Patriotic Cupcakes

Posted on August 28, 2012 by

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Labor Day marks the end of summer, and there is no better way to spend it then up north savoring the last of what summer has to offer. This year I have decided to bring cupcakes. They’re classic yellow cupcakes (I used a box mix – Duncan Hines) in patriotic liners, with homemade whipped creamfrosting, a cream filled center, topped with a strawberry cut in half and two blueberries. They make a cute addition to any patriotic get together.

Sundae Nights

Posted on August 27, 2012 by

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Temperatures have been holding steady in the 70’s for the past week, but that was not the case this weekend. A shift into the high 90’s with 100% humidity made it miserable to step outside. Nevertheless the weather created the ideal opportunity to savor summer with some old fashioned vanilla ice cream that would ultimately create the perfect sundae to enjoy during the hottest part of the day.  

Snapshots

Posted on August 24, 2012 by

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 {telephone booth on mackinac island}
I spent much of the week outside savoring the nice weather. Here are a few things that have kept me inspired. What are you up to this weekend?
 {spending the day along lake superior\’s beautiful beaches}
 {university of michigan season tickets}
 {hibiscus flower}
{playing classic games like croquet in the backyard}

DIY Laundry Detergent

Posted on August 23, 2012 by

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While in college I learned a lot of tricks, such as how to make the best fried chicken and create the perfect French braid. However my favorite trick was how to spend under $25 for a year supply of laundry detergent. In school I shared the detergent with two people and we each did at least one load of laundry a week, and still had some left over when the school year ended. Since college is starting up I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share this money saving recipe.

DIY Laundry Soap
Ingredients
2 tablespoons for a regular load
3 tablespoons for a large load
1 (4 lb. 12 oz.) box of Borax
4 lbs. Arm and Hammer Baking Soda
1 (3lb. 7 oz.) box of Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda
4 bars Fels Naptha Soap, grated (on a cheese grated)
optional: 1 (3 lb.) container Oxy Clean free – I liked to use it as an extra stain remover

Directions: Mix all ingredients in a large heavy duty garbage bag. Be sure to securely close the bag and shake it back and forth until completely mixed. Scoop out into containers.

Notes: I like to add some Downy or Downy UnStopables to give my laundry more of girly scent. You could also add two containers of Downy UnStopables to your laundry soap mixture. HE washer friendly.

1950’s Pink Popcorn

Posted on August 22, 2012 by

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Old-fashioned ice cream parlours use to be the “in thing” in metro Detroit. However overtime, many of these places faded out, but the memories remain. One of my parlours sold fresh popped popcorn coated with thick pink sugar, creating the ideal sweet and salty combination. Recently I was given a 1950’s cookbook, and one of the recipes in the book was old-fashioned pink popcorn. Immediately I had to give the recipe a try, and the result was pink perfection

1950\’s Pink Popcorn
Ingredients
2/3 cup popcorn kernels, popped (or two bags of popcorn)
2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup half and half
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
pink food gel (a little goes a long way)

Directions
Place popped popcorn in a large bowl also lay out waxed paper on the counter.
In a large saucepan combine sugar, half and half, corn syrup and salt.  Cook over medium high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Heat mixture to 230 degrees, stirring occasionally. Immediately remove from heat – add vanilla and food coloring. Drizzle mixture over popped popcorn and gently stir until popcorn is evenly coated. Pour mixture onto waxed paper and allow to dry for 15 minutes. Store in an airtight container.
Note: pink popcorn is best when eaten the day it is made

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