Searching For A Red Velvet Cupcake Receipe

Red Velvet Cupcakes from Martha

Last year, for Valentines Day, Hubby and I made Red Velvet cupcakes to gobble and to give to his parents (his dad loves cookies, cakes etc. so this is always a good way to stay on his good side). The cupcake mix came from a fancy box that I picked up at the Fresh Market. Everyone seemed to like them (especially Hubby's dad), although I thought that this year we would step it up a notch and actually try a real recipe from scratch. I do have a little time before Valentines day to find a great recipe so that I take them in to work to pass out (just like I use to do in grade school). Back then, it was always sugar cookies, and one of my classmates' mother was always a better icing decorator then my own mother. I seemed to acquire her same talents in that department. When I googled Red Velvet cupcakes, no doubt Paula's name popped right up, and then, of course, Martha. But then, I found Country Living's recipe on my own because I always like their recipes. So I've printed all three recipes but I can't really tell which one is the best--if Hubby and I test all three recipes this weekend, we'll be in trouble!!!

Red Velvet Cupcakes from Country Living

Ms.Paula Deen's Red Velvet Cupcakes

Any Suggestions?

Closet Envy Anyone?

I'm digging this groovy chair of Windsor Smith's

from House Beautiful ...I can see everything!

Getting my closet well-organized and pretty has been pretty high on my list of things to do this month. Admittedly, I haven't gotten that far. This past Monday, I did manage to swing by the Container Store for a few ceder hangers, which I know are a little bit more expensive then the bamboo or the plastic ones, but I like the smell of them. Is that weird? Anyway, my closet is roughly 12 by 12 square, the wire shelves were already there. Not my choice, but I did not have a say, and they work for now. No, I've not painted or wallpapered or added a chandelier (you'll see)! First things first...organizing! Though I've already done a lot of pitching, especially over the last eight years due to all the moving around that Hubby and I do. But hey, I still see a few things floating around in my closet that made it through my last pitching session from Nashville. Good by circa 1996 suits!

If I had Aerin Lauder's closet I would have died and gone to heaven! I would just add a round tufted stool to sit and linger while I'm drinking my morning coffee debating what I'm going to wear that day. Perhaps take a door or two off so I could see everything.

For me, I like to be able to see everything--jackets, sweaters, jeans, shoes, scarves. I've found that if it is tucked away I tend to forget about it. Plus, I hate getting into my old 1940's annoying English chest that Hubby has taken over. Also, what makes things a little easier and manageable is I keep my summer clothes in the guest room (talk about that later). Additionally one of my pet peeves is that I like my sweaters color-coded and my shoes stacked in clear boxes. Who knows, maybe I'll get around to wallpapering it and adding a small chandelier and a cute stool so I don't have to scream for Hubby to pull down my purses. You know, it's not even February yet...I think that I have a little time!

A closet much more attainable...I would take it in a heartbeat!

But for now I have this! Come on now, I've not only told you, but shown you, my messy ugly closet. Closet envy... anyone?

A Room Of Your Own!

This morning over a cup of coffee, I had a little time to catch-up on Bloomingdale's great window challenge . For me personally, I loved Eddie's overall story on the modern women and his use of vintage and modern accessories. With Maxwell, I like his choice of the bold wallpaper, big modern chandelier, club leather chair, modern lamps (I have a few just like that myself), glass coffee table (I have one & its where Hubby & I have dinner every night, it works), and, of course, his use of books. A few things that I personally was not crazy about were Maxwell's rug choice and his faux bookcases, maybe a little too much. Also, I was not wild about Eddie's color choices and splatter-paint print. But hey, that is just my opinion, and we all seem to do things differently, don't we?

Anyway, the contest had me pondering to myself how I would do a Bloomingdale's window display room for--let's say--a married woman (not incredible old, but no young spring chicken, either), who loves antiques (has been on a trip or two but could stand a few more). She's extremely passionate about, let's say, design. She loves color but clings to the warmer families, and she is hesitant with fabric choice on her furniture (see Decorating Dilemmas), for fear her Hubby may spill wine on the sofa (she's made those mistakes before). At the end of a hectic day, this is where she likes to linger in her room over a glass of Cabernet while going through one of her many decorating books. Then her Hubby (who spills wine) may join her for a glass before he fixes her dinner because he loves to cook! Last but not least, her books are very important to her (she even keeps her self-help paperbacks). She's heavily inspired by nature, exemplified by her love of botanical wallpaper (see Bringing The Outdoors In). After all it's her room. Finally, nothing is so special that her beloved dog, who might be named, say, Ellie, can't harm!

Here's a little something that just popped in my mind! Not exact though, but very, close...indeed! I love the overall color palette, the botanical-themed wallpaper, Waverly's mocha-striped drapes, vintage rosewood lamp, slipper chairs (legs showing), glass coffee table, over sized mirror, and sisal rug. One thing that I would not do is a valance on the window, and not just for budget reasons, but I think that it would look lighter. I might also change the fabric around a little. Remember this client has a Husband that spills wine! Also, I would use an old French mirror on the mantle (like something I've lugged back from a trip). Finally, I would add more books! Probably many more. That's not a lot, is it?

A Girly Kitchen: What would you do?

Tori even put the Toile wallpaper on the ceiling

I was just checking my calender and today is Wed..."Girl Stuff"... and, in keeping with the Kitchen theme that I seem to have going on this week, I thought that I would show a "girly kitchen", at least I would consider it kind of girly, with the toile wallpaper. Then again, maybe it's just because I've been married for quite a while. I've always liked this kitchen and the apartment home of Tori Mellott (decoration editor of former Domino magazine); her New York apartment is only 450 square feet. I could only imagine what it looked like before she worked her magic. I'm sure it was quite depressing!



But, personally, I love it and would wallpaper in a minute (maybe toile depending on if Hubby was around). I would defiantly paint ugly cabinets and doors (as you already are aware) and I would hang a pendent light and stack my dishware just like that. Look at her wine glasses, cute desert plates, miniature cappuccino cups--could be egg cups--but nonetheless...A-Plus!

I love the Farrow-Ball striped "Five Over Stripe" in her living room, which I came close to using myself a couple of times.

Now it's your turn... given a tiny New York kitchen apartment (probably a rental, reflects budget even more) what would you do to make livable? How many of you would wallpaper? How many of you would use toile ? How many of you would wallpaper the ceiling? How many of you would paint godawful ugly cabinets and doors and then be really brave and do a stripe in the next room?

My Budget Friendly Kitchen

This is a picture of my old 1930's kitchen in Nashville

When Hubby and I first purchased the house, we were not quite sure what we were going to do with it! We knew we wanted and had to do something, but realistically speaking, $$$ always seemed to get in the way. We thought about maybe knocking out the back wall (where you see the stove & fridge) to open it up, but the thought of getting our money back lingered in the back of our minds! Plus, we had high hopes and dreams of heading back to the Atlanta area. So knowing there was uncertainly, our short term goal was just to make the kitchen somewhat tolerable for us to want to go in there and cook our meals and feed our dogs.

My Notes To Self:

1. Remove cabinets doors (originally had wanted to remove all upper cabinets and install shelves). Painted the kitchen cabinets in Benjamin Moore Dove White (oil-based paint). Became way to yellow... drove me crazy (see More on Kitchen Stuff)! Told later by a Benjamin Moore employee that could happen with oil based paint in old house. Almost repainted cabinets when Hubby was out out of town. Glad I didn't...it's a lot of work! Wanted the back of the inside cabinets painted but never got a around to it.

2. Had real beadboard installed two thirds up the wall by my loving carpenter. He told me later how disgusting it was when he removed original baseboards...never forget!

3. Painted the beadboard in Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (more of a pure white...). Latex, this time. Did not want to make same mistake as with cabinets.

4. Hubby & I almost got divorced after I commissioned him to remove seven layers of flooring from the kitchen floor. Top layer was peel & stick vinyl tile... looked like it was done by a kindergartener. Once flooring was removed, Hubby painted the pine sub floors in oil based paint Home Depot's Davenport Brown & Dove White in a checkerboard pattern. Complained durning the winter season how godawful cold it was without a real floor...always kept stove on!

5. Wall paint above the beadboard painted Restoration Hardware's nortourious Silver Sage Green. Was going to repaint but Lucilla told me it looked chic..So I left it...I was tired!

6. Lighting above the sink came from Lowe's. Had lighting just like that from another store once) but found three lights at Lowe's at unbeatable, almost give-away price!

7. Also, had my electrician add outlets so we could plug coffee maker in....very crucial. Also, added outlet above the stove for a microwave which I was clearly missing.

8. Subway tiles used on back splash came from my stash ( found tiles at Home Expo red light sale) $700.00 worth of tile for 76.00...another can't beat price! The first batch I used in my bathroom. Lugged the rest with me here to Atlanta... currently waiting for another project!

9. In late Spring 2007 realized we were heading back to Atlanta area. No more $$$ for poor old kitchen. No counter tops, formica would have to do! Sorry carrera, perhaps next time. Viking stove, one day we'll meet, you'll see!

10. August 2007, getting house ready to go on market but must install a proper kitchen floor. Goal not to spend a lot of $$$ so we can leave with a profit. VCT tiles... swear by them. Go to any home improvement store & you can special order them in variety of colors. Adds lots of interest...would be really cute for a play room.

(see Kitchen Stuff Continued)

End Result
*November 2008 sold cottage house in Nashville
*Left with a decent profit.
*Most importantly...did not put cabinets doors back on!

Exposing Yourself In The Kitchen: Getting Organized!

OK, I know what you're thinking! Why is she showing us a picture of a kitchen that clearly needs a new dishwasher, stove, countertops, cabinets, sink, etc. Plus, the stainless steel fridge that she let her Hubby pick out clearly does not fit that space (C- Plus). Well, you see, today is Monday, "Getting Organized" and I've been thinking a little about my old kitchen in Nashville (See Kitchen Stuff, Kitchen Stuff Continued, More on Kitchen Stuff, Yes, More Kitchen Stuff, and Kitchen stuff finale. Whew!

A couple of things got me thinking about my old kitchen, the first being the fact that I need to get organized in my new kitchen. The second being that I've been pondering the kitchen in It's Complicated (see It's Ohhh-So Complicated). After seeing the movie, I realized that I miss and love to look at dishware, and not just other people's, but even my own. I guess you could say, that I'm a open-shelf, no-cabinet-doors type of gal! Believe it or not, I kind of miss my old kitchen because I was more organized. Perhaps it was small, but I knew the exact count of wine glasses, juice glasses, dinner plates, salad plates, coffee mugs etc. that were clean with one glance. Most importantly, I only had stuff that I used and everything had a spot! Clearly, there was no room in my old kitchen for mismatched coffee mugs and wine glasses.

It's Complicated - Kitchen

When Hubby and I had our real estate agent, Lisa, over to do the walkthrough (the one where the real estate agent comes over to voice their opinions) she suggested we put the cabinets doors back on. Lisa clearly was not a no-doors or open-shelf type gal! Her quote was, "that some people, such as herself, are just not that organized". I was thinking to myself that it was a good thing that I did not rip them off completely liked I really wanted to (Hubby talked me out of it). Also, there was no way I was going out to my potting shed to dig around for dirty cabinet doors, and then go through another huge sanding and oil-painting process. I shot back, reasoning that "the doors would close the kitchen in more (they actually would have) and if the new owners would like them, their in the potting shed"! Leaving it, with "We'll see what happens!"

I'll tell you tomorrow what happened for Tuesdays "Budget-Friendly Design and Decorating" while I try to find more pictures of that kitchen. I'm off to the Container Store!

Image from House Beautiful

I know sometimes it depends on the kitchen itself, but My question is "Are you an open-shelf, no-cabnet doors type or do you want to hide your juice glasses, salad plates, coffee mugs etc. I really want to know!

What's Your Favorite Comfort Food?

As promised, it's Friday, "Recipe & Entertaining day". Hmmm. I don't know how I get myself in these messes! I'm just ready to get off work, run a few errands (like getting my hair done--that's important), and get home so I can listen to The Skirted Roundtable over a glass of vino. Usually, on Friday's evenings I'm so dead from the week before that Hubby and I usually order in, or I'll send him out to go get something while I'm soaking in my tub. Hey, it's the only time I can do that! Anyway, I can already sense that we will be ordering take out tonight. And the thing is we can't order pizza because we did that last night when my friend Helen was over. I did whip a nice Pecorino cheese Baked with Honey & Walnuts from Carolyne Roehm and Helen liked it. Next time I'll try her pizza!

Image from Carolyne Roehm

But anyway, tonight we are going to order from Swallow at the Hollow. It's basically a notorious Southern style BBQ place here in the Atlanta area and very close to our house, I might add. Mac & Cheese please and corn muffins for Ellie... she loves them!

So what's your favorite comfort food? Is it mashed potatoes, pizza, grilled cheese & tomato soup, chicken 'n dumplings, chocolate cake?