We partied all weekend!

We started the weekend off with my niece, Kelli Linn's 9th birthday party.

I can't believe she is already 9! Man, time just flies by, and you realize it more when you have kids to watch grow up!

I made her some strawberry cupcakes with purple cream cheese frosting and purple cupcakes with hot pink cream cheese frosting.



We painted fingernails and toenails.


They ate and jumped on the moonbounce and ran around like crazy 9 year old girls are known to do!

On Sunday, we had to do it all over again for my grandbaby, Jalynn's 4th birthday! I still can't believe that she is already 4. She was a preemie and started out so little, but she has definitely caught up!!

This is Jalynn and her bestie, Ashton. They share a birthday...Happy birthday, Ashy!!

What do you get when you cross a birthday cake frosted in blue with a very quick shih tsu?

Cali loved that cake!

Yay for FREE!!!

Ever since the first time I went to my in-law's house, I have coveted my mother-in-law's chaise lounge that she had in her bed room. I wanted one sooo bad! I looked everywhere for one that was similar and inexpensive. I looked on Craig's List, Ebay, Goodwill, garage sales and used funiture stores. I never could find one that was similar that I could afford. But guess what? I have the best mother-in-law, EVER!! My father-in-law bought her a new chair and ottomon for her bedroom so she GAVE ME HER CHAISE!!!

She's like an oversized chair and I like that. Perfect for snuggling up with a good book.

Her upolstery is different and I like that.

She goes great with my living room.

And she was free! That's the best part, of course, 'cause I am all about free! The only problem is that my mother-in-law smokes so my little chaise stinks! I had her out on the patio for a couple of days to air out but then it started raining! She gets sprayed with Fabreeze everytime I walk by and this weekend we are going to give her a good shampooing. But until then, I will just sit on the sofa and admire her!!!

Any suggestions on how to get rid of the smoke smell?? Help!

Brian's last meal.....banana cake

My husband LOVES banana cake. In fact, at our wedding we had banana nut cupcakes in addition to our wedding cake and groom's cake! So when my sis-in-law, Tracie, e-mailed me this recipe, I knew I had to try it. Of course, after I tried it I knew that I had to share it with ya'll!!

BANANA PUDDING BUNDT CAKE

Cake:

1 (18.5ounce) yellow cake mix

(3.5 ounce) instant banana pudding

4 eggs

1 C water

1/4 C vegetable oil

3/4 C mashed bananas

Glaze:

2 C powdered sugar

2TBS milk

1 dash vanilla

1/2 C chopped walnuts (I used pecans)

I also added cinnamon 'cuz that's how I roll!

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour a 10 inch bundt pan. In a large bowl, stir together cake mix and pudding mix. Make a well in the center and pour in eggs, water, oil, and mashed bananas. Beat on low speed until blended. Scrape bowl and beat 4 minutes on medium. Pour batter into pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until cake is tested done. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes then put on a wire cool rack and cool completely. To make glaze: in a small bowl combine powdered sugar, milk and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. When cake has cooled drizzle icing over the cake and add nuts.

This recipe is verrry good and very moist! Just ask my hubby....this is all that is left and I only had one piece!!

Now that one little lone piece is going down the garbage disposal because Brian and I started Weight Watchers today! Now he will have to enjoy his banana cake without the cake!!

Margarita Cupcakes...best eaten on the patio with friends!

A couple of weeks ago I sent out a tweet on Twitter about making some margarita cupcakes for a baby shower that I catered and was asked to post the recipe on my blog by my dear friend The Treat Girl. (I totally just figured out how to do that link thing all by myself! This blog thing is getting easier and easier! Any way...) So this is for you Pam, enjoy!!

Margarita Cupcakes

• 1 box white cake mix


• 8 oz. margarita mix


• 2 oz. tequila


• 1 oz. Grand Marnier


• 3 egg whites


• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil


• 1 Tbsp grated lime zest
  

Lime Buttercream Frosting

• 8 Tbsp butter, softened


• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened


• 2 Tbsp lime juice (aprox. 2 fresh limes)
  
• 1 Tbsp margarita mix


• 1 tsp grated lime zest


• 5 cups powdered sugar


• fresh limes for garnish
  

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 and prepare muffin pans


2. Combine margarita mix, tequila, and Grand Marnier in a large glass and stir well.


3. In a large bowl (I use my Kitchen-Aid), combine cake mix, egg whites, lime zest, vegetable oil, and margarita mixture from step one. Stir together, then beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed for aprox. 2-3 minutes.


4. Spoon the batter into prepared muffin pans. Fill each cup/liner about 2/3 full. ( I personally, use the Saucy Method with an ice cream scoop!)


5. Bake at recommended temperature on cake mix box (usually 325-350) for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. (For my oven it only takes 18 minutes.)
   

Frosting

1. In a large bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, lime juice, margarita mix, and lime zest. Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.


2. Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time and continue beating until smooth. If icing is too thin you can add more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time.


3. Spread icing generously on each cupcake or use a pastry bag to frost. Garnish with lime wedges.


4. Now, go sit on a patio some where with some girlfriends and enjoy these cupcakes, cause everyone knows that is the best way to enjoy a margarita!!