Planning, Pictures, and Planes... I'm Still Here!

Yes.  As the title reads... I'm still here.  Doing wonderfully at the moment.  Just finished cleaning my kitchen while my family sleeps happily up stairs.  Currently sipping Skinny Girl Pina Colada.  Don't judge, it makes cleaning more enjoyable!! #truth.

Where have I been? In short, I had an awesome holiday, and I had to let go of blogging for a moment.  Priorities Peeps!!! Anyway, from holiday straight into A's 5th birthday planning, then dove into Disney vacation planning... That's right y'all!! We had a magical time... seriously... MAGICAL!!.  We returned last week from a much needed break from life and winter. #readyforspring.

My main focus now will be ordering prints and scrapbooking.  I know... doesn't seem like a big deal, but am I the only one guilty of storing pictures on my computer and leaving them there?  I want reminders of our first family trip (the boys' first ever plane ride)
warming the walls in my home, smiling at me before I lay down to bed, and causing my lips to curl into a smile as I flip through pages of an intricately designed book of memories.

I'll leave you with one of my favs.  I'll try and keep you posted on my progress, but more importantly are there any mommas out there that find time to actually scrapbook.  I could use some ideas and tips for finding the time!

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

Hi There! On Saturday, the fam and I went to visit one of my favorite people.  We all went to NYC and hung out for the day.  It had been years since I had been in the city, and boy did I miss it.  It was awesome to watch my guys stare with wide eyes at the tall buildings and ahem, some of the more strange sights New York City has to offer.  We spent the day taking the subway (a treat for the boys, who had never been on a real train), and walking through Central Park.  It was a great day filled with memories I will cherish for years to come.

My Uncle, who we went to visit, loves red velvet cake.  So of course, I took a break from all the kitchen organizing and made some.  In my spice cabinet I had a real vanilla bean just waiting for the perfect dessert to flavor.  It sat patiently while I grabbed my vanilla extract for cookies, and other cupcakes, even while I made lemonade with vanilla flavoring (yum!!).  That little long bean didn't realize I was saving it for the perfect frosting.  You see it's not everyday, I have real vanilla bean.  Not every dessert deserves to be flavored with the aromatic deliciousness that is real vanilla.  I knew I wanted that bean for a frosting.  I wasn't sure if I was going to use it for a buttercream, an Italian buttercream, or a Swiss meringue buttercream.  In the end of course I decided it would be TDF (to die for) in some cream cheese frosting on top of a decadent red velvet cupcake.

I had to do a bit of searching to find the perfect cream cheese frosting that called for real vanilla bean as apposed to an extract.  Now, don't get me wrong, while I am a total frosting snob (no love here greasy canned frosting) I have no qualms with using an extract for flavor.  This frosting, however, was to be a special treat, and that it was.  I found my perfect frosting here.  I only read the recipe for the cupcakes, but it appears, she has some good stuff going on over there.

The red velvet was a little more easy to make since I have made red velvet cake before.  A wonderful red velvet cake with a cheese cake center.. say what?! Check mine out here.  Then go visit recipegirl.com.  This woman has a lot of great cakes, and I will definitely be back to try some more.

These cupcakes... They, are the kind that when a crumb falls down your shirt into your bra... You get that crumb and eat it.  Wait, was that TMI?? Lol, seriously though, these cupcakes were everything you want in a red velvet cake.  The perfect crumble, moist, not overly sweet, with a nice chocolaty flavor, and the frosting, oh my gosh... The frosting!  Perfect, creamy and delicious, the kind that you are actually sad when it's gone.  The fact that you can see the tiny vanilla seeds running throughout just adds to the joy of eating.  Trust me, you want to make, then eat, these cupcakes.

RED VELVET CAKE ALA Recipegirl.com
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated white sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch process)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups vegetable or canola oil
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup (two 1-ounce bottles) red food coloring (If you use Gel food color you can use less.)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons white vinegar

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.  Line cupcake tin with liners.  In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.  This is the time to really whisk the crap outta the dry mix.  When you mix it with your wet ingredients, you can't go all mixing cray cray!

At this point, I like to measure out my buttermilk and mix in the vanilla.

In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, or of course a hand mixer, or if you're ol' school using your hand (People did make cake before this things were invented.. right?), mix the butter and oil on medium-high.  Again, I like to whip it, and whip it good!  Add eggs one at a time, beating until each is incorporated.  Scrap down the sides as needed.  Mix in food coloring, and vinegar.  Beat it all really well.

Turn Mixer to low and add dry ingredients in batches of three, alternating with buttermilk(and vanilla).  So dry mix then buttermilk, dry mix then buttermilk, then dry mix.  Scrape down the sides and bottom as needed.

Fill cupcake about 3/4 full. and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Place tins on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes before removing cupcakes.  If you're like me and only have 1 cupcake tin, then remove cupcakes and repeat.  :)

Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost with the Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Deliciousness. 

Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

8oz (1 package) cream cheese, at room temperature

2 sticks (1/2 cup) unsalted butter room temp (this was a happy mistake, the original recipe calls for 1 stick and I added two... Seriously, when could extra butter be a problem?)
3-4 cups confectioners' sugar (I believe I only added 3)
1 vanilla bean pod, split lengthwise and seeds removed.

You can do this while your cupcakes are cooling.  In a stand mixer with paddle (or with a hand mixer), cream the cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Reduce mixer to low (or you"ll cover your kitchen with sugar) slowly add the confectioners' sugar until its all smooth and creamy.  I like to taste after the additions so I know when to stop adding more.

Add the seeds and mix until well combined.  Frost cupcakes, and devour!!

I'll be back later this week with more kitchen updates!!

Thanks for reading,

Leiah

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Time to Sparkle Link Party #26

So where do I start?  How about with a HAPPY SPRING!!!! Have I ever told you that spring is my absolute favorite season.  The weather is great, not too hot and not too cold.  The flowers bloom and everything looks so fresh and alive after the winter.  Last, but certainly not least... I celebrate my birthday!! Yes, I am now a very happy 34 year old.  Wow, can't believe I'm in my mid-thirties!!! 

How are the boys you ask (hehehe)?  They are wonderful (can you tell I'm in a great mood?) Munchkin is  almost completely potty trained.  We only wear a pull-up for bedtime at night, he's even dropped them for his naps.  He continues to amaze me with his vocabulary and conversation.  It's like talking to a little man.   I wouldn't be keeping it totally real if I didn't say he is currently in his terrible threes.  Yes I said threes.  We sailed through the twos with very mild tantrums that were far and few between.  He was a quiet and very calm two year old.  It is not the case now, we deal with almost daily tantrums, and total failure of his ears to process our request (basically he doesn't listen to a word we say).  When I was a teacher, I prided myself on having great discipline without being mean.  I could handle 20 something tough inner-city 7 year olds, but for some reason I have a hard time handling my one 3 year old, and his 20 month old brother.  

As for Little Bear, I will soon have to start dropping the Little and just call him Bear.  He's getting soooo big.  He's still got a great personality and is mostly always laughing or smiling.  He still doesn't say much, and have started early intervention with him.   Some of my friends laugh, but I want to make sure I offer every opportunity to him to progress.  He is learning sign language, so he's doing much better at communicating his needs and wants, which makes life better for all of us.  I haven't had the heart to cut his hair, so he still sports a curly (albeit messy) afro.

As for me, like I said before I am a very happy 34 year old.  I've never been one to be ashamed or afraid of my age.  I have no regrets in life.  I LOVED my 20's.   I partied like a rock star, traveled like an explorer (well maybe not since I mostly stayed on resorts, except for Paris!!! Loved Paris... but I digress). I dated, and flirted, and did stupid and dangerous things I hope my kids never do.  At this point in life I love being a mom and a wife, and I am extremely happy to be expecting our third addition.  Yes, you read correctly!!! WE ARE PREGNANT!!!! 14 weeks tomorrow, to be exact.  We are due to become a party of 5 November 30, 2012.  I am beyond elated, and yes, this was a major contributor to my 2 month break from blogging, and tot school, and general house keeping, and ummm (I'm not proud) but hygiene as well.  LOL, I've been a total laze ball in sweats and no make-up for long enough.

So I am back and super excited to re-organize, teach tot school, and share our Rosey Glasses summer fun!!!

Family Valentine's Day

Long ago when my hubby and I were just a pair, the romance between hubby and I was never ending (mostly because I arranged it that way).  On special occasions.. birthday's, anniversaries, and V-day.. I'd do it up... and inexpensively.  I'd rush home from work and prepare some special dinner, wine, and candles were a must.  I'd spend hours making the perfect playlist, dim lights, some type of chocolate covered fruit, and of course there'd be a special trip to Victoria's Secret.  Alas... those special days don't happen as frequently.  

Do I mind? 

NO! 

I've traded those evenings for fun family dinners, snuggles in bed with all 3 of my loves, and my playlist now includes The Wiggles.  Yes my hubs and I do get away sometimes but our life and relationship have evolved and I love how it's grown.  Last, year was the first time I consciously planned and executed a Family Valentine's Day Dinner.  This year I will do the same.  Valentine's Day is a special day for emphasizing your love for your loved ones, why shouldn't the kiddos be involved?!?

This year Munchkin is older and will help me prepare for our special day.  We will make heart decorations, bake red velvet brownies (and use cookie cutters to make them into hearts).  We will put on our nicest outfits (no yoga pants for mommy), we'll brake out the sparkling cider and toast to the love we all share.  If you work outside the home, how about a family dinner out 

(yes , even on a week night... gasp!!)

Whats on the menu?  Now typically I am opposed to preparing 2 dinners.  My kids eat what I make, or they wait until the next meal (unless my softy of a husband makes them something else... smh).  However, on special occasions I make exceptions.  My Husband and I will dine on Sicilian shrimp scampi (Olive Garden style) for an appetizer, and salmon with kale and garlic smashed potatoes for dinner.  The kiddos will have heart shaped pizza.  For dessert we will all enjoy a large cup (or sippy cup) of milk and a heart shaped red velvet brownie.  If I can get to the store I may even splurge on some fun V-day plates and placemats.

Of course when the kids go to bed (and yes they will be in bed by 8 and asleep by 8:30) the hubs and I will enjoy some grown up time (I never said I wasn't taking a trip to Victoria's Secret... blushes).  

This year I encourage everyone to include the kiddos in this special night.  If your a stickler get a babysitter and go out on Saturday... that's what we're doing ;)

Rainbow Fish Craft

     

The week before last we did Rr is for Rainbows. We did lots of fun things including reading the story The Rainbow Fish (of course) then making cute rainbow fish out of coffee filters.

You'll Need:
A coffee filter
Washable markers
One wiggly eye
Glue
Tin foil
Water

Start by coloring patches of color all over your coffee filter. Use bright colors for best results (yellow doesn't show up well on the brown coffee filter).  Once your coloring is complete use a spray bottle to wet your filter. I let Munchkin shake An old sippy cup full of water on the filter (this worked fine).

 Once your filter is saturated the colors will begin to run together (I had to help it a bit with my finger).  Let it dry completely.  The colors will be much lighter.  Cut it into the shape of a fish.

Then add scales with the tin foil. I put little dots of glue and let Munchkin add the tin foil. Last add the eye and draw a small mouth. Done.  Aren't they cute?

Tot School Firsts

I suppose it the teacher in me that had me searching for fun lessons for toddlers... it is September you know.  Well in my searching I stumbled upon 1+1+1=1.  I love her ideas and her tot school posts.  I've been teaching Munchkin a letter a week since around last October.  We've been very loose, especially since the summer began.  Well I'm ready to jump back in.

Carisa from 1+1+1=1 has lots of great ideas and tools to use for your tots.  When I started doing letter a week from Brightly Beaming Resources, I simply did lots of coloring letters with Munchkin, yeah we did an occasional finger paint, or other activity but I definitely slacked in the "make learning fun" department.  Lol, I have a bit of perfectionist in me that was afraid of the mess he'd make of more

I hadn't even considered teaching him other skills like gluing, using scissors, even pouring things.  Well I have officially been planning lots of my own little activities as well as borrowing some ideas that I've gotten from blog land.

Little Bear will get to join in the fun as well.  I plan on doing lots of sensory activities with him.  Here are a few shots of some of the activities we've started.  LOL, a lot of the cute things I thought of or found for Munchkin to do he was totally not into.  I should have been prepared for this.  It's all good though... I've been following his lead.  He seems to love matching games, coloring, and painting, also listening to stories and helping me cook.  Hopefully I can expand these likes into more diverse areas... but it"s a start.

 Munchkin loves using my iPad... He's started to call it his iPad... he gets corrected with the quickness!!! There are lots of great free and low cost (under 2$) apps for babies and kids.  I'll definitely be getting more.

This was his first ever attempt at using scissors.  He was so excited, he kept reminding me they were his scissors whenever I tried to help him.  So I just watched...

...and watched

...and watched

Until he finally just decided to just rip the paper... hey, whatever works.

We also tried placing stickers in a little sticker book I made.  I am actually a hoarder of stickers.  I have tons from school that I've been holding onto.  Anyway we started with little stars and they were too small.  They just stuck to his fingers and annoyed him.  So we moved on to my collection of Cars stickers.  He loved these.   When he was finished we counted the stickers on the page.  He's great at counting aloud, however we still need lots of practice counting objects.

He also painted which he loved just like I thought... my own little Picasso.

My favorite... and his too, was this matching game I made.  On our last trip to Home Depot I took some Disney paint samples... they're really cute and shaped like Mickey.  I got two of each color, one set I glued to some scrapbook paper I had and the other he uses to match.

I'll keep you posted on how things are going.  Does anyone else have any cute activities they do with their tots?

Want to see more?  Follow the link below for awesome resources.

At the Zoo!!

So as I said in Best Day Ever, we went to the Zoo this past weekend, and as promised here are some pics.   Remember I said my hubby isn't comfortable with pictures of our babies on the internet, well these are some that made the cut.   It was an amazing day.  We all had so much fun.  Hubby and I kept commenting on how days like these are what life is really about.

 I keep laughing and thinking about my trip to the Zoo last summer.  It was August on one of the hottest days, I was 7 1/2 months pregnant, and with a friend who had her own stroller to push, so I basically was on my own walking and pushing my own stroller up hills.  Needless to say it wasn't nearly as enjoyable as this trip.

First we took a trip in a hot air balloon.  The view was great, and because of a random act of kindness from a stranger... my whole family rode for free.  

After the balloon ride we walked around leisurely, the weather was in the 80's I think, so it wasn't unbearably  hot.  My husband tried to get me to leave the double stroller at home cause it takes up so much room in our trunk.   Puh-leese!!! Yes, Munchkin can walk, but he is only two and needs a place to be contained when necessary.  I'm glad we brought it.

When I showed this to my mom, she thought this was a real lizard... it's not!  But don't you love Little Bear's fat feet.  I do : ).

 Munchkin had to be sure this thing was not real.

This year Munchkin was old enough to really look for the animal behind the glass.  At each exhibit he scanned the area until he found whatever animal was on display.  I think this was the big cats.

This Zoo also has a children's zoo inside, so even with all of the cool wild animals, I think Munchkin preferred the bunnies and little turtles.

These two are  my Favorite Non-Face Pictures.  

Until next time...