Raspberry Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes

Every year it seems I lose a little bit of that excitement that comes along with a birthday. I used to be the biggest, brightest most in-yo-face girl about my birthday but as I continue to move closer to the big 3-0 there's just something that lingers over me saying, "you'd better get this life going girl". And oh how I wish I could answer back, "I'm really trying... but how. Like, seriously... I'll take any answers on what's supposed to happen next". But that's for another post.

This year to try and bring a little of the fun back to the birthday; I thought there was nothing better than a cupcake.

A simple little fluffy nugget of sweet joy with a simple frosting and a tart red plump raspberry on top.

So here's to 2014 and 28 years young on Saturday. If anyone's listening my wish this year would definitely be something shiny for my left hand. You know, if candles have a real say in these things.

--//--

Raspberry Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes from Pastry Affair

Yields about 18 cupcakes

Raspberry Lemon Cupcakes
3/4 cup (169 grams) granulated sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup (1/2 stick or 57 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 large eggs
1/3 cup (76 grams) sour cream (or plain, non-fat yogurt)
1/4 cup (59 ml) vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups (175 grams) cake flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Juice from 1/2 lemon
2/3 cup milk
1 1/2 cups (9 ounces or 255 grams) fresh raspberries
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Line a cupcake pan with baking cups.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the sugar and lemon zest with your fingers until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Add the butter and beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add in the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix in the milk and lemon juice, stirring until batter is uniform and smooth. Gently stir in the raspberries.
Fill baking cups about 2/3 full and bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven, transfer cupcakes to a cooling rack, and allow to cool to room temperature before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting
8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup (1/2 stick or 57 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon salt
4 cups (500 grams) powdered sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Beat in the salt and vanilla. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar. If frosting is too soft, add more powdered sugar until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Likewise, if the frosting is too stiff, add milk until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
Before serving, pipe or spread frosting on top of cooled cupcakes and decorate with a few fresh raspberries, if desired. If cupcakes will sit out more than a day, keep refrigerated in an airtight container to help preserve them. Serve at room temperature.

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SNAP! Giveaway!

Via

So you've been wanting to attend a blogging conference. And one of the very best ones is right around the corner. But perhaps you (like me much of the time) haven't been able to contemplate going to this conference because the cost of the ticket is far too much. Well, to celebrate the fact that my 27th birthday is also around the corner (and that I can't get away from work), I'm going to be giving away an all-inclusive ticket to SNAP! Conference in Salt Lake City, April 18-20. All you will need to provide is travel and hotel. {Please note: This ticket is non-transferable. }

Via

To enter, all you need to do is leave a comment on what winning this ticket would MEAN to you. And make sure your comment gets counted as an entry in the widget!

For additional entries please see the rafflecopter widget below. 

And PLEASE share this! I want everyone who couldn't have this opportunity.... to get the chance at being able to attend! 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

twenty-five.

When I was little I always had this grand thought that 25 would be THE age. There was something special about the number and I had a strong feeling all my life that something would HAPPEN at that time. Of course I never had any idea what the "something" should or would be.... but it never occurred to me to care.

Source: picturesandquotes.net via Taylor on Pinterest

I did however at least believe that by 25 I would be married, most likely either have one child or be working on it. ;) I thought I'd be settled into a career that I got from having accomplished my Bachelor's degree. I pictured a house with cute photos of my family everywhere and one of those fellas who makes you CRAZY but in the best way and you cannot believe really exists.

Source: stylemepretty.com via Jessica on Pinterest

I had all kinds of dreams. I thought I'd have myself figured out.


Boy, was I wrong.


I turned 25 in March of this year. My fella turned 30 (sorry babe!) three days before me so I threw him a big surprise party at his favorite brewery. He got to snowboard and see lots of friends and family and I was just SO HAPPY to do it for him. Honestly though, that BIG DEAL 2-5 that I had been waiting my ENTIRE life for... turned out to be just another birthday. There was dinner and a movie date with my love, but nothing life changing occurred.

Source: google.com via Mary on Pinterest

And since turning 25?


Well, a lot has definitely happened this year. Starting a WONDERFUL blog and learning about an amazing community of people. Starting an amazing handmade business that allows me an outlet to be creative and share that with others. Leaving Oregon. Leaving my beautiful little girls (that I nannied for) that I ADORE and I'm sad to be without everyday.  Moving to California. Living with a BOY. Being totally in love. Not working a real life job for a few months and feeling the loss of income. Figuring out what I genuinely want to do as a career. Trying to figure out how to achieve that while still paying the bills. Getting published as a writer (and PAID!).

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Tara on Pinterest

a lot has happened. 

But there are still days. When I think.... "I'm 25. Almost ALL of my friends are married and most of those also have babies. Many people my age own a house and a car. Almost everyone has a pet of some kind. People my age are HAPPY in their CAREER."


And me.... I'm working two jobs that aren't my passion but I'm doing to pay the bills. I owe $40,000+ in debt from school. I live in an apartment and would DIE for a house (even just to rent) and a dog (and cat too!). I own a sewing machine that I'd love to have time to learn to use. I KNOW I could be a fantastic writer if I could just get a job full-time. I have SO MANY goals.....

Source: funkyvintagekitchenblog.com via Tara on Pinterest

So really this isn't a post to say... "gosh my life is so not cool". 

It's a post to say I'm working at it. It's not where I thought it would be, or where the majority of others may be... but that's not my life. 

This is a post to inform my childhood self.... 25 is just another number. It doesn't stand for anything. Just go after what YOU want for YOURSELF and the rest will come. Oh, and try not to be so grumpy. And wear sunscreen. And drink water. Ugh, nevermind..... too much to tell you. Just remember the first part. Mkay?

Source: flickr.com via Tara on Pinterest

So don't worry if you aren't "where you think you should be"  whatever your age or place in life is. Also don't compare your life to others. This is your journey and it's unique to you. If you don't have something that you want....figure out how to get it.

Source: darlingdexter.com via Chelsey on Pinterest

And remember to let go of all the worries once in awhile and just be. Chances are there's something to enjoy just about today.

2 Years & 1 Blankie

Last weekend....

I really wanted to tell you.

How we celebrated. 

This girl.

She turned two.

Isn't she gorgeous?

I'm so lucky to get to be her nanny.

And love on her every week.

And watch her grow.

I wanted to do something special for her. 

So I worked my little fingers.

And created this.

It was an amazing birthday.

And I'm so happy she LOVES her blankie.

And I really love to crochet.

Even if it does make me have "claw-hand"

(as boyfriend likes to call it).

 

5 days as 25, 360 more to go

So I had such a wonderful birthday that I felt it was only right to share it with you.

Sorry it has taken me five days to do so.

But I had to see how it felt for a bit. ;)

And so far it feels good. 

So first things first I decided to chop my hair off.

Something I haven't done in 2 and a half years.

BEFORE:

Lots of long dark hair.

It was nice but sort of boring for as long as I've had it.

AFTER:

Short and sassy. 

I've now got lots of blond highlights and side bangs.

Just good to freshen yourself up as you get older. 

Next I had the giant surprise birthday weekend for boyfriend. 

Ps. He is now being referred to as "Sparkle-Beard".

Oi couples are ridiculous.

More on the his birthday fun later.

As it requires it's own blog post.

After his crazy weekend,

I was hoping he'd planned something low-key for my day...

3 days later.

And he did!

I worked in the morning.

Jean shopped in the afternoon.

(every single pair of jeans I'd owned had a hole in them)

I found 3 pairs at Old Navy that totally fit perfect and were super cheap!

$75 for all three!

And then I got all dolled up and met with boyfriend for some relaxing fun.

We saw a pre-screening of...

 

Limitless

It was pretty good except that the first 5 minutes made me nauseous.

But a Coke ICEE and Reese made it better. ;)

Then we caught a late night dinner at 

P.F. Chang's.

 Key Lime Martini

My absolute favorite.

Dessert in a glass. With graham cracker crust.

Drool.

It was a fantastic night.

I didn't get any food pictures because we ate it up too fast.

But I will share with you a couple of my favorite gifts.

I love that people like to get you sweet things because they care.

It's SO not expected or required.

But it feels nice to know someone picked something special they thought I would like.

It's what I LOVE doing for other people. 

ONE. An amazing giftcard to ModCloth

They have the cutest clothes that I just adore.

Can you tell I'm obsessed with the color gray right now?

You may also remember how I raved about them already here.

I am so excited to shop!

Thanks Lesley and Cory.

BEST BOSSES ever! ;)

Then I also received this darling beautiful gift from Cory:

It reminds me of my favorite song from Trisha Yearwood from when I was a kid.

xxx's and ooo's

"She used to tie her hair up in ribbons and bows
Sign her letters with X's and O's
Got a picture of her mama in heels and pearls
She's tryin' to make it in her daddy's world"

I also got a wonderful gift certificate for a 1hr. massage from boyfriend.

So in the next few weeks when I really need it,

I will be making an appointment at Dosha

and getting the best relaxation ever.

It really was a great gift,

because every since my awful car accident,

I have the WORST back pain I could ever imagine.

Thanks babe.

xo.

And thank you to all who wished me a happy birthday

or got me a wonderful gift!

I appreciate your love!

Happy Sunday!

 

MIA for CJH

So I know I have not blogged at all this week.

And I'm pretty embarrassed.

But it was kind of an important break.

And sorta nice to be honest. 

We all need a break sometimes.

But this week's break was for this guy. 

Isn't he super cute?

I was in crazy plan-mode all week to get the details set for his surprise bash.

So therefore....no blogs.

And even right now,

I can't blog for long.

To tell you all the great things that happened this weekend,

Because it's finals week,

And there are papers to write.

So that this tuesday,

I can enjoy MY BIRTHDAY!

So I'll leave you with this promise.

I of course will be writing and sharing about all the 30th birthday fun.

But it may be in a couple weeks.

(Because I also left all the pictures out of town)

oi. 

For now here's a teaser....

We had cake.

from here 

And sparkling candles.

And I think wishes came true.

Mine did.

And I didn't even blow out the candles.

xo.

Here's to more to come.....

Relaxing Weekend

Friends, I have had a fantastic weekend. 

Filled with good food, 

good friends,

and good times out.

Last night we celebrated this girl.

She is my bestie friend.

And today she turns twenty-four.

I love her dearly.

So we had an amazing time last night.

And ate yummy dessert at Papa Haydns.

So delicious.

And now today is Sunday.

The day of rest.

And homework.

And finishing touches....

For big surprises....

that are coming soon.

The next big birthday....

Is......

Gosh I love him.

xo.

I'm so excited to celebrate him turning...

thirty.

Surprises are coming.

Enjoy your weekend.

25th year. Just around the Corner.

I love my birthday.

Have I mentioned that?

It's only 12 days away.

But I also love your birthday.

Just love birthdays.

<3

In light of this I'd like to share my dream list.

That is, what I wish I owned.

Which I am now using my birthday as an excuse to talk about.

I do not expect to get any of these items.

Nor do I need them.

But it's my birthday...(in 12 days)

And I'll dream if I want to. 

One.

And also....

Chik-a-Pea

Two.

Mmm...I love juice. 

Alot. 

Three.

West elm.

I would keep this entire bedroom.

But mostly I just need sheets.

And the duvet.

But why be choosy?

Four.

 

I would love to take pictures on something other than my BB. 

That's BlackBerry for those of you out of the nerdy loop.

Five.

Well of course. 

TOMS.

As well as....

This month's giveaway.

Get on it. 

Six.

As well as....

from justlovelythings

shop. 

read. 

And I already ordered these both.

So dream no more for # Six.

But I wanted to share.

Seven.

Basically I just need jeans.

Without holes in the knees.

That I've blown out from chasing kiddos around.

And it would be awesome if they fit.

Perfect.

The abs I'd take too.

But mostly just the jeans.

Eight.

Something shiny.

Hey, I said it was a dream list.

Every girl dreams of this one.

someday.

On that note.....

I'll end this list.

Cause it will go on. 

forever.

Oh, but I also dream to stay twenty-five always.

Because I'm thinking my twenty-fifth year will be my best.

cause I have amazing friends.

... a man who keeps me smiling

(even when I make him crazy)

and pretty sure I work with the cutest toes in town.

Last Day of February

It is February 28th. 

There is no 29th this year.

It is not a leap year. 

This last day is important for two reasons.

It is the very last day to enter the giveaway!

Leave a comment or I won't be able to count you as an entry!

Winner will be announced tomorrow.

Tomorrow is March 1st!!!

March is the best month.

There will be a new giveaway.

(TBA tomorrow)

And most importantly it's my birthday month!

And boyfriend's birthday month!

And we are pretty cool. 

I mean look at these faces.

Mmmm VooDoo Doughnuts! 

But I digress....

Birthday month is really important.

I love birthdays. 

Especially mine.

But this year it's especially important.

Cole and I like to celebrate our birthdays together.

We have the last three years anyway.

We do this because we are 3 days (and five years) apart.

His birthday is the 12th, mine the 15th. 

And this year we are getting old.

He will be the big 3-0! 

I will be the huge 2-5!

Whew. 

There are many surprises in order. 

Muahahaha.

More to come on birthday month later.

For now, enter the giveaway. 

You have 9.5 hours. 

You've been warned. 

xo. 

T

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMIE!!

Happy Birthday Jamie!

 I had to take a blog to wish a very happy birthday to my favorite blogger! 

SO I very creeper-like took a bunch of her photos so that I could post them in a blog and say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! 

Love the football!!

We actually went to college together,

and worked at the same place, 

but have become better friends,

through the awesome-ness of 

Blogging!

Ha, so nerdy. 

I know.

  But Jamie is an amazing person/writer. 

She will touch your heart.

And you'll want to be her friend too. 

I promise.

So very happy birthday Jamie.

...all the best for your 26th year. 

                                                                                             xoxo, Tara

And visit her blog to be inspired.