Well, that stinks!

i have lost two pounds. that stinks. i was hoping it would be more, but deep down i knew that it would not be. no excuses, but i have not done my job. i have slacked on my eating plan and slacked on my exercise. i have eaten lots of dessert then last weekend peter and i also took a trip to houston, tx...not the best place to eat healthy when you are being shown the "highlights" of the city (mostly food places!) let's just say that i throughly enjoyed my trip!! but seriously...if you have never been to houston you should go...soon! we had a great time...thanks so much to my aunt sally and uncle bill for showing us a great time. i was able to be a part of my cousin alyson's senior prom (hair and make-up). she looked BEAUTIFUL and i had a blast. ok, anyway... i have started off this week pretty good. i am determined to not give up even though i was terrible last week! thanks for all the encouragement and ideas!!

ok, enough about that! the new season of the bachelorette started a few minutes ago....this is so awesome, mostly because lisa and i have already sent 15 text messages back and forth breaking it all down. i cant wait to chat it up girl style over this season with lisa...i know that there will be so many laughs. have you ever seen this show? the first night is so funny...all the first impressions are awkward and awesome!!! grant is watching it with me here at the house (peter is in the room but totally ignoring us!) and he is totally cracking on these guys. i just cant imagine putting myself through something like this. i mean...creepy, weird, not fun! why did one guy come in a mask??? :) oh my! dont be surprised if there are a few posts about this in the future!

i also wanted to share a cupcake recipe with you...i forgot to take pics, but they looked similar to this, but tasted even better!

the cupcake (and butterfly cake) pictured is from Charlotte's celebration (sorry it is blurry, my camera phone isnt that great). but this recipe is a classic that i pulled out for my friend, per request, after just having a baby. i made them chicken cordon bleu casserole, rolls, salad and chocolate chip cupcakes with buttercream frosting. it was all good! let me know if you really want the recipes and i will send them to you, but you really should try these cupcakes!!!

Darn Good Chocolate Cake/Cupcakes
1pkg plain devil's food or dark chocolate fudge cake mix
1 pkg (3.9oz) chocolate instant pudding mix
4 large eggs
1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. warm water
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1 1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips

preheat oven to 350 degrees. combine all ingredients (save the chocolate chips) until well combined. fold in chocolate chips. pour into cupcake liners. bake at 350 for 20-22 min or until cakes spring back. let cool completely before frosting. *if you are not making cupcakes let me know and i will let you know how to adapt this for bundt/layer/pan cakes.

Best Buttercream (not too "crusty")
1/2 c. shortening
1/2 c. butter (softened)
1 teas. vanilla (clear vanilla if you want very white buttercream)
4 c. powdered sugar
3 tbls. milk (more if needed)

cream together shortening and butter. add sugar and vanilla. mix well. add milk until smooth and creamy, until it is the consistency that you like. i like mine a little thicker for piping.

so good!! but, i guess cupcakes are out for me for a little while..at least a cupcake every night like last week!! cant wait to hear what you think about the bachelorette!!

blessings, ALo