Whitney Victoria, Author at Whitney Victoria

Fall Fabulous

I always can feel the seasons changing. Even when I was little. It would be steamy August and summer and I’d get (more) freckles each week, and then all of a sudden I would wake up one day and feel the morning air was the slightest bit brisk. Even if the summer sun would burn it off quite quickly, I just knew that that was Fall, hinting at its impending entrance.

This is my ode to Autumn. It’s a little bit funny that Fall has almost become a total basic girl cliché. I realized this today while daydreaming about pumpkin spice flavors, plaid scarves, and apple orchards, even though it’s currently about 78 degrees. Speaking of which, apparently it’s PSL day since Starbucks launches all the pumpkin drinks today. I’m usually underwhelmed by the actual pumpkin spice latte but their new Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew sounds like something I might need to try once.

I don’t really care that’s it’s so popular now because I’ve always been into flannel shirts and ankle boots and wandering through leaf-lined paths. Maybe it’s just social media that’s shed the light on the fact that just about every other person loves it too.

That crispness in the air? Pumpkins out front at the grocery store? The Halloween stores opening up? Pinecones, chrysanthemums, leaves of every color? Hiking without the gnats and ticks?

I’m here for it all.

The hot coffee, the beautiful sunsets, the leather jackets, the comfort food. The tights! Haha, a pale girl like me loves tight season.

I think Fall is a favorite for many people because it’s not as harsh as summer or winter. It’s leading into the time when we normally get cozy and slow down a little. School starts, and no matter how long I’ve been out, I get a little wistful for bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils.

I also start to feel more like myself again when the air gets cooler. I’ve often wondered why. Is it because I was born in winter? I feel at home there? There’s just a little extra something in my aura this time of year. As much as a I try to explain it and list the wonderful attributes of the season, I can never put my finger on it. I don’t really want to. If you know me, you know I love a little magic in my life and that’s what the unexplainable is. Magic.

~Whitney

P.S. What’s your favorite thing about Autumn?

August 27, 2019

Whitney VictoriaLeave a comment

Tuesday Turmoil

I hinted at this on my latest IG post…(go follow me to read heh).

When there is something I don’t want to do or something I don’t like but I need to do anymore, I try to make it better, more special somehow. I’m not perfect and there are times when I get stuck in the negative thinking, but my go-to response is to try to make it fun!

A lot of time it’s just for myself, and that’s pretty much all that matters. No one might know that I just went to get a latte at Starbucks because it’s a little treat. Or I took the long way home for a change of scenery. I think it’s so easy to get caught up in our daily lives, doing what we’re “supposed to do.” We forget that we have the power to change anything at anytime. Yes, it might not be easy but after awhile of this kind of bigger thinking, you get the hang of it.

The idea for this came from me hating Tuesdays. I shouldn’t say I hate them, but they sure are my least favorite day of the week. I can think of redeeming qualities for every other day but Tuesday. It’s not a fresh start like Monday. Wednesday is the peak from which you can see the other side, and it’s obviously not a weekend day. I don’t know, it’s just boring. Sorry Tuesday.

Something hit me this morning that I don’t need to just get through all the rest Tuesdays I get to experience in my life, I can actually enjoy them!

Seriously, Whitney. Duh.

How did I not realize this before? I know I always get to decide how I feel so why did I forget I could change my narrative around Tuesdays too?

I started with trying to think of all the good points of Tuesdays. Well, I didn’t come up with more than like two.

It’s a blank slate.
A lot of new podcast episodes are released on Tuesdays.

That’s it, you guys. All I could think of.

Sooo…my next plan of attack is that I create new experiences for myself. Plan a little treat or something unique on a Tuesday every week. Could be little or big. Now this was a fun list to create.

Try a new fitness class
Schedule a wellness practice (ie. salt lounge, meditation)
Cook a special dinner
Go to the library and find a new book
Buy a fancy cappuccino (I basically always get black coffee or Americanos)
Get a facial, manicure, spa treatment (or to save money, have an Epsom salt bath/face mask situation at home!)
Go window shopping
Make lunch plans with a friend
Plan a TV free night
Bake cookies

Of course you can tailor it to your hobbies and things you love. I believe if I make just this little bit of effort to plan a small, fun thing, I’ll break out of my routine bubble and, who knows?, maybe even begin to look forward to Tuesdays!

~Whitney

P.S. What day of the week do you dread? What do you do to make something more fun?

August 20, 2019August 20, 2019

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meditation motivation

Oh hey, yeah, it’s super trendy and that usually annoys me a little, but meditation is pretty magical.

In this day and age, I think it’s an even more important tool now to help with improving our mental health. Every moment we’re surrounding by media. Technology is always waiting at our fingertips to give our brains new ideas and concepts. We can barely think our own thoughts anymore without some kind of outside influence.

I am not going to lie and say I meditate every day or really even on a set schedule, however, when I set aside time to sit quietly and do nothing, shifts happen in my life.

There are so many resources out there today to help you but you honestly don’t need a single thing to get started.

This summer I started meditating outside and it’s been nice but you can do it anywhere that feels right. If I’m feeling extra fancy I’ll light a candle and maybe hold a crystal or two. It’s not necessary though! It’s too easy for me to skip it because it’s not the “perfect” time or setup. (What is that trait? Perfectionism or just an excuse to procrastinate? That’s a mystery for another time.) Literally, you can meditate anywhere without a single prop.

Anyway, it depends on my mood what type of meditation I feel like doing.

Ways to meditate:

Solo – In your car, bedroom, on a park bench…Use headphones with music if you want but it’s not necessary unless you’re trying to tune out some outside noise. I suggest just instrumental music; lyrics usually make me think too much. I’m a dork and love movie soundtracks (Legends of the Fall…swoon) and Jim Brickman.

During exercise – Any cardio is great for this, I think because of the repetitive motion, like running, walking, biking, ellipticalling…that’s a word, right? I rarely wear headphones when running (unless I’m going for speed on a gym treadmill. I like the music for a motivation boost!) and it’s such great thinking time. It’s not classic meditation but it’s mind-clearing time where I come up with a lot of solutions to things I’ve been mulling over.

Group meditation – look around for events on Facebook. A couple places in my area that have meditations now and then are The Salt Lounge, Bldg 7 Yoga, and Integrative Healing Arts. At first I thought this might be strange, sitting silently in a room with a bunch of people, but it’s usually been great. There’s a different energy when you’re all together.

Apps – If you can’t tear yourself away from your phone, you might like an app to help you get started with meditation. I’ve heard great things about the Headspace app!

YouTube – I’ve been known to search randomly on YouTube for meditations. There are thousands out there but it can also be a little overwhelming. I recommend listening to the first few seconds of one before committing. I def. can’t stand certain people’s voices or overall vibes and have to switch to a new one asap!

Journaling – I wasn’t sure if I should include this as a type since it’s a little more active but I think it’s an excellent practice and can definitely be meditative. If you’re not used to writing, start with a prompt. Soon you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to write from your heart, not your mind. Cliché but true.

It’s seriously about just quieting your thoughts for a few minutes. I get clarity, and weirdly, feel more energized after I meditate. Sometimes I’ll do it in bed and then realize I’m a little more awake! Not really what I was going for then, but it’s amazing at what just sitting still does for me.

If you’re not sure where to start, do this: Set a timer for 5 minutes. Close your eyes and just notice your thoughts. Don’t try to get rid of them or change them, just notice how they come up and how they flow away and onto the next one. There’s no forcing your brain to be quiet, it’s more the action of letting go of the thought, not trying to understand it. Once your timer goes off, just go about your day. See if sitting quietly gets a little easier after each time you do it.

There will oddly be times where I crave it now. Sometimes I just want to grab a notebook and write some random thoughts. Anyway I do it is time well spent.

I’d love to hear your experiences meditating or why you haven’t gotten in to it before!

~Whitney

August 13, 2019August 13, 2019

Whitney Victoria5 Comments

Laughing’s My Favorite

It’s soooo easy to get stuck in a solemn mood. Maybe it’s because I’m focused on a goal or possibly because I’m determined to craft a new plan of attack for whatever strikes my fancy lately. It’s not always because I’m sad or discouraged about something. These are the times when I stay in a mood. It’s that dull, lackluster, monotonous feeling where things seem to just be rolling along with the clock, no big changes or manifestations.

Ew to that. I like the sparkle and the joy.

It’s like when I want to be dancing around the kitchen, music blaring (Well, not blaring; I don’t like super loud things in my house. I have sensitive ears, okay?), making scrambled eggs or something. You know the feeling, when I don’t have a time schedule and just act a little weird and silly like no one’s watching, even if someone is. It’s freedom to let go of control and literally let loose.

I got to thinking this more and more recently. As adults it’s almost an unlearning of sorts. We’re taught to button up and save the wild times for very specific moments when they’re deemed acceptable.

Hello! There is no scheduling fun when you’re a kid. We can be silly! We can have fun! This doesn’t make us any less responsible or respected as grown ups. In fact, I believe it sends out the message to the universe that we’re having a great time here on Earth and we’re open to more enjoyable moments. So yes, it’s not a perfect world where we never lose our sense of fun for fun’s sake, but this just means we have to be a tad more conscious about it.

I’m trying to make time for the silliness.

Watch a funny movie/TV show I know gets me laughing or smiling or just feelin’ good.
Daydream.
Sing out loud to my favorite songs.
Color.
Play dress up.

None of this is relegated to kids; we just seem to forget these are options.

Last night my mom and I went to see I Love Lucy in the movie theaters for Lucille Ball’s birthday and it was so fun. They showed a couple episodes in color and even though I’ve seen them all (many times) before I still laugh so hard! It was worth the staying up a little later. If you know me, you know I’m in bed by 8:30pm on a weekday…

This was the reminder I needed that I can laugh and have a great time any moment of any day. A “normal” schedule doesn’t allow time for that. It doesn’t always come naturally but it always boosts my mood for a long time after. It’s something I’m working on and I think it will keep getting easier to do without thinking.

So for now, I’m just over here connecting with my inner child, people!

~Whitney

August 7, 2019August 7, 2019

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Current Favorite Snacks

My eating habits have had such a roller coaster ride over the last few years.

I’m pretty over labels and rules and restrictions and anything else that tells me I can’t have this or need to eat that. However, I’m still into health and feeling my best. I’ve cut out certain foods off and on for years. Seriously, I’d say almost 15 years. I was searching for that magic bullet, the mystical diet that would change my digestion, my body, and my life.

I’m here to say that diet does not exist. Maybe paleo works for you right now but it may not in a year. Maybe I feel better eating less sugar this month but by September I might feel just as good having dessert every single night. Things change, so do I.

I know now that I can have whatever I want (except bananas. I really believe I have an allergy…), in moderation. “Moderation” can be an annoying term but it really means something different to everyone. I just had to figure out my own moderation.

Anyway, I’m talking about my current favorite snacks that make me happy and satisfied. Maybe you’ll find something new!

Epic Bars

I’m a little tired of most snacks, especially bars, being sweet. I’ve always been more of a savory/salty person so these are perfect! It’s more portable than jerky and has great, clean ingredients. Fave flavor is the Bison Bacon Cranberry but I’ve tried a bunch and they’re all good.

Siggi’s Simple Sides

So far I liked the Almonds and Dried Cherries flavor the best. I’ve eated these for breakfast along with a muffin or just alone for a snack. I love the crunch that the toppings add because I’ve never been one for the normal texture of plain yogurt. I love that there’s like 16 grams of protein in each one because I notice I feel fuller longer when I have enough.

Happy Yummies Gummy Bears

I am not super into candies. Normally I’d rather pick chocolate but since I’ve been experimenting with running fuel (which gummies are great for!), I randomly picked these up at Marshalls on clearance the other week. They really are some of the best gummies! The bag I bought has 12 flavors, like Pink Grapefruit and lemon, and they’re the softest, non-sticky gummies I’ve ever had. It’s nice to grab just like five or six of them after lunch for something sweet.

Black Bean Brownie Bites

And my final snack I’ve been having lately is black bean brownie bites! Really, this is such a good version of them. You would never know the beans are in them, but it gives them such a great, dense texture and really compliments the chocolate well. I love the bite size and the chunks of chocolate chips in them. I’ve been having one after dinner and it’s the cutest little dessert to end the night! This recipe made about 20 so I froze them to keep whenever I want a treat.

‘Till next time!

💕Whitney

August 6, 2019August 7, 2019

Whitney Victoria

Trying too hard?

Trying too hard has been such a theme in my first 30 years. I’ve gotten tons and tons better but it would just sort of stop in one area of my life and stay present in another.

Trying too hard to be perfect.

Trying too hard to be nice.

Trying too hard to be organized.

Trying too hard to look pretty and polished.

Trying too hard to be something (everything) I’m not.

There is much to be said for self-improvement. In fact, it’s basically my favorite pastime. However, the feeling that I need to change in order to feel better about myself or more worthy of my dreams I’m trying to manifest is completely insane. That’s what trying too hard has done for me. It was almost always never about growing and chasing my goals. It was almost always about striving for perfection so the world would think I was good enough. It was never for the sake of having fun and being myself.

The act of trying is really an act of doing nothing but spinning my wheels. Stuck in the mud, trying to run away and gain some traction. It was usually something I had to force myself to do and something I did not really enjoy. I would even try to like whatever I was forcing myself to do!

I lost all the magic, all the spontaneity, all the fun.

Now, there is a time and place for planning and pushing myself. There’s even an instance or two when I need to force myself to do something, but that only works when the end goal I dream of requires consistent action.

I swear I won’t always use running as a life metaphor but it just works, okay?

Case in point: I’m running a marathon this November (115 days to go!) and there are some days I reallllly don’t want to get out and run my miles even though my training plan says so. This is when I let my (old friend) rigidness come out and show me who’s boss. I need this run or else I’m going to regret it on race day. This run makes me stronger and more prepared. This run gets me closer to my dream of crossing “Run a marathon” off my bucket list. It’s those literal steps that are taking me where I want to go.

That, to me, is not trying too hard. It’s just fighting for my goals.

I’ve been really into surrendering lately and that’s what kicking this habit of trying too hard means to me. Surrender has been quite the trendy word but, man is it a tough one to actual practice. I’ve never noticed just how tight my grip on the world is until I started to let go.

What a work in progress I am. Aren’t we all?

P.S. I like fun things too. It’s not all a lot of words and thinking and pondering life’s purpose up here…aka in my head.

August 2, 2019August 1, 2019

Whitney Victoria2 Comments

Sugar Detox: Why It’s Necessary

Yeah, I know. You might not want to actually quit sugar. You might love it. I totally do but it is one of those things that really hurts in the long run, no matter how good it seems in the moment.

I fully intend to have Lindt Lindor truffles on a semi-regular basis. Because they’re amazing. Because one makes me happy and satisfied. No, they are not the healthiest chocolate in the world. They do have some questionable ingredients, but they are some of the best I’ve ever had. Seriously, buy my favorite flavor right //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=whitneyvictor-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B002RNYDBU&asins=B002RNYDBU&linkId=c721a00dfc767e41e57020bca4c6fd57&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff“>here. The extra dark are to die for. Well, every flavor really is, except the orange. That one just shouldn’t exist in my opinion.

Anyway, sorry for the chocolate rant. I just love it. That proves my point that I will still have a Carvel ice cream cake on my birthday every year. I just don’t want to NEED it. I don’t want to crave sugar to the point where I feel powerless in it’s grasp.

In one sitting, I’ve eating an entire bag of those exact truffles I mentioned at on point probably a year ago. Sugar is that thing that makes your brain think you need it to be happy and satisfied. The first, oh maybe 3 chocolates were amazing and I loved every bite, and then my brain kept telling me “More is better.” 12 empty wrappers and one almost stomachache later, I knew that wasn’t true.

What do we do about the sugar addiction?

I go cold turkey with the hard stuff. By this I mean the chemically engineered, fully processed versions of sugar like high fructose corn syrup and anything like Splenda or aspartame.

Then I start with replacing those sugars with naturally-derived sweeteners like raw stevia. I will only use //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=whitneyvictor-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00CQ7YSW6&asins=B00CQ7YSW6&linkId=d9b24b6dc9f8de599a82580af56164c9&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff“>Stevia in the Raw packets or this //ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=whitneyvictor-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B01B048808&asins=B01B048808&linkId=7cd9d157d83feabff1e74535624af3ba&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff“> liquid stevia (it comes in caramel and other great flavors!). I also use limited coconut sugar and unsweetened applesauce for baking. My snacks will include some whole fruits and I’ll still allow some clean snack bars. More on this in my next post.

The next week or so, I’ll try to limit adding stevia to my oatmeal and cut back on bars.

After that, I only eat fruit once a day, preferably in the mornings, and don’t add any sweetener to my dishes.

Then I stay in that phase for at least another week to the point that I don’t crave something sweet after lunch and supper.

That’s always my goal. I want to kill the cravings.

Is craving something bad?

Well, it is when it’s sugar. See, sugar is in so much conventionally-made food these days that you might not even realize it unless you’re constantly reading nutrition labels like I do.

When you give up sugar, you gain a LOT.

Some benefits:

Clearer, brighter skin
Less noticeable cellulite (yeah, it’s true. I’ve seen it happen)
You’re less hungry for junk food
Lose belly fat
1. and overall weight loss, for that matter
Drastically lower risk for diabetes
Energy increases

Check out the following sources: Here, here, and here.

Now. What does sugar actually do to you body?

Side Effects of Eating too Much Sugar:

Weight gain
1. “Additionally, excessive fructose consumption may cause resistance to leptin, an important hormone that regulates hunger and tells your body to stop eating (4). In other words, sugary beverages don’t curb your hunger, making it easy to quickly consume a high number of liquid calories. This can lead to weight gain.” source
Increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer
Increases risk of depression
Accelerates skin aging
1. Yes, I’m vain enough to admit this is a factor in my detox
Potential liver damage

And, those are just a some of the reasons it’s necessary to quit the habits.

Now, who’s with me?

~Whitney Victoria

P.S. Bonus shot of me holding an ice cream cone called The Salty Pimp. The shop is fun and bright and offers treats like the “Dorothy” and the “Rocky Roadhouse.” Any ice cream place that joins rainbow sprinkles with the Golden Girls is okay by me. Just not every day…

July 11, 2018July 11, 2018

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Sugar Detoxing: Easing into It

I’m early into it, very early, like 2 full days into my self-imposed sugar detox. I’m always one for challenges and pushing myself but this decision seemed extra necessary this time of year.

I love ice cream and chocolate, obviously. Who doesn’t? I’m good at making healthier desserts but the problem is that if those options aren’t there, what am I going to want? The traditional cake, with gluten white sugar, and lord knows what else.

Those cravings were just getting out of control. Sure, I could kid myself and act like I’d only eat some super clean blueberry muffins that I whipped up, but then slowly I’d “allow” myself candy or Halo Top or something once week, which would become twice a week. Every savory meal left me wishing I had a sweet bit to finish it off. Sometimes I’d just have a piece of hard candy but other days that just set me off to wanting even more.

I just got tired of having a craving at all. I believe a craving means you don’t have control over wanting something. I don’t like feeling powerless, especially over something as small, and meaningless as sugar. I kept pushing it off and saying I’d stop eating “next week” or after the weekend, etc.

After July 4th, I knew I had to kick the habit. I had a “goodbye” bowl of ice cream and felt terrible after eating it. When I go for awhile eating mostly fruits, vegetables, and overall clean food, a big serving of sugar affects me like crazy.

I swear my heard beat a little faster and I felt soooo sluggish. I even woke up with what felt like a sugar hangover. I had no energy! It just reinforced exactly what I already knew.

Sugar was harming me. It felt for about 5 minutes and then it went bad. IT really is an addiction.

So. Yesterday I decided to go cold turkey.

I made up my own challenge because I wasn’t finding any program I really cared to follow.

My 3 simple rules:

No added sugar
- read this article for all the sneaky names of sugar!
Only 1 serving of fruit/day
- before lunch
Follow for at least 30 days
- preferably until the cravings are gone

I’ve done this type of sugar detoxing before and have pretty many tips and coping mechanisms. It’s never easy but I know it will be worth it.

I’m going to share just how to get through those cravings this week and how to still have fun eating! Stay tuned!

~Whitney Victoria

July 10, 2018

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Inspired

Basically as soon as I knew how to screenshot something on my iPhone I was hooked. I began saving pics of pretty scenery, quotes I loved, outfits I wanted to emulate. The word “muse” comes to mind but this is not the extent I want to relay. To me, “muse” is long-term. It’s someone who serves as constant inspiration for whatever your project maybe. These moments I compile are tiny hits of inspiration that are ever-changing and always being replaced or forgotten. It’s the things in life that come across my path that cause me to make a certain “small” decision. It’s like this: I see a bright bunch of flowers at the farmer’s market and then choose my outfit based on that combination of vibrant orange and hot pink that I saw in those flowers. Get it?

Boom.

Inspired.

I am a collector of beautiful things and by “beautiful” I mean something that provokes emotion in me, just as much as something that I see as physically and aesthetically pleasing. Pinterest and Instagram has made this possible

As we speak, I’m sitting at a Panera drinking iced coffee and I can hear one of the male cashiers tell every customer to “have a beautiful day” at the end of their order. This is something that inspires me. The same man let me know he loved my dress while I was getting my coffee. Some people barely squeeze out a “thank you” or a “bye.” I always know that I am in that specific place and time because I was meant to witness that kindness and beauty. (Huge believer in timing right here.)

Anyway, I feel like starting a regular recap of my own inspiring moments I collected with all of you. Thursday night seemed like a good time to do this. Right before we head into the weekend, the last night that isn’t particularly joyful for most since we have one more day of work. Some times I might have lots of quotes, one time I may seem to be drawn toward landscapes, and I just know that my collection will include a lot of style, fashion, and even some gorgeous people.

I’m hoping that by sharing my inspirations, you notice those moments in your own lives and let them inspire you to do something wonderful.

Beauty is all around.

I’ve started here with my Instagram picks from the last few days.

Umm, hello, I’m going here. Something for me to reach for.

This one is all about the caption!

Every struggle is a chance to grow.

Seriously. My astrology sign cat is Indiana. It’s fate.

Listen to yourself. You will hear what you want.

We can heal ourselves from within. Oh yes.

I’m betting on myself. How about you?

Yessssss. No one is telling you what to do, say, think, or believe. That’s all you.

Yours,

Whitney Victoria

July 6, 2018July 5, 2018

Whitney Victoria1 Comment

Joy & Muffins

I decided to bake last night. I usually don’t bake during the week. I think I always feel like it will be an all-consuming 4 hour process or something so I push it off until I have “adequate” time on the weekends. Baking gives me a little jolt of accomplishment so I really need to stop assuming my other to-dos are more important and I don’t have time. You know what they say when your assume. The best part is that I had plenty of time to whip up muffins, pack some lunch for tomorrow, and do lift a few weight. Oh, and most importantly, I had time to watch Young and the Restless #priorities

My point is this: Don’t Postpone Joy. Chase it now.

So, what did I bake, you ask? In my head, you’re asking, ready for the recipe.

I always have criteria for my recipes. Usually I need to have everything on hand and easily accessible. No surprise that I couldn’t find something suitable from a quick Pinterest search, so I made up my own recipe.

Enter my Cinnamon Sugar Snacking Muffins.

They’re semi-healthy. Recipes like this I consider sorta like half-caff coffee. You’re still eating a little sugar and gluten but not near as much as in traditional recipes. The taste is still there and you most likely won’t miss the extra calories. It’s good when you want to bake something for a person who eschew healthy food. Most of the time I just can’t bring myself to not do some clean eating swaps.

This muffins are moist and have a cinnamony bite to them. They go well with tea as a snack. Since the batter doesn’t have as much sugar as most muffins, the topping adds a welcome sweet crunch.

Next time I plan on making them in my mini muffin tin. Like muffin poppers! Is that a thing?

Cinnamon Sugar Snacking Muffins

makes: 12 standard muffins or 18 mini muffins

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour (can use Bob’s Red Mill GF too!)

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter – melted

2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 tsp baking powder

pinch Himalayan salt

1/3 cup milk

1 flax egg (can sub for 1 egg)

Topping:

1/4 cup white sugar mixed

1 tbs cinnamon

Preheat over to 350 degrees. Sift together dry ingredients. Whisk all liquids together. Slowly incorporate liquids into dry ingredient bowl, until just mixed.

Mix topping together.

Spray 12 muffin tins with cooking spray. (I love this!) Pour batter evenly into muffin tins. Sprinkle topping onto each muffin. Bake for 15 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. They should be golden brown with a slightly crisp top. Don’t over bake!

Tip: You can fill just 8 muffin tins to the top for bakery-style muffins.

Let me know if you whip these up! I think adding apples would be great. : )

July 4, 2018

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