Ending the Flurry of Hurry!

 

This is how I feel right now (wait–AFTER the ad).

For the last few weeks, ever since I started to think cozy thoughts about an Unhurried Christmas, something strange happened–every single thing sped up. It was like a flurry of hurry. IT was not cozy. Until today.

Today I finished a project, took an important test (and passed it–hooray!) and as the pressure and responsibilities lifted, I started to SING!

And now I feel like the clip says, I am out of the woods, I am out of the dark, I am out of the night. I am ready to step into the (Christmas) light!

 

This weekend I will share a special recipe, preparation for a Christmas tradition and of course, some quiet moments reflecting on the season and all that it means to slow down and enjoy it!

Join me for the sleigh ride! Sing along!

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Baking Someone Happy

Ready to be filled with goodness.

Ready to be filled with goodness.

Today is a really special day and to celebrate I had the time to do something I haven’t done in a LONG time; bake! I used to make wedding cakes, shower cupcakes, pies, cookies, the works. I even had a room in my house reserved for just this purpose. But work, among other things, ended that years ago.

But this week I am back! I spent time whipping, mixing and, truth be told, licking the beater of my Kitchen-aid Stand Mixer as I made the perfect wedding cupcakes with love for my friends who are tying the knot in Baltimore this weekend. I spent time in the cake supply aisle picking out the perfect frosting tip and considering every sparkle, sprinkle, coloring and topper. It was WONDERFUL.  

I also bought disposable pastry bags, because, you know what? Regardless of how unhurried I am, time scrubbing out the small end of a pastry bag is precious time wasted!

If my house were on fire I would grab family photos and my Kitchen-Aid.

If my house were on fire I would grab family photos and my Kitchen-Aid.

I hope you can take some time to relax and bake, and because this is the season of giving, I am about to divulge a cupcake recipe that I have taken years to perfect. Consider it  a wedding present.

Wedding Worthy Vanilla Cupcakes
Makes a dozen and a half cupcakes
Preheat oven to 375. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.

Ingredients:   butter, sugar, eggs, really good vanilla extract, baking powder, salt, flour, milk.

How to Make it Happen:

  • Preheat oven.
  • Beat 1-1/2 sticks of butter at medium speed until smooth.
  • Add 1-1/2 cups of sugar and beat well.
  • Then Add 2 eggs, 2 tsps of vanilla, 2 1/2 tsps of baking powder and a 1/2 tsp of salt and mix until combined.
  • Add in 2 1/2 cups of flour a 1/2 a cup at a time until incorporated
  • Finally add 1-1/4 cups of milk and beat until it smooth and creamy.
  • Use an ice cream scoop to get into individual baking cups (about 2/3 full).

These really are dense, moist, and delicious. I will let you know how they go over on the big day.

A little sparkle makes everything taste better.

A little sparkle makes everything taste better.

I also found some other recipes that I am going to add to my list to try… and a one controversy that I didn’t even know existed: American cupcake vs. English Fairy Cake. I am thinking there is room for both on the dessert table of life 😉

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time

This year I find myself in a great spot. I have left behind the 9-5 in favor of a consulting career. And while that can take up as much time or more than a traditional work situation, it also allows for something incredible: extended time off to really live the life you dream of when you are stuck in your office. I am a lucky, lucky girl. So to thank the universe for this amazing gift, I started a blog so everyone can share in the fun of savoring this Christmas season the way we all want to. I hope you will come along for the sleigh ride.

Are you planning something special this season? Tackling a Pinterest project? Taking a trip? Volunteering to spread some help and cheer? Let me know about it so I can join in the fun!