Red Velvet Cupcakes

I love baking.  I always have, which has probably contributed to my major sweet tooth.  I made these cupcakes a while ago, and they were probably the best cupcakes I have tasted!  Enjoy!!

(Sorry these are not photographed well, I need to get better with that, I mean I have taken two photography classes, I shouldn't have an excuse!)

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Ingredients 
1 box red velvet cake mix

1 box (3.9 oz) chocolate instant pudding

1 package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup  butter, softened

1 bag (16 oz.) powdered sugar (about 4 cups)

1 cup thawed cool whip

1.  Make cake mix according to package instructions for cupcakes adding the pudding in the batter.

2.  While cupcakes are baking, beat cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until well blended.  Gradually add sugar.  Whisk in cool whip.  Put icing in gallon size ziploc and cut tip off of the bag (about 1/2 inch in).

3.  After cupcakes have cooled, take the handle end of a butter knife (or any other similar kitchen utensil) and make a small hole in the middle of the cupcakes.  Fill hole with icing and then ice the top of the cupcakes.  I recommend going in a circle, starting on the outside.  Very easy but looks professional!  And oh so yummy!

I'm linking up with the parties below.  Head on over for some delicious recipes!

Thank you Mail(wo)man!!

My mail lady just brought these to my doorstep.  I cannot wait to play!  

Thank you grandparents for the Christmas cash to satisfy my crafting cravings!  (The alliteration was unplanned, but I like it).

Christmas Gift Projects

I didn't intend to take such a long break, but I was incredibly busy before Christmas with shopping, making and wrapping presents.  Then during the holiday I enjoyed time with our families.  And then I developed a cold that turned into a sinus infection so I haven't been doing much the past week besides work and sleep.  Yesterday was my New Years holiday so after staying in bed for a really long time I took down our Christmas decorations and strategically put them away in one tiny closet.  Now I can work on more projects!  But first I have to organize our office/craft room/storage room/laundry room extension.  So I might have to take another small break to get that knocked out!  

But I wanted to share what I made for Christmas gifts this past Christmas!  I learned the very basics of sewing Monday before Christmas (which was Saturday) and sewed my last gift Christmas morning.  Yes I am a procrastinator.  

My first project: A camera strap for yours truly.  

I started with something for myself because I didn't want to mess up a gift.  It was a success for my first ever project!!

Decorated Dish Towels

I used a stencil I purchased and fabric paint to make this fleur di lis.  The towels were flour sack towels from Target (also available at Sam's Club).

For this towel I sewed black and while striped ribbon on.  I LOVE this ribbon.  I have discovered through clothing purchases that I am currently obsessed with stripes.  This is evidence.

Bed Buddy 

I will be making more of these!!  It is a replacement for a Bed Buddy (the thing you put in the microwave to put on your neck or other sore parts).  The purple fabric is a cover that can be removed and washed.  

Fleur Di Lis Tote

No actual sewing involved here, but I cut out a circle (using a plate as my shape to trace) from black & white polka dot fabric and used heat n bond to adhere it to a canvas bag.  Then I used freezer paper to make a fleur di lis stencil.  Check out this tutorial for freezer paper stencils.  The freezer paper worked better than the stencil I purchased!

Point and Shoot Camera Strap 

Super quick and easy, but so cute!

Another towel.  I used a doily from the dollar store and adhered it with stencil spray adhesive and painted over it with black fabric paint.  Sorry this picture is so blurry, I was in a rush and just now realized it!  This was my favorite, I didn't want to give it away!  But I did.  :)

A simple cute little birdy using green fabric paint and a freezer paper stencil.  

For this one I made a ruffle (so easy and good practice for beginning sewers) out of black and white polka dot fabric and sewed it on.  Another fave.

And a red ruffle for UofL fans.

I had planned to make other things but ran out of time.  So next Christmas it is!!  I'm excited to really get into sewing now and making lots of fun things.  There are LOTS of babies and baby showers coming up so they will probably be baby projects (not for my own though!)

And I can't do a Christmas post with out showing off my adorable nephews at Christmas.

Santa Claus, err, Elijah on Christmas with the gifts he brought.

I just love this one!!  He LOVES cameras and flashes!  He knows when you're taking a picture and gives a big grin!  Holding him is Grandpa (my dad).

This made me laugh!  Not intentional but he didn't mind.  Oh, if you were wondering, yes I bought that adorable onesie he is wearing.  

And this goober had fits of hating the camera and then just tolerating it.  No smile, just a second of toleration.  Love him to pieces though!!

The cutest nephews on the block

I just may be biased, but these boys are the cutest nephews around.  I can't wait to see their cute faces in a few days and to cover them with hugs and kisses!  The oldest (Ethan) may not cooperate, but Elijah sure will!

 Baby obsessed with paper+jewelry catalog=happy baby! (unhappy dad)

Isn't that face just the cutest?! He's such a happy kiddo.

So deep in thought, probably planning a paper attack.

Ooo camera!

Would some one please come play with me?

Yayy! More paper!

Teething baby+Aunt Lauren finishing off a 2 liter of Diet Coke=a fabulous toy!  Too funny!

Isn't that awesome?! My mom finds *awesome* deals at a local flea market. Me on the other hand, I get way too overwhelmed at a flea market and "flee" the store!  Wow, my jokes are corny.

Hard core biker dude.

Elijah already liking the mo-mo!  Big brother isn't up for sharing just yet...

Darn, why did I look down & ruin the picture?

 

Ethan loves Uncle Brett!

 

 I just couldn't pass up posting this face.

Probably begging for him to give me a hug.  

At least he's sitting still.

Come back next week for Christmas pictures with these cuties.  Can't wait to watch them open presents! 

Now off to wrap said presents...