Modern Relish

Capture the Fun ~ Sunshine in a Jar

2011-04-30T09:58:00.000-05:00

Rainbow Cake in Jar

1 box white cake mix made according to package instructions
Neon food coloring in pink, yellow, green, turquoise, and purple
3 one-pint canning jars
1 can vanilla frosting
Rainbow sprinkles

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Thoroughly wash and dry the inside of each canning jar. Spray the inside of each jar thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Scoop about 1/2 cups of cake batter into five small bowls. It doesn’t have to be perfect, don’t panic if you get a little more of less of one color than another. Tint each bowl of cake batter with the food coloring until very vibrant.

Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the purple batter into the bottom of each jar. Spoon equal amounts of turquoise batter, then green, yellow, and pink. Place the jars in a shallow baking dish, add about 1/4″ in water in the baking dish. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Remove jars and allow to cool completely before scooping a small portion from the top of your cake and adding a hefty dollop of vanilla buttercream to the top. Sprinkle & serve, or cover with a lid and store in the fridge or pop into the mail & surprise someone you love!

For More Fun

What??!!? ~ Vloud

2011-04-27T20:39:00.000-05:00

Try it and see for itself - get very loud!

www.vloud.com

Product Photography - Ruche Jewelry

2011-04-10T21:16:00.002-05:00

I came across this site, Ruche, that not only has beautiful jewelry, but photography. I think I saw the style and way of presenting their products before I noticed the products, themselves. Here are a few that stuck out to me!

Skinny Betty ~ Healthy Betty Crocker Recipes

2011-04-09T10:06:00.000-05:00

This is great! I had no idea Betty Crocker did all this! Silly me, I just thought they made cookies, cakes, brownies, pastries... ok, you get where I'm going with that. I'm trying to show the healthy stuff!

I browsed the "Healthier Eating Recipes"and it only took me 3 recipes to find something I really want to make:

1Set oven control to broil. Brush both sides of chicken breasts with dressing. Sprinkle both sides with Italian seasoning and seasoned pepper. Place on rack in broiler pan.
2Broil with tops 4 inches from heat about 10 minutes, turning once, until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (170°F). Top with tomato and cheese. Broil 2 to 3 minutes longer or until cheese is lightly browned.

Cancellation ~ Due Date Review

2011-04-09T09:41:00.000-05:00

I was sooooo excited to see this movie, both actors have made great movies before. I was HOPING this could be another to add to the collection. With all things considered for the storyline, majority of it just bugged me! Where was the common sense! There were a few funny parts, mostly from Zach G. saying some funny quotes, "you better check yourself, before you wreck yourself."
I would say this is beyond stupid funny, to just stupid... see it for yourself.

Homemade - Girl's Style Anti-Acne Masks

2011-04-07T19:49:00.000-05:00

5 Homemade Acne Facial Masks

Apples and honey:
You may be more tempting to cut the apple, drizzle some honey on it and eat as a dessert, but resist to the temptation and make face mask so you can feel the benefits of apple and honey to your skin.
You need: 1 grated apple and 2 tablespoons of honey.
To the grated apple add the honey and stir until combined. Put the mixture on your face and allow it to act 20 minutes. Then wash your face with warm water. This mask will not dry, so do not wait for that to happen to wash it.
Oatmeal and basil:
Basil and oats are well known allies in fighting acne and helping to thoroughly clean the skin and refresh it. They can be used separately (oatmeal mixed with water as a mask, basil tea as a toner), but together are a powerful combination that seems favorable to skin prone to acne.
Yo need: 2-3 teaspoons of basil, oatmeal and water.
In a bowl with hot water, put 2-3 teaspoons of dried basil and leave it until the tea reaches room temperature. In the meantime, take a few tablespoons of oatmeal and put it in a blender to make it a powder. If you have powdered oatmeal (oat flour) skip this step. When the solution of basil is cool, drain the leaves and start putting a small amount of the oatmeal and stir. If it is too thick add basil tea, if it is too watery add more oatmeal. The mixture should be thick enough to be applied on the face without dripping.
Gently apply the mask on your face and let it act for 20 minutes. While rinsing the face, you can do circular movements to massage the skin.
Egg white and lemon:
The egg white will help to reduce the redness of the skin and to ease irritation and as a final result you will get smoother and tighter skin.
You need: 1 egg and few drops of lemon.
Separate the egg white from the yolk. Beat the egg white until you get soft peaks. If you have oily skin, add a few drops of lemon (you can skip the lemon). Apply the egg white foam on your face and allow it to act for 15 minutes. Wash your face with warm water.
Honey and yogurt:
The honey and yogurt mask will make your skin hydrated, it will clean the grease and impurities and will reduce the redness caused by acne. Another positive side of this mask is that it do not dries the skin and can be used for all skin types.
You need: 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of yogurt.
Put the honey in a clean bowl and warm it slightly in a microwave oven to make liquid. If you do not have a microwave, simply dip the bottom of the container in hot water. Then add the yogurt and stir well. Apply the mixture on the face, putting more on the places affected by acne. Leave to act for 15-20 minutes, then wash with warm water.
Salty water:
Salt naturally cleans the skin. It does not only purifies the pores, but also dries the already emerging acne. Swimming in salty sea water is an excellent treatment for acne, but since we can not afford it during all year, it is good to use the power of salt at home.
You need: 5 teaspoons of salt (sea salt or cooking salt) and water.
To the salt add one by one teaspoon of water. Constantly stir and gradually add water until you get a thick mixture (paste). Leave the mixture to stand for 10 minutes, then apply it on the face and allow it to act 20 minutes. Wash your face with warm water.

For more homemade remedies, visit Girl Style

Backdrop-drip-drop ~ Water Backgrounds

2011-04-02T09:14:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love waterfalls and photos alike. So, here are a few of my favorite water-featured backgrounds!

I Dream of Decor ~ Themed Room

2011-03-07T13:25:00.001-06:00

I found this picture on homeanddecor.com, it looks like an "I Dream of Jeannie" inspired room. I couldn't imagine living in a house decorated like this, but maybe a fun vacation home or a girl's room. However, I do like the camouflaged frames on the left wall and the layers of the floor.

All Natural? ~ No Photoshop Used

2011-03-05T11:22:00.001-06:00

I came upon a site that shows 36 photos that "aren't photoshopped but look like they are." This two, obviously aren't photoshopped. The clouds are reflected in a shallow pool of water and the tulip is inches away from the camera, while the dancer is on the other side of the room. However, some of the photos, in my opinion, had some digital help. These are my two favorites that I wanted to share. To see the rest visit here. Let me know what you think...

Droppin Dates ~ When It Drops

2011-03-03T11:10:00.000-06:00

I don't know how I lived without this site! It says when movies, books, games, albums, and dvds are coming out! You can select between 4 weeks (last, current, next, two weeks) to see what is coming out when.

When It Drops

Toxic Beauty ~ Unsafe Product Chemicals

2011-03-02T11:03:00.000-06:00

Below is a list of toxic ingredients found in many beauty products, such as lotions, shampoos, makeup, etc. This information is Emme's Beauty and Hair Tips.

Sodium Laurel Sulfate (also known as sodium dodecyl, sodium laureth sulfate). This one is tricky because it's often disguised on labels as "comes from coconuts" so you think it's natural and safe. But this chemical can create toxic levels of nitrate in your body, and can lead to eye damage, dermatitis, and premature hair loss.
Coal Tar. It doesn't sound like anything you'd want in or on your body does it? But it can be found in dandruff shampoos, hair dyes, and even anti-itch creams. It's a carcinogen and can lead to cancer.
Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA). A foaming agent found widely in shampoos, hair dyes and bath products. Long-term use can lead to allergic reactions and tests done on laboratory animals revealed these chemicals can damage the liver, kidneys, spinal cord, brain, bone marrow, and testicles.
Parabens (Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben). These are usually added to products to extend their shelf life, but parabens are extremely toxic. These parabens increase your risk of breast cancer and have been linked to fertility problems.
Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben. These parabens are also extremely toxic and can lead to allergic reactions within the body.
PVP/VA Copolymer. This chemical can be found in hairsprays, styling aids, and cosmetics. Inhaled particles can damage your lungs.
Stearalkonium Chloride. This is found in hair conditioners and creams and it can cause allergic reactions.
Synthetic Colors & Fragrences. Synthetic colors will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6. These are carcinogenic. If a fragrance has the word "fragrance" on the label, avoid purchasing it because it can cause a lot of adverse reactions like headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, and skin irritation.

These chemicals listed above aren't just found in hair and skincare products. You should also check your toothpaste, lotions, soaps, gels, cosmetics and even baby wipes for these harmful chemicals. Of course you can't totally eliminate using soaps and cosmetics, but please consider tossing any of your products that contain a handful of these unhealthy chemicals. Whatever you can do to minimize your exposure to chemicals will be better for you in the long run. After all, your health is the foundation of your beauty.

Mosaic Your Own ~ Image Mosaic Generator

2011-03-01T14:21:00.000-06:00

Ever wanted to make your own mosaic photo? With Image Mosaic Generator, you can! Just upload the photo you wish to generate and "wa lah", an instant mosaic photo.

I did not generate these photos, but Googled them.

SHOES! ~ Urban Outfitter Sweepstakes

2011-02-26T11:52:00.000-06:00

Urban Outfitters has numerous sweepstakes and contests. This is just one, in which you can enter for a chance to win shoes for a year; one pair every month. To sign up visit the Urban Outfitters website.

EPIC ~ BWW Sauces How To

2011-02-23T10:24:00.000-06:00

Epic Portions has recipes for your favorite restaurants' dishes! Being a fan of BWW, this sounds like a fun thing to do... except I like Mild and Sweet BBQ....

Parmesan Garlic

1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Spicy Garlic

1 Cup Frank’s cayenne pepper sauce
1/3 Cup vegetable oil
1 Teaspoon granulated sugar
1 Teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon course ground black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Medium Wing Sauce

1 cup Frank’s cayenne pepper sauce
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Hot Wing Sauce

1 Cup Franks cayenne pepper sauce
1/3 Cup vegetable oil
1 Teaspoon granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 Teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
2 Teaspoons water
2 Teaspoons cornstarch

Blazin’

6 fresh habanero peppers (with seeds)

5 lemon drop peppers (or other small hot pepper)

8 jalapenos (with seeds)

2-3 garlic cloves

2 cups white vinegar

1/4 teaspoon ground oregano

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

fresh ground black pepper

salt

Mango Habanero

2 cups Mango Nectar (found in your local grocery store)
Any habenero hot sauce. I recommend El Yucatan. The amount is up to you, depending on how spicy you like your wings.
1 Tbsp corn syrup. (sugar works too)
1/4 cup Frank’s cayenne pepper sauce
1/3 cup melted butter

Asian Zing

2 teaspoons cornstarch
4 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup chili-garlic sauce (sriracha!)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Carribean Jerk

Tablespoons margarine
2 Tablespoons minced onion (white and light green parts only)
1 Cup water
3/4 Cup ketchup
1/2 Cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1/4 Cup apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons white distilled vinegar
2 Tablespoons Frank’s cayenne pepper sauce
2 Teaspoons ground black pepper
2 Teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 Teaspoons lemon juice
1-1/2 Teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 Teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1 Teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 Teaspoon salt
1/2 Teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 Teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 Teaspoon onion powder
1/8 Teaspoon ground clove
1/8 Teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 Teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 Teaspoon rubbed sage

Cooking Instructions:

Heat shortening in your fryer to 350 degrees F. Fry wings for 10-12 minutes, or until light brown. Remove wings and drain on a rack or paper towels briefly. After draining wings place wings in a plastic container with a lid. Add 1/4-1/3 cup of your sauce of choice to the container. Replace lid and shake well to coat wings. Pour wings out onto a plate and add celery on the side, plus ranch or bleu cheese dressing for dipping.

Count Your Love ~ 75 Ways to Show Love

2011-02-20T16:34:00.001-06:00

It's been a week since Valentine's Day, and hopefully all the love and spice wasn't given all on that day, but spread throughout the year. Below is a list of 75 Ways to Show Love.

1. A kiss on the forehead
2. Uninterrupted quality time
3. A note under the pillow
4. Tell him when he looks masculine, sexy, or hot
5. Turn a regular day into an All-About-You day just for your mate
6. Breakfast served in bed
7. A romantic picnic indoors
8. An unexpected dinner cruise
9. Propose marriage on one knee
10. Don’t complain when he leaves the toilet seat up
11. A rose on the pillow
12. Tell her she’s beautiful
13. Pour on the chivalry (open doors, pull her chair out)
14. A bubble bath with rose petals and her favorite scented candles
15. Verbalize what your relationship means to you
16. Surprise her with her favorite flowers and candy
17. An “I love you because…” list
18. PDA (public displays of affection)
19. Heart shaped pancakes or cookies
20. A walk in the park together
21. Hold your beloved a little tighter and longer than usual
22. Do some of his/her chores
23. A handwritten card sprayed with your scent
24. Spoil each other
25. Renew your marriage vows
26. Be first to say “I’m sorry” after an argument
27. Personalize (i.e. engrave) gifts
28. Place an “I love you” flyer under the car’s windshield wiper
29. Send a surprise gift to his/her workplace
30. Support each other’s dreams
31. Make love slowly, passionately
32. Run his bath water
33. Give your spouse space when needed
34. Buy her feminine hygiene products (before she asks)
35. Bring him a cold beer while he watches football
36. Put a love note in her purse

37. Hold hands
38. Take showers together and wash each other’s back (or whole body)
39. Look deeply into your lover’s eyes
40. Always kiss goodbye and goodnight
41. Boast about your mate and your relationship to mutual friends
42. Arrange for a babysitter so you can have an unexpected date night
43. Say how much you love each other even if you think it’s known
44. Use cute pet names for each other
45. Rub your noses together
46. Remember to say thank you (often)
47. Excuse each other’s mistakes
48. Meditate together
49. Sleep in his t-shirt
50. Wash her hair
51. Step outside of traditional gender roles to help each other (Cook dinner for her; take the trash out for him)
52. Verbally reassure your lover
53. Take photographs as a couple
54. Give up the last piece of food on your plate
55. Write a short fairy tale using you and your mate as the characters (Once upon a time…”)
56. Listen more intently
57. Flirt with each other
58. Sing your significant other a love song
59. Get up early to help him/her get ready for work
60. Say “I adore you”
61. Watch a chic flick with her
62. Kiss your mate somewhere you never thought to kiss before (i.e. elbow, knee, toe)
63. Initiate affection (hugs, kisses, spooning)
64. Take good care of yourself so that you’re at your best for the one you love
65. A handmade gift or card
66. Write a sweet message on a fogged-up mirror so he/she will see it after exiting the shower
67. Cook your significant other’s’ favorite meal
68. Feed each other chocolate covered strawberries
69. Cuddle by the fireplace
70. Laugh and have fun with each other
71. Rub his/her feet
72. Create a scrapbook together
73. Start a hobby together
74. Dance indoors to your favorite song
75. Ask about each other’s day

Happy Plate ~ Wheel of Nutrition

2011-02-19T15:04:00.000-06:00

"This product was developed with Hafsteinn Juliusson for HAF, in collaboration with Joana Pais"

These plates provide the recommended "amount" of food for regular meals, diets, and "super size."

Not sure how this would effectively work, but a pretty neat idea!

Wheel of Nutrition

H20, The Way to Go ~ Body Reactions to Soda

2011-02-18T19:50:00.000-06:00

Studies have recently come out to say that the artificial sweetener in diet sodas are carcinogens (cancer causing). "Less cancer-causing" is the caramel color in ALL sodas. Below is what happens to your body within an hour's time of digesting it.

In The First 10 minutes: 10 teaspoons of sugar hit your system. (100% of your recommended daily intake.) You don’t immediately vomit from the overwhelming sweetness because phosphoric acid cuts the flavor allowing you to keep it down.
20 minutes: Your blood sugar spikes, causing an insulin burst. Your liver responds to this by turning any sugar it can get its hands on into fat. (There’s plenty of that at this particular moment)
40 minutes: Caffeine absorption is complete. Your pupils dilate, your blood pressure rises, as a response your livers dumps more sugar into your bloodstream. The adenosine receptors in your brain are now blocked preventing drowsiness.
45 minutes: Your body ups your dopamine production stimulating the pleasure centers of your brain. This is physically the same way heroin works, by the way.
>60 minutes: The phosphoric acid binds calcium, magnesium and zinc in your lower intestine, providing a further boost in metabolism. This is compounded by high doses of sugar and artificial sweeteners also increasing the urinary excretion of calcium.
>60 Minutes: The caffeine’s diuretic properties come into play. (It makes you have to pee.) It is now assured that you’ll evacuate the bonded calcium, magnesium and zinc that was headed to your bones as well as sodium, electrolyte and water.
>60 minutes: As the rave inside of you dies down you’ll start to have a sugar crash. You may become irritable and/or sluggish. You’ve also now, literally, pissed away all the water that was in the Coke. But not before infusing it with valuable nutrients your body could have used for things like even having the ability to hydrate your system or build strong bones and teeth.

Information provided by Wade Meredith

Frozen Flash ~ Top 7 Flash Mobs of All Time

2011-02-17T11:14:00.000-06:00

I have chosen to not spoil the fun and just show one flash mob. To view the other 6 visit Social Times.

No Reservation ~ Dinner For Schmucks

2011-02-16T10:53:00.000-06:00

I was really looking forward to this movie, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, Jeff Dunham.. how could it be bad? Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. I was so annoyed by this movie, despite the few comedic parts. Honestly, I couldn't even make it through it. I fell asleep just so I wouldn't have to watch it anymore.

Party Melon ~ How to Make A Watermelon Keg

2011-02-15T13:33:00.001-06:00

Kegs only give the party goers one option, beer. What if you want to have a punch or cocktail keg instead?

This is a cute, summery and an eco-friendly idea at that. Use a watermelon as the keg.

Cut a hole out of the top of the melon and scoop out the fruit.
Drill a small hole near the bottom of the melon, where the tap will be inserted. These can be found at liquor stores and online.
Fill the melon with your favorite fruity alcohol concoction, something with watermelon would be best.
Enjoy!

For more information visit The Design Town.

Dating Disruptions ~ What Not to do in Relationships

2011-02-13T10:18:00.000-06:00

The information below, is of course, due to Valentine's Day being tomorrow, and is from the site Lifehack.

Want to build positive relationships? Then make sure not to commit the following 10 things that disrupt relationships:

Giving hurtful comments. Are you hurting others by your lack of tact? You might think that you’re being helpful, but your intentions might have hurt the other party instead. Put yourself in others’ shoes first. If it’s not a comment you appreciate hearing yourself, then perhaps it’s not something others will appreciate either.
Giving solutions when the person is really looking for a listening ear. Probably an understatement: A lot of times what people want is a listening ear. Deep down, people have solutions to the problems they are facing – they are just looking for someone to share their frustrations with because they have had a long and hard day. I had a friend who would always butt in with suggestions whenever I shared my frustrations. Our conversations became stifling – in the end I stopped talking about them altogether because I wasn’t getting the refuge I wanted. Be more conscious of what the other party is looking for, and adjust accordingly to fit that.
Being judgmental; Thinking you are above others. No one likes to be judged or labeled. If you are constantly judging others for what they do/say, it might be good to reflect that upon yourself. Putting someone off doesn’t make someone a better person; it just makes him/her appear insecure. Humility is a timeless virtue that’s appreciated by everyone.
Being defensive to criticism. How well do you respond to criticism? Do you become defensive and wall yourself up? Or do you graciously take it into stride and use the criticism constructively for growth? Learn to deal with critical people – it might be the most important skill you can ever acquire.
Telling people what to do. Most of us don’t like it when people try to boss us around. Learning to energize people and get them on board a common vision is more empowering than trying to order people around.
Being aloof; Not being responsive. I have experienced situations where acquaintances do not respond to correspondences, possibly because they do not see them as important. Subsequently I form a very bad impression of them, and deprioritize their requests when they seek my help later on.
Thinking you know it all. The more I learn, the more I realize what I don’t know. There is a wealth of knowledge out there for us to learn. Thinking you know everything, rejecting new methods and vehemently insisting on your ways prevents you from connecting with others. Be open to trying new things.
Being a complainer. It’s okay to complain every once in a while, but doing it all too often puts off people. Complaining too much makes you an energy vortex – it becomes draining to be around you. People like to be around positive people, not energy vampires. If you are one, it’s not too late to change – start by focusing on positive things around you and work from there.
Not following up on things you agreed on. One of my pet peeves is when people don’t follow up on things they agree on (be it appointments, favors, etc). I think it makes them unreliable and leaves a very bad taste in my mouth. These are the same people that I make a note not to work with in the future.
Not listening. Are you present in your conversations with others? Or is your mind on something else? When conversing with someone, learn to not only listen, but listen actively. Seek out the underlying message behind what someone is saying.

Lovely Letters ~ "Letter's I'll Never Send"

2011-02-12T11:50:00.000-06:00

If you have ever heard of Post Secret, this is along the same lines. Since the big V-Day is only a 2 days away, I thought this would get some people in the lovey-dovey mood. This site is a compilation of letters from people, addressed to their loves, which they will never send.
Some say it's a waste of time, others, so romantic. What do you think about it?? Or will you post your own letter you'll never send.

More letters never sent

Drunken Red Velvet Cupcakes ~ DELICIOUS

2011-02-11T11:55:00.001-06:00

Like I said, I got some Pinot Noir wine and made these delicious cupcakes! It was my first time making them from scratch, and a not box mix. These turned out surprisingly good!

I used a sandwich bag to pipe on the icing, again, my first time attempting that.

The batter was runny, I scared myself with it - but as you see below it turned out fine and is super moist. I ate my first one with a spoon, because it was still warm and sticky.

The icing, was fun to make, I made a little of a mess, but it was fun!

I didn't have two tablespoons of red food coloring, only make a half teaspoon, but the wine overpowered it and created this purple color!

* While creating from the recipe below, when it says to combine the dry ingredients, it mentions baking powder, but in the ingredients, it's not listed. I just added the same about of baking powder as soda.

Drunken Red Velvet ~ How to Make the Best Red Velvet Cupcakes

2011-02-10T13:32:00.001-06:00

Valentine's day is only a few days away, and what better treat than Red Velvet Cupcakes? Well, I have an even better way to make them; swop out the oil for red wine. I heard this while watching "Cupcake Wars" and thought "why not?" I found some easy and delicious sounding recipes for the cupcakes and cream cheese frosting (below). If you want to make Drunken Red Velvets, too, simply add 1 1/2c. red wine (such as Pino Noir) instead of the vegetable oil. I'm sure it will work on box mixes as well...

Things You'll Need:

2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. cocoa powder
1 1/2 c. vegetable oil
1 c. buttermilk (room temperature)
2 eggs
2 tbsp. red food coloring
1 tsp. distilled white vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin tin with paper baking cups.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
Gradually pour dry mixture into wet, about 1 cup at a time, until fully incorporated and blended thoroughly.
Fill baking cups about 2/3 full. Bake cupcakes for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool, then top with Cream Cheese Frosting

1/2 c. softened butter
1 tsp. vanilla
4 1/2 c. powdered sugar (plus more, as needed)
6 oz. softened cream cheeses
mixing bowls
hand mixers

Instructions

Beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla until light and fluffy.
Gradually add 2 c. of the powdered sugar, beating constantly.
Gradually beat in the rest of the powdered sugar until the mixture is spreadable.
Use immediately.

Cubicle Paradise ~ Contest for Office Space

2011-02-09T16:41:00.000-06:00

Of course this office space is just a fantasy, but if a company made cubicle/desk wraps, I would be all over it! Who wants to look at a boring fake wood and drabby desk, when there is potential for a beautiful tropical or mountain view!

If anyone invents this or knows of a company that does, please let me know! :)