Currently Crushing: Strawberry Delight Cake

While reading the latest Woman's Day Magazine, I came across a yummy recipe for a cake topped with blueberries and a frosting made of sour cream and cream cheese.  Although I totally love sour cream and cream cheese, not everyone in our house is a fan.

It also happened to be a special little someone's 6th birthday, and she had requested a strawberry cake.  I decided to change up the recipe, first opting for a box cake to save on time.  I baked the cake in 8" round cake pans.  After cooling, the cake was set in the refrigerator overnight.  This allowed for us to easily cut each cake through the middle, creating the layers.

Just before the party, the cake was layered with cool whip and strawberries.  This is a fun and festive spring cake that everyone is sure to enjoy.  Other thoughts would be to poke the cake and pour jello over it before refrigerating.  Although I chose to skip frosting the sides, cool whip and strawberries could have also been added.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

"May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light, may good luck pursue you each morning and night."  Irish Blessing

Essie: Alice & Olivia Fall/Winter '14 Style

Today's look is all about dressing up the nails, and fortunately with sites like Pinterest we can learn how to create many of the styles without leaving the house.

There was a strong focus on the nails during New York Fashion Week, and I am happy to be able to share the many looks by essie.  

Stacey Bendet’s fairytale inspired Alice + Olivia collection was filled with textured metallic fabrics, exotic fur pieces and oversized knits. To complement the bohemian glamour vibe, Miss Pop Nails for essie created two dark, gold accented nail looks. 

essie nail products used:
first base base coat 
good as gold licorice 
good to go top coat


How to get the look:

1. Apply first base base coat to clean, filed nails
   
2. Next, apply two layers licorice
   
3. To apply the gold dots, dip a nail dotting tool in good as gold and carefully apply a
   medium-sized dot at the center tip of the nail and two smaller dots on each side
   
4. At the base of the nail, dip the dotting tool in good as gold and apply a medium-sized
   dot at the center edge of the nail and five smaller dots surrounding it
   
5. Finish with good to go top coat
   

Tip: If you don’t have a nail dotting tool, use the end of a bobby pin!

cpr & first aid - we meet once again.

a couple of months ago i decided i wanted my daughter to become a Girl Scout. unfortunately there wasn't any room in the current daisy troops, so in order for her to become a Girl Scout, we needed a troop leader.  of course, me being the person that i am decided no big deal, i will be the leader.  i am crafty, i enjoy children, and love taking trips and exploring new things. easy peasy.... until i heard the words "first aid and cpr".  

well, one of the rules of girl scouting is that there must always be a first aider on hand during the meetings and events.  naturally, i asked if any of the parents were certified, and to my dismay, they were not.  yes, i learned first aid and cpr in school, but that was many years ago and it certainly wasn't one of my stronger area's.  let's just say i don't know how i passed the test.   today whenever there is an injury at home i call for my husband because i just don't handle thoe types of things very well.  

since the hubs works for the fire department, he was able to get me registered for a class.  

today is the day, and today is a new day.

i am as excited as i am nervous. i will attack it head on. i will go in there, learn as much as i possibly can, and pray that i don't ever have to use the information and skills i have learrned. as they say, information is knowledge, and knowledge is power.

i can totally rock this!

Conquer 2014 in Style

Conquer 2014 in Style by stacyallen

Each year, millions of people set a goal to get fit or workout more for their New Year's resolutions.  We start out pumped and motivated, but sometimes we lose that motivation.  One of the ways we find it easier to stay focused is by setting ourselves up with all the right gear, because let's face it, who doesn't like wearing a cool new outfit to workout in?

The first, most important piece of your outfit are shoes.  Proper shoes that fit and feel great on your feet are a must for any time of an exercise plan.  The sneaker of the season is the Nike Flex Run shown above in blue with the pink swoosh.  Whether we are hitting the trails, running on the track, or walking on the treadmill these shoes are sure to provide the proper comfort and support needed.  The Nike Flex Run are available at www.FamousFootwear.com, and retail for $79.99.  This style is on sale, so if you hurry, you can get them for $74.99! If you aren't close to a Famous Footwear, you can purchase them through their website.

Don't forget the other must-haves: an iPod or MP3 player with some uplifting and inspiring beats, and a watch that allows you to track your workout time and heart rate.

Please... No Marshmallows!

Today's #My_365 challenge word is please.  Naturally, I thought I would give Little Missy some ice cream since they ALWAYS ask for more at the end. After making the suggestion, she said she would really rather have hot cocoa, but PLEASE no marshmallows!

So, after our trip to the doctor's, she got her hot cocoa!

Snowflakes!

The Path...

"Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence."

Henry David Thoreau 

Turn that smile upside down!

It's a beautiful day!