Our Robins Nest

Pumpkin Cinnamon Apple Zucchini Bread

I had an unexpected day off from work yesterday, which didn't necessarily mean I had the day off, but I had to compromise. Franco was not feeling well so I had to pick him up from school early, but he magically felt better as soon as we came home. Working from home was not going to be an option for me this time. We got a nice long walk in especially since the humidity broke and it was so nice to be outside. The cool breeze had me thinking Fall and with only two days away from September I can barely take it anymore-I need pumpkins!
I thought I could make it until September 1st, but no I had to do it. I had to bake the most 'Fallest' thing I could think of.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Apple Zucchini Bread.

Yes I had all these ingredients laying around and yes my house smelled absolutely amazing. The sweet aromas just melted every away every stress I was feeling at the moment and I was finally able to let the breeze fly through the house with wide open windows. At this moment Fall was finally in the air at the Robins Nest!

Franco woke up from his nap all refreshed and we enjoyed our delicious snack together.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Apple Zucchini Bread

Recipe type: BakingPrep time: 10 minsCook time: 45 minsTotal time: 55 minsServes: 12

Ingredients

·         2 eggs
·         2 egg whites
·         ¼ cup sugar
·         ¾ cup canned pumpkin pie
·         ⅓ cup unsweetened apple sauce
·         1 zucchini, peeled and shredded
·         1.5 cup flour
·         1 tsp baking powder
·         1 tsp baking soda
·         2 tsp cinnamon
·         1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

1.     Preheat oven to 350F and spray baking pan with cooking spray.
2.     In a bowl using an electric mixer beat together your eggs and egg whites, add in sugar and mix well.
3.     Beat in pumpkin, apple sauce, shredded zucchini and vanilla.
4.     Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. Mix well.
5.     Scoop batter into baking pan.
6.     Bake in oven for approx. 45 minutes, let cool and serve.

This recipe is easy and keeps your house smelling great for the rest of the day! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Crush an Anxiety Attack in Five Minutes

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Anxiety is nasty.

It is an unpleasant feeling, and it holds us back from doing things that we love. That doesn’t mean we are doomed. There are many ways to help reduce anxiety— it all depends on what fits our lifestyle.

And although anxiety may seem inevitable, we can certainly maintain it.

Here is a quick five minute ritual to help collect your thoughts and get your breathing under control. This has helped me in times of chaos with limited resources.

1. Find a quiet place with low light. Turn your phone on silent and put it away out of your sight.
2. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing— breathe in for 4 seconds hold it for 7 seconds and exhale for 7 seconds.

3. Put your hand on your abdomen, feel your belly filling up with air and emptying when you exhale.
4. Tell yourself that this moment will not last and everything will go back to normal shortly.
5. Say out loud: “This wave will pass, I will breathe again”.

Repeat for five minutes.

I hope this exercise helps you during a panic/anxiety attack or even before an exam or presentation. It is even helpful if you include it in your daily routine to manage your breathing.

Keep calm and breathe on!

Biggie Birthday

Franco is coming up on two and a half years old and I cannot believe I have not shown you pictures from when we had his second birthday! I’ve been meaning to post about it but time sure has slipped away.

I figured this would be my last year of being able to pick the theme for him. Next year I am sure he is going to want to decide what he wants (dinosaurs, trucks, Minions, maybe all three?!) but for now, this mama bird chose one of her favorite things- the Notorious B.I.G.!

We didn’t go all out and have a huge party, but we decided to have a few friends over for cupcakes and it gave me the opportunity to do what I love, decorate!