Friday, May 31, 2013

Strawberry Cream Cake

As you know my friend Liz's 21st birthday was last week. She asked for a Strawberry Cream Cake so I flipped through some of my Southern Living magazines and came across a Strawberries and Cream Cake (found here). I decided that I would use their recipe for the Strawberry Jam filling but other than that I came up with my own combination of flavors. For the cake I figured a vanilla cake would be wonderful with the Strawberry filling. Lastly, I topped it off with a Cream Cheese icing with two drops of red dye to get a light pink color. Add a few sprinkles and tada a girly Strawberry Cream Cake.
 
Basic Vanilla Cake:
Ingredients:
 
1 1/2 cup(s) sifted cake flour
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
1/2 cup(s) (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup(s) sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature      
1/2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
1/2 cup(s) whole milk
 
Directions:
 
1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly coat an 8-inch cake pan with butter and dust with all-purpose flour. Sift the cake flour, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
2. Beat in the butter one heaping 1/4 teaspoonful at a time, using an electric mixer set on low speed, until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Beat in the sugar a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture resembles fine damp sand. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla and milk, and beat on medium-high, just until blended. Do not over beat.
3. Pour into the prepared pan and bake until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean 30 to 35 minutes. Cool cake in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
4. Un-mold and cool completely

Strawberry Jam Filling:
Ingredients:
4 cups mashed strawberries
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 (3 oz.) package of strawberry gelatin
 
Directions:
 
1. Stir together strawberries and sugar in a large saucepan; let stand 30 minutes.
2. Bring strawberry mixture to a boil over medium heat; boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in gelatin until dissolved; cool completely (about 1 hour). Cover and chill 8 hours.
 
Cream Cheese Frosting:
Ingredients:
 
4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 
Directions:
 
In a large bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer. With the mixer on low speed, add the powdered sugar a cup at a time until smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract.
 
 
I know that is a lot of different recipes but remember you could always use a boxed cake mix and store bought frosting. I promise it will still taste amazing either way!
 To make this cake layered I cut my two 8 inch cakes in half and then put three layers of the filling. Finally, I frosted the whole cake. 
Enjoy!

 
 
Lots of Love,  Natalie

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Workout Wednesday

Today is workout Wednesday and in honor of today I came up with this little workout yesterday. I completed it in under an hour and it was a really good workout so I decided I would share it with you. Now lace up those running shoes, grab a water bottle, and get going! Work hard!
 
 
Lots of Love,  Natalie

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Happy 30th Anniversary

Thirty years ago today my wonderful parents were married! I am so excited for them and only hope that one day I will have a marriage like theirs! Happy Pearl Anniversary Mom and Dad!!
 
 
 
Lots of Love,  Natalie

Monday, May 27, 2013

Friday, May 24, 2013

Weekly Favorites

My week started out wonderful by getting to Puppysit this adorable little girl named Lucy! I love dogs and she was so cute. After taking a little nap she decided it was time for her walk and started walking around with her leash. I mean how sweet and adorable is that! After, sitting her I decided when I do decide it is time for me to get another dog I want it to be a girl.
Jay and I had not played tennis in years and we have decided to start playing again this summer. Well, I am not going to lie we were not that great but are steadily improving. The best part is we have found two other couples to play with and look forward to playing doubles with them.  
Jay cooked for me for the first time this past week. He decided to make his Flank Steak and it was very tender, juicy, and full of taste. I will be posting the recipe for the Flank Steak next week so be sure to get it!
After, playing tennis I got to lay out. Finally pools are open and the weather is hot enough. Summer is here!
I made this Strawberry Cream Cake (recipe to come) and a Tissue Tassel Garland to celebrate my friend Liz's 21st Birthday! To make the garland check the post below this one!
 
 
I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! I am not sure what my plans are just yet for it but I sure I will get it figured out! Happy Friday!
 
Lots of Love,  Natalie

Thursday, May 23, 2013

D.I.Y. Tissue Tassel Garland

Yesterday was one of my good friends 21st birthday and I have been seeing these tissue tassel garlands everywhere. I decided I would make one for her party! I was suprised at just how easy this was to make. Also, best part one sheet of tissue makes four tassels. This tutorial was easy to follow and helpful. After gathering all my supplies and watching the tutorial I turned on Netflix to Season 3 of Gossip Girl and got to work. This was amazing because it added that extra little something to the party.
 
What You Need:
First, fold the tissue in half length wise or as I learned in elementary Hotdog style.

Second, fold the tissue hamburger style (width wise) and again.
 
Third, cut the tissue leaving about 2 inches at the top.
 
HINT: I used clips to keep the tissue closed and tight so I could cut straight lines.
Fourth, open it up and you will have four pieces
 
Fifth, twist at the center tightly
 Sixth, twist it together and secure it with a dab of hot glue
Last, string them onto the twine in a pattern and hang!


Lots of Love, Natalie

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Party Prep Time

Today is one of my good friend's 21st Birthday! She is the second to the last one in our group to turn 21 so it means we need to celebrate. I will be making a Strawberry Cream Cake today for her. I am also making the Tissue Tassel Garland in the top left corner to decorate just a little bit. I honestly love planning, decorating, and hosting a party! Check back in tomorrow to see how the cake turned out!


Lots of Love,  Natalie

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Babalu

As you know I am from Jackson, Ms. and Fondren is a hip area near downtown Jackson. It is full of chic little shops and restaurants. This area was also featured in the book turned movie "The Help" where it was restored to the way it looked in the 1960's. If you have not seen this movie it is wonderful but anyway back to Babalu. Babalu is a Tacos and Tapas restaurant that opened around a year ago. I have been planning to go but just never seemed to really get the time too.
While Jay and I were on our trip in San Francisco we came up with a little list of new restaurants that we need to make sure to try when we go home to Jackson. I have also decided I will post about each one when we do get around to visiting them. Well, the first one on our list was Babalu so once we got back from San Francisco we made sure to go before leaving to go back to Starkville.
Now, this is not your typical type of Mexican food. We both love Guacamole which is wonderful because they make fresh Guacamole table side. It tastes so fresh and light. The tacos may seem small but they are actually very filling and taste great. Also, you can do the combination which is what Jay did. That seems to be the best way to try three and figure out your favorite one. I would definitely recommend this to anyone visiting Jackson, Ms.


Babalu Address: 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, Ms. 39216


Lots of Love,  Natalie

Monday, May 20, 2013

Eats of San Francisco

As I mentioned last week we ate so much great food on our trip to San Francisco I really was not kidding. Here are our eats from San Francisco. If I had to pick my favorite it would probably have to be the Chicken Jerusalem from John's Grill. I have tried to list addresses for the restaurants but if you plan on visiting and have any questions feel free to ask! Happy Monday!
401 Columbus Ave San Francisco, CA 94133
Fresh Produce at Pier 39 Farmer's Market

Margherita Pizza at BottleRock Festival in Napa Valley
1200 Bridgeway Sausalito, CA 94965
63 Ellis St San Francisco, CA 94102
160 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133
251 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Lots of Love,  Natalie