Beauty all around!

I just saw these GREAT diy tutorials and thought I should share it with you all.  I hope you get to make one or more...I'm sure gonna have fun trying this out!

Click on your choice of image for the tutorials!!

How to frost cupcakes!

Ceiling Medallion Clock

Space saver hanger!!! I wanna make this one badly!!

Photo clock!

Distressing wood with wax!

Braided belt and headband! Good project for the YW girls!

Rainbow wand...cuper cute!

For you cosmetic junkies..I know I WANT this look!

So, we have your baking, home decorations, organization, personalization, fashion, cute kid stuff, and make-up.  Have FUN!!

Homemade Banana Bread(healthy)

When I bake, ocassionally, I do actually keep measurements pretty accurate because I've noticed that pinching here or adding there just doesn't cut it when baking.  So, I actually put in measurements this time.

YOU WILL NEED

1 cup sugar(I prefer brown)

3 ripe bananas, mashed (ripe bananas are pretty dark and soft and sweeter, look at my picture to have an idea of what you should be looking for)

1 6oz jar baby food(any fruit), or the oil you use, but baby food is healthier, so substitute, commit.

1/2 cup egg substitute (or 2 egg whites, and one egg yolk)

2 cups all-purpose flour (I used enriched wheat)

1/2 teaspoon salt, or a gentle squeeze of lemon(optional, a good friend of mine told of this once[lemon]and it adds pizzaz)

1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup finely cut walnuts (optional)(My hubby doesn't like them, but I love them, but compromise, compromise, right?)
Electric mixer, or really fast hands
A large, deep bowl to mix ingredients


MAKE IT

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees feirinheit.  Prepare a 9in loaf pan by lightly spraing with cooking spray.  I sometimes use a drizzle of EVOO and wipe around with a napkin or paper towel, making sure I get the corners.
2. In a deep and large bowl, use the electric mixer to combine the sugar, mashed bananas, baby food, and egg substitute(or egg white and egg yolk).  Beat on medium speed until it all well blended.
3. Add the flour, salt, and baking soda.  Start at low speed and gently speed up to beat with the electric mixer until it all mixed well together.
4. If your adding nuts, fold them in now, with a spatula, not the mixer.
5. Pour your batter into the already prepared baking dish and place in the center of oven for 40 to 45 minutes.  Poke with a toothpick or kabob stick near the center of the bread and make sure it comes out clean without sticky residue.
6. Let it cool for about 10 minutes, then remove while it's warm, not hot and place on a rack or paper towel atop a large plate and continue to let it cool.

That's it!  You cut down on loads of calories, believe it or not.  It's completely fat-free if you ommit the nuts, but almods have a good type of fat for your body, so opt for those if you can.

Buen provecho! Enjoy!

"Cake Pops"

I'm sure you've seen this surface into popularity recently....if not, then your missing out!! These are small cake balls covered in your choice of chocolate and decorated too!  I have did not take pictures of a few I tried making for home because I had lost my camera momentarily, but they're pretty easy to make and delicious.  Wacth out on how many you eat though, so share.  Also, to cut on fatty-intake, substitute oils with puried apple sauce(natural-like baby food) or any other puried baby food flavoring except strong tastes like carrots, sweet potatoes, meal mixes, or any veggies.  Just fruit, pureed fruit.  So, if the recipe calls for 1/2 cup oil (4oz) then pour in 4oz of pureed fruit.  It always works, I guarantee it!  Plus, your flavors won't be affected as long as you don't use a strong ingredient. Remember, there are 8 oz in every cup, so make the math.  Here's one good recipe for making Cake Pops.

I found pictures online and wanted to share them with you to get some ideas flowing...

...make a bouquet, from Etsy shop.

...from Candy Valley Cake Company

...or keep it simple from Bonappetit

...from Cake Pop Co.

...if you're really advaced and have the tools, from Festivals and Shows

...from Wedding Bee

...from Holidays Ville

...a no-bake molding and tutorial, from My Little Cupcake Blog







Well, I truly hope this inspires you to get up and start making a treat for those you love and surround you!