Cake Mix Doctor - Strawberry Refrigerator Cake

For my birthday my Mother-In-Law gave me the book The Cake Mix Doctor Returns, by Anne Byrn. When I opened the book I knew immediately that this was the first recipe I was going to make - The Strawberry Refrigerator Cake.                                                 

It is basically a yellow cake with cream cheese and vanilla added to the mix and then sour cream and whip cream icing. I made my own whipped cream since it is better and I can pronounce all the ingredients and for the Fourth of July I added blueberries.   

In writing this post I found out Anne Byrn has a whole web site with recipes including the one I just made! Click here to be whisked away to cakey goodness. 

Byrn has seven other books, including a gluten free cook book, dinner cook book and a pot luck cook book. I can see these making their way to my bookshelf soon.

To Tweet or Not to Tweet

Do you have a Twitter account? 

Do I need a Twitter account?

What does Twitter provide that a Facebook page doesn't?

When do you just say no to social media?

Repurposed T-shirt Dress

A couple months ago I found this tutorial on how to turn an old t-shirt into a little girl dress and decided I wanted one for myself. I have these great double layered t-shirts that Target used to sell and even with a big ole stain on it I couldn't stand the thought of getting rid of it.
 

I love the pleat detail at the top of the skirt but wish it had a little more structure, maybe that is what interfacing is for???

At first I didn't want a big bow, but in hindsight I should have kept that since the belt I created doesn't fit as snugly as I like and was difficult to attach without a dress form or extra set of hands. Maybe if I find this dress sitting in my closed not being worn I will remove the belt and try the bow.

My husband says it "looks better than expected" and I learned how to put in a zipper (thanks once again Jayna)! Maybe one day I will actually use a pattern for myself, but I doubt it.

Change Is Good

 

One Painted Lady has started her metamorphosis and looks like two others are right behind her! I don't know who is more excited, me or my son.

Sock Bun Curls

Thanks to Pintrest I have recently been inspired to try new hair styles. I have found a bunch of cute styles that are fast and look like I made a bit of effort to be presentable.

Source: None via Sarah on Pinterest

Last night I attempted the sock curl. Basically you put your dry/damp hair in a high pony tail (kinda loose) and then using a sock you roll your hair up into one big curl. I tied the two ends of the sock together and went to bed.  When I woke up I just undid the whole thing and used a little shine spray to cut done on the frizz and we were done. Mine doesn't look as amazing as that chick but I am pleased with the results.

A little bit of effort and I am rewarded with feeling better about myself and think I have a better day. Next time I might try using thinner socks and adding one or two more to see what kind of curls that creates.

My son took these pictures and I think he did a pretty good job!

Simple Skirt

I attempted to make a modified circle skirt this morning using a wide piece of elastic and let's just say I had to move to Plan B. I have made this simple skirt for my daughter about three times now and each time I get faster and faster.

I found some gray fabric with little gray and lime green cars on it at Joann Fabrics and think with a coupon I paid a grand total of $8 for two yards.

It does look a tad little girlish but I expected that. It is comfortable and something easy to put on while we enjoy 90 + degrees here. The best part is when my son saw me in he told me how pretty I was!

Butterfly Garden Excitement

Insect Lore's Butterfly Garden has been my go-to birthday gift for the past year. I love that the gift teaches and the excitement lasts longer than one day. I finally bought one for my kiddos and its arrival was pretty exciting!

 M saw the box and knew immediately what was in it!

It was like Christmas morning. I told M that it would take a little while before they turned into butterflies to which he responded, "Yeah, it will take about 9 minutes."

This week's library books are all about butterflies in anticipation of their arrival.

Love the serious expression!

Godzilla baby wasn't so gentle and lost holding rights pretty quickly.

We are keeping a journal of their transformation and hope we can even get the butterflies to lay more eggs for us. If anyone has tried other Insect Lore products I would love to hear about them.