Sweet Shoppe

Home Tour 2011

2011-12-05T20:58:00.000-08:00

Last weekend over 500 people wondered
the halls of our home. Now it's your turn!

I hope you enjoy your tour of our

Christmas home.

Please keep in mind that I am in NO WAY

skilled in photography, these shanty snap shots are

the best we could do!

Having said that,

Welcome!

Dad's beautiful black pantry looks lovely in every season!

As do Brian's peaches.

Magnetic fridge frames, from the dollar store. Just take

the glass out, spray paint and add magnets to the back.

The twinkliest room!

My mom painted this little girl years ago.

I have always loved it, so I swiped it a few

Christmas' ago. Doesn't she look adorable!?

Somethin' I painted... good thing we never had a fourth child!

A couple family traditions.

A Christmas candle plate adorned the

top of our piano every year when I was a child.

This was a tradition my father brought home from

His mission to Finland 35 years ago.

It just wouldn't be Christmas without them.

These stockings have been recreated for FOUR generations now.

They were first made by my Great Grandmother for her

children.

I just love a chunky tree!

This BEAUTIFUL portrait of Joseph and

the Christ child stole my heart at first glance!

It was created by a talented photographer

named Natalie Heiner.

Please visit her website for more information,

or if you would like to order this gorgeous

work of art.

http://www.natalieheiner.blogspot.com/

I have seen framed builder mirrors on many a blog.

I think they make a boring mirror look awesome.

My dad came and did our bathroom mirrors for us, I LOVE them!!

Our Bedroom

The piano nook. That old piano has been in the

family since mom was a young girl (and it was already old then!).

I think the head board that I painted O Holy Night on

might be just as old!

A huge thank you to a dear friend who let me borrow

her Willow Tree nativity for this occasion. It looked

perfect on the piano!

Cool garage sale frame turned chalkboard.

Kids' bathroom. Really sorry little Johnny made it into the picture.

I am sad that these pictures are glowing an ugly yellow!

These doors are a new feature in our home that I just LOVE!!

This is the entrance to our used-to-be-living-room-turned-daughter's-room.

The doors are antiques, salvaged from an old home, courtesy of

my awesome brother!

The beautiful woodwork above the door and the door frame

is the skilled craftsmanship of none other than, you guessed it

my wonderful father.

Here is a shot from the back side of the doors, taken during the day

in natural light, as they all should have been. Speaking of our daughter's room...It's one of my favorite places in our home.

So bright and clean feeling.

Maybe a little huge for a bedroom, but she sure loves it!

Ruffles, ruffles, ruffles.... miles of ruffles! Each ruffle is

4 yards long, gathered by hand. Crazy.

But not nearly as crazy as that wall! Each little fleur was

traced and hand painted. Not stenciled. NOT STENCILED.

Nothing should ever be stenciled, because it will look like you stenciled it.

Are you picking up what I'm laying down?

Crazy. 19 hours of Josh Groban singing to me, crazy.

I don't regret any of it though. Can't say I'd do it again. But the outcome

was lovely.

Now switch your eyes to the other end of the color spectrum.

You've seen the Diva Den before.

But not exactly quite like this.

Awe. Love J's cute sign.

We have such a deep feeling of gratitude to God

and our founding fathers

for this wonderful Nation in which we live.

For without them we would not be a free Nation.
Also for those who have sacrificed and gave everything for our freedom.

For the hero's that serve us every day.

And for those who have not forgotten how we became

a free Nation.So grateful.

It was important to me to remember the reason for the season in our

home tour.

The beautiful artwork of Liz Lemon Swindle was in every room of

the house.

http://lizlemonswindle.blogspot.com/

She has such a gift for portraying the Savior in inspiring ways.

I hope you enjoyed a few moments in our home. May the spirit

of Christmas fill your home and heart. May we give to others as
we have been so richly blessed.

And may there one day be

Merry Christmas, from our home to yours!

Love,

The Staggs

Surprise Party for Maggie

2011-04-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

I am REALLY excited about this blog post for a couple of reasons.

First this party was just SO much fun to do! Second it's going to be the best looking post ever because I did not take the pictures! My talented sis in law Alexia did! Check out her blog.

Okay back to the party! So our friend Maggie is turning 4o. Her husband, Grant, wanted to throw a big surprise bash for her. So he called her trusted friend Jeanie (who happens to be my cousin...see where this is going?) to be the brains of the operation. This is a cool hair flingy shot of Jeanie, work it girl!

So we talked and planned it all out... see the plan

CRAZY anal I know... I'm used to that word, it doesn't hurt anymore.

We had another friend of Maggie's DRAG her out of the house for some much needed

girl time. As soon as "the coast was clear" we hurried over and began setting up.

Look!

It looks just like our plan!! Pays to be anal.

We got the inspiration for the decor from a

Tomkat Studio party.

Napkins and forks.

Okay now for the food. All of the recipes will be at the end of this post.

My friend, Liz, taught us how to make spinach dip with fresh spinach. Isn't it beautiful!

Crab dip

Family favorite for as long as I can remember! My mom

makes this every Thanksgiving.

We also served a hot artichoke dip, courtesy of Paula Deen.

Chicken salad.

This is my favorite chicken salad EVER. It has rice in it, so it's great for feeding a crowd.

This is one of those great mother-in-law recipes!

Jeanie made those adorable food labels, and a lot of the food... but shhh, she doesn't know she did most of the work!

Tomato basil soup shooters with grilled cheese triangles.

My sister in law Laura is an event planner in St George UT.

She is AMAZING. A couple weeks ago she did a blog post all about

mini appe "teasers". Check out her blog for more fun ideas!

This mocktail is a strawberry sunrise slushy. It came from

a cowboy cookbook we got in South Dakota... yeehaw!

It is SOO good!

Doesn't this picture belong in a magazine? Lexi, you are amazing!

Oreo truffles... no party would be complete without them!

If you haven't tried them you must live under a rock, go here.

Again, magazine worthy right!?

Cupcakes.

These are my berry cheesecake (newly named raspberry quarter pounders)

and Everything-but-the-kitchen-sink flavors.

Both recipes can be found here.

Well, now that everything is ready

we just need our guest of honor to come back home.

NOT DECIDE TO GO OUT TO DINNER AND BE GONE ALL NIGHT!!

Cue jeopardy music, and play it for a while...

With a little nagging interception from a good husband, we FINALLY got her home.

And boy was she surprised!!

She went straight to her honey

For a big ole I-love-you-you're-the-best-husband-ever-smooch!

Then she walked into the party room...

And started

to cry

Lot.

I think it's fair to say she had no idea!

So there it is, a big 40th bash, for a wonderful friend!

Happy 40th Maggie, WE LOVE YOU!

Time to go home, put up my feet, and veg!

Wait!! I have to make a cake!?!?

Who's brilliant planning was this? Not the anal one...wait, yes it was.

So I stayed up til 4 am making this puppy.... er, cheetah.

Recipes

Spinach Dip

Follow the directions on the back of the Knorr spinach dip package, EXCEPT

instead of using the box of frozen spinach get a (10 oz) bag of fresh spinach.

Chop it up in a food processor along with a can of water chestnuts. Now add

the rest of the stuff the package says to.

Crab Dip

1 pkg. Cream cheese (8 oz.) softened

1/2. C. Sour Cream

1/4. C. Mayonnaise

1 pckg crab meat

1 C. Seafood Cocktail

2 C. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1 Green pepper

Mix together cream cheese, sour cream, mayo.

Spread on platter. Spread with cocktail sauce.

Sprinkle with grated cheese, crab and diced bell pepper.

Three Cheese Grilled Triangles

Mix together:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese

2 t Italian seasonings

Spread on one side of bread, we used Italian bread.

Place 1 slice of cheddar cheese on top of cream cheese spread and slap

on another slice of bread.

Mix together 1/2 c softened butter, 1/4 c grated parmesean cheese and 1/4 tsp garlic salt.

Spread on both sides of sandwich and grill. Cut off crusts and cut ino triangles.

Tomato Basil Soup recipe can be found here.

Chicken Salad

Mix together and marinate overnight or 5-8 hours:

5 C Cooked Cubed Chicken

2 T Oil

2 T Orange juice

2 T Vinegar

1 t Salt

Next day add:

3 C Cooked cooled Rice

1 1/2 C Grapes cut in half

1 1/2 C Chopped Celery

1 can Pineapple tidbits

1- 11 oz can Mandarin Oranges, drained

1/2 C Slivered Almonds

1 1/2 C Mayonnaise

More mayo may need to be added if salad seems too dry.

Sunrise Strawberry Slushy

6 C water

1 lrg box strawberry Jello

1 can orange juice concentrate

1 can pineapple juice concentrate

Juice of 2 lemons (most of the time I use

about 1/2 c lemon juice concentrate)

1 1/2 C sugar

5 pureed bananas

1 20 oz can pineapple, pureed

Boil water, add Jello. Stir until Jello is dissolved. Add remaining ingredients.

Pour into 2-3 gallon size Ziploc bags and freeze for at least 24 hours. Pull out of freezer 2 hours before serving to let it start to thaw. Place contents of 1 Ziploc bag in large mixing bowl and add sprite. Use potato masher to combine and turn slushy. Repeat with other bags of mix. Serve in glasses. We topped each drink with whipped cream and a fresh strawberry.

Painted Wall Clock

2011-03-30T23:24:00.001-07:00

A few months ago while shopping at Pier One I saw this clock. It's flat so it can be mounted on a wall.

This clock was brilliant! Why hadn't I thought of it before!?

I wanted to paint something fun around a real clock...but what... what would fit the style of my house. A pillar, a post, a fake grandfather clock looking thing?

I have always LOVED this clock that I got at Rod Works in Sandy, Utah.

(Not sure who's idea it was to take a picture of a black clock against a black wall... oh wait, mine.)

So I decided to copy it's shape.

And give my clock an old lamp post feel.

I just love it!

I'm linking up to

Domestically Speakings

Power of Paint Party

Cookie Dough Cupcakes with Milky Way Frosting

2011-03-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

I know they're a mouthful to say

But they're also a mouthful of enjoyment!

They are yellow cake with a cookie dough ball inside!! Topped with melt in

your mouth milky way frosting.

You can find the cupcake recipe here and the frosting recipe here.

Check out this You Tube video for a great tutorial on Milky Way Frosting.

To keep the cookie dough from baking along with the cupcake

you first freeze the cookie dough balls. The cookie dough recipe

does call for eggs. I'm not sure that's the best idea since the cookie

dough doesn't get cooked through... so I omitted the eggs and used a little milk

to get the right dough texture.

When you bake them the cake batter rises right up around the

frozen cookie dough.

Then the frosting... oh my, I could eat it all by itself!

It is very rich and decadent so I only piped on a small amount.

Perfect!

Polar Bear and Monkey Cupcakes

2011-03-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

I want to apologize right from the beginning about my photo quality here. Sorry!

These were taken with my phone, and well, it's not the greatest.

These little polar bears were for a boss' birthday bash.

And the monkeys, oh how I LOVE little monkeys!

They were guests at a baby shower.

Their zombie friends weren't invited...

HA! j/k...

Baby Shower Cakes

2011-03-26T17:26:00.001-07:00

This little monkey cake was really fun to make.

My favorite part is of course, the monkey! Now that I have figured out

how to make them without them falling apart they are fun and easy!

Block cake for a shower.

My favorite part is how I neglected to wipe the

powdered sugar off the counter before taking a picture! Nice one.

Forgotten Sugar Cookies

2011-03-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

Baby boy cookie sticks.

This little onsie is my favorite!

These cookies were the valentines my daughters took to school.

Decked out Oreos for my little girls' sweet shoppe party.

Marshmallow fondant covered sugar cookies. I dont know if these

get an A for taste but they sure were a snap to decorate!

Sweet Shoppe cookies for my niece's first birthday party.

Zebrafied cookies for my daughter to take to school on her birthday.

Oreo Obsession

2011-03-24T20:41:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been a little obsessed with oreos. Learning these two EASY PEASY Oreo recipes is kind of what brought it on!

First, from Cookies and Cups comes Triple Chocolate Oreo Bars.

Visit her blog for a fantastic step by step guide to making these.

I've made them twice now and sharing was... well, difficult.

The next is such a simple idea I can't believe I've never seen it before!

My friend, Maggie, shared this with me.

Simply make your favorite chocolate chip cookies and add coarse chopped Oreos.

Crazy good! It's like taking a bite of a chocolate chip cookie AND an oreo at the same time!

Score Maggie. Thanks for the awesome idea!

*I appologize for the REALLY bad picture. My camera has gone to camera heaven. I am waiting for a new one to arrive (hopefully tomorrow)! This was taken with my phone... bummer.

Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow

2011-01-16T12:40:00.000-08:00

I LOVE red. Like a lot. Red shoes, red sweaters, red doors...

Red walls...

LOVE it!

But lately I feel like it's time to change and mix things

up a little. (Otherwise known as decorater's ADD.)
So a lot (most) of the red in my house is being phased out.

The only catch is I am challenging myself to do this el cheapo.

The oops paint at Lowes and Walmart have been good to me lately.

Oh greenish blue retro turquoise for 5 bucks... you will go far!

...and there's Chloe... sorry about that.

Have you ever seen a dog smile? Ours does... a lot!

OK back to the paint.

My red door is now this color

My red wall is now this color...

Yeah that's black... not eggplant, I would NEVER dream of such a thing! Blegh!

I hesitate to show you this picture yet because it is SO not finished yet.

Picture black and white curtains, a turquoise-ish (same color as the door)

window box and stuff ( I don't know yet) on that white shelf (that is waiting to be

antiqued and distressed). I have a lot of work to do... just the way I like it!

I'm a little sad to see the red go, I really loved it. But I'm loving the changes!

Picture Tree

2011-01-11T19:11:00.000-08:00

The other night I was google searching tree art for my family room walls. During that search I found this adorable vinyl tree:

It's not at all what I wanted for the family room, but I WANTED it somewhere...

I went completely head over heals for this tree!

After a totally sleepless night of thinking about how to do it

and where to put it, I came up with this:

I painted it with some leftover black paint from another project.

I opted to simplify the trunk, I think I like it.

We all LOVE these new pictures my Sister in law

Alexia took. (Her website is currently under construction, check back though!)

It's fun to be able to see the pictures as we gather around our table.

I recycled (spray painted black) some frames I already had.

Total cost for this project $7.00 for photo printing.

Yahoo!!

Christmas Chocolate

2010-11-30T22:50:00.000-08:00

The Sweet Shoppe is opening for an exclusive offer!

Holiday Chocolate!!

Pre order now!

2 sizes available this year:

1 lb box $18.00

5 piece mini box $5.00

(perfect teacher gift!)

The boxes are gold with clear lids and will be finished

off with a red bow.

This year the variety will include (bot not necessarily limited to):

Milk chocolate truffles, mint truffles, dipped caramels,
peanut butter crisps, and dark chocolate butter creams.

Email your orders to:

taijastagg@att.net

Birthday Cakes

2010-10-29T13:12:00.001-07:00

This cake was made to celebrate a 75th Birthday.

I love the fall theme!

The top cake is double chocolate with chocolate mousse filling.

The cupcake flavors are chocolate chip pumpkin with cream cheese frosting,

and strawberry cheescake.

All the flower and leaf decorations are handmade from gumpaste

This is Miss Molly's first birthday cake.

She is lovingly known as "little monkey girl" to her

family. So she HAD to have a monkey princess on her cake.

The CHP department (Her daddies work) sure enjoyed
the leftovers of this cake!

A Little Cookie Fun

2010-10-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

I Can't believe I'm going to say this...

But I think I'm totally sold on royal frosting now.

I don't even mind the taste if I add some favorite flavorings to it!

There is just SO MUCH more I can do with it.

So sorry buttercream, I will use you when taste is

what matters most.

These cookies were for my sons football team. He's the Raiders this year.

My son wanted it to be made perfectly clear that he is NOT a Raiders fan... it's just

his team name. Does that hurt team moral?

The boys were cute, some said they were going to keep it forever... that idea lasted about
27 seconds...maybe.
They are decorated with royal icing. The faces are handpainted with a wee tiny brush and food dye.

I was giddy when someone asked for baby girl cookies. My FAVORITE!!

These baby cookies are made with buttercream frosting.

These sweet little candy corn princesses were made for

my daughters dance class. This was one of those projects that

I have been obsessing about ever since I saw a princess

sugar cookie. I just HAD to try them.

They are decorated with royal icing and edible glitter, so fun!

She Has A Name! Or Two... Or Three

2010-10-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

Wow!! Thanks SOOO much for all of your awesome name suggestions!

There were so many, chosing a name was difficult!

The girls and I loved all of your creative ideas!!

There were 3 names the girls were head over heals for.... So, we decided she could have

more than one name!

From this day hence she shall be known as.... (drum roll please)

Penelope Wanda Glindora

Congratulations to the Winners:

Cassie from Tiaras and T-Tops for suggesting Penelope

Settee from Misguided Maiden for suggesting Wanda

Sara H for suggesting Wanda

Tami from Tomato and Tordle for suggesting Glindora

I will be sending each of you a dozen Halloween sugar cookies! Watch for them in your mail boxes by the weeks end.

Halloween Table Scape

2010-10-12T20:25:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite blogs, The Stories of A to Z, is having a fun linky party!

It's all about Halloween mantel/shelf/table top scapes!

Check out the party for tons of fun decorating ideas!

I don't have a mantel, so I am posting our living room buffet.

The pumpkins on the top shelf were first posted here. Check it

out to see how they were made.

I love the creepy elegance of this silver and black tree.

I have been seeing "31" decor items all over and I love them! So I had to jump on board.
And of course Miss Witchy, who shall remain nameless until Monday. If you'd like to know more about her and the contest/giveaway go here.

I made the candleabra sign with some vinyl I scored on clearance at Target.
The candles have vinyl stickers as well.

And this little cutie is a free printable from House of Smith's.

I spend a lot of time not knowing what to do with this space in my house. For now I am happy with it!

A BeWitching Extreme Makeover And A Chance To Win

2010-10-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

During a recent trip to one of my favorite thrift shops I found this

little beauty. She cost $12.00.

She's not really my style though...

Makeover time!

I started with a nose job, then a chin job.

Then she got a whole new face job. Complete with wrinkles and hag lines.

I used polymer clay. Her head comes off, creepy, I know. But it worked well for

baking her new face in the oven. Her golden curls didn't melt, but it wouldn't have mattered if they did...

I painted her new face with craft paint. I had her much more haggish at first, but my girls weren't going for it, so she got another mini makeover.

New clothes... new hair... new blingy jewelry...

Ta-da!

Meet our little witchy.

The hat came from the dollar bins at Target.

Her long locks are an old Halloween wig.

I sewed her a chic new ensemble.

This fun glam spider came from a thrift shop.

Her shoes are adorned with rhinestone earrings.

More rhinestone jewelry. There is no such thing

as too much of that!

So here is where YOU come in!!

She needs a name. We are a little stumped.

So if you'd like a chance to win 1 dozen of these Halloween cuties, made by yours truly,

Wooden Memory Pumpkins

2010-09-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

This year I wanted to use some of our favorite Halloween pictures to

decorate with. My 5 year old helped me go through boxes of old photos and pull out ALL the Halloween pictures. Then they sat around in a pile for DAYS while I tried to figure out how to use them.

I had so many favorites it was REALLY hard to choose!

While working on another project (mod podging pictures to 2 x 6 blocks)
This idea was born.

So I turned a bunch of various sized 2 x 6 into pumpkins.

Nothing fussy, just cut a variety of lengths, I didn't even measure!

Paint, sand, and antique the blocks.
Use mod podge to adhere the pictures to the blocks. On a few of them I added some scrapbook paper frames.

Mod podge over the top of the pictures too.

I found a good chunky branch and cut it into a variety of lengths for stems.
Glue the stems on top with hot glue or gorilla glue.
I tied a bow and glued on some silk leaves and berries.

We ALL have loved having our favorite old pics on display!

I'm linking up with:

Domestically Speaking's Power of Paint Party

My New Favorite Breakfast Roll

2010-09-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

These are orange cream cheese rolls. Perfect for a special morning.

And SO good! The dough has sour cream in it, so it is tender and moist. The filling is good stuff like cream cheese and sugar with orange zest. There is supposed to be a glaze on top of these but unfortunately my pantry lacked powdered sugar on this day (gasp) but they are still just so. so. good.

I got the original recipe here, at Cooks.com

I tweaked a few things though.

I made the dough according to the recipe directions.

But instead of doing the braid I made more of a sweet roll shape.

Roll all the dough out into a large rectangle shape.

The filling is the same except for I added the zest of one orange.

Slather that goodness all over the dough.

Roll it up and pinch the end closed

I use a long piece of thread to cut each roll.

Place them on a cookie sheet 2 inches apart and let rise until double in size.

Bake at 350 for about 18 minutes. Until nice and golden, but don't over bake, you know the rules.

If I had made the glaze I would have followed the recipe, making these changes:

Use juice from the orange you zested instead of milk, and about 1 tsp orange zest.

Ruffly Duvet Tutorial

2010-09-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

As promised here is a closer look at these ruffly duvet covers.

The old comforters looked like this, they don't exactly go with the new

decor and we couldn't find one we liked that fit the budget. (The very small budget)

AND when Beth over at the Stories of A-Z posted her new anthropology duvet cover, here, I was in love!

Two BIG problems though. Anthropology doesn't make this cutie in zebra stripes and it was not in the budget.

So I decided to take a crack at re-creating one.

I gathered fabric. For this project I needed lots of big wide pieces of fabric so I used mostly sheets from Ross. The black fabric I found on the bargain table at Jo Ann's.
I measured the width of the old comforter and cut my fabric strips twice as long, so there would be lots of ruffly gathers. All of the strips needed to be pieced together to be long enough.

To determine the length I measured how long the old comforter was and randomly chose lengths for each strip until they equalled the length of the comforter. uh... that's confusing. It went something like this:

Old comforter = 84 inches long

White strip #1 = 18" wide

black strip #1 = 6" wide
zebra #1 = 24" wide

white strip #2 = 5" wide

black strip #2 = 13'" wide

zebra strip #2 = 10" wide

White strip #3 = 8' wide

Total = 84 inches

I then added 1 inch to the width of each strip for seam allowance.

Next sew a gathering stitch along both the top and bottom of each strip.

*Hint: This project takes a TON of thread so I used colors I already had that I didn't have plans for. I stopped sewing and made a break mid way across each strip, to make gathering easier.

Pull up the bobbin thread to form gathers

Then measure the top and bottom of each strip and adjusted the gathers to just the right width.

I got out Stanley (my tape measure) for this because he's long enough and holds nice and still.

With right sides together sew each strip together until you have something like this.

We thought this ruffly couture could even pass as an elegant frock!

Now for the back. I purchased a solid black flat twin sheet from Wal-Mart for less than $4.00.

Cut it to exactly the same size as the ruffly top and sewed them right sides together, around all four sides. I left a 24 inch opening on one of the long sides so I could turn it right side out.

Now for the old comforter.

I sewed a 3/4" button on all four corners

Then sewed elastic loops on the corners of the duvet cover. You want the loops to fit the buttons nice and snug so sew them a little smaller than the buttons.

Slide the buttons inside the elastic loops.

Then turn it right side out.

I don't plan on taking the cover off to wash it so I whip stitched the opening closed.

If you do need to be able to take it off you could definitely make a zipper or button closure.

And there you have it! It's ruffly, fluffy and so cozy!

I spent $22.00 to make each one.

I Just Can't Wait ANY Longer!

2010-09-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

The girls room isn't completely finished, but I can't wait
to show you how it's coming!

First

Here's a quick peak at what it used to look like:

Always a mess, no where to put anything... kinda cute, but always a mess.

I took the stained dresser out of their room (I'm saving it for a future project) and painted the red one black.

While we were painting the walls and un-bunking the beds we used the living room as a storage room. Thank goodness for an extra place to stash stuff!

Eek! How embarrassing! I'm so sorry to everyone who saw my house looking like this!

After MANY weeks of hard work... here is what we have so far:

Sorry about the glare from the sun... I am not a photographer.

The bedspreads are more like duvet covers. I took the old comforters and made a new cover for them... more about these in a future post.

I added some felt flowers to pillows we purchased at Ross.

I wanted the art in their rooms to be super chic. I painted black frames right
on the wall, taped a picture of each girl inside the frame and held it in place with Plexiglas, tacked down by decorative nails. I finished off the look with fabric flowers hot glued

to the Plexiglas.

I painted each girls name above their picture, making sure to add lots of swirlies.
(I thought my daughter would LOVE this, instead she asked if I was running out of paint when I did the swirls)

Tissue paper pom poms... I've never met one I didn't like!

And now for.........

THE CLOSET!

I'm super excited about this part!

I know, the green buckets aren't working very good...

My dad helped with the built-in. I drew a picture... with crayons... and he made it happen!

I have to admit that my dad has never lost his super hero cape. He can do ANYTHING!

The mirrored doors were a little bit of a challenge. Good thing dad knows his way around a router.

Behind the doors lies the girls' clothes, in buckets.

Sign above the closet.

More black scroll lines.

Ooooh, I almost forgot about the black chandy. No chic girly room is complete without one!

And with that begins the list of projects that still need to be finished......

nothing major.... just....

The ceiling needs to be painted white, it still has mural clouds on it.
The chandelier needs some more light bulbs, and prisms.

The desk.... I have stewed over this the WHOLE time. I think I've finally decided to paint it white, with black trim... stay tuned.

The gap between the bookshelves and the desk will be filled with a post with hooks to hang ALL THOSE CRAZY BAGS ON.

I want to make something like my shabby coat rack.

I know you didn't notice all the bags before, because I took them out of their room to take pictures!

My girls LOVE their bags, so they need a proper home.

The kitchen (that my dad made)

needs a hutchy thing above it... that is still in the planning phases.

That high chair was built by my dad when I was like... I dunno 3 or something.

Again, sorry for the glare, the next picture I take of this will be done in the

evening.

Anyway, the dresser needs drawer pulls, badly.

The green buckets need to be zebra-fied, the black and white bins need labels, cuz I can't even remember what's in which bin.

So not much left to do, right?

It's been a ton of fun to work on and the girls LOVE it!

I'm linking up with:

Domestically Speaking's 38th Power of Paint Party

and

Girly Luau Birthday Party

2010-08-28T21:26:00.001-07:00

Today was my daughters 9th Birthday Party.

We had a flip floppin' pool splashin' good time!

What a fun group of girls to party with!

ALOHA!

Fruity centerpiece

Beachy table center piece

Paper pom poms in fun bright colors. Imperfectly Beautiful has a great tutorial on how to make them.

Sandy beach flip flop cupcakes

Moist chocolat cake and rich chocolate buttercream...my kind of cake!

I used my Texas Sheet cake recipe (minus the original frosting) to make these cupcakes. It is currently my absolute most favorite way to make chocolate cupcakes!

Texas Sheet Cake

In a medium mixing bowl combine:

1 C butter (melted)

1 C water

1 tsp vanilla

Add:

2 eggs

1 C sour cream

2 C sugar

1/2 C cocoa powder

Mix until well combinded then add:

2 C flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

Whisk until smooth. (Sometime I add chocolate chips now.)

Scoop into cupcake wrappers. Bake at 350 for about 16 minutes.
Cool and frost with chocolate buttercream.

Chocolate Buttercream

In mixer combine:

1 C softened butter

2 lbs powdered sugar

1/2 C cocoa powder

2 tsp vanilla
1/2 C milk

Slowly mix together, then turn mixer up to med high and whip for 2 minutes. If the frosting is too thick add more milk, if it's too thin add more powdered sugar.

Sneak Peak!

2010-08-28T00:41:00.000-07:00

The girls and I decided it was time to let their room

grow up a little.

They had this cute cupcake/princess/treehouse mural...

(That I never finished! Check out those flower stems without their blooms, how embarassing!)

So the funny little mural got slathered with primer
and with the help of two very handy painters...
We now have a start to something fun!

I can't wait to finish up a few more projects and show you the big reveal!

To Blog or not to blog...

2010-08-28T00:14:00.000-07:00

I have wrestled with that question since... well it looks like
since April Fools Day!! I'm sorry for abandoning this little
blog. If ya'll don't mind, I think I would like to keep sharing!

MANY of you fabulous and supportive readers have asked for these
two recipes...soooooooooo... I'm gonna give em' to ya. Enjoy!

Berry Cheesecake

and

The Kitchen Sink

Berry Cheesecake Cupcakes:

Cupcakes:

1 white cake mix
1 cube butter (melted)
1 C whole milk
3 eggs

Combine all ingredients and mix for 2 minutes. Batter should be light and fluffy.

Bake at 350 for 13-15 minutes. Let cool completely.

While cooling prepare filling:

1 box raspberry danish dessert (junket brand, I get it at Winco...if there isn't a Winco near you I have also been able to find it at Albertson's)
1 bag frozen raspberries, (I often use the tri berry blend from Costco, about
2 1/2 C)

Prepare danish dessert according to the pie filling directions on the box. Add frozen berries to danish dessert, do not thaw. Let sit until cooled.

Prepare Cheesecake Mousse:

1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 small boxes cheesecake pudding
1 C water
1 C whipping cream or pastry pride (I buy pastry pride at Smart and Final or Cash and Carry)

Combine sweetened condensed milk, water, and pudding. Beat for 2 minutes, set aside. Whip the whipping cream or pastry pride. Fold into pudding mixture. Place in piping bag fitted with extra large round tip, or use a ziploc brand, ziploc bag with the corner snipped off.

Assembly:

Using a melon baller scoop out center of cupcake. Fill with berry filling until it is even with the top of the cupcake, but don't over fill. Pipe cheesecake mousse around the berry filled hole. Don't cover it up. I go around twice. Add another teaspoon of berry filling to center of cheesecake mousse.

That's it!

Now for my absolute FAVORITE concoction ever:

The Kitchen Sink

1 chocolate or vanilla cake mix
1 cube butter melted
1 C whole milk
3 eggs

Combine all ingredients, beat for 2 minutes. Bakeat 350 for 13-15 minutes.

Caramel filling:

This should be done ahead of time because it is quite time consuming.

Place an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk (with the label removed) in a pot of boiling water. Cover with a lid, reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Check water every once in a while to make sure it's not evaporated and still gently bubbling.
Remove from heat and let cool. If you do this step the day before just let it cool in the unopened can. If you are in a little bit of a rush open the can and poor the contents into a pie pan.

Scoop out center of cupcakes with a melon baller. Place caramel filling in a ziploc bag and snip off a corner. Pipe into each cupcake.

Whipped Chocolate Ganache layer:

I also do this ahead of time so it can properly cool.

In microwave safe bowl place 1 bag semi sweet chocolate chips (use the best kind) and 2 C whipping cream (not whipped). Heat in microwave at 50% power for one minute, stir, repeat, until chocolate is completely melted. Use a whisk to thouroughly combine the melted chocolate and cream until it is smooth and shiney. Let cool completely. (If you leave it at room temperature this can take a couple hours, I usually put it in the fridge for about and hour.) When cooled whip with an electric hand mixer. (It should look like slightly runny chocolate whipped cream) If it overwhips it will be grainy. According to Martha Stewart you can re-melt it, cool it again and re-whip it. I've never done that so I don't really know. Just don't over whip it.

Place whipped ganache in a gallon size ziploc bag, snip a corner and pipe a single layer (once around the cupcake) covering up the caramel filling.

Whip some Pastry Pride (from Smart and Final or Cash and Carry). You'll probably need about 2 cups of the liquid pastry pride. (I never measure, I just dump it in)

I pipe the cream on with a huge star tip.

Toast some pecans and coconut with your broiler, sprinkle them on top, nuts first then coconut.

Grab a glass of milk and one of these babies, relax and enjoy! If you worked this hard to make a Kitchen sink cupcake you deserve the break!

And every bite is just. so. worth.it.

Enjoy!

April Fools!

2010-04-01T21:11:00.001-07:00

Dinner's Ready!

What!! We're having cupcakes for dinner?!?!

The comments as my family gathered around the table tonight were priceless!! Honestly I didn't think anyone would think they really were cupcakes, but I did have them going for a few minutes!

April Fools!! Meatloaf with pink mashed potatoes.

EWE!! Really?!?

Seriously!?

Cool! (He's a 10 year old boy, and the only one, besides me, who thought it was totally hilarious)

There's no way mom, you can't make me!!

You'd think I served her slugs for dinner.

Okay, one little taste... "This is the worst cupcake you've ever made!'

My 8 year old was not excited about this. Her diva-ness definitely came out!

But she gave it a taste...

And decided she didn't hate it as much as she thought she would!

So in for the kill. "This is the BEST cupcake you've ever made!"

No problems here, best dinner he ever ate!

My poor little one, never got past the idea of a savory cupcake.

But in the end we demolished them.

Accept this lonely guy.

Cupcake anyone?

A Few Weekend Projects

2010-03-30T22:37:00.000-07:00

It's been a little busy around here lately! Just thought I'd share what we've been up to.

I Love these colors! But ya'll already knew that...

These were for a baby boy shower.

Yellow cake with chocolate mousse frosting filled with sweet cream cheese... the turquoise ones are dark chocolate fudge cake with whipped mascarpone cheese frosting and raspberry filling.

Baby girl shower.

Vanilla cake, raspberry filling with a whipped cream cheese and mascarpone cheese frosting.

The sweet little flowers are made from marshmallow fondant.

I gave in... I finally tried royal icing on sugar cookies. I LOVE the look of royal icing, so smooth and crisp. But honestly it's like fondant vs buttercream. One just tastes SOOO much better. I even put lemon flavoring in it! Royal icing wins cute, buttercream wins taste.

Sorry. It's. Just. The. Way. It. Is.

Easter Egg Cupcakes.
Vanilla cake, dulce de leche filling, whipped chocolate ganache, buttercream Easter grass and chocolate eggs.

Easter Sugar cookies with buttercream frosting for preschool!

Brownie Points

2010-03-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

You better run and get a glass of milk before you read this post. I warned you.

The Brownie post I did last month has created quite the stir. I love hearing your feedback... things you've tried, recipes you've made and things you've tweeked or improved. So here's a proud shout out to all of you who've had fun making outrageous brownies!

These ooey gooey caramel marshmallow brownies were created by my Uncle Jeff. (He's one of those fun-not-that-much-older-than-me, and our-kids-are-the-same-age kind of uncles.)

Don't they look AMAZING!?

Here's what he did:

He made our family's favorite brownie recipe. You can find it here. Although he probably didn't tweek the recipe like I do. The original is an AWESOME brownie. I changed it a little to get a fudgier texture. (Although, excuse my rambling, I had the original at my mom's a couple weeks ago and I think I like both versions the same, I'll let you decide!) The original recipe calls for 1 1/2 C flour, I only use 1 cup. Also the original calls for 1 teaspoon of baking powder. I either leave it out completely or use 1/2 t.

Okay, moving on. Next is the caramel layer. You can find the recipe here. This makes twice as much caramel as you need. So... I would either pour half on my brownies and the other half in a separate dish for later enjoyment or only make 1/2 the recipe. For all you candy people who just gasped, I've done it... and it works just fine!

Next comes the marshmallow layer. You can find the recipe here. Same story with the marshmallow. It makes more than you need. Spread half on top of the caramel layer and the other half on a cookie sheet that has been covered with powdered sugar.

Last is the fudge layer. It's sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips (1 c.) melted together in the microwave until smooth. Poor over marshmallow layer!

Thanks Jeff for this incredible creation!

Not Yo Mama's Strawberry Shortcake

2010-03-22T21:32:00.000-07:00

If you are the kind of guy or gal who can eat Strawberry Shortcake all summer long... well this is not the one you should eat all summer long. BUT it is super fantastic for special occasions when you want a big crowd pleaser!

I got the shortcake recipe here. It is the most tender and outrageously delicious shortbread, I promise. (Unless you over bake it, then you're on your own.) I want to emphasize one little thing. This recipe calls for citrus sugar. If you scroll down on the recipe it tells you how to make it. DO IT. It makes all the difference. It will make you smile at first bite!

After the shortcake is baked and cooled it's time to mound it full of sweet delicious strawberries. I sliced the berries and sprinkled them with some more of that wonderful citrus sugar.

Now for the creamy sauce layer. This comes from one of the most heavenly desserts I have ever eaten! Maybe some of you have also had it. It's Paula Deen's "Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding". You can find it here. Skip the Peppridge Farm cookies and the bananas, just make the pudding part. I thinned the pudding mixture a little by adding about 1/4 c more milk. I wanted it to be easy to spoon onto the berries.

There you go! A little of this, a little of that. Worth every calorie!

Repurposed Thrift Store Plates and Candlesticks

2010-03-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

I saw this super fun idea over at Creations From My Heart and HAD to try it. (Hurry run over there right now and check out her fabulous creation!)

I thrifted this stuff for $7.00.

Glued it all together with Epoxy (love that stuff!)

Spray painted it apple green. (I know the original creation is meant for food, this one is not, so by all means spray paint away!)

Antiqued it with brown paint. I brushed on the paint and wiped off the excess with a damp cloth.

All ready for Easter!

Somewhat Simple Strut Your Stuff Spring Fling

Two Knock Off Favorite Recipes

2010-03-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

Inside Brucrew Life shared a fantastic recipe for homemade Twix bars. Buttery cookie crust, caramel center and slathered in chocolate?!?! I'm in!! I tried out this recipe, it worked beautifully and tasted AMAZING! I kept thinking it reminded me of something else I love. . . So half a pan later I figured it out! I melted some more chocolate, spread it on top and covered it with toasted coconut. Girl Scout Samoas! If you're a fan of chocolaty caramely things you've got to try this recipe out! This picture belongs to the talented mama over at Brucrew life

I love LOVE Cold Stone's cake batter ice cream. The stuff from the grocery store not so much. But, Rockie over at Something Wonderful has created a close second! I made this for our family and it was a hit! Check out her blog for the recipe. The only thing I did different was not add the baked cake chunks. We went for a smooth batter ice cream with cake on the side. This is her picture, not mine. It already looked mouth watering enough!

Have fun trying something new!

St Pattie's Cookie Bouquet

2010-03-10T11:32:00.000-08:00

I've been working on quite the project for the last week.

I can't take all the credit though, lots of help went into this one!!

Huge HUGE thanks to those who helped me!

Shamrocks, daisies and lucky little ladies were cut and baked (and cut and baked and cut and baked...) 372 in all!!!

All were decorated with buttercream frosting, bagged, tied with ribbon and arranged in a bouquet. 12 cookies in each bouquet.

I just love the lady bugs, they're my favorite!

30 bouquets in all. Whew! We did it!! I can't help but smile at the cheery end result.

30 dentist offices and 360 lucky people get one of these cookies today!

Inspiration From a Baby Tee

2010-03-09T16:28:00.000-08:00

While shopping with my cousin at Kohls we happened onto this sweet little baby tee. Which we bought, of course, for her little girl. We got to thinking that all those cute little doodles would make the sweetest sugar cookies.

After some playing around this is what we ended up with

Each cookie was placed on a cupcake smothered in chocolate buttercream.

And sold at a school bake sale.

What inspires you?

From Scarry Clock to Fab Frame

2010-02-28T14:25:00.000-08:00

A few (okay many) posts back I showed you all the great stuff I found thrifting. This lovely clock was among the wreckage, I mean great finds.
Although it wasn't working for me in it's present state I saw some potential. It took a while, but I found that potential and well. . . see for yourself.

See ya clock face...

Hello black spray paint!

Courtesy of my crazy talented sister in law I have this fun picture of me and my husband.

I'd rather look at his face than the old broken clock hands. It now resides in our room that is finally getting some much needed attention.

Stay tuned for more master bedroom makeover projects!

Brownies

2010-02-22T20:48:00.000-08:00

A good fudgy brownie is the chocolaty thing I crave the most. Usually I want just a brownie. Dark, chewy, and loaded with chocolate. With ice cold milk. Very important.

But...

Sometimes I like to get a little crazy with the brownies. The idea of pairing rich chocolate with other flavors is just sooo good!

Like marshmallow brownies smothered in whipped ganache. By the way that is homemade marshmallow, it's just SO GOOD (and easy, don't freak out). But I guess you can go with store bought, it's your brownie.

Or how about Peanut Butter Heavenlyness? This one REALLY works for me.

Any orange chocolate fans out there? Maybe raspberry chocolate, those are awesome. Sorry I don't have a picture! Are you noticing the chocolate chunks in these brownies? That is very important.

Out of them all this is my favorite. Snickers brownies.
Fudgy brownies layered with peanut caramel, peanut butter nougat and drizzled with fudgy chocolate. Got milk? This is a two glasser.

Get a little creative with your next pan of brownies. The possibilities are endless!

My Favorite Brownie Recipe

This is a tweaked version of the brownies my mom made when I was a kid.

1 C butter
1/2 C cocoa (I like to use a heaping 1/2 cup)
2 C sugar
3 eggs
1 t vanilla
1/2 t salt
1 C flour
1/2 t baking powder
1 1/2 C chocolate chips

In medium saucepan melt butter. Remove from heat. Add cocoa and sugar. Stir with wooden spoon until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla. Stir until combined. Add salt, flour and baking powder. Stir just until combined. Be careful not to over stir. Stir in chocolate chips. Grease a 9 x 13 pan. Spread batter into pan, bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Don't over bake. Checking with a toothpick doesn't work with brownies. If you bake them until the tooth pick comes out clean you over did it. Bake until center is set and not raw. Allow to cool completely, especially if you plan to add extra layers of good stuff.

Marshmallow
2 Envelopes unflavored gelatin
1/2 C. Cold water
3/4 C. Corn syrup
2 C. Sugar
1/2 C. Hot water
1 t. Vanilla
Sprinkle gelatin in cold water,
set aside. In 2 qt. pan combine corn
syrup, sugar, and hot water. Bring to a boil
stirring until sugar is dissolved. Boil
without stirring until 240 is reached.
Pour into large mixer bowl. Beat on high
speed adding gelatin mixture, one Tablespoon at a time.
Add flavoring , beat till soft peaks form. 5-7 minutes.

Half of this mixture can be spread on a pan of brownies. (All of it would be about and inch thick.) The rest of it can be poured onto a cookie sheet that has been heavily covered with powdered sugar. Let set, dust top with powdered sugar and cut into squares.

Peanut Butter Layer

1/2 C butter softened

1/2 C peanut butter

4 C powdered sugar

6 Tablespoons milk

Whip it all together and spread on brownies.

Orange Cream layer

1/2 C butter
1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow cream
3 C powdered sugar
1/2 t orange flavoring (the candy oil, not extract)

Food coloring
Cream butter in mixer until fluffy. Add marshmallow cream, flavoring and food coloring, cream together. Add powdered sugar, slowly, whip for 1 minute. Spread on brownies.

What's that chocolate fudge layer on top you ask? Don't flip out, you asked.
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3/4 c semi sweet chocolate chips
Combine together in microwaveable bowl. Cook for 1 minute at 50% power. Stir, repeat. Repeat until mixture is completely smooth. Spread on peanut butter or orange layer. (Or whatever other layer you want!) It's like pure fudge. So.good.

Snickers Brownies

3 1/2 C Sugar, divided
2 Cubes butter
2 3/4C Corn Syrup, divided
2 C Half and Half
1 1/2 t. Vanilla, divided
2 C roasted salted peanuts
1 egg white, room temperature
1/½C water
3/4 C creamy peanut butter

First make the layer of peanut caramel. Combine 2 C sugar, butter, 1 3/4 C corn syrup, and half and half. Bring to boil stirring occasionally. Cook until caramel reaches 238 degrees. Remove from heat, stir in 1 t. vanilla and peanuts. Pour half of the caramel onto brownies, the other half into a buttered pan. (extra to enjoy later) While caramel is setting prepare nougat. In medium saucepan combine remaining 1 1/2 C sugar, 1 C corn syrup and water. Stir constantly over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Continue to boil the syrup until it reaches 246 degrees.
While the sugar syrup boils place the egg white in the bowl of a large stand mixer. Whip the egg white on high speed until it forms stiff peaks. Stop the mixer once stiff peaks form so that the egg whites are not over beaten and crumbly.
Once the sugar syrup reaches 246 degrees remove it from the heat. Turn the mixer to high and slowly stream the sugar syrup into the egg white. (This will take a few minutes) Whip the mixture for two minutes. Add the peanut butter and remaining 1/2 t. vanilla Mix until combined. Pour nougat over peanut caramel layer. Drizzle with chocolate.

Cupcake Party

2010-02-13T10:25:00.001-08:00

This week I taught a cupcake class for the ladies at our church.

We had a B-L-A-S-T!

Over 60 ladies showed up to make cupcakes!!

This was my tasters table. Every single one of these puppies were gone by the end of the night.

Each of the ladies made 6 cupcakes to take home. 2 chocolate cupcakes topped with peanut butter frosting and adorned with a heart shaped Oreo truffle, 2 Berry Cheesecakes, and 2 red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.
I'm hoping to acquire some more photos of the fun event soon. Stay tuned!

Pretty In Pink

2010-02-06T14:04:00.000-08:00

I always love a new challenge. In fact I crave them. This project hit the spot!

This creation was made to celebrate the most vibrant and lively 90 year old woman's birthday.

She loves pink, lace and roses. If you look closely you can see that her dining room wall is even pink! (I love it!)

After some negotiating we settled on a cupcake tower crowned with a small cake, all laced up and topped with gum paste roses.
I loved every minute of this project!
(Sorry for the yellow glow, I forgot to turn off the flash...sigh)
Each cupcake has it's own gum paste rose. So sweet!
Thank you for the opportunity!

Red Velvet and a Reader Recipe

2010-01-23T14:45:00.000-08:00

Okay here a couple great recipes that I know you will love.

The first one is the Red Velvet cupcake from a couple posts back. I got the recipe from JoyofBaking.com

The recipe there is for a layered cake. I just used cupcake tins and baked them for less time (14 minutes in a convection oven). Pay special attention to the frosting recipe. Red Velvet is usually doused in cream cheese frosting. (It does have cream cheese, don't worry.) But it ALSO has mascarpone cheese, which has recently become another favorite of mine. This leads me to my next flavor. . .

Back at Christmas time reader Clandestine Road shared this outrageous heavenly frosting with me. It's a whipped mascarpone cheese frosting. Perfect on any flavor cake, waffles, pancakes, ANYTHING for that matter. It was a smash hit at out New Years Eve gathering... I was going to take photos then, but alas they disappeared as soon as they were frosted! Thanks Angela! This ones a keeper!

Mascarpone Frosting
2 (8-ounce) containers mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1 cup cream
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Put the mascarpone cheese, cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla
into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer whip the cream mixture to soft peaks.

French Hot Chocolate

2010-01-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

This Recipe for French Hot Chocolate came from Beth over at the Stories of A to Z.

It is INCREDIBLE! It's basically a rich chocolate whip cream that you can stir into warm milk. It turns the milk thick and frothy, just like gourmet hot chocolate... Tempted yet?

With all the rain and gray skies we've had lately this was a PERFECT late afternoon treat!

Make sure to go visit her for the recipe!

We only have one fancy mug (so that one was mine) I thought it was safer to give the kiddos identical mugs.

My husband even had a glass when he got home. Irresistible!

Cupcakes for a Cure

2010-01-20T20:51:00.000-08:00

These cupcakes were made for a customer who wanted to raise breast cancer awareness at a business meeting. May all their efforts be blessed.

Chocolate cake with a cream filling, and piped with rich fudge.

To make the fudge topping combine 1 can sweetened condensed milk and 3/4 C chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave it in 30 second intervals until it is melted and smooth. (Stir it a lot) Let it cool at room temp for about an hour. It will thicken and become spread/pipeable.

Red Velvet cake with cream cheese frosting.
Leave a comment if you would like the recipe for this one.

Large Picture Frame Makeover

2010-01-19T21:54:00.000-08:00

I've always wanted a BIG family picture.

This year for Christmas my talented Sister in Law Alexia (who is a photographer)
made that wish come true!

The prized picture needed a worthy frame, so...
of course off to the Good Will I went!

Our picture is 20X30 and I wanted it to have a big dramatic frame.

This lovely goose painting was in just the right size frame! About 3ft x 4ft.

I also picked up another frame that fit our family pic perfectly.

So bye bye geese, bye bye funky golf print from the other frame.

Hello black spray paint!

I also picked up one of those cutsie wood embellishments from Lowe's and painted it black too.

I cut a piece of 1/8" hard board (or masonite) to fit the large frame. I covered it with burlap, using spray glue to adhere it.

The burlap in this picture looks wavy...but it's not. (That's why I leave the photography skills up to my Sister in Law.)

Now time to assemble it. I stapled the burlap covered hardboard into the large frame, and placed our family picture into the smaller frame. I mounted the smaller frame right smack in the middle of the burlap board. (Glued it on with a lot of epoxy.) I also attatched the cutsie black embellishment with epoxy. And it was done!

Hanging it was the hardest part. It is so HUGE and HEAVY! And of course I wanted it to go way up high. So I accepted defeat and asked for the help of a super tall person with a gigantic wing span.

I love it! Thanks Lex, I will treasure it always!

Valentines Cookie Boquet

2010-01-17T16:29:00.000-08:00

This boquet was made using the same sugar cookie recipe that I always use. The only difference is I inserted a cookie stick into them before I baked the cookies. I tried experimenting with purchased cookie sticks and skewers. Skewers do NOT work. The cookie slides right off! I think they just aren't thick enough.

Shabby Coat Rack

2010-01-13T22:02:00.000-08:00

Remember those plastic gold candle wall sconces? I had a little fun with them today.

Now they have a new look!

I used the two candle sconces ($4) the thrift store cutting board ($3) and a 4x4 post (5.50)

I screwed the cutting board into the bottom of the post.

Then glued the candle sconces on with some epoxy.

Primed and painted with black spray paint. Then sanded the edges.

Fresh Junk

2010-01-10T15:41:00.001-08:00

Every January when Christmas is over and nicely tucked back in the boxes, when I've had my fill of baking, I get project CRAZED! It's time to freshen up the house. The regular every day decorations rarely go back in the same spot and I can't help but add some new things. . . junk style!

Like these pillows for my bed

These super ugly geometric pillows came with my couch. They have been sitting in my closet taking up space for 2 years. In less than a hour they had a new look, and so did my bed!
The incredible girls over at Shanty 2 Chic came up with this fun wreath hanger, I could not resist making one! BTW, I love EVERYTHING they make!

Instead of purchasing a spindle thingy for mine I used an old table leg that I rescued from my brothers fire wood pile. How could someone burn such cute little legs! Here's the rest of them. . . Hmm. . . maybe I'll make more wreath hangers.

Then there is these fun spindles from my grandma's rocking chair. I LOVE the peeling pink paint. I haven't decided what to do with them yet. . .

Sorry I got distracted with cute spindles.

Here's the finished wreath hanger.

Here's a sneek peek at some of my latest junk finds. I can't wait to turn it into great stuff!

Thrift stores, road side junk piles, grandma's basement, ANYWHERE. . . I love a sweet find.

King size foot board- 10 bucks!

Isn't this a darling little goose painting? Not. This is going to be part of the frame for our new family picture. It is 3ft x 4ft. Thank you Good Will.

And check out this awesome stuff!! I spent a total of $15.00! If you're like my husband you're saying to yourself "should have been free". But I am so excited!! Everything is getting a complete makeover. Stay tuned.

This awesome gold plastic stuff is my favorite! It's hidious, I know. . . but not for long!

It's a Girl!

2009-12-28T18:42:00.000-08:00

Our niece Cassie, and her husband Brennen, just had her first baby on December 10, 2009. A momentous occasion because her birth made grandparents out of my brother and sister in law. (This is the brother who suffered cardiac arrest in October, so greatful that he lived to be a grandpa!)

Little Avalyn also made me a Great Aunt!! Wow I am SO not old enough to have that title!

Knowing that Cassie likes baby bling, lots of ooh la la, and super cute baby fashion, I had a ton of fun making these cookies for her! (Sad thing was I had to ship them. . . so they weren't exactly fresh!)

Cassie even has her own on line shop, Madison Envy, super cute home decor, fashion and accesories. Check it out!

Welcome, welcome sweet little Avalyn Rose! Our family is so blessed to have her!

Latest Sugar Cookies

2009-12-26T20:57:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to put up a few pictures of my most recent sugar cookies.

Race car cookies for a 9 year olds birthday. My own car loving 10 year old son was lingering close by while I was making these.

My Christmas Favorites

2009-12-24T14:12:00.000-08:00

Every Christmas I love spending a couple days baking all our favorite cookies, candy, and other treats to wrap up pretty and give away. Some of these weren't on my favorites list until I married my husband. My MIL has some fantastic recipes that won their way to my heart! Here are just a few of the things our family enjoys.

I love making the tags as much as I enjoy baking the goodies!

Raspberry Bars

Tender shortbread, tangy raspberry jam, crunchy sugar crystals. . .mmm!

Scotcharoos!

I think most people have at least tried these. So simple, so good.

Caramel Fudge Cookies

Raisin filled cookies

They don't sound tempting, don't look extra fabulous (I usually drizzle them with white chocolate to improve their looks) but they are oh so good!

Raspberry Bars

Crumb Mixture:

2 ¼ C Flour
1 C Sugar
1 C Chopped Pecans
1 C Butter
1 Egg

Filling:
1 10 oz. Jar Raspberry Jam

Heat oven to 350. For crumb mixture, in large mixing bowl combine Flour and sugar. Cut in butter until coarse crumbs form. Stir in nuts. Add egg and stir just until combined. Reserve

1 ½ cups crumb mixture; press remaining crumb mixture on bottom of greased 8 inch square pan. Spread jam to within ½ inch from edge of unbaked crust. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over jam layer. Bake for 35-40 or until edges are browned. Cool completely. Cut into bars. Makes 2 dozen.

Scotcharoos

In large heavy pot on stove combine:

1 C corn syrup

1 C sugar

1 C peanut butter

Bring just to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in 5 cups rice crispies. Press into buttered

9 x 13 pan.

In microwave safe bowl combine:

1 C semi sweet choc chips

1 C butterscotch chips

Melt at reduced power, stirring often, until completely melted and smooth. Spread on top of scotcharoos and let set.

Raisin Filled Cookies

2 cups shortening

2 cups sugar

1 cup brown sugar

4 eggs

2 Tblsp. water

2 tsp. vanilla

6 1/2 cups flour

2 tsp. soda

1 tsp. salt

Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs, water and vanilla, then add dry ingredients. Mix well. Dough will be soft. Divide dough into 4 sections. Roll each section into a 1 /2 inch X 12 inch log. Wrap in wax paper and put into refrigerator for several hours so it will be firmer to cut. (I put the rolls in the freezer so they firm up faster)

RAISIN FILLING

2 cups ground raisins

3/4 cup sugar

2 Tblsp. flour

1 cup water

1 tsp.vanilla

1/2 cup nuts

Combine all ingredients into a medium saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture bubbles and thickens. Remove from heat and let cool a little.

Cut dough into 1/4 inch slices and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Put approximately 1/2 to 1tsp. filling on each cookie and cover with another cut of dough. You do not need to press down. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking (if desired). Bake at 375 for 8 to 10 minutes.

A Classic Favorite

2009-12-18T19:51:00.001-08:00

Peanut Blossoms are an age old Christmas favorite. I forget how much I like them until I eat one in December. I wanted to share this great recipe with you. I've tried the one in the Better Homes and Garden cookbook (you know the red and white checkered one that everyone thinks is the Betty Crocker cook book) and it's just not as good. These stay nice and soft, which I love!

Peanut Blossoms

Cream together in mixer bowl:

1/2 C butter

1/2 C peanut butter

1/2 C sugar

1/2 C brown sugar

Add:

1 egg

2 teaspoons vanilla

Sift in dry ingredients:

1 3/4 C flour

1 t baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Roll into one inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar. Bake at 350 for 8 minutes. Place a Hershey Kiss in the center of each cookie immediately after removing from oven.

Chocolate Covered Ritz With a Twist

2009-12-18T08:50:00.000-08:00

We've seen Martha Stewart make Ritz Mints, Nabisco is now even selling their own fudge dipped Ritz. But have you ever had a Ritz Twix?

Some of my favorite gal pals and I came up with this idea last year while playing with chocolate.

Take a Ritz cracker and gently press some home made caramel onto it.
Then dip it it chocolate!

Caramel

In a large heavy pot combine:
2 C half and half
1 C butter
2 C sugar
1 3/4 C corn syrup

Cook over medium heat until 238 degrees. (Use a candy thermometer) Stir often. Especially towards the end of the cooking time, that is when it scorches easily! I like to cook my caramel just slightly under soft ball stage ( which is 240 degrees). It keeps it softer and easier to work with. The cooking process usually takes about 40 minutes. When 238 is reached remove from heat and add:
1 t vanilla
pour into a buttered (don't use cooking spray) 9 x 13 pan. Let set.

I have had a lot of people ask me "can't I just melt down Kraft caramels"? Well. . . if you think that would taste good, go right ahead. The problem with that stuff is once it is melted it is very runny, it'd be hard to get it on the cracker nicely.

If you cook your caramel too long it will be hard and not very easy to smoosh onto a cracker. I have done that before! After it set up I put it back in the pot and added a couple tablespoons of half and half. I melted it down and stirred it just until smooth. Then I poured it back into the 9 x 13 pan and let it reset. It was fixed!

Chocolate dipping tips

You can use candy melts, chocolate chips, or fine quality bar chocolate. Just depends on your taste. The best way to melt chocolate is in a double boiler. I don't have one so I use a pot and a Pyrex bowl that sits on top of my pot. You don't want your bowl to touch the water in the pot. Put 1 inch of water in the pot and bring to a boil. Meanwhile place 2/3 of your chocolate in bowl. When water is boiling turn off heat and place bowl on top of pot. Let the hot steam melt the chocolate. This takes a while, don't get in a hurry and turn the heat back on. Stir, stir, stir. When the chocolate is melted and smooth remove from pot and add remaining 1/3 of chocolate. Stir, stir, stir. This also takes a while to melt. This step is what tempers the chocolate, allowing it to set up nice and firmly, and be so shiny and pretty! If you try to hurry it along by reheating it, the chocolate may turn spotty or seed, which will not make you happy. Once the chocolate is all melted and smooth you are ready to dip.

Drop your ritz/caramel cracker into the bowl of chocolate. Completely cover with chocolate. Fish it out with a fork, tap fork on side of bowl to drizzle off excess chocolate and place on wax paper. Let set.

When all are dipped drizzle with extra chocolate by placing chocolate in ziploc bag, cut off a corner and drizzle away. (The smaller you cut the corner the thinner your drixzzle lines will be. I like dainty drizzle)

Christmas Cupcakes

2009-12-16T21:26:00.000-08:00

From left to right: Kitchen Sink (they've got everything accept the kitchen sink in them. . . dulce de leche, chocolate fudge, cream, toasted coconut and pecans) Peppermint cream on chocolate cake, Cranberry cupcake with holly berries made out of modeling chocolate, and Gingerbread with lemon cream cheese frosting.

These little peppermint cuties are SO easy, I can't wait to tell you!

The Holly and berries were fun with chocolate mousse too!

So on with the Peppermint Frosting!

This recipe comes from a dessert makeover. One of my husbands favorite childhood treats was this fun

Peppermint Dessert

1 pkg grahm crackers, rolled fine. Sprinkle half into the bottom of a 9 x 9 pan.

1 C Whipping Cream
2 T Sugar
1 t Vanilla

Whip Cream, add sugar and vanilla. Add:

2 C mini marshmallows
3 T crushed peppermint candy (use more if using candy cane)
1/2 C nuts

Mix together, spread over grahm cracker crumbs, Top with remaining crumbs.

So. . . for the cupcakes I used a pastry cream (Pastry Pride) whipped it and added crushed candy cane until the cream turned pink and it tasted pepperminty! That's it! SO good!
The first time I made these I added the marshmallows, but they were akwardly lumpy.

Christmas Decor

2009-12-10T21:44:00.000-08:00

I'm participating in Tip Junkies virtual home tour -holiday addition and the Nester's home tour. Head on over to check out tons of fun Christmas decor!

Cookies, chocolates, put the tree up, more chocolates, help plan the church Christmas party, put some other decorations up, more cookies, more decorations, help pull off a sweet nativity program for the church Christmas party, cupcakes, almost done decorating, fun stuff with the kids, prepping for next weeks chocolate/cupcake marathon. . . Wow, my head is spinning! No wonder when the receptionist at the dentist office (I need a root canal, yay!) asked me how to pronounce my name I just stared and blinked at her, trying to process what she said. . . Ha!
I'm not complaining, I'm smiling! I love the hustle and bustle of Christmas. I love all the baking cash we're stashing for our much anticipated Boston trip (husband qualified for the Boston marathon). I LOVE the twinkly sparklies in our home, and our kids' excitement for the season!

So here is our Christmas home, finally (mostly) done!

Hang stuff on the ceiling?!? What a great idea! Props to the super talented people who created the GORGEOUS display at a local flower shop (Perkens Flower for you local folk).

This is another favorite addition this year. Just take some green garland and wrap it around your chandelier. Now add ornaments, bows, pics, whatever you like! I dangled snowflakes with coiled wire.

There is a tree in there somewhere, I promise!

These little cuties are a family tradition. Four generations of my family have had these stockings! The one on the end belongs to my five year old. . . I will finish it one of these years. . .

Fashionista Cookies

2009-12-10T21:14:00.001-08:00

Sugar Cookies for a cosmotologists birthday!

Hand Dipped Chocolate

2009-12-08T22:38:00.000-08:00

I LOVE making chocolates!! From left to right: Milk chocolate truffle, mint chocolate truffle, Ritz Twix, scotchy mellows (my favorite!) , peanut butter creams. I love the challenge of coming up with new flavors. The latest is a chocolate raspberry truffle. Mmmm!

Christmas Sweeties

2009-12-07T20:59:00.001-08:00

I just realized how long it's been since I've posted!! Wow, sorry!! Busy, busy, busy. . . I'm sure you can all relate! Here are a couple shots of some Christmas baking I have done. I promise much more to come in the next week, plus I will share some of my favorite Christmas recipes with you!

Christmas sugar cookies for my daughters preschool class to celebrate her 5th birthday! Not my absolute best work, but considering I FORGOT about bringing them, ran home and slapped them together before preschool was over that day, I think they are ok. I know, who does that!?!?! My poor child. . . I tried to talk her into some easy cutsie cupcakes, but she is proud of her December birthday and wanted to celebrate Christmas style!

From left to right, Gingerbread cupcake with luscious, light, lemon frosting, Peanut Butter Kiss (you've already seen this one, I know) and Eggnog!

Holiday Cupcakes

2009-11-16T10:18:00.000-08:00

Here are a few new holiday flavors. Enjoy!

Cranberry cake drenched in rich caramel sauce topped with pastry cream and sprinkled with coarse sugar. The picture does not do these sweeties justice, you have to taste one. SO GOOD. Stay tuned at the end of this post I'll give you the recipe.

Chocolate Mousse. Okay it's not new but it is one of my favorites, GREAT for the holidays!

Peanut butter kiss. Chocolate cake topped with creamy peanut butter frosting and a Peanut Blossom, one of my favorite Christmas cookies!

Chocolate chip pumpkin with cream cheese frosting. They just aren't the same without the marshmallow pumpkin. I guess I should have stocked up during Halloween. Oh wait, I did! My husband ate them ALL!

Cocoa Caliente, Mexican hot chocolate. Now there's a Christmas aroma! Sweet cinnamon and chocolate, cue the Christmas carol. If you are not a fan of the spicy chocolate drink you can make a regular hot chocolate cupcake. It's really just a chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream, all decked out to look like hot cocoa. If you do like the Mexican version Nestle makes Abuelita chocolate in syrup form. Just add it to your chocolate buttercream.

Cranberry Cupcakes

These cupcakes were adapted from a cake recipe a friend of mine made for me years ago. You know the kind, you take one bite and HAVE to have the recipe! Well here you go:

4 1.2 T butter
1 1/2 C sugar

Cream together. In separate mixing bowl combine:

3 C flour
1 Tablespoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

You will also need 1 1/2 C milk. (I use whole milk)

Add the flour mixture and the milk alternately to the creamed sugar mixture. Starting and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in 3 C raw cranberries. (That's the same as 1 bag)

Pour into 2 loaf pans or a bundt pan (or cupcake wrappers!) Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Cake should be golden and toothpick inserted should come out clean. (A few moist crumbs are okay though. Ya'll know how I dislike over baking.) Cupcakes only need to bake for 16-18 minutes.

If you made a cake, slice it while and drizzle with caramel sauce to serve. If you made cupcakes poke holes in the top with a skewer and pour sauce over it, allowing the cake to soak it up. It's best to do this while the cupcakes are still warm.

Caramel Sauce
1 C cream
2 C sugar
1 C butter

Combine ingredients in a pan over medium heat. Heat until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Serve over cake while sauce is still warm.

Easy Caramel Fudge Cookies

2009-11-12T19:07:00.000-08:00

Ooey gooey caramel surrounded by fudgey chocolate. . . Yes please!

This wonderful little find came from a friend of mine who likes to keep her baking simple.

These are SO simple my 5 year old made them. While I was busy snapping photos she had all the cookies rolled up and ready to bake. They aren't just simple either, they are SO.GOOD.

"How?" you ask, can something with a caramel center be so easy?

Yup. . . a Rolo.

Okay so this is what you need:

1 Chocolate cake mix
2 egg
1/3 C oil
4 rolls of Rolos, or 1 bag

(I prefer to find the rolls, then I don't have to unwrap them all)

Place the cake mix in a bowl. Add eggs and oil. Stir until combined.
Pinch off a one inch ball of dough.

Now smash it flat in your hand.

Place a Rolo in the center of your dough

Now roll the dough into a ball around the Rolo.
Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 6-7 minutes. If you over bake them they will be hard and less fudgey. 7 minutes is plenty long.

You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar, or not. Just depends on your level of fancy!
These cookies were used to garnish our chocolate mousse cups. (Which is another super easy super insanely delicious recipe you just have to try.)

This recipe came from my always fabulous sister in law Laura. She ALWAYS has the most amazing ideas. I've made this mousse so many times, it always hits the spot!

Chocolate Mousse

1 large pckg chocolate pudding

(use jello brand, it just works better)

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 c water

1 C whipping cream, whipped (can use cool whip or pastry pride)

Combine pudding, condensed milk and water in a mixing bowl. Wisk until smooth. Let set in fridge for 5 minutes. Whip cream with an electric mixer. Fold whipped cream into pudding mixture. It's ready!

The possibilities are endless. It can be piped (via ziploc bag) into cups, on top of cupcakes, into a Graham cracker crust (ooh, or Oreo crust). See where I'm going here, it is that good. Let me know how you enjoyed your mousse!

Not JUST Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-11-05T13:50:00.000-08:00

Let's face it. I think just about everyone loves a good homemade chocolate chip cookie. There are so many recipes out there. Some chewy, some crisp, some are chunky and nutty, the list goes on and on. My favorite is when they are hot out of the oven all soft and gooey. Mmm. . . perfect!

While they taste amazing just as they are they look a little. . . ordinary.
Even lined up on a pretty platter. . . just ordinary.

Why not fancy them up with a little more chocolate?

It really is simple, and so pretty! Just melt some chocolate chips in your microwave (at 50% power in 30 second intervals). Place melted chocolate into a plastic bag. I like to use Ziploc freezer quart size bags. The stiffer plastic will give you more control. Cut the tip off one of the bottom corners. Now you are ready to become a drizzling master.

I prefer to avoid this look. Just zigzagging back and forth on one cookie doesn't have the same sparkle.

Line all the cookies up on wax paper and drizzle the chocolate back and forth across the entire row, in one continuous motion.

You can even add some white chocolate drizzle.

Let them hang out on the wax paper until the chocolate has set back up. This usually takes a couple of hours.

Now they are ready to impress!

This is my most favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe EVER. The key to great cookies is don't over bake them. (unless you like them hard and crunchy.) I also like to use a cookie scoop for perfectly shaped cookies.

This recipe makes about 6 dozen cookies. Sometimes I cut it in half when I don't need quite so many.

Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 C Butter softened

2 1/2 C Sugar

2 C Brown sugar

Cream together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add:

3 Eggs

2 teaspoons Vanilla

Continue creaming for a few minutes. Sift together dry ingredients:

6 C Flour

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 teaspoons Baking soda

1/2 teaspoon Baking powder

At this point the dough may be erupting out of your bowl or mixer. Sometimes I dump the whole thing into a really big bowl and hand mix it. When the dough is well combined add the chocolate:

1 bag milk chocolate chips

1 bag semi sweet chocolate chips

1 bag white chocolate chips

Using a cookie scoop (or two spoons) place cookie dough on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 9-11 minutes for average size cookies. If you are using a large scoop they may need to bake up to 14 minutes. Watch the first batch carefully so you know how long your oven needs to bake them.

My Fall House

2009-10-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE everything about fall. The weather, the gorgeous leaves, pumpkins, soup. . . I could go on and on. I especially love decorating for fall. So I thought I'd break away from my norm and share some of my other favorite sweet things.

If vinyl can be stuck to it, I stick it.

Metal buckets with a whimsical paint job are perfect for seasonal flowers.

Creepy. That bird gets me every morning.

This is the pantry that dad built.

This used to be my dining room table. I LOVE a good face lift!

Pumpkins from my garden, wooden box made from an old gate someone was throwing away. (Oh how I love a good junk pile.) Old dining room chairs attacked with black spray paint and sand paper.

Adorning the adored red door.

tricky sweet things

A little of this a little of that

All sitting on the hutch that dad built

More garden pumpkins for the table and chairs dad and I face lifted

Spooky creepiness for the kiddos.

Can't forget to show off the peaches the husband canned!

Gone Banana's. . .

2009-10-23T16:05:00.001-07:00

. . .for monkey cupcakes!

I made these for a baby shower that my HUSBAND went to. I'm still laughing about it! Today he attended a school psychologist meeting/baby shower. He even had to bring his baby picture to play the guess-who-that-baby-is game. Hilarious!

The monkey's were made out of modeling chocolate, so that means they taste good! Bonus!

Chocolate fudge cupcakes were filled with raspberry cream courtesy of Saucys Sprinkles.

Swirled with a ring of chocolate buttercream and a mounded with pastry cream.

Last but not least a chocolate monkey is plunked on top.

Here they are sittin' pretty ready to be eaten, by men and women at a baby shower.

Whoops!

This little guy reminds me of a sheepish toddler caught in a mess!

I ate this one.

Modeling Chocolate:

10 oz chocolate chips

1/3 C corn syrup

Melt chocolate in microwave on reduced power or in a double boiler. Once chocolate is completely melted and smooth add the corn syrup. Start stirring and . . . DON'T FREAK OUT!! It's supposed to do that. The texture instantly changes to thick and dough like. Now spread it out on a piece of waxed paper and let it rest for a couple hours. It will firm up and become a workable chocolate clay. Keep in mind that chocolate melts in your hand, so working quickly is a good idea. Have fun playing!

P.S. I've heard you can try this with colored melting candy also. Sooo. . . options, options!

Pumpkin Roll

2009-10-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

How many times have you looked at one of these cute little rolls and thought mmm that looks good, but WAY too complicated. I'm tellin' you it's not that hard!

Here's what you do:
Line a jelly roll pan with wax paper and spray with non-stick spray. Preheat the oven to 375.
In a mixing bowl combine:

3 eggs
7 1/2 oz pumpkin (half of a 15 oz can)
Beat until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients:

1 C sugar
1 C flour
1 t baking soda
1 t baking powder
1 t cinnamon

Mix well. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Gently turn cake over and ease out onto a clean dish towel, not terry cloth. Discard the wax paper and carefully roll the cake from the short end. Let cool for about 30 minutes. If it is left too long rolled up it is hard to unroll it without cracking.

While the cake is cooling beat together the filling ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 C powdered sugar

1 t vanilla

2 T butter

When the cake is cool, unroll, spread gently with the filling all the way to the edges, re-roll and place on a serving platter. Sift 2 T powdered sugar on top. Admire. Then cut into slices and serve.

Parade of Cupcakes

2009-10-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

The sky is the limit when it comes to cupcakes. Cute, funny, classic, sophisticated, whatever! These are a few of my favorites:

Tin Roof Sundae

Vanilla cake, peanut caramel filling, rich chocolate mousse drizzled with some more caramel and topped with peanuts.

Oreo Grasshopper

Chocolate cake smothered in mint cream cheese mousse

filled with chocolate ganache and topped with an oreo.

Sometimes I like to fill the cupcake with good stuff. . . like gooey marshmallow or. . .

creamy caramel!

This is one of the funnest cupcakes I've ever had the pleasure to make!
You guessed it, Chocolate Malts!

Limeade Colada
Vanilla cake piled high with sweet and tangy limeade colada mousse.

A Classy Classic
Vanilla Cake, chocolate buttercream and a sweet flower sugar cookie just for fun!

S'mores!
Chocolate cake with a mountain of fresh marshmallow, dunked in chocolate and coated with graham crackers.

Pistachio Cream

This one takes me back to a favorite childhood dessert. . . mmm. . . okay I'm back.
Vanilla cake filled with a decadent whipped cream cheese, topped with a swirl of pistachio mousse and sprinkled with course sugar.

Peanut Butter Maddness

Chocolate cake topped with peanut butter buttercream and a chocolate drizzled peanut butter cookie, Score!!

Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate cake filled and topped with chocolate mousse. Sittin' pretty with fondant daisies.

The Kitchen Sink

My personal favorite!! Because. . . well, they've got EVERYTHING! Vanilla cake filled with creamy caramel (and sometimes marshmallow if feel like it) Swirled with rich chocolate ganache, piled high with pastry cream and topped with toasted coconut AND toasted pecans. YUM-O!

Berry Cheesecake

Vanilla cake filled with sweet berries in a tangy glaze, topped with cheesecake mousse, and more berries.

This guy is nothing to snicker at. Chocolate cake filled with peanut caramel topped with ooey gooey peanut butter nougat and striped with rich fudge.

Oh yes, don't forget the piece of Snickers candy on top.

Sweet little ladies. . .

. . . and gents.

Chocolate cake piled with chocolate mousse and fondant decorations.

Chocolate Cakes

2009-10-17T09:08:00.000-07:00

This chocolate cake with fluffy raspberry filling and rich chocolate butter cream is a gem I found on one of my favorite bloggedy blogs, Saucys Sprinkles. She claims the chocolate butter cream is to die for. . . um yup, pretty much! The cake is just a tricked out cake mix. Saucy explains what to do. So for those of you who prefer simplicity but love great flavor, give it a try!

The chocolate shavings are pretty easy too. Melt some chocolate in the microwave (chocolate chips, a Hershey bar, it doesn't matter, whatever you have!) Spread a thin layer of melted chocolate onto a sheet of wax paper. Let it set back up (stick it in the freezer for a minute or two if you're in a hurry, but shh, don't tell anyone I said to do that. Most chocolate connoisseurs would gasp at the idea!) Now take a metal spatula, turn it upside down and scrape the chocolate off of the wax paper. It should come up in big sheets that you can brake apart.

This is a chocolate peanut butter cup cake. The chocolate cake is a secret recipe that belongs to my neighba lady. She gave it to me and swore me to secrecy! She's been baking it for over 50 years, so I guess she has the right to her secret! I'll just say that it is hands down the BEST scratch cake I have ever had the pleasure of eating. . . allow me to let you drool over it.
Rich, moist chocolate cake slathered with fudgy ganache, filled with fluffy decadent peanut butter cream, all stacked up and surrounded in irresistible chocolate butter cream, topped with peanut butter cups and chocolate ganache. Sound good? Oh it was!!
Okay, so I can't give you the cake recipe (although. . .if you're local I can make you one) but I can share the peanut butter fluffy stuff!

Peanut Butter Cream

1/2 C Butter, softened
1/2 C Peanut Butter
2 C Powdered Sugar
1 t vanilla

Cream together the butter and peanut butter, add vanilla. Slowly add powdered sugar until well combined. Turn mixer up to med high and let it whip for about 2 minutes. Now it's ready to fill a cake, or spread on top of cupcakes or just eat plain. . . you get the idea.

Chocolate Ganache

1 C semi sweet chocolate chips

3 T heavy cream

Combine ingredients and melt in microwave at reduced power for 30 seconds. Stir, repeat until chocolate is completely melted. Now stir, stir, stir. . .until glossy and cream is completely mixed in. This is just plain HEAVEN on anything!

Halloween Cookies

2009-10-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

The kids and I have a special place in our heart for Halloween sugar cookies. (My husband has a special place in his for ANY kind of sugar cookie.) They are just too fun! I use the same recipe as follows for the Heart Attack cookies.

Just mix up a bunch of your favorite Halloween colors and put each one in its own piping bag. I used a combination of Ziploc bags and disposable piping bags. Just cut the tip off and pipe away!

Be creative! The sky is the limit!

I HAD to try my new barn cookie cutter. So I added some pumpkins to it to tie in the theme. The sheep and the cows you say? Well they were begging to be used for the first time too.