Family Pictures

Family pictures are rare around here.  Somebody is always left out because that somebody has to operate the camera.  So when a friend of mine offered to come to our house and take family pictures for us, I was super excited.  My husband was less than enthusiastic about the offer, even trying to sabotage the photo shoot by letting the barber shave his head nearly bald. (He claims it was unintentional...)  But Katie was super flexible and didn't let her offer expire before Adam's hair grew back.  

  

 

To see more of Katie's photographs and other talents check her out at Sweet Home McCormick!

Dresser Makeover

Last month I shared this girly window makeover for Little Miss. 

 

With the exception of the lovely blue carpet, I really like how it turned out! Now, on to the rest of the room.  This dresser and its matching headboard came from my Grandma.  It belonged to my Aunt when she was young, so it's about 40 years old, which makes it vintage not antique, and subject to a fresh coat of paint. 

 

I primed it first using a paint brush, but the final color was Rust-Oluem Ultra Cover spray paint.

 

Here's the final product...

White spray paint gave the hardware a fresh, crisp look.

I used a sheet of sandpaper to scuff up the edges.  I sprayed an old rag with some white paint and lightly wiped it over the rough edge. 

 

The dresser looks better than new and the lovely blue carpet is almost tolerable with the room colors.  

Giveaway???

A giveaway here at Well Rounded?  Well... yes and no.  I've been thinking about doing a giveaway for awhile now, but my confidence always gets the best of me...

What if nobody likes it?

What if nobody enters?

What if.... 

What if....

What if...

 Then, I found this blog. Gallamore West.  She creates beautiful burlap wreaths, and she's featuring one in a giveaway. 

She, too, expressed her confidence issues, or lack there of, so I'm giving a fellow blogger a hand.  Check out her giveaway!  Enter!  Then, visit Well Rounded often. A giveaway is coming... I promise!

Birthday Ballerina Outfit

Handmade by Leah Koenig

Cupcake onesie... $12

Puffy Tutu... $25

Beautiful Ballerina celebrating her fist birthday...

PRICELESS

 

Not available in my store.  Contact me for info. 

Cafe Latte Turtle Cake

Cafe Latte Turtle Cake

  

I know it isn't gorgeous.  In fact, it's kind of a hot mess, but who cares!

It is delicious!!  It's the perfect combo of chocolate and caramel, with a hint of coffee, and a pecan that pops in at just the moment.  Very moist!!

Here's the recipe, from Midwest Living, with a few small tweaks of my own...

You need...

unsweetened cocoa powder

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 cup buttermilk 

2/3 cup vegetable oil

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee

chocolate frosting (recipe to follow)

1 1/2 cups pecan halves, toasted

1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping

1. Three, greased 9-inch cake pans.  Dust with unsweetened cocoa powder.  Set prepared pans aside.  

2.  In a small bowl, stir together egg, buttermilk, and vegetable oil: set aside.  In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.  Gradually add the liquid mixture to the flour mixture, beating with an electric mixer until combined.  Gradually beat in the hot coffee.  Pour batter into prepared pans.  (Layers will appear shallow.)

3.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.  Let them cool.  Loosen edges and then remove.  Finish cooling.  

4.  When cakes are cool, make the chocolate frosting (recipe below).

Place one cake layer top side down onto a serving plate WITH A LIP to catch the excess toppings.  Frost first layer with 1/3 of the icing.  Cover with 1/3 of the pecans.  Top with 1/3 of the caramel.  Add next cake, upside down, and repeat.  Place final cake right side up and finish with remaining frosting, pecans, and caramel.  Chill cake 1-2 hours before serving.  

Chocolate Frosting

In a medium saucepan, stir together 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup milk.  Add 6 tablespoons butter.  Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.  Add one 12 oz. package semisweet chocolate chips.  Using a wire whisk, mix in the chocolate until smooth. 

ENJOY!!