Decisions, Decisions

I need your help! I'm doing a pie contest this weekend and I'm really perplexed as to which pie would be the best to make.

I have to WIN, people!!!!

I'll admit that I'm competitive. Especially when it comes to baking. I really need that validation. :) Please tell me which pie you would vote for. I know you can't taste them but trust me, they will be super delicious!

 

Caramel-Pecan Cheesecake Pie

You can find the recipe here

 

or...

You can find the recipe here

 

or....

Deep Dish Dulce de Leche Apple Pie

You can find the recipe here

 

I made this pie for a different contest and it won "Best Cream Pie". I'm tempted to make it because I know it's a winner....

Triple-Threat Coconut Cream Pie

You can find the recipe here

 

Ok, which one is going to be the winner? 

Make Your Mark

I love a good monogram. Even my wedding ring is a monogram. If I could put a monogram on all my belongings I would be one happy woman. So when I saw these I immediately printed them out for me and a few friends.

I think you should make some too.

 

Thank you For Chic Sake for sharing your amazing talents!

Go here and print some out.

The Perfect Color Combination

I love blue and orange. And not just because I'm a huge Boise State fan. I think it's a beautiful and perfect mix of opposites. You can use any shade and they are so lovely together. Here are some examples....

Photo from here

Photo from here

Photo from here

 

Photo from here

Photo from here

Sweet Zombies

I was at my local library last night and stumbled across the most adorable book.

Zombie Felties

"How to raise 16 gruesome felt creatures from the undead"

My children were thrilled! They have each chosen their favorite. One of them loves the "Thrilla", a version of a Michael Jackson zombie, another loves the "Dead Ducky". I personally love the "Zombie Bunny" because his guts are spilling out.

I better get busy. I have undead creatures awaiting me!



Falling

I'm looking forward to Autumn. Are you? This time of year always feels so good to me. I love the colors, the smells, the cool air. It's all so good!

Photo from here

Photo from here

Photo from here



8 Months

These photo sessions are getting more and more difficult. James is walking along all the furniture and has the bruises to prove it.

But it just makes him cuter!

 

This is what it looks like when babies attack.



Dish of the Week

Blackberry Lush

 So, this is where I decided that I really need a photo dept. and a food styling dept.

This dish was AMAZING!!! But the photos do not do it justice.

I adapted it from an old family recipe. We would use chocolate pudding and no berries. It is equally as delicious. My sister doubles the cream cheese layer. I like to double the crust layer.

But it's all good!



Blackberry Lush

 

Step 1:

1 cup flour
1 cube butter
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Mix and put in 9 x 12 pan, bake at 350 10 to 15 min. Cool

Step 2:
1 cup whipped topping (from a 9oz pkg)
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugarMix until smooth, spread over first layer.
Spread 5 cups blackberries over cream cheese layer

 

Step 3:
3 cups milk
l large pkg INSTANT pudding (I used vanilla)Mix for a couple minutes and then let it set for a few minutes. Put over second layer and top with rest of whipped topping. Keep cold.

You need to use whipped topping (not real whipped cream) and must use instant pudding.

This is my attempt at an artsy photo.

Someday I'll get a good camera and take some photo classes. Until then, just make my food and you'll forget about the crappy quality!



Time to Create

When my kids go back to school I get an itch to create. I think it's the quiet house and the early hours that get my creative juices flowing.

I made this simple little valance a few weeks ago....

 I'm going to recover some pillows with these fabrics....

 My globe collection is going up somewhere in my living room. It needs to shine!

 And here are a few projects in waiting...

Can't wait to share my finished projects!

Stay tuned....



Graphic

I've been toying with the idea of making an art piece with either a large number or letter. I have some old pictures that need to be used and a big ol' wall just waiting to be adorned.

Here is some inspiration...

Photo from here

Photo from here

Photo from here

Photo from here

Dish of the Week

I know it's been a while since I've posted a "Dish of the Week" so I'm going to redeem myself! I'm going to share some of the yummy things I've made over the summer...

Blackberry Chiffon Pie

This pie was so light and tart and delicious! And I made it with blackberries from my own backyard.

Zucchini Brownies

Don't be fooled by the zucchini in these brownies, they were so rich and moist! I craved these constantly. And my husband who is not a huge brownie fan loved these too.

Oatmeal Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars

These are "healthy" bars. I think they were a little too good to be healthy. Maybe if you eat 3 at a sitting they are no longer healthy. But they were soooo good I couldn't help myself.

Rolo Cakemix Bars

These were yummy but didn't turn out like the picture. I like my food to look like the pictures so I know I'm doing it right. I don't think I would make these again. I wanted something a little more gooey. Back to experimenting!

Homemade Oreos

These were a special treat for my husband. He thinks these are the best things ever! Which makes me the best wife ever when I make them for him :)