DIY hexagon shelfs

After scrolling through Pinterest for a few days I finally came to conclusion we NEEDED hexagon shelfs. This was a matter of life and death! I swear! A quick trip to the hardware store with my boyfriend + screaming toddler covered in sawdust, we had a few new plant babies in tow and some wood to start our project. I had him cut down all the wood to 8″ pieces with a 30 degree angle on each end, then the rest of the assembly was  super easy. 

We sanded the edges of each wood piece then attached then with a nail gun. After I stained the wood this beautiful cherry color. Then I painted the inside of the hexagon and let dry over night. 

There you have it! If you look close in the photo there's also a triangle shelf that my dad created for us but I need to get the measurements from him to put it up properly on my blog. It's so beautiful though. Keep a look out for that how to! 

DIY Ash & Misty outfits

Unless you live under a rock, Pokemon Go has taken over the world! My boyfriend and daughter have been hooked since the beta release last week, tag teaming the city representing team valor. My boyfriend grew up with Pokemon. It's always been more than a game to him. A nostalgic piece of his childhood he's now able to share this with his kids. I decided to make the kids costumes of Ash & Misty to wear while they go hunting Pokemon with their pops. 

Everything I found at Walmart. 

For Ash:

A solid royal blue shirt (clearance for $2)

A solid white button down ($2)

Yellow & Green fabric paint (0.97¢)

Buttons I already had 

A solid red hat ($2.97

White acrylic paint I already had 

For Misty:

Yellow tank top ($2.97)

Shirts Rae already had

Red suspenders ($6.00)

The Misty outfit is pretty self explanatory. 

For Ash I placed the blue shirt over the white button up. I then cut the sleeves off the blue shirt, exposing the white sleeves. I next cut both shirts down the center. After you cut down the center line up the blue to the white shirt. I used my hot glue gun to make a hem along the blue shirt and folded it over the white. Making a clean line. I used yellow fabric paint to create the pockets and the yellow line in the bottom of the jacket (let dry for six hours). Lastly attach the button on the left side with a hot glue gun.  For the hat I taped off the area I needed to paint white, a few solid coats of white paint, let dry about one hour. Then I used green fabric paint to do the L in his hat. Let dry about six hours. 

Hello June.

And hello to you too my sweet little blog. I'm sorry I've been missing in action these last few months. Life has been super busy and showed no sign of slowing down. But I promise I haven't forgotten about you. I've been crafting for my sons  third birthday party this coming Sunday on top of baking up a storm lately. Plus I'm the unofficial room mom for my daughters class & school lets out for summer vacation tomorrow. So I've  been helping with that/volunteering & so on.  Less downtime, more crafts. 

Anyway, as I stated previously, I've been baking up a storm! My son loves doughnuts & I've been chomping at the bit to make them from scratch. Of course frying them was going to take forever, so I decided baked doughnuts was the right route to go. 

Ingredients for chocolate doughnuts:

For the Doughnuts

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup cocoa
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt 
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 and ½ teaspoons vanilla
• 6 tablespoons buttermilk 

For the Glaze

• ¾ cup icing sugar
• 3 tablespoons cocoa
• 3-4 tablespoons cream
• 2 teaspoons corn syrup (light or dark)
• sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Spray doughnut pan with non-stick cooking spray or grease with butter and set aside. 
2. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt until combined. Then in a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, sugars, vanilla & buttermilk. Add the dry ingredients into the wet & whisk until combined. The batter will be thick.
3. Spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan. Or pour the batter into a ziplock bag, cut off the bottom corner, and pipe the batter into the prepared tin. (This didn't work too well for me) Bake for 8-10 minutes. If you lightly touch the doughnut, it should spring back. Or an inserted toothpick should come out clean. Allow doughnuts to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then remove from the pan and continue cooling on a wire rack
4. While the doughnuts are cooling, make the glaze. Whisk together the icing sugar, cocoa and about 2 tablespoons cream. Add the corn syrup and slowly add the remaining cream until the glaze is smooth.
5. Once the doughnuts are cooled, dip the top in the glaze and sprinkle with sprinkles.

Ingredients for funfettini vanilla doughnuts 

• •1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose baking flour
• •1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• •1/4 cup granulated sugar 
• •1/2 teaspoon salt
• •1 teaspoon baking powder
• •1/2 cup milk (I used  vanilla almond milk but cow's milk will work)
• •2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 
• •1 large egg
• •1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles 
• For the vanilla frosting:
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (more if needed)
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles, for decorating

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (duh)
2. Lightly grease a doughnut pan; set aside. (Duh)
3. In a large bowl whisk together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl whisk together the milk, butter, and egg. Gently add in the wet mixture into the dry mixture until just combined - don't over mix! Add in sprinkles!
4. Spoon mixture into prepared doughnut pan, and bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the doughnuts spring back when lightly pressed. Allow doughnuts to cool a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire wrack to cool for a few more minutes.
5. For the glaze:
6. Combine heavy cream and confectioners' sugar in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk smooth, adding a touch more cream if the frosting seems too thick; adding a touch more sugar if the frosting seems too thin. Mix in salt and vanilla. 
7. Once the donuts have cooled completely, spread the frosting over the tops of each and decorate with sprinkles. 

tip: for the frosting I used food dye to change up the colors and add some funk to his birthday morning. That part is totally optional. 

"I'm here undirected"

Spring🌻

So happy to have everything back in balance. Spring is here, wild flowers are blooming, the weather is warming up every passing day, bees are starting to take a notice to me. (I'm allergic guys!) I changed my hair dramaticly and I'm really starting to fall back in love with myself again. Self love is extremely important for everyone, but especially for a mom...a mom of two crazy kids who have declared war on each other. I roll out of bed every morning at 7:15 am looking like Anna from Frozen (not a compliment). Sometimes I get to brush my teeth between ponytails and diaper changes. Maybe I'll put on real clothes to walk my daughter to class that don't have cartoon characters on the pants. After my son throws 90% of his food on the floor, sometimes I even get to enjoy a tiny fraction of my own breakfast before he decided she's hungry again. In between the chaos (and cleaning) there is lots of love, I promise. But you also tend to forget about YOUR own needs. YOU are important too. I AM important. So something like coloring my hair or buying new makeup has me on cloud nine: mom edition. I've been waking up at 7am instead, giving myself 15 extra minutes of me time. I glam myself up, get dressed, style my hair and then sip some coffee before waking the kids. This small step, these simple extra 15 minutes have given me such a pep in my step to say the least. I feel good, super good. I feel beautiful and  I radiate positive vibes because of these new found emotions. I'm complimenting strangers (which is something I'm afraid to do, I'm extremely awkward and shy). But I just feel it and I say it. Even online, I make sure to let all my friends and followers something sweet and personal. Just trying to send a little love their way. Something as simple as a compliment can really make someone's day.  So set yourself some mini goals. If spas are your thing; book an appointment (they're totally not mine, I can't do strangers massaging my body. Just no.) say you need a new do, just go for it, don't think twice about it, want to drink two bottles of wine and go on a Netflix binge? Then put those kids to bed and pop some bottles! You are important, you are beautiful, you are somebody and you do deserve to be happy too. As mothers, we put our heart, soul, blood & sweat into our parenting. We give our all to the point of physical exhaustion. We're kind of kick ass, I know. It blows my mind too. So remember: YOU ARE IMPORTANT TOO. 

XO

"And hold you up and know that you're all I see in the light

And never do what I used to" 

"Babe, I forgot to charge my crystals!"

The women I've become/am becoming. I literally pulled over & called my boyfriend to grab my stones out of my jeans from the previous day and place them next to my selenite. (You know, to recharge & cleanse, duh.) 

Creativity has been flowing through my body these days. I can't get through my day without trying a new recipe, thrifting something and giving it new life, repurposing an old piece of furniture, crafting up a gathering or mentally gathering my ideas for a future event. My son's 3rd birthday is around the corner (well, three months...maybe not a corner, a block?) He's such a cool little guy. He loves cars, all cars. He loves hot dogs, but only the weenie, he hates the bread. Juice boxes are life and water is his element. Just to name a few of his vices. So we decided on a "cars" theme  (actual cars, not the Disney movie. Although he loves that damn movie. We've watched it at least a trillion times.)  Yeah, I'll admit, I'm a super emotional person and cry for almost every little thing, but thinking of his face when he sees his special little party, just for him. I tear up. I CRY, actually. I put a lot of thought, creativity & energy in to my children's birthdays. 

Growing up my parents were very minimal. They're not the type to hug, say "I love you" or really put forth any effort into making each individual child feel somewhat special. I promised myself and my children that I would never make them feel that way. We don't host "Kid•chella" like the Kardashians, but my children feel the love, the positive energy, they see all of their parents hard work and have beautiful days celebrating their life. Cheesey, I know. What can I say? Parenting makes you a softie.  

Its amazing to go through Pinterest and visually see the love and hardship other parents put into their children's special days. Not even just birthdays either, holidays and other special occasions too.   

I'm also preparing summer crafts and activities since school is coming close to an end.  Embarking on my spiritual journey I've found myself wanting to give.  To my community, to my loved ones & to nature. Bringing our children into this path to becoming beautiful little human beings. In life, I've always been lost. I've projected negative energy on to myself and on to others. Finding this path has brought me to this beautiful path of acceptance and being able to let go of anger. Since peeling that layer of my life away, I've finally began to love full heartily.  Recently we participated in the Funky Sock Walk to raise awareness for Down Syndrome. It was such a wonderful experience and I'm so thankful my children got to feel and experience that type of love from the community. So many amazing people with such inspiring my messages.  Next up we're registered for a 5k for CASA to support abused & neglected children. (Registration is still open if anyone is still interested). It's my first 5k and I'm running it with my little family, jogging stroller in tow. Also we're starting a group with the kids to go clean up local areas (parks, beaches & so on) to teach our youth to care for Mother Nature and help restore areas in our community. 

Lots of positivity.  

Cake batter truffles

• 
  
• What you need: 
• >> 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter
• >> 1 1/2 cups yellow cake mix
• >> 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• >> 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• >> 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• >> 1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles
• >> 16 oz (8 squares) white almond bark

Combine butter, yellow cake mix, sugar, flour and vanilla extract. Using your hands to blend until a firm dough forms and there are no lumps left.

Mix in rainbow sprinkles by hand. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on a large baking sheet.  Place dough balls in freezer for 10 minutes.

While dough is chilling, melt almond bark.  Once completely melted, drip in truffle balls in melted almond bark using toothpicks or a fork. Return to baking sheet  and sprinkle the tops with rainbow sprinkles. 

Let truffles coating harden on the counter for 1 hour or in the fridge for 20 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Enjoy!! 

Homemade pop tarts

Ingredients

• >> 2 cups + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
• >>1 tsp salt
• >>1 tsp granulated sugar
• >>1 cup unsalted butter, cold 
• >> 4 - 5 Tbsp ice water
• >> 3/4 cup strawberry preserves, divided (or other preserve of choice)
Icing
• >> 1 cup powdered sugar
• >>2 Tbsp milk, plus more as needed
• >>1/4 tsp vanilla extract

In a food processor pulse together flour, salt and granulated sugar. Add butter and pulse mixture. Add 4 Tbsp water and pulse several times, if it doesn't come together in clumps add remaining 1 Tbsp water. Drop mixture onto a clean surface, gather dough into a ball then divide into two portions. Cover each with plastic wrap and chill 1 hour. 

Roll out dough and begin to cut out the rectangular shapes. Arrange 4 of rectangles, Spread 1 1/2 Tbsp of jam evenly down the center of each rectangle, leaving about a 3/4-inch rim on all sides uncoated. Top each with another rectangle, then seal edges with your fingertips, then reseal with a fork  Poke the top center of each tart about 4 times with a toothpick. Cover and transfer to freezer to chill at least 2 hours or up to one week

• Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let completely cool before adding icing. 

• For the icing: 
• In a mixing bowl whisk together all icing ingredients well then add milk about 1/2 tsp at a time to reach desired consistency. Spread over tops of cooled pop tarts,  Sprinkle tops with sprinkles if desired and allow glaze to set.

Enjoy!

Lights💜

Wonton turkey tacos

What you need: 

>> wonton wrappers 

>> one package turkey 

>> soy sauce 

>> teriyaki sauce 

>> mirin 

>> rice vinegar 

>> green onions

>> bean sprouts 

>> Asian salad mix 

>> sriracha 

>> mayonnaise 

>>sugar 

>> oil for frying 

>> lime 

Over medium heat brown your turkey meat and mix in chopped green onions and bean sprouts. Let simmer about five minutes or until meat is fully cooked.  Add in 1/3 cup teriyaki, 1-2 tablespoon soy sauce, splash of mirin, one tablespoon sriracha & one tablespoon of rice vinegar. Cook for another five minutes then remove from heat and set aside.

Next start on your sauces. 

The first is the same eel sauce from yesterday's post. 

1/4 cup soy sauce 

1/3 cup sugar 

1/4 cup mirin 

Over medium heat combine all three ingredient and whisk until boil. Remove from heat and set aside.

  

Sriracha lime sauce: 

4 tablespoons sriracha 

One juice of lime

5 tablespoons mayonnaise 

1 tablespoon soy sauce 

Whisk everything together in a small bowl and set aside. 

Now is the tricky part! Frying the wontons. Over medium heat bring oil to boil and with tongs hold half the wonton in the oil. Letting it fry. Then flip and do the other side. Making it into a taco shape. Be carful not to burn yourself.

Now it's time to construct the tacos. First add the turkey meat, the Asian salad mix,  sprinkle with both sauces and serve immediately.

Enjoy! 

Ahi tuna nachos with mango relish + sriracha aioli

Ingredients:

>> *sushi grade ahi tuna 

>> wonton wrappers 

>> sesame seeds 

>> salt & peper 

>> mango 

>> red onion 

>> lime juice  

>> teaspoon honey 

>> cucumber 

>> red peper 

>> 1/4 cup soy sauce 

>> 1/3 cup coconut sugar (sub regular sugar)

>> 1/4 Mirin 

>> Sriracha

>> cilantro 

>> mayonnaise 

>> oil for frying 

>> Asian salad mix 

You'll want to start by making your sauces and mango relish first. 

mango relish: 

1. Cube one large mango. 

2. Peel a cucumber and dice 1/2 of it adding to the mango.

3. Dice 1/2 of a red onion and 1 small red pepper.

4. Finely chop one handful of cilantro and add to the vegetables.

5. Whisk together the juice of 1/2 of a lime, 1 teaspoon of honey, and a pinch of salt.

6. Add to the veggies and combine. Chill in the refrigerator until needed.

eel sauce: 

1. Over medium heat bring to a boil all three ingredients : 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin & 1/3 cup coconut sugar (or regular sugar)

2. Get it to just about boiling while continuously stiring then remove from heat and set aside. 

Sriracha Aioli:

Super simple. Two tablespoons of mayo to one tablespoon of Siracha. Add in a squeeze of lime and whisk together. 

Next you'll want to make your wonton chips: 

Over medium heat add enough oil to cover bottom of pan. Let it heat up. Cut wonton wrappers down the center to make two separate triangles. When oil is hot enough, fry each chip to a golden brown and then place on a plate with a napkin. Let cool. Set aside.

For tuna:

Cut tuna into rectangles & cover with sesame seeds, salt & pepper. Heat pan to medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Place tuna in pan and heat each side for about one minute. Keeping the center pink. Remove from heat and after cooled cube tuna into small pieces.  

Now it's time to construct the nachos. Place the chips on to a plate. Sprinkle with Asian salad mix, then the mango relish. Next comes the tuna, then sprinkle over both the eel sauce & aioli.  That's it! 

-Enjoy! 

Finding me.

Ever feel like you've finally opened your eyes? Life has been really good lately, but  something has been missing. Nothing physical, but more personal. A core type of thing. It's hard to describe, I've always had this missing piece in my life that I've been trying to fit with ideologies/theology. But nothing coincided with my personal beliefs.  Recently, I met a metaphysical teacher, a spiritual guid if you will, and lately....everything feels whole.

She opened my eyes and soul to something I had been searching for. We stumbled into her shop looking for something, a possible answer without having any questions. She was very intuitive. To me, it was fate. Ever since our talk, I've been obsessed with researching and educating myself. 

I won't state which particular stones and crystals I've been keeping in my pocket, but the difference in my energy is like day and night. Plus the negative engery that was clouding me has subsided. I've recently discovered manifesting my ideas, dreams, and state of mind. I envision what I want, I feel it, I think and breath it, I act as if it's there and I create it. I create the space, I create the energy, I create and I control it. Never in my twenty-seven years have I felt in full control of my life. 

"Nice Cream"

Two things that I absolutely love: 

 

1. Ice cream 

2. Taking spoons home from the fro-yo places.

I don't know why, but theirs are just so much cuter! 

That's beside the point here. My children have the sweetest teeth in Texas. So Ive been trying out a few base recipes for a good "nice cream". This one is beyond easy & you probably already have everything in your pantry.  +++ it's vegan!

>> two brown frozen bananas

>> one tablespoon of almond butter

>> splash of almond vanilla milk 

>> a teaspoon of cinnamon 

Place all of your ingredients in your blender and cream together. No churning required. Throw on some sprinkles & enjoy a guilt free sweet treat. 

Super simple dollar tree Easter jars

What you need:

>> mason jars 

>>ceramic Easter decor 

>>spray paint

>>hot glue gun + glue sticks 

>> candle stand 

Spray paint the candle holder, the ceramic figure & the mason jar lids. Let dry.

Attach figure to the lid with your hot glue gun & attach the jar to the candle stick with your hot glue gun. Let dry about -5 minutes. 

And that's all!