Monday, November 28, 2011

Dominican Republic

I had such an incredible time in the Dominican Republic! Santo Domingo was the first city established in the Americas by Christopher Columbus so there was an abundance of history to see! The day I spent with my sponsored kids was of course the highlight of the trip, though. See below for some pictures...

 


 


 


 

Happy Traveling!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Feliz Cumpleanos

Over the Thanksgiving Break, I am visiting my sponsored kids in the Dominican Republic. Both Yariel and Yunior are turning 4 years old. Happy 4th Birthday, Yariel and Yunior! It is such a treat to be able to meet them! And no, they are not related. I chose to sponsor two boys from the same area, who are the same age, and who's birthdays are two days apart. And their names match. I know, I'm borderline OCD. Below is the card I made them for their birthdays. From their letters, I've learned that they both enjoy playing ball. Of course, I got them books. What can I say? I'm a teacher!

 

I hope you all are as thankful as I am this Thanksgiving! We are so unbelievably blessed!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Happy New Baby

I get so excited when other people have babies. I get to buy cute onesies, make cute cards, and ooh and aah at how cute he or she is... Then when there's a stinky diaper or a face full of tears, I hand him or her back. Below is the cute baby card I made for my coworker, Shannon. Of course, the card matches the cute green and pink polka-dotted onesies I bought for baby.

 


Happy crafting, ya'll!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Chocolatey Birthday Cake

Today is my mom's birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom! Although we celebrated her birthday last week by volunteering to package homeless kits at our church, I decided it was necessary to celebrate on her actual birthday with some very chocolately cake. Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganach and Chocolate Sprinkles. Yum, right?



 


HERSHEY'S Chocolate Cake:
2 c sugar
1 3/4 c all-purpose flour
3/4 c HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 c milk
1/2 c vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 c boiling water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour evenly into pans. Bake 30-35 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Dark Chocolate Chocolate Ganache:
Courtesy of Martha Stewart
1 1/2 c heavy cream
9 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped
Bring cream to a boil. Pour into heat-proof bowl over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth. Let sit before frosting.

Happy Baking!