The Longest 4th of July of My Life!

I like the 4th of July :) It's such a festive, patriotic time. Currently, I am doing an online American Heritage class, and although it can be really complex most of the time, I have come to appreciate the history of America so much more. I could make a nice, lengthy list of all of the wonderful things I have learned, but I'll spare you the monologue ;)
Anyway, this really has been a unique 4th of July holiday for me. It started the moment I woke up Saturday morning, and it still won't end until I fall asleep tonight! I like it :) Unfortunately, my family didn't do any fireworks in the street this year (which is a first), but hey, life goes on! There's more than one way to spend the holiday :) Yesterday, we had a BBQ, and my mom made a special Angel Food Cake (partly in honor of her Mother whose birthday was July 1st, but also to celebrate this holiday). Here are some pictures from my day yesterday :)
Hooray for America, and the wonderful things that unfolded following the signing of the Declaration of Independence!

The Cocoa Bean

A long, long time ago, I talked about a cupcake place that I went to with my best friends. Now I am finally introducing it! The name of the lovely little shop is The Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cafe. My, what a cute little place it is! Although I have only been there twice, I plan to venture back for a third visit so that I can gorge on cupcakes of all divine flavors.

(Pictures come from their blog)

Yummy treat on a Sunday evening

Cake

Last night, I made a delicious cake for my family! It was a layered cake containing:

• Chocolate Cake
• Chocolate Pudding
• Whipped Topping
• A crushed Heath bar

I actually didn't have a Heath bar to crush last night, but the cake was still really good without it :) Since moving home, I have found that I have a lot of time on my hands to bake and do other crafty things. I'll admit, it's quite fun!

I hope you all have a lovely day!!!!

(P.S. The pictured cake is not the cake I made. Click on the link "cake" to follow the source.)

9

As far as I know, most people have a lucky number. Mine is 9. I really like the number nine because I was born on 09-09-1990, I turned 9 on 09-09-1999, and I turned 19 on 09-09-09. Plus, 9 is an odd number. For some reason I prefer odd numbers over even numbers--I even set my alarm clock to odd times. This morning, for example, I set my alarm for 9:03.

Today, I would like to share 9 different things that I love :)

Vintage Accessories

My Journal

Dancing in the Rain

Mini Eclairs

Fairytales

Traveling

Taking Pictures

Fire

Hugs from Best Friends

Something Sweet

Today I had my first ring pop since probably Elementary School. It was so sweet, and I loved it even though it felt like I was rotting my mouth with it, ha. It brought back many good memories...

Ring Pop

Muffin Friday

Today was another Muffin Friday! We typically make our muffins from Jiffy, but on occassion we are lucky to get mixes from Lehi Roller Mills. Someday, before the end of the semester, I am hoping to make some homemade muffins :) Homemade things always taste better!

Muffin 1

Muffin 2

Something to have a happy little fuss over...

Is it just me, or do these cupcakes look so super heavenly at this moment? Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I'm super hungry at the moment, or maybe it is just that I flat out love cupcakes. I don't know. But I just came accross this picture on the web (where else?), and I wanted to share it's beauty with you all :) (This upcoming birthday, I might skip the cake and just have a bazillion different cupcakes!!!!)

Nothing Like Homemade Rolls

As I was eating a yogurt and my weekly Friday Muffin today, I was just thoroughly enjoying the variety in flavor and texture. BUT THEN!!! ... I came home and was looking on the internet when I came across a delightful picture of rolls! I then began thinking of my mothers homemade rolls and how much I love them! My mother really is an extraordinary homemaker. After growing up with three brothers on a dairy farm, she learned how to work hard, and do not just good, but EXCELLENT work! As a result, she is a phenomenal cook :) I just want to dedicate this post to homemade rolls and my mother. What an inspirational woman she is.

Rolls

Flowers

Croissants

Lacey Table Cloth

Butter Churn

Hot Chocolate….. Yummmm….

Today while I was walking to my different classes, I enjoyed watching the pure white snow fall to the ground. Although I am not the biggest fan of winter, I couldn’t help but appreciate how beautiful the snow is. There are so many good things related to winter… snowball fights, Christmas, family time, snowmen, and some of my favorites: fireplaces, winter clothes, quilts, and hot chocolate. So over all, winter is not my season, but as you take a closer look, there are so many beautiful things that I love about it! Much love to you all!

Beginning the Day with a Special Little Something

Recently, I have been starting off my Fridays by making muffins for myself and my roommate. Although it is very early in morning and would be better of eating a bowl of cereal or makeing toast, the muffins seem to have a special meaning to me and my roommate. After a long week of school, homework, exams, and other exhausting events, the muffins seem to say, "You've done well this week. Make the best of your Friday, and have a great weekend!". Without the muffins, our Fridays wouldn't be the same. I find that the special little somethings that I do throughout the day help me find the joy in life so much more. So why not begin the day with a special little something?