Baking: For the love of it!

"Happiness is homemade" - Unknown

Who doesn't love a homemade dessert? Today's inspiration for my blog came from a comment I received after bringing in a baked good for someone's birthday, "You missed your calling." While I love to bake and enjoy the happiness it brings to someone, I am not sure that baking is the path I was supposed to take, but I certainly love it.

I can't even begin to list out my baking struggles. Growing up, cooking & baking was not my cup of tea. But shortly after I was married, I felt I needed to fit the role of a housewife, so I began experimenting. I have stumbled upon so many fun recipes that don't always turn out. In fact, just two weeks ago I attempted my first angel food cake that I thought would turn out light and fluffy - failed! And then I burnt brownies! Double fail!

So where do I find my inspiration? Blogs, books and facebook page! The above photo is one of my favorite recipes - Grandma's Cinnamon Rolls. Talk about delicious! To the right, is a recipe I found here, Death by Oreo Cupcakes. I can't take credit for these delicious pieces of yummy-ness, but I did alter the recipe to make it a touch of my own. And, the frosting is to die for. More of my inspiration also comes from these sites:
Taste of Home
Bakerella
Tablespoon

And of course, from friends and family! Thankfully, I have some awesome taste testers - who always try my cookies, brownies, cupcakes... and even baking disasters.

Cheers, to a teaspoon of love :)

Travel: Discovering Chicago as an adult!

I have always wanted to really 'discover' Chicago as an adult. I had been there a few times as a child, it was only 3 hours from where I grew up and we had gone there for my bachelorette party, but it was such a quick overnight, I really didn't get to take the city in. So, G and I ventured off for three days to the windy city.

We started on the train, one thing we have never done before and can now officially cross off my 'bucket list.' We realized there was so much to do and see, we wasted no time exploring! Below, our some of my favorite photos (along with links) from our trip. I can't wait to go back in the summer!

John Hancock Observatory

Buckingham Fountain

Shop the Magnificent Mile

Shedd Aquarium

Museum of Science and Industry

Millennium Park - The Bean

Photography: Two little families!

“ You’ve got to push yourself harder. You’ve got to start looking for pictures nobody else could take. You’ve got to take the tools you have and probe deeper." – William Albert Allard

Over the past week, I was able to photograph two families for fun. The first, my friend/co-worker Angie and her adorable children and the other, the Clear's, who are my sister-in-laws family. Both were fun... and I learned a lot about my confidence and skills behind the camera. Here's a few of my favorites!

They are such hams!

Such a sweet, sweet, boy!

Love the romance!

In color and a bit different of an angle...

Caught them in a family moment - I love that!

Cuties & buddies!

I will admit, I was a bit nervous to take pics during this time of the year when nothing is really pretty. However, when I drove past this building I saw some unique characteristics and was really happy with the way the photos turned out! I will be visiting again!