My mom went for a run and I'm making cupcakes...

We got this beautiful new stove, so I new I had to bake something.

Then I saw Joy the Baker's recipe for Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting, and they were calling out to me.  They were perfection! 

Everyone needs to stop what they are doing and make these! 

*I left out the dried cranberries and walnuts. Next time I think I'll try cutting the vegetable oil with applesauce because I don't think it would effect the texture.  I would also halve the frosting next time because I don't have enough self restraint to have a bowl of extra cream cheese frosting in the fridge.  

I'm going to try freezing it.  I read that if you let it thaw in the fridge and then whip it again, it will be okay.

 Nothing says "spring" like leopard print cupcake liners, right?

I did make it out for a jog yesterday and that's got to count for something!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I have always loved Valentine's day.  It combines my love of sending mail with my love of crafting and chocolate!  Last year I made valentine's with DIY yarn stamps and my first red velvet cake.  You can find that post here.  The ladies at the children's museum remembered how much I loved Valentine's day crafts last year, so they let me take the reins on the activities this year.  I made "lovebugs" and "Bee mine" bees with pipe-cleaners, pompoms, and googly eyes.

I had to relearn how to make woven paper heart baskets. 

I also created a kid version of this "I love you more than..." card that I found on Buzzfeed.

Here are a few recipes I would love to try if I can find the time:

This simple heart-shaped cake

and these adorable pie crust cookies from Joy the Baker.

(Note: Click photos for recipes)

What are your Valentine's plans?