Busy Week Re-Cap...

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

As you all know last week was jammed with orders and events and I am still trying to play catch up! I had the BEST time baking and decorating that I completely lost track of time and didn't blog a single thing for a week! oops! I am currently learning the balance between baby, blog & Baby Boy Bakery....
Anyway, I wanted to share some moments captured with my Blackberry from last week's craziness.

{Disney inspired cake pops...Cinderella}

{@ the Little Wellies Disneyland photo shoot...Belle & her cake pop}

{Princess Belle's cake pop}
{Spiderman cookie treat bags for a birthday party!}

{Vanilla buttercream cupcakes for a 1st birthday!}


I would love to say this week has slowed down a bit, but it hasn't. I am busy hosting my grandma for the week, planning and crafting for my son's 1st birthday party and making football cake pops for an order on Saturday! Yay! Busy is a good thing!

{Disney photo shoot pictures coming soon...}

I hope you all are having a great week! What are you working on this week?!

Holiday {Handmade} Boutique

I am so happy and honored!! I will be a vendor at the Holiday Handmade Boutique! This will be my first time as a vendor and I am super excited to set up my very own booth and give people a little taste of 'Baby Boy Bakery'. Plus, I get to hang out with my friends Alissa from Rags to Stitches, Christina from Little Wellies and more super talented chicas!
Below are some details about this event. You won't want to miss it!
You'll be able to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones and taste/order up organic holiday desserts for your upcoming parties and family gatherings! Come celebrate the holidays with us!
 {click on the logo to visit the website}
 
 
Thursday, November 10th, 2011
9am - 2pm
Location: 
Newport Mesa Church
2599 Newport Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
 
 
 
Interested in being a vendor? We are now accepting applications for Holiday Handmade. To apply, please email Alissa at ragstostitchesboutique {at} gmail {dot} com. Include your business name, pictures of what you sell and all the links to your shop, blog, etc. Thank you!

What I {Love} Wednesday-Maka

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

This week I am loving my grandmother! (I love her always, though this week especially!) I am lucky enough to have my grandparents visiting from Costa Rica (that is where my family is from) and my grandmother has decided to stay with us this week. That means lots of shopping, cooking and laughing together!

I call my grandmother Maka because when I was younger I couldn't say grandma...what came out instead was 'Maka' and it stuck. My Maka is my soul sister, she and I are very similar and somewhat loca! (crazy) I thank Maka for teaching me how to bake and instilling a pure passion for love and life within me.


It has been really nice having her close since she lives so far away....I don't want this week to end!

Te amo



{I love you nena...}

{I learned how to bake from this chica!}

*Do you call your grandparents a unique name?


{Linking up with Krystina from Lollipops}

What I {Love} Wednesday- Cake Plates

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Recently, I have discovered I have an obsession with cake stands. The more colorful, funky and unique the better! This week I am most certainly crushing on this shop & blog called 'delightfully lovely' dedicated to crafting the most coolest cake stands around!
I first found out about Danielle and her beautiful cake stand shop when reading Paper & Cake's blog...and have been in love with it ever since.
Take a look at these gorgeous cake stands! I love the funky designs and the bright colors....I LOVE THEM! {click on the picture for more info}

{Love the bright pink!...So girly!}

{This is one of my favorites...yellow is my fav!}

{This is perfect for Christmas!}

{LOVE the beading...so cute!}

Busy Busy Baker...

Monday, August 22, 2011

I am a super busy baker this week, and I couldn't be more excited! I look forward to sharing with you all how great everything turns out, but for now I will just leave you with a list of what we have going on this week. (Send us your positive thoughts, 'cause we'll need them to get through the next few crazy days)

{I am sorry to say that since this week is super crazy I won't have time to blog much...our next post will be the weekly link-up 'What I {Love} Wednesday' with Krystina from Lollipops.}

`I am super honored to be supplying the princess inspired cake pops & cupcakes for the Little Wellies photo shoot on Wednesday {AT DISNEYLAND}! The creator of Little Wellies, Christina is adorable and has outdone herself with her new Disney inspired fall collection! I can't wait for you all to see the outcome!

`Celebrating our blog readers I have awarded April from Gingerbread 30 organic sugar cookies and I will be delivering them this week. They will be Spiderman themed for her son's birthday! So cool!

`My good friend Amanda from Mae Bird has ordered 50 cupcakes for her son's 1st birthday this week! They will be chocolate & vanilla topped with chocolate & vanilla butter cream. (You can't go wrong with that) Her son's party theme is Mexican flair, they even hired a taco truck for their backyard! These cupcakes will be bright and perfect for the party!

`We also have a western theme cake this week that I am super excited to create. They have asked for chocolate & raspberry butter cream and all things western.....Yeee Haaaa!

`Lastly *wipes brow* we have a beautiful butterfly & champagne themed bridal shower. The bride loves purple and I am doing cupcakes with butterflies on top (Thanks Martha)

Now I am totally not bragging here....I think after listing all our events I feel more organized and less crazy. Plus, I wanted to get my readers excited for the upcoming outcome posts!

If you would have asked me 3 months ago I would have never guessed things would be going this great for 'Baby Boy Bakery'! I am beyond honored and proud.

And with that I will see you all back here in a few days!
I'll leave you with a few pictures taken by Melanie Catalano Photography....My son Ryan was asked to be a model for a smash cake shoot. Lets just say he didn't do to well... Enjoy!

{Tasted the icing and life was yummy...}

{Touched the icing and realized he wasn't having fun}

{Freak out mode, accidentally kicks the cake and is stiff with fear!}

'wim' {of the week 11}-Banana-Nanna Ice Cream

Friday, August 19, 2011

For those of you who don't know I am OBSESSED with watching Claire Robinson's '5 Ingredient Fix' on the Food Network. Mostly because I love to cook, and I love learning how to cook with few ingredients. You get more for your money plus you learn so many different ways to prepare foods to achieve their maximum flavor potential.

Here are some past posts that were Claire Robinson inspired;
Easy caramel from ONE ingredient.
Brown Butter ='s nutty goodness

This week's 'What I Made' aka 'WIM' was brought to my attention by Miss. Clarie Robinson herself yet again and I had to share it with you guys ASAP!
Now listen up because what I am about to show you is how to make banana ice cream using only ONE ingredient.
Bananas.
Now for some reason when bananas are frozen then blended up the create a creamy, velvety ice cream like texture. I am no scientist, all I know is that it's super yummy! Click on the link to see Claire whip up this yummy-ness.....then keep reading to see how I made it 'Baby Boy Bakery' style!


Here is Claire Robinson's recipe and video detailing the amazing ice cream.

Here is  my 'Banana-Nanna your whole family can enjoy and you better make a ton because you'll eat it all in one sitting go put your elastic waistband pants on jump up and down dairy free delish Ice Cream 

Ingredients
`4 ripe bananas
`2 tbs PB (optional)
`1/3 cup crushed chocolate cookies

Directions
`Peel, cut & freeze bananas over night
`Once frozen toss bananas into a blender
`Blend until smooth
`Stir in PB & Cookies
`Put back into the freezer to harden for about an hr
{Velvet Banana-PB Ice Cream w. a Little Crunch from Chocolate Cookies}

{Look at how thick and creamy this is!}

Enjoy! Let me know how you made it, there are so many yummy combinations you could come up with!


Thank You {Dinner}

Thursday, August 18, 2011

It is that time again! To find inspiration, write about it and link up with Gussy Sews & other bloggers.
I love this time of week where I can pick something that relates to the prompt and detail how it inspires me.


This week's prompt is 'Front Porch'. mmmm Well we don't really have a nice front porch so the next best thing would be a back porch or yard rather. The first nice backyard that came to mind was Nana & Poppa's (Dan's Parents) backyard. Then I thought, how nice would it be to have dinner out there as the summer comes to an end. Soooo......
This week I was able to do something really special for Nana & Poppa...I'd like to share with you our "Thank You" dinner on the {back porch} and hopefully it will inspire you to cook a "Thank You" dinner for someone!

We are so very fortunate that Dan's parents live less than 5 miles away from us. With a baby, their close proximity comes in handy a lot of the time. Ryan LOVES his Nana & Poppa and it gives me a good feeling when I leave him over there to play. I try to wave bye and give him kisses and he wants nothing to do with me. He knows where the toys are and how to find Poppa in the office or backyard.
I decided it would be a nice idea to play personal chef and cook Nana & Poppa a fun meal to enjoy together out in their nice backyard. I wanted to cook for Nana & Poppa to say Thank You for their love and support during this past year as new parents & for taking care of Ryan on certain days. They help out A LOT!
{Now I realize my ENTIRE family helps out A LOT...and in some way I will find ways to thank each and everyone of you. Trust me, I always think of how great you all are and how blessed we are to have such great people supporting us.}

Here we are enjoying dinner together out side.....Thank You Nana & Poppa!

{yummy dinner outside}

{Nana & Poppa w. Ryan}

{On the back porch....I am nursing my thumb I sliced it while chopping garlic! OUCH}

What did I make for dinner?!
`I made a favorite of mine. Carbonara. My favorite place to order it is at Mi Piace. However, I make a pretty good version. I will give you the recipe if you promise to make it and then tell me how great it is!

Jacqui's CARBonara. {Don't eat if you are on a diet}
Ingredients
`1 lb of Linguine (Or any other pasta you like)
`1/4 cup Olive Oil
`1 package of Panchetta (Chop it however you like it)
`1 1/2 cups of peas
`4 cloves of garlic (For extra flavor, try roasting your garlic 1st)
`3 tbs of Oregano
`1/2 white wine (Not to sweet...pour yourself a glass while you cook!)
`2 large egg yolks
`1 hefty cup of Parmesan & Romano cheese (I love cheese)

Directions
`Boil pasta in salted water till soft but not mushy (aldente). Put aside.
`In a large pan brown the panchetta with the olive oil
`Once brown add the peas, garlic & oregano (You can also add red pepper for some heat)
`Add the wine and scrape the pan to get all the bits at the bottom.
`Add pasta to the pan and mix really well.
`Beat the egg yolks, add a 1/3 cup of the warm pasta water to the egg yolks to temper the eggs. (So they don't scramble)
`Pour the eggs over the pasta and mix super fast and well.
`Serve hot with garlic infused bread & butter.

Questions?! Email me babyboybakeryATyahooDOTcom

This is a great dish for summer because it isn't heavy. I hope you try it next week for dinner! Let me know how it goes.

I'm linking up with Gussy Sews - Inspiration Workshop

What I {Love} Wednesday-Back 2 School Treat

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

To kick off the beginning of the school year I say make these for your kids when they get home from learning! Start the school year off with a bang...and a cheer! There is nothing better than an after school snack, and after that timid or exciting day your children had they deserve a yummy treat! Plus, you can make one for yourself and indulge with a celebratory Italian Cream Soda! (If you think I am crazy...just keep reading!)

Get ready for something SERIOUSLY delish & refreshing...
This week I am crushing on Italian Cream Sodas! It has been so hot lately and I have to admit I am sucker for soda. Italian Cream Soda is the perfect combination of sweet and creamy effervescence. Take a look at these yummy drink concoctions and try my very own recipe for 'Baby Boy Bakery' style Italian Cream Soda!

{All these pictures were found via Pinterest. Check out my Yummy drinks pin board!}




What is an Italian Cream Soda?!
It is a flavored soda ice cold with cream poured on top...sounds weird?! Ok...well try it! It is good!

'BBB' Cream Soda

Ingredients
`Soda water
`3 tbs of Pure Vanilla Flavoring
`Ice
`3 tbs of Half & Half

Directions
`In a fun glass fill with ice
`Pour in vanilla (or other flavor you'd like)
`Pour in soda water
`Top off with Half & Half

*If you don't want vanilla flavoring, try using fruit or any type of flavoring you'd like. Get creative!

{Stay Tuned for my raspberry twist on an Italian Cream Soda DIY  in a guest post I'll be doing over at Hidden Cupcakes in a week or so...it's AMAZING!}

Enjoy!

I'm linking up with the amazing Krystina from Lollipops

'Busy Baby. Modern Mom.' {Product Review}

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Here at 'Baby Boy Bakery' we love everything sweet and healthy. However, we also love helpful things that make our day as a momma easier! Which is why I would like to share with you a super functional item that you will no doubt become obsessed with!


The Product:
Fold Over Pocket Diaper Clutch

{Frances surprised me with our favorite fabric print!}

{Holds diapers & more}

Where Can You Get It?:
 Bibeez Baby shop on etsy.

`Bibeez Baby shop owner Frances is a sweet, kind hearted momma who has a deep passion for her husband, son and creating functional baby products that are unique and useful. Frances sets herself apart from others by using the softest and most adorable fabrics out there. Frances creates quality baby products that we use daily to help make our life as a momma more organized and beautiful.


What Exactly Is a Diaper Clutch?:
Bibeez Baby diaper clutch holds as many as 6 diapers, wipe case, booty cream & an extra onesi. It is a purse like wristlet that holds the necessities if you are going out real quick or packing in your diaper bag to stay organized. Here is a picture using the Fold Over Pocket Diaper Clutch at our favorite place....and yes I jammed my wallet, phone and keys in there so I only had to carry 2 things (baby & clutch)!
{Along for the ride @ Target! In case we need a change..}

Why Is This Diaper Clutch So Awesome?:
I find this diaper clutch to be so great because it fits a lot and you look good carrying it! Honestly, everything you may need for your babe fits inside and leaves you with less baggage and no worries! Yes, I know you have a diaper bag, but this clutch can help eliminate clutter and organize your babies things. And again you can just grab the clutch and leave the diaper in the car while you shop around. Keeping the important things close.
{Inside look at our diaper bag. So organized!}
{Diaper clutch fits nicely next to my son's giraffe collection!}
The other great thing about Bibeez Baby diaper clutches is that they all come with wristlet straps. This way you aren't stuffing the clutch under your arm or carrying it in your hand. You can just slip it on your wrist and have two free hands!



Are There Any Othere Styles?:
Yes! I am so glad you asked! As creater of Bibeez Baby, Frances only wants the best for mommas and their babies. Therefore all her products are sewn with various fabric prints that suit any mommas style! My favorite is grey and yellow, (plus my son LOVEs giraffes), but take a look at the Bibeez Baby shop and you'll find something that strikes your fancy. Promise!


{Beautiful!}
{Adorable}



Is There Anything You Would Change About This Product?:
No! This clutch is made with durable fabric that can be washed easily. Plus it has a sturdy button+elastic loop clasp. Once you have one you'll think how did I do without! Honest.

What else is great about Bibeez Baby?:
Bibeez Baby is a great shop to get many other kid essentials other than diaper clutches. Frances creates, wash clothes, mini travel diaper bags, car knick knack bags (to hold games, sippy cups & toys for those long car rides) and bibs! Plus she also makes clutches for just momma use for storing make-up etc.
Plus, we all love finding a new blog to read with a great story! Frances of Bibeez Baby writes her own blog that is filled with family love, crafty ideas and new shop items. Check it out here!


Are you in love yet?! Head over and grab a diaper clutch and more from Bibeez Baby!



Liven Design {Testimonial}

A few weeks ago I had the amazing opportunity to work with a brilliant blog designer...Ana from Liven Design. Ana literally turned my blog into something beautiful and worth while. My blog now has style and is easy to navigate. I am hoping my readers love it as much as I do.

Since remodeling my blog Ana and I have become good friends who email daily.  Our sister hood bond has flourished and I look forward to the day her and I can sit face to face in a cafe' talking about life, love and momma-hood.

I would love to take this time to introduce you to Ana & her one woman design business that will captivate you and leave you wanting to revamp your web space...

Click on the logo to learn more about Ana and her business
At Liven Design you will find it easy to shop the different templates all designed by Ana.

Liven Design doesn't just design blogs! Liven Design offers a wide variety of design to help any business develop their brand and promote their craft! Click here to read the complete list of services Liven Design offers....{web graphics, business cards, storefront banners}

PLUS...Liven Design is having a HUGE 'End of Summer Sale'. Choose from one of Ana's blog templates which are 50% off right now!

I hope you enjoy perusing Liven Design...It is a beautiful space that may inspire you to make some changes. Just like it did for me!

Goal {Giveaway} Winner

Monday, August 15, 2011

I can't believe we have reached another one of our goals. Our teeny blog has reached 30 readers. As promised we will be giving away 30 organic sugar cookies to one of our lucky readers.

Congratulations to  April of the amazing blog 'gingerbread' and shop 'vintage gingerbread'!

{To find out more about 'gingerbread' click here, here and here!}


 Please email me your mailing info {babyboybakeryATyahooDOTcom}. Plus, if you plan on using them for a party let me know how you'd like them decorated! If not, I will make them pretty and send the yummies your way! Thank you so much for following 'Baby Boy Bakery'! You are awesome!


It feels so amazing to be celebrating our growth! I am so excited to see where will be in just a few more months!

Now we have made another goal. Once we reach 100 readers we will be doing another giveaway and it is going to be a good one!  If you are a 'Baby Boy Bakery' reader make sure you tell everyone to come check us out! We love making new friends!

{Baby Boy} Food-Brown Buttered Squash

Happy Monday!

Yum! This Monday's recipe is so sweet and delish. It is perfect any time, but something about it makes me think of Autumn. This recipe has few ingredients, though it takes some time to brown up the butter. My advice to you is to try it...because honey there ain't nothing better than brown butter! Trust me.

Brown Buttered Squash

Ingredients
One big butternut squash
1 stick of butter (if you have salted butter don't add the pinch of salt)
pinch of salt
1/3 cup of brown sugar

Directions
`In a pan melt the stick of butter. The key here is LOW & SLOW. You want to melt the butter and once you see white bits float to the top you want to stir it and keep heating the butter until the bits turn a golden brown. This technique is used a lot and it brings out a sweet nutty flavor to the butter. It is super yummy! Here is what your butter should look like when its done.

{Remember LOW & SLOW...otherwise you'll end up burning the butter and it will taste anything BUT yummy! ick!}

`Cut the squash into bite size pieces and place on a cookie sheet. Pre-Heat oven to 400 degrees
`Pour the browned butter over squash and toss
`Sprinkle the brown sugar over squash and toss till everything is evenly coated

{Brown sugar w. Brown butter is so YUMMY}
`Roast for about 20 minutes or until the squash is fork tender and caramelized.


As a side dish serve hot.
For baby food...let it cool then blend to your babies stage. PS your babe is going to LOVE this sweet and savory combo!

{momma this is gooooood!}

Enjoy!

Taking a {Momma} Break

Friday, August 12, 2011

Every once in a while I get a little tired (okay very tired) and stressed out. I am so busy with being a good momma, 'Baby Boy Bakery and other things I find myself with no time just for me. And with no "me" time anyone would go nuts. It is so important to take a time out just for you and reflect on how amazing you are and all the great things you are accomplishing. Right?!
I find it hard to admit that I need this solo time until I am snapping at Dan and crying for no reason. Then I am like 'Okay Chica GET IT TOGETHER'!!! {thank you to my best friend Holly & new friend/soul sister Ana for listening to me vent}
Yesterday my son's god-momma offered to take him for the night and I eagerly said yes! Part of me feels like yay! I can get stuff done and get a pedicure. The other part of me feels like ugh! Am I a bad momma for not being able to handle whats on my plate? The answer I know is NO. I am a great momma who just needs a break.

{Me & my son! Momma Loves You Ryan}
Have you ever felt like this? What is your favorite thing to do while on a 'Momma' break?!

'wim' {of the week 10}

{'wim' of the week is:  'what i made' of the week! aka 'wim' of the week! it is an awesome way to showcase things i craft/bake for our family and friends. it can be anything from making funky frames to cooking a family dinner. the idea is to show different ways we can get creative in our day to day lives. i hope to inspire my blog readers to do the same and share with me what they create each week.}

Chocolate Covered Banana Cookies
This week I put these beauties together for Dan and I and fell in love with them. They are super easy and perfect for hot summer nights. Here is what you need and how to make them;


{I love this cake plate by Funky Vintage Lovely....April is amazing}

Ingredients
Banana
Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (We like the ones from Trader Joes)
Chocolate Chips

Directions
`Take one side of the cookies off (I use them for baking, but you can eat them or save them)
`Cut the banana into pieces and place on the cookie. They should look like this...

{They are even good just like this!}
`Freeze these for at least 2 hours
`With a double boiler melt the chocolate chips
`Dunk the frozen banana &cookie bites into the chocolate

{It will get messy...and they don't have to be perfect!}
`Put back in the freezer to harden
`After about a half an hour...enjoy!


This weeks 'wim' is a favorite of mine. I hope you try these out. You can get as creative as you want by adding peanut butter, nuts or candy coating. Let your kids come up with some ideas and have them help you!
Let me know how it goes!
Happy Friday!

what i {love} wednesday

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

I guess it is no surprise that what I am loving this week revolves around a sweet food item. I love food, especially sweet tasty ones. This week I am seriously crushing on PANCAKES. So much so, I have made them twice for breakfast this week, and created a pin board on Pinterest devoted to these lovely breakfast creations. My son Ryan loves it...as he can now eat bites of pancake no problem. I skip the syrup for him though (poor guy). Extra syrup for momma!
Check out these mouth watering pictures I found via Pinterest. They will have your booty whipping up pancakes for dinner tonight!
PS: At the bottom I included my staple pancake recipe. My grandma and momma have been making these since I was a little girl. With every bite I remember walking down the stairs in my grandma's old house all zombie like ready to devour some pancakes.
{My all time record is 6 at one sitting!....I am very proud of this.}





Panqueques de Maka

ingredients
1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour
3 teaspoons of baking powder
1tablespoon sugar
pinch of salt
1 1/4 cup of whole milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons butter (most important part)

directions
-whisk ingredients together until smooth
-heat a skillet and melt some butter on it
-pour about 1/4 cup of batter on to the skillet...once the pancake is bubbling it is ready to flip!
-Important Step: once you have flipped the pancake add a pad of butter to the top so it melts onto the pancake. OMG! Yum!
-Serve with more butter, extra syrup and fresh berries.
-Good for breakfast, lunch or dinner :)


{I am linking up with the sweet Krystina from Lollipops!}



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