Fluffy White Frosting

I know....2nd post of the day!  I am on a roll!  I am beginning my journey to become a cake decorator.  I do not plan on being an amazing one - just one that can decorate cakes that my kids will be proud of in future years.  My husband is loving the journey I am on because I make cupcakes to practice my skills on - so he has had a lot of cupcakes to eat!  (You would never be able to tell because he doesn't look like he has consumed many cupcakes.)  I found a recipe for fluffy white frosting on allrecipes.com and LOVE IT!!  It looks so pretty and even I could pull off some professional looking cupcakes!  I used the recipe below and the Wilton 1M decorator tip......Magic! (And it tastes like marshmallow cream.)

 Fluffy White Frosting

1 cup white sugar
1/3 cup water
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a saucepan, stir together the sugar, water and cream of tartar.  Cook over medium high heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubble.  In a medium mixing bowl, whip the egg whites and vanilla to soft peaks.  Gradually add the sugar mixture while whipping constantly until stiff peaks form, about 7 to 10 minutes.  Frost the cake of your choice.

(Some of the comments on the recipe says that it colors really well too!!!)  Enjoy!

Getting Creative with Trash! :)

When you are living as tight as we are - decorations for Holidays are not on the top of the list.  My hubby tries to humor me by looking at the things I make, but really doesn't see a need for decorations.  I do see the need for decorations when I am stuck at the house all day every day and need a little bit of excitement!  So I decided to start saving our trash.....aluminum cans, glass jars, egg cartons, toilet paper and paper towel rolls, etc.  Husband doesn't love this either - but he does love that I am not spending money on crafts!  This project was free for me since I had all the stuff already!

A few things I have learned:

1) Pickle jars (and a few other food items) will always smell like what was in them - no matter how many times you wash them!  

2) You never know when you are going to use some of that random craft stuff that you have laying around.

3) Never throw away your paper towel rolls if you cut vinyl because after you cut your design, you just roll it up and put it in one of those and you don't have to worry about it getting ruined!!  

I have been a little distracted....

by this....

I am soooo loving that it is 80 degrees outside right now and we can hop in the car and go to the beach at any time!!  Little man loves to find sticks and chase the birds all over the beach and jump in the water!  I really have been loving it....but a lot of beach going means I may need a new one of these.....

Yes is this not the cutest suit you have ever seen?  Oh you just wait....there are 54 more different patterns, designs, and colors waiting for you if you click here.  I must warn you though...if you are on a tight budget like mine....this suit is well out of reach!!!! Maybe I can convince my hubby to let me use my babysitting money (don't I sound like a teenager??)  Well back to 80 degree weather and the beach!!