Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Magnolia/Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcakes!

I tried out something new and was pretty scared! Red Velvet cupcakes were very foreign to me, but also so Christmasy! I had to try it.

For Mr. Awesome's Christmas Party, I had to step up my game. The search began for the Perfect Recipe! I started my search with my fellow baker friend, The Girl Kyle and saw she had a modified Magnolia Bakery recipe...yes, the famous one in NYC! I did some Googling and found the perfect mix based on everything I read...Magnolia Bakery Cupcake with Sprinkles Cupcake Frosting. The Magnolia frosting had a buttercream recipe and I decided the cream cheese sounded more decadent. 

I was right! These turned out amazing, albeit time consuming! Cupcakes were a hit and I definitely solidified my place as Favorite Wife in Mr. Awesome's eyes. :)

P.s. Any suggestions on getting the same amount of batter in each tin????

Monday, December 20, 2010

Makeup By Ashley Carter: Wedding Season

Follow my friend's makeup blog! And if you know of anyone getting married in Northern California, send them Ashley's info! She will make them B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L.


Makeup By Ashley Carter: Wedding Season: "Is it just me? Or is wedding season all year round! Everyone around me is getting hitched! So for anyone that is looking to feel and look be..."

The Awesome Family Christmas Card!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Worst Christmas Gifts 2010


There have been some pretty crazy items released into stores this year. In my opinion, here are some of the worst things you could get under the tree. Or...it could be a great list for your White Elephant Exchange. You're welcome.


I even can't listen to him on the show. Why would I PAY to hear him talk about his abs?


I mean, this is just so wrong in so many ways.





Yes, we all love gadgets we use once and shove in the pantry. Plus, who needs to make donuts? Aren't they like $.50 at the store?


What's wrong with a dumbbell?


Snooki from the Jersey Shore wrote a book. She can't form sentences properly while speaking. I could only imagine what her writing would be like.

Pajama Jeans?

I'm not sure if these are the worst idea ever or.....simply genius. You decide.

p.s. This is real. Here is the website if you don't believe me.








Monday, December 6, 2010

New Logo!

What do you guys think? I LOVE IT!

A huge thanks to Ariana at Silver Daisies Photography-Graphics! If you're interested in any graphics or photography, be sure to follow her.

Happy Monday!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Stuff My Uncle Says...Part 2


Uncle T: Man, I have a really bad headache.
Me: Let me get you some Advil.
(Hands him 4 pills)
Uncle T: Oh, just 2 is good.
Me: Um..no, really. Take 4. 2 is for when you say...stub your toe? You'll thank me later.
Uncle T: Wow, I never knew my niece was a drug pusher.

Playing With Makeup!

I was a model the other day for a dear friend, Ashley Carter while she did my makeup. I was her Bridal model and had an amazing time doing it. She is so talented! 

If you have any friends getting married and need Wedding Day/Fashion Show/Girl's Night Out/Professional Photos/Senior Portraits/Holiday Party Makeup in the Northern California area, she is your girl!

Here is some of her work!

p.s. You can find her here!

Bridal Couture
My Favorite
Editorial Vogue


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Jingle Bell Rock with The Plastics

Every time I hear "Jingle Bell Rock" I can't help but picture this scene from Mean Girls. Amy Poehler makes it that much more obnoxious by dancing in the aisle. Hilarious. Merry Christmas!!!


p.s. Anyone else have the urge to learn the dance and perform it? No? Just me?


Friday, November 26, 2010

Stuff My Uncle Says

My uncle and his new wife came to visit us for Thanksgiving! He cracks me up with his blunt attitude and telling it like it is. This was my favorite from the weekend...


On the Kardashian's
Uncle T (While reading US Weekly): That one Kardashian sister is a beast.
Me: Oh, Khloe?
Uncle T: Yeah, she is just a brute. If she talked to me like that I'd smack her in the face. I wouldn't even care. I'd do it.
Me: Yeah, you couldn't really mess up her face even more. She kinda looks like Shrek.
Uncle T: No wonder she thought she was adopted. The other sisters are so much prettier.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Black Friday!!!!

This was my response to a 545am pick up with my friend Amy:

Sounds good! Sleep tight! Dream of fabulous deals and cute shoes! :)


Ahhhhh, it's the most wonderful time of the year! When else is it normal to shop at 6am? Love it!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Out of Office Re: Dear Santa

This is a real email exchange between me and Mr. Awesome. Awesome.

 ________________________________________________________________________________

From: Mrs. Awesome
Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:13:47 -0800
To: Mr. Awesome
Subject: Dear Santa

I want:
 
  • A kindle with a pink case
  • MAC brush set-Ask Ashley
  • Zebra computer bag
  • Purse Hook 
Love,
Me

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Mr. Awesome
Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:18:47 -0800
To: Mrs. Awesome
Subject: Out of Office: Dear Santa

Thank you for your email, but I will be out the office until December 26th. If this is an urgent matter you can contact Buddy the Elf @ 555-nor-pole.

Thank you for your understanding, and have a Merry Christmas!

Love,
S. Claus

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Pumpkin Spice Cream Chese Muffins!

With Fall in the air, I decided it was time to make my favorite muffins ever! They are kind of time consuming, but worth every minute. There is a cream cheese center and a yummy cinnamon and sugar crumble on top.

I made a double batch to make sure I had enough for a party I was going to and for work on Monday. Here is how they turned out! My co-worker said they were the best things she's ever had of mine. :)

If you make them, let me know how they turn out!

Happy Fall!


All the yummy spices!
Half the batter with cream cheese in the middle
Rest of batter and the crumble on top! I made the mistake of using softened butter, so it was more of a layer than crumble.
Not the prettiest things, but they turned out AMAZING!
Here is the recipe!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Yield: 24 muffins

Ingredients:
For the muffins:
3 cups flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tbsp. and 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
4 eggs
1 ¼ cups vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
2 cups pumpkin puree

For the filling:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar

For the streusel topping:
½ cup sugar
¼ cup and 1 tsp. flour
4 tbsp. butter, cubed
1 ½ tsp. cinnamon

Directions:
To prepare the filling, combine the cream cheese and powdered sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer and whip until smooth.  Form into a log on plastic wrap or foil, making sure that the diameter is small enough to fit into the well of a muffin pan.  Wrap the log up tightly and freeze until slightly hardened, 1-2 hours.

To make the muffins, combine the flour, spices, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl.  Mix well and set aside.  In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the eggs, vegetable oil, sugar and pumpkin puree.  Mix until well combined.  Add in the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.

To make the streusel topping, combine all ingredients in a small bowl.  Mix together with a pastry blender or two forks until crumbly.

Preheat the oven to 350°.  Line two muffin pans with paper liners.  To assemble the muffins, fill each muffin well halfway with batter.  Remove the cream cheese log from the freezer and slice into 24 equal slices.  Place a slice in each muffin well.  Divide the remaining muffin batter evenly among the muffin cups, on top of the cream cheese.  Sprinkle the streusel topping over the top of the batter.  Bake for 20-25 minutes.  Let cool completely before serving.


Monday, November 15, 2010

Pumpkin Goodness


This delightful little trifle has just been added to my Thanksgiving menu. Jealous?

Psssst! Here's the link, friends! Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle

Friday, November 12, 2010

Undomestic Goddess

Me: Mom, what's the best way to get the shower super clean? I hate the water spots on the glass.

Mom: Hiring a housekeeper.

Me: I like the way you think

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

N'awlins 2010!

Mr. Awesome and I had a wonderful trip to New Orleans last weekend! I had a work conference and then he flew out to meet me...worked out perfectly!

This city is seriously amazing. You can drink on the street (in plastic cups), and you get judged for NOT drinking. Seriously. I was holding a Starbucks cup at 1:30pm and was totally getting looks. That is where it all started to go downhill. Apparently they have 3 for 1 specials at most bars...until 8pm. If you can last that long.

Here are some highlights of the trip! If you haven't gone...make it a priority. Seriously. And rest up your liver beforehand.

Saonce Room in Muriel's Restaurant. Super creepy!

Awesome. Simply awesome.

Where it all happens...

Coors Light delivery!!!! They had about 7 trucks.

New Orleans Hornets vs. Miami Heat!

Hand Grenade...New Orleans' strongest drink...in person!
At Cafe Du Monde....mmmmmm

Team CoCo!



Conan is BACK! Aaaaaand I'm super excited about it.

You should all watch. He's funny. And a Ginger. What can be better? Seriously. DVR it. Do it. NOW!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Snooki and Derek Zoolander...

Snooki and Derek Zoolander were my two costumes this year. I posted Snooki earlier, so here is Derek! It's a cross between his signature look and "Derelicte."



Taaaaaa Daaaaaa!



And here is Mr. Awesome. He won the costume contest!!!!



Hope everyone had a fun Halloween!

p.s. Here is a compilation of the best parts of Zoolander in case you haven't seen it. Which I just lost a little respect for you if you have never seen this movie.

Snooks!

Here I am as 'Snooki' at the office. Not sure if you can tell, but I have A TON of bronzer on.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Lazy Sunday

This rainy weather makes me want to stay home and cuddle. My lovah thought it was a good idea too, so we had waffles, turkey bacon, hot chocolate and snuggled while watching movies.

I love lazy Sundays. :) Looks like Bubbas enjoyed it too!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Teriyaki Turkey Burgers

I made these for the second time last night, and they keep getting better and better! They turn out really flavorful, and are super easy. I omit the cilantro and scallions in the mix, but add about 1 cup chopped white onion. Delish! Let me know if you try it out and what you think. Happy eating!
 
Teriyaki Turkey Burgers
 


23 people rated this recipe
Course: main meals
POINTS® Value:    6
Servings:  4
Preparation Time:  12 min
Cooking Time:  16 min
Level of Difficulty:  Easy
 
These sesame-teriyaki burgers are super flavorful — even more so when topped with grilled scallions.

Ingredients


1 1/4 pound(s) lean ground turkey   
1 Tbsp ginger root, fresh, finely chopped   
1 Tbsp minced garlic   
1 tsp sesame oil   
1/4 cup(s) teriyaki sauce   
1/4 cup(s) scallion(s), chopped   
2 Tbsp cilantro, fresh, finely chopped   
1 large egg white(s)   
2 spray(s) cooking spray   
8 medium scallion(s), root ends trimmed   
4 item(s) reduced-calorie hamburger roll(s)   

Instructions

  • Preheat a grill (or grill pan) to medium-high.
  • In a large bowl, combine turkey, ginger, garlic, oil, teriyaki sauce, scallions, cilantro and egg white; mix until just combined. Make four burgers, about 3/4-inch-thick each.
  • Offheat, coat both sides of burgers with cooking spray.
  • Grill burgers, flipping once, until fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. A few minutes before burgers are done, place whole scallions on center of grill and cook, turning once, until bright green and charred, about 2 minutes.
  • Remove burgers and scallions to a plate; lightly toast rolls on grill. Serve each burger on a roll topped with 2 scallions. Yields 1 burger per serving.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Happy Birthday, Colleen!

Happy Birthday to my dear friend, Colleen!

Her favorite cake is Funfetti, so I found a recipe to make a home made one. This year I went with cupcakes rather than a cake. They turned out super cute and I'm pretty sure her hubby liked it more than her!

We had a conversation about using our china, so we busted it out and made it a special night!

Happy Birthday Friend!