Sunday, February 28, 2021

Homemade Mini Waffle Recipe

Hey y'all! Today's post is a little different than my regular posts but I've been wanting to incorporate more lifestyle content here on the blog, including recipes. I share lots of recipes and home content over on my Instagram but I haven't really shared much of that kind of stuff on the blog in a long time. During the past year, I've barely been able to get one blog post done a week due to my kid's school schedule. They are mostly home for school and when they do go to school, it's never consistent. The one thing that has remained consistent for the past year is my love for cooking and trying out new recipes. I already enjoyed cooking but being home more in the past twelve months has rekindled my love for being in the kitchen. Since we haven't had to rush out the door to get to school on time, I've been able to make my kids a hot breakfast much more frequently. The breakfast they always ask for is mini waffles. We bought one of these little mini waffle makers a long time ago (I think we've had it for at least five years) and it's one of my most used kitchen gadgets.



We use it for more than just waffles. You can cook cinnamon rolls in there and even eggs. I have found so many uses for this little waffle iron over the years. But, of course, we mostly use ours to make waffles and we make waffles at least twice a week. I was just buying pancake or waffle mix from the grocery store and adding whatever it called for. During our time at home, I was determined to make my own batter that would pass the taste test of two picky little girls. After trying about five or six different variations of waffle batter, this one was the ultimate winner. I'm no food blogger but I would say that this is a really great waffle recipe and my kids give it two thumbs up!

H O M E M A D E  M I N I  W A F F L E S

Ingredients:
-1 cup of flour
-1 teaspoon of baking powder
-1 teaspoon of corn starch
-dash of baking soda
-dash of salt
-2 tablespoons of sugar
-1 egg
-1/2 cup of milk
-1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
-3 tablespoons of butter (melted)
-1 teaspoons of vanilla
-1/2 cup of milk chocolate chips
-rainbow sprinkles

Directions:
1. Preheat mini waffle iron.
2. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl (except chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles) then whisk all wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
3. Combine dry and wet ingredients in one bowl then mix.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Spray waffle iron with cooking spray and then add 1/4 cup of waffle batter mixture to the waffle iron. Top batter with rainbow sprinkles (optional but it makes it more fun).
6. Cook until golden brown (about 3 minutes, depending on your waffle iron).
7. Enjoy!

Recipe yields about 10 mini waffles.

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My kids love these waffles so much that they eat them without any syrup at all! I usually make a double batch of these to warm up in the toaster another day or I'll save half the batter and store it in the refrigerator. I also make these gluten free as well. They don't turn out quite as fluffy using gluten free flour but they still taste delicious. Let me know if you try out my recipe!

Thanks so much for visiting! I hope you have a great day!

Friday, February 26, 2021

Currently Loving .218

 

Happy Friday! I hope y'all have had a great week! We had a few really beautiful days around here. Sunshine and spring temperatures! It just put me in such a good mood. If I didn't already have spring fever, I officially do now. Especially since it's cold and rainy... with nonstop rain in the forecast. Bring back 70 and sunny! I'm just dreaming of mornings on the front porch and long weekend beach trips in the future. It's time to plan to a trip!

Today, I'm sharing my weekly roundup of what I'm Currently Loving! Of course, my picks this week include lots of great pieces to take you straight into springtime. 


Which of this week's picks is your favorite?!

1. T E E | I bought the light gray version of this tee awhile back and I have worn it so much so I got this color recently. It's just a great comfy shirt and it's also legging friendly, which I love! It runs oversized so stick with your regular size if you like roomy fit or size down one size for a more fitted look.


2. M U L E S | Do you love a great budget friendly find?! I know I do! I've had my eye on a similar pair of mules but I didn't love the price tag. I'm loving the style and the price of this pair! A mule is such a great transitional shoe to take you between seasons. I always size up at least a half size in mules for the best fit. I need to add this pair to my cart!


3. D R E S S | I bought this dress on a whim last weekend after seeing it in the store. The pattern in person looks like a subtle leopard. I got this dress in the mail earlier this week and I can't wait to wear it this weekend (even if I have to wear it in the rain). I got my true dress size and it definitely is a generous fit so keep that in mind when choosing a size. I'm planning to style it with boots now and with white sneakers later. Such a cute dress!


4. N E C K L A C E | I also picked up this necklace last weekend, after I had been thinking about getting it for awhile. If you haven't tried Madewell jewelry, I would highly recommend it! It really holds up so well, especially for the price point. This necklace has such great reviews online that speak to the excellent quality. Some of the reviewers even wear it in the shower or pool with no issues!


5. S W I M S U I T | Okay, yes, it's still February but that doesn't mean we can't start shopping for swimsuits now! I find that the suits I love tend to sell out by the time it's warm weather so I'm getting a head start this season. I bought this suit last spring and it's still a favorite! It's super flattering and the perfect mom suit. I just can't say enough good things about it. It's also currently on sale!


6. J A C K E T | A utility jacket is a closet staple for me, especially this time of year. I find myself reaching for mine so much at the end of winter and early spring. It's a great alternative to wearing a denim jacket and it looks so cute with jeans. This one is on sale right now!


7. H E A D B A N D | You'll probably see this headband on my head very soon, lol. These headbands are my absolute favorite and I guess I've become a collector now. I love them so much!


8. B A G | I bought this bag (well, a super similar version) two years ago and it's still one of my favorite bags. I always carry it so much during the spring and summer. Such a great, affordable bag!


Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you have a great weekend!

Friday, February 19, 2021

Currently Loving .217

Happy Friday! I hope you've had a great week! All of the gloomy, rainy, icy weather lately has me really craving springtime and I know that I'm not alone. I just need some sunshine in my life!

Today, I'm sharing my weekly roundup of what I'm Currently Loving! Speaking of spring, my picks this week are perfect for wearing now and transitioning into warmer weather. When it hits February, it's hard to buy pieces that only work for cold weather. Personally, I want to get the most for my money and I love transitional pieces that work now and later. Also, I have found some really great budget friendly pieces to share with y'all this week!


Which of this week's picks is your favorite?!

1. J E A N S | I bought a super similar pair of jeans recently and they didn't fit. They were over four times as much as this $22 pair! I'm thinking I will just return the ones I bought and give these a try. Such a great deal and I love light wash denim for spring!


2. B A G | I saw this bag in the store during my last Target run and I loved it! I always gravitate towards straw bags during the warm weather months. This is such a cute + affordable option!


3. H A T | I have been living in a beanie all winter long because they keep me warm, give me an extra day between washes, and they cover up my crazy gray hairs that multiply monthly, lol. But really, I love being able to throw on a hat and not have to do my hair. I like options! So, I needed a new hat option for when the weather is warm. I found this great neutral hat and I absolutely love it!


4. L E G G I N G S | I'm not a huge Amazon shopper... I might be the only one, haha. But, I really love these leggings that I recently got in the mail. They are buttery soft (similar to my Lululemon Align leggings), high rise, and super budget friendly! I found the fit to be true to size. Perfect for athleisure or working out. Personally, I wore them to binge watch Firefly Lane on Netflix yesterday. So good!


5. J A C K E T | This jacket isn't a budget friendly find but it's a cost per wear kind of piece. I invested in this jacket last March and it's been my most worn item in the past year. I have gotten my money's worth out of this jacket for sure! The denim just gets better and better with time. I wear it with everything and as often as possible. The fit is true to size.


6. E A R R I N G S | I can't say no to a great pair of simple statement earrings. I really love wearing hoops but I have been hunting for alternatives because hoops just don't work well with wearing a mask on a daily basis. My mask straps get stuck in my hoops and that's no fun. This pair of earrings is a great option, mask or no mask.


7. T E E | This tee arrived on my front porch this week and the colors just scream springtime! I love this color combo so much! I don't have much color in my wardrobe but I'm loving this fun tee. I sized up one size for a more relaxed fit but it does run true to size.


8. S W E A T S H I R T | Gray sweatshirts are my love language. Okay, I'm kidding... kind of. Lol. But I do love a cozy gray sweatshirt! I have been hunting for a new one to replace the one I have been living in for a few years and I just ordered this one. It looks so comfy!


Thanks so much for visiting! I hope you have a great weekend!

Friday, February 5, 2021

Currently Loving .216

 

style on a budget, mom style, winter style, nc blogger, north carolina blogger
Happy Friday! I hope you've had a wonderful week! This is actually my second blog post of the week! I don't think I have written more than one blog post in a week since sometime early fall. This season (...or really the last eleven months) has flipped my schedule upside down. But, I was feeling inspired this week and sharing my current Madewell bag collection on Wednesday!

Today, I'm sharing my weekly round of what I'm Currently Loving! This time of year, many retailers start to release spring items and it gets me so excited for warmer weather. However, it's still very cold and I'm definitely still bundled up. This week's picks have some great accessories to make your outfit feel more feel while staying warm in your cozy winter clothing!


Which of this week's picks is your favorite?!

1. H A I R  C L I P S | How darling are these hair clips?! Getting some new hair accessories can make your current winter wardrobe more fun. I love trying out new hairstyles that I find over on Pinterest! I have a whole board dedicated to hair over there.


2. B A G | I have two Madewell bags in this style and I absolutely love them! This new leopard print is so cute and a great neutral so it will match any outfit. A new leopard print bag is such a great way to make an old outfit feel brand new!


3. C A R D I G A N | I'm still really loving cardigans like this, that you can wear buttoned or unbuttoned. It really makes a piece so much more versatile in your wardrobe when it can be worn different ways. I'm loving this pink color but it also comes in cream and olive, too!


4. H O O D I E | My favorite gray sweatshirt (that I wear several times a week) has seen better days so I am currently on the hunt for a new one to release it. I always love sweatshirts from Aerie so this one is definitely in the running. It looks so cozy for these cold winter days! Bonus: it's leggings friendly!


5. J E A N S | Whenever anyone asks me what Madewell jeans I would recommend, I always suggest perfect vintage. They are incredibly flattering and so comfortable! I love the high rise and straight leg (that isn't too straight). They are such a great alternative to a skinny jean! I personally size down one size from my non-Madewell denim size to get the perfect fit. Also, pro-tip: only wash them when it's absolutely necessary. I just spot clean as needed and try to get at least 10 or more jeans out of my Madewell denim before machine washing. They break in beautifully and get better with time!


6. S C A R F | Another great way to make your outfit feel a little more exciting: add a scarf. This budget friendly ($10) scarf can be tied in your hair or added to your favorite tote bag. This one will also transition into springtime perfectly!


7. R I N G | I got this ring back in November and I have worn it every single day since! I'm not typically a signet ring kind of girl but I absolutely love this one. I forget I even have it on because it's so comfortable to wear! Such a cute statement ring!


8. B E A N I E | Who else is always freezing this time of year?! I have been living in beanies lately to keep myself warm and this one is my favorite. I got it for Christmas and I love how this brown color goes with pretty much everything in my wardrobe. Yes to staying warm and cozy!


Thank you so much for visiting! I hope you have a great day!

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

My Madewell Bag Collection

madewell, madewell bag, transport tote, mom style, nc blogger, north carolina blogger, totewell, style blogger
Hey y'all! One of my most commonly asked questions is about my Madewell bag collection. Last year, I did a roundup of my collection but I've had a couple of new bags so I wanted to do an update. First of all I love... I mean REALLY love Madewell bags! Over the last few years, I have developed quite the Madewell bag collection because they are such great bags. In today's post, I'm going to be sharing my collection, details on each bag, and how I've styled them!

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The medium transport tote was my very first Madewell bag purchase. I had been wanting to invest in a nice, leather bag. I wanted an everyday bag and one that would last for many years to come. I chose the medium tote because of the size and versatility. I really love how you can wear it on your shoulder, on your arm, or as a crossbody (it comes with a thin crossbody strap but you can change them out). I have this bag strap but they have other great options a well! When I first got this bag in the mail, I definitely thought that the shoulder straps seemed short and they definitely are on the shorter side. But, I actually really like that about the bag now because it makes the bag feel secure when you are carrying it. I picked the English saddle color because it goes with literally everything. Four years later, this is still one of my most carried bags! I always recommend this to anyone who asks which Madewell bag to get. I'd say this one is my favorite! I have found that the leather just gets better and better with time. Also, the medium bag now also comes in a zippered version if you prefer that option.

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My second Madewell bag purchase was the large transport tote in black. I was looking for a tote bag to use for work that could hold all of the things and this one certainly does! I can carry my laptop, planner, and regular purse essentials comfortably in this bag. It's super roomy without being a big, overwhelming kind of tote. It really is the perfect large tote bag! My black bag doesn't have a zipper but my English saddle one does. I've had some people ask which one I prefer as far as the zipper goes and honestly, I never really zip my zippered bag. But, I do like having the option to zip it up if I needed to, especially if I was traveling (this bag makes a great carry on bag). The inside has one small, zippered pocket but the rest of it is open. I don't know about you but when a bag doesn't have a lot of organization inside, my bag gets super messy! Check out this blog post to learn about how I keep my bag organized. The tips I share in that post have been purse game changers for me! Also, for reference, the shoulder straps on the medium and large transport totes are pretty much the exact same size.

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When I purchased this bag, I wasn't filling a need, I just really loved the leopard print, lol. But I really do love having a printed bag in my collection. My exact bag in the print that I have is no longer available but they do have a new leopard print available (as seen above). Leopard print just makes the most boring outfit so much more fun! This bag is the canvas transport tote so the price point is much less than the leather transport tote bags that I have. If you are wanting a Madewell bag but not wanting to spend the money on a leather bag, I would definitely recommend a canvas tote. The quality is amazing and the straps are leather so they will hold up over time.

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 This bag is my latest addition to my Madewell bag collection and I absolutely love it. I have been carrying it almost daily since I got for Christmas. This bag surprisingly holds quite a bit! I can fit my phone, small wallet, lotion, lip gloss, face mask, car key, essential oil roller, and even a snack inside comfortably. One of the questions I have been frequently asked about this bag is if the calf hair rubs off. I personally haven't had any issue with the calf half rubbing off on this bag. I have quite a few calf hair items from Madewell and I've never had a problem with the hair rubbing off except for my small wallet, that I use multiple times a day. The wallet probably has some rub off because of it being inside of my bag. Overall, I love this bag and I'm so happy that I was able to add it to my bag collection! I am also really love this new animal print pattern in this bag!

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My crossbody bag is my go-to when I need a small bag! I really love the circle style of my crossbody bag but unfortunately it's no longer available. However, the small simple crossbody bag also comes in the English saddle color like mine as well as other colors. I also love that the strap is adjustable too! It's such a great bag for running errands, traveling, or well, really anything! I love it! I often throw my crossbody bag inside of my larger totes for a smaller option on the go.

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Last up, the belt bag. I bought this a couple of summers ago and I have used it so much. It's perfect for wearing with skirts and dresses because you can carry your phone or other essentials while remaining hands free. It's also unfortunately unavailable right now but I am really hoping that Madewell brings back an updated version of it this spring or summer. If you are looking for a similar belt bag or any of my Madewell bag favorites, be sure to check on Poshmark to see if you can find one second hand. Madewell bags are such great quality and hold up for many, many years so they are a great item to hunt down second hand. I love using this belt bag for our travels. It took me from Puerto Rico to Disney World, hands free!

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And, lastly isn't a bag that own... yet. It's a bag that is currently on my wish list! As you can see in this post, I certainly don't need a new Madewell bag but I feel like at this point I have kind of become a collector! I love adding to my collection and sharing my bags with y'all. I honestly carry a Madewell bag every single day and I don't see that changing anytime soon!

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful day!