Gumpaste 101: Beginners Basics and Cookie Cutter Flowers

October 6, 2011 Arielle

**Excuse the bad pictures :(! I was doing this project at night, and my house lighting is not sexy/flattering at all...**

Frequently my kitchen is a disaster.

I try and blame it on my small apartment kitchen, but let's be honest...

I'm freakin' messy.

I'm a 7 bowls out, 9 different spoons, dirty sticky measuring cups, and flour all over my face kinda girl.

And if you think that's bad, you should see my closet.

Well, no you shouldn't, because you might not want to be my friend.

But one of the biggest messes I make in the kitchen is when I am doing cupcake decorating. Occasionally, I have friends/family on the side that allow me to bake/make/decorate cupcakes for a special occasion.

I've done simple things like baby showers:

To big things like weddings:

I'm no fancy pants, and it's really just a hobby, but I love to do it. One of my favorite things to use is gumpaste.

Gumpaste is basically sugar, and hardens when dry unlike fondant. It doesn't taste good, like fondant, and it's really just for decorations. Primarily, gumpaste can be used for really anything, but it is most often used to make flowers.

Today, I am going to share with you the Beginners of Basic Gumpaste.

Where to start. How it works? and simple cookie cutter flowers.

To start off, you need some gumpaste.

I buy mine pre made from Wilton, because it's just easier that way. You can definitely make it home made if you would like, but it's more work.

To start off, just rip off a piece of gumpaste, and roll it into a ball. Gumpaste get's kind of sticky, so I always have corn starch or powdered sugar near by to rub on my hands.

Next you will need some cookie cutter. ANY cookie cutter will do! If you want to get more into it, you can by really cool cutters online, but they aren't necessary. These are my favorite cutters so far.

They are gerber daisies, and the cutter is called a plunger. The way it cuts, kind of reminds me of a punch card. You can find them online HERE.

Next you will need food coloring.

There are different brands of food coloring, and you can technically use any of them. BUT, I prefer the gel kinds. The ones you get in the grocery store are really watery (those are the ones with the pointy tops to the right of the picture). The gel colorings are really strong, and a little goes a long way.

When it comes to tinting your gumpaste, simple take a toothpick and insert it into the gel. Just barely dab it in, because a little goes a long way.

Then wipe the toothpick onto the gumpaste.

Roll and knead your dough until the color is fully incorporated into the gumpaste. You can add more coloring if desired.

Next, take a cutting board mat and rub down with powdered sugar. (Any mat will do, just make sure it's non stick.) Using a small roller (which you can also pick up at a craft store), roll out your gumpaste to desired thickness.

You want it thin..but not too thin.

Next, take your cookie cutters and cut out your shapes.

Don't worry about all the powdered sugar, you can just brush it off with a little paint brush! :-)

You can also layer flowers, which I think it really pretty, whether it's the same color or different color.

Now, in order for them to have more of a flower shape, instead of being perfectly flat, there are two things I like to do.

One, is using a cotton ball. I just lay the flower over it, and let it dry to that shape.

That little gadget next to the flower helps soften the edges by simply thinning it out, like so:

These tools can be found online, or at a local craft store.

I also love to use recycled egg trays. They are perfect for giving flowers shape!

Once the flowers have dried, which could take up to an hour or two, you can glitterize it!! :-) My favorite part!

I buy some edible glitter dust from a local store, but it can also be found online HERE.

So to prepare your flowers, first layer them by dabbing a bit of water on top of the bottom layer. Then place the top flower directly on top. The water will make it stick.

Then, to glitterize, simply wet the flower (lightly) with a paintbrush dipped in water.

Then dip your paintbrush in the glitter, and coat the flower until you've reached your desired glittery-ness! :-)

(Glittery-ness is now a word.)

You can also put a dot of frosting in the middle, or what I like to do is use little silver sugar balls, (I buy mine locally, but you can buy those HERE online too.).

You just wet the middle, and press them in!

After you have glitterized it, the flower will be sticky because it's wet. Leave it to dry again for a few hours or overnight. You can put it back into it's the egg carton to shape it if you would like. Not the cotton ball because it will stick to it since it's wet!

There ya have it! SO easy! Come back soon to see what these pretty diva's are going on top on! :-)

Pumpkin Hot Chocolate with Maple Coconut Whipped Cream

October 4, 2011 Arielle

I'll never forget my first semester of college.

I was just fresh out of high school, excited to get away from adult supervision, looked forward to never sleeping, and dreamed of sexy college men.

Oh ya..I went there to "study" too. (I promise Dad!!)

I went to school in the middle of Idaho where the sun shines 3 months out of the year and during the other 9 months your nostril hairs freeze when you walk out side. For fun you hike through underground ice caves, snow board down mountains into pools of water, wear approximately 23 pairs of clothing items, and pray that you don't slip and fall while walking to class...

Especially in front of sexy college men.

Although I tried my best not too, I think I stood out like a soar thumb. I was from southern california, used to a fast driving and on a 4 lane highway, always played my music loud enough for the whole city to hear, and on too many occasions wore heels to class..(Mind you I walked in the snow up hill both ways.)

Most people wore black under armor or dark colored thermals, but I brought my spunk with me and walked around in bold and bright patterns...(Most people wear there thermals UnDeR their clothes...)

My sense of style (or lack there of) obviously hasn't changed...

And just when I thought those sexy Idaho farmers wanted nothing to do with my southern california chilled out maxin' out actin' all cool attitude, I found someone who somewhat resembled my similar nature.

This all too well known at school as the 'bad boy' stole my heart.

(For the record..He wanted me...)

And a few nights a week we would sneak off to a quiet park in our little town and play in the snow. At first it started off silly and childish...

But nothing is as it ever seems...

Oh, the red flags...

;-)

(Snow in face and messed up makeup=No kissy poo for you!)

And after our snow play/beat down the future hubs and I would make a stop on our way home at the local 7-11. We were classy.

But, it's all our little town had and it made us happy..Because that's what really matters.

Now we are married and back in so cal, and I can't help but dream and wish for snow and a big glass of hot chocolate. And although we have a 7-11 down the street, I'm pretty sure I made one that taste a whole lot better.

Pumpkin Hot Chocolate with Maple Coconut Whipped Cream

Ingredients: (hot chocolate)

(serves two thirst lovers)

2 C. soymilk, coconut milk, almond milk, etc...

1 TB. vanilla

1/4 C. pumpkin puree

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1 TB. cocoa powder

1 TB. maple syrup

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients in a pot over the stove heated on medium-low. Stir ingredients until completely combined and warmed to desired temperature. (I used a whisk and stirred frequently until the cocoa powder dissolved.)

Maple Coconut Whipped Cream

Ingredients:

1 can full fat coconut milk

1-2 TB. maple syrup

1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

1. Open your can of coconut milk and cover it with plastic wrap. Stick it in the fridge overnight. The next morning, take the can out of the fridge and spoon out the coconut cream. It will be thick and stiff like whipped cream. Place the cream in a bowl. (JUST the cream, not the water at the bottoms of the can.) Add the rest of the ingredients and beat or whisk until combined. You can use as is on top of milkshakes, pies, hot chocolate etc.., but if you put it back in the fridge for a few hours it hardens again more.

Soul, Heart, and Body warming!

Unless your sweaty because it's still 90 degrees outside, and will most likely be until February...

Then I suggest that you make an extra special version of a Frozen Hot Chocolate!

Or a Frozen Pumpkin Hot Chocolate!!

Simply take your hot chocolate (but actually make sure it's either cold or at least room temp., blend it with ice and there ya have it!

I saved my spoon from the restaurant in Vegas because I've been wanting to recreate it!

(Frozen Hot Chocolate is a 'famous' drink from a restaurant called Serendipity 3 in New York. There is a branch off the original restaurant in Vegas)

Either way you drink it...

It's sure to bring about love. :-)

**RUN over to Sprint to the Table! I have a guest post on their today! Pumpkin Pie Milkshake anyone??!!**

Pumpkin Macaroni N' Goat Cheese, and Bloggy Seasonal Eats Link Ups!

September 30, 2011 Arielle

For the past 14 months i've been surprised with how little sleep my body, and Baby Boo's body, have been able to survive off of.

I know I joke about how Baby Boo made a deal with the devil when it came to sleep, but I just want you to know...it's no joke.

I've seen the contract...in my sleep. That is, if I was sleeping, I might have been hallucinating.

Lack of sleep does that to you.

Come wednesday night, Baby Boo woke up around 12:30 crying. This was nothing out of the normal, so I got out of bed, walked into her room, and picked her up. When I picked her up, i quickly realized her body temperature was extremely hot. Not your average fever hot..

I turned on the light, and noticed that she was having little convulsions and twitches, and her heart was racing a million miles a minute. Of coarse, I lost it, and ran to hubby asking him what was wrong. We decided to take her to the ER, thinking her fever was extremely high...

This was wednesday night.

Now, it's friday morning, and Baby Boo is doing a little better. We aren't really sure of the cause for the fever spike, but she had shots this week, so we are thinking that might have been the problem. Right now we are just trying to keep her little body cool..and get her some sleep.

And if you were wondering, none of us have slept since wednesday night. But more so, I am glad that Baby Boo is ok!! My life wouldn't be worth living if I didn't wake up to see this precious face everyday:

Needless to say, our little fam damn needed some comfort. Of coarse we relied on food for that...

And nothing says comfort more than a bowl of Macaroni and Cheese! :-)

It's actually Baby Boo's favorite meal! She LOOOOVES macaroni and cheese!

So does the hubby..But he prefers the one in the blue box, which will go unnamed...But if you must know, it rhymes with KrAp-ft...

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Pumpkin Macaroni N' Goat Cheese

Ingredients:

1 1/2 C.dry pasta of choice or 3 C. cooked pasta

(for the sauce)

1 C. pumpkin puree

1/2 C. + 2 TB. Non dairy milk

1 TB. chopped garlic

3 TB. hummus (I used roasted garlic)

4 TB. Nutritional Yeast

2 tsp. Paprika

1 tsp. dry mustard

salt and pepper to taste

3 TB non dairy butter (i use earth balance)

1/3 C. Goat cheese (or for kiddos you could sub non dairy cheese(such as daiya), or organic cheddar cheese)

1 TB. Nutritional Yeast(for topping)

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to directions. While pasta is cooking, prepare sauce.

2. In a food processor, blender (or even by hand), blend pumpkin, milk, garlic, hummus, nutritional yeast, and spices until blended and creamy. Then in a sauce pan, pour sauce and add butter and cheese and stir until melted and combined. Remove from heat.

3. In a baking dish, add your pasta and mix with sauce. Fold sauce into pasta until incorporated. You can eat as is (I think kids like it this way the best) or for the adults you can bake it. We like to take out a little portion unbaked for Baby Boo, and then bake the rest of the pasta for us.

4. If you decided to bake, preheat oven to 350. Top pasta with a little extra nutritional yeast (about 1 TB) and a little bit of seasoned bread crumbs. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Purely Comfort.

And in case you were wondering, hubby took that whole casserole dish, added avocado on top, doused it with tabasco, and dug in. I looked at him and said, "ummmm...Can I have some, or did ya think I made that whole thing for you?"

I haven't been the only one in love with this fall/comfort season...

A few of my BFF bloggy friends have some delicious eats this fall too!

Heather at Get Healthy with Heather, who AlWaYs has something delicious to share, made this Chai Spiced Hot Chocolate!

And to top that off, she made Pomegranate and Almond Butter Deep Dark Chocolate Brownies!!!

Heather-you get brownie points for SURE!!

Ragnhild from Vegan Aphrodite (who is super cute might I add) loves to make this pumpkin pasta that she found from Green Kitchen Stories!

Can't go wrong with Pumpkin Pasta! :-)

Anna from The Guiltless Life made TWO different kind of seasonal pies, because she is amazing like that, one being savory and one being sweet.

First one is a Leek, Spinach, Lentil, and Potato Pie:

Right up my alley!

And the next one is a Chocolate Fudge Pie inspired by Chocolate Covered Katie:

You can see now why Anna is amazing!

Alyssa from Fashion Fitness Foodie made a Pumpkin French Toast:

Hey Alyssa, can I come over for breakfast?

And last, but more certainly not least, Kate from A Healthy Passion made Sweet Potato Overnight Oats:

Kate, may I come over for breakfast TOO!!??

Thank you to all these fabulous bloggers that shared their tasty seasonal eats with us!! Everything looks so delicious, and I expect invitations to all your houses for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert in the near future!!

:-)

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Apple Butter

September 22, 2011 Arielle

I have always been in love with fall.

The leaves changing color and the weather getting cooler.

Along with tons of apples, squash, and pumpkin!

And cute sweaters and boots that I will never be able to afford.. :)

Unfortunately I live in a city where there really isn't seasons. The leaves might change colors, and the weather might require a sweater in the evening, but today when I looked at my car thermometer it read 97 degrees.

I know I'm crazy not to enjoy a summer vacation all year long, but I've lived in both extremes.

Really hot and really cold, and I can officially say that a little bit of both would be perfect. :-)

So for now, we do what we can and play in dog bowls filled with ice...

White trash activity? Maybe...

And instead of cider we drink milkshakes.

(Recipe soon!)

We also like to unhinge our jaws and eat huge honeycrisp apples...

And eat apple pie with our hands...

The same hands used to play in the dog bowl with...

Delicious AND nutritious!

Oh, and I may have gone a tad bit "Fall" crazy, and bought an 8 pound bag of honey crisp apples, but I had one thing on my mind...

Apple Butter!

Ever since the amazing Angela from Oh She Glows made it, I couldn't stop thinking about it! I fell in LOVE with Pumpkin Butter last year, and knew that apple butter would be just...dare I say..if not MORE amazing..!!

Let me just say this...it was!

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

*This is one of my favorite seasonal dishes to date! So sweet and delicious, and no one would guess that it isn't sugar heavy like other apple butter recipes!

This could also, I assume, be made over stove top.*

Makes about 7 cups

Ingredients:

6 pounds apples(I used honey crisp)

1/3 C. 100% pure maple syrup

1/3 C. sucanat or brown sugar

1/2 C. apple cider

1 TB. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

Directions:

1. Wash, peel, and dice your apples and place in the crock pot. Add all other ingredients and mix until combined.

2. Turn crock pot on to high heat for one hour, then after that hour turn to low for....16-22 hours!! (I know this sounds crazy friends, but I promise you it's worth the wait. I did this in about 19 hours.)

3. Continually stir and mix every so often. Here is what it looked like after 6 hours:

4. Here is what it looked like at 19 hours:

5. From here, you can still cook the apple butter longer until its condensed completely, but we had to leave the house for a while, and I didn't want the crock pot on the whole time we were gone. So at this point, I pureed it in my blender to give it the smooth butter consistency.

Before blending:

After blending:

6. It took me about 3 minutes to blend until smooth and creamy, but other blenders might take longer/faster. This also depends on your consistency preference.

7. For storing your apple butter, you have different options. You can either can it,(instructions on canning found HERE), or you can store it in the refrigerator. I'm not really sure how long it would last in the refrigerator, but I am assuming a few weeks. Of coarse...If you take one bite of this, it probably won't last very long...

There are SOO many ideas, when it comes to using Apple Butter:

Ice Cream

Toast

Smoothies/Milkshakes

Oatmeal

Sandwhiches

Pasta(a little tablespoon or so might give it an interesting kick)

Desserts Galore!

You could also definitely bake with it as well! Trust me, you could get pretty creative. :-)

My favorite way to eat apple butter is by funnel..You know, funnel in mouth, pouring can of butter into funnel...butter flowing into mouth...

You get the idea..

Baby Boo's favorite way to eat it is with her hands..

Go figure.

Just as long as they are clean from dog bowls, that's alright with me... ;-)

Orange Glazed Chickpeas with Sesame Grilled Zucchini

September 15, 2011 Arielle

Dinner time is pretty chaotic at our household.

I'm not going to doubt Baby Boo stands naked on our patio shouting the names of animals and animal noises, while I'm chopping veggies.

Nor am I gonna lie that I have to run to her screaming, "No Baby Boo, DO NOT pee on the patio!!, and casually smile at the neighbors acting like barking naked children outside is completely the norm.

And while I struggle to hose down my daughters marked territory and put a diaper on her before something really gross happens, I'm screaming at the hubby, " If you even think about going into the kitchen and eating a bowl of cereal before dinner...!"

And finally when I've managed to control some of the certain situations going on, I realize I have to wash dishes just so I can cook something.

UGHH!

Then, there is the constant battle of what to make.

Me: What do u want for dinner?

Hubs: Quesadilla

Me: How about pizza

Hubs: Taquitos

Me: No, what about a sand which

Hubs: Guacamole

Me: Just Guacamole?

Hubs: How about cereal?

Me: Go take your daughter for a walk

If I was crazy, I would be making three separate meals, since we all have pretty different preferences. That, or I could just open a tub of hummus and hand out spoons and everybody would be satisfied.

Temping...

Instead, I'll make ONE dinner...enjoyable for THREE different palates!

Orange Glazed Chickpeas with Sesame Grilled Zucchini

Ingredients: Orange Glaze Sauce

1 can coconut milk

zest and juice of two oranges

1/4 C. lemon juice

1/3 C. rice vinegar

3 TB. agave

1 tsp. grated ginger

1 tsp. chopped garlic

2 TB. soy sauce

1/4 tsp. red pepper spice

1 tsp. Cumin

Dash of Paprika

Salt and Pepper to taste

2 tsp. corn starch dissolved in 2 tsp. cold water

*1 Can Chickpeas drained and rinsed(if not using chicken, use 2-3 cans)

*Optional: Chicken(2 breast)

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients (expect corn starch mixture and chickpeas) into a pot, and heat until it boils. Stir in corn starch mixture, and reduce head to med-low, and let mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes.

2. Place your chickpeas in a bowl or bag and cover with about 3/4 C. of glaze sauce. Let chickpeas soak in sauce for as long as you want. I did about 30 minutes.

3. If your making chicken for someone else, use the rest of the glaze sauce and marinade the chicken.

4. After marinades have set, take two separate pans (if using chickpeas and chicken), and in one add chickpeas and sauce, and the other add chicken. Let chickpeas cook over stove for about 5 -10 minutes on med-low heat. Continue to stir. If using chicken, cook on med heat for about 5-10 minutes until chicken is done.

* You can either do both chickpeas and chicken, or one or the other.

Sesame Grilled Zucchini

Ingredients:

2-3 zucchini chopped

Olive Oil

Soy Sauce

Salt and Pepper

Sesame Seeds

Directions:

1. In a bowl, and zucchini and drizzle with a little olive oil(1-2 TB) and a drizzle of soy sauce(1-2 TB) Sprinkle with S&P and Sesame seeds. Using a grill pan, saute the zucchini about 5-7 minutes, or until tender, and golden.

Here is the whole cooking process going down. I've got two pans for chickpeas and chicken, and then a griddle going for the zucchini.

Now, if you want to go the vegetarian route, then on your plate add some brown rice, zucchini and chickpeas!

But, if your hubs wants his meat, then simply throw meat on top of his dish.

(Yes, I even threw some chickpeas on there!)

And Baby Boo had a few bites of everything...suprisingly...

You want to know what my favorite part of the whole dinner experience really is?

The End..

This recipe is supposed to help those who want to eat a vegetarian meal, but don't want to go through the trouble of making two separate dinners for a meat lovers family. For more info on this, check out my new page I recently added yesterday all about The Way We Eat! :

Strawberry Lime Pancakes

September 12, 2011 Arielle

My man loves sports.

(Ok, I promise this post isn't going to be a way of complaining about football and how fantasy drafts have over taken our lives...But holy pop tart, I'm about ready to throw our TV off the balcony next time I hear that damn ESPN theme song.)

Du du du du dududududu DUUUUUHHH!!!

Ok, I'm over it.

I try my best though to humor the hubs when a game is on, usually rooting for the opposite team to kick his teams trash, along with shouting, "Who the heck it THAT?? He's hot!! Spandex was a great choice!"

I really hope we have a boy some day...

You actually have to kind of feel bad for the hubby, since I for one have a giant fear for round flying objects, and Baby Boo likes to put her Daddy's football in her baby stroller and feed it a Ba Ba...

But more so because for the past 3 years, my Italian stallion has worked his booty off in grad school.

And about a month ago, the Hubby finally graduated after what seemed an eternity, and now he has been studying like a mad man so he can pass his boards and licensing exams.

He is almost there.

We've talked about going on some long tropical vacation after everything is said and done, but by the look of our bank account, and the rate I keep buying organic strawberries..

The farthest we can go is our backyard.

So, I did what I could, and put those 10 dollar basket of strawberries to use, and brought a little bit tropical paradise to our morning breakfast table...

Strawberry Lime Pancakes

Ingredients:

1 1/4 C. whole grain baking/pancake mix

1/4 C. mashed strawberries

1/4 C. chopped strawberries

1/4 C. silken tofu

1 C. coconut milk

zest and juice of 2 limes

2 TB. vanilla

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1/4 C. coconut

(tsp-TB.agave/maple syrup optional)

Directions:

Mix all ingredients until fully combined. Heat a griddle and spray with non stick spray. When grill is hot, pour batter onto grill using a measuring cup. Cook for a few minutes on each side, or until each side is golden brown. Serve with strawberries, coconut, and lime zest.

Can you feel the warm sun?

I know I do! And it's not just because my husband refuses to turn on our air conditioning, despite it being 146 degrees out side!

I'm sorry, I tend to exaggerate a tad.

It get's worse the longer I go without a vacation.

Luckily these pancakes saved my life!

Now...

If only they could trade the whole wiping Butt Paste on Baby Boo's booty, for wiping baby oil on the hubs in Cancun....

**************************

Hey Guys!

Run on over to Get Healthy With Heather! I have a guest post on there today that may satisfy a tasty craving...hint (cookie dough) :)

Drab to Diva Chandelier

September 6, 2011 Arielle

I hate to admit it, but I'm growing up.

Even though I'm not as old as my husband, I would consider myself a mature adult. My choice of TV shows might scream others wise..And even my wardrobe. Trust me, if I could pull off a huge pink tutu like Baby Boo, I would totally sport it. I just don't think it would do wonders for my booty.

Mature people also use the word booty...often.

But I think the biggest mature part about me is the fact that my interest have changed. Before, I would have died if my parents made me walk into home decor stores, like pottery barn. Because I swear to cheese, if Billy from my 6th grade class saw me shopping at a LAMO store such as the "barn," instead of somewhere cool like Forever 21...

Now, I go specifically to the mall knowing that I am going to walk into home decor stores, and I get beyond happy when I see cute furniture and stylish pillows..

And holy watermelon, If there are cute plates...Clear the way! Of coarse I usually have to go by myself, because Hubby starts throwing tantrums.. "Babe, if my friends see me in this store, I will never hear the end of it..." But heck, if I need a new bra from Victoria Secret...

And sometimes I like to pretend that I can decorate.

I like to think that someday I'll make friends in this city I've lived in for the past couple months, and when I do they can come hang out at my pad.

And we can watch mature shows like Bachelor Pad and ABC Family...

Drab to Diva Chandelier

This seriously was probably the easiest project I have ever done. It's super simple, and you can design it any way you would like.

To start off, I bought a cheap-o chandelier from a thrift store for $10.

It was kind of bent, and missing a lightbulb, but It worked perfectly!

First I sprayed it lightly with a primer, and then finished it off with white spray paint.

I didn't fully spray the chandelier, because like the rest of Baby Boo's room, (dresser and table), I liked the unfinished/vintage look.

If that's what you call it..maybe you call it crap, I dunno... :)

Then I hung little crystals that my mother-in-law had bought from Tai Pan..

You can still see some of the gold, but I promise..that was the look I was going for.. haha

This chandelier is for Baby Boo's room.

I promise someday I'll reveal all of Baby Boo's room, not just in little pieces.

I just have to finish the room first...and do laundry..and make dinner...

And shop at Pottery Barn.

See you tomorrow friends!! :)

Apple Cinnamon Breakfast/Snack Cake Bars

August 29, 2011 Arielle

Some times mama's need breaks from their everyday scheduled happenings.

And this weekend, that's just what this Mama got.

And I hate to call it a "break", because I really don't ever need a break from this little angel...

But I did need to get stuff done..And when Baby Boo is around, it's all play and no work! :)

Tough life huh.

So off to grandmothers house went Baby Boo...and I was left alone tend to my list.

Yes..This was on my list.

I then did something that I normally only do at the gym..or if hubby is talking..

I put on my headphones and listened to music.

Don't judge.

That's when things started to get a little crazy...

I think I've killed off one to many brain cells with all the spray painting I've been doing...

And the neighbors are starting to look at me funny...

Hell...They started questioning my sanity when I started taking pictures on my front patio of food...

"But, I'm a blogger..."

Then I made hubby get in on the action..Because there is nothing sexier than a man with a spray can...

That is, until I realized how "particular" I am about my projects, and the last thing I needed was the back of our bench reading, "hubby was here..."

So I sent him upstairs to do something that really turned me on:

Is anybody gettin' hot N' bothered, or is it just me?

Next, we added a few random touches to Miss. Prada's room...

Tutorials coming later :)

And after that..

Do you really care?

The rest is pretty boring..But our breakfast the next day, now that's a different story!

We threw everything out the door! No rules, no regulations..

And ate cake..

Apple Cinnamon Breakfast(or snack) Cake Bars

Ingredients:

3 gala apples, finely shredded

1/2 C. dates, chopped

1/4 C. honey

1/4 C. water

1 tsp. cornstarch

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 1/2 C. whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

dash of salt.

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ginger

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

2 TB. ground flax seeds

1/4 C. + 1/8 C. canola Oil

1/8 C. applesauce

1/4 C. non dairy milk

1/4 C. apple juice

1/4 C. organic sugar

Directions: (Oven temp 350)

1. Combine shredded apples, dates, honey, water, cornstarch, and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon in a pot. Stir mixture, and heat until it bubbles, then reduce to a simmer for 8-10 minutes. Once done, puree in a food processor until smooth, like applesauce. Set aside.

2. Mix dry flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices in a separate bowl. Set aside.

3. Mix flax seeds, oil, applesauce, milk, juice, and sugar in a bowl. Stir until combined. Add wet to dry and mix until fully incorporated. Batter will be super thick.

4. Fold in apples/date puree into thick batter. Fold ingredients together until fully incorporated.

5. In a prepared 8X8 pan covered in parchment paper, pour batter into pan and bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. (i did 22)

6. Once done, let cool and then remove bars from pan.

7. Drizzle with some Maple Cream Sauce(with tons of added cinnamon)

8. Eat Cake.

Eat cake for breakfast.

Then snack...

Lunch...

Snack...

And finally dinner.

Then as soon as you go back for dessert, you find only one piece left.

But luckily, it's just in time to share said cake with someone special.

So happy Baby Boo is home now!

I was starting to get real bored around here!!

I think I'm beginning to understand the real reason why the neighbors are always staring...

Peanut Butter Banana Waffles

August 22, 2011 Arielle

Sometimes people get the notion that my family is weird.

Be what it may, I think when your child is sleeping, playing, panting, and barking in a dog bed, that only means she's purely a genius.

And even when her proportions are a little off, there is nothing wrong with wanting to cool down in a bowl full of water..

It's the same concept as a pool right?

Like I said..Genius.

But what I think is genius, might come off to others strange.

Like the way my family eats.

It might be strange that we drink green drinks...

It's probably strange that I have a fridge full of kale, swiss chard, coconut and soy milk, non dairy cheese, flax seeds, chai seeds, and 75 tubs of hummus.

It's different that my cupboard is stocked with whole grain pastas, nutritional yeast, beans, legumes, nuts, and abnormal amount of dark chocolate.

And it's definitely odd that you won't find tons of packages, boxes of cookies, bags of chips, cans of soda, or frozen steaks buried beneath bites of pizza bagels, chimichangas, and something that rhymes with feggo my beggos.

Some people ask me why I am so concerned with the way my family eats, and if it's really worth it to go through all the trouble of meal planning, prepping, cooking, and sometimes spending more money.

It's worth every second.

When I first decided I was going to really change the way I ate, it wasn't easy. Hubby could down a full 5 dollar pizza in a matter of minutes, and I didn't mind him ordering one, because that meant that I was going to be able to eat some. That was, if I could pry a slice from the wide open mouth of my starving beastly hubby. And of coarse, the pizza was smoothered in ranch, along with a side of my favorite beverage..Root Beer.

It was cheap. It was fast. And it was damn good.

So why would I change a 'good thing?'

Bottom line, I love my family.

I had to face the fact that if I wanted my husband, kids, and myself around for a long time, I had to do whatever it took to keep it that way.

If I wanted my husband alert and ready for numerous hours of studying, internships, all the while being the best dad, and hubby..His body needed the nourishment.

If I wanted my daughter walk, run, laugh, play, and learn new things every day...Her body needed the right nourishment.

If I wanted to cook, clean(still working on that), run errands, live off of 5 hours a sleep, play with my little monkey, and love my family unconditional...My body needed the proper nourishment.

And if I wanted to respect these beautiful temples, our bodies, which God created for us...Then we definitely needed to nourish them properly.

But I think the biggest problem is making the initial change.

Switching from Cheetos to veggies and hummus.

Saying goodbye to fast food, and hello to home cookin'.

It can be overwhelming. It can be really really really hard.

But it can be do-able.

So where do you begin?

Do you like smoothies?

Throw in a cucumber for sweetness, some spinach for veggies. Trust me..You cannot taste the spinach. Especially when you add a banana. Get crazy with flavors. Apple pie, carrot cake, chocolate strawberry..Give them to your kiddos, hubbies, or wives. You can add nut butters, protein powders, healthy fats, veggies, and fruits. Perfect way to start out your morning.

Need some inspiration? Click HERE. and HERE

What about snacks? How do you go from packaged foods to whole foods?

Start simple. Cutting it cold turkey ain't gonna make anyone happy. If you kid loves crackers, switch to whole grain. Make yummy wholesome dips to go along with them. Slowly introduce veggies, and let your children,even your hubby(lol), pick out the ones they want to try. Get the family involved as much as possible.

Where ever possible, add in veggies, whole grains, legums etc..

If you family loves hamburgers, switch half the meat for black beans, lentils, etc. You can do the same with taco meat and meat balls. Puree or finely chop veggies and throw them into salads, burgers, enchiladas, soups, sand whiches, spreads..etc..You get the idea.

Need some more inspiration? Click HERE., and HERE and HERE

And especially, don't forget to add flavor! Steamed broccoli isn't flavorful on it's own. Add seasoning, vinegars, spices, etc..You don't always want to be hiding the veggies in your kids/families meals..so make them taste good! :)

And most importantly...:)

Eat everyday, normal foods that your family knows and loves!

Like waffles :)

Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Banana Waffles

Vegan, Kid-Baby Friendly, Hubby Approved, Protein and Fiber Full, Delicious!

Ingredients:

2 Cups Whole Wheat Pastry Flour (could use GF flour, spelt, maybe oat?)

2 tsp. Baking Powder

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 TB. Cinnamon

1/2 tsp. Nutmeg

3 TB. Honey,Agave, Maple Syurp

1 TB. Ground Flax seeds mixed with 2 TB. Water=Flax egg

2 1/2 Cups. Non dairy milk, or organic milk

1/3 C. Canola oil or vegan butter, or organic butter

3/4 C. Organic Natural Peanut Butter, Almond Butter, Cashew Butter, or Sunflower Butter

1-2 Bananas(depending on how ripe the banana is. If banana is SUPER ripe, add 2)

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl whisk together dry ingredients and set aside.

2. In a separate bowl mix together wet ingredients until combined. Add wet to dry and mix until combined. If the batter seems to thick, add more milk.

3. Spray a waffle iron with non stick spray, and cook waffle according to desired time. If you like crispy, cook longer. We like about 4-5 minutes, but our waffle iron is new, so it heats/cooks fast. :)

I loooove topping waffles, pancakes, and FRENCH TOAST with fruit! So does Baby Boo, since they get coated with Maple Syrup! Makes them extra sweet!

Don't ever let anyone tell you that living a healthy lifestyle means depriving yourself of yummy food!

If anything, they are the ones missing out!

Especially if you eat things like homemade graham crackers that turned into yummy S'mores!

But we will save that for another day :)

**P.S. If you entered to win Mama Pea's NEW cookbook Peas and Thank You, I have announced the Winner! Just click on HERE, and find out! Thanks to all that participated!!**

Chocolate Chip Garbanzo Bean Peanut Butter Cookies

August 16, 2011 Arielle

My husband has a problem.

It's rather serious.

I try and tell him it isn't healthy, and that he probably should look into getting help.

No body should have that many white shoes.

White shoes that look like he's a drug lord from Miami.

White shoes that point at the end, almost as if they were made to be worn by an elf singing "Up on the Rooftop!"

He could argue that elfs wear green pointy shoes, but..Let's get real..Who is gonna argue with a man wearing pointy shoes?

Santa?

Ok, I kid myself..

But 10 plus pairs of white shoes couldn't be a healthy obsession...

Inheriting over 100 cookbooks from my grandparents, now THAT contributes to a healthy obsession.

I can't WAIT to get cookin' with the PTA!

I can only imagine what went down when PTA mom Mrs. Willows brought out her one of a kind Booz Balls to go around.

I'd much rather have a bite of this Corn and Cream Cheese recipe, if you ask me..

Do you think I could dip my Booz Balls in it?

I probably shouldn't join the PTA...That is unless I bring something a little better to the table..

Maybe say...Chocolate Chip cookies..

But unlike Booz Balls, you will most likely remember these cookies..

Trust me..A little elf told me :)

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter (Garbanzo Bean) Cookies

Ingredients:

1 can Garbanzo Beans(drained and rinsed)

1/4 C. Peanut Butter

10 Dates

1/2 C. non dairy(or reg) milk

2 C. Pastry Flour

1/4 C. Oats

1 tsp. Baking Soda

1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

1/4 tsp. Salt

1/4 C. Canola Oil

1/2 C. Maple Syrup

1 TB. Vanilla

1 bag mini dairy free chocolate chips(or reg)

Directions:

1. In a food processor, blend garbanzo beans, dates, peanut butter, and milk until creamy.

2. Next add Canola oil, maple syrup, and vanilla to food processor and blend until combined.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the rest of your ingredients. Then add wet to dry, and stir until combined.

4. Place on cookie sheet using ice cream scoop, and press down on tops of cupcakes to flatten out a little.

5. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 12-14 minutes. {i did 13 :)}

These are really big chewy cookies :)

My hubs prefers flat crips cookies, but then again he dresses like an elf during christmas at the mall...

Funny..I always thought Santa and his little helpers preferred the chewy ones?

Luckily for me, Baby Boo was all over them..

Meaning she was all over them, and NOT her dinner.

I dunno what got into her, but she definitely might have put her self on the naughty list this year..

So finally, I broke down and gave her a cookie for dinner...It had garbanzo beans in it...so it's ok right??

And for a while it made her happy..but then Little Miss Prada got the best of her self, and went from this,

to this...

and then back to this...

Want a better example??

Well..I filmed it! :)

Untitled from The Diva Dish on Vimeo.

I promise..She's happier now..

As for hubs, not so much.. I heard him mumbling something about my name being on the naughty list..

Eggless Sweet Potato Spice French Toast w/ Spiced Maple Cream Syrup

August 10, 2011 Arielle

They say to win over a man's heart, is through his stomach.

And the way to a woman's heart is...

I looked this answer up.

Let's just say, no one knows.

And my husband might say, neither do the woman.

But, I have always had a place in my heart for food. And to me, there is nothing sexier than a man in the kitchen.

That's right.

You can bet your bottom dollar that when Curtis Stone comes on TV with that Australian accent that you'll be hearing Praises and Hallelujahs followed by, "Hubby, you just don't understand..."

And we can all guess that if Matthew McConaughey came out with a cookbook,

Well..

It be like my version of a calendar full of shirtless fireman...Wooh! Somebody hose me down!

Ok, so let's rewind to 4 years ago when the Hubby and I were dating.

We had done all the "normal" dates..movies, cuddling, bowling, makin' out, dinner, makin' out...

and we were searching for something different.

So I told boyfriend, future hubs, to make me dinner.He agreed, and I couldn't have been more excited!

I thought of all the possibilities of what it could be.

Salad, Pasta, Bread, you know the typical "guy" meal...what about a pizza? Will there be chocolate? Are we going to watch a movie with Matthew McConaughey afterwards?

Then when I arrived at my sweet little buttercups apartment, a place where you don't use the bathroom, don't look in the toilet, wash your hands after touching everything, and don't ask when's the last time that was washed...

BF/Hubs sat me down at the counter, placed a container of "questionable" syrup next to me and said, "I hope you like french toast!"

And ever since then..that's all it's ever been. :)

Despite it being the only meal that Hubby knows how to make, and that I'm a little worried if I ever leave Baby Boo for a couple days, he makes a mean french toast.

I don't know if it's because it's all he lived off in college, but if you haven't guess already, it's his favorite meal. If he had it his way he would have cereal for breakfast, Taco Bell for Lunch, and French Toast for dinner..Oh and have a heart attack by midnight.

Which is why, as his Wifey I've decided to let the Hubby retire of French Toast making for the time being, and make him a version of his favorite classic, minus the clogged arteries.

Eggless Sweet Potato Spice French Toast with Spiced Maple Cream Syrup

Ingredients:

1 Sweet Potato (Peeled, the microwaved for 4 minutes)

1 1/2 C. Coconut Milk (or other non dairy milk)

2 tsp. Molasses

1 tsp. Vanilla

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1/2 tsp. Nutmeg

Bread

Directions:

1. After Sweet potato is peeled and microwaved, puree potato with the rest of the ingredients(besides bread( in a blender until smooth.

2. Dip Bread in batter until coated(Do not soak the bread). You can also spread mixture on each side of bread. Since it is eggless, this will cook differently, so make sure you don't soak the bread to much or else it won't cook fully) and place on heated/buttered pan. Cook about 2-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Serve with Warm Spiced Maple Cream Syrup.

Spiced Maple Cream Syrup

Adapted from:Eat Drink and be Vegan cookbook

Ingredients:

1/3 C. Non Dairy Butter or Organic Butter

1/2 C. Maple Syrup

1 pkg. Silken Tofu Firm (I used Lite)

1 tsp. Molasses

dash of salt

1/4 tsp. Nutmeg

1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, heat maple syrup and butter until butter is melted. Then transfer to a food processor with the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth.

2. Next, stick your face in, and inhale syrup until you pass out in a coma.

2. Serve warm with Sweet Potato French Toast.

The.Best.French.Toast.I.Have.Ever.Had.

Sorry hubby.

It was a cross between a Matthew McConaughey cookbook and chocolate.

Ya.

That's huge!

With each bite I screamed.

And with each lick(or slurp) of that Spiced Maple Cream Syrup..my eyes rolled to the back of my head, along with a scream of "HOLY SHIPBALLS."

And then I gave some to Baby Boo..

I cut her toast in strips, because she likes to dip it in the Syrup.

But dipping turned into screaming, because all she wanted to do was stick her hand in the syrup bowl.

Yes..syrup bowl.

And as I looked at hubby, hoping he somewhat loved my version of his favorite food, he kindly replied..

"Can you make this tomorrow for dinner?"

And I've never been more honored to say, Yes.

Vintage Circus First Birthday

August 8, 2011 Arielle

It seems like just yesterday that I was holding my brand new 6 pound baby girl in my arms...

And it's hard to imagine that ONE year has flown by..and I no longer can cuddle with her unless she's asleep..

Now, she is all grown up. Talking non stop, using words like..."Ah..No!" and calling every moving animal, "Dog", but pronounced more in a British accent..Apparently in this past year she has also spent some time over seas.

And then today, as she paraded around church, disrupting the peace with her shiny pink toms and fluffy pink tutu, she started rubbing the older lady sitting next to us smooth shaven legs..up and down..Ooohing and Aaaahhing..

People were staring at me wondering if they had recently seen her on "Toddlers and Tiaras," as I fluffed her ruffles and fixed her abnormally large pink bow, all the while handing her a pink mini purse filled with rings and bracelets...

And I realized that as sad as I am to see her little self turn into this independent little Diva...I couldn't be happier, and more honored to be her Mama. And it was I who was LuCkY to have been given the most BEAUTIFUL, happiest, silliest, and spiciest daughter a Mama could ever ask for. I look forward to cherishing every moment in life with her.

And before you know it, we will both be parading around in Pink tutu's, large bows, and purses filled with diamonds..

Well..maybe only her. I'll be dressed in rags.

Haven't you ever seen Toddlers and Tiaras?

It gets expensive.

So here is to you Baby Boo..

I hope you enjoyed your 1st birthday that you won't remember, but Mama surely will..

But don't worry. I'll remind you every year :)

Vintage Circus Themed 1st Birthday

The Food:

On the menu we had An array of different salads; Green, Pasta, and Fruit. Then we had Chicken Kabobs with Teriyaki Dipping Sauce and Peanut Dipping Sauce, and PB& J sammy's for the kiddos and...me :). We also had a ton of candy, cupcakes, cake ball cones, and a cotton candy machine..

The Decorations:

With the help of Grandmas, we had Banners, and signs painted with pinks and yellows, peanuts, and popcorn boxes, animals, and circus carts, and girly candles!

The Activities:

Although it was only a first birthday, we wanted to make sure everyone was having a good time, adults included. We had face painting, tattoos, cotton candy machine, balloons for kiddos, present opening (this was pure entertainment from Baby Boo) and then the best part..Baby Boo eating her B-day Cake.

Baby Boo needed some help :)

Overall it was a BeAuTiFuL party :) Great time with Great friends, family, yummy food..

and tons of food babies :)

Happy One Year Birthday Baby Boo!!

I love you!

Cilantro Lime Corn on the Cob & Life on the Road

August 1, 2011 Arielle

I wish I could say that I’ve been on a tropical island for the past two weeks.

Sandy Beaches, Refreshing Fruit Drinks, Smell of the Ocean Air, Sun Tanning, and a side of Bradley Cooper spraying me down with oil.

But, the only sand I've seen would be that from the passenger window of my car. And I wouldn't call it sand, I'd call it the last place I want to be.

Also, The only "refreshing" drinks I've been sippin' have been the water from gas stations, most likely pumped from the hose in Sleevless Marky Mullets back yard barn...

The smell of sweet ocean Air was traded for an unpleasant meal choice from Hubby of beans which, if you know how the song goes, it truly is a magical fruit..and the more you eat, the more you..

Unfortunately musical flatulent beans isn't the only thing being heard, because you can always count on a mouse dressed and dancing as the funky chicken to calm a restless baby.

Da na na na na na na ONLY 5 more hours!!

And I've yet to been wiped down with oil from the Brad man, but I've done plenty of wiping my self...of hineys…I promise not the Hubby’s though. He ate Beans. That’s a job for Sleevless Marky Mullets hose.

Then there is this precious angle.

You know what too many hours of driving does to a child..

Ask Satan, he'll tell you.

Actually, I can't complain. Despite the fact that she's been through alot over the past two weeks, she's only had a few tantrums and minor blowouts...

Blowouts of all kind, might I add.

So all together we have driven over 30 hours.

30 hours of Elmo’s world

30 hours of Hubby’s Beans.

30 hours of Gas Station Bathrooms.

30 hours of Cheerios eaten off the car floor due to starvation.

30 hours of Wheels on the Bus and Peekaboo

30 hours of Hubby’s Beans, did I say that already, which I am pretty sure had something to do with the “food poisoning” I got for 10 of those driving hours.

Speaking of which, if you find a tan purse with writing, “I love Organic” on the side of the freeway in Arizona…Don’t open it.

But as hard as the driving was, it was harder to know the reason for the driving. We said our final goodbyes to my grandpa, and buried him in Utah, where he wanted to be buried. The ceremony was perfect, and it was so great to see the Veterans put on a special ceremony for him.

More importantly I thought of all my bloggy friends whose kind and supportive words stood behind me :)

Now, I wish I could say the driving was all over, and at this very moment I am sitting on my couch with a box of chocolates catching up on Bachelorette, Housewives, and Paula Dean…

It ain't happenin'.

I’ve got 3 more days till I’m home. We did a final stop at the Lake for a quick family vacation, which means..

3 more days of Beans…

3 more days of, “Elmo loves his goldfish and his crayon too.”

3 more days of still not knowing what happens on the Bachelorette!

And as I was looking out my car window, seeing shrubs,(and I swear I saw Justin Bieber), I couldn't help but think of the fair. I'm not sure if it was Marky Mullet who reminded me, or the fact that every bathroom, just like the fair, at gas stations have Chester the Molester's name written all over them...But I couldn't get one thing off my mind.

The corn.

I remember it hot off the grill, so warm and sweet and crunchy..I wanted.

No more beans..No more hose water...No more stale cheerios...

So the first thing I did when we got to our vacation spot...

Cilantro Lime Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

Cilantro Lime Butter

Ingredients:

1/3 C. Non Dairy Butter or Organic Butter (room temp..not too cold) OR 1/3 C. Coconut Butter (Ragnhild from Vegan Aphrodite tried coconut butter and she said it worked great!!)

1 bunch cilantro, (no stems-I just rip the top part off)

zest of one lime

juice of half a lime

dash of sea salt

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients in food processor, then set aside.

P.S. This is the most amazing butter! The ideas are running through my head as to what you could use it on!

Grilled Cilantro Lime Corn on the Cob

Adapted from:Pink Pistachio

Ingredients:

Corn

Cilantro Lime Butter

Sea Salt.

Directions:

1. Rub down corn with desirable amount of butter. Wrap in foil or the corn husk, and place on grill, rotating each side every 2-3 minutes.

After about 10-14 minutes, the corn should be done.

2. Remove from wrapper, and sprinkle extra sea salt if desired.

3. Chomp away.

Cilantro & Lime on Corn....

Is better than any corn on the cob I have ever tasted!

This takes away all those 30 hours..

Those Elmo's songs...

Those funky chickens..

Those Justin Biebers in the desert.

And the best part about this corn...

It may be magical...

but there is nothing flatulent about it. :)

Chocolate Cherry Basil Ice Cream

July 25, 2011 Arielle

Obsessions.

We all have them.

Some we admit..Some we don't.

And if you follow me on Instagram (speaking of obsessions), you may find a picture evident of things we shouldn't admit.

Like my Barbie collection that I found at my Mom's house.

A Barbie collection full of shirtless kens, that is.

That's probably because their only other wardrobe options were these shiny things...

Next we have Slore Barbie:

Either she's wearing kens shirt, or she is missing pants..You tell me.

And is that tinsel in her hair??!!

I secretly wanted that done at the fair.

Along with a feather.

I know..I want to be just like Barbie.

Only problem is, Barbie doesn't eat..Or at least she doesn't look like it.

And I like to eat..More like slurp..

Because right now, I am obsessed with my Mom's garden.

Especially the amount of Basil she has.

Which is why everyday since I have been here I have started out with one of these:

So. Refreshing.

Even Barbie couldn't turn it down.

Basil Cucumber Smoothie

Almond Milk, Frozen BlueBerries, Frozen Banana, 1/2 Cucumber, 1/4 C. Basil, Oats, Sunflower Seeds, and Vanilla.

To be honest, I am really obsessed with 'cold' foods right now, due to this heat!

Like Ice Cream.

Any Sort of Chocolatey ice cream works best to my satisfaction :)

You see, today is my Grandpa's Funeral. And, I wanted nothing more than to replicate a dessert, (with my own twist) that reminded my of him more than anything...

When I was younger, I used to go to my Grandparents for a few days and visit, and every night my grandparents and we would eat fudgesicles!

Remember those??

I think I would always ask if I could have another one..In fact I think I always ate more than two..

That's all you need to know.

Chocolate Cherry Basil Ice Cream

Ingredients:

14 oz. Can Light Coconut Milk (Can use full fat for a creamier texture)

2 bananas

1/4 C-1/2 C. Basil (I like mine with more Basil...)

1/2 C. Dark Cherries

1/4 C. Dark Cocoa Powder (If your not a fan of dark, use reg.)

2 TB. Vanilla

2-4 TB. Agave (optional) I didn't add any because I like my chocolate more dark then sweet.

Directions:

1. In a high speed blender(turned off) add your coconut milk.

Oh and you must ALWAYS use a PINK can opener..or else the recipe won't turn out :)

2. Next add your chopped banana, basil, and cherries.

3. Then add cocoa powder, vanilla, and sweetener, if using.

4. Blend all ingredients in blender until completely pureed and creamy.

5. Next, using an Ice Cream Machine*, follow the directions on the machine.

6. Once machine is done, you will most likely have to freeze the ice cream for at least an hour.

*This recipe, I am assuming, could be done without an Ice cream Machine. Just blend all ingredients and place in a bowl. Freeze until solid, then scoop out. Or add a bunch of ice to blender for a thick shake/ice cream.*

I ate mine right by the pool :)

I had to eat fast though, because Ice Cream+100 degree heat=Well..delicious, but you get it.

It tasted like a grown up version of a fudgesicle...

Because...I AM all grown up now :)

"Says the girl with a box of Barbies."

But if being a kid means Playing Barbies with Baby Boo and Ice Cream...

Then I don't want to grow up.

Avocado Chocolate Cake Donut Ever + A Cupcake Too!!

July 19, 2011 Arielle

Everybody loves Donuts.

If you don't, then you probably hate chocolate too.

And if you hate chocolate, then your probably one of those people who would prefer a taco instead of a a double chocolate fudge cake.

Yea! I'm talking to you Hubby!

Anyways, back to us NoRmAl peeps.

When I was in elementary school, my grandpa, not the one that just recently passed, used to pick me up from school once or twice a week to hang out with my brothers and I.

Every time after school we went to 'The Donut Shop.'

It was this hole in the wall place that was family owned, and this sweet older lady worked there every day.

She had candy, and chocolate milk, and THE BEST strawberry cheesecake ice cream that I have ever had...Or at least that is what my 8 year old self told me.

And every time we went to the Donut shop, I would order a my favorite ice cream, or a chocolate cake donut with tons of jimmies sprinkles.

Oh, and she always gave me double scoops on the ice cream.

I have her to thank for my awkward/embarrassing weight in middle school, but that's a different story.

Ever since then, I've had a place in my heart for those round rings of goodness.

And not that there is anything wrong with indulging on a delicious donut every so often, but

I find it best to make my own at home.

Baked not fried.

Wholesome not Questionable.

Natural not Fake.

And Green :)

Chocolate Avocado Donuts with Peanut Butter Avocado Frosting

Cake Recipe adapted from HERE

Ingredients: (For Donut)

1 1/2 C Whole Wheat Pastry Flour

1/3 C. Cocoa Powder

1 tsp. Baking Soda

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 Avocado Mashed

1 Cup Vanilla Soymilk

3/4 Cup 100% Maple Syrup (this could be reduced,-

but you would need to increase liquid, maybe with milk)

2 tsp. Vanilla

1 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar

(chocolate chips optional)

Ingredients: For Frosting

1 avocado

1/2 lb. powdered sugar(more or less depending on desired consistency)

3-4 TB. Soymilk

2-3 TB. Agave

2 TB. Vanilla

2-4 TB. Peanut Butter

Directions: (donut)

1. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix wet ingredients until combined. Make sure avocado isn't lumpy.

2. Add wet to dry.

3. Pour into a greased donut pan, and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 22 minutes (give or take). The cake donuts are very moist. You don't want them hard or dry.

4. Once donuts are done, remove from oven and let cool. Now you can prepare the frosting.

5. Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until creamy.

6. Spread some love on those donuts, and sprinkle with some jimmies!

Let me say this!!

THE BEST MOIST CAKEY CHOCOLATE DONUT I HAVE EVER HAD!!

It is soo hard to find a vegan cake recipe that isn't dry, or the texture isn't wierd.

BUT THESE..AMAZING!!

Oh..also, you could easily prepare a different frosting. Get crazy! Of coarse Baby Boo would have to disagree.

I couldn't get that spoon away from her :)

And just in case you were wondering, these work perfectly as cupcakes as well :)

Does that say moist and fluffy or what??

My favorite part of photographing these cupcakes!

Eating them :)

Take THAT Donut Shop Lady!

Boo-YAA!!

How to: Cake Decorating Rosettes

July 18, 2011 Arielle

In the mood to laugh? If you haven't already, don't forget to check out this video of Baby Boo I posted on Friday! It is SuRe to bring a smile to anyone's face :)

I feel like I am in a whirl wind.

Maybe not a whirl wind, because I don't really know what that means. I'm feeling more along the lines of being trapped in a tornado.

Ok, no wrong again, because that would mean everything is spiraling out of control, and that isn't happening either. (P.S. It took me 7 tries to spell spiraling.)

So if I am not in a whirl wind, nor a tornado, then where am I in life right now..?

I am right here.

Here, where I am supposed to be.

The past few days have been hell, to say the least. With my grandpa passing, my husband gone, Baby Boo teething plus catching Hand Foot and Mouth Disease..(what is that??-No she hasn't been sucking on other children's hands, feet, or mouths..That we know of :\) I have had a hard time adjusting to right now in life.

And then today, when I was trying to come up with ways to play with Baby Boo, I realized that I have been so busy with this and that, I haven't taken time to enjoy the simple things, like teaching Baby Boo how to play with Dolls.

Weird, I know, but everybody is always trying to get Baby Boo to rough house, and kick and throw balls, and do boy things..when she clearly is ALL girl. :)

She was in much need of doll time.

She did well with Ba-Ba feeding...

But then she got stingy.

We are still working on pushing the stroller.

And handeling with care.

But, I can definitely say she is improving.

I realize that...I love enjoying the simple things.

Like Cake.

Pretty Cake to be exact.

Want to learn how to make said cake...Pretty?

It's actually reeeaaallly easy, and you can impress any one with your sick wit' it skills!

Begin with a cake.

Frost a thin layer all over the cake with a thick and sturdy frosting, such as a buttercream.

Next, grab your tip.

I use a Wilton Star tip#1M. This one works best for what we are trying to accomplish.

You have to be careful with this tip, because those little star edges easily bend..aka, if you drop or step on them.

NOT that this has happened to me. But trust me, your tip will pipe funny-ly(word?-it is now!) if it bends :)

Then, put the star tip in a piping bag, the fill with the rest of your frosting.

Next, started on the top of the cake, start piping a circle, any size, but instead of connecting the circle, continue to swirl the frosting towards the middle.

Continue to do this all around the cake.

I wasn't trying to make this cake look perfect, so as you can see the centers are a little crazy where I lifted up the piping bag.

If you don't like this, just make sure to smoothie pick up the bag when done with you rosette.

Also, when piping the rosettes, make piping bag pipe close to the cake, and not holding the piping up higher.

Once done, you can leave the cake as is, or you can bedazzle it up, like me :)

I took a bunch of dragees, or pink silver balls, and put them randomly through out the cake. Although I mostly put them in the centers of the rosettes, where the piping had ended.

And there you have it.

Super easy.

You know what else I am loving right now??

Donuts!

Recipe tomorrow my friends :)

I guess living in the right now isn't so bad after all! ;)

4 Minute Microwave Green Breakfast Muffin

July 8, 2011 Arielle

New!! If you notice, I have a new menu!! It's a Recipe Menu! I haven't got all of the recipes loaded up, but I figured you could check out what I have so far!

Also, there is a tutorials menu as well, for random tutorials! Check that out as well!!

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Every morning when I wake up, the first thing I think about is food.

Actually, I lied, first it's, "Baby Boo, why are we getting up SO flippin' early?!!"...

And THEN I think about food.

I open the fridge.

Then I open the cupboard.

And then I become overwhelmed. There are so many options, and I want to have a little of everything. A breakfast buffet if you will.

I want toast, and eggs, and pancakes, and fresh juice, and fruit, and green drinks, and muffins, and PB, and chocolate...

"Lay off me I'm starving!!"

But, I usually, almost always have a green smoothie.

I know it's boring, but as much as I would love to whip up my dream breakfast buffet, I have about a 5-10 minute window to make something and then be on Mommy duty. I have to save "special" breakfast for day's like Mother's Day and Birthdays.

I know. Lucky Right.

But sometimes there are more important things to do, like play with your daughters hair.

I know that little rat tail may mean nothing to you, but when your daughter has been bald for 11 months, this is a big deal.

I'm already thinking about curling irons, and braids, and pony's and buns, and bows and bobby pins..

Simple pleasures, you know?

Too bad I don't put that much effort into my hair.

Or my appearance for that matter.

See..no time for breakfast buffet!

So what's a Starvin' Marvin' supposed to do when a whippity quick Green drink ain't what you cravin'? (Where on earth did that slang come from?

5 Minute Green Muffin (Microwave)

Adapted from the ever so intelligent: Stuft Mama

Ingredients:

1 egg

2 TB Coconut Milk(or other)

1 TB. Vanilla

1 C. Spinach

1 Banana

1/3 C. Frozen Peaches

2 TB. Coconut Flour

2 TB. Coconut Finely Shredded

1 TB. Chia Seeds

2 TB. Oats

1/2 tsp. Baking Powder

Directions:

1. Easy Peasy. Blend egg, milk, spinach, peaches, and vanilla in a blender.

Make sure it's nice and blended :)

2. Next mix your dry ingredients in a bowl, once combined add your wet ingredients.

3. Then, take a regular coffee/cocoa mug and spray with cooking spray. Pour your batter in the mug. Make sure it's a big enough mug.

Or, if your like me and drop it all over the floor, your mug can be teeny tiny since most of the batter is now trash :)

4. Next step/Favorite Step. Place mug in microwave. Turn on microwave for 4 MINUTES!

5. It's done. Plop on plate.

6. Dress it up and Make it Perty.

I topped mine with Sunflower Butter, Coconut, Raspberries, and Blueberries.

Oh..and if you have never had sunflower butter (ground sunflower seeds)..You MUST! I almost...love it..more than...Peanut Butter..

(These also make for GREAT kids breakfast/snacks as well!!)

Ok, so I may be one of the few who dreams of stuffing my face from the moment I open my eyes, but I promise you, I am doing my body a favor.

Did you know??

Eating a healthy and well balanced breakfast in the morning:

-Helps boost your metabolism, thus helping you loose your jiggly bum bum.

-Gives you the energy to start your day, avoiding fatigue-ness by lunch.

-Less likely to crave 'unnhealthy' foods to snack on to curb those hunger pains.

-Helps you think and focus better.

All pretty important I think.

Especially the part about fatigue-ness.

I MuSt have enough energy to keep up with this little one...

hmmm...

Is it morning yet?? I'm starving!!

Minty Kale Salad

June 22, 2011 Arielle

Things are getting a little silly around here :)

You may notice things look a little different/a little off.

No need to worry, The Diva-Dish is getting a MUCH needed pampered makeover.

Within the next 24 hours, things are going to be looking a little classier...So please bare with the craziness, and the randomness :)

But I promise, you will love it!

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Way back when, salads were my go to kind of food.

I thought it was the 'healthiest' thing to order on the menu at restaurants, and would gladly down a cup of ranch dressing to go along side that.

Oh..

And if the restaurant had bread, you can guarantee that I dipped my bread into my gallon of ranch, all the while using that bread to lick my nutritious delicious salad plate clean.

Now hold on a second, because I'm not saying eating a salad with ranch and bread is sending you straight to the 'worlds unhealthiest eater' prison. If that's your favorite kind of salad, then by all means dip and lick away. Living every once in a while, and eating our favorite foods in moderation (deep rich chocolate cake anyone?) will keep us sane..trust me. You wouldn't want to know me if chocolate wasn't allowed in my life.

But I believe that there are 'better' ways to enjoy the foods we love.

We can up the nutrients, the fiber, the vitamins, the protein, and everything else if we play around with recipes to have them include beneficial ingredients that will help our bodies stay strong and healthy.

With that being said, let me introduce you to,

Minty Kale Salad

*Kale Greens are a great alternative to regular lettuce and even Spinach. It has an amazing source of Fiber, Antioxidants, Vitamins K, A, and C, and aids in Digestion. For best taste results, remove stems from leaves, because the stems are the bitter part of the Kale Plant.*

Ingredients:

Creamy Mint Dressing: Recipe from OhSheGlows

1/4 C. Coconut Milk

1/2 C. Mint Leaves

1 TB. EVOO

3 TB. Lime Juice

2 Tsp. Agave Nectar

salt, pepper

1/2 tsp. Arrowroot powder for thickening (optional)

Ingredients for Salad:

1 Large Bunch of Kale (Read * above for health benefits)

Tomatoes (Great source of Lycopene, which aids in fighting cancer, and Vitamin C)

Avocados (Fight cancer, lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure)

Garbanzo Beans (Great Sources of Vitamins, Minerals, Fiber, and Protein)

Peaches (Great source of Beta Carotene which helps with eye and heart health. High fiber and high potassium)

Pecans (Heart healthy, natural antioxidants, lower cholesterol, aids w/ weight control, nutrient dense)

Goat Cheese (Easier to digest than cows milk, metabolism boosting, high in protein and calcium, nutrient dense)

(Everything optional, so add what ever you like on salads. If you a non-vegetarian, feel free to add maybe a lemon chicken. If your a vegetarian stick with the garbanzo beans and pecans for the protein, and if your a vegan, opt out on the goat cheese)

Directions:

1. Make the salad dressing by blending all ingredients in a blender and set aside. Gather Kale bunch and pick off leaves, and discard the stems. Put the leaves in a bowl and drizzle with desired dressing. Massage dressing into Kale Salad until FULLY coated. Let sit while preparing additional ingredients.

2. Once ready, throw additional ingredients on top. Sprinkle with coconut if feeling spontaneous.

3. Dig in!

I think I will be purchasing mint on a regular basis, because this was seriously the most refreshing salad I have ever had. It reminded me of summer!

And I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my extra mint leaves when I woke up this morning..

That was until I found this:

I don't even have a green thumb for pre-grown foods bought from the grocery store..

Just pitiful.

Oh well, it definitely didn't stop me from continuing on with what I had in mind :)

Minty Green Drink

Ingredients:

1 Cup Coconut Milk

1/2 Cup Coconut Water

1 Heaping Cup Spinach

1 Heaping Cup Kale (no stems)

1/4 Cup Dead Mint Leaves

1/3 C. Frozen Cherries

1/3 C. Frozen Blueberries

1 small frozen banana

1 TB. Chia Seeds

1 TB. Walnuts

1 TB. Vanilla

Ice

Directions:

1. Blend till Creamy and Serve

Thanks again for your patience with the blog change.

I know that things can get a little silly and out of hand around here some times, but I appreciate those that visit often and continue to support this journey on living life the healthy way :)

Or maybe...You just keep coming back because you want to see more of this little Chickpea:

That's ok :)

It's completely healthy!

Dresser Redo

June 20, 2011 Arielle

Let's talk about style.

There is different looks, different themes, different era's, different patterns, different fittings, different everything..

Yet, certain people can take those different things and combine them together to create something beautiful.

That.Is.Not.Me.

I wear sweats 99.6% of my day..the other 4% is when I am in the shower.

My house looks like a preschool/messy restaurant kitchen/a messy cluttered teenage girl bedroom.

I'm really talking myself up here huh? My husband must be super lucky? What's that? You want to be my friend?

All joking aside, everything is true :)

But that's the life of a mom right?

Wrong!

You see there are SUPER cute stylish Mom's out there, who can pull themselves together, and manage to leave their amazingly decorated house looking adorable. Why can't I? I guess I am still in that phase..what's it called..Lazyness??

But I am gradually moving forward, and doing what I have to do to make my house, and myself presentable. I have gotten a lot of inspiration from blogs, (go figure lol), giving me that extra Ummph I need to get off my tushy and put effort into things.

For example, Recently I have really focused on my house. For some reason, I just FEEL better when it LOOKS better..although I cannot argue with the preschool look..

So this past weekend when Baby Boo was away, I finished a project that I had been meaning to do for a while but never had the time.

I turned this dresser that I got at a thrift store...

Into this:

For all I know this could be the fugliest dresser anyone has ever laid eyes on..

Work in progress folks.

Want to know how I did it?

It was actually super easy..So for those for those of you with crappy furniture lying around, don't be afraid to get creative. If I can do something like this...A caveman could do it :)

Dresser Re-Do: Drab to Diva

Start with a fugly dresser:

Remove all hard wear, and wipe down any dusty/dirty surfaces.

Then sand your dresser.

This may sound difficult, but I didn't go crazy with this step. I just sanded it down a little to give the paint something to stick too..

Next prime your furniture.

I use the brand KILZ primer Spray. It's fast and effective.

Once again I just primed the furniture lightly, (see below). Just so the paint would have something to stick to, since the look I was going for was a brownish white.

Next, paint your furniture.

I only did one coat of regular white paint. I didn't want it to be solid white, because of the look I was going for.

I love how I keep saying, "the look I was going for," like I know what I am talking about..

Next step, glaze your furniture.

For this I used a Faux Glaze from BEHR, and a sample of brown paint.

I basically poured a little bit of glaze(which is white-ish in color) in a bowl, then added a little brown paint to it, until I got the color brown I wanted.

Then with that mixture I painted on my newly white dresser...

EEEEEEEKK don't worry!!

Then take a damp towel, and wipe away the brown,

And leave a little bit behind so it's looks old.

The brown paint will also stick to the cracks, holes, and indents in the furniture making it look old and rustic...slightly dirty?

After you have finished glazing and everything is dry, put back all the hard wear on and assemble the dresser back together.

I was going to spray the handles, but I thought they went well with the rest of the dresser..

I was ALSO going to re-do the inside of the drawers, but the original lining seemed to go along too..

That, and I was too lazy..

Seems to be a re-occuring problem.

Here is the final project:

Pretty cool?

For now the plan is for this to be in Baby Boo's room. I just have to paint and redecorate in there, and then I, meaning Hubby, will bring it up.

SO at this rate, her room will be done by the time she is 45..

I seriously need to stop exaggerating.

Let's be real, maybe 14 years old?

Just a rough estimate though.

You may also remember THIS drawer from a previous post back:

I did the same thing that I did with the dresser, only using green spray paint, and I tinted the glaze black.

Oh, and I know your thinking that my smart lil brain came up with this all by my self..well, sadly no.

A MUCH MORE talented lady gave me inspiration.

Brooke from All Things Thrifty does AMAZING projects, and I am always OOing and AHHing over them. You should check her out FOR SURE :)

As for now, I am going to sit and watch Bachelorette, even though I have yet to unload the dish washer from yesterday.

Maybe because I am avoided the 67 dishes in the sink that need to go in it, or maybe because I am lazy.

I don't know..

I'm just a Diva.

Lentil Taco Salad

June 15, 2011 Arielle

Tomorrow is my birthday...

I think.

You see, at this moment I'm lost and confused as to the day, time, my name, when the last time I washed my hair, If I ate breakfast this morning, and what load of laundry I am on..I think it's number 6.

To say my life is organized and completely under control is like saying I'm 6 ft. tall with blond hair, voluptuous lady lumps, and a great sense of style..

And if you didn't get that last part, I'm 5'3" with brown hair, no lady lumps but one huge hump, and I've seriously considered hiring a personal stylist.

And then today...

I've locked myself in the garage 2 times, and almost a 3rd.

442061-Royalty-Free-RF-Clip-Art-Illustration-Of-A-Cartoon-Locked-Out-Businessman-Trying-To-Open-A-Door

. The first time was a close one, and Baby Boo was sleeping. Luckily for me I caught myself before I did. The second time I officially locked Baby Boo and I in the garage for a good hour until hubby got home, so we entertained out selves with the water hose...

And the third time, hubby was home and I again managed to lock myself in, so I banged on the door so loud that China could hear me..Except my hubby. Sports center was on..And men can only focus on one thing at a time..At least that's what my mom always taught me.

Then to top it off I stepped in gum earlier in the day, and judging by it's size, it was chewed by Godzilla.

And without noticing, I got in my car, starting driving, only to find my foot sticking to the peddles...Due to the Gum.

Everywhere..

And I won't lie, I'm a little worried to scrape it off in fear of catching rabies or something like that..

(Have I ever mentioned how dramatic I can be?)

And now that I am sitting here, really praying for a hot warm bath, I can't help but look forward to tomorrow. Because birthday's are special..

Birthday's mean spoiling..

And birthday's mean..

Taking Baths.

Oh..

And eating everything that I want..All MY way :)

What I Ate Wednesday, BIRTHDAY addition..

MY WAY Taco Salad

Serves two

Ingredients:

Lettuce

Tomatoes

Avocado

Goat Cheese

Roasted Pepita Seeds

Roasted Corn (Recipe Below)

Lentil "Taco Meat" (Recipe Below)

Cinnamony-Cumin Salad Dressing (Recipe Below)

Directions:

(Roasted Corn)

1. Take an ear of corn and lightly coat with butter, 2 tsp. chopped garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

2. Wrap corn in tin foil and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 min. Then undo the foil, and put back in the oven for another 15 minutes. When done, take a knife and cut down the sides of the corn to get the little corn off. Set aside.

(Lentil "Taco Meat")

1. Take 1 TB. Chopped Garlic, 1/2 C. Diced onion, and 2 TB. EVOO. Heat oil in pan, then add garlic and onion. Cook and stir for about 5 -7 minutes, or until a little golden. Lower heat to medium-low, then add 1 1/2 C. cooked lentils into pan with 1.5 TB. Taco Seasoning.

I made homemade seasoning, recipe from HERE.

2. Cook for an additional 5 or so minutes, add a sprinkle of salt and pepper, remove from heat, and set aside.

(Cinnamony-Cumin Salad Dressing)

recipe from: Eat Drink and Be Vegan

1/4 C. EVOO

2 TB apple cider vinegar

2 TB Lemon Juice

1 tsp. Dijon Mustard

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. salt

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients into a blender.

Salad Assembly

1. Start with the lettuce, avocado, corn, tomato, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds and Lentil Meat.

2. Drizzle with dressing.

This Taco Salad was made MY way, but obviously you could do it YOUR way. Add what ever toppings you desire, such as sour cream, cilantro, chips, Peanut Butter (i dunno)..etc