Thursday Thoughts - Vol 32

Happy Thursday! Last Wednesday I was little under the weather so I didn't manage to get my Thursday Thoughts put together, but I'm back this week!

1. I've got puppy fever. It's bad. It's been so warm in Kansas City the last week, and there are people out with their dogs everywhere. I get so envious, but then I remember how much work puppies can be, and how much I love quick weekend trips. Evie's fine for a few days on her own, but a puppy? Not so much. Who has a dog they want to loan me occasionally? :)
2. Tootsie rolls are a really underrated candy. I would never think to buy them myself, but we have a big bowl of them in the reception area at work, and I might have had one four yesterday afternoon, and they were delicious...but not the fruit flavored ones. Those are gross. Chocolate only.
3. I really wish Starbucks drinks were more consistent. Gosh I sound like such a bratty, white girl. #firstworldproblems ...but really. Last week I ordered a skinny hazelnut latte, and it was disgusting. So gross in fact, that I ended up pouring half of it down the drain, but yesterday, yesterday I ordered the exact same thing, and it was the most delicious latte ever. What a tough life I have.
4. Speaking of tough, last Wednesday I had a halo laser treatment in an attempt to get rid of some acne scaring, and good golly that thing was painful. They give you a numbing cream prior to the treatment, but there's nothing quite like the smell of burning skin. Not to mention I looked like a chipmunk for the next two days because my face was so swollen. Cory kept telling me I looked like a Bratz doll. He's so kind like that. I'll spare you any pictures. I'm still peeling pretty bad right now, but I think it helped so fingers crossed my scars are gone! 
5. Do you guys have one position you HAVE to sleep in? Last week after my treatment I was instructed to sleep elevated on my back to prevent swelling, and it was awful. I cannot sleep on my back. I have a Fitbit that tracks sleep, and it said I was restless 37 times. THIRTY SEVEN how is that even possible!?! Oh ya. I was awake the entire night. I sleep on my stomach or not at all apparently. Lord help me if I'm ever pregnant. That will be the longest 9 months of my life.
6. I'm getting ready to list my house for sale so Cory and I spent Sunday cleaning out my basement (thanks Cory!). We took FOUR car loads of crap to Goodwill, and I still have half a car full of more crap to donate still. I think I was well on my way to becoming a hoarder. At least I wasn't hoarding cats? Have you all seen those people on TV? So disturbing..
7. This list of 50 Of The Happiest Feelings To Remember On a Bad Day is kinda perfect. Happy Thursday Friends!

Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

In honor of National Chocolate Mint Day, I thought it would be appropriate to share these Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes. While making these won't be quite as easy as plowing through a sleeve of Thin Mints, I promise they are equally (if not more) satisfying and way prettier.



When I made these I was in a bit of a time crunch so I started with a box of Pillsbury Moist Supreme Chocolate cake mix, and just added a teaspoon of mint extract to give them a little extra pizazz. Did the word pizazz make anyone else thing of pizza? I typed that, and then immediately started thinking about how much I wanted to have pizza for dinner tonight. I'm such a fat kid at heart. Anyways, let's get back on topic. Bake as instructed on the cake box in a lined cupcake pan. Set aside, and let cool completely.


Now it's time for the fun part - the mint chocolate buttercream frosting. Here is what you'll need:

Mint Buttercream Frosting

• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon mint extract
• 6-8 drops green food coloring
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks

In a mixing bowl, beat together the sifted powdered sugar, butter, and salt until smooth. This should only take about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the mint extract and food coloring. Mix for another 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Stir in the chocolate chunks by hand to avoid breaking them in the mixer.

Using a large ice cream scoop, scoop some frosting onto the top of each cupcake. It's that simple! Now it's time to enjoy! Happy National Chocolate Mint Day y'all!

weekend recap

Monday's are tough. Monday's after a three day weekend are even tougher. Monday's after a three day weekend in my favorite city ever are the toughest of all.

Cory and I spent a long weekend in Charleston getting some wedding planning done. In all actuality we were done with the "planning" by noon on Friday, but we'll use any excuse for a trip to Charleston. We did apply for our marriage license, and we met our officiant for the first time (he's wonderful). Other than that, we're leaving the details in the hands of our also wonderful, very-capable wedding planner. I seriously don't know what I would do without her. She's amazing.

The rest of the weekend was spent exploring, eating, happy houring, eating, eating some more, attending SEWE, and celebrating Valentine's Day. I'm so lucky to have found the best travel partner, and partner in general. We have so much fun together, and he's pretty darn cute too. Okay. Done being mushy. The number of new restaurants opening in Charleston constantly is insane, and each one is just as delicious as the next. So not good for my wedding diet, but so worth it. Anyways, rather than bore you with what we ate where, I'll let the pictures do the talking.

After applying for our marriage license at the Courthouse, we met our wedding
planner at our wedding venue, the Gadsden House. 

I mean, these chandeliers are insane. Love love love!

Avocado toast at my favorite brunch/lunch spot - Park Cafe.

Followed by coconut cake at a bakery I've walked by half a dozen times, but had yet to try, Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar.

Happy hour drinks (my first drink since NYE mind you) at The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits

Happy hour stop #2 for $5 Moscow Mules at The Rarebit

Pizza (from Desano's) and prosecco in our hotel room to round out day #1. Perfection!

Acai bowls for breakfast from Huriyali. 

Doing some cardio (and starfish hunting) at Isle of Palms before we met up with some Charleston
Jayhawks at Moe's Crosstown to watch the KU-Oklahoma game. What. a. game. Rock Chalk! Also, I didn't
snap any pictures at Moe's but it's a great little neighborhood dive bar with delicious (and cheap) bar food.

I made a new rule during the game - if KU wins then we must eat dessert. Hence the brambleberry crisp
waffle cone from Jeni's. Best ice cream ever! Saturday night Cory and I had dinner at a great little Italian
restaurant, Wild Olive, on John's Island. The food and atmosphere were great. I was too busy stuffing my
face to document it, but I highly suggest trying it!

Of course we had to cap off the night with some more ice cream - a strawberry shortcake ice cream
sandwich from Peace Pies to be exact. 

This was my favorite thing I ate all weekend - pear toast from the Daily. If I'm being totally honest, I ate it twice.
We went there on Saturday morning, and then I begged Cory to take me back on Sunday because it was just that good. 

You guys. I wanted to adopt this little pup at SEWE so bad. Isn't he precious? Sadly I came back to KC empty handed.

Cory and I rounded out our feasting with a trip to Minero for a late brunch/lunch. I'm always game for a margarita
and some chips and guac so this hit the spot. The chef, Sean Brock, owns a few other restaurants around
Charleston, all of which are delicious.

Cory and I rounded out the weekend watching the Dock Dog finals at SEWE. Those poor little guys jumped their little hearts out in the freezing weather. I felt so bad for them jumping into that water, but they didn't seem to mind too much :)

If you're ever planning a trip to Charleston, be sure to let me know and I will happily give you a laundry list of suggestions!

Thursday Thoughts - Vol 31

Happy Thursday! I have the day off work tomorrow so today is technically my Friday which I couldn't be happier about! Let's get to Thursday Thoughts!

1. Ever since my first Whole 30 last year, I've been obsessed with putting avocado in my smoothies. Have you all tried it?!? It makes it so creamy, delicious, and dessert-like. Obviously it isn't as good as a real milkshake, but still good none the less....and now I'm craving a milkshake. There's this fast food restaurant in the South called Cook Out. Midwesterners probably aren't familiar, but if you ever find yourself nearby one, order a peach cobbler milkshake. You will not be disappointed.
2. Was anyone else super disappointed there wasn't a cute Budweiser Clydesdale and/or dalmatian commercial during the Super Bowl?!? It's my favorite commercial every. single. year. I mean I guess it's a good thing they're trying to advocate against drunk driving, but give me the heart wrenching, lifelong friendship between a Clydesdale and his trainer that still makes me tear up any day. Seriously if that commercial doesn't make you cry just a little I don't think you have a heart.
3. Speaking of animals and crying, does anyone else full on sob when an animal dies in a movie but barely shed a tear when a human dies? Does this make me a bad person? Probably. 



Animals over people any day! ...I'm not sure Evie appreciates my sentiment.

4. I didn't celebrate National Pizza Day this week, and I'm still regretting it so there's that.
5. Is anyone giving up something for Lent? I'm not even Catholic, but I usually try to think of something to go without until Easter, but this year I'm at a loss. Any ideas?
6. I'm so excited for this I can hardly stand it. An 8th Harry Potter installment?!? Best. Summer. Ever.

Kitty Ballerina Cookies

When my friend Ashley told me what her 3 year old was contemplating for her birthday party theme, I was beyond excited. Cats! Ballerinas! Pink and red! This party was right up my alley! 

If you want the perfect sugar cookie my advice would be to check out Sweet Sugar Belle's recipe. Since trying out her recipe I've never looked back. This recipe requires no refrigeration. You hear that?!? The dough doesn't have to be chilled which is a major win for this impatient person...especially considering I bake all my cookies after work, and I'm no night owl.

Recently I found a new royal icing recipe that I think is a keeper. I sorta followed the recipe, but I didn't sift the powdered sugar and added some vanilla and almond extra (because I can't bake anything without adding a little almond). I'd say it was pretty tasty! It does take much, much longer to dry so I usually have to start the cookies a whole day earlier to let them dry before packing them up and sending them on their way, but I think it's worth it. The biggest downside to royal icing is it dries so hard, but this one is much, much better. Try it. I promise it's worth the extra time!

Game Day Football Oreo Truffles

I posted these football Oreo truffles a few years ago, but seeing as there are some new faces around here I thought I would share them again since they are seriously the perfect addition to any Super Bowl party. I make them every year, and they're always a hit! They're super easy to make (you don't even need an oven!), and they're just too cute. Who wouldn't want to eat an adorable, chocolaty, Oreo-y, cream cheesy mini football?!?



I assume I've convinced you all to make them at this point so here's what you'll need:

• 1 package of Oreos
• 2 large Ziploc bags
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• milk chocolate almond bark
• vanilla almond bark
• piping bag 
• Wilton No. 2 or 3 round tip

Empty entire package of Oreos into a Ziploc bag. Make sure to use the entire Oreo (cream included). I've always used original Oreos, but there are so many fun flavors now maybe you could be a little more adventurous! Seal and remove as much air as possible. Place Ziplock bag with Oreos inside the second Ziploc bag.

Grind double bagged Oreos until they are a fine crumb. If you want an arm workout you can use a rolling pin to grind. Usually I'm lazy, and find it more effective to put the bag on the kitchen floor, and do a little jig. It's a lot faster, and your arms won't be sore the next day. :) Another option would be to forget the Ziplock bags, and use a food processor if you're lucky enough to have one of those. Unfortunately I do not, but it is at the top of my wedding registry wish list!

Once the Oreos are crumbled, empty into a large bowl and mix with the entire package of cream cheese. Once a "dough" has formed roll into mini footballs, and place on a cookie sheet. I've found the footballs are much easier to coat in almond bark if you place them in the fridge or freezer for 30 minutes or so.

While the footballs are chilling, melt milk chocolate almond bark in the microwave in 30 second increments. Make sure to stir between each time to avoid burning the chocolate. Coat footballs in milk chocolate. I usually get two small spoons and kind of transfer the football back and forth between the two to remove the excess chocolate. Place on a baking sheet and let cool for a few minutes. 

Melt white chocolate almond bark in the same manner, and place in a decorating bag fitted with a Wilton No. 2 or 3 tip. Pipe laces and seams on football, and voila! You now have THE cutest Super Bowl dessert to take with you to your watch party! Enjoy!

Thursday Thoughts - Vol 30

Hi there! Happy Thursday! I'm probably going to make this short and sweet because I have a lot of baking projects to finish up this evening, but I didn't want to leave you hanging...all 7 of you!

1. Ummm how cute are these donut cookies?!? I think they might be my most favorite cookies I've ever made. 
2. Can we talk about the Bachelor for a second? It drives me absolutely nuts when they end an episode before the rose ceremony. I've already wasted TWO hours of my life watching so the least you could do is show me the 5 minutes I really care about. But noooooo, now we have to wait until next week to see if evil Olivia gets what she deserves. I'm guessing she doesn't, but one can always hope.
3. Every time I'm at the gym, I have a fear that somehow my headphones are going to come unplugged, and my music will blare out loud for everyone to hear. I'm pretty sure I would be mortified if anyone heard what I listen to while I'm running (or let's be honest, lately walking). Hint: there are lots of show tunes, 90's rap, and of course, T. Swift.
4. Speaking of Taylor Swift, I don't think I will ever tire of 1989. Such. Good. Songs. I've been having solo dance parties in my kitchen every night this week while working on baking projects. I'm so cool.
5. I wish I was talented enough to flat iron curl my hair. My hair stylist makes it look SO easy. She's tried to show me more times than I can count yet it never quite works when I try it at home. Fail.
6. Cory was getting so frustrated with me on Saturday trying to take the previous picture. Doesn't he know lighting and angles are everything?! He's going to have to learn to be a better Instagram husband once we tie the knot in July. Hah! Kidding...kind of...
7. Has anyone read any good books lately? I was really on a roll last year reading at least one book a month, but so far I've been slacking in 2016. Any suggestions are welcome!

Have a great day everyone! 

Beauty Faves - January

Hello lovelies! As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I got a new job this past Fall, and one of the major perks is I get to try lots and lots of beauty products. I may or may not have almost an entire linen closet filled with different products so I thought it might be fun for me to share a few with you every month that I'm absolutely loving right now.

• Ren Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial ($60) - This is by far my favorite product I've tried in a lonnnnng time. At least 3 times a week, after washing my face I apply this before a moisturizer. It has a slight tingly feeling for a minute or so, but I swear to you, you'll notice a difference after even one application. My skin looks so much brighter and even toned in the morning after using this. It's a miracle worker!
• L'Occitane Divine Cream ($110) - This anti-aging cream is, well, divine! It's a little pricey, but I've been using this on my face/neck/décolleté, and I really have noticed a difference. Plus, it smells wonderful. I love drifting off to sleep to this calming scent.

• Lush Bath Bombs ($4-9) - My lovely sister got me an assortment of these for my birthday, and the amount of baths I've taken recently have increased exponentially. Baths > showers in my opinion, and bath bombs make them that much greater. Who doesn't love taking a pink bath?! I've tried several at this point that all smell wonderful and leave your skin feeling great.

• Too Faced Cat Eyes Ferociously Feminine Eye Shadow and Liner Collection ($36) - Okay obviously I love this one because it has a reference to cats, but besides that, the colors in this palette are so pretty. You can use them wet or dry (which really doubles the amount of colors), and you can easily create a light, pretty look for daytime or a sexier, darker look for going out at night. Meow! It also comes with a nifty little how-to guide for creating three different looks.

• glominerals Contour Kit ($36) - If you haven't jumped on board the strobing bandwagon just yet, let this contour kit be your introduction. I love this set because it comes in two different shades fair to light or medium to dark, and each kit has 2 shades of bronzer and 2 highlighters. One highlighter is shimmery and the other is more matte so you can use it for a more subtle look as well. It even has a nice little diagram right on the package so you can easily see which products you should put where in order to achieve the best results. I can most definitely tell a difference (especially in pictures) when I've contoured my face. I've always thought my face looks quite round, but when I use this kit, hellllllllllllllooooo cheekbones! I almost feel like a Kardashian. Hah!
• Smashbox Photo Finish 24 Hour Shadow Primer ($20) - I had never used eye shadow primer until I received a little sample in my Birchbox several years ago, and I don't know how I went 10+ years of my make-up wearing adult life without it. Eye shadow primer is a life changer. So dramatic I know, but if you want your shadow to stay put all day and to avoid getting those dreaded creases mid-day you've got to try this product. It's well worth the $20.

• First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy ($12) - I love, love, love this stuff. My lips are always so dry in the winter, and this really keeps them moisturized without being too glossy or sticky. 
• Hempz Age Defying Herbal Moisturizer ($24.99) - If you can look past the giant marijuana leaf on the bottle, this lotion is actually really great. They have a bunch of different varieties, and they all leave your skin moisturized but not greasy. I'm very particular about how a lotion makes my skin feel, and this brand is the best. I think the Triple Moisture is actually my fave, but Age Defy comes in a close second. Even Cory likes this lotion because the scents aren't too overpowering so men can use them too. All Hempz 17 oz. lotions are actually on sale right now for 1 more week at $10.99 so if you want to try 'em out, now's the time! They also have little mini bottles so if you want to test out a few different kinds and see which is your favorite that's another option.

I could easily keep going with at least 25 more products, but I suppose I should save some for next month! What beauty products can you not live without?