Pumpkin muffins

I absolutely love baked goods that have pumpkin as their main ingredient. My friend Stephanie makes amazing pumpkin bread and I'm lucky that her mom bakes me a loaf whenever they make a huge batch! Pumpkin is very low in fat and very high in flavor. It has a great texture and makes everything moist and smooth. Sometimes I have trouble finding something to eat in the morning, so I decided to make some pumpkin muffins that I can use to fuel up in the morning before work, or enjoy as a late night snack. They're light and delicious, and also low in fat. This recipe calls for 1/2 a cup of vegetable oil, but if you replace the oil with apple sauce it gives nice texture and flavor as well, and reduces the calories by a lot!

Mini Whole Wheat Pumpkin Muffins
Recipe from The Perfect Recipe for Losing Weight and Eating Great by Pam Anderson

1 can (15 ounces) pure pumpkin
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup neutral-tasting oil (I used canola)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a 24-cup mini muffin tray with cooking spray.

In a skillet, heat the pumpkin and spices over medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a bowl and add brown sugar, whisking to combine. Add the oil, then slowly add the eggs.

In a medium bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients (dry ingredients). Whisk in the pumpkin mixture, just until combined.

Portion out the batter into the muffin cups, about 2 tablespoons each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden and an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes, then finish cooling them on a rack. Store in an airtight container.

Summer

This summer I'm working at a paper store that sells notebooks, especially Moleskines. I bought a moleskine journal that I want to use to make collages out of photographs I take throughout my summer, as well as a place where I can write thoughts, poems, and possibly some short stories.

Since the summer's in Montreal are ridiculously humid, my clothing, hair, and makeup are going to be effortless and comfortable.

I love pairing boy-ish pieces with girly accessories. I love how Annie Hall rocks a tie but still looks feminine.

As for me, I rummage through my dad's closet and I love pairing his sweaters with either tight jeans, leggings, or jean shorts.

Biking

I'm always happy when the warm weather approaches because I can ditch my bus pass and replace it with my bike. Biking is a great way to get around. It's fun, cheap, and it actually cools you off on a hot summer day because of the breeze! Luckily, some of my good friends love biking as well so we bike together, which makes it even better! Now I know it's really uncool to bike with a helmet, but I have to stress this... WEAR ONE. I don't like typical bike helmets so I opt for a skateboarding helmet. It's smaller and it looks better. 
So next time you want to take the bus, think about taking your bike instead! Not only is it better for the environment, but there are health benefits and honestly it's pretty damn fast!