Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip "Muffins"

While talking to my mom earlier today, she mentioned having ripe bananas that she was going to turn into bread or muffins.  But before she could do anything I stopped her so I could try out a recipe I found on Pinterest - Banana Oatmeal Cups with Chocolate Chips, from GreenLiteBites.  They looked super simple and seriously delish.  Upon browsing the ingredients she listed though, I realized I didn't have a few, so I made some substitutions.  

These take about 10 minutes or less to whip up, and bake for only about 20.  Make them any time of day and store them for a simple breakfast on the go or before work/class.  Most of these ingredients are kept around the house or apartment, and could easily be made by anyone with access to a kitchen.  Definitely a recipe I am going to continue to use and save for move-in - I'm not a morning person, so I'm gonna need some quick and easy breakfasts.  

Recipe: 

• 2 - 3 ripe mashed bananas
• 1 cup milk 
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 3 cups rolled oats/old fashion oats
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• 3-4 tbsp mini chocolate chips
• 1-2 tsp almond extract 

Heat oven to 375 degrees

Mix all the ingredients together, adding the chocolate chips last

Prep muffin tins with liners or non stick spray

Fill muffin tins until they about full - should make around 15-18 muffins

Bake for 20-25 minutes - until golden brown and firm (and I did the toothpick test!) 

Let them cool, remove, and ENJOY! 

ORIGINAL RECIPE HERE - All credit for this recipe goes to Roni and her GreenLiteBites blog, she is the mastermind behind this recipe, this is simply my adaption.  Couldn't have done it without her

DIY - Wall Letter

Hey y'all! I'm here to share my first, and one of my more recent, DIY projects for my room next year. While browsing the craft store a few weeks ago, I came across the wooden letters, and happened to find an "A" I really liked.  Of course I'd been through Pinterest (one of my addictions!) and seen letters all decorated or part of wall art groupings.  So, I figured why not, it was only $3 and I could fix it up however I wanted.

My color scheme is turquoise, coral, and gray with pops of white and navy blue, so I started the hunt for items to embellish it.  My findings included craft/washi tape - which are a couple dollars per roll - and some flowers I found on clearance (I spent maybe $10 on them, and used the rest for another project to come later!)

After getting home I decided it first needed a layer of paint, for which I chose gray acrylic.  I already had the color, but bottles of various sizes are maybe a $1 a piece (if not less!).  It took me a few coats of paint to get a solid color and even layout (I didn't want brush strokes showing!) but you could certainly do as many or few quotes as you want.  You could even split it between two or three colors, the possibilities are endless!

My Final Result! 

I gave it the night to dry completely, and the next day started arranging flowers and planning out the tape.  I didn't really have a set design in mind.  I just picked one of my rolls of tape and stuck it on. Of course, I did use a ruler to make sure my lines were straight, and in a few cases I had to peel back some tape for layering purposes, but otherwise it was very random.  Once the tape was in place, I glued on the flowers with some Elmer's Craft Glue, let them set and dry, and my letter was done!

For those who want to secure the tape down, Modge Podge or a clear acrylic could be used to set everything.  I didn't add any, but if the tape starts to peel, it's something I'll definitely consider! This project is very open ended and allows for a lot of freedom.  You can spell out any number of words, do anyone's initials, even symbols.  I've seen wooden hearts, peace signs, anchors (for all my DG's out there!), etc.  This has just been my take on the project, but try it out for yourself.  It's simple and easy in addition to adding to any room! Please like and share and comment with your ideas and own letters! Happy crafting!!

Hey Everyone!

Hey readers! Just wanted to take a few minutes to introduce myself and let you know what this blog is going to be all about.  Basically my goal for this blog is to share my crafty ways and decorating tips, but also how to do it on a budget.  I also plan to share recipes, decorating tips, fashion and shopping advice, and general college/life survival tips.  I want my blog to be a general place for college students to find advice and tips, but also high schoolers, young adults and even parents! I'm sure anyone could benefit from some of my tips.

I myself am a college student and getting ready to move into my first apartment.  This means I'll be cooking for myself, taking care of my own shopping and decorating my place in addition to paying for school and balancing life.  I have a year of experience under my belt and all the crazy college stories to follow! If you ever have any questions, feel free to check out my profile or email me at artzyallie@gmail.com.  I want to cover any topics, hear feedback, answer questions, etc.  Having an involved audience would be lovely as I'm always looking to meet new people!

So please look around and excuse any minor errors or hiccups on my blog.. still trying to get everything set up and figured out! Enjoy and thanks for reading!