Fresh Lavender and Honey Cupcakes

Last week I had the urge to put on my apron, turn on some music and whip up some cupcakes. I love when it is just me, my apron and mixer in the kitchen, it's my happy place. The week before I had visited the local herb festival with my mom, older sister and niece and picked up some fresh lavender. I knew I wanted to try to work it into a cupcake so I baked lavender and honey cupcakes and treated my coworkers.

 

Fresh Lavender and Honey Cupcakes

Recipe found here

Adapted from HuffPost Taste

Makes 12 cupcakes 

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

Purple icing coloring or red and blue food coloring (I used icing color gel and it worked great)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

2 tbs dried lavender buds

2/3 cups cold milk

For the frosting:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

3 tbs honey, plus a little extra for drizzle

Directions 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin tin with cupcake liners.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each egg. Stir in vanilla and food coloring.  

In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Chop the dried lavender buds into fine, very small pieces. Stir into flour mixture. 

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Stir in the milk.

Scoop batter evenly into lined muffin tins. Bake for 18-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of cupcake comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool in the tins for five minutes, then remove to wire rack to completely cool.

For the frosting:

In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese together. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low, until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract and honey.

Scoop frosting into a piping bag fitted with a 1M Wilton Tip.You can then pipe your icing on in a swirl design or to your liking. You can also ice your cupcakes with just a knife as well. 

Our house smelled so amazing as I pulled the cupcakes from the oven. The lavender gives off a relaxing and calming smell and mixed with the sugars and butter, it was to die for! I love this recipe because it is not your normal flavor and almost has more of a fancier taste. After trying one I said that I felt like I should be a spa enjoying it. Maybe wishful thinking but they are definitely a delicious treat with a calming aroma to them. Enjoy!

10 on Tuesday: Ten Must Haves In My Life

It's Tuesday and I am back to link up with Karli at September Farm again this week. This morning as I was getting ready to leave the house for work as I was sticking to my daily routine, of course, when I realized I was out of tea bags. Ahh! I am a very structured lady and every morning before I head out I fill my Yeti up with iced tea and hit the door running. Today I was out of tea! *Gasp* (First world problems) and of course I hadn't planned on this so I was not leaving early enough to stop by QuikTrip before work. Grrr, I hate mornings like this! It worked out and I decided I'll survive the morning without and will go at lunch for my beloved tea!

So, when I was thinking about what I should list for y'all today I've decided to share 10 things I can not live without! Of course there is God, Kyle, family, friends, Haddock, water, air...etc but these are first world problems to go without.

1: Well obviously I have to start the list with iced tea. I don't drink pop so iced tea makes my world function. I love sweet tea but hate the calories so I drink unsweet with sweet-n-low, I know I know cancer yeah yeah.

2: Showers, I would be a horrible homeless person for many reasons but I would die without showers. I almost always take two showers a day.

3: Along with showers my face wash. I'm constantly washing my face. I have really oily skin and if I'm not showering then I'm washing my face. When I used to go home on lunch breaks I would wash my face and redo my makeup everyday. 

4: Music but more specifically country music. I can't imagine a life without music! Concerts, car jams, dancing in the kitchen, cleaning house, workdays! How sad of a life without it.

5: Yoga pants. {Ladies lets all raise our hands to praise the yoga pants God} And I will go head and throw in sundresses because they are my yoga pants for warmer months.

6: Things found in my purse like my phone and lipgloss.

7: Peanut Butter, give me all the PB! Creamy, don't even think about handing me crunchy! But of course if that is all there is than pass the jar.

8: Exercise, I almost consider this a necessity like water and air. But my body literally feels like it is screaming at me when I don't have my butt in the gym consistently. And because I think maybe I should consider it a necessity then I will go ahead and say chips and salsa because well lets be honest, that is life.

9: Eight pillows. I just can't even trust people that sleep with one pillow or better yet, none! Whaatt?! I practically sleep sitting up because I love so many pillows! Ok I just counted, really it is only six. Just for me. Kyle knows I don't share!

10. This MAC eye base and primer. Love it! I use it everyday and I swear I have lazy eyelids so I get a lot of creasing but this primer helps dramatically. Definitely recommend it!

What are some your "necessities" that you must have in life?

         

Weekend with the Moms

Welp it's Monday again, sigh. This weekend was super productive but also very enjoyable. I spent Friday evening and Saturday trying to get our house in order and cleaned and then spent the better part of Saturday evening baking and cooking to prepare for Mother's Day celebrations. 

Sunday after church Kyle and I rushed back home to grab all the cakes and delicious side dishes I had made for both of our mom's lunch and dinner and grabbed Haddock too. My family decided to spend the afternoon with my mom at the park having a picnic. It was so fun despite the wind! It was seriously probably twenty mph and we spent a lot of time keeping everything from blowing away but it was still a great day! My little sister brought her dog baby too so her and Haddock had fun running the park. We played catch, my niece and nephew Jada and Trey came to see us and we just enjoyed the day with my mom!

Afterwards we headed to Kyle's parent's house where my brother in law and I made dinner for everyone. It was delicious and it was nice to just relax and out of the wind for this celebration! I sadly forgot to take any pictures while we were there but I guess we were just having too much to think about the camera!

I am so very thankful and appreciative of my mom as well as my mother in law! God could not have given me any better of a mom and he certainly blessed me with a great mother in law as well! I love them both and mom and Leslie I hope you both felt special, loved and appreciated this weekend!

{Photo dump of our picnic in the wind!}

 

 

     

Loving Others at Target

This is not my normal post but it is something that has been on my mind lately. We've all seen the controversy lately with Target as they have now changed their bathroom policies in store on April 19th to allow transgenders to use the bathroom of their choice. Most have a strong opinion one way or the other, some so strong they are boycotting the store and others spending even more time at Target. This post is not to make anyone mad, irritated or to influence others to think my opinion is the right way to think...it is just simply my thoughts on the whole scandal. 

I have seen more news articles, public posts, Facebook posts, etc on this topic than I care to read. I know, I know and here I am sharing another post but I just couldn't not share my thoughts. Take it for what it is and agree to disagree if you will but here it is.

Things I just don't understand, not only as an individual but as a Christian, in the way the mainstream world is reacting to the new policy. People are up in arms about how dangerous and "wrong" this policy is. I realize I am not a mom, and in no way do I pretend to know how it feels to be a mom, but why are parents so upset by this? Aren't transgenders everywhere? Do we boycott parks, restaurants, airports, post offices, grocery stores and so on? Because all of those places transgenders are there and could be right next to your child or yourself. Yes, I understand that the bathroom is a little more private and what if your child sees a body part that they are not used to seeing? However, it is just as likely to happen at parks and playgrounds. Protect your child in Target just as you would at any other public place. Go to the bathroom with your child or send in a friend or sibling if you can't go in. If you are really uncomfortable use the family restroom. This allows you to all go in as a family with a lock on the door. This is a great option!  

Now, with that being said. Why is it our place to judge transgenders? I am a christian and a believer and I can't help to think how many 'non-transgenders' have hurt many children. People in churches, not Target! If someone is a pedophile or a pervert do you think they care about Target's new policy? No. Those people do not care about their surroundings or store policies they will find a way to get to unattended children, as sad as that is. Who are we to jump to conclusion just because a man became a 'woman'? Aren't we to love everyone as Christ did us? Shouldn't we make those feel belonged and loved as Jesus did for us? ANYONE can hurt children, lets not be quick to judge those of different change.

As far as the boycotting...I get it, I really do. Standing up for your rights, but is it really our rights? A privately owned company with a new policy set in place. All we are doing as Christians is showing hate and the right of ours to fight publicly. If you choose to not support Target then that is fine and to each their own but publicly smashing it in transgenders faces is not the right way in going about it. And remember, those of you boycotting...this counts online shopping at Target too. They don't care how they get your money...just remember that this leaves you shopping at Walmart. This only leaves me more adorable items in the dollar spot, can't resist marked clearance items and all the too cute for words shoes, sundresses, pineapple candles, jewelry. If you are really wanting to fight back against the ban of accepting transgenders then you'll also need to get off your iPhone and Facebook as they both support. Along with a huge list of other companies that are bound to support something we don't agree with. Maybe it is time we love instead of shamming. That is all.

 

 

10 on Tuesday in My Life Lately

Well hello, I know I know it has been way too long! I'm back and hopefully to stay for awhile! I've missed my space so much and now that life has calmed down I'm ready to catch back up! Karli at September Farm created a 10 on Tuesday linkup a couple of months ago and I'm so excited to join the fun today! Since I have been away I thought it would be fun to share 10 things that I have been up to lately in life. 

1: Newest Member of the Family

Meet Haddock, the newest member of our family. He is seven weeks old and has completely stolen our hearts. We've talked about getting a dog for years and now we are so glad we held out for this stud. He is seriously the best puppy! At a mere seven weeks he is almost house broken, I'm so proud! He is incredibly smart, cuddly, playful and just what Kyle and I needed and just didn't know it.

2: Brecken's Birthday!

Our nephew Brecken turned three and we celebrated with a Mikey Mouse party! He was completely in love with his cake and it was the cutest thing ever!

3: Triple Berry Pie 

I made a triple berry pie for Easter and it was delicious! I will definitely be baking this one again, you can find the recipe here.

4: My Birthday

We celebrated my 31st birthday and this terrible picture was the only picture I took all day, bummer! It was a great day filled with church, lunch with my family, pedi and mani with my mom and sisters and then Kyle took me to dinner. Perfect!

5: Visit with Dear Friends

A couple of months ago I was in Oklahoma City for work and was able to see my dear friend Becca and her, too cute for words, daughter Adah! It was so good to see them both and Miss A is growing faster than I can keep up! Can't wait to see you guys again Becca! 

 {Sorry for the bad pictures...this is what happens when you just take phone snaps for mouths without blogging on the mind.}

6: Travel

I went to Point Clear, Alabama, Boise, Idaho and Salt Lake City, Utah in the past five weeks.

7: Easter

Easter was low-key this year. We celebrated with Kyle's family on Saturday the evening before with dinner and hiding and dying eggs with the boys. It was laid back and nice that Sunday wasn't rushed from church to brunch with my family. Check out this awesome Easter basket my mom made me, filled to the brim with fresh fruit and a few yummy treats! Even at 31 my momma still spoils me, she's the best!

8: Kyle Made Some Cute Memories

9: A Day Fishing & Roasting Hot Dogs

Spent a day fishing and roasting hot dogs with my family and friends! It was my niece's first time ever to fish so my dad was all about helping her learn the reel! AND her first time roasting a hot dog so my mom was thrilled to teach her the ropes of a campfire! She's a tiny bit of a true and true city girl!

10: Outtake

An outtake from church a couple weekends ago. We couldn't the four of us great at once but just like life, we might be busy but we're happy doing it together!

Whew, that was a MUCH longer than expected 10 on Tuesday but hey I'm back!

 

Black and White and Little to No Grey

Black and white and little to no grey...I've been told several times that I have little grey in my life. True statement, I tend to love something so very much, I'm obsessed and I can.not.get.enough OR I despise it, I hate it, no way, get.it.out.of.my.life! This describes me to a T! I mean sometimes I try to work on it and then I think, is it a bad thing? Nah. Then I go on loving or hating whatever. This creative little post on my space was inspired by Helene's at Helene in Between from her 'Things I Live for Post' and Sarah at Venus Trapped in Mars from her 'Blank Over Blank' post. So, I thought it would be fun to tell you a little more about the little lady behind Miss Southern, ME! 

I'm 100% completely obsessed with anything girly...monograms, bows, pink, heels, lip gloss, big totes, ruffles and pearls.

I can not stand sushi.

I LOVE Chip and Joanna Gaines from HGTV's Fixer Upper. Like IN. Love. I recently just discovered the show on Netflix and can not be more excited that season 2 is coming out in April! I mean, I have HGTV but would like to watch them in order, because I am crazy. However I feel like I'll give in soon. My birthday is next month and I want to celebrate by going to Waco to visit their shop, Magnolia Market at the Silos. And yes, I do realize this shows that I am turning 31.

I hate the color orange. I own one dress that could be seen as orange but I promise it is coral! ;)

I recently got in a wreak and when the girl hit me she sadly totaled out my car. People I loved my car, it was perfect and paid off! Sadly I was on a forced hunt for a new car however the hunt was short lived, thankfully. Because I know exactly what I love I knew I wanted another Acura and black on black. I found my new car within twelve hours of finding out mine was totaled. It is almost exactly the same as my old Acura but new! So, I love Acuras and lets just go ahead and say I obviously hate change!

I love fresh flowers but despise fake flowers and plants.

Love Twitter, hate Facebook.

Hate the taste of coffee, love the smell of it! I wish I liked it though, I really do. Hot chocolate on the other hand, love.

Love Chipotle, hate Qdoba.

Completely drawn to any pretty entertaining and dinning or kitchen dish. My favorite is going to TJ Maxx or Homegoods and strolling the aisles looking for a beautiful or adorable kitchen item I don't have already. Like these bowls, once Jessica posted them I.had.to.have.them! I mean HAD to have them! Problem, West Elm was sold out and not restocking. Thankfully I swiped this almost identical set  off Amazon before they sold out as well. Year made.   

Can't live without iced tea, gag on any iced tea made with the same filter as coffee. Y'all know the kind you get when you go through the drive-thru and you just KNOW they made a pot of coffee just before they brewed your iced tea? You can almost see coffee grinds floating in your drink...gross!

Swoon over anything copper plated or dipped. {Insert heart eyes emoji}

Nothing makes me happy like browsing the aisles of Target like there are endless hours to do so. 

Get me out of Wal-Mart forever.

I could live in sundresses for the rest of my life, my closest if full of them! And I could go the rest of my life without wearing tennis shoes again. (I do realize it would be hard to workout or hike or anything but besides those times, no thanks.)

Loved Blake and Miranda, hate Blake and Gwen.

Will stop dead in my tracks for a good lookin' pair of cowboy boots and will turn my head at anything that has a skull and crossbones on it.

Bring me all the baby goats and I'm one happy Southern lady!


I hope you guys enjoyed getting to know me a little better and have a great day!