Sunday, July 14, 2013

Some Things I've Tried

Originally I was going to post about our success (and trials) with potty training now that we are almost 100% there but as I was writing the post, I just didn't "feel" it.  If you happen to be someone who is struggling with potty training a kid, please send me a message and I will encourage you ;-)

Periodically, I like to post some random things I've tried that either have or have not worked.

As you probably know, I love the beach.  If we lived closer, the boys and I would be there every day that it was above 80 degrees and not raining.  I've seen an idea on Pinterest for awhile using this simple item --
What is one of the most difficult things to do when leaving the beach and getting in the car?  Getting all of that sand off your legs, feet, and arms.  Supposidly, if you used Baby Powder, it would brush right off.  I happened to remember to grab the container and throw it in the beach bag when we went to the beach on July 4th to try it out.  Once we got back to the truck, I shook some out on the boys shoulders and guess what, the sand brushed right off!  My feet were COVERED in still damp sand so I dumped some powder on my feet . .. the sand brushed right off.  Plus it makes you smell good too :-)  This is an item that will remain in the beach bag so I always have it when we need it!

As always, I love trying out new frozen drink recipes and this one I found on Pinterest - -
It is a Lime/Strawberry drink and was really good but a small glass is good ;-)  It's pretty tart but very refreshing.

The recipe is:  Blend 1 can frozen limeade, 1/2 can sprite, 2 cups frozen strawberries and the pulp of two limes. 

I cut the recipe in half . .. but ended up still using 1/2 can of Sprite Zero and left out the lime pulp. 

Recently, my husband told me that his favorite sweet treat is actually cupcakes.  I have to admit that baking cupcakes are not my strong point.  They tend to turn out dry or flavorless.  I found a recipe on Pinterest from Keep it Sweet Desserts for a Vanilla Cupcake with Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing and decided to try it.
This recipe makes 12 cupcakes and the batter worked out perfectly.  That never happens.  As you can see, the frosting didn't cover all 12 of my cupcakes . .. oops!  I have to say, we didn't care of these. The cupcake is very dense and heavy . . .not a light cupcake at all.  The frosting is fantastic.  I will keep that - next time I will make a box cupcake and make it "homemade" with the frosting!