Mouth Watering

Don't these look scrumptious? Holy Moses! Get the recipe here.

{Via Picky Palate}

Mouth Watering

Don't these look scrumptious? Holy Moses! Get the recipe here.

{Via Picky Palate}

End of SuMmeR PaRTy!

Last Saturday Kenslee had an "End of Summer Party" with her friends. I had won a bounce house to be set up at my house for 3 hours at a service auction a year ago and hadn't used it yet. I thought it was high time to get this bad boy to use! I told Kenslee that she could invite her friends for a pizza party. She was very excited. It turned out to be a lot of fun for them. They ran through the sprinklers and jumped in the bounce house. Of course Kaylan tagged along and had a great time too.

End of SuMmeR PaRTy!

Last Saturday Kenslee had an "End of Summer Party" with her friends. I had won a bounce house to be set up at my house for 3 hours at a service auction a year ago and hadn't used it yet. I thought it was high time to get this bad boy to use! I told Kenslee that she could invite her friends for a pizza party. She was very excited. It turned out to be a lot of fun for them. They ran through the sprinklers and jumped in the bounce house. Of course Kaylan tagged along and had a great time too.

A Great Loss

There was a horrible plane crash that happened in Moab, Utah this past weekend. Dr. Ellsworth and his son were among the 10 people who were tragically killed. Nine out of the ten people were from Dr. Ellsworth's clinic. Although I did not know Dr. Ellsworth personally, I knew of him. The doctor I work for at Huntsman Cancer Institute knew him very well and thought the world of him. We shared some of the same patients with Dr. Ellsworth. He greatly cared for his patients and would travel to rural areas of different states to help those that sorely needed dermatologic care, especially skin cancer. He was very service oriented and it is a great loss for the community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family as well as the other families of those who were killed. You can read the full article here.

A Great Loss

There was a horrible plane crash that happened in Moab, Utah this past weekend. Dr. Ellsworth and his son were among the 10 people who were tragically killed. Nine out of the ten people were from Dr. Ellsworth's clinic. Although I did not know Dr. Ellsworth personally, I knew of him. The doctor I work for at Huntsman Cancer Institute knew him very well and thought the world of him. We shared some of the same patients with Dr. Ellsworth. He greatly cared for his patients and would travel to rural areas of different states to help those that sorely needed dermatologic care, especially skin cancer. He was very service oriented and it is a great loss for the community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family as well as the other families of those who were killed. You can read the full article here.

Oh This is Ladies Night................

Me, Diann, Tanya, Kristen, Mandy, Stacie

Cute Kristen picking out her nail polish.


That would be Tanya's tan foot to the right of mine! What a tan line!

OH WHAT A NIGHT!

I have been wanting to do a Girls Night Out with some of the women in the neighborhood so I finally did! We went and had pedicures done. Being 7 months pregnant makes it super hard to take care of those feet that seem a mile away! It was so nice to relax in a comfy chair and have my feet attended to. I was in a silly mood last night and I have always wanted to do scare the person taking care of my feet but never dared. Well, I decided it was finally time. While the guy was clipping my toe nails, I pretended that I was hurt and yelped, "OUCH!" Oh my gravy did he jump! It was so funny. I think everybody was laughing so hard they were crying. He got me back though with the pumice stone. I'm quite ticklish on my feet (who isn't?) and he was a pumicin' away! Payback time!
After we were pampered we went out for some frozen custard at Nielson's. Yum! I swear that place is always crowded with growling tummies. I got myself a Limerickie and a Caramel Brownie Concrete. Holy smokes my mouth is wanting it right this second! It was such a fun time. I don't think we have laughed harder. It was a much needed night out!

Edible Crayons?

I came across this darling idea and I think I'm going to try it with the girls. They would have a blast doing this! You can download the crayon labels here.

Edible Crayons
Ingredients:
*Pretzel Rods
*Candy Melts (or white chocolate bark/chocolate chips with a little of your favorite food coloring added)
*Paper Labels

Instructions:
-Break or cut pretzel rods in half.
-Melt candy melts or chocoalte chips in microwave on medium heat for 1 minute. Stir and continue cooking at 15 second intervals until melted. Stir well. Add a few drops food coloring if desired.
-Dip ends of pretzels in melted candy and place on wax paper.

When dry, wrap with crayon label and secure with tape! SUPER CUTE!!


{Via Gourmet Mom on the Go}

Frontrunner

Last Saturday we decided to take the girls on the Frontrunner. We went from Layton to downtown and hung out at the mall. The girls had a blast on the train. They could hardly sit still! Once we got to the Gateway Mall we had some lunch and then played by the water fountain.

The girls and Daddy buying Daddy's tickets. The girls were free and I was too! My work gives us a free pass. Sorry Daddy!

The girls just had to dance at the top of the stairs in the "Forever 21" store.

Frontrunner

Last Saturday we decided to take the girls on the Frontrunner. We went from Layton to downtown and hung out at the mall. The girls had a blast on the train. They could hardly sit still! Once we got to the Gateway Mall we had some lunch and then played by the water fountain.

The girls and Daddy buying Daddy's tickets. The girls were free and I was too! My work gives us a free pass. Sorry Daddy!

The girls just had to dance at the top of the stairs in the "Forever 21" store.

Woof! Woof!

The girls are wanting a dog really bad. I have to admit that I would like one too and I know that Tony wouldn't mind a dog, but for now, we're just going to have to wait. I found this darling idea for PUPCAKES at Gourmet Mom on the Go. What a yummy and cute treat. This will have to do until we can get our hands on some real paws. :)

Pupcakes Ingredients:

Your favorite cupcakes

Icing (The one in this recipe is buttercream, a can of coconut pecan icing, and chocolate buttercream)

Mini York Peppermint Patties (sold in bags in the candy aisle)

Jr. Mints CandiesFlaked Coconut (optional, if you need some "fur")

Directions:

Frost cupcakes with your choice icing, depending on what color "paws" you want.

Place one Mini York Peppermint Patty on the frosted cupcake and three Jr. Mints candies on top to look like a paw print. Woof!

Woof! Woof!

The girls are wanting a dog really bad. I have to admit that I would like one too and I know that Tony wouldn't mind a dog, but for now, we're just going to have to wait. I found this darling idea for PUPCAKES at Gourmet Mom on the Go. What a yummy and cute treat. This will have to do until we can get our hands on some real paws. :)

Pupcakes Ingredients:

Your favorite cupcakes

Icing (The one in this recipe is buttercream, a can of coconut pecan icing, and chocolate buttercream)

Mini York Peppermint Patties (sold in bags in the candy aisle)

Jr. Mints CandiesFlaked Coconut (optional, if you need some "fur")

Directions:

Frost cupcakes with your choice icing, depending on what color "paws" you want.

Place one Mini York Peppermint Patty on the frosted cupcake and three Jr. Mints candies on top to look like a paw print. Woof!

Incredible

Honestly, isn't it just crazy how his body is made? He's pretty darn close to a fish! I found this on the olympic website:

"At first glance, Phelps might look like a typical swimmer. But several of his physical characteristics seem genetically tailored for swimming. His 6-foot-7-inch wingspan is three inches longer than his height, providing him with unusual reach. His torso is long compared to his legs, enabling him to ride high on the water. And his flexible ankles, combined with size-14 feet, allow for a powerful kick. Add to that more than a decade of high-intensity training, and you get one of the fastest swimmers in history."

Incredible

Honestly, isn't it just crazy how his body is made? He's pretty darn close to a fish! I found this on the olympic website:

"At first glance, Phelps might look like a typical swimmer. But several of his physical characteristics seem genetically tailored for swimming. His 6-foot-7-inch wingspan is three inches longer than his height, providing him with unusual reach. His torso is long compared to his legs, enabling him to ride high on the water. And his flexible ankles, combined with size-14 feet, allow for a powerful kick. Add to that more than a decade of high-intensity training, and you get one of the fastest swimmers in history."

Farmer's Market!

I'm so excited! I am going to the Farmer's Market bright and early tomorrow with one of my good friends, Keri. I love going to this and supporting local farmers and business owners. If you haven't been, you gotta go!

Farmer's Market!

I'm so excited! I am going to the Farmer's Market bright and early tomorrow with one of my good friends, Keri. I love going to this and supporting local farmers and business owners. If you haven't been, you gotta go!

Can You Say....SCRUMPTALICIOUS?!

Dori's Chocolate-Chocolate Cupcake With Praline Buttercream and Ganache Filling

Makes 12 cupcakes from Baking by Dorie
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 stick butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 oz bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled

Center a rack in the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 muffin tins or use paper liners. (I used Crisco with Flour spray)
Whisk together the flour,cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Beat the butter at medium speed until soft and creamy. Add the sugar and beat for about 2 minutes, until it is blended into the butter. Add the egg, then yolk, beating for 1 minute, after each addition and scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Beat in the vanilla, then reduce mixer speed to low, and add half of the dry ingredients, mixing only until they disappear. Scrape down the bowl and add the buttermilk, mixing until incorporated, then mix in the remaining dry ingredients. Scrape down the bowl, add the melted chocolate and mix it in with the rubber spatula. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin molds.
Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the tops of the cakes are dry and springy to the touch and a knife inserted into their centers comes out clean. Transfer pan to a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes, before unmolding them. Cool to room temperature before frosting of glazing.

Praline Paste*
1 cup (4 ½ oz.) Hazelnuts, toasted/skinless
2/3 cup Sugar

Line a jelly roll pan with parchment and lightly butter.Put the sugar in a heavy 10-inch skillet. Heat on low flame for about 10-20 min until the sugar melts around the edges. Do not stir the sugar. Swirl the pan if necessary to prevent the melted sugar from burning. Brush the sides of the pan with water to remove sugar crystals. If the sugar in the center does not melt, stir briefly. When the sugar is completely melted and caramel in color, remove from heat. Stir in the nuts with a wooden spoon and separate the clusters. Return to low heat and stir to coat the nuts on all sides. Cook until the mixture starts to bubble. **Remember – extremely hot mixture.** Then onto the parchment lined sheet and spread as evenly as possible. As it cools, it will harden into brittle. Break the candied nuts into pieces and place them in the food processor. Pulse into a medium-fine crunch or process until the brittle turns into a powder. To make paste, process for several minutes. Store in an airtight container and store in a cook dry place. Do not refrigerate.
Praline Buttercream
1 stick butter, at room temperature
6 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup praline paste*

Cream together butter and cream cheese, until creamy and combined. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and continue mixing until smooth and creamy. Beat in praline paste, until you have a smooth buttercream. Use immediately and refrigerate any leftovers.

Ganache
6 oz. (good) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate,
6 oz. (¾ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp. light corn syrup
¾ tsp. vanilla
Break the chocolate into 1-inch pieces and place in the basket of a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Transfer into a medium sized bowl and set aside. Heat the cream and corn syrup in a saucepan, on low, until it reached a gentle boil. Once to the gently boil, immediately and carefully pour over the chocolate. Leave it alone for one minute, then slowly stir and mix the chocolate and cream together until the chocolate is melted and incorporated into the cream. Carefully blend in vanilla mixture.


{Via Meet Me in the Kitchen}

So Fun To Watch!

Is there anything out there that is more fun to watch lately? Honestly, Phelps is AH...MAZE...ING!!! He's incredible. WOW! Go USA!!!!

p.s. I think the Asian man standing next to Phelps is hilarious!

So Fun To Watch!

Is there anything out there that is more fun to watch lately? Honestly, Phelps is AH...MAZE...ING!!! He's incredible. WOW! Go USA!!!!

p.s. I think the Asian man standing next to Phelps is hilarious!

Happy Birthday!

Today is my Sticker's birthday! He has officially joined the "30 year old" club. The girls and I had a fun time getting ready for today. On my way to work this morning, I stopped by his work and dropped off one of his gifts. That was about 6:30 this morning and he doesn't have to be there until 8:00. I wanted it to be a little bit of a surprise. When I got home from work the girls and I made one of his favorite dinners, my enchiladas. We also made one of his favorite desserts, raspberry cheesecake! Yum. I hope he had a great day. He deserves it. He's a great father to our girls and he's a super husband. He makes me laugh and he is always willing to help around the house.
Happy Birthday Sticker!

Happy Birthday!

Today is my Sticker's birthday! He has officially joined the "30 year old" club. The girls and I had a fun time getting ready for today. On my way to work this morning, I stopped by his work and dropped off one of his gifts. That was about 6:30 this morning and he doesn't have to be there until 8:00. I wanted it to be a little bit of a surprise. When I got home from work the girls and I made one of his favorite dinners, my enchiladas. We also made one of his favorite desserts, raspberry cheesecake! Yum. I hope he had a great day. He deserves it. He's a great father to our girls and he's a super husband. He makes me laugh and he is always willing to help around the house.
Happy Birthday Sticker!

FINISHED!! (don't read if you haven't finished the book)

I finally finished "Breaking Dawn" today. I think my husband is glad that I'm done. He gets to have me back!
I know there are those of you out there who did not care for this one but I think it was my favorite out of all four books. What can I say? I love perfect endings like this one. Although, I do have a few questions.
1) Isn't the Volturi going to come back when Jacob and Reneesme get together?
2)Why did Jacob have to imprint on Reneesme so early? That was a little creepy to me given that she is a baby.
All in all, I really liked it. I can't wait for the movie. I know it won't be as good as the book, but that's just about how all movies go that are made after a book.
Now, I need to get reading "The Host."