Gradient Nails

Today I wanted to try something new on my nails. I found this cool design from Pintrest (of course). The pin linked to Laynie Fingers. So I had to try it. First I "washed" my nails with nail polish remover. (I found this helps with the nail polish peeling.) Then I did a base coat, followed by coats of white polish. I also put Vaseline around my nails to help with clean up later (this is a messy process)

Next I put my chosen polishes on a make up sponge (genius!! I know) in the order I wanted them.

Then I squished the sponge on my nail. I did 2 coats of this to give maximum coverage.

As you can see it gets REALLY messy around the nails.

(top photo) This is before a top coat.

 

When you put the top coat on it cleans up the edges of the colors.

 

Finish look (after washing my hands and giving David a bath, because of course he woke up 20 mins after I painted my nails.)

After letting the top coat dry for about 20 mins I normally run cold water over the nails to try to "freeze" the paint.

My hubby says I'm always doing funky designs to my nails. :)

Spring wreath

I made a spring wreath a few weeks ago. I bought the wreath form from Joann's one day and had it sitting around the house. The green ribbon came from Wal-mart (it was in their $1 ribbon bin), the felt flowers and the butterflies came from the dollar store. And the Easter egg is left over from years past. The felt is actually left over from a scrap-booking thing we did during my baby shower. All in all this wreath cost me $12 tops to make. Unfortunately I made the wreath prior to creating this blog so I don't have pictures of the process. Everyone who has seen it says it's cute (now if only my white door would stay clean)

Why do I bake when no one will eat it?

Last week I made hot cross buns (only 6) today I threw 4 away. I don't know why I bake for my family, no one eats it. I wish my parents, sister, and brother lived closer, I know they would eat the stuff I make :(

Hot Cross Buns

Last night, I attempted Hot Cross Buns. I know they are normally for Easter but I had a baking itch.

I think they taste a little dry to me but the hubby said they tasted good. Cordell said the middle needs a little something (which in his words means its dry)

Maybe I over-kneaded them? Or added too much flour? I don't know. My buns never got "smooth". I wonder if it would have been better in the bread machine.

 Please if you have a hot cross bun recipe I would love to try it out.

 

Hot Cross Buns

Adapted from: All Recipes

Makes 6 Buns

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm 2% milk (110 to 115 degrees F)
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 4 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 dash ground allspice
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon water

ICING:

• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon 2% milk

Directions

1. In a small mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in milk. Stir in butter, egg, sugar and salt. Combine 3/4 cup flour, raisins, cinnamon, allspice and orange zest; add to the yeast mixture and mix well. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 4-6 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Punch dough down; shape into six 2-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on a baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray. Using a sharp knife, cut a cross on top of each bun. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
4. Beat egg yolk and water; brush over buns. Bake at 375 degrees F for 13-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks. Combine icing ingredients; pipe over buns.

Welcome

This blog is going to be a place to showcase everything Pintrest has inspired me to do. Hope you enjoy.