Cookie Dough Center

These cupcakes may not be vegan, healthy, or at all what the diet doctor called for, but sometimes, a girl just needs her chocolate, cupcakes, and cookies. And this excursion was no exception. Sure, I am keen to doing everything from scratch, but desperate times call for desperate measures... so here's the cheat sheet:

(pic)

What you'll need-

1 tube chocolate chip cookie dough
1 box cake mix (we opted for devil's food, but chocolate, white, yellow, etc... would work fine)
1 can Betty Crocker icing.

Steps-

1. Roll tiny cookie-dough balls (about 2-4cm) and place on plate.
2. Freeze for 30-60 minutes until slightly frozen.

3. Mix together the cake mix and drop just enough to fill bottom of lined cupcake sheets
4. Plop *don't push down* cookie balls
5. Cover with remaining cake batter

6. Bake 18-20min at 350 degrees.

7. *As hard as it may be to resisit* Let cool
8. Decorate with icing as desired.

State of Mind

It's an infamous start to a Carolina day
the sun paints the sky and humidity is at bay
I walk into work and stare at each toe
pink polish helps the optimism grow
Elevator buttons, doors made of glass
I've taken that leap into the working world at last
But on my mind in this early morning daydream state
Are the cookie dough cupcakes at home on a pastel plate
A game of volleyball that will release tensions of sort
a possible run after work, something sweet and short.
A twinge of wanderlust tugs at the heartstrings
some yoga to release back pain from worn-in bed springs
coffee awakes the mind, with it's taste so sweet
although the ac whirrs and capture's its heat.
contacts blur, irritation causes squinty eyes
an email with confirmation of new office supplies.
a bit homesick says my inner child today
let's hop on a plan and fly far, far away
oh wishful thinking, I must store you for now
and pick at you later when time allows...

Happiness Is...

Before my mom left from unpacking my life in this new city, we made a promise to each other- we must wake up and go to sleep with a smile on each of our faces. Some days have been harder than others, I will admit... But today I woke up with a great big smile thinking about the great things that are to come. Perhaps it's because for me,  Happiness is....

Knowing I will be traveling up to see my family (and this little mutt) in exactly a week.

I will also be attending a good friend's wedding, eating cake, and swimming in the pool with my Daddio!

Planning out my next cupcake escapade. Possible concoctions include salted caramel, strawberry kiwi, and pink champagne.

Coffee.... Period.

Getting a phone call and an email about a job interview on Monday morning. The possibility of *FINALLY* obtaining a big-girl job within a respectable company and alongside nice people just brings smiles all 'round.

Finding this little lady on Etsy and planning on spending some of my first paycheck (wherever it may come from) on one of her works.

What is everyone out there happy about today? If nothing else, it's almost the weekend AND summertime is only a blink away!

Yo Shawty, It's Your Birthday!

I may not have the mus-skulls that "Fitty" do, but I would still like a cake delivered to my side as I finish my treadmill workout (ahem, 1:16)... It is my Birthday, After all!

Heading back to the Carolinas for a weekend with close friends! Nothing better than good company and cupcakes! Happy Thursday, One and All!

Quick Cakes

Have you ever heard of The Cupcake Diet?

( PS- After I go to pastry school, I WILL learn how to make these... then devour them, starting with animal)

I hadn't either until I stumbled upon a recipe on Pinterest and it lead me to the website designated to helping women lose weight by keeping up with their cupcakes. (Insane Awesome, right?) I am going to try this new mentality with my own few tweaks. Like I said in a previous post, it's not about eating less, but rather eating right! It's also about moderation and self control.

So the basic jist of this thing is to make a batch of cupcakes. FULL FAT, FULL SUGAR CUPCAKES! No fat free cake mix, no sugar free splenda sweetened frosting. Do the whole 9 yards! Because these tasty treats are yours to enjoy!

But in exchange, they must be the ONLY dessert you have a day. So no cookie after lunch and a cupcake after dinner. No, you must learn the value of dessert, and appreciate your cupcake with all the love you would shed on a child (Ok... a little extreme, but we ARE talking cupcakes here!)

Since I am a sucker for peanut butter and chocolate, I said fare-thee-well for a month. JUST A MONTH, and made these quick and easy chai minis to have with a cup of decaf tea after dinner. I must say, I had my first one last night, and they were scrumptious!

(Use the 1 cup water, but steep with 2 black chai tea bags)

+

(Add 2 Tbs honey and stir until fully mixed)

+

(Garnish with nutmeg)

Voillaa! Now you can make your cuppycakes and eat them too!



Happiness is...

Happiness is...

Finding yellow cake mix and chocolate chocolate-chip frosting in the back of your cupboard and making cupcakes to celebrate any ordinary Friday...

Your "nostalgia" playlist that contains Natalie Imbrugulia, Spice Girls, Matchbox20, and Incubus

Wearing all new Vickies in the quiet confines of your bedroom playing solitaire

Browsing aimlessly in a mom N' pop book store

 

Buying the newest issue of "Real Simple"

Taking a walk with no music but the sound of sunshine

How do you measure your happiness?