Positive Ponderings

"No. She's not your wife: she's the princess."

2013-05-23T18:23:00.000-03:00

So...toddlers...being all ego-centric and such they say some pretty hilarious things. WHAT IF you reenacted a conversation with a toddler, using a grown man in her/his place? You'd have some funny shit, is what.

Case. In. Point:

So far, I've watched this 4 times in a row...gets better every time!

Abercrombie and Fitch...Sucking Mega-Time...Some Swears Ahead!

2013-05-10T20:17:00.000-03:00

Whoa! What a decidedly UNPOSITIVE title! Why is Jaclyn being so mean? Well, because A&F's CEO (pictured below) has come out and said if you are over a size 10 you don't belong is the brand's apparel. Not that I WANT to wear their shit, but what a jerky thing to say. I'm gonna leave it to Peaches to talk about this one...she sums it up quite nicely.

Who wouldn't want to fit this man's ideal of attractiveness? (eyes rolling...)

Source.

For anyone, especially young people, who does not "belong" (according to the the CEO) in A& F's clothing, I offer you this: Fuck them. Fuck them and then smile while you spend your dollars somewhere more egalitarian. You don't need to conform to a 67-year-old's fucked up concept of attractiveness. You don't belong in their clothes?! This company does not belong on your credit card statement. For those of us who fit into the brand's sizes, thereby earning admission into the A & F culture, I ask you this: do you want to advertise for (by wearing the logo) and give money to such a fine example of corporate fuckery?

Thrifty Art!

2013-04-13T15:18:00.000-03:00

I haven't posted about my thriftin' finds for quite some spell. Well, it is time to rectify that! Here are some thrifted pieces currently residing in our home:

This measures 12 x 6 inches (the canvas part), and seems to be oils. It was a whopping $5!

Irene H. Something ?. 1863? Or was it 1963 and someone changed it?

Tattered tag on the reverse.

Blurry shot...a needlepoint of crazy animal/plant delight. (Is that a dragon? The squirrel is HUGE!) I think it was about $20- $25. Probably 18 x 18 inches.

This one I have had for about 6 years. I got it at an antique mall in Maryland with a friend for about $10.

I wonder what the "H" stands for?

Herman!

Awwww...birdies and les fleurs!

I love a good, thrifty, piece of art. Just because the artist isn't "known" does not make it any less lovely to have around the house.

Watching The Hobbit and Realized....

2013-04-08T07:30:00.000-03:00

...Bofur, one of the dwarves, TOTALLY looks like Anthony Kiedis from the Red Hot Chili Peppers (a band I love ever so much).

Seriously,

Take this...

Source.

Add one of these...

The hat, not the girl. Source.

And you get...

Bofur. Source.

Anyone else see it?

Not only does Chad Smith, the drummer, look like Will Ferrell (see my post here), Mr. Kiedis looks like an inhabitant of Middle Earth. What a mystical band!

Thrifty Eco Spring Cleaning

2013-04-05T23:52:00.002-03:00

Today I super-cleaned the apartment. We're talking full-on ceiling and walls stuff here. I actually don't mind cleaning--it's kind of relaxing in a way. While I do employ some Mr. Clean and Ajax/Comet/generic brand of bleach powder, for the most part I use something more eco and thrifty: vinegar. I know this is not an earth-shattering discovery, but I really cannot stress the delight it gives me to make my own cleaner. I'm like a pioneer-woman or something.

I don't really use a recipe, but kinda wing the following:

1:1 ratio of white vinegar to water
5-10 drops of lavendar essential oil, which helps it smell less pickle-ish. Don't get me wrong, there is still a vinegar presence in the house, but it's more lavender than pickle. I like to open up the windows to help air out the scent, which disappears as it dries.

I put the whole shebang in an old spray bottle and it's ready to roll.

What do I use this cleaner for? Mirrors/glass (use a lint-free rag or paper towel, which is, admittedly, less eco and thrifty, for a streak-free clean once it dries), wood, ceramics/tiles, linoleum, stainless steel, faucets and fixtures. Basically everything. I DO break out the hard-core cleaners for the toilet and tub once in awhile, as well as the oven.

For more vinegar-cleaning tips, this site is useful.

Screen capture from here. Even Mr. Clean is all about the vinegar.

Cats Never Forget...

2013-04-01T19:50:00.002-03:00

Source.

This cracks me up!

How I Try to Live a Healthy Life: Running

2013-03-30T22:32:00.000-03:00

Source. Ain't no shame in thunder thighs!

If you had told me 10 years ago that I would become a "runner," I would not have believed it. Running with all the huffing and puffing and general sweaty discomfort was not on my list of "shit I wanna try." Yet, sometime in my twenties I decided to give it a whirl and fell in love. Why?

1. The majority of my running is done outdoors, and being in the fresh air and scenery is delightful. Yes, I do partake in the "dreadmill" from time to time, but it is not my preferred mode.

2. Once I hit my stride, it is all gravy. By that, I mean my mind goes clear and I enter a body-mind connective state of being in the here and now.

3. One of the best feelings is sprinting--it's as close as I can get to flying without going on an airplane.

4. It is rewarding and confidence-building to watch goals be met.

Running has also taught me some important lessons:

1. Listen to your body! SO IMPORTANT! When I brave the cold for a winter run (which is rare), I know when to stop for a breather (literally) and take my puffer. If I need a break, I give myself one. I'm sure this guy would as well.

2. Don't be afraid to go slow. Sometimes we need it.

3. Also, sometimes we have to branch out and try something new: such as a faster pace, challenging route, or making our way up the steeeeeeeeeep hill.

4. Monotony is soul-killing (such as treadmill running all winter long, looking at the same wall week in and week out).

5. Sunshine, fresh air, and being outside is naturally healing.

6. Don't compare yourself to others--your journey is unique.

7. You are stronger than you think.

8. If it's not fun, something's wrong. If I don't have a smile or contented look on my face for at least half the run, I need to figure out what was amiss. For me recently, it was needing new sneakers.

9. You are worth the investment. The largest investment is time, but money is also needed to run. Gear--especially, as I mentioned in #8 good running shoes replaced as needed--is not free. However, you don't have to be all Lululemon-ed out (although their clothes are lovely and I am an avid wearer of their sports bras): Wal-Mart and other stores have some pretty sweet athletic gear. But PLEASE, take the time to be assessed for what shoes are best for you. The Running Room does this quite nicely.

10. Sometimes we just need to sweat!

What Toby Wore: Winter Time

2013-03-27T07:30:00.000-03:00

Remember Toby? Of COURSE you do, how could you forget such a handsome and stylish pug? As we look towards lovely spring days, Toby would like to share some of his hot looks from this past season. Do enjoy.

A warm jacket, fashionably COLOUR BLOCKED, is a must for snowy romps!

As the weather warms up, no need to bundle oneself up so! A bandana tied jauntily around one's neck will suffice!

Lounging around indoors during the winter does not mean foregoing style! Fleecy and woolen blankets serve as wraps. The addition of stripes takes this from functional to fantastic!

As always, all credit (photos, set design, wardrobe) goes to Toby's mother, Marianne Beckwith!

Introducing What Toby Wore: The Easter Edition

2013-03-24T21:35:00.000-03:00

A dear amigo of myself, my mother, and my family in general has a pug. His name is Toby. She posts on facebook photos of Toby's sartorial side. It is fabulous. After telling her to start a blog featuring his various attire, I grew tired of it and told her I was putting him on mine. BECAUSE HE IS THAT GLORIOUS AND MUST BE SHARED WITH THE WORLD!

So, to kick start WTW, here he is looking rather fetching in pink.

That FACE! He tolerates these photo sessions quite well and is rewarded with treats. Although he may exact revenge by pissing all over Marianne's house. WORTH IT.

Photo, styling, and overall snazziness: Marianne Beckwith.

New No Doubt!

2013-03-05T12:01:00.000-04:00

Well, the wait for new ND material ended this past September with Push and Shove. Since purchasing the deluxe edition (with an extra CD of remixes and acoustic versions), I have listened to this musical offering probably a million times (okay, a slight exaggeration). As with all No Doubt music, I thoroughly dig it. AND, I thought I'd share my favourite songs from this latest release!

My ABSOLUTE favourite, Sparkle.

Looking Hot, acoustic version:

Undercover!

Easy:

Settle DOWN! As a teacher I have totally said "Get in line and settle down" quite a few times!

Any other No Doubters out there? What are your thoughts on Push and Shove?

A Refreshing Experience, Thanks to "My Body Gallery"

2013-02-22T22:39:00.002-04:00

Screenshot. Source.

I doubt there is anyone out there who looks in the mirror and is 100% satisfied. Although I have a pretty healthy body image, I can say that I examine and focus upon "flaws." And you know what? Many of us look pretty damn good and just don't recognize it. In extreme cases eating disorders and other health (including mental health) issues can arise.

Enter My Body Gallery, a site where you enter your size and weight and boom! bodies similar to yours pop up (It is a spectrum, though. Some ladies are curvier and some are more muscular, but overall the similarities are there.). So I popped in my guesstimated weight and size...and a whole whack of ladies greeted me. She looks healthy! Nice leg muscles! Strong and curvy, and other positive thoughts like that came to my mind. Then I realized these adjectives applied to me as well. I wasn't picking apart the ladies online (who submit their photos voluntarily) and focusing on tiny bits that are less than perfect. No, I could see the big picture, which was this: We look damn good.

Motivated, I stood before my mirror and examined my least favourite body part--the belly. Instead of thinking of it as my body, I tried to picture it alongside the images online. No longer was I thinking, my abs need to tone up a bit more. Instead I appreciated it for what it is and celebrated my fitness progress to date. Sure I want to get some more ab definition but it isn't the most important thing in the world.

Anyone check out the site? Thoughts?

How I Try to Live a Healthy Life: Exercise (On the Cheap!)

2013-02-18T16:30:00.004-04:00

Work it! Source.

Exercise is not something I have always been a fan of. My lowest mark in High School was a C in Phys. Ed.: getting all sweaty in the middle of a school day was NOT my idea of a good time. Team sports made sporadic appearances throughout my childhood, but belonging to an organized league was not Jaclyn-esque. Yes, scheduled practices and games were eschewed in favour of lazing around the pool and general dicking around.

As I have aged, I have discovered the two-fold benefits of exercise. 1. I easily gain weight and carrying around 30 extra pounds is not healthy nor do I feel attractive at the weight, if I am being honest (where did the metabolism of my youth go?!). 2. Exercise helps ease anxiety and OCD. There's seriously a shit-load of resources about this, so google away! However, it is worth noting that with people who have OCD, it may be easy to fall into compulsive exercising/exercise addiction. This is something I could see myself falling into and have made a point of taking one day off a week from working out. At first I felt guilty (Guilt with OCD?! Quelle surprise!) about it, but now I enjoy these off days and recognize that it is healthy to allow your body a rest day.

Over the last 3 years I have lost around 50 pounds and done so without going to a gym or taking exercise/yoga classes. This decision was because I was saving money to do my Masters and then once I was in grad school I did not have the money to spend! Also, I am not a fan of the gym environment--they smell and seem to be a waste of time for me (driving to/from, checking in/out, changing, waiting for machines to be free...).

I started out walking around my hometown. Gradually I began to run (REALLY SLOWLY and SHORT DISTANCES), working up to going for actual runs (listening to my body, if I was getting shin splints I knew it was time to back off). Thankfully, my parents have a treadmill which I could use on days the weather was to incliment (which I still use in the winter). I also had a heavy bag and used to do workouts with it (I had taken boxing classes in the past). Yoga podcasts helped me keep up my practice without going to a class (disclaimer: I have been to one in the last 3 years). Workout DVDS such as Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred and Jackie Warner's series helped get me into weight training. In November 2011, my cousin introduced my to BodyRock.TV, now known as the DailyHiit.com and I discovered the glory of High Intensity Interval Training (here's what wikipedia says about HIIT), although not all their workouts are HIIT, but rather regular interval training (which is still effective). ZuzkaLight.com, run by one of the co-founders of BodyRock also has some kick-ass workouts.

When possible, I try to get my workouts done outdoors, which in the winter can be more difficult, therefore I am so happy with my investment in snowshoes! Running, yoga, and many workouts can all be done outside. Currently, the husband and I are living in a relatively small space and I am still able resist the gym and get my workout done at home (although the hubs still is a gym-man).

The message I hope this long post gives is that there are SO MANY options for being physically active that require little to no monetary investment. Plus, if you are short on time, HIIT can really help you out. Please, though, listen to your body and respect it--health not injury is the goal, right?

I'd love to hear how you stay active!

Happy Valentine's Day

2013-02-14T08:30:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note to say Happy V Day! I hope this day finds you with loved ones, which includes family, friends, and animals!

Source: etsy.com via Jac on Pinterest

These crazy cats are all about sharing the love!

Love Day Wreaths

2013-02-13T08:30:00.000-04:00

I was kinda thinking I would make a Valentine's Wreath for our door. But I didn't. I'm still rocking my glittery snowflake wreath. However, I thought I would share some pinterest finds with you:

The berry branches are so pretty on this one.

Source: lifeinmyemptynest.blogspot.com via Jac on Pinterest

Wowzers!

Source: alisaburke.blogspot.com via Jac on Pinterest

Make an "XO" wreath!

Source: etsy.com via Jac on Pinterest

A smart use of a coat-hanger.

Source: donablogg.blogspot.com via Jac on Pinterest

Glitter!

Source: mrspollyrogers.com via Jac on Pinterest

Technically not a wreath but it would be lovely on a door!

Source: nextot.com via Jac on Pinterest

Valentine's Tree

2013-02-12T15:40:00.001-04:00

I believe I have written of my love for Aunt Peaches before. She makes cute and wacky things on the cheap, using what she has on hand for the most part. Cheap DIYs are my favourite kind! My flower wedding centrepieces were made based on a DIY she posted...I LOVED them and they were less than $20 to make!

When Peaches posted her Valentine Tree, I was all like, I have GOT to make one of 'em! So I did.

Awww, so cute with its wonky eyes!

Supplies:
* 3 vases all hearted-up (in my trove, all thrift store finds, FTD florist delights). The 2 in the back are the same (like this one, sold on etsy). If I spent more than $4 on the group, I'd be very surprised.
* Branches--free! I snapped these off a tree that had been felled in a recent storm while snowshoeing at the 'rents'.
* White pipe cleaners (in my stash, but you can get a pack for a buck).
* Two cardinals, also in my stash (you could probably get them for a buck or two, I think they are from the Dollarama).
* Bits of ribbon, also on hand. I hoard ribbon! Bits and bobs from any packaging are fair game and will end up in my clutches!

**The tree rests on a candleholder set I received my my mother-in-law one christmas. I am using battery operated LED tealights (2 for a buck) here. The same set was used at christmas and halloween. Using what I have on hand versus buying new stuff is one way I am streamlining this year.

***The runner is a quilted piece I got at the Hospice Shoppe for $5. I flip it over for a more neutral runner when I feel like it.

***** The red clay/black glaze platter was a wedding gift from a dear friend. It features pine needles.

How to:
1. I stuck the branches in the vases.
2. I made hearts out of pipe cleaners.
3. I used the ribbon scraps to put the hearts on the tree.
4. I added the two cardinals.

It was easy and done in about 30 minutes this past weekend.

This morning, the site of this wonky tree made me smile, which was MOST appreciated when whiny with a cold.

Blurry, but shows the runner!

How I Try to Live A Healthy Life: Food

2013-02-05T16:49:00.001-04:00

WINTER! A picture taken while snowshoeing a few years ago. I hope to "shoe" this weekend--I've only done it once this winter! FOR SHAME!

So, I had an idea. Exciting, non? I thought that I would write some posts about how I, a regular, closer to poverty than wealth, nearing-thirty years old, cat-lover attempts to live a life of health. I'm no expert, but I felt like sharing things I have discovered while trying to "health-ify" myself.

Today, we shall start with food. As I have mentioned, I aim to limit my processed foods and refined sugars. While I go through bouts of being almost sugar-free, I am never one-hundred percent off the sweet white crack. The same goes for processed crap--you try not munching on chips now and again when your husband continually has them in stock, it takes a will stronger than mine. Why do I limit processed foods and sugar? Well, it makes sense that something whole, such as an apple, has a higher nutrient profile than gummy fruit snacks (which I LOVED as a child). Also, a cupcake made with less refined flours and sweeteners such as coconut sugar, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, and honey won't cause the sugar coma associated with traditional baked goods. Plus, as someone with diagnosed anxiety disorders, processed foods and refined sugar are best left as sometimes foods. This post by livestrong.com (Lance and it have parted ways, so it remains a nice resource in my books) looks at foods people with OCD and Anxiety (oh, hey, that's me) may wish to avoid. This is a nice article on how sugar affects depression (I know, I said I have OCD and ANXIETY, but it's still a good read).

Also, I limit my caffeine and alcohol intake (which I did before realizing these are triggers for anxiety and OCD). Caffeine and I don't get along (let's leave it at that), but I will eat copious amounts of chocolate! Alcohol can be tasty but I've never been a huge fan of it. PLUS, it's expensive--think of all the chocolate I could buy with the money for a bottle of wine! Did I mention I love chocolate?!

To end, my food philosophy goes as such: Eat well most of the time, drink plenty of water, and have a damn cookie (or five) once in awhile! And don't let me ANYWHERE near birthday cake unless you want me to eat close to my weight in it (obviously an exaggeration--more like, half my weight).

So, I am Slacking on the Gratitude Posts...

2013-02-03T22:54:00.000-04:00

Mr. Alfie! Resplendent and observing his kingdom.

So slack, am I! I HAVE been writing one thing at the end of each day for which I am grateful, but posting it here has not happened since LAST APRIL!

I may as well post some things making me happy as of late!

*Being married to the my best friend (CHEESY but true).
*Mooching off my parents' laundry facilities and treadmill.
*Getting back into drawing.
*Kissing Alfie Cat's ears.
*Kitty purrs and snores.
*Hilarious preschoolers.
*Reading for FUN!
*Being graduated from my Masters--NO MORE CLASSES!!!!
*Clean home (holy crap, it took me FOREVER to clean the bathroom today).
*Quinoa Cake (I should do a recipe post soon).
*Selling clothes which have been collecting dust.
*Days getting a wee bit longer!

How about you?

For My American Readers...Some Reasons to Buy Girl Scout Cookies (Aside From Their Refined Sugar Tastiness)...

2013-01-30T08:30:00.000-04:00

This is supposed to be Anti- Girl Scouts. I (and many others) take it as an example of Girl Scout Awesomeness.

Image from Wipe Out Homophobia's Facebook Page.

As for Canada's Girl Guides, let's see some progressive moves towards things like LGBT and female rights!

Kinda related, but kinda also off-topic: I survived one year of Girl Guides. Wearing a uniform and being told what to do did not jive with pre-teen Jaclyn. Quelle surprise for anyone who knows me.

Laughter...

2013-01-29T14:34:00.001-04:00

...What these photos make me do. Meet Sam. He has eyebrows and instagram. Holy moly, he cracks me up.

So sexy. Screen capture from here.

What?! I have EYEBROWS?! Screen capture from here.

I just want to cuddle-hug him! Screen capture from here.

For anyone doubting the authenticity of these brows, feast your peepers on this! Screen capture from here.

Oh my, I do love hilarious cats. I called Alfie-Cat over to look at Sam but he ignored me, unaware of the glory he is missing.

Streamlining in 2013!

2013-01-22T16:39:00.000-04:00

Source. A surefire way to feel stressed trying to pick out an outfit.

I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions. Just not my thing. I prefer to set goals as I feel inspired to. That said, I do find the new year a great time to reevaluate. Maybe it's time to increase my weight training? Read the 2 million books on my shelf (okay, a slight exaggeration)? Draw more? Who knows what the year will hold! One thing, which seems pretty consistent in my life, is January heralds the urge to streamline, simplify, and minimize. For me this means getting rid of stuff.

Stuff. Stuff is clothing I no longer wear, jewellery that seems to be collecting dust every year, shoes that slip off my feet so they've been living on the shelf for quite some time. It is also books I have read once and will likely not read again.But what to do with the stuff? Donating it is always nice (although the Salvation Army is off my list, so I will be finding other charities). Swapping with friends and family can be really fun--especially if you make a party out of it! Selling it is also an option. I have some vintage items and supplies listed on Etsy (Shop: Alfie Cat Studio), and while it is nice to make a sale, I intentionally keep prices super low so it's not a real money maker. Lately, I have been taking advantage of a new consignment shop in Saint John: Exchange on Germain. It's mid to high end, so not every item I am culling makes it there. So far, I have made about $50, which is not too shabby, seeing as I would have been giving away the items for free. Today I brought a larger haul in and my closet is enjoying the extra breathing room. There are some non-designer consignment stores I may check out as well.

Do I sometimes feel a twinge of remorse about parting with those really sexy shoes or that dress which no longer fits but is just as cute as ever? Sure I do! But really, what good are those shoes when I can't walk 3 steps without the left foot slipping out (did you know weight loss makes your feet smaller? I have lost some fantastic footwear because of this...) or that dress that just doesn't flatter? And really, Jaclyn, do you need 5 black purses?

I have to admit, it can be quite freeing and exhilerating to purge! Maybe I'll be able to convince the Mr. to part with some of his clothing I have never seen him in our time together. But, I'm not holding my breath.

Good to Remember

2013-01-16T13:23:00.000-04:00

I came across this today, which was perfect timing. Sometimes we get frustrated when our lives are not at the level (self-imposed, in my case) you expect. For me, this refers to establishment in my career. This is a great reminder of how fortunate I am.

Source.

One of My Recipes Won an Award!

2013-01-14T14:48:00.000-04:00

I'm a Craftster Best of 2012 Winner!

So, I was browsing the interwebs and found out that my Naturally Sweetened Chewy Brownies with Chewy Chocolate Topping are a winner of Craftster's Vegan/Vegetarian category! How lovely!

Thank you, Craftster!!!

I need to make these again!

Something New for 2013?

2013-01-09T20:47:00.001-04:00

Hello all!

I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season and are rocking 2013. I did have plans to blog over the break, but I was too busy enjoying life! The Mr. was on vacation, lots of people to visit (including the preschool set--always a favourite), new presents to test out (hubs got me some new workout gear)/read/wear, rocking a sinus infection/cold that just won't quit (which resulted in a few days of sounding like a sexy drag queen). Life offline won out and that is okay with me.

However, now that we've welcomed in the new year, I thought about perhaps introducing a new feature where I interview a fellow blogger/post their recipe/DIY/other creativeness. Anyone interested? It'll be fun! If you are willing to give it a go, email me: positiveponderings AT hotmail DOT ca.

Source.

Almond Florentines

2012-12-20T09:30:00.000-04:00

So, I saw this post for vegan florentines over at Oh She Glows (I have NEVER had a failure with any of Angela's recipes). OBVIOUSLY, I had to make them. However, mine are non vegan, as I used what was on hand. They also do not have orange zest. I added currants to one batch and cinnamon/ground cloves to another. Yummy. I won't repost the recipe here, as it is basically the same as Angela's, but with butter in place of a vegan substitute and whipping cream in place of coconut milk.

SO GOOD.

Boxed up and ready to go to a family potluck!

Delicious right outta the freezer, mine get a bit sticky at room temperature. Perhaps I didn't bake them long enough (my oven runs cool)? Tasty regardless!

Seriously, go and check out Angela's recipe. YUMMNESSSS!

Avocado Brownies!

2012-12-19T23:46:00.000-04:00

Artsy shot!

Avocado in brownies? Hells yeah. Trust me on this one...avocado and coconut oil take the place of butter and the result is delightful. Swap regular sugar for coconut sugar, spelt for all purpose flour, and add in some psyllium husk for a delicious and more healthy rich chocolatey treat! Once they are cooled, you won't even taste the avocado (when warm, there is a slight taste to the brownies, but still yummy!).

Adapted from this recipe at How Sweet It Is:

Ingredients:
* 2 large avocados, mashed
* 2 oz unsweetened dark chocolate (2 bars of baker's chocolate), chopped
* 1 cup cocoa powder
* 8 tablespoons coconut oil
*1 1/2 cup coconut sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
* 1 cup spelt flour
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
* 2 teaspoons psyllium husk

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Grease a brownie pan (I used 2x 8 inches round cake pans).
2. Place chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, and coconut oil in a saucepan over low-medium heat. Stir frequently until melted and well-blended.
3. Place the mashed avocado in a large mixing bowl. Add in the melted chocolate mixture and coconut sugar. Mix well.
4. Add in the 2 eggs and vanilla extract and mix well.
5. Add in the dry ingredients and fold in until mixed.
6. Pour into pan(s), cook for 20-30 minutes (until middle/centre is firm), and allow to cool.

That's it! These passed the brother-in-law test and tomorrow I will try them on my nieces and sister.

Pardon the crappy picture, I was too excited to eat these to stage a nice photo shoot.