a baking adventure

Sep 29, 2012

After 12 hours of baking, the outcome could not have been any better.
I loved setting them up and seeing the final product. I catered my very first wedding! I can't wait to try it again!! I loved the cupcake stand, Steve did a great job on it. I definitely over bought supplies, but I am sure I will use them again soon.



She wanted her cupcake to stand out more and she loved the color pink so naturally I had to make the icing pink.



I made both of their cupcakes a little bit more unique so you could tell the difference.


My roommate is awesome and came to help me set up. The lighting in this place was no an ideal place to shoot photos, not for me anyways haha.


The final product and me! I was soooooo happy with the way this turned out! The cupcake stand looks beautiful and all the cupcakes fit!



I have no idea what these cake toppers were but she said that they were Toki Doki (?) dolls, "till death do us part," get it? So cute! I loved the way that the tie turned out, it was not easy making that thing!

I can't wait for the next big thing!

100 & the start of fall

Sep 26, 2012

100!
Who would have ever thought I'd get this far? Not me. Now I know that this may seem like such a miniscule number to the die-hard bloggers out there but for me, it has been 9 months of at least an update each month. Winning. This became so much more than just updating scrapbook pictures and has become part of my life.. to keep family and friend (who want to read it) updated on my life.



1 // Fall has begun, the weather is changing and I can't really tell if I am a huge fan of it yet. BUT now that it is Fall, I deemed it okay to buy a pumpkin spiced latter from Starbucks. They came out way too early for my liking. I am definitely an iced-coffee-all-year-around kind of girl, but I make exceptions.

2 // Fifa could not find a more convenient place to hang out while I studied and wrote a paper. Sometimes her being as cute as she is, I can't resist.



3 & 4 // Dresses! I am not a huge Forever 21 fan like everyone else, I think the clutter and lack of sizes gives me anxiety. Being small isn't all that great when you are searching for adult clothing and all you can fit into is children's sizes. BUT, I was in luck and found these two great dresses. I love things that tie, it makes fitting so much better. Now I do not have to stress over finding a dress for the wedding we have next weekend. I feel super adult in #2. Maybe I will stop being mistaken as a teenager? Doubt it.



5 // The best part so far, I got to go out to dinner with my parents. Now this may seem very strange to people, it is such a common idea; not for us. We never go out to eat as a family, I would much rather eat what my mom cooks for me than any place out, but meeting half way- this is the only choice we had. We enjoyed a nice Olive Garden dinner and caught up on everything. I don't know what is going to happen when I move to California! AH!



So far Fall, you are looking good. Stay in the 70's and I will be happy until winter hits *sad face*

vegan blueberry pancakes

Sep 24, 2012


I love pancakes for breakfast.
When I was young, my mom would make them silver dollar sized because I had this idea in my head that mini pancakes taste better than regular pancakes. I still, somewhat, have that same idea. I make Steve the normal size and myself, the minis.

The first time I ever used this recipe was with his mom. We tweaked the original recipe by one step: the baking powder. On the original recipe, they say not to change it to teaspoons, but I think it is better this way. The pancake batter is thick so beware when pouring it onto the pan. I like them a lot more thin, so next time I think I will add more soymilk. The thing I love about this recipe is most of these ingredients are usually on hand everyday- those are the best kinds of recipes!


Pancake Batter
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon organic sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup soymilk
2 tablespoons canola oil
fresh or frozen blueberries

Directions:
Set a stove element with a pan to medium heat.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Add the soymilk and canola oil to wet mixture. Add blueberries, making sure they don't all sink to the bottom.

Mix until smooth.

Spoon batter onto pan.

Flip when bubbles appear in the middle of the pancake or when ready.

Repeat until batter is finished.

Source: adapted from Food.com



After they are all finished, I like to top it off with some fresh strawberries and bananas. Plus heating up pure maple syrup for 30 seconds to make it warm!


Enjoy!

hello fall 2012

Sep 22, 2012

I can't remember the last time I went apple picking, but I remember it being awesome.

It still is.



The first day of Fall was amazing. It started out beautiful and, although it's raining now, apple picking was bright and sunny. Mostly 80's all day. I love having him around to pick the high apples that no one has touched yet!



The farm we went to was also beautiful. Tons of people were there and it was huge. Big fields of apples everywhere. There was a hayride that would take you farther out, but I am not a huge fan of them; too itchy. The town was so quaint, very "old-townish," if anyone even understand what I mean haha.



We picked 15lbs of apples. All different types. Grabbed an apple cider made from the farm and when we got to the car it was so delicious that we stopped to grab a whole gallon.


I can not wait to make more apple pie!!
Fall is already starting to look wonderful.


Oh, and on another Apple note, my iPhone 5 came on Friday! :) Let's just say I love and hate Apple all at the same time..

summer 2012

Sep 21, 2012

Today is the end of summer, can you believe it? I can not believe that I only went to the beach three times and lost my tan before the summer ended. I can not say that this was the best summer ever because I am pretty sure Road Trip 2010 was the best summer ever. BUT this summer was as fantastic as it could be while going to school. Instagram played a huge role in capturing all of it and it has become my most used and favorite app! I still love my DSLR too though :)


I want to remember.. going to the beach with Priscilla and all the moments we had throughout the summer.

I want to remember.. the first time Steve, Fifa, and I all went to the beach together (never again haha).

I want to remember.. all of the cool cupcakes I made!

I want to remember.. Fourth of July fireworks, twice.

 
I want to remember.. the Olympics and really watching them for the first time.

I want to remember.. spending time with Steve's family and how much his nieces loved me.

I want to remember.. all the funny pictures and tricks Fifa did.


I want to remember.. saying goodbye to my best friend was really crappy but I couldn't be more happy for her.

I want to remember.. I got accepted to graduate school.

I want to remember.. that Steve made me the most amazing cupcake stand ever and for that, I sat outside at a car show for 8 hours.

I want to remember.. going shopping with my mom for the first time in years.


I want to remember.. one of my really great friends got engaged.

I want to remember.. driving 10+ hours to North Carolina to see them.

I want to remember.. the painful, but amazingly awesome banana boats.

I want to remember.. how Elizabeth was such a momma bear to me.

I want to remember.. that I got to visit a vegan bakery I had been dying to go to.

I want to remember.. my first vegetarian food festival with Steve.

I want to remember.. my first made-from-scratch vegan apple pie!

I want to remember.. how we decided next year we are going to move to California when I finish school.

I want to remember.. that I can not believe how fast time is moving and I am loving every minute of it.


I know that next summer will be one of the most amazing summers ever and I cross my fingers at the idea of finishing with graduate school and moving away with the love of my life. It is what motivates me to study all night and stay in every weekend.

Welcome Fall 2012, I can not wait to meet you!



*This idea came from Elise Blaha who got it from Ali Edwards*

project life | week 34 & 35

Sep 18, 2012

Although I have not been updating on Project Life, I have been keeping up with it. These weeks seemed like so long ago before class began and when I had free time to take pictures and post them! Now I am super busy!


Week 34    I got the idea for the title card from Wild Blueberry Ink, it is definitely a great idea to show the dates for that week. Quick and easy title card. I may have to use it more often.


Week 35
I love love love the Amy Tan Thickers I used for the "North Carolina." I am going to have to go and buy more. They are awesome.

I love the Design I and Instagram photos. I loved North Carolina and visiting friends. I can not wait for their wedding in December!



I am linking up with The Creative Mom!

vegan mini oreo stuffed cookies

Sep 17, 2012

And the kicker... a mini Oreo stuffed inside of it!

I had attempted this once before with a regular sized Double Stuffed Oreo.. let's just say that it didn't turn out too well. I was a little hesitant to try this because they came out so bad the first time, but OH-EM-GEE, these were delicious. I think everything is cuter in mini form, but that could just be me. I found the recipe on VegWeb (that amazing website), the thing I like about this recipe is that it has really simple ingredients that you probably already have around the house!


Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
2 cups unbleached flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup canola oil*
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup of vegan chocolate chips
pinch of cinnamon
bag of mini Oreos

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add chips. Make a small "well" in the middle for the wet ingredients.

In a medium size bowl, add together sugar and oil (*I felt the 1/2 cup was too much so I used about 1/3 cup). Mix well. Add the vanilla and room temperature water. Mix well.

Combine the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.

Using a melon ball scooper, take out 1 scoop for the top and 1 scoop for the bottom of the Oreo and seal the edges together so you can't see the Oreo anymore. Squish it down to the size you would like.

Place onto parchment paper on your cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

Take them out of the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, transfer to wire cooling rack to cool.

Enjoy!


cookie anyone?
A shot of Almond milk to go with it.

weekend recap

Sep 16, 2012


1 // Steve's mom brought us latte cupcakes from a local health food store. It looked much better than it tasted, but I still enjoyed it haha

2 // Steve and I made vegan pizza. I love vegan pizza! Yes, those are vegan pepperonis.

3 // I have a slight obsession with Target. I have about 5 Target reusable bags. I added the canvas tote bag to the collection this weekend. I was excited, it is so awesome.

4 // My three favorite things. Fifa, Steve, and Starbucks. It was a beautiful day for a walk yesterday.


Life has been hectic and I am trying to get into a routine, but it really isn't that easy. Working from 8-4, class twice a week from 4:30-7, taking care of a dog, trying to read articles and write on forums. It is just wearing me out. I find that my appetite is not as full as it used to be. I always want to sleep. I need to manage my time better, although I am doing much better than I think others have, but I need to stretch it out over the week; not just the last 3 days of the week.

And a few days ago, I fell down the stairs trying to get carpet cleaner for Fifa's vom.. gross. My body is feeling the effects today. Sore back. Sore side. AH. Nothing hurts tremendously, just sore, very sore. I am trying to bake more, put up recipes on the blog, and have a life. I need to put together Priscilla's birthday gift for Friday! I have no idea what I am going to get her!?

Busy week. Busy life until December.

vegan apple pie

Sep 13, 2012

Apple picking season is coming. Fall is coming. I am so excited.
The other day at work someone in the building brought in apples, tons and tons of apples for anyone to take so I decided to grab four. After much pondering, I searched and searched for a vegan apple pie crust/filling and made an apple pie!

My very first apple pie. I was so excited. I still am. Conquering a pie is a big deal (for me anyways). On my 25-to-do-lists, baking a vegan cheesecake was on it, I think this can substitute for it since I have never made one. I can not wait to make more!
Double-Crust Dough
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp organic sugar
½ tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks) cold Earth Balance buttery sticks, cut into small pieces
6 tbsp cold water

Directions:
Combine the flour, organic sugar, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or use a food processor (I didn't have one). Mix briefly to blend.

Add in the butter pieces and mix on medium-low speed to cut the 'butter' into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse sand and the largest 'butter' pieces are not much bigger than peas.

Mix in the cold water on low speed just until the dough comes together.

Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Remove from the refrigerator. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface.


Apple Pie Filling
Ingredients
4-6 apples of your choice
1/3 cup organic sugar
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp grated nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp soymilk

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Position an oven rack in the upper-middle position. Please cookie sheet on lower rack under, in case of any overspill.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugars, flour, spices, and lemon juice. Toss well to combine.

Pour the apple mixture and accumulated juices into the bottom pie crust.

Roll out the remaining pie dough on a floured work surface and cover the pie, cutting holes for air to move through. I cut out heart shapes on the top :)

Brush the top and edges of the crust with 2 tbsp of soymilk. Sprinkle the top of the pie with sugar.

Bake until the crust is golden brown and the juices are bubbling, about 45-60 minutes.

Transfer to a cooling rack and allow it to cool for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Source: adapted from Annie Eat's

And from the reactions I received at work: it came out delicious! The only thing is I needed to add more filling, but I only had four apples so it was okay. 5-6 would probably be best.

9/11/12

Sep 11, 2012

I took these photos last year when Steve and I went to visit NYC. This was before you could walk around the memorial but there were still places with memorials.

May we never forget those who helped and those who were lost. My heart goes out to all of them.


Hopefully, one day, we can finally see peace♥

currents: september edition

Sep 6, 2012


DATE // 09.06.12

WATCHING // switching between MTV VMAs, Four Weddings, & DNC 2012

READING // The Emotionally Intelligent Manager - school has begun

LISTENING // Taylor Swift - We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (LIVE!)

EATING // chocolate chocolate chip ice cream

DRINKING // water :)

ENJOYING // school starting again

THINKING // how much work I have to do for class

LOVING // Bethlehem VegFest this weekend

WONDERING // if we will go to DC VegFest on the 22nd

CREATING // Project Life Week 34 & 35

WANTING // Kelly Purkey stamps from SimonSayStamps

the "engagement" pictures

Sep 5, 2012








I am by no means a "photographer," but I do love the hobby of photographing people. I never knew how awkward these pictures could be, even if you know the people, but they really can get pretty awkward; trying to tell them what to do and positions. My favorite ones were the random shots I got of the two of them. I also took a few photos of another newly engaged couple they live with. I only have a few of them but I love laughing pictures.

Practice. I am glad that I got to do that much :)

instagrammed vacation

Sep 4, 2012


Besides the 10+ hour drive, my vacation was fantastic. I love to travel, I thought I loved driving as much as I did but after this trip, I can not be so sure. My legs were killing me.

Seeing the two of them was fantastic.
I drove and drove and drove. I stopped in Washington DC to visit a vegan bakery and I am so glad I did. I loved it. The inside was cute and they had tons of sweets to choose from and I had a wonderful lunch. Chixen ranch wrap was AMAZING. I want to go back soon. I got to scratch a few of those off of my list, not technically but I started working on vegan eatery #2!

I began reading The Night Circus after I saw an instagram pictures from Elise and I love this book. It is a great read and it really is up my alley. North Carolina water is so warm, I love it. Banana boating is so fun and so painful all at the same time. I think after all six of us flew off (the second time) we were done. I was in pain all day Sunday and Monday.. partly today too. My body is not used to it. Even if there is a little bit of pain, they are so much fun. Frozen yogurt trip, twice in one day, I don't eat it but I tried it.. not really my thing. I missed Starbucks so much while on this trip because there wasn't one near their house.

Elizabeth was excited to take some "engagement" pictures, you know, those photos you see everywhere after people get engaged. I told her I was no expert but I would make an attempt for them because it would give me great practice. I will post those tomorrow. I think they came out pretty good, for me anyways.

After a five day weekend, tomorrow I am back to work.
On a positive note?
It's only a three day week!

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