Baking Endeavors :: Cake Bites
I’m fully aware that I’m no pro when it comes to baking, but I sure do love it! I haven’t been doing much baking (or blogging, or crafting, or anything for that matter) due to my work and school schedule. SO, without a doubt, I am excited to be killing two birds with one stone; blogging about my baking.
My cousin, Lauren, and I started out with a few simple items.
- One box of Funfetti cake mix
- Betty Crocker Vanilla Frosting (2)
- Nestle’s white chocolate morsels (2 packages)
- & some elbow grease ; )
We merely followed the directions laid out for us here, by Elsie Larson on A Beautiful Mess. I hope you enjoy the process as much as we did. I only wish you could enjoy the cake bites too!
2012 Adventures :: Hot Air Balloon
2012 is here and new adventures await. I’ve even created a new “adventure” list in order to take this new year by the horns, as some say; to make the most of it. Here’s the list thus far…
-Rose Bowl Flea Market & Umami Burger
-Bungee Jump off of The Bridge to Nowhere (to be determined)
-Salvation Mtn. & the Salton Sea
-A trip to visit Consuela in D.C.
-A musical festival of sorts (possibly Outside Lands?)
-Hot air balloon ride
I know this list seems short-lived, and it is, but I assure you more escapades are on the horizon. But this isn’t a post about my 2012 wishlist of things to accomplish, it’s a post bragging (for a lack of a better term) about how this morning, at an ungodly hour, I was able to cross something off the list. Hot air balloon ride, check.
It was glorious, serene, and downright thrilling all at once. We began our journey at something, something De Oro Winery : ) All I know is that I was there for a hot air balloon ride and nothing else mattered (except the free coffee they were offering, that also mattered). A total of twelve people, including Leah and myself, hopped into what looked like a wicker picnic basket for giants, and off we went. We hovered at about 10 feet for a awhile and then, what seemed to be out of nowhere, were at an approximate altitude of 2500 feet. It was breathtaking. The ride lasted for about forty five minutes and included complimentary cheese, crackers, fruit, and champagne. Ooh la, la. (Please, do yourself a favor and youtube Christopher Walken on SNL in “The Continental”. You’re welcome ahead of time.) After landing in an open field ever so gracefully, awkwardly riding in a party bus (who thought that was a good idea?) back to our original spot, and nabbing free wine openers compliments of Sunrise Balloons (I’ll probably never use it, but thanks anyhow) Leah and I drove home content with our first hot air balloon experience. I look forward to crossing more off my list this year and will do my best to keep you in the know with it all.
Engagement Presents :: DIY
My beautiful cousin, Lauren, became engaged to a wonderful man on Christmas Eve. I am so thrilled for them and unnaturally excited for the whole wedding planning process. I almost always have the itch to delve into DIY projects so after the news of her engagement I decided to get my fix of crafting in. There were two projects I’ve been waiting to do for just the right occasion. One being a photo transfer and the other a simple word painting project. Both can be used as wall decor in a home, Lauren and Kellen will have their own newlywed home soon enough, therefore this was a match made in heaven (just like Lauren and Kellen) Sorry, I had to say it. SO without further ado, here they are, the two engagement present pictures, also including the process! Here are the directions and “how to” just in case you’d like to do some crafting yourself!
-and for the second project-
Creating For Our Creator :: Guest Bloggin’!
While Sam is away, Kathleen will play. AKA, guest blog : )
Ever notes Every Friday: The Kathleen Version.
Happy New Year!
My family being pyromaniacs. What other way is there to usher in the New Year?
Christmas Time :: Tahoe
Christmas night I drove up to Bakersfield, exchanged presents with my man, and then made the journey up to Lake Tahoe with Zach and Lacy (Allan’s best friend and his wife). The Harrington’s were nice enough and hospitable to invite Allan and I up to a cabin for a few day’s stay. It was wonderful. Not only did I get to spend time with my main squeeze, but with people whom Allan loves as well. The Harrington brood is a beautiful one, and I enjoyed every minute spent with them (especially the girl time where we watched Jane Eyre, ate yummy food, and drank delicious wine). We relaxed and took in Tahoe’s scenery, moseyed around town, and simply enjoyed the company we were with. One night we all sat around and played the game catchphrase. We all were laughing and carrying on with jovial banter so much so that I couldn’t catch my breath. I loved it. The cabin we stayed in was beautiful and fun filled with it’s three stories, an amazing shuffle board, and “theater room”. I truly appreciated all the warmth and good times provided by the Harrington’s. Thanks for letting Allan and I hop along and spend some time with your family. It was lovely.
Rootbeer fiends.
Lacy and I were pro's. Whatever.
Frozen Waterfall!
Pinulatas & Pizzelles :: Christmas Time, Part 2
Italian pastries common at Christmas time in these here parts = pinulatas (pingalings) and pizzelles.
For some time now making these italian goods with my Grandma Jay has become a sort of tradition. She is the pastry meister and in order to make these goods properly she needs to be present : ) That’s why a few of us ventured over to her casa today, to make this tradition come to fruition. Whilst rolling mini soon-to-be-pingaling spheres, my aunt, cousin Lynzie, and her two boys burst through the door, adding to the wonderful commotion. After finishing up the *pinulatas we took a break and went outside to the lemon tree with it’s lemons begging to be picked. [Side note and fun fact: I love lemons. I could eat one whole.] We then quickly moved onto the pizzelles and added yet another family member to the mix, Aunt Rose. I won’t get into detail but the conversations my family have sometimes are quite hilarious. Let’s just say today didn’t disappoint. After some insane and entertaining storytelling we all packed up kissed Grandma 3 times on the cheek and went on our merry way.
*The pinulatas have yet to be complete. They’re awaiting their suffocation and smothering via honey. Although this sounds horrific I assure you it is appetizing. Plus rainbow sprinkles are involved, which makes anything better.
Until next time.
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
Christmas Time, how I love thee. Merry music, a surplus of sweets, red lipstick, and get-togethers galore! I can’t even stand how much I love this holiday. I’m that person who is kind of obsessed, so sorry about that. I’ve been taking in all the holiday cheer this month with gift exchanges, ornament exchanges, and more recently A Fancy Pants Christmas Party and brunch at The Mission Inn. I will divulge more.
Part 1: The Fancy Pants Christmas Party
Once more the Reyes duo graciously opened their home to properly celebrate Christmas. A fire was roasting, appetizers were fresh out of the oven, and Madeline was hanging mistletoe right when I walked in. Everyone looked lovely with their fancy attire and the house had an air of cheeriness about it. The large Christmas tree making it’s home in the living room was decorated wonderfully and She & Him’s new Christmas album spun away on Madeline’s new record player (good job Aaron). This party was off to a good start. As people began trickling in and everyone began to mingle out came the ingredients to make homemade gingerbread men. These little fellas were a success story in more ways than one. First off they were just plain delicious with their homemade frosting, secondly Grace Mia Fox lent a helping toddler hand (making this gingerbread process hilarious), and all sorts of gingerbread creatures were concocted. Gator man and running gingers, I’ll let the pictures explain. Afterwards Madeline became a barista extraordinaire! Hot cocoa and eggnog lattes were being made at an alarming rate and consumed at an even faster speed than they were assembled. I even got to hop in on the action and use this heavenly espresso machine. I need one, yes need ; ) All in all this party was perfect. Just the right amount of holiday infusion and mixture of people for good laughs and memories. I look forward to making this party tradition!
Part 2: The Annual Brunch at The Mission Inn
Every year I look forward to this part of December; to have brunch with close family friends at The Mission Inn in Riverside. It’s a fun thing to get dressed up and stuff your face at this historic hotel. Fun until you want to puke from consuming too much food. Right. Moving on. Every year for the past couple of years has been highly enjoyable and this year was no different. We went right in around 9:45 am and got straight to business. The people at The Mission Inn do such a good thing with the food. I mean really good. It’s so delectable and well done you can’t help but go back for seconds/thirds/don’t judge me. Unfortunately my brother couldn’t make it this year so only 3/4 of the Angelone family partook of the festivities. Hopefully next year he’ll be able to enjoy it with us. As for now I’m still recovering from this morning. Sigh.
This boy…
makes me happy.
Wedding :: Walker Edition
On December 10, 2011 my dear friend became a Mrs. I have known Candice for quite some time now (9 years? 10?) and to be a part of her big day meant a great deal to me. My cousin, Lauren, and I were the maids of honor and every part of it was wonderful. Not only was it grand to be a part of the wedding in the smallest of ways like putting together the favors, to big ways like making a speech at the reception, but some of my most cherished memories of the wedding were the intimate ones. The morning of the wedding Lauren and I met before the rush of makeup, hair, and photography to have a quiet get together with Candice. We met at a coffee shop, opened our Bibles to 1 Corinthians 13 and Ephesians 5 and prayed. We talked about love and the importance of God being the center of that love. I enjoyed seeing Candice’s excitement to start her life with Brandon, ready to start it off on the right foot by being in the Word and by being mindful of the God who is responsible for love itself.
Another tiny moment that stuck out was when the bridal party was waiting around to be announced. Brandon and Candice were finishing up being photographed and she needed her train to be bustled in order to walk into the reception area. I bustled her dress and as silly as this sounds I felt honored to do so. I loved being apart of my friends special day, especially in the smallest of ways. Candice, may your marriage honor God, and may He bless you and Brandon both on a daily basis. Continue to love one another selflessly as Christ loves us. I love you and am thrilled to see how your life will be molded through marriage and in the pursuit of knowing God more.
A bracelet from Candice's mom, Debbie. So sweet.
