Hello, Cupcake!

I have borrowed this wonderful book "Hello, Cupcake!" from my sister-in-law Kim. This book is so creative and has so many ideas on decorating, cake baking tips, and much more. If I didn't like Kim so much she wouldn't be getting this book back. Needless to say, I will soon be making a trip to my local Barnes and Nobles to make a purchase.




Here is my first attempt at recreating one of their creations. This little pumpkin patch turned out pretty good. I couldn't find all the candy that they originally used, so I improvised.

I already know what my next two batches of cupcakes are going to be. So at least for the next little while, if you ask me to bring anything for a dinner or pot luck, don't be surprised if you see "Hello, Cupcake!"

~Amanda

Carving pumpkins

Ok, so we decided to carve pumpkins again this year. After getting one for free from my mom, we went and got two more.

Bradley wanted to have a mummy pumpkin. After trying to figure out how to "carve" the mummy wrap, we decided to sacrifice an old t-shirt and just wrap it.




Olivia wanted a kitty, so Amanda drew up a kitty face, and I set about carving it out. One cut and a few bandaids later, it turned out pretty cute.





I decided to do things a little different this year. Tired of seeing all the cute jack-o-lanterns out there, I decided to make a "gross" pumpkin. It was probably the quickest one I have done, since I didn't have to scrape out the insides.



Happy Halloween!!

Richard

I have found my passion....again.

So first I need to apologize to Richard, my co-workers and anyone else who I barrage with my new found energy for my passion, baking! You now can't blame any extra pounds on me, I just apologized.

The last few weeks I have been on a baking high. I have made cookies, cakes, candies, ice cream, cupcakes and treats of all kinds. I really can 't help myself. I get bored and want to bake.

I have always loved to bake, but the last little while it felt like a chore but now something has renewed that spark in me. I think it all started with a blog I stumbled upon, Bakerella, which is now a website. She is so creative and has the most delicious recipes. She shares her tips and secrets step by step which is wonderful. I am a great copier, I just don't do the creativity part on my own.

After the new year I am going to start a cake decorating class. I am determined to better my skills. I have seen some of the coolest supplies for baking, candy making and decorating. Richard is going to be sorry. I don't know if I can control my spending.

So here are some of my recent creations. Some come from Bakerella.com and others from Allrecipes.com.


This is a chocolate mousse with raspberry and chocolate formed leaves.


Chocolate molded/covered pretzels.


Halloween Chocolate Carmel rice crispy treats


These are cupcakes that I made for my brother-in-law Jason's wedding. His and Lucretia's colors are blue and purple. I had creative freedom on these cupcakes. So I tried making the candy flowers and chocolate initials. Cute if I say so myself.


~Amanda

The BIG 7!

Bradley is turning 7. Is this a pivotal milestone in growing up? To most people no. He is no longer a toddler, he has not reached the pre-teen or a teenager milestone yet (thank goodness). But for Bradley this is a HUGE deal. He is 7, that is one hand full a fingers plus two more. He is no longer a baby, a toddler or even a big boy. He is a kid. (Believe me he has corrected me on this point).


I can see how this birthday and every other one is a big deal. I remember when as kid, every birthday marked a new big milestone. 365 days happens to be a LONG time when you have only been around for roughly 2190 days. (Yes I did the math).


Learning, growing and most of all getting to do cooler stuff that you were once too young for is a BIG deal. Bradley is definitely ready to test the water on what he can do as a kid. He is not afraid to take the risk and push through those milestones.

However I don't think I am ready for these new milestones. I still see the cute little three year old that I need to protect and teach. I guess it is time for me to stop looking at the past and see him as he is. A kid, who on more than one occasion has taught me something. Who I will still protect, but at a close distance so he will grow up to be a pre-teen, teenager than a man who can make good decisions and get through the rest of the milestones he has to over come without his mommy fighting his battles. Even though I will always be right there.

Olivia's Dream

Lately Olivia has been very intrigued with her dreams. She always tells me when she wakes up what her dreams were, or she will tell me that she did not have ANY dreams. Most of the time I do not understand her, but I listen very intently and nod and say oh, and yes and uh huh when it seems appropriate. However the other day she was very clear on what her dream was, and it was too cute to not share.

"I was on the moon with all of my toys. We saw a rainbow slide and slid all they way home. It was really really fun. For reals."

Sweet Dreams from a sweet girl!