For the Love of the Photos

As I mentioned in my "about me", I love taking photos and capturing moments in time! I took photos this afternoon for a great couple who was having their vows renewed after 23 years of marriage! I was reminded that I have not shared any of my photos on my blog, so I thought I would share some of my favorite pictures that I have taken for some other great couples and families! There are even some scenic shots that I have used for decor around the house as well!

I started getting into photography when my Dad picked up a Canon Rebel a few years back. He always had an interest in photography and used to work in a dark room to produce great images of my Mom from a distance. He might be where I got it from, however I don't think I would have the patience to sit in a dark room and wait for images to appear. I like instant gratification, so the digital world is perfect for me!

Enjoy!

The Coleman Family

Michele and Chris' Engagement

Katie and Michael's Engagement

NYC

Mexico

California

Pure Michigan

The Eberle Boys

 Feral Feline Project

Cecilia

The Barnes Family

Happy Hobbying,

The Self Proclaimed, Modern Day Renaissance Woman

Be A Cake Boss...Cupcake Decorating Made Easy

I recently attended a Cupcake Decorating class at Give Me Sugar with my group of girlfriends for a portion of a friends bachelorette party. We had such a good time and the booze was flowing, so I'm surprised I even managed to absorb some of the great things we learned!

It was much to my surprise that when making cupcakes for my boyfriends birthday, I was able to make "professional" looking cupcakes rather quickly!

All it takes is:

 - A decorating start up kit (I got the one by Wilton for $10. That included the tips and bags)

 - White Frosting

 - Food Coloring

 - Marshmallows

 - Colored Sugar

 - Cupcake Mix, of course

My boyfriend loves Reese's Pieces, so I put some in the cupcake batter and I used them to inspire my decoration theme. I colored the frosting yellow and orange and used the pieces as part of the "flowers".
                                                                                                                                                                

I used the different tips provided in the decorating start up kit to easily frost the cupcakes, forget using a knife and ripping up the top of the cupcake. Just use your decorating tip to frost the top is a swirl motion.

I used the marshmallows as the petals. This is much easier then it looks. Just cut the mini marshallows in half on a diagonal, so the you get little triangles. This will leave you with a stick side of the mallow. Dip this portion into colored sugar and place on top of your frosting in the shape of a flower.

*Note, you will want to put the marshmallows on the cupcake as soon as it is frosted to ensure that is sticks.

Piece of "cake"? Right?

I think the response I got for these cupcakes were "best cupcake I ever had",

but then again he has to say that, right? :)

Happy Hobbying,

The Self Proclaimed, Modern Day Renaissance Woman

All Things - 4th of July

Wanted to check in quick and wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July!

Get festive and show your pride by making something that reflects America and Independence Day!

Today I made three desserts, while keeping the hot temps in mind:

I call this one...Portable S'mores!

This one I came up with on my own. With the campfire being out of the question when it's pushing 100 degrees outdoors, I knew we couldn't be making this All-American summer dessert, so I made the next best thing!

      

First you will need to place a package of graham crackers in a plastic bag and use a meat pounder to crush the crackers to bits.

Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in a large microwaveable bowl, dip your jumbo size marshmallows in the melted chocolate and dip into the crumbled graham crackers! Let dry on parchment paper...and your done! Voila! Portable S'mores that the kids can take to camp with them later this week!

        

Using the rest of the chocolate from the portable s'mores, simply dip large pretzels half way. Sprinkle with red white and blue sprinkles, place on parchment paper. That's it!

The third dessert I made was to reflect our American flag, "Old Glory"! I saw this one on Pinterest and knew it would be an easy and quick endeavor, but an endeavor none the less! :)

The grocery store was currently out of blue sugar, so in order to make a less expensive version of the over priced blue sugar, I put about a cup of sugar on plate and put 5 drops of food coloring in the sugar. Mix until all sugar is blue.

Now melt your white chocolate. Dip your freshly cleaned and dry strawberries into the chocolate about a third of the way up. You still want to see the red of the strawberry.

Since the chocolate is still warm, you don't want to dip the strawberry right into the sugar. What I did was sprinkle the sugar on by hand about half way up the chocolate. This will ensure that you can see all three colors! Place on parchment paper and stick in the fridge! Presto! Your done!

So easy and your guests and friends will think you are amazing! :)

God Bless America!

Happy Hobbying (and 4th),

The Self Proclaimed, Modern Day Renaissance Woman