journaling for my princess.

I've always loved writing.  Even in school (unless it was a cite-your-sources type paper.. then, no thanks).  Sometimes I feel like there's a lot going on in my head, it gets overwhelming.  Writing things out is a good way for me to relieve some of that. 

I have mounds of notebooks laying around.  Lots of them with scribbles.  Things to remember.  Various to-do lists.  Wish lists.  Anything, really.  I feel like I'm going to forget something unless I write it down.  The other day I went out and bought a couple 'special' journals.  I really wish I would have started this when I found out I was expecting.  But I didn't.  Oh well.  I'm starting it now, though.  These journals are for Clara.  Every day I'm going to write something in it.  Whether it's just a couple of words or a whole paragraph.  A prayer.  A thought.  Something funny she did that day.  Something new she learned.  And then when she's older... when she turns 18, or when she moves out.. or whenever (I haven't decide that yet.. I think I have time to figure that out)... I will gift it to her.

I just really like this idea.  And I'm really happy I'm doing it.

I found these journals at a local store here in Korea and thought they were really sweet.  I bought 2 of them.. but I may have to go back for some of the other designs as well.  I must say, though, the Thumbelina one is my favorite.  :)

if there's one thing i'm good at..

..it's shopping.

Ok, I'm good at more than that.. but I'm really good at shopping.  Just ask my husband.  :)  The other day my husband had a random day off of work (which pretty much never happens), so I talked him into going to Seoul to do a little shopping.  We had a lot of fun.. and Clara was a good little girl, as always.  She loves being on the go.  My little traveler.  ;)

After some shopping, we had lunch at Johnny Rockets (apparently they have them here in Korea.. who knew?).  I think that made it worth the trip for my hubby.

We bought Clara a sweet handmade bear at one of the little shops.. something she can cherish and 'remember' Korea by... ;)

And lately I've had a slight obsession with globes.  I don't know what it is.  So when I saw this cute little one while shopping in Seoul, I had to have it.

Can you see little ol' South Korea on there?

And these skeleton keys.. I don't quite know what I'm going to do with them yet.. I just like them.  ;)

I bought a few other things.. things I can use as decor when we move into our new house in a couple months.  The next 45 days can't go by fast enough!

My Sweet Valentines

This year I didn't just have one Valentine.. nope.. this year I had TWO!  :)  My hubby got the special treat of homemade cinnamon rolls this morning before work.. and we actually ate breakfast together.  It was nice.  And sweet.

After daddy left for work, we started on his Valentine's gift.. from Clara, of course..

She obviously had more fun painting her leg more than anything.  But it was fun watching her.. she really went to town.  But we came out with a beautiful Valentine her Daddy just loved.. ;)

And Daddy came home with a little surprise for both of his girls..

A single white rose for the little princess.. and a single red rose for me.. :)

I hope you all have a fabulous Valentine's Day.  I'm not big on the whole Hallmark-box-o-chocolates-you-have-to-buy-me-a-diamond-something 'Valentine's Day'... but it's a great excuse for fun little projects, and going out to eat (I ended my night with a molten lava cake and scoop of ice cream).  May you have a sweet day!  :)

Wild Thang

Someone had a bad hair day the other day.. and it wasn't me!  Well.  Maybe I did too.. but it definitely wasn't as cute as this.. ;)

Gosh, do I love this little girl!

Blueberry Cupcakes with Honey Buttercream Frosting {recipe}

Blueberries.  I love them.  I love any berries, really.  But I so excited when I see them go on sale that I usually go all out.  I could eat a whole container of them in one sitting if I let myself.  :)  I saw this cupcake recipe floating around on Pinterest (go figure), and knew I just had to make them.  These are probably the best non-chocolate cupcakes I've made.  (nothing can beat chocolate in my book)

I also made some blueberry preserves to drizzle on top, that is completely optional, though (but it's good on toast in the morning, too!).  It adds that extra bite of blueberry to the cupcakes, because can you really have enough?

Blueberry Preserves

• 3 cups blueberries
• 1 1/2 cups sugar

Place sugar and berries in a large pot.  Cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes, smashing some of the blueberries as they cook.  Place into a jar and seal tightly.  Keep in refrigerator.

Clara was a little jealous, I think.  All this baking going on and she couldn't eat any of the sugary goodness.  So I mashed up some blueberries for her.  I think she liked them.  :)

And in all honesty, these cupcakes are even delicious by themselves.. without the frosting!  :)  Using fresh blueberries for these cupcakes is the best, in my opinion.  However, you could certainly use frozen.  If you plan to use fresh, though, place them in the freezer first for a couple hours.  It will keep them from sinking to the bottom of the cupcakes.

Blueberry Cupcakes 

• 3 1/4 cup flour
• 1 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 6 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• 2 cups fresh blueberries, frozen

Honey Buttercream Frosting

• 1 1/2 sticks butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup honey
• 4-5 cups powdered sugar
• dash of milk

Preheat oven to 300 F.  Line 24 muffin tins with cupcake liners.  Sift together flour, sugar, baking power, salt, and baking soda.

In a separate bowl, whisk together butter and oil.  Add in eggs, then buttermilk, milk, vanilla and almond extracts.  Stir into flour mixture until just combined.  Gently stir in blueberries.

Divide batter evenly among muffin tins.  Bake 15-20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.  Cool completely.  Frost cupcakes.  Drizzle blueberry preserves on top, if you wish.

For frosting, beat together all ingredients until well combined.

Recipe from Epicurious.