Thursday, April 21, 2011

Blessing

I'm so proud of Kennedy and Kyle.  They are so amazing to me.  They are so brave and full of faith.  They are moving up the wedding to April 29th and will be sealed for time and all eternity at 1:40 p.m. in the beautiful Salt Lake Temple.  We are so excited for them and can hardly wait to  celebrate their marriage!  If you would like to learn more about a Latter-day saint wedding and what it means to be sealed please click here.  

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Trial

These past three days have changed my life forever.  I never imagined how it would feel when someone you loved would come to me and say, "Leslie, I have cancer."  I never imagined seeing the people I love so deeply sad, scared, but brave.  In these past two days, I've felt more pain, more love, more peace, more gratitude, and more faith than I think I ever have.  My sister and bosom friend Kennedy is engaged to another wonderful friend of mine, Kyle.  Monday, they found out that he has cancer.  We are waiting to find out more information and see what we will be doing to fight it.  I'm so proud of them and love them so dearly.  We will pull through this and I know that as we rely on the Lord, He will support us and give us strength. 

Monday, April 18, 2011

Sweet and Sour

The Sweet:
-Finals are over.
-I've learned a lot this semester.  I now feel so much more confident with the artsy fartsy world.  I loved my art classes and grew a lot as an artist.  My patternmaking class was intense.  A lot of time, and all about details.  As many of you know, I am as far from a perfectionist as it comes, so this was really difficult for me.  I now have the beginnings of a future in being able to create my dresses and that makes me excited.  It's pretty empowering to be able to see a picture of a dress and then go make the pattern for it.
-I'm dating my best friend, Jesse Foster Thomas.
-I'm headed to Jerusalem this fall!  This is a really weird feeling for me.  I have no idea what to expect, but from what everyone tells me, it will be one of the most incredible experiences I will ever have.  To walk where Jesus walked and focus on Him for 4 months, will change my life.

The Sour:
-This semester almost killed me.
-A word to the wise, do nottake 3 3 hour classes that all meet twice a week, while doing 14 credits and working 20 hours a week.
-Not to self, classes that start at 8:00 am or 7:00 p.m. are not for you.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Sew excited!!!

This spring, I'm taking a swimwear class and I am sew excited!  I've had the sewing bug all semester, but I've just been making patterns (which has been really hard, but really liberating).  I ordered my fabric today and I can't wait to get started!

Also, I think I'm going to be making my bridesmaid's dress for Kenn's wedding.  What do think about something like thisor this?

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Tonight, Katie and I are throwing Kennedy a bridal shower.  We are really excited and think that it will be a blast!  I tried out a recipe and am blown away by the results. :)

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

For the cupcakes

1 lemon cake mix and the ingredients that it calls for
1 lemon, juiced and zested. (both divided)

For the Frosting
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup pureed strawberries
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar (adjust to achieve desired consistency)

for the cupcakes
Prepare the cupcakes as directed, only add half of the lemon juice and zest.  Bake and let cook.

for the frosting

Cream butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.  Then add in the strawberries, vanilla and lemon juice and remaining zest.  Mix on low speed until combined.  *  Gradually add in the powdered sugar and mix until combined.  Then beat on medium speed until light and fluffy for an additional 3-5 minutes.  Add more powdered sugar if necessary. :)

If you want to pipe the frosting on (like is shown in the picture), you may want to double the recipe, and add more powdered sugar.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Buche bites

I made these today and they are sooo good!  I had an old brownie recipe that I loved, but was craving some buche de noel.  I made some changes and am thrilled with the results. These are a chocolaty, mocha, toffee delight.:)


Buche Bites

Ingredients

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons pero
2/3 cup vegetable oil (divided)
1/2 cup boiling water (measure accurately)
1 3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/3 cup flour
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 heath bars (crushed)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (melted)






















Directions

1.  Stir coca, pero and baking soda in mixing bowl. Blend in 1/3 cup vegetable oil.  Add boiling water; stir until mixture thickens.  (That is my favorite step!  I don't know why, but it is super cool!)  Stir in sugar, eggs and remaining 1/3 cup vegetable oil; stir until smooth.  Add flour, vanilla, almond extract, salt and 1/8 of the heath bars.
2.Pour into lightly greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 -35 minutes.
3. Remove and sprinkle the remaining heath bar bits on top.  Place back in warm oven for about 2 minutes. Remove and drizzle melted chocolate over the top.
4.  Enjoy!