Food Friday | July 31, 2015

Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Muffins (100th Post)

I wanted to celebrate my 100th post with a delicious celebratory snack since it fell on a food Friday. I am loving writing this blog and I'm so excited to continue it for, what I hope to be, quite some time.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

3/4 cups white sugar

3/4 cup + 1/4 cup chocolate chips

1 cup milk

1/3 cup + tablespoons vegetable oil

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Line muffin tins with liners.

2. Put all the dry ingredients, including 3/4 cup chocolate chips, into a large mixing bowl.

3. Pour all the liquid ingredients into a large measuring cup.

4. Add wet ingredients into dry ingredients gradually (lumpy batter makes better muffins).

5. Mix everything together thoroughly.

6. Spoon the batter into the lined muffin tins.

7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips on top and bake for 17-20 minutes.

8. Remove from muffin tin and let cool on wire rack.

To make the muffins a little bit more fun I added some frosting to them.

Muffin 1 - chocolate: For this frosting I combined melted chocolate chips, milk, cocoa powder and powdered sugar.

Muffin 2 - cream cheese: I used cream cheese, sugar and milk to fill and ice my second muffin option.

Muffin 3 - banana chip: I mashed bananas with brown sugar and a smidgen of milk to create banana frosting then added some mini chocolate chips to the top for a little crunch. I  can't eat fruit as I'm allergic but I was told these ones were delicious and perfect as a breakfast muffin.

I want to thank you all so much for reading and following my blog. I really love writing this- more than I ever thought I would and I'm so looking forward to continuing this internet journey. Thank you again to all you beautiful people!

Thanks for reading, xo, Katelyn 

Random Thought Thursday | July 30, 2015

July Photo Diary

I've decided this month that instead of doing a favourites post, I would share what my month looked like according to my camera roll. I love taking pictures- so much that I'm going to college for photography- so I've always got loads to go through by the end of the month. Please do remember that most of these photos are from my phone not my DSLR so may not be super good quality, but whatevs! Haha. Enjoy!

01-07-2015: Ice cream on Canada Day with Amanda and Samara

01-07-2015: My "that's so tumblr" daisy picture

01-07-2015: My favourite firework from the Canada Day display

03-07-2015: homemade burgers for the fam by yours truly

05-07-2015: Reunited with bestie Brenty

05-07-2015: Favourite book of July was this one- Life Without Summer by Lynne Griffin

06-07-2015: My best breakfast creation of the month- 2 egg omelette with tomatoes and herbs on 12 grain toast

06-07-2015: Reading in the backyard

08-07-2015: Day off calls for breakfast in bed (oatmeal pancakes) and binge watching Essie Button

08-07-2015: days off also call for taking pictures in pretty places

09-07-2015: This fitness thing is paying off!

14-07-2015: Tate turns one

19-07-2015: sunset at Papa & Jeans- met Jean's family from Denmark!

19-07-2015: spent 3 days straight with the lovely Logan- Smokey's night, day at Papa's, pool day with Danica!

22-07-2015: the aftermath of a pool day with the girls

 23-07-2015: first Sheinside order- love it all!

24-07-2015: found my perfect nude nail colour- bare it all by Sally Hansen

25-07-2015: Red Lobster lunch in Sudbury

26-07-2015: bonfire with the 3 besties!

28-07-2015: getting some sun during the heat wave!

29-07-2015: beautiful sunset & lovely walk with Will to end the month

I hope you guys liked this new style of post as opposed to a monthly favourites. Please do let me know if you did & also what you've been getting up to this month! I hope you all had a lovely July and that August treats you very well.

Thanks for reading, xo, Katelyn

What I'm Wearing Wednesday | July 29, 2015

#OOTD

It's a bit of a cooler day here in N.Ontario so I opted for a less than summery outfit (insert sad emoji here). I'm wearing my black jeans from Forever 21 and my pink cardigan is also from Forever 21. My 'Let's Jam' muscle tee is from Sheinside! 

On my feet I'm wearing black sandals with gold details from Ardene.

Thanks for reading, xo, Katelyn

Chatty Tuesdays | July 28, 2015

1D Full Body Workout

*If you're unsure about any of the exercises type the name into the Google search bar and it will show photos and video links*

Okay ladies, a lot of us want to be fit and sexy for summer (and all year 'round) and a lot of us are also proud Directioners- I know I am! To help inspire you to workout I have created this very fun- yet very difficult- full body workout to 4 One Direction songs (one from each album). I've done this workout about 6 times now and it makes my muscles burn every time in the best way possible, plus I get to listen to 4 of my favourite 1D songs whilst I do it! So if you want to get in shape and you love 1D then this is definitely for you!

1. Song: Ready to Run

Album: Four

Target: Abs

Verse 1: knees up crunches

Chorus: extended leg toe touch

Verse 2: penguins

Chorus: alternating toe touch

Bridge: bicycle crunches

Chorus: extended legs toe touch

2. Song: Happily

Album: Midnight Memories

Target: Arms

Verse: bicep curls

Pre-chorus: bicep curl to press up

Chorus: squat with press up

Verse 2: bicep curls

Pre-chorus: bicep curl to press up

Chorus: squat with press up

Bridge: lateral arm raises

Chorus: tricep extensions

Chorus: squat with press up

3. Song: She's Not Afraid

Album: Take Me Home

Target: Legs + Bum

Verse 1: fire hydrant donkey kicks

Chorus: plank leg lifts

Verse 2: donkey kick pulses

Chorus: side leg lifts (right leg)

Bridge: plank hip drops

Chorus: side leg lifts (left leg)

End bit: hip raises

4. Song: One Thing

Album: Up All Night

Target: Back + Shoulders

Verse 1: Plank + dumbbell lifts

Chorus: up-up, down-downs

Verse 2: geckos

Chorus: pushups

Bridge: supermans

Chorus: opposite leg + arm raises

If you try this workout let me know how you got on with it! I do find it to be quite difficult but it always leaves my muscles feeling tired and sore in the best way! If you have any workouts let me know as well!

Thanks for reading, xo, Katelyn

Make Me Up Monday | July 27, 2015

Empties

*I do apologize for the photos- I couldn't find my UV filter anywhere!!

Collecting empties may have been the most annoying yet enlightening thing I've done. I've started dating my products recently and so this allowed me to be really conscious of what I love as well as how much I'm really getting out of the product. I have a few products that I love and will repurchase/already have repurchased as well as a few products that I liked enough to finish but wouldn't buy again.

The first empty I have is the Clinique dramatically different moisturizing gel. I absolutely love this moisturizer for spring/summer as it's really light yet still quite hydrating. I have already repurchased this!

Another thing I have already repurchased is the Aveeno daily moisturizing body lotion. Not only did I repurchase this in the extra large size, but I also bought the SPF formula because I love this body lotion so much (as you can tell by my cutting it open to get every last bit out haha). It's really moisturizing and hydrating without feeling greasy or heavy on the skin.

I finished up the matching body wash/shower gel as well- and yes, have already repurchased. The line doesn't have a strong scent, but it does smell a bit like oatmeal (as that's its main ingredient) which I actually really like the smell of. I also have been using this for shaving since it is a gel.

The last skin empty I have is The Body Shop tea tree face clearing foaming cleanser. I did like this product despite the intense smell of tea tree. It worked well at clearing my skin but dried it out a bit and left it feeling tight as it is a foam meant for acne prone skin. I may repurchase this in the cream formula to keep in my shower for a once a week face wash.

I went through two Rimmel wake me up concealers... yes TWO! They are different shades- one for under the eyes and one for spots. I absolutely love this concealer and have already repurchased both shades.

Although I could have used my Revlon brow pencil a little bit longer, I ran out of the gel on the other end and the pencil is really quite small. I love this brow pencil and have already bought a replacement. I love that it's quite a waxy pencil which helps my brow hairs stay in place so I don't actually need to use the gel if I want a more natural brow look.

The Baby Lips Dr. Rescue is my go to chap stick. It's got menthol in it which my lips respond really well to so I love it (and it smells great!) I have bought a replacement of this as well.

I got the sample size mascara from Smashbox when I bought my full exposure palette. It is the Full exposure mascara in waterproof. I really loved the formula of this mascara; it held a curl, it lengthened and added a lot of volume to my lashes. What I didn't like is the applicator is really quite large which makes using the product quite messy. If they were to change the size of the brush I would repurchase in a heartbeat, but with this wand it really didn't work for me so I wouldn't repurchase.

The mascara I have repurchased is the CoverGirl lash blast in waterproof. It's become my go to mascara as it does everything I could ask of it without smudging or running on hot days. Love it!

The third mascara I have is the Miss Manga which while it wasn't awful I definitely wouldn't repurchase. It didn't stay on my lashes and it didn't hold a curl.

The last thing I have is the NYX stay matte but not flat powder foundation. I can not praise this enough (so yes, I have repurchased). I don't like the feeling of liquid foundation and so went on a hunt for a really good powder foundation. This beat out every other powder foundation I tried- including BareMinerals and some high end brands. The name is very appropriate as it does keep me matte all day but it doesn't make me look 2-D. I don't feel like I need to use bronzer or blush to add some contrast back into my face when I wear this.

So that's all my empty products! If you have any thoughts on any of these products or know of any other products that you would recommend to me please do let me know.

Thanks for reading, xo, Katelyn

52 Weeks of Gratitude Challenge | July 26, 2015

14. A Talent You Have

I don't know if people would necessarily call it a 'talent' but I am very grateful for my knack to read people easily. When I first meet people I can usually tell within the first hour or so of being with them if they're someone I want to associate with.

For example, first year university my friend (not the one in the photo) started seeing a guy and I immediately got a bad vibe from him. I didn't say anything to her until a few months later when she asked me why I was always so quiet and cold around her guy, I told her I just have a bad feeling about him. Not even a month later she found out he was not only dating her but about 3 or 4 other girls as well. 

I've been this way my whole life- very rarely being wrong in my intuition. I will spend a small amount of time with people and know immediately if they're going to be someone I want in my life or not. This has allowed me to have a small and really intimate group of close friends whom I love and trust.

Thanks for reading, xo, Katelyn

Food Friday | July 24, 2015

What I Ate...

Breakfast

I had my typical breakfast of 1/4 cup oatmeal cooked in 1/4 cup milk and 1/4 cup water topped with cinnamon and dark chocolate.

Lunch

For lunch today I scrambled some egg whites up with bacon, lettuce (since we had no spinach- this was surprisingly just as good), and tomatoes. I seasoned the dish with salt, pepper, garlic pepper, and basil. This was so delicious!!

Dinner

Mom made homemade lentil soup which is one of my all time favourite soups- next to leek. It was so yummy and I can guarantee I will be tucking into the left overs for as long as their in the fridge. 

*I didn't take a photo, but I did have a mug of cocoa between breakfast and lunch. I've found that this helps to keep me awake throughout the day as chocolate naturally has caffeine but it doesn't get me wired and shaky like coffee does*

Thanks for reading, xo, Katelyn

Random Thought Thursdays | July 23, 2015

Too Much Info!!

1. What are you wearing?

Jeans, a tank top, a cardigan and slippers.

2. Ever been in love?

I have a few times.

3. Ever had a terrible breakup?

Oh, yes.

4. How tall are you?

5'2" or 157cm.

5. How much do you weigh?

I don't like this question but I'm around 110lbs.

6. Any tattoos?

Nope.

7. Any piercings?

Just my ears.

8. OTP?

MerDer </3

9. Favourite show?

PLL, Rookie Blue and Grey's Anatomy

10. Favourite band?

Queen & Little Mix.

11. Something you miss?

Highschool!!

12. Favourite song?

For the Longest Time by Billy Joel.

13. How old are you?

20.

14. Zodiac sign?

Aquarius.

15. Quality you look for in a partner?

Honest/trustworthy.

16. Favourite quote?

"Imagine cramming yourself into such a tiny box of identity when you could experience your infinitude instead" - Eat Pray Love.

17. Favourite actor?

Angelina Jolie.

18. Favourite colour?

Pastel pink or mint.

19. Loud music or soft?

Depends on my mood.

20. Where do you go when you're sad?

My bedroom.

21. How long does it take you to shower?

Everyday 2 minutes, when I'm washing my hair and shaving around 20-30 minutes.

22. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

Probably 45 minutes.

23. Ever been in a physical fight?

Definitely not!

24. Turn on?

Confidence.

25. Turn off?

Cockiness.

26. The reason you began blogging?

To be completely honest, I was bored haha. 

27. Fears?

Dying too soon.

28. Last thing that made you cry?

Happy cry at getting my apartment lease finalized!

29. Last time you said you love someone?

Today to my mom.

30. Meaning behind your blog name?

It's my name.

31. Last book you read?

Life Without Summer by Lynne Griffin.

32. The book you're currently reading?

The Debt-Free Graduate by Murray Baker

33. Last show you watched?

PLL ^.^

34. Last person you talked to?

My mom.

35. The relationship between you and the last person you texted?

Amanda is my best friend!

36. Favourite food?

Pizza!

37. Place you want to visit?

Ireland.

38. Last place you were?

Work...

39. Do you have a crush?

I don't.

40. Last time you kissed someone?

Today I kissed my baby nephew!

41. Last time you were insulted?

I honestly can't remember.

42. Favourite flavour of sweet?

Dark chocolate.

43. What instruments can you play?

Piano, guitar and flute.

44. Favourite piece of jewelry?

My Claddagh ring.

45. Last sport you played?

A very friendly game of touch football.

46. Last song you sang?

Shut Up and Dance by Walk The Moon

47. Favourite chat up line?

"Are you a parking ticket? 'Cause you've got fine written all over you."

48. Have you ever used it?

As a joke haha.

49. Last time you hungout with anyone?

Last night!

50. Who should answer these questions next?

Everybody!

Thanks for reading, xo, Katelyn

What I'm Wearing Wednesday | July 22, 2015

#OOTD

I really really like this outfit, like a lot ha ha ha. My shirt is from Urban Planet, my black high-waisted shorts are from Garage, my shoes are from Wal-Mart, and my purse is from Coach.

Thanks for reading, xo, Katelyn

Chatty Tuesdays | July 21, 2015

An Eventful Weekend!

Rotary Fest came to my city from Thursday to Sunday. From rib fest cook off, to the parade, to games and rides, it was an absolute blast!

Since one of my oldest and best friends came to town for the weekend we decided to head out Saturday night for a night of dancing at the outdoor patio bar downtown. We had an absolute blast- I don't drink anymore but I still had just as much fun as I have in years prior to this along side all my friends at the bar.

I decided to throw in a little OOTN because I absolutely love this little black dress from Bluenotes (and it was only $10!). My sandals are from Ardene. I also took with me a little green clutch that was a nice pop of colour along with my peach nails (Tart Deco by Essie).

On Sunday, Logan and I were together again! We went to the art at the docks festival in Hilton Beach and then enjoyed some time by the lake (please no pale jokes, I know, I'm ghostly haha). 

We then headed over to my Papa's house as some family came from Denmark AND it was my grandma and uncle's birthdays. The cake was made by my cousin Emily- our family is a bunch of chocolate freaks!! We had a blast all afternoon tubing, swimming in the lake, and tanning on the dock.

We decided to do a family pyramid- ft. Logan as she's practically family now and always my plus one- but minus tonnes of family obviously- my family is absolutely huge haha. The boy in the centre of the bottom is Patrick, one of our cousins from Denmark!

The sunset at my Papa's house was absolutely gorgeous, as always! 

It was so nice to have Log home, even just for a weekend. She is absolutely my best friend and I just adore her and our adventures. Spending time together is always a blast! 

What'd you do this weekend? I hope you got some sun!

Thanks for reading, xo, Katelyn