we hit a snag in the road.

A shelf was brought back in and I politely asked Sarah to fill it with paint cans as well as the gardening gear. She got straight to work in spite of an onset of sleep haze {thats a real thing}. It wasn't long before she came at me with these hands...

A can of stain had spilled in a paint tray. Oops. And as she tried to create order she {not so} gracefully stuck her hands in it. Bigger Oops. 

Have no fear, after several rounds of gas as soap and water rinse she was able to clean herself up. *From here on out she shall be known only as Grace {just kidding}. However, the poor thing then entered overtired mode {or was high from the gas fumes} and productivity was questionable. But somewhat accomplished none the less.

Which sadly will have to wait for another day because I have run out of time. The babe is awake. Ill pick this up Thursday. *Tomorrow is Get Inspired and let me tell ya, I selfishly need it!

Until then, do keep in mind the lessons we have learned today: 1)Don't begin a major project that requires completion all at once at late evening hours. That is just silly. 2) Cleaning is essential to achieve function and organization. Just be careful not to make a mess along the way. 3) Choose your help wisely. Enough said? {hehe} 4) Press on. No matter how much work the task takes up front, it will be worth it in the long run.

Well...that fourth lesson will be learned next time. At least I hope!

Do keep me updated on your cleaning/organization/adventure progress!

Chat soon.

Organization Palooza Day 4: Spice Cabinet

We are on the right track toward success friends! Day 4 already.
My home is not at its best. Not yet anyhow. But after another six days we should be laughing. Don't you think?
I was out visiting a friend yesterday who inquired about the state of my home. See she kindly follows along with my project scheming and crazy plans on this blog - though she is just as bad as me as far as projects go. *Yes, I am talking about you Annette! And she was saying something to the affect that my house must be perfectly tidy by now. Which made me laugh. Out loud. Because, as you likely already know, once you start organizing one or two spaces it snowballs into the rest of your house. 
Let me give you an example: Last week I worked at making the main living area more functional {read all about it here}. That entailed a thorough cleaning followed by sorting through bins, baskets, and drawers. At the end of each little project most items went tidily back in but some were redirected to more appropriate places throughout the home - Papers to be filed sent up to the spare room. Craft supplies to the spare room. Electronics up to our desk area. Toys off to the basement. You know the drill. Then I tackled the laundry room {here} and the same dance number repeated - Clothes hauled away in baskets to the bedrooms. Clean but outgrown Finley items sent to storage. Blankets sent to the garage for campfires. Which means all those spaces, if not already organized, need to be addressed.
So you see what I mean. Snowball. Which explains my laugh in response to Annette's question. There is still, and always, lots to do.  But before I tackle a large room - like the garage, spare or master bedrooms - I thought I would tackle something that has been causing me, and my houseguest, severe stress. Take a look
_________________________
Spice cabinet here I come!

The cabinet to the right of our stove is the central hub for all things spicy or the like. And though the placement is functional, the organization of its contents were most certainly not!

I love to bake. Common-law and Sarah are little magicians in the cooking department. But this spice cabinet was not doing anyone any favours with its miss mash mess.

So I took it upon myself to address the situation. Take the bull by the horns.  

Mason jars were the beginning to my solution. Then I added a splash of chalkboard paint.

Both to the jars and the cabinet itself. {Common-law had a minor heart attack when I sent him a photo along the way. Eeek}

I tapped a line around the base of the mason jars and applied two coats of the chalkboard paint. That way we will be able to see the written label of what is in the jars without removing them to see the tops because the cabinet is at eye level {for most}. 

But since I was at it, and had the paint out anyway, I went ahead and did the caps as well. Knowing me quite well, as only great friends do, Sarah made that suggestions anticipating that I will get it in my head  at some point to rearrange the entire kitchen and the jars could be assigned to a drawer thus eliminating the useful base labelling solution. 

Originally I planned to use white out to write on the jars but the pen I bought was a bust. Which led me to plan B: White Crayon. Genius. Not only does it look like chalk, but it wont accidentally get erased and leave us guessing or worse, sampling, spices. *But it is washable with warm water and dish soap if you want to replace a jar with something different. 

Plan B = Smashed Plan A!

With a little tinkering, a few shelf adjustments, and implementing an alphabetical arrangement of the mason jars this cabinet is now highly functional! An organizers cooking dream. 

It is pretty too!

And as far as the door goes, it didn't get left out of the functional task either. Real chalk was used to record some handy conversions to have around when in a pinch. Get it? Pinch!

I think after it is all said and done even Common-law will give this little project a big thumbs up! As he does my baking. Right Robert?

As if this project didn't already have me written all over it, a quote is the icing on a delicious cake. But don't worry Robert I didn't forget you completely - you and your spice creations have your very own labelled jar.

Day 4 down. Can't wait for tomorrow!

Chat soon.

______________________________ I linked up @ Start at Home

Alfredo Sauce with a Healthy Twist

I have some very exciting news on this sunny Sunday morning!

For the past few months I have set my scheming and organizing aside come Sunday to share delicious new and classic go-to recipes with you. Because I am not the best of the best when it comes to cooking, I have the tendency to share more of the baking goodies I do rather than meal ideas. Enter that exciting news mentioned above.

Sarah, my dearest friend staying with us for the summer, is however a phenomenal little chef on the rise {so to speak} and has been whipping up delicious gluten free meals since her arrival. In the middle of partaking in one of her delectable, while still healthy, creations the other night a lightbulb idea came to me - she should take over Recipe Sunday for the duration of her time with us!

This way we all save our waist lines from a few extra pounds during bathing-suit season. Am I right? So, for the next few weeks instead of pastries, do look forward to healthy meal alternatives the whole family can enjoy.

______________________________________

Hmm, how I love creamy, tasty, calorie-rich alfredo sauce poured over a bed of pasta.

However, with the desire to make healthier choices and eat “clean” this summer, your everyday alfredo sauce doesn’t seem to be the right choice for us. This desire for a healthier option has sent us full throttle into combing the Internet for these healthy choices. Upon our combing of the World Wide Web, we have stumbled upon many great blogs for healthier choices. One of these being The Skinny Fork by Amanda Plott. Amanda takes traditionally “unhealthy” dishes and keeps them delicious while making them significantly more healthy for you and your waistline. So, as you can imagine, when I came across this Guiltless Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce we jumped at the opportunity to put it to the test while Rob is away.

Here’s what you will need:

• 2 Cups Cauliflower, Cooked
• 1 1/4 Cups of 1% Milk
• 3 Oz. Fat Free Cream Cheese
• 1 Tbsp. Flour (We used gluten free for my sake)
• 1 Tsp. Salt
• 1 Tbsp. Butter
• 3 Garlic Cloves, Minced
• 1 Cup 2% Milk Italian Cheese Blend, Shredded (Kraft has a lovely cheese blend that we used)

Instructions:

To start, we cooked up that cauliflower in the microwave until it was soft and proceeded to blend it with the milk, cream cheese, flour and salt in our VitaMix blender (a food processor would be very handy at this, as well). One lesson we learned about blending cauliflower in the VitaMix was not to remove too much water from it first. The end result was much easier to accomplish in this case than the cauliflower pizza crust adventure just a few weeks previous.

Once this is smooth in the blender, set aside and begin your stovetop portion of the cooking.

Melt your butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat and add the garlic to sauté for a few seconds.

Transfer your cauliflower mixture from the blender to your garlic & butter saucepan.

Cook and stir as it comes to a simmer, approx.. 3-4 minutes, following with some more stirring and cooking as you watch it thicken. You are almost done!

Remove from the heat immediately and add your cheese blend. Stir until well mixed then set aside with the cover on for 10 minutes to thicken.

Enjoy!

This was a thoroughly enjoyed recipe by all here . We poured this over a bed of pasta (GF in my case) with chicken and added a bit of crushed red pepper to add a bit of ZING!

This is a very healthy yet DELICOUS alternative to the traditional alfredo sauce we all love, the healthy part just being a bonus to the fabulous taste and easy task that is making it! We hope you all enjoy!!

Sarah