ally and chris

are blogged over here

Lemon and Coconut Cupcakes

Hi there! I'm alive! The race was AMAZING. I'm rounding up some photos and working on my post....you'll be hearing all the messy details soon! But for now....here's what I did all day yesterday.....ate cupcakes!!

Robby wanted something "lemony" for Father's Day....so this is what we did.

Lemon Cupcakes with Lemony Coconut Creamcheese Frosting

cake and frosting recipe from my baking addiction

I am really not a lemon cupcake kind of girl. I want chocolate. On chocolate. Dipped in chocolate. But these were sooooooo good. They are so light and fluffy and perfect.....you won't be able to stop eating them. I followed the recipe exactly, except halved it (thank goodness, or I would have eaten a WHOLE batch), and I added the coconut on top.

Cake

2 1/4 cups cake flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cups buttermilk

4 large egg whites

1 1/2 cups sugar

lemon zest from two lemons

1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon pure lemon extract

Getting Ready: Center a rack in the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare cupcake tins by using liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray

To Make The Cake: Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.

Whisk together the milk and egg whites in a medium bowl.

Put the sugar and lemon zest in a mixer bowl or another large bowl and rub them together with your fingers until the sugar is moist and fragrant. Add the butter and, working with the paddle or whisk attachment, or with a hand mixer, beat at medium speed for a full 3 minutes, until the butter and sugar are very light. Beat in the extracts, then add one third of the flour mixture, still beating on medium speed. Beat in half of the milk-egg mixture, then beat in half of the remaining dry ingredients until incorporated. Add the rest of the milk and eggs, beating until the batter is homogeneous, then add the last of the dry ingredients. Finally, give the batter a good 2-minute beating to ensure that it is thoroughly mixed and well aerated. Place the batter into the cupcake tins.

Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the cupcakes are well risen and springy to the touch – a thin knife inserted into the centers should come out clean.

Cool on wire rack.

Cream Cheese Frosting*:

2 (8) ounce package cream cheese, softened

1 stick butter, softened

2 lbs. confectioners’ sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

juice of one lemon

*because I also added the coconut on top, I didn't use even close to this much frosting. I would 1/2 this recipe, even for the full batch if you are going to add coconut too.

Using a mixer, blend the butter and cream cheese together until well combined. Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar until fully incorporated. Finally mix in vanilla and lemon juice.

Top with sweetened shredded coconut.

enjoy!

vibeke hoie winner!

ha!! here's proof that if you want something bad enough, you just might get it! Liz entered the giveaway 4 times (blogged, tweeted, and facebooked for extra entries)....and guess what?? It worked!! Liz is our winner! Too bad the lottery doesn't work the same way!

If you missed the giveaway, be sure to go pick out something from Vibeke's shop--she is so talented and he work is the cutest!

happy weekend....?

As you sit down Friday night to eat your pizza and watch a movie with your favorite person, think of me.....I'll be running.

As you snuggle in your cozy bed in the wee hours of the night, dream of me....I'll be running.

And if those 9.6 miles at 4 am don't kill me.....

.....as you sit admiring your garage sale finds and set out to do yard work, think of me.

I'll be slowly dying on this hill.

And if you help to plan my funeral, please no musty potluck dinners.

I want a buffet of cupcakes in all different colors.

With sprinkles.

And no sad "wind beneath my wings" type songs.

I want The Format Pandora station.

ok?

yikes.

Happy Father's Day to my very favorite dad in the whole world.....my own.

and to the bestest daddy ever that gave me two adorably adorable children.

Happy Weekend!!

ps. and make sure you enter Vibeke's super awesome giveaway....all the way from Norway!

pps. I'll be on facebook and tweeting the entire race....come follow me here

yes, we eat a lot of pizza.

I love it. I can't get enough these days.

When I'm not eating it, I'm probably thinking about it.....strange? no.

I'm still using the same old crust recipe--I can quickly throw it together from memory (although this time I added a teensy bit of wheat flour). I still used the grill, but also used a pizza pan this time (one with little holes in it), which made for a much easier grilling process. I have been loving playing with pizza, and think it should be a new little segment around here.

Segment. Like we're on a talk show, you know?

I will post new things as I try them (still really wanting to explore crusts more, this one is crispy, but still missing that wow factor.)

This is my favorite topping combo to date!

Margherita Pizza with Olives and Toasted Pine Nuts

Crust (recipe from Living)

*this will make 4 pizzas--I freeze the dough so I can pull it out in a hurry*

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one 1/4-ounce envelope)

2 cups warm water (105 degrees to 115 degrees)

4 to 4 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons fine sea salt

Extra-virgin olive oil, for bowl

Directions

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in 3 cups flour and the salt, stirring until smooth. Stir in an additional 2 cups flour; continue adding flour (up to 1/2 cup), 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring until dough comes away from bowl but is still sticky.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface, and knead with lightly floured hands. Start by slapping the dough onto the counter, pulling it toward you with one hand and pushing it away from you with the other. Fold the dough back over itself (use a bench scraper or a wide knife to help scrape dough from surface). Repeat until it's easier to handle, about 10 times. Finish kneading normally until dough is smooth, elastic, and soft, but a little tacky, about 10 minutes.

Shape dough into a ball and transfer to a lightly oiled bowl; turn to coat. Cover with plastic, and let rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume. Press it with your finger to see if it's done; an indent should remain.

Meanwhile, scrape dough out of the bowl onto floured surface, and cut it into 4 pieces. Shape into balls. Dust with flour, and cover with plastic. Let rest, 20 to 30 minutes, allowing dough to relax and almost double.

Holding top edge of 1 dough ball in both hands, let bottom edge touch work surface (refrigerate remaining balls as you work). Carefully move hands around edge to form a circle, as if turning a wheel. Hold dough on back of your hand, letting its weight stretch it into a 12-inch round. Transfer dough to a lightly floured pizza peel (or an inverted baking sheet). Press out edges using your fingers. Jerk peel; if dough sticks, lift, and dust more flour underneath.

Place dough onto oiled pizza pan. Place on grill preheated to medium high heat. Grill until crust is almost done.

Put your favorite toppings on. Place back on grill (lid down) until cheese is melted, edges are golden, and we like the bottom a bit blackened.

Toppings

-a super duper thin layer of good quality crushed tomatoes, or a good tomato sauce

-tomato slices

-fresh mozzarella slices

-toasted pine nuts

-kalmata olives

-fresh basil

-cracked pepper

mmmm.......pizza.

artist spotlight: vibeke hoie

Today's artist spotlight comes to you all the way from Norway....NORWAY!! I was so happy when Vibeke contacted me--I am in love with her artwork! She is so talented, and her shop and blog are some of the cutest that I've seen!

You said you have been doing this for 6 years? How did you get started?

Well, I have been working as an illustrator/ graphic designer for over 10 years now, 6 of them freelance.

I finished my BA in illustration in Kent Institute of Art and Design (Kent, England) in 1999 (Woww..that sounded ages ago!)

And then I moved back to Norway, and started working in an adverticing agency called M&L in Stavanger. Working there was great - and it taught me a great deal

that you don`t learn while you studying. Like how to communicate with your clients, keeping them and yourself happy..and working under a thight deadline.

But when I had my first baby - it was time to pursue the dream of working freelance. Which was great to combine with beeing a stay at home mum. In Norway we get almost a year maturnety leave - so it gave me plenty of time to work on my own things while the little one was sleeping. Now that my second baby is almost 4 years it is time for me to get a studio of my own, so that I get to leave the house a bit more:) ( I am going crazy staying at home all the time!! ..he he ...eventhough there are wonderful podcast and webpages to keep me company e.g. www.escapefromillustrationisland.com has great podcasts with interviews of illustrators, designers etc.)

I have always loved to draw and paint, it has always been my favourite thing to do!

And I remember as a child I made stories and illustrated them. (quite funny to look back at).

During one of the first days at Kent institute, our main tutor gave us a lecture about what was expected of us..that we had to draw draw draw..where ever we went we had to bring a sketch book, and whatever we did, whatever we saw, we had to draw...and I could wait to get started. The 3 years at Kent was some of the most exciting years of my life....I learned soo much and had soo much fun!

Becoming a mum was also one of the most inspiering things that has happended to me, and the two little ones lead me into childrens book illustration.

Her children's prints are my fav..... Norwegian Alphabet anyone? (she can do english too:)

What is your favorite thing in your shop?

My favourite thing is the normally the most recent illustration, because that is freshest...and I havn`t had time to get tired of it yet...he he..

I need a baby boy....for this print

What are your other hobbies?

I dont think I have any other "hobbies"..my work include drawing, painting, sewing, gluing, photography, reading, it is diverse...so it keeps me busy and entertained.

Oh..by the way ..I sometimes knit ( I don`t know the right word for it...you know when you "knit" with one needle called Crochet..do you know what I mean??)

customizable welcome!

What do you listen to while creating?

Right now I am very into :

Angus & Julia Stone

Brandi Carlile

Catherine Feeny

Because I am a food lover....what is your favorite thing to eat?

I love anything with lots of vegetables....and anything at my favourite "local" restaurant "Ostehuset".

I love baking with my kids.....

loving all her bird prints too!

For our giveaway today, Vibeke is offering up a print of your choice (how will you choose?!!)

Please hurry over to her cute little shop and leave a comment with your favorite print.

One winner will be chosen at random and comments will be accepted until Sunday, 6/20 at midnight, and the winner will be announced Monday.
Tell your friends about this one.....they will not want to miss out!

Tweet/facebook/or blog and come back for an extra entry for each!

(if you don't have a blog, please leave an email address)

go!

simple.

a few weeks ago we planted some seeds.

teeny.

tiny.

little seeds.

we checked them every day.

they grew.

and grew.

(and grew.)

into yummy green spinach.

and mixed baby greens.

we put them in a bowl.

added thinly sliced onion.

toasted pine nuts.

parmesan cheese.

fresh lemon juice from papa's tree.

olive oil.

salt.

and pepper.

deeeelicious.

a little walk...

...through Penryn, CA.

the end.

whole wheat naan

it's naan....again!

You may recall, last month--I made naan.

I made it exactly as the recipe told me too, which meant no wheat flour....but I knew I'd come back and change it.

And I did...

...and to my surprise....it was good!!!

I couldn't believe how soft and perfect it still was, even with whole wheat flour!

And remember....it is SO easy!! Whip some up for tonight's dinner--you'll be glad you did!

There were alot of questions as to what you put on your naan.....anything you like! When it's hot, I really love it plain! It's perfect with curry, hummus, or honey butter too!

Whole Wheat Naan

1/2 cup warm water

2 tsp. active dry yeast

1 tsp. sugar

2 cups whole grain flour

1/2 cup bread flour, plus extra for rolling

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 cup olive oil

1/3 cup plain yogurt

1 large egg

melted butter (I used olive oil), for frying

In a large bowl, stir together the water, yeast and sugar and let stand for 5 minutes, until foamy.

Stir in the flour, salt, oil, yogurt and egg and stir, then knead until you have a soft, pliable dough. Cover with a tea towel and let rise until doubled in size; about an hour.

Divide the dough into 6-8 pieces and on a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece into a thin circle or oval.

Cook each naan in a nice hot skillet drizzled with oil (just a teeny tiny bit--you're not frying it like a scone) until blistered and cooked, flipping as necessary. (When the surface has big blisters and is golden on the bottom, flip it over and cook until golden on the other side.

Makes about 8 naan.

8 yummy naan, just for you.

winner

The Mommy Holly winner is Christina!

Christina, email Holly at hollyndevlin at gmail dot com

friday love

I love summer.

LOOOOOOOVE it.

The only thing I don't like about it, is the end.

And while it isn't officlaly summer yet....it sure feels like it

(well ok....it's only like 50 right now...but we hit 90 this week!)

I love that we made our first pool trip this week!

I love that the farmers market starts tomorrow!!

I love the summer evening rainstorms we've been having.....best. smell. ever!!

I love a good summer sandwich. Just a few more weeks and I'll be eating my own home grown tomatoes too!

Sheena's Summer Sandwich

I've never named anything after myself....it feels good.

-bread, toasted

-juicy ripe tomatoes, sliced

-fresh mozarella, sliced

-alfalfa sprouts

-fresh basil

-a drizzle of good olive oil

-salt and pepper

mmm...

I love having fresh flowers in my house 24/7. These came from my lovely bride Ally, (how lucky am I that she sent the centerpieces home with me!) but my rose bushes are loaded and I can't wait until more and more flowers start to bloom!

Flowers inside, every day!

LOVE these polka dotted swimsuits....

this one

and this one.

I love summer polaroids!

hula seventy

rockstar diaries

you are my fav

susannah conway

I love summer vacations!! And now I love Iceland. When can I go?

(note, there may be a split second skinny dipping scene.....don't watch with your 5 year old who is Iceland obsessed...)

ps. don't forget the giveaway ends Sunday!

pps. help me pimp my ipod!

Happy Weekend!!!

What did you love about this week?

friday feet

Whoa! Friday Feet has been MIA for quite some time!

I've been gone, now Erin is gone, and really, all my feet have been doing is training training training....

So....speaking of training.

Two things:

1. Wasatch Back Fever has hit. Everywhere I go, I hear people talking about it...I am so excited!! Over 12,000 runners this year.....will you be there?? Just wondering if any of you are doing it too.....let me know if you'll be there! We can meet up--I'll be holding a long stemmed rose.

2. Music. I love to load up with some new tunes before I run. What do you suggest?? I'm not soooo much into the hiphop/dancejam/blackeyed peas scene....I kind of like to rock out when I run...you know?? Tell me your favorites!!

charlotte and nick

blogged over here.

small town, usa

(yep, still playing blog catch up from our trip....)

Newcastle and Loomis, California

Where to eat: The Rat Trap, Newcastle

Tip: the turkey is reeeally good

Where to thrift: Merry Go Round Antiques, Newcastle

tip: this place is HUGE. plan on spending some time there. Don't be alarmed by the outrageously priced items at the front of the store(barn). Head to the back where she forgot what she has and is basically giving stuff away.

Where to sample and buy 1000 different sauces, dips, marinades, and schmears: New Castle Produce, Newcastle, obviously

Tip: Don't go right after lunch at The Rat Trap. They have a deli as well, and you will want to try it, but your tummy will be much too full.

Where to look at amazing plants and trees and browse the cutest fabric store. Also, where to eat at a restaraunt where they grown ALL their own produce right there. (we ran out of time to eat there this time....but next time for sure!)

High-Hand Nursery, Loomis.

Tip: Don't even go into the Persian Rug section. Don't. You will want everything (rug, coverlet, giant bag that you could fit your family in), and you won't be able to afford it, yet will still be thinking of it all weeks later.

the end.

our first harvest....

artist spotlight: mommy holly

Today's artist spotlight is blogger and creative shop owner Holly Devlin of Poway, California, and her shop Mommy Holly!

How long have you been making all your cute creations? How did you get started?

I opened my Etsy shop close to two years ago, but at first it was more of a hobby for me. I have always loved to work with paper crafts, and wanted to share my creations with others. Then around a year ago, I decided to treat it more like a job, and it has consistently grown since then!! Now while I am waiting to begin nursing school, this is a fantastic opportunity to create things I love, and make a small business out of it in the process. :)

What is your favorite thing in your shop?

I adore the vintage dictionary bird cutouts... I am a sucker for anything having to do with birds, so I love to use these in any way possible. I also love to see what people use them for as well- I've had customers buy thousands of birds to decorate their entire wedding with and I am proud to be a part of something like that. :)

What are your other hobbies?

I spend a lot of time being creative in any way possible, and am perfectly content being in my craft room at all times of the day!! But I also love to bake (I love anything sweet!), read (I spend an inordinate amount of time in the library!), and spend time with my darling six-year old son. :)

What do you listen to while creating?

I have a playlist on my blog that is always changing, but that contains my favorite songs at any given moment. Right now I can't stop listening to Adam Lambert (love him!), and my all-time favorite singer is Ryan Star. (Even though not a huge amount of people even recognize his name haha! Google him now- you won't be sorry.)

Because I am a food lover....what is your favorite thing to eat?

I am always in the mood for pizza. Delicious, cheesy pizza. I could eat it every day. Oh yes, and cookies. :)

I LOVE these cute tags!

Holly's pirate birdie tags were recently featured in a wedding on Style Me Pretty.

For our giveaway today, Holly has put together a fun little package of goodies just for YOU!

One winner will receive a set of her thank you cards, a pack of happy blue flowers, a set of tiny tree tags, and a set of vintage dictionary bird cutouts.

To win this package of paper goodies, just leave a comment with your favorite item from the Mommy Holly shop! Super easy!

As per request by many of you, giveaways will now end on Sunday.

Comments will be accepted until Sunday, 6/13 at midnight, and the winner will be announced Monday.

Tweet/facebook/or blog and come back for an extra entry!

go!!!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED