It's a Coffee Cake Makin' Kind Of Tuesday

Tonight I decided to make coffee cake cupcakes. It was something new, I've always gotten mine from the store... however since becoming Gluten-Free it's been quite difficult on finding gluten-free bakery items. So why not make them! I found what sounded to be a tasty recipe for them on All Recipes and just substituted the All purpose flour for Gluten-Free Bisquick. They are absolutely fantastic, and I can't believe I haven't made these sooner.

Here's the Recipe - It makes about 12

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• TOPPING:
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg. combine flour, pudding mix, baking powder and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk. Beat until blended. Stir in walnuts. Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Combine topping ingredients; sprinkle over batter. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack.

 

This is them uncooked right before I put them in the oven. At this point I wasn't sure how they were going to turn out because they didn't look too appealing... But look at the after!

I couldn't believe how good they were! Even switching out the all purpose flour for the Bisquick, it was so good! I can't wait to make them with a twist next time!

I've never been to Disneyland

Hello everyone, my name is Brittaney, and I've never been to Disneyland.

Granted that's not entirely true, you'll agree with me that I've never truly "experienced" Disneyland. I've passed it countless times on my journey to San Diego, and back. I've seen that mountain with the pretend snow on it, because it's visible from the freeway. And I've seen numerous ads, pictures, commercials, and documentaries on this place... but the only time I've been inside the Happiest Place On Earth was when I was 5 weeks old. I'm sure I got some wonderful sleep and a little too much sun for my porcelain skin, but as far as remembering it, I think not.

And to tell the truth I've never had a desire to go. How could I love this place that I didn't fall in love with as a child? Much to my surprise, I could fall in love with it, with just knowing I'm going to be there soon....

Well a short time ago, my college group decided to surprise me. They are taking me to Disneyland, I've waited for what has seemed like forever, but the date is finally here. We leave in two days, and I can't believe this place is real! I can't believe I'm excited to go! I don't really know what is in Disneyland, but I want to see that castle. I just want to sit and stare at it. It's real. All this time, knowing about this place called "Disneyland" not really understanding it, but hearing about it.. knowing I wouldn't be going anytime soon so not really thinking about it too much... but now that it's here, I can't really fathom that it's real. This castle is REAL!

...2 more days...

What are the best parts of Disneyland? What can't I leave without doing? What's your favorite memory of being in Disneyland. Share it with me =]

It's The First Day Of Fall!

In honor of the first day of fall, I started looking up some cool, fun, adventurous things to do during this beautiful season. The first I came across was Apple Picking with the family! How fun would that be, going out after church on Sunday, taking the kids, looking for the best apples, going home and making some delicious apple pie together! What a great start to this beautiful season!


Another tradition I found was ...... CORN MAZE! Locally we have the Amador Flower Farm. They have a fabulous maze, pumpkin patch, and you can bring your own picnic. There's no admission fee for the maze, and it's very family friendly. However they don't open the maze until October 1st. As with any activity you're going to do, make sure to double check dates and available times, or check their site to make sure the weather is permitting to the activity.

And finally, the last, and my personal favorite. Cooking, making all the hearty and delicious autumn foods, like varieties of pie, spice bread, chicken noodle soup, beef stew, polenta.... they may not all seem very "autumny" but these are the foods that I think of when I think of a warm house with an aroma that fills you before you even sit down at the table.

Note: not everything mentioned here has to be done with the whole family, I was once told, "The best gift parents can give their children, is a good marriage." So go, take some time with your loved one and count the colors on the leaves, jump in them if you feel the urge, and thank God for this beautiful time of year.


"I've never known anyone yet who doesn't suffer a certain restlessness when autumn rolls around... We're all eight years old again and anything is possible." --Sue Grafton 

The Skinny on Jamba's Pumpkin Smoothie

Today I had the pleasure of testing Jamba Juice's Pumpkin Smash smoothie. It's made with a Pumpkin Spice Base, Vanilla Frozen Yogurt, and Soy milk.

 Skinny Kitchen say's, "it's like drinking pumpkin pie through a straw"... which makes me weary about ever trying pumpkin pie. As I mentioned in my post Christmas In A Cup I loved Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte, it was to die for, if I could have one every morning, I would. The Pumpkin Smash, however was a little too sweet for me. It reminded me most of their Green Tea smoothie, which I occasionally enjoy, but I only venture to have every once in a long while.

NOTE: There is a great Jamba Juice coupon out right now, though it's not available for the Pumpkin Smash you can use it towards something else that might tickle your fancy like some warm oatmeal, or an on the run pretzel. You have to print it out, so go and do that here. =]

And, most of all, if you try it, come back and tell me how you like it in the comment section below.

Be a Coffee-Drinking Individual - Espresso Yourself!

This past weekend I had the pleasure of going with three great friends; Kayla, Brie, and Denise to 3 coffee shops in Sacramento, CA, The Temple, Naked Coffee, and The Chocolate Fish. We went in hopes of gaining idea's and inspirations for the coffee shop with all volunteer at in our church.... and of course to be blessed by the wonders the baristas prepared for us!

The first place we stopped, after a "long 8 minutes" of driving in bumper to bumper traffic was The Temple.

This one, out of the three, had the most inviting atmosphere. They also had sketch books, that were filled with poetry, drawings, venting, stickers... all by random people that have come through the shop. Not only did we gain insight, but we were also able to leave some of ourselves there by contributing to these journals.

Our drink orders:
Kayla: Mocha
Brie: Cappuccino
Denise: Decaf Cappuccino
Myself: Iced Decaf Vanilla Latte (with only half a shot of espresso)

*the only flavorings they had were vanilla and caramel (also in sugar free), so I was kind of disappointed that I couldn't have a pumpkin spice latte.

Everything was as delicious as it was artistic!

Our next stop however was not as eventful. Only a few blocks away, Naked Coffee, which I'd previously heard was amazing, was not very inviting.

It was very... natural... for lack of a better explanation. It wasn't comfortable to be in, in fact we didn't even order or take any pictures of the inside. We just walked in, and out. It seemed as soon as we stepped outside that comfortable feeling came back and we were on our way. I'm sure it has great coffee and the environment works for the people in there, but at that time, it just wasn't the place for us.

A skip, a hop, and a quick stop for directions, led us to our final destination The Chocolate Fish. 

We happen to miss them being open; they closed at four, but their staff was beyond friendly. They allowed us the privileged to come in and take pictures. They told us the story of why it's called "The Chocolate Fish" which you can read here, and they made us feel like we were at home. It was so enjoyable with out the coffee, with out sitting down and telling stories with friends, with out other people to "people watch", with out all the typical things that make going to get coffee enjoyable, I can't imagine how AMAZING it will be when we go back and they're open! 

Espresso Bar Hopping in Sacramento = Success!

Caffeine is my shepherd; I shall not doze.
It maketh me to wake in green pastures:
It leadeth me beyond the sleeping masses.
It restoreth my buzz:
It leadeth me in the paths of consciousness for its name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of addiction,
I will fear no Equal™:
For thou art with me; thy cream and thy sugar they comfort me.
Thou preparest a carafe before me in the presence of The Starbucks:
Thou anointest my day with pep; my mug runneth over.
Surely richness and taste shall follow me all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the House of Mochas forever.
~Author Unknown

The First "Famous" Person I Met

I guess I wouldn't really consider him famous, let me tell you how the night went.

I was in Nashville, TN visiting my friends Rebekah and that night she happen to be sick/doing homework so she recommended that I go and help out Serving Nashville (A feeding program on Monday Nights). So I did, and it was great. After that I followed friends to Chiles and we had dinner. I was at a table seated for six and a friend of mine, Zac, was also at the table.

I started talking with the guy sitting across from me asking the typical "brittaney" questions middle name, who he was named after... (though this caught him off guard), turns out he was from the west coast too, he moved to Nashville for music. I was used to hearing that, and it reminded me of how Rebekah said I'd meet someone famous. So I told him that, followed by my response, I told her even if I did meet some one famous, I wouldn't know it, because I barely know names, let alone faces!!!

Our conversation went on, his girl friend showed up and we talked about the music she did. It was a great night.

Then somehow while her and I were talking the others got into the conversation as to what band he was in. I asked him if I'd heard of them, and he said probably not. I assumed it was a Nashville band or something. Nope!

He's the drummer for Disciple..


Which explains why he was so cautious as to why I was asking his middle name and such....


Check out there facebook HERE

The Leader of the Clan Went Home

I've written this blog over and over, never being able to explain this past month, or make an outline for it's contents. So please excuse how scattered it will be.

This past weekend, September 10, my grandfather died, due to an aggressive type of cancer. In the words of my aunt, "Cancer sucks big time". It does. The Saturday before, myself, the California Brennan's and the out of state Brennan's; Indiana, Hawaii, and Texas went to Roseville/Lincoln and took over the Marriott Hotel. We all went to my Grandpa's house and had said our goodbyes. Except I didn't know what to say, let alone would I be able to breath enough and get the tightening knots out of my throat to say them. I wasn't suppose to have my "appointment time" until Monday...  this was two whole days early!


I asked friends who'd gone through similar situations, about how to say goodbye in the weeks before, because I continued to draw blanks. I didn't want to say anything, I just wanted to sit with him and hold his hand or have us both fall asleep while watching a movie about what the earth was like 4 billion years ago... like old times. 

When I was in 6th grade I was set up with a counselor in school to help me deal with the passing of my father. I remember we read a book together, and ever since I went in to say my goodbye, it's all I've been able to think about.

The book was called The Fall of Freddy the Leaf and it followed the life of a leaf on a tree in a park. The following is an excerpt from the book. It's a little long, but please read it all. (Freddie and Daniel are both leaves)

"What's happening?" they asked each other in whispers.
"It's what happens in Fall," Daniel told them. "It's the time for leaves to change their home. Some people call it to die."
"Will we all die?" Freddie asked.
"Yes," Daniel answered. "Everything dies. No matter how big or small, how weak or strong. We first do our job. We experience the sun and the moon, the wind and the rain. We learn to dance and to laugh. Then we die."
"I won't die!" said Freddie with determination. "Will you, Daniel?"
"Yes," answered Daniel, "when it's my time."
"When is that?" asked Freddie.
"No one knows for sure," Daniel responded.
Freddie noticed that the other leaves continued to fall. He thought, "It must be their time." He saw that some of the leaves lashed back at the wind before they fell, others simply let go and dropped quietly. Soon the tree was almost bare.
"I'm afraid to die," Freddie told Daniel. "I don't know what's down there."
"We all fear what we don't know, Freddie. It's natural," Daniel reassured him. "Yet, you were not afraid when Summer became Fall. They were natural changes. Why should you be afraid of the season of death?"
"Does the tree die, too?" Freddie asked.
"Someday. But there is something stronger than the tree. It is Life. That lasts forever and we are all a part of Life."
"Where will we go when we die?"
"No one knows for sure. That's the great mystery!"
"Will we return in the Spring?"
"We may not, but Life will."
"Then what has been the reason for all of this?" Freddie continued to question. "Why were we here at all if we only have to fall and die?"
Daniel answered in his matter-of-fact way, "It's been about the sun and the moon. It's been about happy times together. It's been about the shade and the old people and the children. It's been about colors in Fall. It's been about seasons. Isn't that enough?"

And it has been enough. I have memories and stories that I will cherish. I have mental pictures and pictures that I'll be able to look upon fondly. I know he wasn't scared. During my last visit, I asked him if he was and he, being quite humorous, asked me, "Why, do I look like I'm shaking?". . . he reminded me that it was normal, and that he's lived a good life, and has such a wonderful family. He retold me a few stories about my dad, and told me how much I reminded him of him. I can just imagine the reunion going on in Heaven with him and my grandma, my dad, and my brother.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-7
¹ There is a time for everything,
   and a season for every activity under the heavens:  ² a time to be born and a time to die,
   a time to plant and a time to uproot,
 ³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
   a time to tear down and a time to build,
 ⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,
   a time to mourn and a time to dance,
 ⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
   a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
 ⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,
   a time to keep and a time to throw away,
 ⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,
   a time to be silent and a time to speak,

If It's Free It's For Me!

A couple of months ago I began on the wild adventure of couponing. I now have a wallet size file that I can put my clippings, print outs, and the Catalina Coupons I get from the register, into and keep on hand. Well, there's also another place that keeps me afloat, it's called The Frugal Find. Click here to like them on Facebook. They do all the hard work, and connect us with the online deals, in store deals, and great finds all together. They offer couponing classes, answer questions, and are just beyond helpful.
Aside from all the great coupons and words of wisdom I've received from The Frugal Find, are the products I've gotten for FREE!

Yes, as a matter of fact, those are full size bottles of Pantene shampoo and conditioner, and Garnier Fructis Hairspray. The Huggies and the $1.50 off coupon will go to my sister for my nephew, and though I've yet to try out the Suave travel size samples, they were free, and give me an opportunity to... sample =]

It's Like Christmas In A Cup

The other day I had the opportunity to try a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. Now this is coming from a girl who has never had pumpkin pie, and doesn't care for Starbucks' espresso... It was delicious!

I've never enjoyed a drink of theirs so much! As Ryan Reynolds says in a personal favorite of mine, The Proposal (about a similar drink), it was like Christmas in a Cup. However, many other coffee shops are coming out with this seasonal specialty as well, so of course I will be searching in hopes to find the best (with the best price as well), but for now, I have began looking to Starbucks with a little hope :)

The Thunder Rolls

Have you ever had a moment where something normal happened, but you couldn't figure out what was going on? Like when the TV is on, kids are playing and running around, the coffee pot starts whistling, and then on top of it all the phone rings but it doesn't register and you can't pick it up until one of the distractions stop? That happened to me today, only there was no build up, it just happened.

I was driving to church after getting some lunch thinking about a million different things, in addition to what I was going to do for 2 hours while I waited for babysitting. My radio was on loud, the windows were down with hot sticky air blowing in, and my mind was a little less than packed. I remember glancing at the house that  puts up zigzag Christmas lights on their roof every year, when BANG! it was pounding loud, all I could see out of my windshield were the red break lights in front of me, I was all wet, and I didn't know what was happening. I slowed down, turned off the radio, turned on the windshield wipers and rolled up my windows. It was a huge roll of thunder and pouring rain, all of the sudden. Everything was alright, it didn't last too long, and before I knew it my windows were dry and I was arriving at the church.

In honor of the beautiful storm coming in, the following two hours I did a stakeout. I parked, sat, and waited, trying to catch some lightening on camera... However I was also on the phone with my friend Hannah who's recently moved to Oregon, so I seemed to just miss every strike. It was relaxing though, just watching the sky and having good conversation.

Tonight felt like a Fall kind of night, and it was so good.

Working With A Karate Kid

Tonight at karate I had the pleasure of working with a 9 year old girl on sparring. It was her first time so all her gear felt funny, her glasses didn't quite fit with the helmet, and she was a little shy. However, even though she was so little and meek, I think I was more afraid of how to teach her, than she was of fighting someone twice her size. We went slowly, and I showed her some of the techniques that my teachers and peers have taught me.

After a while she warmed up to it and started having a little more fun. In a way, she is just like me when I started. I'm not completely into the "fighting spirit" yet, but it's a process. And tonight was definitely a process, all the direction I've heard over this past year while sparring seemed to come back like flash a flood, I suddenly related the exercises we do across the floor to sparring, which before was quite difficult for me. Tonight I began to see how she learns best, while learning this discipline/sport that I love more and more. It's funny, I sometimes forget how rewarding it is for both people when techniques of any trade are shared. All and all it was a great night and I can't wait until we can do it again!

Strawberry Lemonade

In light of summer ending and me, for the first time this summer, craving some strawberry lemonade, I'm going to post the recipe I found. Possibly my favorite part of their recipe is the sparkling water they add. Ever since I house sat for a friend of mine, Amy, and she had some in the OJ she made, I've been especially fond of it. I just adds a special kick!

Strawberry Lemonade
Makes 6 servings
What you need:
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 2 cups cold sparkling water or club soda
• Ice
• Mint sprigs, garnish

What you need to know:
In a container, whisk the water and sugar together until the sugar dissolves. Add the lemon juice and stir. Place the strawberries in a medium bowl and mash with a potato masher. Add the strawberries to the lemon mixture and stir well. Refrigerate until well chilled. Serve over ice and garnish with mint.

A New Season Rolling In

I've never been much of an "internet techy", but after it was brought up in a karate  promo meeting about doing a blog to advertise for our studio,

I decided I should become familiar with it. And what better way to keep all my ducks in a row. All of the ideas I hear and love, the mom tips&tricks I pray I don't forget, the recipes I can't help but share, and keeping my friends and family updated with where I'm at in the world.

Read, enjoy, and take those last sips of lemonade because fall is almost here.