Tried It - Chocolate Garnishs

As you can see, I love cake decorating. Dare I say, even more than I love eat eating. Weird right?

I'm always looking for neat tricks to simplify or revolutionize the decorating process and happened across this little gem.. Squeeze Bottle + Melted Chocolate + Wax Paper + Image Printout = Wow

Hostess with the Mostess gives a great step-by-step tutorial for creating stunning abstract chocolate pieces (Here). They are super easy to create and add a gourmet touch to simple deserts.

You can use this same technique to model chocolate toppings as well. Simply switch parchment paper for wax paper and place a print out image of your choosing underneath. Then, with the squeeze bottle full of chocolate, trace over the printed image and let it cool. I've previously used this method to make heart shape toppings for valentines day cupcakes and trees for a black forest cake. The possibilities are endless!

(Sorry about the photo quality!)

Yum!
- J

Tried It - Breakfast Protein Shake

If you know me at all, you know that I am not a morning person. People are just not meant to be awake before the sun rises!

That said, there are some days when early rising is not avoidable. The Fit is the New Black blog has managed to do the impossible, to create a simple recipe for a good tasting breakfast protein shake :)

Here is the link to the original recipe.


The recipe calls for ice, 1 scoop of protein powder (chocolate or vanilla), 1/2 frozen banana, 1 cup of brewed coffee, 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk, and Truvia or Stevia to taste. Blend all of these together et voila!

When trying this myself, I used vanilla protein powder and regular 1% milk because that was what I had on hand. I also found that I did not need the banana or sweetener. I am normally the type of person that loads up on cream and sugar whenever I have coffee. However, I found that when protein powder was added to this drink, no other sweetening is required.

Cheers!
-J

DIY Inspiration (Clutches)

Here are a couple of neato, easy to whip up clutch ideas for any DIY fashionistas out there...

1. Portfolio by Maya*Made


2. Bow Clutch by Elm Street Life


3. Gathered Clutch by Noodlehead


Happy DIYing
- J

Baking Inspiration (Easter Eggs)

It keeping with the holiday spirit, here are a couple egg-citing treats for celebrating Easter..


1. String Eggs by Crafty Endeavor

2. Cadbury Easter Creme Egg Cupcakes by Key Ingredient

3. Cheesecake Easter Eggs by Hungry Happenings

Happy Holidays!

- J

Dance - Wade Robson's Slow Dancing in a Burning Room

I have known about this routine for several years now, every time I re-watch it I am blown away by how well done it is. I hope that you enjoy..

Concept - Wade Robson & Amanda Robson
Choreography - Wade Robson
Director and editor - Wade Robson. 
Choreographer assistant - Dana WIlson
Music - John Mayer/Slow dancing in a burning room

- J