Pumpkin Walnut Muffins

I love almost all things pumpkin. In light of the season, here is a recipe for some amazing pumpkin muffins I whipped up today (thank-you to the Penner family - this is a slightly tweaked version of what I got from you):

4 eggs

1 1/4 c packed brown sugar

1 1/4 c oil or marg

2 c whole wheat flour

1 c oatmeal

1 (or more) tbsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 can (514 ml?) pumpkin

1 c walnuts

1 c raisins or chocolate chips

I made smaller cupcake sized muffins, so I baked them for 20 minutes at 375 deg F. They are done when a toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy!

Going Coastal

It's already over a month into the first semester of University, and it feels like my two weeks in Vancouver at the end of August was a faint part of my past. I was there, however, and managed to conquer my fear of heights, debut as an assistant wedding photographer, break into an alpaca farm, and escape death by the Ogopogo. Oh yeah, and haul a couch onto the side of a mountain, just the uge. Definitely a good dose of adventure. I also saw a couple of my very dear friends in Vancouver, and had a chance to hang out with family in Kelowna. I miss you, west coast.

The Chief from our dashboard. This picture does not do this glorious mountain justice.

I had to lie to myself about how high I was to actually reach the top. I didn't look down once.

Don't be fooled, these are dangerous animals.

Cocoa Comfort

So, I made the best chocolate cupcakes of life the other day. Try this recipe, or you will surely die unfulfilled.

> Joy of Baking: Chocolate Cupcakes

PNNR GRLZ

The next victims of my photographic rampage are my lovely cousins, Whitney and Avery. These girls are actually so attractive, the quality and value of my camera increased after shooting them ;). In other news, I spent $350 on SD cards and a second battery today. I wish I wasn't thinking about how many hours I had to work to make that happen, ha. Well, at least it was a worthwhile investment. I guess I'll just have to sell a kidney on the black market to fund my next few years of school.... just kidding....

(but seriously, anyone interested?)

Nikon D90!

I finally got my new camera in the mail, and she's beautiful! I'm starting to second-shoot weddings with my best friend/superbly multi-talented photographer/grip/superwoman, Jordana, so I've been recruiting friends and family to model for me so I can practice :) Here are some faux engagement shots from my sister and her beau. Aint they cute?

JimmyJimmyJimmy

I love craigslist. Rather last minute I found myself a cheap Winnipeg Folk Festival ticket, and so I took a blanket and went on over to Birds Hill last night for a very, very good time. I haven't been to Folk Fest in a couple years, and I very regrettably missed Cornerstone this year, so an evening surrounded by interesting people and great music was the perfect prescription. Aside from the five minute long torrential downpour that completely soaked everyone, I'd say the evening was a success. I saw Emmylou Harris, which was a dose of my childhood and still a favorite of my mom's, and then of course the highlight of the night - the reggae legend, Jimmy fricken Cliff! It was downright fantastic. Jimmy and his band were on fire, such an invigorating live performance. I think it's going to enter my unofficial top five shows list, in fact. Unfortunately, forgetful as I am, I didn't bring a camera. So, here for your viewing "pleasure", are some noisy pixely images from my trusty blackberry.

♥

Midnight Monsters

So, you're wondering what I've been up to? Well, aside from watching an unhealthy amount of online documentaries and Grey's Anatomy (we all have our weaknesses), I made a midnight batch of my trademark cookies, I guess you could say. I suppose this is the first official glimpse into my domesticated heart. I love baking, and monster cookies are one of those things my friends beg me for over and over, despite how simple (really!) they are to make. I have to say, I'm definitely one of those people that enjoys the process more than the product. This pan just came out of the oven and I'm not in the mood for cookies at all. Good thing my sister and her beau are here to dig in.

Sorry about the image quality. Soon and very soon I will be purchasing a Nikon d90,

and everything will be OK. So, normally I don't use a recipe for these, but I put together

a guideline for a good batch if you want to make them. You can use your brains to tweak

things and make them your own.

Godzilla Cookies

1 cup baking margarine or butter

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all purpose flour

3 cups rolled oats

1 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup M&M's

1/2 peanut butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine wet ingredients with sugar, mix well. Combine dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Bake for 10-11 minutes in preheated oven (time will vary with every oven and how gooey you like your cookies). Serve warm with (preferably) a glass of Milk. Enjoy!