Thursday, September 22, 2011

Friday's Five Things

So I got this idea from the blog "A long (enecker) short story" but she actually got the idea from Cupcakes and Cashmere, (not sure why I hadn't seen it there in the first place).  But anyhoo, the idea is basically to list five things that you are thankful/grateful for in the moment... or simply, five things that make you happy.  Anything from a simple picture that ellicits a smile, a yummy dessert, or a special person.  It's always a good idea to take some time to think about these things.  It's easy to get caught up in the daily routines and lose perspective of many of the positives in life.  And there are many!!

So with that said...here are this weeks five things!

1) I must always have my creative juices flowing. Not a week goes by where I'm not in the kitchen baking or off with my crafts.  This week I've been putting the two together... kitchen and crafts collide!! ;-) I've put together these "Cowgirl Cookie" mixes in mason jars.  I got the idea from the oh so talented Cake Pop Queen over at bakerella.com.  I made them as little gifts for my girls at work as a little "fare-thee-well" present.  


 First, I filled each mason jar with the cookie mixes and added the finishing touches below.  Some fabric I actually had lying around, a little ribbon and the printable label from Bakerella.  


2) My all-time favorite movie was recently re-released in 3D on the big screen.  I think you know which movie I'm talking about....The Lion King! And I was delighted that we got to take my boyfriend's nephew...he seemed to like it :-)  It was funny to watch him pawing at the air as if the movie was coming to life 2 inches in front of his face.  And I know he loved his Uncle Mikey time.   

They even had specialized Lion King themed 3D glasses for the kiddos....I secretly wanted the kid ones (which probably would've fit my face better anyways, next time I'll know to ask ;-) 

3) I'm training for yet another half marathon and my fantastic Brooks are keeping my feet going strong. I feel the need to purchase some new ones, as I've trained and conquered 2 half marathons with these shoes already.  It's time...but I think my existing pair will bring me through a third one.  Third times a charm right? 


4) My sister is pregnant with her first little one (I can't believe it, I'm going to be auntie!!) and I'm happily in charge of the baby shower.  The paperlesspost.com has become quite helpful in sending out the "save the dates".  An easy ad quick way to send what looks like an actual letter via e-mail.  Simple yet elegant.  I can't wait to start on the "She's Ready to Pop" themed shower! 


5) My boyfriend's crazy busy schedule with work and school week in and week out is something I'm so   proud of and yet it boggles my mind.  I rarely hear a peep out of him in terms of complaints, and I know I complain my fair share for the both of us.  Of course everyone has their own stressors and gauge as to what they can and can't handle.  But it's always a good reminder to know that someone always has it rougher than you.  I don't know how you do it babe...and with a smile on your face! 

And with that said, I leave you with a few good sayings (even I need some reminders)!

Sure will! 
So...
And :-) 

Happy Friday

Friday, September 16, 2011

Nifty Nails!

I hate to actually spend money on getting my nails done.  I think I've maybe gotten a handful of manicures in my lifetime (no pun intended).  But I do however spend a decent amount on nail polish...another reason why I feel the need to actually do my own nails...I have to use the polish I have.

Pinterest is becoming quite the guilty pleasure and I'm on it daily searching for everything under the sun.  I've come across some fancy ideas and tricks for some nifty nails!


This idea came from the blog The Holy Nail.  I apologize for the messy edges...I could really have used a Nail Polish Correcter Pen.  It's only 6 bucks at Sephora! That may have to be my next nail purchase!


I chose a couple colors that I thought would easily stand out with the light base coat.  I wanted all the dots to really PoP!  The navy blue really offsets the hot pink and gold nicely.

  

I think I have an obsession for my Essie "Mint Candy Apple".  It's definitely a statement color!  I got the idea of adding loose glitter from the blog Cashmere and Cupcakes.  I painted two base coats and let dry.  Used a soft paint brush dipped in clear top coat and dipped into loose glitter and applied it to the edge of my nail.  It wasn't as smooth and the glitter set clumpily, so I'll have to perfect my technique.  



I liked the idea of doing different patterns and colors on each finger.  All the colors were somewhat in the same family or used on as the pattern for another nail so that the idea somewhat comes together.  I used a light pink base and pink glitter on another.  A pewter base on the pinkie and pewter polka dots on the thumb.  


I think this has been my biggest nail challenge to date! Again, the idea came straight from Pinterest.  The description stated "Tape + crafty scissors = fancy nails!".  I thought, how easy is that!?? I had wavy craft scissors AND tape! At first I chose two very dark colors and they didn't contrast enough for a popping result.  This second attempt above is Essie "Shift Power" and Sally Hansen's Diamond Strength "Tyin' the Knot". After applying two coats of golden polish and letting them adequately dry I simply cut small strips of tape and placed them vertically along the nail.  Painted one coat of contrasting color over and let dry before carefully ripping the tape off.  Fancy Nails! 


My next nail endeavor....


Newspaper/Book transfer onto nails.  It sounds easy...but I doubt it will be.  Wish me luck! 


    

Thursday, September 8, 2011

I'm gettin' fancy!

It's been awhile since I made my first cakepop...and I've mastered not only the rounded shape and the smooth candy coating. I think I've mastered the best flavors as well...which frostings will go best with what cake and so on. And today I've stepped up my game to the next level and incorporated food coloring gel!

I've always wanted to use the food coloring gel since I used Little Miss Momma's tutorial on how to make cakepops. She used this great light blue swirly-doo a-top the cakepop...but I just wasn't ready at the time for that much pizzazz.

Don't her's look amazing! This is what I was going for today...

My boyfriend's good friend Lisa is a fanatic of cupcakes, cakepops, probably anything to do with cake. So I told her I would make a batch of cakepops for her special day.

So my swirly-doos aren't as spectacular as hers but I tried! I added a touch of star sprinkles...ya, gotta make a "wish upon a star" on your birthday ;-) (Corny, yea?)


Might I add...I did a splendid job!

Can't forget to wrap it up all purrty like! I had a great little basket and bought some cellophane to tie all together.

And there you go!

I also happened upon these bad boys below at the dollar store...I'm warning you... they are killer delicious! They taste like teensy versions of cakepops. I had them devoured for breakfast with my coffee the other day. It was a great combo!


Thursday, September 1, 2011

Arroz Con Leche

That's just what I made today!
I knew I liked rice pudding from ages ago when my sister put the Kozy Shack Original Rice Rudding into the grocery cart. I'm still not sure how she knew it would be good...but it was phenomenal!
Then, while taking a breakfast run to the cafeteria at work one day, I stumbled upon Arroz Con Leche. Usually, anything sweet for breakfast is right up my alley! And it was heavenly. The hot milk, and the texture of the rice, and it's sweetness combined to make a quite sinful breakfast. Unfortunately (or fortunately for my tummy) the cafeteria only offered Arroz Con Leche on Fridays. Therefore, it became a dangerous weekly routine. :-/
Now that I'm no longer working onsite...I thought I'd try my hand at figuring out how to make Arroz Con Leche. I found this great recipe from Food Network Star: Ingrid Hoffman. The process is very easy but does require a bit of time. However, there's a lot of down time in between some steps.

Step 1: Soak 1 cup of long grain white rice (I used Jasmine rice) into 4 cups of water with 2 cinnamon sticks for 1 hour. See...I told you there'd be some down time ;-)
Step 2: Heat the water and rice to a boil (about 5 minutes) and then lower heat to cook for 10 minutes or until water is almost evaporated.
Step 3: While boiling water...beat 1 egg in medium bowl and then add 3 cups of whole milk (I used 2%) and mix well. Add the egg mixture to the rice. Then, add 1 can of sweetened condensed milk (12 oz.) and 1 tablespoon of Vanilla extract to the rice. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring carefully. Heat until it thickens for about 25 to 35 minutes. Note: As it cools, the rice mixture will continue to thicken!
Step 4: Consume!!!
As you can see, I topped mine with some extra cinnamon!
My craving has successfully been satisfied and...I think I ate too much ;-)