Wilton Course 1 - Finale

Our final cake for Course 1 using the techniques that we learned.  I can't wait for Course 2 next month.

Leftover Icing Result

I made these cupcakes with leftover icing from course 1.  It was so easy making the cupcakes with blended colors. Everyone at work was amazed but to be honest it was really easy to do.

Wilton Course 1 - Clown Cake

I was not a fan of making this cake but here's the result.

Erin & Tyler's Wedding

Joe and I enjoyed ourselves this weekend at yet another ZTA-KA wedding.  Such a lovely event with an adorable cake, awesome girls, Sweet Home Kappa Alpha, beautiful centerpieces, the newlyweds, and an awesome poster! 

Wilton Roses

My very first Wilton rose from Course 1.  I am really impressed with my own talents!

A Snowman Cake

The result of Wilton Cake class #2. I'm pretty impressed in my ability to make stars, although I did have a lot of practice. I didn't use a character cake pan. Carving the cake was a little difficult, but it turned out well!

Freezing Fog, Who knew there was such a thing?

This is the result of 'freezing fog'. I've never seen trees like this, but they are beautiful!

Mouse Traps & Hot Peppers

Mouse Traps and hot peppers.  Not quite the combination you would imagine.  I have been working out of a construction office for the past 6 months and let me tell you, these guys LOVE their hot peppers and homemade salsa.  Why the mice traps you may ask?  It's probably better not to ask, but since you did...Our lovely construction office has a problem with mice. No, not a problem, more like an infestation.  They've chewed my pens, pooped on my desk and in my file cabinet, taken a little dip in my coffee cup I forgot to wash out and many more things I'd rather not remember.  Fortunatly, the mice traps in this pictures are actually loacted on a table, so there is no fear in the mice getting to their precious hot peppers.  But they are prepared just in case.

Zesty Italian Tortellini Soup

Zesty Italian Tortellini Soup Recipe:

- 1 pound freshly ground Italian sausage

- 1 sweet onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 6 cups beef broth
- 14 ounces can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 small yellow zucchini, sliced
- 1 small green zucchini, sliced
- 1 sweet green pepper, chopped
- 1/3 cup red wine
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 tablespoon crushed sweet basil
- 16 ounces frozen cheese tortellini
salt and pepper to taste
garnish: freshly grated parmesan cheese

1. In heavy skillet, over medium heat, brown sausage. Set aside browned meat. In same skillet, brown onion and garlic until soft and lightly golden brown.
2. In the soup pot, add beef broth, browned sausage, tomatoes, tomato sauce, zucchini, carrot, green pepper, and wine. Cover and simmer 40 minutes.
3. Turn heat to medium, add seasonings, and tortellini. Cook 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Season to taste. Serve hot and garnish with cheese, if desired.

Our Master Bathroom: Before

This is the "before" of our master bathroom.  This will be a work in progress but hopefully in 1 year there will be an "after" picture to show.

Cake Decorating Supplies

The beginning of my collection of Wilton Cake Decorating items. This is only after week one of Wilton Course I.  Thanks to Michaels and JoAnn Fabric 40% off coupons, I saved a ton of money.  The scary thing is that I know this collection will multiply during the rest of Course 1 and during Course 2.

Reusable Coffee Mug

Finally getting around to using the re-usable travel coffee cup my Mom got me for Christmas.
I love it! It doesn't stain, doesn't leak, and is very fashionable!  Everyone at work asks me about it.  I really hope they come out with new colors though, they only had brown.  I'm hoping for a pink or teal one in the future. 

Winter Wonderland

On the way home from work today I saw a rainbow even though it wasn't raining. It must have been from all the snow blowing around.

Our driveway is under here somewhere....I hope!

Thanks to the 10mph wind all day, the snow drift across our driveway was 2' deep at one side and 3" deep on the other.

Daisy's First Christmas

Daisy loves the rope she got for Christmas so much that Joe swings her around in circles and she doesn't let go. Even though it doesn't look like it, she's not touching the ground.

My Favorite Treat

Ghirardelli Pepperment Chocolates are my favorite holiday treat. I'm so glad we have leftovers!

A Tribute To Brad Smith

RIP Bradley Smith
Killed in Action January 3, 2010
Senior Airman serving in Afghanistan

Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.

I am also a military wife. Knowing that nothing forced them to sign their name and nothing forced us to stand by their side urging them to do what they felt was right makes me truely appreciate the caring, selfless and noble men who serve our country as well as the strong women who stand behind them. Having a high school classmate serve with such qualities, makes me feel honored to have known him. A true hero may be gone, but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Winter 2009

Not the greatest photo, but I love this snowman! Daisy however thinks it is a person and won't stop barking at it.  I had to sneak a picture when she was outside.

Daisy-Do

Daisy's new favorite spot to hang out every night. She even stands in front of it when it's not on. Isn't she adorable?

Holidays: Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year!!! Yay for 2010!!!

I'm so glad 2010 is here. This year I have decided that instead of making resolutions I will set goals. Resolutions are typically forgotten by the end of February and usually are something that should be incorporated into our daily routine such as quit smoking, lose weight, or eat healtier. Plus, they tend to be extremely vague.

Goals are something I get to reach for. And although they may be similar to resoultions, I'm setting myself up to succeed instead of fail.

This year my goals include:

Workout at least 3x a week

Start attending a workout class at the Y

Eat foods that are lower in fat

Get involved with an organization such as ZTA Alumnae, collegiate ZTA cahpter, and/or Missouri S&T Alumni

Find a church and attend it every Sunday.