Oh man, I am exhausted! This has been the busiest month of the year, by far!
We've had company for a large portion of the month - our little apartment was very cozy! Corey's sister Meagan for about ten days at the beginning of the month, in town for some courses in her Notary program. Then my sister & nieces came for the third weekend of the month, for Isabella's dance workshop, and Talia's 4th birthday! We explored Granville Island, spent a whole day at Science World, wandered through Queen Elizabeth Park & the Bloedel Floral Conservatory, and watched Honey I Shrunk the Kids while it was raining. Isabella had an awesome time at her dance workshop - she got to take classes with SYTYCD's Blake McGrath & Ricky Ubeda! And Taila had so much fun, especially playing Corey's "pliano", she asked if she could come have her next birthday here too!
Also, work has been insane! We are getting closer to getting the new store in North Van open - aiming to open just after Thanksgiving. It's basically me and my boss planning everything, and I'll be receiving all the stock and setting up the store over the next couple weeks. As well as overseeing all the receiving for the other two Vancouver stores, and inventory control. I've been working 9 hour days almost everyday. I'm very much looking forward to the new store being open, so I can finally take a break.
But, never mind all that… let's talk cookies!
Week 35 - Funfetti Shortbread, via Fork to Belly - baked for 9-10 minutes, made 30 cookies (depending on the cutter you use)
I had a shortbread craving, and found this fun twist on a classic. But, despite my love of sprinkles, I think I prefer my shortbread plain.
I had a shortbread craving, and found this fun twist on a classic. But, despite my love of sprinkles, I think I prefer my shortbread plain.
Week 36 - World Peace Cookies, via Food 52 - baked for 11 minutes, made 21 cookies
When I came across the recipe, based on the name alone, I couldn't resist testing them out. They are kinda crumbly, kinda chewy, and very chocolately. Not sure if they live up to their name, but they are a tasty little cookie.
When I came across the recipe, based on the name alone, I couldn't resist testing them out. They are kinda crumbly, kinda chewy, and very chocolately. Not sure if they live up to their name, but they are a tasty little cookie.
Week 37 - Cream Cheese Cookies, via Food 52 - baked for 12 minutes, *3/4 recipe made 10 cookies
I was intrigued when I saw this recipe while flipping through one of my latest additions - Food 52 Baking. It only uses 5 ingredients, and I had some cream cheese to use up. Little did I know Corey had snuck some before I made the cookies, so I only had 3/4 the amount I needed - hence the 3/4 recipe. These cookies where super simple to whip up, and have a lovely tang from the cream cheese.
I was intrigued when I saw this recipe while flipping through one of my latest additions - Food 52 Baking. It only uses 5 ingredients, and I had some cream cheese to use up. Little did I know Corey had snuck some before I made the cookies, so I only had 3/4 the amount I needed - hence the 3/4 recipe. These cookies where super simple to whip up, and have a lovely tang from the cream cheese.
Week 38 - Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies, via Joy the Baker - baked for 12-13 minutes, made 20 cookies
This is my second time making this recipe, I first made it last fall. I was first inspried to try it after having an Apple Walnut Oatmeal cookie at one of our favourite coffee shops, Matchstick. When I first made them they didn't turn out great. They were very wet, and I was guessing it was because I didn't cut the apples small enough. But, they had the perfect fall flavours, so I was determined to give them another go. This time I cut the apples really small, in about 1/4" cubes. They turned out much better this time around, so I think that was the key. This has also made me want to bake apple everything!
Week 39 - Olive Oil & Sea Salt Cookies, via Butterlust - baked for 10 minutes, made 16 cookies
I ran out of butter. That's how I chose this recipe. I have been seeing a lot of olive oil recipes, and curious about how it would compare to recipes made with butter. The cookies turned out very moist, and had a slightly different flavour, almost more savoury.This is my second time making this recipe, I first made it last fall. I was first inspried to try it after having an Apple Walnut Oatmeal cookie at one of our favourite coffee shops, Matchstick. When I first made them they didn't turn out great. They were very wet, and I was guessing it was because I didn't cut the apples small enough. But, they had the perfect fall flavours, so I was determined to give them another go. This time I cut the apples really small, in about 1/4" cubes. They turned out much better this time around, so I think that was the key. This has also made me want to bake apple everything!
Week 39 - Olive Oil & Sea Salt Cookies, via Butterlust - baked for 10 minutes, made 16 cookies
Besides having a busy month, I am so happy fall is here! We've been soaking up the gorgeous autumn sunshine, and loving the cooler temperatures. We went for a hike up Mount Seymour last weekend, and are planning some adventures for the coming weekends. Looking forward to apple everything - I'm anti-pumpkin, if you didn't know. And, of course, drinking lots of tea! As Aalysia mentioned, David's Peanut Butter Cup tea is a new favourite.
We've gotten back into the habit of reading every night before bed. Corey just finished The Martian, and loved it. Looking forward to seeing the movie this weekend. I just finished The Girl On The Train, which was hard for me to get into at first, but was good in the end, even though I saw the "twist" coming. I just started My Name Is Memory by Ann Brashares (author of The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants). I'll let you know how it is.
I'm also in this phase where I just want to clear out our apartment, get rid of everything we don't need - which is quite a bit. I think the craziness of life is making me want to simplify our house. But I'm in a major nesting phase with the colder weather moving in. Hoping to make a few changes at home.
Hope all of you are doing well. Thinking of you often.
Sending love,
Xo, A
