Easy Labor Day Vanilla Blueberry Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Frosting

Happy Monday Ya'll!!  I can't believe we will be in September the end of this week.  Summer went by way too fast, as always!  I wanted to share a recipe that I make that you can easily do yourself and bring to whatever Labor Day celebrations you may partake in.  People will think you slaved over this recipe, it is that good! (If I do say so myself).  Don't worry, the pumpkin recipes are just around the corner!

I love to make sweets and such from scratch,  there is always something therapeutic to me rolling out the dough and crimping pie crusts.  But sometimes, there isn't time.  Today is one of those times.  

Here is what you will need for this recipe.

One box of vanilla cake/cupcake mix (you'll need eggs, vegetable oil & water)

Fresh blueberries

1 cup of butter (room temp)

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Zest of one lemon

2 teaspoons vanilla

3-4 cups of powdered sugar

Heavy cream (1-2 tablespoons, if needed)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

First, let's make the cupcakes based on the directions on the box, easy peasy!!  

 

Fill the cupcake liners 3/4 full.  

Take the blueberries and mix them in a bowl with 1-2 teaspoons of flour.  You want them to be lightly coated, this will prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cupcakes so you get one in each glorious bite. Plus, you won't even know the flour is in there.

Take about 5-6 berries and push into each cupcake.  I didn't push mine in as far as I should have just to show you that they won't sink. I made a few plain ones for my hubby as he is not a fan of fruit in cake, crazy, I know.

Put them in the oven and immediately turn the temperature down to 325 degrees and cook for 15-17 minutes until golden brown and fluffy.  I always check at 15 with a toothpick in the center.  If it comes out clean, they are done and don't need the extra 2 minutes.

While they are cooling, let's get the frosting started.

In a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment and cream the butter for 5 minutes on medium.  Add in the vanilla, lemon juice and zest and mix for about another minute on medium.  Take the powdered sugar and add into the frosting slowly, one cup at a time until desired consistency is reached.  You may not need it all and if it does get too thick, then add in the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time.  Go ahead, taste it, it's soooooo good!!

Now layer it on the cupcakes and Voila!!

The blueberries and the lemons and vanilla all compliment each other so well.  This is a hit!

What is your favorite kind of cupcake?

Let me know if you end up making these and how they turned out!

Have a great day!!

Top Beauty Myths Quashed!

Happy Monday Ya'll!!

Do you have at home remedies and passed down secrets from your mama and grandma?  Or maybe things your friends swear by? Most of us do. We also were told things as children that might not have been 100% true, too.  Like, "Your face will freeze like that" :) Today I thought I would shed some light on some old wives tales, momisms and beauty myths!

1. Chocolate causes pimples
Not washing your face, getting your period and other stressing factors will cause breakouts but there is no scientific evidence to support that eating a Hershey bar will give you a mountain on your face!  In fact, dark chocolate is actually full of anti oxidants which are good for you!  So go ahead and eat the candy bar :)

2. Brushing your hair 100 times before bed will make it grow (i.e. Marsha Brady)
I actually remember my Nany and I talking about this one night.  Back in the day it was thought that by brushing your hair and pulling the oils down from your scalp to the ends it would help it to grow.  Nowadays, if you have oily hair it is best not to brush it that often because of breakage and all that bad stuff.  Genetics and extensions are the only things guaranteed to make your hair longer :)

3. Sliced cool cucumbers treat puffy eyes
This glorious little gem of a secret is 100% true!  You can also use tea bags (cooled down, of course) to reduce puffiness.  It may not work after watching The Notebook though :)

4. Toothpaste gets rid of zits
I don't know why we as young girls were ever told about this.  Sure, most toothpaste has menthol in it which is a drying agent and can help dry out zits in a pinch.  But toothpaste is for teeth and not for skin so you can end up irritating your skin and causing the zit to stay around much longer than leaving it alone or using tea tree oil (see below).

5. Tea tree oil gets rid of zits
Okay, this is more of a modern idea than an old wives tale but this method of clearing zits is actually true, just make sure your product contains at least 10% of tea tree oil to actually be effective or use tea tree oil itself but diluted with either aloe vera gel or water.  It is potent stuff!

6. Vaseline makes your eyelashes grow
Hmmmmm, vaseline makes your eyelashes grow.  Doesn't that just sound weird to you? The moisturizer may help dry, brittle lashes get stronger but there is no proof that this is actually a true method of making them grow longer.  This can however give you whiteheads on your eyelids from blockage and cause puffiness of the eyes, so use at your own risk.

7. Hot water opens pores and cold water closes them
This one hurt for me to realize was a myth.  I liked the idea of thinking I was steaming my pores open, cleaning them out and then slamming them shut with a cold splash to the face.  But pores are not muscles that can open and close.  Steaming them can help loosen the gunk in them (now you know what sebum is) and cold water can help tighten your face but that's about it.  So no, ice cubes don't shrink your pores either :( It is an overall good idea to wash your face with lukewarm water.

8. You can use baby powder as dry shampoo
This is true! It absorbs the oil on your scalp which is essentially what dry shampoo is doing but I recommend cornstarch instead.  It can be messy though and I suggest adding a touch of cocoa powder if you have dark hair.  Make sure to brush out thoroughly.

9. Mayo makes your hair shinier
This is true.  I actually used to do this one all the time.  And I don't even eat mayo, bleck....I would glob it all on my hair and wrap it in saran and put a towel over my head.  But nowadays there are so many products out there that will help you achieve shine much easier :)

10. Pump your mascara to get all the product out
No, no, no.  This gets air in the tube and can breed bacteria.  Gently twist and pull the wand out. You can use some saline solution or aloe added to the wand to get down to the last drop :)
 
11. Using the same shampoo all the time is less effective on your hair
Negativo (I think that's a word).  It will always have the same effect, all the time.  Don't let the hair care industry get in your head :) If your shampoo seems less effective, it could be that product overload or buildup on your hair is to blame.

12. Spray perfume in the hair and then walk into it
This one is great.  I mean, maybe we did this because we thought it would not be as strong? Well, if you are using expensive perfume, this is a big no no.  If it is only landing on your clothes, then it is evaporating before that guy you have a crush on can even smell it.  Perfume should always be applied on your pulse points to last the longest :)

I hope these were helpful to you :)

What are your favorite beauty myths?

Let me know in the comments below!!

Have a great day!

DIY Glitter Mugs & Mason Jars Tutorial

Good morning!!  This weekend was super busy and we also have a new addition to the family! A new puppy, Shelby.  Her mama stopped nursing her so we saved her and officially have a newborn in the house! Late nights and bottle feedings have been consuming us and we love it even though we are missing out on some sleep :)

During times the puppy was down, I was able to pop out a few crafts and wanted to share.  This is a super simple yet beautiful craft that can also be a wonderful gift!

Here we go....DIY Glitter Mugs & Mason Jars Tutorial :)

First, let's get the supplies....

• Mason Jars
• Coffee Mugs
• Glitter
• Foam Brushes
• Painters Tape
• Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge

For the glitter, I strongly recommend Martha Stewarts Florentine glitter.  It is very very fine and adheres very well.  I used that for the glitter mugs (you can get an entire kit from Darby Smart HERE but remember to first sign up HERE and get $10 off your first order!!) and regular glitter for the mason jars.  I will only be hand washing the mason jars because of that.

I have a few "optional" items in here that can be used if you choose.  Like sharpies and stickers.  For the coffee mugs, if you do decide to use sharpies, that would be the first step.  You need to bake them in the oven so you don't want the glitter on if you do that.  Also, I recommend using oil based Sharpies and washing them by hand.  I had made one for my sister in law without using oil based but never heard if it washed off so I did some more testing on my own.  Make sure you are using a clean, dry mug.  So, after you doodle on them bake them in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes and let them cool.  The stickers would be treated the same way as the tape, which I will show you below.

Here is the star of the show!!

Dishwasher safe Mod Podge! I am in heaven and am going to glitter everything :)

Okay, down to business. Here are my mugs and mason jars.

Again, make sure they are clean and dry.

If you are going to do designs on them, you can free hand or tape off the areas that you want. I think painters tape works best.

Make sure to get under and around all handles and lids.

Lay out some newspaper or coffee filters.  I like the coffee filters and only buy them for crafting as I can easily pour the fallen glitter back into the container to reuse.  Then take your foam brush and paint on a thin layer of mod podge.  Quickly sprinkle the glitter all over the wet areas, evenly.

Let dry upside down for 5 minutes.  Then apply a second coat of mod podge by dabbing the brush on the mug.  You don't want to wipe off or mess up the glitter you already applied as it will still be damp.  Sprinkle on a second coat of glitter.  If you want to add more coats, keep allowing to dry for 5 minutes in between each coat.  I then let them dry upside down overnight. Before you set them to dry overnight, make sure to remove the tape and/or stickers slowly and carefully so it does not mess up the glitter. Do not put them in the dishwasher for 28 days as they need time to cure.

Now you can get crazy with different types of designs or cover the entire mug or mason jar!

TA DA!!

I have another mason jar I am still deciding on how to decorate.  Plus I also want to do some more mugs for gifts this year but don't want to spoil the surprises here!!  These are perfect for an outdoor summer party or just to feel fancy with your coffee and tea in the morning :)

Have you ever made a craft like this before?

If you decide to, please share your pictures with us as we would love to see them!

Have a great day!!

UPDATE-Homemade Colored Chocolate Molds Tutorial

This weekend I had a 5th birthday party for my girlfriends daughter, my favorite little cowgirl :)

I wanted to make something cute for the kiddos to both enjoy and take pictures with.

I thought this was a super simple craft to share with ya'll that doesn't require much baking!  My sister in law will love that :)

So here is my run down on making homemade chocolate molds!

You will need:

• A bag of white chocolate candy melts (they have pre colored bags but if you want to make your own colors, use white)
• Candy/Chocolate molds
• Sucker/candy sticks
• Candy/Chocolate food coloring

That's it!!

First, you want to melt the chocolate.  I normally use a double boiler but I was in a time crunch so I used the microwave.  You will want to dump the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and melt it on 30 second increments.  Be careful as not to burn the chocolate, there is nothing worse!  Burnt popcorn comes a close second, though :)

After each 30 seconds, stir them to melt them evenly.

Then, depending on the colors you selected, separate the chocolate into bowls.  You will add the coloring next.

I did about 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon, depending on the intensity you want.

Stir thoroughly.  Now is the time to be quick as the chocolate will start to harden the longer you mess with it!  If that happens, pop it back in for a few more seconds in the microwave.

Place your sticks into the slots on the candy molds.  You want them about half way through the middle of your shape as you want them to support the hardened chocolate.

Now using a spoon, drop some chocolate into the molds.  What's nice, is the chocolate will fill in right away. Add more if you feel the need.

If you have put too much in, take the back of a butter knife and just wipe it away.  Also, if you don't do that step, when the chocolate hardens, it easily breaks off if there are some stragglers :)

Put them in the fridge for 30 minutes and done!  They pop out of the molds super easy :)

How adorable is she?!?!?! They were a hit :)

PS-I did try adding some regular food coloring into some of the chocolate and it actually turned it into icing, so be careful!!

Have you worked with molds before?

Where is your favorite place to buy them?

Let me know in the comments below?

Have a great day!!

Gold Leaf Frame-DIY Whimseybox Craft Tutorial

As an earlier post explained, in addition to my monthly beauty subscriptions, I also have monthly crafting subscriptions.  Needless to say, I am constantly busy :)  The crafting subscriptions are Darby Smart and Whimseybox.  Sign up today and instantly get credits towards projects!!

This post is a tutorial on my June Whimseybox project, Gold Leaf Frame.

Each kit comes with everything that you need for that project plus they usually have enough to do another project!  What is nice about this project, is you can simply do this with just getting some gold leafing sheets, too.

Here are all of the supplies the kit came with.

So if you want to get them yourself, here is what you need:

Blank frame
Gold leafing
Paintbrush (fine tip)
Sponge applicator brush
Glue
Sealant
Rubber gloves
Optional: Letters (kit did not come with them) and paint for the letters

My supplies, including what I purchased 

Let's get started, first determine where you want your gold leafing to end on your frame.  I am going for a gold dipped look.  Take a piece of paper and draw lines in pencil on the frame.  I initially was going to do stripes and then changed my mind.  Make sure to wrap the paper around the edges and on the inside of the frame so there is not any blank wood space.

Then take your sponge applicator and apply glue in a thin coat where you are going to put the gold leafing.  Keep in mind, the leafing will literally stick exactly where you put the glue.  So on the front, make sure you have created a sharp line.

The glue will need 10-15 minutes to dry.  When it is sticky and tacky to the touch, you know it is ready.

While my glue is drying, I decided to paint some letters to add to the frame :)  I truly am a Junk Gypsy :)

Now that the glue is ready, time for the glitz!!!

You are going to want to put your rubber gloves on now and is really helps while working with the gold leafing.  It is super fragile (Fray-gee-laaay).....

Pick up a sheet at a time and lay it right on the frame.  You can use your fingers to press it down and then take the paintbrush and smooth the leafing all over the frame.  It gives it a smooth, yet textured shiny finish. Its beautiful!!

Continue wrapping it around all the edges.  When you brush the gold after it is stuck to the frame, the excess will simply fall off.

When it is all on, take the sealant and seal the gold leafing all over.

After the sealant has dried, take crafting glue and glue on the letters.  Any glue that shows white on the gold will dry clear.  This is the glue I recommend.

TA DA!!

Donezo :)

Have you worked with gold leafing before?

What are the projects you have done?

Sound off in the comments below!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial, it turned out beautiful.  You can use the excess leafing for a manicure ;)

Have a great day!!