Back on track...

First off, I want to do a bit of an update, from two posts ago - you can find that post here. It was a list of things I wanted/needed. I'm happy to update that I now have everything off of that list... well, almost.

The first item was a new Kitchenaid Stand mixer bowl. After going to about five different places (an outlet restaurant store, Home Outfitters, an appliance parts store and a couple others), and coming up with nothing, my awesome mother in law ordered me a new bowl from her work (Home Hardware). It should have been in last week, but there was a mix up and it went to the wrong store... but I *should* have it soon. And she offered to pay for it as an anniversary gift to us! Yay!

The next thing on the list was another baking tray for the cupcakes - and I got two more the other weekend, at the restaurant store I mentioned above, at a great price.

The third thing on the list was a cute apron, and I'm happy to say that I now have two aprons, as well! I got an "industrial" one, like one I use at work a couple weekends ago. Then, at Ikea, I got a super cute white one with cupcakes all over it!

Me, wearing my industrial apron:



My cupcakes apron, hanging up:



Finally, the last thing on my list was an Ikea kitchen island. Well, that one was full size and $300, but we found a smaller one that is perfect for what I need it for, at Ikea last weekend for $60! I know I posted it in the my last post, but here it is, again:



And, as promised, here is our new Ikea dresser:



I'm off to do a work out in the basement, then off to work. Happy Friday!

The perfect weekend.

Just the fact that I was off work all weekend was amazing. The fact that Paul and I planned a trip to Niagara Falls/Marineland/Ikea was even more perfect. The fact that it was our first wedding anniversary was unbelievable.

We started the weekend by getting up at 7am on Saturday, after dropping the pups off at Paul's parents' house the night before. We got gas, Red Bulls and then we were on our way to Niagara. It was a two-hour drive, but it was so nice just to spend that time together, as well.

As we approached the city, I took pictures of signs...






And pictures of Paul driving, and me... well, smiling...





Finally, we got to the casino/hotel where we parked the car for the afternoon.

We walked down to the strip, saw all the fun things to do, and entered the Wax museum of movie stars. It was well worth the $20 and we took lots of pictures, including these two:





Then, we went to see the Falls. We didn't go upclose and personal, as we didn't want to spend the extra money to go on the boat or walk behind the falls. We were happy just looking and experiences it from the lookout area above.





Then we headed down the road to Marineland! I've never been and Paul only went as a kid, so it was really fun for us! We went on a few rides, had icecream, and enjoyed the Buluga whales, dolphins and Killer Whale shows. We also pet deer, and saw swimming bears and buffalo.







We stopped at Ikea on the way home. We ate dinner (YUM!) and spend some money. We got a new dresser (picture to come later) and this new kitchen cart/island (which was my anniversary gift!)



Oh, and this was my other anniversary gift (cupcake stand)!!



It was the best weekend ever (after the wedding weekend, of course!). I am so sad it's over and we are back to work today. At least I have pictures and memories and stories to tell!

The never-ending list of what I think I *need*...

As mentioned in my post last night, I did a ton of baking yesterday. I made a total of 85 mini cupcakes in three different flavours - I don't even want to talk about how many time I had to wash my stand mixer bowl, not to mention the other mixing bowls, spatulas, etc. And, baking that many cupcakes with only *one* baking tray, that makes 24 at a time, is annoying.

So, for reference and in case anyone wants to buy me a random gift (kidding!), here's my ever-growing list of kitchen/baking must-haves:

First and foremost - A second Kitchenaid stand mixer bowl:



Also, another baking tray:



A new, cute apron - like these:



Okay, so those are the practical, realistic items that I want/need. Now, for the less likely object:

A kitchen island/kitchen cart - like this Ikea one:


(To me, it's necessary, but Paul says, "Not for $300". I guess he has a point.)

I guess I'll go made lunch now, then walk the dogs before I head off to work. Of course now all I'll be able to think about is that Ikea island... *sigh*

You're all kinds of beautiful as you end my day.

It's 1:15 am and I'm drinking coffee. I don't usually do this, but tonight I'm trying to stay up and work on my novel, since I was baking all day. Literally, I was baking cupcakes (about 85 of them, by the end of the day) all day. Of course I'd be working on my day off from work. Paul will be taking most of them to his work tomorrow, to sell. It's hard to believe that people are asking about them and are excited for the new flavour (I made Strawberry Shortcake cupcakes today). And by word of mouth, some people who haven't tried them yet and excited to choose from the three flavours (Red Velvet, Cookies and Cream, and Strawberry Shortcake). I also can't believe that we've almost made enough money to get me a new (second) stand mixer bowl, as anyone who has a stand mixer and does alot of baking knows... one bowl is not enough.

Anyway, the Red Velvets I made over the weekend were a huge success at the Girly Drink Party we had here, on Sunday.



And, of course, a picture of the new flavour, my first time baking with fruit - Strawberry Shortcake:



Also, if anyone is wondering why I don't post the recipes to the cupcakes, it's really just because I don't follow recipes exactly, ever. I am always adding or taking things out, putting in more of this or less of that. And I always make my own icing from scratch, where as alot of the recipes I use call for "One can of frosting". So, while I use recipes, I don't consider my cupcakes to be from any specific recipe.

So, yes, I'm drinking cold coffee and listening to the sounds of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 from across the room. I'm at the kitchen table and Paul is playing in the living room - that's what I get for wanting an open concept house. I should go upstairs so I can concentrate on writing, but who am I kidding? I'm blogging, anyway.

Oh, and just for good measure, here's an adorable picture (or two) of my pups.