Wknd Pics

{Weekend Recap in Pictures}

FRIDAY

{wine + kilwin's fudge}

{baily, jenny, me} 

SATURDAY

 {orlando chili cook-off minus the chili + live music!}

{dirty feet}

{me and bai backstage}

 {baily, me, heather}

 {Plain Jane Automobile!}

SUNDAY

 {dr. pepper + bikini + fl sunshine}

 {Jax trying to catch the creature cleaning the pool}

{new cupcake: mexican chocolate. healthy-delicious-vegan friendly}

the end.

Weekly Recap

{via Letters From Coco}

in one word or phrase- holy smokes batman! tgif.
I am dreaming of you-

song on repeat- My Chemical Romance-Sing {fell in love it last week on Glee}

gotta write it down- "That's the risk you take if you change: that people you've been involved with won't like the new you. But, other people who do will come along." -Lisa Alther
lesson learned- Owning your own business is not for the faint of will; and not to stress over small things...getting better at this each week!
picture to frame- {Shuttle Discovery - 39th and final launch. I get goosebumps every time. So sad to see the ending of NASA. Only 2 more shuttle launches. Godspeed!}

highlight of the week- purchasing "susie" {susan g. komen kitchenaid mixer}; being able to breathe this week; seeing friends on monday; a certain someone leaving me presents on my doorstep.
weekend to do list- RELAX; girls/wine night in Winter Park tonight; soak up some sun; chili cookoff and concert to benefit special olympics

Have a great weekend friends!

WILW

{link up here}

I am loving that it's Wednesday!

I am loving that I used my tax money to make a great investment... a KitchenAid Artisan Mixer, the adorable Susan G. Komen pink one! It's like buying a pair of Christian Louboutin's! Can't wait til it arrives

I am loving Knott's Shortbread Raspberry cookies. Yes that is a picture of a WHOLE bunch at Ross (random!). Let's back up a minute though... I am rather OBSESSED with these cookies. I would eat the entire row when our vending machine at work was stocked with them. Seriously, I would eat one little pouch a day at around 3pm. Our vending people haven't stocked them in awhile and I have been rather sad and haven't been able to find them in the store. I about screamed when I was in Ross and saw them. Made this gal happy! I would have bought all of them but I controlled myself and only bought one box.

I am loving the margarita I had at home last night for national margarita day.

I am loving my little piggy. Yes, I have yet another name for my sweet Jax. He makes the funniest noises. Sometimes he sounds like a horse when he lets out a sigh but most times, while he is sniffing something, he makes pig noises. LOVE HIM. Except the poor thing got sick at 4am this morning and would not go back to sleep...leaving me exhausted. I snapped this photo of him last night...I figured out how to turn off the flash (bc he hates flashes of light) so he couldn't tell I was taking a picture of him! I felt rather sneaky.

{im on a pc at work and have no idea how to lighten this picture up, sry!}

Tonight I am going to attempt baking pupcakes-cupcakes for dogs! Jax and Shadow (my parents' dog; Jax's bro) will be the testers.

I am loving this FL weather! Unfortunately, I am stuck inside 8hrs a day. Boo.

What are you loving today??

Pardon My Absence

Pardon my absence friends!

{FYI-this is a rather long weekend recap post}

Friday I was in the kitchen all night baking cupcakes for a local blogger, Christina of Skip To My Lou! They turned out so cute! I got to use these temporary cupcake boxes that I just adore but are not affordable for multiple orders, so while I am waiting for the inexpensive, but cute, boxes to come in... I ordered a few of the expensive ones.

I tried to soak up some Vitamin D Saturday. It was a ridiculously warm and sunny weekend. Wish I could have had the time to hit up the beach. Maybe this weekend, but I think I heard a rumor that a cold front was coming through. I wouldn't mind that. Anyways, I was basically tortured by a wasp. It would not leave me alone. I tried to kill it but he came back for revenge so I just went back inside. Yes, I let a wasp defeat me.

Sunday was busy with baking samplers to be given out for Monday. Unfortunately I encountered a big fat FAIL. I was going to do a sampler of mini cupcakes, 4 flavors...Red Velvet, Carrot, Chocolate, and Vanilla. The vanilla cupcake tasted wonderful out of the oven. Not so much the next day. It was like rock hard. This is the second time I have had problems with baking vanilla cupcakes! It's making me mad. (Any good recipes you may have for moist vanilla cupcakes is welcome) For the frosting of these vanilla cupcakes, I was going to do strawberry! But that turned out awful. The frosting and the strawberry puree were separated and I could not get them to combine. I seriously mixed the frosting for a good 30 minutes. I added powedered sugar...nothing. I added heavy whipping cream...nothing. So I had to call it.... FAIL. Thankfully I had extra of the red velvet and carrot I could use in place of the vanilla failure. This is all a learning experience and I continue to amaze myself by not completely freaking out.

So, I had yesterday off (from my job that pays the bills) and spent the entire day delivering the cupcake samplers (which I failed to get pictures of, they were so cute too!) IT WAS HOT yesterday. I was NOT prepared for this. I haven't used my air conditioning since last Sept? Well...I found out yesterday that it isn't working! Perfect. So I tried my best to hide the cupcakes from the sun. The whipped topping on the chocolate cupcakes melted on some of the samplers. I was so embarassed and felt unprepared and made sure I apologized for it. Despite getting lost while trying to deliver an order, sweating bullets, spilling food on my cardigan, and melted frosting... the response I get from people loving my cupcakes made it all worth while and makes my heart smile. "Spreading LOVE-one cupcake at a time"

Hopefully today I will be able to catch up on your blogs!

Weekly Recap

In one word or phrase- another day, another dollar 

I’m dreaming of you- vitamin D and a beach getaway
Songs on repeat- Zac Brown Band Colder Weather; Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson Don't You Wanna Stay

Gotta write it down- "A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are."
Lesson learned- The meaning of true friendship; and that I am so blessed to have family and friends(bloggers) who support me a whole heck of a lot than the people I use to consider "friends". Some people's true colors have been shown recently.  It's heartbreaking but it's a part of life.

Picture to frame-

Highlights of the week- Dinner with a super awesome friend; getting things for Michabella's Cupcakery!; card (pictured above) from my favorite gal in NY
Weekend to do list- Bake cupcakes for a cupcake order!; Swim-Bike-Run; Soak up some Vitamin D with Jax; hw; hopefully seeing the sister; Wine Room!!!; Bake MORE cupcakes; church; package cupcake samplers and deliver them around Orlando since I have Monday off; then hopefully doing some more soaking up of the Vitamin D!

Have a lovely weekend friends!!


ps- check out my business card inspiration post!

WILW

{link up here}

I am loving all the love and support I have recieved from all of y'all. I can't express how much it means to me. THANK YOU!

I am loving Raspberry Saketini's from my favorite sushi restaurant. These are dangerously delicious. I had one last Friday, and am already desiring another!

I am loving this cute cupcake necklace my sweet friend Casie gave me, along with other cupcake cuteness!

I am loving being chosen as blog of the week over at Katie's blog! What an honor!

I am loving these funfetti cupcakes I made for a special order for Michabella's Cupcakery. They were SO good! The chocolate buttercream frosting was even better. It was my first time making both! I need to figure out a way to make the buttercream frosting's a little thicker though. Oh and I decided I am an anti-fondant cupcakery, unless requested. It's just so fake. I do like the little fondant rolled roses though. Sorry...completely random thoughts.

I am loving my BlackBerry. The new one I have, BB Bold 3G, and my previous one have AMAZING camera's on them! Seriously, I refuse to use my own camera. The quality is great. All the pictures you see in my blog posts (minus the ones from weheartit.com) are all taken by my BB. Love it.

And of course, I am loving my bubby! Jax and I overslept this morning. It was so hard to get out of bed with this lil man cuddled up next to me.

What are you loving today??

LOVE!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!

Love y'all so much!

We love because He first loved us. -1 John 4:19

To all my single ladies:

I woke up depressed and bitter. I am sure I wasn't the only one. I told myself I wouldn't get this way today...but it came as soon as I rolled out of bed. Wishing I could stay home instead of being surrounded by women with roses on their desks. Why couldn't I have woken up and it miraculously be Feb 15th? It's been nothing but let downs this past weekend and today.

Then, I was reminded by a sweet friend on Twitter this morning that I have a love that's unconditional and better than a love from any man! How quick am I, are we, to forget that?! What a gift that is! He will never let me down. He will never let you down. Let's soak that in today. Let that be our comfort. Share His love with those around you.

----

Valentine's Day Discount!

25% off items in Sandyalamode's shop! (Today only!)

CODE: IHEARTYOU

Pray for him!

One of the best and most important things you can do for your husband, fiance, or boyfriend is to pray for them. Since Valentine's Day is around the corner, I thought this would be the best time to share this. It is taken from one of my daily devotional emails. Enjoy!



Pray for:

-His Head - That he will look to You as Lord of his life. (1 Corinthians 11:13)
-His Mind - That he will have the mind of Christ and think as the Holy Spirit would lead him and not the flesh. (1 Corinthians 2:16)
-His Eyes - That You will keep his eyes from temptation and that he will turn his eyes from sin. (Matthew 6:13, Mark 9:47)
-His Ears - That he will hear Your still small voice instructing him. (1 Kings 19:12, Psalm 32:8)
-His Mouth - That his words will be pleasing to You. (Proverbs 19:14)
-His Neck - That he will humble himself before You and be strong, courageous, and careful to do everything written in Your Word so that he will be prosperous and successful. (James 4:10, Joshua 1:8-9)
-His Heart - That he will love and trust You with his whole heart. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Proverbs 3:5)
-His Arms - That You will be his strength. (Psalm 73:26)
-His Hands - That he will enjoy the work of his hands and see it as a gift from You. (Ecclesiastes 3:13, 5:19)
-His Feet - That You will order his steps and that he will walk in Your truth. (Proverbs 4:25, Psalm 26:3)

The Daily City

Michabella's Cupcakery was featured on The BEST Blog in Orlando: The Daily City!

{Click here} to view the article and see the video review as Mark Baratelli introduces Michabella's newest cupcake!

THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

Well... Thursday is finally here! 

{so sorry for being MIA}

Time to make my big announcement! 

Many of you know my passion is cupcakes and my dream is to one day have a cupcake shop...

...well I have decided to make that dream a reality....

Allow me to formally introduce y'all to Michabella's Cupcakery!

{pronounced MISH-a-bella}

BLOG - FACEBOOK

Pretty ain't she? A big huge thank you to Lindsey of Scenic Glory!!! She did so great with the ideas I gave her (which were slim to none)! You must check out her blog and especially if you need any designing done for Blogger, she is your gal!!! 

For now, Michabella's Cupcakery is a home based bakery specializing in cupcakes and serving the Orlando, FL area. {Great excuse to come visit, eh eh?!} I am currently trying to figure out how to ship/package cupcakes and whatnots...I will keep you up to date on that progress. 

I seriously can't thank you all enough for the support and love you have given to me. Forever grateful for  it. Thank you in advance. Love y'all!

Get to Know Me

{Why did you create your blog?}

To journal about my life, inspirations, lil treasures, cupcakes, faith and love. Never thought blogging would have such an impact on my life as it has in the past year. BEST.THING.EVER.

{What kind of blogs do you follow?}

I follow all different types of blogs! I follow blogs that I can relate to the author. I follow creative and fashion blogs, cupcake/baking blogs, and blogs about faith. I love to follow blogs that I can carry on conversations with outside of Blogger about life, love, whatever! That's where the friendships are made.

{Favorite makeup brands?}

Having been a Clinique Consultant, Clinique is my FAVORITE! Victoria's Secret lip glosses are another fav. and not just because they taste good.

{Favorite clothing brands?}

I have many favorites but they are not in my budget. The popular brands in my closet are: Forever 21, Old Navy, H&M.

{Your indispensable make-up product?}

Well, I don't have just one. Mascara, eye liner, eye-brow liner and bronzer.

{Your favorite color?}

Black. It never goes out of style. Goes with just about anything. I do have color crushes for each season. I can't wait to wear bright colors come Spring!

{Your perfume?}

Depends on my mood, where I am going, who I am going with. My everyday work perfume is Betsey Johnson. If I am going on a date I will normally wear CD J'adore. Sometimes I'll spice it up with some Juicy Couture. Rawr.

{Favorite film?}

Am I seriously only suppose to post one? That's just impossible. But if my life were on the line and I was asked this question... It would be Pride & Prejudice. ALL.TIME.FAVORITE.

{What country would you like to visit and why?}

Oh how I would love to backpack through Europe!!!! Is that a country? Don't laugh at the slow kid alright. Austrailia would be awesome too.

{Write your own question and answer it yourself - What's your dream job?}

Fabulous question! That'll be answered Thursday. Hint hint. Wink wink. Nudge nudge.

{Got this idea from A Hasty Life. Play along!}

Absent

Friends...

Please excuse my absence this week!

Extremely busy with school, Tri training, and "the big announcement" coming Thursday!

In the mean time...

Please enjoy these adorable Kate Spade NY E-Valentines {here}!

(my email address is pinkstarr403@yahoo.com - wink wink)

Miscellany Monday

{link up here}

ONE. Sometimes I feel like I can't breath. Especially right now. My class this month is so time consuming. I thought it was going to be a breeze. It isn't. It's Music History. I love music and am enjoying listening to different styles but I have to listen to 5hrs of assigned music each week. On top of that I am Triathlon training. Loving it, but that too takes up a lot of my down time. I work 8 hours a day and value the time I have left of the day. I like to be in bed by 10pm...that's the dilemma. I need to spend time with my puppy...taking him on walks in the evening to get him outdoors and suck the energy out of him. Then there is planning for my big announcement that is coming Thursday (those of you following me on Twitter, already know, hence why you should have Twitter...just sayin') and the future of that, which I am very excited about, but still...There just aren't enough hours in the day! I just needed to take a deep breath typing all of this! Goodness me. Pray for me!

TWO. Loving this Kate Spade NY Tumblr I found thanks to Anna of IHOD! It's so lovely!

THREE. I wasn't all that impressed with the Superbowl this year. I did have a lovely time with my lil wildflower, Baily! Love her and am so blessed God placed us in each other's lives.

FOUR. Jenni from Story of My Life is posting her love story this week!!! Part 1 went up today, I have been waiting for many many months to hear this story! I love this girl, her blog, her writing, and her sense of humor. And yes, I am a sucker for love stories... A hopeless romantic.

FIVE. I was featured on Scenic Glory's blog Sunday! Did you see it?

SIX. Some music for your soul:

Have a lovely Monday!

This is why...

...I love living in Florida

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday friends!!

I am guest posting over on my beautiful bbf Shawni's blog {A Spponful of Love} today!

{read the post here}

FF

Happy Feature Friday Friends! 
Grab the button, spread the love, and link up!
 
Don't know what Feature Friday is? {Click Here}

<a href="http://michabella.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v398/pinkstarr403/FF.png" /></a>  

MELISSA of {WRITE IT IN LIPSTICK}

She is an adorable stay at home Mom who has two precious little boys and an amazing husband. Her blog is about the effort she makes to stay fashionable while changing diapers and wiping noses.

ANNEMARIE of {BRUNCH AT SAKS}

Brunch at Saks is one of my daily reads about interior, fashion, and lifestyle. Her posts always make my eyes smile.

Vintage Collegiate Wedding

I stumbled upon this adorable blog/blogger today: Alison or {av} of {Long Distance Loving}.

Yes, I realize I have been living under a rock!

I was blown away by pictures of her vintage collegiate wedding! Absoutely stunning...every single thing about it! Love the vintage, all-american feel.

Featured in:

{Southern Living Weddings}

{Martha Stewart Weddings}

Freedom

+

"I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40:1-2

God is good. He provides a defense mechanism for those experiences that are beyond our ability to face. He gently tucks them away until we are ready. When we bury pain alive, it keeps popping up at unexpected moments. Pain must be dealt with and buried...dead. Freedom from the pit of darkness demands a confrontation of our past, straining every experience through the truth that all things work together for our good. The will of God admits no defeat and penalizes no one. We can allow our past to defeat us or empower us. Harnessing the power of the past is a compelling weapon in the war against darkness.

Let go.

Oh, Hello February!

Happy February friends!

For all who commented regarding my breakfast post, THANK YOU!

I ate breakfast today and LOVED it. Yes, 'tis true! I am putting so much interest on breakfast because I am triathlon training and need to get into this healthy wholesome routine. Breakfast IS the most important meal of the day!

I apologize if this post bores you or is of no interest to you.

After work last night, I went to the grocery store to get some things to bake cranberry breakfast muffins (Publix brand of Grape Nuts and cranberries), fresh strawberries, bagels, Publix brand vanilla yogurt. I may or may not have snuck in a pint of Ben&Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie.

I quickly learned that preparation is key. I value my sleep. In order to save my sleep I need to prepare breakfast the night before. So I cut up the entire package of strawberries and put them into two bags. One to put in my yogurt in the mornings (finely chopped), and another for snacks (cut into halves). Then I stuck those bad boys in the freezer.

Then, I baked these delicious and super easy cranberry breakfast muffins! Set one aside for breakfast in the morning, and threw the rest into a bag and stuck in the freezer (I found this was a popular breakfast go-to by y'all). I decided to use the Publix brand of Grape Nuts as a topping for my yogurt with the strawberries. So, I poured some into a baggie to take to work with me.

I gave myself an extra 5 minutes this morning to put together my lunch box, and it was all I needed!

This morning's breakfast:

Oh, hello yummy goodness.

Have a lovely Tuesday!

ps- I am 99% better, finally! Still have stuffy nose and congestion but nothing like last week/this weekend. Thanks again for all the get well wishes!

Tell It To Me Tuesday

{link up here}

(write about what the heck is bothering you)

+People who misspell common words. There is just something about it that urks me. I always proof read my blogs multiple times before pressing "publish" and even with text messages! (I just re-read this to make sure I didn't misspell anything...HAHA wouldn't that have been funny?!)

+Texting while driving! Okay...I have been guilty of this, but now I only text or read an email at a stop light. The state really needs to make a law and ban it. It's dangerous. I have seen way too many drivers focused on their cell phones instead of the road. What is so important that it can't wait?

+Gun Laws. The government and state seriously need to put higher restrictions on who can buy a gun. I am tired of hearing about the men in blue being shot and killed. I am tired of crazies shooting up people.

On another note....I am loving these Hersey's Kisses-Caramel: