Apple Cider Donut Holes

This is one of my favourite fall recipes. I found it on a little spice jar and it's one of my favourites. I put it on here so that you guys can see it.

BAKED APPLE CIDER DONUT HOLES

Author: Little Spice Jar

Prep time:  30 mins

Cook time:  10 mins

Total time:  40 mins

Serves: 40 donut holes or 16 donuts

 

Delicious donut holes that are loaded with the flavors of apple cider and rolled around in cinnamon sugar. Use this recipe to make donut holes or donuts, either way, they're super-moist and soft little pillows. They're baked, not fried, which makes them totally waistline friendly!

INGREDIENTS

For the baked apple cider donut hole:

• 2 cups apple cider
• 2 whole cloves
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• ⅔ cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons apple sauce, naturally sweetened - no sugar added
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cinnamon sugar coating:

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

For the baked apple cider donut holes:

1. Start by simmering the apple cider with the 2 cloves in a small saucepan over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until the apple cider reduces down to ½ cup. Remove the cloves from the concentrate and pour the apple cider into a container and refrigerate while you prepare the donut batter.
2. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a mini muffin pan, a super mini muffin pan or a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, toss together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt, set aside. In a medium bowl, combine the egg, melted butter, and brown sugar, whisk until smooth. Then, add in the apple sauce, vanilla, buttermilk, and the apple cider concentrate.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Its okay if a few small lumps remain.
5. Pour the batter by the teaspoon into the prepared muffin pans about ¾s of the way full. Make sure to not overfill. Bake the donut holes for 9-11 minutes. Super mini donut holes take between 8-11 minutes. If making donuts, they will take about 9-12 minutes.

For the cinnamon sugar coating:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon together. Dip the tops of each donut hole into the melted butter then coat with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Repeat with all the donut holes (donuts). Depending on how long you dip the donuts into the butter, you may need more butter and/or more cinnamon sugar.
   
   
   Donuts taste best the same day but can be stored up to 2 days if tightly wrapped and kept at room temperature.

How to Learn French

I grew up in Canada. A country where 22% of our population speaks french, and one of our biggest provinces is all native french speakers. In our schools you can take what is called french immersion. This is a program where, ages 5-17, about half of your classes are in french. That being said, I can speak french very fluently for someone who is neither from France or Quebecois. 

If you are a parent in Canada, I strongly recommend putting your child into french immersion. If you're from another part of the world, here are my top tips on how to get better at french.

Duolingo 

Duolingo is a free app that can help you get better at many languages. I personally have never tried their French extension, but the Spanish one that I used is incredible. The app starts off very basic and evolves into more complex speaking and writing concepts.

Youtube

Don't worry, I'm not just suggesting that you look up How to speak French for Dummies on youtube. If you're the type of person who enjoys watching youtubers such as Zoella, that do I have the chanel for you. SANANAS is a french beauty blogger who I adore. This might be more for slightly advanced speakers, but she is very easy to understand. If she's not for you, just google best french vloggers and you'll find loads of options.

Exchange

One of the more extreme (and pricey) options. This is one that I have personally experienced, and can speak for the effectiveness. If you're someone who is still timid speaking french, try a summer exchange. If you are ready to go all in, go for a school exchange. I've heard of people going on school exchanges without speaking a lic of french, and I would not recommend this.

Penpal

I love penpalling. It can be a great thing to do if you want to learn french and your partner wants to learn english. Find a website that works for you and begin emailing. 

TIP: I like to start off by emailing, and then send each other letters. It's just so much more exciting that way.

My Candle Collection Updated + One New Candle

I love candles. I don't think that their is a way to describe how much I adore candles. My bedroom is very out of the way in my house, so I often find it smells a little musty because it is away from the kitchen or the fireplace. 
I just live off candles. I always have one burning. I like my floral scents in the spring, my fruity scents in the summer, and now I finally have a fall candle. I have been saving up to get a lot of them, but I realized that I only really need one. I also plan on getting some from the Bath & Body Works Christmas/Winter line.
Anyway, before I ramble on about #candlegoals, here is my finalized list of candles. There will probably be another update around Christmas.

Mango Pineapple 

This is one candle that I simply adore. I found it in Bath & Body Work's Hawaiian collection, and I haven't found it again. I'm sure a lot of you are saying that there is no way I could't find another decent smelling Pineapple-mango candle. The truth is that the one I have just smells so different from all the other kinds. And, I bought it in the small size, so I have to ration when I use it. Take this as a lesson folks, if you like the smell and it's a limited collection, buy the big one. 

Barcelona

This is one of my other favourite fruity scents. It is also the only 3-wick candle I own. I can't speak for the smell of mosaics, but if you like mandarin or citrusy scents, this is the way to go. I burn this one a lot, but it is probably my go to summer scent (maybe out of fear of using up all my Pineapple-mango. I also think that the design on this jar is gorgeous.

Rainforest Gardenia

This is one candle that I burn exclusively in the springtime. It is simply the most fresh and rejuvenating scent on the planet. It also flushes out other scents really well, so I often burn it when another candle I was burning is simply too overpowering. 

Peach Bellini

I like this scent because it is very light. It just makes the air faintly smell of peaches, and I love it. It is one of the only candles I own that never becomes overpowering and just stays relaxing.

Lilac Blossom

This one is kind of a hit and miss for me. I love lilacs. They are my favourite flower, it's my favourite colour, and one of my favourite scents. However, this candle is very strong and I really only burn it when I need a very quick pick me up. I smells like what falling into pit of lilacs would smell like, so I really can't handle it for long. It is simply too powerful.

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And now is the time for my newest and favourite candle. This one is not from Bath & Body Works, but from Walmart.

This is not the candle I bought. I was unable to find any picture of it.

 

This is absolutely the best fall candle I could've found. It comes in a mason jar, and the label looks like a little chalkboard with writing on it. It smells of pumpkin spice, and really gets me in the fall spirit. It was sooooooo much cheaper than a candle from Bath & Body Works, and I think it is almost better. It makes my whole room smell like thanksgiving, so for that I worship this candle.

If anyone has any winter candles they would recommend, comment below and tell me. I am going to be in desperate need of them soon.

Polyvore

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Autumn Tag

  Ok we're talking coffee's - what's your favourite seasonal drink from Starbucks/Costa/Cafe Nero etc?

I will never be able to choose between a Chai Tea Latte or a Pumpkin Spice Latte. I love both with all my heart, and need them to function in the colder months.

 Accessories - what do you opt for, scarf, boots, gloves?

I'll wear a scarf on a good day. Usually I just go for jeans and a hoodie, and then a scarf to keep myself warm.

  Music - what's your favourite music to listen to during Autumn?

I don't know if it's season specific, but I've been loving Grace Kelly by Mika. It's just an incredibly upbeat song that always puts me a good mood. You can listen to it here.

  Perfume - what's your favourite scent for this time of year?

I really like the Beautiful Day scent from Bath & Body Works. It reminds me of fresh leaves and just smells incredible.

  Candles - what scents will you be burning this season?

The Apple scents from Bath & Body Works are my favourite, I could never pick just one. 

  What do you love most about Autumn?

I love how cozy everything gets. All of a sudden no one cares if you're wearing a sweater or sweatpants. The leaves smell incredible and there is nothing better than watching all of the little squirrels hurrying to hide their acorns for the winter.

  Favourite makeup look?

I usually just go for a very natural look from my Naked Pallet. Fall is when I like to sleep in, so I don't have time for intense makeup.

  What are you looking forward to most in Autumn?

I love halloween. It's easily my favourite part of fall.

3 Ways to Keep Your Memories

As I get older, I find that I really want to remember all of the good times. I've started using different methods to keep track of my memories, so here are my methods.

Jar

This jar is my absolute favourite. I got it as a Christmas gift, filled with lots of nail polishes, and I've found a much better use for it. This is where I stick all my little bits and bobs that aren't easily damaged. Movie ticket, the label from a coke bottle with my name on it, a bracelet from a concert I went too.

I like to keep this right on my desk, so that I can just stick something in it when I get home from the movies.

Tin

I use this tin for my slightly more breakable souvenirs. In it I keep programs and tickets from musicals, a lots of tickets from concerts, a glow-stick from a Selena Gomez concert, and a lot more. You can also just use a plain tupperware container. I started with that, but when I filled it up I switched to something a little more stylish. The tin was $6 from Nostalgia Art.

Journal

I simply could not live without my journal. I write in it almost everyday, sometimes 3 pages, sometimes half a page. It is the best way to make sure you remember every detail of your adventures. You can do individual travel journals, one journal for everything, or just write on paper and stick it in a binder. Any of these techniques work, so do what works best for you.

Best Cinnamon Loaf Recipe

It's finally fall, so I thought I'd start the season off with one of my favourite recipes. This is an incredible cinnamon roll loaf recipe, and is simply the best to curl up with close to the fire with a mug of tea.

BREAD INGREDIENTS 

2 cups all-purpose flour 

1 tablespoon baking powder 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/2 cup granulated sugar 

1 egg – room temperature, lightly beaten 

1 cup milk – I used 1% 

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

1/3 cup plain greek yogurt or sour cream

SWIRL INGREDIENTS 

1/3 cup granulated sugar 

2 teaspoons cinnamon 

2 tablespoons water

GLAZE INGREDIENTS 

1/2 cup powdered sugar 

1 tablespoon milk

Pre-heat our oven to 350 degrees and prepare a bread pan (about 9×5 inches) by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray or lightly greasing it with butter. 

In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.  

In a small bowl combine egg, milk, vanilla extract and yogurt or sour cream. 

Add the dry ingredients into the wet and stir to combine. You can use a large wooden spoon for this if you wish, no mixer is required. 

In a small bowl combine swirl ingredients together – 1/3 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and 2 tablespoons water. 

Use a tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the bread, then use a knife to make swirl designs to incorporate the cinnamon mixture into the bread. 

Bake for 45-50 minutes or until you insert a toothpick and it comes out clean. 

Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack to cool for 15 minutes. 

Meanwhile, make the glaze ingredients by combining 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk. 

Remove the bread from the pan and allow it to continue cooling completely. 

When the bread has completely cooled, pour the glaze over the top and serve. 

Enjoy!

http://www.centercutcook.com/cinnamon-roll-bread/

Polyvore 

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My Favourite Things about Fall

It is now officially fall, and I could not be more excited. As a Canadian, I find that I like the in-between seasons much more than the extreme ones. Spring and autumn are the best, because I just don't like the extreme heat or cold. It is also the season where I feel the happiest, and here is a few reasons why.

 The Trees

This is one that I think really depends on where you grew up. I only recently found out that the leaves didn't change colours like this all over the world, and it made me really sad. First of all, I don't think there is a better smell in the world that fallen leaves. They just smell so crisp and fresh. 

Also, there is something incredible appealing about the forests looking like they are on fire. It looks magical, and is something that I don't think any other season can compare to. (Plus, who doesn't love jumping in the leaves like a little kid, am I right?)

The Fairs

I don't know what it was like in the town where you grew up, but my town had one adorable fair that everybody went to. It had everything. There were incredibly fun and thrilling rides. Pettings zoos with pony rides, and a harvest section. 

There was no better place to compete of you were a horse rider or a cattle farmer. Not to mention, it was the only time of the year where you could get freshly made taffy from a truck. I'm going back this year, and I'm planning on spending a unseemly amount of money on taffy and deep-fried mars bars.

Thanksgiving

I adore the holiday that is thanksgiving. It was one of the few times of year where my whole family would get together and just have a good time. We would turn on the fireplace, eat some pumpkin pie and turkey, and just chat about our year. There was nothing better that making my famous blueberry crumble and bringing it for everyone to enjoy.

Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Now, before you all freak out and complain about how generic this is, let me reason with you. There is exactly two types of coffee I like, one is a French-Vanilla coffee, and the other is a pumpkin spice latte. Nothing brings me more pleasure than that one season where I could get what I consider to be one of the most delicious drinks on the planet.

Halloween

I freaking love halloween. There is something just thrilling about getting a pumpkin and carving it yourself. I don't go out trick-or-treating anymore and I really have never gone to the school dances. No, my halloween tradition is to get a big bowl of candy and just watch some of my favourite halloween film. I will marathon all four Halloweentown movies, and if you have never seen the film Practical Magic, you have been missing out. 

Apples

I go apple picking almost every year with my family and I love it. Apples are, maybe my favourite fruit. I will drown myself in apple cider, and apple pie is my absolute favourite. I also can't talk about apple picking without mentioning perhaps the best apple derived food...APPLESAUCE!! I can confidently day that I could live off homemade applesauce, and starting this autumn, I will try to learn to make my own homemade applesauce.

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That pretty much sums it up for my favourite things about fall. Let me know what you guys love about this season. It gets me so excited for the Christmas build-up, so I can't wait.

Easy Homemade Granola Bars

These are my favourite granola bars to make for breakfast. They are super easy and taste incredible.

Ingredients

3 Cups Quick Cooking Oats

1 Can Eagle Sweetened Condensed Milk

2 tbsp melted butter

1.5 Cups Mini M&M's

Directions

Preheat Oven to 250 degrees

Spay small cookie sheet with non-stick spay

Mix together ingredients in a large mixing bowl

Press onto cookie sheet

Bake for approx. 20 Minutes

Remove from oven

Cut into granola bar shapes while still warm.

Store in an airtight container for up to one week

ENJOY

Best Brownie Recipe

Everyone's been there. You get home from school, maybe you've had a bad day, and all you want is some chocolate. These are my favourite brownies, because they taste great and satisfy everyone's chocolate craving.

Ingredients

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon + 1/8 teaspoon baking powder 

1/4 teaspoon + 1/8 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup canola oil (or vegetable oil)

1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar

pinch of vanilla powder (or 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract)

3 eggs, room temperature 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8x8 metal baking pan and add a layer of parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.

3. In another bowl, beat together oil, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time. 

4. Combine dry and wet ingredients.

5. Pour evenly into pan. Bake 30-40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool and enjoy.

How to Keep Your School Year Organized

It's that time of year again. Most of us have already started school or are getting ready for our first day back in the education centre. School can be very hectic, so here is my tips to keep your school year running smoothly.

Planner

I cannot stress enough how important it is to have some sort of planner. I like to have 2, one I bring with me, and one I keep at home to write things in bigger details. I use my iPhone Calendar app to take with me...because I can see what days I am busy very easily. I have a large calendar that is hanging on my bedroom door.

Know Your Morning

Make sure you know what you have to do that morning. Set an alarm, make time for what you need to do. If you need to shower, plan for that. Have a quick and easy breakfast, and make sure all of your work is done. Put all your stuff in a pile the night before. This makes your day run so much smoother.

Use Highlighters

I cannot rant enough about how much I love highlighters. I use them for everything. From making organized and clear notes, to making sure I remember to feed my dog.

My Top 5 Feel-Good Movies

We've all been there. When you wake up and you feel to sick to do anythings, and it feels like you'll have to sit in bed all day. I'm sure each and every one of you has a list of movies to get you through the worst of times, so here's mine. 

Peter Pan (2003)

This is one of my favourite movies of all time. I love to put this on when I'm feeling down, because the pure innocence and adventure always perks me right up.

Aladdin

An classic Disney film, this movie had everything you need to cheer yourself up. Romance, magic and Robin Williams! Plus it's a great film to sing along with.

Saving Mr.Banks

This one does induce some tears, but it's all remedied in good time.  The pure genius of Walt Disney and the hilarious cynicism of P.L. Travers makes this a classic.

The Wizard of Oz

A true classic, the Wizard of Oz never fails to put me in a good mood. The songs are delightful, the characters lovable, and the special effect laughable. All these things combine to create a film that I will watch time and time again.

Breakfast at Tiffany's

To be fair, I find it very difficult to pick just one Audrey Hepburn movie for my list. I love everything she has ever done. I picked the classic though, as it's a movie that I've seen dozens of times, and will probably watch dozens more. 

Top 5 Candles

I should start this off by mentioning that all of these are from Bath & Body Works. I am obsessed with candles, and I burn them all the time to freshen up my room. This is, in no particular order, my top 5 favourite candles from Bath & Body Works.

Pineapple Mango

This is my favourite candle. I purchased it in the smallest size, and since then I have been unable to find another one. I'm worried they discontinued it. It burns super fruity, and is one of my favourite summer candles. 

Peach Bellini

I adore this scent. It is very light, and if you are sensitive to scent this is a good one to use. I bought the small mason jar one, and I plan on purchasing another.

Rainforest Gardenia

This is a great candle. It's one of my favourites to use when I think my room needs fresher air. I smells like you've walked into a rainforest room, just like tropical leaves. I don't know if I'd buy it again, but I'd definitely recommend that you try it.

Lilac Blossom

Lilacs are my favourite flower, colour and scent, so this candle was a must for me. It is super pretty to look at, and the smell is pleasant, but not overpowering. It has taken me quite a while to get through this one, but I will definitely use all of it.

Barcelona: Mandarins and Mosaics

This is the only 3-wick candle in my collection. They had a whole line of candles centred around places. I might of back and buy the Hawaii one. This one is very fresh, and I just think the jar looks super classy. It takes a while to go through.

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So that sums up my top five favourite candles. If you guys have a candle that you love of recommend, let me know below. I want to collect candles for every season and holiday, so I got a long way to go. 

My Bath and Body Works Favs

Today I thought I'd give you a list of my favourite Bath & Body Works products. These are some of my personal favourites, ranging from candles to body lotions.

Japanese Cherry Blossom Set

This is one of my favourite sets from Bath and Body works. The set is a very solid range. I do warn you, it's very scented and isn't a good choice for school, but I really love this set.

Beautiful Day Set

This is my second favourite set. This is a pretty fresh apple and blossom scent. It is a very light scent,so it's pretty good for school. This is probably the scent I wear the most often.