Today, I don’t have much to talk about. Life has been completely ordinary, in the best way. Don't you love when that happens! :)
Tomorrow making Brown butter cupcakes with apricot frosting...

This is what I wish I was doing today:

I hate summer hotness!

Banana Bread

I have been wanting to make banana bread forever but was always intimidated, but now that I am a fabulous baker I can make anything, right!? Well the over ripe bananas were calling my name and the fact the I had a well stocked pantry now, made it a no brainier that I had to attempt my first loaf.
I must now confess that homemade bread is fast becoming my favorite thing to make, poor cupcakes! I just find it amazing that you can take basic ingredients and make them into a beautiful loaf of bread! Plus bread is challenging and a little scary and time consuming; I kinda like that. And the smell that will fill every crevice of your house (I wish I had smell-o-vision for y'all)... :)

I have done a lot of baking lately, as you all know, all of it being experimental, trying new flavors, different techniques and even did some vegetarian (dairy free) cupcakes. All this has made me much better and not to sound cocky but I do think I've gotten pretty fabulous! ;) So some were amazing (my top two are Lemon Blueberry and Creme de Menthe)...

...and some were failures, even though I still got good reviews on them, I think I could have done better so they are on my re-do list...champagne and red velvet cupcakes.
I love learning and sharing...hope you enjoy it as well!? :)

mini vaca

A and I went on a little vaca to Carlsbad this weekend...not a whole lotta happenings in Carlsbad, NM but it was nice to get away from everything for a few days and I've always loved the caverns and bat flight. However, coming back to my lovely home is the best feeling!
Tomorrow making Creme de Menthe cupcakes!! Yum in my tum!

my futures so bright i gotta wear shades!

Who knows what'll happen from week to week, let alone the future and it seems like life always surprises me just when I am getting comfortable but I am very excited about the potential. For once, I know what I want to do "when I grow up" and have been working hard at making it happen (being a teacher and baking). Things are even falling into place to make my bakery business happen; might even have a partner to open an actual store!
And personally, I am finally starting to figure myself out, who I am, what makes me happy, how to be a better me (with or without people). I continue to grow and learn every day! :)

Today is my last final and I'll have a month off before summer two...I am going to soak up on my to do list as possible! Bake (duh!), read (there is like a million books on my list to read), learn to knit, get in shape (I have become a chunky monkey!) and bible study (bible in a year).

Can't forget Zoey!

So I have been on a baking frenzy but it is fueled by first an obsession and second a need to practice and experiment and third a goal of becoming a professional, paid baker. This week I have been on a double frenzy/school rebellion, baking almost everyday and it's been awesome, but unlikely to repeat itself (due to time, funds and me being on a diet!)
I figured I should bake something for Zoey, and once again homemade is best, especially since I know what is going in it.

It's like she knew there were cookies in the oven just for her!

:)

bread goodness!

First let me introduce you to my new best friend:

So I attempted to make bread for the first time, and I was pretty nervous! My kitchen and best friend did not enjoy the mess...

the end result was awesome and once again I must say how much of a fan I am of making things from scratch!

new motto:

baking goodies!

I had a spoiled week, got all kinds of baking goodies! Most importantly my Kitchen Aid (best investment ever!), Martha cupcakes book, and two new baking pans.

New pans meant I had to immediately use them so this week was no cupcakes (don't worry they are my first love!) and instead a lemon ginger bundt cake and popovers.

Popovers are ridiculously easy and so awesome!

Baking=happy weekend! People=sad weekend, but that's a different story...