Saturday, June 15, 2013

Mmmmmocha Brownies

Pioneer Woman never, ever lets me down. I was craving chocolate and found this recipe for mocha brownies from her first cookbook. Friends, these mocha brownies are incredible. I could have licked both the frosting bowl and the brownie bowl clean. Since I know you want to make them right this second, here are the ingredients: (Or if your Dad loves chocolate like mine does, he would love you forever for making these for him for Father's Day!)

For the brownies-
Four 1 oz. squares of unsweetened chocolate
2 sticks of butter (yes I know, but it's worth it)
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
3 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Mocha Icing-
2 sticks butter, softened (yes you really do use 4 sticks of butter for this recipe)
5 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 tsp. salt
3 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 to 3/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled to room temperature

Start by preheating the overn to 325 then spray a 8 inch baking pan with non-stick baking spray.

Place the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and melt it in 30 second increments. Set aside to cool.

In a medium mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar then beat in eggs. Drizzle in the melted chocolate while the mixer is on a low speed. Then add the vanilla extract and mix.

Add the flour and continue to mix until just combined.

Pour the batter into your greased baking pan and spread evenly.

Bake for 45-50 minutes.

Let brownies cool completely before icing.

To make the icing combine butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt and vanilla in large mixing bowl.

Mix until slightly combined then add the coffee and whip until icing is desired texture. Add more coffee if icing is too thick...icing should be light and fluffy.

Ice the cooled brownies. Spread the icing on thick and refrigerate until icing is firm.

I promise it is worth the whole 4 sticks of butter!

Friday, June 14, 2013

Five on Friday


ONE:: This week was an especially good one because it's officially summer break and I got to see 3 of my girlfriends from college. I hate that so many of us are so spread out now. College life was so easy because your girlfriends are all within a few minutes or even a few feet away. It would be easier if all of them just moved to Cincinnati. *hint*hint*
TWO:: I'm loving all the summer meals I've been cooking up. My favorite so far is this tin foil dinner. All you need is some Kielbasa sausage, zucchini, red onion and some different colored peppers. Chop up the ingredients and throw them together in some aluminum foil and toss on the grill or in your oven for 20-25 minutes. YUM! Best served with a cold Leinenkugel.
THREE:: Since I am "off" for the summer I am spending more time working on some creations for my Etsy shop. This is my newest custom creation for a gender reveal party. I love it!
FOUR:: Summer also means more time with my husband who is also a teacher. We made our summer bucket list and are crossing off our first item this afternoon by revisiting Findlay Market. I am hoping to stock up on some fresh fruit and veggies and find some other goodies while we are there.
FIVE::  I am loving my new kitten ice cube tray. I found it at Meijer and just couldn't resist! It is in the freezer freezing kitten shaped ice cubes as we speak and I can't wait to plop a kitty ice cube in my drink. Why that makes me happy I really don't know. It's the little things...
Happy Friday!!

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Summer Bucket List

-Bike ride on the Loveland bike trail 
-Try out at least 3 new restaurants in downtown Cincy
-Read at least 10 books on my list 
-Use our canoe  
-Try out some new donut recipes
-Have a picnic at the park
-Go to the drive in
-Put together a photo wall
-Travel to a state we've never visited
-Find new places to hang our hammocks
-Make creamsicles 
-Go back to Findlay Market
-Do some of the DIY projects I have pinned 
-Find a way to give back/serve others
-Attend a few Reds Games and explore the Banks
 
What's on YOUR Summer Bucket List?

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Rolo Stuffed Smores

The other night our small group had a bonfire and we busted out some Rolos to spice up our Smores as seen on Pinterest here. This has to be the easiest Saw it, Pinned it, Did it ever because all you need are the normal smores characters minus the Hershey bar. It's best to use a giant marshmallow because you will be squishing your Rolo inside. So all you do is squish the Rolo inside the giant marshmallow, cook it over an open fire and then put it between 2 graham crackers. The result my friends is delicious. You really need to give these Rolo stuffed smores a try! YUM!
Linking up with Katie and Steph!

Monday, June 3, 2013

Last Remix!!! {For now}

Well folks, I did it. I somehow managed to complete the 30x30 remix and it feels so good! Thanks for your sweet comments along the way. I have had so much fun with this challenge. This is my last set of remixing pictures for now...
Tank top: JCREW, Jeans: Lauren Conrad (Kohl's), Shoes: Jessica Simpson (Dillards), Headband: Charming Charlie
Maxi dress/skirt: Whole Foods, Shirt: JCREW, Shoes: Steve Madden, Necklace: LOFT, Belt: Gifted, Purse: Fossil
Skirt: Target, Tank top: Gap, Sweater: Express, Necklace: Gifted, Belt: Limited, Shoes: Gap
Maxi: Xhileration (TJ Maxx), Necklace: Charming Charlie, Shoes: Gap, Bracelet: After Sunset
Top:H&M , Shorts: Limited, Necklace: Made by my talented sister in law, Shoes: Jessica Simpson wedges
Top: Anthropology, Belt: Limited, Skirt: Forever 21 Sandals: Target
 And here are all my looks from all 5 weeks...
My favorite piece to wear and the only one I wore all 5 weeks was my Aztec printed skirt from Target. I also got a ton of use out of my knit coral top and my maxi dresses! After doing this remix I will never be able to say I have nothing to wear in my closet. I learned so much and would recommend the remix to ANYONE who is bored with the pieces in their closet. You can do it!

Special thanks to Kelly from Mrs. in Training who got my butt in gear to do this remix and for all the other ladies who participated and encouraged me along the way! I'm so glad I gave it a try and I already plan on doing it again.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Our lovely life

I love our little family of four and I am so excited to spend more time at home with them relaxing this summer. I hope you are having a cozy Saturday friends!