The Cheeky Cafe

Kitchen Fun: Easter Oreo Pops

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Things have been a little quiet here on the blog because I've been in the kitchen playin with some Easter Pops for the shop. It takes a lot of trial and error for these to come out the way that I want, so we have a lot of duds over here. Meh, they still taste good though and the kids are always happy to eat them. The funnest part making these is hangin with the hubby. Not only does he help, he has awesome ideas, and we just get to chat. It's like a little mini-date! Yes I know how sad that is, but we have 3 kids, so whaddya gonna do?

Messy Bun

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 22:28:00 +0000

Recently, I stumbled across this beautiful lady's blog. Aside from her being absolutely gorgeous, she has a killer eye for fashion and can style her hair like no body's business. Wouldn't that first do be perfect wedding day hair? Since I'm ALWAYS drawn to a good bun, I was smitten with the big messy-ish one she wears a lot. Looks easy enough for me!

Tutorial

Is it just me or does it seem like all Scandinavian women are beautiful and chic?

So Today.

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 21:52:00 +0000

Source: manditremayne.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

On the Telly: 80's Flashback

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 05:47:00 +0000

Taking you back to the 80's when bad hair and inexplicable clothes were all the rage. My sister and I LOVED Cyndi Lauper and I've had this song stuck in my head for days now. I haven't seen the video in probably like 20 years (gulp), so I grabbed my 7 year old to watch with me. She'll think it's cool! Right. The look of confusion on her face said otherwise.

Lovelies, who were your favorite 80's icons?

Mommy Moments

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:58:00 +0000

A sick girl and bored/cranky 3 year old does not a happy mommy make.

I realize that everyone has a different idea about how to discipline kids. I've also learned that every kid is different and responds differently to things, so what might work for one may not work for another. That is the monkey wrench that my 3 year old has thrown at me. He is the kid that calls your bluff, won't stay in time out, and can throw an Oscar worthy temper tantrum. I used to sit next to his door to make sure he didn't come out when he was throwing a fit or in time out. However, I now have a 6 month old, so that's not happening. Instead, we went out and bought a lock for the outside of his door. Best $15 bucks I've ever spent! Turns out that once he realized no one was there to hear his performance, he calmed down a lot faster. Also, me getting some distance from that made it so I could face the situation with more patience and calm.

So today, as he's throwing a fit while I'm typing, I want to say thank you lock on the door. Thank you for my sanity.

Got any gems for dealing with a strong willed toddler? PLEASE share.

This Place...

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:24:00 +0000

So clean, so bright. I'm always a little bit jealous of spaces like this, but I shudder to think of what my kids would do to it. All that white is just a canvas for handprints and crayons. So maybe one day...when my kids have flown the nest. Until then I daydream.

What kind of spaces do you daydream of dears?

P.S. I soooo adore that cozy fireplace in the bedroom

via*

On The Telly: A Good Laugh

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 20:33:00 +0000

Whenever Hubby and I need a good laugh we turn to Flight of the Conchords. Serious belly laughs! Business Time was the one that got us hooked, but this one and this one are probably our favorites. If you have some time or need a little lift, give em a watch. You'll laugh your faces off!

Last Minute Valentines

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 02:00:00 +0000

So I'll admit that with getting all the kids stuff ready for Valentines, I'd neglected to think about what to do for Husband. Pinterest to the rescue! I found something absolutely perfect AND I'm making him his favorite curry dinner to boot. Totally get good wife points right?

Here are some of the super-cute, super-easy (for the craft idiot like me), last minute Valentines ideas I found.

Heart cut-outs. Use your favorite book, poem or song lyrics. Adorable!

Remember this? An oldie but goodie. Say "I love you" in scrabble

What did I end up doing? The Hubby and I have watched Pride and Prejudice a million times together (yes he's a good husband), so I screamed a little when I found this Mr. Darcy quote. I changed the background to white and printed it out on some antique looking paper and framed it!

Darlings what did you do for your loved ones today?

DIY Valentines

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 01:27:00 +0000

Looking for Valentines ideas? Just a Sharpie and solid white tea cups. So simple. So cute.

via Pen N' Paperflowers

So Today

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 21:48:00 +0000

Source: indulgy.com via Amanda on Pinterest

On the Telly: Stop Motion Weddings

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 00:50:00 +0000

If I could go back in time to my wedding day, I would have done a video like this. When I came across Bayly & Moore's video's, I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning because I had to watch them all. With gorgeous destinations mixed with genius music and photography, it was nearly impossible to pick my favorite. This one caught my eye because it has a really fun and cool vintage feel. Don't ya think?

2nd and 3rd
And then there's this one...gorgeous! (Swoon)

Funny Valentines

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 01:28:00 +0000

Hands down, the funniest valentines I've ever seen! Cute, sassy, and funny - me in a nutshell (wink). Totally need these.

Heart Jeans

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:00:00 +0000

If you're like me and adore these printed heart jeans from Anthro, but hate the price tag, then you'll be pleased as pie to see how easy it is to do it yourself. Check out this totally simple DIY tutorial by My Little Secrets. Can you imagine how cute this would be on a pair of gray jeans?

Source: anthropologie.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Valentines Nails

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 15:00:00 +0000

I'm not one for a lot of color on my nails. My toes...they are all about the party, but I keep the nails pretty simple. In fact, I rarely paint them at all because with diapers and kids I wash my hands a million times a day, so it just ends up looking like poo. However, I was thinking of doing something fun just for Valentines day and I loved this idea. Just one heart. Simple and pretty.

If anything, you can't go wrong with a sexy red. Right?

This one too
And this one....is just fun. Don't ya think?

What do you think dears? Do you like to glam it up a bit for special occasions?

Source: dramaqueenseams.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Have a Lovely Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 21:36:00 +0000

The weeks are just so busy these days that I get really excited for the weekends. We've started a little tradition on Saturday mornings where we do something fun for breakfast. Last weekend I made Swedish pancakes and the kids gobbled them up. Also, it's officially LOVE month! Brace yourselves for lots of "love" posts in the coming days.

Have a wonderful, lovely, and slow weekend everyone.

Source: dondalees.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

On the Telly: Thought of You

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 15:00:00 +0000

There are some awesome videos out there and I thought it'd be fun to share some of my favorites with you every week. This one is from a couple years ago, but it's one of my all time favorite YouTube videos. It's a gorgeous animation of modern dance set to the song "World Spins Madly On" by The Weepies (also a favorite). I've always had a secret little wish that I could dance like that, so I like to live vicariously through this video.

What are some of your favorites? I'd love to see/hear them.

Thought of You by Ryan Woodward

Tiny Animal Rings

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Anyone who knows me well knows that I have a fetish for two things: rings and miniatures. Oh and shoes...so three things, but who doesn't love shoes? So you can imagine my delight to see two of my favorite things together. Aren't these tiny animal rings darling? I'm smitten with the little bird and giraffe, but I would happily take any of them. (Did you get that honey?)

What do you think lovelies? Which ones do you fancy?

Homemade Conversation Hearts

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:00:00 +0000

We bought our first box of conversation hearts the other day and I did not enjoy them. They weren't the chalky sweet that I remember. Then I came across these insanely adorable homemade ones (along with a recipe)and I am dying to give it a try!

Wouldn't these be a fun little way to say "I love you" to someone special?

Source: redpathsugar.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Pallet Decorating

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +0000

I've had a thing for pallets for a while now. It started two or three years ago when I saw it on Scandinavian design blogs and was instantly smitten. Now it seems like I'm seeing it everywhere and I LOVE it! In fact, every time I pass a construction site or a warehouse with stacks of pallets I find myself looking at them longingly. Seriously. Yes I do think it's high time that I pick some up for myself.

Remember this gorgeous Scandinavian home?
I think this headboard should be my first project

What do you think dears? Fancy some pallet decor in your home?

Source*

Cabin Porn

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Sometimes it feels like my days just flyby without even a small moment to myself. Lately I've really been missing winter (crazy), so when I've had an especially long day, I daydream about being in a quiet snowy cabin with a little fire and a good book. In my search to put a picture to my daydream I ran across THIS very aptly named blog. Pages and pages of quaint little cabins/cottages in the most picturesque settings for me to drool over (sigh). So now you know my dirty little secret.

Pretties, what awesome places to you daydream about?

Source: freecabinporn.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Winter Look

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:00:00 +0000

I adore Emma Stone anyways, but I especially adore her in this cute wintry outfit. Red pants, shiny oxfords and a navy wool coat. Does it get any better than this?

Sweets, would you wear this look?

Get the look

Curry Red jeans
Gold Oxfords
Retro Coat

Source: usmagazine.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Adorable Updo

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 21:31:00 +0000

Because I have little hands that like to grab my already falling out hair, I wear my hair in a bun 99% of the time. Although I haven't mastered the technique to get perfect bun, I still adore them. However, every once in a while I need to fancy it up a bit and try something different. Isn't this just the prettiest updo ever? It even looks easy enough for me to try it. I'm thinking I might need her bangs though....oh but that's a whole other post.

Also lovin' this updo tutorial. I think I can do this one too. LOVE it!

Source: datsucks.com via Amanda on Pinterest

The BEST Cupcake Frosting

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 00:33:00 +0000

For my daughters princess party this past weekend she wanted cupcakes...and she wanted me to make them (gulp). I can make cupcakes, but I am not good with frosting. That is until I came across THIS baby. OMG! It's light and fluffy, but still creamy...(pausing to daydream). It really is the best homemade frosting I've ever had. It's super easy too, which is key to success for me. I've now done vanilla, vanilla bean, and last night I made a batch with almond extract. I think next will be lemon, but the possibilities are endless...(drooling again).

Also, if you're like me and are challenged when it comes to putting the frosting on the cupcake, here's an awesome tutorial.

Looking for Chocolate?
Multicolor swirl how-to

Enjoy!

Perfect Cupcake Frosting and Filling

3 tablespoon Flour
1/2 cup milk (whole milk is best, but I use non-fat when it’s all I have and it’s actually fine)
1/2 cup real butter (I prefer salted, but you can use also unsalted and add salt to taste)
1/2 cup sugar (that’s granulated sugar, not powdered sugar)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, or other flavor if you wish.

Whisk together the flour and the milk. Heat in a small sauce pan on medium heat.
Whisk continuously until it starts to thicken. Let it cook, while stirring with a rubber spatula, until you can start to see the bottom of the pan. Continue to cook until mixture has the consistency of thick pudding or paste.

Put mixture in the fridge and let it cool completely, it’s fine if it stays in there long enough to get chilly, you just don’t want it warm at all. As it’s cooling, feel free to stir it occasionally to speed up the process and keep it from forming a crust on top.

Using an electric stand mixer, beat the butter and the sugar for a minute or two until well combined and fluffy. You’ll want to use the whisk attachment on a stand mixer if you have one, instead of the flat paddle. Then while beating, add in the thickened milk mixture and the vanilla. Beat to combine and then scrape down the sides. Mixture will separate and look messy, keep beating! Continue beating until mixture comes together and is light and fluffy, about 7-8 minutes, but time varies. Take a sample of frosting between your fingers; frosting is done when light and fluffy and sugar granules are dissolved.

What's for Dinner?

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 17:20:00 +0000

I'm a soup person anyways, but my family LOVES the broccoli cheese soup from Panera Bread. So I thought instead of going out and spending $30 on soup, I'm gonna try and make it myself. Very ambitious - Panera was my back up if I botched it. I turned to Pinterest and found this recipe. Sidenote: (don't look at food on Pinterest if you're hungry). It was dinner last night and it was super YU-MMY and easy.

P.S. You know how kids are about chunks in their food, so I pureed it like the recipe suggest, but it would have been good either way.

Do you stick to the tried and trues when it comes to dinner or do brave something new every once in a while?

Ultimate Princess Party

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Swann) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:00:00 +0000

Sorry for my lack of posting these last few weeks, but me and Husband have been busy planning and getting ready for the ultimate princess party for my 7 year old. She has wanted a party for the last 2 years, but with it being so close to Christmas, there just was never a good time. This year we'd promised her, so at the last minute, we threw together some invitations.

With invitations out, we HAD to now figure out what we were going to do. Aside from booking a "real" princess to make an appearance, we did most of it ourselves to cut down on cost. We took a lot of inspiration from Pinterest (here and here) and I loved the idea of a candy buffet instead of those cheap party favors. Husband put up most of the decorations and lights and I worked on the food. The little princesses arrived all dressed up and they were absolutely adorable. It was a full on sparkly pink and purple, twinkle light, princess bash. So much fun!

P.S. I'll do a post on some of the fun and easy money saving things we did.