A pretty cute baby shower I'd say

 I had so much fun with Rachel in town this week! I missed her so much. I loved getting to feel Cassidy kick and move around in there. It's the coolest thing ever. These are just some snapshots of the shower (that I planned!!) we had for her on Saturday. I was very pleased with how it turned out and I had a great time. I can't wait to meet Cassidy in July, I'm getting impatient!

Ever frequent Panera dates

Lynnlee and I are studious. We do our school work, and we do it as soon as it is assigned. Just because that is how we are. For me, I think it's because my mom is a teacher and kind of gave me a glimpse into the life of one. (which is why I chose to be a responsible student) Lynnlee has just always been that way. It's who she is. 

Recently, we've been going to Panera to do our homework. And what a difference it is! The atmosphere is divine, and the food and beverages instantly put me in a great mood. It makes homework seem much less daunting. We're thankful for that. Also Madison works there which is wonderful. Here's the progression of how the afternoon usually goes:

Edible Raw Cookie Dough

So you know how when you make cookies you end up eating at least a third of the cookie dough? Or at least I do.. And you know how they tell you that you shouldn't do that because of the raw eggs in the recipe and blah blah blah? (Regardless of these warnings I know that we all still indulge in this irresistible little treat) Well I found this little recipe that makes a self serving of cookie dough just for you to eat, minus the eggs! How handy. I mean, you don't wanna make a full cookie dough batch if you just want to fulfill your sweet tooth. My momma tried it and liked it a lot, so I thought I'd share.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup flour
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter (very soft but not melted)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons milk or 2 tablespoons water
• 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips (or use M&M's mini candies)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl mix together both sugars and butter until smooth.
2. Stir in vanilla and milk.
3. Mix in the flour until well blended.
4. Add in chocolate chips.

Le Quatre Juillet

Sadly, I didn't get any pictures of fireworks because my CAMERA DIED right before they started. I was livid. But I got pictures from earlier in the day, so enjoy. (: It was really fun to spend time with my family. Oh, and aren't those birds so cute?! There's a nest at my grandma's house. One of them was pretty brave and would always step out on the ledge. He actually fell off the house twice! Silly bird. I hope you had a wonderful and safe Fourth of July!

Happy Birthday to Max!

Guess who's date of birth was on Saturday?! That's right, Max Thomas! You may know his sister, Madison, better around these blog parts. She's one of my favorite people ever. So his party was X-Box themed, and it was kind of ridiculously awesome. His cake was so legit.

Cool, right?! And we can't forget the adorable couple that attended. None other than, Jake and Madison. 

It was at Dave and Busters, so there was plenty to do of course! We even won bonus tickets on one game. BOOYAH.

But it was a lot of fun. I enjoyed it. And with that, Max: I hope your 12th year of life is going to be an amazing one! 

Have a lovely day.

Christmas Treats!

I've been busy at work making Christmas Treats! At the last minute, my mom and I decided to make some oreo truffles for our family. Each individual family got their own little treat. These were just your basic oreo truffles, and if you don't already have the recipe I'll put it down below! Here's what we made. By the way, this tutorial is probably totally ridiculous and self explanatory but it's fun to write them!

So just crush up your package of oreos into fine crumblies. (:

Next, you'll add a whole package of cream cheese and roll this mixture into 1 inch balls. Here's the line up!

I don't have pictures of these next few steps, but all you have to do is stick the lollipop sticks into the balls and dip them into chocolate (white or milk, I prefer white). I would suggest a tall cup for the melted chocolate, it's easier to dip. (Just Trust Me.) You can then add your choice of sprinkles! My favorite part. (:

We found some little tin cans from Target or somewhere and filled them with decorative m&m's, voila! Cute container!

Make some little signs and woah, I've pulled off looking creative. Sort of. I did think they were cute, and oh so delicious! You can't go wrong with these truffles! They're so easy to make but lovely for your tastebuds. Here's that recipe in case you were interested..

1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided

                            1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

                            2 (8 ounce) packages Baking Chocolate, melted

1. Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin.) Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter.               
2. Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.) Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.               

Hope you have a wonderful holiday! Merry Christmas!

Just Trust Me..

Mascarpone Oreo Snowflake Cookies

It's finally Christmas Break. I've waited oh so long. I haven't really done too much at all but I have made a few things.. (: I had to share these cookies with you! I found them from KevinandAmanda and they simply looked delicious. They really do make me think of snowflakes when I eat them.. Well, enjoy!

This is the Mascarpone cheese! It's sweet cream cheese, and Italian. SO good.

YUMMY!

These are so great for a winter snack. Light, fluffy, and oh so delicious!

Just Trust Me..

Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe!

Lynnlee and I, (mainly Lynnlee) made these cookies!! They were really yummy. It's a classic, and I'm sure you'll enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Chocolate Chips

PREHEAT oven to 375° F.

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely

Before the flour..

Adding the flour..

Mixing the flour..

Big hunk of dough..

Cutie Patootie!

Almost a'baking!

Finished Product!!!

They're good! Just Trust Me.. (:

It's Almost Valentine's Day!

     So it's almost Valentine's day. I'm not a real fan of this holiday because I never EVER have a valentine. I could wallow in my pity in this post but instead of doing that I'll stay hopeful. I've heard all of the advice a million and four times from my parents about there's someone perfect for me.. blah blah blah. Eh, I'll believe it when I see it. In honor of this lovey dovey day, me and my friend Carlie made some festive cupcakes! They were delicious!! I'll put the recipe on the bottom. They were red velvet cupcakes with some store bought frosting..;) Anyways, since we've been trapped at home due to TWO snow storms, (yikes) Carlie and I decided to heal our cabin fever and make some cupcakes! I was SO proud that nothing went wrong! They were heavenly.

Finished product!

The cupcake queens!

Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe!

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Directions 
-Preheat the oven to 350°F.
-Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
-In a large bowl, gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld electric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.
-Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled.
-Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

These will be gone within 3 days!! Really, Just Trust Me.