cupcakes galore

I have an event coming up and I am to make a lot of beautiful cupcakes. I have been practicing doing this piped frosting, and I think I've got the hang of it. I took a plateful to my family tonight to have them try them out. My dad instantly told me that I could not use margarine instead of butter for the frosting (seriously, I can't taste the difference), and my sister said x-nay on the sprinkles. I quite like the sprinkles. Any-who, I think they are adorable. I'll post the next trial run, they're chocolate.

black bean salad

I am on a quest to find amazing salads for summer. I found this salad on soulemama and oh my it is so tasty!!!! This is my version of it based on what I had on hand. Not only is this super yum, it is oh-so-healthy. So here it is:

for the dressing, mix together: 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (juice of 1 lime)
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar,
1/2 small jalapeño, seeded and chopped,
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt,
1 small garlic clove minced, 
1/2 teaspoon mustard,
1/4 cup oil

2 -3 big handfuls spinach (or other salad greens), well washed and dried
3 cups cooked black beans
1/4 cup shredded cheese,
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted.

dress just before serving and top with grilled chicken.

Serves 4 - 6.

I think the next time I make this, I'll slice a fuji apple or two into it and maybe add green onions.

new bed

I decided I was ready for new bedding. With help and advice from a couple of sisters, I stayed up all night before my boy got home from his forever long trip in Asia, and made us a new bed. I found a quilt that I liked, and made the headboard, bed skirt, and pillows to match. It sort of looks like a Las Vegas hotel room, but I love it for now. Here is the before:
and after: