It seems like the older I get, the more busy my life becomes. Does anyone else feel like this? Maybe we just have more things around us to grab our attention (social media, television, internet, etc.) along with our everyday life. Between working a full-time job, being a mom, a wife, taking care of home … Continue reading Finding Balance + Off to a Great Start!
I know what you're thinking. Why would I put popcorn and bacon together? But trust me, it is the perfect sweet and savory combination that will leave you eating the whole bowl before you even realize it. Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks from childhood, although I don't eat much of it these days. … Continue reading Maple Bacon Popcorn
Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies I love Chocolate Chip cookies!... and if you try this recipe, I know you will love it too. I made these a few times over the holidays and each time it was a hit. This recipe is actually the same as the one I used to make another cookie I posted … Continue reading Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with Flaky Sea Salt
Recently, I went to a lovely birthday celebration where we had an opportunity to create vision boards. I had no idea beforehand that this would be one of the activities. For the past month I planned to do a vision board, but I kept getting side-tracked with other things. So, I was pretty excited! At … Continue reading My Vision Board + The Meaning Behind It
"I've learned that fear limits you and your vision. It serves as blinders to what may be just a few steps down the road for you. The journey is valuable, but believing in your talents, your abilities, and your self-worth can empower you to walk down an even brighter path. Transforming fear into freedom - … Continue reading Trying Something New!
Recently, I was in a bad mood. Very irritable, and just didn't want to be bothered with anyone. I don't know where it came from, but it was here and I couldn't shake it. I went in my room to say a prayer and then headed out to run my errands. I thought this would … Continue reading A Grateful Heart
A couple of years ago, I attended an event in downtown Los Angeles called Artisanal LA, where you can sample and shop more than 100 goods from local makers, crafters and chefs. The first time I attended, my eyes were wide open and spent way too much money, but it was well spent. I discovered … Continue reading Homemade Vanilla Sea Salt
Pound cake is one of my favorite desserts from childhood. Whenever we'd visit one of my great aunts, she always had a pound cake ready for us in the kitchen. Nothing fancy, just a good ol' vanilla pound cake. Sometimes, simplicity can say a whole lot. This recipe is not my great Aunt's, but given … Continue reading Simple Lemon Vanilla Pound Cake
So, I'm not one to be fond of taking pictures. If you look through my cell phone there are tons of photos of food, my family, screenshots of inspiration from the web, and a bunch of randomness. Hardly any are of me. I can recall numerous times where I've offered to take the picture of … Continue reading Photoshoot Fun w/ my Brother + Baking for the Holidays
Last year, I ventured off into vegan baking out of curiosity. Every vegan dessert I'd tasted before did not taste good, yet I saw recipes popping up all over social media. I love sweets, but it would be great to enjoy a nice pastry that is lower in calories and fat. So, as an effort … Continue reading Delicious and Moist Vegan Berry Muffins
Don't you just love how this cake looks?! The Heritage Bundt Pan by Nordic Ware has to be my favorite bundt pan to use. I purchased it from Sur la Table sometime last year and use it pretty often. It makes any cake look pretty - especially when I use it for this Lemon Blueberry … Continue reading Lemon Blueberry BundtCake w/ Lemon Glaze
On November 20, my husband and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. Time flies when you're having fun! 🙂 In celebration, we decided to take a trip to Austin with some close friends from Dallas, Nicole and Trevez. We had a wonderful trip and LOVED Austin. I want to go back and see more soon. … Continue reading 6 years down, Forever to go!
Brown Butter Cookies with Almonds, Dried Cherries and White Chocolate I made it just in time for National Cookie Day! ... although, many of you are probably reading this after December 4. I had this on my list anyway, so I figured why not push it out early. I can't get enough of these cookies. … Continue reading Brown Butter Cookies with Dried Cherries, Roasted Almonds and White Chocolate
I love Vanilla! Vanilla candles, Vanilla room sprays, Vanilla cake, Vanilla ice cream... The smell and taste of it just makes me happy; and as much as I like to bake, none of the flavors really savor my palette quite like Vanilla does. Some people think it's kind of boring, however, it's the most popular … Continue reading Homemade Extract: Madagascar Vanilla Bourbon + Tahitian Vanilla Brandy
This is one project I am very proud of. I received this dresser from my mother-in-law when she moved and thought it would be a great project to work on. I began to brainstorm ideas about this dresser last December when I had a flush creativity I talked about in I Finally Did It. I … Continue reading DIY: Upcycled Dresser
Yes, you read it correctly! It may not be as surprising to some, but to those who know me personally, know that this is BIG! This is also the main reason why I've taken a break from posting (although I've remained active on Instagram - follow me @HelloBloomingAugust if you're not already). I also took … Continue reading Goodbye, Los Angeles!
A few weeks ago I wrote about the inspiration behind one of my paintings, Serene Beauty and mentioned the first book I created about elephants in elementary school. As I looked through the book, it made me laugh. The way I wrote, the pictures I drew, and how it is presented. I can see some … Continue reading My First Book!
What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up Like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore-- And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over-- like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode? - Langston Hughes Today, … Continue reading Dream Deferred, But Not Forgotten
As we gear up for the holiday season, I am excited to start writing out my list of baked goods. Carrot, German Chocolate, and Red Velvet are usually requested by my family, but I’m ready for it all... and now is the best time to prepare. One of the items I like to incorporate into … Continue reading Homemade Extract: Orange Bourbon
My love for art began as a little child. In elementary school, my teachers always planned an activity for the holidays. I even created my first book at six years old. I wrote about elephants. I went to the library for my research, gathered my materials, wrote my story, and drew the images. I'm sure … Continue reading Art Inspiration: The Story Behind “Serene Beauty”
My son is my favorite kitchen helper - especially when he does the dishes. He's only 3 and gets water all over the floor but at least I don't have to do it. If he's going to be all in the kitchen asking me questions, grab fruit that I just cut up, and interrupt me, … Continue reading Fluffy Banana Oat Pancakes w/ Blueberry Compote
