Ice Skating Adventure

At the local resort, NorthStar @ Lake Tahoe, they have an ice skating rink. I really didn't have any intention of going out on the ice at all. My daughter is only 2. Once we got there, Mackenna immediately went to the ice rink and want to go out there with just her boots on. I figured if she was that interested that we would go rent skate's and give it a go. We walked into the building where they were doing the ice skate rentals and the line was almost out the door. Mack gave me a look like she didn't really mind. She waited in line with me for over 20 minutes and we got our skates. Once I put them on, she couldn't wait to get on the ice.

I held both her hands and put her in front of me and skated the both of us. It was a little nerve racking because I didn't want to fall or anything with me holding her. That would have been bad. 

She loved it... she was screaming wooohooo and yeah mummy! The entire time. 

Also, this weekend was pretty eventful. Friday night was a pretty chill night... sorta. I dug a friends car out of the snow at work and then chilled at home and went to bed pretty early. Saturday was the big day of my party for work at the Ritz Carlton. It was a great night and lot's of fun. 

My aunt Danya, Jeremey and Jade made it to the great ol U.S of A on saturday. I went down Sunday morning, through the most ugliest weather ever to see them. I played with my cousin Jade.

Here is the restaurant we built out of blocks.

Great weekend, partied, snow and family. How was your weekend? 

365 Days in Pictures 

21 and over cupcakes

There were several people's birthday this week and last week at work. So I decided to get my act together and finally cook some cupcakes for the office. I convinced my friend Marea that lives down the street from to help me cook Pink champagne cupcakes. They were easier than I thought and they were really good. 

Here is some photos of the process.. 

The Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 18 1/4 ounces white cake mix, no pudding, and must be white to taste champagne
• 1/2-3/4 cup champagne, chilled ( pink, white, sweet, dry)

Frosting

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup champagne
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 5 -5 1/2 cups additional powdered sugar

Directions

1. Use a box of white cake mix (NO pudding) and substitute champagne - 1/2 to 3/4 cup to replace all of the liquid called for in the cake mix. So if the box says 3/4 cup water replace with 3/4 cup champagne. I did use one that had 1 1/4 cups water and replaced with champagne, just depends on the cake mix brand you buy. The kind of champagne/sparkling wine (pink, white, sweet, dry) used will determine the flavor. I usually just buy the cheap pink sparkling stuff in the grocery store, it's sweet and yummy in this!
2. Tint with red food coloring to a soft pink, use a drop at a time, this stuff will stain, probably take about 3 drops.
3. Bake cake as instructed on box. I usually make in 9x13-inch pan, but for an elegant layer cake use two 9 round cake pans, a heart pan would be perfect for Valentine's Day!
4. Creamy champagne frosting:.
5. Beat 1 cup softened butter for 30 seconds. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar.
6. Beat in 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup champagne, and 1 TB vanilla.
7. Beat in 5-5 1/2 more cups powdered sugar till you can spread it or is consistency you want.