Delicious Valentines Vanilla Cake (From Scratch!) and buttercream frosting

Y'ALL! This is seriously the best Vanilla cake I have ever made from scratch...actually, it is the best cake I have EVER made from scratch! Who knows, one day I might make one better, but right now..this one is BOMB!

So..I am not really a "cake decorator". I am working on it, but cake decorating is not as easy as it looks in those youtube videos. So lets just ignore my horrible cake decorating. Look past it because this cake will make your taste buds so happy!

This cake is super easy to make and I didn't have to go shopping for any ingredients, I had them all at home!

Ok so lets get started!

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup unsalted butter
• 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 eggs or 6 egg whites (egg whites make it fluffier..that is what I used)
• 1 Tbs. Vanilla Extract
• 2 and 1/2 cups cake flour (or regular flower adding 2 Tbs. Cornstarch per cup of flour)
• 4 Tsp. Baking powder
• 1/2 Tsp. Salt
• 1 Cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease and lightly flour 2 9-inch pans (or heart shaped like me!).
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. That is about 5 minutes.
3. add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
4. Beat in Vanilla Extract
5. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Little by little alternating with the milk.
6. At this point, you can put in some food coloring if you'd like! I used pink!
7. Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes. Remove cake from pans and cool completely on a wire rack
8. At this point, I like to let mine sit in the fridge for atleast an hour because it makes it easier to frost.
9. Frost your cake!

**one mistake I made was not taking my elevation into consideration. If you are in high elevation like I am, Look up baking differences. My cake fell in the center as I didn't even think of that and didn't make alterations to it.

Now lets make some buttercream frosting!

Ingredients:

• 4 Cups Powdered sugar
• 1 cup softened butter
• 2-3 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
• 1-2 Tbl. Milk

Instructions:

1. In blender, beat your butter.
2. When butter begins to smooth, add Vanilla Extract and Milk
3. Once blended, slowly add powdered sugar. Add sugar until desired consistency
4. add food coloring!

Easy peesy! I hope you enjoy this cake as much as my little munchkin did!

XOXO

Modern Day LDS Wife

Review: Big Fat Yummy Hand Creme by Perfectly Posh

Hello friends! I am in love with trying different products and supporting small business. I am so in love, that I decided that I can't just keep them all to myself! I have decided to start a series on this blog of all the different kind of products I am trying. And this one is my first!

This post will be my first in the MLM/DS category!

DISCLAIMER: No I am not a Perfectly Posh Consultant and No I am not paid to write reviews.

So let's get to it!

I don't know about you, but I am a lotion addict...well I didn't used to be until I tried my very first BFYHC (Big Fat Yummy Hand Crème)! So what makes this product so awesome and what even is a BFYHC?

Well first off, let us talk about Perfectly Posh. Posh is a MLM company. You can only get posh through a consultant. Perfectly Posh is a Pampering company. They sell Lotions to bath soaps, to chap stick and beyond! They have everything! I personally have not tried it all, but eventually I will! All Perfectly Posh products are made with natural products, they are all made in the USA and they ARE NOT tested on animals! So naturally, this makes them an awesome product for me and drew me in! I love a product that is made in the US as I love to support my country and buy local. I also love a company that does not test on animals, because I believe that is unnecessary. Another awesome point about this company, is that it is a MLM company. I know a lot of people who dodge these kinds of companies, but I personally love to support my friends.

But let us get back to our BFYHC!

Big Fat Yummy Hand Crème  is a hand cream (obviously!), but it isn't just any hand cream!

First off, the packaging of these hand creams are very eye catching. They each have their own little pictures and cute designs that go with each scent. The bottles are 3oz. They are the perfect size to fit in your purse or sit on your desk. They fit into your hand perfectly for a comfortable hold and are easy to open and use. All BFYHC come in this kind of packaging. Best part? They are only $9 (sometimes less!) and they are Buy 5 Get 1 Free!

The scents are one of a kind and all so amazing. They have everything you could ask for, from floral to fruity. Sweet to calming. I do have to say, however, this last catalog they have had a lot of orange scents. I don't mind orange, but ever since my last pregnancy, I have not been able to stand orange! I would love to see a little more variety in scents. I was also kind of upset with my "I scream for ice cream" BFYHC, as to me, It did not smell like ice cream! But other than that, they are pretty spot on with their scents!

My top 3 scents that I own would have to be Key Lime Pie, Merry Berry, and Boho Soul. Key Lime Pie literally smells like a Key Lime Pie would! I DON'T EVEN LIKE KEY LIME PIE, but this hand crème makes me want to! Merry Berry is "Sweet and tart winter berry". This one actually smells exactly like a Bath and Body Works lotion but I can't put my hand on which. But nonetheless, it is AMAZING! Boho Soul is  "Exotically spiced fruits, amber, and oud wood". I actually just got this one last weekend. I had my husband rub it on my feet (what a great husband right?) and I fell in love! It instantly went to my top 3. I am a big Yogi (well I'm not really, but I do take yoga 3 times a week and I am now addicted to that!) and this smell reminds me of peace and uplifting. It is a spicy woody smell. It is hard to explain, you just have to try it! (and quick before it is gone forever!)

Besides the pretty packaging, the convenience of them, and the delicious smells,  I have never used a lotion quiet like this one. I used to buy all the delicious scents from Bath and Body Works, I mean who hasn't? The one thing I hated about other lotions, is that after I put them on, I felt as though I needed to wash them off or I was sitting there for 10 minutes trying to rub it all the way in. That is why I turned to perfectly posh. I wanted to try something else. So I ordered the "All Gussied Up" BFYHC (Orange Blossom & Lavender...before I couldn't stand the orange scent, However, I can actually stand this orange scent! BONUS!). I instantly fell in love! Perfectly Posh Hand Crème DOES NOT leave your hands feeling greasy! This is the only lotion I have ever put on that I did not want to instantly wash off. I was hooked...My husband is hooked, and so will be my children.

I will never go back.

Every BFYHC has a mix of Apricot oil, coconut oil. All have either (or both) Aloe Vera, and vitamin E. This makes it so there is no greasy after feel, and makes for soft hands! You will literally have softs hands the rest of the day!

I give this product an A+.

XOXO
Modern Day LDS Wife

Date night on a budget and no babysitter!

OK OK! I only have 1 child, but do you know how hard it is to have a date night with even only 1 child? My husband and I struggle to go on date nights, so I decided to plan one from the comfort of our home! Best part? I even managed to keep it a surprise!

This is by far the easiest date night I have ever planned! All it took, was 1 trip to Target. So here you go, my date night on a budget!

So you are probably wondering how we had a date night with no babysitter....EASY! Put that child to bed! Put them to bed early! I am lucky that I started my sons bedtime at 7pm since he was a baby so he is used to it, if yours isn't, well for date night, they can be! (easier said than done right?!)

But before that happens, Plan during the day! While my husband was at work, I took my little one to Target. I grabbed My husbands favorite soda and my favorite soda. I then grabbed boxes of candy; Some that were his favorite, some that were my favorite, and some that we both liked. Because you know, The person you married for some reason has a different taste in candy! And guess what?! those boxes of candy are only $1 each! SAVINGS!!! So naturally I had to 5 of them, because you know, $1! The last thing you need is a movie! Did you know, Walmart has a $3 bin, a $5 bin, and a $10 bin full of movies that came out within that year? And they even have them in Bluray? Yeah, kind of a big deal! Now, my movie I bought was $15. I bought Top Gun because it is one of my husbands favorite movies and I have never seen it. I have to admit, it was actually pretty good! I think it rates in my top 20! What was also cool about it, is it had an ITunes download in it for free so my husband was able to add it to our growing movie collection, BONUS! You could say he was a very happy man that night! But you don't need the pricey movie, Walmart and Target both have very cheap movies which makes for a cheap date night!

I think I spent about $25 that night and that was only because I got a $15 movie! And even then, way cheaper than a movie theater, especially after paying the babysitter.

Once you have all your goodies, set them up cute and surprise the hubby when he gets home!

After the children are tucked away in bed, throw on your jammies, pop your disk in, and cuddle with your loved one while enjoying an easy date night from home!

XOXO
Modern Day LDS Wife

I would for sure say this is a do again date and I am sure the husband would agree!

Better than Restaurant rice Mexican Rice

My goodness y'all...last weekend we had the elders over for dinner. My father made a delicious taco bar and asked me to make some queso (which I am the bomb.com at!), and some Mexican rice. Well I am here to tell you that my Mexican rice was better than any restaurant that I have been to, and I am here to share it with you! This recipe so super easy and makes a huge bowl full. It serves 6-8 people and is just made of deliciousness!

May all your Mexican rice dreams come true!

Ingredients:

• 1 Can tomatoes (peeled)
• 1 Medium onion (peeled and roughly chopped)
• 2 Cups chicken Stock
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/3 cup neutral cooking oil
• 2 Cups long-grain white rice
• 1 to 2 Chile peppers, seeded and minced (for flavor)
• 4 to 5 Garlic cloves, pressed
• 1/4 Cup finely chopped cilantro
• Juice from 2 limes, plus additional wedges for food decoration

Directions:

1. Place tomatoes and onion in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth
2. Transfer the tomato mixture to a medium sauce pan and stir in the chicken stock, salt, and cumin. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. While bringing tomato mixture to a boil, Heat oil in a heavy dutch oven over medium to medium-high heat. When oil is sizzling, add the rice and saute, stirring frequently until lightly toasted and golden (8-10 minutes) DO NOT burn.
4. Add green chilies and cook until they are softened (about 2 minutes) lowering the heat if necessary.
5. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds
6. Pour the boiling mixture over the rice and stir to combine
7. turn heat to low and cook covered until liquid has evaporated and rice is done (about 15 min) continue to mix every few minutes so it does not stick to the bottom.
8. Remove from heat and gently stir rice. Re-cover the pot and allow to rest undisturbed for 10 min.
9. Add cilantro and lime juice and lightly fluff.
10. Add lime wedges for beautiful food decoration
11. ENJOY!

You are welcome! Let me know how it goes!!

XOXO

Modern day LDS wife

Happy Birthday Confetti cake!

Yesterday was a wonderful day to celebrate my wonderful mother! She is so full of love and is my best friend! I can't wait to have a daughter one so that I can have a forever best friend!
To celebrate her day, I made her this amazing confetti cake with buttercream frosting and I just couldn't wait to share it with you! This is my first time EVER making a cake from scratch and, not to brag, I rocked it! This recipe is delicious!

Here is what you will need for the cake:

• 1 Cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 Tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 Large egg
• 1/2 Cup buttermilk
• 1/3 Cup sour cream (or plain greek yogurt)
• 1/4 Cup vegetable oil
• 2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
• Sprinkles!

Directions:

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350, Spray an 8x8 baking pan with cooking spray (or butter) and layer with flour (so it is non stick!)
2. in a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt; set aside
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla
4. Add the wet mixture to the dry folding with a spatula. DO NOT worry about the small lumps! Don't overmix trying to get the smooth!
5. Gently stir in the sprinkles. don't overmix because the sprinkles will bleed into the batter.
6. pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 min. (check after 20 min with a toothpick.)
7. Place pan on wire rack and allow to cool

**this recipe makes enough for one pan! I made 3 separate cakes to make my beautiful layered cake! I just remade the recipe 3 times, I did not triple the recipe

While the cake is baking, lets make the frosting! This frosting is a delicious cream cheese buttercream frosting! This go around was my husbands favorite I have made!

Here is what you will need for the frosting:

• 1 Cup butter, softened
• 1 Package of cream cheese
• 2 Tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 Tsp Almond extract
• 4 Cups powdered sugar (or more)
• 3 Tbs Heavy Whipping cream
• pinch salt (unless using salted butter)

Directions:

1. Beat butter and cream cheese in a bowl with the whisk attachment on medium-high until light and fluffy
2. Add Vanilla and Almond extract
3. With mixer on low, slowly add in milk and salt; scrape down edges
4. Slowly add in powdered sugar, adding until your perfect consistency (fluffy is best!)
5. Whip frosting for 3 minutes after all ingredients are added
6. Add food coloring if desired (I like the gel coloring best!)

Decorating Tips!!!

I first spread the plain white frosting all over the cake and between layers. after it was thinly spread, I used the flat line tip (just like the sugar cookies, and pictured below). I put each color frosting, starting with the darkest, in a plastic bag with the tip and frosted 2 lines around the whole cake starting at the bottom. I repeated this with each color until the lightest one. I then slowly turned the cake (I actually took out the microwave plate that spins and put the cake on that). Take a long icing knife placed at the bottom, and spun the cake until frosting was blended!

***Oopsies! I didn't make enough white frosting so I didn't have enough for the top, so that made my frosting lopsided! But this cake was so fun to decorate and it is definantly my favorite!

This cake is so fun and so easy to make! If you try it, let me know how it goes!!

XOXO

The Modern Day LDS Wife

Sugar Cookies made with Love

It has been a long time coming on this blog! I have been a busy mommy working 3 jobs (that I LOVE) and raising a now 1 year old with my wonderful husband! I'd like to build this blog up again and to start that off, I would like to share with you my AMAZING (for lack of a better word!) sugar cookie recipe!

Last night my husband was craving sugar cookies. I have been practicing my baked goods decorating...I will not even show you how terrible I am with fondant but let's just say the bride of Frankenstein could probably beat me at a cake decorating contest!

These sugar cookies are to die for! But the frosting I might kill for ;) (all in jokes of course, I am as friendly as they come!) Because it is so delicious, I thought I would share it with you!

These wonderful cookies need NO chilling, are SUPER soft, have the most PERFECT baked edges, and KEEPS its shape!

Here is what you will need:

• 1 Cup unsalted butter, softened (I used salted and it was just as fine)
• 1 Cup granulated white sugar
• 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract (I used pure Mexican vanilla extract for a richer vanilla)
• 1/2 Teaspoon almond extract
• 1 egg
• 2 Teaspoons baking powder
• 2 1/2 Cups all purpose flour

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F
2. In the bowl of your mixer, cream butter and sugar until smooth
3. Beat in the extracts and the egg.
4. In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and the baking powder together and add the mix to the wet ingredients slowly. The dough will become thicker. Add in the rest of the flour until you get a good consistency. DO NOT over add flour, if it becomes flakey or breaks off, you know you have added too much flour.
5. DO NOT chill the dough. divide the dough into workable batches, roll out onto a floured surface, roll out, and cut into desired shapes! You want the cookies to be thicker. (close to 1/4 in)
6. Bake at 350 for 6-10 minutes (depending on oven). Let cool on cookie sheet until firm enough to transfer to a cooling rack.

**Oopsies I made! my first go around last night I added too much flour! That made the dough flake off and become unrollable. Make sure to not over add the flour! And the thicker the cookies the better!

***This Recipe made 18 cookies for me, But I did make mine on the thicker side.

***Do not wait for cookies to turn golden brown, If they have turned golden brown on the edges, you have cooked them too long.

BEST PART! Let us not forget the frosting! For my cookies, I made an absolutely delicious cream cheese frosting! Like it is amazing! This recipe makes an abundance of frosting. I had a ton left over which is awesome for graham cracker dipping!

Recipe for frosting:

• 8oz Cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 Cup butter, softened
• 1/2 Cup sour cream
• 1 Teaspoon vanilla
• 1-2 Lb bag of powdered sugar

Directions:

1. In your mixer bowl, mix together the cream cheese and butter until blended.
2. Add in the sour cream and vanilla, mix well.
3. Turn the mixer on low and slowly add in the powdered sugar
4. Continue mixing until the ingredients are all incorporated and you have reached your perfect frosting consistency.
5. Add food coloring if desired (I like the gel coloring the best because it is easier to control)

***I used about 1.5 lbs of powdered sugar. You want your frosting to become fluffy and not runny. Be careful not to make it too thick.

My decorating tips! I like to use disposable frosting bags! If using one, get the plastic insert that has a frosting tip screw on (to keep them on). The frosting tip I used to frost my pumpkin cookies, was a medium straight line tip. (Like pictured below)

I then used the orange first and then just made a huge circle from the outside of the cookie, and swirled it to the center. Then I took the green frosting with the same tip and made a tiny stem. Easy Peesy!

These cookies were a hit in my home! My husband loved them...

 

and so did the little one!

 

When you try the recipe, let me know what you think! These are a for sure do again in my home!

XOXO

The Modern day LDS wife