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!

Halloween Books

Goodnight Goon
Originally uploaded by Chris Devers

As Halloween approaches, we have been reading lots of books about mummy's, witches, ghosts and goblins. Here is a list of a few of our favorites.

1. Goodnight Goon by Michael Rex

2. The Runaway Mummy by Michael Rex

3. Brooms are for Flying by Michael Rex

4. A Very Brave Witch by Alison McGhee

5. Only a Witch Can Fly by Alison McGhee

6. Five LIttle Pumpkins by Dan Yaccarino

7. Whoo's There? by Charles Reasoner

8. The Creepies Books by Rose Impey

9. Fancy Nancy Halloween or Bust based on the Jane O'Connor books

10. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling (my personal favorite)

Happy Reading!

Stan's donuts

Stan's donuts
Originally uploaded by Donut Stud

I am obsessed with donuts! What's not to love about these deep fried, frosted dough balls of heavenly perfection? Of course not all donuts are created equal and I will admit to being a bit of a donut snob. I have discovered a handful of donut paradises (and I am always on the hunt for more) and hands down, one of my favorites is Stan's Donuts in Westwood. Forbes Magazine even named Stan's the best donuts in America. Everyone in my family has their personal favorites. My husband loves the chocolate round, I'm partial to the coconut and my kids dream of the pink frosted Simpson donut. My oldest daughter is such a fan that for her 5th birthday she requested Stan's donuts instead of cupcakes. Stan surprised her by making a giant Simpson donut that fed 25 kids. I don't think I need to tell you it was a big hit. While we try and eat healthy most of the time, on Saturday mornings like today when my kids wake up and beg for Stan's, I am happy to oblige!

Survivors

pink
Originally uploaded by Parisienne2008~*

This October we celebrate that my mom and aunt are breast cancer survivors! They are amazing, strong women and I am so happy to have them in my life!