National Chocolate Cupcake Day- Does it Get Any Better??

I think every single day of the year has a Holiday associated with it and some even more than one.  Now, mind you, they are more often than not obscure and silly but still.....

Today is one of those day!  While February 24 is National Cupcake Day TODAY is National CHOCOLATE Cupcake Day!  Huge difference and I am just waiting for the National Bring Your Cupcake to Work Day.  ;)

Anyhow, in honor of this auspicious holiday that deserves to be celebrated in a BIG way I thought I would share my Pinterest Board that is dedicated to nothing but cupcakes.  I know, I know, they aren't all chocolate but if you take the time to peek around I am sure you will find some recipes that are perfectly suited to celebrate today.

While you are there check out a few of my other boards!  I'd love to hear from you so if you have some boards on Pinterest just let me know if the comments section and I promise I'll head on over and check them out.

In the meantime, enjoy your day and don't forget to have your Chocolate Cupcake!


Follow Leesa Finley's board Cupcakes on Pinterest.

I LOVE comments! Let me know what you think......

TexMex Corn Dip - Confessions of a Farmers Market Junkie!

Well, it isn't quite a month since the Finleys have relocated to the outrageously gorgeous Boynton Beach FL, but what a fantabulous 3+ weeks it has been.  I am LONG overdue for a post about the move - it's coming, it's coming......  ;)

One of my most FAVORITE discoveries has been the Woolbright Farmers Market just down the street from us.  Oh Eem Gee!  Trust me, there will be a post dedicated to that little gem.  Unbelievable selection of local produce at prices that really boggle my mind!  I am completely addicted and seriously, I visit at least 3 times a week!

On my last trip I overindulged in corn on the cob.  I just couldn't help myself - ears and ears and it all looked so fresh and sweet.  At 5/$1 I just couldn't say no.  After I got home and started putting it away I was like, "Wow, Leesa, that's a lot of corn, what the hell?"  I texted my Mom right away asking for her Corn Salsa recipe but that still would not be enough to use up all of the corn I bought.  So, Pinterest I went a searching.  I am famous for finding about 5 different recipes, picking and choosing from each and then adding my own touch and that is exactly what I did with this dip.  This was super easy to prepare and after about an hour in the fridge it was super delish!

Here goes - I hope you give it a try and be sure to let me know in the comments what you think!  Also, be on the lookout for my Mom's Corn Salsa recipe provided she let's me share it.  (love ya Mom!)

Tex Mex Corn Dip

4-5 ears of corn
1/2 c mayo
1/2 c sour cream
Jalapenos Slices (from a jar), a small handful chopped
4.5 oz can of chopped green chilis
4 green onions, chopped
1 - 2 c shredded Colby Jack cheese
1, 2, or 3 pinches of cayenne pepper ;)
Salt to taste

Cook corn on the cob however you choose.  For this batch I did stovetop steaming.  However, I WILL be grilling the corn next time to add even another layer of flavor.  Once corn is cooked remove the kernels from the cob and put in a medium size mixing bowl.  

In a small bowl mix together mayo and sour cream and then add to corn.  Add remaining ingredients and mix well.  Refrigerate for at least 1 hour prior to serving to allow flavors to blend.

Serve with tortilla chips - our favorite are Blue Corn Tortilla Chips from Garden of Eatin'


I LOVE comments! Let me know what you think......

Pins of the Week - Wicked Good Ones This Week!

Crazy ass week last week.  Work was a complete roller coaster - one minute high the next the lowest of lows.  I was all stoked because it had seemed that Fall was finally here for good and then BAM - hello 90 degrees again.  In case you missed it before - I HATE hot weather.  So much for open windows and back to AC we went.

We had the chance to try a few pins and here are some of the best!

WHEN the weather was a little cooler I got the chance to try out a new soup and OMG - it was absolutely fabulous!  Easy to put together and the house smelled amazing.  Chicken, Bacon and Wild Rice Soup....

 

We had TWO great sandwiches that we tried.  The first was Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese.  Again, super easy to put together - and I just LOVED the red peppers that we roasted.  I have to roast them more often for other things.

My FAVORITE was a Peach, Cheese and Bacon Panini - This is one that you simply MUST try!  The sweetness of the peaches and the saltiness of the bacon......OMG!  Trust me!  Really, trust me on this one.

 

Working next on a post for the Homemade Apple Butter I made.  It really has to leave this house though or I am going to get sick from eating it - I can't STOP!  It was my first attempt and we ALL say it is the best we've ever had.  Stay tuned!

Before that though I have to confirm a parent teacher conference........TEACHER initiated - this can't be good.  :(  Wish me luck...... 

Pins of the Week - The Good, The Bad and the Really Awful!

I am so glad that last week is behind me.  It was a chore to get through some hours of the days as well, let's just say it wasn't the best week in a while as far as work goes.  Now, family?  That's another story.  I do have to say that spending time with J and L makes me so very happy and they keep me grounded.  The cheer me up, make me laugh and remind me that it doesn't matter what else is happening - they are what is most important to me.

We had time last week to try a few more pins.  They are definitely a hodge podge of pins but here goes.....

CLEANER!  Oh my goodness.  I had seen this one and was pretty much ready to blow it off.  You always find pins that make fantastic claims and they turn out to be a waste of time, effort and money.  NOT so with this one.  I used an empty (and clean) window cleaner bottle, mixed this one together and holy shit - it really worked!  Now, my showers and tubs weren't THAT bad but I do have to say that this cleaner shined the chrome and really worked on the shower doors and walls.  In our bathroom it was quick, painless and pretty much odor free.  It L's bathroom the smell was stronger (don't know why) and lingered for two days.  He was convinced it smelled like Salt & Vinegar Chips - he was right!

Tub and Shower Cleaner DIY

We tried some new cookies this past week and I have to say - they are some of the BEST we have ever had.  They were unique in that the recipe called for ground almonds in the dough.  I don't know how or why nor do I care - all I can say is WOW!

Chocolate Almond Sweet and Salties

I don't really want to post what we consider bad pins but if I didn't then I wouldn't be telling the truth.  I had seen this pin floating around A LOT and though "Ok, we'll give it a try - MUST be good".  OMG - it was simply awful!  I can't believe the money spent on ingredients for results that tasted like they came out of a can.  Seriously, for the Finley family there wasn't one redeeming quality about this recipe.  You are more than welcome to click the link and try it for yourselves - blech.

Spaghetti in Garlic Gravy

What do you do when you have a pin that you try and you don't like it?  Or even if you do like it?  I have gotten into the habit of commenting on my pins every time I try one.  Even if they are "bad" I leave them there with a comment so I know not to accidentally re-pin it in the future and/or to never try again.

Did you try any pins this past week that are worth sharing?