Make it Monday

Okay so I didn't forget to do something for "Make it Monday." Life gets crazy plus I had a headache and wasn't feeling too great. I decided to try out some cupcakes from my brand new book-Hello, Cupcake. The cupcakes were pretty tasty. I also tried out two different frostings-cream cheese and chocolate. The cream cheese frosting didn't really go with the chocolate cupcakes so that is why I'm late in writing this blog. But, I'm sure you all understand. Anyway, here is the recipes.

Perfect Cake-mix cupcakes

1 box (18.25 oz) cake mix (French vanilla, devil's food, or yellow)

1 cup buttermilk

vegetable oil (the amount on the box)

4 large eggs (in place of the number called for on the box)

1-Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.

2-Follow the box instructions, putting all the ingredients in a large bowl and using the buttermilk in place of the water specified (the box will call for more water than the amount of buttermilk that you are using), using the amount of vegetable oil that is called for (typically, white or yellow cakes call for 1/3 cup; the chocolate cakes usually call for 1/2 cup), and adding the eggs. Beat with an electric mixer until moistened, about 30 seconds. Increase the speed to high and beat until thick, 2 minutes longer.

3-Spoon half of the batter into a ziplock bag. Snip a 1/4 inch corner from the bag and fill the paper liners two-thirds full. Repeat with the remaining batter. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 15-20 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the baking pans, place on a wire rack, and allow to cool completely.

Chocolate frosting

1 stick unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces

2 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 box (16 oz) confectioners' sugar

1/3-1/2 cup milk

1-Combine the butter and the chocolate in a small saucepan. Melt over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add the cocoa powder and stir until smooth. Transfer the chocolate mixture to a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer.

2-Add the confectioners' sugar alternately with the milk, adding more milk, if necessary, to thin, and beat until fluffy and smooth.

Let me know how it is. Thanks. Until next time...

Workout Wednesday

This morning I worked out to Jillian Michaels' Ripped in 30 DVD. It is 4 weeks of 4 incredible workouts to get you in insane shape. It also includes a 30 day diet plan. I haven't checked it out but I will. I did Week 1 and it was really fun. I hope I can renew it at the libarary so I can do week 2.

Jillian focused on arms, abs, and legs or in her words-3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute of abs. She gave a tip to exercise 5-6 times a week. Yikes! Well, I failed. I only work out once a week but at least I am working out. I also call climbing the stairs a billion times a day and carrying Eli a workout. I guess whatever works in your schedule is best. Has anyone found some awesome workout DVD's? I should do all of the Jane Fonda's 80's workout DVDS.  Till next time...

Make it Monday

Chocolate Chip Muffins

Today for "Make it Monday," I made Chocolate Chip Muffins. Yum, right? Well, they were okay. I think they needed more sugar or something-butter maybe?? Anyway, here is the recipe if you'd like to try it out. My tip is to use ALL of the chocolate chips. The picture shown didn't justify that step.

Makes 10

1/2 cup butter at room temp

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 TBS dark brown sugar

2 eggs at room temp

1 1/2 cups cake flour (I used regular since I couldn't find cake flour)

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup milk

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1-Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 10 muffin cups or use paper liners.

2-With an electric mixer, cream the butter until soft. Add both sugars and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time.

3-Sift together the flour and baking powder, twice. Fold into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk.

4-Divide half the mixture between the muffin cups. Sprinkle several chocolate chips on top, then cover with a spoonful of the batter. To ensure even baking, half-fill any empty cups with water. (I think I needed ALL of the chocolate chips in this step) I think this step wasn't explained correctly.

5-Bake until lightly colored, about 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before unmolding.

So, I guess it is another day when I learn that not all muffins are delicious. They were okay but maybe if YOU make them, they will turn out fabulous. Till next time...

Happy Birthday to me!

Yes, it's true! It was my birthday yesterday and it was fabulous. First, I woke up to breakfast in bed or in other words a shake that Adrian brought me and I happened to be in bed. It was cute and I appreciated the thought. Then Eli and I went to American Fork to eat at Rubios with Cassie, Claire, Emily, Jessica and Jaden. I actually had the fish taco this time and it was delicious. Then we headed over to Cassie's home so I could get my makeup done by her friend Dawn. Let me tell you a little about Dawn Weidauer. To me, she is a super star because she did Stephanie Meyer's makeup as well as Phi's makeupl from Modern Family. Check out her blog HERE. If you haven't seen Modern Family, I suggest that you do. It is hilarious and I am a huge Phil fan. He also lives in Salt Lake City so maybe I'll bump into him someday. Ha ha!

I hung out with Cassie for several hours which was perfect because it is always fun to be around others on your birthday. Cassie gave me a 2 year subscription to Family Fun magazine, carrot cake (my favorite) and a $10 Golden Spoon coupon. Wahoo! That was an awesome gift! Then, I cruised home to meet Adrian. We drove to Fashion Place and went to Banana Republic (our favorite shop especially when Karen-our fabulous "what not to wear" stylist) where they were having a 25% off evening. We also had a couple of gift cards to use. I found the perfect black pants. They are AWESOME and very comfortable! Perfect for summer because they are light weight and feel as if I'm wearing exercise pants. I love them! I also purchased a few shirts. We bought dinner at Panda Express, fed Eli and put him to bed. I have been pretty strict on his bedtime-7pm.

Finally, I was able to open all of my wonderful cards and gifts. I ended up getting money (thanks mom/dad and Melanie/Stefan-WOW) and a Camcorder from Adrian. I wasn't expecting anything and he said there is more coming in the mail. I guess I didn't expect anything because I have everything that I need-a family who loves me, a cute son and friends who I can lean on. I also received several fun birthday phone calls throughout the day (my parents who celebrated my birthday with me as they were in NYC), facebook messages, a mini bundt cake and chocolate. Wow! I really was spoiled yesterday. Thank you everyone for thinking of me on my special day. It meant a lot that you all cared! Thanks again!

Pedicure fun with friends

Today, I went with Emily and Melissa to get pedicures. It was so much fun! As a thank you Melissa treated Emily and I for throwing her a baby shower. It was such a nice treat! It might as well be my birthday treat. It was perfect. We all go flowers as well. My feet feel so pretty. Thanks again Melissa. It was a blast.

New haircut...finally!

Tonight, Adrian cut Eli's hair. I held him and took photos. Cassie is going to take more photos of Eli tomorrow so I knew he needed a new look. 

 BEFORE

AFTER

Isn't he cute or what? He looks so different. The hair is already in his baby book and ready to go. 

Workout Wednesday

Wow! Awesome workout! Let me just say that Bob Harper's ultimate cardio body DVD was hard but worth the effort. He has two workouts-Workout 1-Extreme cardio challenge (1 hour) and Workout 2-10-minute glute challenge. I did workout 1. He targeted arms, chest, back and legs (lots and lots of lunges). I can't imagine working out with him every day on the biggest loser. He is an extremely hard coach which makes him a very talented guy. He is motivational and doesn't allow you to quit. There were three girls and a guy along with him. All three girls never took a break but the guy struggled. I will be working out with Bob again. He was outstanding!

Day 2 of my birthday week

Well, it has been one exciting birthday week. Yesterday afternoon, Eli and I went to World Market to spend the $10 gift card. We got a cupcake pan and a Yorkie chocolate bar for Adrian. The total cost was .50 cents. Wahoo! I think that was less than last year. Also, the employee named Jeff wished me a happy birthday. That was fantastic!

Today, we went to Noodles and Company and I ordered a small Cesar salad and the Bangkok curry bowl. The total cost=$0. I was planning on going to Ruby Tuesday to get a free burger but the one in Draper closed down so it was onto plan B. There is always a plan B. Luckily, it wasn't raining too hard.

Wait till Wednesday...I'm looking forward to the afternoon.

It's my birthday week...

Let the party begin!!!

So, it's my birthday week and I started having fun with Elijah. Today, we went to Schlotzsky's to get a free small sandwich. Then we headed over to Del Taco to score a free premium chocolate shake. Yummy! I also received a 20% off coupon for one of my knitting stores (Unraveled). Knitting stores normally don't have coupons so this was a real treat. Of course, I bought some red yarn but it is super soft (not like the yarn I get from Roberts craft). How did I score free stuff? If you sign up with different restaurants, fast food, etc, they will send you the birthday coupon. Check out Hip2save for birthday freebies. It is really fun and exciting!

Later, we are heading over to World Market because I have a $10 coupon. So, in order to beat the system, I will find something that is close to $10. Last year, I only paid .70 cents for a couple items. Wahoo! The only thing I didn't like was that they didn't even wish me a happy birthday. Boo customer service! Oh well! I got my free stuff and I'm happy.

Make it Monday

Today for "Make it Monday," I wanted to share with you the baby shower that I hosted last Saturday. It was so much fun! Melissa is due on June 3rd and this was her first baby shower. Yikes! I think I was freaking out by this time last year. I guess I like to be prepared. I knitted a "BABY" banner which I hung next to the tissue paper pom poms. So fun and easy to make! Obviously, the colors were bright pink, black and white.

 I made this diaper cake a couple of months ago. I thought it would make the perfect baby gift.

 Emily Fuller brought the food and cookie goodie bags. She was so helpful! I decorated with Good n' plenty and pink kisses. Yummy!

Cute Eli joined the fun! There were actually a few babies that came so it was fun to see them interact with one another.

 I forgot to take a photo with the sandwiches so this picture isn't complete. But, I think you get the idea.

 The cupcakes were a hit! I actually won a DIY cupcake kit and the "It's a Girl" topper and cupcake holders from another giveaway. It was perfect timing.

Yes, I dressed in pink (one of the colors for the baby shower). And, Emily wore black.  And yes, I take after my mother.

 Here is Melissa and her sister Stacey.

More guests that came. They even wore the right colors. Thanks!

Thanks Melissa for having a baby so I could throw a baby shower for you. Congrats and I wish you all the best.

10 Months old

Yesterday, my sister Cassie took a few photos of Elijah with his favorite bunny blankie. Whenever he sees it, he will put his two fingers in his mouth. It is so cute! I don't think he can sleep without it. He continues to roll around the room and is starting to show signs of crawling. Also, he is getting two more teeth. He has enjoyed eating anything from peanut butter/jelly sandwich to sweet potatoes (I cook them in a crock pot) and bananas. He still hates green beans and isn't too keen on carrots. Yuck! He is adorable and my little bud. I love him so much!

Workout Wednesday

This week I wanted to do the same DVD as I did last week. Of course I didn't make it through the entire DVD but I feel that I worked out well. I like The Firm. It is perfect and I can follow it. Till next time...

Bathtime is fun!

I finally took a few photos of Eli in the bathtub. Isn't he cute or what?

Too sweet!

Last night, I had the McDaniels over for dinner and FHE. It was a blast! Adrian is out of town so I thought it would be fun to share the evening with some family. First, we had Hearty chicken noodle soup, Red Lobster biscuits (yes, I made them and they were fabulous), and a spinach raspberry dressing salad. Yum! Let me just say, I was so glad I had some cheddar cheese to make the biscuits. I had made some other rolls but I don't think I let them sit out long enough. Something wasn't right so I quickly made the other biscuits. Then we had FHE. Zach did a wonderful lesson on the armor of God, I shared a story and conducted, Tiffany and Catelyn prayed and Becca led the song. Then we had vanilla pudding and cookies and played Whonu. Overall, it was perfect. Thanks Tiff for sharing the evening with Eli and I. I think Eli and Catelyn had a lot of fun too. They were too cute and I had to take a few photos.

Make it Monday

This week for "Make it Monday," I decided to show off my knitting talent. Elijah's first birthday is coming up in July so I'm getting prepared. I made a cute banner with his name on it. Of course, his party will be red, blue and white (not because his birthday is a day after July 4th). The theme of his party will be teddy bears. I bought some bear plates, cups, etc and the colors were red, white and blue so that is the main reason for my color decision. Anyway, I had to make a total of 12 triangles since I had to make two per letter. Then I learned how to do a basic single crochet stitch for the letters and poof...done. It did take me awhile. But, it is finally done.

Since I'm throwing my friend Melissa a baby shower this weekend, I'm in the process of making another banner. I'm only doing eight this time to spell out BABY. I'll show you pictures of the shower next week. Let me know what you think. I love to read your comments! Till next time...

Eli loves the Aquarium!!!

Off to some fun places...

While my parents were in town, we went to some fun places such as In n' out, the church museum, BYU, a soccer game and the Living Aquarium (which I bought a season pass). Eli loved the Aquarium so we will be going back often. Wahoo! We also went to Zupas and Sub Zero (icecream place). Yum! Now, I'm off to Tales for Tots with my parents. Oh, the places we will go...