So Many Sweets

Wordless Wednesday: Galveston Island

2013-05-22T09:10:00.000-05:00

My second installment of wordless Wednesday... Enjoy!

Getting some sun at Galveston Island!

Shipley's first trip to the beach!

Saturday night boredom.... I made a bridge!

I finally changed my name tag at work to show my new last name!

1. Does your dog like water?

2. What kind of things do you do when your bored?

Wordless Wednesday - Art Cars, Houston Symphony and Shipley

2013-05-15T08:46:00.001-05:00

I've finally decided to take part in the Wordless-Wednesday fun! Here are a few pictures from my past week! Enjoy!

Houston Art Car Parade!

That car is decorated with marshmallow peeps!

Peacock Car!

Houston Sympathy: First date night as Husband and wife!

On the way back from Grand-Puppy-Moma's for Mother's Day!

I think Shipley saw a squirel!

1. What was the favorite thing you did this week?
2. Does your city host any fun events that you love to go to?

DIY Wedding Ring Holder

2013-05-13T18:50:00.002-05:00

When I was at the craft store the other day with my husband I stumbled across a small double frame. I thought it was adorable and would look awfully cute with some rings hanging in it. So I made my husband buy me the frame, and immediately went home to start working on the project.

I had some eyelet hooks at the house but no hooks. I took my handy needle nose pliers and made my own! With a quick snip I had the hooks I needed.

I then cut out some scrap book paper to fit in the openings. I choose orange and blue as those were our wedding colors, and why not have a small reminder! I taped the paper to the back of the frame.

Next was the easy part! I marked on the paper where I wanted the hooks and then started rotating the hooks until they were in "deep" enough. Once the hooks were in their spots. I put the back into the frame and that was it!

Super easy right? We have the ring holder on our shelf in the kitchen so anytime we are cooking or washing dishes I can hang my ring with out worrying about loosing it! There is also a spot for my husband's ring so he has no excuses to help with the dishes!

1. Do you ever take your wedding ring off?

2. Where do you like to keep your rings?

Meet Shipley

2012-12-28T11:22:00.001-06:00

Meet Shipley!! Shipley is our 2 yr old pup who we adopted from Citizens for Animal Protection on 10/17/12. She is 37 lbs and a mix of some sorts. It has been a new experience for the two of us, both bad and good. She has escaped out of our yard multiple times, tore up one of our doors in our house, escaped out of her kennel and has gotten sick multiple times. But, even with all that she has quickly gained a place in out hearts.

Her is a little bit about the dog that we love so much:


Shipley loves taking naps on her pillow.

She loves going on car rides

She had a fun time with the new pillow she got for Christmas.

Her first Christmas with her new Mommy and Daddy.

She was really excited for Santa to visit this year.

She also likes to sit on Daddy's lap while he is trying to work.

French Toast Maple Cupcakes (Guest Recipe)

2012-12-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

My friend Emily sent me this recipe and I told her I would share it on my blog. The cupcakes look delicious and I wish I could have tasted them.

I hope yall enjoy.l

French Toast and Maple Bacon Cupcakes
Recipe adapted from Life With Cake

Makes 12 cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

For cupcakes
3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), at room temperature
1 cup sugar

1 1/2 cups cake flour, sifted
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon table salt
1/2 cup half-and-hal
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg

1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 large eggs, at room temperature, separated

For maple syrup buttercream
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar

2 teaspoons heavy cream, at room temperature

2 Tbsp maple syrup

cooked thick cut bacon, broken into pieces

extra maple syrup, garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

To make cupcakes–
Preheat to 375 degrees F. Line the cupcake pan with liners

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and vanilla and set aside.

In a standing mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment (or hand mixer), combine the butter and sugar and mix on low speed until well incorporated. Add the egg yolks to the creamed butter one at time, waiting for each one to be fully combined before adding the next.

Reduce the speed of the mixer to low. Alternately, add the flour mixture in 3 additions and the milk in 2 additions, ending with the flour mixture. Continue mixing until batter is smooth. Set aside.

In a different bowl, whip the egg whites on high speed, using the whisk attachment, until stiff peaks are formed. Working in 3 batches, using a rubber spatula, fold the egg whites into the cupcake batter, until just combined.

Fill cupcake liners about 1/2 full. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 20 minutes.

Remove the cupcakes from the oven and cool completely before frosting.

To make buttercream–
In a standing mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment (or with a hand mixer), mix the butter and sugar on low speed until combined. Continuing mixing until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

Reduce the speed of the mixer to low. Add the heavy cream and maple extract. Raise the speed to high and mix briefly until fluffy (scrape down the bowl occasionally). Using a Wilton 1M piping tip (or your favorite star tip) pipe frosting on cupcake.

Garnish with crumpled bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Eeek! Mice! - Chocolate Cherry Mice

2012-12-27T10:47:00.004-06:00

Eeek! Mice! That is usually what is said when mice are around! But, not with these chocolate cherry mice. Usually its more like: "Awww they are soo cute" or "How did you make those."

My sister and I have been making these chocolate candy mice since I was in high school. I am not really sure where she got the idea, but we have been making them every Christmas since them. Even though we make them as Christmas mice, they would work well at any party or even Halloween

I still can't get over how cute these chocolate candy mice are. They are really easy to make, and they always get rave reviews. They are fun to eat and taste oh so delicious.

The ingredients are simple; maraschino cherries with stems (body and tail), chocolate bark (body and glue), Hershey kisses (head), shaved almonds (ears) and white icing (eyes).

The first thing you have to do is rinse your cherries with water, and dry with a paper towel. Your chocolate will become lumpy and hard if it gets water in it.

Next, I find it easiest to make an assembly line to create the mice. I unwrap all the Hershey kisses, and make stacks of shaved almonds. That way your chocolate won't harden why you are trying to put the mice together.

Finally, melt your chocolate and start assembling the mice. Dip the cherries in chocolate and place on parchment/wax paper. Attach a Hershey kiss as the head, attach two shaved almonds as ears, and pipe two eyes on with icing. Let dry.

Now grab a mouse by the tail, hang it over your mouth, and take a big bite!

Chocolate Candy Mice

Ingredients
Chocolate Bark
Maraschino Cherries with Stems
Hershey Kisses
Shaved Almonds
White icing

Directions

1. Rinse cherries and pat dry with paper towels
2. Dip cherries in chocolate and set down on parchment or wax paper
3. Attach an unwrapped Hershey Kiss to the cherry opposite to the stem, as the head.
4. Attach two shaved almond as ears.
5. Pipe eyes onto the Hershey Kiss
6. Let harden and enjoy

Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

2012-11-20T10:40:00.005-06:00

Have you ever made something that instantly became one of your go-to recipes? Well ! have and these baked creamy chicken taquitos are one of them! I stumbled across them a few months back from Pennies on a Platter and I instantly fell in love. They have the perfect combination of crunchy, creamy and spice. Don't worry they don't have too much spice so you could easily serve them to little kids, or even add more kick for those crazy people out there who like to have their mouths on fire.

They are super easy to make and the best part? They are baked! So they are a little healthier than the restaurant version.I hope you enjoy these as much as I have!

First you mix your spices, cream cheese and salsa together.

Then add your herbs, chicken and cheese.

Next add the filling to the tortillas and roll up tightly.

Then bake!

Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos
Adapted from Pennies on a Platter

3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup green salsa
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice (juice from half a lime)
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
3 Tbsp sliced green onions
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup shredded Mexican flavored cheese
10 small flour tortillas
kosher salt
cooking spray

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, salsa, lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, onion powder and garlic. Once combined, stir in the cilantro and green onions.

Add the chicken and cheese; mix thoroughly.

Spoon 2-3 Tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of a tortilla. Roll the tortilla as tightly as you can.

Place the rolled tortilla seam side down on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas until the mixture is gone. Make sure the taquitos are not touching each other.

Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle with kosher salt.

Bake for 15 – 20 minutes or until crisp and golden.

Serve with salsa, sour cream or guacamole.

“Me want cookie!” - Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes

2012-11-09T09:55:00.003-06:00

The other day I got an e-mail from a co-work with the subject line "HELP!!". Very intrigued I opened the email and it was a request to make cupcakes for one of her friend's birthday's. I felt honored that she would reach out to me, but I also felt pressured that I had to make birthday cupcakes for someone I had never met. I knew that I had to make something creative, tasty, and birthday worthy.

I know that for my birthday I always like cookie cakes. There is just something about a giant cookie that will put a smile on anybody face. So I went on a quest to find cookie cupcakes, and i stumbled across Beantown Baker's cookie dough cupcakes. I read her post and I knew this was what i wanted to make.A cupcake with cookie dough inside, who wouldn't want that for their birthday?!?

So I went to the store, gathered all the ingredients and went to work. The process was easy. Make the cookie dough, roll into balls and freeze for an hour.

Then when the cookie dough was soild, mix the ingredients for the batter, put into cupcake liners, and top with cookie dough. It was that easy.

Once they were done, I mixed up the icing, decorated them and top with the left over chocolate chips! They looked perfect.

The recipe made 24 cupcakes, and since the box I got to carry the cupcakes only held 20 cupcakes, I had a few left over to share!

These cookie dough cupcakes would make any cookie enthusiast very happy, even the cookie monster.

Chocolate Cookie Dough Cupcakes

Adapted from: Beantown Baker

Makes 24 cupcakes.

Ingredients:

For the eggless cookie dough:
2 sticks softened butter
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
4 tbsp milk
1 tbsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup mini chocolate chips

For the cupcakes:
3 sticks softened butter
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
2 2/3 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla extract

For the brown sugar buttercream frosting:
3 sticks softened butter
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

To make the cookie dough:

Combine the butter and sugars in a mixing bowl and cream on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Beat in milk and vanilla until incorporated and smooth. Beat in the flour and salt until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Using a cookie scoop, shape the dough into 1 in balls. Freeze on a parchment lined baking sheet for at least one hour

To make the cupcakes:

Preheat the oven to 350° F and line two cupcake pans with paper liners.

In a large bowl combine the butter and brown sugar. Beat together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Wisk together to blend. Add the dry ingredients to the mixer bowl on low speed, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing each addition just until incorporated. Blend in the vanilla.

Fill the prepared cupcake liners 2/3 full with the cupcake batter. Place a frozen cookie dough ball on the top center of each cupcake, do not press down (cookie dough will fall to the bottom during baking)

Bake at 350 for 16-18 minutes.

To make the frosting:

Combine the butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl and cream on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.

Beat in the powdered sugar until smooth. Beat in the salt, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.

Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips!

Lemonade Iced Strawberry Cake

2012-10-08T10:18:00.001-05:00

Looking for something that is super easy to make, but tastes just like its homemade? Well, try this Strawberry Lemonade Layered Cake from EasyBaked.net. It super refreshing and will make you think it’s still summer!

This cake is just a strawberry boxed cake mix, but the icing is amazing!!For the icing all you do is mix, cream cheese, marshmallow creme, cool whip, and kool-aid mix. That's it! Its supper fluffy, and has the perfect lemonade twang. I can't wait to try other kool-aid flavors.

Strawberry Lemonade Cake

Ingredients

One box of strawberry cake mix (plus oil, water and eggs as directed on box)

8oz. Cream Cheese (softened to room temp.)

1 packet (0.23oz.) of Kool-Aid Lemonade

1 jar Marshmallow Creme

8 oz. Cool Whip Topping

Fresh strawberries to garnish.

Directions

1. Bake cake according to box in two 9 inch round cake pans as directed. Cool completely.

2. While cake is cooling, cream together cream cheese and Koo-aid mix until smooth.

3. Add the marshmallow creme and the Cool Whip and mix until completely smooth. Refrigerate until cake is ready to decorate.

4. Cut each cake layer in half. Alternating layers of cake with layers of filling, assemble cake. End with layer of filling.

5. Top with sliced strawberries.

6. Refrigerate and serve chilled.

Enjoy!

Red Velvet Whiskey Cupcakes!

2012-08-28T09:41:00.000-05:00

There is no better cupcake in this world than red velvet cupcakes. They have a very elegant flavor and I have never come across one I did not enjoy. Actually let’s be honest here, I don’t think I have ever came across any cupcake flavor that I didn’t enjoy. But that’s not the point of this story. The point is Red Velvet cupcakes are amazing! Don’t you agree?

But what if you could make one better? Is there such thing as a better red velvet cupcake? What if you could make it with whiskey? Yumm….. Whiskey and Red Velvet cupcakes, now you are talking!

I found this recipe in my Boozy Baker cook book my friend gave me for Christmas. (She knows me so well!) I made a few adjustments and am sharing the recipe with you!

Gather all your ingredients

In two separate bowls combine your flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In the other combine your milk, whiskey, vanilla, vinegar and food coloring.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk mixture in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour.

Divide the batter between the prepared baking cups and bake for 15 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Make the icing by creaming the butter, shortening, cream cheese and vanilla extract. Gradually add confectioner's sugar and salt. Beat on low speed until nice and creamy. Add whiskey.

Decorate cupcakes and enjoy!

Whiskey Red Velvet Cupcakes

Adapted from the Boozy Baker, Makes 24 Cupcakes

Cupcakes

2 - 5/8 cups cake flour

6 tablespoons cornstarch

4 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup milk

1/4 cup whiskey

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon white vinegar

1/2 (.5-ounce) bottle red food coloring

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

3 large eggs

Icing

1 stick butter, softened

1/4 cup solid vegetable shortening

8oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 tablespoon clear vanilla extract

1.75 pounds sifted confectioner’s sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons whiskey

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Fill cupcake pan with cupcake liners

2. In a medium size bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set Aside.

3. In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, mix together milk, whiskey, vanilla, vinegar and food coloring.

4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk mixture in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour.

5. Divide the batter between the prepared baking cups and bake for 15 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean.

6. Let cool completely.

7. To make the icing: Cream butter, shortening, cream cheese and vanilla extract. Gradually add confectioner's sugar and salt. Beat on low speed until nice and creamy.

8. Once mixed add approximately 3 tablespoons whiskey for flavoring. You can add more or less whiskey for your desired flavoring.

9. Decorate cupcakes and enjoy!

Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing

2012-08-24T11:06:00.000-05:00

The other day I was dropping my Little off at her mom's house and was getting ready to leave when her mom stops me and ask, "Do you have a homemade caesar salad dressing recipe?" With a disappointed voice I said "No I don't." "Well, then you need to take this with you!" she said, as she thrusted a piece of paper in my hands. She went onto to explain how she stumbled across this recipe a few years back, and how when anybody tries her salad they always ask for the recipe. She just happened to be whipping up a batch when I was there so I waited a few minutes till she was done so I could try this "famous" recipe.

Wow, was I impressed! It had the perfect consistency and the perfect "caesar-ness" to it that I have never found in an at home recipe. I couldn't wait to take the recipe home and try it my self.

So with my fiance in tow, we took to the task. As we started getting all the ingredients out, our faces were not too impressed. Anchovies, dijon mustard, hot sauce... the list kept growing, but I had seen it being made before so we kept going.

We threw everything but the oil into the blender like the directions told us too, and blended. Oh did it look disgusting at this point. I took some pictures, but honestly you don't want to see them.

Once all the ingredients were blended, we added the oil, and instantly it was like magic! It looked like ceasar dressing, smelled like ceasar dressing, and tasted like ceasar dressing!!

We tossed the dressing with lettuce, additional parmesan, croutons and chicken. It was just like ordering Chicken Caesar Salad in a resturant but better, because we made it our selves!

Caesar Dressing

Ingredients

6 Anchovy Filets

2 Egg Yolk

2 Minced Garlic Cloves

½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

3 Tbls. Red Wine Vinegar
3 Tbls. Lime Juice

2 Tsp. Dijon Mustard

1 Tsp. Worcestershire Sauce

6 Dashes Tabasco Sauce

1 Tsp. Kosher Salt

1 Tsp. Pepper

½ Cup Olive Oil

½ Cup Canola Oil

Directions
1. Combine everything EXCEPT oil in a food processor or blender
2. Blend Until Smooth
3. While machine is running slowly pour in oils in a slow/steady stream (mixture will thicken)
4. Toss with crisp romaine and garnish with croutons and parmesan cheese

Guest Post: DIY Cookie Cutter

2012-08-13T09:20:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been in search for a cookie cutter in that special shape and you just couldn't find it? I have Well guess what? Your search is over! Why not make your own cookie cutter! The process is simple, its cheap, and you can finally have that toothless dragon cookie cutter you've always wanted!

Check out my sister's tutorial on how to make your own cookie cutter.

Supplies:

1" Aluminum strip (the aluminum needs to be food safe)

paper and pen to create your shape or a picture.

scissors

string

small pliers and other tools you can use to shape the metal, like a knife sharper.

sandpaper

adhesive (I used a 2.8 Oz J-B Stik Weld since it was safe for drinking water)

Sketch out your design for the cookie cutter

Fold sketch in half, and cut out sketch

Trace sketch to a new piece of paper

Measure the pattern using a piece of string to find the length of aluminum you will need.

Use the string to find out where you want to cut the aluminum.

Cut the aluminum using pliers or scissors. Be sure to add about 1 inch to allow for overlay.

Shape the aluminum using the sketch as your guide. The aluminum is pretty soft so for most of the parts you can just use your fingers. For corners, use small pliers and round the shape by going around a knife sharpener.

Once you finish your cookie cutter should look like your pattern, don't worry if it matches exactly.

To secure the cookie cutter, first use sandpaper to scorn the metal

Mix the adhesive and apply to the 1 in overlay.

Use pliers to keep the adhesive together, or if you’re really fancy, you can use clamps if you have them.

Once the adhesive is dry. Clean your cookie cutters with soap and warm water and they are ready to use!

Homemade Sprinkles!

2012-08-01T15:50:00.000-05:00

Stop!! Did you just say “homemade” sprinkles? Can you really make them? That’s possible? Those are just a few of the comments I get from people when I told them I made the sprinkles.

But why not make the sprinkles yourself? You can customize the color to whatever you need them for, and for all the health conscious people out there, you know what is exactly in them. And the best part, they are actually really easy to make.

To make the sprinkles you will need:

8 oz of powdered sugar

½ tsp salt

1 egg white

1 tsp vanilla

Food coloring

A piping bag with a small tip (I used Wilton Decorating Tip, #2 Round)

Directions

With a hand or stand mixer, mix the sugar, salt, egg white and vanilla together until a semi-thick paste forms.

Divide the paste into portions (one for each color you want)

Color each batch with the color of your choosing.

Put the now colored paste into the piping bag, and pipe out long thin lines onto parchment paper or pastry mat. Make sure your lines don’t touch each other. Do the same process with the additional colors.

Now the hard part. Wait for 24 hrs! I know that 24 hours sounds like a long time but they need to dry completely before you can cut them. Otherwise they will not work as sprinkles.

24 hours later….

Use a knife to cut the sprinkles into jimmies. Use them immediately or store in an airtight container.

Recipe adapted from: Brave Tart

Craft Room Peg Board

2012-07-31T09:49:00.000-05:00

Recently David and I moved into together. We found a really cute 3 bedroom, 2 bath rental house for a great price in a nice area of Houston. The best part about have 3 bedrooms, is that the third bedroom could be completely dedicated to an office/craft room! EEK! My very own space for crafting! I was so excited about that.

I really wanted to add some color to the room, but since the house is a rental I had to figure out something besides painting the walls.While racking my brain for ideas and browsing craft rooms on pinterest, I stumbled across peg boards.

What a great idea! You can spray paint them any color you want, and it also acts as decoration and a storage solution!

Supplies (from Home Depot)
Peg Board - $8.17 (24in x 48in)
Spray Paint - $3.87 (in Aqua)
Peg Board Hooks - $7.48 (The package I bought also comes with the things necessary to mount the board)

Total: $19.52 - You really can't beat that!!

Once you have your supplies you are ready to get started!

First find a large sheet or piece of card board to lay down so you don't have colored polka dots all over your lawn. I used a left over ikea box I saved for project's like these.

Now Spray Paint! I put on two coats of paint.

Next find an awesome fiance to help hang the peg board on the wall. Be sure to get the peg board on studs. You will be constantly adding weight to the peg board and you don't want it to fall on your head!

He is soo excited!

Finally, ACCESSORIZE! I still need to figure out what else I want to hang on the board, but for right now its a great start!

What interesting way's have you organized your craft room?

Wedding Party Name Tags

2012-07-30T11:29:00.002-05:00

This past weekend David and I’s moms hosted us an engagement party. It was going to be the first time our extend families had officially met, and the first time any of the families had met our wedding party. With a RSVP list of around 45 people I knew it would be hard to make sure every bridesmaid and groomsmen met every family member so I had to figure out a way for them to stand out. Thinking back to school/work events I decided on name tags!

First I started at our local party store. I found buttons that were for the bridesmaids, but there were none for the groomsman. Then I found “write-on” ones but those looked crappy. So I thought why not make them myself? I found some pretty blue and orange flowers and decided to go to town!

Here’s how I made them:

In PowerPoint I made the tags with a pretty font and printed them out on white paper. I made tags for the bridesmaids/groomsman, parents of bride/groom, and one for my fiance and I. I made the fonts in alternating colors to distinguish which side of the wedding each person was on.

I then cut the tags out and clued them onto colored card stock to add some stiffness/color.

Next using a pin or needle, poke a hole in the tag where you want your flower or embellishment to go.

Stick the flower/embellishment thorough the hole and pull being careful not tear the tag.

Bend the wire over, cute with some pliers, and cover the wire with tape.

Using hot glue and a scrap piece of paper; glue a safety pin to the back of the tag.

Repeat till you have enough tags!

The tags were a big hit at the engagement party. You can also use them at other events such as Showers, Rehearsal Dinner, Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties and even Wedding Dress Shopping!

Just Banana Ice Cream

2012-07-17T21:16:00.001-05:00

It's summer time and the thing I love more than any thing else is ice cream. The only problem is that I'm planning a wedding and ice cream is not the healthiest option. But what is a healthy option? Bananas! What if you could have ice cream that was made with just bananas and nothing else? Well guess what? You can! All you need are bananas (plus some chocolate powder if you really want to).

First chop your bananas into small pieces.

Next freeze your bananas for at least one hour.

Using an Immersion Blender or food processor, beat the bananas until smooth like ice cream.

Add chocolate powder, and blend the bananas until fully mixed, (you can skip this step if you want).

Freeze the bananas again until solid.

Once the bananas are solid, scoop out and enjoy as you would ice cream.

What is your favorite type of ice cream?

S’more Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

2012-07-13T14:35:00.001-05:00

“Who put a s’more in my cookie!?” Well I did of course! What wouldn’t be better than my two favorite loves combined into one wholesome bite?

To make this wonderful creation you need:

A batch of chocolate chip cookie dough
Graham crackers
Hershey’s Chocolate
Mini Marshmallows.

First make the dough following whatever recipe you prefer. Or if you don’t have time or are just feeling lazy can use store bought dough.

Once your dough is made here comes the fun part.

Break the graham crackers into small pieces about the size of one Hershey square.

Assemble Mini S’mores using the broken graham crackers, a single Hershey squares, and two mini marshmallows.

Next get two scopes of dough, each a little smaller than a golf ball. Place on top and the bottom of the smore.

Now the messy part. Do your best to wrap the s’more in cookie dough. (Try to keep your s’more level, because you don’t want a sideways s’more once its cooked)

Place on a baking sheet and repeat.

Cook the cookies at the normal temperature and time you would per the dough’s directions. Keep adding a few minutes until the cookies start to brown around the edges.

Take them out and enjoy! I bet you will want s'more!

What is your favorite way to eat a S'more?

Engagement Photos

2012-07-13T08:24:00.002-05:00

EEK!!! I was so excited when our engagement photos came in the other day. Our photographer Jessica Pledger did an amazing job and we had so much fun with her.

Since taking engagement photos was clearly something I wanted to do, I let David pick the places. Our first location was the Minute Maid Stadium. David loves the Astros, and since we have been there many times together it was just the perfect place.

Next we headed to the Theater District in Downtown Houston. We took pictures on a Sunday so it was completely deserted and got some great shots out of it.

Finally we headed to Sam Houston Park to get some skyline pictures:

Will you be my Bridesmaid?

2012-07-10T11:34:00.001-05:00

After I made the will you be my bridesmaid cards I realized that it just wasn’t enough. The girls mean so much to me and I really wanted to make them feel special. So I decided upon this:

I bought most of the supplies at Hobby Lobby. The whole project cost around $30, including the cards.

First I started with some paper mache boxes. They didn’t have 5 boxes in the same size, so two of the girls got oval boxes, the other 3 got square.

I then lined them with some tool in my wedding color. On top of that I placed a layer of tissue paper.

Next came the fun part. Inside I placed:

“Will you be my Bridesmaid?” Cards: To ask them the question.

Ring Pop: Because I was asking them the big question.

Tissues with their initial: Just in case they cried.

Bubbles: To Celebrate with.

I then wrapped the tissue paper around all the gifts and tied the tool into a bow.

Next I found some adorable butterflies to top the gift with.

Finally put the top on the box and wrap with some more tool.

Make sure you mark each of your boxes. I made that mistake and had to open all of them to see who the went to!!

Just so you know, all of my bridesmaid said yes!

How will you ask your bridesmaids?

"Will You be my Bridesmaid?" Cards

2012-07-09T20:33:00.001-05:00

After David asked me the biggest question of my life I had to find a way to asks my future bridesmaids that was just a special. After searching the internet high and low I decided to make them some homemade cards with a special message inside that told them just how special they were to me.

Here's how I made them:

Supplies
Cardstock
Colored paper
Ribbon
Sissors
Glue
Stamps

Sketch out a bridesmaid dress.


Cut out, and trace onto colored paper.

Using ribbon, make a "belt" around the waist.


Cute dresses!

Cute out a background for the dress so it stands out.

Using stamps, write what ever message you want.

Glue it all together!

Admire your handy work, and personalize for each bridesmaid.

We are Engaged!

2012-05-30T16:25:00.002-05:00

Sorry I've been away for a while but....... the title says it all!

Here's the story:
On Monday, April 30th David asked me out on a date Friday for BBQ at a local place we both love. Thinking nothing of it I said yes and looked forward to the tasty BBQ for the rest of the week. Well Friday rolls around and I'm sitting at my desk "working" when I get a call from the front desk saying that I have something up front. Thinking that it's some paperwork I have been expecting I walk up to the front desk and ask her who the flowers sitting on her desk are for. Surprisingly she says they are for me!

David has never sent me flowers at work and I was really surprised to get them. They were simple and came with a card that read "Surprise change of plans, so dress your best, I'll pick you up tonight at 7. I've taken care of the rest." So after texting my girlfriends, and chating with some friends at work I decided to go buy a new dress during lunch. I also decided to get my nails done after work "just-in-case".(I'm really glad I did those things)

At 7 on the dot (David is always an on-the-dot person) I get a call from David saying he's at my apartment. So I jump in the car and we're off. He takes me to a place in Houston called Brenner's on the Bayou. He says we are a little early for our reservation and asks if we want to walk around the property. So we do.At this point I decided that nothing was going to happen. He was way to calm and we were just acting our normal selves. Taking pictures and goofing around with each other. (I also kept getting my heals stuck in the side walk and that is not romantic.)

Finally we end up in the gazebo. We took a few more pictures there, then we stop and look at the restaurant. At this point David give's me a great big hug and then starts telling me how much he love's me and how much I mean to him, and how he wants to love me forever. (I am balling at this point). He then gets down on one knee and asks the words "Robyn Hanley will you marry me?"

Apparently I kept nodding my head for a while and then finally said YES!

After I finally calmed down I called my parents and my sister and told them the good news. We then went to dinner and had some amazing food. A couple next to us asked if we were recently engaged because of my smile and how I couldn't keep my eyes off of the ring. Then when we were leaving a waiter asked if we were the couple in the gazebo earlier, and told us congratulations. It was perfect night, and I couldn't have asked for a better man to be engaged too!

Chicken Enchilada Pasta

2012-05-03T11:35:00.002-05:00

When browsing Pinterest for dinner the other day I found this recipe for Chicken Enchilada Pasta from Pearls, Handcuffs, and Happy Hour. She raved that her husband gave the recipe "5 stars and then some!" Since David loves enchilada's and is always asking why I don't make them I gave the recipe a try.

Chicken Enchilada Pasta - {Adapted from Pearls, Handcuffs, and Happy Hour}.

2 chicken breasts, cooked & shredded

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 medium onion, diced

1 red pepper, diced

2 tbs green onions

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. cumin

2 {7.6 oz} cans green Mexican salsa {I used La Costena}

1 {7.6 oz} can home style Mexican salsa {I used La Costena}

2 cups shredded cheese

1 cup sour cream

Penne pasta

Avocado {for topping}

Green Onions {for topping}

Shredded Cheese {for topping}

Sour Cream {for topping}

Directions:

Cook chicken, drain, and shred. Meanwhile boil pasta according to package and chop the veggies.

Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet and cook onions for about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic & red pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes.

Add cooked chicken, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, salt, & enchilada sauces. Let sauce simmer for about 8-10 minutes.

Add cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and heated through. Remove from heat and add sour cream. Stir until sour cream is well mixed.

Drain pasta & return to pot. Pour sauce over pasta and mix well. Serve and garnish with avocado, cheese, green onion, and a dollop of sour cream.

Admire and Eat! We had to go back for seconds it was sooo good!

Did you think you will make this?

DIY - Paint Sample Dry Erase Calendar

2012-04-20T14:59:00.002-05:00

Even though I normally only do sweets on this website I wanted to share a calendar I made the other day!

While browsing through pinterest or etsy you see so many diy paint sample projects. What's not to love about them? First its cheap {paint samples are free} and second they usually are just plain cute. I finally decided to try a paint sample project of my own: a dry erase calendar!

Supplies:

Lots and Lots of paint samples. I honestly don't know how many I used)
A Cute Frame
Glue {I like rubber cement}
Scissors or a Paper Cutter
Large piece of paper that fits in frame. I glued my calendar to back of the paper that came with it.
Stickers or Pen for the dates
A Ruler
Dry Erase Markers

Directions {Based on a 14x18in frame}

1. Use your scissors or paper cutter to cut out 9 (1.5in x 1in) month letter square, 7 (2.25in x 1.25in) weekday block, 35 (2.25in x1.75in) day blocks and 2 (7.5in x 1.75in) note blocks.

2. Arrange all the pieces until you get the color pattern you like.

3. Write or add stickers to the 7 (2.25in x 1.25in) weekday block for the weekdays.

4. Start Gluing the pieces to the paper and let dry.

5. Place in Frame and admire your masterpiece!

How do you like to keep yourself organized?

Summer Strawberry-Basil Ice Tea

2012-04-19T16:15:00.003-05:00

Summer is hot, humid, and the PERFECT time for summer drinks. A lady a work got a basil plant with a recipe for Strawberry-Basil Ice Tea tied to it. The recipe looked delicious and I had to try it! I hope yall enjoyed it as much as I did!

Tell me, what do you think of the recipe?

Recipe from Martha Stewart

Ingredients

8 black-tea bags
1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved (quartered if large)
1 cup water, plus more for steeping
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup fresh basil, plus more for serving
Ice, for serving

Directions

Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add tea bags, and let steep for 5 minutes.
Place strawberries in a bowl. Bring water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add basil, and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain over strawberries; discard basil. Toss to coat. Let stand until cool, about 25 minutes. Combine strawberries (with syrup) and tea in a pitcher. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice, and garnish with basil.

Who Says There's no Cupcakes in Baseball?

2012-04-16T16:57:00.000-05:00

With the end of my softball season fast approaching I decided to make some baseball themed cupcakes for the last game of the season. Unfortunately our last game got rained out and is now postponed to a later date, so the cupcakes that were supposed to be taken to the game were instead enjoyed by all of my coworkers.

These cupcakes were very easy to make and I bet every one around you will enjoy how adorable they look!

To make the grass:
Fill a ziplock bag with coconut flakes and add green food coloring. Close the bag and shake/rub together until all the coconut is colored green. ( sorry I didn't take a picture of this) Once it is colored to your preferred green lay out on a paper towel and rub to get any extra green off the coconut. Let sit until you are ready to decorate.

To make the baseballs:

Dip vanilla wafers in white chocolate. Let sit until hard. Take red icing and pipe on wafers to mimic a baseball.

To assemble cupcakes:
Ice the cupcakes with green icing. Cover with coconut and shake off excess. Top with baseball. Enjoy!