Treating yourself to something you really need

You know what’s a beautiful moment? When you finally decide to invest in something that you really really need. Like when you’ve been walking around in a pair of shoes with a hole in them for months and then finally take the plunge and buy yourself a new pair. Or when your hair is getting so long that it’s a tangled, frail mess and you manage to make it to the hairdresser for the cut of a lifetime. For me, the luxurious purchase I made was a brand new bed.

After sleeping on a single-sized half a century old bed for three years I finally took the plunge and bought myself a glorious new one. It’s a double, it’s pillow-top and it’s 100% magnificent. I can’t help but get into it at night and feel a little bit of joy wash over me (and perhaps a note of relief that my years of sleeping on a board are behind me). Granted, I am still in need of a headboard as lacking in one has caused a slight kink in my neck. But still – this is one investment I know I will be reaping the rewards of for years to come. So if there’s something you’ve been meaning to buy but have been putting off – quit it! Get out there and treat yourself!

Treat Yo Self

Meet Tom Haverford – the most hilariously wonderful character on the genius show Parks and Recreation. Now, this gentleman has said some ridiculous things over the course of time (i.e. Food Slang) but one thing he came up with that is absolute genius is the concept of Treat Yo Self.

I particularly love this idea because treating myself is not something I take on lightly. I lay out the pros and cons, I get anxious, I think about whether I really need this item, I hum and haw and exhaust anyone who happens to be around me at the time. The most extreme case of this occurred when I stared at a 2 Euro necklace for a good 10 minutes, walked away, came back a couple of hours later, stared at it for another 10 minutes, before my sister, thankfully, stepped in and forced me to buy it. And it was 2 Euros. So you can imagine the anxiety that washes over me when it comes to REAL purchases.

Somehow I have managed to overcome this fear of spending money when it comes to other people but for some reason, when it comes to buying things for myself, I am faced with many sleepless nights. But this is where I am going to allow Tom Haverford to step in.

My mom and sister have been trying to convince me to spend the money I made working all night on New Years Eve on something for myself. But I quickly dismissed the idea and locked the money up in the bank with no plans of spending it. But let’s face it – what’s the point of working if you don’t enjoy what you do and enjoy the benefits that come from it? So it is time to embrace Treat Yo Self.

This Tuesday I will be signing up for 4 months of highland dancing classes. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while but didn’t think I should spend the money on. But no more! Once a week I am going to do something just for me and it is going to be glorious! Thank you to my family and Tom Haverford for finally making this happen. Say it with me everyone…

Treat Yo Self

Funfetti Cupcakes!!

I love cupcakes and the only thing better than normal cupcakes is sparkly cupcakes. Which is why I am so grateful to the person who created the funfetti cupcake – because it’s genius! A little over a week ago I finally invested in this cupcake decorating set:

It was barely 12 bucks at Wal Mart so how could I resist!? I then came across a divine looking cupcake recipe which was just calling to be used. And then, miraculously an event came along that called for cupcakes and I embarked on my funfetti venture. And here are the results:

Funfetti Cupcakes

Makes 12

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:

- 1/2 cup butter

- 1 cup sugar

- 2 eggs

- 1 tablespoon vanilla

- 1 1/2 cups flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/3 cup milk

- 1/3 cup multicoloured sprinkles + more for decorating

For the icing:

- 1 cup butter

- 2 1/2 cups icing sugar

- 1 tablespoon vanilla

- 1 tablespoon milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lay 12 cupcake liners in a muffin tin.

2. Cream butter and sugar together in a bowl. Stir in eggs and vanilla.

3. In a separate bowl combine flour and baking powder. Pour half this mixture into wet ingredients and mix thoroughly. Once combined, pour in milk and stir well. Then add the remaining dry mixture.

4. Once thoroughly mixed, gently fold in the sprinkles. Be careful not to fold too much or the sprinkles will start to blend and you’ll end up with a brownish mix rather than a beautifully multicolored one.

5. Place a scoop of batter in each cupcake liner. Place tray in oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

6. While cupcakes bake you can work on the icing. Blend together butter, icing sugar and vanilla. If it is too solid, add in the tablespoon milk, if it is still too solid you may continue adding milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches desired consistency.

7. If you have an icing dispensing device, transfer icing into the bag (with the desired decorating nozzle), if not you may leave it in the bowl.

8. Remove cupcakes from oven and let cool completely. Once cooled, apply icing using dispensing device or simply a knife if you do not have a decorating set. Top iced cupcakes with sprinkles and you’re done!

Sore Muscles

Yes, sore muscles make me happy. As tough as it is when you stand up in the morning and your body screams in pain – knowing that you pushed it to its limits the day before is really rewarding. I completed my second half marathon yesterday and am very proud of how it went. I had fun the whole time and ran faster than I ever would have guessed I could. Even though it was rough going to work today with sore legs – it was quite satisfying knowing that my pain was only because I accomplished something incredible.

It also isn’t a bad trade when you get to treat yourself to this decadent mac & cheese as a reward for all your hard work:

(It’s easy to make if you’re interested in creating one yourself – just combine milk, butter, cheese and cut up sausage pieces.) I’m wondering how long I can get away with eating such decadent treats by saying to myself “I’ve earned it – I just did a half marathon!” I’m thinking I have at least another few days haha. I will continue pondering this subject as I eat some well earned Reese’s cups!

Pumpkin Spice Latte

I enjoy Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte but I’m not a huge fan of all the added sugar in it. So when I stumbled upon this healthy homemade recipe I just had to give it a try. I had leftover pumpkin puree from my pumpkin oat pancakes and this seemed like the perfect way to make use of it. Definitely a great pick-me-up in the morning!

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Serves 1 (But can be easily multiplied to make as many as you desire)

Ingredients:

- 1/4 cup milk (I used soy milk which brought out the sweetness really nicely)

- 2 rounded tablespoons pumpkin puree

- 1 teaspoon vanilla

- 1 tablespoon sweetener (I used Splenda but honey, agave or sugar would work great too)

- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

- pinch of nutmeg

- coffee (I used just under 2 coffee cups going by the markings on my coffee pot – probably equals about 200ml – but you can use more or less depending on how strong you like it)

- you can also add other spices like cloves or allspice if you have them on hand – it’s totally up to you

Directions:

1. Brew coffee.

2. Warm milk in microwave. Stir in pumpkin, vanilla, sweetener, cinnamon and nutmeg.

3. Pour in coffee and stir well.

With the arrival of fall it’s the perfect treat to enjoy on an early morning, after a long day at work or to curl up with on your day off. Mmmm…so good!