Sprinkles Cupcake Mix

I love Sprinkles Cupcakes! I remember waiting with bated breath for the original Beverly Hills location to open. I was there on opening day and I have been a fan ever since. I was skeptical when I saw the Sprinkles Cupcake mixes at Williams-Sonoma. They are expensive ($14), they only make 12 cupcakes and I have to do all the work! But when I spotted the spice cupcake mix on sale I had to give them a try. They are delicious! They even come with the cute, signature cupcake toppers.

Living with less

The dollar bin has become my nemesis. My kids see a sale sign and think I will buy anything. We have too many things at our house. Things we don't need. The play room has been in such a state of chaos that I finally broke down and told my girls that they could clean up or I would start donating everything. They called my bluff and chose the donation route. I have since hauled off six garbage bags full of toys. They haven't missed a single thing and neither have I. We are talking a lot more about saving and about things we need versus things we want. We are taking the money we might have wasted on those unnecessary things and instead treating ourselves to fun activities we can do as a family like movies and concerts. I feel liberated!

Chili Colorado

red hot chili pepper ... dried
Originally uploaded by guphotography.com

I am trying to cook at home more. First, it is more economical. Second, I need the practice! My family LOVES Mexican food. If all else fails I know I can make beans and rice and everyone will be happy. My husband's personal favorite is Chili Colorado. Daunted though I was, I tried a recipe from All Recipes promising to be authentic Chili Colorado today. I made a few modifications (adding garlic, tomatoes and a few spices), but after simmering for three hours, it turned out pretty darn good. It is definitely a keeper for our family!

Cupcake play date

pink cupcakes
Originally uploaded by ♥ digitalShe™

I consider myself pretty social, but I sometimes find scheduling play dates for my kids a little daunting between school, homework, classes, and just plain downtime. We are very fortunate to have so many wonderful people close by so I am making an effort to host one play date a week ( modest beginning)! Yesterday seven little girls sat at my dining room table and decorated cupcakes. I love to bake, the girls loved to frost and sprinkle and everyone enjoyed eating. Maybe brownies next week!