Rainbow Cupcakes

Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 18 minutes
Total time: 28 minutes
Serving Size: 24 cupcakes

To bring some cheer to the last day of school for my girls, we decided to bake some rainbow cupcakes. 

I love the colors!  Enjoy.

Ingredients

• White Cake Mix(follow the instructions and the ingredients listed on the back of the box as everyone uses different brand mix)
• Food coloring

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a mixer, mix all the ingredients listed on the back of your white cake mix box.
3. Once all ingredients are mixed, fill 4 separate bowls with the mix.
4. Pick out the 4 food colorings and add each one to a separate bowl.
5. Mix the batter and food coloring with a fork until well blended.
6. In each cupcake tin, spoon about a tablespoon and a half of each color.
7. Bake for about 18 minutes, or until cupcakes lightly golden and you can place a toothpick in the center and it doesn't come up with a wet batter.  Let the cupcakes cool down for a few minutes and serve!

Yummy Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins

Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Serving Size: 12 muffins


So I have now gotten into somewhat of cooking and baking with my girls.

They love it so much that as I make something new, I try to take pictures of it and now have decided to post it and share it with whomever wants to see and try out new recipes.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 heaping tbsp of sour cream
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 4 ounces cream cheese (1/3 less fat)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a mixer first mix the following ingredients; flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and sugar.
3. Add the following ingredients into the mixer; egg, brown sugar, sour cream and blueberries.
4. Once completely mixed, add cream cheese, vanilla extract and powdered sugar
5. Fill a 12-cup muffin baking pan with baking cups. Fill each 3/4 of the way with the batter.
6. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until muffins are a golden brown and you can place a toothpick in the center and it doesn't come up with a wet batter.  Let the muffins cool down for about 10 minutes before indulging.

 

Realization...

With the birth of my 3rd child, I started to come to the realization that life is such a precious gift.  Not that I didn't know this before, but the more my family has grown the more I have felt so overwhelmed by my feelings to care for them and not let anyone or anything ever hurt them in the slightest that I have completely been worrying myself to know avail.  I needed to just breathe and look at what I have and not worry so much yet be happy for what I have because worrying is not going to let me enjoy it all.

As each day passes, I realize that we can't take everything so seriously in life and worry ourselves to death.  We should take each day as it comes, but live in the moment as we don't know when it could be our last. You have to do what is best for you and know that you simply can't please everyone, but the main thing is to keep yourself happy because if you are not happy, the people around you can sense it and they in turn will be effected.  

As I look at my youngest, I am enveloped by all the emotions I have.  I don't want her to grow so quickly as my other two have.  I want to be able to remember each day, each hour, minute even down to the seconds...I wish I could hold that and replay it when I want, just like a video, but always running.

I want to make sure that each of them never have to feel any hurt, pain, sadness and if so, I'd gladly take it for/from them.  As their mother I am their nurturer, their protector, their guardian, their friend, their MOM(Manager/Master of Memories/Moments).

Embrace the life that you have, the life you create and the life you will live.  You lead by example and in doing so hopefully we will keep playing it forward so that everyone around us and our children will lead happy lives as well.

I thank the loves of my life(my 3 kiddos and my husband) for teaching me these lessons without even knowing it.  
 

Stress Life

Life is a blessing, why should others hold you back?  They shouldn't.  Easier said than done.
Living a simple and happy life with my girls and husband is all I want and all I ever wanted.

Strengthen your life and your relationships. 

I want my kids to live a happy life and not have to worry about the stresses that come with it.
Kids deserve to live a carefree life.  Adults should live as equally a carefree life as well, but when you have kids and family, it's not as easy, because the worries and the stress picks up.  We just need to shield our kids from the stresses.

A New Addition

What an amazing gift, a new life!  I am so excited to have brought home another addition to our family.  

Looking at my daughters' faces brightens up my day, I can't believe how blessed I am to have 3 beautiful girls in my life.  

With each passing day, I grow and learn so much from my little girls and realize how precious life is and how much we should be thankful for every day that we are given.  

My life is my children, my family.  

Enjoy yours with each passing day.

Small Blessings!

Everyone is blessed in life with something.
I've been very blessed in life with my beautiful children and my husband.
They are my strength. 
Each moment is precious and we should live as such.  You never know what may happen at any given time so be thankful for all that you have, for the good, the bad and the amazing!

My family is amazing!  So glad to be a mom and to be sharing every moment of my life with my kids.
We may not get many chances in life, but we certainly can make the best of everything and take what we can get.
I count my blessings every day.
Stay blessed, happy and healthy.

Amazing Cakes!

Amazing Cakes!

For more information on these cakes, contact me.  

Elmo Birthday Cake

 Baby Shower Cake

Flower Baby's 1st Birthday Cake

Garden Flower Baby's 1st Birthday Cake

Modern Mom Baby Shower Cake

Picture Play!

Love children's photos and just photos in general.

Playing around with some images early on.  Eventually would like to do this more frequently.

But capturing moments is a wonderful way to experience life.

How Time Flies My Girls...

It's hard to believe how quickly the time has gone by.  Each day I look at my girls and wonder where it's all going.  Although I enjoy every moment I can with them, there's always that feeling of just wanting to stop time.

I can't believe where the time has gone because they are 3 years old and 19 months old.  They do so much already and they are no longer like babies, but more like young little girls.  They teach me how to cherish each moment in life and how to look at the simple things.  They probably will continue to teach me more than I ever thought I knew.

Now with them both in my life I could never imagine my life without them.  They mean the world to me and they always will.  I know they will grow to be wonderful and do great things in life.  I can't wait to see all the things that they will accomplish.

I can't even explain all the ways that they make me feel.  I just know that I am overwhelmed inside with lots of love and emotions for them.  Ava, you are an amazing and fun spirited girl.  Sophia, you are a joy and a sweet girl.  Although somewhat different you are both the same as you hold a very large piece of my heart.

Take time to enjoy life, the moments that pass us by and the experiences shared.  Always and forever you will be my little girls.  No matter what, mommy will always love you.

Children, Family, Friends and Social Life

When you have a family you realize that the friends you once had may not be there as much as they were before you had a family. It's funny how in the past I heard people say that others think that their friends have moved on because now they have kids and they just don't have the time or they are not in the same playing field anymore.
When people have kids it's not like it's the end of their social life.  I don't think anyone should put an automatic stamp on that. 
Everyone wants a bit of a social life, whether with children or without.  The courtesy of asking as you would before family should still be there.  Parents know that there are events that are kid friendly and events that are only for adults, but shouldn't the the call be made by them(invitee) and not others(inviter)?
All of a sudden when non-family friends begin having families they then start wanting to hang out again.  Coincidence, I think not. 

I've seen and heard it happen to others several times and it has happened by experience at some point as well.

If you are a friend, you should still continue to be a friend, family or not.  No discrimination applied. 

Hurricane Irene

Was that a Hurricane or just torrential downpour?
I really didn't expect much when hearing of it all on the news in the anticipation of it reaching us, because to me it just felt like when meteorologists report crazy snowstorms where nothing actually falls but a flurry.

Although there was tons of wind and rain, it didn't really seem to be much of a Hurricane.  For what was reported on the TV, it again seemed to be another one of those situations where there was extreme and initial excitement all around, but somewhat of a disappointment to follow.

Many folks are struggling with water in their homes, flooding in their streets, businesses may struggle due to the impact, but it all remains that this seems to be the same as any other major rainstorm that we may have had throughout the year, just with some crazy winds reaching about 100mph. 

And if you are reading this and you were in the path of this Hurricane, I do hope that you are doing well and that you didn't incur too much damage within your home.

It's a blessing that with the prediction of this being a direct impact to the East coast, we didn't really have any major casualties. 

2011 has brought some crazy things through here, we will see what may be in store for the remainder of the year.

Pictures!

Gosh!  I love pictures and I just can't get enough! 

Lately I've just been going stir-crazy and I want to take pictures of everything but want more creative ways to express ourselves within the photos.

Life's moments pass us by so quickly and I feel as though pictures help to bring those memories back and everything back to life. 

I am looking of new subjects to photograph and new projects to take on.  I hope to add some pictures on to this blog soon.  Would love to capture friends and family in photographs more often.

Life is an adventure, capture it!

I welcome new ideas. :)

Blahg you later,

Jenni

Be Fabulous! because you are!

Show your inner beauty!

Present yourself with confidence. Dress to impress, not only others, but mainly yourself.  When you dress up it makes you feel good about yourself.  Try it out, you will see your attitude change.


Acting polite and showing good manners helps to make a person completely fabulous! Treat others how you'd like to be treated and being nice and kind is how everyone should be.

Always be yourself.  You are very important and never let anyone tell you otherwise. 
Stay true to you and everything you do.  Positive attitude = a positive YOU.

If you ever feel like you are not worth it, you are ABSOLUTELY wrong!  You are Fabulous and Amazing!

Direct sales and you...

Below are a few of my favorite direct sales companies.

Feel free to contact me about any of the below exciting companies for products, party hosting and further information.  I will put you in contact with the appropriate person as needed. 

Willow|House my personal page 

Tastefully Simple Shop 

lia sophia Catalog

Gold Canyon Shop

Scentsy Catalog 

It'a heat wave out there...

I can only imagine what people with no air conditioning feel like...

This heat is a killer.  Just walking out the front door to the car is a task in itself.  

I wonder what everyone is doing to keep themselves refreshed and cool.

I would believe that most people are either enjoying some pool time or sitting inside their homes with their air conditioning on the coldest setting.

You may find me running around in your front lawn through the sprinklers or taking a dip in your pool or your kid's pool.  It's just that hot that I may be just a bit delirious.  Any other suggestions are welcome.  

Let's hope that we can feel the cool breeze come through soon so that we can all enjoy the summer the way we should.

Stay cool!

Relationships(friends and family)

Relationships are a huge deal for me.

What are they to you?

Over the years I've grown to learn a lot, whether by own experiences or by experiences from others.  
Over time you grow to learn who will be there for you when you absolutely need.  It's a shame when you realize that the friends or family that you thought were your closest are the ones that won't be there when you need them the most.  Or that when something exciting happens to you, they are not as happy for you as they would be if it were them.
When friends and family get married, have kids, get promoted, buy a house, get a new job or anything major and exciting that happens in their life, I am genuinely happy for them and wish them all the best.  Why is it that it doesn't seem the same in return?
It seems as though the saying should go; 'all for one and one for one'.

Or when they are only around when they need something from you and once that's complete, they aren't to be seen or heard from until the next use of you. Or socializing with others they don't really know, but claiming as though they do and forgetting who their actual friends were from the start. It's rude.

It seems people tend to go more towards the people that talk about them behind their back and forget those that actually care about them...Must be like the saying; 'nice guys finish last.'  I won't be fake in order for someone to like me and seeing people be two-faced is extremely bothersome.
They also say 'kill them with kindness,' but sometimes it kills to see the return.
Don't claim to be family when you leave the most important people out and only re-engage them in your life for your short term benefit.  Don't claim to be a friend when you can't return simple gestures.


Everyone's life changes, but you make room for those most important in your life. 


So think about what you have done to someone lately and how you've left them out...Think if you have been inconsiderate of someone's feelings. Or how you've treated those who have been there for you and treated you like family.


Good things come to good people...they may need to wait a little longer, but in time, they will come.

Casey Anthony Release

Wondering what most folks think about Casey Anthony walking free starting tomorrow.

It's crazy how quickly time has passed from the first time we heard about the horrific news about the loss/death of her daughter to her trial hearing to her release date.


I wonder what her life will be like when she is out...Will she go into hiding?  Get a makeover/plastic surgery?  Change her name?  These are just the slew of different things that I've been seeing in the news in regards to what might happen.  It's also incredible to hear that complete strangers are offering her money and refuge. 

Already a woman has taken matters into her own hands by crashing into another woman whom she claimed to look like Casey Anthony. 

Honestly, I don't really care what happens to Casey at this point...whether she is innocent or guilty, she was neglectful of her child.  She didn't report her missing until after 30 days and she had detectives and volunteers in a wild goose chase.  Take it for what it's worth, but whether or not she killed her child, she's still guilty in my mind for that simple fact.

When all is said and done, we just need to remember a beautiful life that was lost because someone made a HUGE mistake.  I hope that everyone keeps Caylee in mind when her mother is released.  Leave a porch light on...sport your ducktape with a heart on it, or even just pray that she(Caylee) is now in a safe place where she can no longer be hurt.

Facebook Etiquette

Facebook Etiquette

Although it may be great for networking and marketing, it really doesn't allow for the privacy that we all once had. 

There are no separation lines between people we once knew and people we now know. 

It's a door opened far too wide to see what's going on in each others homes, life and work.  

A tool which should be meant for communication purposes of keeping in contact with others such as long lost family members and friends or a tie between distances has now turned into a grossly populated web of drama and way too much information for all to know.

Here's a neat clip:

The things kids say...

Kids really do say the silliest things and they are so smart too.

Starting at the age of 1 for some...it's crazy how they know so much.

Be careful what you say around them because they will pick it up and just say it when you least expect and 99.5% of the time it's hysterical.

"Don't touch my brulees"

"Mom, I love you so much"

"Dad, you're the best dad in the whole word"

"My clothes are done, they're done upstairs"

"Are we putting money in your bank?  my bank is at home it's a pink piggy bank"

"Everything smells so good now" <<<this after covering practically every layer of the room with baby powder.

"This is broken, papi needs to fix it"

"This needs batteries, go get some"

"There's no more <insert something we're out of> we need to go to the store and buy some more"

"barbeque sauce"

"Oh no! she made a mess, what the hey!"

"I can do it!"

I love my kids!

There's just so much more that they say.  Everything is so cute and funny.  I'm savoring what I can until the day they start talking back to me.  :)  

I'd love to hear what others experiences are and what their kids say. 

Common Courtesy

Maybe I am old fashioned, but I think there is such a thing as common courtesy, which seems to truly lack all around.

-saying please, thank you and you're welcome
-holding a door
-non foul language
-RSVPing
-keeping out of others business
-knowing boundaries

Whether it's at work, outside or at home these are practices that should be best followed.  Lack of common courtesty and plain ol' kindness is what's making us look so ugly.  We really  need to look at ourselves and see how we would like to be treated and then treat others that same way.  Kill them with kindness!  I know it's hard at times, but give it your best shot.

I wonder what others think about this.