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Red Velvet Cupcakes

September 4, 2011 18 Comments
Red Velvet is often thought of as a Valentine’s Day dessert, but it’s festive red color is great for many occasions.  Over the weekend I made these red velvet cupcakes in honor of our first Crimson Tide football game of the season.  Woohoo!

The cupcakes turned out super delicious!  But I do have one beef with the frosting. It didn’t thicken up! I’m not sure why….in fact, I didn’t even add all of the whipping cream that it said to, and it was still too thin. And I kept adding more powdered sugar but that didn’t seem to do anything.  So next time I’ll leave the whipping cream out entirely.
In fact, as I was making the frosting, I loved the taste and consistency before I added the whipping cream, and my instinct was, “maybe I shouldn’t add it.”  But I followed the instructions anyway. Live and learn, I guess!

Recipe for Red Velvet Cupcakes:


Cupcake Ingredients:
1 Red Velvet Cake Mix
1 package instant chocolate pudding mix
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Directions: Place cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, water, and oil in large mixing bowl. Beat on low for one minute. Stop and scrape down the sides of bowl.  Then beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes.  Place inside muffin tin with cupcake liners.  Fill each cup 2/3 of the way full. Makes 24 cupcakes.  Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes.

Cream Cheese Frosting
16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 1/3 cup cold heavy whipping cream

Directions: In a bowl beat the cream cheese until smooth.  Add the vanilla and confectioner’s sugar and beat until smooth.  Gradually add in heavy cream and whip until the frosting is a good consistency. Add more sugar or cream as needed.

This post is sponsored by Cutie Patootie Creations. Why settle for the same “cookie cutter” party invites, when you can have something custom created for you?  Cutie Patooties has unique invitations in a variety of fun styles and themes.  And they have all the matching decorations and supplies you need to get your party on! Check out Cutie Patootie Creations today, and get started planning your perfect party!

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I’m linking up at Tidy Mom and these parties.
Filed Under: cupcakes, Recipe of the Week

Friday Favorites – Week 79

September 1, 2011 14 Comments

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Hey everyone! Thanks for stopping by for the party this week!  I just added a fun new giveaway yesterday for My Memories Suite.  It is a fantastic digital scrapbooking software package, which you can use to create a number of fun digital and printable projects.  So if you love doing creative stuff, you definitely want to sign up for this one!

Also, before we get to the features I have to give a thanks and shout out to Fonda at Southern Scraps. She’s doing a feature on me this Friday! So please go and check out her blog!

This post is sponsored by Cutie Patootie Creations. Why settle for the same “cookie cutter” party invites, when you can have something custom created for you?  Cutie Patooties has unique invitations in a variety of fun styles and themes.  And they have all the matching decorations and supplies you need to get your party on! Check out Cutie Patootie Creations today, and get started planning your perfect party!

Now let’s look at this week’s picks!

Circus Party from Blog 5 to 9

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars from Polish the Stars
Lamp Makeover from The Domestic Fringe

Black and White Cheesecake Squares from SixteenBeans

Now show us what you’ve been working on this week. Link up below!
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Filed Under: Friday Favorites

My Memories Suite Review & Giveaway

August 31, 2011 8 Comments
I’ve got a fantastic review and giveaway to share with you this week! I recently received My Memories Suite, a digital scrapbook software package.
This software is an amazing value because it can be used to create tons of projects!  Apart from digital and printable scrapbook pages and photo books, you can also use the software to create videos, as well as calendars, photo cards, gift tags, business cards, printable crafts and even homemade party supplies. (I’m thinking cupcake toppers!)

The software is also very user friendly! I’m new to digital scrapbooking and graphic design, but I found it very easy to get started using the program.  The software comes quickpage layouts, where all you have to do is add your photos, and then it also comes with a lot of papers and embellishments to help you create your own pages from start to finish.
There’s also some amazing kits on the My Memories website that you can download and add to your software.  Or you can use kits and graphics that you already have on your own computer.

Just to show you how easy it is to use the software, I created two projects to share with you. For both of these I started with a blank screen and built my own layout using elements that came included with the software. The first project I did was a basic scrapbook page (above) featuring a couple of photos of my nephew.
And then, to show you that the software isn’t just for scrapbooking, I made this desktop/printable calendar for September:

september2011cal

These were very easy to make!  And again, I was able to make these using elements that were already included with the software.  The only thing not included was the chalk board on my calendar. I made this using the basic “shape drawing” tool in the program, and then I just added words to it, drew a white line for the chalk, and added the apple.  What do you think?
Here’s a video to show you how easy it is to get started using the software:


Welcome to the Family! from Lisa Jurrens on Vimeo.

Discount! Purchase My Memories Suite 2.0 today, and get $10 off! Just enter the coupon code: STMMMS63042 at check out!


Connect: Follow the My Memories Blog or follow on Facebook and Twitter


Win it! One Simply Sweet Home reader will win My Memories Suite 2.0 (worth $39.97).
How to Enter: Please use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.  You must be a follower and then in the form tell us a Digital Kit that you like at My Memories. After you’ve completed the mandatory entry, the optional entries will be enabled.


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I’m linking up at Tidy Mom and these parties.


Disclosure: I received My Memories Suite 2.0 to review and am now a My Memories affiliate. The opinions are my own.
Filed Under: crafts, Giveaways, Printables, product review

Easy Lemon Tilapia

August 29, 2011 8 Comments
This week I’m sharing one of my “go to” quick meals.  It’s not really a recipe, just add a little seasoning and bake, but I thought it’s still worth sharing with you for a delicious, healthy, and hassle-free meal.


Recipe for Easy Lemon Tilapia:
4-6 tilapia filets
Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Lemon Juice (optional)
Directions:  Place fish on non stick baking sheet or glass casserole dish. Add about a teaspoon of lemon juice to each filet (if using).  Season with lemon pepper.  Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.  Do not over bake.
Tips: Serve with steamed vegetables or grilled veggie kabobs and mashed potatoes or rice pilaf for a completely deliciously healthy meal.
 For a spicy kick, try adding Cajun seasoning as well. It’s great!

This post is sponsored by Cutie Patootie Creations. Why settle for the same “cookie cutter” party invites, when you can have something custom created for you?  Cutie Patooties has unique invitations in a variety of fun styles and themes.  And they have all the matching decorations and supplies you need to get your party on! Check out Cutie Patootie Creations today, and get started planning your perfect party!

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I’m linking up at Tidy Mom and these parties.

Filed Under: Friday Favorites

Hill’s Healthy Mobility Challenge

August 27, 2011 2 Comments
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hills Pet Nutrition. All opinions are 100% mine.

I absolutely LOVE animals.  As many of you know, we have 2 kitty cats named Rebel and Dixie.  Our cats make every day in our house an adventure, and I have to admit, they’ve got me wrapped around their little paws!  And I want to have them around for a long time.  

I recently learned about the Hill’s Healthy Mobility Challenge at Hill’s Pet Nutrition.  The site challenges you to switch your dog’s  (on in my case, my cats’) food to Science Diet Healthy Mobility Food  to promote an active and healthy life.  They also want for you to track your pet’s progress over 30 days and then come back to their site and share your story.
When you register for the challenge, you not only get the chance to improve your pet’s lifestyle, but you will receive $30 in Hill’s Healthy Mobility Coupon offers. And registering automatically enters you in a sweepstakes where 30 winners will receive FREE pet food for a year!

If you’re like me, you’ve probably seen the Science Diet commercials on television.  Up till now, I thought they only sold dog food, particularly formulas for adult and older dogs, but I was surprised that they actually have products for puppies as well,  And they have cat food for cats of all ages.
The site is also very informative, providing articles on pet care and also explaining which products are best to fit your pet’s age and special nutritional needs.
I encourage everyone to go over and learn about Hill’s Science Diet, find out which products are best for your four-legged friend, and then take the Hill’s Healthy Mobility Challenge to help your pet live an active life.

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Visit Sponsor's Site

Filed Under: Pets

Blog Swap with Angie from Country Chic Cottage

August 26, 2011 2 Comments


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Today I’m swapping blogs with Angie from The Country Chic Cottage, and she has some great things to share with you today!

Hello my name is Angie with The Country Chic Cottage and I am so happy to be here on Simply Sweet Home!!

The Country Chic Cottage is all about home decor and crafting with farmhouse flair!!  I love anything vintage and working into my home! I started blogging after a new year’s resolution to spruce up my home decor. The twist? No budget to do it with! 🙂 Come on over and follow along with my DIY adventures!  Some of my favorite projects…
I love to knock off designer home decor at a fraction of the price!  This is just one of my faves!!  I posted a Ballard Knock off this week — come on over and check it out!! 
A perfect gift for any little diva!  I love decorating for my kids!!  Two girls and a boy!  This project is amazing in person and by far one of my favorite things I have ever made!
The ultimate in texture for any home!  This is one of my most popular projects to date — and yep I still love em!!

DIY Wrapped Map Canvas
I love map decor!!  And this one is easy and gorgeous!!

Stop by the cottage any time for a visit!  I would love to have ya!  Thanks Jerri for the blog swap!!
~Angie~

Thanks again to Angie for swapping blogs with me and for a lovely post!
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Filed Under: Guest Post

Friday Favorites – Week 78

August 25, 2011 4 Comments

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Happy Friday! Last week I mentioned my feature over at Homespun with Love. But I got my dates mixed up, and it’s actually this week! So you can head over there on Friday to see it!  Also, on Friday I’ll be blog swapping with Angie at The Country Chic Cottage, so please go over and check out my guest post, and be sure to come back here and see what she’ll be sharing with you!

Here’s this week’s features!


Lima Bean Wreath from Lil Pink Pocket

Funfetti Cake Balls from The Kitchen is My Playground

Lemon Curd Cupcakes from Somewhere in the Middle

Thank You Cookies from The Enchanted Oven
This post is sponsored by The Trendy Boutique.  The place for trendy, fun, and affordable shopping!  Check out everything they have to offer from watches to photo jewelry and hand stamped jewelry.  And even design your very own flip flops and hand bags!  Find all the accessories you need  for summer and back to school!

Join the party! Link up your posts below!

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Filed Under: Friday Favorites

Inspired Bedrooms

August 24, 2011 10 Comments

Following the theme from the past couple of weeks, today I’ve got some inspired bedroom decor to share with you. I found all these on the absolutely fabulous site Pinterest, which is now my go-to site for blogging and other creative inspiration!  
The first picture (above) is actually from anEtsy shop called Atilla Design. I actually found it several weeks ago on Pinterest and was just looking for an excuse to share it, so here it is! lol. Hope you enjoy all my selections!

Love the bright and bold colors of this Modern Bedroom from Craftaholics Anonymous

I found a lot of classical and vintage inspired rooms at Simplified Bee.
A chic, modern bedroom with rich colors from HGTV
Modern bedroom with a touch of classic elegance at Decor Pad
I thought this one had an interesting mix of modern, vintage, and shabby chic stylings.  It’s from House of Turquoise.
And finally here’s a shabby chic beach bedroom from NewPhotosGalleries.

This post is sponsored by The Trendy Boutique.  The place for trendy, fun, and affordable shopping!  Check out everything they have to offer from watches to photo jewelry and hand stamped jewelry.  And even design your very own flip flops and hand bags!  Find all the accessories you need  for summer and back to school!

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I’m linking up at Tidy Mom and these parties.
Filed Under: decorating, Home/Garden

BeadforLife Review – Eradicating Poverty One Bead at a Time

August 23, 2011 Leave a Comment

I recently received a cute bracelet from BeadforLife, and I’m really excited to share their jewelry and the mission of this wonderful organization with you today.

What is BeadforLife?

BeadforLife is a Colorado 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization with a wonderful mission to lift impoverished women out of poverty through their BeadCircle. On their website, you’ll find fascinating stories about their inspiring members who work in Uganda. The members are impoverished, hardworking and intelligent women with a strong desire to improve their lives. They make beautiful handcrafted paper beads from recycled paper and turn them into necklaces, bracelets and earrings, while the farmers in Otuke collect the finest quality shea nuts and press them into Shea Butter Soap and Peppermint Lip Balm, which is also sold on the BeadforLife website.

How can you help?


Make a Donation. Make a direct donation to the organization.

Make a Purchase. You can help buy purchasing jewelry and beads from the BeadforLife Store 
Host a Bead Party. This is a great way to raise awareness and introduce this organization to your friends, while at the same time, having a fun night of beading. Plus, when you host a Bead Party, you are helping BeadforLife meet their goal to raise $155,000 (enough to fund  a full year of entrepreneurial training for their members in Uganda).

Win an African Safari! Hold a BeadParty between June 1st, 2011 and September 30th, 2011 and you will be automatically entered in the Party to Safari Sweepstakes, where the GRAND PRIZE is an all expense paid trip to Uganda to meet BeadforLife’s Members and experience an amazing Safari!
Refer a Friend. No time to host a party?  Then refer others. Have your friends and family host a BeadParty and put your name in the promo code.  You will both be entered to win the grand prize! And for every 5 people you refer, you will automatically win a $50 gift certificate to BeadforLife.

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Disclosure: I received a free bracelet from BeadforLife.  I’m not affiliated with the organization in any other way. The opinions are my own.
Filed Under: Causes/Charities, jewelry

Chicken Bacon & Swiss Sandwich

August 22, 2011 4 Comments

This week I’ve got a lunch time or quick dinner time meal for you.  This Chicken Bacon & Swiss sandwich is inspired by the one they serve at Arby’s.  I made mine using chicken patties from the freezer section, which cook up in seconds, but if you’ve got a little more time, this would be delicious on a made from scratch patty, or an unbreaded chicken breast.  Hope you enjoy!



Recipe for Chicken Bacon & Swiss Sandwich


Ingredients:
4 chicken breast patties, (frozen or homemade)
4 slices of Swiss Cheese
4-8 slices of bacon
Several tbsp honey mustard, dijon mustard, or mayo/mustard
4 buns

Directions:  Cook bacon and set aside. Cook chicken per recipe or package instructions. Place a slice of cheese on each piece of chicken.  Place in microwave or a few seconds or oven/toaster oven for a few minutes. Top chicken with bacon.  Add honey mustard or your choice of condiments to sandwich.  Serve and enjoy.

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I’m linking up at Tidy Mom and these parties.
Filed Under: casseroles and quick meals, Recipe of the Week
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