"Have your Cake, and Eat It Too"

Fab Find

2012-01-16T16:07:00.001-05:00

While browsing the Valentine section of the craft store with my dear friend B, I found some sweet little Martha Stewart cupcake liners! They are so bright and cheery that I just had to throw them in the basket of goodies! I can't wait to bake up a little somethin' somethin' starring these gems. For some odd reason Martha Stewart's line of crafting goods is irresistible to me. I feel I need to purchase one of everything she has to offer. It may be the packaging, or the fun colors and sparkles, but let's don't kid around, that kind of purchasing is completely unnecessary!

What are you baking up lately?

Lilly Pulitzer for the Win!

2012-01-12T13:40:00.001-05:00

Murfee Scarf scored at the Lilly Pulitzer Winter Sale event!

Who doesn't adore the creamy blend of cashmere and silk all cozied around your neck on a chilly day?! Only the crazies, that's who! I simply can not wait for this Florida weather to drop degrees so I can parade around in this little Murfee number!

Three cheers for devastatingly warm winters! (not)

Friday's Musings

2012-01-06T09:16:00.002-05:00

Helloooo Friday! Sharing is caring today, and that is just what I am going to do... care and share with you my Muse! Today's Muse is my new ban do "pom pom flower" graciously gifted to me by my fabulous sister over the holiday! I'm slightly obsessed with it fashionable feminine qualities (not to mention everything else this company makes)!

What is your Muse of the day?

Festival of Trees

2012-01-02T13:25:00.000-05:00

Sister, ABD, took me to the Festival of Trees this year! We sipped cocktails, googley eyed all of those fancy schmancy trees, and of course got a peek at her lovely stationery display! the photo does not do it's sparkly existence justice, but you get the picture.) After the event, she took me to Cheesecake Factory for a latte and sweet chocolate cheesecake decadence! We had a total blast!

Cheers to sister date night,

Book Shelf

2011-12-21T07:18:00.002-05:00

This is the compilation of books in which my nose has been buried since we spoke of reading last. I love love love to read and try to get in as much of it as I can!

Clara and Mr. Tiffany is a great story, it just lagged on for a little while and I had a hard time keeping interest.

Why Her is about the relationship between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law and anyone with either one of those should pick up this book. My mother-in-law is a charm so the book didn't really apply to me, or to the relationship I have with her, but it did give me a few ideas on how to be the best daughter-in-law I could possibly be.

Bossy Pants needs no other words besides HILARIOUS!

Blue Christmas is definitely my favorite of the Christmas novels I picked up for December. It had a sweet story with a twinge of mystery and I fell in love with the characters.

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball is pretty corny. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

And Lastly, A Piggly Wiggly Christmas is a fun Christmas read, but slightly mimicked the plot of a Hallmark movie.

Break out your bookmarks!

Parading About Christmas

2011-12-20T11:13:00.001-05:00

Our little family of three (me, hubs, and furry creature) set out for the first of our towns two Christmas parades. We all meet at a family members house in the morning to walk over to the volunteer fire department. This is where we spend the morning spectating floats full of Christmas cheer as they make their way through town! Darcy-Mae even felt festive with her cheerful little elf hat on!! And yes, it is December and I am sporting sunnies and short sleeves... oh Florida.

Jingle bells,

Nice Serve

2011-12-19T09:57:00.001-05:00

Every quarter our church congregation dawns matching shirts and disperses throughout the community to serve. Bobbus and I are on the set up crew and LOVE it! This go round we got walkie talkies and communicated in super fun code names all morning. Needless to say the walkie made me SUPER important. I mean really, who's 12 year old self doesn't emerge with a walkie in hand?

10-4,

Christmas Care Package

2011-12-12T09:15:00.000-05:00

Christmas Care Package Contents:

1. tree christmas card

2. southern tide koozie

3. candy cane tissues

4. coco's christmas jamz cd

5. pink sparkle mini stocking

6. tinsel-y apple green garland

7. reindeer sockies

Mail has to be the absolute sweetest thing in the fabulousotiy that is the USA! I honestly don't think many things make me happier than mail. A few of my favorite friends have relocated to peachier pastures (GA) and this is our way of staying super in touch, sweet little packages via the post! This set of goodies happens to be from the adorable Courtney from PlanaCOURTingly !

Event Recap

2011-12-05T07:38:00.000-05:00

My awesome-sauce dad just so happens to be a professional photographer... (hence the gorgeous portrait on the wall below).

He and my momma hosted a stunning party at their gallery down South and commissioned yours truly for the dessert portion of the evening.

I prepared miniature lattice topped apple pies, a rich chocolate cake, and a plethora of miniature pumpkin donuts.

Be fancy,

Another Awesome ABD Giveaway

2011-12-03T15:09:00.000-05:00

It's packed full of sparkles and holiday cheer!

So speed racer on over to ABD's blog for a chance to win this lot of goodies!

Birthdays & Spankin' New Sunnies

2011-11-27T14:04:00.000-05:00

Check it. Bobbus and his snappy new Ray Bands (courtesy of yours truly!)! Requests for this handsome fellow's birthday included mojitos, grilled chicken and a side of extra lazy. I'd like to say we fully accomplished all three!

Lilly Giveaway!-- You dont want to miss this!

2011-11-08T16:07:00.000-05:00

Enter by clicking here! I have never actually won a giveaway before and am crossing my fingers that this will be my lucky break!

You Can Call Me (ahem)... Queen of the Carving Kit!

2011-11-01T10:20:00.000-04:00

Saturday the Mr. and I hosted a little pumpkin carving party at our humble abode. After devouring the BBQ takeout, we snacked on some goodies and went to business. Whilst jamming out to The Monster Bash Pandora station, we each cut open... scraped out (eww)... carved... and lit up our pumpkins to glow all night long! My printer has been acting out and was being a bit of a stick in the mud so I had to freehand Minnie Mouse onto my pumpkin all by myself! Who knew I could draw? Not me that's for darn sure. It was nothing short of determination station up in this pumpkin house!

Carve it up!

Pumpkin Patch Pickers

2011-10-31T10:44:00.002-04:00

Our adventure to the pumpkin patch included some sweet friends, a couple of furry creatures, and a few ~~rotten gourds~~ precious carving pumpkins!

Happy Picking to You!

Footballs, Margaritas, & Gal Pals

2011-10-25T14:47:00.000-04:00

Friday morning I took a jaunt up to Tallahassee/ Thomasville to do a little game watching, margarita sipping, and bestie visiting! To sum it up, only two words are necessary: Blasty Blast!

Agenda:

Crepes with dear EML
CBK comes to collect me
Elvis cupcakes and shopping
BBQ!!
Alyson arrives
10 minute tailgate
FSU vs Maryland
Shop shop shop
Marg's
MORE Shopping
Dunkin Donuts... as always.
long drive home

Fall into the... 'ABD Giveaway'?!

2011-10-24T11:31:00.000-04:00

Let's don't lie to ourselves now, we all know that Fall is fabulous!!!

My super festive sister as mentioned in the previous post is hosting a Fall Giveaway! You don't have to trust me on how awesomely Fall and fabulous these items are, just see for yourself!

I asked her if I could enter, she said that that wouldn't be playing fair since I'm, you know, related an all. Whatever. One of you lucky gals will be the winner of these fab fall finds and I will just have to be jealous from afar. (Ooor stalk her and find out where it all came from so YOU and I can match! haha just kidding... but really).

Here it is... you know you want tooooo!!:

http://ashleybrookedesigns.com/lovely-finds/lovely-finds-my-fall-favorites-giveaway

Creepy Little Cookies

2011-10-19T16:51:00.003-04:00

This past weekend, my sister & I did a little festive baking! Baking makes me stupendously happy and what on earth is better than being festive?! I mean, it was pretty much the Martha Stewart Show in my house. I whipped up my very favorite Sugar Cookie recipe and ABQ & I went to town cutting, baking, and of course icing! They turned out sooo darn cute... even if you are just going to eat them all yourself!

Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe:

7 cups All Purpose Flour
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
2 cups Butter
2 cups Sugar
2 Eggs
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon Salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350.
Cream together the butter and the sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer.
Add the eggs one at a time and the vanilla and mix well.
Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl and add it a little at a time to the mixer (mix until dough comes together.
Roll the dough out one third at a time in between two sheets of parchment paper and chill while you move on to the next third. (by the time the second third is rolled out the first third will be ready to be cut out with cookie cutters and placed on a baking sheet to be baked at 350 for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown)

Royal Icing Recipe:

3 tablespoons Meringue Powder
4 cups sifted Confectioners Sugar
6 tablespoons Warm Water

Directions:

put all ingredients into a stand mixer and beat until icing forms a stiff peak
(make sure to keep all utensils grease free to ensure proper consistency)
Royal icing originally adapted from Wilton

Don't be a cookie monster,

Wine Country [honeymooners- part 6]

2011-10-18T16:46:00.001-04:00

Napa Valley is luxury beyond luxury. This was by far my favorite touristy thing the hubster and I did while on our honeymoon. Let's be honest, if you really don't want to miss out on a drop of that tasty nectar from the grapes, you swallow your touristy pride and hop on a bus with 10 other romance inclined couples and enjoy the ride! We visited Chandon (LOVED IT) White Hall Winery (ehh not so much) V. Sattui (FAVORITE!!!) and The Franciscan (it was okay). After the tasting and meandering through vineyards, we were ferry boated back to the San Francisco Bay.

Fancy, I know!

Crumpets with Tea... Not so Much

2011-09-23T11:26:00.001-04:00

I often bake just to bake, and since I can't possibly eat it all, I tend to pawn it off on my coworkers, friends, or family. So far no complaints on the plethora of baked yumlies ;). These were a HUGE hit at the hubster's office... he was actually ordered by one particular office dweller to tell me that "These are the best cookies I have ever eaten and I'm in my 60's so thats a big deal!"Bahaha! compliments...they come in all forms. I also sent some over to grandma's house. She obviously thought they were amazaballs since coffee cake is her all time fav! I suggest you give them a try, they won't fail you!

Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe:

Pecan Streusel:
1 ½ cups of pecans, toasted
¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Pinch of salt
4 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Cookie dough portion:
½ cup of unsalted butter, browned
1 egg
½ cup dark brown sugar
½ cup sugar
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
2 ½ cup unbleached all purpose flour

Directions:
To make pecan streusel:
Place pecans on a bake sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for about 10-12 minutes or until pecans start to darken slightly and smell nutty. Set aside to cool. Chop pecans once cooled.
Place chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt and whisk to combine. Add melted butter and toss to combine. Set aside.

To make cookie:
Heat and melt butter until it is brown and nutty smelling. Set aside to cool slightly.
Place egg, dark brown sugar and sugar in a stand mixer bowl and mix on medium speed with a paddle attachment and beat until mixture is glossy, about 1-2 minutes. Add sour cream, cream cheese, vanilla, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt into mixture and beat to combine. Add in cooled butter and beat to combine. Turn off mixture.
Using a wooden spoon or a sturdy spatula, fold flour into wet mixture. Add 1/2 the streusel mixture and fold to combine.
Scoop out 1 heaping tablespoon of mixture and light roll into a ball and place cookie on bake sheet. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of streusel on top of cookie and lightly press onto the top of cookie.
Bake cookies for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool cookies on a wire rack.
*Cookies will keep for 2 days in a tightly sealed container - Makes 2 dozen cookies
Originally adapted from Baker's Royal

"Three cheers for the freakin weekend!"- Rhianna

Muir Woods Forest [honeymooners- part 5]

2011-09-01T16:01:00.001-04:00

Ask the boy what the ONE thing we absolutely had to do on our trip to California is and he answers with the words "REEEEDDDD WOOOOOODDDSSS!!!". Wow, let's dont get too excited now, they are just giant trees, but then you ask him what his absolute favorite touristy thing we acomplished while on said California trip and he answers with the very same two super drawn out words. Basically Bobbus loves trees. They only come second to concrete.

These Redwoods are crazy tall and, get this, they don't catch on fire! Besides the fact that I was wearing the wrong shoes for this adventure, it was a total blast to follow Bobbus around while he stared up at the tops of the trees like a 3 year old all the way through the trails.

Warning: Sore neck to follow,

Channeling My Inner Bookworm

2011-08-26T14:16:00.001-04:00

August came with a kick for me. There were quite a few sheets of paper bound together with covers that I was DIEING to indulge in. My "to read" list is quite the long one and getting longer by the second so I must keep trucking. August is coming to an end (woah, where did it go?!) ergo, I have decided to close out the 8th month's of 2011 list on the classic P&P (which I am absolutely LOVING).

I have not always been a reader... let's be honest, I used to loath the pastime. Not to make any of my past educators jump for joy or anything, but I cannot say that this is my current state of emoticons toward reading. I am now-honest to goodness-obsessed with literature. I can't get my little fingers on enough books and NookBooks to quell my little beating heart's desire! My current Jane Austen bout is bound to last a little while so be prepared for a September full of Austen's many mind geniuses, cause I can't wait!

(pushing up the glasses),

Fisherman's Wharf [honeymooners- part 4]

2011-08-22T13:04:00.001-04:00

Our Honeymoon venture to the Wharf was full of exploring (ahem, eating). We grabbed a couple of In n' Out burgers (yum), checked out the sea lions (stanky), ate a bit of seafood (you know, cause you are at Fisherman's Wharf and all helllooo), walked the boardwalk (while singing "under the board walk- down by the sea!!"), and stumbled upon Ghirardelli Square where we indulged in a ferocious pile of ice cream business. (P.S. that ginormous chocolate dipped waffle bowl cone banana split ice cream concoction there... WOW, delightful)!

Pretty self explanatory I'd say... ;)

My Celebrity Debut Polish!

2011-08-17T12:42:00.001-04:00

I had some questions come through about my snappy sparkle polish on the latest ABD *moving picture* shown in my last post... well here are the goods girls! its a fancy feast for your fingers!

Sparkle on!

iSpy & ABD's Sparkly New Online Shop!!

2011-08-15T13:39:00.002-04:00

Ashley Brooke Designs Stationery is an absolute every day necessity for me. I know I know, you are probably thinking well that's because she is your sister and you love her. Yes this is true, but honestly I hate to write on anything else (It rocks to have a talented sister)! Anywho, these just so happen to be my fabulous hands with the sparkle teal polished nails at my charming desk surrounded by my beloved books! Gah! How exciting right?! I kind of feel famous... hehe. I actually got to go through the whole ordering process (just as her super stylish clients do), and let me tell you, it is easy peasy lemon squeezy! annnnd being the bargain shopper that I am, free shipping pretty much rocks my socks. Make sure you look for the "Ashley Brooke Loves" sticker to see which ones are her fav's! Not to mention the rousing game of iSpy that is happening over at ABD right now. When we were just young little whipper snappers iSpy was pretty much our absolute favorite thing to play... well, that and "Candy-land." Now its ABD's turn to play a bit of iSpy! So fun! HELLO FREE $25.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE for you!!! Go on and fetch your magnifying glasses girls and channel your inner Nancy Drew because you have some spying to do!!

Save Me San Francisco [honeymooners- part 3]

2011-08-11T12:57:00.002-04:00

San Francisco was nothing less than fabulous! The Golden Gate Bridge is beautiful, Union Square was hoppin' all day every day (hello shopping) and our suite at the Hyatt on Embarcadero Street had this stellar view of the Bay... and get this, a TV in the bathroom mirror! What?! Every morning hubster and I scrambled down to The Coffee Bean next door, and a bagel shop of some sort, in order to bask in our vacationness and to fuel up for our adventures of the day! Perfection.

"If I could wish upon a star, I would hitch a cable car, to a place that I can always call my own..." -Train

Hotlanta [honeymooners- part 2]

2011-07-29T15:40:00.002-04:00

Destination number 2... Hotlanta!!

Our favorite driver (once again, the best man) transported us from the mountains to the city and deposited us at our hotel for the evening. The suite was ginormous! We had three doors to get into our room, two bathrooms, two TV's, a kitchenette, a conference table (just in case we needed to hold a meeting of the minds), and 3 balcony's. Holy hugeness I practically got lost inside. My brother-in-law hooked us up with the hotel business and had chocolate covered strawberries and Champagne sent up! He Rock, period. Dinner... more like breakfast being that we had pancakes... was at a diner-nightclub-bar. Very odd combo if you ask me, but the food was tasty and isn't that the whole joy of dinner? there was a conspicuous mirror across from our snazzy booth so we snapped a quick photo of ourselves. Short stay here in Hotlanta, but never fear, I still got me a tourist coffee mug!

Stay tuned for destination 3...

Cabin Sweet Cabin [honeymooners- part 1]

2011-07-26T12:58:00.000-04:00

Destination 1: Blue Ridge, Georgia!

Wedding night we stayed in a beautiful cabin overlooking the Georgia mountains. The Best Man (aka Bobbus' lil brother) was kind enough to taxi us about to our different destinations. The bottom photo is what we got to look at while we had breakfast in our rocking chairs on the porch. We made old fashioned oatmeal (twice... the first one was an epic fail) with honey and banana and sipped our coffee while enjoying the view and taking in the fresh mountain air.

...Later that morning we would be picked up again and toted to Atlanta for a one nights stay at the downtown Hyatt!

Nuptials

2011-07-22T09:10:00.000-04:00

Our Wedding Day ended up being everything I had hoped for and more. My beau and I are now happily nestled into our home and having the time of our lives! Being married is like a continuous slumber party, and I love having a partner in crime! Our ceremony was originally planned to take place outside-just next to our engagement spot- with cocktails and viddles to follow before the reception in the gazebo just down the way. The reception was to take place at a wonderful restaurant called Harvest on Main (an absolute MUST to try if you ever venture to the Blue Ridge mountains). Golf ball sized hail decided to rain on our parade and made for a quick last minute change of plans. Everything from the ceremony to the reception was held in the restaurant...and looking back, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way! From the "first look" through the visiting, eating, eating, eating... s'mores making, cake cutting, and dancing I was one happy bride with my sweet husband by my side. The most important of the important people in our lives made the effort to take the 8 hour trek to the south (We can't tell you all how much that means to us). I'm pretty sure they are all glad they did though, and may have each gained a few extra pounds with all of the deliciousness the weekend had in store!

An extra special thanks to Powers Photography for making the memories of our perfect day last a lifetime!

Bachelorette Fiesta

2011-07-05T09:06:00.001-04:00

Now, if this fiesta doesnt scream slumber-party-animals, then I don't know what does! That blonde chick standing next to me in that photo up there, yeah thats my sister. She basically rocked my socks with this party. We had a meet up at her abode complete with margs and tiny taco appetizers! She then shuttled the gang in our parents minivan (a.k.a. the loser cruiser but hello,we rocked it) to a fabu Mexi restaurant called Mucho Taco & Tequila. Love. When it was time to move on to the next set of festivities we walked out to get the car (which was parked super legally) but no bueno since it had been raptured! Woah, 9 girls, 1 missing car, and a slough of margaritas patiently waiting for us back at the party pad. We hailed a cab-yet another van-and made our way back which is when we found out that a perturbed resident who had apparently had a bad day called to have our mini-van towed. Sad. The party must go on! Snacking, margarita sipping, photobooth dominating, pretty lingerie unpacking, and crazy dance parties encompassed the rest of the evening. The next morning was gladly ushered in for it had pancakes, eggs, and of course dunkin donuts waiting for us. Perfection to say the least.

Get down with your baaaad self!

Bridal Portraits

2011-06-30T14:12:00.000-04:00

(Image credit: Gregory Daniel)

I'm baaack! Once the amazing vaca came to a hault (I guess we had to return to the sunshine state sometime), I was immediately thrown into my internship at boutique bakery that is a solid 75 minutes away from our home. It is so fantastic that I was able to find an internship, but between those long days, my regular working days, and adjusting to new life as a married lady :)!!! I have been filled to the brim with busy! There are several posts lined up for you guys on the wedding and all of its festivities, so be on the lookout. I can't wait to post them alllll!

This post is dedicated to my bridal portraits. I am so thrilled with the outcome, but then again I am always thrilled with this fabulous photog's art. Some like to call him Gregory... I call him dad :). Take a gander!

(Image credit: Gregory Daniel)

Wedding Recap!

2011-05-30T09:11:00.001-04:00

Good Morning! Betsy here. I have a little blog called Heavens to Betsy and have known the author of this little blog for quite some time!

Ky is off enjoying her honeymoon and I'm here to share a little bit of wedding goodness with you. The wedding was completely stunning and Ky and her new Mr. were deliriously happy. The wedding and reception were held at a dreamy, rustic restaurant in Blue Ridge, GA, where the bride's family has a cabin. There was some rain on wedding day, so the outdoor ceremony was moved inside and our newlyweds were showered with good luck!

We enjoyed a delicious southern style meal (the pimento cheese was my favorite!!) and finished the night making s'mores on the porch!

On a personal note, the bride and groom are two of my favorite people and we've been friends since high school. We've all been through a lot together and I'm filled with joy every time I remember they are now Mr. and Mrs. and about to start a wonderful life together.

I'm sure Ky will have more to share when she returns, so until then, enjoy these pictures and best wishes to the newly established J family!

xoxo,
Betsy

The Big Day is Finally Here!

2011-05-26T13:00:00.003-04:00

Today is the day I walk down the aisle to marry my best friend.

The dress is only partially revealed here, but will be a splendid surprise when you see the

wedding recap which is to come!

Loving every minute of it,

Georgia is on My Mind

2011-05-25T13:18:00.000-04:00

Happy Wedding Day Eve!
We are officially in Georgia and working on every DIY wedding project under the sun! Family and friends are popping in and out and we are loving all of this love and support! Rehearsal starts at 5 tonight and then we are off to a fabulous dinner on the Toccoa River.

Wish us luck!

Friday's Favourite Things

2011-05-20T11:23:00.000-04:00

A pretty new office supply! Such a faboo surprise to find a present on your work desk. It completely changes the whole tone of your day! Mrs. C put these lovely paper clips on my desk and I absolutely love to look at them while working the day away!

My soon-to-be husband's grandmother's china that is now mine to call my very own. It is so classic with it's delicate trim and silver edges! I can not even wait to host a fancy-schmancy dinner party!

You may be thinking... those are just regular old m&m's, so what's the big deal?! But in all actuality they are my all-time favourite candies-drum roll please-pretzel m&m's!! I was SO darn excited when I scored a buy one get one free (large bag) at the grocery just the other day. The thing is, I only like to eat the blue and green ones. The others are not quite as appealing to me for no logical reason whatsoever. The division of the pretty from the drab m&m's commenced yesterday, and this is my delightful Tupperware full of the best candy on earth!!

Enjoy the weekend!
(P.S. 6 days until I am a married lady)!!

Tasty Tuesday- She Get it from her Momma

2011-05-17T11:49:00.001-04:00

(photo credit: ABD)

Mother's Day Brunch was graciously hosted by my lovely sisiter this year. She and her husband made quite the spread of tasties including lemon/raspberry muffins, eggs, individual quiches, fresh fruit, and the ever popular flapjacks! Since I am a HUGE fan of the lemon/berry muffins -and who doesnt love a muffin in the morning- I wanted to share her tasty little recipe with you for said breakfast guilt free indulgence.

You will need:
1 lemon
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup nonfat buttermilk, (see Tip)
1/3 cup canola oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup white whole-wheat flour, or whole-wheat pastry flour (see Shopping Tip)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen (not thawed) raspberries

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat 12 large (1/2-cup) muffin cups with cooking spray or line with paper liners.
Use a vegetable peeler to remove the zest from the lemon in long strips. Combine the zest and sugar in a food processor; pulse until the zest is very finely chopped into the sugar. Add buttermilk, oil, egg and vanilla and pulse until blended.
Combine whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Add the buttermilk mixture and fold until almost blended. Gently fold in raspberries. Divide the batter among the muffin cups.
Bake the muffins until the edges and tops are golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. Serve warm. (Originally adapted from Eating Well)

Delish!

The Lil' Bro is Gradumacated!

2011-05-14T10:00:00.002-04:00

Bobbus' little brother is officially a UCF alumni! We sat in the upper level arena seats for a good three hours (good thing we had a over-sized box of popcorn in our sticky little fingers to keep us entertained) while listening to every student's name be perfectly e-nun-ci-ated. Finally Chase's name was called and there was just a split second of time where we saw him practically sprint across that stage! He is now headed to the Police Academy and is beyond happy with his choice of career path! We are too happy for him!

Go Knights!

Friday's Favourite Things

2011-05-13T17:08:00.000-04:00

It's that time again! This weeks favourite things make their way on to the interwebs!

I just so happened to stop by the post for work and noticed their newest "forever stamp." I immediately decided I needed to have them! I have been on a serious recycling kick as of late and just love the little quipsthat these "go green" stamps have to offer!

OBSESSION!!! My new NookColor is literally attached to me at all times. From the gym to the tan to the laundry (and by tan what I really mean is a bright red lobster-ish looking burn) but it legitimately goes everywhere with me! I love love LOVE reading and find it uber stress relieving, so thishas really turned into an awesome woooosaaahhh tool for me!

And, of course, I would never leave out the new nook book's gorgey pink Kate Spade cover from Bobbus! I die!!!

Have a Fabu Weekend!

Tasty Tuesday (Cinnamon Hunny Bunny Buns)

2011-05-03T16:25:00.000-04:00

(image credit: Kyla Daniel)

This is what a real Easter Sunday breakfast looks like! Bobbus and I met his wonderful family at their lovely home Easter morning for a delightful breakfast and some good company. Darcy Mae played with her bestie (Ally the rather large and lazy cat) while we of the human variety indulged in the tasties of the morning spread! I wasn't asked to be in charge of anything, but thanks to my southern upbringing and my Momma's affinity for etiquette, I never show up empty handed. So I offered to make and bring homemade Cinnamon Honey Buns. They were raved about all morning and the extras were snatched up to snack on later by the guests!

You will need:
Dough-
6½ c. bread flour, plus more for work surface
2 Tbs. instant yeast
1½ Tbs. fine sea salt
1 c. amber-hued honey (a good, raw honey is fabulous here)
¼ c. vegetable oil
2 large eggs, room temp.
warm water

Yum Filling- (I doubled this! No harm, no foul right?)
2 oz. butter, room temp.
1 c. packed brown sugar
1 Tbs. ground cinnamon

Glaze-
2 c. confectioners' sugar
¼ c. apple cider

Directions:

Place flour, yeast, and salt in a very large bowl. Mix w/ wooden spoon.
In a 4 c. measuring cup mix the honey, oil, and eggs. Add enough warm water to reach the 4 cup mark and stir it all together. Pour wet mixture into dry mixture and stir to combine. Beat for ~40 strokes, dough forms a lumpy, sticky mass.
Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise at room temperature for ~2 hours, or until dough has doubled in size and started to collapse. Transfer to refrigerator overnight.
Transfer half of the dough at a time from the bowl, placing on a work surface that has been lightly dusted with flour. Dust the dough lightly with flour and flour your hands and/or a rolling pin. This dough is a bit sticky, so flour as you need it to keep it from sticking to your work surfaces. Gently work dough out into a rectangle that is ~12" x 8". Spread half the filling over the dough as evenly as you can, making sure to disperse evenly. Start at the short end and roll into a cylinder. Cut eight even rolls using a bench scraper. Place in the prepared casserole dish. Since the dough is not very firm, they won't seem to hold their shape very well...but that's okay. Repeat with second half of dough and filling.Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for ~1 hour. Preheat oven to 350° F during the last 15 minutes of rising time.
Slide tray into oven and bake for roughly 25-30 minutes (mine was 30). Buns will be golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of buns registers at least 190° F. Set tray on a wire rack to cool.
Whisk together confectioners' sugar and apple cider. Drizzle over buns while they are still warm. (Adapted from Girlchef...Originally adapted from (Clover Honey Dough & Cider Glazed Cinn. Rolls) Heartland by Judith Fertig)

Makes roughly 16 big ole buns

Save some room for dinner!

Fiestas, Margaritas, Pinatas, OH MY!

2011-05-02T12:25:00.002-04:00

My bachelorette party invitation has arrived!! Not only does this mean that we are nearing the glorious day, but also how flipping adorable are these cards?! I can barely stand to wait another day for this fiesta! Marg's are my all time favourite *adult* beverage-if you will, so my fantastic M.O.H. (Ashley Brooke of Ashley Brooke Designs) custom designed the party -and the invite- completely around that fun fact! Now, I'm no craaazy kind of gal, but we all sure do plan on having a super salty and delicious event!!

I'm just lookin' for a good time!

Friday's Favourite Things (Easter Weekend)

2011-04-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

The pink & orange polka basket above was the first of the Easter Bunny lovin' I recieved throughout Easter Sunday 2011! I showed up at Bobbus house earrrrrly in the morning to finish baking my Hunny Bunny Buns (to debut on "Have Your Cake" on a Tasty Tuesday coming soon) that were to be brought to his momma's house for her big southern Easter Breakfast. This little pretty princess basket was waiting for me on the coffee table at Bobbus' abode when I arrived. Inside each egg was a wad of dollars (enough to finish off my "saving for the NookColor" pile) and inside the polka dotted wrapped master piece (who knew he was such a bow tier?!) was the beautiful pink Kate Spade cover that I am obsessed with for said future NookColor! So thrilled!!!

Now on this photo, let me just preface this by saying that these yum yums were in none of my 4 Easter baskets. They were sweetly left for me to find on my desk at work by Mrs C. (who is pretty much, I am blessed to say, my other mother- if there even is such a thing). Chocolate covered marshmallow bunnies are the bomb digitty!

This, the second Easter basket of the day, is from the Mrs. J Easter Bunny (a.k.a. Bobbus' momma). She knows my abnormal adoration for fresh homemade popcorn so my sweet pink basket was themed on just that... and of course Darcy Mae's Easter bone!

As the day went on I got so wrapped up in the festivities that I forgot to take photos of my last 2 baskets, but no worries, they were equally as adorable! The one from the homefront actually held in it two vintage rolling pins from the 50's! Holy awesomeness. They are sure to adorn the walls of our home once Bobbus and I tie the proverbial knot!! I can hardly wait!

Hope your Easter was just as hippity hoppity!!

Tasty Tuesday (Easter Chic Cupcakes)

2011-04-26T09:14:00.002-04:00

(image credit: Gregory Daniel and Kyla Daniel)

How adorable are these Easter chicks?!! The cake and the frosting are both of the vanilla variety (which is perfect-amundo for big crowds in which resides very different taste-bud preferences). The Cupcake recipe is one of my own, but the frosting recipe is adapted from Martha! My HUGE family is composed of all sorts of wonderful people who I got to spend the later half of Easter Sunday visiting. We had a big cook out at my parents charming abode and I, naturally, was asked to be in charge of the end of the meal treats! I whipped up these tasty and too cute cupcakes and displayed them as a festive centerpiece on one of the many tables set for our Easter lunch!

Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe:
You will need
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups cake flour (not self- rising), sifted
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 3/4 cups sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups milk
&
gum drop candies
coconut flakes
yellow food coloring

Direstions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line standard muffin tins with paper liners.
Sift together both flours, baking powder & salt
With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl when needed. Beat in vanilla.
Reduce speed to low to dd flour mixture in three batches, alternating with two additions of milk, and beating until combined after each.
Divide batter evenly filling each cup three-quarters full.
Bakeabout 20 minutes, or until inserted tester comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting commences. (Recipe adapted from Kyla Daniel)

Fluffy Vanilla Frosting
You will need:
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 pound (4 cups) confectioners' sugar, sifted
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:

With an electric mixer, beat butter on medium-high speed until pale and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Reduce speed to medium. Add the confectioners' sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down sides of bowl as needed; after every two additions, raise speed to high and beat 10 seconds to aerate frosting, then return to medium-high. This process should take about 5 minutes. Frosting will be very pale and fluffy.
Add vanilla, and beat until frosting is smooth. If not using immediately, frosting can be refrigerated up to 10 days in an airtight container. Before using, bring to room temperature, and beat on low speed until smooth again, about 5 minutes. (Frosting originally adapted from Martha Stewart

To make the cupcake chic-tastic simply place coconut flakes into a ziploc bag with a few drops of yellow food coloring (the liquid variety) and shake, shake, shake your little heart out. Place said colored coconut onto frosted cupcake top and cut facial features out of gum drop candies!

Chirp Chirp!

Couples Shower a la RUSH Construction

2011-04-20T14:21:00.001-04:00

Bobbu's company is like a big ole family! With "The Wedding" approaching, they wanted to throw a shower in honor of the love birds. Mr. C grilled up a storm of ribs and chicken, and Mrs. C had a special cake/ cupcakes ordered to surprise me (the lover of all things baked). Bobbus and I had a grand ole time chowing down on the goods. These are downright fabulous people, and we are super blessed to refer to them as "our people."

Nom Nom Nom,

Tasty Tuesday

2011-04-19T09:31:00.003-04:00

(Image credit: Kyla Daniel)

Generally I am not carrot cakes biggest fan, but when the coconut is shredded so fine that its not all texture failure on your taste-buds, it actually proves to be quite delightful! The same story goes for those carrots too. I suggest buying what I like to call horse carrots (you know, those big carrots in their natural non processed organic state) and shred them by hand like you would a block of cheese! Needless to say I was a true skeptic when I gathered the ingredients for this small little carroty cake, but as for me, I am now a believer!

Carrot Cake Cupcake Recipe:
You will need:
1 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup shredded coconut, plus more for garnish
8 ounces bar cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners. In a bowl, combine sugar, vegetable oil, orange juice, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and eggs.
Stir in baking powder, baking soda, allspice, and salt. Add flour; mix. Stir in carrots, walnuts, and coconut.
Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 25 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting.
Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Frost cupcakes (recipe originally adapted from Martha Stewart Cupcakes)

Silly Rabbit, Trix are for kids!

Friday's Favourite Things

2011-04-15T10:29:00.000-04:00

Nope, your eyes are not playing tricks on you... all of this weeks favourite things are in one photo! I just happened to have them all with me at the same time (since they kind of all go hand in hand). This week I am LOVING these 100 calorie Keebler cookies! What a great little sweet tooth pick me up in the middle of the day?! Also, the Bobs and I took a very intentional trip to the local drug store to pick up an EOS lip balm for me to give a whirl of a try. I have heard nothing but fab reviews on this little round balm, and now I am fully aware of all the reasons for the recent raving! Not only is it organic, but it also lacks that nasty aftertaste of other flavored brands while still protecting your smackers from the sun! Lastly, my current fun read is a very important favourite of the week. I fell for the cover and it turns out the inners are just as adorable! Love Kim Gruenenfelder's wit!

TGIF!!

Tasty Tuesday

2011-04-12T09:00:00.001-04:00

(Image credit: Gregory Daniel)

If you want to be out of the norm and impress a few fancy guests, I would suggest this stacked cake like confection. As long as you enjoy almonds, you will find this snazzy dessert quite tasty. (Heres a little secret...the more chocolate the better and the more filling the better). I toted this crepe layer cake out to my Great Grandmother's 98th birthday party (let me tell you, she is one fancy little lady!) and it was quite the hit!

Crepe batter:

6 eggs separated

6 tbsp sugar

6 tbsp flour

1/4 cup milk

1 1/2 tbsp butter

Directions:

Mix egg yolks and sugar

Add flour, milk, and butter

Set aside.

Whip egg whites in seperate bowl and fold into previous mix

Filling:

Equal amounts chocolate chips, confectioners sugar & almonds (throw in some extra chocolate!!)

Directions:

Make a rough powder in food processor

Stack 'em and rack 'em!

Friday's Favourite Things

2011-04-08T22:31:00.000-04:00

Farmers markets are delightful, aren't they?? I love love love to gather a basket full of fresh fruits and veggies for the coming week and not to mention the BEST kettle corn you will ever taste in your entire existance! Honest to goodness I am not a super fan of kettle corn, but this stuff converted me straight away. It. Is. Delicious!

The Orchid stand is one of my favorites. Every Saturday these orchids adorn the middle of the W.P.F.M. only to make a serious impulse buyer out of even the stingiest of us market goers! Who knew an orchid would be so difficult to grow though? Apparently I need a lesson or two in green-thumbism for Orchids!

Now this right here is the perfect ending to any stressful day. A true, true Cuban Mojito. Bobbus' boss is the reigning king of the Mojito. No one else holds a candle to this tasty little number! For my 21st birthday (last year) Ed gave me a fantastic version of his to-die-for Cuban Mojito recipe. He would never give out the original (it isnt even written down), but I was the honored recipient of this version which Bobbus whipped up for us to sip on with our steak dinner just the other night!! Gotta love a surprise homecooked fancy meal from the soon-to-be hubs!

Happy Friday Loves!

Tasty Tuesday

2011-04-05T16:53:00.000-04:00

Just thought I would share with you one of the cakes I recently made for an adorable 3 year old's birthday party. (Her one request?... A pink princess cake)

...And that is what little girls are made of

"I Do" Bridal Shower

2011-04-05T14:47:00.001-04:00

One of my parents very best friends who is also a neighbor of theirs, hosted a fabulous bridal shower for me. She pulls all of the stops and is a FABULOUS cook to boot! The spread of goodies is always anticipated at any of her parties and this was no let down, that's for sure! She even sent everyone home with their own individual miniature pound cake!

I'll pass on the bridezilla, thanks,

Friday's Favourite Things

2011-04-01T09:00:00.001-04:00

This is the magnificant bridal shower cake that was ordered for me this past weekend!! The shower was absolutely lovely, and the girls who hosted did a fabulous job with every little detail. Oddly enough the most exciting part of the whole day for me was the cake! Being that I am a baker, I am usually the one in the kitchen throwing flour and sugar in every which direction, but it is a whole different story when someone orders a beautiful cake especially for you. I am especially obsessed with the bride and groom birds adorning the top tier!! (You keep that in mind all you shower throwing ladies!!)

My current read. This is my second book this year by this author and I think she is hilarious. She keeps me guessing and throws me off her scent every few chapters! Super fun read!

I can tell you right now, I have never had more than one lip gloss in my ownership at a time and rarely did I ever even wear the one that I had. I mean, I didn't really see the point when it would all come tumbling right off at every feeding frenzie I encountered (Trust me, theres plenty of those in a day). Plus, I have always been more of a chapstick girl (Savannah Bee Co. is my absolute fav!!). Anywho, lately I have become quite a glossy girl and apply said gloss several times throughout the day (hence my 6 lip colors that are currently in my bag). They make me feel fancy :) & I love a fancy feeling!

Watch out for those pesky little April Foolers today, or they'll surely get ya!

Tasty Tuesday

2011-03-29T09:00:00.001-04:00

This fine young T-day is a little out of the norm for our usual Tasty Tuesday... I recieved this in an e-mail from one of my fellow baking and pastry students and could absolutely not stop laughing, so I thought it may do you all a bit of good to get a good chuckle this mornin' too! (It burns calories you know ;))

Jose Cuervo Cookies

Ingredients:
1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup of brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit
1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila

Instructions:

Sample the Cuervo to check quality. Take a large bowl, check the Cuervo
again, to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and
drink.
Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy
bowl.
Add one peastoon of sugar. Beat again. At this point it's best to make
sure the Cuervo is still ok, try another cup just in case.
Turn off the mixerer thingy.
Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.
Pick the frigging fruit off the floor.
Mix on the turner.
If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaters just pry it loose with a
drewscriver..
Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity.
Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Check the
Jose Cuervo. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.
Add one table.
Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.
Greash the oven..
Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.
Don't forget to beat off the turner.
Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the
Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the wishdasher.

Adapted from The Spice House

Friday's Favourite Things

2011-03-25T22:25:00.000-04:00

(image credit: Kyla Daniel)

Darcy Mae and her new favorite toy :). How can this face not make you happy?? She loves a sweet treat!

(image credit: Kyla Daniel)

Ahh! My new Lilly Pulitzer tumbler! I love love love this new Lilly pattern and am a serious sucker for any kind of beverage holder. Bobbus picked this lovely item up for me when we were strolling downtown Winter Park one weekend, and I pretty much tote it around everywhere now! He is such a keeper!

(image credit: Kyla Daniel)

Everyone needs a small notebook to keep random thoughts, ideas, inspirations, etc. and I just love this Lilly one I picked up that same afternoon in Winter Park. It is so handy and fits perfectly in my handbag!

I hope each of you have a few things making you just as happy this week!

College Prep - Marley Lilly Giveaway

2011-03-24T18:30:00.001-04:00

I love love love Marley Lilly, and I love love love a good to go cup. They are so very handy and keep your beverage cold/hot without sweating or being luke-warm by the time you get around to finishing it. woah yuck. So when I saw that the Carley was doing a giveaway for these adorbs Marley Lilly cups, I jumped at the opportunity! Make sure to check out these cups, honest to goodness, they are too cute.

Tasty Tuesday

2011-03-22T13:48:00.000-04:00

(image credit: Kyla Daniel)

"Short and 'stout'" is the motto of this Tasty Tuesday's featured treat! As they say in pastry school, when you splash in the booze, you skyrocket the flavor! I went on this crazed kick about baking with Guinness beer for St. Patty's Day- As expected, Bobbus had absolutely no protests on this idea! I searched for a recipe that looked to be a good match for the richness of a Guinness, and settled on good ole Martha Stewart's "Stout Cupcake" recipe. Surprise Surprise, another gem from Martha ;). Her recipe called for a stout glaze also, but I opted to make a generic glaze with just a little water and confectioners sugar as to not overwhelm the cupcake connoisseur with too much beer, hehe.

Ingredients:
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 1/4 teaspoons grated nutmeg
1 1/4 cups vegetable oi
1 1/4 cups unsulfured molasses
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
2 large whole eggs pus 1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
1 1/4 cups stout beer, like Guinness, poured and settled

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 2 muffin tins with liners.
Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg together.
In a stand mixer, combine the oil, molasses, brown sugar, whole eggs, yolk, zest, and stout until combined. Reduce speed to low and add the flour mixture in batches, beating until just combined.
Pour batter into lined cups, filling each three-quarter full. Bake for about 20 minutes, rotating tins halfway through. Let cool completely on wire racks. When cupcakes have cooled completely, adorn the tops with glaze.

Originally adapted from Martha Stewart Cupcakes

...And may you suddenly find your pot of gold!
Enjoy!!

Friday's Favourite Things- Plus a GIVEAWAY WINNER!!

2011-03-18T09:00:00.004-04:00

(image credit: Kyla Daniel)

I get to wear this little lucky charm once each year, annnnd St. Patty's Day is the day! I loved sporting my clover given to me by my charming aunt and uncle when they were in Ireland. Sweet, sweet people, and such a festive gift!! (P.S. notice the nails festooned with the super fun OPI color "Don't Mess with OPI.")

(image credit)

I don't know about you guys and gals, but without a bit of java to jumpstart the brain functioning-isms, I am a bit of a dragger all day long. My current obsession is the Starbucks 'Iced Caramel Macchiato'. It is SO yum! and just the right kind of pick-me-up for any spring day! (P.S.S. I know there has been a lot of hype about the new logo and though some are not too keen on the change I am loving it)!!

(image credit: AshleyBrookeDesigns)

Loving a good jaunt to the post as much as I do puts these sweet post cards on the tippity top of my wish list! Mail is such a grand surprise for the recipient and the perfect way to remind a friend that you are thinking of them. What better way to send such a sweet message than by spreading love to Japan at the same time? Just look at you, who knew you could be such a multi-tasker?!!

....................

GIVEAWAY WINNER!

Congratulations to Little Miss Southern!!

Please e mail me at krdaniel@cfl.rr.com to claim your prize!

....................

Happy St. Patty's Day!

(& be sure to check back on 'Tasty Tuesday' to see the stout treat of the week)!

Tasty Tuesday

2011-03-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

(image credit: Kyla Daniel)

Mmmm.... tasty!
I put a little St. Patty's spin on my little delightful treats... Festivities make life more fun!

As promised, I am posting (one by one) the great new cupcake recipes that I received via my giveaway post (b.t.dub.- you only have 3 more days to enter!) This is the Martha Stewart White Cupcake recipe. As I have mentioned before, I believe Martha to be a genius so I was thrilled to break out the Martha Stewart Cupcakes book and rifle around for this recipe! I know I am totally biased, but I so encourage this book to be on the top of your wish list. There are oodles of fantastical tips for the home baker that will make you run circles around your other apron wearing friends. So worth the dollars!!

The cake was delicious, super light, and super fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness. The Swiss buttercream recipe, on the other hand, wasn't my favourite pairing. Don't get me wrong, I can really enjoy a Swiss buttercream, just not this particular recipe lol. I totally get why the recommend-er (featured at the close of the post) of this little cake gem substitutes with her own variation of buttercream!

White Cupcake Recipe:
4 1/2 cups sifted cake flour (not self-rising)
2 tablespoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (2 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 1/4 cups sugar
7 large egg whites

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake or muffin tins with papers; set aside. Into a medium bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Combine milk and vanilla in a glass measuring cup.
Place butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and beat until pale and creamy. With mixer on medium speed, gradually add sugar in a steady stream; continue beating until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low.
Add flour mixture to butter mixture in three batches, alternating with the milk mixture and starting and ending with the flour. Do not overbeat.
In a clean bowl of electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold one-third of the whites into flour mixture to lighten. Fold in remaining egg whites in two batches, being careful not to deflate the whites.
Pour batter into prepared tins, filling cups to about 1/2 inch from the tops. Bake until a cake tester inserted near the centers comes out clean and the tops spring back when pressed lightly in the center, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven; let cool completely before icing or storing.

This recipe was recommended by the adorable Jessica!
Ladies, get your spatulas!!

Princesses Sparkle, They Don't Sweat

2011-03-14T11:16:00.001-04:00

A few weeks later I can finally get around to sharing my Disney Princess Half Marathon experience with you all! As crazy as it may sound this is a top-of-the-lister on my bucket list (which now holds a stately check mark next to it) and I am absolutely over the moon to have accomplished it! Training for long races can be absolutely gruesome. Saturday mornings are consumed with miles upon miles of running for months, and as much as I love running, 13.1 miles through knee and hip injuries is not a pleasant experience. I finished the race with a much faster time than I had hoped for and plenty of energy to share all of the Disney sights along the trail at the finish line. Now with a race metal and a few photos in my hot little hands, I am taking a few weeks off from the pavement to heal the bum knee and hip (sad). I could do without the injury, but I wouldn't trade that day for the world!!

After all, it is the Most Magical Place on Earth!

Vacation Station

2011-03-11T09:00:00.001-05:00

(image credit)

We have vacated the premises!
Georgia is on my mind, but today is (sadly) the day that we have to return to reality. Due to the 10 hour car ride home, this weeks Friday's Favourite Things will be gracing the big screen next Friday. Lots of Starbucks and hopefully some last minute Georgia BBQ will be in my super near future, and after that, it is back to the Sunshine State for these vacationers.

FYI: Friday the 18th of March will be the very last day to enter my sweet GIVEAWAY!! The lucky winner will be announced the following Tasty Tuesday! Good luck loves!!!

Be there or be square,

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

2011-03-08T09:00:00.001-05:00

Read Read Read!!! I don't know about the rest of you-ins, but reading is a wind-her-on-down activity for me, not to mention a great way to keep my mind a reeling whilst ellipticlizing at the gym on non-running days. When asked to read/review this new novel for my wonderful readers, I was thrilled to get my sticky little fingers on a novel featuring none other but cupcakes and then give one of you luckies the chance to do the same (FOR FREE)! Thats right fellow spare time readers, and there are 2 easy-peasy ways to enter!

Giveaway-Directionssss:

1. For your FIRST entry,
just give me a little shoutout in the comments section
telling me you are a tride and true follower of this here blog....
2. For your SECOND entry,
recommend a new cupcake recipe for me to try

which will be featured on Have Your Cake, and Eat it Too at a not too far away date
(be sure to include your web address so I can site the delicious creation's source)!

Good Luck!

Public Service Announcement:

2011-03-07T09:00:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow's "Tasty Tuesday" will be postponed as we will be hosting a super fun GIVEAWAY instead!! But don't worry it is still related to the tasty we love at this here blog! So don't forget to stop by and enter- it will be superbly easy!!

May the Luck of the Irish be with youuu!!

Friday's Favourite Things

2011-03-04T09:00:00.001-05:00

Fresh flowers my wonderful fiance brought in from the garden outside. They have all the power to turn any frown upside down in a hot minute! Never underestimate the power of flowers ladies... sometimes I even bring home a bunch from the local grocery just to give my spirit a little kick start ;).

The ADORABLE white watch my amazing sister brought home for me from Hot-Lanta (a.k.a. Atlanta). I pretty much sport it all the time now.

Delicious little gems from the closest cupcake shop around. Every Monday is 4 mini cupcakes for $4! What's not to love?? chocolate cake-chocolate frosting-chocolate jimmies (the temptation on the bottom right) is my all time favorite flavor, but when it comes to the cuteness factor I always grab a vanilla cake-vanilla frosting-rainbow jimmies mini cake (top left) to divulge in last just to admire its charm the longest!

Have a wonderblast of a weekend!

Tasty Tuesday

2011-03-01T15:59:00.000-05:00

(photo credit: Kyla Daniel)

These are quite the *tasty* little puff pastry!

Cinnamon Cream-cheese and Butterscotch Palmiers
Recipe:
1 sheet (8 oz) purchased (or homemade) puff pastry sheet, thawed
4 oz. cream cheese
1/2 tsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butterscotch chips (YUM!)

Directions:
Roll out the puff pastry to roughly an 8 inch sheet into a rectangle

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Next add your sugar, and cinnamon. Keep on beating on until thoroughly combined.

Spread the cream cheese mixture on the entire sheet of puff pastry. On top of that, sprinkle your tasty butterscotch chips (don't forget to toss a few to your begging taste buds!). Roll both of the long ends of the puff rectangle toward the center. Wrap in plastic and let chill in cooler for 15 minutes.

Slice your puff roll into 1/8-inch slices and place them on two baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Wrap again in plastic and chill for no less than an hour.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Bake the palmier until they are golden brown and delicious and puffed up, 6 to 8 minutes. Flip the palmiers as quick as possible and place back into oven, swapping positions of the baking sheets. Bake for an another 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the delightful little tasters to a cooling rack.

recipe originally adapted from cookin' canuck

Get Cookin'!

Betsy and Luke... The Nuptials

2011-02-28T14:47:00.001-05:00

Hop scotch on over to Studio 222 Photography's blog to check out the sneak peak of Luke and Betsy saying *I Do*! I may be a little biased, as Betsy is one of my absolute BFFs, but from the brides maid's angle it was a stunner!! Betsy's vision and hard work paid off as the ceremony went off without a hitch and the reception was quite the shindig!

Later Love Birds,

Tasty Tuesday

2011-02-22T14:26:00.000-05:00

Today's Tasty Tuesday is a very special edition featuring a vanilla bean cupcake adorned with cream cheese frosting and festooned with party party PARTY sprinkles!!

I was honored to host Betsy's Bachelorette Slumber Party at my very own humble abode! CBK (aka the M.O.H.) made a killer play list that we dance-partied to while decorating sugar cookies in the very appropriate shapes of hearts, lips, wedding cakes, and big flashy diamond rings! After consuming a delightful array of Mexi food (concocted by the ever adorable ABD) and cupcakes (of course, whipped up by yours truly), the margaritas and photo-booth stole center stage and carried us through to our chick-flick cinematic ending of the evening.

They go together like a horse & carriage,

Tasty Tuesday

2011-02-15T16:00:00.000-05:00

Jumbo Vanillaberry Cupcakes

...topped with chocolatey ganache and Valentine sprinkles...

A valentine treat made especially for my soon-to-be Mr.!

I just love their home-made quality and how deliciously festive they were

as our after dinner treat!

Friday's Favourite Things (Valentines Edition)

2011-02-11T11:41:00.000-05:00

...And we meet again on yet another fabulous Friday!

All this week I have been sporting a super festive cocktail napkin in my lunch box. It is such a smile jerk-er when reaching into a box full of lunch goodies and pulling out a napkin with pretty pink hearts patterned all over it.

I am love love loving my hand made gift bows! I made this adorable gift bow out of old magazine pages. Scurrying through all the magazines I could find in the house, I carefully tore out all of the brightly colored pages in order to stock up on handmade gift bows! Just a little extra effort goes a long way!

Lastly, but by no means the least, are my Ashley Brooke Designs "Share the Love" valentines! These are by far the cutest valentines I have ever seen! (I am also sporting the free ABDesigns February calendar download as my phone's current wallpaper). It doesn't get any cuter that that!

Here's to a fun-filled weekend!

Breakfast at Tiffany's Recap

2011-02-09T09:00:00.002-05:00

I am such a true blue fan of the ever classic Tiffany & Co. that I didn't think it could actually get much better than a leisurely Sunday stroll through the diamond room, but boy was I mistaken! The sparkly store is so much more thrilling when the doors are closed and you are inside with a mimosa in hand and little blue box petit fours on your taste buds! There was a fantastical harpist playing good ole Frank Sinatra tunes, a Tiffany representative wherever you needed one, lovely soon to be married couples of all ages shapes and sizes, photographers documenting the event, breakfast treats galore, and gorgey flower arrangements throughout the store.

Tasty Tuesday

2011-02-08T15:33:00.000-05:00

Being a pastry student has its perks, and the most important of these perks is the simple fact that I get to eat my classwork. This past Friday we were assigned to make 4 specific cakes with an original end result plate up (and a full kitchen clean up) in just a few hours. My baking partner and I started scheming and went to town. The two of us decided that we would honor the spirit of the lovey-dovey month and plate a feast of: heart felt sweets. It consisted of a vanilla genoise cake heart filled with a strawberry & raspberry Chantilly cream, a vanilla chiffon cake heart filled with a lemon twist Chantilly cream, and a classic angel food cake wedge for those with milder taste buds. The fourth cake (not shown above) was a vanilla raspberry roulade that had no choice but to occupy its very own plate given its substantial size.

Needless to say, we thoroughly enjoyed our time at school this week.

Friday's Favourite Things

2011-02-04T11:15:00.001-05:00

Here Ye, Here Ye:

I have recently called into action that Friday is going to have a theme!

Moving forward, "Have Your Cake And Eat it Too" will feature 3 things that I find inspirational or just plain lovely each week.

As for this week, here is what is currently making me one happy girl...

This gem of an invite came addressed to me in the post just the other day. A "Breakfast at Tiffany's" which will fill my Sunday morning this week and I am brimming with excitement!

Festive gift wrapping for Valentines Day fills my crafting room as of late and I just cant get enough of it! This is one of my favourite combinations of my February 2011 stash.

One lucky day of every week I run out of the office to fetch a caffeine beverage of choice for each of us at work. Such a great job I have! They even got me a personalized DD gift card adorned with a photo of our building so I would be able to differentiate it from my personal DD card.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Valentine in a Box

2011-02-01T14:15:00.000-05:00

Hello Lovies,

Happy February to you!

To kick off the Most heartfelt month of the year, I thought I would share with you a quick snapshot of my Valentine in a box sent to me from my very best friend who is located roughly two-thousand two hundred and fifty miles west of my current location. Sad. But that is what the postal service and skype are for, right?! Anywho, the bestie doesn't even close believe in waiting to open a gift for any occasion which makes for a great day when the mail arrives! This Valentine package was full of sweet treats and pink snippets.

I love February!

Before & After

2011-01-26T11:40:00.001-05:00

The pooch gets a blow out.

This pretty self explanatory if you ask me.

Honeymoon Update!

2011-01-21T11:45:00.001-05:00

(photo credit: Above The Rest Cabins)

As I have mentioned before, Bobbus and I are getting married in Georgia May 26th (yayyyy)! We have arranged to stay in this beautiful cabin on our wedding night so we have time to recoup and regroup as a Mr. and his Mrs. before we fly out of Atlanta to California on Friday morning. Isn't this view a stunner?! I can't wait to wake up and eat pancakes while sipping coffee and watching the morning approach over these mountains!

So luxurious,

"The Twist You Can't Resist"

2011-01-19T11:30:00.001-05:00

Whatever is "going around" right now is def terrible and you DON'T want it!

I have become great friends with the tissue box and the television remote the past week and 1/2. They were super sad to see me go :). I'm sure we have all noticed that when the "weather" is above us and we are so very under it that the strangest comfort food cravings kick into high gear. For some reason Twizzlers were my #1 request from the grocery. Weird combo up there, but that is all I wanted... and my momma. Moms are a serious staple, especially in times such as these. My mom (sounds corny) is honestly amazing. She didn't quit her mom job after I grew out of the I accidently left my -lunchbox, homework, cheer uniform bloomers, etc.- at home and need them by next period stage. Poor her. I did that a lot. But now I am post college and pursuing my dream of pastry school, engaged to my best friend, employed, and I would like to think rather responsible hehe, but when I fell ill, super mom was back in action! So thanks to my awesome momma- I know she reads this- and all the other mommas out there who fight the good fight and love on their kiddos every day.

It matters.

Auld Lang... Cupcakes?

2011-01-11T15:09:00.007-05:00

A smattering of mini mania cupcakes for a N.Y.E. order.

A few of the classic vanilla-schmanillas... several chocolaty-amaretto indulgences... and never to leave out the devilish chocolate-chocolate cupcakes!

My favorites, of course, are the vanilla-schmanillas with their festive colorful sprinkles. Life is so much happier when there are sprinkles involved.

I caught word that the amaretto variety held the most fame of the evening, but who wouldn't pick the cupcake soaked in liqueur when prompted with such a question?!

yummmmmm,

A Mid-Winter Night's Eve

2011-01-07T18:45:00.000-05:00

A week late, but I have all year, do I not?!

I am so darn excited to welcome 2011! It will no doubt be a very thrilling year for yours truly. It's a bit hard to top 2010 being that I graduated UCF with my bachelors, turned 21, and was prompted with the best four word question in the English language by my high school sweet-heart. However, I have insider information therefore know it is bound to be topped by 2011 with the whole getting married event and graduating from pastry school!

So here's to you and yours, I hope 2011 is everything you wish for and more!

Cheers!

Quick trip down 2010's Candy Cane Lane

2011-01-06T12:41:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve was, as always, a blast but surely a hectic little number for Bobbus and I!

photo credit: Kyla Daniel

I baked all morning making chocolate amaretto, vanilla bean, and pumpkin cream cheese cupcakes for a Christmas shindig later on in the evening hours, and by the time I de-crustified myself of the layers of flour and sugar and delivered those babies, it was time to hop into the car and drive an hour to church for our Christmas Eve Service.

Photo credit: Kyla Daniel

(Now, you probably think we are crazy for driving an hour to church every week, but if you visited my church, you would totally get it)! Once we arrived back home, we trailed over to grandma's house for a snippet of her annual gathering (where I stuffed my face full of little smokeys and viddles of the like) and no more than an hour later bounced on over to Bobbus's parental units to attend their traditional Christmas dinner (I totally pigged out again) and gift exchanging festivities.

So sad its a whole year away again...

So long sweet St. Nick,

Sugar and Spice...

2011-01-03T11:41:00.001-05:00

...And Everything Nice!

Invitation credit: AshleyBrookeDesigns

This, my very first shower as a bride to be, was quite a delightful treat! Alyson (the bestie) threw me a lovely shin-dig on December the 23rd. She was home only for a short period of time to celebrate the Holidays with her family here in town only to quickly jet-set back to her current home in North Hollywood. I know, she is fancy.Absolutely no one turned down the invite which made me feel super duper loved! Although, turns out the quiche recipe was worth any sort of drive. Endless e-mails and text messages were cyberspaced to me me asking me to so kindly blow up my bestie's phone and e-mail until she divulged her scrumptious quiche recipe to the entire crowd. She immediately sent over the gem and I am taking the liberty to share it with you too! SO tasty- beware. Anywho, I was so very fortunate to bring home a load of goodies to start married life off right, and I even got to see several sweeties who live in different areas of the vast land of Florida which, as you can imagine, was a tremendous treat. CBK and Elizabeth are a couple fav's who only come home for special occasions and holidays, but I can never get enough of these girls! Lots of chocolate covered pretzels, m&m's, and red velvet cupcakes festooned with candy cane hearts were tasted throughout the evening by good friends and family. When these factors combine, you can never go wrong!

Thanks Ally, love you.

The Highly Sought After Hart Girls Quiche:
6 large eggs, beaten
1&1/2 cups heavy cream
Salt and pepper
2 cups chopped baby spinach, packed
1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
1&1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine eggs, cream, salt, and pepper with mixer. Layer spinach, bacon, and cheese in bottom of pie crust. Then pour egg mixture on top. Bake for 35-45 minutes.
Recipe originally adapted from Paula Deen

Eat, drink, & be married!

Happiest Place on Earth

2010-12-28T08:39:00.000-05:00

Happy Christmas Lovies!

Bobbus and I took a "magical" trek over to Downtown Disney Sunday evening to see the stellar decorations and admire the festivities. (We all know I am a super sucker for a good festivity)! We had an absolute smashing time and I was even gifted a new coffee mug for work! I'm sure it will be making a grand appearance on the blog soon :).

P.S. Tomorrow is my very first bridal shower, and I am beyond excited!! The theme is "Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice" so stay tuned for a post event recap!!

"See ya real soon!"

Christmas Cut-Out Cookies

2010-12-22T16:09:00.000-05:00

Sugar cookies are super diverse and festive for any holiday! A cookie swap, though only prominent at Christmas time is a perfect time to break out a festive recipe. This whole cookie swap once a year business is a serious world issue that surely needs to be addressed, as I would love a good swap of Valentine cookies, or Easter cookies, but that concern is for another day I guess.

Momma had a Holiday cookie swap to attend this Sunday and needed to be packing 3 dozen festive cookies. Being that I am the baker of the family (and she so lovingly paid for my pastry schooling), she commissioned my adoration of baking for her scheming cookie swap domination plan.

So I baked a batch of scrumptious buttery sugar cookies and whipped up some royal icing for the event. My sweet cousin Danielle came home from college and spent the day with mom and me. We had a absolute blasty-blast eating popcorn and icing Christmas cookies for the better portion of the afternoon!

Cut Out Sugar Cookies Recipe:

7 cups All Purpose Flour

2 teaspoons Baking Powder

2 cups Butter

2 cups Sugar

2 Eggs

2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

1 teaspoon Salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.

Cream together the butter and the sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer.

Add the eggs one at a time and the vanilla and mix well.

Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl and add it a little at a time to the mixer (mix until dough comes together.

Roll the dough out one third at a time in between two sheets of parchment paper and chill while you move on to the next third. (by the time the second third is rolled out the first third will be ready to be cut out with cookie cutters and placed on a baking sheet to be baked at 350 for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown)

Royal Icing Recipe:

3 tablespoons Meringue Powder

4 cups sifted Confectioners Sugar

6 tablespoons Warm Water

Directions:

put all ingredients into a stand mixer and beat until icing forms a stiff peak

(make sure to keep all utensils grease free to ensure proper consistency)

Royal icing originally adapted from Wilton

Photo Credit: Kyla Daniel

These are my little masterpieces! I was loving the Icy blue and white combination so I mainly stuck with those two dazzlers and made them my theme.

Photo Credit: Kyla Daniel

Momma came home with a beaming report and a whole tub full of swapped cookies! YUM! (FYI...Our cookies took the cake- no questions about it)!

Are you an iced sugar cookie fan? Post and share your experience with us!!

Run, run as fast as you can...
You can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!

You Run like a Reindeer

2010-12-20T11:30:00.000-05:00

This year the whole family clan ran the Reindeer Run 5k this year. Mom has 'judy attitudy' knees so she walked all 3.1 miles and was not yet through the finish line when we snapped this photo, but she def. finished and we were all super excited. I finished a few minutes slower than I had planned, but with 4,000 runners maneuvering their way through Orlando's Sea World, it was a bit of a trying experience head-butting my way through the 9 minute milers. Total liars BTDub, they were for sure standing in the wrong place. Obvi. they had high hopes, but in all reality they were more like 20 minute milers. I got to cheer the others on as each of them came barreling through the shoot. That part, I can assure you, was superbly thrilling! The three of us girls wore sparkly shoe-laces and jingle bells on our tennies! This is the first year that Sea World hosted the race and each of the animal trainers were out cheering us on as we ran our way through the 'snow' blowing through the village area, along with the pumping Christmas tunes playing throughout the park. All of the animals were out where they could be seen doing tricks and flips while the runners stopped along the way to snap photos and smile with Santa. Running through an amusement park is WAY more entertaining than running through any old neighborhood!

Keep Trotting!

Because We Need a Little Christmas

2010-12-17T15:17:00.001-05:00

Getting into the Holiday spirit has never been an issue for me. Our first festivity for Christmas 2010 was our trek to the local Christmas parade. It was an absolute sight to be seen!

Parading Through Town...

Favorite float of the morning = the hardware store's snowman made of hay adorned with various hardware shenanigans. They trucked on by blaring some serious country music and throwing huge handfuls of candy for the tots.

We brought our own small 'reindeer'-aka the sweatered Darcinator-along for the ride.

I was slightly concerned about the ever prominent fire engine sirens, but much to our surprise, the 'reindeer' was totally not even phased. The rest of the day involved quite a bit of meandering and wandering about until...

Dinner...

which was surprisingly eaten early for Bobbus and I, but truly when is it ever too early for a good margarita alongside fresh chips and salsa?? Exactly!

After out drinks and appetizer, we promptly devoured our chicken and steak fajitas- SO yum! They went so fast that the photo never even happened!

Snackish Situations...
Once we made it home we watched Post Grad while crunching on some serious popcorn and sipping hot cocoa out of our Christmas mugs. The only thing that was missing is a tasty holiday cookie.

It was an all around festive day. Hopefully the next few will have the same caliber of Holiday Cheer!! Always keep in mind...

"The best way to spread Holiday Cheer is singing loud for all to hear!"

New Project: Help Wanted!

2010-12-07T16:10:00.000-05:00

I am currently working on trying to get a feedburner account up and running for you avid readers out there.

Any good tips on undertaking such a task?

Please do share!!

Personal Trainer

2010-12-06T13:01:00.000-05:00

Darcy has become quite the personal trainer. On the weekdays dad does his workout at home while mom heads to the gym to get her black light spin on and I go out for my morning run. Finding dad on the floor embarking on his journey to "Greek god status" is in no way surprising, but finding a furry creature helping him achieve this lofty goal, well that is.

And 1... and 2... and 3...

This is the sight I came home to. Furry sit-ups. Believe it or not, this small hard-core trainer can be quite the motivator (and lick-er). She loves her a scrumptiously sweaty human!

Stay fit San Diego,

Turkey Trot

2010-12-03T13:33:00.002-05:00

Photo credit : Gregory Daniel

"Let me see your tail feathers!"
This year I signed up for my first Turkey Trot. 5k's are not new news to me, I actually love a good 5k, but running early Thanksgiving morning sure is a novel idea in my book. It is such an accomplishing and guilt freeing race because you get to eat all the pumpkin pie you want after, and we all know how I fee about pumpkin pie! Bobbus and the pops came along for moral (and camera) support :). They are awesome cheerleaders. No PR this race but I'm chocking that one up to the Christmas season coughin' and sneezin' I was recovering from.

Did any of you fabulous readers throw yourselves into a Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving week? If so, share how it panned out!

Gobble gobble,

All American Apple Pie

2010-11-28T08:23:00.009-05:00

Photo credit: Kyla Daniel

American Apple Pie Recipe:

6 apples (choose a variety: Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Red Delicious)

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1/4 cup light brown sugar

2 tbs. granulated sugar

1 1/2 tbs. cinnamon (to taste)

lemon juice

4 tbs. butter diced

sprinkling sugar (optional)

Pie Dough

Directions:

Peel apples and slice into 1/4" pieces (important that they are all of equal size to ensure even baking). Toss in water with 3 tbs lemon juice to keep from browning. Drain apples and place in large mixing bowl. Toss in the sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. move apples back into colander and let sit over that mixing bowl in a warm environment so the apples can break down and release some of their juices. prepare pie dish with dough. Once apples have broken down a bit, add the flour to the apples and position the apples evenly in the pie dish. Place the diced butter all throughout the apples and on top. Take the apple juices and reduce them in a small sauce pan until syrupy and set aside. Lattice the top of the pie and brush on the reduced apple syrup. (This is where you would sprinkle sugar on top of pie if you so desire). Bake at 375 until crust is golden brown.

photo credit: Kyla Daniel

An apple a day...

The Tastiest Slice of Turkey Day

2010-11-26T11:23:00.015-05:00

The common question this Thanksgiving was...

"Name the one item that makes Thanksgiving the tastiest day of the year for you."

I heard a lot of "mmmmm dressing" or "absolutely the turkey." My answer? "HOMEMADE PUMPKIN PIE!" There's no getting around it. This is my all time favorite pie ever. I was in charge of the pies this year, so I had full Q.C. on aspects... yum!

Have Your Cake's Delish Pie Dough Recipe:

1 1/4 cups pastry flour

1 tbs. granulated sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

4 tbs. shortening cut into small pieces

4 tbs. cold (very cold) unsalted butter cut into small cubes

3 tbs. ice cold water

Directions:

combine all dry ingredients into large mixing bowl.

cut in fat (I use my fingertips for more control) until the fat pieces are about the size of peas (this is for a flaky crust). make a well in the mixture and pour in the ice cold water. Mix with hands until just combined. DO NOT over mix or the gluten will develop and your delish flaky pie crust will turn into a tough not so tasty pie crust when baked!

This recipe will yield 1 9" pie crust.

Double the recipe if making a crust topped pie.

Mary Ann's Pumpkin Pie filling Recipe:

3 cups cooked pumpkin

1 1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 stick unsalted butter

3 large eggs

3/4 cup self rising flour

1 can evaporated milk

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. cinnamon

Directions:

Combine all wet ingredients,

sift together all dry ingredients,

mix the two together.

bake at 350 for 45-55 minutes... or until set.

Recipe yields 2 pies.

As For The Pumpkin Seeds...

Never waste them! I personally am not fond of the flavor or texture of a roasted seed straight from a gourd, but there are those family members who love them.

I put a little oil on a sheet pan and tossed those little seeds right into the pan.

Grind a little salt on top and bake at 375 for 10 minutes.

Take them out, flip them around in the pan a bit and toss em back into the oven for another 15 minutes (taking them out and flipping them about in the pan a bit every 5 minutes to ensure even roasting)!

Photo credit: Kyla Daniel

Gobble Gobble,

It's Pie Time

2010-11-23T15:26:00.003-05:00

Just a fair warning...

I am making 8 pies this Turkey day and will be posting the process, recipes, and outcomes so stay tuned for my take on some tasty Thanksgiving Day classics!

P.S. Did I tell you I am officially signed up for a Turkey Trot? Can't wait!! Hopefully this illness has gone away by the morning of said trot, or I will be one very sad turkey!

They Do

2010-11-23T14:53:00.010-05:00

Saturday am I made sure to wake up in enough time to hit up the "Hyatt Stay Fit." I managed to snap a shot while stretching so that my fellow stay fitters would not give me the "why are you taking a photo of me while I am sweaty" eye. Weird fact about me... I love to work out in a new gym! I find it uber exciting. I ran my 6 miles, which turns out probably only made me sicker, and hurried back to the room to ready myself for the days events in the Keys.

Breakfast:

Room service! I am a serious sucker for room service. I love to eat my breakfast in my slippers on a hotel balcony... so swanky. I ordered a breakfast of champions- oatmeal with raisins, brown sugar and a baked apple. Wow, so good!

Lunch:

Once we got about half-way back to our destination we stopped for a light lunch at Starbucks. I got my favorite, a fruit and yogurt parfait and split this fruit and cheese plate with momma.

They Do:

Just after the wedding ceremony, the guests were ushered over to the pool area for a cocktail hour where I sipped on this tasty margarita- not too much though, cold meds and tequila are probably not the best of matches.

The supposed cocktail hour turned into a bit more like 2-ish hours due to the huge rain cloud that caused us all to be detained in the swanky bar at the top of the resort. Totes fine with me when this is your view!

Once we made it to the reception the rest of the evening flew by. The bride and groom were elated, as they should have been, it was a stellar sight!

Headed South

2010-11-22T19:06:00.007-05:00

Friday morning we loaded up the car and began our journey to the Florida Keys for my cousins wedding. On the way, we needed a little pick me up to get through the drive alive, so we stopped at a DD about half way there. I got my usual latte lite with a bit of pumpkin syrup.

When we hit the first key grandma gave us the guided tour (still in the car). She absolutely could not get over the fact that there was so much water... Amazaballs, it's an island! She is so fun to road trip with, I just adore her.

The destination was found and we dropped off grandma because she was staying at the wedding resort, but we had to back track 2 hours to west of Miami in order to get back to our Hyatt.

On the trek back to the Hyatt we stopped by a Mexican restaurant where I scarfed down a couple of "Gringo Tacos" so yum. It was followed immediately by a Publix pit stop to grab a survival pack for my oncoming cold- blehhh. I was in a deep slumber by 7:30 pm. Don't judge.

Sister Act

2010-11-17T19:41:00.009-05:00

After my grueling day of school, I johnnied on over to the sister and her mister's house for a visit and to pick up my wonderful ABD 'save the date' cards. I walked in through the door to find EHKinsey and ABQ working away in the ABDesigns studio.

The first thing I heard when I walked in was "I brought you a cupcake!" Now this is a phrase that I LOVE! I chose the vanilla with chocolate frosting... holy yum!

Tempting...

EHKinsey's Grasshopper Cupcake (chocolate cake with mint frosting).

The visit ended with a little bit of caffeine, sugar, and some pain meds... it's basically a sweat shop happening over there... SO busy that even I was recruited into manual stationery labor ;). I secretly found it super enjoyable.

Turns out that Sam was also jonesing for a cupcake. Who knew?!

Cupcakes make the world a happier place. (thanks EHK)

Toning Tuesday

2010-11-16T08:24:00.012-05:00

This Tuesday morning was the first day of toning class, and believe it or not, I kinda liked it! Soreness is absolutely in my near future. Tomorrow is another run (woohoo!!), my first longer run since back on the pavement (unofficially that is). You see, I spoke with the doctor's office today to get the results of the MRI on my knee. Turns out that nothing is torn (score!), just a case of Chondromalacia Patella. Thats fancy talk for "runner's knee". Not fun thats for sure, and apparently not real fixable either so until I head back to the doc on December 3rd, I will resume training for my half-marathon. We will see if it- the bummer knee- allows me to carry out my executive decision. Heres to high hopes!

On a much different note, Darcy and I got quite a bit accomplished at work today. The drive was her favorite part. She loves a car ride!
Hunger set in super early today. I ended up giving in and eating my lunch at 11:30. I feasted on some delicious meatloaf (which was mysteriously gone before the camera appeared) and a salad with feta, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds topped off with delicious Newman's Own Balsamic Vinaigrette. Yum.
After my work was done, I opened up an e-mail from Starbs only to find another item that I apparently just cannot live without. Marketing these days, brutal. But honestly, it has been on my "would like to call it mine" list for quite some time. Hopefully I can find one in store!

Dinner seems to be questionable this evening. We shall see how that goes!

Good Morning Sunshine

2010-11-15T16:17:00.010-05:00

My Monday morning started off on the right foot- no pun intended- with an early morning run. I was so excited to get back on the pavement this morning for a run that I just couldn't stand it. I was instructed by the doctor that two weeks of complete rest was imperative to start the tendonitis healing process... two weeks of stagnation=terrible!

I made sure to lather up some anti-inflammatory meds on the bum knee and strap it up with a McDavid before my jaunt around the neighborhood. Once the running was done, I took the Darcinator on a walk so she could stretch her little poodle legs :).

We did a lot of sniffing and wandering about.

She thought now would be a good time for her close up. We eventually made it back home, and after a quick shower I was off to class.

I got a little snacky when I got to campus so I munched a little on this Clif Mojo bar... quite tasty!

The next few hours were consumed by "Food and Beverage Management" topics. After class I ran some errands and picked up an ice/heat wrap for the bum knee. I'll have to give you the scoop on how that plays out after my next run.

I am headed over to see Bobbus now and have a bit of a Glee-athon... We have been flipping our way through volume 2 of season 1 in order to catch up in the current season. (Apparently somewhere along the way we fell off the bus, but not to worry, we are climbing back on)!

Tuesday is almost here which means first cross training day... I'm not much of a cross trainer, but I have to take it easy on the knee- so toning class here I come!

They Grow up so Fast...

2010-11-12T14:51:00.004-05:00

This little critter had her first visit from Trixi the Tooth Fairy!
We found a tiny tooth on the floor last night and like magic Darcy woke up to a treat and this itsy-bitsy note from Trixi this morning. She was so sad she had to wait all night for the Tooth Fairy to make an appearance, but it was well worth it this morning.

Just look at that face,

Peach's Perfect Match

2010-11-05T16:03:00.006-04:00

Photo credit: Kyla Daniel

Not that it is peach season any more, but what is cozier than a warm dessert topped with a heaping scoop of cold comforting vanilla ice cream? Today I woke up to a bit of a chilly day and got to wear my first sweater/scarf combo of the season! Thrilling for us Florida folks. To me peach cobbler is one of the coziest desserts on the block and this recipe hits the cuddle spot, so I decided that it was fitting to go for a little peach cobbler anyway :).

Recipe:
2 1/2 c. sliced peaches (if using frozen thaw & drain off liquid)
1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 c. sugar
3/4 c. milk
1/4 lb. butter

Combine peaches and 1/2 cup sugar in bowl and let stand.
Melt butter in 2 quart casserole.
Mix flour, baking powder, 1 cup sugar and milk together.
Pour batter over melted butter.
Do not mix or stir together.
Pour peaches over the batter.
Note: The batter will rise to the top during baking.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

recipe adapted from cooks.com

yum yum,

Burt's Pumpkin Patch

2010-11-02T16:36:00.007-04:00

Photo Credit: Kyla Daniel

In light of all of the fall festivities, I thought I would share a little post-October pumpkin celebration. Darcy cracks me up. She was so sad she couldn't play in the pumpkin patch, but she patiently waited just outside Burt's fence... poor thing. Any-who, these were absolutely the biggest pumpkins I have ever seen in my entire life! While you, the innocent target, peruse the pumpkin aisles, the kitchen ventilation fan is creating a victim out of you. Beware of the fan pumping out the irresistible aromas of freshly baked pumpkin bread and hot out of the oven pumpkin pie! Needless to say, we purchased a couple slices of decadent pumpkin pie to munch on back at the cabin. It was everything the fan cracked it up to be.

I hope you all are enjoying your leaf changing weather up north, for it is sure still hot as blazes here in the Sunshine State!

Happy Halloween

2010-10-29T14:44:00.007-04:00

Photo Credit: Kyla Daniel

Happy Halloween Weekend!!
May all of your pillowcases be brimming with treats!
(of the non-trickery variety)

Trick or treat...

A Blip on the Trip

2010-10-19T20:01:00.003-04:00

I told you there would be more to come on the quick trip to the mountains, and as it turns out, I am never one to go back on my wordage. Therefore, avid speed readith fellow bloggeth friends of thine, I have here beforeth thee a quick blip on the trip!

Summary (on the short):

*A little venue visiting... and picking :)

*A bit of pumpkin patch galavanting... (a post in itself- pumpkins up to my thighs- woah)

*Apple Orcharding... I mean really, fried apple pies... who turns those down??!

*Wedding date setting!!! Hoorayy!- May 26th!!!

*& Engagement photo-ing!!! The photographer kind of rocks ;)

The venue we settled on is an old 1930's house. It will have terraced gardens on an acre lot adjacent to the house. There are HUGE walnut trees that will serve as the perfect shaded "I Do" venue. After some festivities we will head back to the beautiful restaurant for the reception. I can not wait to nail down some more details and snap a few photos!

Like I stated above... Burt's pumpkin patch gets its own post.

Mercier's orchard was in full swing this go round. Two huge parking lots brimming with happy fall apple pickers and shoppers. We opted for a bushel and a peck of Fuji apples since our beloved Pink Lady apples are not yet in season, some apple butter (delish b.t.dub.)and of course there is no escaping the fried apple pies we nestled into the sac for dessert that evening.

Photos. Oh the picnic photos. We are just elated on the outcome of our engagement photos! I am sure I will be sharing more of these later also but no need to ruin the save the date surprise now is there! But as a teaser, three of the photos in the above montage are of the engagement variety! Thanks dad for pretty much being from planet awesome in the photography segment.

Let the planning begin!!

Happy Fall Y'all!

2010-10-12T16:55:00.007-04:00

Happy fall y'all!

We took a caravan up to the mountains this weekend to do a little wedding planning, engagement photo-ing... and of course a little playing :). (More to come on the complete adventures later). The leaves are just beginning to turn in Georgia, you know since they have seasons and all, unlike here in the sunshiny state. I made sure to gather a few leaves and snap a quick shot to share the colors with all of you fellow Floridians. It was quite delightful to wake up to brisk morning mountain air for a few days, and I even got to wear closed toe shoes!

So long sweet summer. Hellllo fall!

Dreary to Cheery

2010-09-28T15:52:00.004-04:00

As my favorite Gap commercial would put it, "How cute are these boots?!...dun dun... how cute are these boots?!"

Photo Credit: Gregory Daniel

Today has been an all around dreary day in our small town here in Hawaiian shirt paradise- also known as the state of Florida. Don't get me wrong, I love a good rainy Sunday, but as you all probably know by now, today is definitely Tuesday. In an effort to cheer up today's drear I threw on my polka dotted rain boots from the bestie! The Sun never quite showed it's face, but I'll give it an A for effort. We snapped this shot while we were at work today with pops...

P.S. Note how darn adorbs my small tail wagger is!

Rain, rain, go away (come again another day)!

Non-Existence

2010-09-27T16:20:00.003-04:00

Hi there!

I promise promise promise I still exist and have several posts in the works. The magic school bus from the dark side has once again swooped me off of my blogging horse and seat belted me in for a few grueling exams and a lot of 18 hour days. So I am here now to let you know that...

I'llllll Be Back!

...in just a few days!!

One Knee & a "Will You Marry Me?"

2010-09-02T12:02:00.009-04:00

Saturday afternoon while we were in Blue Ridge Bobbus took me on a lovely wine and cheese picnic in the downtown park. It was our second picnic on this vacation and I was just loving it! We stopped at Ingles on the way into town and picked up a salad to go with our tasty treats that we had securely buttoned up in the picnic basket before we left the cabin. He found a cozy spot underneath the massive, shady oak trees next to a park bench where we laid out the blanket and dug right in! I always enjoy eating in a unconventional place (tables are so overrated).

We did a little chit chatting about everything under the sun, people watched, and soaked in the mountain air. After the food was completely gone Bobbus offered to take the basket back to the car while I stayed and lounged on the picnic blanket. While he was gone I found a bag of pretzel M&M's we had purchased earlier in

my handbag. Dont worry, I waited for him to return and shared them with him :) aren't I just so thoughtful! I gobbled up the blue and green ones and he devoured the rest of the unfortunate colored morsels of chocolatey yummy goodness.

He started conversation back up and said that there was a purpose to this outing. The first purpose was that he just wanted to go on another picnic and head out of the cabin for a bit just the two of us (awwe) and the second was that he got me a

present (Thrilling! I love presents). He told me I needed to close my eyes because it was on his person and he would have to do some awkard manuvering to retrieve it. I followed instruct

ions and held out my hands waiting patiently for my present. I asked if it was the coffee mug I had been talking about the whole trip, but he just chuckled and told me it was not a mug. By that time he was done rustling around and he said, "It could be edible, but I would prefer that you didnt eat it (I was gigling- I love an edible present)... and I could have made it myself, but I dont think you would have liked it as much." With my hands still empty, he told me to open my eyes. There he was lounging on the picnic blanket holding a little blue box wrappe

d with such care in a beautiful white ribbon. It was then when the waterworks started flowing. (I never thought I would cry when the time came, but I had absolutely no control of my tear ducts!) I repeatedly told him " You're kidding, you have got to be kidding!" He asked me to untie the ribbon, but I told him that I didnt want to (It was perfect and I was dreaming)! I decided to oblige and untie the silky white ribbon. He opened the blue box which held a velvety black box inside. He swiftly (I was impressed) got on one knee, opened the black box and said those 4 sweet words "Will you marry me?" I immediately replied with a "yes!" and looked down at the most beautiful thing I have ever se

en in my entire life which was showcased so elegantly by that small black box. He placed the ring on my finger and I couldn't stop myself from wishing that this moment would last forever even though I know that...

The best is yet to come!