A Fresh Start

I officially went back to work last Thursday, but it was just prep work and staff meetings. Today marks the first day the kids are in school, and my first real day of work for this school year. I'm a little anxious, but I'm also excited! I enjoyed having my Summer off, but I'm looking forward to being in a routine again, and obviously the paychecks ;)

I totally had no idea what to do with myself yesterday. I wanted to be productive, but I also wanted to just sleep in and relax. Sleeping in didn't really go as planned and I tried to force myself to go back to sleep, so I was just even more tired. I cleaned the house just the other day, so I only had 2 loads of laundry to get through. Usually cleaning the house makes me feel productive and accomplished, but not yesterday. Both dogs and Koshka laid around all day. It was hard to get Gunner up, but Spencer was his usual energetic, puppy self, haha!

Today and tomorrow, September 1st, will be the beginning of a fresh start for me. I'm on day 22 of my 4th round of Whole30, but I plan to continue clean eating until at least Rob's birthday in October. I find it a lot harder to say no to certain foods (and wine) when I'm on day 31 or above because technically Whole30 was "over". I could do a Whole45 or Whole60, but I find it doesn't help with finding that balance. We also have a few events coming up that I won't have meals prepared for, like Thanksgiving in October.

My fresh start will include me actually going to 30 Minute Hit and having a generally more positive attitude towards work and other things in general. It was exhausting to have a negative attitude waking up for work, so that is definitely going to change. 

I've also been getting very bored with the regular foods I've eaten on Whole30, so I decided to stir things up a bit and actually try some of the recipes in their new book. Above is a breakfast, egg-free hash and it is SO good! My cousin and her boyfriend are starting their first round on September 10th and I am so excited! I really wish everyone would do a full round to feel how amazing they can actually feel. I made them dinner on Saturday night and made the sausage patties from the Whole30 book - they were actually really good! I didn't mix the ingredients well enough so we'd get mouthfuls of sage and garlic powder, but you live and learn, hahaha! 

I've put so many tabs in the book, and I'm determined to make each recipe in there. I'm looking forward to Fall and when the weather cools down for those yummy crock pot dinners. It's just not the same in the Summer, for me. My first crockpot meal is going to be those pulled pork carnitas *heart eyes for days*. I've heard such good things about them, they can only be delicious.

My new favourite thing is to infuse water. Pictured above is the water I've been addicted to for the past 4 days. It has frozen raspberries and torn, fresh mint leaves. So, so good!

Do you have any big plans for Fall? 

xo. Nicole

Favourite Post Link up || October

While browsing through some blogs one morning, I came across Ashley's little nook, Hello Nature. She hosted a link up where you could share your favourite post from the month. I jumped right on that, and now I am so happy to be a part of such a fun group project! This is a monthly feature on the last Sunday of each month. You'll have one week to link up. I'm excited to see all of your favourite posts from October!

Looking for Hosts

Want to host this link-up with us? We have one-time spots available and regular host spots as well! Just send Ashley an email at ashley@hellonatureblog.com for more details!

This Month's Hosts

Ashley from Hello Nature, Lexy from Crazy Cass Life and Nicole from a la Maxfield

My favorite post from October:

My favourite post totally has to be Delicious Eats || Apple Butter!

 Now link up your post + enter to win the gift card below!

 TMFP Giveaway - October

Delicious Eats || GF Thanksgiving Cupcakes!

Our Canadian Thanksgiving was on October 13th, but we had our dinner on the 18th in Camrose, Alberta. While my father-in-law and his fiance were providing everything, I wanted to see if there was anything I could do to help. We ended up getting the easy job, bringing dessert ;)

With my husband and his sister having Celiac Disease, I've gotten pretty good at making gluten free desserts. Sometimes, I don't want to make things from scratch and just buy the store bought, pre-made stuff. Pre-made gluten free products are usually just loaded with sugar and other weird ingredients to make them taste decent. We've found that making our own from scratch tastes best. 

Like I said though, sometimes I just don't want to put too much effort in. Alas, I bought some GF cake mix from Superstore and went at 'er!

Here's what you'll need for Apple Cinnamon Walnut Cupcakes (pretty Thanksgiving-ish, eh?):

• 1 box GF yellow cake mix (I used President's Choice)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 3 tbsp cinnamon

1|| Follow directions on the cake mix box for oven temperature and pan preparation.

2|| SUB the eggs and butter on the package directions, for applesauce (1/4 cup for everything). Add in the applesauce, oil, cinnamon, and walnuts.

3|| Mix everything together! Add in to cake pan, or lined muffin pan. Bake according to package directions.

Wait for the cupcakes to cool for 10 minutes before taking out of the pan. Cool them on a wire rack for an hour before icing. I suggest some cream cheese icing, for sure! I was lazy and bought the Duncan Hines whipped vanilla icing, which is also gluten free. 

Soooo, I don't have a picture of the cupcakes all iced and super yummy looking...as they're gone. They were delicious, and I'll definitely make them again, despite them being from a box.

I hope all my Canadian bloggers had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I can't wait to see the recipes and festivities that my American bloggers will post about!

xo. Nicole

Delicious Eats || Apple Butter

I always buy too many groceries for the work week, and we're always left with bad carrots, apples, or bananas. Bananas are easy to freeze and use for baking. Apples? Not so much. I've been getting in trouble from the Hubs for stocking our freezer full of bananas, and I've been slowly making my way through our giant bag. Since apples aren't too simple to freeze, I decided that I needed to use them right away.

I had an entire bowl (a whole bag!) of apples that just passed the point where they looked fine, but had that horrible mushy texture when eaten. I pinned and pinned, and asked friends what I should do with them. A friend brought up caramel apple pie jam. Does just thinking about it make you drool, too? We didn't have any pectin on hand at the time, so I settled for something just as wonderful.

I came across a recipe on Pinterest for apple butter! It couldn't have been easier, and tastier! I skipped peeling the apples, and I wish I hadn't been so lazy. It's virtually refined sugar free, and a healthy alternative for something to spread on your waffles, pancakes, rice cakes, toast, etc.!

I didn't put it through the food processor either, but I added a liiiittttle bit of corn starch at the end to thicken it up. It also recommended the stove to thicken it, but I'm lazy. I cooled it on the counter in 4 mason jars (3 little, 1 big) overnight, and put them in the fridge in the morning. 

Also, apple butter is for sharing. I wrote a little note on the small jars, and tied with some Fall colour inspired ribbon. I hope the people on the receiving end enjoy their apple butter!

Do you share your baked/cooked goods?

xo. Nicole

The Circle || Fall Favourites

I'm linking up with Kiki for The Circle link up. This month's theme is Fall Favourites! I've talked a lot about Fall and what I love about it, but I can't get enough. #sorrynotsorry ;)

Pictures courtesy of Treasured Forever Photography and of my mother-in-law.

1|| Favorite fall fashion/clothing item? 
Definitely scarves! They keep me warm during the day for most part, and they can really make an outfit.

2|| Favorite fall drink? 
I've worked at Starbucks, and could never stomach the pumpkin spice latte. Maybe I can now, now that I'm no longer working there? Otherwise, it's a caramel macchiato!

3|| What's something on your fall bucket list?
I shared my goals a couple weeks ago, but I have yet to follow through with some of them. The snail mail goal is easy, but the gluten free pie crust is still stumping me.

4|| Favorite fall recipe?

I tried making oatmeal last year, but that didn't work out. I don't think I have a recipe really, but breakfast for dinner tastes SO much better when it's cold outside.

5|| Halloween candy or Pumpkin Spice Latte?

Halloween candy, but I'll also go for a latte. Just not pumpkin spice.

6|| Favorite fall scent?

I love love love the smell of apple cider. That includes nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, etc.! They just smell so warm and cozy.

7|| Favorite fall holiday?

Thanksgiving, and my husband's birthday. His is on October 12th, and Thanksgiving for us Canadians lands on the 13th. Woo hoo long weekend! It also marks 4 years of being together since our first date :)

8|| What is fall (weather) like where you live?

Oh my gosh, we've already had 2 days of snow and a couple frosty mornings. We've also experienced 29*C weather, and then snow the next day. I think Alberta just doesn't know what it wants to do during Fall. I don't think we really get one, as I hear the snow is coming soon!

xo. Nicole

Gluten Free || Apple Pie Fillin'

I've mentioned how much I love Fall (as have many, many bloggers) on here a couple times, but I seriously just can't get enough. Sometimes, pies are baked while babysitting our nephews and niece. I really wanted to make a gluten free pie so that I could perfect the crust, and so Rob and his sister could eat some, but apparently it wasn't in the cards for me this weekend.

I'm not sure if regular pie filling is void of gluten, but I found a yummy apple recipe that used corn starch instead of flour. I cheated and bought the pre made pie shells though, so it wasn't completely from scratch. Shhh, don't tell anyone.

Our nephews picked some granny smith apples from a neighbour's tree down the road, and I think it adds a homey-Fall touch to the pie. Home made pie filling, with home grown apples. What could be better?

I'm still trying to work on a gluten free pie crust, but I didn't really have the time or patience at the time to try it out. Perhaps next week!

xo. Nicole

Welcome to Fall

Fall is full of amazing things, and I think it's safe to say that it's almost everyone's (in the blogging world) favourite season. I know that it's mine, except for when the snow rolls in earlier than everywhere else, here in Alberta. I mean, it's snowed for the past 2 days and today is iffy. Ugh.

I'm looking forward to wearing a cardigan and a scarf every day at work, and cozy weekends with hot chocolate and coffee, while planning Christmas gifts and Thanksgiving dinner. In light of the new season approaching, I've asked all the wonderful ladies on my side bar a couple questions about Summer and the upcoming wonderful time of year!

Without further ado,

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1|| Anything exciting happen over the Summer? Cordelia took her first steps!

2|| What are you most excited about for Fall? Halloween – I love getting the kids all dressed up and going trick-or-treating.

3|| What is your go-to wardrobe piece for Fall? I just bought this gorgeous grey chunky knit sweater that is going to get a ton of use!

4|| What is your favourite blog post that you've ever written? I wouldn’t be able to narrow it down… any one about my kids

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1|| Anything exciting happen over the Summer? I was a bridesmaid in my besties wedding!

2|| What are you most excited about for Fall? Wearing sweaters and boots and comfy things! Summer apparel is so cute, but not always the most comfortable.

3|| What is your go-to wardrobe piece for Fall? Probably my boots. The perfect pair that goes with anything and are way comfy. Can you tell I like to be comfy, haha?!

4|| What is your favourite blog post that you've ever written? Dang, that's hard! Umm...probably the post about what I learned in the first year of marriage. That post captures pretty much what this whole blog means to me, which is sharing my experiences as a newlywed and connecting with others through it. I spent a ton of time drafting that post too, so I'm pretty proud how it finally came out.

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1|| Anything exciting happen over the Summer? I was fortunate enough to do a lot of traveling this summer but I think the best part about it all was having the opportunity to meet new members of my family. I got to meet my fiance's extended family for the first time and also a cousin-in-law that has just become part of mine. So that was very rewarding and I'm so happy I was able to get to know all of them. As you grow up, you realize more and more just how important your family is. It's a bond that's indescribable. And when you get together and connect with your loved ones, it's just a confirmation of that unyielding love you have for them. 

2|| What are you most excited about for Fall? Leggings and oversized sweaters! I don't like to wear much in the summer (hello, Texas heat!) but sometimes I just want to throw on a sweater that swallows me whole and cuddle all day. I can't be the only one, right? 

3|| What is your go-to wardrobe piece for Fall? A big, comfy sweater! I think that last question pretty much summed up why (: 

4|| What is your favourite blog post that you've ever written? Oh gosh, that's a hard one. So I have this series called "A Few Things" where I basically word vomit all over my blog and just write out what's in my heart. I feel like they are the most satisfying and fulfilling posts I ever write because I simply express what's on my mind without any kind of filter and I am able to unload in a way. They are important to me because it's stuff that needs to get out anyways but also because I love the feeling of being completely honest and open and letting myself be vulnerable (which is something I don't normally do) but being ok with it. I have a lot of them but I narrowed down my favorites to these two because they came at kind of pivotal points in the last year of my life. You can check them out here and here!

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1|| Anything exciting happen over the Summer? Between obsessing over How To Train Your Dragon 2, going on a girls-only trip to Banff with my family and going to the Squamish Valley Music Festival in Squamish British Columbia, this summer has been full of quirkiness and unexpected adventures.

2||  What are you most excited about for Fall? Learning how to make pumpkin pie, being able to wear scarfs without overheating, Halloween, and going to Banff (again) with my Boyfriend.

3|| What is your go-to wardrobe piece for Fall? My trusty leather jacket and homemade mittens from my Grandma.

4|| What is your favourite blog post that you've ever written? My favourite post would have to be from way back in 2012 about Edmonton Expo.

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1|| Anything exciting happen over the Summer? We went to Lisbon, Portugal this summer.

2|| What are you most excited about for Fall? I am not really excited for fall, I am more of summer girl.

3|| What is your go-to wardrobe piece for Fall? A hoodie

4|| What is your favorite blog post that you've ever written? I love blogging about my roaming gnome. I take him on all our vacations.

Thank you ladies for hopping over here to share your favourite things about Fall! I too, am looking forward to cozy knit sweaters and checking out your favourite blog posts.

Would you like to participate? Email me at nicole.franson1@gmail.com if you'd like to swap buttons!

xo. Nicole

Goals || Fall

Today is officially the last day of my summer vacation. It's bittersweet! I'm looking forward to working again, and having the structure of a Monday-Friday schedule, but I'm going to miss cuddling all day with Gunner. To get myself pepped up for going back to work, I've devised a lists of things that I want to get done by the end of Fall. 

I'm in love with the scents, clothing, weather, food, and products of Fall. Coffee on the way to work, while wearing a cozy cardigan and scarf. Baking pies, crock pot dinners, spiced lattes, candles and mugs. Ugh, why is Fall the best season?

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• Run twice a week - I know it's going to be difficult for me, as I'm always exhausted after work, but I have to suck it up.
• Perfect a gluten free pie recipe - I have no idea how well gluten free flour does in pie crust, but we shall see.
• Save as much money as we can - Buying a house soon, so we have a LOT to save up for by the end of the year.
• Begin using my day planner - ie. stay organized! Bills, birthdays, coffee dates, appointments, etc..
• Send out snail mail to 3 friends - Interested? Shoot me an email with your address and we can swap some snail mail!
• Write and schedule blog posts for the weeks on Sundays - Do you have any go-to post ideas for when you're having writers block? 

What are your goals for Fall? As always, feel free to share a link to your post in the comments!

xo. Nicole

Caramel Pear Pie

Okay guys, are you ready for this? I received a TON of canned pear halves and I had no idea what to do with them. I googled and googled until I came across this AMAZING recipe for Caramel Pear Pie! I promptly ran out the door last night and bought the limes and cinnamon that I needed for the filling. I'm currently waiting for the second pie to be done so that I can race off to the post office to pick up a package, then go to Rob's parents house for dinner.

I followed the recipe directly, except for the fact that I don't have a food processor. I cut the butter in to tiny little cubes before freezing them, and then just mashed the pieces up with some knives and my fingers when I added them to the flour mixture. A food processor would probably be better.

This is my first time making a pie EVER. I'm just glad that they came out looking like pies ;) My massive craving to make a pie this Fall has been satisfied. Is it weird that I only wanted to make one and not eat it? My mind has since been changed because our apartment smells heavenly and I just want to dive in.

Have you done any Fall baking?

xo. Nicole