Paleo Pumpkin Bread

It's not completely fall yet, but I've finally accepted that it's on the way. The fall candles are flickering, there's that little nip in the air around 5 p.m. and inevitably the leaves are changing color once again. Every year around this time I go on a baking kick. Last year it was pumpkin muffins with cream cheese frosting (delicious, by the way). This year I wanted pumpkin bread. And I wanted it paleo style!

So, of course, I scoured Pinterest for the best paleo pumpkin recipes with quite a bit of luck. I guess I'm not alone in my love of fall treats within the paleo community. The recipe is simple and it makes beautiful, moist, and delicious bread. 

A blender is what a college student uses because she doesn't own a food processor.
Same thing right?

Ok, so it turned out as more of a bar, but again, I'm working with the tools on hand.
Didn't have a fancy loaf pan!

The ingredients are simple and easy. I was quite skeptical at first, but when I tasted the batter I knew I was in for a treat. The ingredients are as follows:

Almond flour
Sea salt
Baking soda
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Cloves
Honey
Stevia **I used regular sugar**
Eggs

Additions to original ingredients
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips

The original recipe with measurements and instructions I followed can be found at Elana's Pantry. Thanks for the recipe Elana! I will be keeping this one handy for the rest of fall!

Dry Shampoo Battle

Happy October! It's going to be a lovely month full of pumpkin chai lattes, sweaters, and fall festivities. I thought I'd start off the month with a Dry Shampoo Battle seeing as school is in full swing and many of us have early classes to run off to or workouts between classes that make hair scream for some dry shampoo love. Now, I haven't always been a dry shampoo lover, I'm a recent convert. But, let me just tell you, it is the most wonderful thing to happen to my hair. I am not washing my hair as much so I can tell it's a lot healthier than it was even a few months ago.

Most dry shampoos do the job and there's really no way you can go wrong. This product works its magic whether it's $3.00 or $30.00. That being said, I know some of the pricier dry shampoos can be two-in-one products with a bit more magic fairy dust mixed in. For me, the drugstore versions work just fine. I've really been loving Pssst Instant Dry Shampoo recently and have featured it in favorites posts in the past (see here) and have also loved Batiste Dry Shampoo, as well. Others worth mentioning, for not so good reasons, are the Umberto Dry Shampoo and Dove Invigorating Dry Shampoo.

Today's battle is between Batiste and Pssst. I will test based on how well the product works, the white cast from the spray, and the scent.

Batiste Floral and Flirty Blush

Does it do the job?

Overall, yes. The product banishes grease and you're left looking fresh. Perhaps not "just out of the shower" fresh, but fresh nonetheless. 

White cast?
It's no secret that Batiste Dry Shampoos have a white cast. That is why they've formulated a version for dark hair. It is quite noticeable even in my blonde hair, but is easily fixed with a quick fingers through the hair motion to mix it up.

Scent?

Quite strong. I would not spray this if there are others in the vicinity. It does have a nice floral scent, but it is not my favorite of the Batiste fragrances.

Pssst Instant Dry Shampoo

Does it do the job?

Yes. I believe, of the dry shampoos I've tried, this works best for my hair texture and length. It leaves my hair looking "clean," even when I know it's third day hair. Shhh!

White cast?

This product does have a white cast, but does not have as severe ghostly matte shade as Batiste. It is also quite easily remedied with a quick shake of your hands through your hair.

Scent?

This has a classic dry shampoo scent, but it dissipates very quickly. It is strong, but does not stay in your hair. Your hair will smell like your shampoo or your perfume if you have used it.

My winner in this battle is the Pssst Instant Dry Shampoo because the scent and the white cast issues were not as severe in this product. Both worked quite well and would serve their purpose.

What is your favorite dry shampoo?

The Autumn Tag

Last year's Fall Family Fun Day

Although it's sad for me to admit that Autumn is quickly approaching, I have to admit there is one tiny (VERY tiny) part of me that is excited for what Fall brings. Sweaters, chunky scarves, hot tea, cuddles, favorite TV show season premiers, colorful leaves, and Halloween candy! I'm so very sad to see summer go, but that's life. I decided it'd be fun to do this Autumn tag I've seen floating around blog land. Here goes nothing...

Favorite Thing About Autumn

I'd have to say my favorite thing about Autumn is that my favorite television shows come back on air! I'm most excited for Downton Abbey, but the end of Breaking Bad should be intense. I'm also looking forward to less dramatic television, like Modern Family, Parks and Recreation, and New Girl.

Favorite Drink

I think it depends on the day for me. I love tea, so I might say a Hot Cinnamon Spice tea from Caribou, or my Pumpkin Spice tea from Target. I also love Pumpkin Chai Lattes from Caribou if I'm feeling fancy. If I wanted a serious classically fall drink I'd go for a hot apple cider.

Favorite Scent/Candle

My favorite candle is Leaves from Bath and Body Works. It smells like you're making home made cider and baking fall treats in your house. I've also been a fan of their new Blueberry Pumpkin Patch candle, as well. I have Pumpkin Spice candle from Yankee Candle that is equally delicious smelling.

Best Lipstick

If you know me, you'll know that I rarely ever wear anything but lip balm on my lips. On my latest Target excursion I grabbed Revlon Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie and I surprisingly love it. It's a departure from anything I've ever worn before, but I really enjoy it. I wear it as more of a stain than anything, but it's a gorgeous color.

Best Go-To Moisturizer

I'm a Neutrogena Visibly Even lover. It's my go-to everyday moisturizer for any season. 'Nuff said.

Favorite Go-To Color on the Eyes

Again, I keep it pretty simple for my eyes, but I love bronzey/champagne colors for the Fall. My favorites are Maybelline Bad to the Bronze and L'Oreal Amber Rush.

Favorite Music

This Fall Sara Bareilles' new album, The Blessed Unrest, has been playing non-stop on my iPod.

Favorite Treat

I am still on my Paleo diet, so I haven't yet made any Paleo-friendly fall treats. I'm hoping to experiment with a Paleo Pumpkin Bread next week. I'll be sure to post about it if it is tasty. If I wasn't Paleo right now, I'd be eating pounds of pumpkin muffins.

Favorite Place to Be

I think anywhere is beautiful in Fall. The leaves are changing, it's still nice outside, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. I'll be most looking forward to my annual apple orchard and pumpkin patch trip!

What are your Fall essentials?