Andes Mint Cupcakes

I was responsible for treat day last week.  I think all of my co-workers reminded me that it was my treat day.  Everyone loves treat day.  Everyone also knows that I’m absent minded.  (Like when I almost left these delicious cupcakes in the fridge on treat day.  Luckily, I ran back for a Diet Coke. Phew.)

I headed on over to my cupcake board and picked out a recipe for Andes Mint Cupcakes.

Good choice.  Good choice.

You can find the recipe over at Your Cup of Cake.  I only wish I the skills to dream this stuff up.

I do want to share with you two of my favorite cupcake making weapons.

Weapon #1: Cupcake Batter Dispenser

This thing is awesome.  I am the world’s messiest baker.  Filling the cupcake liners is a breeze with this guy.  I used it for all of the them except for the top right.  See the difference?

Yes, it does look like Ike left a surprise in each liner but it shakes out. Trust me.

Weapon #2: Pampered Chef's Easy Accent Decorator

This little guy is super easy to use.  I’ve tried frosting bags before and they are always such a mess.  I just fill the tube with frosting using a spoon and squirt away.

The kit comes with multiple tips for many decorating options and a lid.

What are your favorite baking weapons?  Tried any delicious cupcake recipes lately?

Outdoor Living

Most of our house attention has turned outdoors the past two weeks.  The weather has been fantastic so it was time to do some planting.  Nate and I both enjoy yard work.

We planted three hydrangea bushes and two Little Henry bushes along our garage.

We’re pretty scientific when it comes to landscape planning. We measure the length of the area that needs covered.  We head to Lowe’s and find plants that fit the sun requirements on the area (shade in this case).  We like a little variety so we chose two different kinds of plants.  We then check out how large the plants will be at maturity and buy enough to cover the length needed.  This landscaping stuff is tough.

I’m pumped about the hydrangeas.  They were in my wedding bouquet.  I’m usually not sentimental about that girl junk but the wedding bouquet and hydrangeas still get me.

The backyard is greening up nicely.

I planted some impatiens in the back.  These things have gone crazy back here the past two years.  The back patio, however, could use still use some love.

The trees are filling in.  I love our secluded backyard.

Nate freshened up the mulch around the house and in the island.

I planted some petunias up front and some geraniums on the front steps.

I love the view from our front door.  Iowa summers for the win.

Ike also loves the view from the front of the house but he wasn’t happy about being left inside during picture time.

Now it’s time for some sun and a little rain now and then!

Have you been busy outside?  Do you have a green thumb or a black thumb?

Stool Debacle

The stool hunt continues.  Sad face.

Remember this poll from last week.

If you couldn’t gather, I was the one that loved the stools.  Nate hated them.

Even though Nate was the clear winner, he oh-so-willingly went with me to World Market while we were in Des Moines this past week-end.  Just to say “hi” to the stools.

I’m glad I looked at them in person.  My monitor led me astray.  I thought the metal was more aged looking and the seats were darker.  I still love the overall shape.  I just wanted them to be something that they aren’t.

Sad face.

We totally failed to seize the picture opportunity of Nate standing by the stool with a huge annoying grin on his face and a thumbs up.  But I’m sure you all can picture that.

So, the stool debacle continues.  I am still on the hunt.  Nate is still annoyed.

I also have to publicly admit that Nate has better taste in kitchen stools.  That hurts.  At least my laundry from vacation two weeks is put away.  We all have our strengths.

How do you and your spouse/significant other/roomie solve decorating debates?  What décor debacles have you recently debated?