Sunday, February 24, 2013

St. Patricks Day Sugar Cookies

St. Patricks Day Sugar Cookies

So st. Patrick's day isn't really a holiday i have celebrated that much in the past but I feel like every holiday since Madden has been born is a little more special cause we get to celebrate it as a family. Even though maddens not old enough to know what's going on , I still want to start celebrating each holiday by doing something special that day and share that day as a family !
So, my sister in law Britt and I made these adorable holiday sugar cookies. This was the first time I've decorate sugar cookies like this before and its not as easy as it looks. Britt has been doing them for a while now and is really great at them and I've been wanting to, so she was nice enough to teach me some tricks about decorating sugar cookies. We have been talking about doing our own blog and have it all about Baking because that's all her and I really do.
Hope this can give you an idea of something you can do to celebrate St. Patricks day!!!









Friday, February 22, 2013

Chocolate chip cookies

Chocolate chip cookies

These are one of the best chocolate chip cookies I've made. They are chewy and fluffy and oh so good. Theirs a secret ingredient that makes these cookies so fluffy and its cornstarch. Its weird I know but it works. Hope you have a great weekend! Love to all!!

Ingredients:

3/4 c butter, softened
3/4 c brown sugar
1/4 c granulated sugar
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 c flour
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 c chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In stand mixer cream together butter and sugars till light and fluffy.
3. Add egg and vanilla.
4. Mix flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Drop dough about tablespoon size into prepared baking sheet with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes.







Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Pineapple cream cupcakes

Pineapple cream cupcakes

Ok everyone, hope your week is going well. I've been craving sweet and fruity. So pineapple cupcakes it is. These I must say are one of my favorite cupcakes I've made. They remind me of strawberry shortcake. You can top these with any kind of fruit and I decided to go with strawberries.

Ingredients:

1 box yellow cake mix
1/3 c butter
3 eggs
1 1/4 c crushed pineapple w/ juice
2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 and line pan with liners.
2. In large bowl mix butter, eggs, pineapple ad vanilla.
3. Stir in cake mix.
4. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for 15 to 17 minutes.
5. Let cool

Creamy cool whip frosting

Ingredients:
1/2 c butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tsp vanilla bean paste
4 c powdered sugar
1 container cool whip
1/2 c heavy cream

Directions:

1. Beat butter and cream cheese till smooth.
2. Add vanilla bean paste and heavy cream.
3. Slowly add powdered sugar until you reach desired consistency.
4. Add cool whip.
5. Pipe onto cool cupcakes and top with fruit.
Enjoy these delicious treats!!!


Cupcake recipe originally came from yourcupofcake.
Frosting recipe is my own!







Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Maddens 9 month appointment & pictures!

Madden 9 month appointment & pictures!!!!

So my baby boy went to dr today for his 9 month check up. He usually has been in the 50th percentile for his weight and 80th percentile for his height. Not anymore. Today he weighs 19.3lbs and is only in the 30th percentile. He is 28 inches long and is only in the 40th percentile. Crazy how things can change in only 3 months.
Lately madden has been able
To get himself from the sitting position to his tummy. He hasn't figured pit how to get his belly and knees up yet though to start moving forward but looks like it'll be soon.
He has Brought so much happiness to our lives and brings a smile to our faces everyday. We love you infinity baby boy!







Saturday, February 16, 2013

Chocolate cupcakes w/ Andes mint frosting

Okay everyone, Trav was working today and I was bored so guess what I did?, yes you guessed it. Baked! I wanted to try these cupcakes for a whole and I love chocolate and mint so these are perfect. Hope your having a wonderful weekend.
Recipe will be posted shortly.











Friday, February 15, 2013

Mommy Tip on Sleep Training

Mommy Tip on Sleep Training

Hello lovely people! I hope your having a wonderful weekend full of love with the holiday. I just thought I would share some of my tips on getting Madden to sleep through the night. Up until he was about 5 months old he was still getting up twice at night for a feeding. I started believing that he was only getting up out of habit to eat because he would never finish his full bottle at both feedings. So, we ended up cutting his last feeding out and ended up doing the cry it out method. Some people may feel this is mean way to go about it and that your neglecting your baby but it sure worked for our little guy. At first I started doing the Feber method which, worked really well and we ended up going down from 2 feedings at night to one. After about a month of doing 1 night feeding still, I came to a point where I was so desperate to get a full night of sleep and knew I had to make a change, especially since he wasn't drinking his full bottle. So this time I decided to go about it a little different way than doing Feber method. I did the cry it out method full on and after about 15 minutes of fussing the first night he fell asleep on his own and every since then the only time I've ever had to go in his room is to put his binky back in. He hasn't figured out where it is and usually it end up underneath his head which makes it hard for him to get. Don't get me wrong, it was really hard doing the Feber method and the cry it out method and I felt so guilty not helping my baby when he was crying but it sure paid off in the end. Now I get my full nights sleep and feel like have so much more energy everyday! Here is what the ferber method is and how it worked for madden and the cry it out method!

Feber Method:
Step 1
Put your baby in his crib when he's sleepy but still awake.
Step 2
Say goodnight to your child and leave the room. If he cries when you leave, let him cry for a predetermined amount of time.
Step 3
Go back into the room for no more than a minute or two to pat and reassure your baby. Leave the light off and keep your voice quiet and soothing. Don't pick him up. Leave again while he's still awake, even if he's crying.
Step 4
Stay out of the room for a little bit longer than the first time and follow the same routine, staying out of the room for gradually longer intervals, each time returning for only a minute or two to pat and reassure him, and leaving while he's still awake.
Step 5
Follow this routine until your child falls asleep when you're out of the room.
Step 6
If your child wakes up again later, follow the same routine, beginning with the minimum waiting time for that night and gradually increasing the intervals between visits until you reach the maximum for that night.
Step 7
Increase the amount of time between visits to the nursery each night. In most cases, according to Ferber, your baby will be going to sleep on his own by the third or fourth night – a week at the most. If your child is very resistant after several nights of trying, wait a few weeks and then try again.


Ferber Method with Madden

Note: 
We normally put madden to bed between 7:45-8pm but we were at an event this night and bedtime was late.
-Also I started sleep training the day after he got his shots which probably wasn't the best time to start (but like I said I was desperate for sleep) so I gave him some Motrin a couple nights to help with his sore legs. Poor Guy!

*First Night 
Check in time intervals were 5,10,15 minutes

9:40pm  Bed Time (started crying)
9:45        Check in
9:55        Check in
10:05      Check in
10:15      Check in (still crying)
10:25      Stop Crying/ Asleep

1:50am    Start fussing
1:55         Check in/ gave binky
1:56         Asleep

3:30am    Start Fussing/ talking
3:35          Check in
3:45          Check in/ gave binky/ Asleep

4:45am    Start Fussing
4:50          Check in
5                Asleep

8am          Wake up

*Second Night
Check in time Intervals were 10,15,20 minutes

7:40pm  Bedtime (started crying)
7:45        Check in/ Offer rest of bottle & drank 1oz
8pm        Asleep

2:30am   Talking/whiny
2:35         Asleep

4:08        Fussing
4:16        Check in / Give Motrin & binky then asleep

8am        Wake up

*Third Night
Check in time intervals were 15,20,25
-This will remain the same for the following nights

7:55pm    Bedtime
8:10          Asleep

3:15am    Start fussing
3:25          Gave binky/ Asleep

5am         Started fussing
5:10         Give binky
5:25         Give binky
5:40         Give Motrin
6               Check in/ give binky
6:20         Asleep


*Fourth Night

7:50pm    Bedtime

4:10am    Wake up
4:25         Check in/ give binky
4:55         Quite
5:07         Fussy again
5:15         Change poopy diaper/ give binky
5:30         Eat 6oz

8am        Wake up


*Fifth Night

8pm     Bedtime

2:40am   Wake up
2:50         Give binky
3:30        Eat 3 1/2 oz
3:40        Fussing
3:51        Asleep

8am       Wake up

*Sixth Night

8pm        Bedtime

1am        Give Binky
2:30        Eat 3oz

8am        Wake up

Notes:
- You will see every night he cried less and got up less which is good. 
- After a few nights I decided to slowly take away each night time feeding. He was at 2 night time feeding so I decided to cut him down to 1 night time feeding for a while then take it away once I felt it wasn't needed anymore
- I did not strictly stick with the Ferber method and the interval times but I did what I felt was needed at the time.


Tips for Mommy's who want to try this method for your child:

-I would say do what you feel is right for you and your child.
-Once you start sleep training stick to it until you've accomplished your goal
-Set a steady bedtime routine each night
-If your baby isn't drinking their full bottle, then they are most likely waking up out of habit and don't need to eat.
-Putting Madden to bed awake helped so much for him to soothe himself to sleep.
-Be PATIENT! 

It was the hardest thing for me to hear my baby cry and so hard to not just get up and comfort him but I felt like this was the best thing to do for Madden and myself. After a couple months of cutting his 2nd feeding out I decided since he wasn't drinking his full bottle and I needed my sleep desperately I decided to cut his last night time feeding out and went with the cry it out method.  No going in and checking on him every 5, 10 and 15 minutes just purely letting him cry it out till he found a way to soothe himself back to sleep.

I was dreading this day because of course I thought Madden would cry for hours but he surprised me and he cried the first night for 15 minutes then soothed himself back to sleep. The second night no fussing at all when I put him down. Now I got by how I feel and sometimes Madden will wake up and lose his binky so I will go in their put it back in and he falls right back to sleep. 
I admit it was really hard to hear Madden cry when we first did the Ferber method and then the cry it out method but it was so worth it all. Madden and Mommy now get a good nights sleep and are ready and feel energized for the day! I hope this will help those of you who are wanting to try these methods out. I believe every baby is different and what works for some may not work for others but this I believe was the perfect method for Madden.
Love to All!!!!


I was looking at pictures of when Madden was a newborn and just had to share this one. Can't believe he is 9 months already! Love you infinity little boy!

     

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Valentines day treats!!

Valentines Day Treats!!!

Hello lovely people, so in honor of valentines day I decided to make a few treats. I love all the pretty colors that go along with valentines like pink (which is my favorite) and red and purple and all those lovey dovey colors. So I decide to make some simple rice Krispy treats but added some pink food coloring and cut them out into hearts. I also decide to try these cake batter cupcakes with cake batter frosting and oh my sweetness. They are so good. I love the taste of cake batter and this frosting is delicious. I couldn't stop eating it. I also had to share some adorable pics of me sweet valentine. He's so stinking adorable. Happy valentines and hope you have a great vday!!




This is what the cake batter should look like.. I stirred mine a little too much probably.. you can see the dye off the sprinkles started running into the batter.




My sweet little valentine!!!


He is so seriously is so stinkin adorable!


Cake Batter Cupcakes w/ Cake Batter Frosting

Cupcakes:

Ingredients:

1 box yellow cake mix
1/3 c oil
3 eggs
2/3 c buttermilk
2/3 c sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 c sprinkles

Directions:
 
1. Preheat oven to 350 and line pans with cupcake liners
2. Sift cake mix and set aside
3. In large bowl, combine oil, eggs, buttermilk, sour cream and vanilla.
4. Stir in cake mix until smooth
5. Gently fold in sprinkles.
6. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for 15 - 18 min until toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool and frost away

Cake Batter Frosting:

Ingredients:

1/2 c butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese
1 tbls milk
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
1/3 - 1/2 c yellow cake mix
3 -4 c powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Beat butter and cream cheese till smooth
2. Add milk and vanilla bean paste.
3. Add yellow cake mix
4. Slowly add powdered sugar until you reach consistency you want.
5. Add more cake mix depending on how you like the taste.







Orignal recipe came from yourcupofcake.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Madden 9 month!!!

Hello all my followers . So sorry its been a while so I've posted anything. I was busy with Trav's 30th birthday party!! So I just thought I would do a little update on our little guy. He will be 9 months on Friday already. I cannot believe it. Time seriously has flown. I thought it went by fast when I was pregnant and now it goes by even faster raising this little boy. He really has started learning new things like waving bye bye and recently has found a love for pickle spears. He will chew and suck on them forever. It's so cute. He has started scooting on his bum and belly backwards. Wrong direction but hopefully he'll get the right way soon. He's starting to get around a lot more and is one of the most vocal babies I've ever heard. He loves screaming and talking so loud. Makes us laugh. I can't believe in 3 months he will be one already. I have already started planning his first birthday cause I know 3 months will be here before I know it. I am so excited for his party. We decided we are going to do a construction/ tonka truck theme. I have some pretty awesome ideas so make sure you check it out when the time comes. This little boy has brought so much happiness in our life's and he brings a smile to our face everyday. We are so blessed to be maddens parents and feel so lucky to have such an amazing special little boy. We love you maddy infinity. Here's some pics I took a few days ago. He loves dressing up like his momma.




Red button up shirt = The Childrens Place
Jeans = Baby Gap
Red Tom's = Lolebella Boutique
Sunglasses = The Childrens Place


Sucking on his pickle!


Squeezing and screaming at the pickle

Monday, February 11, 2013

Soft Sugar Cookies w/ Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft Sugar Cookies w/ Cream Cheese Frosting

So these sugar cookies are seriously so yummy and chew and delicious.  I love soft sugar cookies with some yummy cream cheese frosting and these are pretty easy to make as well. Since Valentines is coming up I decided to make some heart shaped cookies. So here we go!

Ingredients:

Sugar Cookies

2 c Sugar
2 c Butter Softened
3 Eggs
1 tsp vanilla 
1 c Sour Cream
6 c Flour
2 tsp Baking Soda
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp salt

Directions:

1.  In electric mixer cream the sugar and butter together till smooth.
2.  Add eggs, vanilla & sour cream till well combined.
3.  Slowly add the flour, baking soda, baking powder & salt.
4.  In 2 batches place in pastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hrs for best results.
5.  Once chilled, roll dough onto floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
6.  Bake at 350 degrees for 9 - 11 minutes depending on how thick you cut your cookies.
7.  Remove and let cool then frost and decorate!


Ingredients:

Cream Cheese Frosting

8oz cream cheese, softened
1 c butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
1 bag powdered sugar
1 tbls milk

Directions:

1.  Cream butter and cream cheese together & add vanilla bean paste.
2.  Slowly add powdered sugar
3.  Slowly add milk to desired consistency.






Saturday, February 2, 2013

Stylin little boy of mine!!!

So I seriously have developed an addiction for dressing my little man up. Whenever I'm out shopping I honestly would rather buy stuff for Madden than myself. I know its shocking but its so much fun shopping for little babies. And even little boys! I know it can be hard to find cute thing for boys cause they usually have a little corner for boys and the rest of the store for girls. No fair but if you look hard enough you can always find cute things for boys too. I love accessorizing madden with vests, hats and shoes the most. We are headed to his cousins birthday party so decided to dress the little stud up.

Blue plaid button up shirt = old navy
Yellow t-shirt = the children's place
Blue pants = old navy
Socks = Carter's