Ho Cho & Kitchen Renovations

Why is it that no matter what age you are, we all feel the need to ask the proverbial question: what did you get for Christmas?? Even as an adult, we still compare notes after the holiday. At work, my fiancé and his coworker compared Home Depot gift cards. My BFF and I discussed iPhones and coffee makers…a far cry from the days of Nintendo games and ‘NSYNC cd’s. Even though the gifts might change as we get older, the sentiment still remains: we want to make sure we got better gifts than our friends.

This year, we were thrilled to find that Santa brought us a Keurig coffee maker. It sure was a surprise considering neither my fiancé nor I drink coffee. But ever so thoughtful, Santa was sure to include Hot Cocoa! We were also lucky enough to get a minor kitchen renovation for Christmas, so we spent the last few days sipping hot cocoa in our beautiful new kitchen (the first finished room in the entire house). Please enjoy a look at the “original” kitchen. Last year when we bought it, this is the sad sight that greeted us. I’ll post pics of the “new” kitchen soon!

 

Thanksgiving Countdown: 7 Days Left!!

Well, we have a week to go before Thanksgiving arrives. I know people say this all the time, but I really can’t believe how fast the Holiday season has come this year. This year, for the first time, my fiancé and I are hosting Thanksgiving for my family. I’m pretty sure my Grandma (who usually takes care of everything) thinks we are going to fail since she keeps offering lots of help! With only six prepping days to go, I’m starting to think we are going to need it! Luckily, the mister loves to cook, so this will be a fun adventure. My contributions are usually more of the baking sort, so when I found these adorable mini pumpkin pies, I just had to share! Tiffany over at Offbeat & Inspired posted this adorable idea last month. Check it out here, for the full recipe and more great pics!

Devilish Devil's Food Cupcakes by Ambrosia

With only one day until Halloween, it’s never too late to start celebrating. If you’re like me, then the best way to celebrate any holiday is by baking! I stumbled upon this great post (with beautiful photography) by Nina on her blog, Ambrosia.  

Devilish Devil's Food Cupcakes
Cupcakes from Epicurious, Frosting from The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook (available soon at French Toast)

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

1 cup boiling water
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature

For the Frosting

4 cups confectioner's sugar
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 tablespoons whole milk
1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract (to taste)
red food coloring (Wilton gel colors)

fondant, tinted black (for decoration)

For detailed directions, visit Ambrosia Baking.

1500th Pin!!!

Well, I’ve officially hit my 1500^th pin. I first saw these photos on an event planning blog last year. I had just decided to name my shop “French Toast” and was absolutely delighted when I happened upon these shots styled by Frilly Milly Events. We are planning a pre-grand opening event for friends and family, and I think these bite-sized portions are pretty perfect!!

(Lauren Blair Photography)

Please, sir, I want s'more...

Just a day after declaring that I would finally get in shape, I find out that it’s National S’more Day. Apparently August 10^th is ALWAYS National S’more Day! Who knew? Oh well, I guess I’ll just have to work out twice as much today.

(via)

1000th Pin!!!

It’s official: I’m addicted to Pinterest. As of July 2^nd, I’ve pinned 1000 images. Here is lucky number 1000! Yes, I know its July, and I pinned a gingerbread house…it’s just so cute! I’ll be happy I saved this image when the holiday season finally arrives.