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my workout favorites

January 05, 2024 by all aflutter in Blog, Gifts For...

MOVING MY body in some way everyday isn’t negotiable for me. It’s absolutely essential for both my physical and mental health. It’s how I meditate and process my thoughts. It’s how I work through my challenges and find my creativity. It’s a huge component of keeping my cranky digestion a bit less cranky. And it’s super important to me to model an active lifestyle for my boys and to show them that mama can be just as strong [or stronger] as dad. Most often you’ll find me in the foothills HikeRunning the local trails [yes, I made that up, but I’m sure it’s a thing. I power hike the uphill and run the flats and downhill, so… HikeRun] solo or with a friend, bathing in all of the glorious sights and smells of the forest. Being in nature almost daily is def a huge part of what’s absolutely essential about the whole ritual for me. But, I also weight train a few times a week and have been a dedicated barre student for more than a decade. I do like to mix it up. And some days my ‘workout’ might be a nice chill, soul-filling walk with a friend. I’m for sure not hitting it super hard all of the time, but I’m always moving and that’s what matters to me.

BECAUSE I prioritize my workout over almost all other things in my day, I’m usually left racing around in my sweaty exercise clothes, rarely taking the time to change into something more stylish [or less stinky] before moving on with the rest of my day. So I prefer those workout clothes to be as cute and comfortable as possible. And you guys, I’m 50 and personally not interested in walking around with my midriff hanging out. Or all of my back. Or half of my side boob. And I’m def not sporting a bra as clothes. I’ll leave that to the cutie college kids. To that end, I’ve searched out and tried on a zillion different brands and styles and have found some favorites that both fit me best AND are made with fabrics that I like to sweat in [there’s nothing worse than ‘exercise’ clothes that feel super gross when you actually exercise in them]. The market is positively flooded with brands and styles of athleisure and more serious gear at this point and it’s obvs a super personal thing, unique to each individual’s body and preferences, but I’m sharing a few that I love with you in hopes it might at least narrow the field a bit. Many of these companies are also dedicated to boosting up women and protecting the planet, which makes supporting them that much sweeter. So go get moving, lovelies, in whatever way makes YOU feel good. I hope to see you out there. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

My workout favorites

> There’s sooo much to love LOVE about Vuori, starting with how insanely soft and comfortable it is; I LIVE in so many of their pieces. My top 4 favorites… the Daydream Crew [I have like 6 colors] is SO lightweight, soft and breathable, has UPF 30 built-in and is a perfect length for my shorter frame. The Clementine Short is my new hands-down favorite, they’re super fluttery and lightweight. The Halo Essential Hoodie is another go-to for chillier days with its easy styling and cute hood [it’s cute with jeans, too] and the Restore Half-Zip Hoodie to get even snugglier. They also have awesome Hip Packs + Slings and Jackets. My husband LOVES his Vuori, too. You just really can’t go wrong. <

> These Free People Movement Never Better Leggings are my new favorites, which says a lot because I think I’ve tried about 75 pairs. They’re super soft and lightweight and they have a perfect rise. There’s enough compression to matter, but I don’t feel like a sausage. And they come in a zillion pretty colors. They also have a Capri and Crop version if you like them a bit shorter. LOVE. < $98

> I love Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye Collection. It’s SUPER soft, has beautiful colors and comes in tons of different styles. It feels like you have nothing on, moves well and takes on the sweat with grace. My favorite tights from Beyond Yoga are the Caught in the Midi High Waisted Legging and the Out of Pocket High Waisted Midi Legging. Their leggings def have less compression than some, so keep that in mind if it’s a priority; they’re not gonna suck in and hide ALL of the bits like some fabrics do, but they’re insanely soft and comfortable and cute. I also LOVE the Featherweight Daydreamer Pullover, which is so aptly named. It’s the softest thing that feels like nothing. Their whole line comes in a full range of research-backed extended sizing and maternity, too. Plus I love supporting companies that are actively working to support women and the planet in a meaningful and authentic way. <

> Man, I wish I could do that. But… I can’t. I DO love some of Alo Yoga’s pieces though, like these High-Waist Airlift Leggings. They suck in EVERY little thing, but still move well and are super comfortable. They have just a tiny bit of sheen that’s super cute. I also love the High-Waist Airbrush Legging for colder weather walks + hikes. They’re really soft, but pretty thick, so perfect for keeping warm and super flattering. They also have super chic sweatshirts and tops and sweats for everyday. And teens love this stuff, too. <

> I don’t love everything that Lululemon makes [there’s something about their leggings that does nothing good to my butt], but when I find the right thing from them, it usually becomes a very solid favorite. The Speed Up High-Rise Shorts fit that mold; they’re super comfortable and that flat waistband is perfection [I HATE squeezie tight elastic around my waist]. They don’t ride up and the 4” length is great. I have 3 pairs and I rotate them literally everyday all summer long. I also LOVE LOVE their Love Tanks. I’m super fussy about my tanks and these are just simple perfection. Not too tight, no side boobs hanging out, no back exposed with a perfect racerback and reasonably priced. I wear them every darn day. >

> There are so many things to love about Athleta. I appreciate that they keep women of all sizes and shapes in mind when designing their line. I love their empowerment of women and girls and I love that they’re a Certified B Corp [plus Simone and Alicia, of course]. Now add these Mesh Racer Run Shorts to the list. They’re a perfect length [no cheeks hanging out] and move well and the elastic waistband isn’t all squeezie. I have also worn and loved so many Athleta Leggings and Bras and Sweatshirts over the years, they wash and wear extremely well, they don’t stretch out, don’t pill, don’t snag and are just super high quality all around. I haven’t been feeling any of their styles recently [I hate when they change up a classic], but will always keep checking in to see what’s new and hope for a gem. If you find something you love, snag a few. <

> Shoes are SO personal depending on your geometry, feet, use, etc, but I’ll just share that I LOVE these Nike Pegasus Trail 5s for everyday hiking and trail running. They don’t have the burliest traction, so not great if you’re hardcore scrambling, but I love them for chill trails. Plus they’re super cute, so… < $155

> I don’t set out without a hat when it’s sunny. I love this Clare V. Ciao Trucker Hat, the color is awesome. I also love to pick up hats when traveling and always opt for the brightest, sunniest one I can find. < $50

 

> Vermont-based Skida makes THE best hats for sweating outdoors. They’re lightweight but warm and they don’t get all stinky. Plus they’re just super cute with a zillion prints to choose from. I love both my Chateau Hat and Alpine Hat and wear them interchangeably all winter long. > from $38

> I got a Geometry Fitness Towel for my sweat and I love it. Yep, my sweat. It lives in my car all summer long, dedicated to mopping up the sweat on my brow after hot trail sessions and to put on my seat when my sweaty back and butt are dripping, too [don’t judge]. It’s super absorbent, quick-drying, odor-resistant, easy to clean and darn cute. It’s the little things, lovelies. Use code Darcie15 to save 15% off your Geometry order any day of the year. < $20

> Oh how I love this li’l Cotopaxi Kapai Hip Pack. I use it when I’m on a chill walk with friends, a hike or on the beach. It’s a happy little spot for my phone, chapstick, keys and a snack if need be. It’s kind of perfect. I have dragged it so many places that the front pocket is now full of tiny shells and rocks and treasures that I’ve collected along the way and there’s almost no room for my stuff. But it makes me happy every time I hear them jingle around in there. It comes in a few set colors or opt to ‘be surprised’ by a bright, fun one-of-a-kind Del Dia style. < $35

> I go almost nowhere on a walk, hike, beach or neighborhood bike ride without a hip pack and I love this Topo Designs Ripstop Belt Bag. It’s made from recycled nylon ripstop and has a perfect little outside pocket for my phone. It comes in some cute colors, too. > $39

> This SPI Belt [stands for Small Personal Item] is the most brilliant use of a bit of elastic and some stretchy fabric. The Large Pocket is big enough to hold my phone and keys while I’m on the trails. It’s so low profile and comfortable that I often forget I have it on until I get undressed [oops] and it doesn’t move a single inch while I’m running. It’s awesome. < from $20

> I’m not very good at bringing water with me on my casual daily hikes + runs. I just don’t like having anything in my hands and for an hour or so, I don’t feel like I really need it. But come summertime, when I’m working out in near 100 degree heat, it’s just kind of stupid to go out with nothing. So I got this Nathan Trail Mix Plus Pack. It has 2x 10oz bottles and a pocket big enough for my essentials. And it really doesn’t move much while I’m running. It’s perfect for my everyday trail sessions. < $55

> There are few things more annoying while you’re running than your sunglasses bouncing off your nose with every stride. It makes me nuts. But Goodr OGs totally solve it, they’re perfection. They’re lightweight, stay in place, are polarized and somehow universally flattering, they come in a million colors and are super inexpensive. Plus they participate in 1% for the Planet. Win win win win win win win. < $25

> I have tried a bunch of different brands of socks because it just makes a difference and I love these Balega Ultraglide Friction-Free No Shows. They’re not too thick or too thin and I think their sizing is pretty spot on [my size 6.5/7 feet are often in between sock sizes and these smalls are perfect]. They’re super durable, too. And cute, so there. Balega makes a bunch of different styles depending on your preferences, so you’re sure to find something that you love. < from $17

> I’ve been taking barre classes for more than 10 years and these TAVI Grip Socks are my favorites. They come in a zillion different styles, prints and colors and they grip really well. I hang them to dry to prolong their stickiness. < $18

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photo from The 12 Sleighs of Christmas by Sherri Dusky Rinker

our favorite christmas books

December 24, 2023 by all aflutter in Gifts For...

OK, I just pulled out our collection of Christmas books and it’s, well, just a *wee* bit larger than I remember. I mean we have collected A LOT of holiday books over the years. There is a tiny pile of ‘meh’ ones that I set aside, but the rest are seriously awesome and I’m so excited to get into them. If you follow along, you know by now that I love a good holiday book. They’re just such a sweet and festive way to really launch the season and then enjoy it each night. Plus those books build such tender lasting memories as the boys and I get them out each year, saying ‘oh, I remember this one, I love this one.’ It’s precious time I get with my boys and I’m going to cherish it for as long as I can.

SO, I’VE ditched those ‘meh’ titles, and am sharing with you just the holiday books that we LOVE. There are such fantastic gems in here. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as we do. And PLEASE do share your favorites in the comments below, I’m just sure there’s still a wee bit of space on the shelf. xo

Our Favorite Christmas Books

> Samurai Santa is one of our favorites by a long shot. Yukio almost ruins Christmas for the other ninjas because they’re spoiling his fun, but a mysterious samurai cleverly reminds him of the true meaning of the holiday. The illustrations are FANTASTIC and it’s just an awesome, clever, non-traditional Christmas story. If you have ninja-lovers, this is epic. <

> Oh, we love The 12 Sleighs of Christmas. Santa’s sleigh is in bad shape so the elves compete to design some souped up replacements and they are SO fun. The illustrations are super clever, especially if you have a vehicle lover or budding engineer. There’s also a Book + PJ Set that’s so cute. <

> The whole series of Laura Murray’s Gingerbread Man books exemplify kindness and intention. The Gingerbread Man Loose at Christmas is a fun and adorable Christmas version done with the same whimsey and fun and lyrical brilliance as all the others. And Mike Lowery’s fantastic illustrations are a perfect match. <

> Bear’s back and this time he’s planning a holiday party for all of his friends. He needs help finding all of the things that make a festive celebration. Bear’s Merry Book of Hidden Things has THE cutest illustrations and is such a fun seek + find book. <

> The Gingerbread Pirates is another favorite. The cookies for santa think they’re real pirates and set out to look for their crew. It’s a perilous journey, but they get some help from an unexpected visitor. <

> My husband has a real soft spot for Toot & Puddle. All the books in the series are SO sweet and Toot & Puddle Let it Snow is, too. It’s about finding the perfect gift for your best friend, a present that can’t be bought in a store. <

> Christmas is Awesome is a funny, sweet board book with well, just awesome, illustrations. It celebrates everything that’s special about the holiday and it’s adorable. <

> I love this book. Olive the Other Reindeer is a story about Olive the dog who gets a bit confused by the classic Rudolph song and thinks she’s a reindeer so she heads to the North Pole to help Santa. J. Otto Seibold’s illustrations are so wonderful and it’s just a darling and silly story. <

> The Dinosaurs’ Night Before Christmas is a prehistoric take on the classic gives you a peek at how the dinosaurs in the museum celebrate the holidays when nobody’s watching. It’s festive and fun and a must for dino-lovers. A portion of the proceeds from this book go to the American Museum of Natural History in NYC where the story is set. <

> The Animals’ Santa is a Jan Brett book through and through. The woodland animals are all speculating about who [or what] the Animals’ Santa might be because nobody had seen him before. Little Snow thinks they’re all full of it until something majestic changes his mind. The illustrations are beautiful and detailed and just what you’d expect from Jan Brett. <

> Freddy is Santa’s biggest fan and he’s trying desperately to get a photo with his hero. He hatches an elaborate Rube Goldberg-like plan to trick him, but Santa’s just too smart. The Great Santa Stakeout is a fun book for little engineers. I love all of Dan Santat’s colorful, energetic illustrations. <

 

> I’m not gonna lie, before I read A Bad Kitty Christmas I was about to discount it as a bit cheesy, but I was seriously wrong. It is unexpectedly one of the most profound Christmas stories I’ve read and truly illustrates the meaning of the holiday. Yes, it’s silly and goofy, but it’s also incredibly touching. I’m only a little embarrassed to admit that I get a bit teary every time I read it aloud. <

> We love ALL the 'Bear Books' by Karma Wilson + Jane Chapman and Bear Stays Up for Christmas one is no exception. It’s just the sweetest story of friendship and celebrating what’s important for the holidays. And the illustrations are beautiful and energetic and perfectly match the lyrical story-telling. <

> This is just a straight up illustrated version of the super classic movie Home Alone, and those illustrations are really awesome. A reminder that there are def ‘bad guys’ in this story, so be aware if you have sensitive littles, but it’s otherwise really fun. <

> Oh man, Pig is sooo greedy and it doesn’t end well for him. Pig the Elf is super silly and really highlights the anti-spirit of the season, which of course ultimately illustrates the true beauty of it. The Pig the Pug books are all really goofy and have good lessons about how NOT to behave. <

> Construction Site on Christmas Night is such a great addition to this series. It has the sweetest message and everything you love about the Construction Site books. <

> Santa’s sick and calls on Pete the Cat to help deliver the presents worldwide. Pete the Cat Saves Christmas is a story about how size doesn’t matter when you ‘give it your all.’ And of course Pete saves the day. <

> Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree is a relatively new addition to our collection and I just love it. Mr. Willowby’s tree is too tall to fit in his house, so he lops off the top and chucks it outside. The story follows that tree top as it gets smaller and smaller as it’s shared among all the woodland animals in the forest [that also get smaller and smaller]. It’s really clever and cute. <

> Tough Cookie is such a charming book about a cookie that doesn’t taste good and his quest to fit in with the other sweets in the Land of Holiday Treats. You can bet it has a surprise happy ending. I LOVE the happy, vintage-feeling illustrations. <

> Santa’s feeling a bit old and crotchety and is having trouble mustering the Christmas spirit. So he makes a wish to be young again and gets way more than he bargained for. Santa Baby is a story about how Santa is reminded of the wonder of Christmas in an unusual way. It’s cute and funny and has a sweet message. <

> Fans of Otis the lovable tractor will love An Otis Christmas. It’s Christmas Eve and the farmer’s horse is in trouble trying to give birth to her foal. A huge snowstorm has made the road to Doc Baker’s house impassable, so it’s Otis to the rescue. It’s a sweet story and the illustrations are detailed and beautiful. <

> The North Pole Ninjas are a secret band of Santa’s Elves who are tasked with performing random acts of kindness throughout the holiday season. And they want your help. The book comes with a ‘mission’ for your kiddo and 50 suggestions for carrying out their own quiet random acts of kindness. <

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December 24, 2023 /all aflutter
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Photo from Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf

our favorite hanukkah books

December 01, 2023 by all aflutter in Gifts For...

I LOVE pulling out the holiday books. It’s one of the first things I do to signify the start of the season, whatever it is, and it just feels so exciting. We have a collection of Hanukkah books that grows each year as I discover new ones. As a family that celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas, it’s important to me to make sure my boys understand the meaning of both holidays. I’m not gonna lie, it can be tough to compete with Santa and his merry elves and magical reindeer, but a few really sweet, interesting and funny Hanukkah books go a long way to engage my kids and help them enjoy the story of Hanukkah just as much.

SO HERE’S a collection of books to celebrate The Festival of Lights with kids of any age. Some explain the significance or traditions of the holiday and others are just fun stories. We have many of these books and some are on our wishlist. If you have favorites, please do share, we’re always looking to add to our collection. And Happy Hanukkah, lovelies. xo

Hanukkah Books

 

+ Shelf the Hanukkah Elf is our VERY favorite Hanukkah book. It explains and celebrates the differences between Christmas and Hanukkah and honors them both beautifully. It’s super cute and the illustrations are really whimsical and fun. +

+ Simon and the Bear is a really enchanting story about Simon’s journey to America and 8 Hanukkah miracles that help him along the way. The illustrations are beautiful. +

+ D is for Dreidel: A Hanukkah Alphabet is a holiday-inspired A-Z board book with bright happy pictures for each letter. +

+ Latke, the Lucky Dog is a story about a dog rescued on the first night of Hanukkah who accidentally manages to mess up just about all of the family’s holiday traditions. But of course they love him anyway. +

+ Oskar and the Eight Blessings is a really powerful and heartfelt story about the kindness of strangers. +

+ Where is Baby’s Dreidel? is a darling little lift-the-flap board book about baby trying to spin the dreidel. It’s super cute for little littles. +

+ You’re My Little Latke is just a super duper adorable rhyming board book celebrating Hanukkah. +

+ Dinosaur on Hanukkah is a super funny book about a dinosaur trying to participate in the Hanukkah festivities. +

+ The Eight Knights of Hanukkah is a great book. It’s a sweet and funny story about kindness and bravery and it teaches some Hanukkah traditions along the way. I love that it’s inclusive, too. +

+ The Hanukkah Mice is a story about a sweet Hanukkah miracle for a family of mice who live quietly in Rachel’s room. +

+ Hanukkah the Festival of Lights is perfect for littles. It explains how and why Hanukkah is celebrated in a simple and easy to understand way. +

+ A fun twist on the classic Goodnight Moon story, Goodnight Bubbala features a super lively family with a very different idea about their bedtime routine. You can have your own fuzzy bunny to go along with the book, too. +

+ Maccabee! The Story of Hanukkah is an engaging and energetic version of the Hanukkah story in full rhyme and the illustrations are bright and detailed. +

+ Is It Hanukkah Yet? highlights all the ways we know that Hanukkah is coming, both seasonal and traditional. I like the sweet illustrations. +

+ How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Hanukkah? is a super cute + funny Hanukkah version of the beloved ‘How Do Dinosaurs…’ books by Jane Yolen. We love it. +

+ Ok, Five Little Gefiltes is totally not a Hanukkah book, but it’s super funny, especially if you have a little yiddish in your life or want to learn some basics. +

 

+ Hanukkah Bear is a tender and silly story about a case of mistaken identity because Bubba Brayna can’t see very well and Bear can only growl. +

+ Little Red Ruthie: A Hanukkah Tale is a fun twist on the classic story that teaches some Hanukkah traditions along the way. The illustrations are fun. +

+ Wacky Pappy and the Dreidel Tornado is a colorful story about a dreidel game gone way wrong and how teamwork can save the day. +

+ Let’s Play Dreidel is a fun interactive book inspired by Herve Tullet’s super popular book Press Here. It’s just perfect for littles. +

+ Pinky Bloom and the Case of the Magical Menorah is a chapter book mystery that only Pinky Bloom, Brooklyn’s greatest detective, can solve. +

+ These ‘Indestructables’ books are SO awesome for tiny littles. And Hanukkah Baby has really bright cute illustrations and a very simple story to honor the holiday. +

+ Dusk is a neat story about the holiday season in the city and ALL of the lights that shine when the sun goes down. It’s an inclusive book that represents Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanza in the bright and interesting illustrations. +

+ This is the 25th anniversary edition of the classic tale of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. One man outwits wicked goblins that have taken over the synagogue and stopped the villagers from celebrating Hanukkah. +

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menorahs i love

November 01, 2023 by all aflutter in Gifts For...

EVERY YEAR I marvel at the way that artists and designers continue to interpret the menorah in such creative, interesting and inspired ways and in so many different styles. Some are very traditional and some super whimsical and fun. It’s just so cool to see how something that’s been around for thousands of years keeps evolving. Functional art, especially art that becomes part of cherished family traditions, is such a beautiful gift and a lasting reminder of the love and intention with which it was given. I gathered up a few really pretty menorahs that would make a gorgeous gift to a loved one or yourself, plus some really awesome ways to get kiddos extra excited about the Festival of Lights. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Menorahs I Love

> This beautiful brass Modern Mensch Nosh Menorah is actually inspired by the bagel, but is so gorgeous nobody will even notice [except maybe some rumbling tummies]. It comes in 4 other pretty colors, too. < $200

> I love the unique shape of this gorgeous Ceramic Menorah. It’s handmade in Tel Aviv and despite its modern lines, is inspired by traditional menorahs. So pretty. < $273

> Keep things playful with these fabulous Jonathan Adler Menagerie Menorahs. There’s a Dachschund and an Elephant to choose from and I just love them both. They’re happy and gorgeous, too. < $132

> A dear friend gifted me this Yair Emanuel ‘Tree of Life’ Menorah and I love it so much. It’s a gorgeous bright blue, hand-painted with birds and pomegranates and it just makes me smile. Emanuel has LOTS of other menorahs to choose from in tons of styles. < $80

> Crate & Barrel’s Gehry Chrome Menorah has a modern twist without going too far outside the lines. It’s sculptural and interesting and really pretty. < $79.95

> Wow, talk about stunning functional art, this Handmade Virginia Sin Swey Menorah is exactly that. Each one is handcrafted in Brooklyn, making it completely unique. Its unconventional shape lends itself to staying out all year-round as a beautiful art piece. < $220

> Your kiddos can create their own beautiful functional art piece, with Super Smalls’ Hanukkah Activity Set. It includes a blank ceramic menorah, paint, stickers and an activity book with jokes + fun trivia. So you get a fantastic activity and a lasting piece of art all in one. Love it. < $36

> This Rite Lite Go Mini Electric Menorah is so perfect for travel or for places where a real flame just isn’t an option. It runs on either batteries or a USB cable and lights sequentially so you can properly light each night. So cool. < $12.99

 

> This Threshold Modern Menorah from Target is simple and pretty. It’s a blue powder-coated metal, classically designed and pretty much perfect. > $20

> I love the lines on these pretty, stylish Concrete Menorahs. They’re handmade in Isreal and come in these three subtle colors. The combination of sturdy concrete and delicate, pretty lines is really beautiful. > $100

> Serena & Lily’s Larkspur Menorah is a gorgeous blend of brass and natural rattan that has such a cool, casually elegant California vibe. The little bit of texture is just so pretty. < $148

> I love the simple, but elegant design of this steel Trace Chanukiah but probs my favorite part is that you can remove the little cups that the candles sit in so you can easily clean them out. AMAZING. It comes in 6 gorgeous colors. < $165

> This beautiful menorah from Pretti.Cool in Houston, has been hand-cast in terrazzo concrete from custom rubber molds. It comes in this pretty cobalt, black and white and each piece is completely unique. < $125

> This Josh Owen Menorah is just so pretty in its simplicity. It’s made of seamless, solid cast iron and has a BRILLIANT built-in tray for wax drips. It’s so beautiful that it’s featured in 3 museums and won the Chicago Good Design Award in 2011. < $159

> This Sur La Table Hanukkah Gold Menorah is so pretty and a bit more traditional. I love the nod to nature and the elegant gold brushed aluminum finish. < $79.95

> Ok, this isn’t exactly a proper menorah, but this adorable, bright Wooden Hannukah Menorah is an awesome way for your littles to safely participate in the ritual. The candles are removable, so kids can add one each night and even learn to match the colors. < $29.99

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November 01, 2023 /all aflutter
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double maple mummy cookies

October 12, 2023 by all aflutter in Recipes, Gifts For...

SO PART of me can’t believe it’s almost Halloween and the other part is like ‘didn’t we do that 3 weeks ago?’ Maybe it’s because there has been Halloween stuff in the stores since July or because our weather has been so spectacular that it still feels like we’re tiptoeing away from Summer. In any case, my boys had their last Flag Football games of the season yesterday and it felt like treats were in order, so I figured I’d stick with the spooky theme until the bitter end. I saw these Runamok x Lenox Bakery Maple Mummy Cookies the other day and they looked so fun + yummy [and EASY]. And it turns out they are even better [and easier] than I expected, like SO so delicious that we might need to just give them all away. My boys were gushing and my little woke up this morning asking if he could have a cookie for breakfast [um, no, but I love the enthusiasm for my baking]. And if you leave off the goofy eyeballs, they’d be a fantastic treat anytime of the year, like maybe right next to the pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving.

THIS RECIPE calls for Runamok maple syrup, but obvs use whatever kind you like. I will say, the Cinnamon + Vanilla infusion I used in the glaze was next level and I’m guessing any of Runamok’s Infused [Cardamom would be amazing] or Barrel Aged syrups would be super delicious. I modified the original recipe slightly to accommodate my family’s dietary needs and it worked perfectly. SO, if you still need a fun + scrumptious treat for this season or the next [or the next], give these little mummies a whirl and enjoy eating them with your favorite ghouls + ghosts [or little turkeys]. xo

Double Maple Mummy Cookies Recipe

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE cookies…

  • 1/2 cup butter

  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup sugar

  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup [I used Runamok Sugarmaker’s Cut]

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2 eggs

  • 2 1/3 cup flour (I use King Arthur Measure for Measure GF)

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • candy eye balls

FOR THE glaze…

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 1/3 cup maple syrup [ I used Runamok Cinnamon + Vanilla Infused]

  • 1-2 teaspoons milk (I used almond, but you could probs just use water, too)

DIRECTIONS

  • Preheat the oven to 350

  • With a stand or hand mixer, cream together the butter, sugar and light brown sugar

  • Add in the eggs, maple syrup + vanilla

  • Mix in the flour + baking soda

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment and scoop the batter into little ping pong-sized balls

  • Bake for about 10 minutes or until they have just started to brown at the edges. Remove from the oven to let cool. 

  • Make the glaze by mixing together the powdered sugar, maple syrup and milk until well combined, then drizzle it on the cookies to make the cutie mummies. I started with 1 tsp of almond milk and then added a bit more to thin it enough for drizzling.

  • Add the candy eyeballs if you’re making mummies

  • Gobble them up with your favorite ghosts and ghouls [or little turkeys]

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October 12, 2023 /all aflutter
Gluten Free, Baking, holidays + special occasions
Recipes, Gifts For...
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