Cinnamon Twist Wreath

Ok…so I’m a little delayed in getting this recipe to you guys and I get there’s no way you’re going to fit this into your already packed and hectic Easter weekend but here’s the truth – I totally had a FAIL on the first one! It happens y’all. This is my first time working with yeast and rising dough and sometimes it just takes practice. Good news is that while the first one didn’t turn out as pretty as I was hoping, it still tasted AMAZING and there was no complaining in this household when I said, “Well…we’re just going to try that one again!” And BAM. Not only did it turn out beautiful but I also was able to test some theories I had from my flaws on the first one that I can now share with you. So here we go, this yummy and beautiful Cinnamon Twist Wreath by Chatelaine.

Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes

Let me just brag for a moment…Texas is having an AMAZING winter this year (and now I’m sure I just jinxed it). In fact, I’m currently enjoying the sunshine and 65 degree weather as I write this (I’m pushing my luck at this point, I just know it). I think my favorite part about it so far are the abundance of bright, springy flowers in the shops around here. Bushels of bright yellow calla lilies can be seen everywhere! Perhaps this is the normal time of year for it but for some reason it just feels like this is the first time I’m thinking “yay!” versus the typical, “ok, you’re getting ahead of yourself spring.” Maybe it’s the calla lilies, maybe it’s the sunshine, but at this point in time all I can thing about is getting out from the heavy dark chocolate lava cakes and making springy, fluffy, bright desserts.

Strawberry Hearts

I know it’s not quite strawberry season just yet but nothing can stop Valentine’s Day from covering fruit in chocolate to convince everyone they’re getting a healthy goodie right? See …it’s not me…it’s that tricky Hallmark holiday, Valentine’s Day. Regardless, Trader Joe’s has my strawberries and I had an idea I just HAD to try. And now I just HAVE to share it with yall! I present to you…drumroll please…strawberry hearts!

A Very Girly First Birthday Party

It happened. We raised a child without killing ourselves or said child for a whole year. Actually – I think we did surprisingly well 🙂 And that’s cause for celebration. If you’ve been keeping up with me from the beginning here you’ll know we didn’t find out if we were having a girl or boy (see this post or this one if you want more details on gender-neutral baby world things) and we loved every moment of our beautiful surprise. That being said, I didn’t have any super girly or super boyish baby prep festivities. So for this little girl’s first birthday I decided to make up for it – the theme would be all things GIRLY. Bring on the pink, sparkle, flowers & frill!

Sweets for a Sweet Little Girl’s Party

White chocolate? Chocolate and strawberries? But some people are a salty sweet kind of person. How does one choose what to make for a birthday party? My answer is don’t! When it comes to sweets – make it all!! There’s only a few times a year you get to go totally crazy with your baking creations. Now if that’s just ridiculous, cool – choose whichever of these creations tickles your fancy – you can’t go wrong.

Mouthwatering Tropical Desserts!

And here it is folks, the last of the tropical pool party posts (if you missed the previous post – check out the savory food here!). Don’t worry, it’s made a little sweeter by being filled with my tasty treats! This dessert table was all about the fruity goodness including Mini Key Lime Cheesecakes & Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizzas (GREAT to do with the kiddos!). Of course no dessert table is complete without chocolate in my mind so I tried out this AMAZING recipe by The Pioneer Woman – she’s one of my favs – for Knock You Naked Brownies (I did not name them…blame it on Pioneer Woman). And just when I thought my dessert list was complete I came across the most adorable Sand Dollar Sugar Cookies and couldn’t pass them up. Make one, make all I can’t pick a favorite!

Tropical Pool Party: Decorations

Confession: I’ve been meaning to throw a pool party for two years. No lie. My husband and I have seriously been talking about doing it for that long. And finally, we planned to throw a beginning of summer pool party for May 30 about two months ago. I literally sent the eVite out about six weeks in advance so that we would actually do it. And it was such a blast!

Sunday BBQ: Tablescape & Berry Crumble

Well, May certainly has proven to be the busiest month of the year thus far. Full of thunderstorms, a teething baby, weddings and family events. So, why not throw in a Sunday BBQ with the grandparents? First off, grandparents are always welcome – especially now that they are GREAT grandparents. Secondly…who turns down BBQ?

Mini Almond Butter & Strawberry Muffins

Why yes this is my third post that boasts these DELICIOUS Mini Almond Butter & Strawberry Muffins! The recipe card first made its debut on A Garden Party Bridal Shower and then appeared in Game Night: Poker Night.

So, where did I find this amazing recipe you ask? At the gym of course! 🙂 One of my favorite times to watch Food Network is actually listening to music while on the treadmill – it’s surprising how many tips you pick up on just by watching and not listening – but back to these muffins. I saw these on Giada at Home (Love her! But seriously…how does anyone stay that skinny cooking pasta all the time?) and immediately found and Pinned them – and then got in trouble for being on my phone while using the treadmill. Oh those safety precautions…I’m such a rebel 😉 Hope you enjoy this simple and YUMMY recipe!

Game Night: Poker Night

As mentioned in my Tea Cup & Martini Glass Flower Centerpieces post, the hubs was having a poker night and I just couldn’t help myself – I needed to cook, bake and entertain! Plus, I justified it all by saying it was practice for a big future game night or casino themed party. I mean, who can resist a theme?