CST care packages

I can't help it, I love giving gifts!  So... it's California Standards Tests (CST) next week for our students at the teen center.  I have a small group of high school leaders that meet with me weekly and I felt they may need a lil somethin' somethin' to inspire them to give a crap during testing.  They are called the Ambassadors and I made them these cute care packages.

That's all, just thought I would share.

life in boxes

This is the view from our couch!  I expect to be rather busy for the next few days, but trust me once this move is all over I will get back to crafting and blogging.

Along with moving our life across town, I am also helping my college roommate with her wedding.  Expect some inspiration photos from her wonderful DIY wedding (at a venue I know well - Leo Carrillo Ranch).

easter basket {in a jar}

I sent my adorable little sister this easter basket {in a jar}.  She's totally an adult but I still love to spoil her like a little girl!

This was a very simple project.  Using a pint sized mason jar; fill it with crinkle cut shred, jelly beans and 2 travel size items from Bath & Body Works.  On the top I made a fabric flower out of an old t-shirt and added a safety pin to the back so she could use it again. I also used this really cool adhesive ribbon tape from Martha Stewart.

inside brucrew life

I've stumbled across something amazing...the Inside BruCrew Life blog.  I think you will understand once you take a look at these photos.

inside brucrew life

inside brucrew life

inside brucrew life

inside brucrew life

inside brucrew life

inside brucrew life

There goes the progress I've been making in the gym!

photo party hats

I used this adorable picture of mr. roundy...

to make the party hats you see here.

This party essential was so easy to make I don't think I will ever buy these at the store again!  On a 8½ x 11 piece of card stock I printed the above picture of mr. roundy.  I then printed a template for the hat shape, downloaded from Martha Stewart, also on card stock.  I cut out the template and traced the shape onto the desired part of the picture.  Cut out the shape and use a blade to cut the slots as identified on the template. After assembly be sure to tape the slotted closure.

martha stewart

martha stewart

The directions suggest using 8 inches of elastic cord for the hat.  I measured my own head to estimate the desired size for adult {you will need to adjust the size if the hat is for children}.  I followed the instructions and attached the elastic cord with tape.  Unfortunately that technique didn't last the whole night.  My suggestion would be to hot glue the elastic cord to guarantee it will stay put.

carrot cake {cupcakes}

These cupcakes (and the party hats) were a huge hit at mr. roundy's recent birthday party.

I found the recipe over at sugar and charm. I swear I am such a sucker if someone says "this is the best _____ you will ever have".  In this case she was right!  I typically dislike carrot cake but fully enjoyed this recipe.

And yes I know, they are way cuter than mine.  I have a long way to go with my cupcakes.  As you can tell I put too much batter in the cup and I can't seem to get that frosting technique down.  Oh well they still tasted great!

sugar and charm

{carrot cake cupcakes}

ingredients

2 cups flour

2 cups granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 cup corn oil

3 eggs, lightly beaten

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 ⅓ cup pureed carrots

1 cup shredded coconut

¾ cup canned crushed pineapple, drained

steps

1. Preheat oven to 350˚

2. Puree 1 ⅓ cup carrots (first chop, then boil, then puree) and set aside.

3. Sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon in a large bowl.

4. Add in the oil, eggs, vanilla and beat well.

5. Fold in the pureed carrots, shredded coconut and drained pineapple.

6. Pour batter into either a cake pan or cupcake pan.

7. Bake until the edges have pulled away or until a toothpick comes out semi-clean. I baked the 

    cupcakes for about 16 minutes... every oven is different so keep an eye on them.

8. Cool for awhile, then frost.

{cream cheese frosting}

ingredients

1 8oz package cream cheese

1 stick butter

½ teaspoon vanilla

2 cups confectioners sugar

steps

1. Beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth.

2. Add in the sugar and beat until combined.

Note: I made 12 full sized cupcakes and used the rest of the batter to make mini cupcakes.  The minis were a huge hit and I totally recommend that option when baking cupcakes.  Plus they're so cute!