Friday, August 30, 2013

Got Me Goodies

In my last post, I said I would share the recipe of the delicious cake bites I recently delivered to my sweet volleyball team. Well, as promised... here it is!

Cake Bites 
...cake pops without the stick.

  • 1 box White Cake mix
  • 1 container Vanilla frosting; not whipped - only 1/3 of container necessary for this recipe
  • 1 container Wilton Candy Melts - white chocolate for this recipe
  • 1 Tbsp Vegetable/Canola oil
  • Blue food coloring
  • Toothpicks
Prepare cake mix as instructed on the box... 
For a BLUE display, add food coloring to batter. 
This recipe called for only 3 or 4 drops to make it baby blue.
Bake as instructed (depending on the size of the pan); 13x9 baked 30 mins at 350 degrees. Then allow an hour or so to cool. My trick is to set the pan up high, so the bottom and top can cool evenly.
Meanwhile, prepare the icing! 
 I scooped out 1/3 of the icing into a separate bowl, to add blue food coloring. 
 After your cake has completely cooled, crumble it up into a bowl. Using a spoon, or clean hands, add the frosting and carefully mix together. Be sure to add a little at a time - too much moisture will prevent the balls from holding their shape. Once the cake and icing are mixed well, begin rolling .5-1 Tbsp of mixture into balls. If the mixture does not stay together, add more icing. 

When you are finished - THIS IS IMPORTANT - allow the cake balls to sit in the FREEZER for at least ONE HOUR. Any less, the balls will not be firm enough to dip into the chocolate. 
Onto the fun part... 
Melt the chocolate as directed. I preferred melting them in a glass measuring up, but you have the option to melt them in the container itself - the choice is yours! Once completely melted, add 1 Tbsp of oil and stir, stir, stir until nice and smooth!! It should almost slide right off the spoon.
 When ready, remove the cake balls from the freezer. Wait a moment before dipping them into the chocolate, due to the drastic change in temperature - cold cake balls combined with warm/hot chocolate will cause the cake to eventually expand and crack the dried coating. 

Place a toothpick in the center of the cake ball, about 3/4 deep - you don't want it to go completely through, nor do you want it too shallow or it will fall right off. Carefully dip the cake ball into the melted chocolate, covering every inch and around the toothpick. Don't leave any cake ball visible - unlike my one in the middle... you don't want that. 
Once the coating has dried, slowly twist the toothpick out of the ball. Be careful to not crack the icing, or to separate it too much where the toothpick is inserted.

Decorations are completely up to you!! Given, this was a reveal celebration I wanted to continue with the theme and decorate as I've seen them displayed in such events. For this occasion, I needed a pastry bag, and an applicator that would provide about a centimeter of icing... see below for my clever improvisation.  
For the pastry bag (since I was OUT; too much baking last year) I simply used a Ziploc baggie! Cut a tiny hole in the corner, and insert the applicator as shown. Voila!! Decorate to your liking, then place them back into the refrigerator until ready to serve.

OUTCOME:
Crunched for time, I did not have the steadiest of hands... but it got the job done!!!
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Well, it's been quite a few Fridays since I've participated in one of my favorite bloggy link ups! So, along with the theme of Ms.Whitney's #backthatazzup, I figured I'd share the song currently stuck in this noggin of mine. Call me a repeater, because I know I've shared this song before, but it just seemed appropriate given this particular artist enjoys Goodies, and my post was clearly about some goodies of my own, right? Let's keep it in good context people. ;)


HAPPY FRIDAY, everyone! ;)

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Sweet Surprises

Well, with the big news continuing to flow... I decided to do something special for as many individuals as I could! My mama, daughter, husband and mother-in-law were able to attend the BIG day on Tuesday, revealing our new baby and... his accessories... however, unfortunately my sister-in-law was not present. Knowing this was just as meaningful to her, I decided to run down to a local craft store and buy some goodies to help share the special news!! :) With a small paper bag, a little confetti and some blue "It's a boy!" Hershey kisses, it was nothing huge, but special indeed...
Moving on to my second surprise... to my dearest volleyball girls! Recently, I've been assisting as a coach for my old highschool's Jr. High volleyball team!!!! It's been an honor to be back on the court, especially with these girls. They're the sweetest, and a really talented group. For weeks, they've been anxious to know what the baby will be, so I figured I would surprise them with a special reveal. And it was too fun!!! I made them wait until the END of practice ;) because I didn't want their bellies full of dessert beforehand... the treat? Cake bites!!! ...a cake pop without the stick; RECIPE to come soon.
And a couple action shots...
 Needless to say, they devoured enjoyed them!! I'm so glad!! It's been awhile since I've put my baking skills to good use. It was nice to get back into the groove. And the best part... there were NONE left over!!!! Hooray! It's usually quite the opposite. I was very pleased on that account. ;) Although a handful of girls were disappointed I wouldn't be able to use their own name for the new baby, they were happy to hear the news... and I mean, when you're served cake bites who can complain, right? I love these girls!!

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

WHOO knows????

Well folks, it's that time!!!!

...and even though this is not my first rodeo of anticipating such a moment, it never gets old!!! We have been on pins and needles, and I cannot explain my excitement and anxiety walking into the doctors office. My husband, well... he's so relaxed at times, it's astonishing. Building up to this day I decided to put my anxiety aside energy to good use, researching images for baby boy/girl reveals. They were all too cute! 
One of my favorites was a picture of the shoes! However, I must say I don't agree that only boys can rock a pair of chucks. ;) I've purchased a pair for my daughter every year since she was 4 months old. Nonetheless, it's a cute photo, and doesn't reduce the excitement one teentsy bit!!!!!
When we first began talking about how to reveal our new baby, I immediately thought to have a party! I have seen some pretty adorable photos of such events, and ideally I knew that's what I wanted to do. Although realistically, it was not as doable as I had hoped. The way weekends fell, and who would be in town/out of town, or at work... lets just say it wasn't going to coordinate well. BUT! That did not stop me from googling images for cakes - which would have been our revealing display. This was by far my absolute favorite!!
I am a dedicated, honorary customer to my dear friends at Sweet Stuff Bakery - as I have previously mentioned - so that would have been the place I'd have requested this cake be made... not to mention, the link attached to the photo is the copy right of a bakery in South Carolina. A photo will do plenty, given we were unable to gather everyone together, but it certainly doesn't do justice the thrill when we would be cutting into that cake.... So with that said, I guess I won't keep you waiting any longer.

Ladies and gents, it's time for the BIG REVEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Eeeeeeeeekkkk!!!!! We could not be more excited!! After having my beautiful little girl, I'm beyond thrilled to explore this new world of a precious little BOY!!!!!! My heart is bursting!!!! :)

And just for the good thrill of cutting a cake, I suppose it'd gone a bit like this......

Monday, August 26, 2013

Bibs, Brew, Burgers & Blue

So I found my facebook status cute enough, I decided to use it as today's blog post title! Don't judge me... it's perfectly appropriate given the weekend was filled with such adventures. The hubs and I took a trip up to our old memorable city... Indianapolis. My parents being season ticket holders, they kindly allowed hubby and I to venture up for a date night cheering on the Colts!!!
Given the growing size of my belly, I was unable to rock my normal Colts gear... but I was still representing some blue, no doubt. Once we arrived to the city, we parked in Circle Center Mall and treated ourselves to some retail therapy... for Audriana. Ha! That's how we dos-it these days. Walk into H&M and come out with a bag full of 4yr old merchandise. It certainly decreases buyer's remorse! She's always worth it.

Speaking of shopping for youngsters, I couldn't help myself when I saw this in the Pro Shop!!!!
Although, I did not purchase anything at the time, I was certainly in awe at the sight of all the tiny gear. Audriana had her first set of Colts attire when she was around a year old... thanks to Pop & GiGi. So there is no doubt, this baby will be set and ready to go at some point! I'm anxious to see how big this little guy/girl is gonna be first... 
So moving on into the day! We finished up at the mall, and headed down a block or two (or three, depending on hub's directions - not complaining, though, it was a beautiful day for a nice stroll) .. on to grab some food. The location was ideal for a nice spring/summer/fall day!!! Regrettably, I did not snag a picture of the outdoor patio, but imagine shading with dining tables, along side two giant circular couches next to a stage for some live music... priceless. Well, the wait for outdoor seating was too long for ms. preggers, so we were seated by the window inside - good enough, just get me food... or for the hubs, a cold brew!
After indulging in some spinach & artichoke dip, we were then handed our plates of gloriousness. Not quite pictured, alongside my quesadillas, is my cup of chicken & rice soup (a true pregnant meal if I do say so myself... not sure where my taste buds derived such a combination, but it was tasty indeed).
 Stuffed, and almost miserable... we headed on down to the stadium to join in some of the tailgating fun. Although I wasn't indulging in the refreshments, the entertainment was great! They had a new set up - new to me anyway - that allowed all the fans to gather together in one area and enjoy some food, beverages and live music. We found some shade, and parked it for a little while to enjoy it!
But then it was game time!!! No pictures to share... except for one of my hubby I spontaneously decided to capture. Figured I might as well, since there was no other photo indicating our presence at the game. A GREAT game at that! Our dear Colts played well, and won against the Browns. Woo hoo! Yes, it's only preseason, but it's exciting nonetheless. And yes, our seats look a bit high, but it was only the 400 section. Not bad considering their seats used to be up in the 600s!!! Talk about a hike. 
Regardless, we will take free tickets to a game ANYTIME!!! Thanks, mama & daddy, you're the best. We really enjoyed ourselves. Date nights like these won't come as easily when the new baby arrives! Although, the excitement for that day sure made it's appearance more than once on this rendezvous... as I realized come Super Bowl Sunday our baby will be here!!! I made that known quite often in the night. Hehe. Xoxoxo

Monday, August 19, 2013

Days like these...

Well, as Murphy's Law states "if anything can go wrong, it will..." therefore in contrast I've mostly survived by, it's better to have and not need it, than need it and not have it. Except however, when things are completely out of your control ---- LIKE THE INTERNET. As soon as I began celebrating the magnificent miracle of our working network, it quits. So here we are again, weeks later... however, that's as much as I'm going to complain about it. Smile and move on! :)

Today is a momentous day!!! I'm currently at my local coffee shop; and while sipping on my usual large decaf mocha frapp, and freely enjoying their wifi, I've come to terms that this is quite a bittersweet rendezvous. The hubs is at work and my daughter is... wait for it... AT PRESCHOOL. Omgosh!! I have to pinch myself every second it crosses my mind. I cannot believe my baby girl is already in preschool.
The first day, however is a very short day and I will be picking her back up in about 20 mins!! So this is, as intended, quite a short post... just wanted to share the news that my baby is no longer a baby and I'm not sure I'm ready for that... it doesn't help that my 20 weeks hormones kick in as every 10 mins.

I couldn't ask for a better send off though. She was more than excited!!!! That definitely makes it easier on mommy... her enthusiasm is obvious. ;)
Happy First Day of Preschool, my sweet girl!! I'm so proud of you.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Happy Birthday, my sweet baby girl...

When you begin life as a new parent, everyone tells you the time will fly. You believe them to an extent, given prior events in your life (ie: highschool, college, etc). However, there is nothing comparable to the realization that your child is not a baby anymore.
#flashbackfriday, 2 mos/3 yrs old
Talk about bittersweet. My baby girl is FOUR YEARS OLD today - sometimes the thought brings tears to my eyes. You love to see them grow into their own little self, but at the same time you just wish time could stand still a little bit each year. Ok ok, leaving the sappiness behind - I could go on for days about it - I'll jump into how we celebrated this special day of my very, very, very special girl!! 
Each year we have a theme, and THIS year she picked the theme herself - again, growing up *tear. She wanted a "Princess" party. Not just the Disney princesses, but any and all were welcomed. ;) So with the theme and colors in mind, the decorating began the night before! 
One particular gift that can't be overlooked is this giant castle, from aunt Lindsay. I will say it was a huge hit with the kids, but sadly found it's spot in her room... and out of the kitchen. Ha. 
Jumping way ahead to the day of the party, the forecast was to be gloomy and rainy. However, with much prayer and positive attitude the clouds opened up and it was one of our warmest days!! Thankfully, because we needed some sunshine for this big daddy...
Might I add, it came to be of GREAT service!
 ...and just to be safe, we had a second option for the smaller tykes. :)
After much struggle, we got the kids dried off and back inside for opening gifts and cake!! I'm pretty sure the cake was more motivation for their attendance.
Sadly, among the hustle and bustle I wasn't able to capture a picture of the cake (solo) on my phone, but as you can see, it's the same design as her invitations - thanks to Sweet Stuff Bakery. We've been loyal customers since birthday #1, and they even made our wedding cake. :) 
Well as any child party goes, all guests with young children departed shortly after the cake cutting. I'm sure a much needed nap was due for most! As for the rest of the adults, they found ways to enjoy the weather as it began to cool off...
Well that's that folks... my big girl is four today. Wow, no matter how many times I say it, I just can't wrap my head around that reality. She's truly my heart and soul... the light to my world. I continue to thank the Lord for the blessing of her being, and that she continues to grow healthy and strong as each year approaches. 

God bless you, and Happy Birthday my sweet girl. 
Mommy loves you more than you'll ever know!!!!!!!