new beginnings

you know when something catastrophic happens to you, something unexpected that you were unprepared to deal with, and you feel destroyed and irreparable? and everyone around you tries to comfort you by telling you that things will work out, a new door is opening and you just have to have faith. and, at the time, it's really annoying and not comforting at all? yeah, that was my life two months ago. I was defeated. I felt no hope. the life I loved and planned on having forever had been stolen right out from under me. I was devastated. there really wasn't anything anyone could say or do to comfort me and I was sure that feeling would never go away.

well, turns out they were right all along! somehow, over time, the haze that clouded my mood and my thinking has disappeared and all I see now are possibilities. it's true, being laid off really was a blessing in disguise. for years I have talked about owning my own business and doing what I love on my own terms every day, but I never really thought I would be able to do it. well, IT'S HAPPENING! soon I will actually own my own business... ok, so it isn't completely finalized yet, but it is so close to actually happening that I can taste it. thanks to all of the support from my friends and family, and particularly my sister, brother-in-law, and uncle, this is going to happen!

I think this calls for a serious celebration. who's in?

amber's wedding

so... my little sister got married. it was a bitter sweet day for me. she's always been my little sister/best friend/role model. I've been really blessed to have her really close to me my whole life. we were unseparable growing up, and well, our whole lives until her wedding day. sometimes we would pretend we were twins because everyone thought we were anyway. we had the same group of friends growing up, and then in college, and even now. there isn't anything that we've gone through without the other by our side. so, needless to say, escorting her through the temple and handing her over to Gregg was a tough thing. but, I also couldn't be happier for her. she found the perfect guy and I've never seen her happier. the day was beautiful, despite the rain and it was great having the whole family together. the pics can explain it better than I can, so here they are.

cupcakes!

it's kind of crazy that I haven't posted pictures of my catering jobs, so I plan to start doing that. but, in the meantime, I have been experimenting with cupcakes a lot lately. most of you know that I am obsessed with them and am VERY excited about the new cupcake place in Salt Lake called mini's. I'll let you know when I finally get to try it. anyway, here are a few of my favorites that I have made lately:
this one is a banana spice cupcake layered with dulce de leche and banana slices and then topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. it was delish! and I am obviously not a photographer so bear with me...
this one is a chocolate orange cupcake with citris frosting. it was a huge hit at the superbowl party tonight. it's one of my favorites for sure.
these are my classic coconut cupcakes. I have served them at several events, and I guess I should feel free to brag and say that I have almost perfected them! they are yummy!

ok, hopefully this is the first of many posts to come! I have way too much fun experimenting in the kitchen. hmmm, maybe I will start posting cards that I make as well...