Kahlua Chocolate Mocha Cupcakes

That's a mouthful isn't it? But a very delicious one.

The cupcakes are really simple, just a basic chocolate cake recipe-- or a box, if you were in a bind like myself-- with a few tweaks. Instead of water, I substituted some room temperature coffee. I also added a splash, or two or three, of Kahlua!

The icing is a recipe from the Cake Mix Doctor. She calls for six Tablespoons of boiling water, but I also substituted coffee-- this time hot-- here too.

The icing was a bit too melty, perhaps from the gorgeous weather--finally!! I couldn't pipe it very well, but I think it looks just fine. I might go back and add a few chocolate twirls or sprinkles, just for fun!

Today is a friend's birthday, and these are for her party tomorrow! Also, notice the lovely Liberty of London for Target serving tray!!

I had been waiting for weeks for these to come out, and I am so glad I got this piece! I'm almost surprised at how quickly these have sold out, but seeing how cute they are explains it all.

Thursday Blues

I'm been a bit down this week. Not sick, or depressed, just tired. Worn down. I'm ready for some much needed sunshine and nice weather. But to cheer me-- and you too, hopefully-- here is a little link love. Ideas for the weekend, perhaps?

• hearty bolillos from Heart of Light
• a cute cardi makeover from Angry Chicken
• a birthday banner-- for no one in particular-- on Martha Stewart's Craft blog
• chocolate-y chocolate chip scones on a studio with a view
• more chocolate-y chocolate peanut butter mousse tarts from Tell Love and Chocolate
• adorable iPhone case tutorial via ISLY--a new fav!
• an upcycled vintage clutch from paper n stitch
• a zipper headband tutorial from Vickie Howell

Valentine's cookies!

I didn't get around to making my Valentine's cookies until Valentine's Day. I'm a bit disappointed in myself, but I had fun, and that's what counts!

I tried a new recipe, which is always hit-and-miss. They weren't as buttery as I would have liked, and they really needed to be refrigerated for several hours before rolling. But then again, they were supposed to be drop cookies.

I don't think I'll use this recipe again, but it was worth the experience.

My icing also didn't turn out perfectly; it was extra runny, and it ended up Pepto-pink, instead of a light pink like I wanted. I made the best of it though, and drizzled or dipped most of the cookies, as to avoid neon shock.

If anyone has any delicious tips for me, please let me know!

Oh, the humaity! Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookie Cups

Image courtesy of Hostess with the Mostess
I thought that this link needed to be shared. No, it was begging me, literally. These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookie Cups hail from the blog Hostess with the Mostess, and wouldn't any guests love you for these. I can't wait to try them out on some very grateful friends!

Wrap it up!

The title applies to both the year and the few Christmas presents that I have left to wrap.

I love the cute gift wrap that you can buy at Target, but it really doesn't hold up well. But it's too late for this year's bunch. Next year, I'm just going to buy some heavy duty kraft paper, or use brown paper bags, and accent with the cute paper and bows. If only I remember during my Christmas frenzy in 2010!

Sadly, this should be my last post before the holidays, and I just might be able to squeeze one in before New Year's, but I can't make any promises.

But until then, I leave all you last minute wrappers with a little gift wrap inspiration, and a lot of FREE downloads!

Gift Wrap, Anyone?

• free printable gift wrap from Creature Comforts
• gift card wallets via Screen Prints
• fabric gift envelopes from Paper n Stitch
• monogrammed letter gift wrapping on Design*Sponge
• snowflake pillow boxes on Creature Comforts
• printable holiday packaging via How about Orange...

Bows and Tags

• a gift bow from a magazine via How about Orange...
• free printable gift tags via Creature Comforts
• brooches as bows on Bugs and Fishes
• bows from felt on Twig and Thistle
• adorable deer tags on Creature Comforts
• button tags and bows from Bugs and Fishes
• twist tie pom poms on Craftzine
• vintage photo gift tags from Nice package
• free gift tags via Creature Comforts

Holiday Cards

• free printable holiday cards via Creature Comforts
• another free printable on Creature Comforts

Something for Your Sweets

• a sweet holiday tag available on The Long Thread
• a goodie bag topper from Love.Obsess.Inspire.
• revamped hot chocolate mix from Lolly Chops

Drink Up

Winter is one of my absolute favorites times of the year, mostly because of all the delicious things to drink. Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, there's no better way to enjoy cold weather.

I'm not so sure how grown-up I want my hot chocolate to be... But here are a few quick recipes and crafts to help enjoy this chilly weather!!

• Grown-up Hot Chocolate via Craftzine
• knitted cup cozies on Meet Me at Mike's
• to top off your coffee, a coffee stencil from How About Orange...
• apple cider... in apple cups via Craftynest
• felt cup warmers on The Small Object
• a free tutorial for coffee cup cozies from mmmcrafts
• and to top off the deliciousness Cookie Cream Sandwiches on Design*Sponge

h my! Tonight was Halloween Cookie Night, and I must say it was a smashing, yet messy, success!

These cookies look like something that arose out of the ashes of Chernobyl, but I think they have a certain kind of 8-eyed charm. I'm not super happy with my cookie recipe, so I'm on the lookout for a new one, if anyone has any suggestions.

I really didn't get around to much of anything this week, but hopefully I'll make up for it this weekend! And I'm definitely getting in the Halloween mood! I already have a beautiful pumpkin, and I'm thinking about what to carve on it!

But for the weekend, here are a few ideas. Have a great one!

• One of my favorite fall staples, apple butter on Curiositys
• Inspiration in this cute bag on artsy-crafty babe
• A cute and cozy ruffled shirt from Craftzine
• Halloween town treat bags from little. lovely.

Weekend Project Idea:Ruffled Headband

Okay... I have to admit, I've tried this one before, and it just didn't work out quite right. I wasn't happy with the results, and I'm determined to get it right. So, my mission this weekend is to try again and see what I can come up with.

Some other good weekend project ideas:

• these delicious looking scones from Design*Sponge
• faux milk glass bottles from P.S. I Made This
• super cute printable mailing labels from How about orange...
• tank top totes from Craftynest that would be great for shopping
• twist tie pom poms from Craftzine
• a zippy wallet tutorial from noodlehead to use up all your scraps!
• and lastly, a beautiful sunprint corkboard tutorial from Design*Sponge

Wednesday needs...

A little bit of link love. Just to break up the mid-week slump. I'm definitely in the funk, so here's a few things that cheer me up:

• Snickerdoodle Duo cupcakes from Bakerella
• Embroidered book corner from Craftzine
• rubber stamping from Sweet Tidings
• paper dolls from Martha Stewart
• shortbread cookies from Make it Do
• easy screenprinting on Angry Chicken

My, oh my, baking and pie

It has finally cooled down here, and I am really enjoying the weather... and the clothes... jackets and sweaters. Yum yum. And along with the great fall weather, baked goods galore!! Here are just a few recipes and an icing tutorial-- oh, joy!

• milk chocolate cookies-- yum, yum-- from Martha Stewart via Heart of Light
• delicious-looking popovers from angry chicken
• A tutorial for Magnolia Bakery's icing on Cupcakes take the Cake
• Pumpkin Pie Bites from Bakerella
• adorable pie tins from LollyChops
• and last but not least, recipes from the new book The Happy Baker:A Dater's Guide to Emotional Baking