Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Dark Chocolate Cake with Dark Chocolate Chips and White Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
We had our last spring birthday celebration around here recently. My son requested dark chocolate cake with dark chocolate chips and white chocolate frosting. After some thought, I decided to add some melted white chocolate to buttercream frosting. It actually worked pretty well! After baking the cake, which was simply a dark chocolate cake mix with some dark chocolate chips added in, I made my favorite buttercream frosting recipe. Then I melted 6 oz. of Baker's White Chocolate. I added the white chocolate gradually, since it was much warmer than the frosting, so as to sort of temper it. The frosting really tasted good. I do believe I'll do this again. I'm sure that this could be a way to make some chocolate buttercream frosting as well. Writing on cake isn't the easiest thing to do. Maybe I'll have it down before they are all grown up.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Once Upon a Time, There Was Some Order in the House...Then I Had Toddlers
Once Upon a Time, I had a house that had some semblance of order. Then I had babies that grew into toddlers. It has been a couple of years since I've had a toddler in the house. It is official that I have one again. You know what I mean. Before they become mobile, books tend to stay on the bookshelves. Things don't get dumped as much. Clean laundry can get folded without going into a mouth or being dropped on the floor that still needs to get mopped.
Well, now that my precious baby girl is walking and running and climbing all over the place, my cookbooks are almost daily unshelved and on the floor. My clean laundry makes it to her mouth or the floor, while I'm trying to fold it. School papers are fascinating to her. Books are fascinating to her. She is curious and learning about her world. It's a good thing to be curious. That's how we learn. It's also how we learn what is okay and what is not okay. It is not okay to stick her hands into my cupboard and grab the box of Jello and rip it open. It is not okay to play with chemicals. It is not okay to rip school papers. It is not okay to open the dishwasher door. It is not okay to pull down on the oven door. It is okay to be curious about books, I'd just rather them not be on the floor... daily...multiple times. It is okay to try to help mommy fold laundry, when she is bigger and not putting it in her mouth, or on the floor. Her much older siblings would appreciate her not pulling their bookmarks out of the books they are reading.
I remind myself that she is learning boundaries and that it is building a foundation for her. She won't be doing this forever. Her curiosity is a learning tool. Today she found a bottle filled with colored sand and a loose top. She had fun learning about it, before she was caught. In the past I've had nearly a full bag of flour on the floor by another curious toddler. One toddler knew how to unlock the deadbolt on the front door and open it and run out, down the sidewalk, around the neighborhood, in her diaper. She was between 1 and 2 years of age and I was pregnant. My oldest had to chase her down for me and bring her back to the house, while she giggled about her escape. We changed the lock on the door after a few times of this happening. These are times to remember, because they only last for a short time in their lives. The day will come that I will look back and smile at the memories.
Here's a picture of little one's adventure today.
This child cracks me up. She makes a little bit of noise and then shushes herself, because we are trying to teach her to not be loud. Silly girl!
Well, now that my precious baby girl is walking and running and climbing all over the place, my cookbooks are almost daily unshelved and on the floor. My clean laundry makes it to her mouth or the floor, while I'm trying to fold it. School papers are fascinating to her. Books are fascinating to her. She is curious and learning about her world. It's a good thing to be curious. That's how we learn. It's also how we learn what is okay and what is not okay. It is not okay to stick her hands into my cupboard and grab the box of Jello and rip it open. It is not okay to play with chemicals. It is not okay to rip school papers. It is not okay to open the dishwasher door. It is not okay to pull down on the oven door. It is okay to be curious about books, I'd just rather them not be on the floor... daily...multiple times. It is okay to try to help mommy fold laundry, when she is bigger and not putting it in her mouth, or on the floor. Her much older siblings would appreciate her not pulling their bookmarks out of the books they are reading.
I remind myself that she is learning boundaries and that it is building a foundation for her. She won't be doing this forever. Her curiosity is a learning tool. Today she found a bottle filled with colored sand and a loose top. She had fun learning about it, before she was caught. In the past I've had nearly a full bag of flour on the floor by another curious toddler. One toddler knew how to unlock the deadbolt on the front door and open it and run out, down the sidewalk, around the neighborhood, in her diaper. She was between 1 and 2 years of age and I was pregnant. My oldest had to chase her down for me and bring her back to the house, while she giggled about her escape. We changed the lock on the door after a few times of this happening. These are times to remember, because they only last for a short time in their lives. The day will come that I will look back and smile at the memories.
Here's a picture of little one's adventure today.
This child cracks me up. She makes a little bit of noise and then shushes herself, because we are trying to teach her to not be loud. Silly girl!
What Does Your Posture Say About You?
Have you ever paid attention to your posture? I don't mean in regards to your skeletal or muscular health, though that's important too. Have you ever noticed your mood or energy level when you've noticed your posture? Apparently your posture says a lot about how you feel about yourself. Do you feel confident? Do you feel anxious? There was a study done about this and was mentioned on the news this morning.
I don't know about you, but now I have another reason to pay attention to my posture. I think I just may start some of those exercises.
I don't know about you, but now I have another reason to pay attention to my posture. I think I just may start some of those exercises.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Catching Fire - Book 2 of The Hunger Games, My Thoughts
SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT!
If you haven't read the book yet or don't like to have hints of what is to come, please do not read!
I can't believe how intense this series is and how deep it is. Poor Katniss goes through so much at such a young age. Frankly, all of the characters have so much to learn to deal with and live through. Just when I thought that Katniss and Peeta were safe, I realized that President Snow is twisted, maniacal and sadistic.
I wondered what was going to happen when President Snow visited Katniss's house before the tour of the districts with Peeta. I wondered if he was really going to let her off the hook if she was able to "convince" him of her love for Peeta. But, at the same time, I knew something had to happen since there was another book to read and it couldn't just be about a happy ending for a whole book. Katniss's description of him smelling like blood just leaves a picture of someone sick to the very core of his being.
I hate that the Peacemakers were replaced in District 12. I hate that Darius was turned into an Avox. That twisted mind putting him on the 12th floor to get to Katniss! President Snow has a mental knife that he just twists and twists after stabbing in the heart! I'm convinced that he wrote the card for the Third Quarter Quell reaping and that it wasn't written years ago. I wonder what the previous president was like and how President Snow got into his position.
I love what the mockingjay stands for! I love that the rebels have been underground and planning a revolt for a long time. I love that District 13 is becoming an ally to the rebels! Seeing the camaraderie between the Victors before going into the arena was encouraging. It had me thinking that maybe they wouldn't fight each other in the arena. But, then I realized, that if they didn't fight, the gamemakers would kill them off. What kind of a stand would that make? I wanted to hate Finnick and Johanna, but they turned out to be honorable people.
As I see it, there is a lot of build up in this book. It stops at a point that you just don't want to stop! I wanted to keep reading when I got to the end and couldn't believe that it stopped where it did. But then again, that's the point of a series, isn't it? I couldn't continue because I needed to be responsible and take care of a few details of my daily life. I am anxious to start up again tonight. I've had friends who've told me they read until 2 am at times. I believe it, because I actually was reading till 1 am one night. But because I kept dosing off and refusing to put it down until I couldn't hold my kindle up anymore, I had to re-read two pages the next day. I'm not sure what exactly Mockingjay holds, but it's got to be intense, considering that District 12 no longer exists.
If you haven't read the book yet or don't like to have hints of what is to come, please do not read!
I can't believe how intense this series is and how deep it is. Poor Katniss goes through so much at such a young age. Frankly, all of the characters have so much to learn to deal with and live through. Just when I thought that Katniss and Peeta were safe, I realized that President Snow is twisted, maniacal and sadistic.
I wondered what was going to happen when President Snow visited Katniss's house before the tour of the districts with Peeta. I wondered if he was really going to let her off the hook if she was able to "convince" him of her love for Peeta. But, at the same time, I knew something had to happen since there was another book to read and it couldn't just be about a happy ending for a whole book. Katniss's description of him smelling like blood just leaves a picture of someone sick to the very core of his being.
I hate that the Peacemakers were replaced in District 12. I hate that Darius was turned into an Avox. That twisted mind putting him on the 12th floor to get to Katniss! President Snow has a mental knife that he just twists and twists after stabbing in the heart! I'm convinced that he wrote the card for the Third Quarter Quell reaping and that it wasn't written years ago. I wonder what the previous president was like and how President Snow got into his position.
I love what the mockingjay stands for! I love that the rebels have been underground and planning a revolt for a long time. I love that District 13 is becoming an ally to the rebels! Seeing the camaraderie between the Victors before going into the arena was encouraging. It had me thinking that maybe they wouldn't fight each other in the arena. But, then I realized, that if they didn't fight, the gamemakers would kill them off. What kind of a stand would that make? I wanted to hate Finnick and Johanna, but they turned out to be honorable people.
As I see it, there is a lot of build up in this book. It stops at a point that you just don't want to stop! I wanted to keep reading when I got to the end and couldn't believe that it stopped where it did. But then again, that's the point of a series, isn't it? I couldn't continue because I needed to be responsible and take care of a few details of my daily life. I am anxious to start up again tonight. I've had friends who've told me they read until 2 am at times. I believe it, because I actually was reading till 1 am one night. But because I kept dosing off and refusing to put it down until I couldn't hold my kindle up anymore, I had to re-read two pages the next day. I'm not sure what exactly Mockingjay holds, but it's got to be intense, considering that District 12 no longer exists.
Friday, May 4, 2012
A Spoonful of Sugar Really Helps?
Home Remedies are becoming a popular way to take care of common everyday issues. Apparently a teaspoon of sugar triggers a response from the body that stops hiccups. Hmm.
There was a segment on the news this morning that stated this. You can watch it here.
So I think the next time I hear one of the kids complaining that they have the hiccups and they won't go away, I'll be singing "just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, medicine go down, medicine go down. Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, in the most delightful way!" And see if maybe, just maybe, it works.
There was a segment on the news this morning that stated this. You can watch it here.
So I think the next time I hear one of the kids complaining that they have the hiccups and they won't go away, I'll be singing "just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, medicine go down, medicine go down. Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, in the most delightful way!" And see if maybe, just maybe, it works.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Sea Salt Caramel Hot Chocolate Microwave Brownie
"I'm having a bad, bad day! It's about time that I get my way! Steam rolling where ever I see, Huh! Despicable Me!" That song (from the movie Despicable Me) popped in my head as I was getting prepared to write this particular post. Today just seemed to be an insanely ridiculous day for me. We started a Unit Study on Germany this week. Under normal circumstances, I think it would have been a good thing. However, why did I chose to do this new experience during a very busy week? I don't know, maybe I'm insane. Maybe I just didn't think it through, what this week already held, but wanted to do the study, because I had been preparing for it, had books from the library and just wanted to get started. Start it we did, on Tuesday.
Let me explain. This week is sandwiched by 2 birthdays in our family. That makes it busy already. Plus, my oldest child was diagnosed with Ehler's Danlos Syndrome last summer - which will be a post all its own soon - which led to her need for reconstructive knee surgery in February and physical therapy 3 times a week for about 12 weeks following. Which means I am currently taking her to PT 3 times a week right now. That makes it a little bit busier. Plus, I went to a bridal shower this past Sunday, that please understand, I really, really, really wanted to go to and did and am glad that I did. And, tomorrow night the kids and I are going to do our very best to make it to the showing of Much Ado About Nothing, that our friend is in. Tonight is clogging practice for all but the baby and since my son made it through the tryouts for the big dance they will be performing at Garden State Stomp, he has practice a little bit longer tonight. Then, I decided that I wanted to make 1 gallon of yogurt this week instead of half a gallon, which means that this morning I was informed we were on our very last gallon of milk. And I needed printer ink for today's school needs and a standard sized stapler, because my mini stapler wasn't big enough for one of the things we made as part of the unit study. That just set the morning off on the wrong foot for me. I am in the process of getting us back into a daily schedule and boy am I glad about that!
So anyway, have you ever noticed that when one person is experiencing stress or frustration, it doesn't take long for those around them to be affected by it too? Yes, that means that this morning ended up being a bit frustrating for half of us. Fast forward to this afternoon, after we had made it through the bare minimum that I wanted us to accomplish today, we are having some sanity time. Oldest is upstairs reading. All but the baby has had an opportunity to burn some energy with the Wii Fit and Just Dance 3. Me? I needed to resort to some chocolate. But, the peanut butter cups just weren't cutting it and I didn't want to eat the whole bag. That wouldn't be good, would it? I sat down and took a look at Pinterest and struck gold! Peanut butter and chocolate are tops on my list, but they can't beat ooey gooey chocolate warmth, unless they are part of that ooey gooey chocolate warmth.
I found this recipe and remembered that I had bought some Sea Salt Caramel hot chocolate at Target recently. Salted caramel is right up there with peanut butter for me these days. Off to "work" I went making my brownie.
4 Tablespoons all purpose flour
2 Tablespoons canola oil or melted butter
3 Tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Handful of chocolate chips
Inspired by Hot Chocolate Microwave Brownie by alli N' sons.
It was a little piece of heaven and worked wonders for me! I'm in a much better mood. Isn't it amazing how chocolate can do that?
Now, I totally intend on finishing the unit study, as well as doing more of the studies in this geography series. The kids have been learning a lot and we've enjoyed most of what we've done so far. I just need to ease up on myself and realize that we may not be able to complete it in a week, until my daughter has completely healed and recooperated from her surgery. We may need to break it up a bit. We will be doing the study on United Kingdom soon as well as the companion study for 2012 Summer Olympics.
Go ahead and make yourself one of these tonight. You know you want to!
Let me explain. This week is sandwiched by 2 birthdays in our family. That makes it busy already. Plus, my oldest child was diagnosed with Ehler's Danlos Syndrome last summer - which will be a post all its own soon - which led to her need for reconstructive knee surgery in February and physical therapy 3 times a week for about 12 weeks following. Which means I am currently taking her to PT 3 times a week right now. That makes it a little bit busier. Plus, I went to a bridal shower this past Sunday, that please understand, I really, really, really wanted to go to and did and am glad that I did. And, tomorrow night the kids and I are going to do our very best to make it to the showing of Much Ado About Nothing, that our friend is in. Tonight is clogging practice for all but the baby and since my son made it through the tryouts for the big dance they will be performing at Garden State Stomp, he has practice a little bit longer tonight. Then, I decided that I wanted to make 1 gallon of yogurt this week instead of half a gallon, which means that this morning I was informed we were on our very last gallon of milk. And I needed printer ink for today's school needs and a standard sized stapler, because my mini stapler wasn't big enough for one of the things we made as part of the unit study. That just set the morning off on the wrong foot for me. I am in the process of getting us back into a daily schedule and boy am I glad about that!
So anyway, have you ever noticed that when one person is experiencing stress or frustration, it doesn't take long for those around them to be affected by it too? Yes, that means that this morning ended up being a bit frustrating for half of us. Fast forward to this afternoon, after we had made it through the bare minimum that I wanted us to accomplish today, we are having some sanity time. Oldest is upstairs reading. All but the baby has had an opportunity to burn some energy with the Wii Fit and Just Dance 3. Me? I needed to resort to some chocolate. But, the peanut butter cups just weren't cutting it and I didn't want to eat the whole bag. That wouldn't be good, would it? I sat down and took a look at Pinterest and struck gold! Peanut butter and chocolate are tops on my list, but they can't beat ooey gooey chocolate warmth, unless they are part of that ooey gooey chocolate warmth.
I found this recipe and remembered that I had bought some Sea Salt Caramel hot chocolate at Target recently. Salted caramel is right up there with peanut butter for me these days. Off to "work" I went making my brownie.
Ingredients
6 Tablespoons Sea Salt Caramel Hot Chocolate mix4 Tablespoons all purpose flour
2 Tablespoons canola oil or melted butter
3 Tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Handful of chocolate chips
Directions
Using a fork, mix the chocolate mix and flour in a mug or small bowl. Stir in the oil, water and vanilla until all of the ingredients are wet. Mix in the chocolate chips. Microwave on high for 60 seconds. The center should be molten. If the center is not cooked enough, continue to microwave for 10 more seconds at a time, not going beyond 30 seconds extra. Cool for a few minutes.Inspired by Hot Chocolate Microwave Brownie by alli N' sons.
It was a little piece of heaven and worked wonders for me! I'm in a much better mood. Isn't it amazing how chocolate can do that?
Now, I totally intend on finishing the unit study, as well as doing more of the studies in this geography series. The kids have been learning a lot and we've enjoyed most of what we've done so far. I just need to ease up on myself and realize that we may not be able to complete it in a week, until my daughter has completely healed and recooperated from her surgery. We may need to break it up a bit. We will be doing the study on United Kingdom soon as well as the companion study for 2012 Summer Olympics.
Go ahead and make yourself one of these tonight. You know you want to!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Butterfly Cupcakes
We have most of our birthday celebrations in the spring here. I asked the birthday girl what she wanted for her birthday, cake or cupcakes, flowers or butterflies or princess. First, she had been asking for a Justin Bieber cake...well, I'm not that talented. So these were the options I gave her and she settled on butterflies. I saw cupcake liners that looked like flowers and was struck with an idea. Bake the cupcakes in the flower liners and use the butterfly decorations to turn it into butterflies that were sitting on flowers. I used a box mix for the cupcakes but made my own butter cream frosting, a recipe I've been using for a few years now. I got the butterfly decorations, the pink gel that I used for the butterfly body and the cupcake liners from Walmart, but they are by Wilton. I missed taking pictures of the packages before using them. Forgive me for being human, but this Momma will use products that can simplify making a birthday special for my kids when I also have to make sure that school happens for the non-birthday kids and meal times happen too.
Here's the cupcake liners.
The butterflies resting on the light purple and pink flowers.
I filled a plastic zipper bag with the frosting and cut a bottom corner off to pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes. Then I positioned the butterfly wings on the frosting. Then I used the glitter gel to pipe the butterfly body. They were a hit! Thank you, Wilton, for making my life just a little bit easier!
The butterflies resting on the light purple and pink flowers.
I filled a plastic zipper bag with the frosting and cut a bottom corner off to pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes. Then I positioned the butterfly wings on the frosting. Then I used the glitter gel to pipe the butterfly body. They were a hit! Thank you, Wilton, for making my life just a little bit easier!
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