On Saturday I headed out to run a few errands. While I had probably a dozen different places I needed to go after my second stop I headed back in the direction of home. Note to self: shopping the Saturday before Christmas unless it’s really, absolutely necessary is a bad idea.

Mocha Dream Cupcakes #CookingUpGood
Thanks to Lunchbox for sponsoring this post. Words and recipe are my own.

Left with a few suddenly unscheduled hours on my hands I decided it was a good time to do a little holiday baking. Earlier in December I put together my yearly gifts of food: trays, tins, and baskets filled with favorite treats and then delivered to our friends and family. But I did still need a few sweets for our own family and a couple of things for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Continue reading »

Hickory Farms Signature Chocolate is a partnered post.

You may remember a few weeks ago when I shared how when I was younger Hickory Farms had often been part of our holiday traditions. Even though our Signature Pantry Planner box is pretty much gone now, I’ll be picking up another gift box for our trip to the in-laws on Christmas Eve. Tradition is tradition, after all, right?

When you’re considering your own family’s Christmas traditions this year I encourage you to make donations of time or money one of them. This is an especially hard time of year for those who already struggle; they could definitely benefit from a little Christmas magic. Plus giving back makes you feel good so it’s a win-win situation. Continue reading »

This is a sponsored conversation about cream filled cupcakes is written by me on behalf of International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.

One of summer’s greatest pleasures is ice cream. It’s cool, creamy, refreshing, and – most importantly – delicious. And now International Delight is helping you take your love for ice cream someplace unexpected – your coffee cup.

The International Delight Cold Stone Creamery line of coffee creamers is now available in three new flavors: Hot for Cookie, Founder’s Favorite, and Churro Caramel. When I saw them at the store I had a hard time deciding which one to try first, but the swirl of whipped cream topping those cookies looked so good that I had Hot for Cookie had to be my first selection.

After getting it home and trying it in my morning coffee (delish!) I started to think about other ways to enjoy that yummy, melty ice cream flavor.. And then I thought – what goes better with ice cream than just about anything else? Cake, of course. And the whipped cream from the bottle gave me an idea. I love to make cupcakes with a little surprise in the middle, and wouldn’t the surprise of an ice cream cookie sundae when you took a bite be a great one?

Chocolate Cupcakes with Cookie Cream Filling Made with ID Cold Stone Creamery "Hot for Cookie" Creamer #IScream4ID

Suggestions for Valentine Crafts, Recipes, and DIY

Valentine’s Day is this week but there is still plenty of time to make or bake some treats if you’re feeling crafty. I hope to have one more craft tutorial for an easy gift and one more quick recipe for you before the big day. Until then I wanted to share some of my favorite Valentine’s ideas from both Pinterest and some fellow bloggers.

(Really, what did we do for inspiration before Pinterest?)

Valentine’s Recipes

Heart Cupcakes from A Helicopter Mom

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Last week Matter of Cents and I covered Easter crafts and this week we’re going to cover Easter recipes and treats! There are so many tasty-looking recipes out there, I’m sure you’ll find something you’d like to grace your Easter table with. I know I found a few that will definitely be part of our feast!

Pin Me! Thursdays Button

We’re still deciding whether to do brunch, lunch, or a combination of both. Some of these brunch ideas might come in handy. The colors are very festive, too!

I think this little guy is so cute! An Easter cheeseball “chick”.

Views From the Ville

Mocha Dream Cupcakes Recipe

Hickory Farms Signature Chocolate Makes a Sweet Holiday Treat

10 Valentine’s Day Crafts and Recipes

Suggestions for Valentine Crafts, Recipes, and DIY

Valentine’s Recipes

Heart Cupcakes from A Helicopter Mom

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Great Easter Recipes and Treats: Pin Me! Thursdays

We’re still deciding whether to do brunch, lunch, or a combination of both. Some of these brunch ideas might come in handy. The colors are very festive, too!

I think this little guy is so cute! An Easter cheeseball “chick”.