Harlow's First Birthday-- Homemade Tent

I contemplated for months on what to give Harlow for her first birthday.  I wanted it to be special, be age appropriate for now but also grow with her and be lasting.

Harlow loves books and loves for us to read to her.  I kept having the thought to make her a tent where we can play for now and where she can go to read when she gets older.  There's something special about having your own space where you can hide away and pretend.

The tent was a hit!  Colin made the frame, and I sewed the fabric.  It folds up out of the way if you need to store it, but we're keeping it out in the house, because it's too fun to hide!  The link to the tutorial is down below.

Get the tutorial HERE :)

Harlow's First Birthday-- Strawberry Cake & Strawberry Icing

Strawberry cake is my favorite, and I knew I wanted to make it for Harlow's party.  Who can go wrong with naturally pink cake?

I found a cake recipe and tested it out as my birthday cake back in July.  It passed the test!  The icing recipe that accompanied the cake recipe was too runny, though.  It was yummy and perfect for a sheet cake, but wasn't thick enough for a layer cake.

I found an icing recipe in a cookbook I had and made a batch to test it out.  The icing can last up to 3 months in the fridge, so I made it early so I had time to find another recipe if I didn't like it.  Well, it was delicious!  And thick!

I made Harlow's cake two days before her birthday and put it in the fridge.  That same day I added mashed strawberries to the icing and kept it stored in the fridge.

Both recipes are pretty easy and are SO TASTY!

It was a hit at the party.  But don't take my word for it…just ask Harlow!

The cake recipe will make one cake.  I doubled it to add cupcakes and Harlow's small smash cake.  I doubled the icing recipe and had a small amount left over.

*Easy Strawberry Cake recipe from Call Me PMc

*Bakery Frosting recipe from The Taste of Home Cookbook

• 2 cups shortening (I used organic vegetable shortening)
• 1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 package (32 ounces) confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup water (or less if you're adding strawberries and their juice-- I added a little less than one small carton of smashed strawberries)
• Food coloring, optional (I didn't use any)

1) In a large mixing bowl, beat the shortening, creamer and extract until smooth.  Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar.  Add enough water until frosting reaches desired consistency.  Tint with food coloring if desired.

2) Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.  Bring to room temperature before spreading.

Yield: 8 cups

Sunflower Butter

Sunflower kernels + food processor = Sunflower butter!

No, it doesn't taste like peanut butter.  I don't think I would use it as an even swap for peanut butter, but I'm pretty devoted to peanut butter.  We're in a committed relationship.  I like the sunflower butter for a fun change, and it's a good alternative if you have a peanut allergy.

Sunflower butter has some health benefits: fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamin E, vitamin B1 and B5, potassium, iron, and magnesium.

It's easy to make, so give it a try!

S'more Bars (Travel Friendly!)

                     

Fall is here!  It's time for bonfires and s'mores!  There's only one problem…most of the state of Arkansas is currently under a burn ban due to the dry weather.  That won't keep me from making s'mores!  You can make them in your kitchen!  Here's a fun twist on s'mores that you can throw in some tupperware and take with you wherever you go!

Grab some graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate, and whatever fun twist you want to add (like Reese's chocolate peanut butter spread!).

Put a marshmallow on a cracker and stick it on a baking sheet.  Throw them in the oven at 350 degrees until they get a little toasty on top.  You could also broil them, but you better stand there and watch them!

While the marshmallows are toasting on the cracker, grab more crackers and spread some peanut butter or Nutella or Reese's spread.

Grab the baking sheet out of the oven and top off the crackers!

Take the assembled s'mores and set them on wax paper, then dip them in melted chocolate.

Add some sprinkles to the chocolate!  Then stick the s'mores in the fridge or freezer for a couple minutes for the chocolate to set.

Then EAT!

These travel like a dream and make great little treats for friends!  You can even dip a few marshmallows in chocolate to mix in with the s'mores!  Take that, burn ban!

ENJOY :)

Convertible Bug: Childhood Dream Come True!

If you grew up with me, then you know what car I always wanted.  Remember the game MASH?  You would pick what kind of house you wanted to live in, how many kids you would have, where you would live, and what car you would drive.  My three choices were always Vette, Viper, and Volkswagen.  I had a dad and brother who were really in to cars, so I didn't think it was unusual to be in to cars as a little girl!  I always dreamed of having a convertible VW beetle.

When I was in high school and started looking for cars, we couldn't find a convertible VW.  I HAD to have a convertible.  In the end, I'm glad I didn't find a VW, because I got the best car ever-- 1977 Triumph Spitfire.  I love that car and still own it!  The problem with driving it now is that it only has two seats (no backseat) and won't fit a car seat for Harlow.

{Harlow and my dad sitting in the Spitfire}

{Both the Spitfire and the Beetle are yellow-- their original colors!}

Since going to one salary so I can stay home with Harlow, Colin and I are cutting as many corners as possible.  We cut cable (gasp!), buckled down on our budget, and made a huge decision to sell my new(ish) car.  I had a car that I loved driving, but most days it just sat at the house.  We were making monthly payments on it, and then you add in insurance and property taxes.  We have a second vehicle that Colin takes to work and that we drive when we go out of town.  My car was an expense that we knew we could cut.  But what would I drive if we sold it?

My parents and I (and Harlow) went to the town where I grew up to visit friends.  When we drove up to their house, there sat a 1971 convertible Volkswagen Super Beetle.  I couldn't believe it!

Skip forward a couple months later, and we picked up the VW and sold my new car!

My dad is currently restoring the VW, and I can't wait to drive it!

I'll be sure to update you when it's ready to zoom around town!

What car did you always dream of having?