Blueberry Muffins

I have been wanting to make homemade blueberry muffins (the store bought ones just aren't the same) for a while now, so when I came across the perfect recipe a few days ago I knew I had to try them! They have a wonderful crumble on them, which is always my favorite part. They were so delicious that I thought I should share the recipe with you!

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners.
2. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and baking powder. Place vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring cup; add the egg and enough milk to fill the cup. Mix this with flour mixture. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture.
3. To Make Crumb Topping: Mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until done.

I made my muffins in a rose-shaped pan and they turned out beautifully!

Enjoy!

A Little Bit Personal

I am in a bit of a transition period right now. I have been jumping back and forth between churches since I started college, and I think I am finally starting to find my place. For the last couple of weeks Sarah and I have gone to The Church at Brook Hills (and I went there some during school as well). I am glad that I can worship and talk about God with my best friend. I think that Brook Hills is a really good place for me. I just needed a change. I have always followed in my parents' footsteps and am now at a point where I want to make my own decisions and form my own opinions. I feel so much more alive when I go to Brook Hills. I actually learn things instead of hearing the same monotonous sermons over and over again. The church is a breath of fresh air, and I can feel that its members really have passion for God and His people. It may be difficult to figure out who to go to church with once Sarah goes back to school, but I would love to continue attending Brook Hills. Honestly, I am a little worried about changing churches. I miss going out to eat with my parents for Sunday lunch and I am afraid that I will no longer be included in activities with my friends from GVBC. But I have come to realize that these are risks that I need to take. I need to step outside of my comfort zone and attend a church where I have a meaningful encounter with Jesus every single week. I believe that Brook Hills is where God wants me to be because He is so prevalent there. Last Sunday, Pastor David Platt preached on abortion. It is a sensitive subject (and one that I have always enjoyed debating) but I think that he handled it beautifully. He talked about those who are to blame for abortion, why the Bible says abortion is wrong, and what ALL of us need to do about abortion. I am going to transition to something a little more personal here because it has been weighing on my heart recently. I have a hereditary disease called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It has many side effects but perhaps the most significant is that it causes low fertility or infertility. Sometimes I feel like I have been cheated because I feel that (when the time is right) I want to have a baby more than almost any woman I know. And, quite honestly, I have never been content with the idea of just being a mother. I want to carry my baby for 9 months. I want to nurture a baby that I gave birth to. I am not afraid of pregnancy at all, in fact, I look forward to it. So the thought that I may not be able to have a baby has been haunting me since I found out that I have PCOS. But when I heard Pastor David's sermon on abortion last Sunday my wants changed a little. I realized that I could love ANY child as my own. I could give life to a child that might otherwise be aborted, neglected, or abused. This thought gave me hope. I am hopeful because I know that not all women could love any child, but God has given me that ability. Adoption is what I can personally do about abortion. I know that it will be several years before I become a mother, but this is something that is so incredibly important to me, and I am thankful that I now feel less fearful of what lies ahead.

Yummy Tips

Since I am now on summer break, I have had more time lately to cook and do a little experimentation. I just wanted to give y'all some little tips that I have found to be so simple and so good to give a little life to your everyday meals. 
A few nights ago, I got the urge to make breakfast for dinner. Breakfast is a great thing to cook when you don't have any meat thawed out. I made stone ground grits, scrambled eggs, chocolate croissants, bacon, and sliced some delicious fresh tomatoes. A little trick that I have recently discovered is to put a bit of Philadelphia cooking creme (I used garlic flavored) into eggs. I like to add a tablespoon or two and some cheddar cheese to my scrambled eggs to give them a unique flavor! I also tried making chocolate croissants for the first time. I simply used a store-bought package of refrigerated crescent dough. I placed two squares of a Hershey dark chocolate bar into each triangle of dough and rolled it up. I then bathed them with an egg wash (one egg and two tablespoons of water or milk), dusted them with refined sugar, and baked them according to the package's instructions. These were really a hit!
Last night, I decided to grill out. I wanted to try the Ranch burgers that are advertised on Hidden Valley commercials. I mixed one packet of dry Ranch dressing mix with one pound of hamburger meat. I then made patties in which I placed a small piece of cheddar cheese before grilling. These cheddar filled Ranch burgers were very good for an added kick to hamburgers!
Tonight, I made pudding parfaits for dessert. It was very simple but surprisingly delicious. I got this idea from Paula Deen, who made cheesecake parfaits. I did not have cheesecake pudding mix or Nilla Wafers, however, so I made up my own parfait recipe. I layered chocolate pudding, white chocolate pudding, whipped cream, chocolate Graham Cracker crumbs, and fresh raspberries. It was really very good, and relatively low fat because I used sugar free, fat free pudding mixes. 
I hope that you can use some of these simple meal tips to make an ordinary dinner just a bit more extraordinary :)

Wedding Bells

My sister, Lindsey, is getting married on April 30, so we have been busy getting ready for the wedding! We are into the stage where we now have a shower/tea/party every weekend. They've all been great so far. Last weekend was the bachelorette party, which I hosted along with some help from a bridesmaid, Ashley. We kept things pretty simple: dinner at P.F. Chang's and a movie and desserts at Ashley's apartment. Although the party was not extravagant, it did seem like a lot of work. I think it was successful, though :) I wanted to share with you all one of the crafts that I did and a couple of the desserts that I made.
I wanted to make a creative centerpiece, so when one of my friends showed me this website, I knew that I wanted to somehow incorporate these adorable little rosettes. Once I got the hang of things, they weren't too hard to make. I ended up putting them with some "diamonds" in a vase labeled "S" for my sister's future name, "Schoenfeld." I think it turned out pretty cute.

I made three desserts for the party: raspberry lemonade bars, Oreo truffles, and cheesecake pops.

I got the idea for cheesecake pops from Bakerella, one of my favorite bloggers. I used this basic recipe but made the pops with a homemade butterscotch cheesecake at my sister's request. Cheesecake pops are so delicious and not too hard to make because you can use a store bought cheesecake if you prefer. I think they turned out well for my first try at pops! I decorated them with cute little "diamond" rings.

I have made Oreo truffles several times now, and they are always a hit. I get requests for them fairly often. The hardest part is dipping them in the chocolate, but that gets easier with practice. 

• 1 

• (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided

• 1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

• 2 (8 ounce) packages BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted

1. Crush 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
2. Freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.
3. Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.) Sprinkle with edible glitter, sprinkles, or anything your heart desires.
4. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.

                          

From Exhausted to Encouraged

Last week was one of the busiest weeks that I have had in a long time. School was occupying all of my "free" time, and my professors have not let up yet. I have two exams (one of which is HUGE), a "self quiz," and a group project/presentation, along with several other random assignments, to do this week. I am terrified. Terrified that I will not study the right things, that I will not have time to finish studying, that I will not do well on my tests, that I will not be able to adequately prepare for my presentation, etc. It is consuming my life. I am a worrier. It's what I do best. So tonight, I am taking the time to remind myself that God is SO much bigger than any task that is placed before me. I am doing my best to lay all of my worries upon Him so that I may live a life that is free of stress and focuses solely upon Him. He is my provider.
"My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest" -- Exodus 33:14
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" -- Philippians 4:13

Getting Skinny

I decided last weekend that I have got to get back on my diet. I feel so much better when I am eating healthy and exercising, and I know that it is better for my health as well. So, I have been dieting for about a week now and have also begun exercising. I am proud of my restraint and motivation thus far. I have found that the best way to turn a diet into a lifestyle is to eat things that you actually like and find substitutes so that you do not feel deprived. One of my favorite dietetic desserts is Crystal Light lemonade pie. It is so good and easy, and I really enjoy it more than full fat lemon pie. I made a couple of pies a few days ago and my family and I have been eating on them whenever we are craving something sweet. I think that next time I might just eat the filling as a mousse instead of a pie. I do not care much about the pie crust and that will cut back on some of the calories. I just wanted to share this recipe with you all! Enjoy :)


Crystal Light Lemonade Pie
2 small (1 oz.) packages of sugar free instant vanilla pudding mix
2 1/2 cups of milk
1 small tub of Crystal Light lemonade mix
1 16 oz. container of (sugar free, fat free, or light) Cool Whip
2 reduced fat Graham Cracker pie crusts
Mix the pudding with the milk. Add the Crystal Light mix. Fold in the Cool Whip. Pour the filling into the pie crusts.

White Christmas

Hi readers. It's been a while. I am on Christmas break and am loving it so far. I have been to Sips N Strokes, seen the Beauty and the Beast Broadway play, celebrated my birthday, and celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ. Yesterday was Christmas. It was a good day, but was way too busy and I would have loved to have some more time to relax and enjoy the day. My favorite part of the day was sitting down after all of our company had left (about 9:00 pm) to read the Christmas story. For Christmas, I asked for Eric and Leslie Ludy's When God Writes Your Love Story. Instead, I received When God Writes Your Life Story, hahah. While it is not the book that I asked for, I began reading it anyway. I am excited about it and hope that this book will give me the motivation that I really need to transform my life. After realizing the mistake, we ordered When God Writes Your Love Story from Amazon :) I'm excited to receive it. It snowed yesterday! It was the first white Christmas on record in Alabama in a long time! The snow continued this morning -- it was so beautiful. I'm enjoying just staying home on this snowy day and relaxing. 
As for my cupcake contest: I'm in a bit of a rut. I cannot decide if I want to continue experimenting, and the contest deadline is in just a few days. I think I may do one more day of baking this week and then just submit what I have done. My motivation is dwindling. 
I hope you all have a wonderful week and enjoy a bit of a break from the craziness of life!

Are You Ready?

We are not promised tomorrow, so be ready for Him today.

He Gives Me Strength When I Am Weak

Lately, I have been struggling with putting all of my faith in God. It is so easy to forget that He alone can be my strength and sustenance. When I learned a little over a week ago that I would be giving a speech in class today, I immediately became nervous. Public speaking is, without a doubt, my biggest fear. No amount of practice in English class and Law Academy (including debate competitions) has ever helped me to overcome this fear. The knowledge that I will stand up at that podium and freeze is what has come to create my fear in the first place...I have a fear of fear. My family constantly reminds me that God can take away my fear, but I have never really been able to fully believe that. So, leading up to this speech, I vowed to put my full faith in Him. I knew that, if I relied on Him, my speech would be easy. It was extremely hard to just have faith. As I got into class today, I was not completely without fear. When it was my turn to give my speech, I was surprised with how much easier it seemed than usual. That is not to say that it was without flaw, but it was definitely better. I know that this improvement was only achieved through Him, and believe that, over time, my fear will disappear. So, I urge you to also try and hand all of your worries over to Him.

My friend Shelby posted this on her blog yesterday. I thought it was awesome, and so reassuring!

My Child,
You may not know me,
but I know everything about you. 
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. 
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways. 
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. 
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image. 
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring. 
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived. 
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation. 
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book. 
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live. 
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. 
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb. 
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born. 
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love. 
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father. 
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. 
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father. 
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. 
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. 
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. 
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love. 
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing. 
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you. 
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession. 
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul. 
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. 
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me. 
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart. 
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires. 
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine. 
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager. 
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles. 
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you. 
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart. 
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes. 
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. 
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being. 
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you. 
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you. 
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love. 
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me. 
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child? 
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you. 
Luke 15:11-32

Love, 

Your Dad Almighty God

Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications 
© 1999-2010 www.FathersLoveLetter.com

Dreamcakes Take 2

I happened to be in the neighborhood....so I had to stop by Dreamcakes again. I think I'm forming a bad habit.
This time, I tried the Caramel Apple cupcake. This was butter cake with an apple butter filling and covered in caramel icing. I also got nuts on mine. Yummy. It was really good, and really rich.

Oh and I got another Mississippi Mud, because the first one was so good. This one was just as good.

I also brought my roommate, Ally, The Dean Martin, a classic. It was marble cake topped with chocolate and vanilla icing. She said that it was good.

My parents tried the Pecan Pie cupcake. My dad fell in love. In fact, he loved it so much that he printed out a list of all of the Dreamcakes cupcakes and is going to eventually try and rate them all. Yeah, they're that good.