The Best-Ever Cupcake + Frosting Recipe Guide

October 20, 2014January 13, 2017 - Mama Leave a comment

Do you remember last week when I shared with you secrets from the world of cupcake bakeries? Well, this week I’m back… spilling secrets wasn’t quite enough. How could I share so much about cupcakes and not tell you how to make them?! Now, I’m giving you the best when it comes to cupcake recipes and frosting recipes, because you cannot miss this.

Last week, I told you that most of the time, the secret to cupcake shops making a ton of different kinds of cupcakes easily is that they only really make 2-3 flavors of cupcakes and vary the frosting recipe on each one to make awesome varieties for their store. The best starting place is to have one really solid chocolate cake recipe, and a really solid vanilla recipe. To me, there’s really only one option when it comes to a great chocolate cake or vanilla cake recipe, and that’s what’s called a “White Almond Sour Cream Cake.” If you love wedding cake, this is the cupcake recipe to go with.

If you make it according to the directions I’ve listed, and use an ice cream scoop to measure it out, you’ll get roughly 40 cupcakes, and trust me, they’ll be so good your friends and family will be begging for more.

DIY String Art

October 17, 2014October 17, 2014 - Mama 2 Comments

I was walking through Target the other day, and, as much as I love the fact that there’s a million things inside I just have to have, there’s definitely a limit. You see, not long ago, I was looking for some new wall art. I came across some adorable animal string art at Target, and I was totally smitten! Then I saw the price tag. $24.99. Really? To me, I was looking at $25 for some nails, a bit of string, and some wood. I had to try it myself at home!

The Ultimate Staycation Planner Printable– Plan a Staycation in ANY Area!

October 15, 2014 - Mama Leave a comment

When planning a vacation, it’s typically pretty easy. You start by picking a destination, and then you plan what you’d like to do. But for some reason, it’s so much harder when you go to plan your staycation! Part of it is because it seems like you may have been to everything there is to do in your area. Or, some of it may be that you feel a bit stuck on ideas of what to do. But, I have 7 great questions that will help you plan your staycation, no matter where you’re hoping to experience it! I’m also providing a handy 4-page staycation planning guide that you can use to stay organized and jump-start your brainstorming using the ideas in this post!

Secrets of the Cupcake World

October 13, 2014October 13, 2014 - Mama 3 Comments

Who doesn’t love a good cupcake? I mean, really– perfectly portioned fluffy, moist cake with delicious frosting in as many different flavors as there are cupcake lovers. It’s part of why cupcakeries are all the rage. And, despite many news articles saying that the cupcake is dying, more and more cupcake shops open up across the country, and even around the world. It appears the cupcake is here to stay…. and now, I’m going to give you all of the tips to get the perfect cupcakes at home.

Educational Nature Walk Activities– for Any Age!

October 10, 2014October 10, 2014 - Mama 2 Comments

I’m a big advocate for education wherever it happens… the idea that I can teach my child as much at the grocery store comparing prices and I can at home doing a math worksheet, or the thought that I can help him establish a love for reading by taking a trip to the library rather than reading what’s at home in our book basket. One of my favorite activities each season is to take a nature walk. Regardless of your child’s age, there’s so much they can learn from nature walk activities that stimulate all of their senses and help them shape a better idea of seasons in the world around them.

5 Reasons Everyone Should Take a Staycation

October 8, 2014October 7, 2014 - Mama 1 Comment

It seems so often these days, the stress of every day life, the overwhelming (at times) nature of the information pouring at us through channels like Facebook and Instagram, and the beautiful images we see on other networks like Pinterest have us longing to just get away from it all. But sometimes, a vacation just isn’t in the cards. And even if it is, why limit yourself to a vacation where you have to get away? There is another option right in your backyard, and I definitely think it’s worth exploring! That’s why a staycation is a must-try for every person, couple, or family at least once in their lives!

Applewood-Style Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork with Homemade Apple Cider Barbecue Sauce

October 6, 2014January 13, 2017 - Mama Leave a comment

I have to say, I’m a Kansas City girl at heart. So if there’s one thing that gets my heart beating a little bit faster, it’s good quality barbecue. You see, barbecue is such a part of my city that our soccer team even has a chant that revolves around barbecue. It’s a staple here in KC. You know what else is a staple? Louisburg Apple Cider. Ask anyone who knows what they’re talking about, and they’ll say that, when it comes time for cooler weather, you can’t beat hot apple cider doughnuts and a cup of warm Louisburg apple cider. I had to combine the best of both worlds and create a delicious applewood-style slow cooked pulled pork. And what does that need? Apple Cider Barbecue Sauce.

Best-Ever Slowcooker Mac and Cheese with Crystal Farms

October 1, 2014January 13, 2017 - Mama 43 Comments

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post from Crystal Farms, but all opinions are my own.

I love macaroni and cheese. It seems like the ultimate comfort food, especially in the winter. The best mac and cheese is creamy, with just the right amount of good, wholesome cheese.

So, when I teamed up with Crystal Farms and saw their mac and cheese blend, I knew exactly what I needed to do. And, you’re going to want to stick around to the very end for this one, because you could win this Crock Pot Programmable Cook and Carry Slow Cooker and some Crystal Farms coupons so you can make Mac and Cheese just like this at home (plus a ton of other great cheesy slow cooker recipes!)

Felt Food: Pop Tarts DIY Tutorial

September 29, 2014September 28, 2014 - Mama Leave a comment

No one tells you that making felt food is kind of like the gateway drug into the DIY world. You start out with just one set of felt doughnuts or cookies, and before you know it, you’ve got a full pantry of felt crafty goodness. You see, felt food costs quite a bit pre-made, but costs only pennies to create yourself! These homemade felt food Pop Tarts cost less than 50 cents to make and are SO cute!

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie: Activities for the Classic Book

September 24, 2014September 22, 2014 - Mama Leave a comment

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is a really great kids book, especially when it comes to discussing cause and effect. After all, if you give a mouse a cookie, he’ll want some milk to go with it. There are also so many great options for If You Give a Mouse a Cookie activity topics that you could spend weeks on this book without having overlapping ideas for tying into the book! Here, I list a few of my favorite activities for this classic book.

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