Mocha Cupcakes with Espresso Buttercream Frosting

Run, don't walk to the grocery store to get the ingredients for these cupcakes. From the minute I saw the recipe I knew we would love them, and I wasn't wrong. They are delicious! I am one of those people who doesn't love icing, but this espresso buttercream was to die for! The combination of the coffee and the chocolate does not disappoint.

I made these for a charity auction and was told they (3 dozen) were gone in 5 minutes. We kept a dozen at home and they were gone in less time than that :) I recommend you make the cupcakes the day before you need them and store them in the fridge. Then make the buttercream the day of the event, I had a hard time frosting them with the icing made the day before but not with the fresh batch.

Oh and take my word, make an extra batch than you think you need :) Go here for the recipe and enjoy!

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Banana Bread Love

After years of using this recipe at least once a week, I have now found a better one! It's a subtle difference that will make me add a page to the recipe binder I keep in the kitchen. You know it's a good recipe when it makes it into that binder.

And because baking is one of my favorite ways to show love, this is what my kids brought to brighten their teachers' day on a yucky rainy morning last week.

I hope you are having a great weekend!

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Project Tote

In the midst of the holiday madness I managed to make this for myself. I called it a project tote because I made it with my new hobby in mind: crochet! I looked through various patterns and tutorials and came up with this design. It was such a combination of ideas that I don't know if I'd be able to exactly copy it even if I wanted to. But what's important is that I love it!

I used two fat quarters and since I had enough I decided to add some pockets to hold my phone and other small items like my crochet needles or credit cards.



I made the handles short as I wanted more of a tote look than a bag. I used very stiff (???) interfacing so that it would stand up on it's own. I like to place it next to me or on the floor while I crochet.



Here it is in action! Love it!

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Initial Applique Onesie

Another initial onesie is on it's way to a sweet new baby that recently joined us. This one is hand-appliqued and I decided to add a little bow. I love the feminine touch that it adds!

These onesies along with a fruity hat make the perfect gift for a newborn. Speaking of fruity hats, I'm busy working on a set for a good cause. Check it out here. Have a great weekend!

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