Simple Pleasures

As I sit here sharing lunch with my little girl I am reminded of all of the little pleasures that life has to offer. I just recently lost a friend in a car accident and attended the funeral with a heavy heart. His young widow was full of grace and poise- very hard to sustain in such a situation. She has three boys for whom she is a rock. Sitting in the church listening to his handsome , strong boys read poems and tell stories, the memories came flooding back-I was in her same situation 4 years ago. I was a young widow with a 5 yr old. I had also lost my husband in a car accident. It was almost too much to bear.
Moving on thru that time in my life and watching my friend's boys tell stories of their beloved Dad Shawn was such a strong reminder to stop and enjoy the little things that seem unimportant at the time. Rejoice in those bedtime snuggles. Let the dishes go and have tickle fights with your kids. Kiss your spouse slowly and tell them you love them- every day. For these are the things that they remember.
As a feeling of warmth and love washed over me I decided to run with it and make cupcakes- yes, you knew I'd work that theme into this post- with my two year old. Hah! What an adventure and a huge mess! But what fun we had. There was icing on her bald little head, and batter on the floor. My little love had so much fun that she needed a bath and a nice long nap. I need some coffee and a cupcake. No naps for this mama!
Need something to do with the kids this weekend? Make a memory and try these- A bit healthier , but oh so yummy!

APPLE BANANA CUPCAKES
INGREDIENTS
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2/3 cup shortening
1 1/4 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 cup ripe bananas, mashed
2 apples - peeled, cored and shredded

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F . Grease and flour 24 muffin cups, or use paper liners. Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and buttermilk. Beat in the flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Fold in the mashed bananas and shredded apples. Fill each muffin cup half full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool.

I didn't have the time to make the icing too, so we drizzled cream cheese icing over the top. YUM!
Looking for cupcakes with a few less calories? I just added this fridge magnet to my store http://www.halfpintboling.etsy.com/ - and it won't add width to the hips! It can be personalized with your name, your kid's names. or anything that strikes your fancy. SWEET!

I have some MORE- yes more- cupcake crafters to share with you today! Their stores are full of beautiful hand-crafted items that will wow your senses!

RKDSIGN88 CUTE AND FUN ARTS

http://www.rkdsign88.etsy.com/

Perfect for a young ladies bedroom or for anyone who is a cupcake enthusiast, "My Lovely Cupcake" is a joyous expression of sweetness! This is a print from an original painting. It is a 5"x7" including the 1/4" white border around the picture. It is signed & titled by this amazing artist. She uses high quality Epson matte paper & archival ink, and also prints & hand cuts all of her work. So it is truly handmade by the artist!

Aren't these cupcake gift tags yummy and adorable? This Cupcakes Gift Tag Set is a PDF File. You can print this as many times as you need!*** Right now, the artist is having a Special offer, buy one get one FREE of "Gift Tags Set" Printable PDF of your choice from her shop! It includes 6 of 2”x4” tags or 6 of 2”x2” folded cards, and features 3 cupcakes design. She includes an instructional sheet too. If you need something special to add to a gift or maybe a thankyou for a customer, these cards are perfect. Please stop in for a visit- her designs are a treasure of sweet hand crafted goodies!

SMOX Unique Children's Items

http://www.smox.etsy.com/

My little one loves to paint or create with anything that seems to make a gigantic mess. I hate stripping her down to a diaper, because our old cabin can get drafty. I found something beautiful and practical that will protect her clothing! SMOX! When I'm shopping for my girlies clothes, I want clothes that are hardy and will last awhile, or at least until they outgrow them. Especially in today's economy, keeping costly kids clothes looking good for as long as possible is a good investment. This beautiful SMOX is available in your choice of sizes in pink, adorned with the cutest little cupcake, lined with pale pink flannel, and bound with pale blue. All seams are double sewn for durability. SMOX are eating aprons originally designed over 20 years ago. Quality and durability- you can't go wrong! Please make a visit to http://www.smox.etsy.com/ and shop all of the beautiful choices. She has something for everyone's taste!

SHELLEYBEANS BOWTIQUE

http://www.shelleybeansbowtique.etsy.com/ue.etsy.com/
For handmade bows with an amazing attention to detail with high quality materials, this Boutique is the place to shop! My little one does'nt have hair yet, but when she does, I'll be purchasing this cupcake print pinwheel bow! The bow artist will also custom make your bows to your specifications. Upon request, alligator pinch clips can be semi-lined with coordinating grosgrain and a non-slip strip for extra grip on super-fine hair at no additional charge. These bows look especially sweet on babies when added to a headband! Bows come professionally packaged on bow cards and carefully wrapped in tissue, perfect for gift giving!

I also had to share my absolute favorite bow in this sweet lil' Bowtique! As you can tell, animal prints are a fave in our household. This mixture of pink and zebra has me wanting to make outfits in these colors by the dozen. Beautiful! The quality and attention to detail is quite obvious in this gorgeous creation.
For more beautiful hair candy,please visit http://www.shelleybeansbowtique.etsy.com/. Be careful, you'll want one of each!

Have a wonderful day and please remember to make some memories with your loved ones today! Amber