Brown-Sugar Pound Cupcakes with Brown-Butter Glaze

While Nicole was in Spain I was feeling a little left out. She came back and showed me all the pictures from her trip and guess what? Most of the pictures were of pastries! Oh yes! Looking at all the pictures of the wonderful pastries really put me in the baking mood. This week I attempted to make French Macarons. They tasted delightful but didn't look so pretty. I need to work on my technique a little. But today I made some yummy "breakfast" cupcakes. Or at least I like to think of them that way. If you call it a breakfast food it totally justifies eating it, right? Found this delicious recipe in my Martha Stewart cupcake cookbook. Love that thing, it never steers me in the wrong direction. The recipe is so simple and you'll be so happy when you see how little ingredients go in to this batter. It takes seconds to prepare! It is a pound cake using only brown sugar - can't go wrong there! And the brown butter icing is delectable. The brown butter gives it a deep flavor. I had to restrain myself from only eating one.... my hubby on the other hand had three. Breakfast of champions!

Enjoy your weekend!

XOXO,
Whitney

Brown-Sugar Pound Cupcakes with Brown-Butter Glaze
Recipe by Martha Stewart

Ingredients

• 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/4 cups packed light-brown sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• Brown Butter Glaze

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Whisk dry ingredients in a large bowl. Cream butter and sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition.
2. Reduce speed to low. Mix any remaining wet ingredients in a bowl if needed. Add dry ingredients to butter mixture in 3 additions, alternating with wet ingredients and ending with dry. Scrape sides of bowl. Divide batter among muffin cups, Fill each cup 3/4 full, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
3.   Let cool in tins on wire racks. Cupcakes will keep, covered, for up to 3 days, unless otherwise noted. 
4.  Set rack with cupcakes over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon glaze over tops, and let stand until set. Serve glazed cupcakes immediately.

Brown Butter Icing:

Ingredients

• 4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 to 4 tablespoons whole milk - I used skim milk!

Directions

1. Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Carefully pour butter into a bowl, leaving sediment behind.
2. Add sugar, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons milk to butter, and stir until smooth. If glaze is too thick, add more milk. Use immediately.

Madrid: day 1

Our first stop in Madrid started with a metro ride over to the Temple Debod. It ended up being closed due to Spain's version of our holiday "Father's day" so we couldn't walk through the main temple, none the less we took a walk around the site. The Temple Debod has amazing views which I'm sure we would be wonderful for the sunset.

This is the view from Temple Debod, in the top left you will see the Almundena Cathedral.

And we course couldn't pass up the first pastry shop we saw. The pastries in Spain are to die for. You can't eat less then 3 day, definitely a rule that everyone must follow...

The first night for dinner, we just happened to stumble upon an amazing pizza restaurant. Seriously sooo good, the sauce is not like your typical sauce you'd get on a slice of pizza here. It's like fresh tomato's on your pizza, obviously my words don't do this pizza justice. Besides the pizza we started off with an awesome Caesar salad topped with some tasty cheese. And not mention dessert was Gelato, it was the simple flavors of a Chocolate scoop & Vanilla scoop... none the less it was the best Gelato I've ever had.

And not to mention there are about a Bagillion statues in Madrid, you'll be sure to find one at every corner you turn. They obviously make for great photo-op moments... clearly.

So there you have day one, we spent most of the day trying to get our bearings and figure out where everything was and where we wanted to spend our time. We were smart enough to buy a 10 ride metro pass and the was the best idea we had the whole. I definitely suggest you use the metro in Madrid it's convenient and so easy to figure out as well as gets you everywhere you want to be.

nicole

Thursday 13: Things I am Thankful for

In no particular order:

1.  Camron. Because he is my other half. He literally makes me whole. Not sure how I would survive life without him.
2. Mia. She is my sunshine and what makes life worth living. She brings joy to my heart, more joy than I have ever felt and it is EVERYDAY!
3. My family. My own little family, my side of the family & my in-laws. They are all not only family but are some of my best friends.
4. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is what I believe in and know to be true. I can't imagine life without the faith, happiness, and comfort that it brings.
5. In-Vitro Fertilization. Because without it I would not have the most amazing gift - My sweet baby girl, Mia. I will have to share my story with you someday.
6. Best Friends. Especially those who run agonizing amounts of miles with me even when they don't have to. Or those who are there to support me or are just there to listen to me. Those friends who I don't see all the time but as soon as we get together its like we were never apart. Girls nights out with my BFFs is sometimes the pick me up that I need.
7. Running. Because it helps me to set and reach goals. Even when I am hating myself for running so many miles and asking myself why in the world would I sign up for a marathon each time I complete an outrageous amount of miles (like 17 last friday!) I feel like I have accomplished something big.
8. Dark Chocolate. It is sometimes what gets me through the day. Speaking of which, I made myself some Dark Chocolate ice-cream. It is just waiting for me as soon as I am done blogging.
9. Being a stay at home mom. It is the best job I have ever had. It is hard work. I am not just a mom but I am an EVERYTHING mom and it is not 40 hours a week it is 24 hours a day/7 days a week. But I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
10. My House. So it isn't perfect and right now it is pretty bare and in the preparation stages for some painting, new flooring, baseboards, etc. But I love having a place to call my own and slowly but surely it will start to feel less like a house and more like a home.
11. Reading. I love to read. I grew up loving to read. When I was younger I would read novels in one day. My mom would get frustrated because she would buy me a new book and I would have it read by the end of the day. I am currently in a book club within my neighborhood and I love how it gives me the opportunity to read books that I might not have chosen for myself. Also, it forces me to make time to read.
12. Spring Weather. It is finally starting to warm up and I am able to spend some time hanging out and playing with Mia outside. Good thing, because I was starting to get a little stir crazy from being locked up inside all winter long!
13. Blogging.  Because sometimes I am just not in the mood but once I sit down to blog I feel so much better. I have kept a personal/family blog for 4 years now, I treat that blog like my own little scrapbook/journal and it keeps my family up to date with what is going on in our lives. And I love having this blog to ramble on about whatever I feel like. It has pushed me to try new things - I am excited for where it will take me next.

Happy Thursday!

XOXO,
Whitney

atlanta

Hotlanta was really good to us two weeks ago. Every morning after breakfast we sat ourselves down on the balcony and soaked up 80 degree weather. amazingness.

J.Biebslanta also supplied me with my hot BF when I suddenly ran into him at the mall, he shouldn't have surprised me like that. but I didn't stop him from taking a pic with me.

Shoptlanta provided some nautical shoes for spring and summer. To look cute you gotta dress cute, to dress cute you gotta shop cute. In addition to the shoes I got a striped shirt continue the nautical esque theme as well as some camel colored capris.

Bluelanta accompanied every one of our nights spent in Atlanta. The pumpkin pecan was perfect to top off everyday we had spent shopping.

Chiclanta, because we eat closer to where it's from, founded, and started. This families motto is always eat mor chikin. Chic-fil-A, do I dare admit was our dinner for 2 out of the five days we spent in Atlanta. If you are judging us right now it is most definitely because you are jealous.

Atlanta was fun and awesome. Loved going and can't wait to go back real soon.

nicole





Spring is in the air

Last week I found my new favorite store: Love Culture. I hardly ever shop for myself. Those of you who are moms probably do the same. I easily buy anything and everything for my sweet baby girl but when it comes to myself I am hesitant. Luckily when I found my new fav store it was also my birthday so I was able to spoil myself. I got several new outfits just in time for spring. I wore this on my birthday and made my Mr. do a photo shoot for me. Ha ha, it was pretty entertaining and only lasted about 2 minutes.

Shirt, shoes, pants all from Love Culture.

It was also really windy.  And yes, if you couldn't tell that is a Mockingjay pin hanging from my necklace. I am no fashion blogger but I just love the new outfits that I have purchased! Bring on the Spring!

XOXO,
Whitney

JBiebs wishes you a VERY happy birthday

Happy Birthday to Nicole. Yes, we not only share this blog but we also share birthday months. Our birthdays are only 3 days a part. I love having a sister in law that is more like a sister. And since I love Nicole so much  I thought I would see if I could get JBiebs to sing Happy Birthday to her and here it is...

Happy 20th Birthday Nicole! Love ya!

xoxo,
Whitney

Recipe for a PERFECT Birthday!

Here is my recipe for an {almost} Perfect Birthday:

Ingredients:

1. Have Sister fly in from Maryland to spend the weekend with you. Shop until you drop!

2. Get just what you wanted from the Mr. - a new sewing machine!

3. After running 17 miles with your friend you MUST go get a pedicure with your mom and sister.

 4. After getting a pedicure go to Lunch at Kneaders. Indulge in the yummiest cupcake they have.

 5. After more shopping meet up with all of family for dinner and have them sing to you.

6. After dinner meet up with all your friends and family at the movie theater.

7. Enjoy the movie event of the year: Hunger games.

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together in one day and ENJOY.

Birthday

Happy Birthday to Whitney, the co-mother of our blog from Damon, Stefan, and I. You're an amazing sister-in-law. Hope you have the best birthday today. Can't wait to see you tonight.... at the Hunger Games, couldn't think of a better way to celebrate your day. love you the mostest.

nicole

City Creek Love

I went and ventured out to the Grand Opening of City Creek Center in Salt Lake City. I fell in love. It was love at first sight. Everything about it was beautiful. The creeks running throughout the mall, the sky bridge, the fountains and of course the amazing shops. It was busy but not too busy to fall in love with a new store.

You know it is good when you start grabbing things and within minutes of walking in the store your arms are full with clothes to try on. Yep, that happened. And just my luck that it is my birthday tomorrow so I had some extra birthday $$ to spend. Got some cute outfits, pictures to come soon.  I loved it there. I think I just might have to go back...once a week. Just to walk around.

Shine

This is such an amazing project, I would love to be apart of it. Hopefully my May 26 will stay available for me to do so.

nicole

Tuesday Delights

It's Tuesday. Since my Mr. works Sunday-Wednesday my Tuesdays often feel more like a Thursday, leaving me wishing the day away. Tuesdays are usually uneventful, much like Mondays where I spend my time cleaning the house, doing laundry, etc. etc. Today is Tuesday and instead of boring Tuesdays why not fill my Tuesday with some Tuesday delights to help get me through the next day or two. Plus this week is going by slower than normal because I have so much to look forward to! Time always seems to stand still when you can't wait for something. Here is what I am looking forward to for this week:

1. My sister/best friend & niece Jaida are coming to visit for the weekend from Maryland. She arrives tomorrow night. YAHOO

2. The much anticipated City Creek opens up on Thursday and if we are brave enough I think we just might go check it out.

3. IT IS MY BIRTHDAY ON FRIDAY - I turn 25!!!

4. And of course... The Hunger Games Movie Event. My amazing cousins are putting together a Hunger Games Movie Event for Charity. They are so inspiring and throw the best parties. I really have been waiting for this party for months!!

And my Tuesday Delight?? I saw Birdy perform on Ellen and she was amazing to say the least... and she has a few songs on the Hunger Games Soundtrack. The music in that movie is going to be stellar. Check her out!!

Hope your Tuesday is Delightful as well!

XOXO,
Whitney

used to be

I used to be in love with wearing jewelry, and then I hated it.... but now I think I am going to be in love with it again. j.crew & ann taylor never fail me.

What are your favorite jewelry shops?

nicole

Going Green - Spinach & Egg White Omelette

So I have been trying to eat healthier lately. Replacing sugary snacks with almonds, cottage cheese, veggies, & fruit. So far I have been doing pretty good! I have also been trying to add more dark greens into my diet - especially spinach. So for breakfast I made myself an egg white omelet with spinach topped with a dab of organic salsa. I was a little nervous that it would be nasty but it was surprisingly yummy and left me feeling satisfied clear up until lunch time with no need for a snack. It is the perfect way to start out your St. Patrick's Day celebrations - by going green!

I used:
3 egg whites
1/2 C spinach
Dash of Salt and Pepper
1 T organic salsa as a topping

Place egg whites in a frying pan. Slowly heat up over medium heat. Cook egg whites thoroughly. Add spinach and fold. Cook until desired golden color is met. Add salt & pepper, top with salsa and enjoy.

After eating this I felt like I had more energy. I always feel better when I eat better! Hope you all have a fantastic St. Patrick's day!

XOXO,
Whitney

Tidbits for your Weekend

Costa Rica sunset, It was the most amazing sunset ever. I'm ready for summer.

I just joined the Blue Bell Country Club, best idea I've ever had. Go here if you love BlueBell.


Dreams of flying, this collection of images by Jan von Holleben puts a smile on my face.

Style is for everyone of all ages, just check here.

If you've ever said that couple looks like they could be siblings then this blog is for you.

This pen is genius and I'd totally buy it.

I can think a million reasons why this Little Printer would work for me.

"Don't let them call you skinny!" vintage wate-on add here.

Found this lovely necklace, my next diy project!

And have you heard this about pinterest lately? Kind of scary if you ask me.

Have an amazing Weekend everyone! Hope it's fun filled and action packed.

nicole

Blackberry Frozen Yogurt

Blackberry Frozen Yogurt was our Sunday treat this week and it was to die for. So simple yet so delicious. Blackberries, Greek Yogurt and Sweetened Condensed milk. We found the recipe here. It's so easy to make and so easy to change for your favorite fruit. Peach is my next pick for frozen yogurt, yum!

nicole

Feeling Lucky

It must be March because I am feeling really lucky! It all started about a month ago when I won a give away on Sugar and Dots giving me ad space to a few incredible blogs. I could not have been more excited. This was the first time I had actually won something from a giveaway online.

Then I won a gift card from SagaGirls. These are my lovely cousins who are putting together an amazing movie premier party for the Hunger Games...which also happens to be on my birthday. I'm ecstatic to say the least.

Later I won a contest on Studio 5's Facebook page to win a $500 giftcard to DownEast Home & Clothing. Never in a million years did I think I would win. One Friday night I was browsing on my phone and checking my email when I saw one from Studio 5 with the subject: Congrats! From Studio 5. I clicked and there it was: YOU HAVE WON A $500 giftcard. I squealed and ran in to tell my husband, then called my mom. Then I bought my dining table with that  giftcard!!

And most recently... I won a free cut and color from Lunatic Fringe courtesty of Erin Cornia. Can't wait to get my hair done... it is about time!!

Hopefully my luck will continue!

XOXO,
Whitney

vocal point

You could say I had a fun filled weekend if you'd like..... 

The fam and I went to see these guys perform on Saturday down in Provo. It was pretty much awesome. They were on The Sing Off this last season and let me tell you they rocked my socks. Okay so maybe my cousin is a new member to the group so I'm a little bias but like whatever. They are still amazing. Anyways they sang Never Say Never originally by Justin Bieber, and anyone who knows me knows that I have a love for JBiebs that can't be denied so I obviously loved that number.

And yes this is me, just call me famous... I'm with the most handsomest Vocal Point member around, Landon (my cousin). This kid can sing ;) but I'm sorry ladies this kid is now taken.


nicole

Weekend & House Updates

I've been busy this weekend.

It started off with Friday and running 15 miles.

This is the farthest distance I have ever ran. Thankful to my friend who ran the first 10 miles with me. At mile 11 I got a burst of energy. At mile 14 my legs got tired. That last mile was not easy.

Friday I babysat for a neighbor. Then the Mr. & I went out to dinner. We took our little love bug with us! We live in Herriman and there aren't very many restaurant choices but our favorite local  place to go is a yummy mexican restaurant: Salsa Leedos. It is also the only mexican restaurant in Herriman. :) Their salsa is so great!

After dinner we headed over to Ikea and bought new dining chairs to go with our new dining table that we bought from DownEast Home.

My Mr. put them all together yesterday.

Then, I spent the entire day painting our bedroom. We went with a wonderful wheatbread color.

We are going to be doing a lot of painting and updates to our home in the next little bit. Can't wait to share them with you as we go!

And today? It's going to be a nice relaxing day. The weather is gorgeous and spring like. We get to head to church and then up to my Aunt's house to celebrate my Granny's birthday.

Happy Weekend,
Whitney

Spot it!

The family first started playing this game in San Diego during the family vacation for the wedding. My sister in law Jenna brought it to the hotel and it was a hit with the fam. I didn't play it until a few Sundays ago. Mother Gram-J-Dawg (Grandmother) and I sat down to play it after dinner and it was great fun. It's easy to understand the game so you are quickly able to get into the competitiveness of this game as well. Definitely recommend this one to all.

nicole

St. Patrick's Day Burlap Bubble Wreath

Last weekend I was at Hobby Lobby getting a few extra beads for the necklaces Nicole and I made. While I was there I decided last minute that I wanted to make a wreath to go on my door for St. Patricks Day. Glad I thought of it while I was already at the store so I could save myself a trip! I was originally going to do another yarn wreath but then I saw this Burlap Bubble Wreath and fell in love. Instead of dolling it up with Valentine's day decorations like they had I thought some cute green ribbon and shamrocks would look adorable. One of my friends had pinned this felt shamrock and I loved it!  I finished my wreath the other day and I am so happy with how it turned out:

For great instructions on how to make the bubble wreath go here and for instructions on the shamrocks go here. I added a pearl bead in the middle of my felt shamrocks. I also added some darker green felt rosettes just surrounding the shamrocks.

I'm feelin' lucky!

XOXO,
Whitney

Travel Plans....

I'm going to Madrid Spain. Words can't describe how excited I am. I've dreamed of going here ever since I was a little girl playing soccer, mesmerized by the Real Madrid soccer team. And now I can't believe I am actually going, in fact it doesn't seem real yet. Also me and mother may have spent a few hours at Barnes and noble last nigh reading up on Madrid, Rick Steve's travel book on Spain was quite helpful I highly recommend it.

Also in my travel plans

Atlanta, Georgia.

We are making a quick stop here before we head to Madrid and I'm quite excited for a few things. Those being the shopping, Blue Bell ice cream, and the ever so delicious Chic-Fil-A. On that note just so you are all aware, you haven't lived until you've had blue bell ice cream and also our family has a sick obsession with Chic-Fil-A.

Emerald

I haven't been eating as great as I would like to lately. I just have too many tempting things in my pantry. Like all the candy from Christmas & Valentine's Day. Not to mention all the delicious home made ice cream I have been making lately... so I have a bit of a sweet tooth. I decided that I need to cut out all the unnecessary sugar and treats that I have been snacking on so today while I was at the grocery store I stocked up on healthy snacks. I knew I wanted to get some almonds and I saw these Emerald to go canisters:

They are like heaven in a bottle. Dark Chocolate Roasted Almonds, HELLO!! Delicious. Plus, They only have 1g of sugar and they are packed full of sugar. Not to mention the fact that almonds are a healthy nut. Yum. Hoping these keep me away from all that bad stuff....