How was your weekend, friends? We’ve been a little under the weather over here. Luke has been teething up a storm with SIX new teeth coming in. Two of them finally popped through last week, giving him some relief. But seriously, that boy wants to ensure that he has at least one tooth for every…
Snapshots from Orange Beach
http://instagram.com/p/XCzVNFo-qq/ We spent last week on vacation in Orange Beach, Alabama with my mother and father-in-law, who are snowbirds and spend the three coldest, most wintery months on the much warmer beaches of Alabama. http://instagram.com/p/XqAf2EI-qu/ The week started out a little rough. Traveling with two small children is kind of crazy. Although, we refuse to…
Honesty is the Best Policy
Thank you for your words of support and encouragement yesterday. It’s nice to hear that I am not alone. However, yesterday’s post was not intended to be a woe, is me plea. Honestly, it was a raw look into my day with two young children. I strive to keep from writing with rose colored glasses. I feel that…
A Day In the Life with Two Under 3
I love when fellow mommy bloggers share Day In the Life posts, so I thought that I would do a quick run down of a day in the life of the Peters family! I am following the The Eat-Clean Diet Stripped plan as our beach vacation approaches, so all of the eats that you see…
I’m Still Here… somewhere
Thank you so much for your kind words on Facebook, Twitter and in the comments of my Birth Story posts. Your continued love and support means the world to me! i hope that by telling my story I can inspire someone else to let go and trust her intuition and her body’s ability to birth…
At the Co-Op
This morning Matthew, Luke and I ventured to our Co-Op, Valley Natural Foods, for the first time since Luke was born. In the last few months I’ve shopped at Valley a couple times either with Allan or solo, but this was our first time there just the three of us. I was prepared for an…
Sunday Snapshots: First Snow
Sunday Snapshot: Early Christmas
Pregnancy Update: Weeks 24-25
Every week passes by quicker than the last. I can’t believe that in a few short months I will be holding our little one in my arms! Baby Peters is grown like a weed, which is exciting, but a bit concerning, as well. Today I met with my midwife for my routine 26-28 week appointment…
The Peters Urban Farm Project
I wanted to stop by and give you an update on the garden. Between the squirrels and baby bunnies, I’ve had my work cut out for me. I have managed to keep many of the plants alive and seeds going; however, will have to pick up a few extra plants at the farmer’s market this…
Watermelon Protein Slushie
It’s starting to feel like summer in MN. I am excited for the fun family events we have penciled in this summer, including a few trips to the cabin and a couple camping adventures. One way that we like to beat the heat is to share a cold, refreshing smoothie. Some days I serve Matthew’s…
Matthew’s 2nd Birthday Party
Sorry for the delay in posting photos from Matthew’s party. We’ve been a little out of sorts over here, so I had a delay in getting the photos pulled together. Last Sunday we celebrated Matthew’s 2nd birthday with family and friends. The following are some highlights from the party, including the party menu. We started…
Birthday Boy Blueberry Pancakes
As I mentioned earlier this afternoon, we enjoyed an amazing stack of blueberry pancakes this morning to celebrate this little guy’s birthday. Matthew, like his mama, loves breakfast! I knew that I wanted to make something special for him this morning to celebrate the big T-W-O and instantly thought of pancakes. A couple months ago,…
Happy Birthday, Matthew!
Today Matthew turned two years old. On Sunday afternoon we hosted an intimate party to celebrate with family and friends. We had an amazing time and Matthew did not want the day to end! Stay tuned for a post with photos and the party menu tomorrow. On this special day, I look back on the…
Catching My Breath
Hello my friends. I have missed you so much! Have you missed me? Originally I planned for today’s post to be about the last few weeks of pregnancy, but decided that it would be more fun to catch you up the fun things that have been keeping me up until midnight and waking at 6:30…
Fun in the Sun
Have you been wondering to yourself, where in the world has that Maria Makes Muffins been?!? She hasn’t posted in weeks! Today I am here to answer that question… With the second trimester in full swing, Matthew and I have had quite a bit to catch up on. It felt like the first trimester moved…
Pregnancy Update: Weeks 17 & 18
I have fallen behind on posting my pregnancy updates and decided to combine weeks 17 and 18 into one post, as today is the last day of week 18! Remember when I mentioned in my week 16 post that I was having vivid dreams about feeling the baby kick on the outside of my belly?…
Pregnancy update: 16 weeks
I appologize in advance for the pics in this post, I completely forgot to have Allan take an official week 16 belly pic. What you see are the best photos that I have from dyeing Easter eggs on Friday. I caught a little cold this week. I believe I had the same virus that caused…
Pregnancy update: 15 weeks
Welcome to week 15, my little one! When I look in the mirror I feel like I look very pregnant. Although, having been through this before, I know that this is nothing compared to how I will look and feel come August! My maternity clothes are starting to fit properly, or at least not completely…
Pregnancy update: 14 weeks
The weeks are flying by! Every day I can feel the bond with my baby increasing in strength. During my first trimester there were times when it was easy to forget for a moment (or a couple hours) that I was pregnant. However, now it has become more of a full-time job. When I look in…
Twenty One
Things have been getting increasingly exciting around here. Every day we experience Matthew growing up and learning by leaps and bounds. He is now 21 months old and has definite opinions about everything. His confidence in his body and movement is amazing. He believes that he is invincible! Matthew and I have been focusing on…
A Spot of Sun
We have had the most glorious weather here in Minnesota! I know that many of you have also been blessed with a mild January. I feel like with Matthew’s afternoon nap and our busy schedule that we have not been able to fully enjoy the weather. However, knowing that the blessing could be over at…
The Bible Study Cupcake Caper
This morning Matthew and I went to Bible Study, like we do every Tuesday morning. When we entered the nursery Matthew took one look at the blonde girl that was already in the nursery and immediately began crying. The last few weeks, Matthew has been having a difficult time with me leaving him in the…
Birthday Boy
It’s a glorious 43˚ outside and I have a couple windows open! I made a delicious, gourmet dinner last night of slow cooked maple baked beans, braised red cabbage and homestyle mashed potatoes. The entire house smelled glorious last night, but this morning the smell of dinner still lingered in the air and it was…
Special Delivery
This afternoon we received a special delivery courtesy of Allan’s friend, Jason. A very friendly man delivered two boxes of warm, freshly baked Tank Goodness Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies to our doorstep. Since Allan is gluten-sensitive, these babies were all mine! Which is actually a very bad thing, because I ate two of them for lunch…
American Gothic
Life is absolutely crazy sometimes, isn’t it? I love the ups and downs, the hustle and calm, the glee and sorrow. It’s what makes us human, right? I live my days for this boy. I adore him. I simply cannot imagine life without him. I know that God intends for me to be doing exactly…
Land O Lakes Coupon Winners!
Good afternoon my friends. I bet that you were wondering when I was going to announce the winners of last week’s Land O Lakes coupon giveaway. Unfortunately there never seems to be enough time in the day for everything that I would like to accomplish… Do you ever feel that way, too? The winners of…
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Bars
This would be the post that I would share my New Year’s resolutions, if I were the type to make resolutions. However, honestly, I’m not a big believer in resolutions. I don’t need a new year in order to get me in the mood to set goals and reach them. I’m just the type of…
Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies Two Ways
Every year my mom and I bake Christmas cookies together. We always make sugar cookies, which happen to be Allan’s favorite. My mom’s favorite cookie is the gingersnap, so we usually make gingerbread men as well; however, we are bursting at the seams with cookies this year and settled on simply making roll out cookies, as…
Gluten-Free Cookies: Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk
The magical whirlwind that is the Christmas season is almost over. The waiting of the Advent season will soon break through to the awe and wonder that is Christmas… snow or no snow – as it is here in Minneapolis. It seems that yesterday’s snow shower was more of a blip than the light white…
Merry Christmas, my friends!
We have been very busy with Christmas preparations (baking, gifting and celebrating) as we await the birth of our Lord and Savior. So busy that this morning I was finally able to stop at Kowalski’s to grab a few books of stamps to mail out our Christmas Card. Our family photo was taken by a…
Banana Chai Muffins
I am still in love with Ashley’s chai spice blend. Yum! Every week I make a batch of clean and healthy snack muffins or cookies for Matthew to enjoy throughout the week. It’s an easy way for me to ensure that he is getting enough healthy fat, whole grains and fruits/veggies. Plus, I can pop…
Chai Spiced
Last week Ashley from the edible perspective posted a recipe for chai spice mix. I love chai spices and immediately ran to my spice rack and mixed up the spice blend. Upon first sniff, I immediately knew that it was a winning combination. I then got to work using it. We were running low on…
Gingerbread Two Ways
Matthew and I have been enjoying our Advent Calendar activities. Matthew looks forward to opening the Advent Calendar door and unfolding the little piece of paper every day. I found little clip art photos to represent each activity so that he can recognize what we are doing without the need for me to read the…
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hello my friends. I just wanted to stop in to wish all of my American readers a Happy Thanksgiving filled with good food, close friends and family and lasting memories. Try to make good choices, don’t come to the Thanksgiving table starving and allow yourself a treat or two. Remember the you will be back…
And so it begins…
I hope that you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving week. Matthew and I have been hard at work prepping for the Thanksgiving Feast we are hosting on Thursday. Yesterday I did the grocery shopping – I lugged home 8 bags full of goodies for both Thanksgiving and Christmas cookies. All of the organic baking stuff was on…
Operation Christmas Child
Every year, my Mom organizes a shoe box packing party for the Sunday School children at our church. Yesterday we wrapped and packed 58 shoe boxes full of toys, books, office supplies and hygiene items to bless children around the world. Every year we have an amazing time gathering as a congregation in fellowship while…
Pastries for Breakfast
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 Happy {day after} Halloween from one dragon to another! Life has been busy! We are thinking about putting our house back on the market and have spent the last several days preparing. There…
Wordless Wednesday: Lunch Date
Gluten-Free Teff Porridge
After having such great success making steel cut oats in my slow cooker, I wondered if the same things could be done with teff, which is our second favorite breakfast grain. Guess what? It worked! Since I suspect that Allan’s digestive issues are caused by gluten, teff has become our go-to breakfast porridge. We usually…
Wordless Wednesday: Sixteen Months
Family Favorites: Soaked Sweet Potato Waffles
I know that it’s still September, but the Holidays are fast approaching. Before we know it there will be snow on the ground, chestnuts roasting on an open fire and jingle bells playing on your iPhone. If you are like me and host your family’s Holiday get-togethers there is always the age old question proceeding…
Wordless Wednesday: Weekend Recap
Mill City Farmer’s Market Quick Lunch Sweetland Orchard (A visit to our very favorite farmer’s market vendor!)
Wordless Wednesday: Family Favorites: Pumpkin Donuts
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 Pumpkin Donuts Serve these pumpkin donuts with a side of scrambled eggs for a special weekend breakfast or with a slice of string cheese as a quick grab and go snack during the week. Print this…
Wordless Wednesday: MN State Fair
Spicy Cumpleaños ::: Mexican Hot Chocolate Cake Recipe
We had an amazing four day weekend together! I can’t wait to tell you all about it. On Friday, Allan took a day of vacation and we went to the MN State Fair. Look for a recap on this escapade tomorrow. Today, I want to tell you about our One Bag Mexican Fiesta that I…
Gardens of Eagan Open House
On Saturday afternoon we visited the Gardens of Eagan open house. Garden’s of Eagan is a 100 acre, urban-edge, organic vegetable farm that provides produce to several area co-ops and businesses. They also frequent a few farmer’s markets, including the Fulton Farmer’s Market. Sunday afternoon was spent dicing and freezing lots of peppers,…
A Day at the Lake
Late this morning, we spent a couple hours walking the Lake Michigan sandy beach outside of Menominee, MI. We had a beautiful time and for a moment we were able to take our minds off of why we are here. For lunch we stopped at the Blue Bicycle in Marinette, MN. Allan, Mark and Lois…
Hello from Marinette
Yesterday morning we received news that Allan’s Great Aunt Anna Mae passed away, so we quickly packed up the Rav4 to accompany Allan’s parents to Peshtigo, Wisconsin. We are staying at the lovely Country Inn in Marinette, which is a bit outdated, yet surprisingly very clean. Also, they have a huge fridge in the room…
Make it Last
Lately I have been on a preservation kick. This week I picked up 3 lbs of organic cherries at Target for a little over $3 per pound! On Tuesday night, I hand pitted and froze all 7+ cups of them! I am so excited to have organic frozen cherries in the house, because I love…
Simple Supper
It’s late and Allan and I would like to rent a movie from iTunes before bed. So I am going to make this short and sweet. 🙂 We have been enjoying our time as a family this week and are sad to see the week nearing its end. It will be very weird to be back…
Wordless Wednesday: Staycation Edition
Dolce Vita
We had another glorious weekend filled with sunshine, family and amazing food! On Friday night Allan and I went on a date to Doolittle’s Woodfire Grill where we dined alfresco on amazing food including a cosmo for her and a mojito for him (my first vodka since having Matthew). We shared the mediterranean flatbread, mediterranean…
Boys in Blue
Since I began clean eating, I searched high and low for a scone recipe that was whole grain, low sugar and low fat while still keeping the thick, crunchy, cakey texture of my beloved coffee house baked goods. About year ago, Dani Spies posted a recipe for blueberry scones and I immediately made the recipe….
Back to the Grind
We arrived back in Minneapolis last night and I have been nonstop sorting, organizing, laundering, working and shopping since we arrived. It’s amazing the amount of things that need to be done when you are away for 6 days! I plan to make a more detailed post about our time at the cabin; however, I…
Wise Acre
Last night Matthew, Allan and I dined at the Wise Acre Eatery, a newly opened farm to table restaurant near our house owned by Tangletown Gardens. The vibe was sheik, eclectic and sophisticated… right up our alley. They had a beautiful outdoor seating area; however, it was a bit humid for Matthew, so we sat inside. Wise…
Between the Sheets
Hello Pinners! I am so happy that you clicked through and found MMM. The following recipe for Overnight Oats is one of my favorite Spring and Summer breakfasts. Don’t want to add protein powder to your overnight oats or want to make a batch for your kids? I have an updated recipe here that is…
For the Love of Leftovers
Allan and I have never been big fans of leftovers. Over the years I have learned to creatively use up leftovers in a gracious manner, but most of the time leftovers are presented at our table in the same state that they were originally created. Don’t get me wrong, leftovers make wonderful quick lunches and…
A Father’s Love
We spent another incredible weekend with our families! My father-in-law was away for the weekend fishing with his nephews, so my mother-in-law offered to watch Matthew on Saturday night. Allan and I spent our date night with movie and dinner. We usually do dinner first and then the movie, but this time we decided to…
Target Practice
As you already know, we shop at Target a lot – and not just for general household items, we also purchase most of our food there. We were Target go-ers long before Mister Peters started working as a Senior Art Director in their corporate InHouse agency. Not only do we prefer the in-store experience, we…
Make A Wish
Today was a lovely day. The day started with Blueberry Almond Breakfast Bakes using this recipe as a base. To keep things interesting, I tried my hand at a little experiment… I subbed almond pulp, leftover from making homemade almond milk, for buckwheat flour, omitted coconut oil and traded out cherries for 1 cup frozen…
Open Streets and a Bran Breakfast Bake
Saturday afternoon I had a major craving for a bran muffin. Not just any bran muffin, but a Breadsmith bran muffin… my absolute favorite! So, I decided to conjure up a recipe for a healthy and lovely bran breakfast bake. Folks, you need to drop what you are doing and immediately throw one of these in…
Rhubarb Strawberry Sauce
Today was an amazing day filled with laughter, sunshine and family. I love afternoons spent talking, munching and playing in the sunshine with those that mean the most to me. It was glorious! Last night I was so excited to enjoy a Cooler 2 breakfast that I threw together this simple Rhubarb Strawberry sauce that…
Cooler 1: Day 5… Last day
Good evening. Happy Friday! I just love Fridays. All day Matthew and I look forward to Allan’s arrival and (usually) pizza night follows. Tonight we did not enjoy Friday Night Pizza night; however, we did have something that was completely amazing! Remember the spaghetti that I blogged about yesterday? It was amazing!!! Both Matthew and…
Cooler 1: Day 2
I am still rockin’ and rollin’ on Cooler 1 today. I plan to keep strong until Friday. Then I may have a small cheat meal on Saturday afternoon, as we will be attending my sister’s graduation party. My cheat meal will be clean, just not in accordance with Cooler 1 guidelines. Then I will be…
Matthew’s Birthday Party: Food Edition
As you know, Sunday was Matthew’s first birthday and we threw a small party for him. The following is the food that we served to our family that came from near and far to celebrate with us. Prepping the salad I used the following simple dressing on this salad. The recipe makes enough dressing for…
Matthew’s Birth Story
In honor of Matthew’s first birthday, which was Sunday, I am reposting his birth story. I feel that when you are pregnant there is so much emphasis placed on the things that could go wrong rather than the joy and love of birth that I could do no harm by reposting the story of Matthew’…
For Matthew…
To my dearest Matthew for your first birthday. He (Jesus) called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2 Before you were born I thought that I…
Mill City Farmer’s Market
Yesterday morning, we arose at the crack of dawn to make it to my favorite farmer’s market, the Mill City Farmer’s Market before Matthew’s morning nap. Enjoy these gorgeous photos courtesy of Mister Peters.
Dough Balls for All!
One afternoon day per week Matthew and I spend quality time together in the kitchen prepping food for the week. I hate washing dished, but I love to cook and bake. So, to indulge my creative side and to minimize clean up I cook in large batches of similar items all in one afternoon. That way…
Kingfield Farmer’s Market
This morning we awoke bright and early to the joyful sound of a hungry cat. We decided to get up, shower, eat breakfast and visit opening day at the Kingfield Farmer’s Market. The morning was clear, with a chance of rain. However, on our way to the garage it started to sprinkle. By the time…
What does it mean to eat clean?
Yesterday I posted about our reasons for living clean. Today I would like to explain what I mean when I say that we are clean eaters. Eating clean is a diet (definition: food and drink regularly provided or consumed, source) that focuses on eating as close to nature as possible. We strive to consume foods that…
Mpls Farmer’s Market
This morning, Allan, Matthew and I went to the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market. This was our first trip to the Farmer’s Market this year. It was so much fun! Here a bunch of photos of our morning. First thing’s first. It was super windy, so I ordered an organic 2% cappuccino. Unfortunately, I burnt my tongue…
Blueberry Banana Tofu Muffins
I am excited to share my very first muffin recipe with you. This recipe for Banana Blueberry Tofu muffins was originally created for Matthew; they taste amazing, are nutrient dense, unsweetened, low in fat and are very moist. Matthew loves baked goods – muffins, bread, pancakes. He gobbles them up in a heart beat. Usually…
Happy Mother’s Day
Happy Mother’s day to all of the mothers, soon-to-be mothers, new mothers and grandmothers! I hope that you are enjoying your day. Even though this is my first Mother’s Day with Matthew, I am finding it difficult to think of Mother’s Day as a special day for me. I would much rather focus on the…
Summer Sunshine
Yesterday I finished Stage 5 of New Rules of Lifting for Women. I cannot wait to start Stage 6, it is hands down my favorite stage of the series and I have been looking forward to it since I re-started NROL4W back in September. NROL4W recommends that for optimal muscle recovery, you take a week…
Skin a melon
Every Friday Matthew keeps me company while I grocery shop. In exchange for his witty banter, jokes and inquisitive glances he gets to pick out one fun item to bring home and enjoy. This item is usually a new-to-Matthew piece of produce that is visually appealing and baby-friendly. Matthew then gets to hold the item through the…
Bitten by the Baking Bug
This Sunday I was bitten by the baking bug. I must have dreamt about food, because I awoke with a gazzilion ideas for new recipes… blueberry zucchini tofu muffins, egg salad, chocolate strawberry breakfast bakes, blueberry buckwheat protein pancakes, the list goes on… Enter new recipe #1: Blueberry Buckwheat Protein Pancakes We were all pleasantly…
Chili and Cornbread for a Crowd
Sunday is our family day. We wake up early and attend church as a family. Spending the morning worshiping God with Grandma and Grandpa Malcolm is always a lot of fun. Sunday is also the day that I make something fancy for dinner. Some weeks I make pork tenderloin with roasted veggies and apples, other…