Sunday, July 11, 2010

homemade vanilla cupcakes

James just got a new cookbook "The Kitchen Bible" for his birthday and we have been dying to use some of the amazing recipes. I immediately turn to the desserts, of course. To start out I gave these yummy vanilla cupcakes a try.....I mean who doesn't love a cupcake!

Here is the cookbook we used...


Ingredients for the cupcake batter...pretty simple

make sure the batter looks fluffy...

Ingredients for the buttercream icing

Result...a delicious cupcake!

I used a couple drops of green food coloring to give the icing a green tint. Also, I used whole milk which I would usually be against, but when baking certain things it makes a world of difference.

I will be taking these to community group tonight so I don't eat them all! We are also making a macaroni and cheese bake tomorrow night and having Kerry and Logan over...mmm can't wait!


Wednesday, July 7, 2010

blueberry peach cobbler...mmm

One of my favorite parts of the beginning of the month is getting the new Cooking Light magazine! It is always full of wonderful recipes, and the best part is they don't sacrifice good ingredients in an effort to make it super healthy. They simply teach you how to cut back in areas, substitute, and overall make a delicious dessert that you don't feel so guilty about!


I served this yummy dessert with a scoop of good ol' Blue Bell!

Blueberry-Peach Cobbler
photo courtesy of Cooking Light

Blueberry Peach Cobbler

Ingredients

  • 5 pounds peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (I only used 2.5 pounds...5 was a little much!)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 3/8 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 6.75 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups) plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries
  • 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (fancy name for "Sugar in the Raw")

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°.

2. Place peaches in a large bowl. Drizzle with juice; toss. Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons flour to peach mixture; toss to combine. Arrange peach mixture evenly in a 13 x 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray.

3. Weigh or lightly spoon 6.75 ounces flour (about 1 1/2 cups) into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 6.75 ounces flour, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and baking powder in a bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Place the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar and butter in a medium bowl, and beat with a mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, beating just until combined. Stir in blueberries.

4. Spread batter evenly over peach mixture; sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Place baking dish on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375° for 1 hour or until topping is golden and filling is bubbly.

So grab these ingredients next time you go to the store and I promise you won't regret it!

Monday, July 5, 2010

initial project

So I have been wanting to put something above our bed (considering I can't stand blank off-white walls) but have not gotten around to it until...now!

This was a SUPER easy and CHEAP project. Here is what you need....

1. 3 square frames (They were 50% off at Hobby Lobby) $15
2. 3 pieces of scrapbook paper (also on sale) $.75
3. A Small tube of white paint (I already had) FREE
Total cost: $15.75

I took the scrapbook paper and painted our initials. Once they dried....I framed and hung them! SUPER easy....as I said. But I think it helped make the wall look much better!

Here is a look....


above the bed and an up close

Overall, it was a fun little project! Next thing to tackle is painting the kitchen table. I keep putting it off because the thought of sitting in a 100 degree garage and painting sounds miserable! Although, I am looking forward to fixing it up!


Thought I would throw in a cute picture of Jaxon.....he is so stinkin' cute!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Monday!

Lauren


Wednesday, June 16, 2010

summer brings joy

Summer makes me so happy (minus the heat!)

I actually have time to get things done! The other day I went to Whole Foods and wandered around taking my time grabbing a "few things" that I probably did not need! It was just so nice to have time to wander! I picked up some pretzel thins and sundried tomato and chipotle hummus and it is quite the yummy snack!

Also, I am going with James tomorrow to look at what sewing machine I want to get! I can't wait to finally get it! That also brings the excuse to buy lots of cute fabric!!!

If you are in the Dallas area....you should check out all the free events going on! James and I love a good free event! Here are a couple...

Addison- Saturday Summer Series (free concert) at Beckert Park 8pm
Dallas- Nasher Sculpture Center- 3rd Friday of every month (they play a movie and concert)

Both of these are great events to bring a picnic (another great excuse to wander at the grocery store) and a blanket.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!!!!!


Monday, May 31, 2010

matt and kelly's beautiful beach wedding

This past week James and I got a chance to go to Cabo for Matt and Kelly's wedding. We could not be more happy for them, and we are so excited to share some pics from their beautiful day!

We spent part of the week in Cabo San Lucas, but traveled to a WONDERFUL resort about an hour away in Todos Santos for the 3 day wedding weekend-ish. Our time at the resort was filled with delicious food, yummy drinks, laying by the pool, and enjoying the beach. It was a truly relaxing trip!

Here is the Rancho Pescadero where we stayed for the wedding

Everyone at the bonfire on Sunday night...we made smores and the boys had to get creative since the bonfire was HUGE!


A pic of the beaches in Cabo...the waves were really strong


Matt and Kelly Unthank!


Me with the good lookin' Best Man!

Overall, it was a beautiful wedding and a great vacation! We are so happy for Matt and Kelly!

Although, Cabo was fun...it is good to be home with Jaxon! He was very happy to see us! Hard to believe this will be my last week of school!

Hope everyone has a blessed Memorial Day!



Sunday, May 16, 2010

so blessed

This morning I am taking some time to realize how truly blessed my life is...

I absolutely adore my little family. Getting Jaxon has brought James and I so much joy! I know that makes it sound like he is a child, but he is our little baby!!!

I also am so lucky to have such a sweet husband. He always goes out of his way to make me feel beautiful and special!

Here is a picture of my little family...


Oh and did I mention...Jaxon likes to lay all over the laundry pile when it comes straight out of the dryer. This is not something I am a fan of....so he enjoys it for about 2 seconds. He is pretty cute though! And that is him with his favorite toy!


That's all for now! What are the things in your life that make you feel blessed?

Saturday, May 15, 2010

ramblings

It feels like life has been going 100mph!!

Things on my mind...

1. This past week we took our 4th graders to Austin to tour the capitol...can I just say LONGEST DAY EVER!!!!! I seriously think it kept me exhausted until I fell asleep at 9 on Friday night!!!

2. I am almost done with my first year of teaching...what? I am so lucky to work with such wonderful ladies!

Here we are at the all school picnic with Jaxon!




4. We leave in ONE WEEK for CABOOOOO!!!!!! I can't wait for Matt and Kelly's wedding! I am so excited they are tying the knot and can't wait for their beautiful Mexico wedding. I also can't wait to stay in Cabo for a couple of extra days and have some time with James. It is hard to believe we will be married for 5 months this week!!!!!!

5. Last...this adorable shirt from J.Crew! I want it! Maybe I can convince James! haha


Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!