2015 has barely started and it’s not too late to pick up a planner or calendar to make sure you stay organized all year! I’ve found a few of my favourite planners and calendars that just might help you keep your resolution to be more organized!

The Design Love Planner is a beautiful, stylish planner! I don’t know about you, but I find that when my planner or notebook looks pretty, I’m more likely to use it! This planner includes monthly calendars, weekly to-do lists, weekly appointment schedules, a monthly budgeting and expense section, and inside front and back pockets. It’s 5.4” x 7.7” so if you’re someone who likes to carry your planner in your purse, this one with fit! They are sold out almost everywhere, but you can still find them online at Chapters Indigo! $55

When I get busy I sometimes lose track of my bills and budget and I have to search for the details to make sure I haven’t missed anything. I love the idea of this bill calendar from REDSTAR Ink. It’s the perfect way to make sure your bills are paid on time, and nothing gets missed! Each month has separate pockets for paid and unpaid bills so no bill or receipt goes missing! If you’re someone who has to keep track of bills and receipts for work or a small business, this may be a great option! $42 

If you’re looking for a cute wall calendar, this 2015 Appointment Wall Calendar by RIFLE PAPER COMPANY is gorgeous! The floral design on each page is simple and beautiful and it’s 12″ x 16″ size gives plenty of room to keep track of your appointments and deadlines. Each month also has additional space to write notes on the side! $26

This little desk calendar by Ladawn Elaine is perfect if you like to have a small calendar to glance at while you’re looking. The pine stand gives it a rustic look, but the simple black and white design keeps it looking modern. $15

If you haven’t already picked up a planner or calendar to get organized in 2015, it’s not too late! What are your favourite planners?

We absolutely love condo living. And really, we’re the kind of people condos are made for! Small family, no need for a yard, and maintenance done for us when we’re on the road for weeks at time. We would totally be those neighbours who neglect to cut their grass for an entire month!

We love our space, but our tiny condo bedroom is 10 x 12 feet (+ closet and ensuite) barely leaving room for much more than a bed. When we moved to BC from Ontario we brought with us our solid wood bedroom set, complete with Queen sized bed, 2 bedside tables and a six drawer dresser. When we set up our new room it was dark, crowded and dysfunctional. We knew we needed a solution! In our efforts to make the space work better we discovered a few things that made a huge difference!

1. REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF FURNITURE

We sold our entire dark wood, 4-piece bedroom set on Craig’s List for $750 and replaced it with 1 item, a white Queen sized bed from IKEA. It actually saved us money to redo our bedroom! Who knew! Ideally choose something light and minimal. In small spaces footboards are not usually a good idea as they add extra bulk that’s not needed. 

2. OPT FOR UNDER-THE-BED STORAGE

We never thought in a million years we would be able to live without a dresser, but the truth is the 4 large drawers (2 on each side) that we have beneath our bed fit more than our 6 drawer dresser! They are very large deep drawers that fit tons of clothes. The square footage of your space is already taken up by your bed anyway, so you may as well maximize the footprint!

3. GO WHITE

Dark colours often make things feel closed in. To make your space look bright, fresh and airy add in white! Paint the walls if you want, but even something simple like a crisp white duvet cover will make a huge difference! 

4. KEEP EVERYTHING OFF THE FLOOR

When you have such a small amount floor space to begin with, allow as much as possible to be visible! We added storage by hanging hooks on either side of our closet for bags, hats and scarves we use regularly, and we also mounted shelves on the wall to replace our bedside tables. They easily hold our books, a lamp, and other necessities.

These are just a few things that worked for us! I’d love to hear any tips you have for maximize your small spaces!

GIVEAWAY!!!

One winner will win their choice of 2 free prints from ineverything.ca/shop!

All you have to do is:
– Share the photo above on Facebook or instagram
– Tag 3 friends 
– Hashtag the post #ineverythinggiveaway

Contest closes at midnight EST on Friday Dec 12 2014! 

CONTEST NOW CLOSED – CONGRATS TO WINNER @LINDZI ON INSTAGRAM!

Good luck!!

 A vegan, gluten-free brownie with avocado ganache? Really? I know, I know, I was a little skeptical too, but trust me! These are the best vegan, gluten and refined sugar free brownies I’ve ever had! 

Last week one of my students sent us this recipe and I’m so glad he did! After a few simple modifications, we now have a new go-to brownie recipe that fits my dietary restrictions.

Brownies are usually laden with refined sugar and unhealthy fats, but these little guys have healthy fats from coconut oil and avocado and are naturally sweetened with banana and maple syrup. Amazing! And with the substitution of a flax egg, they were perfect! (If you’ve never used a flax egg before, I explained this in my Vegan Oatmeal Banana Cookie post. You simply have to mix together ground flaxseed and water together – 1 Tbsp of flax + 3 Tbsp of water = one egg – and let it sit for 5 – 10 minutes to thicken. Flax eggs work the best as an egg replacement in baking.) 

This recipe does call for chocolate chips. You could use dark chocolate or semi-sweet  but if you’re intolerant to milk and soy ingredients like I am, you may need to search for a good vegan chocolate chip. We use Enjoy Life brand, which we buy in mini chips and chunks from the Real Canadian Superstore (look in the health food aisle, not the baking supplies aisle). 

Once they’ve finished in the oven, make sure you let them cool completely before frosting or the brownie will crumble. Once they’re frosted you can simply lift the parchment paper out of the pan and they are incredibly easy to cut!

I dusted mine with a crushed cashews to finish them off! They are so moist and smooth, with a dark chocolate flavour from the cocoa powder. 

If you’re looking for a full-fat, sugary brownie, these are not for you! But if you like a lighter, smoother, dark chocolatey taste, try these now!

 Enjoy! And let me know how they turn out!

VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE BROWNIES WITH CHOCLATE GANACHE

2014-12-10 01:40:20

Yields 16

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Prep Time

20 min

Total Time

1 hr

Prep Time

20 min

Total Time

1 hr

Brownies

1. 6 Tbsp of coconut oil
2. 3/4 cup of vegan chocolate chips
3. 2 medium sized overripe bananas
4. 1 tsp of vanilla extract
5. 1/3 cup of pure maple syrup
6. 1 tsp of baking powder
7. 1 flax egg (1 Tbsp of ground flax seed mixed with 3 Tbsp of water. Let sit for 8 minutes to thicken.)
8. 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
9. 1 cup of rice flour

Ganache

1. 2 medium sized ripe avocados
2. 1/4 cup of sweetened cocoa powder
3. 1/2 cup of vegan chocolate chips
4. 3 Tbsp of maple syrup

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Line 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper.

For Brownies

1. In a small saucepan melt coconut oil and 3/4 cup of chocolate chips. Stir frequently to avoid burnt chocolate! Set aside and let cool.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, mix the rice flour, cocoa powder and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl or stand mixer, mash the bananas and mix with vanilla, maple syrup and flax egg.
4. Slowly add in the melted chocolate mixture and mix well.
5. Add to flour mixture and blend until combined. Don't over mix.
6. Gently pour the brownie mixture into parchment lined pan and bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick is inserted into the centre and comes out clean.

Ganache

1. While Brownies are baking, melt 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and maple syrup until melted. Set aside.
2. Scoop out the flesh of the avocado and puree in a blender or food processor until smooth.
3. Add cocoa powder and melted chocolate mixture and puree until smooth.
4. Once the brownies are cool, smooth ganache over the brownies.
5. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
6. When you're ready to cut, simply lift the parchment paper out of the pan!
7. Enjoy!

Notes

1. These brownies taste best one they've cooled and set. Resist the urge to eat them warm!

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