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Cupcakes for a Special Event

Recently I was commissioned to make

CUPCAKES

for a SPECIAL EVENT

 

Later that evening, she let me know:

Eventually I got all of the details about the gender reveal party that is set to take place Friday evening at Stephanie’s house.  There will be family and friends, refreshments, and a piñata filled with either pink or blue confetti.

With my task at hand, I began…

 In a vintage Tupperware measuring bowl (handed down from my Mama), the flour, baking powder, and salt get whisked together.  The whisking process works about as well as sifting and takes much less effort.

That’s right… I use Walmart products.

For about 5 minutes, I beat the butter and sugar together in my stand mixer.

Since I TRIPLED the recipe (below) I had to change mixing bowls mid process.  My glass mixing bowl is quite a bit larger and more suitible for mess makers such as myself.  I added SIX eggs one at at time, followed by pure vanilla and almond extractsFast Forward: add the flour mixture and milk alternately, fill muffin cups, bake and cool.

Although my frosting skills need some work… The finished product was delicious!

Modified ever so slightly, this recipe was discovered on the site Two Peas & Their Pod.

Vanilla Almond Cupcakes

Makes 12 Cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 cup Silk Almondmilk Unsweetened Vanilla

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Silk Almondmilk Unsweetened Vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 teaspoon almond extract

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°.  Retrieve cupcake pan(s) and liners from the cabinet for later use.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Set aside.
  3. In a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
  4. Add the eggs one at at time, beating after each addition. Stir in the extracts.
  5. Add the flour mixture and milk alternately, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until flour is just incorporated.  Try not to over-mix.
  6. Divide batter evenly in prepared cupcake liners, filling 2/3 full. Bake cupcakes for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer pan to a wire cooling rack and cool completely.
  7. While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. Using a stand mixer, beat the butter until creamy. With the mixer on low, add 1 cup of powdered sugar at a time until all of the powdered sugar is added. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix on high until smooth.
  8. Frost and Serve!

Note-Frosting can be made up to 2 days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature and beat briefly before using. You can store the finished cupcakes in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Let the cupcakes come to room temperature before serving. They are best the day they are made.

Friday Favorites

Its Friday Favorites time again (not that Friday can happen too often)… and time to share the things that made this week great.

Favorite # ONE

For anyone who doesn’t already know

Wendy

is my co-worker and has been following a regimented diet plan since March of this year.

I published posts about or referencing her here and here (and here).

Wendy shared this Before/After picture of herself on Facebook recently:

She has completely transformed herself and is now completely enthralled with shopping for new outfits.

And she’s in good company!
Everyone is always asking Wendy “how did you do it?”

She will simply direct them to the website dietdoctor.com

Obviously it works!

Favorite # TWO

Last week I set out on a lunchtime bargain hunting trip to

Kohl’s

in search of new jeans.

At the time, all of my denim was from Venus or Express (with the exception of my one splurge pair from True Religion).

I found three different brands that I like.

Vera Wang, Apt. 9, and LC Lauren Conrad.

My favorite of the three are these Women’s LC Lauren Conrad Skinny JeansWomen's LC Lauren Conrad Skinny Jeans
These slim fit jeans have a stretchy denim construction (cotton, polyester, spandex) and sit above the hip. Very comfortable.

Already putting them to good use

I am a fan of her brand at Kohl’s, particularly the accessories, because her designs are so cute.

Favorite # THREE

Speaking of Lauren Conrad, I recently discovered that she has a blog.

You can find her blog here.

Favorite # FOUR

My new cupcake-cake-pop-carrier from Michael’s

Because everyone needs something with which to carry cupcakes (and/or cake pops).

Recently I made cupcakes and took them to a Gender Reveal Party. 

I’ll likely post about both at a later time; and I’m looking forward to reading what I have to say.

 

Favorite # FIVE

While searching for a giphy to express my excitement about an upcoming party, I became infatuated with the giphy itself.

This happy, multi-colored, party-hat clad creature…

party rainbow party animal party hat ready to party Sticker

Don’t ask me why… I can’t explain.

Happy Friday

and

Party ON!

Shoesday Tuesday

Far better than Taco Tuesday is Shoesday Tuesday!

Other than my activities and family, one of the subjects I blog about most is

SHOES

My first shoe post was published on May 11, 2017 and I began it with:

Give a girl the right shoes… and she can conquer the world. ~Marilyn Monroe

That may be a true statement.

Today I’m revisiting fall shoe trends because I want Wendy to have something that she can share with her mom.  And because I like shoes!  If you had any doubt, read on for clarification.

And if you are looking for shoes that are on trend this fall for a good price, you’ve come to the right post!

In yesterday’s post, I shared my most recent shoe purchase…

This cutie bootie came from Kohl’s.

 

Kohl’s always has good deals, especially if you are a cardholder.  Every other month or so I will find that I have a 30% off coupon in the mail from Kohl’s.  These booties were 20% off of  the $44 sale price.

And it gets better…

Last week my fabulous shoe find was from Amazon which is another place for great deals.

These are my new peep toe mules and they were only $17.99These mules have a chunky heel so they are perfect for someone like me who falls off of high heels.  They come in five colors which you can see if you click here.  Mine are blush, which is turning out to be a very popular color this fall.  Pantone has named this color Ballet Slipper and it listed as one of their top colors for fall 2017.

Another of Pantone’s top picks for fall 2017 is Grenadine.  Most people call it red.  This is my favorite red shoe and latest boot purchase, also from AmazonThese boots come in six other colors; At the time of purchase, the price was $27.

LOVE!

Another trend this fall is the over the knee boot.

I had to have them…

but only at a price that wouldn’t make me cry.

These were $29 when I purchased them on August 31st.  Some Amazon sellers prices seem to change often.  Right now the sale price is $37… still a good deal and available in four colors.

Now that I’m putting this in print, I’m beginning to think I have an obsession.  But at least I can say I’m always looking for a bargain.  That said, I have one more to share.

This peep toe bootie was a recent purchase from Amazon… seller ZOOSHOO

LB recently purchased a pair to replace some he wore out and he was very excited about their arrival.

The Nunn Bush Marvin St. Plain Toe Derby Shoe from shoes.com

I just didn’t want anyone to think I am the only shoe lunatic in this house.

 

Happy Shoesday Tuesday!

Monday Musings

Today is Monday… and I’m Musing.
Without fail my Mondays are continually filled with recollections of the previous weekend.  Partly because I like my weekends and partly because I dislike Monday.  A lot.

Today has been no exception.

Blogging is like journaling in a sense. Taking time to write about my life is something I do to evoke mindfulness and boost memory.  It also causes me to be cognizant of what a blessed life I have.

Today I am recollecting Friday night little pizzas and a movie Saturday morning coffee time with Elvis

and my Sunday afternoon outing (typically going shopping or out to dinner) with LB.

Those are the events that take place nearly every weekend.

In a previous post (Friday Favorites) I mentioned that I went to Kohl’s on Friday during lunch to try on jeans. Before I headed back to the office, I stopped by the shoe department. Sadly, I didn’t have time to try any of them on for size. When I mentioned how many cute shoes/booties I came across, LB suggested that we go back.

Am I Going to Say No to That?

shopping Sticker

Sunday afternoon we headed out…and back to Kohl’s. These are the “SONOMA Goods for Life™ Thelma Women’s Peep Toe Ankle Boots” in Olive.

And they came home with me!

In my recent Trunk Club experience, I mentioned that Ann-Claude has included a pair of booties

BP. $89.95

that were just about the same color, which I obviously like, however the price wasn’t right.  The BP. booties could have been mine for $89.98.

The Sonoma booties from Kohl’s were $44

…and I had a 20% off coupon.

 

 

 

Friday Favorites featuring Hobby Lobby

Being the self proclaimed awesome blogger that I am, it is my duty to share a Friday Favorites post at least twice a month.  I’m already behind.

Favorite # ONE

There is a new Hobby Lobby at the St. Johns Town Center!

Last weekend we were shopping for fabric to cover a cornice board (which is a post for another day). We decided to check out the new location and loved it!

It was so tidy, organized, and filled with all sorts of fun items…

Favorite # TWO

 Mexican Restaurants!

In addition to Hobby Lobby, we also checked out the new restaurant “Chuy’s” at the St. John’s Town Center this weekend.

It is a cute place. 

The acoustics in the building make for a very loud dining experience.  When we discovered that the bar area is not quite as loud, we decided that it would be the best place to sit if we decided to go back. 

I can’t say that this is my favorite Mexican Restaurant, but Mexican restaurants in general are my favorite!And leftovers are always great!

Favorite # THREE

This outfit that I wore last Saturday.

Unlike a blogger that has it all together, all I can say is my top is from Shein.com and my denim is from Venus.com.  My handbag was a gift from my sweet girls Stephanie and Amanda.

Favorite # FOUR

Kohl’s for a quick shopping trip during lunch.  (Sometimes you just need to get away from the office even if only to accumulate steps on your FitBit).  Today I stepped away to visit the Kohl’s that is minutes away from my office.  I tried on jeans and my pictures are horrible.  But it is still the best getaway place EVER!

Favorite # FIVE

At the end of a long week I have enough energy to get myself home and that is about it.

When my son and his family are close by I don’t always catch up with them, but I always catch the notifications and posts he and Emily share.

This picture of little Lydia (My GlamBaby) was shared to reveal the coming of her sibling and My 2nd GlamBaby.

This little picture is genius!  I Love It!

More Fall Fun With Pumpkin

LB loves pumpkin flavored goodies and I love making them for him.

A few weeks ago I found a recipe for pumpkin pound cake and successfully created that cake.  I posted about that cake here.  The pumpkin pound cake has long been devoured, so I decided to tackle another recipe.

The notable

Pumpkin Roll

It is easier than you think.

It all began with 3 eggs.  I cracked them into my stand mixer and beat them for 5 minutes.

While they were mixing, I set the oven to 375°.  Then I sprayed a 10×15 inch sheet pan with no stick cooking spray, lined the pan with parchment paper, and sprayed it again.

After the eggs were very well beaten, I added 1 cup white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 2/3 cup pumpkin puree.

I’m not sure what I’m going to do with the rest of that can of pumpkin.  Send suggestions if you have any.

In a separate bowl, I combined together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking soda, then added flour and baking soda to the pumpkin mixture and blended some more.  Every recipe I researched had a very small amount of flour, which was surprising to me.

Then I spread the mixture over the prepared sheet pan.

I popped it into the oven and set the timer for 15 minutes.When I removed the cake from the oven I turned it out onto a CLEAN dish towel that I had sprinked with confectioners’ sugar.  After it had cooled enough to handle I peeled away the parchment and rolled the cake inside the towel, and left it seam side down to cool.

I made a mess with the confectioners’ sugar when I dropped my cake onto the towel.  SLOB.

The filling is a typical cream cheese frosting that is made by blending together butter, cream cheese, more confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract.  When cake cooled, I unrolled it and spread the cream cheese filling.   Then rolled it up again (without towel, obviously).

I have no more pictures of the process because at this point I had become more interested in licking the bowl after I emptied it of the frosting.

It turned out perfectlyLB is thoroughly enjoying his pumpkin roll.

I think I’ll make another for my Sunday Before Thanksgiving Dinner.

 

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting/filling:

  • 5 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°.
  2. Spray a 10×15 inch sheet pan with no stick cooking spray, line the pan with parchment paper, and spray again.
  3. In a mixing bowl, beat 3 eggs for 5 minutes.
  4. Add 1 cup white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 2/3 cup pumpkin puree to the egg mixture.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking soda.
  6. Add flour and baking soda to pumpkin mixture and blend until smooth.
  7. Spread the cake mixture over the prepared jelly roll pan.
  8. Bake 15  minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from oven and allow to cool enough to handle.
  9. Remove cake from pan and place on cotton towel. Roll up the cake by rolling a towel inside cake and place seam side down to cool.
  10. Prepare the frosting by blending together 5 tablespoons butter, 8 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  11. When cake is completely cooled, unroll and spread with cream cheese filling. Roll up again without towel. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Sprinkle top with confectioners sugar and slice.

 

Trunk Club Tuesday

Trunk Club is an experience that I learned about while reading a post from one of the blogs that I follow and more since visiting the Trunk Club website.  It was originally started as a resolution for those who are overwhelmed and inconvenienced by shopping for clothing in a store.  I don’t fully comprehend the possibility of being overwhelmed or inconvenienced by shopping, but I supposed anything is possible.

Trunk Club carries a variety of high quality inventory for both men and women including weekend wear, work wear, formal wear, outerwear, shoes, bags, and accessories at various price points.  There are women’s sizes ranging from petite to plus, and styles for the trendy, classic, and even the expectant.  It is a convenient, custom, personalized, and just plain fun way to help you dress your best.

The Trunk Club stylists are real people, as I learned last week while chatting with my stylist Ann-Claude.  It is my understanding that the stylists go through extensive training to know which colors, sizes, styles, and brands will look and fit best on each customer.

An overview of the plan here explains

How Trunk Club Works

but I can review it quickly here:

  1. Create a style profile:  Answer some questions about your size, style, and budget.  There is also an option to share Pinterest boards of your favorite styles.
  2. Converse with your assigned stylist:  You can talk on the phone or chat in the trunk club messenger app.  When the items for your trunk have been selected, you’ll be able to review them via digital preview.
  3. Review your trunk:  You have 48 hours to approve or make changes to your trunk preview.  Once approved, your trunk will be delivered via UPS.
  4. Try everything on:  Take 5 days to decide what to keep and what to return. A $25 styling fee will be charged, but credited toward your purchase. Returns are free with the included shipping label.  The process is very convenient.
  5. Reorder when you want.

At this point I have completed each step with the exception of “Reorder when you want”.

This is what my stylist, Ann-Claude picked for me to try:

 

My “trunk” came on TuesdayI opened it upand proceeded to

try everything on

 From the beginning I told Ann-Claude that I wasn’t sure about the dress.  But I wanted to keep an open mind and would try it despite my lack of enthusiasm.

Tah Dah

The black V neck tee is just a plain top, but I like it, I need it, I kept it.

I love the Vince Camuto mock choker neck top!

And kept it too!

The gray sweater was cute and fit well.  It had buttons down the back which I tried to show in the mirror.  My picture taking skills are lacking.   I decided to send it back because I have something similar.

Obviously I have the jeans on in nearly every picture.  And I had fun modelling for myself (hee hee).  I loved the way they fit and the appliqué.  Maybe I’m old fashioned (or just plain old), but I couldn’t bring myself to pay $98 for pants that were fashionably torn in several places.  I’m holding out for some that are not.

The navy lace blouse was simply not my style.

And transparent.

Don’t look too closely.

The pink blouse was not going to work due to my need for a  form-fitting undergarment.  This blouse requires more support than it has the ability to hide.

It was really cute!

Although they were a little heavy, I really liked the earrings and probably should have kept them.While cute, the booties were not impressive enough for the $90 price tag.(only tried one of them on)

I appreciate Ann-Claude’s effort in selecting items she felt would be just right for me.  She was very attentive and did a great job.

Ultimately I returned everything except the two black tops.

Elvis and I are looking forward to my next trunk!

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